Before taking the pawn Potkin improves his knight.

With a sound extra pawn and safer king, White is practically winning.

Exploiting the entry square at d6 in order to seize the open file.

1...e5 2.Qd2 a5 3.Rd1 with strong pressure.

The simple 5.Qxb4 was also strong. In the game White prepares a kingside attack.

Practically the only move to resist the attack.

Intending Bxh5 with a favourable endgame.

Preparing 2...Rga8 in order to double rooks before clearing the a-file with ...a5xb4.

In contrast, after 1...axb4?! 2.axb4 Ra6 8 3.Nc3 White seizes that file with good chances for a draw.

After 4.Nc5 R6a7 a white pawn soon falls on the queenside. In the game Black unleashes a little combination that also gains a pawn.