ICC Help: Banter1

Banter Chess March 24, 2002.  GM Alexei Dreev and GM Larry Christiansen play
2 games at 20 20.

Game 1  Dreev - LarryC
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LarryC(GM): Hello everyone

1. d4

LarryC(GM): no surprise there

1... Nf6
2. c4

Dreev(GM): I almost always start with d4
Dreev(GM): e6 may be?
Dreev(GM): or some surprize? Did Larry expect c4? :-)
Dreev(GM): hope he will play in classical chess - sometimes he replied 2...Nc6

2... e6

LarryC(GM): most likely 3 Nf3 now
Dreev(GM): so , e6! :-)
Dreev(GM): What to play - Nimzo or Bogo-Indian?!
Dreev(GM): Bogo-Indian neverheless!

3. Nf3

LarryC(GM): hmm Bogo or QID?
LarryC(GM): QID is queen's Indian
LarryC(GM): maybe 3...c5 for a Mod Benoni
Dreev(GM): Does Larry telling something interesting?
Dreev(GM): :-)
Dreev(GM): or forget to prepare? :-))

3... c5

LarryC(GM): lets be suicidal
Dreev(GM): or beer is too hot yet? :-)))
LarryC(GM): against my better judgement
LarryC(GM): Nick de Firmian plays this
LarryC(GM): and gets away with it
Dreev(GM): Unexpectenly!
Dreev(GM): what to do?! :-(
LarryC(GM): here comes 4 d5
Dreev(GM): well....

4. d5

Dreev(GM): only forward!

4...     exd5
5. cxd5  d6
6. Nc3   g6
7. e4

LarryC(GM): one line that is interesting is 7...Bg7 8 Bd3 Bg4!?

7... Bg7

LarryC(GM): but 8 h3 is more accurate
Dreev(GM): i played a lot of games by this line
Dreev(GM): this variation is not easy

8. h3

LarryC(GM): gee my standard rating is at the Ray Keene level
Dreev(GM): the idea of h3 - to prevent Bg4
Dreev(GM): Probably, castling will follow
LarryC(GM): this line has taken a lot of the fun out of the Benoni
Dreev(GM): and I will play Bd3

8...  O-O

Dreev(GM): and he will play b5

9. Bd3

Dreev(GM): probably
Dreev(GM): or a6
LarryC(GM): now 9..b5 has a following
Dreev(GM): I do not know what Larry prepared...
LarryC(GM): 9...b5 10 Nxb5 Nxe4 11 Bxe4 is probably a little better for white
LarryC(GM): the other way to play this is to play 9...a6 10 a4 Nbd7 11 0-0 Qe7
Dreev(GM): for Black was good to exchange bishop to knight in that case; White
           should strive to capture the space
LarryC(GM): 9...a6 10 a4 Nbd7 11 0-0 Qe7 12 Bf4 Nh5 13 Bg5 Bf6 14 Bh6 Ng7

9... a6

Dreev(GM): that's why I played  h3
Dreev(GM): so, not immediate b5
LarryC(GM): I seem to recall de Firmian playing it that way
Dreev(GM): Larry do not go to forced lines
LarryC(GM): 10 a4 is not forced
Dreev(GM): now I have an option:
LarryC(GM): white can also allow ...b5 now
Dreev(GM): I played as a4 as castling
LarryC(GM): Dreev likes those steamfoller attacks where he builds up
            overwhelming force and bulls his way to the enemy king
LarryC(GM): coffee run time
Dreev(GM): a4 looks more reliable
Dreev(GM): GM Vyzhmanavin (died only few years ago) liked to play 0-0
Dreev(GM): in his memory I will play his move

10. O-O

Dreev(GM): the idea of this move: White allows b5 but win a tempos for
           developing
LarryC(GM): Dreev goes in for the slow buildup line
Dreev(GM): if b5 - Bf4
LarryC(GM): I might as well get in b5 then

10...   b5
11. Bf4

Dreev(GM): to disturb the Black's development
LarryC(GM): it is not easy to develop my queenside now
Heine(GM): the question is c4 or not for black
LarryC(GM): the usual formation involves Bb7, Qb6, Nbd7

11.. Bb7

Dreev(GM): Bb7 is normal move
LarryC(GM): Bb7 at least holds up the usual e4-e5 advance
LarryC(GM): white may or may not play a3 to contain the majority
Dreev(GM): I am thinking about Re1 or Qd2
LarryC(GM): most likely he is interested in playing 12 Re1 now
Dreev(GM): do not know what is better

12. Re1

Dreev(GM): Re1 is more usefull move in this case, I suppose
LarryC(GM): Black pretty much has to play ...Qb6

12... Qb6

Dreev(GM): Black want to play Nbd7
LarryC(GM): white might go in for qd2 and Bh6
LarryC(GM): one position that should be playable is 13 Qd2 Nbd7 14 Bh6 Ne5
            15 Nxe5 dxe5
LarryC(GM): then it is not easy for white to make progress on the kingside

13. Rc1 Nbd7
14. b3

Dreev(GM): aimed against c4
LarryC(GM): so I guess the queenside is held in check now
Dreev(GM): Black was ready to play c4 and my previous moves preventing this
           advance
LarryC(GM): I have to watch out for a2-a4
LarryC(GM): 14...Rac8 now makes sense
Dreev(GM): complicated position.
LarryC(GM): also 14...Rfe8
Dreev(GM): I know that Larry feel very good in dynamic positions
Dreev(GM): and better not to allow the initiative to him
LarryC(GM): 14...Rfe8 15 a4 c4 16 bxc4 b4 17 Nb1 Nc5 offers interesting play
Dreev(GM): so, my previous moves are in accordance with this thought; though
           I am not sure that it's only best

14... Rfe8

Dreev(GM): decade ago we played with Alexei Vyzmanavin something like this

15. Qd2

Dreev(GM): by the way, Alexei was very good blitz player
Dreev(GM): Qd2 is usefull move anyway
Dreev(GM): I had a4 in my disposal
LarryC(GM): should I develop the other rook now?
Dreev(GM): 15.a4!? was interesting

15... Rac8

LarryC(GM): looks logical
Dreev(GM): but I do not want to define position too early
Dreev(GM): Rac8 is correct move, I think
LarryC(GM): maybe now 16 Be3 to chase my queen somewhere
Dreev(GM): Mark Dvoretsky (my former coach) like to ask in similar position a
           question to myself: "What will be next move of my opponent?"
Dreev(GM): I do not no yet...
Dreev(GM): and my move is now :-)
Dreev(GM): may be, try a3 + b4 -?
LarryC(GM): 16 Bh6 Ne5 17 Nxe5 dxe5 18 Bxg7 Kxg7 19 Qe3 Qd6 20 a4 c4

16. a3

Dreev(GM): it could be a normal plan
LarryC(GM): looks like a useful waiting move
LarryC(GM): do I have one?
Dreev(GM): yes, he can play c4
Dreev(GM): but it could be risky
LarryC(GM): 16...Nh5 17 Bh6 Bxh6 18 Qxh6 Ne519 Be2 is no good
Dreev(GM): I will take bxc bxc and Bf1
Dreev(GM): with further Rb1
Dreev(GM): it could be dangerous for Black...
Dreev(GM): so, may be, now c4 is too premature
LarryC(GM): what about 16...Re7
LarryC(GM): that seems logical now
LarryC(GM): lets pile up on e4

16... Re7

Dreev(GM): Larry is not force the events..
Dreev(GM): unpleasant for me move...
LarryC(GM): in some cases I might get in qd8-f8
Dreev(GM): I expected c4, I mean

17. b4

Dreev(GM): but Ok - I will follow my plan
LarryC(GM): so now what?
LarryC(GM): now 17...Rce8
LarryC(GM): justifies my last move

17... Rce8

Dreev(GM): c4 was premature
LarryC(GM): my pieces are sort of running out of room though
Dreev(GM): Rce8 is stronger
Dreev(GM): not so easy to make a move now...
Dreev(GM): hard to find usefull move - the disposal of pieces looks  ideal
LarryC(GM): although slightly weakening, maybe h5 is useful
Dreev(GM): may be, try to prepare the advance a4 -?
Dreev(GM): May be, Bg5 or Be3 -?

18. Be3

Dreev(GM): now I want to play a4
LarryC(GM): so lets get the queen off that square
Dreev(GM): Bg5 was also interesting - to pin a knight

18... Qd8

Dreev(GM): Ok, now Bg5 - in order to pin all :-)

19. Bg5

LarryC(GM): now maybe Ne5
Dreev(GM): White's position looks more pleasant, I think
Dreev(GM): but not yet defined
LarryC(GM): a possible exchange sac

19... Ne5

Dreev(GM): Larry could play back - Qb6
LarryC(GM): 20 Nxe5 Rxe5 21 f4 Rxg5
LarryC(GM): that should give Black decent comp

20 Nxe5  Rxe5

Dreev(GM): I practically forced to take the knight
LarryC(GM): more likely is bxc5 or Bf4
Dreev(GM): if i play f4 - probably, Larry will take the bishop
Dreev(GM): with compensation after Rxg5 fg Nd7
LarryC(GM): 21 bxc5 dxc5 22 Bf4 Nh5 23 Bxe5 Bxe5 24 Ne2 c4 offers comp
Dreev(GM): Or no compensation?!
Dreev(GM): I try to understand it
Dreev(GM): Not clear what to do...
LarryC(GM): 21 bxc5 dxc5 22 Bf4 Nh5 23 Bh2 maybe
Dreev(GM): f4 looks principal but Rxg5 could be follow
LarryC(GM): I just hope to keep his center from rolling down my throat
Dreev(GM): f4 is too risky
Dreev(GM): are ther alternatives?

21. Re2

LarryC(GM): 21 f4? Rxg5 would be a pleasure to play
LarryC(GM): ok so now c4 is a possible
Dreev(GM): Larry play good!
LarryC(GM): c4 drives his bishop back to b1
LarryC(GM): or c2
Dreev(GM): Re2 may be not the best, but helpfull, I guess

21... c4

LarryC(GM): now I plan Bc8
LarryC(GM): getting that bishop to d7 where it can support b5

22. Bc2  Bc8

LarryC(GM): alexei will probably double rooks now
Dreev(GM): position is more defined now
LarryC(GM): Be3-d4
Dreev(GM): Somewhere Ne4 can be...

23. Bf4  Nh5

LarryC(GM): come on take the rook
Dreev(GM): serious move!
Dreev(GM): did not expect is
Dreev(GM): to take or not to take?
LarryC(GM): 24 Bxe5 Bxe5 looks like it is easier to play B
Dreev(GM): That is a question now....
LarryC(GM): 24 Be3 or 24 Bh2 g5
Dreev(GM): Looks, that I should not play Bf4

24. Bh2  g5

LarryC(GM): a must
LarryC(GM): now he has Nd1-e3
Dreev(GM): Yes, Larry play very good and active
LarryC(GM): that bishop on c2 is pretty worthless at the moment
LarryC(GM): white should maybe get in a54
LarryC(GM): a4

25. Bd1

LarryC(GM): 25 a4 Bd7 followed by a rook move
LarryC(GM): Nf4 is tempting
LarryC(GM): so is Qf6
Dreev(GM): Larry's play is very creative!

25.. Nf4

LarryC(GM): lets go with this
Dreev(GM): I must be carefull

26. Bxf4  gxf4
27. Qxf4  f5

LarryC(GM): following the principle of opening the pos for the bishops

28. Bc2

LarryC(GM): now qh6
Dreev(GM): Almost now time to comment.... :-(
LarryC(GM): qf6
Dreev(GM): I practically was forced to go back by bishop

28... Qf6
29. Rce1

Dreev(GM): Black obtain the initiative for a pawn for sure
LarryC(GM): ok now Re5e7
LarryC(GM): i have a trick

29... R5e7

LarryC(GM): exf5 Qxc3
Dreev(GM): knight is under fire...
LarryC(GM): I think that works

30. Nd1

LarryC(GM): now Bh6
Dreev(GM): not too many options were...

30... Bh6
31. Qf3  f4

LarryC(GM): g4 maybe
Dreev(GM): if Ne3 - Bg7
LarryC(GM): g4 Bg7
Dreev(GM): I am thinking about it...
LarryC(GM): e4-e5 is thematic but not too good

32. Ne3

LarryC(GM): positional threat now of Re5
Dreev(GM): but I will go to f5
LarryC(GM): good move
LarryC(GM): lets play Bg7
Dreev(GM): with knight on f5 not all should be bad for White :-)
Dreev(GM): without playing Ne3 now, later I could not have such possibility
           and be with knight on d1...

32... Bg7

LarryC(GM): now I have to be careful
Dreev(GM): most natural is Nf5
LarryC(GM): Nf5 should be OK for b
Dreev(GM): and position could be close to balances
LarryC(GM): Ng5 Qg5
Dreev(GM): may be, try to move knight to f3 -?

33. Nf5  Bxf5
34. exf5

Dreev(GM): nevertheless Nf5

34...     Rxe2
35. Rxe2  Rxe2
36. Qe2   Qe5

LarryC(GM): trading queens is ba
LarryC(GM): qg4 qe1 Kh2 qxf2
Dreev(GM): yes, close to balanced position, I think
LarryC(GM): qf3 Qe1 Kh2 Be5 maybe
LarryC(GM): scratch that
LarryC(GM): qf3 Bf6
LarryC(GM): blockade that thing on f5

37. Kf1
Dreev offers a draw to LarryC

LarryC(GM): now what happens if i trade?
LarryC(GM): mass slaughter of the queenside pawns?

37...    Qxe2
38. Kxe2 Bb2

LarryC(GM): looks drawish
LarryC(GM): but interesting
LarryC(GM): now a4 or f6

39. Kd2 Kg7

Dreev(GM): after Ba3 - Kc3
LarryC(GM): f6+

40. g4   fxg3
41. fxg3 Kf6

LarryC(GM): my bishop is better than his

42. a4  Be5

LarryC(GM): a5 looked over the top

43. g4  h6

LarryC(GM): his bishop cannot attack my pawns

44. axb5  axb5
45. Bd1

LarryC(GM): he can play Bf5-d7 though if I am not careful

45...  Bg3

LarryC(GM): now the idea is Bh4 followed by Ke5

46. Bf3  Ke5

LarryC(GM): maybe Bh4 first

47. Ke2  Bh4
48. Kd2  Kd4

LarryC(GM): Kc2

49. Kc2  Bf6

LarryC(GM): Be1 f6

50. Kd2

LarryC(GM): well now I can win b4
LarryC(GM): c3+ and Kc4
LarryC(GM): but he might set up a blockade

50...    c3+
51. Kc2  Kc4
52. Be2+

LarryC(GM): but he still has weaknesses on d5 and h3 to worry about

52...    Kxb4
53. Bf1  Kc5
54. Kb3

LarryC(GM): 54...b4 looks best
LarryC(GM): my h pawn is the wrong color unfortunately

54...    b4
55. Bg2  Kd4
56. Bf3  Bg5
57. Bd1

LarryC(GM): Ke3 Bc2

57...     Kxd5
58. Kxb4  Kd4
59. Kb5

LarryC(GM): good defense

59... d5

LarryC(GM): Kc6

60. Kc6  Ke5
61. Bc2  d4
62. Kc5

LarryC(GM): maybe if I put my bishop on f6

62...    Bf6
63. Kc4

LarryC(GM): and then go after the h4 pawn

63..     Kf4
64. Kd3  Kg3

LarryC(GM): it is looking very drawish

65. Ke2  Kxh3
66. Kf3  Kh2
67. Bb1  Kg1
68. Bd3  Bg7

LarryC(GM): Kg3

69. Kg3  Be5+
70. Kf3  Bf6

LarryC offers a draw to Dreev in game 439.
Game drawn by mutual agreement