Notes by J H Jones
1.d4
d5
2.Nf3
Nf6
3.c4
e6
4.Nc3
c6
5.Bg5
Be7
6.Bxf6
Bxf6
7.e3
Nd7
8.a4
0-0
[ 8...Qa5!
]
9.cxd5
exd5
10.Be2
Re8
11.0-0
a6
[ better 11...a5
]
12.b4
Rb8
13.b5
Nb6
[ 13...Nc5!?
]
14.bxc6
bxc6
15.Na2
Qd6
16.Qc2
Bg4
17.h3
Bh5?
[ better 17...Bxf3
with the idea played in the game, however the loss of tempo was not, of itself, fatal]
18.Rfc1
Bxf3
19.Bxf3
Nc4
20.Be2
Rb2
21.Qd1
The critical moment
21...Na5
[ Interesting is 21...Rxe3?!
22.fxe3?
( However White can play 22.Bxc4!
and although there are a further number of complicated sacrifices I couldn't find a win, or a draw by repitition.) 22...Nxe3
23.Qd3
( 23.Qe1
Bxd4
24.Kh1
Bb6
25.Rc3
Bc7
) 23...Qg3
; However 21...Nxe3
22.fxe3
Rxe3
looks much more promising. If say 23.Rc2
( So, White might try 23.Bf3
Qg3
24.Qf1
Bxd4
25.Kh1
Be5
26.Qg1
Rxf3
27.Rxc6
Qxh3+!!
28.gxh3
Rxh3+
29.Qh2
Rhxh2+
30.Kg1
Bd4+
31.Kf1
Rh1#
) 23...Rxc2
24.Qxc2
Bxd4
looks decisive!] Meanwhile, the game continued
22.Bxa6
c5
23.Bb5
Rc8
24.Rcb1
Rxb1
25.Rxb1
c4
26.Nc3
g6
27.Qf3
Rd8
28.Nxd5
Bxd4
29.Rd1
Be5
30.Nc3
Qe7
Black just avoided a loss on time!
31.Rxd8+
Qxd8
32.Nd5
Kg7
33.e4
Qd6
Adjudication 1/2-1/2