The moves on both sides are a bit mysterious: the position is difficult to play. Rapport now initiates a fantastic plan.
1. e2e4  1... e7e6  2. d2d4  2... d7d5  3. b1c3  3... f8b4 [%cal df8b4][%c_arrow f8b4;keyPressed;none;from;f8;opacity;0.8;to;b4;persistent;false] The French Winawer is always fun to watch when played in the elite. This controversial variation, which has fanatical supporters, was played in the famous first game of the match between Capablanca and Alekhine, ending in victory for Black and meaning that Capablanca no longer played the king's pawn in the match. 4. e4e5  4... c7c5  5. a2a3  5... b4c3  6. b2c3  6... g8e7  7. d1g4  7... d8c7  8. f1d3 A dangerous move and a viable alternative to the more popular 8.Qxg7. I remember seeing some beautiful victories by Judit Polgar in this line when I was a teenager in the 90s. This move is the one recommended by GM Negi in his excellent book collection with a repertoire for White. 8... c7a5 I didn't know this move. 8...cxd4 and 8...c4 are usually played. 9. c1d2  9... c5c4  10. d3e2 A typical French Winawer position with its slow game character, without an immediate attack for anyone and in which White always seems to have an advantage. 10... h8g8 [%c_effect g8;square;g8;type;Interesting;persistent;true] 11. a3a4 [%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A thematic and useful move, gaining space and opening the diagonal for a future Bc1-a3 maneuver. It's important to play it before Black can place the queen on a4. 11... b8c6 A new move. 12. g1f3 [%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] The computer is very critical of this development. White has several alternative plans. 12... c8d7  13. e1g1  13... h7h6 [%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Preventing a knight move to g5. 14. f1b1  14... e8c8  15. b1b5  15... a5c7 White has no time to play the desirable Bc1-a3 because Black is playing …f7-f6. 16. g4f4  16... g7g5 [%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Rapport is not the type of player that is afraid of sacrificing pawns. 17. f4f7  17... e7f5  18. g2g4  18... d8f8  19. f7h5  19... d7e8  20. h5h3  20... h6h5 [%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] 21. f3g5  21... h5g4  22. e2g4  22... c7e7  23. f2f4 The knight is secured on g5 and White is holding the position, dangerous as it is. 23... g8h8  24. h3g2  24... c6d8 [%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Preparing …Nf7 to exchange the important white knight. 25. b5b1  25... e8g6  26. b1f1  26... c8b8 It's always useful to hide the king. 27. d2c1 [%c_effect c1;square;c1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Finally the bishop is going to a3. 27... f8g8  28. g1f2 [%c_effect f2;square;f2;type;Mistake;persistent;true] The king tries to hide, but this move loses a pawn. 28... f5h4 [%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] 29. g2g3  29... g6c2 Black regains the pawn and the bishop acquires a powerful square on d3, with a clear advantage. 30. f2e1  30... c2d3  31. f1g1  31... b8a8  32. g3f2  32... h4f5  33. c1a3  33... e7d7  34. g4d1  34... d8c6  35. e1d2  35... g8g6  36. d2c1  36... d7c7 