514 The British Chess Magazine
13 … � × e5!= was the best move. Although seemingly unnatural, this move keeps the h8 – a1 diagonal open and prevents any attacks on the d6 pawn. Another point to this move is that 14 �de4 is well met by 14 … �f6, trying to exchange pieces and ease Black’ s space disadvantage.
14 �de4 �f6 15 �c2!
XIIIIIIIIY 9r + lwq-trk + 0 9zpp +- + pvl-0 9- + p +-sn-zp0 9 +- +-zp-zp-0 9- + P + N +- + 0 9 +-sN-zP-zP-0 9PzPQ + LzPP + 0 9tR- +- + RmK-0 xiiiiiiiiy A mature decision. White needs to keep pieces on to prove an advantage and this is the best square for the queen.
15 … �e7 16 �fd1 �e8?!
I don’ t think there is any reason to re-route this knight as it was already fine where it was. Also, Black still hasn’ t solved the problem of his queenside pieces. 16 … � × e4! was the way to go, followed by 17 � × e4 �f5, when Black doesn’ t have too much to complain about in this position. Although his kingside structure is slightly damaged, it will be very difficult for White to take advantage of this. Meanwhile, he has the bishop pair and can look forward to a slightly superior endgame.
17 c5!
This move shows good understanding of the position. Roy clamps down on d6 and secures a safe edge. His space advantage is obvious and he controls the only open file on the board.
17 … �e6
17 … f5! was the best move, when Black has mobile pawns.
18 g4
Very strong play. Now Roy clamps down on the kingside and makes the … f5 thrust less favourable for Black.
18 … f5 19 g × f5 � × f5 20 �b3 +!
Five out of the last seven moves have been the top line of Houdini!
20 … �e6
20 … �h8 was possibly stronger, holding on to his last trump: the bishop pair.
21 �c4 � × c4 22 � × c4 + �h8 23 �d6 � × d6 24 � × d6
24 c × d6 was also a possibility, which I’ m sure Roy considered. The text was strong enough.
24 … �f5?! 25 �ad1 �af8 26 �d7
Simple play and now Black’ s position is at breaking point.
26 … �e8 27 �e4 g4?
Easy to criticise, but easy to play after a long game without any attacking chances to speak of.
28 � × b7 +– g3 29 � × g3 � × f2 30 �dd7 Black has no defence. 30 … � × b2 31 � × g7
31 �g4! would have forced instant resignation. 31 … � × b7 32 � × b7 �g6 33 �e4
A piece down with no compensation.
33 … � × e4( 33 … � × g3 34 �h7 #) 34 � × e4 a5( 34 … �d8 35 �f6! with a mate in four: 35 … �d1 + 36 �h2 �h1 + 37 � × h1 and 38 �h7 #) 35 �c7 +– is clear-cut.
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