Martin vs The world Analysis thread

Nothing lately. Waiting to get my computer back from repair. 

Ry, yes, saw that on the main thread.

So, we wait for Martin's return. 

Computer is back from repair.  It works like new again.

So pleased; I have my life back!

I have to set up the board again, try to get back into the routine.

Looking forward to Martin's move.

Last I remember, I thought Martin blundered because he pinned a valuable piece.

But, I also recall that I believe that this game will be drawn because binds are near impossible to create.

Current Position (Black to Move)

Ok, we're back at it again.  As usual, Martin played a move we didn't analyze.  But since that has happened, he may have overlooked the crux of the situation.

We need to study things carefully… take our full time.  I know I'm not in the groove I was in ages ago, before the long vacation interruption.

Just looked at past posts and my biggest worry was that Martin would play d5.  But he didn't.

This means that Bxc1 may be the best continuation for us.  We're about to break his center.

Consider:

   …      Bxc1
Rxc1    cxd4
Nxd4   e5!
Nf3      Qxb3+
axb3    O-O-O!

… and we have busted up his center, we're castled, and we can sure up our right side somehow.

He still has to castle.

I think Be2 is purely waiting move.

Bishop on f6 is target for pawn e4-e5, but it can't be done immediately. White has a threat Bc3, which can be defended only by b6. Then, we need to move b6 or several other moves:

Bxc1 Rxc1 cxd4 (or b6) Nxd4

O-O-O!? and after e5 we have flight square d8. And then bishop goes to c7. We have also if not opponent's move e5, move e5 after O-O-O... This seems to be bad for us...

Chas, you posted while I was editing my previous post, but smart minds think alike:

Our ideas mirror each other!

But I like Bxc1!

I vote Bxc1.

I vote Bxc1!

The continuation after that, the precise sequence of moves, needs to be considered in detail for "what ifs".

Still, I think we just got a very lucky break when Martin failed to play d5 on his last move.

Ry, before you make the move, we need to look at Kxc1 instead of Rxc1.

It's a serious situation because our queen and DB are attacked too hard.

i vote Bc1

just a question: from g5 can it go anywhere  on the c1-h6 diag or just c1 & h6?

I vote cxd4

The correct, best sequence, may be queens before the bishops.

That Kxc1 scares me if we play Bxc1 first.

It would be extremely gutsy for Martin to play Kxc1 instead of Rxc1, but let's not overlook anything.

Yes, his LSDB suddenly aligns with his queen when the King steps out of the way.

We're in no hurry here, gentlemen. (and ladies)

Since we're on a new page, here's the diagram again.

Current Position (Black to Move)

I maintain cxd4 is best. His DSB isn't going anywhere and castling is not yet urgent.