We found ourselves in a typical position coming from a Pelikan/Sveshnikov/Najdorf, where White has managed to get a position where the knight is better than the passive e7-bishop. What is the plan now?

The c2-pawn was vulnerable to the rook attack, while on c3 it can only be attacked with ...b4, after which we could answer with c4, freezing Black's structure. Moreover, Black could be threatening to play ...b4, leaving a backward pawn on c2. With her last move, Judit is also preparing the route for the knight to the best square on the board, the d5-square!

1...Rc5 2.Rd1d5? 3.b4 +-

Freezing Black's structure and making sure we aren't left with a backward pawn.

On certain occasions, the knight is better than the bishop, especially in closed positions or in those where the knight has a strong square where it cannot be kicked away. How do you play here?

The most tricky move in my opinion with a hidden idea.

A mistake! Now Black can get a fantastic position. Can you find the move? 22.Qd3! should have been played.

Exactly! d4 is the square. From there the knight is a beast, and can be supported with ...e5.

The maneuver has been completed and Black enjoys a better position.

Note that the e4-pawn is hanging at the moment. I really love the way Gelfand handles this position. He makes a great sequence of moves to control the two open files: c and d.