White’s pieces are harmoniously placed: he controls the c-file, the Ne3 stops Black playing ...d6-d5, and at the same time works on the kingside, while the white queen looks at both flanks. All of these factors, plus the weakness of the kingside dark squares and of the back rank, allow White to land a decisive blow:

44.Nf5+ gxf5 45.Rh8 f4 46.Rcc8 also gives a decisive attack. However, the fact that the white attack is decisive here too is not immediately obvious.

Nor can he avoid mate after 44...Kxh8 45.Nf5 Qf8 46.Rc8.

White’s last move was 41.Be2-c4, probably counting on 41...Bxc4 42.Rxc4 Qd6. The position had been absolutely equal, and, losing concentration, White probably thought he could draw however he liked, so he carelessly offered the exchange of bishops. However, he forgot about the back rank, and there followed:

There is no defence against the threat of ...Ra2-a1, and Black mates first!

42.Bxe6 Ra1 43.Bxf7+ Kg7–+.

White resigned.

Because of the back-rank mate, the queen is immune, and her sudden inclusion in the attack immediately decides the outcome of the game.

22...Qb6 23.Qxh7 Rf8 24.Rb3+–.