Close, but no cigar ⎸Road to GM, Game 25

1,325 views · Published 24 August 2018 · 15:48 · Indexed 25 September 2026

Channel: Hanging Pawns · 2018 · Education

Watch on YouTube

S. Tomic (1856 ELO) vs D. Curic (2186 ELO), Sicilian Defense, Kramnik Variation
Split Chess Open 2018, Round 5, 08/15/18

This was the most interesting game of the tournament. I played a 300 points higher rated opponent in a very tactical Kramnik Sicilian.

I was equal out of the opening. In the middlegame my opponent made a few key errors which gave me an opportunity to gain initiative and create tactical possibilities. One of them worked and I ended up winning an exchange.

My position was almost ideal. I even ruined his pawn structure, but...

He found a tricky move which seemed to be leading to some mating chances if I played badly. I decided not to take a pawn (for a winning material advantage), but retreated my queen instead.

A draw. I missed a chance with +5. What can you do.

More from this channel