chessgames.com
Members · Prefs · Laboratory · Collections · Openings · Endgames · Sacrifices · History · Search Kibitzing · Kibitzer's Café · Chessforums · Tournament Index · Players · Kibitzing
Gata Kamsky vs Shakhriyar Mamedyarov
Tal Memorial (2008), Moscow RUS, rd 5, Aug-22
Sicilian Defense: Paulsen Variation (B46)  ·  0-1

ANALYSIS [x]

FEN COPIED

Click Here to play Guess-the-Move
Given 13 times; par: 59 [what's this?]

explore this opening
find similar games 23 more Kamsky/Mamedyarov games
sac: 21...Bxc2 PGN: download | view | print Help: general | java-troubleshooting

TIP: To flip the board (so black is on the bottom) press the "I" key on your keyboard.

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
Aug-22-08  actinia: 15. b4? is a very weakening move. after 15. Rae1 white keeps all options in the center and kingside, while black has little prospect on the queenside
Aug-22-08  Marmot PFL: Not to worry, Topalov probably won't even play Sicilian.
Aug-22-08  Xeroxx: yeah, topalov...
Aug-22-08
Premium Chessgames Member
  Jimfromprovidence: 28 Bf3 looks like it accomplishes the dual task of protecting against a cheap back-rank mate and exchanging the white-squared bishops.


click for larger view

Now, assuming 28...Nf6 29 g3, this should be enough to hold off black.


click for larger view

Aug-22-08  euripides: <Jim> Yes, that looks like an improvement. <28.Bf3> Bc5 is tempting e.g. 29.Qe2 Bd3 or 29.Qc1 Bxf3 30.gxf3 Qf2 but 29.Qd2 seems to work e.g. 29....Bd3 30.Rxd7 Bxb5 31.Rb7.

Kamsky was very short of time after thinking a long time in a theoretical position on 15.b4. The b4 plan can be very effective in some Sicilan positions, freezing b5 as a target. 21.Bg7 is pretty and Mamedyarov reacts with the exchange sacrifice. 27.Qe3 threatens nasty things on the 7th rank but with 27...Qh4 the initiative swings Black's way and may have caught Kamsky off balance.

Anyway, a terrific performance by Shakh and another good advert for the Scheveningen.

Aug-22-08
Premium Chessgames Member
  Jimfromprovidence: <Euripides> Thanks for your input.

White really needed to get at that great pawn-supported bishop on e4, and when he finally did on move 38, the match was over.

FWIW, I think he could have played Bf3 on move 31 as well, but maybe not without having to give up a pawn in the process.

Aug-22-08  messachess: Great win by Mamedyarov--started with 27...Qh4 (probably missed by Kamsky) and took off from there. Mamedyarov's pieces worked; Kamsky's didn't. At 40...Qe2, white will lose the f pawn in 2 moves with the forced trade of Q's one move later. It's over.
Aug-22-08  Bobsterman3000: Kamsky never played f5. I thought that f5 was the whole point of this variation in the sicilian for white, trying to pry open some files toward the black king...

Aug-23-08  euripides: <Bob> I think 'He never played f5' has already been commandeered for Anatoly's tombstone:

Karpov vs Kasparov, 1985

Actually often with Qe1 the idea is Qh4 and Rh3. f5 can support this plan.

Aug-23-08  Bobsterman3000: <euripides> LOL thanks...

Aug-25-08  arsen387: wow, great build-up of the attack in the final part of the game.
Aug-25-08  ahmadov: This is what means having well-placed bishops...

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