GM Nakamura Vs. Vladimir Kramnik – Blitz Game – Dortmund 2011

By Chess Coach William Stewart



GM Hikaru Nakamura Vs GM Vladimir Kramnik - Round 4 of Dortmund 2011: Nakamura was having a rough tournament and Kramnik took full advantage of his opponent's slump in this game. Nakamura opens with d4 and Kramnik responds with the Nimzo-Indian Defense, specifically the 3 Knights Variation. Kramnik's preparation was excellent, beginning with 10. ...Na5 and 16. ...Qc4 - controlling the center while tightly coordinating his pieces. Nakamura's preparation was not nearly as thorough - he spent just over an hour on 18. Re4?! which led to an inferior position and time-trouble. Kramnik capitalized on this by playing 19. ...Bc6! - an excellent intermediate move that resulted in a great endgame for black that Kramnik was able to convert easily with his precise technical style.

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By Chess Coach Will Stewart (USCF 2256, FIDE 2234). Follow William on Facebook and Twitter