hikaru vs bulletteemo

White pushed the pawn from b4 to b5. The move eliminates the immediate danger to the b4 pawn (black queen on c3 was attacking it) and simultaneously attacks the black pawn on c6 and creates the concrete threat of Qxf7+. After the push the board features new threats: white now threatens c6 and f7, while black still threatens b4, d4 and e3. The pawn advance also keeps the white queen on c7 safe and preserves material balance.

The engine marks 36.b5 as the optimal continuation because it turns a defensive problem into an active one. By moving the pawn, White removes the queen’s attack on b4, gains a tempo on the c6 pawn and creates a concrete mating/material threat on f7. Any other move would either leave the b4 pawn hanging or miss the chance to generate the c6‑pawn pressure. Black’s best reply, 36...Qb2, still leaves White with the initiative; White can continue with b6 or Qxf7+, keeping the momentum. Thus b5 maximises piece activity and preserves material while forcing Black onto the back foot.

Turn a Target into a Threat: When a piece is under attack, look for a move that both saves it and creates a new threat. Advancing a pawn that is being hit can often gain space, hit enemy pieces, and force the opponent to respond defensively.