1.d4
d5
2.c4
e6
3.Nf3
Nf6
4.Nc3
Nbd7
5.cxd5
exd5
6.Bf4
c6
7.e3
Nh5
8.Bd3
Nxf4
9.exf4
The first structural blow has been struck. The d4 pawn is isolated.
9...Bd6
10.g3
0-0
11.0-0
Re8
12.Qc2
Nf8
13.Nd1
f6
14.Ne3
Be6
15.Nh4
Bc7
16.b4
Alekhine begins typical minority action on the queenside. The goal is to give Black a weak pawn of his own on c6.
16...Bb6
Taking aim at the d4 pawn. This fantastic game between the former and future world champions is a great example of our theme. Weak pawns serve as distractions even when they can be successfully defended. White has to use his forces to watch the d-pawn. This inhibits his own attacking chances and also makes him vulnerable in other areas because his pieces are tied down.
17.Nf3
The first concession. The knight has to retreat.
17...Bf7
18.b5
Bh5
Indirectly pressuring d4 again by threatening to remove its defender.
19.g4
Bf7
The bishop's job is done, a major weakness has been created in the white kingside pawn structure on the dark squares. Note that this is a consequence of the need to protect d4.
20.bxc6
Rc8
21.Qb2
bxc6
Black also has a pawn weakness now, but it's easier to defend than d4 is for White.
22.f5
Or else ..Ng6-f4 is a menace.
22...Qd6
Eyeing the freshly weakened dark squares and the f4 square.
23.Ng2
Another concession to keep the queen out of f4.
23...Bc7
The bishop's job on b6 is done. The weakness of d4 allowed Lasker to create other weaknesses on the kingside and now he goes after those.
24.Rfe1
h5!
White's delicate kingside is exploded. If the f3 knight is ejected or captured, h2 is next.
25.h3
Nh7
..Ng5 is a lethal threat.
26.Rxe8+
Rxe8
27.Re1
Rb8
As usual the attacker wants to keep the pieces on the board.
28.Qc1
Ng5
29.Ne5
Desperation, but there is nothing else. [ 29.Nxg5
Qh2+
30.Kf1
fxg5
31.Qxc6
Ba5
32.Rb1
Re8
]
29...fxe5
[ 29...hxg4
30.Nxg4
Nf3+
; 29...Nxh3+
There is no need to give Alekhine chances with a pawn storm in the center. 30.Kf1
fxe5
31.dxe5
Qb4
32.e6
Be8
]
30.Qxg5
e4
31.f6
g6
32.f4
White has nothing better than to throw everything at the Black king and hope Lasker makes a mistake. [ 32.Bc2
Qh2+
33.Kf1
Qh1+
34.Ke2
Qxg2
]
32...hxg4
33.Be2
gxh3
34.Bh5
Rb2!
Sharp till the end.
35.Nh4
Qxf4
36.Qxf4
Bxf4
0-1