Firework

Levon Grigori Aronian – Fabiano Caruana
Candidates Tournament; Moscow, March 16, 2016
Modern Benoni A77

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5. “I’ve been trying to play the Benoni for a while, but nobody lets me!”, Caruana said. 4. d5 d6 5. Nc3 exd5 6. cxd5 g6 7. e4 Bg7 8. Be2 0-0 9. 0-0 Re8 10. Nd2 Nbd7 11. Qc2 Ne5 12. b3 Bg4!? Apparently a new move. For 12. ... g5 13. Bb2 g4 14. Rfe1 Nh5 see Kortschnoi – Mecking, Augusta 1974, Candidates Quarterfinal match game 13. 13. Bxg4 Nfxg4 14. Bb2 a6 15. h3 Nf6 16. f4 Ned7 17. Nc4 Nb6 18. Rae1 Nxc4 19. bxc4 Nd7

20. e5. Aronian burns all the bridges behind him, and launches into a violent assault on his opponent. 20. ... dxe5 21. f5 b5 22. Ne4 Nb6 23. Bc1 Nxc4 24. d6. No longer back, Aronian offers a third Pawn sacrifice! 24. ... gxf5 25. Rxf5 Nxd6 26. Bg5 Qa5 27. Bd2 Qd8 28. Bg5 Qa5 29. Bd2 Qd8. Caruana was struggling with time pressure as usual, and, perhaps wisely, he decides not to face the consequences of Ne4-f6+. 30. Bg5 ½ : ½. “Surprisingly abrupt end to Aronian – Caruana. Aronian’s Pawn sacs principled, but seemed dubious. Nervy tournament for all”, Grandmaster Lars Bo Hansen said.

Levon Grigori Aronian vs. Fabiano Caruana
Photo: Worldchess.com