In this sixth-round game of Titled Tuesday, Guillermo Baches (Black) faces T. Koutsogiannopoulou (White) in a sharp encounter stemming from the Sicilian Defense, Najdorf Variation (B92). The game showcases Black’s ability to counter White’s dynamic play with precise tactical awareness and control of the initiative. Baches demonstrates the power of the Najdorf structure, culminating in a decisive queenside counterattack.
Opening
The game begins with the Sicilian Defense, Najdorf Variation:
- e4 c5 2. Nc3 a6
Black’s second move, 2…a6, is a hallmark of the Najdorf, aiming to prepare …b5 and prevent early incursions on b5 by White’s minor pieces. White develops naturally with 3. Nf3 and 4. d4, entering the main lines of the Sicilian.
After 6. Be2 e5, Black establishes a strong central presence and prepares to develop actively. White castles kingside with 8. O-O, but Black mirrors this with 8…O-O, signaling a balanced and tense middlegame.
Middlegame
White’s 10. Be3 and 11. Rc1 indicate a clear intention to control the c-file and pressure Black’s queenside. However, Black skillfully counters by developing harmoniously with 10…Nbd7 and expanding on the queenside with 11…b5.
The critical sequence begins with 13. exd5 and Black’s precise response 13…Nb6, targeting White’s weakened pawn structure. After 15. Bf2 Nf4, Black’s knight becomes an active force, exploiting White’s uncoordinated pieces.
The exchange sequence with 16…Nxe2+ 17. Qxe2 Qc7 leaves Black in control of the open files and with a clear plan to infiltrate White’s position. White’s attempts to generate play on the c-file with 19. Rxc4 are countered by Black’s clever queenside play.
Tactical Counterplay
By 20…Rac8, Black asserts dominance over the c-file. White’s 21. Na5 Qb5 22. Nc6 is visually active but allows Black to transition into a winning tactical sequence. After 23. a4 Rxc4 24. axb5 Rxc1+, Black’s counterplay on the queenside becomes unstoppable.
The move 25…axb5 consolidates Black’s material advantage, and the rook pair on the c-file ensures total dominance. White’s position collapses under the pressure, and after 27…R1c2, White resigns, unable to prevent further losses.
Conclusions
Guillermo Baches showcased the strength of the Najdorf Defense by converting subtle positional advantages into decisive tactical gains. The control of the c-file and queenside activity highlighted the importance of piece coordination and pawn structure.
Lessons from the Game
- The Najdorf Defense is a dynamic weapon that combines solid structure with counterattacking chances.
- Control of open files, particularly with rooks, can dictate the course of a middlegame and transition into the endgame.
- Tactical opportunities often arise from an opponent’s overextension or uncoordinated pieces.
As we learn from this game: “In chess, control of a file is not just a strategy—it is a declaration of power that forces your opponent to adapt to your terms.”
