QGD 4...c5/Caro-Kann Panov-Botvinnik
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 c5!? 5.e3
The mainline in ChessBase's 2024 Mega database runs 5.cxd5 cxd4 6.Qxd4 Be7 7.e4 Nc6 8.Qd2, followed by sacrificing the black king's knight, either on e4 or d5 (the captures are equally popular).
5...cxd4 6.exd4
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| This position normally arises from the Panov-Botvinnik Attack in the Caro-Kann |
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6...Be7 7.Nf3 0-0 8.Be2 dxc4 9.Bxc4 Nc6 10.0-0
6...Be7 7.Nf3 0-0 8.Be2 dxc4 9.Bxc4 Nc6 10.0-0
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| Now both sides have castled, how would you assess the position? |
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It looks like a typical IQP setup, and indeed there are 1,803 examples of the position in Mega24. As a rule of thumb, IQP positions with all four pairs of minor pieces still on the board are reckoned to slightly favour White. However Stockfish16.1 and Dragon1 agree that here, if anyone has an edge, it is Black. But it should be noted the position normally arises with White to move, in which case the engines agree the position is still equal, but reckon this time White has the better side of equality.
10...Qb6 11.Qb3!?
A known sacrifice, but only from an obscure game between two unrateds.
11...Nxd4
The engines reckon 11...Qxb3!? is almost as strong, and is certainly more circumspect.
12.Nxd4 Qxd4 13.Rad1 Qg4
White has equalised after 13...Qb6!? 14.Qxb6 axb6 15.Bb5, according to the engines.
14.f4!?
The engines strongly dislike this, preferring 14.Be3 or 14.Bxf6.
14...h6 15.h3 Qf5 16.Bh4 b6 17.Bd3 Qc5+ 18.Bf2 Qb4 19.Qc2 Qxf4!?
The engines agree this is best.
20.Bxb6 Qb4 21.Bf2 Bb7
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| Now Black has connected rooks, how would you assess the position? |
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Black remains a pawn up and is winning, according to the engines, but I think most club players, at least, would regard White as having good practical chances.
22.a3 Qa5 23.b4!? Qc7
Not 23...Qxa3? 24.Ra1 Qxb4 25.Rab1 and Rxb7.
24.Rc1 Rfc8 25.Qe2 Qd7?!
Black is still winning (Stockfish16.1) or at least has the upper hand (Dragon1) after other moves, eg 25...Qc6 26.Be3 a5!? 27.Ne4 Qd5 28.Nxf6+ Bxf6 29.Rxc8+ Rxc8 30.Rd1 Qe5.
26.Rfd1 Qe8 27.Nb5 Rxc1+ 28.Rxc1 Rc8 29.Rxc8 Qxc8 30.Bxa7
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| Now White has won his pawn back, how would you assess the position? |
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White's queenside pawns look menacing, but the engines reckon Black is still better. Presumably the somewhat exposed state of the white king is a significant factor.
30...Ba6 31.Be3 Qd7 32.Bd2 Bxb5!? 33.Bxb5 Qd4+ 34.Qe3 Qa1+ 35.Kh2 Bd6+ 36.g3 Nh5!?
Better, according to the engines, is my originally intended 36...Nd5.
37.Be1 Qa2+ 38.Qe2 Qd5 39.Bd3 Qg5 40.Qf3 f5?
The game is equal after 40...Qc1, 40...Qe5 and 40...Nf6, according to the engines.
41.Be2
The engines reckon White wins after 41.a4.
41...g6?
41...Nf6 leaves the game completely equal, according to the engines.
42.Qd3 Nxg3?
Misplaced desperation. White is only slightly better (Stockfish16.1) or at best has the upper hand (Dragon1) after 42...Be5.
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| White to play and win |
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43.Qxd6!
Not 43.Bxg3 as 43...f4 draws.
43...Nxe2 44.Qxe6+ Kh7 45.Qxe2 1-0
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