Game 11393

  

Game 11393


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Graham Cridland    (2007-06-15)
Game 11393

Just finished an interesting game in the Scandinavian. Pretty level most of the way, although both sides must have missed some chances. A couple of questions: First, in the final position, what is the evaluation of the endgame after 31 ... Qc8 32 Qe5+ Qc7 33 Qxg7 Rxg7 34 Re8+ Qc8 35 Rxc8 Kxc8 36 Rxg7 (thus far all forced) 36...Rxd4 37 Rh7 Rf4 38 Rxh6 Rxf2 39 Rg6 Rh2 40 h6 (this exact endgame can be reached by other move orders in Cridland-Khayman)? I looked at the ending for a long time, as it seemed to be my only option other than forcing a draw (32 Qe3 Re4 33 Qd2 isn't attractive). But I think it's drawn! White's only plan is bringing the king to g1 to release the back rank, but that gives black time to rush forward with pawns and king on the Queenside. White can get to h7 by Rg8+ Kc7, Rg7+ Kb6, h7 at some point, but then what? It looked so attractive at first.


Graham Cridland    (2007-06-15 19:29:51)
Incidentally...

Perhaps I just have a tiny database (I do), but I think ...0-0-0 may have been a novelty in that position. Most players, it appears, follow Anand-Lautier, Biel 1997, with possibly some advantage for White. ...0-0-0 looks very natural, and seems to make the best of White's slightly disarranged pieces.