GM Master Class: GM Nevednichy,V The Knight Pair

Here is an example of knight pair play against BN from the recent Hungarian TCh 2012-13 Rd5.

 

Nevednichy,V (2554) - Horvath,Zs (2400)
Sicilian 3.Bb5+ [B52]
TCh-HUN 2012–13 Paks HUN (5), 02.12.2012

Critical Position 1
The position is slightly better for white at best. The real question is what to do and how to conduct the game. Tactical play is not the focus here. First it is necessary to understand the position and the needs of each side.
What do you propose for white?

• Play on the queenside-Nc4 is the strongpoint of white's position and opening lines with a5 makes sense.
• Play in the center-White has two knights. One is alredy well placed on c4. The other belongs on d5.
• Something else

 White to Play

 

22...Bf6