Stuck at Your Current Rating?
Signup for free to join thousands of players who improved their game with our personalized tips and analysis
fabianocaruana vs Vaathi_Coming
winTable of Contents
Game Navigator
Game Snapshot
Queen's Gambit Declined: Normal Defense
Crucial Positions
| move # | position | classification | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Move #:
72
Move:
Qc4
blunder
Midgame error lost winning advantage
|
72 | Qc4 | blunder | Midgame error lost winning advantage |
WHAT HAPPENED Move Played: Qc4 You played Qc4, moving the queen from c3 to c4. This abandons the defence of the b3 pawn. Black's queen on d5 now attacks both b3 and c5, so Black can capture the b3 pawn on the next move, losing material without gaining any compensation. WHY IT'S BETTER Engine suggested: b4 Engine recommends 72.b4. By advancing the b‑pawn, you remove the pawn from the d5‑b3 diagonal, eliminating the immediate threat on b3. The pawn also attacks c5, forcing the black queen to relocate and giving you counter‑play while preserving material balance. KEY PRINCIPLE Never give up a defender without compensation; always neutralise opponent's immediate threats before making quiet moves. |
||||
|
Move #:
80
Move:
Ke4
missed opportunity
Endgame missed stronger move (gap 99308cp)
|
80 | Ke4 | missed opportunity | Endgame missed stronger move (gap 99308cp) |
WHAT HAPPENED Move Played: Ke4 You played Ke4, stepping the king from d3 to e4. This leaves the b3 pawn undefended, allowing Black's b4‑pawn to capture on b3. No new threats are created, and you lose a pawn while the black king can continue to infiltrate. WHY IT'S BETTER Engine suggested: c6 Engine's 80.c6 pushes the passed pawn on c5. After 80…Ka5 the pawn becomes unstoppable, and the move also keeps the king protecting b3. Advancing the pawn creates a concrete winning plan while preserving material. KEY PRINCIPLE In pawn endgames, prioritize creating passed pawns and keep your king close to vulnerable pawns. |
||||
|
Move #:
82
Move:
Kf6
missed opportunity
Endgame missed stronger move (gap 99238cp)
|
82 | Kf6 | missed opportunity | Endgame missed stronger move (gap 99238cp) |
WHAT HAPPENED Move Played: Kf6 You played Kf6, moving the king from e5 to f6. This again leaves the b3 pawn hanging; Black can capture it with …bxb3. The king also steps away from supporting the crucial c‑pawn advance, missing the chance to create a passed pawn. WHY IT'S BETTER Engine suggested: c6 Engine's 82.c6 forces the c‑pawn forward. After …Ka5 the pawn will queen, and the white king stays near the centre to support the pawn and restrict Black's king. Keeping the king active and pushing the pawn yields a clear win. KEY PRINCIPLE Maintain king activity and use pawn breaks; moving the king away without purpose loses critical tempo. |
||||
|
Move #:
84
Move:
Kf5
missed opportunity
Endgame missed stronger move (gap 99100cp)
|
84 | Kf5 | missed opportunity | Endgame missed stronger move (gap 99100cp) |
WHAT HAPPENED Move Played: Kf5 You played Kf5, moving the king from g6 to f5. This retreats the king away from the a‑ and b‑files, allowing Black's king to infiltrate via a5‑a4 and attack the a4 pawn. The b3 pawn remains undefended, and the king's new position creates no new threats. WHY IT'S BETTER Engine suggested: Kf6 Engine's 84.Kf6 keeps the king on the same file, maintaining pressure on Black's a6 king and protecting the b‑pawn. It also keeps the king in a position to support an a4‑a5 advance while limiting Black's counterplay. KEY PRINCIPLE In king‑and‑pawn endings, keep the king as close as possible to your own pawns and the opponent's king to restrict their activity. |
||||
Master Lens
What The GM Did Well By Phase
Opening