magnuscarlsen vs FairChess_on_YouTube

White played 35.axb5, the a‑pawn captured the black pawn on b5 and landed on b5. The capture removes Black's queenside pawn, creates a white passed pawn on the b‑file and opens the a‑file for potential rook activity. However, the move also vacates a4, leaving that square empty, and the white pawn on c5 becomes temporarily undefended. Black’s remaining threats (a4‑push, c4‑break, d6‑advance and the infiltration on f2) stay on the board, but the immediate material gain outweighs the new minor weaknesses.

The engine rates axb5 as the optimal move because it wins a pawn and transforms the position into a clear material advantage for White. By eliminating the b5 pawn, Black loses a key defender of the c4‑square and the ability to push …a4‑a3‑a2. The resulting passed pawn on b5 also threatens b7 and puts pressure on Black’s pawn chain (e5, h7). Any alternative move would leave the b5 pawn alive, allowing Black to continue with …a4‑a3 or …c4, increasing counterplay. Moreover, axb5 does not compromise White’s king safety and keeps the queen and rook coordinated, whereas other moves would either miss the pawn win or expose White to Black’s threats.

Capture and Create Passed Pawns: When a pawn capture wins material and simultaneously creates a passed pawn, it is usually the correct choice, even if it momentarily creates a new weakness. Prioritize material gain and pawn promotion chances while keeping the opponent’s counter‑play in check.