<16...Be7>

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"White has emerged from the opening with a slight pull. Black now tries to solve his problem through exchanges."

<17.Bb3 Nd5 18.Bxd5!?> "18.h4 is the natural move, but White has a very interesting idea."

<18...Bxg5 19.Bxc6 Bxc6 20.d5!> "Even though the structure will be very symmetrical after this move, Black is still some ways from solving his opening problems."

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<20...exd5 21.Rxe8+ Bxe8 22.Nxg5 Qxg5 23.Qd4!> "White takes control over the dark squares and supports the advance of his h-pawn. Even though the position is defensible here, Black's task is unpleasant."

<23...Bc6 24.h4 Qe7 25.Nxd5> "Rather than taking the pawn back, 24.h5!? was an interesting option, but it seems that Black can defend head-first: 25...Rd8 26.Ne4 f5 27.Nf6+ Kf7 (not 27...Kf8 Nxh7+!) 28.Nxh7 gxh5 and Black has an extra pawn, even though his position seems a bit shaky. Still, the knight is so badly placed that Black must be better."

[Analysis diagram after 28...gxh5:

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An unfortunate knight indeed.]

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"Putting the king under pressure. Naturally the pawn can sometimes turn out weak, but currently it is a thorn in Black's side."

<30...Kf8! 31.Qd7 a5?> "This gives White peace to organize his attack and weakens the b6-pawn. Necessary was 31...Re7! 32.Qc8+ Re8, when it seems hard for White to avoid 33.Rd8 (33.Qb7 Qh5! gives Black good chances to defend as well) 33...Qe1+ 34.Kh2 Qe5+ with perpetual."

<32.g3 g5?! 33.Qd3 Kg8 34.Qd6> "The black position is now so full of holes that he must be considered lost."

<34...Qe2 35.Rd2 Qe1+ 35.Kh2 Qe6> "There was nothing else, but the endgame does not offer any chances for resistance."

~ | ~ | ~

<38.Rd7> "Taking the seventh rank. Black could have resigned here."

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