The protection of the black king is weakened by the missing g-pawn and Carlsen launches a kingside attack.
31.g4!?
a5
32.Rg2
Nh7
[The strength of White's attack is demonstrated by this variation: 32...a4
33.g5!
hxg5
34.Rxg5!!
Ne8
35.Rfg1!
f6
(35...axb3
36.Qg3+-
) 36.Rg6!
axb3
37.Qh5
e6
38.Rh6
and White mates.]
33.h4
Rb6
Karjakin rushes his rook back to help the king. [33...a4
34.Bd1+/-
]
34.g5!
The offensive begins and Karjakin has to decide how to set-up his defense.
34...Kh8
[After 34...Rg6
35.Rfg1
the pressure is mounting, but it was the best choice.; Exchanging the g-pawns gives White the h-file for the onslaught. One possible line is 34...hxg5
35.hxg5
Rg6
36.Qh5
Qd6
37.Rfg1
Rd8
38.Rh2
Nf8
39.Rf1
threatening 40.Qf3.]
35.Rfg1
f5?
Karjakin was probably fed up with a passive defense, but his last move makes Carlsen's task easier. [35...Rg6
36.Ba4
(36.gxh6
Bxh6=
) 36...Qc8
37.Rh2
]
36.Qh3!+-
An unpleasant pin that allows White the final attack along the g-file.
36...Rb4?
Nothing helps, for example: [36...Rd6
37.gxh6
Bxh6
38.Qg3
Nf6
39.Qxe5+-
; 36...hxg5
37.hxg5
Rg6
38.Rh2+-
]
37.gxh6!
Bxh6
38.Qg3!
A nasty double-attack, threatening 39.Qg8+! and 39.Qxe5. [White also wins after 38.Rg6
Bf4
39.Qg2
Nf6
40.d6
Ng4
(40...Rxb3
41.axb3
Qxd6
42.Nd5+-
) 41.exf5+-
]
38...Nf6
39.Qg6!
Ng4
40.Rxg4
[40.Rxg4
fxg4
41.Qxh6+
Kg8
42.Qg6+
Kh8
43.Qh5+
Kg7
44.Rxg4++-
] 1-0