(1) Timman,J (2630) - Andersson,U (2600) [D36]
Interpolis 11th Tilburg (6), 22.09.1987
Queen's Gambit



1.c4 e6 2.Nc3 d5 3.d4 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Be7 7.Qc2

When entering the Exchange Variation of the Queen's Gambit, White should always take care to control of the b1-b7 diagonal, and his move-order is conditioned by that ambition. The queen move haa several positive points, an early simplifying ...ke4 is prevented, ...Bf5 is thwarted, and White's dominance of this diagonal will facilitate either a kingside attack or a queenside minority attack, depending on where White castles.

7...Nbd7 8.Nf3 Nf8
The beginning of a long maneuver which will take the knight via e6 and g7 to f5. At this delicate4 opening stage, it is dubious to invest so much time in a somewhat unnatural scheme. Some times this elaborate plan involves a different route - a6-c7-e6-g7-f5. In contrast the simple, logical 8...0-0 looks healthier.

9.Bd3 Ne6 10.Bh4 g6 11.0-0 0-0 12.Rab1 Ng7
Both sides consistently carry out their strategic plans. Black prepares 13...Bf5 and desires simplifications, while White is ready to play b4. 12...a5 13.a3 would not change the course of events.

13.b4
The closed pawn-center as a rule directs the play towards the wings. By advancing his b-pawn, White follows an old prescription, to reach the b5 square and exchange at c6, creating a backward pawn on the c-file, the potential target of his pressure.

13...a6 14.a4 Bf5 15.b5
We see the MINORITY ATTACK in its pure form. As a result, White's more compact pawn-structure will be an asset , but for the time being the inevitable reduction of material helps Black to keep his problems under control.

15...Bxd3 16.Qxd3 axb5 17.axb5 Nf5 18.Bxf6 Bxf6 19.Rfc1 Ra3
By threatening 20...c5, black tries to clarify the situation on the queenside. This is a better try than the passive 19...Rc8.

20.bxc6 bxc6 21.Qc2 Qa8 22.Ne2 Ra6 23.Nf4 Nd6
...Ne7 comes into consideration, as does 23...Rb8; exchanging a pair of rooks would help the defense. However, Andersen opts for a more active defense.

24.Nd2 Be7
Planning to counter

25.h3 Rd8
Necessary in order to carry out 26...Nb5

26.Nd3 Nb5 27.Rb3 Bd6?!
Seeking to exchange a ;pair of rooks by 27...Ra2 was again much better. Although the c6-pawn remains a lasting weakness, the defense would be alleviated,

28.Nb4 Bxb4 29.Rxb4 Rb8 30.Qc5 Rb7
Anticipating 31.Nf3, Black prepares 31...f6

31.Nf3 f6 32.Ne1 Rba7 33.Nd3 Ra1 34.Rbb1
Of the to rook, one on b4 i smore passive.

34...Rxb1 35.Rxb1 Kf7?
There is no time to exchange the other rook

36.Nb4 Ra1 37.Rxa1 Qxa1+ 38.Kh2 Nc3
Black seeks a last chance in a sudden counterattack.

39.Nxc6 Ne2 40.Qa7+
40. Nd8+ does not work due to 40...Kg8.

40...Qxa7 41.Nxa7 Ke6 42.Nc6 h5 43.g3 Nc3 44.Kg2 Ne4 45.Nb4 Nd2 46.Nd3 g5 47.f3 Nc4 48.Kf2 Nd6 49.Nc5+ Ke7 50.Ke2?
50.e4 is logical

50...Nf5 51.g4?
White's play has become careless, and with these two mistakes he ruins his winning chances by allowing the exchange of too many pawns. 51.Kf2 Kb3 would keep his hopes alive.

51...hxg4 52.hxg4 Nh6 53.e4 dxe4 54.Nxe4 f5 55.Nf2 Ke6 56.Ke3 Ng8 57.Kd3 fxg4 58.Nxg4 Kf5 59.d5 Ne7 60.Kc4 Kf4

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