1.e4
e6
2.d3
d5
3.Nd2
Necessary to block the swap of queens if the centre pawns are exchanged.
3...c5
4.Ngf3
Nc6
5.g3
g6
6.Bg2
Bg7
The opening has transposed from a French into a Sicillian Defence.
7.0-0
Nge7
8.Re1
0-0
9.h4
Since the g8 knight has moved to e7, the h pawn marches up to soften up the black kingside.
9...b5
10.a4
b4
11.Qe2
a5
12.e5
I decided to close the centre in order to start up the kingside attack.
12...Ba6
13.Nb3
c4
14.Nc5
cxd3
15.cxd3
Bc8
The c file has been opened but I have gained time while getting my knight to the strong c5 square where it can be supported by a pawn on d4.
16.d4
Qb6
17.Qb5
Black doesn't want to swap queens otherwise he stands to loose material on the queenside.
17...Qc7
[17...Qxb5
18.axb5
Na7
(If Black avoids the pawn fork by: 18...Nb8
19.b6
Bd7
20.b7
Ra7
white can win a pawn by 21.Bd2
) 19.b6
Nac6
20.b7+/-
]
18.Qd3
Nf5
19.g4
I had missed Black's following combination.
19...Nfxd4
20.Nxd4
Nxe5
I decided to return the exchange as I thought Black would have compensation after 21. Qc2 Nxg4 22.Nf3 b3 for example.
21.Rxe5
Qxc5
22.Nb3
I am now a piece up for two pawns and my king is slightly weak. I was as to whether I would be able to block the advancing black centre pawns and protect my king with the extra piece.
22...Qe7
23.Bg5
A bit of bluff from White. After analysing the game, Black can actually play f6 but the follow up is tricky owing to the various tactics including Bxd5. However, by using a computer you can find a suitable line for Black.
23...Qc7
24.Re2
Ba6
25.Qc2
Escaping from the skewer by exploiting the fact that the Black queen is undefended.
25...Qd6
26.Ree1
Rfc8
27.Qd2
Bc4
28.Nd4
Ba6
29.Rac1
Qd7
30.b3
I think White is slightly worse now since control of the c3 square is lost and the the black centre pawns are rolling. although I have the two Bishops, I cannot put them to good use.
30...e5
31.Nf3
e4
1-0