(1) Carlsen,M (2814) - Wang Hao (2731) [B12]
73rd Tata Steel GMA Wijk aan Zee NED (12), 29.01.2011
[Elshan Moradiabadi]



1.e4
A classical outcome. The unpredictable aspect of this game was that it was conducted by Lasker, Capablanca, Tarrasch and Euwe!

1...c6
Caro-Kann. A rare guest at top level!

2.d4 d5 3.e5
The continuation which has put the system under question, however, one should not forget that it is still playable.

3...Bf5 4.Be3
The solidest continuation, which is in full accordance to Carlsen's style.

4...e6 5.Nd2 Nd7 6.Ngf3 Bg6
May not be the most accurate. Despite the "closed" nature of the line, the move order does matter!

7.Be2 Ne7 8.Nh4 c5 9.c3 Nc6 10.Nxg6 hxg6 11.Nf3 Rc8
A classic position. Black wants to prove that White's two bishops are ineffective, however White's center is not under any pressure and he can consolidate his attack on the kingside.

12.0-0 a6 13.g3 Be7 14.h4 b5 15.a4!
Stylish and classic. If the word 'classic' seems overused, consider that Carlsen's play is a textbook example of the teachings of the masters of the past. White's bishop pair is flexing its muscles and he is "allowed" to play on both wings.

15...Qb6 16.axb5 axb5 17.Kg2 c4?!
This move has two problems: Black no longer pressures White center, and in the meantime, the majority of his pieces are cut off from the kingside.

18.Ng5 Qd8 19.Bg4
Carlsen is dying to sac something on e6, and Wang is just as anxious to avoid it.

19...Bxg5 20.Bxg5 Qc7 21.Rh1 Nb6 22.h5 gxh5 23.Bxh5 Na4


24.Bxf7+!
Black's kingside is indefensible.

24...Kxf7 25.Qf3+ Kg8 26.Rxh8+ Kxh8 27.Rh1+ Kg8 28.Qh5 Rf8 29.Bf6
A deserved diagram for a modern classical classic! 1-0