Abdusattorov
Duda
Abdusattorov
 
Duda
 
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a1
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1
2
4 turns without comments
3

Abdusattorov opts for a Sicilian Rossolimo, aiming to get a game 'for two results'. This being a game with White pieces, Abdusattorov will definitely wish to play risk free.

00:-09 Bb5+
3
15
25 turns without comments
16

White has a token advantage here, as Black has three pawn islands. Looking at the activity levels of both sides, we can confidently say that we don't miss the queens at all: both sides have active pieces capable of creating dynamic play here!

00:29 Nd5
16

??MISTAKE??

A minor weakening move, which Duda could have avoided. After all, he is creating long-term weaknesses in the center here, though not significant.

02:01 e6
17
19
5 turns without comments
19

We have a classic position with an isolated queen pawn in the center. Though chess engines may assure that this is a level position, the practical black player will always feel the pressure, defending a long-term weakness.

-01:-58 exd5
20

In a way, it is an irony that such an active player like Abdusattorov is forced to play an endgame with a slight advantage. But one has to keep in mind that completeness comes to the player only when he can have developed in all departments of the game.

01:31 h3
20
1 turn without comment
21

White slowly improves his position. challenging Black to find a way to continue the game!

-03:-16 Rfe1
21
22
2 turns without comments
22

And here's Black's counterplay: creating a weakness on the queenside and pursuing it. One cannot help feeling that we are moving steadily towards achieving absolute equality.

04:18 Ra8
23

White has found a target in Black's camp, too: the backward pawn in the semi-open file. It is a question of how both sides will successfully defend their weakness, at the same time, aim to probe the opponent's position.

-01:-11 Rb1
23
27
8 turns without comments
27

Though White's pieces look more active than black's, the position remains level here. Being an open position, the endgame will always be fine for Black, as he has a bishop compared to White's knight here.

04:58 Bf8
28
30
5 turns without comments
30

Though the position is equal, one can't help feeling that Black is 'on the better side of equality.' After all, he has three long range pieces in his rooks and bishop, whereas White has only two.

05:38 Ree2
31
36
12 turns without comments
37

White has to find active counterplay here, as Black has an outside passed pawn, which might suddenly get dangerous, soon.

06:06 Rc8
37
38
3 turns without comments
39

We have a simple but glorious endgame here! Though it looks dowerish, it is not impossible to lose such a position too! After all, endgames have their own rules, which are sometimes quite contrary to other general chess rules.

01:34 Kg2
39
40
2 turns without comments
40

Not wishing to take any chances, the combatants agree to a draw!

A fairly level game overall, as the sides never developed any serious initiative here. Though one couldn't help feel that Black was slightly better due to his two rooks and bishop, White found enough counterplay to force equality.

06:01 Rb4