Brill-Sagona

Sicilian Defense

I was strongest in the openings, which I studied intently. Here, my opponent, as Black, makes a positional error early on in the Sicilian Defense which I exploit to advantage. I win a pawn and press on. Things get complicated, neither player plays with perfect accuracy, but White prevails.

1. e4, c5; 2. Nf3, d6; 3. d4, cxd4; 4. Nxd4, Nf6; 5. Nc3, a6; 6. Be2, e5; 7. Nb3, b5?!

Premature — black needs to develop his pieces before attacking.

8. a4! bxa4?

(8...b4 and White has the edge. Now White can attack on the queenside and a-file.)

9. Rxa4, Bb7?

(9...Be7 is better)

10. Na5, Qc7; 11. Nxb7, Qxb7; 12. 0-0

(12. Nd5 is even better, or 12. Be3, Nbd7 [12...Qb2? 13. Nb5!]; 13. Qa1 with a clear advantage for White.)

12...Nbd7; 13. Be3, Be7; 14. Qa1

With pressure on the weak a-pawn, greater control of the center, and the bishop pair, white still has the advantage. Black must seek counterplay in the center.

14...a5; 15. Rb1,

(15. b4!)

15...0-0; 16. Bf3

(16. Ra5, trading the a-pawn for the e-pawn with a big positional advantage, is better.)

Nb6; 17. Bxb6, Qxb6; 18. b4, Rfc8; 19. Rxa5 White wins the pawn with a superior position.

19... Rab8; 20. b5?

(White pushes the passed pawn, but 20. Rb5! is better.)

20... Qd4?;

20... Bd8, followed by ...Bb6, leaves White with only an edge.)

21. Rb3, Bd8; 22. Ra6?

The wrong square! White won a pawn and could easily win the game with Ra4!, driving the queen away. Now Black gets counterplay.

22...Bb6; 23. Qe1, Nd7?

Black messes up in turn and returns the favor. 23...Rc4! creates difficulties for White, who still retains an edge due to the extra pawn.

24. Ra4!?