Chess
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Britain's first-ever grandmaster, Tony Miles, came back to form in winning the Seville Open this year. He annotates his win from the last round.
White: A J Miles
Black: V Lalic
1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. c4 b6 4. a3
A nice old move brought back into fashion by Kasparov. The plan is to stifle the bishop on b7 by playing d5, but without allowing Black to undermine White's whole centre with Bb4.
4 . . . Bb7 5. Nc3 g6 6. g3]
This is a new move and, I think, an important innovation. Usually White plays 6. d5, when Black obtains active play by bring his knight via a6 to c5. But what's the hurry? The pawn on d4 hampers the bishop on g7 and keeps the knight from c5. White can reserve the cramping d5 advance for later.
6 . . . d5
This must be a critical replay, putting a stop to White's thoughts of playing d5 himself, but it does not seem to solve Black's problems.
7. cxd5 Nxd5 8. Nxd5 Qxd5
Taking with the bishop is better, but White still preserves an edge.
9. Bg2 c5
Black meets the threat of Nh4 and hopes for simplifying exchanges, but he is falling dangerously behind in development.
10. 0-0 Bg7
After 10 . . . cxd4 11. Nh4 Qd7 12. Bxb7 Qxb7 13. Qxd4, the attack on the rook is embarrassing.
11. dxc5 Qxd1
Black understandably does not want to lose time with 11 . . . Qxc5 12. Be3, but the queen exchange fails to ease his position.
12. Rxd1 bxc5 13. Be3 Na6
With the pawns on c5 and a3 hindering its advance, the knight has little future here, but 13 . . . Bxb2 loses a piece to 14. Rab1, while 13 . . . Nd7 14. Ng5] threatens both Nxf7 and Ne4.
14. Ng5 Bxg2 15. Kxg2 Ke7
In view of the threat of Rd6, this was forced, but the king now becomes a target.
16. Ne4 Bxb2 (see diagram)
Played more in desperation than greed. After 16 . . . Rac6 17. Rd6, White has a winning advantage.
17. Rab1 Rhb8
Neither 17 . . . Bxa3 18. Rb7+ nor 17 . . . Rab8 18. Rxb2] Rxb2 19. Bg5+ Ke8 20. NBf6 offered any better chance of survival.
18. Bf4 e5
Instead 18 . . . Rb6 loses to 19. Rxb2 Rxb2 20. Bd6+ Ke8 21. Nf6+ Kd8 22. Be5+.
19. Bg5+ Kf8 20. Rd7 Kg7
The threat was 21. Bh6+ Kg8 22. Nf6+ Kh8 23. Rxf7 with mate to follow.
21. Bf6+ Kg8 22. Ng5 Rb6 23. Rxf7 resigns.
Despite the minimal force left on the board, White has a mating attack. A very satisfying game, with the advantage achieved in the opening flowing smoothly through to the end.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments