Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Game of the Week

What happens when two attacking players meet?

European Team Championship - November 2001
Bishop's Opening
W: GM Alexei Federov
B; GM Alexei Shirov

1. e4 e5
2. Bc4 Nf6
3. d3 c6
The most aggressive reaction to the Bishop's Opening.
4. Nf3 d5
5. Bb3 Bd6
6. Nc3 dxe4
7. Ng5 ....
Trying to start something.
7. .... O-O
8. Ncxe4 Nxe4
9. Nxe4 a5
10. Qh5 Bb4+
11. Kf1 ....
The sharpest line. White is threatening 12. Ng5
11. .... Be7
12. a4 Nd7
13. h4? ....
White is determined to press the attack. But one move turns the tables.
13. .... Nc5!
14. Nxc5 Bxc5
15. Qxe5 Bd4
16. Qg5 Qb6
17. Be3 Be6!
The move eliminating the strength of the bishop on b3.
18. Ra3 Rfe8
19. Kg1 h6
20. Qf4 Rad8

21. Rh3 Qb4!!
Taking direct aim at the suddenly deserted back rank via a cute tactic.
22. Bxe6 Rxe6
23. Bxd4 Rxd4
24. Qb8+ ....
White's major pieces have scattered to comical locations.
24. .... Kh7
25. Rb3 Qe1+
26. Kh2 Qxf2
27. Qg3 Qxc2
28. Rc3 Qxb2
After scrambling to defend the king-side. White finds that the queen-side has been destroyed.
29. Rc4 Rg6
30. Qf3 Rxd3
White Resigns

Hat tip to Chess Life and GM Michael Rohde

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