Game Overview

This rapid game demonstrated Stockfish 18's superior understanding of the French Defense Advance, Nimzovich System. Stockfish controlled the center, maintained strong pawn structure, and executed a precise endgame finish to defeat Torch.

Opening Phase (Moves 1–14)

• 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 – The French Defense, Advance Variation is established.
• 5.c3 Qb6 6.Bd3 cxd4 7.cxd4 Bb5 – Torch develops actively, challenging the center.
• 8.O-O Nd7 9.Bxb5 Qxb5 10.Nc3 Qa5 – Stockfish trades bishops to simplify development and gains space.
• 11.Bd2 Bb4 12.Rc1 Ne7 13.a3 Bxc3 14.Rxc3 – Stockfish keeps the initiative with rook on open file.

Middle Game (Moves 15–56)

• 15.Nh4 Rc8 16.Rg3 Qb6 17.Bc3 g6 – Stockfish coordinates rooks and bishops to pressure Black's position.
• 19.Rh3 Nbc6 20.Nf3 Qb5 – Preparation for tactical operations along the h-file.
• 24.g4 Nd8 25.Ra1 Kd7 26.a4 Qc4 – Stockfish advances pawns and restricts Black’s counterplay.
• 33.Na3 Qxa4 34.b4 axb4 35.Bxb4 Nc6 – Early exchanges favor Stockfish’s pawn structure and piece activity.
• 38.Bd6 Na5 39.Rhf3 f5 40.Nb4 – Stockfish consolidates position and prepares for a rook lift.
• 56.Rxg6 Qa4 – The queen and rooks are perfectly positioned for endgame control.

Endgame (Moves 57–93)

• 58.Rf6 Kb7 59.g6 b5 60.Rf3 Qa5 – Passed pawns are advanced; king activation is key.
• 67.Qd1 Qd2 68.Qb3 Qa5 69.Nf4 Ka7 – Stockfish coordinates rooks, pawns, and king for decisive action.
• 71.Rxb5 Nd2 72.Kxh3 Ka6 73.Rxd5 Kb7 – Endgame simplification favors Stockfish.
• 79.Rdxe6 Rxe6 80.Nxe6 Rc8 81.Rf8 Rxf8 82.Nxf8 – Precise exchanges leave Stockfish with a winning pawn structure.
• 93.Qb6# – A brilliant checkmate concludes the game.

Key Takeaways

• Stockfish’s strategic pawn pushes and piece coordination dominated the French Advance, Nimzovich System.
• Rook and queen placement was critical in controlling open files and restricting Black’s king.
• Endgame technique shows the importance of passed pawns and king activity in rapid games.
• This game highlights the precision and tactical awareness of modern chess engines.