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 .
1 – 0
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