Stuck at Your Current Rating?
Signup for free to join thousands of players who improved their game with our personalized tips and analysis
hikaru vs IlanSchnaider
winTable of Contents
Game Navigator
Game Snapshot
Nimzo-Larsen Attack
Crucial Positions
| move # | position | classification | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Move #:
11
Move:
Be2
blunder
Midgame error lost winning advantage
|
11 | Be2 | blunder | Midgame error lost winning advantage |
|
WHAT HAPPENED Move Played: Be2 White chose 11.Be2, retreating the f1‑bishop to e2. The move does nothing to address Black's immediate threat on h2 and leaves the queen on c2 undefended. Black now threatens ...Qxh2+, winning a pawn and exposing White's king. Moreover, White missed the tactical shot 11.Nd5, which attacks the queen on e7 and the pawn on c7, gaining material after 11...cxd5 12.Qxd5. WHY IT'S BETTER Engine suggested: Nd5 The engine's 11.Nd5 exploits the over‑loaded position of Black's queen and pawn structure. After 11...cxd5 12.Qxd5, White wins a pawn and keeps the initiative, while Black's threats on h2 disappear. By playing Be2, White loses a tempo, allows the dangerous ...Qxh2+ and forfeits the chance to win material with Nd5. KEY PRINCIPLE Tactical Awareness Over Passive Moves: When the opponent has a concrete threat, look for forcing moves that gain material or eliminate the threat instead of making harmless retreats. |
||||
|
Move #:
25
Move:
Rhg1
missed opportunity
Midgame missed stronger move (gap 274cp)
|
25 | Rhg1 | missed opportunity | Midgame missed stronger move (gap 274cp) |
|
WHAT HAPPENED Move Played: Rhg1 White played 25.Rhg1, moving the rook from h1 to g1. This does not defend the pawn on b3, which is under attack by Black's bishop on e6, nor does it improve the coordination of White's pieces. Black can continue with ...Bxb3+, winning a pawn and opening lines against the White king. WHY IT'S BETTER Engine suggested: Rag1 The engine recommends 25.Rag1, bringing the a‑file rook to g1. This move simultaneously activates the rook, connects the rooks, and prepares to meet ...Bxb3+ with Qxb3, keeping material balance. Additionally, the rook on g1 supports the queen on h4 and increases pressure on Black's weak g7 and h6 squares. By playing Rhg1, White missed the chance to defend b3 and to coordinate the rooks for a counter‑attack. KEY PRINCIPLE Activate the Right Piece: In a position where a pawn is under attack, bring the most active piece (often a rook) to defend it and create counter‑play, rather than making a quiet, non‑defensive move. |
||||
|
Move #:
35
Move:
Qc3
excellent
Midgame found best move in complex position
|
35 | Qc3 | excellent | Midgame found best move in complex position |
|
WHAT HAPPENED Move Played: Qc3 White responded with 35.Qc3, moving the queen from d2 to c3. The move attacks the undefended pawn on c7 and eyes the g7 square, while also keeping the rook on g1 active. Black's threats on a5 and e3 remain, but White's queen now creates a direct material threat. WHY IT'S BETTER Engine suggested: Rc1 The engine's top suggestion was 35.Rc1, aiming to protect the rook on g1. However, 35.Qc3 is even stronger because it immediately wins material by targeting the unprotected c7 pawn, forcing Black to defend or lose a pawn. The queen also maintains pressure on g7, preserving attacking chances. By choosing Qc3, White capitalized on a concrete target instead of a purely defensive rook move. KEY PRINCIPLE Prioritize Immediate Material Gains: When an opponent leaves a pawn undefended, seize the opportunity with a queen or piece that can capture it, even if a defensive move is also plausible. |
||||
|
Move #:
46
Move:
Bf4
missed opportunity
Endgame missed stronger move (gap 486cp)
|
46 | Bf4 | missed opportunity | Endgame missed stronger move (gap 486cp) |
|
WHAT HAPPENED Move Played: Bf4 White played 46.Bf4, sliding the bishop from e5 to f4. This move leaves the e5‑square empty and does nothing to exploit Black's queen on g5, which is undefended. The move also fails to create any immediate threats, allowing Black to maintain the status quo. WHY IT'S BETTER Engine suggested: Qd1+ The engine's 46.Qd1+ is a forcing check that drives the Black king to f2, after which the queen on g5 becomes vulnerable and can be captured or forced to retreat. This sequence wins material and improves White's position dramatically. By playing Bf4, White missed a decisive tactical shot that would have turned the queen's activity into a winning advantage. KEY PRINCIPLE Use Checks to Gain Material: When the opponent's king is exposed and their queen is undefended, a checking move can force the king into a vulnerable position and allow you to capture the opponent's queen. |
||||
|
Move #:
59
Move:
Be3
blunder
Endgame error lost winning advantage
|
59 | Be3 | blunder | Endgame error lost winning advantage |
|
WHAT HAPPENED Move Played: Be3 White chose 59.Be3, moving the bishop from f4 to e3. This passive move does not stop Black's passed pawn on a2, which is one step from promotion, and it wastes a tempo while the queen on h6 remains idle. WHY IT'S BETTER Engine suggested: Qa6+ The engine's 59.Qa6+ forces a check, compelling Black's king to g1. After the king moves, White can either capture the a2 pawn or force its promotion under favorable conditions, neutralizing Black's biggest threat. The checking move also keeps the queen active and creates immediate threats, whereas Be3 allows Black to continue advancing the a‑pawn unhindered. KEY PRINCIPLE Check to Stop Passed Pawns: When facing a dangerous passed pawn, use a checking move to force the opponent's king away and buy time to capture or block the pawn. |
||||
Master Lens
What The GM Did Well By Phase
Opening
Middlegame
Endgame