1.d4
Nf6
2.c4
g6
Inviting white to set-up a broad center.
3.g3
White prefers a slower approach
3...Bg7
4.Bg2
0-0
5.Nc3
d6
Black often counter-attacks with Nc6 (or Nbd7) and ...e7-e5
6.Nf3
Nc6
7.d5
What is the knight to do?
7...Na5
Diagram The Na5 does not move agan until move 35. And as we say, a knight on the rim is dim
8.Nd2
Over-protecting the c4-pawn and giving no options to the Na5
8...c5
9.Qc2
Not dxc6 Nc6 and the Na5 returns towards the center. The Qc2 will keep the Black bishop off a4
9...a6
Trying to break free with ...b5 and, if the knight is attacked, giving it a safe square on b7
10.0-0
Bf5
Forcing white to take the center. Perhaps Bd7 straight way
11.e4
Bd7
12.b3
b5
13.Bb2
A usefu; counter to the strong Bg7
13...bxc4
Trying to fix a weakness on c4 with the idea of Rb8-b4
14.bxc4
Rb8
15.Rab1
Rb4
16.a3
Rb8
17.Nd1
With the idea of Ne3, over-protecting the c-pawn.
17...Qc7
To double the rooks on the b-file
18.Ne3
Rb7
19.Bc3
Rfb8
20.h3
Rxb1
21.Rxb1
Rxb1+
22.Nxb1
[22.Qxb1?
Ba4
]
22...Qb6
23.Nd2
Preventing Black from entering the position on b3
23...Ne8
24.Bxg7
Nxg7
25.Kh2
A useful prelude to the advance of the f-pawn
25...Ne8
26.f4
Nf6
27.e5
Ne8
28.Qc3
White is winning, and will break through on the kingside. Black feels compelled to become active.
28...f6
29.e6
Ba4
30.Be4
Ng7
All of the queenside entry squares are covered! [30...Nb3
31.Qb2
Qa5
32.Nxb3
Qb6
33.Bc2
]
31.Bd3
Nh5
32.Be2
Ng7
33.h4
Ne8
34.Bd3
Ng7
35.f5
Nb3
Desparation
36.Qb2
Wins the knight
36...Qa5
37.Nxb3
Qe1
38.Ng2
Qd1
39.Nc1
gxf5
40.Be2
Qd4
41.Qxd4
1-0