Picking the Game Up in the Middle

White: FM Donny Ariel
Black: FM Levon Altounian

A move is made that I just had to show you! But first, the build up.

33. cxd4 Bxf3
34. dxc5 Bc6
35. Bxf6 Rxf6
36. a5 h5
37. Kg1 h4
38. g4 hxg3
39. hxg3 Kh6
40. g4 Kg5
41. Be2 Kf4
42. Kf2 Rh6
43. Rf1 …..

Also 43. Rg1 is a thought, ready to give a check on g3 should the Black king ever advance to the 3rd rank.

43. ….. Nd5
44. Ke1+ Kg5
45. Kd2 Rh2
46. c4 Nf4

This looks good, but it loses! Correct is Nf6 to keep the blockade.

47. Rxf4! Kxf4
48. f6 Rh8
49. f7 Rf8
50. Bf3!! …..

A double deflection sacrifice! If Bxf3, then 51. e7 wins immediately, while if Kxf3, then 51. g5. The three pawns make their way thru.

50. ….. Be8
51. fxe8=Q Rxe8
52. Bxb7 Rxe6
53. c6 Re7
54. Bxa6 Ke5
55. Bb7 Resigns

That 50th move was sweet!