This is an instructive chess game between Daniel Naroditsky and Magnus Carlsen from the Late Titled Tuesday, held on June 24th, 2025. In response to Naroditsky’s central duo, Carlsen chooses the Rat Defense, specifically the Accelerated Gurgenidze. The Rat is often seen as a cagey and passive choice, but it can still carry bite, especially in the quicker 3+1 time control. It is worth noting that Carlsen has played this same setup with success in a more serious rapid game at 15+10 against Aryan Tari. A critical moment comes after Naroditsky’s 20th move, Nc1. Carlsen’s decision to break with c5 would mark the beginning of trouble in what had previously been a relatively stable position.
#DanielNaroditsky #MagnusCarlsen #TitledTuesday
Image of Magnus Carlsen by Lennart Ootes
lennartootes.com
I’m a self-taught National Master in chess out of Pennsylvania, USA who was introduced to the game by my father in 1988 at the age of 8. The purpose of this channel is to share my knowledge of chess to help others improve their game. I enjoy continuing to improve my understanding of this great game, albeit slowly. Consider subscribing here on YouTube for frequent content, and/or connecting via any or all the below social medias. Your support is greatly appreciated. Take care, bye. 🙂
★ LICHESS.ORG https://lichess.org/@/Chess-Network
★ CHESS.COM https://www.chess.com/member/chessnetwork?ref_id=1552369 (affiliate link)
★ TWITCH http://twitch.tv/ChessNetwork
★ TWITTER http://twitter.com/ChessNetwork
★ FACEBOOK http://facebook.com/ChessNetwork
★ PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ChessNetwork
★ DONATE https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=QLV226E6FUUWG
PGN
1. e4 g6 2. d4 d6 3. Nc3 c6 4. f4 d5 5. e5 h5 6. Nf3 Bg4 7. Bd3 e6 8. Be3 Nh6 9. h3 Nf5 10. Bf2 Bxf3 11. Qxf3 h4 12. Bxf5 gxf5 13. O-O-O Nd7 14. g4 hxg3 15. Bxg3 b5 16. Kb1 Nb6 17. Ne2 a5 18. h4 Nc4 19. h5 a4 20. Nc1 c5 21. dxc5 Bxc5 22. Nd3 Be3 23. Bf2 Qb6 24. Bxe3 Qxe3 25. Qg2 Kd7 26. Nb4 Kc7 27. Rxd5 Rag8 28. Rd7+ Kxd7 29. Qb7+ Ke8 30. Qc8+ Ke7 31. Nc6#