3 Best Games of the Week – 3

This week we will analyze the games Mamedyarov – Ivanchuk, Navara – Nepomniachtchi and Bartel – Nepomniachtchi. The first game shows an interesting way to play against the Capablanca variation of the Nimzo Indian defense. In the second game Navara shows how to outplay black with a rare line against the symmetrical English. And finally, game three teaches us that even the quietest variations can rise violently when the opponent doesn’t play precisely.

Game 1: Mamedyarov – Ivanchuk

This game shows an interesting way to play against the Capablanca variation of the Nimzo Indian defense. Ivanchuk’s pet line 4…c5 seems like a reliable weapon, especially in short time controls. The game was played in the Vladimir Petrov Memorial (rapid) that took place in Jurmala, Latvia. Ivanchuk won the event ahead of very strong players like Gelfand, Mamedyarov and Karjakin.

Game 2: Navara – Nepomniachtchi

It’s no surprise for anyone that Navara is one of the strongest Grandmasters nowadays. In this game, he outplays his opponent in great style with a rare line against the symmetrical English. It is an example of dynamic play in a very early stage of the game.

Game 3: Bartel – Nepomniachtchi

Sometimes even the quietest variations can rise violently when the opponent doesn’t play precisely. Here we’ll see an example of a beautiful attack against the king stuck in the center, perfectly executed by the Polish Grandmaster Mateuz Bartel to beat his opponent, the strong GM Ian Nepomniachtchi. The game analysis goes deeper in the line showing that playing 5…a6 can be very dangerous for black.

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