Ivanchuk vs Jobava: 2010 Olympiad, Khanty-Mansiysk

If fortune really does favour the brave, then Black should have won hands down. However, when it comes to proverbs, Chess is often exempt ...

Annotated Classic Game | Hot Off The Chess, www.hotoffthechess.com

Today I would like to bring you an annotated game that is proving very popular online. It is between two well known names in chess, Vassily Ivanchuk and Baadur Jobava. The game was played during the matchup between Ukraine and Georgia, during the 2010 Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Mansiysk.

Jobava, playing Black, brings out his beloved Caro Kann to Ivanchuk’s 1.e4. The Georgian is known for his creation within chess and his bold play and this game is no different. 3…Qb6 shows an early aggression by Black and then 6…Bc5 sacrifices a piece in return for ownership of the g1-a7 diagonal. With Ivanchuk’s King in the centre of the board, could this be significant?


Von Doren, Fine Timepieces | https://www.vondoren.com/


Unfortunately for Baadur, the answer would prove to be no and this idea has not been repeated so far. One has to say that it is for good reason. Though it is undoubtedly brave, it simply lost and relies on errors by White in order to see any return. Of course, with a seasoned campaigner such as Ivanchuk, these errors were not forthcoming and White’s advantage steadily increases, until Black is left with little to no presence in the game.

Enjoy!

About John Lee Shaw 291 Articles
Total chess nut! I enjoy following the chess world and giving my two-penneth. I don't pretend to be an expert, I'm more a knowledgeable enthusiast. My chess writing can also be seen at www.chessimprover.com.

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