In the game between Sarana, Alexey (White) and Bykov, Egor (Black) during the July 30 Late 2024 event, Bykov's move Qc5 is multifaceted. This move follows a capture and proposes an equal piece trade, aiming for a balanced exchange. However, it overlooks the opportunity to leverage a superior threat and fails to capitalize on a winning tempo. Additionally, it misses the chance to reveal an attack on an opponent's piece and doesn't take the opportunity to escape an attack. While Qc5 does defend an attacked piece and now ensures it is well-protected, it falls short of offering better protection for an underdefended piece. The move also misses a favorable material exchange and the chance to force the opponent into a specific move. Furthermore, it allows White to kick a piece and overlooks the opportunity to develop a piece for active play, though it does contribute to development and threatens a material win. Overall, Qc5 is a complex move with both defensive and offensive implications, but it misses several strategic opportunities.
[Date "2024.07.30"]