1.e4
c5
The first surprise... not his usual French. Garry had to have been ready for that!
2.Nf3
Nc6
The second surprise... not the usual ...d6. Is this an invitation to the Sveshnikov?
3.Nc3
Avoiding the main line (d4), for a move at least.
3...e5
This gives the gave a non-Sicilian character, more akin now to the Italian game with a funny ...c5-pawn
4.Bc4
The most aggressive square in this pawn structure, aiming for control over the key d5-hole.
4...Be7
This dar-squared bishop is another key weakness in black's set-up because the central black pawns will be fixed on dark-squares. Very often, black will try later to trade it off with Be7-g5
5.d3
By contrast, white's "bad" bishop on c4 is outside the pawn structure with impressive control over d5. d2-d3 aims to complete white's development with Nd2-f1-e3.
5...Nf6
Preparing to 0-0. This line is remarably similar to those reached in the Bishop's Opening and Vienna Game save for the funny pawn on c5 (which for black usefully stops d3-d4).
6.Nd2
again, with the idea of Nf1-e3 with additional control over d5
6...d6
To develop the Bc8, usually to e6. The pawn of course is backward, but how to get at it?
7.Nf1
Nd7
With the idea of Nd7-b6 (hitting the Bc4 and defending the d5-square) and releasing Be7-g5
8.Ne3
Nb6
9.Ned5
0-0
Nxc4 is playable, but only barely. White's pawn structure is not that weak, and white would gain an easy attack straight down the d-file with Qd3 and the rooks to the d-file
10.0-0
Bringing the king to safety and the rook to f1 is preparation for f4
10...Nxd5
11.Nxd5
Nimzovitsch: "Occupy the hole with a piece, not a pawn"
11...Rb8
With the idea of ...b5
12.a4
Be6
13.f4
The usual idea in these positions. The White threatens to push f4-f5 with a kingside attack. The exchange of pawns will open the f-file
13...exf4
14.Bxf4
Bg5
To exchange black's bad-bishop for white's good bishop. If Bg3, black will pursue with Bh4. Since the bishops will be exchanged, will Garry play Qh5
15.b3
The fans on ICC expected Qh5 or Qd2 and seem disappointed.
15...Bxd5
16.Bxg5
Qxg5
17.Bxd5
Nb4
Garry has a relatively good bishop against a pretty good knight. But there are no open files (yet) for the rooks.
18.Bc4
Holding on to the bishop, but black can now break with ...d6-d5
18...d5
19.exd5
Nxd5
20.Qf3
Pressure building on the f7-pawn.
20...Qe3+
But black has this resource to exchange the queens and relieve the pressure.
21.Rf2
[ 21.Qxe3?
Nxe3
attacking the Bc4, the Rf1 and the c2-pawn]
21...Qxf3
22.Rxf3
Dominating the Nd5, which must now be defended or retreat. Rae1 or Raf1 coming soon
22...Nb6
The most natural try. Double rook endgames are very drawish
23.Bb5
Preserving the bishop and inviting the ...a6 a5 move pair. Double rook endgames are drawish, but check ot the pawn weaknesses that black would have there! Meanwhile the Bb5 also cuts off black rooks from challenging on the e-file. A long think here by Radjabov.
23...a6
24.a5
axb5
25.axb6
Rfc8
[ 25...Rfe8
26.Rf5
Rbc8
27.Ra7
g6
28.Rd5
Re7
29.Kf2
Rc6
holds for Black, but a tough line to adopt]
26.Ra5
Attacking the loose pawns
26...c4
27.Rxb5
cxd3
[ 27...cxb3
28.c4+-
]
28.c4
The black d-pawn will fall
28...Rd8
Forcing the excvhange of rooks and making sure that white does not have connected pawns
29.Rd5
Rxd5
30.cxd5
Rd8
Some ICC players favored ...d3-d2 Rd3
31.Rxd3
Rd6
Black must capture the b-pawn to restore material equality, but Kasparov can use the time required to bring up his king and to threaten d5-d6
32.Kf2
Kf8
33.Ke3
Rxb6
34.Kd4
Ke7
35.Kc5
An active posting for the king with the idea of d5-d6
35...Rh6
36.h3
Rg6
37.g4
The Rd3 has become the anchor for all of white's pawns. White can patiently prepare b4-b5 and Ra3-a7 or play more actively with Rd4-b4
37...Rg5
Diagram Low on time, Radjabov pins the d-pawn and hopes to continue with h5. Rd4 (idea Rb4) or Kb6 seem likely... or Rf3 holding the Ke7 to defend the f7-pawn.
38.b4
with less than 2 minutes left on his clock, but this move does not impress.
38...h5
Trying to eliminate the pawns and create a passed-pawn on the kingside
39.Rd4
Defending the g-pawn
39...hxg4
40.hxg4
f5
again, seeking simplification and a passed g-pawn.
41.gxf5
Rxf5
42.b5
Rf6
Returning the rook the 6th rank, kepping the white king at bay. 1/2-1/2