Black has now successfully chased away the White queen and consolidated his defences. The advance of the dangerous c-pawn has been halted. Black can now sit tight and wait for White to rush into something rash.
26. Nf3d2 Kg8h8
Black plays waiting moves. White must show his hand if he is to make his extra pawn count. Waiting moves on White's part will simply draw.
27. Qd1a4 Qe7g5
With the White queen again straying away from the centre, Black can risk a counter demonstration on the K-side. White must now be wary of a possible breakthrough on the c-file and a back-rank mate.
28. g3
This opens an escape route for the White king, scotching any chance of a back-rank mate. But at the same time, it opens another potential avenue of attack for Black.