Notes by David Levens. This game won both the NCA and WNCC best game prizes in 2005.
1.e4
c5
2.f4
The old way of playing the Grand Prix attack and the method used successfully by Nigel Short against Garry Kasparov in a Rapidplay match.
2...d5!
3.exd5
It is possible for Black to capture on d5 but then White develops rapidly with Nc3 etc.
3...Nf6
4.Bb5+
Bd7
5.Bxd7+
Qxd7
6.c4
White wins a pawn but lags behind in development.
6...e6
7.Nf3
Bd6
8.Ne5!?
I hadn't seen this before, so now I'm on my own!
8...Qc7
9.Qe2
0-0
10.dxe6
Nc6
Concentrating on development
11.exf7+
Rxf7
12.Nc3?
If 12.Nxf7 Re8 13.Qxe8+ Nxe8 14.Nxd6 Qxd6 and though White has a slight material advantage Black has far more activity and this should tell in his favour. Even so 12.Nc3 is a mistake and Black takes charge of the game.
12...Bxe5
13.Nb5
Qd7
14.fxe5
Nxe5!
15.0-0
Re8
16.b3?
16.h3 was better though Black is still on top.
16...Nd3!
Already I am looking for a possible Philidor's Legacy!
17.Qf3
a6
18.Nc3
Qd4+
19.Kh1
Ref8
20.Qe2
[20.Bb2
Ng4
21.Qe2
Ngf2+
22.Kg1
Nd1+
23.Kh1
Rxf1+
]
20...Ne4!!
21.Rxf7
Nef2+
22.Rxf2
Nxf2+
23.Qxf2
Qxf2
24.h3
Qe1+
25.Kh2
Rf1
It's mate next move. 0-1