chessgames.com
Members · Prefs · Laboratory · Collections · Openings · Endgames · Sacrifices · History · Search Kibitzing · Kibitzer's Café · Chessforums · Tournament Index · Players · Kibitzing
Fabiano Caruana vs Hikaru Nakamura
Gashimov Memorial (2014), Shamkir AZE, rd 6, Apr-26
Spanish Game: Open. Bernstein Variation (C80)  ·  1/2-1/2

ANALYSIS [x]

FEN COPIED

explore this opening
find similar games 188 more Caruana/Nakamura games
PGN: download | view | print Help: general | java-troubleshooting

TIP: Olga is our default viewer, but we offer other choices as well. You can use a different viewer by selecting it from the pulldown menu below and pressing the "Set" button.

PGN Viewer:  What is this?
For help with this chess viewer, please see the Olga Chess Viewer Quickstart Guide.
PREMIUM MEMBERS CAN REQUEST COMPUTER ANALYSIS [more info]

Kibitzer's Corner
Apr-26-14  SirRuthless: a5! is a nice way to get some play for black. The position looked somewhat bleak after 19. Nxg5 with f4 coming soon...
Apr-26-14  haydn20: White's counterplay comes just in time. Lots of really nice games here.
Apr-26-14  Strelets: <haydn20> This was a well-played game. It's also interesting to see the Open Spanish being played at the highest level again, what with all the attention the Berlin Defense has been getting. Nakamura seems to go back and forth between the Sicilian, French, and Spanish against 1.e4.
Apr-26-14  csmath: 5 ...Nxe4
[Korchnoi would be proud.]

16. ...Qd7

[It is interesting that both Caruana and Nakamura had played this line before as black.]

18. Bg5!
[Probably home analysis. 18. Be3 with Bd4 looks like a basic plan but it does not lead to much if any advantage.]

19. ...a5
[19. ...Rfe8 does not stop 20. e6! fxe6 21. Re3! for example 21. ...h6?! 22. Nxe6! threatening Ba2. Nakamura decided to take his chances with a5 break.]


click for larger view

Now black has to play very precisely to stay above the water.

24. ...Re8

[24. ...Bxd3? 25. Nxd3 and black loses a pawn without compensation.]

25. Qd1 axb4


click for larger view

26. cxb4?!

[26. Bxg6 Qxd1 27. Rxd1 hxg6 28. Na6 bxc3 29. bxc3 Re7 30. Rd5 Na7 and black has some serious difficulties in the ending.]

26. ...Bxd3

and black survives with some nice ending play.

==============
I have a strong impression that Nakamura survived opening preparations by Caruana and that Caruana missed stronger play in 26th move. Nice game otherwise.

NOTE: Create an account today to post replies and access other powerful features which are available only to registered users. Becoming a member is free, anonymous, and takes less than 1 minute! If you already have a username, then simply login login under your username now to join the discussion.

Please observe our posting guidelines:

  1. No obscene, racist, sexist, or profane language.
  2. No spamming, advertising, duplicate, or gibberish posts.
  3. No vitriolic or systematic personal attacks against other members.
  4. Nothing in violation of United States law.
  5. No cyberstalking or malicious posting of negative or private information (doxing/doxxing) of members.
  6. No trolling.
  7. The use of "sock puppet" accounts to circumvent disciplinary action taken by moderators, create a false impression of consensus or support, or stage conversations, is prohibited.
  8. Do not degrade Chessgames or any of it's staff/volunteers.

Please try to maintain a semblance of civility at all times.

Blow the Whistle

See something that violates our rules? Blow the whistle and inform a moderator.


NOTE: Please keep all discussion on-topic. This forum is for this specific game only. To discuss chess or this site in general, visit the Kibitzer's Café.

Messages posted by Chessgames members do not necessarily represent the views of Chessgames.com, its employees, or sponsors.
All moderator actions taken are ultimately at the sole discretion of the administration.

This game is type: CLASSICAL. Please report incorrect or missing information by submitting a correction slip to help us improve the quality of our content.

Home | About | Login | Logout | F.A.Q. | Profile | Preferences | Premium Membership | Kibitzer's Café | Biographer's Bistro | New Kibitzing | Chessforums | Tournament Index | Player Directory | Notable Games | World Chess Championships | Opening Explorer | Guess the Move | Game Collections | ChessBookie Game | Chessgames Challenge | Store | Privacy Notice | Contact Us

Copyright 2001-2025, Chessgames Services LLC