Hey dudes,
I just finished up this 15 0 game against IM Lenar Murzin (apparently all you have to do is log on to ICC at 2:30 in the morning to play all the old Russkies), and thought it was a nice example of Blockading, how to play with a closed center, and fortresses. Some thoughts -
1.) The system with 10...Na5 and 11...b6 is quite popular these days. The line that White has tried most recently is sacrificing a pawn with 13. Bh6 cxd4 14. Bxg7 Kxg7 15. cxd4 exd4 16. f4, and now I think 16...f6, as in Cheparinov - Kamsy, is the best move.
2.) 15...fxe4 seems to just win a pawn.
3.) 20...Qg6!? seems more natural, and maybe after something like 21. Bh4 Bf6 22. Bxf6 Rxf6 Black retains more chances on the kingside than in the the game.
4.) 36...Rg7 looks like a shorter way (maybe) of accomplishing the same plan as in the game.
5.) Try putting the end position in an engine and see how long it takes for it to realize it's a dead draw. Junior took a minute or two and a few moves to realize it. 😀
I just looked very briefly. Good Game / Nice Draw Are you sure black can't make progress? I was wondering about black putting a knight on g5 and walking the king to the queenside to play a6. It might not get you anywhere though.
Edit: I looked at it too quickly. I doubt either side can make progress.
He really was in bad shape with bad bishop vs knight though.
Well Done