Better was 22.bxc5, strengthening the position in the centre. However, because of the weakness of the kingside light squares, the advantage would still lie with Black.

With such a bishop, White has to surrender a rook, and the rest is a matter of technique.

White resigned.

The assessment of such positions depends on how well White controls d5. If the white bishop were on b3, instead of e2, the only way for Black to get decent play would be to sacrifice the exchange on c3, and then take on e4 – once again, the whole battle revolves around the central squares. However, with the bishop on e2, Black can eliminate the blockade of d5 with a pawn break:

More tenacious was 24.exd5, although after 24...e4 25.Nxe4 Bxb2, Black still has a large advantage.

With rooks on the board, the opposite-coloured bishops are not such a drawing factor, and the realisation of Black’s advantage does not pose any great difficulties.

White resigned.

If Black could succeed in blockading e5, he would have an excellent game. However, it is White’s move, and he carries out a temporary pawn sacrifice, to open up play for his pieces on the light squares:

The white pieces spring into life, and the d5-pawn is ready to advance.

The black pieces are totally lacking mobility, whilst White’s cooperate excellently and control all the key squares.