Sosonko vs. Hubner

Sosonko vs. Hubner

Tilburg 1979

Catalan Opening

1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 g3 d5 4 Bg2 dxc4 5 Nf3 a6 6 0-0 b5 This attempt to hold on to the pawn may look suicidal, but it is considered critical. 7 Ne5 Nd5 7…c6!? 8 b3 cxb3 9 Nxc6 Qb6 10 Na5 Ra7 is an interesting alternative. 8 Nc3

After 8 Nc3

8 a4 is the current preference. 8…c6? According to theory, Black should continue 8…Bb7 9 Nxd5 exd5 (9…Bxd5? 10 e4 Bb7 11 Qh5 g6 12 Nxg6 fxg6 13 Qe5 wins for White) 10 e4 dxe4 11 Qh5 g6 (11…Qe7? 12 Bg5 Qe6 13 Rae1 is very dangerous for Black) 12 Nxg6 fxg6 13 Qe5+ Qe7 14 Qxh8 Nd7 15 h4 0-0-0 with enough compensation for his small sacrifice. However, White should investigate 16 Bg5 Qf7 17 Bxd8 bg7 18 Qxh7 Nf8 19 Qxg7 Qxg7 20 Bg5 which, although condemned by theory, looks unclear to me. 9 Nxd5 exd5 9…cxd5 is no better, e.g. 10 e4 dxe4 (10…Ra7 11 exd5 exd5 12 Re1 Be7 13 Nxf7! Is very dangerous, while 10 Bb7 11 Qh5 Qc7 12 exd5 Bxd5 13 Bxd5 exd5 14 Re1 wins) 11 Bxe4 Ra7 12 Bc6+ Nd7 13 d5 leads to a very strong attack. 10 e4 Be6 11 a4

After 11 a4

11…b4 11…Be7 12 axb5 cxb5 13 Qh5+ g6 14 Nxg6 are both lost for Black. 12 exd5 Bxd5 After 12…cxd5 White can choose between a clear position plus after 13  Nxc4 and the more ambitious 13 f4 Ra7 14 f5 Bc8 15 Qf3. 13 Qg4! h5

After 13...h5

13…Bxg2 14 Re1! Be7 15 Qxg7 Rf8 16 Kxg2, 13…Be6 14 Qh5 Qc7 15 Re1 Be7 16 Nxc6! Nxc6 17 Rxe6 13…Ra7 14 Bxd5 cxd5 15 Re1 Re7 16 Bg5 are also lost for Black. 14 Bxd5! cxd5 Or 14…hxg4 15 Bxf7+ Ke7 16 Bg5+. 15 Qf5 Ra7 16 Re1 Re7 17 Bg5 g6 18 Bxe7 1-0

Source from:

GAMBIT: John Nunn’s 101 Brilliant Chess Miniatures (Page 43)

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