(56) Khachiyan,Melik (2529) - Matikozyan,Andranik (2523) [B23]
42nd American Open Los Angeles, CA (7), 26.11.2006
[,.]



1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.f4
Because we know each other very well, I decided to play something unusual against Andy. My idea was a complicated position and play for a win.

3...g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Bc4
The Grand Prix Attack. It used to be very popular about 10 years ago, thanks to GM Nigel Short.

5...e6
Another possible line to play is 5...d6 when Black tries to play the position with Dragon type of pawn structure.

6.f5 Nge7 7.fxe6 fxe6 8.d3 d5 9.Bb3 Nd4?!
According to theory, and I agree with that, the best continuation here is: [>=9...b5 10.a3 c4 11.Ba2~~ ]

10.Nxd4 cxd4 11.Ne2 0-0 12.Nf4[] e5!?
Black is trying to solve the c8 Bishop with a very interesting pawn sacrifice, but unfortunately, I was familiar with this position. [>=12...Kh8+/= ]

13.Nxd5 Nxd5 14.Bxd5+ Kh8 15.h4!
The only move, otherwise after 15...Qh4+, Black will get very strong compensation for the pawn.

15...h5[]
To prevent White from playing h4-h5, which might put the Black King is in serious trouble.

16.Bg5 Qb6 17.Bb3 a5 18.a4 Be6 19.Bxe6 Qxe6 20.Rf1!+/-
White is simply trying to trade down the pieces in order to use the extra material .

20...Rac8 21.b3 Bf6?
[21...Rxf1+[] 22.Kxf1 Bf6 23.Kg1[] Bxg5 24.hxg5 Qg4! 25.Qd2 h4<=> ]

22.Qd2 Bxg5 23.Rxf8+ Rxf8 24.Qxg5
That's the whole difference. Now White is able capture on g5 with the Queen.

24...Rc8 25.0-0-0 b5 26.Rf1??
White is missing the win. [26.axb5 a4 27.bxa4 Rxc2+ 28.Kxc2 Qa2+ 29.Kc1 Qa1+ 30.Kd2+- ]

26...Kg7 27.axb5 Rb8??
Now Black missed the chance to save the game due to time pressure. [27...Qxb3 28.Qxe5+ Kh7~~ ]

28.g4!+-
Black resigned because 28...hg, 29. h5, and there is no stopping White's attack. 1-0