The threat is ...Nd2 with a fork and targeting the c4-pawn. Once c4 falls, so will d5 and the black pawns will start advancing!

The exchange sacrifice is a classical strategic element in the Sicilian Defense, and even more so in the Dragon Variation.

In this case, the hanging pawn on e4 completely justifies the sacrifice.

This is the best engine option. 3...Nxb3 was the game move.

Black has tremendous play for the exchange. ...d5 can neutralize the bishop on b3 for good.

A positional exchange sacrifice. White tries to bury the black light-squared bishop and activate the d3-bishop.

1.Rbb1? a very natural move and the one White played in the game but after 1...c5! Black opens the diagonal, and the bishop becomes a monster! Black consolidates the advantage and Salgado went on to win this game.

The knight finds a nice route via b3 and c5, putting a lot of pressure against e6, and with this along with the possibility of pushing the pawn to a5 to reinforce the b6-pawn, the exchange is more than compensated for!

Dual purpose. First of all, it attacks the rook with tempo; second, it blocks the diagonal for the queen, which is now very passive.