Preferable was 1...Bxd7 2.Ne5 Nf6! , followed by ...Be8 and ...Nd7 to challenge the white knight, although 3.Qc3 preparing b3-b4 keeps some advantage.

Swapping the last piece capable of challenging White's knight.

From now on White is better on the whole board, thanks to his powerful knight.

Initiating favourable exchanges in order to install an eternal knight on e4.

After 6...Nxc3?! 7.Qb3 Nb5 8.Bb2 0-0-0 9.f5 White gets some initiative – Botvinnik.

With a focus on the enemy monarch.

Thanks to his safer king and superior minor piece, Black has a clear advantage.

Initiating favourable exchanges in order to install an eternal knight on d5.

Forcing the exchange of the other knight, thus eliminating the last defender of the d5-square.