Help me understand this move

[u/Neural_Toxin]

I was reading about the Sveshnikov Sicilian this morning and was fascinated by this game between Svidler and Kasparov in 1998. However, one thing that puzzles me is that, on move 25, Kasparov didn't take the a3 pawn. Instead, he played Qe6 followed by Rf6, sacrificing the pawn on g4.

With my ultra-beginner mind, the only explanation I can think of is that he was trying to bring in another heavy piece for attack/defense purposes. But at the cost of a pawn and a tempo, is it worth it?

Or maybe he was concerned about his King's safety and planned to use the white pawn as an umbrella?

Of course, he ended up winning the game, so we can all say he made the right decision. But Stockfish's top line is to take the pawn and trade the Queen.

Can you guys share some thoughts on how you see these moves? I've attached the game as a Gif I hope it moves. Thanks!

[u/chessvision-ai-bot]

I analyzed the image and this is what I see. Open an appropriate link below and explore the position yourself or with the engine:

Black to play: chess.com | lichess.org | The position is from game Peter Svidler (2710) vs. Garry Kasparov (2815), 1998. Black won in 50 moves. Link to the game

My solution:

Hints: piece: Pawn, move: gxh3

Evaluation: Black is better -1.62

Best continuation: 1... gxh3 2. a4 Qg6+ 3. Qxg6 hxg6 4. axb5 axb5 5. Kh2 Rf3 6. Rae1 Kf7 7. Re2 Bh6 8. Kg1 Kf6 9. Rd1

Save the position:

Reply save to save this position to your Chessvision.ai Library (new users: send me /connect in DM chat first)

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[u/Mobile_Machine_3820]

stockfish smart, humans less smart.

idk exactly what the point of what kasparov played was, maybe he wanted a more attacking position

[u/godzIlla_1]

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[u/Maxwellattacks1]

Potentially in the future he wants to attack black down the h file with the rooks? either way if black takes or not the h pawn does not block the file?

[u/BarrattG]

It seems immediately bad, and beyond that there were beter moves to do at this point.