The Long Run

Fabiano Caruana – Boris Abramovich Gelfand
43rd Chess Olympiad; Batumi, September 28, 2018
Sicilian Defence B31

Fabiano Caruana is playing non-stop super chess, apparently showing no need of hiding himself before the big clash with Magnus Carlsen in London next fall. Not to be superstitious here, but his determination may well resemble that of Alekhine before the World Championship match against Capablanca. 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. d3 Bg7 6. h3 Nf6 7. Nc3 0-0 8. 0-0 Ne8 9. Be3 b6 10. e5 f6 11. Re1 Nc7 12. Qd2!? New, but not too different from 12. exf6 exf6 13. Qd2 g5!∞ Mkrtchian – Ushenina, 1st Women’s World Team Chess Championship, Yekaterinburg 2007. 12. ... fxe5? 13. ... g5! was still the best move, eventually transposing into the above mentioned game. 13. Bh6! Rxf3!? Black is virtually forced to give up the Exchange for if 13. ... Bxh3 then 14. Nxe5 with great advantage to White. 14. Bxg7. Not 14. gxf3? because of 14. ... Bf6! and Black’s play on the dark squares would more than compensate for the Exchange. 14. ... Kxg7 15. gxf3 Bxh3 16. Rxe5 e6 17. Rg5! Now, White’s not only the Exchange ahead, but he is also attacking the enemy King with brio and might. 17. ... Qf6 18. Rg3 Bf5 19. Kg2 h5 20. Rh1 Rh8

21. Ne4! Qxb2 22. Qf4! Nd5 23. Qd6 e5? 23. ... h4! seems to be Black’s best chance, though after 24. Rg4! Bxg4 25. fxg4 g5! 26. Qd7+ Kg6 27. c3! White’s initiative continues. 24. Rh4! The two White Rooks are worth a kingdom! 24. ... Qd4. Or else 24. ... Nf4+ 25. Kh1 Rf8 26. c3! with an easy win. 25. Kg1 Rf8 26. Rxh5 Bxe4 27. Qd7+. Finally going for mate. 27. ... Kf6 28. Qxc6+ Kg7 29. Qd7+ Kf6 30. fxe4 Nf4 31. Rf5+ gxf5 32. Qxf5+ Ke7 33. Rg7+ 1 : 0.

Fabiano Caruana. Photo: batumi2018.fide.com.