1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6
4.Nf3 Nxe4
The Petrov Defense revisited, one of the main
lines. Note it is important for Black to drive the white knight away
with 3...d6 to avoid the well-known trap, 3...Nxe4 4.Qe2 d5 5.d3 Nf6 6.Nc6+,
losing the Queen.
5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6
A symmetrical position has been achieved with
the e-file open and the rival queens confronting each other along it.
Neither king has castled and both are exposed. The Petrov has a reputation
as a drawing opening, and positions such as this show why. It is
difficult for Black to break the symmetry to advantage. If White
wishes to play for a draw, it can be difficult for Black to avoid.
However, White has to know how to proceed. Exchanging large amounts
of material, such as the queens, is a step in the right direction.
7.Nc3 Qxe2+
White continues to develop pieces. Black
in exchanging may be furthering White's goal of simplifying and drawing,
but White's choice of recapturing on e2 will break the symmetry of the
position, perhaps, allowing Black a more aggressive continuation of the
game. However, with such a variety of recaptures the exchange is
hardly forcing on White. The matter of castling the kings is less
urgent with both queens removed except for the development and connecting
of the rooks.
8.Bxe2 g6
White continues to develop by exchanging.
Black further breaks symmetry by fianchettoing his bishop and keeping his
position consolidated (cramped). White has out-developed Black.
9.Nd4
White clears the knight from the king's side to
allow the pawns to advance there. Additionally the threat of knight
to b6 was created with a forking threat at c7. Black defended these
threats with a6 also creating a flight square for his a-rook at a7.
10.h3 Bg7
White begins his king's side attack. Black
keeps his consolidated position and develops his bishop without further
loss of tempos.
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11.g4 Bd7
White continues to mobilize his king's side while
Black strives to continue his development.
12.Bf3 Nc6
White seizes control of the h1-a8 diagonal
where the b7-pawn is undefended. Black defends by developing his
knight and counter attacking the white knight at d4.
13.Nxc6!
This move reveals the crux of White's drawing
plan. Instead of defending the knight or developing with Be3, he
continues a course of liquidating material and Black has to follow.
After 13.Nxc6!
13...Bxc6 14.Bxc6 bxc6
White continues his drawing tactics by exchange
and Black has to accept doubled pawns with a half-open b file.
15.Bd2 h5
White completes his development. Black threatens
White's pawn structure. Black's threat is 16...hxg4 and if 17.hxg4
then 17...Rxh1+ 18.Ke2 Rxa1, a plan easily defended.
16.g5 Nd5
White defends with a continuation of his king's
side attack. The move forces the knight at f6 to retreat or be exchanged.
17.Nxd5 cxd5 18. 0-0-0 Kd7 ½-½
Draw. White has castled and Black has prepared
to contest the opened d-file by connecting rooks and retaining his king
in the center.
Shirov played for the draw and it is a logical
conclusion. While White has a better pawn structure, the number of pawns
and the material balance is even. White appears to have winning chances,
but a draw fit Shirov's plan for the match. Black could easily exchange
the rest of the pieces, leaving an unclear pawn position. |