Analysis by Fritz 9.
1.e4
e5
2.Nf3
Nc6
3.Bb5
a6
4.Ba4
Nf6
5.0-0
Be7
6.Re1
b5
7.Bb3
0-0
This is either very brave or very foolhardy. Adams probably knows more about the Anti-Marshall systems that follow his next move than anyone alive. On the other hand, Black certainly won't be quickly crushed - slow manoeuvring is typical.
8.a4
Bb7
9.d3
d6
10.Nbd2
Na5
11.Ba2
c5
12.Nf1
Re8
This natural move has been tried a few times, most notably by Peter Leko against Gary Kasparov at Linares, 2001. Kasparov won that game, and most other examples also went in White's favour.
13.Bd2
Nc6
14.c3
Bf8
15.Ng5
Re7
16.Ne3
h6
17.Nf3
[Fritz likes 17.Nxf7
Rxf7
18.axb5
axb5
19.Bxf7+
Kxf7
20.Qb3+
Kg6
21.Qxb5
, but it's not very convincing.]
17...g6
18.h4
Bg7
19.Nd5
Re8
[Black could simplify here: 19...Nxd5
20.Bxd5
Na5
21.Bxb7
Rxb7
22.axb5
axb5
leaving White with only a small advantage. The move played allows White to exploit his extra space.]
20.Qc1
Kh7
Leaving the f-pawn undefended, which gives Adams a tactical opportunity.
21.Nxf6+
Qxf6
22.Bd5
[Adams misses his chance: 22.Ng5+!
hxg5
23.Bxg5
Bh6
24.Bxf6
Bxc1
25.Rexc1
, with an extra pawn and a dominant bishop pair.]
22...Rf8
23.h5
Nd8?
24.axb5
Exploiting the inadequately defended rook at a8 to win a pawn. Adams probably expected to win easily from here; instead, Steve fights back with some excellent defensive work.
24...Qe7
25.c4
Ne6
26.bxa6
Rxa6
27.Rxa6
Bxa6
28.Be3
[28.b4
is better, either gaining a passed pawn or creating tactical opportunities for White after 28...cxb4
29.Bxb4
, e.g. 29...Nc5
30.Qa3
Bc8
31.d4
exd4
32.e5
Qd7
33.exd6
Ne6
34.hxg6+
, when Black's position is falling apart everywhere.]
28...Bb7
29.Nd2
Rb8
30.Qc2
Bc8
31.hxg6+
fxg6
32.g3
Creating weaknesses around the white king. Black has plenty of compensation for the pawn now.
32...Ng5
33.Bxg5
Qxg5
34.Ra1
Bg4
35.Nf1
h5
36.Nh2
Bh3
37.Qe2
Rf8
38.Re1
Bh6
39.b3
Qf6
40.Ra1
Qg5
41.Re1
Qf6
42.Ra1
Steve has created enough pressure against White's king to persuade Adams that it would be dangerous to play on. 1/2-1/2