Wesley So's Queen Sacrifice in the Chess Olympiad
Greetings to all chess fans! Another beautiful game in the 46th Chess Olympiad. This one was played by Wesley So against a grandmaster from Denmark. It was an even game in the Italian Opening but a blunder by Wesley's opponent led to a blistering attack punctuated by a queen sacrifice.
The game started with the Italian or Giuoco Piano Opening. Wesley has a Chessable course on this opening so he's familiar with the lines and he'll be quick to take advantage of mistakes. 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. O-O Nf6 5. d3 h6 6. c3 d6 7. Re1 O-O 8. Nbd2 Bb6 9. h3 Ne7 10. a4 a5 11. d4 Nc6
It looks like an odd choice to bring back to knight to c6 and did not continue to its destination on the g6 square. Apparently, this is still theory so both players are still in their opening preparation. 12. Ra3
I was impressed by this move planning to bring the rook to the king side via the third rank. But, this is not a new idea and has been played before. 12. ...Re8 13. Ba2 exd4 14. cxd4 Nxd4 15. Nxd4 Bxd4 16. Rd3 Bc5
Wesley has given up a pawn but he has attacking chances. 17. e5 Qe7 18. Nf3 dxe5 19. Rxe5 Be6 20. Bxe6 fxe6 21. Nh4 b6 22. Qe2 Rad8 23. Rg3 Rd5
It's not immediately obvious to me. Apparently this move by Black was a mistake and his position is already lost. Wesley was quick to capitalize. 24. Bxh6 Rxe5 25. Qxe5 Bd6
Looks like White is in trouble but he has a saving resource that wins the game. 26. Qxe6+!!
A queen sacrifice. Black cannot take it due to Rxg7+ followed by Ng6 mate. 26. ...Kh7 27. Qf5+ Kg8 28. Qe6+ Kh7 29. Qf5+ Kg8 30. f4 Qe1+ 31. Kh2 Bf8
White recovered his pawn with interest and his attack is still ongoing. Now he blows the opponent's king open with another piece sacrifice. 32. Bxg7 Bxg7 33. Rxg7+ Kxg7 34. Qg6+ Kf8 35. Qxf6+ Kg8 36. Nf5 1-0
Queen and knight are a strong attacking pair against the king. Black cannot escape mate and resigned.
That's a very nice queen sac and checkmate!
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