Old wine in new bottles?

Just as we’re catching our breath from the last exciting engine battle another gem hits the board. This time the highly theoretical Mar Del Plata variation of the Kings Indian Defense. The KID has had an interesting history in computer chess. In the early days of computer chess the KID exposed what was then the Achilles heel of chess programs the “horizon effect” which was manifested by openings like the KID which feature long term maneuvering behind the lines. The net effect was that engines excessively favored white even though black’s position is perfectly playable. Many players became aware of this weakness and created a specific anti-computer opening repertoire. But nothing is forever and the engines caught up. This game completely turns previously held beliefs about the KID & engines on their head. Another truly remarkable game.