1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5 a6
4. Ba4 Nf6
5. Qe2?!



Not a very common move. In my database this move only scores 52%, compared to 58% in a main line Roy Lopez.

5... b5
6. Bb3 Be7
7. c3 O-O
8. d4 d6

Allowing white to close the center if he wants to. After d5 the white bishop on b3 is left inactive.

9. d5 Nb8
10. O-O Bg4



Getting the bishop into play. From g4 it can move to h5 to g6, putting pressure on e4. Also the knight can now move to d7 without blocking the bishop.

11. h3 Bh5
12. Bc2 Nbd7
13. Be3 Bg6
14. Nbd2

White misses a tactic - the bishop on c2 is undefended but is x-ray attacked by the g6 bishop.



14... Nxd5
15. exd5 Bxc2
16. Rac1 Bg6
17. Rfd1 f5

Gaining space on the kingside and also threatening f4 winning the e3 bishop.

18. Nb3 Bh5

If e4 is allowed then it will win the knight due to blacks bishop pinning the knight to whites queen.

19. Qf1 f4
20. Bd2 Bxf3
21. gxf3

Whites pawn structure is wrecked and his king is wide open.



21... Rf6
22. c4 Rh6
23. Ba5 bxc4
24. Rxc4 Nb6
25. Bxb6 cxb6

Now the c6 square becomes very weak, and will be an invasion square for white to use.

26. Rdc1 Qd7
27. Kh2 Bd8



Attempting to set up a fortress and get a draw. Black has little chance of winning because his pieces are inactive and will never be able to improve.

28. Nd2 Ra7
29. Ne4 Ra8
30. Rc6 Kh8
31. b4 b5
32. R1c3 a5
33. Ra3 a4
34. Rac3 g5??



A loosing mistake. Before this move there was no real weakness for white to attack and the was a good chance of a draw. Now a tactic involving the undefended rook on h6 lets white bring in the knight and win the game.

35. Nc5! Qf5
36. Ne6 g4

Trying anything to survive, although it is too late.

37. fxg4 Qxg4
38. Rc8 f3
39. Rxa8 1-0