"It seems we may be heading for a draw, Mr. Johnson," T'Var says as she scans the board in front of her. "Or perhaps your first victory?"
The doctor then moves....
25. h3
Printable View
"It seems we may be heading for a draw, Mr. Johnson," T'Var says as she scans the board in front of her. "Or perhaps your first victory?"
The doctor then moves....
25. h3
"Are we looking at the same game?" Johnson replies with a smile as he goes back to board. "Still plenty of time for me to get it wrong."
25. ...Qa6
26. Bf3
26. ...Ne5
27. Qg2
Johnson takes a deep breath.
27. ...Nxf3+
"Check"
Cmdr. Vargas enters the room and gets himself a cup of coffee. He wanders over to see how the game's going, and blows a little on his coffee to cool it.
T'Var maintains her focus on the game. She barely notices Cmdr. Vargas as he enters the Rec Room.
28. Nxf3
28. ...Bxe2
Vargas looks over the board and purses his lips.
29. Bxb4
29. ...Qd3
30. Ne1
30. ...Qd4
Johnson smiles to himself. 30 moves against Dr T'Var. By this point he has normally resigned, perhaps he is getting better after all.
31. Nc2
31. ...Qb2
"Your chess skills are most definitely improving, Mr. Johnson," T'Var says.
She then moves....
32. Qe4
"Thank you Dr T'var. That actually means a great deal coming from someone as experienced as you."
32. ...axb4
33. Ra8
Johnson ponders the options before finally deciding...
33. ...Rxa8
34. Qxa8+
Johnson makes the only sensible move.
34. ...Kh7
35. Qe4+
36. ...g6
Johnson awaits to see what move Dr T'Var will make next, but happy in the knowledge this is a much closer game than previously. Maybe he can get a draw out of it.
T'Var scans the board for the best possible move. She considers suggesting a draw to Johnson, but will wait a bit longer.
The doctor then moves....
36. Nxb4
Johnson is quite surprised to still be a pawn ahead at this point, but what to do...
36. ...b5
37. Nd5
Hmm, Johnson mulls the details over in his mind, looking at the fewer and fewer pieces on the board.
"Would you be interested in a draw at all?" he enquires of Dr T'Var.
Vargas looks interestedly at the doctor.
"Though I do have a mate possibility in a few moves, I am certain you would easily counter my attempts at this."
T'Var reaches her hand across the board. "If you are offering a draw, Mr. Johnson, I accept."
"Likewise." Johnson reaches across the table and shakes T'Var's hand.
The doctor smiles at Johnson. "It has been a long time since I've ended a chess match with a draw," she tells him. "Well done, indeed."
Johnson sits back in his chair and sighs with relief. "Thank you Doctor, thank you indeed."
"I think you're getting better, Mr. Johnson," the First Officer says. "Our Vulcan healer is quite a formidable chess player."
"Thank you sir, it's all the practice I am getting facing a superior player. "
"Well Doctor T'Var. What next?"
"We could take a little break from our friendly chess competition or we can play another game now," T'Var says. "With your improving chess skills, Mr. Johnson, I believe you will defeat me soon -- perhaps as soon as our next game."
"Or it could have been beginner's luck and your experience will show through. I don't mind either way as to when our next game is, but I am certainly looking forward to it."
"There are benefits to taking a break from our games. There is also the idea of momentum and its importance when one is on a roll," T'Var says with a smile.
"Perhaps a rest from our chess battles is in order at this time," the doctor tells Johnson. "Then again, you do seem to have momentum on your side right now."
Johnson's blinks a few times as he tries to work out what T'Var is saying, "So, if I play black a lot more, I can draw more games?" He smiles again, "A break is not a problem, just let me know when you want another game. Somehow I don't think I will have momentum on my side for a few games yet."
"Yes, I believe a short break would be a good idea," T'Var says. "You can use the time to study chess games of the past and analyze them."
T'Var stands and stretches. "You can also play a few practice games against the computer. It is quite good, I've found."
"Sounds like a good idea. A bit more research and a bit practice can only be beneficial."
Johnson stands and nods at Dr T'Var, "I'll look forward to the next few games."
It's a while or so later and Johnson is back in the Rec Room looking over various gambits and scratching his head as he tries to work out how he can use them.
He's ready for a new game, but he didn't get as much practice in as he wanted. Being honest, he skimped a little and is rapidly trying to catch up before his next set of games. Then again, he thinks, losing is the best experience, so playing again may not be such a bad idea after all.
T'Var walks into the Rec Room and is pleased to see Johnson there.
"Are you ready for another game?" the doctor asks him.
"Afternoon Sir, how are you? Yes, I'm ready for another game, or perhaps that should be lesson."
Johnson adds the rest of the pieces to the board he had been working on and sets it up to play.
"Black or White, Sir?"
"I prefer to play as black," the doctor says with a smile. "You may have the honor of the first move, Mr. Johnson."
"Thank you", says Johnson and moves.
1. d4
T'Var replies with black's first move.
1...Nf6
and Johnson goes for something new.
2. c4
T'Var is gratified that Johnson has made the correct move by playing c4.
She responds with 2...e6 which allows her flexibility as opening play continues.
Johnson thinks back over the books he read and hopes the next move is correct in the opening.
3. Nf3
"You have been studying your openings, Mr. Johnson," T'Var says with a smile.
The doctor then moves 3...b6
"If it involves playing you not playing the Sicilian Defence, then yes, I have been studying." Johnson returns the smile as he makes his next move
4. g3
4...Ba6
Johnson looks at the early attack and considers the best way to fend it off.
5. b3
"A most logical move," T'Var tells Johnson.
The doctor quickly scans the board then moves 5...d5
Johnson decides to decline for the moment
6. Bg2
T'Var considers several options based on Johnson's last move. She then makes the choice that seems best.
6...dxc4
Johnson looks at the board again and wonders if he is already about to go down a pawn, even at this early a stage of the game.
7. Ne5
7...Bb4+
8. Bd2
8...Qxd4
9. Bxb4
9...Qxa1
Johnson looks at the board, wondering how Dr T'Var had suddenly gone through his pieces like that. It certainly wasn't what he had been expecting and the openeing had gone completely.
But, he still needed to play on and after some considerable consideration move again.
10. Nxf7
T'Var frowns while scanning the board. Did Johnson not notice her blunder or his chance to move ahead in the game?
The doctor then moves a most logical 10...Kxf7
"Doctor, If I do make a stupid move or there is a better move I could have made or a mistake I should have picked up on, please could you let me know at the end of the game." asks Johnson noticing the frown and taking the rook at the same time.
11. Bxa8
"My apologies, Mr. Johnson," T'Var replies. "I was concerned that I would offend you if I mentioned your blunders -- and my own -- during our game."
T'Var sighs softly, then moves 11...Qxa2
"My blunder -- I failed to notice your Bishop at d2 and allowed you to then capture my Bishop." The good doctor shakes her head, clearly disgusted with herself for losing focus during this game.
"Your blunder -- Moving your Knight into danger at f7 when the best move was to capture my rook at that point. The loss of your Knight for a pawn was not necessary."
"Doctor T'Var, I'm here to learn as much as to play, so your comments are most welcome, however you seem a little distracted by something." Johnson responds.
"You forked my Rook and Knight. If I had taken your Rook then, your next obvious move would be to take the Knight on e5 with the black Queen. Leaving me in a worse off position, I believe. You haven't blundered, but played an excellent Bishop Sacrifice. And once again, I'm left scrambling to stop you...again," he says with a smile before moving.
12. Kd2
"Of course, if you can be distracted Sir, I may have to make some Vulcan fruit pastries."
Just been looking at the timeline and I would hazard a guess at this match taking place before the mission to the Sakathian Station probably just before the Yorktown gets to Morra III.
D'Oh - Thanks WES, :smack:
11. Nd2
T'Var sighs heavily. "I must be distracted," the good doctor admits. "I did not notice the fork at all." The Vulcan sighs again. "My apologies for a lack of concentration during this game. I will endeavor to pay more attention from this point on."
T'Var then moves 12...Rd8
Johnson looks back across the table at Dr T'Var, "We can always put the game on hold for a day or so and come back to it when you are feeling more inclined. Would a cup of Spice Tea and friendly ear be of more use."
"Perhaps some Spice Tea would help," T'Var says with a smile. "Excellent idea, Mr. Johnson."
T'Var get herself a cup and takes a sip. "I believe we can continue on with our game, however. Thank you for your concern."
The good doctor gestures at the board, indicating that it is Johnson's move.
Johnson has continued looking over the board and nods to the Doctor as she returns. "You're welcome, sir."
13. bxc4
13...Qb2
Apologies for the delay, its been busy.
Johnson looks over the board wondering where it went wrong. Its not a great position he is in, and looking back over it might help later but for the moment he needs to move.
After a lot of consideration, he slowly reaches out and moves, although nothing seems to lead to a position where the good Doctor is going to lose.
14. Qa4
Apologies for the delay, its been busy.
Johnson looks over the board wondering where it went wrong. Its not a great position he is in, and looking back over it might help later but for the moment he needs to move.
After a lot of consideration, he slowly reaches out and moves, although nothing seems to lead to a position where the good Doctor is going to lose.
14. Qa4
14...c5
15. Qa3
T'Var looks over the board, then frowns slightly. She fixes her gaze upon Johnson.
"As you have welcomed instruction regarding your chess skills, I was wondering if you would like to reconsider your latest move?"
The good doctor pauses a moment. "I do not wish to offend you by asking during a game. However...."
"No offence given at all. Before taking my move back, if indeed I should, would it be possible to first run through what my current thoughts are on the pieces I have and what can be played and from there you can perhaps give guidance as to what I might have missed."
Johnson looks back at Dr T'Var.
"Certainly," the doctor replies. "Perhaps we should start with your reasons for moving Qa3. Then I might better explain why this may not be the best move."
Johnson looks at the board and begins, "Ok, my reasons for moving the queen are because it appears to be the least bad move I can make given the circumstances. I'm still going to be down a Bishop or a Knight but it is also likely to result in a Queen exchange and given your undoubted skill with the queen, its not necessarily a bad thing. You can't take the Knight or Bishop outright without losing the queen, and even if your likely response is rook takes knight, as I said earlier I'm going to be down just the one piece and probably a couple of pawns."
"So, given that here are my thoughts about the other pieces. Bishop on B4, while moving it to a5 seems like a good move, if you take it, I can attack the rook and protect the knight, it isn't. Black queen to c1 is checkmate. Moving it to c3 leaves it unprotected and taking the pawn loses both bishop, knight and follows to a rook exchange."
"The knight on d4. Moving it loses the bishop, pens my queen in. It's only safe square is f3 and most moves lead to a quick checkmate."
"The bishop on a8, likewise, to the knight, safe square on f3 and doesn't develop any form of defense or attack. It's just moving a piece out of the way.
Johnson looks round the board at the rest. "Moving a pawn, not really, castling, well it loses the bishop and then the knight straight after. Technically more defensive, but..actually maybe not, castling might be better, even if you take the bishop the knight can be moved to f3 and its perhaps a slightly better position although by no means good."
"Is that then the better move?"
Johnson looks across at T'Var wondering what words of wisdom will be coming his way.
T'Var smiles at Johnson. "A well thought out explanation of your reasoning," she tells him. "However...."
The doctor then moves the pieces on the board to show her opponent why 15. Qa3 might not be the best move....
15. Qa3 (leads to) ...Rxd2
16. Qxb2 ...Rxb2
(which wins a Q for a K)
"Of course, I am assuming your moves based on what I plan to do," T'Var says. "In your place, I would choose to castle. It is a good defensive move and frees your rook to enter the battle."
Johnson smiles back at T'Var and nods along as she moves the pieces on the board. "Yes, that is the obvious passage of play if I was to move the White queen there. However, at the time, I couldn't see anything better. It also stops you using the Black Queen as well. I lose a Knight but keep a Bishop."
Johnson stops and examines the board again. " Sir, perhaps you might be able to explain why castling would be preferable option. True, the rook comes into play, but the bishop is lost and the chances of a promoted pawn for black is much higher. Not to mention that the White queen is effectively trapped. Is the extra I gain from the White Rook worth it?"
T'Var begins moving pieces once again.
"After white's castle, here are the logical moves to follow...."
The doctor then moves 15...Q x B
16. Q x Q ...p x Q
17. Kf3 ... Kg8
18. Rc1 ...b3
19. Ke5 ...b2
20. Re1 ...Rd2
"At this point," T'Var says as she gestures to the new board position, "Black's attack potential is lessened. The pressure on white's King is gone. You cannot avoid losing a Queen and Bishop for a Queen, however."
T'Var puts the pieces back where they should be after 14...c5. "Black's attempt to promote the pawn is thwarted by this line of play -- which is what I was trying to do -- advance a passed pawn."
Johnson looks back over the board and the moves again, before shaking his head.
"I can understand why white would castle, but why not the following..."
15. 0-0 ...p x B
"White still logically has to move ..."
16. Nf3
so why not follow this path or is this more complicated than it looks?
"Your reasoning is sound for the most part," T'Var replies. "However, black has two viable options after white's castle. Black can play Q x B -- which I prefer as it forks white's knight and queen -- or I can play c x b4."
The doctor rearranges the pieces to reflect this possible scenario. "After c x b4, the most logical move for white is most definitely Nf3. I am then assuming the following moves as such:"
16. Nf3 ...Rd7
17. Bc6 ...Rc7
18. Bb5 ... Qxp
19. Kg2 ... BxB
20. pxB
"Of course, I do not really know what your moves will be, so this is mere speculation on my part. This particular set of moves proves advantageous to black for these reasons:"
1. White's offensive potential greatly weakened.
2. White's pawn structure also weakened.
3. Threat to White's King is increased somewhat.
4. Threat to Black's King is lessened somewhat.
T'Var replaces the pieces to their current position as of 14...c5
"It is difficult to decide on the best move in any chess game -- largely because one never knows which move their opponent will make in response. This is the challenge -- and the true enjoyment of chess."
"Thank you, that answers a few questions. I won't win, but at least I'm learning. So, shall we start again." Johnson smiles back at Doctor T'Var and promptly castles.
15. 0-0
"If you don't mind that is? I can always play my previous move if you prefer."
"You may move as you wish," T'Var assures Johnson. "The fact that we are both learning something during this game is most gratifying."
The doctor then moves:
15...Qxb4
Johnson responds as expected.
16. Qxb4
T'Var also responds as expected:
16...cxb4
"This looks familiar", grins Johnson.
17. Nf3
T'Var nods and smiles. "Indeed."
The doctor then moves:
17...Nbd7
Johnson shakes his head and smiles ruefully, "I was waiting for something like that to occur."
18. Ra1
T'Var returns the smile. "Perhaps something different," she says, then makes her latest move.
18...Bxc4
Despite the familiar sinking feeling he gets during the endgames of his matches with Dr T'Var, Johnson still manages to smile.
19. Rxa7
19...Bxe2
20. Nd4
T'Var scans the board carefully. Obviously, she must move her Bishop out of harm's way. But where? After a bit more thought, the doctor moves:
20...Bc4
He's behind but not down and out...yet. Johnson smiles as he makes his next move.
21. Nc6
21...Rc8
22. Nxb4
Johnson smiles, its a small victory of a skirmish, but no doubt Dr T'Var will have a cunning and incisive move up her sleeve.
T'Var takes a bit longer than usual to decide upon her next move. There are several possibilities. Which one is best?
The doctor moves:
22...Bb5
Johnson looks over the pieces wondering which ones he should move if at all. After following through a moves and realising how close to being in checkmate he is, he shakes his head slightly and shrugs as he tries to find a move which won't immediately put him into trouble. Of course, he smiles this is Dr T'Var so every move puts him deeper into trouble.
Seeing one obvious line of attack, he decides to defend against it.
23. Na2
T'Var scans the board, then gives Johnson the briefest of smiles.
"Na2 is a good move. It prevents my Rook from checking your King."
23...Nd5
Johnson looks back down at the board surprised he got a smile out of Dr T'Var at this stage. Actually just generally surprised to get a smile out of a Vulcan.
He can't really move his bishop or knight, the rook is probably better off where it is and there is likely to be an exchange shortly anyway. That leaves the king and pawns really. Hmmm, why not. Give the king an escape and at least block the pawn coming down.
24. f4
T'Var makes what she considers to be the next logical move:
24...Kg6
Johnson watches the king move away and his position unravel, well unravel further. Then again, he smiles, 25 moves again.
25. Bxd5
25...exd5
26. Nb4
26...Rc1+
27. Kg2
T'Var has several options to choose from at this point. She looks over the board, then decides to push the passed pawn.
27...d4
Johnson has far fewer options, but moves anyway.
28. Nd3
28...Rc2+
Johnson looks over the board and considers the two options, and realises that attack or defend the game is still very much Dr T'Var's to lose, which means that she won't. But, as far as Johnson was concerned, better to actually try something than not.
29. Kf3
29...Bc6+
30. Kg4
"You have successfully made it to Move 30, Mr. Johnson," T'Var says as she quickly scans the board. "Well done." The good doctor then moves:
30...h5+
"Thank you Ma'am. It's as much a surprise to me as it is to anyone," Johnson replies before moving
31. Kh3
"Not a surprise, Mr. Johnson. It was inevitable that your chess skills would improve with time and practice."
31...Bf3
"Well I may have successfully made it through to 30 moves, but I don't think I will make it through to 35." acknowledges Johnson as he looks across the board, "but between the bishop and the rook, even if I put you in check with the Knight right now, it's checkmate in three."
He nods at the board, a rueful smile across his face. "Maybe next time." he says as he topples his King in resignation and offers a hand in defeat to Doctor T'var.
T'Var shakes Johnson's hand with a nod and a smile. "As always, it was a pleasure. I enjoy our games of chess very much."
"Thank you for both the game and the lesson and I look forward to the next, as and when you may be interested," Johnson replies.
It had been a very long day in Sickbay for Dr. T'Var. She entered the Mess Hall with the sole intention of a relaxing cup of Vulcan spice tea and then an evening of meditation.
When she noticed Mr. Johnson sitting alone at one of the tables, she decided that a stimulating game of chess might be a better idea.
T'Var grabbed her cup of tea and walked over to Johnson, hoping he might be interested in a game of chess as well.
"May I join you?" the doctor asked.
Johnson looks up from the datapad containing various details of how to bake bread for fifteen different species and not manage to poison at least three of them.
"Ma'am, good to see you again, it's been a while, please do." He rises slightly as the Doctor sits down and then seats himself again. "Research, attempting to bake bread and hopefully not send anyone your way." Johnson says, waving the datapad slightly before putting it down on the table.
"So Ma'am. An order for more Vulcan pastries or a game of chess, maybe both. I believe you're White this time."
T'Var allows herself a brief smile. "I am gratified that you remembered my enjoyment of those pastries," the doctor says.
"And a game of chess would be most enjoyable as well."
The doctor retrieves the familiar board and pieces from a nearby storage cabinet, then sets everything up.
1. Nf3
Johnson assists in setting up and waits for the opening move before responding
1. ...c5
2. c4
2. ...e6
T'Var eases into the familiar territory of the Reti Opening. It is good to relax with a game of chess once again.
3. Nc3
3. ...Nf6
T'Var quickly scans the board. She has several options at this early stage of the game. The first ten moves are the most important.
The doctor is not as confident when playing white, so she decides the most logical move at this point is to play it safe.
4. e4
Johnson mulls over his next move, trying to remember that it's White's job to attack, not Black's.
4. ...Nc6
T'Var continues to move in the most logical way possible.
5. Be2
Johnson wonders how T'Var's openings always seem to go smoother than his.
5. ...Be7
6. d4
JOhnson mulls over a few options before accepting.
6. ...cxd4
7. Nxd4
7. ...Bb4
T'Var is gratified with the smooth progression of the game so far.
8. Nxc6
Johnson looks up from the board at the attentive Dr T'Var, her play a lot more aggressive than he was expecting.
He smiled as he looked back down, perhaps this would make for a quick game after all, so much for 25 moves. "Why not", he murmurs.
8. ...Bxc3+
"Check", Johnson calls across quietly.
"A most interesting -- and unexpected -- move, Mr. Johnson," T'Var replies. She scans the board. Only one move seems logical to her.
9. bxc3
"Unexpected? You say that like you didn't see it coming Ma'am. I'm shocked." Johnson grins.
Given the couple of options open, Johnson is sure he's probably taking the wrong one, but it's his choice.
9. ...bxc6
T'Var says nothing, but returns Johnson's grin with a smile of her own.
10. 0-0
Johnson stops and stares at the board. T'Var...T'Var just castled?
Trying to see if he is walking into a trap and given his opponent he probably is.
10. ...Nxe4
11. Qd4
11. ...Nf6
12. Ba3
12. ...d5
T'Var continues with her plan of attack....
13. cxd5
13. ...cxd5
Johnson waits to see what the next move is.
14. Rab1
14. ...Qc7
15. Rfe1
A pawn ahead but positionally not so good, Johnson wasn't honestly sure if he was ahead of behind, but after 15 moves, he was still well in this game. Looking across at T'Var didn't help, she looked as impassive as usual.
There were a couple of moves he could make and protecting the king looked so tempting, but what if T'Var decided to attack kingside...hmm. Johnson decided on something a little more positive.
15. ...Rb8
16. Rxb8
Johnson replies as expected.
16. ...Qxb8
T'Var maintains a neutral expression as she makes her next move.
17. Qc5
Yeah, I'd look neutral too if I had that many chances of checkmate in a couple of moves as well.
Johnson nods politely at the move and responds in kind.
17. ...Qb7
18. Ba6
There is short sharp intake of breath when Johnson sees T'Var's move and realises that although he is up a pawn at the moment that situation is not going to last...at all. He has well and truly been outmanoeuvred by his Vulcan opponent.
Drumming his fingers for a moment, he decides that the least he could do is go down honestly.
18. ...Qxa6
"So Ma'am. How many of those Vulcan pastries would you like delivered to your quarters?" he enquires politely
19. Qe7#
"Perhaps we could share those pastries with our crewmates," T'Var says. "Would you be interested in helping me plan an evening of chess for any members of the Yorktown who might be interested?"
Johnson reaches across and topples his King over on the board with a sigh.
"I'd...I'd love to help out, Ma'am. It might require more than a few Vulcan Pastries though, but I should be able to put something together." Johnson nods and smiles back across the board, "Whatever you need Ma'am, you've only to ask?"
Johnson makes a few notes on a datapad, before looking back across. "This might take a couple of nights to arrange Ma'am, and I'd suggest talking to Lt Thalen as well, but it could certainly be something different for the ship's crew to do."
Johnson looks back down at the board and then back up again at Dr T'Var. "While we are thinking about it Ma'am, would you like another game of chess?", he says with a smile before resetting the pieces, "I believe I have the pleasure of being white this time."
T'Var nods in the affirmative. "Another game would be most gratifying, Mr. Johnson."
Johnson smiles back to the doctor and starts again.
1. d4
T'Var moves quickly.
1...Nf6
and Johnson continues.
2. c4
2...Nc6
3. Nf3
T'Var takes a bit longer to make her third move. For some reason, she is having trouble concentrating on this game.
3...e6
Johnson looks across. " Ma'am, would you like a cup of something?"
4. a3
T'Var looks over the board. "I am not thirsty at the moment, but thank you for asking," she tells Johnson.
Her lack of concentration continues as she makes her next move.
4...d6
Johnson looks at the board seeing at least three or four moves he could continue with. Eventually he settles on what he thinnks is the most sensible of them.
5. Nc3
5...g6
6. g3
T'Var looks over the board a bit longer than usual. Seems as if they are both playing more defensively than in the last game. Perhaps another draw in the making?
6...Bg7
7. Bg2
7...0-0
8. 0-0
T'Var looks over the board a bit pensively. She has several move options. Which to choose.... Does she play for the victory? A draw?
8...e5
Johnson had waited to see what T'Var would do next and it looked like she was having to go on the offensive. Not always her favourite state.
9. d5
9...Ne7
Johnson isn't sure if that last move was a good or bad tell for him, but moves quickly, hoping to keep the pressure on.
10. e4
10...c5
Ten moves each and no captures. Johnson was mildly surprised, although T'Var was no doubt biding her time before she would strike.
No, he couldn't resist any further.
11. b4
11...Qc7
Johnson was perhaps expecting the capture, but it was never that easy with T'Var.
12. Qb3
12...Bd7
T'Var awaits Johnson's next move. She is patient -- scanning the board for any opportunity to gain an advantage. Her opponent's skills are increasing much more quickly than she anticipated. She must be ready. She must focus. She must prepare herself for defeat -- if and when it comes this game.
Johnson studies the options, before deciding. 13th move, unlucky for some, but for him... or T'Var.
13. bxc5
And so it begins, T'Var thinks to herself. She responds in kind.
13...Qxc5
14. Be3
T'Var looks over the board and sighs. She has no clear advantage in this game. Perhaps a slightly better positioning of her pieces, but that is only one of many factors when it comes to victory. T'Var makes the next logical move.
14...Qc7
Johnson nods at the expected move and thinks on a pair of options before deciding on the less aggressive.
15. Rab1
15...b6
16. Qb4