He is THE ONE!

This video discusses an exciting game from the Minorca Masters rapid tournament, featuring Ricard Raort (White) against Leinier Dominguez Perez (Black). The game prominently features the Evans Gambit, an opening the presenter is particularly enthusiastic about. The game began with a standard Ruy Lopez setup: 1. e4 e5, 2. Nf3 Nc6, 3. Bc4. Leinier played 3...Bc5, a common response. Ricard then opted for the Evans Gambit with 4. b4. The presenter notes that while other responses exist, capturing on b4 (4...Bxb4) is the most popular and generally considered the best. Ricard followed up with 5. c3, a typical move in the Evans Gambit, aiming to build a strong pawn center. Leinier responded with 5...Ba5, another standard move, although the presenter mentions other options like B7, C5, D6, E7, and F8. The presenter highlights that they have a tutorial available on how to play the Evans Gambit. The game continued with 6. d4 d6, leading to 7. Qb3. Leinier defended his pawn with 7...Qd6, then castled kingside (8. O-O) and developed his bishop to b6 (8...Bb6). The presenter explains that this retreat of the bishop is a key defensive resource for Black in the Evans Gambit. White then initiated a knight maneuver with 9. Nb-d2, defending the bishop. Leinier responded by moving his queen and bishop (9...Qe7), then initiating a knight exchange with 10. Na5. Ricard responded with 11. Qc2, and after 11...Nxb4, he recaptured with 12. Nxb4. The critical juncture arrived after 12...Bb6. Ricard, demonstrating deep preparation, played 13. A4. Leinier spent significant time on his next move, 13...f6, which the presenter identifies as a mistake. The presenter explains the correct continuation for Black would have been 13...Qc6, which, despite appearing to hang the queen, puts pressure on White's knight and leads to a complex but defensible position for Black, potentially involving queen trades and a pawn structure that is slightly awkward for White but still playable. Ricard's move 14. a4 was a strong pawn push, aiming to restrict Black's pieces. Leinier responded with 14...c5, attempting to challenge White's center. Ricard then played 15. dxc5, and after 15...dxc5, he continued with 16. Qa3. The presenter notes that Ricard spent considerable time on this move, indicating its strategic importance. Leinier played 16...a6, and Ricard continued his positional pressure with 17. Rd1, putting the rook on an open file. Leinier's 17...Nc6 was met by 18. Nb3. A key moment occurred when Leinier played 18...Bxa3, giving up his bishop for a pawn. Ricard recaptured with 19. Bx d6. Leinier then attempted to counterattack with 19...Bg4, putting pressure on the knight. Ricard responded by placing his rook on an active file with 20. Rfb1, attacking the b7 pawn. Leinier castled queenside (20...O-O), seemingly addressing his king safety. However, Ricard found a devastating move: 21. Rxb7. This move not only attacked the queen but also created a fork that would lead to significant material loss for Black if the queen moved. Leinier was forced to capture the rook with 21...Qxb7. The game concluded swiftly after this. Ricard played 22. Na5 check. After Leinier moved his king to 22...Kc8, Ricard delivered a decisive blow with 23. Qxa6 check. Leinier moved his king to 23...Kd7. The final move was a beautiful 24. Bc7, leading to an immediate resignation from Leinier as he faced overwhelming threats, including potential checkmate and the loss of his queen. The presenter emphasizes that Leinier, despite being a strong player (rated 2700), was unable to find the correct defensive lines against the Evans Gambit, particularly the crucial 13...Qc6 move. Ricard, on the other hand, demonstrated exceptional preparation and tactical skill, completely dismantling Leinier's defenses. The presenter reiterates their strong belief in the Evans Gambit, encouraging viewers to learn and play it, even if it means losing, as it leads to enjoyable and stylish games. They briefly mention the tournament standings, with Nikal Sarin leading and Gesh having a challenging start. The video concludes with thanks to supporters and a final encouragement to play the Evans Gambit.