[d]r1b1r1k1/1pb2q2/2p1pn2/3p3p/PBPPp1p1/1Q2P1P1/P1RNNP1P/5RK1 b - - 0 21
This is a position from the 46th game Stockfish-Komodo.
Stockfish has just played 21.g3 and sees itself in advantage by some 0.74 centipawns, very decisive one, while Komodo thinks it is about equal.
Objectively, I think the position is already won for black, because of the following reasons:
- very weak backward (backward-fated) white pawn on f2, part of the king shelter; that makes the shelter very inflexible and black can gradually concentrate attacking resources
- 2 weak squares on the 3rd rank, part of the king shelter (f3 and h3), whereupon different enemy pieces, especially the knight, might intrude
- play is more or less closed, because of the big diagonally connected pawn chains, which gives black sufficient time to prepare a decisive strike
Black has some difficulties with developing its queen side, but I think those could be solved and are less weighty than the above-mentioned serious weaknesses of the white king shelter.
I tell you, I like this position, because it is a bit uncommon and also rich in resources that should be sought out. I could suggest a plan like, for example, Nh7-g5, Kh7, Rh8, Kg8, and only then h4, if necessary, prepare for e5 and bring the a rook in support of the attack, etc. In that case it is difficult to imagine how white could defend.
Komodo, however, proceeds to lose the already won game in just 2 moves by playing h5-h4-h3 instead, closing entirely the side where it is supposed to open files for attack.
[d]r1b1r1k1/1pb2q2/2p1pn2/3p4/PBPPp1p1/Q3P1Pp/P1RNNP1P/5RK1 w - - 0 23
This is the picture 2 moves later, where already white is lost. Black has a single semi-open file at its disposal (f), but both f2 and f3 are well guarded, white can also play Nf4, blocking this file to good avail, etc. It takes Komodo, however, some 60 moves to understand it is losing; and the same amount of moves it takes Stockfish to find a way to finally break through, but it does it in great fashion. When I think about that, it makes me happy that it is not only me that can lose games in 2 moves, but also Komodo can do that. If Komodo can do that, I have the right to do it too
[d]r1b1r1k1/1pb2q2/2p1pn2/3p4/PBPPpNp1/Q3P1Pp/P1RN1P1P/5RK1 b - - 0 23
I think black should have attempted to play e5 here, whatever the result, there is simply no other option.
[d]k1N5/1p4R1/rP2p3/P1PpB2q/PQ2p3/4Pp1p/5P1P/7K b - - 0 101
But I do not like this: a Ponomaryov-style Komodo playing until the very last glimmer of hope.
Finally, let's go back for a while to the main diagram:
[d]r1b1r1k1/1pb2q2/2p1pn2/3p3p/PBPPp1p1/1Q2P1P1/P1RNNP1P/5RK1 b - - 0 21
Komodo played very well until now, both g5 and g4 are great moves, but the point is: how many engines will be able to judge correctly that black has a considerable, probably winning advantage, and to find the correct winning way?
Any distinct engine output on this position very much appreciated.
Best, Lyudmil