An unexpected advance that drastically alters the balance of the position.
1...b6 2.Ba4! White is soon able to land a knight on c6
1...cxb4 2.axb4 Bxb4? 3.Qxf6 Bxc3 4.Ng4 h5 5.Nh6+ Kh7 6.Bxg6+ with a decisive attack.
1...cxb4 2.axb4 Bxb4? 3.Qxf6 Bxc3 4.Ng4 h5 5.Nh6+ Kh7 6.Bxg6+ with a decisive attack.
Weakening the a2-g8 diagonal, but it was not easy to find a constructive plan.
6.d5! exd5 7.Nxd5 Bd8 8.Qd4 Be6 9.Ba4 Bf7 10.Bxe8 Rxe8 11.Nf6+ Bxf6 12.Qxf6
This exchange sacrifice completely changes the logic of the position. Now the threat is 2 Bf4.
2...Nd7 3.Bxh6 Re8 was preferable, when 4.Bd3 Nb6 5.Ne5 Nxd5 6.Be4 keeps a clear initiative.