Tigran Petrosian v. Pal Benko (Nimzo Indian, Samisch Variation; Budapest, 1955)

[Event "Budapest"]

[Date "1955"]

[White "Petrosian"]

[Black "Pal Benko"]

[Result "1-0"]

Petrosian v. Benko (after 18. Nxe5)

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 c5 5. a3 {In the Nimzo Indian (Samisch Variation) White concedes the temporary disadvantage of having doubled pawns. As a form of compensation to having doubled pawns, white attempts to take control of the center usually by playing f3 and e4.} 5... Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 Nc6 7. Bd3 b6 8. e4 {With this move white takes control of the center. The doubled pawns on the c file seem to strengthen white's control of the central squares.} 8... e5 9. d5 {This definitely gave white the advantage of space and center control. There is no hole on the d4 square, thanks to the pawn on c3.} 9... Na5 10. Nf3 Qe7 11. O-O Ba6 12. Nh4 {This is a very good move. It exposes black's weakness on the f5 square. } 12... g6 13. f4 O-O-O {Black castled queenside to find shelter against white's attacking potentials on the kingside. But, this move may be premature as it gave white the needed tempo to attack.} 14. Nf3 d6 15. fxe5 dxe5 {At this point of the game, it can be said that white has gained a clear advantage. His e5 passed pawn is very dominating.} 16. Bg5 h6 17. Bh4 Rd6 18. Nxe5 {With clear control of the center, white has the pleasure of employing this temporary sacrifice of a piece.} 18... Qxe5 19. Bg3 Qe7 20. e5 {White's center pawns clearly dominated black's pieces.} 20... Rd7 21. Rxf6 {This is clearly a winning position for white.} 21... h5 22. h4 Bb7 23. Qa4 Rg8 24. Raf1 Rg7 25. d6 {At this point, it can be said that further resistance would only be futile.} 25... Qd8 26. e6 Rxd6 27. Bxd6 1-0