Recently I was doing training session with one of my students. We were studying several positions. Each of them we did separately for 15 minutes and then analyzed together sharing our analysis. The object of such a session is to demonstrate on real example how to analyze and make decisions.  

When we were doing position #160, not only our analysis differ, which is to be excepted, but also my analysis differ from what Nunn offered. Take a look and LMK what you think.

Problem #160

 Gulko - Ivanchuk

Biel Interzonal 1993
Nunn: "According to Gulko's notes in Informator 58 the position is a draw. The game (in which Black played 1...Nd6) did end up with the point shared. Do you agree with Gulko's view"
1...Qxf4+ 2.g3 Qf1 Nunn - "Gulko seemed to have a blind spot about this move. In Informator he only analyzed 2...Qc7 which looses to 3. Qe8 Bf8 4. Nf6 Kg7 5. Nd7" 3.Qe8+ Bf8 Now I believe Nunn and Fritz are having a blind spot. While I don't see why Nunn missed it, I think I know why Fritz did. 4.Nxe6!! Nunn only covers 4. Nh7?! and 4.Qd8?! that both loose! 4...fxe6 5.Qxg6+ Bg7 6.Qxe6+ [6.Qe8+ Bf8 7.Qg6+ Bg7 8.Qe8+ Qf8 9.Qxe6+ Qf7 10.Qc8+ Bf8 11.Nf6+ Qxf6 12.Qxc4+ Kg7 13.h4 Qf2+ 14.Kh3 Bd6] 6...Qf7 7.Qc8+! [7.Qxf7+ Initially, I thought that this move will lead to draw ending. White needs either exchange ph5 or exchange Knights. However, more analysis and practical game proved that defense was not likely to succeed. Before spending too much time on this line I went back to move 6 and looked for other options! 7...Kxf7 8.h4 Ke6] 7...Bf8 8.Nf6+ As soon as I saw this move, I thought that this is THE LINE! 8...Qxf6 9.Qxc4+ Kg7 and now simple
10.h4! In this position I don't see how Black can win. White still has the idea of going to drawn B+pawn H endgame. He is also looking for perpetual check as well as simple exchange of pawns! Of course after 4. Ne6! Fritz would evaluate the final position as (-2.50) for White who is down a piece. Well, computers are good! The are Very good! But....

Believe in yourself!

If you disagree with my analysis or if you want to send your "busts" or tough puzzles, please e-mail me. While I can't respond to everyone due to lack of time. The ones I like the most I may publish on my site. Please mention the source and have clear comments. No file attachments. PGN code must be copied into the e-mail text.