Once: Here's an interesting position. White has just played 52. Nf4
click for larger viewLooking at this materialistically, we might think that black's bishop pair partially makes up for the extra white pawn. But black is actually in deep do-do. White threatens Re8, Re6+ and Nh5+. Each contains a nasty sting -
Re8 targets the black Bc8 and the g7 pawn. So if 52...Rd6 53. Re8 Be7 54. Rf8+ 
click for larger viewHowever black runs, the g7 pawn quickly falls.
Or black could pass the move with 52...a4 53. Re6+ Kf7 54. Rc6+ winning the Bc8 by a discovered check. 
click for larger viewOr there is the line in the game, when black plays 52...Rd8. Now white wins a pawn by exploiting the loose Ba7 - 53. Nh5+ Kg6 54. Nxg7 
click for larger viewAnd if black captures the knight, white plays Re8+ and the Ba7 falls. A subtle game for the connoisseur, I think. There are no smash and grab tactics, but a neat demonstration of the power of well coordinated pieces. White steals two pawns in a row - ironically both won by the same knight. I enjoyed that one. | 
Kibitzing
