What was the combination of the year?
For each poll, our editorial team has provided a list of nominees. Even with a panel involved, these are of course a bit subjective. And since we have limited ourselves to six combinations, undoubtedly some readers may miss their favoured choice. Our shortlist is one of many possible, we know!
The nominees
ChessBase Magazine editor IM Oliver Reeh has selected six of the best combinations of the year. Make your selection below.
(The order of the games is arbitrary. After reviewing the combinations, you can vote at the end of the article.)
1) V. Artemiev vs Z. Hracek, European Championship, Skopje 2019
The first DVD includes the systems 1...e5, the Dutch and Indian setups.

Vladislav Artemiev | Photo: Gu Xiaobing
2) J. Cuenca vs Anand Nadar, Gibraltar 2019
The second DVD includes the systems with 1...c5, 1...c6 and 1...e6.

José Cuenca | Photo: Spanish Chess Federation
3) V. Gazik vs K. Bryzgalin, Pardubice 2019
The Italian Game is considered a sound but quiet opening without early trades, giving rise to rich positions where plans are more important than forced variations. So shows black's plans on this DVD.

Viktor Gazik | Photo: Amruta Mokal
4) I. Kovalenko vs V. Keymer, Bundesliga 2019
This DVD offers a complete repertoire for handling this solid opening, often featuring a dynamic approach to pose the opponent more practical problems. Both of the main continuations 3...Nf6 and 3...Be7 are covered in two separate parts.

Igor Kovalenko | Photo: Amruta Mokal
5) E. Safarli vs M. Rodshtein, FIDE chess.com Grand Swiss Isle of Man 2019

Eltaj Safarli | Photo: Dominique Primel
6) P. Shuvalova vs A. Afonasieva, U18 World Ch. (Girls), Mumbai 2019
Always wanted to play like a World Champion? Search no further! With Magnus Carlsen using the Sveshnikov variation as his weapon of choice in the World Championship match against Fabiano Caruana, this DVD could not be better timed.

Polina Shuvalova | Photo: Niklesh Jain
Poll
What is your choice for the best combination of 2019?
2019-combination-of-the-year
Voting ends on 12/31/2019, at 22:00 UTC
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