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Fabiano Caruana vs Maxime Vachier-Lagrave
Tata Steel Masters (2021), Wijk aan Zee NED, rd 7, Jan-23
Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation. Poisoned Pawn Accepted (B97)  ·  1-0

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Kibitzer's Corner
Jan-24-21
Premium Chessgames Member
  An Englishman: Good Evening: The new (to the database) move consists of 12.e5, which certainly looks logical, but the surprising (to me) move consists of 14.e6!?, which certainly looks insane. Just another example of why no one should play either side of the Sicilian Poisoned Pawn. Just too dangerous.
Jan-25-21  Rat1960: Nick de Firmian (GM) played 12. ... dxe5 at the Chicago Open 1996. I would have replied 14. ... Bxe6
Figuring ...Qc5 to either 0-0 or Rb3
Jan-25-21  Rat1960: I guess 14. e6 Bxe6 15. f5 looks pretty lively when the open files, king in the middle but for three pawns is exciting stuff. 15. ... Bxf 16. 0-0 Qc5+ 17. Kh1
Jan-26-21  Cedroke: 2 losses now in the Najdorf or should we say... Nie, nie dorf. xD
Jan-26-21
Premium Chessgames Member
  sakredkow: <Just another example of why no one should play either side of the Sicilian Poisoned Pawn. Just too dangerous.> And if I'm not mistaken for years the party line on the Poisoned Pawn was "Nothing to see here - it's all been worked out to a draw." I love this game.
Feb-05-21
Premium Chessgames Member
  HeMateMe: Always fun to see a king dominate a blocked position.
Nov-10-21  qqdos: <An Englishman> This game was published by Chess Informant in Volume 147 with relatively sparse analysis by Jon Speelman, guesting as special commentator. He gave "14.e6!N This vicious blow destroys Black's position." By move 21 he thought the e-pawn was so strong that White has a huge advantage. The story does not stop there! In Volume 148, the game was chosen as top Theoretical Novelty. On to Volume 149, where we find the poison pawn game between the same 2 players - Yekatrinburg, 2021 - being awarded both Best Game and top Theoretical Novelty - a very rare event!
Nov-10-21
Premium Chessgames Member
  Check It Out: After 20.Bf3 both of black's bishops and rooks are stuck behind the lines, with an offsides king in the way. Great opening by Caruana. The last move was the perfect place for MVL to resign, that endgame position is the culmination of all the maneuvering after move 20.
Nov-10-21  qqdos: <An Englishman> This game was published by Chess Informant in Volume 147 with relatively sparse analysis by Jon Speelman, guesting as special commentator. He gave "14.e6!N This vicious blow destroys Black's position." By move 21 he thought the e-pawn was so strong that White has a huge advantage. The story does not stop there! In Volume 148, the game was chosen as top Theoretical Novelty. On to Volume 149, where we find the poison pawn game between the same 2 players - Yekatrinburg, 2021 - being awarded Best Game and top Theoretical Novelty - very rare event!
Dec-12-21  Albertan: This game is analyzed by GM Jan Gustafsson in a video at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lK...

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