Predke, A. – Ibarra Jerez, JC.

2688 2022 · White wins (resignation, time or agreement)

Alexandr Predke, a Russian-born player now representing Serbia, has built his reputation on the big open circuit with rock-solid, deeply prepared chess, while José Carlos Ibarra Jerez is a seasoned regular of the Spanish scene. Black reaches for the Philidor Defence, a quiet weapon that concedes a little space in exchange for dodging the main highways — exactly the kind of choice you make when you want to drag your opponent off his preparation.