Tigran Petrosian vs. Alexander Kotov (1951, King's Indian, Fianchetto, Classical Defense)
[Site "Ch URS Moscow"]
[Date "1951]
[White "Petrosian"]
[Black "Alexander Kotov"]
[Result "1-0"]
 |
| After 31. Ne4 |
{Kotov used the king's indian against Petrosian perhaps thinking that this
aggressive opening would neutralize the latter's solid and impenetrable style
of play. The KID is known for various tactical finesse making it a favorite of
attacking players.} 8... exd4 9. Nxd4 a5 10. h3 Nc5 11. Re1 {While the e4 pawn
is sufficiently defended by the knight and bishop, white reinforces its defense with the rook.} 11... Re8 12. Qc2 a4 13. Be3 c6 14. Rad1 Qa5 15. Bf4 Bf8 16. Bf1 {This move aims for solidity and defense of the c4 pawn.} 16... Nh5 17. Be3 {White has to retreat this bishop from being taken by the knight as the resulting pawn structure would negate solidity.} 17... Nf6 18. Bf4 Nh5 19. Bc1 Ng7 20. Kh2 Bd7 21. a3 Nge6 22. Be3 Nxd4 23. Bxd4 Nb3 24. Be3 Be6 25. f4 Rad8 26. Qf2 Qa6 27. Bb6 Rd7 28. c5 Bc4 29. Bxc4 Qxc4 30. e5 {White has gained the advantage in this position. After white's bishop harassed black's rook and constraining it to passivity at the d7 square, white is able to gain space making it difficult for black to maneuver his pieces.} 30... d5 31. Ne4 {Black is forced to advance his d pawn and since this knight can bring havoc once it jumps to the f6 or d6 square, white opted to lose the exchange.} 31... dxe4 32. Rxd7 {White wins the exchange. Black however desperately fights on.} 32... Bxc5 33. Bxc5 Nxc5 34. Rd4 Qe6 35. Qc2 b6 36. Rd6 Qc8 37. Qc4 h5 {This move seems to be a decisive mistake on the part of black. the e6 pawn is lost without any compensation.} 38. Rxg6+ Kf8 39. Rf6 Qd7 40. Rd6 Qf5 41. Rf6 {White continues to play solidly not giving black any opportunity for attack.} 41... Qd7 42. Rd1 {As black's queen is tied with the defense of he f7 pawn, white is able to take control of the d-file.} 42... Qc7 43. Qe2 h4 44.Qg4 Rd8 45. Rxd8+ Qxd8 46. Rd6 hxg3+ 47. Kxg3 {White continues to strangle his opponent to submission.} 47... Qc7 48. Qh4 Ke8 49. Qh8+ Ke7 50. Qf6+ Ke8 51. Rxc6 Qd7 52. Qd6 1-0
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