A Powerful Attack in the French Defense

Niemann – Murzin, Tata Steel Chess India 2026

This game is an excellent example of how space, active pieces, and confidence in attack can slowly overwhelm even a strong defender. Below, the game is presented in true move-by-move book style.

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Opening: Space and Commitment

The game begins with 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5, entering the French Defense. With 3.Nc3 Nf6, both sides develop normally. After 4.e5, White claims space and pushes Black back. Black accepts the cramped position with 4…Nfd7.

White supports the center with 5.f4, showing clear attacking intentions. Black counters correctly with 5…c5. Development continues with 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3, reinforcing the center.

After 7…a6 8.Qd2 b5 9.Be2 Qb6, Black pressures d4 and prepares queenside play, while White keeps flexibility.

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Early Middlegame: Reshaping the Position

The unusual 10.Nd1 prepares a reroute to e3. After 10…b4, White reacts actively with 11.c4, fixing the queenside structure. Exchanges follow: 11…cxd4 12.Nxd4 Nxd4 13.Bxd4.

Black activates with 13…Bc5, but White reduces pressure via 14.Bxc5 Nxc5. With 15.cxd5, White opens lines at the right moment. Black responds with 15…Bb7.

White completes the knight maneuver with 16.Ne3, and after 16…Ne4 17.Qd3 Bxd5, Black grabs a pawn but allows White freer play. Both sides castle: 18.O-O O-O.

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White Takes Over

The rook move 19.Rfd1 increases central pressure. Black tries to exchange attackers with 19…Bc4, but White removes a key piece with 20.Qxe4. After 20…Bxe2, White’s activity increases.

The strong invasion 21.Rd6 places the rook on the sixth rank, attacking multiple weaknesses. Black defends with 21…Qb5, while White calmly improves king safety with 22.Kf2. Black activates a rook with 22…Rac8, but White centralizes the queen with 23.Qd4.

Black seeks counterplay with 23…a5, but 24.a4 stops it cold. After 24…bxa3 25.Rxa3, White remains in full control.

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Kingside Breakthrough

Black retreats with 25…Bh5, but White launches the attack with 26.g4. After 26…Bxg4 27.Nxg4, White’s pieces flood the kingside. Black checks with 27…Rc2+, but 28.Kg3 shows confidence.

The move 28…Qf1 aims for perpetual checks, but White ignores it and plays 29.Rd8, invading the back rank. After 29…Qe1+ 30.Kh3 Qf1+, White steps forward with 31.Kh4, trusting the attack.

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The Decisive Sacrifice and King Hunt

Black tries 31…g6, but White breaks through with 32.Rxf8+, removing a defender. After 32…Kxf8 , the king is exposed. The queen joins with 33.Qd8+, forcing 33…Kg7, followed by 34.Qf6+ and 34…Kf8.

The powerful 35.Qh8+ drags the king forward, and after 35…Ke7, the black king is completely exposed. White calmly plays 36.Rb3, cutting off escape routes. Black gives a final check with 36…Qe1+, but 37.Kg5 keeps the initiative.

After 37…h6+ 38.Kxh6 Qh4+, White ends the game with 39.Kg7, and Black resigned.

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