Chess With Sam Collins

Shakh Mamedyarov vs Maxime Vachier-Lagrave

Riga Fide Grand Prix, 2019

Shakh Mameydarov has had a difficult year, losing 70 rating points and falling from 3 to 8 in the world rankings. His fans (including me) were delighted to see his return to form in the Fide Grand Prix in Riga, which he won convincingly, beating top French GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (or MVL, as he is universally known) in the finals.

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 ...