Manning v Wilby 18 January 2026

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This game is a fascinating example of the Sveshnikov/Kalashnikov Sicilian (specifically the Kalashnikov variation due to ...e5 and ...d6). It begins with high-level opening theory and transitions into a wild, tactical middlegame where Black sacrifices material for a devastating initiative.

Here is a breakdown of the key phases:

1. The Opening: Sveshnikov/Kalashnikov Complexity

The first 8 moves are standard. White aims for a clamp on the d5 square, while Black accepts a hole on d5 in exchange for central presence and active pieces.

  • 9. Bg5: A provocative move. White wants to eliminate the defender of d5.
  • 10... Qa5+!: A critical intermezzo. This forces White to address the check before recapturing on d5, leading to the chaotic sequence that follows.
  • 11. c3 Bxe4: Black wins a pawn. White has the "better" structure, but Black has the "bishop pair" and immediate central pressure.

2. The Tactical Fireworks (Moves 14–22)

The game explodes around move 14. Black plays very aggressively, prioritizing piece activity over material safety.

  • 15... Bxc2 16. Qxc2 dxc3: Black is dismantling White's queenside.
  • 19. Qe4?: This looks like a powerful centralizing move, but it runs into a spectacular tactical shot.
  • 19... Qxb5!!: A brilliant queen sacrifice. Black realizes that after 20. axb5 Rxa1+, the Rook on a1 and the pressure on the King are worth more than the Queen.
  • 22. Kd3: The White King is forced into a "King Walk" in the middle of the board. Despite being up a Queen, White is fighting for survival because their pieces are uncoordinated.

3. The Transition to the Endgame

White manages to consolidate slightly, but Black’s active pieces keep the balance.

  • 26. Bc5!: A vital defensive resource for White to trade off Black’s dangerous Bishop.
  • 28. Qxe7+: White chooses to simplify. By returning the Queen for the Rook and Bishop, White enters a Rook endgame where they have a dangerous passed b-pawn.

4. The Rook Ending: Precision and Calculation

The game concludes with a masterclass in Rook and Pawn endings.

  • 33. b6: The "passed pawn must be pushed."
  • 36. Kc8!: The White King shields the pawn.
  • 38. Kd8: Black Resigns. The pawn will inevitably promote to a Queen. If Black tries to check indefinitely, the White King eventually finds shelter or assists the pawn in queening.

Key Takeaways

  1. The Power of the Initiative: Black's queen sacrifice (19... Qxb5) transformed the game. Even though the engine might find a narrow path for White to stay equal, it is practically much harder to play the White side.
  2. King Safety: White's King was exposed for 15 moves, which allowed Black to dictate the tempo despite being down material.
  3. Endgame Technique: White showed great composure in the final moves, using the b-pawn as a "decoy" to force the Black King away and eventually secure the win.