Shakhriyar Mamedyarov vs Viswanathan Anand (2008)

Shakhriyar Mamedyarov vs Viswanathan Anand
Amber Tournament (Rapid) (2008) · Sicilian Defense: Snyder Variation (B20) · 0-1

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explore this opening	find similar games	13 more Mamedyarov/Anand games
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Mar-17-08		notyetagm: Black to play: 31 ... ? click for larger view White (Mamedyarov) has just blundered with 31 c2-d3?, creating the <KNIGHT FORK ALIGNMENT> White d3-queen + White h1-king for the <LIGHT-SQUARED> Black e4-knight. The only White piece preventing the <ROYAL FORK> ... e4-f2+ is the White d4-bishop by <DEFENDING> the f2-royal fork square. Anand (Black) is alert to this new tactical situation, the <LOOSENESS> of the f2-square. Since the White d4-bishop must <DEFEND> the f2-square, it cannot also <DEFEND> the c3-square, allowing Anand to play 31 ... c8-c3!, winning a second pawn. Position after 31 ... c8-c3! click for larger view This position is a classic example of an <OVERWORKED> piece. The White d4-bishop cannot keep the Black c8-rook out of c3 -and- keep the Black e4-knight out of f2; it can <DEFEND> only -one- square. Hence 32 d4xc3?? loses the queen to 32 ... e4-f2+. (VAR) Position after 32 d4xc3?? <deflection from f2> e4-f2+ click for larger view Anand's games are such a joy to play over. His tactical play is razor sharp.

Mar-17-08		notyetagm: http://www.amberchess2008.com/# <In the rapid game Mamedyarov went for a ‘real’ off-beat opening, replying 2.b3 to Anand’s Sicilian. The World Champion wasn’t too impressed (‘I think the Sicilian will survive this one’) and believed he had equalized after 11…c4. Mamedyarov may have pinned his hopes on the e-pawn he pushed to e6, but it was clear from the start that this outpost might become a liability as well. Nevertheless Anand felt that his technical task would not be easy after he had arrested the intruder on e6, but once he managed to win a second pawn with the neat trick 31…Rc3! the rest was plain sailing.> As I explained above, the "neat trick 31...Rc3" exploits the tactical point that the White d4-bishop is <OVERWORKED>, having to keep both the Black c8-rook out of c3 and the Black e4-knight out of f2.

Mar-17-08		beenthere240: After a while the position looked like a Bird's/Larsen's opening -- but the simplicity with Anand dismissed it shows why we don't see a lot of Birds these days.

Mar-17-08		Bobsterman3000: The knight on e4 almost decided the game all by itself. Very strong.

Mar-17-08		minasina: Here is Rybka(?) analysis samples for this game: http://chessok.com/broadcast/live.p...

May-15-08		minasina: ...correction to my previous post: For Rybka analysis (some critical points and variations) this is the correct URL: http://chessok.com/broadcast/live.p...

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Featured in the Following Game Collections [what is this?]

31 .. Rc8-c3! White d4-bishop controls squares only along a7-g1
from Obligation restricts mobility by notyetagm

31 .. Rc8-c3! White d4-bishop cannot defend both c3-,f2-squares
from OVERLOADED! by notyetagm

31 ... Rc8-c3! White d4-bishop must defend f2-royal fork square
from Defending one square is a full-time job by notyetagm

31 Qc2-d3? knight fork alignment White d3-queen + White h1-king
from ACTS: ALIGNMENTS CREATE THREATENED SQUARES! by notyetagm

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