39th Olympiad Khanty-Mansiysk 2010 (the chess)

[Ian Kingston]

Please tell me that Ivanchuck's opening isn't theory.
http://ugra-chess.com/liveboard?gameid= ... 011&tmnt=1

White's 4th took them out of the known universe.

[Simon Ansell]

I don't understand David's 25...Rh8 at all, did he miss after 26. Nf4 he can't go Kg8 because of Ng6 hg5 Rh8#?

He has to go back to g8 now unless I'm missing something (no computer!)?

Edit: and now is 30. Ng6!? possible e.g 30...Rg6 (30...fg6 31. f7) 31. Bg6 fg6 32. f7 threatening 33. Rh6 possible?

[Nick Thomas]

I think that all 3 results are equally possible in David's game. It's now so difficilt for both players and one slip could be enough to lose. They could both cop out and engineer a repetition as well.

[Ian Kingston]

I don't understand David's 25...Rh8 at all, did he miss after 26. Nf4 he can't go Kg8 because of Ng6 hg5 Rh8#?

He has to go back to g8 now unless I'm missing something (no computer!)?

Edit: and now is 30. Ng6!? possible e.g 30...Rg6 (30...fg6 31. f7) 31. Bg6 fg6 32. f7 threatening 33. Rh6 possible?

Engine's response (this is way too complex for my brain!): 32...Rc6 33. Rxh6+ Kg7 34. Rh3 Bxg4! -+

[Alan Walton]

Has white run out of ammunition on David's game

Maybe somebody with an engine running will be able to find a plan, but maybe black can start moving his a and b pawns to create counterplay

[Simon Ansell]

I don't understand David's 25...Rh8 at all, did he miss after 26. Nf4 he can't go Kg8 because of Ng6 hg5 Rh8#?

He has to go back to g8 now unless I'm missing something (no computer!)?

Edit: and now is 30. Ng6!? possible e.g 30...Rg6 (30...fg6 31. f7) 31. Bg6 fg6 32. f7 threatening 33. Rh6 possible?

Engine's response (this is way too complex for my brain!): 32...Rc6 33. Rxh6+ Kg7 34. Rh3 Bxg4! -+

Ok, good, all under control then!

[Simon Ansell]

Has white run out of ammunition on David's game

Maybe somebody with an engine running will be able to find a plan, but maybe black can start moving his a and b pawns to create counterplay

Nh5-g7 might be a plan.

Edit: maybe the logical end to the game is 30. Nh5 Rh8 31. Nf4 (31. Ng7 Kg8) Rg7 32. Nh5 etc.

[Alan Walton]

After Rh5 can white play Rc3 and harass the bishop

[Simon Ansell]

After Rh5 can white play Rc3 and harass the bishop

Don't see why not, not sure what Rh5 is about at all?!

Edit: oh, maybe e6 is a problem if the rook leaves the 5th.

[Alan Walton]

I know I did like Nh5, maybe black had to play Rh8 then

[David Brock]

Can he play Ba6 -very unclear but needs to try and get rid of bishop as holding attack together

[Ian Kingston]

Has white run out of ammunition on David's game

Maybe somebody with an engine running will be able to find a plan, but maybe black can start moving his a and b pawns to create counterplay

Nh5-g7 might be a plan.

Edit: maybe the logical end to the game is 30. Nh5 Rh8 31. Nf4 (31. Ng7 Kg8) Rg7 32. Nh5 etc.

30. Nh5 allows the all-purpose wonder move 30...Bxg4! (as in the last variation) 31. Qxg4 Rxe5. Black has R+3P vs. BN and the white king is becoming exposed.

[Simon Ansell]

Has white run out of ammunition on David's game

Maybe somebody with an engine running will be able to find a plan, but maybe black can start moving his a and b pawns to create counterplay

Nh5-g7 might be a plan.

Edit: maybe the logical end to the game is 30. Nh5 Rh8 31. Nf4 (31. Ng7 Kg8) Rg7 32. Nh5 etc.

30. Nh5 allows the all-purpose wonder move 30...Bxg4! (as in the last variation) 31. Qxg4 Rxe5. Black has R+3P vs. BN and the white king is becoming exposed.

OK, I shall leave this one to the computers then.

But I still don't understand Rg8-h8-g8!

[Jon D'Souza-Eva]

At least the English players are all up on the clock. I think Nigel will be lucky to draw, Gawain may sneak a win, but will probably draw, and I haven't got a clue anymore about David's position!

[David Brock]

Whoops david has played Ba6 now me and my big mouth!! Whatever happens from here it will be interesting