WNCC Best Game prize 2006
1.g3
d5
2.Bg2
c5
3.c4
Nf6
4.Nf3
Nc6
5.cxd5
Nxd5
6.Nc3
e6
7.0-0
Be7
8.a3
0-0
9.Qc2
a6
10.Rd1
b5
11.Nxd5
exd5
Black's pawn mass looks imposing, but just for now it is slightly fragile. White immediately tries to undermine it.
12.d4
Qb6?!
[12...c4
is equal. The move played complicates things, though it appears that White can claim an advantage.]
13.dxc5
[13.Ng5
g6
14.Bxd5
Bf5
15.e4
Bg4
16.dxc5
Bxc5
17.Rd3
is unclear, although the computer prefers White.]
13...Bxc5
14.Rxd5?!
[This exposes the rook and gives Black all sorts of tactical chances. Instead 14.Ng5
should maintain White's edge.]
14...Bxf2+
15.Kh1
Gavin had a long think here (noteworthy in itself for such a quick player). His problem is the undefended state of the kingside, and he needs to be sure that White's mating threats aren't too dangerous.
15...Bb7
16.Rh5?
Tempting, but wrong. Now Black is making the running.
16...g6
17.e3
[17.Rh4
would be more prudent.]
17...Bxe3
[17...gxh5
is stronger: 18.Ng5
f5
19.Qxf2
Ne5
when White has no compensation for the exchange.]
18.Bxe3
Qxe3
19.Re1
[19.Rc5
Nb4!
20.axb4
Bxf3
21.Bxf3
Qxf3+
22.Kg1
leaves Black well in control, but is preferable to the game continuation.]
19...Nd4!
20.Qb1
[20.Qc5
is relatively best. Now comes a stunning blow.]
20...Qxf3!!
[I don't give double exclamation marks often, but this move really deserves them. Black gets two pieces for the queen and ends up threatening both rooks and a discovered check ohat will grab the white queen. It turns out that 20...Qf2
is also good, but who wouldn't prefer the queen sacrifice?]
21.Bxf3
Nxf3
22.Qc1?
[Saves the queen, but effectively capitulates. Better is 22.Re7
Nd2+
23.Rxb7
Nxb1
24.Rd5
Rad8
25.Rbd7
Rxd7
26.Rxd7
Rc8
27.Rd1
Nxa3
28.bxa3
Rc3
29.Ra1
but the endgame is dead lost.]
22...Nxe1+
23.Kg1
Nf3+
The second rook falls and Black's chocolate box selection of pieces are far too much for the queen to handle. 0-1