1.e4
c5
The Sicilian. Black's idea is to inhibit d2-d4 and to open the c-file for his major pieces
2.Nf3
d6
Very flexible, with the possibility of a Najdorf (...a6), Dragon (...g6), or Scheveningen (...e6)
3.d4
cxd4
Capturing towards the center, opening the c-file.
4.Nxd4
Nf6
Attacking the e-pawn in order to stop c2-c4.
5.Nc3
The main line, but now white cannot establish the "Maroczy bind" with pawns on c4 and e4 (stopping counterplay with d7-d5)
5...a6
The Najdorf variation. In many lines, Black can now play ...e5 without having to face Nb5 or Bb5
6.Be2
A solid continuation. More challenging, perhaps, are Bg5, Bc4, and the English Attack with Be3 or f3
6...e6
A Kasparov favorite, establishing a solid pawn center, lessening the possibility of e4-e5
7.0-0
Be7
8.f4
0-0
9.Kh1
Removing the king from the diagonal.
9...Qc7
A natural post for the queen in these lines. The a- and e-pawns prevent knight attacks on b5 and d5.
10.a4
To prevent ...b5
10...Nc6
Hedgehog players often prefer to develop the queen knight on d7, but here, white can quickly play g4-g5. The Nf6 needs d7 for its escape.
11.Be3
Re8
Typical play, with the idea of Bf8 and a late kingside fianchetto
12.Bf3
Rb8
and removing the rook from the long diagonal
13.Qd2
Bd7
Aiming towards c6 and maintaining contact with the e6-pawn
14.Nb3
Threatening a4-a5. Black would then have a structurally weak b-pawn.
14...b6
Completing the Hedgehog structure. Black's development remains sub-optimal... The Nc6 and Bd7 are misplaced, but the structure offers black plenty of time to reorganize.
15.g4
Idea g5... Black must vacate d7
15...Bc8
16.g5
Nd7
17.Qf2
Bf8
With no pressure on d6, black pursues the idea of Rg6 and Bg7
18.Bg2
Readying f4-f5
18...Bb7
19.Rad1
g6
20.Bc1
Rbc8
[20...Nc5
After the game, Kasparov preferred Nc5]
21.Rd3
Idea Rh3, Qh4
21...Nb4
22.Rh3
Bg7
Diagram After the game, Karpov believed that he missed a win here with f5. Kasparov felt that he could have held.
23.Be3
[23.Qh4
Nf8
]
23...Re7
24.Kg1
Rce8
25.Rd1
f5
And just like that, black's position comes alive.
26.gxf6
Nxf6
threat Ng4
27.Rg3
[27.Bxb6
Ng4
28.Bxc7
Nxf2
29.Kxf2
(29.Bxd6
Nxd1
30.Bxe7
Nxc2
31.Nxd1
Rxe7~~
32.e5
) 29...Rxc7
30.Rxd6
Nxc2+/=
]
27...Rf7
28.Bxb6
Qb8
29.Be3
Nh5
30.Rg4
Nf6
31.Rh4
g5!
32.fxg5
Ng4
[32...Nxe4
]
33.Qd2
[33.Qxf7+
Kxf7
34.Rxg4
Nxc2
35.Bf2
Ba8-/+
]
33...Nxe3
The absense of the dark-squared bishop will be felt. The Bg7 has just gained in stregth.
34.Qxe3
Nxc2
35.Qb6
Ba8
36.Rxd6?
[36.Qxb8
Rxb8
37.Bh3
Rxb3
38.Bxe6
Rxb2
39.Rf1
Rbb7=
]
36...Rb7
37.Qxa6
Rxb3
38.Rxe6
Rxb2
39.Qc4
Kh8
40.e5?
[40.g6
h6
41.Rxe8+
Qxe8=/+
]
40...Qa7+
[40...Rxe6
41.Qxe6
Qa7+
42.Kh1
Bxg2+
43.Kxg2
Nd4+
]
41.Kh1
Bxg2+
42.Kxg2
Nd4+
0-1