Nakamura's recent opening oversight

Nakamura's recent opening oversight

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pp

Joined
30 May 09
Moves
0
03 Sep 09

Not exactly sure if this is an oversight because I know absolutely nothing about the sicilian, and it has been played more than 100 times in my database (with a terrible score though). But it seems to me white basically loses a pawn for almost no compensation other than a slight dark square weakness.



Nakamura does fight back and gain the pawn and some initiative, but loses in the end.

here's the position after white's 8.Nb3, black to move:

w
If Theres Hell Below

We're All Gonna Go!

Joined
10 Sep 05
Moves
10228
03 Sep 09

I don't play that kind of sicilian either, but I remember watching this game and the commentator (larry christiansen?) saying Nb3 was a well-known error in the opening.

I tried looking for the video on ICC but can't find it. I thought it was one of the GOTDs from the NH chess tournament, but apparently not?

ah scratch that, found it, it's in the beginning of the round 6 smeets vs. beliavsky GOTD video. - the problem was naka got his move order mixed up, he should've castled first before Nb3.

O

An airport near you

Joined
21 Apr 04
Moves
12247
03 Sep 09

Nakamura claims it was intentional:
https://webcast.chessclub.com/blog/2009/08/27/nakamura-lacking-focus/

rc

Joined
26 Aug 07
Moves
38239
03 Sep 09

Originally posted by Osse
Nakamura claims it was intentional:
https://webcast.chessclub.com/blog/2009/08/27/nakamura-lacking-focus/
yes however when asked about it again though, he was quite cagey!

San Francisco, CA US

Joined
09 Jan 07
Moves
182964
03 Sep 09

Originally posted by robbie carrobie
yes however when asked about it again though, he was quite cagey!
He was ill, literally bleeding over the chess board. That would be my excuse and should be his.

rc

Joined
26 Aug 07
Moves
38239
03 Sep 09

Originally posted by ParShooter
He was ill, literally bleeding over the chess board. That would be my excuse and should be his.
yes, if one has the flu, you know what it is like, you just wanna rest, mental exertion is just out of the question.

CCC Club Leader

Denver, CO

Joined
23 Feb 03
Moves
57012
04 Sep 09

This is only a minor setback for Naka...
He will come back and kick butt at Wik aan Zee.

Wait and see...