1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. cxd5 cxd5 5. f3!?

"A popular opening for younger players in Iceland. White can get a dangerous initiative if Black is not precise."

5... Nc6 6. e4 dxe4 7. d5 Ne5 8. fxe4 a6 9. Nf3 Nxf3+ 10. Qxf3 e6 11. Bg5 Be7 12. O-O-O Qa5 13. Bc4 Nxd5!

"Sharply done, but Vignir finds a way to keep tension in the position even though he is a pawn down."

14. exd5 Bxg5+ 15. Kb1 O-O 16. Ne4 Bh6 17. g4!

""The messenger of destruction.""

17... exd5?

"One mistake leaves Black in difficulties. Best was 17... Qc7 threatening ... Qf4, when 18. g5 can be answered by 18... Bxg5 19. Nxg5 Qxc4 and it is difficult to find a plan for White."

18. Rxd5 Qc7 19. g5!

"Suddenly Black is facing insurmountable difficulties. If now (19. g5) 19... Bxg5 then 20. Rxg5 Qxc4 21. Rxg7+ Kxg7 22. Qf6+ Kg8 23. Rg1+ and mates."

19... Qxc4 20. gxh6 g6 21. Rc1! Qxd5

"There was no defense to be found, since on 21... Qb4 comes 22. Qf6 etc."

22. Nf6+ Kh8 23. Nxd5 Bf5+ 24. Ka1 Rac8 25. Rxc8 Rxc8 26. Qe3

1-0

Annotator(s): Helgi Ólafsson, Vignir Vatnar Náði Áfanga Að Alþjóðlegum Meistaratitli, Skák.is, August 3, 2019

Source(s): Live boards.

Event information: Tournament report.