Scottish Annotated Games

Last updated 11 July 2001

Fay, R (2410) - Thomson, T (2270) [C54]
ICCF XXII WC/SF/Sec 11 1998
[Notes by Tom Thomson]

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Bc5 5.c3 Nf6 6.b4 Bb6 7.e5 d5 [Black will get strong play down the e-file.]

8.exf6 dxc4 9.b5 0-0!! [This move puts serious questions to the White opening strategy. The usual moves Na5 and Nb8 are ok but not as exciting as 0-0!!]

10.bxc6 Re8+ 11.Kf1 d3! [Creating a protected passed pawn and a very strong outpost at e2. If 11... Qxf6 12.Bg5 Qxc6 13.cd+= (13.Nxd4 Bxd4 14.Qxd4 Bh3-+).]

12.fxg7 [If 12.cxb7 Bxb7 13.Be3 Qxf6 14.Bxb6 axb6 15.Nbd2 Bxf3 16.Nxf3 Qxc3 is good for Black.]

12...Re2 13.Be3 Bxe3 14.fxe3 Qe7! 15.Qc1 [15.Nd4 Qf6+ 16.Nf3 Bh3!]

15...Bh3! 16.Rg1 [16.gh?? Qe6 17.Nh4 Qf6+ 18.Nf5 Qxf5 19.Kg1 Qf2#]

16...Qe4 17.Nbd2 Qg4 18.Ne1 Qh4! 0- 1