1.d4
Nf6
2.c4
The usual idea is Nc3 preparing e2-e4.
2...e6
Now if Nc3, black can prevent e4 with Bb4
3.Nf3
b6
The Queen's Indian. Black can prevent e2-e4 with Bb7
4.Nc3
Bb7
5.a3
Preventing Bb4
5...d5
Normally, in d4 d5 openings, Blacl's light squared bishop is a problem. Here, black is prepared to activate it with d5xc4
6.cxd5
An importany capture. If exd5, black's Bb7 will be a problem
6...Nxd5
So black tries a more modern course, but this permits white to capture the center with e2-e4
7.Qc2
First, preparing the advance. If e4 first, Black wins the pawn with Nxc3 and Bxe4
7...Nxc3
8.bxc3
Be7
9.e4
0-0
10.Bd3
c5
Seeking counter-play by attacking the established pawn center.
11.0-0
Qc7
Often with the idea of c4 with a 3 on 2 pawn majority on the queenside.
12.Qe2
Eyeing both e4 and c4
12...Nd7
13.Bb2
Rac8
And again with the idea of c5-c4
14.Nd2
Not only preventing c4, but also with the possible idea of f4 and a strong central attack
14...Rfd8
15.Rfd1
A new move, and a surprise. At best, we will see f3 to secure the center. Why not Rad1 and f4?
15...Nf6
Now, if e5, Black will play Nd5
16.a4
Tring to activate the Ra1 with a5 and to create a safe haven for the knight on c4
16...cxd4
17.cxd4
Bb4
Are white's d- and e-pawns strong or weak? The Bb4 aims to undermne white's support for the e-pawn.
18.Nf3
Qe7
19.h3
Preparing Qe3
19...h6
20.Qe3
a5
Securing the Bb4 and preventing the a5-advance
21.Rdc1
Ne8
22.Ne5
Nf6
In effect, offering a draw. Garry is well down on time and welcome a repetition
23.Nf3
Ne8
24.Ne5
Nf6
25.Nc4
Cheers on up on ICC. Garry is playing for a a win! The threat is Nxb6
25...Rc6
26.Qg3
With powerful threats... d4-d5 would activate the Bb2 and eye the f6 and g7 squares
26...Nh5
27.Qe3
Nf6
Again, another repetition to buy time until the time control on move 40.
28.Rc2
Rdc8
29.Rac1
Qd8
30.Qe2
Bf8
31.Qe3
R8c7
32.Qe2
Rc8
Trying to avoid action until the time control.
33.Ne5
R6c7
Diagram
34.f3
This small weakening costs white dearly. Every pawn move creates weaknesses, here on g3 and e3.
34...Nh5
Threatening Nf4
35.Rxc7
Rxc7
36.Rxc7
Qxc7
37.Qc2
Qd8!
Suddenly, black is on the offensive with threats of Qg5 and Qh4
38.Bf1
Bd6
39.Qf2
Quickly covering up the squares on the kingside.
39...Qg5
40.h4
Qf4
41.g4
Ng3
A lkong think after having reached time control... Garry finds a forced draw.
42.Nd3
Nxe4
[42...Qf6?
43.e5
Qxh4
44.Kg2
Qh1+
45.Kxg3+/-
]
43.fxe4
[43.Nxf4
Nxf2
44.Kxf2
Bxf4-/+
]
43...Qxe4
44.Qg2
[44.Qg2
Qe3+
45.Qf2
Qe4=
] 1/2-1/2