This desperate attempt at counterplay does not give any chances – the advance of the pawn is not supported by the white pieces. Black reacts in the simplest possible way, keeping the position closed, which suits him.

The queen alone cannot give mate, but it was hard to recommend anything to White – Black is already prepared to break in down the c-file.

White resigned, without waiting for 39...Rc8.

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The position is quite non-standard, with both kings in the centre. But whilst White can castle by hand, and evacuate his king to the kingside, it is harder for Black to find a safe home for his king. This is the main thing that defines White’s advantage. With his next move, White ensures himself a static advantage.

Black cannot bring his bishop out to a6 and it is impossible to get his pieces out at all. This means that sooner or later, he will have to advance the d-pawn, after which his pawn structure will lose its solidity.

Here, the rook exerts strong pressure on the open file. In open positions, such an approach is usually more effective than building pressure on some weakness or other. So this move is stronger than 20.Rhc1, for example.

The most technical. The king moves to a safe zone, and Black will inevitably come under an attack.

Black is helpless, and White can take his time.

Black resigned.

All of Black’s hopes of freeing his position are bound up with the advance d6-d5. White’s next few moves are directed at preventing this: