Mas- Adams

IM Mashafizul Helmi (2422) vs GM Michael Adams (2728)
39th Olympiad, Round 1, 21.9.10

Analysed by Centaur (Hairulov + Rybka 4)

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. d3 Nc6 4. Nc3 Na5 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bh4 c6 7. a3 Nxc4 8. dxc4

IM Mashafizul (left) in action against GM Michael Adams in round 1.

Photo from the official site

8...d6 9.Qd3 Be6 10. Nge2 Be7 last book move for Rybka Opening book 11. b3 Theory suggest 11. f4 g5 12. fxg5 Ng4 13. Bg3 hxg5 14. O-O-O Qb6 15. h3 Nf2 16. Bxf2 Qxf2 11... g5 12. Bg3 Qa5 13. f3 O-O-O 14. O-O Kb8 15. Rfb1 h5 16. Bf2 Nd7

17. a4 The deadly tactician - Rybka 4 suggest an interesting sacrifice 17. Nd5!? cxd5 18. cxd5 but the game is still unclear after black counter sacrifice 18...Nc5!? ( 18... Bxd5 19. exd5) 19. Qe3 Nxe4 20. fxe4 Bd7 17... Rc8 18. b4 Qd8 19. a5 g4 Probably Adams offered the draw after his teammate secure the match points for the team to ensure victory. 1/2-1/2

For Mas, this would be a good way to the start the tournament and it should boost his confident for his GM norm in this tournament.