Black has just played 31...Rb8 from a8, in order to avoid being captured with the e4-queen. This move looks inoffensive but Black has some ideas in mind. What is the best move for White here?

Fantastic prophylaxis from Nepo. White stops b4 by protecting the b2-pawn and now is ready to start the attack on the kingside.

32.g4 looks natural but allows Black counterplay after 32...b4! 33.Qc4 The point after 33.cxb4 is that the b2-pawn is hanging! 33...bxc3 and Black has decent chances of drawing the game since all the pawns on the queenside have disappeared.

Keeping control over the light squares and stopping ...d5.

A classic example of prophylaxis. With his next moves White restricts the black minor pieces, guaranteeing to keep the bishop pair as well.

Stopping ...Bc5 and fixing the black pawn structure on the queenside. White can put a lot of pressure on in the future with an eventual a4.

Once again, we ask ourselves, what does Black want to do?

The knight on g7 is completely dead.

The difference in activity between the minor pieces is evident.

Another good prophylactic move, stopping the trick on b4. White has a decisive advantage.