Kostya's Game of the Day: August 7th

Kostya Kavutskiy (photo Maya Nelson)

Today's game was very well executed by NM Webster, and is a model for dynamic play. After a few inaccurate moves in the opening from his opponent, Black found a simple way to grab the initiative. He then followed up in the most energetic way, boldly sacrificing a pawn for a seemingly vague lead in development. However his evaluation was spot on--the position was intensely difficult for White--and after an error Webster found an elegant combination to finish the game in a mating attack.

[pgn]

[Event "2019 Denker"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "2019.08.06"]
[Round "6.3"]
[White "Paul, Justin"]
[Black "Webster, Dex"]
[Result "0-1"]
[ECO "B40"]
[WhiteElo "2369"]
[BlackElo "2226"]
[Annotator "Kostya"]
[PlyCount "68"]
[EventDate "2019.??.??"]

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. g3 d5 4. exd5 exd5 5. d4 Nc6 6. Bg2 Nf6 (6... Bg4 {
is another way for Black to play this line, with a bit of theory after} 7. O-O
cxd4 8. h3 Bxf3 9. Qxf3 Nf6 10. Bg5 Be7 $13) 7. O-O Be7 8. dxc5 Bxc5 9. a3 a5
10. Re1+ $6 {While objectively this move is not bad, and looks like such a
natural check, I believe it is the start to White's problems in this game, as
f2 ends up being vulnerable in the immediate middlegame.} (10. Nc3 {followed
by Bg5 looks like the way to go.}) 10... Be6 11. Nc3 O-O 12. h3 {This seems to
make things worse for White, but the move is very understandable as with the
rook on e1, Ng4 is a constant threat.} (12. Bg5 Qb6 $5 {already shows some
potential dangers for White in the position.} 13. Qd2 Ng4 $36 {followed by h6
and Black has snagged the initiative.}) 12... h6 {Again White is in an awkward
spot, as Bf4 runs into Qb6.} 13. Qd3 (13. Bf4 Qb6 14. Qd2 {and here best is}
Ne4 $1 15. Nxe4 dxe4 16. Rxe4 Rad8 $17 {with a dangerous initiative for Black.}
) 13... Qb6 14. Rf1 {The choice was between this move and Nd1, which looks
even more passive.} ({Against} 14. Re2 {Black could start with} a4 $1 {to fix
White's queenside, and then follow up with Rad8 and active piece play in the
center.}) 14... Ne4 $1 {A very strong and intuitive pawn sacrifice. It's not
immediately clear what Black will get for the pawn apart from better
development, which might not have been convincing enough for most players to
give up a pawn. But check out how Black's activity quickly pays dividends.} 15.
Nxe4 dxe4 16. Qxe4 Rfe8 17. Qa4 ({Stockfish suggests the very brave} 17. h4 $1
{(stopping Bxh3)} Rad8 18. Be3 Bxe3 19. Qxe3 Qxb2 $15 {where White would be
clearly worse but far from losing.}) 17... Rad8 {This is likely the position
Webster was anticipating when playing 14...Ne4. White is a pawn down but has
issues completing his development.} 18. b3 $2 {This move seems like it's
asking for trouble, which is then immediately delivered.} (18. Bf4 {was better,
but comes with its own issues:} g5 $1 19. Bd2 Bd5 $17 {followed by Re2, with
huge pressure.}) 18... Bxf2+ $1 {A well-calculated shot.} 19. Rxf2 Rd1+ 20. Bf1
(20. Kh2 Qxf2 $19) 20... Rxf1+ $1 {An important follow-up. Always check the
forcing moves!} (20... Bxh3 21. Be3 {would not be as good for Black.}) 21. Kxf1
Bxh3+ 22. Rg2 (22. Kg1 Re2 $1 $19 {was the key point of Black's combination.
White cannot defend f2.}) 22... Bxg2+ 23. Kxg2 Re2+ 24. Kh3 Qf2 $1 {Best.
White's king is getting mated.} 25. Qf4 Qg2+ 26. Kg4 g6 {One of many ways to
finish the game, threatening f7-f5+.} 27. Qxh6 f5+ 28. Kh4 Ne5 29. Nxe5 Qh2+
30. Kg5 Qxg3+ 31. Kf6 Qxe5+ 32. Kxg6 Qe6+ 33. Kg5 Rg2+ 34. Kh4 Qe1+ 0-1

[/pgn]