Day #2 of Analyzing Random Games

In this position Black has two main concerns. 1) White is about to play Bg2 and e2-e4, and this might be annoying. 2) Black needs to complete development. Timman, a truly creative player does not pay sufficient attention to these points, while White exploits Timman's carelessness with a combination of rapid development and simple threats.

9...Nfd7?!

Perhaps Timman had seen that there was an earlier game with 10. Nd3 here. However, the best continuation is 9...d6 10.Bg2 Bb4 with a balanced game.

10.Nxd7 Qxd7 11.e4 Bg4?!

I do not like this move at all. At the moment White has no problem weakening his kingside thanks to his lead in development. 11...Bg6 12.Be3 is still better for White (the knight is exposed on b6).

12.f3 Bh3?!

This is just bad now. White identifies a weakness on b7 (b6) and at the same time finishes development. White has a clear advantage after 12...Bh5 13. Be3 because after 13...e6 there is 14.g4 Bg6 15.d5!. opening up the position with tempo.

13.Bxh3 Qxh3

14. Qb3!

Developing the queenside with gain of time.

14...Ra6 15.Be3 Qg2?

Black continues to ignore both of his weaknesses and his poor development 15...Qc8 16.d5 Nd7 17. Rc1 is clearly better for White but there is still a game to be played. Now white wins with:

16. 0-0-0 Qxf3 17.Rhe1 g6

It was too late to save the game as the following line indicates 17...e6 18.d5! Bb4 19.dxe6 0-0 20.e7 Re8 21.Bxb6 Rd8 and Black loses.

18.d5!

Black is finished

18...Bg7 19.Bxb6 0-0 20.Bd4 Bxd4 21.Rxd4 Qf2 22.Red1 Qxh2 23.Qxb7 1-0

It is remarkable that "a world class player like Timman can end up in suck trouble by neglecting development and failing to identify chief weaknesses..."