Me! - sotille https://lichess.org/Z55ncklnmVON
1.e4 c5
2.Nf3 d6
3.Bb5+ Nd7
4.d4 cxd4
5.Qxd4 e5
6.Qd3 h6
7.0-0 Nf6
This is a fairly common line to play against the Sicilian. White avoids the complications of the Dragons and the Najdorf and sets the stage for a more positional game. Much of the position's evaluation depends on whether White can control the d5-square and create good pressure against d6. Normally, Black can create enough dynamic counterplay to guarantee equality (I have won and lost this position against several strong players).
6...h6 was important to avoid Bg5, which would have strenghtened White's control of d5. The following manoeuvre sees the knight f3 jumping around to relocate in e3, eventually.
8.Nd2 a6
9.Bxd7 Bxd7
10.Nc4 Bc6
11.Nc3 Qc7
12.Rd1 Rd8
This is a bit suspicious because it is too slow. GM Dorfman wrote two excellent books where he explains that the player with the worst position according to static elements must look for vigorous, dynamic moves. Correct, according to the engine, was the messier 12...Nxe4 13.Nxe4 d5! With a complicated and equal position. How should White continue?
13.Be3 Qb8
14.Bb6! Rd7
15.Ne3 g6
By blocking the b6-square, White obtains two important successes. First, he stops Black from playing b5-b4, which would have created useful counterplay against the e4 pawn. Second, he forces Black's rook into a funny position and...something similar if not more concrete and threatening can be told about the bishop in c6, which cannot retreat to b7.
The awkward position of the bishop is decisive (did you realise how weak it was?). White can get a solid advantage, and the game was over in just 8 moves.
16.a4! Be7
17.b4! Bd8
18.Bxd8 Rxd8
19.b5 axb5
20.axb5 Bxd7
The bishop is safe but not the d6 pawn.
21.Qxd6 Qxd6
22.Rxd6 Re7
23.Rb6
1-0
The position is collapsed. Black will soon lose a second pawn and more importantly, he has no real counterplay or compensation for the less material. My opponent found playing this position pointless...and I gladly agreed.
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