The white queen not only attacks f6, but also ‘eyes up’ the Ra8. The rook on f8 defends both of these, and cannot cope with the task:

Or 24...Qxf6 25.Qxf6 Rxf6 26.Bxe5.

Winning.

The queen at c5 fulfils many functions, defending the Be3 via the diagonal, the pawn d6, and the Ra7. First, White deflects the king, drawing it to a vulnerable position:

And now, he exploits the overloading of the queen:

For the exchange, White has three pawns, but what is even more important, he retains the initiative.

In the game, White played 29.Qg3, and after 29...Qd4 Black obtained definite counterplay, connected with the prospects of the advance ...a5-a4-a3. With the help of some further inaccuracies by White, Black eventually drew.

After 29...Rxh4 30.Qg3 Rh8 31.Qxe5, White completely dominates in the centre, whilst his king finds a good retreat on a2.

Black will inevitably come under attack along the open queenside lines, whilst White’s king is solidly defended.

White exploits the weakness of g7 with a striking combination: