[Event "FICS"] [Site "?"] [Date "2001.01.24"] [Round "?"] [White "bolasepak"] [Black "-"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C44"] [WhiteElo "1146"] [BlackElo "1096"] [Annotator "Kenneth, Bracco"] [PlyCount "54"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 { This is my usual opening, hoping my opponent takes the pawn, which I take back with Nxd4. If he takes my Knight with his Knight, I take back with my Queen. If he doesnt take my Knight and if his Knight is still stagnent, I take with my Knight.} d6 4. d5 $6 { Forcing his Knight to flee. -Annotator- Didn't you see 4.dxe5(!)? It looks better than closing the position, bacause of 4...dxe5 (or Nxe5, 5. Nxe5 dxe5 6. Qxd8) 5. Qxd8 Kxd8 and Black at least lost castling, not to mention that he can loose a pawn if takes back the Queen with the Knight} Nce7 5. c4 { My usual move would be Be2. But in this case, I decided to have a queenside pawn storm. -Annotator- Strategically correct decision. White must play on the Queenside because of his choice to advance the "d" pawn at move 4. Nimzowitsch teaches that one must play in the direction showed by his most advanced pawn in a chain} f5 { He/She, on the other hand, is going for kingside pawn storm. -Annotator- Black plays also the very correct plan. In this position the "F" pawn advance looks stronger than White's "C" because is faster and because White cannot enforce his central "e4" pawn with f3. Black can complete development and increase his pressure in e4-d5 in several ways. For example: 6. Nc3 Nf6 7.Bd3 g6 followed by Bg7, O-O and c6!, challenging white in the center. This game looks like a King Indian with a big improvement for Black: the f5 push has been played before Nf6.} 6. Bd3 { To protect my e4 pawn. Should I have taken the f5 pawn? But that would have left me with holes in my pawn structure. -Annotator- I would have preferred Nc3, because in case of Black's change in e4, a Knight is stronger than a Bishop in the square "e4". I don't think that White's capture in f5 is a good idea, for the simple reason that Black develops his light-squared Bishop for free!} f4 $2 { He's closing my Kingside -Annotator- Black has just played a serious mistake. There's no reason to close immediately the center. To increase the central pressure with Nf6 was the correct choice} 7. O-O $2 { Stupid move to castle on the kingside since he/she has already made a kingside pawn storm. -Annotator- You are right! Playing this move justifies the Black advance in f4! There was no hurry to castle any side. You should complete development before take such an important decision! In this position castling is a delicate matter on both sides: on the Quenside you are already storming and thus weakening your pawn structure, on the Kingside you are under the fire of a pawn storm. Nc3 was once more the correct move.} Nf6 8. b4 { Hoping to crea te some counterplay on the queen side since my kingside is blocked. -Annotator- The center is blocked, and both sides has to create some threats. As mentioned before, White must play on the Quuenside, but the development has still to be completed! Nc3 becomes urgent.} c6 9. a3 $2 { This is just in case if the c6 pawn advances to c5 -Annotator- A waste of time. Why Black should play c5 wasting two moves? And in case Black was a little bit silly, why White must defend his b4 pawn? Had Black played c5, White had to capture with bxc5, creating a passed and defended pawn in d5! Needless to say, Nc3 was better.} cxd5 10. cxd5 a6 $6 { -Annotator- Looks mysterious to me. It should be a waste of time.} 11. Nc3 Bd7 12. Kh1 $2 { This is so that I can advance my g pawn to break his pawn structure. Is this a dumb plan? -Annotator- Sorry, it is. At least, is incoerent with your actions on the queenside. Opening in any way the King side makes easier the Black's task of attacking your King. Remember, any opened line towards the target is a gift for the attacker.} Ng4 13. Ng1 { I had no choi ce but to try and advance my g and f pawns to ease the building pressure on my kingside.} Nxf2+ $4 { -Annotator- Completely senseless! Why to throw away such a noisy Knight? One should sacrifices his pieces only if has chances to crush the enemy position, or at least create him some difficulties. This is not the case.} 14. Rxf2 h5 { -Annotator- Black is ambitious, but he hasn't enough pieces after his pawns to use for the attack. g5 followed by Ng6, g4 and Qh4 seems more effective.} 15. Nge2 g5 16. g3 $2 { Trying to break the pawn chain. -Annotator - The best policy when dealing with an upcoming attack is to keep the pawns on the second row as long as possible. If you push your Castling pawns, the only benefit is for Black, to put your pawns easier in touch with the black one's.} Rg8 17. gxf4 gxf4 { Only to create a big hole in the middle! -Annotator- The only big hole you created is the "g" column opened for the Black Rook :-) Read my previous comment.} 18. Nxf4 { Desperate attempt to ease the building pressure on my kingside. If he/ she takes the Knight, I'll take the pawn with my Bishop -Annotator- I would have preferred Bxf4, because the Bishop was still at home and because a Knight looks more powerful than a Bishop in f4 (controls g6 and e6)} exf4 $2 { -Annotator- The intermediate Bg4 was the correct move!} 19. Bxf4 $2 { -Annotator - How about Qxh5 check? Black is forced to play Ng6, and now e5! is a Nightmare for him! (Kf7? e6 ch. +-)} Bg4 20. Be2 Qb6 21. Rf1 { Or would Qf1 be a better move since I would have control of the g1 square? -Annotator-You are a pawn up and you are under fire, any piece trade is favorable for you Rg2! was OK, the threat now is Bxg4. trading off at least the noisy Bishop and walking toward an endgame with a pawn more! If one is defending himself from an attack, a good idea is trading off the enemy pieces. The rook in g2, once the Bishop has moved, force Black to take a decision about the "G" column: trade off the Rooks too, or release the column? In both cases White is happy!} Rc8 22. Bxg4 Rxg4 23. Rc1 { To guard my Knight -Annotator- The least you can do ! :-)} Ng6 24. Qd2 { To connect the Rooks and give extra protection to the Knight} Bg7 25. Na4 Qb5 $4 { -Annotator- Why to give away an exchange? Qd8 was less painful.} 26. Rxc8+ Kd7 27. Rg8 { Pinning the Bishop and Knight but I never saw Qxf1# coming. -Annotator- The final blunder in a winning position. After Rfc1 is hard to advice Black in any way! The threat is R1c7 checkmate. Black can avoid it only playing Ke7, But with Nb2 White is a Rook up. Kenneth, I hope these comments will be helpful for improving your play.} Qxf1# { *****Copyright freechess.org ***** Use this file for personal use only.} 0-1 [Event "Internet chess game (Stand)"] [Site "FICS"] [Date "2001.01.28"] [Round "?"] [White "DamianoJ"] [Black "Riuryk"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C42"] [PlyCount "30"] [EventDate "2001.01.28"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 { I like to use Petrov's defence. That gives me the possibility of attacking and usually surprise my rival [Hello, i am ferkelchen and i will comment this game. I am from germany and my english is rather bad, but i hope you will understand my comments. On the Petrovs defense: This defence is used a lot today especially in the Top tournaments all over the world. For example Kramnik, the new Worldchampion plays it well. The goal of the Petrovs defense is usually to get a draw.]} 3. Nxe5 { Taking his pawn would be an error, because he will play 4. Qe2 and would let white in a very good position [I agree, but it is not so easy. For example: 3..Nxe4. 4. Qe2 Qe7! 5. Qxe4 d6 and black wins the piece back and has some counterplay for the pawn, but probably not enough.]} d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 { Here, I was surprised because I thought he would play 4. Qe7. When he played this move I knew he did know quite well what he was doing. He knew the Petrov classical attack} d5 6. Bd3 Bg4 7. O-O Nc6 8. c3 { [8. c3 is much too passive. White has to attack the strong knight on e4. The main lines are 8.Re1 (attacks the knight again) or 8. c4 (attacks the defender of the knight, the pawn d5)]} Be7 9. Re1 f5 { So far, the normal development of the classical attack. He also know we were preparing our pieces to start the exchange.} 10. Bf4 O-O 11. h3 { Here we go! The exchange starts. I considered the option of taking his Knight but then he would have played 12. Qxf3 and I didn't wanted that. I wanted to keep f3 under control to prepare the arrival of my Queen, but I needed to keep h4 clear from the Knight. So, I needed to take the Knight but not in first place, but second or third place. [ I agree, but i think the best move is probably 11..Bh5. The knight is still pinned then.]} Bh4 { I decided to sacrifice my bishop in g4 so, after he played Nxh4 (if not I would give check) I could play 12... Qxh4 and threaten to take f2 [If he would had taken the Bishop on h4 you would had grabbed his queen on d1 :) ]} 12. Bxe4 { Here I got o admit I was really surprised. I just thought he would take my bishop in h4. Then I knew I was going to win the battle for the position: I first considered taking his Knight but thought it was a better idea taking his Bishop in e4, so I would threat the Bishop in f4 and point directly to f2 and after he take my Bishop in h4 I could go out my Queen and threat f2 supported by the Rook [12. Bxe4 was a bad move. I assume white was surprised and confused by your move 11. .Bh4. He had to play 12.g3! Both bishops are attacked so you had to take on f3 and play Bf6 then. Position should be roughly equal then]} fxe4 13. hxg4 Rxf4 14. Nxh4 Qxh4 { Here he was desesperated: he had their two rooks and their Queen in the first row and I was in a perfect position to checkmate him, because I also could support my Rook in f4 playing 15...Raf1} 15. g3 { He thought he would take either the Queen or the Rook but he didn't consider my next move...} Rxg4 { [OK, black is much better (lead in development, one pawn up, white king is in danger) here, but why didnt white continue to fight? There are still some chances to draw. Anyway, this is not your problem : ) A well played game by you. Greetings, ferkelchen (SR)]} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "akryl"] [Black "?"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A80"] [PlyCount "41"] 1. d4 f5 2. h3 { I had previously to this game found some new ideas in some variations} Nf6 3. g4 d5 4. Nf3 fxg4 5. hxg4 Bxg4 6. Ne5 Qc8 { I believe this is a bad move the queen is awkwardly placed and unguarded, normally not something you note as bad.} 7. Qd3 Bf5 8. Bh3 e6 { Black decides he does not like the passive positions after: (8... Bxd3 9. Bxc8 Ba6 10. Be6 ??! Looks good but: (10. Bf5 e6 11. Bg6+ Ke7 12. Bg5 h6 13. Bh4 (13. Bf4 c6 14. Nd2)) is better 10... Nc6 11. Bf7+ Kd8 and i believe black is OK)} 9. Bxf5 exf5 10. Bg5 Ne4 11. Bf4 { One other variation: (11.Qh3 Qe6 12.Bf4 g6 13.Qb3 b6 14.f3 Nd6 15.Nxg6 (15.Nc3 c6 16.O-O-O Bg7 (16...Nc4 17.e4 fxe4 (17...Bd6 18.exd5 cxd5 19.Qb5+) 18.fxe4) 17.e4 fxe4 18.fxe4 O-O (18...Nc4 19.exd5) 19.exd5 cxd5 20.Nxd5) 15...Qxg6 16. Qxd5 Qg2 17.Rf1 Kd7 18.Qxa8 Nc6 19.d5 Nd4 20.Nc3 Nxc2+ 21.Kd2 Nb4)} g5 12. Qh3 h5 { Black again does not go for broke: (12...gxf4 13.Qh5+ Ke7 14.Qf7+ Kd8 (14.. .Kd6 15.f3 (15.Rxh7) (15.Na3 a6 16.f3 Ng5 17.Qf6+ Qe6 18.Qxh8) 15...Ng3 (15... Ng5 16.Qf6+ Qe6 17.Qd8+ Nd7 18.Qxa8 Nxe5 19.dxe5+ Qxe5 20.Nd2 Qxb2 21.Rb1 Bg7 22.Qxa7 Qxc2 23.Qxb7 Bc3 (23...Qc5 24.Nb3 Qb6 25.Qxb6+ cxb6 26.Nc1 Kc6 27.Nd3 Ra8 28.Rh4 h6 29.Rxf4 Bc3+ 30.Kf1 Rxa2 31.Rxf5) 24.Rh6+) 16.Nc3 (16.Na3 c6 (16. ..a6 17.Qf6+ (17.c4 c5 18.cxd5 Nd7 (18...Be7 19.Nac4+ Kc7 20.d6+ Kd8 21.Qxe7#) (18...b5 19.Nac4+ bxc4 20.Nxc4#) 19.dxc5+ Kc7 (19...Nxc5 20.Nac4#) (19...Kxe5 20.Rd1 Nb6 21.Rh6 Bxh6 22.Qe7+ Qe6 23.Qxe6#) 20.d6+ Kd8 21.Rh2 Nxe5 22.Qf6+ Kd7 23.Qxe5 Qe8 24.Qxh8 Qe3 25.Qxh7+) 17...Qe6 18.Qxh8 Nc6 19.Rxh7 Nxe5 ) 17. Nac4+)) 15.Qxd5+ (15.Rxh7 Bb4+ 16.c3 Rxh7 17.Qg8+ Ke7 18.Qxh7+ Kd6 19.cxb4 Nc6 20.Nf7+ Ke7 (20...Kd7 21.f3 (21.Nc3 Nxc3 22.Ng5+ (22.bxc3 Qe8 23.Qxf5+ Qe6 24. Qxf4 Rg8 25.O-O-O Kc8) 22...Ne7) 21...Nf6 22.Ne5+ Kd6 23.Qh4) 21.Ng5+ Kd8 22. Qg8+ Ke7 23.Qf7+ Kd6 24.Qg6+ Ke7 25.Qg7+ Kd8 26.Qf8+ Kd7 27.Qxf5+ Kd6 28.Qg6+ Ke7 29.Qf7+ Kd6 30.Nc3 Nxc3 (30...Ne7 31.Ncxe4+ dxe4 32.Nxe4+ Kd7 33.Nc5+ Kd6 (33...Kc6 34.Qxe7) 34.Qxf4+ Kc6 35.Qh6+ Kd5 36.e4+ Kc4 37.Qc1+ Kxb4 38.a4 Ka5 (38...Qh3 39.Qd2+ Kc4 40.Rc1+ Qc3 41.Qxc3#) 39.Nb3+ Ka6 40.Qc4+ Kb6 41.Qb5#) 31.Qf6+ Kd7 32.Qe6+ Kd8 33.Nf7#) 15...Bd6 16.Nf7+ Ke7 17.Nxh8 Qxh8)} 13. f3 gxf4 { A tricky move was at blacks disposal: (13...Nf2 14.Kxf2 (14.Qg3) (14.Qg2) 14...gxf4 15.Ng6 (15.Qg2 Qe6 16.Qg6+ Qxg6 17.Nxg6 Rh6 18.Nxf4 Nc6 (18...c5 19. Nxd5) 19.e3 (19.c3 O-O-O 20.Rxh5 Rxh5 21.Nxh5 Be7 22.Nd2 Bh4+ 23.Ke3)) (15.Qh4 Qe6) 15...Rh6 16.Nxf4 (16.Rg1 Qe6 (16...Nc6 17.Nxf8 Kxf8 18.Qg2 Qe6 19.Qg7+ Ke8 20.Nc3 (20.Qg8+ Ke7) 20...Ne7 21.Nxd5 Nxd5 22.Qg8+ Kd7 23.Rg7+ Kc6 24.Qxa8 Qe3+ 25.Kf1 Qxd4 26.Qe8+ Kb6 27.Qf7 (27.Rg6+ Rxg6 28.Qxg6+ c6 29.c3 Ne3+ 30. Ke1) ) 17.Nxf4 Qf6 18.e3))} 14. fxe4 dxe4 { (14...Nc6 15.exd5 Nxe5 16.dxe5 Bg7 17.e6 (17.Nd2 Bxe5 18.Nc4 Bd6 (18...Bg7 19.Qb3) 19.Qc3) 17...Bxb2 18.Qxf5 Ke7 19.Nd2 (19.Qf7+ Kd6 20.Qxf4+ Kxd5 21.Qf5+ Kc6 22.Qe4+ Kc5 23.Qe3+ Kd6 24.Qd2+ Kxe6 25.Qe3+ Be5 26.Nd2) 19...Qf8 20.Qxf8+ (20.Qe4) 20...Raxf8 21 Rb1 Bc3 22. Rb3 Ba5)} 15. Qb3 Rh7 { (15...Nd7 16.Qe6+ Be7 17.Qg6+ Kd8 18.Nf7+ Ke8 19.Nd6+ Kd8 20.Qe8+ Rxe8 21.Nf7#) } 16. Rxh5 Rg7 17. Rg5 Bb4+ { (17...Re7 18.Nc3 (18.Qh3 Qe6 19.Qh5+ Kd8 20.Rg6 Qd5 21.Qxf5 Rxe5 22.dxe5) 18...c6 19.O-O-O (19.Qg8 Qe6 20.Qxe6 Rxe6 21.Rxf5) 19...Qe6 20.Qxe6 Rxe6 21.Rxf5 Nd7 22.Nxe4 Nxe5 23.dxe5 Be7 24.Nf6+ Bxf6 25. exf6 Re4 26.f7+ Ke7 27.Rf1 Rf8 28.R1xf4 Rxe2 29.Kd1 Re6 30.Kd2 Rd8+ 31.Kc3 Re3+ 32.Kc4)} 18. c3 Rxg5 19. Qf7+ Kd8 20. Qf6+ Be7 21. Qh8+ 1-0 [Event "Edited game"] [Site "DEFAULT"] [Date "2001.01.25"] [Round "?"] [White "LeftOut"] [Black "NN"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "A51"] [PlyCount "86"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] { TB: The FICS Teaching Ladder should help players improve their play and I don't think that can be done by just giving the best move (or line) in every position (since neither you or I is at Grandmaster level I think it's just a waste of time to do that). I don't use a computer either since I don't think "computermoves" would help to improve your play. What I'm going to do is to tell you what ideas I personally would have considered in the different positions, and hopefully you will get some new ideas to consider in future games and in that way improve you game.} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 { I've never seen this move before. I decided to act as though it was a Benoni (maybe it was-I'm not sure). Any suggestions for move 3? TB: Since you didn't know the variation (and you opponent probably did since he played it) I think you made a wise decision not to capture on e5.} 3. d5 c6 4. Nc3 d6 5. Bg5 { I'm not entirely certain but this Bishop move seemed premature. If it is he doesn't capitalize. TB: Since the black pieces isn't well developed either I think that Bg5 is an OK move, since it will give you the choise of e3 instead of e4.} Be7 6. Nf3 O-O 7. e4 { TB: I think that you maybe should have considered a position with pawn on e3 and bishop on e2. The move e4 weakens the d4-square a bit.} cxd5 8. exd5 { Here's my BIG QUESTION. I'm never sure how to recapture in these situations. In retrospect I think cxd4 was much better. exd4 gave him the passed pawn that he eventually uses to win and blocks in my light Bishop. I was afraid that the pawn on e4 would be a better tager for his f6 Knight. Is cxd4 better? Is it always better in positions like this? Are there any exceptions? TB: Let' start with your last question - there are *always* exceptions in chess. In this case I'm almost sure that cxd5 was better. With cxd5 you will be able to put the bishop on e2, play 0-0 and put a rook on c-file. When you play exd5 you block your bishop (that has to go to e2 anyway). And if you're trying to take the half-open e-file with Re1 your bishop will not be of any use on e2. The c4 pawn makes Rc1 rather useless. So I think exd5 lost a lot of tempi, since you block the possibilitys of developing your own pieces.} Bf5 9. Be2 Na6 10. a3 Rc8 11. b4 { With my last two moves I felt I did a nice job of misplacing his Knight. TB: Often Na6 is used to make white advance with his queensidepawns (look at the bishop on f5 - it has become very strong and it would get even stronger if black get his a6-knight into play on the queenside). In this position Nc7 isn't a good move for black becuase he blocks his R since the knight has no good squares after Nc7 (i e blacks knight is a little offside for now). What you should avoid in those positions is to advance too far with the pawns becuse blacks plan with Na6 is to create space for his own pieces between the white pawns and the rest of whites pieces (in this case you can see that b5 is bad because of Nc5).} Ne4 { TB: You should watch out for tactics like 11...Nxd5 in this kind of positions. In case of 12.Bxe7 Nxe7 black just won a pawn. On 12.Nxd5 Bxg5 black has the possibility to get the a6-knight in to play with Nc7. In this case white has a good position after 12. Qxd5, but watch out in the future since there aren't always a "rescue" like that.} 12. Bxe7 Qxe7 13. Nxe4 Bxe4 14. Nd2 Bg6 15. O-O f5 16. f4 { The f pawn advances always confuse me. I don't understand how to use them to my advantage while my opponents almost always manage to fashion the advance into a powerful attacking weapon. I think f4 was a pretty bad mistake though. It ensures that his e pawn will be passed. My intention was to lock up his advancement on the K-side. TB: The f4 move is often used to create an open (or half-open) f-file and is played when it either makes black capture or will capture itself (on e5) . I think f3 had been a much better move for the purpose of blocking blacks kingside advancement.} e4 17. Nb3 { Now my intention becomes to move the Knight to d4 and hopefully wage an attack against d6 and the Q side (where I already possess a sizable advantage [ I think ] ). TB: It seems like a very good plan to place the knight in the center (on d4).} Rce8 18. Nd4 Nc7 19. Qa4 a6 20. b5 { TB: Here I think you made quite a big mistake by playing b5. Since you will have to recapture with the knight (otherwise you d5-pawn will be very weak) and when you recapture with the knight you're also offering black the chance to trade his passive knight against your active one.} axb5 21. Nxb5 Ra8 22. Qb3 Be8 23. Nxc7 Qxc7 { TB: I think it looks pretty good for black by now. If the knights hadn't been traded off I think white had been OK.} 24. Rfb1 Rf7 25. Ra2 Qc5+ 26. Kf1 Ba4 27. Qb6 Qxb6 28. Rxb6 Ra6 29. Rab2 { TB: I think 29. Rxa6 (to open the b-file) before Rb2 was a much better move.} Rxb6 30. Rxb6 { I notice now that all I've done from move 20 until now was exchange pieces. He simply brought pieces out and I traded them off. Now with only a Rook left on the Queen side, my attack has run out (after Rd7). I think keeping pieces on the board was a much better strategy. My position seems to be hurting at this point. TB: That is just what I meant when I said you shouldn't have traded the knights.} Rd7 31. Kf2 Kf7 32. g4 g6 33. gxf5 gxf5 34. Bh5+ Ke7 35. Ke3 Kd8 36. Kd4 Kc7 37. c5 { I failed to notice that 38...dxc5 39 Kxc5 draws my King away from the passed pawn. He uses this in a few moves. TB: Another possibility in this position is dxc5+ Kxc5 and Rxd5+ Kxd5 Kxb6 (might not work perfectly here but you should watch out for that kind of tactical stuff).} Bc2 38. Be8 dxc5+ 39. Kxc5 e3 { I hadn't even considered it. "But hey, " I said, "I can still grap the exchange and swing my Rook over in time to collect the pawn.} 40. Bxd7 e2 41. Re6 Be4 { WOW! I didn't even see it coming. I saw that Black was winning a Queen and decided that instead of resigning that I would make one rushed attack first.} 42. d6+ Kxd7 43. Re7+ Kd8 { And here I resigned. But what hurts worse is what I think I see now from move 42. I think had I played 42. Rd7!? then I might have saved the game even still. I believe I'd enter an endgame with a Rook, Bishop, and four pawns (one of which was dangerously passed) against his Queen and two pawns. I had PLENTY of time still on the clock, I just didn't bother using any of it to evaluate my 42nd move. I just considered the game over and proceded with this lacking attack. So I guess my question is how did I end up in this aweful position and how do I keep it from happening. TB: I guess you mean 42. Re7 with the idea 42. ..e1Q 43.Bxf5+ and then take the black bishop. On 42.Re7 black could play 42... b6+ (if 42...Kd8 43.Kd6 wins for white) and after 43.Kd4 Kd6 white play 44.Bb5 threatening 45.Rd7 mate (44...Kxe7 45.Bxe2). If black plays 43...Kd8 white can respond by 44.d6 e1Q 45.Bxf5 and black has no check that saves the bishop. 42.. .b6+ 43.Kd4 e1Q 44.Bxf5+ Kd8 44.Rxe4 and it seems like the game isn't over for white after all. / From what I see you know where you played wrong, the problem is that you don't know what to do instead. I recommend that you try different plans and see what is right for your style of play. I also think you should try to improve your endgame. I hope this will help you improve your play and if you have any question or would like me to explain what I meant in some position you're welcome to contact me online (and your questions doesn't have to be about this game). /ThoBjo} 0-1 [Event "Edited game"] [Site "A8L4M8"] [Date "2001.02.05"] [Round "?"] [White "NN"] [Black "djjho"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [PlyCount "77"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be2 e5 { ann: 6... e5 if the principal move forcing white to declare where he wants to place his knight. } 7. Nb3 { I was out of book at this stage. I thought freeing my bishop and displacing White's central knight was adequate compensation for the permanent weakness at d5. ann: 7. Nf3 is toothless so white follows the best plan. But 7. Nb3 rules out queenside castling for white.} Be7 { ann: Black can play almost any move in this position. You chose the most played.} 8. Be3 { ann: 8. Be3 is played less often than 8. O-O and after that 8... O-O and 9. a4 or 9. Be3 'Karpovs line' but 8... Be6 is the more common continuation.} O-O { I think o-o may be incorrect as White's kingside attack is faster than my Queenside counterplay. ann: There seems to be nothing wrong with this move. As far as I know black has a good score from this position. White could still go for the 'Karpov line' with 9. O-O. As black you would like to have a bishop on e6 as it defends d5 and supports a future freeing d6-d5 from black} 9. Qd2 { ann: An unusual move 9. O-O and 9.g4 are the preferred moves. 9. g4 leads to a free for all resembling your game but with one extra pair of minor pieces and a pawn wedge at the black king position. The extra pieces are a bonusfor white as black is cramped.} Ng4 { Offering my weaker knight for either of the very active bishops. I severly lacked development at this stage, so if White offers light square bishop, I develop my own light square bishop. ann: An interesting move that forces the win of the bishop pair. An interesting point is that if your white bishop had moved o e6 it would have lost a tempo for you in recapturing at g4. As Bc8-e6xg4 compared to Bc8xg4. But you the flip side is that you currently have lost control over the d5 field.} 10. Bxg4 Bxg4 11. f3 { ann: There where two other continuations worth considering for white: 11. O-O putting the positional squeeze on black as the black bishop is seriously restricted. But there the knight on b3 is a ways from being activated, and 11. Nd5 that should lead to the same kind of positions. Black might be okay but its a difficult position to defend. 11. f3 forces black to play 11... Be6 that both guards d5 and attacks the queenside} Be6 12. O-O-O { ann: A strange decision, as white castles into blacks attack and has not even begun to generate any threats on the black king.} a5 { A well supported pawn, so I decided to pressure White's queenside. Further, with White having no control of the light squares, I need not worry about the key squares of b5 and c4. ann: A beautiful move that exposes the flaws in whites risky plan. Other moves are not as forceful.} 13. Kb1 { White has left c1 for his knight. But I am happy to let the knight go there! A better try is: 13. Nd5 Bxd5 (13... a4 seems to give black the slightly better game: 14. Bb6 Qd7 (Not 14... axb3 with a slightly better game for white 15. Bxd8 bxa3 16. Nxe7+Kh8 17. Qxd6 a1=Q+ 18. Kd2 Qxb2 19. Rb1Qa3 20. Qxa3 Rxa3 21. Bc7) 15. Na5 (15. Nxe7+ Qxe7 16. Na5 Ra6 17. Qb4 (all other moves loose quickly it seems) and either 17... a3/Nc6 give black a super position.) 15... Bxd5 (15... Ra6 16. Nc4 Bxd5 17. Qxd5 Rc8 18. Be3 Qc7 19. Na3 Rc6 20. Kb1seems ok for white) 16. Qxd5 a3 (16... Rc8 17. Nc4 Qc6 18. Qxc6 Rxc6 19. b3 and white seems ok) 17. b3 Ra6 18. Nc4 Rc8 19. Be3 (19. Bf2 b5!) 19... Qc7 (19... b5 20. Nb6 Rxb6 21. Bxb6 Nc6 22. Bc5 Qd8 23. Bxd6 Nd4 24. Rxd4 exd4 25. e5 is better for white.) and black still has substantial pressure by virtue of the plan Nb8-d7-f6) 14 Qxd5 Qc7 and white must play someting like 15. Rd3 a4 16. Rc3 Nc6 17. Nd2 Ra5 18. Qd3 b5 to avoid beeing overwhelmed} a4 14. Nc1 Nc6 15. Nd5 { The weak d5 bites me again! Considering Wite has no weaknesses on his queenside and his kingside is inaccessible to my light square bishop. I gave up my light square bishop. ann: Nb5 is possible but seems very dangerous for white to take the pawn.} Bxd5 { ann: Exchanges the only active white piece} 16. exd5 Na5 17. Qd3 { Qb4 is better but only prolongs the struggle.} Bf6 { saw discovered attacking possbilies with a e4 push to threaten the queen. ann: Qc7 seems mor direct followed by Nc4.} 18. Ne2 Qc7 19. Nc3 Nc4 20. Bf2 { ann: A dud. 20. Nb5 Qc8 21. Bc1 is more solid but still black is better. The only worry is the black square bishops limited scope but that can be improved.} a3 21. Nb5 Qc8 22. Nxa3 { ann: Losing directly but white is unable to defend against all threats for much longer. 22. Na7 Nxb2! or 22. Rde1 Ra5 23. Nxa3 Nxb2} Nxa3+ { Ouch! Nxb2 wins! Completely missed inexplicably.} 23. bxa3 Qc7 { ann: Black ld try to contain whites pawns by playing b5 and controlling the c4 field. And at thesame time try to expand on the king side, maybe even open a file to create more weaknesses in whites camp.White will move the bishop to b4 where it will defend thepawns and threaten the d6 pawn. Then black should exchange bishops and give white two backwards pawns on the a and c file. One possible variation is: 23... b5 24. Be1 Qa6 25. Bb4 it won't be easy to win this position as black against a stubborn defence but you are better and should play on.} 24. Qb3 Ra6 25. Be1 Rfa8 26. Bb4 Bd8 27. Rhe1 Qd7 28. Rd2 Ba5 29. c3 Qf5+ { ann: 29... Bxb4 30. axb4 Ra3 31. Qc2 b5 is interesting} 30. Ka1 { ann: 30. Qc2 white should try to exchange queens so that he can defend the queenside with the king.} Qf4 31. Red1 Qxh2 32. c4 { ann: white goes for the pawn break c3-c4-c5} Qh4 33. Rc1 Bxb4 { ann: mending whites pawn structure and facilitating the pawn break c4-c5} 34. axb4 Ra3 35. Qb2 Rxa2+ { White was beginnnnning to experience time pressure, so I decided to complicate the balance of this position. ann: Your position is such as you cannot defend passively and might as well go for this as it might net a perpetual check. Maybe you should move the king towards the pawns first. Possible variations are: 35... Kf8 or 35. Qh6 with the idea Rxa2.} 36. Qxa2 Rxa2+ 37. Kxa2 { Oh my God! What have I done??? White will break through on the queenside!} h5 38. Kb3 Qg3 { I had some time pressure. Even greater time pressure for White. White offerred a draw. I accepted with relief. ann: I believe that black is lost here after: 39 c5 dxc5 40. bxc5 e4 (40... Qg5 is the last hope) 41. d6 exf3 42 d7 fxg2+ 43. Rc3} 39. c5 1/2-1/2 [Event "Q2-2000-0-00116"] [Site "IECG"] [Date "2000.06.17"] [Round "1"] [White "Bijzitter, Albert"] [Black "Sylvan, Kayvan"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B39"] [Annotator "Sylvan, Kayvan"] [PlyCount "53"] [EventDate "2000.??.??"] { Game Annotated by: Sylvan, Kayvan and Reviewed by: Ruggeri Laderchi, Giorgio (ntr on FICS)} 1. e4 { . . . This was a very tough Email chess game I played recently. I've annotated it with my thoughts written down during the game.} c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6 5. c4 { RL: as you well know this formation is called Maroczy Bind} Bg7 6. Be3 { RL: Black's problem in this formation is the extreme difficulty of achieving the Sicilian break with d7-d5. White has such dominating control of the d5 square that Black must, more or less, abandon this crucial idea, at least during the opening. In recent years, methods have been found to limit the impact of the Maroczy Bind, nevertheless, if you want to play the Dragon in its pure form, you shouldn't want to be drawn into these dangerous waters.} Nf6 7. Nc3 Ng4 8. Qxg4 Nxd4 9. Qd1 Ne6 { Up to 9... Ne6, it's all according to book} 10. Qd2 Qa5 11. Rc1 b6 12. Bd3 { Black should play on the Queen side to do a few things: 1) Keep the c4 and e4 pawns fixed so that the d3 bishop remains bottled up. 2) Minimize White's knights and the e3 bishop. 3) Control the half-open c file. My idea is Bb7 to be followed soon by Rc8.} Bb7 13. O-O { List of imbalances: Minor pieces: White knights are equal to Black knights. Both black bishops are active and good. The white Bd3 is "bad", Be3 is good. Pawn structure: White's e4 and c4 pawns can become targets later. a2 can also potentially become weak, but that's not where the action is. Space: White has more space. Files or key squares: Black has half-open c file. Fantasy position for me would be to advance my d-pawn to d6, pawns on g4 and h4 my rooks on h8 and g8, bishops on b7 and c7. With all of this, I chose the next move.} g5 { 13... g5 goes towards my goal position and also prevents f4} 14. a3 h5 { I keep following my plan, shooting for Black pawns on g4, h4, rooks on h8 and g8, etc.} 15. Rfd1 d6 16. Rc2 { I did not understand the point of this move. Can you give me some idea? RL: The idea is prepering b4} ({ the point is that} 16. b4 { here would been met} Qxa3 17. Nd5 Qb2 { and the queen escapes via e5 with a pawn in the bag.} 18. Rc2 Qe5 19. c5 bxc5 20. bxc5 Bxd5 21. cxd6 $5 (21. exd5 Nxc5 22. Bxc5 dxc5 23. Rxc5 $15)) 16... g4 { I am still pushing my kingside pawns. I have in mind castling long to bring my a-rook over to the king side. RL: the first new move of the game. I don't think that your plan is correct: it seems to me that your Queen is too exposed (threat: b4) and your pawn's attack isn't well supported by your pieces. Generally speaking there are a couple of rules: the first is "King safety and develop pieces": your a-rook is not developed. The second rule is "don't start a wing attack if the center isn't blocked". Of course there are some exceptions but it's not easy to play such a game. Maybe the move from Kortschnoj is a good idea. Before was played} (16... Bd4 { by Kortschnoj and maybe you could be interested in the game} 17. b4 Qe5 (17... Qxa3 $6 18. Nd5 { >< Qa3}) 18. Nd5 Bxe3 (18... Kf8) 19. fxe3 { RL: to control the f4 square and to open the f-file} (19. Qxe3 Rc8 20. Rcd2 g4 (20... Nf4 21. Nxf4 gxf4 22. Qf3 Rg8 23. Kh1)) 19... Rc8 20. Rf1 Ng7 21. Qf2 ( 21. Ra2 { /\ a4-a5}) 21... f6 (21... O-O $6 22. Qg3 $1 Rfe8 (22... Qxg3 $2 23. Nxe7+ $16) 23. Qxe5 dxe5 $14 { _|_}) 22. Qe1 O-O 23. a4 h4 24. Qa1 Qxa1 25. Rxa1 Bxd5 26. exd5 f5 27. Rf2 Rc7 28. a5 Kh7 29. g4 hxg3 30. hxg3 Kg8 31. Kg2 Rf6 32. axb6 axb6 33. Ra8+ Rf8 34. Ra6 Rb8 35. b5 Kf7 36. e4 Kf6 37. exf5 Ke5 38. Ra4 Ne8 39. f6 Nxf6 40. Rf5+ Kd4 41. c5+ Kxd3 42. Rf3+ Kc2 43. c6 Kb2 44. Raa3 g4 45. Rfb3+ Kc2 46. Re3 Kb2 47. Rad3 Kc2 48. Ra3 { 1/2-1/2 Ljubojevic,L-Kortschnoj,V/Tilburg 1987 (48).}) ({ another try is} 16... Kf8 17. b4 Qe5 18. Nd5 g4 19. a4 h4 20. Ra2 h3 21. g3 Nd4 22. Bxd4 Qxd4 23. Nc7 Rc8 24. Nb5 Qf6 25. Qe2 a6 26. Na3 Qc3 27. Nc2 Rb8 28. Qxg4 Bc8 29. Qe2 Qb3 30. Ra3 Qb2 31. Raa1 Qb3 32. Rdb1 Qc3 33. Ra3 Qe5 34. Ne3 a5 35. Rab3 axb4 36. Rxb4 Qa5 37. Nd5 Bd4 38. Kf1 Bd7 39. Nxb6 Kg7 40. Nxd7 Rxb4 41. Rxb4 Qxb4 42. Qg4+ Kh6 43. Qxh3+ Kg7 44. Qg4+ Kh6 45. Qh4+ Kg6 46. e5+ f5 47. Qxh8 Qd2 48. Qg8+ Kh6 49. Qf8+ Kh7 50. Bxf5# { 1-0 Salmensuu,O-Backlund,A/Gausdal 1997.}) (16... h4 $5 17. b4 Qe5 18. Nd5 Kf8 $13) 17. b4 { Now I have a dilemma. Where do I put my queen?} Qe5 (17... Qxa3 18. Rb1 Bxc3 19. Rxc3 Qa4 { This might have turned out better than the game, but I was afraid of taking the pawn and trapping my lady behind enemy lines.} 20. c5 { looks very dangerous!}) (17... Qa6 18. c5 { This looks like it's winning for white.}) 18. Nd5 h4 { Continuing with my original plan here} 19. Qe2 Qh5 (19... g3 { this looked good to me as a possibility. Looking at it now, though, I can see major problems. Namely:} 20. f4 Qh5 21. Qxh5 Rxh5 22. f5 Bxd5 23. cxd5 Nd4 24. Rc7) 20. c5 { This was a move I was fearing for a move or two. It opens up too many lines and exposes all the weaknesses in my position. RL: yes, this is the point. I think that you have well pointed out Black's problems.} dxc5 { forced, otherwise 21. c6 is killing} 21. bxc5 bxc5 22. Ba6 { I was not expecting this move at all. My response is forced.} Bxa6 ({ RL: I don' t understand why you say that 22...Bxa6 is forced. Here you have lost the game. Another possibility is toplay} 22... Bxd5 { and I think that here Black can still keep the position. For instance:} 23. Rxd5 (23. Qb5+ Kf8 24. Rxd5 Qg6 25. Qb7 Re8 26. Bb5 h3 27. Qc6 Rb8 28. Bxc5 Nxc5 29. Qxc5 Bf6) (23. exd5 Nd4 24. Bxd4 Bxd4) (23. Bb5+ Kf8 24. Rxd5 Qg6) 23... Qg6 24. Qb5+ (24. Bxc5 O-O) 24... Kf8 25. Qb7 Re8 26. Bb5 (26. Bxc5 Nxc5 27. Rdxc5) 26... h3 { the position is very unclear and it seems that White's attack is hard to continue. After this key move Black has some chances and the position needs better and deeper analysis. For example:} 27. Rc4 (27. Qd7 Ra8 28. Bd3 (28. Bxc5 Qxe4 $19) 28... Bd4 (28... hxg2)) (27. Rd7 Bd4) (27. Rdd2 hxg2 28. Kxg2 Qh5 29. Kf1 Qh3+) (27. Rd3 hxg2 28. Kxg2 Qh5 29. Kf1 Qxh2) 27... Bd4 (27... g3 28. fxg3 Bd4 29. Bxd4 cxd4 30. Rf5 Rd8) 28. Bxe8 g3 29. hxg3 Bxe3 (29... hxg2 30. Rf5 Nd8 31. Bxf7 Qxf5 32. exf5 Nxb7 33. Bxd4 cxd4 34. Bd5 Nd6 35. Rxd4 $18) 30. Qb8 (30. fxe3 Qxg3 $19) (30. Qb2 Bd4) 30... Qf6 31. Bd7+ Nd8 (31... Kg7 32. Qe5 Bxf2+ 33. Kh2 Qxe5 34. Rxe5 Bxg3+ 35. Kxg3 h2 36. Rc1 h1=Q 37. Rxh1 Rxh1 38. Bxe6 Kf6 39. Rxc5 Kxe6) 32. Qxd8+ Kg7 33. Qxh8+ Kxh8 34. Rc2 Bxf2+ 35. Kh2 (35. Rxf2 h2+) 35... hxg2 36. Kxg2 Bd4 37. Rf5 Qd6 $17 { probably White can improve somewhere but it isn't easy at all!}) 23. Qxa6 O-O { I had to escape, with his heavy artillery on my torn up queenside, there was no other way to prolong the game than castling kingside.} (23... Kf8 $2 24. Bxc5 Nxc5 25. Rxc5 Be5 26. Nf4 Qg5 27. Nd3 f6 28. Nxe5 fxe5 29. Qb5 a6 30. Qa5) 24. Nxe7+ Kh7 25. Rd5 { I am completely busted} Be5 { forced} 26. Rcxc5 { Another unexpected move, based on latent mate threats against my king.} Nxc5 27. Rxe5 { What a beauty!!! At this point, I resigned.} 1-0 [Event "Happy New Year Tournament (Tournoi Bonn"] [Site "Levis, Quebec, Canada"] [Date "2001.01.05"] [Round "1"] [White "Stephane Beaudoin"] [Black "Sebastien Nadeau (Goldorak on"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C24"] [WhiteElo "1907"] [BlackElo "1672"] [Annotator "Goldorak & razim"] [PlyCount "93"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. d3 h6 { goldorak: Nc6 is usually played, but I just wanted to avoid Bg5. razim: Bg5 is not so a tremendous shot, so 3...Nc6 or 3.. .c6, directly controlling the center, are better. Moreover, h6 weakens the g6 square. f4 looks like a good try for White now, looking forward to exploit the f-file} 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. c3 Be7 { goldorak: Bc5 b4 chases the bishop.} 6. O-O O-O 7. Re1 { razim: Another plan was Qe2, Rd1 and d4} d6 8. Nbd2 a6 9. Bb3 { goldorak: better 9... a4} Na5 10. Bc2 c5 11. h3 b5 { goldorak: Trans posing into a Ruy Lopez with the particularity that white's d pawn stopped on d3 and black played h6.} 12. Nf1 Qc7 13. Ng3 Be6 14. b3 { razim: White was ready for d4 now, gaining the initiative, for example: 14.d4 cxd 15.cxd Rfc8 Bd3 with some advantage for White. b3 allows Black to play Nc6, answering d4 with cxd cxd Nb4 Bb1 Rf8-c1 and then Nc2. A tricky move is Nh4, for instance: 14.Nh4 Nxe4 (typical tactical reaction) 15.Rxe4 and if ...d5, then 16.Rg4, and now 16. ..f5 is a big mistake due to the Rook sacrifice 17.Rxg7+ Kxg7 18.Bxh6+! with a devastating attack. 14. Nf5 is worth a try, too} Nc6 { razim: now Black is at least equal} 15. c4 { razim: the Bc2 is buried alive behind the pawns for a few moves. Black's strategical idea was b5, so c4 is just helping Black to realize his plan} b4 16. Nh2 Nh7 17. Be3 Bg5 { razim: Nd4 with the idea f5 was interesting too. Another idea was trying to get the control of the a-file by a5-a4} 18. Rf1 Nd4 19. Qd2 f5 { goldorak: At the right time. Black has resolved the opening nicely and even has a tiny advantage. razim: I agree, Black has some pressure on hisopponent's castle now} 20. exf5 Nxf5 { razim: I think Bxf5 is better. Black knight is well placed on d4. It controls the important f3 square.} 21. Nxf5 Bxf5 22. Bd1 { razim: Now White has some counterplay due to the idea Bf3-d5. The Bishop is alive again} Bxe3 { razim: there's no point in exchanging the Bishop. White's answer just improves his position} 23. fxe3 Ng5 { goldorak: ? Nf6 was better. It had to keep control over d5. I missed the simple next move... razim: Ng5 could not be the best move, but Nf6 was a big mistake because of Rxf5. I would suggest ...Be6 in order to prevent the next maneuvre. The position is balanced} 24. h4 { goldorak: !} Ne6 25. Bf3 { razim: gaining space} Rae8 26. Bd5 Kh8 27. e4 { razim: White has a good position now, but I believe Black is still far from beeing lost} Bg6 { razim: the Bishop is misplaced now} 28. Bxe6 Rxf1+ 29. Rxf1 Rxe6 30. Rf8+ Kh7 31. Qf2 { razim: White controls the f-file} Re7 { razim: I can' t find other ideas for Black. White threatens Nf1-e3 and then maybe Nd5 or g4} 32. g4 Rf7 33. Rxf7 Qxf7 34. Nf1 Qxf2+ 35. Kxf2 Be8 { razim: Bf7 to protect d5 followed by g6 was another idea, and I suspect the only one. The drawback of Be8 is, as you will see, that the more or less forced move g6 gives White time to play Nd5 threatening Nf6+ gaining the Bishop. That's not possible with the Bishop on f7. I have to admit I'm not very skilled in endgames, but in my opinion White will not be able to break through. In fact, this ending itself is very interesting. Let's see: 35...Bf7 38. Ne3 g6 39.Nd5 Bxd5 40.exd and the game should be drawn. It is not easy for White to find a plan to win. Black has time to bring his King in the centre and maybe even to try to win the game himslef by playing a5-a4-a3 Ba4-Bxb3 if White plays innacurately.} 36. Ne3 a5 { goldorak: ? It was not too late to play g6. razim: I think this move,theoretica lly speaking, can be the introduction to an interesting counterplay idea connected with 35...Be8: a4-a3 and Ba4, threatening Bxb3 and if the b-pawn takes the Bishop then b3. Always look for tactical possibilities in the position. Unfortunately this idea isn't playable now: 37.Nf5 (as in the game) a4 38.Nxd6 attacking the Bishop and then Nb5, and White will gradually improve his position, or even more simply bxa4 followed by Nb7-Nxc5. So g6 seems to be the only move, but there is a problem: 37.Nd5 threatens Nf6+ winning the Bishop, so Black can move either the King or the Bishop. Let's see some variants: 37.Nd5 Kg7 38.Nc7 Bd7 (attacking g4) 39.g5, and black hasn't enough time to find a counterplay, ex. ...Bg4 40. Ne8 and Nxd6, or 39...a5 40. Nb5 and the d6 pawn is lost (40...Bxb5 41.cxb and the pawn promotes). 37...Bc6 instead of Kg7 is simply met by Nc7 and Black will lose a pawn. So I think that in fact it was to late to play g6 and that the position is already lost.} 37. Kg3 { razim: this is a big mistake by White! Now it's Black who has a chance to win the game! Nf5 is imple and best, as you can see from the following variation: 37.. Bd7 (a4 38.Nxd6 Bc6 39. bxa Bxa4 40.Nb7 Bc2 41.Nxc5 Bb1 42.Ke3 winning) 38.Nxd6 Bxg4 39.Nf7! Kg6 (...Bd1 40.Nxe5 a4 41.bxa Bxa4 42. Ke3 g5 43.hxg hxg 44.d4 and White is winning) 40.Nxe5+ Kh5 41.Nxg4 Kxg4 42.d4! winning the pawn endgame.} Bd7 { goldorak: ? Still ignores g6. Seeking for trouble. razim: the decisive mistake. 37...Bc6 was interesting: 38.Nf5 a4 39. Nxd6 (39.bxa4 Bxa4 and then Bc2-b1) a3! with the idea Ba4. The point of Bc6 instead of Bd7is that White cannot reach the c5 square (Nd6-b7-Nxc5, and Black is lost). But obviously the a4-a3 plan needs no prophylactic moves, so let's try 37...a4! immediately, and if 38. Nf5 (bxa4 Bxa4 and Black has enough counterplay) a3 39.Nxd6 then Ba4! is already winning for Black.} 38. Nf5 { goldorak: !} Bxf5 { goldorak: Forced not to lose a pawn... razim: Now it is too late to play a4-a3. The pawn endgame is lost} 39. exf5 g6 { goldorak:} 40. fxg6+ Kxg6 41. Kf3 Kf6 42. Ke4 Ke6 43. g5 h5 44. g6 Kf6 45. Kd5 Kxg6 46. Kxd6 Kf5 47. Kxc5 { razim: As a general advice, I would suggest you to check out for tactical details in the position. Sometimes a little difference in the move order might cause quite a big difference in the result of the game. You can find tactics almost everywhere in chess, so always play carefully, even in the endgame - of course this is an advice I should be giving to myself, too!} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "akryl"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B23"] [Annotator "akryl"] [PlyCount "100"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 e6 4. Nf3 Nge7 5. Be2 d5 6. e5 d4 7. Ne4 Nd5 8. d3 f5 9. Neg5 { 9. exf6 was undoubtedly the better choice, but IMO white has lost the opening discussion} h6 10. Nh3 Be7 11. Bd2 { White is getting a bit desperate and want to get some pressure on the center a3 was an idea but then black could even castle kingside and blast open the queen side} Bd7 { Ne3 was possible already} 12. c4 { forcing black to play a good move} Ne3 13. Bxe3 dxe3 14. O-O g5 15. d4 { Desperation! My first instincts would be to take the material offered and run with it. But as my opponent was higher rated than me I decided to play the initiative instead That is the source of the zeitnot and nervosity that will plague me for the rest of the game} cxd4 16. fxg5 { Here I'm offered a plethora of choices and I decide to try to keep the Knight on h3 out of the game.} hxg5 17. Nxd4 Nxd4 18. Qxd4 Bc6 19. Qxe3 f4 20. Qc3 Qb6+ 21. Kh1 { Nf2 seems to be the better move but black still has lots of activity and the bishop pair} O-O-O 22. Rad1 Bb4 23. Qb3 Qa5 24. c5 { Whites last chance to exchange Rooks is squandered} Bd5 25. Bc4 { A grave error Rxd5 was needed} Rxh3 26. Qc2 Rxh2+ { Rdh8!! and its good night but I have less than 15 seconds left on the clock and choose a simpler move thats still better for me.} 27. Kxh2 Qxc5 { I should have played Rh8+ to force the game, but its still close to won} 28. Qh7 { A move I did not see! gasp, think fast Bxc4 seemed dangerous but why??I dont remember anymore, brainghosts most likely} Qe3 29. Bxd5 Rxd5 30. Qg8+ Kc7 31. Qxg5 Rxe5 32. Qxf4 Qxf4+ 33. Rxf4 Rb5 34. Rc4+ Kb6 35. g4 Bc5 36. b3 e5 37. Rd5 Bg1+ { Saved! maybe but he king is cut off} 38. Kxg1 Rxd5 39. Re4 { Rc2 seems stronger as it restricts the black king, guards the a pawn and prepares the advance of the g pawn. It also forces black to choose between harassing the g pawn and going for the queen side pawns with the king.} Rd1+ { The beginning of a self destruct campaign, activating the white king and repositioning the white rook to the second row where it guards the q side pawns. The big question is if I could have save the draw with Kc6 instead activating theking} 40. Kf2 Rd2+ 41. Re2 Rd4 42. Kf3 Rd5 43. Rc2 Rd3+ 44. Ke4 Rd4+ 45. Kf5 Rf4+ 46. Kg5 Re4 47. Kh5 Re1 48. g5 e4 49. Kg4 Rg1+ 50. Kf4 e3 { Here I resigned as the king is still awhol and white is splendidly activated} 1-0 [Event "ICS Rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2001.02.05"] [Round "?"] [White "LukasSF"] [Black "tcpip"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [WhiteElo "1863"] [BlackElo "1791"] [Annotator "xanda"] [PlyCount "76"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] [TimeControl "1500+15"] { tcpip: Hi! This was a standard 25 15 game between me (tcpip) and a higher rated player (LukasSF) that I would like to hear some comments from a more experienced player. AD: Annotations preceded by "AD:" are by NM Alex Davies (FIDE 2336) of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, who plays under the handles xanda and xandablind at FICS.} 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4 Bb4 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. Bd3 d5 8. exd5 cxd5 9. O-O O-O 10. Bg5 c6 { tcpip: Book until here, isn't it ? AD: This is a common position.} 11. a3 { tcpip: I was waiting for 11. Qf3 trying to double my f pawns, then I would have replied 11.... Be7 the same way. AD: 11.a3 wastes a tempo, because Black was going to move the Bishop anyway. According to the 13th edition of Modern Chess Openings, 11.Qf3 Bd6 12.Bxf6 Qxf6 13.Qxf6 gxf6 14.Rad1 Be6 = is the main line. "White has pressure" after the side line 11.Qf3 Be7 12.Rae1 h6 13.Bc1!, which is a manoeuvre that White is unable to undertake in the game.} Be7 12. Re1 Re8 13. h3 { tcpip: It looks like this is not needed. AD: This is another dubious move. More useful is 13.Qf3, because it is not worth a tempo to prevent 13...Bg4 14.Qg3 Bh5.} Bd7 { tcpip: I didn't like to play this, a bad move! It would be better to play 13....Be6 or 13.... h6. AD: In this opening, it is usual to put the Bishop on e6, which gives the option of ...c5 later. On e6, the Bishop prevents ideas like Rxe7 (after the Black Queen has moved from d8) followed by Bxf6. On d7, the Bishop impedes the other Black pieces somewhat.} 14. Qf3 h6 15. Bh4 Qb6 { tcpip: soon I noted that this was an ilusion. Black really can't take on b2 because of 16.... Qxb2 17.Reb1! Qxc3? 18. Bh7+! winning. AD: 15...Rb8 is more accurate because of 15...Qb6?! 16.Rxe7. } 16. b3 { AD: The weaknesses created by 16.b3 cause problems for White. Better is 16.Rxe7 Rxe7 17.Bxf6 gxf6 18.Qg3+ Kf8 (or Kh8) 19.Qf4 Kg7 20.Qg3+, which draws by repetition.} Qd4 17. Bxf6 { AD: This improves Black's position. 17.Bg3 is stronger.} Bxf6 { tcpip: It was better to take with the queen threatening doubling the white f pawns 17.... Qxf6 (18.Qe3 loses a pawn by means of 18.... Bxa3!) (18.Be2? Qxf3 19.Bxf3 Bf6 and the knight on c3 hangs) (18.Qg3 Bd6! 19.Qf3? Qxf3 20.gxf3 Be5). AD: 17... Qxf6 is slightly stronger than 17...Bxf6.} 18. Na4 a5 { tcpip: now the consequences of the previous bad move, black needs to avoid b4! and the queen have to accept the uncomfortable square on a7. AD: 18...Qxa1 19.Rxa1 Bxa1 looks risky for Black, since 20.c3 Re1+ 21.Kh2 leaves the Bishop on a1 out of play.} 19. Rad1 Qa7 20. Bf5 Bxf5 { tcpip: with this move, white showed me that I was fighting for a draw. It took much time for me to calculate the possibilies ahead and still I don't know if I have chosen the right continuation. AD: Black should be OK here, since the Bishop is better than the Knight, and the a3-pawn is even looser than Black's pawns. The line 21.Qxf5 Be7 proves that Black is not worse.} 21. Qxf5 Rad8 { AD: 21...Re7 is more productive, since Black makes progress even if White plays 22.Rxe7 Bxe7 to prevent the doubling of the Rooks. Even stronger is 21...Be7 22.Ra1 Bd6 followed by ...Qe7.} 22. Qd3 Re7 { tcpip: a desperate move trying to simplify the position by exchanging material, having in sight that my a5 pawn is hanging. AD: 22...Re7 is the right idea.} 23. Rxe7 Qxe7 { AD: 23...Bxe7 prevents the following Queen incursion.} 24. Qa6 Qd6 { tcpip: I ma de this move with great conviction that taking on a3 would be a bad thing because of losing the d5 pawn's best friend (c6). AD: 24...Qxa3 25.Qxc6 d4 is also playable. Worth considering is 24...Qc7 with the idea ...Be7.} 25. Qxa5 Qxa3 26. Qc7 Qd6 27. Qxd6 Rxd6 28. Nc5 Be7 { tcpip: I was already in time trouble and was afraid of white playing 29.Re1 Bf8 30.Re8 and black would have faced more problems. AD: The Bishop is already well posted on the long diagonal, so it is stronger to activate the Rook with 28...Rd8.} 29. Nd3 { tcpip: 29.Nd3? white was in time trouble too. AD: 29.Re1 Kf8 30.Ra1 is a possibility, but 29.Ra1! is more direct.} Re6 30. Kf1 g6 { tcpip: 30.... g6? what a terrible blunder! Especially because two moves later I played g5 giving white the opportunity to put his pawn chain on the white squares. This shows that I lack of some endgame knowledge too. Even if I had time I wouldn't know how to force white to put his pawns on the black squares. In fact, I don't even know if this is possible in this position or if this is really important once soon the white rook will be creating threats on the 8th rank. AD: Generally, Black would prefer White to have pawns on light squares so that White's dark squares are weak and Black's Bishop is not impeded. However, here it is more pertinent to improve the positions of the pieces. After 30...Bf6! (to cover a1) 31.Re1 Rxe1+ 32.Kxe1 Kf8 the position is rather drawish.} 31. Ra1 Kg7 32. Ra8 g5 33. b4 Bf8 34. Rb8 Re4 { tcpip: It looks like black is in "zugswang" after 35.f3!. AD: Zugzwang is when the side to move would prefer to "pass". The position after 35.f3 isn't Zugzwang because the Rook is en prise. In any case, 35.f3? is met by 35...Rc4.} 35. b5 cxb5 36. Rxb5 Rc4 { tcpip: once I heard that in endgames it is better to protect my own pawns than to take opponent's pawns but I was short in time and wasn't sure that I could protect the d5 pawn. AD: You have it backwards! Defending pawns is passive and reduces mobility. The difference between accepting passivity and forcing the opponent into passivity is often worth a pawn or more. In Rook endings, for example, the side with the active Rook is often able to win from a pawn down or draw from two pawns down.} 37. Rxd5 Rxc2 38. Rd7 { tcpip: it looks like it was much better to play 38.Ne5 creating threats on the 7th and 6th rank. AD: 38.Ne5 leads to nothing after 38...Bc5 39.Nd3.} Rd2 { Game drawn by mutual agreement. AD: Black can safely play on. For example, 39.Ke1 Ra2 40.Ne5?? Bb4+! 41.Kf1? Ra1+ 42.Ke2 Re1+ wins for Black. Even 40.Kf1 Kf6 is worth exploring.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "2000.06.17"] [Round "1"] [White "NN"] [Black "micmil"] [Result "0-1"] [PlyCount "81"] [EventDate "2000.??.??"] 1. d4 { I'm always in trouble with this kind of games: taking into account the playing style I show in this game, which opening would best fit my play? Kokesh: Personally, I don't think players should worry about openings until 1800 or so. In the meantime, experimentation is the key.} e6 2. Bf4 d5 3. e3 Bd6 { With this move I develop my B and eventually also the Q:} 4. Bxd6 $6 { Kokesh: White has three reasonable moves, the other two being 4. Bg3 and 4. Nf3. White gets a half-open h-file for his rook after 4. Bg3 Bxg3 5. hxg3. But even better is the natural developing move 4. Nf3, when 4. ... Bxf4?! 5. exf4 gives White an iron grip on the e5 square.} Qxd6 { Kokesh: Developing the queen is natural, but Black should have also paid attention to 4. ... cxd6!?, allowing the QN to develop to c6 without blocking the c-pawn, as well as keeping White from using the c5 and e5 outposts.} 5. c3 Nf6 { White keeps f4 protected. I take the opportunity to develop a bit} 6. Bd3 c5 7. Nf3 { this surprised me: I expected dxf5. Now I will close the game completely. Kokesh: 7. dxc5 would have ceded the center; White was correct to avoid it.} c4 $6 { Kokesh: Removing the tension from the center before completing development is almost always a mistake, and this is no exception. Black should develop with 7. ... Nc6 or 7. ... O-O instead of wasting time on pawn moves.} 8. Be2 $2 { Kokesh: The bishop belongs on c2 where it supports the e3-e4 advance; this central break is the correct way to counter Black's premature queenside play. Instead, White moves the bishop to a square where it will be dead for the forseeable future.} b5 { storming on the Q side, while White's B is useless Kokesh: Again, I would prefer to develop before pushing pawns.} 9. a3 $6 { Kokesh: White should be developing instead of inflicting himself withqueenside targets.} a5 10. Nbd2 Bb7 { this is important, because after: b4,axb4,axb4 my R is protected by the B} 11. h4 { why this? I did not get White's plan here. Kokesh: I don't think that White has a plan; we're getting an example of the maxim that playing with a plan is _always_ better than playing without a plan.} b4 12. axb4 axb4 13. Rxa8 Bxa8 14. Qa4+ Bc6 15. Qxb4 { with a Q exchange I can weaken even more White's Q side: that's why I did it, but I was not sure actually. Any advice? Kokesh: Since the exchange of queens is the only way that Black can regain the pawn, the queen exchange is clearly best.} Qxb4 16. cxb4 Na6 17. Ne5 Ba4 $6 { wrong, most probably Nxb4 was better: right? Kokesh: Yes, there's no reason for Black to go out of his way to retain his bad bishop, especially if it means placing it on a vulnerable line. At least Black's move is better than 17. ... Bb5? 18. b3!, winning a pawn.} 18. O-O Nxb4 { I knew I was in danger here: I saw the line that is coming, but I thought the danger would be manageable, with the gain of a pawn Kokesh: Again, Black's not winning the pawn, he's winning it back.} 19. Ra1 Bc6 20. Nxc6 { Kokesh: It seems like White should have a way of taking advantage of Black's backward development, but I don't see one. Maybe White should try 20. e4, although Black looks OK after simply castling.} Nxc6 21. Ra8+ Nd8 22. Nf3 O-O { I computed the line until here. Now my plan was to try to exploit my better pawn chain. Kokesh: The pawn on b2 represents a second pawn island, but Black can't attack it, so it's not really a weakness at this point.} 23. Ne5 Ne4 $2 24. h5 $6 { Kokesh: White misses a chance to make something out of his initiative. White should have played 24. Nd7 Re8 25. Kf1 (or 25. Bd1!? f6 26. Ba4 Kf7 with pressure), followed by either expansion in the center with f2-f3 and e3-e4 or running the king to the queenside to support the dissolution of the b-pawn. Black could have prevented this with 23. ... Nb7 when 24. Ra7 Rb8 followed by Nd6 doesn't get White anywhere. Instead, White runs the h-pawn to nowhere.} f6 25. Nd7 Re8 26. f3 $5 Ng3 27. h6 $4 { Kokesh: Maybe White thought that he could trap the knight. At the same time, it looks like White grabs the advantage after 27. Bd1 Nxh5 (27. ... Kf7 28. Ba4 h6 (28. ... Rg8? 29. Ra7 wins) 29. Nc5 +=) 28. Ba4 Kf7 29. Kf2! when Black must shed a pawn (with 29. ... g6 30. Nxf6 +=) since White threatens both 30. Nxf6 and 30. g4.} Nxe2+ 28. Kf2 Nc1 29. g4 Nd3+ { going for White's isolated pawn} 30. Ke2 Nxb2 31. f4 c3 { Now I'm not sure about this move: actually I didn't have a clear plan. Any advices, looking at the line that follows? Kokesh: Up a piece, Black should be able to win as he chooses. But here Black should delay running the c-pawn and consolidate his material gains.} 32. g5 c2 33. Kd2 gxh6 $4 { Kokesh: Black can retain more of his material advantage with 33. ... Kf7 34. hxg7 Kxg7 35. Nxf6.} 34. Nxf6+ Kf7 35. Nxe8 Kxe8 36. gxh6 Nc4+ { going for White's pawns: here I felt I could build some advantage if I managed to coordinate my horses...} 37. Kxc2 Nxe3+ 38. Kd3 Nf5 39. Ra7 Nxh6 40. Rxh7 Ndf7 41. Ke3 $4 { It's done. I made also a glitch with my R, but in the end I think I had a superior ending. Are there any major mistakes, besides the obvious glitches? Could I come up with some better plan than just "coordinate my horses" in the ending? Thanks in advance for the answers, and for this wonderful initiative! Kokesh: Of all the blunders in the game, this is by far the worst. Black can now win by trapping the rook with 41. ... Kf8 and Kg8. After the superior 41. Rg7, it's not clear that Black can win, but Black should definitely play it out. If I had to be nailed down, my guess would be that Black should win.} 0-1 [Event "Belgian Interclub 2000-2001"] [Site "Liege"] [Date "2000.10.15"] [Round "1"] [White "Gossens, E."] [Black "Casaschi, P."] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A91"] [WhiteElo "2295"] [BlackElo "2065"] [PlyCount "93"] [EventDate "2000.??.??"] 1. d4 e6 2. c4 f5 3. g3 Nf6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Qc2 O-O 6. Nd2 d5 7. Nh3 c6 8. O-O { I found many games with this variation, but Black never played 8. ... Qb6. In the Dutch Defense, Black's f5 pawn gives him a space advantage on the kingside, while White's c4 pawn gives him a space advantage on the queenside. Usually, you want to play on the side of the board where you have a space advantage; Qb6 doesn't help you very much, because White's pawns and pieces will be advancing on that side of the board (and attacking your Queen). The most common move in this position is 8. ... Qe8, aiming to play on the kingside.} Qb6 9. Nf3 Ne4 10. Nf4 { White follows the well-known plan of controlling e5 with both Knights.} Bf6 11. c5 Qd8 12. Nd3 { With a big space advantage on the queenside, White can now prepare to play b4/a4/b5.} Nd7 13. Nfe5 { The computer program Fritz now recommends 13. ... Bxe5 14.Nxe5 Nexc5. It says the game is equal after 15. Nxc6 bxc6 16.dxc5, but I think White's two Bishops still give him an advantage. } Qe7 14. Bf4 Ng5 15. Nxd7 { I'm not sure why White wanted to trade pieces here; that helps Black, since White has more space.} Qxd7 16. Ne5 Qe8 17. a4 Nf7 18. Nxf7 Rxf7 19. Qd2 e5 { Good! He gave up control of e5, and now you seize the chance to gain some space.} 20. dxe5 Bxe5 21. Ra3 Bxf4 22. gxf4 Re7 23. Re1 Be6 { White is still a little better because of your bad Bishop, but his Bishop "bites on granite" and isn't doing much right now either.} 24. Rg3 Qf7 25. Qd4 Rf8 26. Rd1 Bc8 27. Bf3 Qf6 28. Kf1 Qxd4 29. Rxd4 Kf7 30. a5 Kf6 31. h4 g6 32. e3 b6 { Yes! This is a great way to break up the queenside and make your Rooks active.} 33. axb6 axb6 34. cxb6 Ba6+ 35. Be2 Bxe2+ 36. Kxe2 Rb8 37. Rb4 Reb7 38. Kd2 Rxb6 39. Rxb6 Rxb6 40. Kc3 c5 41. Rg1 { Here, you missed your best chance for a win. Try 41. ... d4+! If he plays Kc2 (before or after trading pawns), you can play Ke6/Kd5, and you are clearly better: active King, active Rook, better pawns. You could put a lot of pressure on him.} Ra6 { After this, nothing very interesting happens.} 42. Rd1 Ke6 43. h5 Ra4 44. hxg6 hxg6 45. Rg1 Kf7 46. Rd1 Ke6 47. Rg1 { You played a good solid game, overcoming your early difficulties. Each of you missed some better moves, but a draw seems like the proper result. Good luck in your future chess!} 1/2-1/2 [Event "ICS Game"] [Site "ICS"] [Date "2001.02.02"] [Round "?"] [White "Flauschi"] [Black "MrKitty"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C60"] [WhiteElo "1490"] [BlackElo "1566"] [Annotator "joeva (1906 standard rating)"] [PlyCount "76"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] { Hi! My name is Joachim Vaerst, a.k.a. 'joeva' on FICS. I live in Germany. If you have anymore questions after reading and playing through this annotated game, please contact me on the server or via email. I'm not much of an expert on the Ruy Lopez, so no comments on the opening - any decent book can help you a lot more than I can. Anyway, opening study is waaay overrated among beginners. All you need really is some basic knowledge and get into a playable middlegame. In this game both players are better several times. Mostly the advantage is lost by tactical mistake or lack of plan. That's really what you need to work on. Study your tactics and how to conduct a kingside attack, and your results will improve dramatically. Let's start with the game:} 1. e4 { Flauschi: started with usual kingpawn-opening} e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 { Flauschi: played usual ruy lopez} a6 4. Ba4 b5 5. Bb3 Bc5 6. c3 { Flauschi: played c 3 for big center with d4} Nf6 7. d4 { Flauschi: castle maybe better} exd4 8. cxd4 Bb4+ 9. Nc3 { Flauschi: now lost e-pawn} O-O 10. e5 { Flauschi: prevent to lose e-pawn, so pushed it. joeva: I will start my comments here. So far, you have probably gone wrong in 'theory' already, but you're still in the game. This move kicks the knight f6 out of it's preferred defensive position, leaving black's kingside potentially vulnerable.} Ne4 11. O-O { Flauschi: castle for safe king, didn't see Nxc3 threat. joeva: Again, you should work on your tactics, to see these threats ahead of time. However, castling here really isn't that bad. Even though it loses a pawn, I know quite a few decent players who would play this as a sacrifice in order to finish development and then turn towards the black kingside, which is remarkably abandoned by the black pieces.} Nxc3 12. bxc3 Bxc3 { Flauschi: lost a pawn here. joeva: again, it's not that bad. Pawns do count in the endgame, but in open middlegames like this one, they're really just in your pieces' way. I know, a pawn is still a pawn and enough to win in the end, but don't be afraid to lose a few, if you can get an attack on your opponent's king in turn. It may not be enough, objectively, but the defender always has many more problems to solve and opponents at your level (or mine, for that matter) will almost never find the objectively best defence.} 13. Rb1 Bb7 { joeva: your opponent finishes development, but it would have been better to move the knight c7 over to the kingside, to have at least one defender there.} 14. Qd3 Ba5 15. Ng5 { Flauschi: little threat on h7. joeva: this 'little threat' should be enough to give you at least an even game, see my variation below.} g6 { Flauschi: at least weakend pawn structure. joeva: yes, then why do you not try to exploit it? There are several things to do when your opponents castled position has a weakness such as this: put your pieces in the holes left on f6 and h6 (in the text, you exchange all the pieces that could go there such as the knight and the Bc1-very bad); cause further weaknesses, for example by provoking/forcing . ..h5 (after the immediate Qh3, this would be forced); look for a way to sac a piece to remove the pawncover so the rest of your pieces can get to the king(again possible in the variation below).} 16. Bxf7+ { Flauschi: going to trade 2 pieces for rook and pawn. joeva: that's a bad trade, even if you were not down a pawn. The two pieces are almost always more active than R+P, even if theoretically the trade may be even. In this particular position it's even worse, because you are trading off two of your most important attackers (knight attacking h7, bishop pinning f7) and attack is the only hope you've got left.} ({ joeva: preferably, I'd like to play} 16. Ne4 { in order to put the knight into the 'hole' on f6, creating immediate threats (Bh6 winnning the exchange or mate-threats at h7), however if I play this immediately, black has the strong counter} Nb4 { , exchanging his B for my Ne4 thus getting rid of one of my most important pieces. (17.Nf6+ fails to 17...Qxf6 winning a piece, as the white Q is still under attack)}) ({ joeva: therefore, I play} 16. Qh3 { first, threatenin g immediate mate and causing black to weaken his kingside even further.} h5 17. Ne4 { now, that the white Q is out of harm's way, I can safely continue with the plan to transfer my knight to f6.} Nxd4 { Notice that black has 'won' another pawn; however, it's the white attack that comes first, and only if black manages to survive somehow will his extra pawns be worth anything. In addition, on the part of the board where the action will be taking place, i.e. the black kingside, black's bishops have no influence whatsoever, so that you could say, white is actually up two pieces in the attack.} 18. Nf6+ Kg7 19. Nxh5+ $1 { ripping open Black's kingside.} gxh5 20. Qxh5 Ne2+ { black is forced to bail out like this, returning the piece to avert the immediate loss, as he was threatened by Bh6+.} 21. Qxe2 Qh4 { preventing Qg4+, after which a rookshift on the third rank onto the h-file is deadly. Now that material equality is again established, you can either start playing for a draw, or hope for more with yet another sacrifice:} 22. e6 { opening the long diagonal for the Bc1.} fxe6 23. Bb2+ { In my opin ion, white now has good chances to win, but the game is not yet over. Far better than the text, though.}) 16... Rxf7 17. Nxf7 Kxf7 18. Bd2 { Flauschi: pro bably bad move because blacks bishop bad positioned. joeva: not only is the black B out of play, but your blacksquared bishop should stay on the board to start an attack on the black king on the weakened black squares on the kingside.} Bxd2 19. Qxd2 Qh4 { joeva: now your position is quite bad: you're down materially with no compensation whatsoever to show for it.} 20. d5 { Flauschi: another bad move lost e-pawn. joeva: well, I cannot find a good move for white here, as Rfd1, to protect the d4-pawn is met by Ne7, followed by either Bd5, c6, Nf5 or Nd5 when your central pawns are blockaded and black can slowly increase the pressure. I don't know, if you know this, but central pawns are strong, if they can stay next to each other or advance without being blockaded, but are weak if they are blockaded along a diagonal. yours would be the second kind, so the text move could actually be considered an attempt of creating complications at the cost of a pawn. However, if you didn't see that this move loses the pawn, then, again, working on your tactics and "board vision" should be your primary concern for future studies.} Nxe5 21. d6 Bxg2 $6 { Flauschi: bis hop sacrifice. joeva: I don't understand this move. This sacrifice is completely unnecessary. However, black should still win after this, as was pointed out by DWisdom after reading what was an accidently sent-in incomplete draft. See the variation after 22.Kxg2.} (21... Qg4) 22. Kxg2 { Flauschi: couldn't see sny further threats so took bishop} Qg4+ $2 ({ joeva: much better was} 22... Qxh2+ 23. Kxh2 Nf3+ 24. Kg2 Nxd2 25. dxc7 Rc8 26. Rbc1 ({ or} 26. Rbd1 Nxf1 27. Rxd7+ Ke6 28. Rd3 Rxc7) 26... Nxf1 27. Kxf1 { when in both cases black should win easily with his extra pawns. Not my work - found by DWisdom, thx :-)!}) 23. Kh1 Qe4+ 24. f3 { joeva: all pretty much forced until here.} Qc4 $2 { I don't like this move, as it allows rbc1, winning the pawn on c7.} 25. f4 { Flauschi: tried to knock knight away but Qe4+} (25. Rbc1) 25... Qe4+ 26. Kg1 { Flauschi: awful move, Qg2 maybe better, this loses material. joeva: agreed.} Nf3+ (26... Nc4) 27. Rxf3 Qxf3 28. dxc7 { Flauschi: had serious passed pawn. joeva: yes, but not serious enough against the best black continuation.} Rc8 $4 { joeva: horrible blunder.} ({ joeva:} 28... Qg4+ $1 { protects d7 first and is good for black, even though the pawn c7 still may give white some hope.}) 29. Qxd7+ { Flauschi: thought good move, wins rook. joeva: actually, taking the rook is just draw by perpetual check, however, you had a better option!} Kf6 30. Qxc8 $2 { Flauschi: after this just moved into checkmate. joeva: too bad. You should be contend with draw by perpetual here.} ({ joeva:} 30. Re1 $1 { Miraculously protects against all checks and moves the rook in for the kill. An open king attacked by Rook and Queen, such as we have here, will almost always be mated.} Rxc7 { Others are even worse.} 31. Re6+ Kf5 32. Re5+ Kf6 33. Qd6+ Kg7 34. Qxc7+ { with check, not allowing black to bother my own king with checks.} Kh6 { white has no check now, but should be able to hide his king from perpetual chack with his two pieces.}) 30... Qe3+ 31. Kg2 Qe4+ 32. Kg3 Qe3+ 33. Kg4 h5+ 34. Kh4 Qf2+ ({ joeva:} 34... Qxf4+ 35. Kh3 Qf3+ 36. Kh4 g5# { was faster}) 35. Kh3 Qf3+ 36. Kh4 Qxf4+ 37. Kh3 Qf3+ 38. Kh4 g5# { Flauschi: Black mates. joeva: Yes, nice help-mate. Recommended reading: Irving Chernev: Logical Chess Move By Move. Especially the Chapter on the kingside attack, which has very good and well annotated examples of how to exploit a weakened kingside.} 0-1 [Event "ICS Game"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Angleman"] [Black "Talus"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "A85"] [Annotator "nonspiego"] [PlyCount "110"] [EventDate "1996.??.??"] 1. Nf3 f5 { Angleman: I was thinking of going for the RETI opening although I am not really familiar with this opening. Anyway it can turn out to be a Queen's Gambit declined variation such as what happened here. I like openings which fianchetto the Bishop} 2. d4 e6 { Angleman: I thought of establishing a center. It is either c4 which leads to the English which is a favorite of my cause it is a favorite of Kasparov or this which may lead to the Queen's Gambit declined.} 3. c4 Nf6 { Angleman: Strengthening my hold of the center and this leads to a popular opening so I decided to play c4} 4. Nc3 { } b6 5. g3 Bb4 6. Qc2 O-O { Angleman: An option of most GM's like Botvinnik is to immediately play a3 to let black decide whether to take it or not. I decided on playing Qc2 cause I see it often done in Queen Pawn openings such as the Nimzo-Indian defense and even Queen's Gambits. I have not seen really the advantage of this move but I think it is playable.} 7. Bg2 d5 { } 8. cxd5 { } (8. O-O dxc4 9. Ne5 Nd5 10. e4 fxe4 11. Bxe4 $18) 8... Nxd5 { Angleman: I thought of just letting black take my c4 pawn which leads to a Queen's gambit accepted but since my Bishop is already at g2, this may no longer be possible and I may lose a pawn outright. I therefore just took the pawn anyway I see some games where this is done.} 9. O-O Bb7 { Angleman: I wanted to castle immediately to prevent any further complications of the pin of the Bishop at b4 on my night at c3. I could have played a3 but in my past games, I haven't gotten good results from this.} 10. a3 { } (10. Ng5 Qe7 11. e4 Nxc3 (11... Bxc3 12. bxc3 Nf6 13. exf5 $16) 12. bxc3 Ba3 13. Bxa3 Qxa3 14. Nxe6 $18) 10... Bd6 { Angleman: Finally I decide to play a3 to let black decide whether to capture or not } 11. Bg5 { } (11. Ng5 Qe7 12. e4 Nxc3 13. bxc3 { } h6 14. e5 Bxg2 15. exd6 cxd6 16. Kxg2 hxg5 $13) 11... Qe8 { Angleman: Often white's queen Bishop is the problem in these openings so I decide to develop it immediately. I thought of Nb6 exchanging my night for Black's Bishop and get the two Bishop advantage but I was more concerned with developing my forces first. Black's move here prevent's my plan.} 12. Rac1 a6 13. Rfe1 Nd7 { Angleman: I intend to have an additional defender in preparing for 13. e4 .} 14. e4 { } Nxc3 { Angleman: I realized e4 loses a pawn with the exchange of nights. An oversight on my part.} 15. Qxc3 Bxe4 { I wanted to keep the c file open so I took with the queen plus it prevents the immediate attack by the Bishop which makes me lose tempo.} 16. Nd2 Bxg2 { Angleman: Although I lose my King's fianchettoed Bishop, I want to get rid of Black's good bishop at all costs at e4. Any way I need to have my night get into action and I really need to move it.} 17. Kxg2 Qg6 18. h4 Qf7 { Angleman: My move may weeken my king side defenses but it sort of prevents a barrage of pawn attack on the king side by defending g5. I was a aware of black playing h6 dislodging my Bishop anyway but I thought of allowing black this move cause it would weeken his kingside as well in terms of the g6square} 19. Nc4 Rfe8 { Angleman: I would like to get rid of that Bishop of his as it attacks my king side and prevents my queen side attack at c7} 20. Nxd6 { } cxd6 21. Qc7 d5 22. Rc6 h6 23. Bf4 { } Rac8 24. Qxc8 Rxc8 { Angleman: Two rooks way more than a queen and I thought the exchange is an advantage to me.} 25. Rxc8+ Kh7 26. Rc7 a5 { Angleman: I would like to pin the night although temporarily cause pinning works wonders from my experience.} 27. Rec1 Qe8 28. R1c6 b5 { Angleman: If the night moves, I take the b6 pawn so black moves the pawn away} 29. Rb7 Nf6 30. Rcc7 Nh5 31. Be5 Kg6 32. Bxg7 Nxg7 33. Rxg7+ Kf6 34. Rh7 (34. Rbf7+ Qxf7 35. Rxf7+ Kxf7 36. Kf3 Kg6 37. Kf4 Kf6 38. f3 h5 39. g4 fxg4 40. fxg4 hxg4 41. Kxg4 e5 42. dxe5+ Kxe5 43. h5 d4 44. h6 Kf6 45. Kf4 Kg6 46. Ke4 $18) 34... Kg6 35. Kf3 { } a4 { Angleman: I just realized that a better move have been Rhe7 driving the queen away and winning a pawn. I thought of bringing my king in to action for endgame purposes in case I decide to give up my two rooks for the queen.} 36. Kf4 Qf8 37. Ke5 Qf6+ { Angleman: A major blunder on my part. I was winning this game 'til this point} 38. Kd6 Qxd4 39. Kxe6 Qxb2 { } 40. Rbg7+ Qxg7 { Angleman: I got too excited with the mate if the queen were not present and forgot about Black's queen and so I lose this exchange plus a losing end game.} 41. Rxg7+ Kxg7 42. Kxd5 b4 { Angleman: Taking the pawn would lose immediately as my king cannot catch the a-pawn. I realized at this point that I will lose this endgame but decide to continue on.} 43. Kc4 bxa3 44. Kc3 h5 45. Kc2 f4 46. Kb1 Kf6 { Angleman: Taking the pawn or not loses. I was more concerned right now of taking the pawns on the a-file} 47. Ka2 fxg3 48. fxg3 Kf5 49. Kxa3 Kg4 50. Kxa4 Kxg3 51. Kb3 Kxh4 52. Kc2 Kg3 53. Kd2 h4 54. Ke1 h3 55. Kf1 h2 { Angleman: I cannot stop black from getting a queen so I decided to resign. Too bad, correct me if I'm wrong but I was winning this game 'til my blunder with my king's march} 0-1 [Event "ICS Game"] [Site "Osoppo"] [Date "2001.02.13"] [Round "?"] [White "ArmyGuy"] [Black "Angelman"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "E38"] [Annotator "Kabu"] [PlyCount "69"] [EventDate "2001.02.13"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 c5 { Angleman: The Nimzo-Indian Defense. Kabu: Yes, Capablanca variation} 5. dxc5 Bxc5 { Angleman: I wasn't sure that this was the right way to continue for white. It should have a disadvantage somewhere but I can't seem to know the proper line. I thought of continuing as such cause it is the logical coninuation. There may be a better move such as Qa5 but I was not so sure with the benefits of this move. Kabu: The most played and elastic continuation here is 5. ...0-0 ,black usually take the pawn c5 with bishop only after 6. a3 earning a time. In case of 6. Bf4 (the other main line) black can play 6. . .. Na6 with the idea to take c5 with the knight. 5. ...Qa5 is a minor variation, which doesn't procure white any problems (6.Ad2). Certainly your move 5. ... Bxc5 is playable,obviously it's not a mistake :)} 6. Nf3 O-O 7. g3 { Kabu: A quiet continuation,more played 7.Bg5 or 7.Bf4} Qa5 { Angleman: I play it anyway to pin the night although white can always play Bd2. I love to do a finachetto at b7 but white can attack my rook by removing his knight at f3. Kabu: More naturals continuation are 7. ...d5 or 7. ...Nc6} 8. Bg2 d5 9. cxd5 Nxd5 10. Bd2 Nxc3 11. Bxc3 Qb6 $2 { Kabu: If you play 7. ...Qa5 and then 11.Qb6 I must consider yours a dobious plan,in fact you lost a tempo(Qd8-a5-b6) and white pieces (Bc3 is very strong) are more actives than black pieces which are not completely developed (Bc8,Nb8).So we can attribute white better play. Obligatory here was 11. Bb4 with approximate equality.} 12. O-O Nc6 13. Rad1 Re8 14. Ng5 g6 { Angleman: I need to weaken my pawn structure to prevent Qxh7+} 15. Qe4 $1 { Kabu: Good move,also good 15.Ne4,white has clear advantage,black castle is weak and white has initiative.} Be7 $6 { Kabu: A mistake,but it's hard defend the king,maybe the only move is 15. ...e5 16.Qh4 h5 17.Bd5 Nd8 18. Qa4! Rf8 Ne4 and white has a good advantage. But white don't see the better continuation and play...} 16. Qh4 { Here was critical 16.Nxf7! with the continuation 16. ...Kxf7 17. Qf4+ Kg8 18.Bxc6 Qxc6 19.Qe5 Bf6 20.Qxf6 e5 21. Qxc6 bxc6 22.Rd6 with probably victory for white. White's move maintain whatever the positional advantage.} Bxg5 { Angelman: Allowing white to have the two Bishop advantage but I need to neutralize his night from the threat of Qxh7+ Kabu: The correct decision,weaken your position with 16. ...h5 should have only delayed the exchange of dark square bishops after 17.Qf4 Rf8 18.Ne4} 17. Qxg5 e5 { Angleman: This shortens the coverage of white's c3 Bishop. But an oversight on my part as I lose this pawn on the following moves} 18. Bxc6 bxc6 { Angleman: This weakens my pawn structure but allows the Bishop to go to a6 anytime. I realized that I will lose my e5 pawn. Kabu: A mistake!The natural 18. ...Qxc6 is better,probably you have not considered that white can't take pawn e5 for 19. ...Bh3! 20.f3 Qc5+ and black wins!} 19. Bxe5 Qc5 $2 { Kabu: the correct move is here 19. ...Qa5! attacking bishop and defending d8 and black can continue to play.} 20. Bf6 $4 { Kabu: losi ng a win game!White lost the oportunity to close the game with 20. Rd8! pinning the rook in the eight cross, and if 20. ... Bb7 21.Rfd1! with the decisive threat Qf6} Qxg5 { Angleman: I need to exchange queens to cool off his attack. Kabu: the correct decision,now black can take a breath.} 21. Bxg5 Rxe2 { Angleman: I get back the pawn I lost at e5} 22. Rd6 Rxb2 $4 { Kabu : A blu nder!Both players don't see now 23.Bf6 which wins the rook and the game(probably players are in zeitnot now,I don't know :) )} 23. Bh6 Bb7 $6 { Angleman: Need to prevent mate at d8 as well as defend the c6 pawn Kabu: Here I think you must play more active!For example 23.Bh3 maintaing the control of d7 which is more important that pawn c6,in those position with opposed square bishop and castle weak is very important control eight and seven crosses and try to penetrate those of your opponent.} 24. Re1 c5 { Angleman: I would like to save this pawn so I move it away. The threat of Re7 is there. Kabu: ok for this move,but the strategical motiv of why you move it must be for active your bishop!!This is more important that savethepawn!} 25. Red1 f5 $6 { Kabu: very skious move.Now you open access to white towers in seven cross,probably better 25.Re8 with a playable position for both players,probably with equal chanches.} 26. Rd7 Bf3 27. Re1 Rxa2 28. g4 fxg4 { Angleman: I could not understand why white is giving these pawns up. I decided to take the gambit. Kabu: white's idea is interesting but not correct. ..he want to make a way out for his king to avoid the mate Ra1+ Kh2 and Rh1 to play Ree7 . The first take of pawn is good because white can't move still the rook} 29. h4 gxh3 $4 { Kabu: this was the topical moment of the game,with this move you loss a win game!now king can escape to h2-g3 an white can play... The correct and winning move is 29. Re2! and you win!} 30. Ree7 { Kabu: and whit e now wins in a few moves...Here you can comprend my previous suggestiob,in this positions is more important control the security of your king than go to take pawns!} Ra1+ { Angleman: I knew that white has a mating attack but I was more concerned with getting him into check and worrying on that later. I thought that he may be able to check me but he may not be able to mate me without allowing me a move. Anyway I figure I can no longer defend againsthisattack} 31. Kh2 Rh1+ 32. Kg3 Bc6 33. Rg7+ Kf8 34. Rxh7+ Ke8 35. Rhe7# { Kabu: A game with some mistakes but very interesting!Sorry for my english,I hope you understand it :)} 1-0 [Event "ICS Game"] [Site "ICS"] [Date "2001.02.04"] [Round "?"] [White "MeredithMonk"] [Black "Treefingers"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "E90"] [WhiteElo "1400"] [BlackElo "1150"] [Annotator "Vagula"] [PlyCount "110"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. d4 { A game that I won, but mainly due to a blunder at the end. Overall I think the game was pretty even.} Nf6 { My favourite response to d4 is the kings indian. Vagula:Kings indian was my first love} 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3 d6 5. e4 O-O 6. Bg5 { Unsure as to whether I should force the bishop away or continue my development with Nb8-d7 ready for e7-e5.} h6 { I decide to force the bishop away, hoping that white will castle Kside later on, allowing a Kside pawn push. } ({ It's interesting c5.This move intended to open the bishop' s diagonal g7-b2 } 6... c5 7. d5 e6 8. Be2 h6 9. Bh4 exd5 10. cxd5 { Tipical Ben Oni position}) 7. Be3 Nbd7 { Ready for e7-e5 next.} 8. h3 { I did'nt know what this move intended.} e5 9. Be2 $146 { I didn't found this move in my database.White can play :} (9. d5 Nc5 10. Nd2 a5 11. g4 Nfd7 12. Qc2 a4 13. O-O-O $14 { In this line is easy understand what white intended with 8 h3}) 9... b6 { For the bishop to move into, putting pressure on e4.} ({ I like:} 9... exd4 10. Nxd4 Re8 11. f3 Nh5 { With good position for black}) 10. O-O Bb7 $2 { This attack s e4 and entices d4-d5. Vagula: Bb7 is a mistake.White play d4-d5 and the bishop becomes blind.Now Black must play f7-f5 but in this plane the bishop is better on the diagonal c8-h3.} ({ It' is better:} 10... exd4 11. Nxd4 Bb7 12. f3 ) 11. d5 Nc5 { This looked a good place for the knight, attacking e4 again.} 12. Qc2 Nfd7 $2 { Vagula: c5 i a good place to the Knight,you must play a5!After you can play Cfd7 and f5. This allows me to advance the F pawn as white as castled Kside.} (12... a5 13. b3 Nfd7 14. Nd2 f5 15. exf5 gxf5 16. f4 Qf6 $13) 13. b4 Na6 { I hoped white would advance the pawn again, allowing the knight to move back to c5. Would such a move give white a messy pawn structure? Vagula: The move b5 is a terrible mistake:In this position White want play c5.} 14. Rab1 { sadly not to be.} (14. a3 $5) 14... f5 { At last I start my Kside push.} 15. exf5 $6 (15. Ne1 { and if black plays:} f4 (15... Nf6 16. exf5) (15... Qe7 16. Bd3 f4 17. Bd2 g5 18. Na4 h5 19. Be2 Nf6 20. c5 { White is better.}) 16. Bc1 g5 17. Nd3 Nf6 18. c5 { White's position is very good}) 15... gxf5 16. c5 $6 { Vagula:dubios move. This looked a bad move to me. I had many pieces attacking this square but was unsure which to take the pawn with. I figured my d pawn was doing a good job guarding the e pawn. White looks ready for a Qside attack. } (16. Ne1 $5 Qf6 (16... f4 17. Bc1 { With the idea Ne1-f3-d2 to control the kay square e4.}) 17. a3 e4 (17... Qg6 18. f4 Rae8 19. Nb5 { Vagula:It's not clear but i like White.}) 18. Nb5 Qg6 19. f4 $1 Rae8 20. Qd2 { White can play Ne1-c2-d4}) 16... bxc5 17. bxc5 Naxc5 { This knight was doing little on a6. I'm a pawn up and whites d pawn looks in trouble.} 18. Na4 Nxa4 { I did'nt see Rb1xb7. In hindsight I think I should have taken the pawn with my bishop instead.} ({ The position is not clear:} 18... Bxd5 19. Bc4 Bxc4 20. Qxc4+ Kh7 21. Nxc5 Nxc5 22. Bxc5 dxc5 23. Qxc5 Qd6 24. Qc2 e4 $15) 19. Qxa4 $2 { I was pleasantly surprised by this move. Qa4 is a mistake -/+/+-} (19. Rxb7 Nac5 20. Rb4 Qe7 21. Rfb1 { =/+/~~}) 19... Bxd5 (19... Nb6 $18 { is better} 20. Qd1 Qe7 21. Qd2 f4 22. Bxb6 axb6 23. Bc4 Ra5 24. Rfd1 Qf7 25. Qc2 Rfa8 $36) 20. Bxa7 $2 { Vagula:Another mistake.Bc4 can be better but i think white is lost. Things start to look dangerous, my Qside is crumbling.} (20. Bc4 Bxc4 21. Qxc4+ Rf7 22. Rb7 Nb6) 20... e4 { I try to attack. This allows my Knight a square on e5 and attacks the white knight.} 21. Nd4 Bxd4 $2 { Vagula:Bad move now the position can become unclear. I was tempted with the unprotected pawn on a2, this exchange allows me to capture it. Was this a little greedy, given whites aggression? Maybe Nd7-e5 instead.} (21... Nc5 $19) (21... Nb6 $19) 22. Qxd4 { -/+/+-} Bxa2 23. Rb2 Be6 24. Rc1 (24. Rb7 Ne5) 24... Rc8 $2 { I think this was a bad move, things look very cramped. Maybe should have played Nd7-e5.} (24... Ne5 $19) 25. Qe3 (25. Ba6 Ne5 26. Qe3 { and white can play this unclear position }) 25... Kh7 { To guard the h pawn.} 26. Ba6 { Did'nt see that. Now whites attack is reaching a boiling point. Was'nt sure which bishop to exchange for the rook.} Ra8 (26... Qg5) 27. Bb7 $11 Rxa7 { Decide on the dark squared one. This allows in the white queen, so was probably a bad choice.} 28. Qxa7 Ne5 { At last the knight gets to e5. I think it should have gone there a few moves ago.} 29. Ba6 Rf7 { to protect c7.} 30. Rb7 c5 31. Rxf7+ Nxf7 { Unsure as to which piece should have taken this rook.} 32. Rb1 Qg8 { I thought that now my position looked pretty solid.} 33. Rb7 Kg6 { Allows the knight to move.} 34. Be2 Bd5 { At this point white was in serious time trouble. I think he/she should have played Rb7-b8.} 35. Qa1 $4 { Vagula:terrible mistake.White is lost Probably cost white the game.} Bxb7 36. Qc1 Bd5 37. Qc3 Ng5 38. Qg3 Qa8 { Bad move, the knight is trapped. I was now in time trouble.} 39. h4 Qa1+ 40. Kh2 Kf6 $4 (40... Qe5 { changes the Queen}) 41. hxg5+ hxg5 42. Qxd6+ Be6 43. Qxc5 (43. Qf8+ Kg6 44. Qxc5) 43... Qe5+ { Her majesty comes to save the day, just in a nick of time.} 44. Qxe5+ Kxe5 45. Kg3 f4+ 46. Kh2 e3 47. f3 Kd4 48. Kg1 Bc4 49. Kf1 Bxe2+ 50. Kxe2 Ke5 51. Kd3 Kf5 52. Ke2 g4 53. Ke1 gxf3 54. gxf3 Ke5 55. Ke2 Kd4 { Here white resigns. The end game was pretty ragged due to both players suffering from time trouble. I'm more concerned with my middle game, like how my position got so cramped and my failure to launch a kside attack.} 0-1 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "fics, Oklahoma City, OK USA"] [Date "2001.03.15"] [Round "?"] [White "Harri"] [Black "ChristinaCourt"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B22"] [WhiteElo "1770"] [BlackElo "1463"] [Annotator "akryl"] [PlyCount "89"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. e4 c5 2. c3 Qb6 { The idea of learning a lot of mainline Sicilian theory doesn't appeal to me, so I've been toying with 2. c3. It does seem a bit passive, though; perhaps regular open Sicilian with 2. Nf3 and 3. d4 would still be better - if not for my results, then at least for learning. In any case, 2...Qb6 looks odd and seems to do little to stop me from building a strong pawn center.} 3. d4 cxd4 4. cxd4 Nc6 { Here my computer suggests 5. d5, which does look like a move that should have been considered. But I chose to develop instead.} 5. Nf3 { Annotator: Developing a piece. Thats real chess not a tactical nightmare} (5. d5 Ne5 (5... Nd4 6. Be3 Qb4+ 7. Nc3 e5 8. a3 Qa5 9. Bxd4 (9. b4 Bxb4 10. axb4 Qxa1 11. Qxa1 Nc2+ 12. Kd2 Nxa1 13. Nb5 Kd8 14. Bc4 $18) 9... exd4 10. Qxd4 $14 ) (5... Na5 6. Be3 Qb4+ (6... Qxb2 7. Bd4 Qb4+ 8. Nc3 { Annotator: Compare to the Ne5 variations, this looks even worse for black}) 7. Nc3 Nc4 (7... g6 8. a3 Qxb2 (8... Qd6 9. b4 $18) 9. Bd4 $18) 8. Bxc4 Qxc4 { Annotator: Whites lead in development makes the task easy} 9. Qb3 Qxb3 10. axb3 { Annotator: The queen exchange is unnecessary but seems to secure a good advantage.}) (5... Nd8 6. Be3 Qxb2 7. Bd4 Qb4+ 8. Nc3 e6 9. Rb1 Qa5 10. Bd3 Nf6 11. Nge2 d6 12. O-O e5 13. Be3 Be7 $14) (5... Nb8 6. Qc2 (6. Be3 { Being cute}) 6... Na6 7. Be3 Qc7 8. Nc3 $16) 6. Be3 Qxb2 7. Bd4 Qb4+ 8. Nc3 Ng6 9. Nf3 $14 e6 10. dxe6 fxe6 { Annotator: Here white can try to dislodge black by h4, other moves are Qd2 or Rb1 they all may transpose} 11. h4 Nf6 12. h5 Ne7 13. Rb1 Qa5 14. Rb5 Qd8 15. h6 Nc6 16. hxg7 Bxg7 17. Rg5) 5... g6 { Pressure on the diagonal it shall be.} 6. Nc3 (6. d5 { Annotator: There will be a weakness on the black fields, but black will be the victim of it. The g6, Bg7 manouver does not work if black does not have control in the center.} Nb8 ( 6... Nd8 7. Be3 Qxb2 8. Bd4 Qb4+ 9. Nc3 f6 $16) (6... Nb4 7. a3 Na6 8. Be3 Qc7 9. Qd4 f6 10. Bb5 $16) (6... Na5 7. Qc2 (7. Be3 Qb4+ 8. Nc3 Bg7 9. Bd4 Bxd4 10. Nxd4 $14 Qxb2 11. Ndb5 $18) 7... Bg7 (7... e6 8. Be3 Bb4+ 9. Nc3 Qc7 10. Bd4 $18) 8. e5 { Annotator: Blocking the 'strong bishop'} d6 9. Be3 $18 Qd8 10. b4) 7. Be3 Qxb2 (7... Qb4+ 8. Nbd2 Bg7 9. Qc2 Na6 10. Rc1 f6 11. e5 $18) 8. Bd4 Qb4+ 9. Nc3 $16) 6... Bg7 { Again my computer suggests "7. d5 Nd4 8. Bd3 Nxf3+ 9. Qxf3" but to me that seems to create a lot of dark square weaknesses and increase the influence of Bg7. Annotator: As white doesn't have many pieces on the diagonal and retain his own black squared bishop, the bishop isnt that strong. But white has another try.} 7. Nd5 ({ As the mere threat of Nd5 might make black play e6 it seems unnecessary to play the move} 7. Be3 Nf6 8. Qd2 Ng4 9. Nd5 Qd8 10. Bf4 d6 11. h3 Nf6 12. Nxf6+ exf6 (12... Bxf6 13. Bh6 $1 Qa5 $4 14. Qxa5 Nxa5 15. e5 $1) 13. d5 Ne5 14. Nd4 $14) 7... Qd8 { 7. Nd5 wasn't perhaps as great as I thought, as it can be driven away by ...e6 or perhaps ... Nf6. Nevertheless I felt I have the advantage, even if it isn't as large as I thought, and I tried to make use of that. I tried to develop with tempo by 8. Bf4.} 8. Bf4 (8. Be3 { To try to keep the center is an idea}) 8... d6 9. Bc4 { Doesn't look very useful. Black will never let white get any concrete threats against f7. Well, it might help a bit against ...e6 and ...d5 by Black, but I'm not so sure Black would want to play that anyway; after e5 he looks rather cramped. 9. Bb5 to ease the pressure on d4 looks more logical now; perhaps with Rc1 or Qc2 to follow. Besides, 9...Bg4, and then what? 10. Bb5 perhaps, or 10. Be3?} (9. h3 { prophylaxis} Nf6 10. Nxf6+ Bxf6 11. d5 Ne5 12. Nxe5 dxe5 ( 12... Bxe5 13. Bxe5 dxe5 14. Bb5+ Bd7 15. Qa4 $14 Bxb5 16. Qxb5+ Qd7) 13. Bb5+ Bd7 14. Bxd7+ Qxd7 $14) (9. Nc3) 9... e6 { Traps the white squared bishop} ({ Annotator} 9... Bg4 { This equalizes immediatelly. Since it strikes at the d4 square.}) ({ Also ok} 9... Bd7) 10. Nc3 Nf6 ({ Annotator} 10... a6 { Black would rather like to have his kingside knight developed to e7 instead of f6. lets see if that is possible} 11. O-O { First principles: developement. d5 is possible too} (11. d5 Ne5 12. Bxe5 dxe5 13. Qa4+ Bd7 14. Qb3 $16 { So much for first principles} b5 15. dxe6 bxc4 16. exd7+ Qxd7 17. Qxc4) 11... Nge7 (11... b5 12. d5 Ne5 13. Bxe5 dxe5 14. dxe6 fxe6 15. Qxd8+ Kxd8 16. Bb3 { with a difficult position} Nh6 { The king goes to e7. And the queen side rook might go by a7, nifty}) 12. d5 exd5 13. exd5 Ne5 14. Bxe5 dxe5 15. d6 Nf5 { Black lives at least}) 11. O-O ({ Annotator} 11. d5 exd5 12. exd5 Ne7 (12... Qe7+ 13. Kf1 Ne5 14. Nxe5 dxe5 15. d6 Qd8 16. Bxe5 O-O 17. Qd4 $14)) 11... O-O { If I had an advantage, now it seems gone. I have a little more space, but Black doesn't look very cramped. Even though my position looks nice, it seems to lack punch. And I keep centralizing relatively aimlessly. 12. Qd2 with the idea of 13. Bh6 and Bxg7, but 12...d5, hitting Bc4, looks stronger than the continuation in the game.} 12. Qd2 Re8 ({ Annotator} 12... d5 { To free the bishop}) 13. Rfe1 a6 14. Rad1 b5 15. Bb3 Bb7 { 15...Na5 16. Bc2 Nc4 could have been uncomfortable. Annotator: I agree} 16. e5 { Annotator: Aaron Nimzowitch said that all pawn moves where bad. He meant it in the way tah pawn moves are commiting you since they cannot be undone. Every pawn move in a game outside of the opening should be considered and only made if there is a good reason, tacticallly or from intuition. After the game you would do good to analyze those moments. Here, not advancing a pawn would not work as black will force the center to solidify then. I feel d5 migth be slightly better than e5 due to the following variations. Keeping better control over the d5 square.} (16. d5 exd5 17. Bg5 Ne7 (17... Na5 18. Bxd5) 18. exd5) 16... dxe5 17. dxe5 Nh5 { Now 18. Ne4, looking at d6 and f6, does look good. Instead, I decide to try to trap the black knight.} ({ Annotator:} 17... Qxd2 18. Rxd2 Nh5 19. Bg5 h6 (19... Na5 20. Bd1 Nc4 21. g4 Nxd2 22. Nxd2 h6 23. Be3 Bxe5 24. gxh5 g5 $13) 20. Be3 Nxe5 (20... Na5 { Transposes to the line above }) 21. Nxe5 Bxe5 22. Bxh6 Bf4 { With equality}) 18. Bg5 Qxd2 19. Rxd2 Bh8 { 19...Na5 or 19. ..h6 seem better than passively accepting the cramped position that results after 20. g4. Annotator: I agree, se the variations above.} 20. g4 Ng7 { It was Black's last chance to open the diagonal to prevent 21. Ne4. Now black loses the exchange...} ({ annotator: the only move} 20... Na5) 21. Ne4 Rec8 { ...or more.} 22. Nf6+ Kf8 23. Nxh7+ { "+3.72: 23. ... Kg8 24. Nf6+ Kf8 25. Nd7+ Kg8 26. Nb6 Na5 27. Bd1 Nc4 28. Nxc8 Rxc8 29. Rd7 "} Kg8 24. Nf6+ Kf8 25. Nd7+ Kg8 26. Nb6 Na5 27. Nxa8 Rxa8 { 27...Bxf3, 27...Bxa8, and 27...Nxb3 seem better. It shouldn't really be difficult to win this position. An exchange and a pawn, and Bh8 severely out of play. 28. Bd1 would preserve the bishop pair, but it gets into the rooks' way.} 28. Nd4 Ne8 29. f4 Nc7 { Perhaps better than doubling the rooks on the d-file would have been to play 30. Rc1, to control *both* files. Especially with my own Nd4 blocking the d-file.} 30. Red1 Nxb3 { Here I didn't play 31. Nxb3 because I was afraid I'd lose a pawn to 31...Bf3. It seems that after 32. Rd8+ I wouldn't have to worry about that.} 31. axb3 Nd5 { At this point the clocks were 4:53-21:21. My next move is rather bad, as it loses a pawn and lets Bh8 in play. Still I don't know how I should proceed in this position. It seems that black has the d-file solidly blocked and the entry squares under control. Perhaps something like Nd4-e2-c3 to chase or exchange away the knight. If ...Nxc3, I think I'd rather recapture with a rook to keep the c-file open. After that, c7 should work as an entry square. So 32. Rc1 looks good. Annotator: Put one rook on the c file, post the Knight at c6 treatening Na5! If black plays rc8 double rooks and on Ne3, Nd5 play Rc3 rc5 ant play Na5 then you should be able to break through.} 32. f5 Bxe5 33. fxe6 f6 { This move looks truly odd to me. Here my computer suggests 34. Nf3 with a variant where I end up with RN and my b,g, and h pawns vs RB and his a,b pawns. However, low on time, I desperately try to blast things open.} 34. Nxb5 fxg5 { 34...axb5 was clearly better; black would regain the exchange for a pawn. It seems to me that the white e-pawn and the black b-pawn would fall, but I don't know how good the white chances with the doubled passed b-pawn would then be.} 35. Rxd5 { "+2.05: 35. ... Bxd5 36. Rxd5 Bf4 37. Nd6 Kf8 38. Ne4 Ke7 39. Nc5 Be3+ 40. Kg2 Bxc5 41. Rxc5 Kxe6 42. Rxg5 Rg8"} Bf4 { He should have at least taken the exchange first.} 36. Rd8+ Rxd8 37. Rxd8+ Kg7 38. Rd7+ (38. e7 { Is simpler.} Bc6 39. Nd6 Bxd6 40. Rxd6 Be8 41. Rxa6 Kf7 42. Ra8 { ..and e8Q+ or Rxe8(+) with a simple win thanks to the distant passed pawns.}) 38... Kf6 39. e7 Be3+ { 39...Kf7 40. Nd6+ Bxd6 41. Rxd6 and white has too many pawns.} 40. Kf1 axb5 41. e8=Q Bh1 { I proceed to miss a few quicker mates. Rather embarrassing, but it makes no difference.} 42. Rd6+ Kg7 43. Qe7+ Kh6 44. Qf8+ Kh7 45. Rd7# { Black checkmated Annotator: A solid game full of tactical details. Don't despair if you did not see all the sacrifices. I can tell you it was much easier to sacrifice your pawns than sarificing my own would have been. You might want to think about the pawn structure a bit more in your game.} 1-0 [Event "Belgian Interclub 2000-2001"] [Site "Namur"] [Date "2000.??.??"] [Round "5"] [White "Carcan, S."] [Black "Casaschi, P."] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A80"] [WhiteElo "2015"] [BlackElo "2065"] [Annotator "FM R Dubisch (FICS: death) / IM Breder"] [PlyCount "43"] [EventDate "2000.??.??"] 1. d4 e6 2. Nf3 f5 3. g3 Nf6 ({ Breder:} 3... b6 $5 4. d5 $1 (4. Bg2 Bb7 5. O-O Nf6 6. c4 g6 7. Nc3 Bg7 8. b3 O-O 9. Bb2 Qe7 10. Qc2 d6 11. Rad1 Nbd7 12. Rfe1 a6 13. d5 e5 14. Ng5 Nc5 15. b4 h6 16. bxc5 hxg5 17. cxb6 cxb6 18. Qb3 Nd7 19. Ba3 Rab8 20. Rb1 e4 21. Na4 f4 22. Bh3 Bc8 23. Be6+ Kh7 24. Nc3 Nf6 25. c5 dxc5 26. gxf4 gxf4 27. Na4 Bxe6 28. dxe6 e3 29. fxe3 Ng4 30. exf4 Bd4+ 31. Kh1 Rxf4 32. Rf1 Qb7+ 33. Rf3 Nf2+ 34. Kg2 Rg4+ 35. Kf1 Nd3 36. e4 Rg1+ 37. Ke2 Qxe4+ 38. Kd2 Rg2+ { 0-1 Allen,D-Shabalov,A/Washington 1998/EXT 99 (38)}) 4... Bd6 { (avoiding the exchange of queens)} 5. Bg2 Bb7 6. c4 Nf6 7. Nc3 O-O 8. O-O Na6 { with the idea Na6-c5-e4 deserves attention.}) 4. Bg2 Be7 5. O-O O-O 6. b3 { Weird at this stage, but many transpositions are possible *death - This isn't a bad move here - it hints at attempting to exchange the dark-bound bishops, which in theory favors white in Stonewall structures, though in many specific positions in which black hasn't yet committed to ...d5, such an exchange may tend to weaken white on the dark squares. 6.c4 is much more popular, of course. } Ne4 { Play active *death - This is a fairly good choice. Since white isn't claiming space very aggressively, the opening will be a battle for control of central squares and lines. Both sides can construct fairly sound positions, and the interesting interactions in the center will determine the character of the struggle. Another useful idea in reaction to b3 for white is to push the black a-pawn, even as early as the sixth move. By aiming for ...a5-a4, black will develop the a-rook on its original file, and create some weaknesses on the white queenside.} ({ *death -} 6... a5) 7. Bb2 Bf6 { *death - This position has certainly been seen before.} 8. c4 ({ *death -} 8. Ne5 d6 9. Nd3 { is a reasonable maneuver for white in this type of position, opening the possibility of kicking the black knight from e4 with f3, guarding the bishop on b2, and adding some defense to the c5 square.}) 8... c5 { Same as above, but probably too optimistic. Any idea here ? Looks like I'm playing the Dutch without having a clue on what to do with it :-) *death - It is still possible to entertain the plan ...a5-a4. Also normal would be ... d6, aiming for an eventual ...e5, after suitable preparation. The move chosen doesn't seem bad either, as part of the fight for central control. Breder: This position still a known one: In my view 9.Qc2 is the best move now. Other moves do not promise much.} 9. Nbd2 { Breder: ?!} ({ Breder:} 9. Qc2 $1 { intending 10.dxc5. After 9...d6 White have the pleasent choice between 10.Rd1 and 10.Nbd2. However, the position looks much better for white.} b6 (9... Nc6 10. dxc5 $1 Qe7 11. a3 a5 12. Nc3 Nxc3 13. Bxc3 Qxc5 14. Bxf6 Rxf6 15. Qd3 Rb8 16. Rfd1 b5 17. cxb5 Qxb5 18. Qxb5 Rxb5 19. Rac1 Rf8 (19... Rxb3 20. Ne5 Rxa3 21. Bxc6 dxc6 22. Rxc6 Bb7 (22... Rf8 23. Rb1) 23. Rxe6) 20. Rc3 Rb6 21. Rd6 Rb8 22. Nd2 Ne5 23. Rc5 Nf7 24. Rd4 d5 25. Rxa5 Bd7 26. Rc5 Nd6 27. a4 Rfc8 28. Rxc8+ Rxc8 29. Bf1 Rc2 30. Nf3 Ne4 31. Rb4 Kf8 32. Rb7 Bc8 33. Ra7 Rc1 34. h4 d4 35. b4 Nc3 36. Kg2 Nd5 37. b5 f4 38. g4 h5 39. g5 e5 40. Nxe5 f3+ 41. Nxf3 Nf4+ 42. Kg3 Ne6 43. Bh3 Rc3 { 1-0 Haba,P-Sick,O/Bundesliga 1992}) 10. Nc3 $1 Bb7 11. Rad1 d6 (11... d5 12. cxd5 exd5 13. dxc5 bxc5 14. Nxd5 Bxb2 15. Qxb2 Bxd5 16. Qe5 Nc6 17. Qxd5+ Qxd5 18. Rxd5 Nb4 19. Rd7 Nxa2 20. Ra1 Nac3 21. e3 Rf7 22. Rxf7 Kxf7 23. Ra6 Ke7 24. Ne5 Ke8 25. Bf1 Rd8 26. Bd3 c4 27. Bxe4 Nxe4 28. Nxc4 Rd7 29. Ra5 g6 30. g4 Rg7 31. Kf1 Nc3 32. gxf5 gxf5 33. Rxf5 Rg6 34. e4 Rh6 35. Rf3 Nb5 36. h3 Rh4 37. Re3 Ke7 38. Kg2 Nd4 39. Kg3 Rh6 40. f4 Rg6+ 41. Kf2 Ra6 42. Rd3 Nc6 43. Rd6 Ra2+ 44. Kf3 Nd8 45. Rh6 Ne6 46. Rxh7+ Kf6 47. Rh6+ Ke7 48. f5 Nd4+ 49. Kf4 Nxb3 50. Ke5 { 1-0 Poluljahov,A-Tolstikh,N/Katowice 1993}) 12. dxc5 bxc5 13. Ne1 $1) 9... Nc6 ({ Breder:} 9... d5 $1 10. e3 Nc6 11. Ne5 Nxe5 12. dxe5 Be7 13. Nxe4 dxe4 14. Qxd8 Rxd8 15. Rfd1 Bd7 16. Rd2 Bc6 17. Rad1 Rxd2 18. Rxd2 g5 19. a3 Kf7 20. Bc3 Rb8 21. Bf1 a6 22. Be2 b5 { Jakobsen,L-Kristiansen,J/Vesterhav, Esbjerg 1996 (62)}) 10. Rb1 { Breder: Now black shou ld play 10...d5 with the idea to get the isolated d-pawn, because in this situation (white played b3) the Nd2 is misplaced and black will have a comfortable game!} ({ Breder:} 10. e3 $5 { with the idea Qe2 looks more logical in view of 10...d5.}) 10... cxd4 { Probably a mistake, the forced sequence here is not good for Black *death - This is a mistake, largely because it gives the f3-knight somewhere to go (d4) after the exchange on e4. After the exchanging sequence, white should probably win a pawn. Much better for black is something like ...d6 (or ...b6, or ...d5, or ...Qa5 - virtually any constructive non-blunder), when the position remains roughly equal. Breder:?!} ({ Breder:} 10... d5 $142 $1) 11. Nxe4 fxe4 12. Nxd4 d5 13. Nb5 Qb6 { Breder: ?} ({ Breder:} 13... Be7 $142 $1 { was not easy to find:} 14. Nc3 Rf5 { with the idea Bc5 and Qf8 (followed by Nc6-b4-d3 if white played e3 in order to protect the f2-pawn) gives black some counterplay.}) 14. cxd5 ({ *death -} 14. Bxf6 Rxf6 (14... gxf6 15. cxd5 Qxb5 16. dxc6 Qxc6 17. Rc1 $16) 15. cxd5 Nb4 (15... exd5 16. Nc3 $1) 16. Nc3 e3 17. f4 $16) 14... Rd8 ({ *death -} 14... Bxb2 15. Rxb2 Nb4 16. Nc3 e3 17. f4 Rd8 { is slightly less clear than the possibilities resulting in the game line.}) 15. Nc3 { Breder: ?} ({ *death -} 15. Bxf6 { Breder: !} Rxd5 (15... gxf6 16. Nc3 { and white has good chances of maintaining his extra pawn} ({ Breder:} 16. Nc3 exd5 17. Nxd5 Qa5 18. Bxe4 Be6 19. b4 Qxa2 20. Rb3 $1 { white have a winning position.})) 16. Qc2 Rxb5 17. Bb2 (17. Bxe4 $5 gxf6 18. Bxh7+ Kh8 19. Qg6 Rg5 20. Qxf6+ Rg7 21. Be4 $44) (17. Ba1 { Breder: +-} e3 18. Qc3 Rg5 19. fxe3) 17... e3 18. Qc3 exf2+ $2 (18... Rg5 19. f4 Rg6 20. Rf3 $16) 19. Rxf2 e5 (19... Ne5 20. a4 Rc5 21. Qd4 Bd7 22. b4 $18) (19... Rg5 20. h4 Rg6 21. Qf3 $18) 20. Qc4+ $18) 15... Bxc3 { Scaring to play this, but what else ? *death - Indeed, this is the only move.} 16. Bxc3 exd5 17. e3 { Breder: Now the position is nearly equal (minimal better for white): White have two bishops, but the Bg2 is here of course not strong.} Bf5 { I was a little bit worried about having a not so good solution, but maybe I was too pessimistic} 18. Qe2 ({ *death -} 18. Qh5 $1 Bg6 19. Qg5 $14 d4 $6 ( 19... Rd7 20. Rbd1 d4 21. exd4 Nxd4 22. Qe3 $16) 20. exd4 Nxd4 $2 21. Ba5 $18) 18... d4 { Breder: ?!} ({ Breder:} 18... Re8 $142 { e.g.:} 19. Qh5 (19. Rbd1 Rad8 20. Rd2 Ne5 21. Bxe5 Rxe5 22. Rc1 Be6 23. Rdc2 Rf5 { followed by Tdf8.}) 19... Rf8 20. Rbd1 Rad8 21. Rd2 d4 22. exd4 Nxd4 23. Rfd1 Bg6 24. Qg4 Bf5) 19. exd4 { Breder: ?!} ({ Breder:} 19. Qc4+ $1 Kh8 20. exd4 Nxd4 (20... Rac8 21. Qa4 e3 22. Ra1 Bd3 23. fxe3 Bxf1 24. Rxf1 Rf8 25. Re1 $16) 21. Rbd1 $16 Nb5 22. Be5 $1) 19... Nxd4 20. Bxd4 ({ Breder:} 20. Qc4+ Be6 21. Bxd4 Bxc4 22. Bxb6 Bxf1 23. Bxd8 Bxg2 24. Kxg2 Rxd8 25. Re1 Rd4 $11) 20... Rxd4 21. Rbd1 Rad8 22. Rxd4 { White offered a draw and I accepted. Not sure, but looks like White could try a little bit more here... *death - Certainly white could play on with little risk, but as long as black keeps his major piece(s) active, any advantage for white is quite small.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Alverca: Taca de Portugal"] [Site "?"] [Date "2001.02.03"] [Round "3"] [White "Santos, Ricardo"] [Black "Maltez, Nuno"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B07"] [BlackElo "1770"] [Annotator "FTL"] [PlyCount "46"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. e4 d6 2. d4 f5 { This is the Balogh counter-gambit. I've been using lately with mixed success. I got the ideas from Keith Hayward's (drawyah in FICS) web site: http://rampages.onramp.net/~drawyah/KeithH.html Kokesh: MCO 13 gives 3. exf5 Bxf5 4. Qf3 Qc8 5. Bd3 Bxd3 6. Qxd3 Nc6 7. Nf3 +/-. The more I read MCO the less I trust it.} 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bd3 Nc6 5. Nf3 fxe4 6. Nxe4 Bg4 7. c3 e5 8. Qb3 $146 { We've been following the main line (according to Keith). But this move was a complete novelty to me. Not even in Chesslab could I find games with this move. To be honest, I wasn't very happy with black's position in the opening. If this move is good, then I guess I have to rethink my opening strategy, like switching to line where black captures on e4. Kokesh: Skepticism is fine, but it seems misplaced here. If Keith Hayward can play this opening with success in postal chess, there's very little chance that it's going to be refuted OTB. 8. Qb3 doesn't disturb the equilibrium particularly; I don't see any reason for Black to be afraid.} Bxf3 $2 ({ if this move isn't good I think I should question the whole black startegy after 6...Bg4if} 8... Nxe4 9. Bxe4 { and the white bishop, besides controlling the big diagonal, can capture on f3 (after ...Bxf3) avoiding wrecking white's pawn structure. after} Rb8 { the Nf3 is no longer pinned} 10. Ng5 { looks like ouble for black Kokesh: I think 8. ... Bxf3 leads to trouble, and I feel that Black should simply play 8. ... Qc8 like he does in so many of Keith's lines; Black keeps the possibility of Bg4-e6 in many lines. If Black feels aggressive, he could even try} (10. dxe5 Bxf3 11. gxf3 () { exf6 Bxg2 f7+} 11... Nxe5) 10... Qd7 $5 11. Qxb7 { Rb8 Qa6 Rb6, with some, although probably not full, compensation. Either queen move is better than giving up the light-squared bishop.}) 9. gxf3 { now "I have" to defend b7. My biggest problem, from now on, will be the wekanesses on the light squares.} Qd7 (9... Na5 $6 10. Qa4+ c6 $2 11. b4 Rb8 { I was afraid of possible threats on the a2-g8 diagonal (especially Qe6+)} 12. Bc4 $2 { Na5 Bf7+} (12. Bb5 Be7 13. Ng5 Qd7 14. Bc4 $2 d5 ({ Be7 Bf7+} 14... Kf8 15. Ne6+)) 12... Kd7 { Qe6+ Kc6; exd4 Qxb7 Ne5} 13. Bb5 $2 { c6 Bxc6+ Nxc6 Qxc6+} ({ Ned7 cxd4 Rb8} 13. Qxc6+ { Rb6 Qc4 with a strange position})) 10. d5 $2 { { had white captured the pawn Qxb7} Rb8 { Qa6 Be7 and does black have enough for the pawn? Kokesh: I tried to make these lines work for Black, but couldn't. I don't think the pawn sac is sound in this line. Black's pawns and light squares are just too weak. Instead, though, White chooses to help Black by closing up the position. Very strange. Nd8} ({ exd4 Nxf6+ gxf6 cxd4} 10... Nd4 { Qxa7 Nc6}) ({ Ng5 I can't play Be7 but could try exd4 cxd4 d5; Qxb7} 10... Rb8 { Qa6 exd4} 11. Nxf6+ gxf6 { cxd4 Nxd4 Qxa7}) (10... Na5 11. Qa3 b6 $16 { creating even more holes on the light squares ; Ne7 Qxb7}) 11. Be3 { { white could have tried Nxf6+ gxf6 to leave the blck king without shelter on the kingside} Be7 12. Rg1 O-O 13. Ng5 $6 { Kokesh: I don't understand this move at all. Instead, I would probably begin a plan of queenside expansion, aiming for the c4-c5 pawn break, and planning on punishing Black for any active moves. Sadly for Black, White can do this with impugnity, given his control of the light squares and especially e4.} Kh8 { preparing c7-c6} 14. O-O-O $6 $16 { Kokesh: An invitation for Black to open queenside lines, which is also the only way for him to create play. Forcing your opponent to do the right thing is rarely a good strategy. c6 to open files on the queenside and fortify my centre. The downside is that it frees the a2-g8 diagonal (I planned to close it with d6-d5). But if I didn't play this, how would I bring the Nd8 back into the game? dxc6 bxc6 Rg3 I don't like my position here. Kokesh: I don't think that it is nearly +/-. Maybe Black has a slight disadvantage, but he has open lines and good pawn control in the center.} h6 $6 { I was really afraid to play this move. After so many concerns with the light squares I weakened them even more near my king. But I really wanted to scare the knight away from g5, at least to move the Nd8 { I always postponed Rb8 fearing that, after} 15. Qc2 { white would have themes based on attacks on h7 other option was d5 followed by Ne6 Rh3 but it looks like I'd have to play parece que tenho de jogar h6 after all... Kokesh: After d5 Rh3 Nf7!, the tactics work out OK for Black; White can't take h7. h6 is less dynamic, but it doesn't deserve the ?!.} ({ g6 I was afraid of} 15. Bg6 { hxg6 Rh3+ but how can white continue his attack after} Nh5 { ex:} 16. Qc2 Qf5) 15... Ne4 { Kokesh: Black doesn't turn out to stand too badly after all. White's knight looks pretty, but it doesn't have anywhere to go. In the meantime, White's unopposed bishop is hemmed in by the knight.} 16. Ne6 { Rdg1 d5} Nf6 { Bxf6 this was the position I was aiming for when I played ... h6. My I still have serious problems on the light squares. Kokesh: Again, White's position looks pretty, but his pieces are a mess. The two bishops are particularly poorly suited to this position, thanks to Black's strong center and White's shattered pawns. If White has any advantage, it's nearing the vanishing point.} 17. Bf5 $5 { Qe7 Rg6 threatens Bxh6 Ng5 steering towards unnecessary complications (my opponent was near time trouble) { it would have been better to play Nf4 Bxf4 exf4 and I think I'd be out of trouble. Kokesh: Also possible is Nc5 Qc2} e4 $2 $18 { Rh3+} () 18. Bxh6 $2 { Nd3+ and Rab8, with what should be enough for the pawn. Rg3 d4 the idea was to open the h8-a1 diagonal, play Rb8 and pressure b2 Bd2 { worse is cxd4 exd4 as it help my plan Bd2 Rab8 Qc2 d3 Bxd3 Rxb2 Qxc6 Rxa2 e4 { perhaps Rab8 would have been better? (the control of the g8 square by the queen will be critical later on) Qc2 dxc3 Bxc3 what now? My conclusion is that the whole plan of pushing the central pawns was wrong. Kokesh: As Black opens the position, White's bishops become very strong pieces indeed. fxe4 Nxe4 Bxe4 Qxe4 Bxh6 Qe1+ Qd1 Qxd1+ Kokesh: Black must have better than trading into this probably lost endgame. Kxd1} (18. Nc5 { Qc2 Bg5 Bxg5 back 2}) (18. f4 $2 { Nf3 R1g3 e4}) (18. Qa4) () () { bxc3 Qa3+ Kd1 Rb2 gxh6 Rxh6+ Qh7 dxc3 Bxg7+ Bxg7 Kh7 Rh6#} 18... Rf7 { by now we were both in time-trouble} 19. Bd2 $2 { Kokesh: It looks like 29. cxd4 Bxd4 30. Be3 retains more winning chances. Now it's unclear again.} Rd8 $6 { Kc2 from here to move 40/41 the record is not accurate. dxc3 Bxc3 Bxc3 bxc3 Rxf2+ Kb3 Rd7 Rh3+ Kg8 Rxc6 Rff7 Kokesh: This sort of passive defense is rarely correct in rook endgames. In particular, Black can win back at least one of the pawns with Rdd2, when my guess is that the remaining pawns will get vacuumed up pretty quickly, with a draw. Re6 Rb7+ Kc2 Rbd7 Re2 Rc7 Re6 Rcd7 Re2 Rc7 Re8+ Rf8 = ; we had already lost the team match, so I offered a draw Rh8+ Kxh8 Rxf8+ Kh7 My biggest probkem seems to be having the king blocked from the passed pawn on the queenside. Kokesh: White is winning. Rf4 to move the c pawn forward g5 Rd4 Kokesh: White wins more easily by playing 45. Rf2, keeping the Black king cut off from the action as much as possible. Kg6} () () { Kd3 Rd7+ and white can't make progress} 20. c4 $1 { Kokesh: White can keep Black's King cut off with the simple 46. h4!. Now the Black king gets back in the game. Rh7 { other plan was to bring the king to the queenside at once Kf5 Rd5+ Rd2 Rh3 Kokesh: White also has a king that can be cut off! Rf2 g4 Kb2 g3 Ok, I got rid of the kingside pawns, as I assessed it would be easier to draw if all the pawns were on the same wing. My opponent told me after the game he thought this was a wrong plan. { now white can simply play Rc2 Kg7 c5 Rh5 Rc2 Kokesh: I think you have the right idea; White can't be allowed to keep Black's king cut off. hxg3 Rxg3 Rc2 Kf6 Rc3 Rg7 Rd3 Ke6 Kc3 Rg5 I chose to defend on the 5th rank. I don't if it's a godd plan or not, as the a pawn will became a weakness. { other plan Rb7 Kb4} ({ c5 Kf7 Kf5 c6 Rh6 Rd5+ Ke4 Rc5} 20. dxc6 { Rh6}) () ({ maybe Rh6 Rc2 Rc6 but I don't like this} 20. Rg2 { Kb3 Ke6 Rd3 Rg5 Kb4}) () { Rc7 Kd4 Rd7+ Kc5 Rc7+ Kb5 poderei aqui tentar a6+ Kxa6 Rxc4 could this be held?} 20... a5 { Kc3 Rh5} 21. a3 { { I realized that white could try to play Rd2-b2-b5} a4 22. Rg5 $2 { Rd2 Rh5 Rb 2 Rh3+ but can white make progress here? Kd4 Rc5 Kd4 gaining a tempo Kd6 Rh3 Rg5 c5+ Kc6 this just looks lost Rh6+ Kb5 Rb6+ I had comple tely forgotten about this possibility. The rest seems more or less forced Ka4 c6} () { Kc7 Kc4 just wins the a pawn. Kokesh: Black can still fight after 62. ... Rg1 63. Kb5 Rc1. Even the endgame in which White is two pawns up is no slam dunk.} 22... Rg8 { Kc5 Kxa3 c7 Rc8 Kd6 a4 Rb8 Rxc7 Kxc7 Ka2 Kc6 a3 Kc5 Ka1 Kc4 a2 Kb3} 23. Kb1 { Rh8 a1=N+ Kc3 Ka2} Rb8 1-0 [Event "FICS 20 0 game"] [Site "FICS"] [Date "2001.04.05"] [Round "?"] [White "Pawns (1521 standard)"] [Black "Mindlock (1465 standard)"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D06"] [Annotator "joeva (1906 standard)"] [PlyCount "43"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] { joeva: Just some general things first. You will learn a lot more if you look at your losses, or at least games where you had to fight long and hard to draw or win. In this game you win quite easily because your opponent makes several severe mistakes. Also, this game is quite short, as your opponent essentially had a lost position as early as move ten, even though there's nothing wrong with making you "prove it". You did just that, and there are really no weak moves on your part in this game. I must admit, that the final combination, winning both of black's rooks is quite nice, but if you want to improve, this is really not the kind of game where you can learn much.} 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Bf5 { Pawns: I had never met this particular defense so I just decided to develop a piece and see what black had planned. joeva: I havn't met this defense either, but I believe it's called the "Baltic Opening" and I have recently seen an article on it at www.chesscafe.com} 3. Nc3 dxc4 $2 { Pawns: Now I can gain a tempo by making black move his bishop again. joeva: This move is already a severe blunder and shows that black doesn't understand the ideas behind his chosen opening at all. One of black's goals here is control of the square e4. And now he gives up that control for free, allowing you to gain a tempo, build an ideal pawn-center and then regain the pawn with a good developing move.} 4. e4 Bg6 5. Bxc4 e6 { Pawns: The for black is that he has managed to not block in his light squared bishop as in a normal QGD. joeva: Yet the downside is that it took two tempos, thus leaving white with a lead in development and good central control added in for free. Also, the light squared bishop in a "normal" QGD, locked in as it may be, has the important job of protecting b7, which is now potentially weak.} 6. Nf3 Bb4 7. O-O c6 { joeva: Just a look at the position reveals the white advantage: white has the perfect center, developed three pieces, castled, and it's his turn. Black, on the other hand has developed only two pieces (and the Bg6 is out of play for now), and is still two moves away from castling (and he won't manage to in this game).} 8. Qb3 { Pawns: I was planning for black to either retreat his bishop and I'd win another pawn or capture the c3 knight.} b5 $6 { Pawns: Now I can pick up another two pawns and generate some nasty tactics.} 9. Nxb5 $1 { joeva: black obviously missed this tactic and is now down materially in addition to positionally. Many players might have resigned here.} cxb5 10. Bxb5+ Nd7 11. Qxb4 Bxe4 12. Ne5 { Pawns: Black is facing quite a bit of trouble in my opinion.} Ngf6 13. Bg5 Rb8 $2 { Pawns: This allows a nice combination, one of the nicest I've ever been able to play. However, I don't see how black can do much better. Is there? joeva: Not really. A computer might argue that being only a piece down after, say, 13...a5 14.Qa4 0-0, when white will win "only" the knight on d7, is better than being down two rooks, which certainly has some truth to it, but it wouldn't have made any difference in the result...} 14. Bxf6 gxf6 15. Bxd7+ Qxd7 16. Qxb8+ Qd8 17. Qxd8+ Kxd8 18. Nxf7+ Ke7 19. Nxh8 { Pawns: And the rest is easy.} Kf8 20. Rac1 Bb7 21. Rc7 Ba6 22. Re1 { Pawns: With the king confined to the 8th rank, I intended to blast up the center and checkmate black. joeva: or win in any other way with the two extra rooks... Again, quite a nice game, but really not particularly good for learning from it, but rather to "show off". Of course, we all like to do that now and then : -). Just don't forget to also remember the games, where you lost and didn't really have a clue why. I am certain those happen as well. Good luck and good games in the future. Joachim Vaerst, 'joeva' on FICS,joachim(at) sboberberg.de. Feel free to mail me with any questions.} 1-0 [Event "FICS"] [Site "Quezon City"] [Date "2001.04.22"] [Round "?"] [White "Ripple"] [Black "Angleman"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B20"] [WhiteElo "1834"] [BlackElo "1810"] [Annotator "IM Breder"] [PlyCount "68"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] { Time control = 10 20} 1. e4 c5 2. Bc4 $6 d6 $6 ({ Breder: After} 2... e6 $1 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. d3 (4. Nf3 Nf6) 4... Nf6 { with the idea d7-d5 and already black has advantage e.g.:} 5. Bg5 Be7 6. Qd2 h6 7. Bxf6 (7. Bh4 $2 Nxe4) 7... Bxf6 8. f4 d6 (8... O-O 9. Nf3 Bxc3 10. Qxc3 d5 11. Bb3 b6 { is also okay for black}) 9. Nf3 a6 10. a4 b6 11. O-O Bb7 12. f5 Qd7 13. Rae1 O-O $17) 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e5 $6 { Angleman: I've never seen this line before. I figured taking it was not a bad idea. Of course.} ({ Breder:} 4. d3 $142 { with idea 0-0,c3,Lb3 and later d4 was better.See the games GM M. Adams played. with this variation. He -of course- played 2.Sf3 and then 3.Bc4. In this line white have a chance to get a slight advantage.}) 4... dxe5 5. Nxe5 Qd4 $4 { ?Angleman: did not see that the Bishop can take the pawn at c2. I was too concerned with attacking. I'm not used to the continuation and do not know the proper retaliation.} ({ Breder:} 5... e6 $11) 6. Bxf7+ Kd8 7. Nf3 $2 ({ Breder:} 7. Qe2 $18 { In the game white gave back a pawn without any reason.}) 7... Qe4+ 8. Qe2 $6 { Angleman: 8. Kf1 would hold the extra pawn in exchange for castling.} ({ Breder: } 8. Kf1 $1 $18) 8... Qxc2 9. Nc3 $6 ({ Breder:} 9. Na3 $1 Qf5 10. d4 $1 { White must open the position!} e6 11. O-O Nd5 12. Ng5 $1) 9... Bf5 $4 ({ Breder: } 9... Nc6 $142) 10. O-O $4 { ?Angleman: Loses the exchange with black's next move. Black should be careful though that his queen does not fall into a trap where it cannot escape.} ({ Breder:} 10. Ne5 $1 { with the idea Bb3 wins immediatly:} e6 11. g4 Be4 12. Bxe6 Bxh1 13. Bb3 $18) 10... Bd3 11. Qe5 $2 ({ Breder:After} 11. Qd1 { black does not win the exchange!} Nc6 12. Qxc2 Bxc2 13. Re1 $14) 11... Nc6 $2 $18 { Angleman: Playing 11. ... Bxf1 immediately loses to 12. Ne1 ! and the queen has no where to go. Breder: After this move the position is again lost for Black.} ({ Breder:} 11... Bxf1 $6 12. Ng5 $1 (12. Ne1 { This move does not win:} Nc6 13. Qg5 (13. Qxc5 e5) 13... h6) 12... Na6 13. Be6 Qg6 14. d4 $1 $36) ({ Breder:} 11... Nbd7 $3 { After this move black can hope to keep his material advantage:} 12. Qe3 Bxf1 13. Kxf1 e5 14. d3 (14. Nxe5 Nxe5 15. Qxe5 Qd3+ 16. Kg1 Bd6 17. Qg5 Rf8 18. Qxg7 Qf5 $19) (14. Be6 Qg6 15. Ng5 Kc8) 14... Ng4 $1 15. Qg5+ Ndf6 { Now we see, why Nbd7 was much better than Sc6 ! (see next variation)}) 12. Qe3 Bxf1 13. Kxf1 Qf5 ({ Breder:} 13... e5 14. d3 $1 $18 { (with the idea Bb3)} Ng4 15. Qg5+) 14. Be6 Qg6 { Angleman: I need to keep the queen off e3.} ({ Breder:} 14... Qh5 15. Ng5 Kc7 16. Qf4+ Kb6 17. g4 Qe8 18. Na4+ Ka5 19. Qc7+ b6 20. Nxc5 $18) 15. Ne5 $4 { Angleman: I thought that White could have played 15. Nh4 Qh4 16. Qe3 + Ke8 17. g4 Qe5 ( 17. ... Qxh4 ? 18. Nb5 ! ) 18. Nb5} ({ Breder:} 15. Nh4 $4 Qh6 16. Qd3+ Nd4 17. Nf5 Qxh2) ({ Breder:} 15. Ng5 $1 $18 Kc7 16. Qf4+ Kb6 17. Na4+ Ka5 18. Qc7+ Kxa4 (18... b6 19. Qxc6) 19. b3+ Kb4 20. a3+ Kb5 21. Bc4#) 15... Nxe5 16. Qxe5 Qd3+ 17. Kg1 Qd4 $6 { Angleman: I'm the exchange up so why not simplify. The game shows, why the black queen is much better on d6 than on d4.} ({ Breder:} 17... Qd6 $1 { was much better:} 18. Qe2 g6 19. Nb5 Qb6 20. Qd3+ Ke8) 18. Qe2 a6 { !Angleman: I thought this was avery good defensive move keeping the White Knight and Queen out of b5.} 19. b3 g6 20. Bb2 Bg7 21. Na4 Qd6 22. d4 $6 ({ Breder:} 22. Rc1 $1 { Now it is very hard to find a defense for black: Probably white has again a winning position.} b6 23. d4 cxd4 24. Bxd4 Ke8 25. Nxb6 Rd8 26. Bc5 Qc7 27. Bc4 $18) 22... cxd4 23. Bxd4 Ke8 { Angleman: Ofcourse taking the Bishop is met by Rd1.} 24. Bc5 $1 ({ Breder:} 24. Rd1 $2 Rd8 $1 25. Nc5 Qb6 26. Qc4 Rd6 27. Bf7+ Kf8) 24... Qc6 $2 { Angleman: I used great amount of time in finding this move out. Taking the queen to far out is met by. 25. Bd7 + or 25. Bf7 + and a mating threat at e7. 24. ... Qc7 is met by 25. Bd6 followed by 26. Rd1.} ({ Breder:} 24... Qc7 { Black must protect the e7-pawn, if the white bishop is on c5!!} 25. Bb6 Qc6) 25. Rd1 $4 ({ Breder:} 25. Re1 $1 { This avoids 25...Qe4.} Bf8 26. Bc4 $18) 25... Bf8 $4 { !Angleman: Another good defensive move protecting the e7 pawn and this seems to halt White's mating attack.} ({ Breder:} 25... Qe4 $1 { and black solved all his problems.} 26. Qxe4 Nxe4 27. Bd5 Nxc5 28. Nxc5 Rc8) 26. b4 $4 { ??Angleman: Obviously a blunder but it took me awhile to take the Knight it may be a trap.} ({ Breder:} 26. Qc4 Bh6 27. Re1 $18) 26... Qxa4 27. Qd3 $4 ({ Breder:} 27. Bb3 $1 Qc6 (27... Qb5 28. Qe6 $18) 28. Rd6 Qe4 (28... Qc7 29. Rxf6 $18) 29. Bf7+ $1 Kxf7 30. Rxf6+ exf6 31. Qxe4 Bxc5 32. Qd5+ Kg7 { and the game should end with a draw.}) 27... Qb5 $2 { ??Angleman: I thought about 27. ... Qb5 and 27. ... Qc6 and should have chosen the latter. I was too concerned with exchanging queens and a won endgame more than anything else. Also this took me some time only to choose the wrong move. Qc6 guards e6.} ({ Breder:} 27... Qc6 $19 { :} 28. Qc4 Bh6 29. Bf7+ Kf8) 28. Qb3 { Angleman forf eits on time. Angleman: I just lost track of time here. Any way I can still fight for a draw with 28. .... Bg7 29. Bf7+ Kf8 30. Qe6 ! ( This what 27. ... Qc6 ) was suppose to guard against.) 30. ... Re8 ( giving back the echange ) Breder:} Bh6 { with advantage for black,e.g.:} (28... Bg7 $4 29. Bf7+ Kf8 30. Qe6 $18) 29. Bf7+ Kf8 30. Qe6 Ng8 31. Re1 Bg5 32. Bxg8 Rxg8 33. f4 (33. Bxe7+ Kg7 34. a4 Qf5) 33... Qc6 34. Bxe7+ Kg7 1-0 [Event "Computer chess game"] [Site "DEFAULT"] [Date "2001.03.07"] [Round "?"] [White "bodie"] [Black "crafty 18.1"] [Result "*"] [ECO "E61"] [PlyCount "54"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. c4 { Hi. My name is bOdie (LiquidThug on fics). I play the English Opening. I dont know any other opening that is why. I have played this against Arasan and crafty many times. I am 1300 on chess.net in blitz and 1700 in standard. [Hello, i am ferkelchen from germany. I will comment your game and try to give you some advice. I will include my comments in brackets [ ] I am not a english native speaker so please be lenient.]} Nf6 2. e3 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. d4 d6 6. Be2 Nbd7 7. O-O e5 8. b4 Re8 { That was the end of my usual English Opening. If you see how my style is and think I could be better with another opening please comment.[ It is very difficult to suggest a specific opening. Much more important is that the resulting positions of the opening match with your style. You have to feel comfortable in the positions, for example if you dont like sharp positions you shouldnt play the Kings gambit. Perhaps you should check your performance: Have a look at your played games and check if you score well in sharp positions or did you win more games with quiet, positional play? If you score better in sharp positions you should consider to chose a different opening. But back to the game. I have played this position a couple of times myself. But i have to confess: My performance is rather bad. I dont know wether the reason is the opening or my bad play :))) I assume a Grandmaster would call this specific variation of the English opening "harmless".]} 9. Bb2 { Bb2 I wanted to form my pieces and protect my knight. I also heard it is good to have bishop on the long diagonal. [Yes, i agree. I used to play Bb2 in my games too. Blacks bishop on g7 makes sooner or later a lot of pressure on the long diagonal so it is a good idea to play Bb2. ]} exd4 10. exd4 Nb6 11. c5 { [I dont like this move. The knight will get a very nice place on d5. You played Re1 a move later. I would prefer to play 11. Re1 right now and place the rook on the open file. In my opinion there is no reason to kick the black knight.]} Nbd5 12. Re1 { Here i moved my rook. I thought if would keep forming my pieces. If he wanted to take knight he could i had bishop there. Also it is like getting two moves .[As i said before - the idea of 12.Re1 is ok. Unfortunately you missed the undefended Pawn b4. Do you remember what i wrote about the strong Knight on d5?]} Nxb4 { I'm not going to lie I didnt see that :( [Well, even the greatest players of the world blunder sometimes. So cheer up :)) But take into consideration: A lot of games are decided by blundering pawns or even pieces. So always try to concentrate on not losing material - you will win a lot of games because some of your opponents will blunder sooner or later. Yes, i know, this advice sounds very simply.. but it istrue!]} 13. Qb3 { Qb3 I thought he wouldnt go back to d5.[ Your opponent is a computer, and unfortunately a computer will not move the knight back to d5 where you can grab it :( ]} Nc6 14. d5 { I put pawn there makeking him move the knight and limit is range of movement. [Yes, thats a good idea. You are a pawn down but blacks position is a little bit cramped.]} Ne7 15. Nb5 { Nb5 I moved that cuz I had no idea what else to do. I was thinking attack maybe fork his rooks if it was there. [ I prefer to take on d6 first because you dont lose the important c5 pawn. If the queen takes back on d6 the queen is somewhat exposed, maybe you can attack the queen with Ba3 of Nb5 later.]} dxc5 16. Rad1 { [There are still chances to fight with 16.Bc4. The idea is if the computer plays 16..Nfxd5 (similiar to the game) you can play 17. Nxc7! The variations seem to be very complicated, why dont you take a chessboard and set up the position and have a look? The position after 17.Nxc7 is very interesting.]]} Nfxd5 17. Bxg7 Kxg7 18. Bc4 c6 19. Bxd5 cxd5 20. Qc3+ Kg8 21. Qxc5 { [You managed to win one pawn back but you are still two pawns down. I think the position is lost.]} b6 22. Qc7 { Here I moved queen there thought he might take and i could fork.} Be6 23. Ng5 { Ng5. I was looking to get bishop out of there.} Nf5 24. Nxe6 fxe6 25. Qxd8 { I took queen. I didnt really know what else to do.[ I prefer Qe5, i dont want to exchange because your only chance is to try to create some threats against the black king. The ending is hopeless.]} Raxd8 { Here i could have taken a7. I moved Nc7 maybe trying to get something going on my side.} 26. Nc7 { [If you tak e on a7 the computer would probably play Ra8 and take on a2. It would be an exchange of pawns, wouldnt change much.]} Re7 27. Nxe6 { Bad move. I never even thought of them going to e8. lack of thought. Here is where i became lost. There is not much after this. [Yes, sad but true]} Rde8 { This is where I just saved the game and quit. As you examine this game could you please put ( ) so i know it is you. I am up for maybe getting together online and playing. I would love to have you show me during the game on what i did wrong and right. If you know of any exercises i can do to help my game please tell me. Thank you for checking out my game. Means a lot to me : ) [Exercises? Hmm, i have three ideas. First: Do you know FICS has a lecturebot with a lot of fine lectures? Second: There are so-called team games on Fics. Each team has to decide what move to make and - thats the most important - the players discuss why to make this specific move. Join a team game, i am sure you will improve your skills even if you only listen to the comments. Third: There are a lot of good chess books, i heard the books written by IM Silman are good ones. Well, i have to leave now. Have fun, see you on fics. Greetings, ferkelchen]} * [Event "FTL Review"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2001.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Agapito"] [Black "D'Ammora, Luca"] [Result "*"] [ECO "A46"] [PlyCount "63"] [EventDate "2001.01.04"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. a3 { not the main line. Usually White plays 3.c4 or 3. Bg5 or 3.g3. The idea of the text move is to prevent Bb4 but White should not be afraid of it.} d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. e3 ({ another try could be} 5. Bg5 cxd4 (5... Nbd7 6. e3 h6 7. Bh4 Be7 8. Bg3 cxd4 9. Qxd4 O-O 10. Be2 Re8 11. Qd3 a6 12. O-O Nc5 13. Qd1 b5 14. Nd4 Bb7 15. b4 Ncd7 16. Nb3 { with almost equal chances in the game Lafer,E-Grohschaedl,E/Gleisdorf 1996/ 0-1 in 40 moves}) (5... Nc6 6. e3 a6 7. g3 Bd6 8. Bg2 h6 9. dxc5 Bxc5 10. Bf4 Bd6 11. Bxd6 Qxd6 12. O-O O-O 13. Ne2 b5 14. Ned4 Re8 15. Nxc6 Qxc6 16. Ne5 Qc7 17. f4 Bb7 $11 { Nagy,H-Miklosi,A/HUN 1998/ 0-1 in 44 moves}) (5... h6 6. Bh4 Be7 7. e3 O-O 8. Be2 Nc6 9. O-O cxd4 10. Nxd4 Nxd4 11. exd4 Qb6 $11 { Theves,S-Huennekes,S/Niederrhein 1997/ 1-0 in 33 moves}) 6. Nxd4 Be7 (6... e5 7. Ndb5 d4 8. Nd5 Na6 (8... Bd6 9. e3 a6 10. Bxf6 gxf6 11. Nxd6+ Qxd6 12. Qf3 f5 13. exd4 exd4 14. O-O-O Nc6 15. Nb6 Rb8 16. Nxc8 Rxc8 17. Bd3 $16) 9. e4 Be6 (9... Be7 10. Nxe7 Qxe7 11. c3 $16) 10. Bxf6 gxf6 11. c3 Bxd5 12. exd5 Qxd5 13. cxd4 Rg8 14. Qe2 Rd8 15. Rd1) 7. e3 O-O 8. Bd3 Nc6 9. Nxc6 bxc6 10. O-O c5 11. Re1 Bb7 12. Rc1 h6 13. Bh4 Nd7 14. Bg3 a6 $11 { as the game Geilfuss,P-Meyers,V/Schwaebisch Gmuend 1993/ 0-1 in 33 moves}) 5... Nc6 6. Bb5 Bd7 7. Bxc6 (7. Bd2 { was played in the game Paulsen-Hansen, Nor Club ch 1996, 0-1 in 41 moves} a6 8. Bxc6 Bxc6 9. Ne5 Qc7 10. O-O Bd6 11. f4 Rc8 12. Be1 cxd4 13. exd4 O-O 14. Bh4 Nd7 15. Rf3 Nxe5 16. fxe5 Be7 17. Bg3 Qb6 18. Rb1 Bd7 19. Ne2 Bb5 20. Nc3 Rc4 21. Bf2 Rfc8 22. Qd2 Be8 23. Rg3 Bh4 24. Rxg7+ $2 Kxg7 25. Bxh4 Qxd4+ 26. Qxd4 Rxd4 27. Bf6+ Kg6 $19) 7... Bxc6 8. Ne5 Bd6 9. Ra2 $6 { I don't understand this move.} ({ it would be better to play} 9. Nxc6 bxc6 10. O-O cxd4 11. exd4 O-O { even if Black has a small advantage.}) 9... Bxe5 10. dxe5 Nd7 11. Qg4 O-O 12. Qg3 Qc7 $17 { White's position isn't very good. He is back in development and the only active piece is the Queen.} 13. f4 d4 (13... f6 $5 { would be better with the White King still in the center} 14. exf6 Rxf6 ( 14... Nxf6) 15. Ne2 (15. O-O $2 d4 16. exd4 cxd4 17. Ne2 Rg6 $19) 15... Rg6 16. Qh3 Rf8 { with attack}) 14. Ne2 Bb5 15. Ra1 Bxe2 16. Kxe2 f6 17. exf6 Rxf6 { finally Black played f6 but now it's not the same because he hasn't more the light squared bishop on thelongdiagonal} (17... Nxf6 18. exd4 cxd4) 18. Rf1 Qc6 (18... Raf8) 19. Rf2 e5 20. b4 $6 { it is not easy to find a good move for White now with the King still in the center} (20. fxe5 Rxf2+ 21. Kxf2 Qe4 22. exd4 Qxc2+ 23. Ke1 cxd4 24. Bf4 Rf8 25. Rd1 Qe4+ 26. Be3 Nxe5 (26... dxe3 27. Rxd7) 27. Rxd4 Qb1+ 28. Rd1 Nd3+ 29. Ke2 Qxb2+ 30. Rd2 Nc1+ 31. Ke1 Qxa3 $19) ( 20. Kf1 Re8 21. Kg1 (21. Bd2 Qb5+ 22. Kg1 Qxb2 23. Rc1 e4 $19) 21... exf4 22. exf4 $17) (20. exd4 cxd4 (20... exd4 21. Kf1 Re8 22. Kg1 Rfe6 23. h3 Nf6 $17) 21. Qd3 Raf8 22. Bd2 Nc5 23. Qc4+ Kh8 24. Ke1 (24. Kf1 Ne4 25. Qxc6 bxc6 26. Re2 Nxd2+ 27. Rxd2 Rxf4+ 28. Kg1 c5 $17)) 20... cxb4 21. exd4 exf4 $4 { a wrong move that allows White to equalize} ({ Black wins playing} 21... Qxc2+ 22. Ke1 (22. Kf1 Qd1#) (22. Bd2 exf4 23. Qf3 (23. Rxf4 Re8+ 24. Kf1 Rxf4+ 25. Bxf4 Qc4+ 26. Kf2 Qxd4+ 27. Be3 $19)) 22... Qc4 23. f5 (23. dxe5 Nxe5 $5 24. fxe5 Rxf2 25. Kxf2 Rf8+ 26. Ke3 (26. Ke1 Rf1+ 27. Kd2 Qd4+ 28. Ke2 Qd1+ 29. Ke3 Re1+ 30. Kf4 Qd4+ 31. Kf5 g6+ 32. Ke6 Qc4+ 33. Ke7 (33. Kd6 Rd1+ 34. Ke7 Qf7#) 33... Qc7+ 34. Ke6 Rd1 35. Qf3 Qd7+ 36. Kf6 $19) 26... Qc3+)) 22. Bxf4 ({ also} 22. Qb3+ { is possible} Re6+ (22... Kh8 23. axb4 Re8+ 24. Kf1) 23. Kf1 Rae8 24. axb4 Qe4 25. Bb2 Nf6 26. Kg1 Kh8 27. Qf3 Qxf3 28. Rxf3 Re2 29. Rf2) 22... Qxc2+ 23. Kf1 Qc4+ 24. Kg1 Qxd4 $6 ({ would be a try} 24... bxa3 25. Rxa3 Re8 26. Re3 Rxe3 27. Qxe3 b5 { where Black should have a better chances in the ending}) 25. Qb3+ Kh8 26. Rd1 Nc5 27. Rxd4 Nxb3 28. Rxb4 Nc5 29. Be3 Rxf2 30. Bxf2 b6 31. Bxc5 bxc5 32. Rb7 $11 * [Event "Club Competion"] [Site "dics.dds.nl"] [Date "2001.02.09"] [Round "?"] [White "J. Janssen"] [Black "Jan-Pieter Vos"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "A77"] [WhiteElo "1652"] [BlackElo "1802"] [Annotator "FM R Dubisch (FICS: death)"] [PlyCount "50"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 { This was my first official game that I played the Benoni but it turned out well.} 3. d5 e6 4. Nc3 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. e4 g6 7. Be2 Bg7 8. Nf3 O-O 9. O-O Re8 10. Nd2 { Now I was unsure about the continuation, but this seemed a good move to me. *death: It is a good idea not only to have some idea of a reasonable single move, but to have a consistent plan of development and action. 10... Nbd7 may be playable (Grandmasters have played it, so who are we to be overly critical - let/^s just say it is as playable as most Benoni lines. ...), but it tends to lead to do-or-die positions in which black must play rather unnaturally to generate kingside attacks. Part of the problem is the bottleneck on the d7-square, which is a useful transit point for both knights, the light bishop, and the queen. Anytime it is occupied by one piece, it tends to cramp the other pieces who want to use that point. A more positionally logical (though not necessarily more practically successful) continuation is .. .Na6-c7, which reduces some of the congestion on d7 and also supports a future ...b5 advance. ...b5 is part of a plan to expand control of the long dark diagonal for the fianchettoed bishop.} Nbd7 11. a4 ({ *death:} 11. f4 $6 c4 $1 { is a useful gambit, in which black/^s play against the e-pawn (... Nc5) and on the two dark diagonals with d4 as the focal point (...Qb6) offers some compensation.}) 11... Ne5 12. Re1 { 12.Qc2 is mostly played here *death: 12.Re1 doesn/^t seem the most incisive. Probably 12.Qc2 or 12.Ra3 both offer white a fairly significant edge.} Bg4 $6 { after analysing I thought this move was good, but now I think it is bad. I could better do 12... g5 and h6 to take somesquares} ({ *death:} 12... g5 { is interesting. It is sometimes played with the idea of continuing ...g4, restraining the advance of the white f-pawn and preventing white from using f3 for his pieces. However, advancing the g-pawn isn/^t the most natural looking play, as it weakens the black king position and does little to further black/^s steadily diminishing queenside prospects. If black fails to drum up a winning (or drawing) kingside attack, he is going to be positionally bankrupt.}) ({ *death:} 12... Nfg4 { may offer some immediate kingside attacking play, after} 13. h3 Nxf2 14. Kxf2 Qh4+ 15. Kf1 (15. Kg1 Bxh3 16. Nf1 Ng4 17. g3 Qh5 18. Bxg4 Bxg4 19. Qc2 Bf3 20. Qh2 { has actually been played before, leading to some white advantage.}) 15... Bxh3 $1 16. Nf3 $2 (16. Ra3 $5) 16... Qg3 $1 { for example, black mates with} 17. gxh3 Qxh3+ 18. Kg1 Qg3+ 19. Kh1 Ng4 20. Rf1 Re5 $1) 13. Bxg4 $2 { I knew tha t this was a bad move, but what do you think of this lines? *death: Superficially, white justifies this exchange by thinking of good and bad bishops, but this overlooks the fact that black/^s bishop is part of the cramp/ congestion (especially of the d7 square), and after the exchange, black/^s "bad" bishop on g7 is actually the most important minor piece on the board - it is technically "bad" but active, operating in front of the pawn chain and controlling key central squares.} (13. f3 Bd7 (13... Bc8 { probably the best since Bd7 isn/^t good *death: I don/^t think I agree - see comments to the lines below.} 14. f4 Ned7 15. Bd3 ({ *death:} 15. Bf3) 15... c4 16. Bxc4 Qb6+ 17. Kh1 { *death: White has gained the moves a4 and Re1 over the very similar gambit line mentioned above. It isn/^t easy to determine if these two free moves are of positive or negative value to the white position, however.}) 14. Nc4 (14. f4 Neg4 15. h3 Ne3 (15... Nh6 $2 16. g4) 16. Qb3 { the black knight is on a good square, but how can you hold him there? *death: We can try to resuscitate this line with a tactical improvement - see move 18.} Bh6 (16... c4 { costs a pawn but probably the best *death: No, I think this is too expensive.} 17. Bxc4 Nxc4 18. Nxc4 $16) 17. Bb5 Bxb5 18. Nxb5 Bxf4 ({ *death:} 18... Nexd5 $1 { extricates the knight and snags a pawn in this line.}) 19. Nf1 Rxe4 ({ *death:} 19... Nexd5 $1 { is again possible.}) 20. Nxe3 ({ *death:} 20. Bxe3 { is probably more accurate, with a clear edge for white.}) 20... Bxe3+ ({ *death: This move order allows black to complicate with} 20... c4 { with ideas of ...Qb6 and ...Nxd5:} 21. Qc3 (21. Qa3 Qb6 22. Kf2 Nxd5) 21... Bxe3+ 22. Bxe3 Nxd5 23. Qd2 Nxe3 24. Nc3 Re5 25. Rxe3 Qb6 26. Rae1 Rae8 27. Nd1 d5 { with three pawns and some pressure for the piece.}) 21. Bxe3 { I think black hasn/^t enough now *death: I agree.}) 14... Nxc4 15. Bxc4 { What should black do now? I believe that white is better, but I can/^t find a good move for black.} Qa5 { to prevent a5 when I/^ll play a6 *death: But how do you plan to defend d6 against a straightforward attack by Bf4?} ({ *death:} 15... Nh5 $1 { is more thematic, trying to play on the kingside dark squares with ...Qh4, and even ...Bd4, if white fails to prevent it immediately.} 16. Be3 Be5 $15) 16. Bd2 Qb4 $5 { the only good move since 15... Qb6 is met by 16. Qc2 and 17.a5 but probably the queen has too less space} 17. b3 { threatens Nb5} Qb6 18. a5 Qc7 { *death: White probably has an edge here, but the next move in the analysis line may have tactical problems on the long diagonal:} 19. Bb5 a6 ({ *death:} 19... Nxe4 $5 20. fxe4 (20. Nxe4 Bxb5) (20. Bxd7 Bd4+ 21. Kf1 Nxd2+ 22. Qxd2 Qxd7) (20. Rxe4 Rxe4 21. Bxd7 Bd4+ 22. Kh1 Bxc3 23. Bxc3 Re3 24. Bd2 Re5 25. Bb5 Rxd5 $13) 20... Bxc3 21. Bxc3 Bxb5 22. Qf3 Qe7 23. Bf6 Qf8 { when white has some play on the dark squares for his pawn.}) 20. Bxd7 Qxd7 21. Na4 Rad8 22. Nb6 Qe7 23. Bc3 { with equal play, but I/^m not sure about the whole line.}) 13... Nfxg4 { *death: White must make some concessions on the kingside now.} 14. Nf3 $2 { exchange is better for me} (14. f4 { but this is worse than Nf3} Qh4 $5 15. h3 Qf2+ ({ *death:} 15... Nd3 { is even stronger:} 16. Nf3 (16. Re2 Bd4+ 17. Kh1 Qg3 18. hxg4 Qh4#) 16... Qf2+ 17. Kh1 Qg3 18. hxg4 Nf2+) 16. Kh1 Qg3 17. hxg4 Nxg4 18. Nf1 Qh4+ 19. Kg1 Bd4+ 20. Ne3 Qf2+ 21. Kh1 Qh4+ 22. Kg1 Qh2+ 23. Kf1 Qxf4+ 24. Kg1 Qf2+ 25. Kh1 Nxe3 { 0-1}) 14... Nxf3+ ({ *death:} 14... Qf6 { forces the doubling of the white f-pawns.}) 15. Qxf3 Ne5 ({ *death:} 15... Qh4 16. Bf4 (16. Qg3 Qxg3 17. hxg3 Bd4 18. Re2 Nf6 { and the e4-pawn proves vulnerable.}) 16... Be5 { may offer an edge to black, who can make good use of the e5-square in various endings.}) 16. Qe2 ({ *death: } 16. Qg3 { looks slightly better than the game move. White/^s disadvantage is fairly small here.}) 16... f5 $1 { *death: I/^m not sure I agree that this is such a good move. It is a good cheapo, of course, if white captures....} ({ *death:} 16... c4 { offers the thematic possibility of occupying d3 with the knight, with at least a small advantage for black.}) 17. exf5 $4 (17. f3 fxe4 18. fxe4 ({ *death: Better is centralizing the knight and keeping control of g4 with} 18. Nxe4 { obtaining rough equality. White now has some play against the kingside weakened by the advance of the black f-pawn.}) 18... Qh4 { favours black because the opening has turned out well Full attack with Rf8 and Ng4}) 17... Nf3+ { *death: A good shot. Now black wins most efficiently.} 18. gxf3 Rxe2 19. Rxe2 Bxc3 20. bxc3 Qf6 21. fxg6 Qxg6+ 22. Kh1 Qd3 23. Re1 Qxf3+ 24. Kg1 Kh8 25. Bg5 Qg4+ 0-1 [Event "Edited game"] [Site "0021515916"] [Date "2001.05.31"] [Round "1"] [White "JamesOsb1"] [Black "player73425"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B07"] [PlyCount "31"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. e4 d6 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Bg4 4. Bb5+ c6 { ACA: The main basic principle in the openings is to get your pieces into active positions as soon as possible, while hampering your opponents chances of doing this. If his knight was on c6, Bb5 would have helped you in doing this and been to your advantage. But by playing 4...c6, black has managed to put pressure himself on you and strengthen his center (e.g. now he can play d5 with his pawn on c6 protecting him). Possibly 4.Bc4 would have been better for you in this position, helping you to exert pressure on the center with your Bishop.} 5. Ba4 Qa5 { James: So fa r I think I doing pretty good but I fully understood why black would move his queen there.} 6. d4 Nxe4 { James: Then it hit me. I could get the knight back for the pawn because it was pinned} 7. O-O { ACA: No unfortunately you are wrong here. You are in a bad position. After 7.0-0, your opponent could have played and would have been a bishop and a pawn up, or and would have been two pawns up. Your move 6.d4 left your Knight on c3 pinned and thus there is nothing you can do. Instead of playing d4, you should have either protected your e4 pawn by 5.d3, or played 5.Bb3, thus protecting your bishop and also putting it in a better position were it can put pressure on the center.} () ({ Nxc3 bxc3 Qxa4 Nxc3} 7. Bxc6+ Nxc6 { bxc3 Qxc3}) 7... g6 8. Nxe4 d5 { James: I was underattack so I look at my bishop with was a underguard and moved my knight there to protect it ACA: Here black should have played Qxa4, and thus would have been a pawn up. Although your pieces are better developed, you would have had hard times in the game.} 9. Nc5 Qb6 10. h3 e5 { James: I knew he was trying to get my knight with the queen by capturing the protecting pawn. His plan was full of holes and I counterattacked.} 11. hxg4 exd4 12. Qxd4 { James: I was protecting the knight plus I was also attacking the rook on h8. ACA: Your analysis in this part of the game seems to be correct. Your opponent has managed to make one mistake after the other.} Bxc5 { James: BAD MOVE. I would have moved the rook but I'm sure he never saw it in the first place.} 13. Qxh8+ Kd7 { James: I deicied to start the final battle. I started to move the piece for the kill.} 14. Ne5+ Ke6 { James: Bad move. I guess he never saw that he couldn't capture the knight.Lucky this gave me the chance to give mate.} 15. Bg5 Qxb2 { James: Mate in one. Can you find it?} 16. Qf6# { ACA: Your play in the final part of the game was good. You managed to see that your opponents threats could not harm you, and you yourself did some good attacks. But in the opening phase of the game, your opponent had the upper hand. My advice to you would be to carefully develop your pieces and central pawns. The Nights on c3, f3, c6 and f6 can easily be pinned by Bishops or as in your case by the Queen. When this happens, the central pawns on d4 and e4 also become weakened, as the Knights are the main pieces protecting them.} 1-0 [Event "Internet chess game (Stand)"] [Site "FICS"] [Date "2001.03.16"] [Round "?"] [White "timf"] [Black "Knoecken"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "E01"] [WhiteElo "1796"] [BlackElo "1677"] [PlyCount "105"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] { Hi there and thanks for taking you time for revieuwing the game! It is the first one I sent to the FICS Teaching Ladder and must admit that I am a bit proud of it. In generall I am a tactical player with weaknesses in strategical positions. I guess it is because I am not patient enough. Anyway, in this game I didn`t play too badly, I think, against a strong player. Aeneas: Hi Knoecken ! You're right to be proud of this game, this is a good one. If you know that you're not patient enought, so pay attention to it nduring your games when realizing an advantage.} 1. d4 Nf6 { This and 1.. f5 are my answers to the strategical 1. d4.} 2. c4 e6 { Inviting the Nimzo-Indian Defence.} 3. Nf3 { After this I have to think of what to answer. Though I could play 3.. b6 I won't, because I had bad results against strong players.} d5 { Leads into play I normally won`t play. You see my dilemma here - trying to play open tactical games and not beeing prepared enough for the difficult Queen`s Indian after 3.. b6.} 4. g3 { At the time of the game I didn`t know any line after this - so all the next moves had been played without opening knowledge! (After the game I took a look at the main lines.)} c5 $5 { As I didn`t know the common 4.. Be7 I tried to to something active. That looked logical for me since white can`t play e3 after he played g3.} 5. Bg2 Nc6 { Keeping the tense in the center and developing pieces.} 6. dxc5 $6 { Aeneas: Whi te usually take on c5 only after Black have committed their bishop on e7. So, your remark on your 6th move is exact. Here White should have played either 6. cxd5 or 6.O-O.} Bxc5 { I was happy to develop my bishop without a loss of tempo.} 7. cxd5 Nxd5 { Avoids a lonely pawn after 7.. ed. I didn`t like 7.. Qd5:, because of the possible Queens exchange. Aeneas: 7...exd5 was possible too. Although you have a lonely pawn, your play is free.} 8. O-O O-O 9. a3 { I have seen that this had been played by Pregarac,V against Harcet,F in Portoroz open 1994 with an early win for white (30 moves).} Qb6 $5 { My new move. The ideas are putting preasure on f2 and b4, preparing for Rd8 and trying to get a majority at the queenside with the large number of pieces. I hoped that white would get some development troubles and black could develop totally (Bd7) soon. I am not sure if this was a risk, because it leaves Blacks` kingside alone? What do you think would be the best play here? Aeneas: Yes, your kingside seems alone, but White's pieces are not well placed to launch an attack on your king. There seems to be a drawback to 9...Qb6: Black has problems to developp his Bc8, as the pawn b7 is blocked by the queen. An interesting idea was 9... Qe7 in order to prepare e6-e5 and free the Bc8.} ({ The IM R. Teschner played against B. Ivkov} 9... Bd7 10. Bd2 Qe7 11. Nc3 Nxc3 12. Bxc3 Rfd8 13. b4 Be8 14. Qe1 Bb6 15. b5 Nd4 16. Nxd4 Bxd4 17. Bxd4 Rxd4 18. Qa5 b6 19. Qa6 Rad8 20. Rac1 e5 21. Bc6 Kf8 { and draw was concluded.}) 10. e3 $6 { 10.e4 !? seems to be faster.} ({ Aeneas:} 10. e4 { is interesting indeed:} Nf6 11. Nc3 (11. b4 $6 Bxf2+ 12. Rxf2 Nxe4 13. Qe2 Qxf2+ 14. Qxf2 Nxf2 15. Kxf2 e5 { with a complicated position.}) 11... Rd8 12. Qe2 Nd4 { freeing the square c6 with the idea Bc8-d7-c6.} 13. Nxd4 Bxd4 14. Bg5 h6 15. Bxf6 Bxf6 16. e5 Be7 { with the bishop pair for black.}) 10... Rd8 { With a look at the white queen.} 11. Qe2 $6 ({ Aeneas:} 11. Qc2 { was perhaps to be played. If the game continues identically, white is not worse:} Bd7 12. b4 Be7 13. e4 { and black has no more the manoeuver 13...Ncxb4 followed by Bd7-b5.} ) 11... Bd7 { Black now is developed completely. Whith this move I already had Bb5 in mind.} 12. b4 Be7 13. e4 $5 { Now is the critical moment! I saw that 13.. Nf6 or 13.. Nc7 looked really bad for Black. So I sit back and took some time for thinking about a (tactical!?) answer to the move. Aeneas: Yes, i'm according with you: it's an important turning point in this game. White are weak on the a6-f1 diagonal. So I think they should have played 13. Rd1.} ({ For example:} 13. Rd1 Bf6 14. Bb2 Rac8 15. Bxf6 Nxf6 16. Nbd2 { with a balanced game.}) 13... Ncxb4 $1 { Gives knight and bishop for a rook and two pawns. After the game I asked my opponent about this move and he said something like "It was good and any other move would have been a lot worse". Aeneas: I'm according with him.} 14. axb4 ( 14. exd5 { is even better for Black:} Bb5 15. Qe4 Bxf1 16. Bxf1 Nxd5 { and the knight has a safe position.}) 14... Bb5 15. Qb2 Bxf1 16. Bxf1 Nxb4 17. Be3 Bc5 18. Bxc5 Qxc5 { All that moves seem to be forced.} 19. Nbd2 { Here I had to find the right plan for Black. Material is equal mathematically, but Black has less officiers. I tried to move the b- and the a-pawn forward to get another queen. My question is: Was this the right play here and if not - what was it? Aeneas: I think this is a good plan. What could you do else ? 19... Rac8 is the only one other possibility, with play for Black on the "c" and "d". But sooner or later, it's inevitable that black pushes his "a" and "b" pawns.} a5 $6 20. Rc1 Qh5 21. Rc7 ({ Aeneas:} 21. e5 { was an interesting try to keep the black queen out of play.}) 21... b5 { My plan seems to work: Pawns are half way up already.} 22. Be2 Nd3 $6 23. Qc3 $6 { Aeneas: I think we can put a full question mark to 23th white move.} (23. Qb1 $1 { with a double attack on the Nd3 and b5.} Ne5 (23... Nxf2 24. Kxf2 Rxd2 25. Nxd2 Qxh2+ 26. Kf3 Qh5+ 27. Ke3 Qh6+ 28. Kf3 { and draw by perpetual check.} (28. Kd3 $4 Rd8+)) (23... Nb4 24. Nb3 $1 { with the menace 25.Kxa5.} a4 25. Nbd4 Na6 26. Rb7 { and the "b" pawn will fall.}) 24. Qxb5 Nxf3+ 25. Nxf3 Qxb5 26. Bxb5 a4 27. Rc1 a3 28. Ra1 Rdb8 29. Bd3 { with an endgame although better for black. But perhaps White will hold the draw.}) 23... b4 { Moves forward with tempo.} 24. Qc4 Ne5 { Black would be happy to change some pieces to make the position more clear.} 25. Nxe5 Qxe5 26. Nf3 Qa1+ $6 ({ Aeneas:} 26... Qb2 { seems better: b4 is protected and so black can push easier a5-a4. But play becomes very hard tactically after} 27. Ng5 Rf8 28. Bh5 $5 g6 29. Bxg6 hxg6 30. Nxe6 a4 (30... Rfe8 31. Ng5 $18) 31. Nxf8 (31. Ng5 Qf6 $19) 31... Rxf8 $17) 27. Kg2 b3 $2 { Trying to activate the rooks - and giving up the plan. Aeneas: and losing a pawn...} 28. Qxb3 Rab8 ({ Aeneas:} 28... a4 { seems no better: for example :} 29. Qc4 h6 (29... a3 30. Ng5 a2 31. Rxf7 Qe5 { If 31... Qb1 then 32.Qxe6 decides.} 32. Nxe6 Re8 (32... a1=Q 33. Nxd8 { is a funny position: Black has two queens but is lost. For example:} Qe8 (33... Qac3 34. Rf8+ Kxf8 35. Qf7#) 34. Ra7+ Kh8 35. Nf7+ $18) 33. Nc7 a1=Q 34. Nxe8 Rxe8 35. Ra7+ Kh8 36. Rxa1 Qxa1 $14) 30. e5 a3 31. Bd3 a2 32. Qe4 $1 $16) 29. Qc4 h6 30. Ra7 Rb4 $4 { Sorry for that move...} 31. Qc7 { My opponent was nice enough not to see it...} (31. Qxb4 $18) 31... Rf8 { White seems to stand a lot better now - where did I loose the advantage? Aeneas: 27...b3 was a real bad move, not only throwing away the advantage you had but giving it to your opponent...} 32. Ne5 ({ Aeneas:} 32. Rxa5 { is more simple.}) 32... Rxe4 33. Nxf7 $2 { Aeneas: a tactical blunder which gives the victory to black.} (33. Nd7 { (or 33. Rxa5)} Rxe2 (33... Re8 $2 34. Bh5 $1) 34. Nxf8 Qf6 35. Qc5 { and white is better.}) 33... Rxe2 { Black is right to fear nothing: the Qa1 protects the g7 square. Now Black wins easily.} 34. Nxh6+ Kh7 35. Ng4 Qb2 36. Qc5 Rf5 37. Rxg7+ $2 { >From now on both players had very littel time left - especially White.} Qxg7 38. Qc4 Qb2 39. Qc7+ Kg6 40. Qa7 a4 41. h4 a3 42. Kh3 a2 43. Qd7 a1=Q 44. Qe8+ { White defends well untill the end of the game.} Rf7 45. Qg8+ Qg7 46. Qe8 Rexf2 47. Qxe6+ R2f6 48. Qe4+ Rf5 49. Qe6+ R7f6 50. Qe8+ Qf7 51. Qe4 Re6 52. Qd3 Qh1+ 53. Nh2 { A nice game... I want to say: - You played well the opening, seizing the initiative as soon as possible. - You have a nice tactical play (13.. Ncxb4!) - You should verify carefully your moves before playing it (for example 27...b3 and 30...Rb4) and verify the possible responses of your opponent - When you choose a plan (push the pawns), keep it. A bad plan is better than no one...} 0-1 [Event "fics.onenet.net: ICS Rated standard matc"] [Site "?"] [Date "2001.01.16"] [Round "?"] [White "Isegrim"] [Black "Knoecken"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B87"] [WhiteElo "1751"] [BlackElo "1706"] [PlyCount "65"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 { The Sicilian Najdorf Defence. It looks a bit strange, because black doesn`t develop pieces first and leaves white a lot of space. The idea is preventing the white`s pieces from intruding on b5 and preparing ..b5 for a later attack whith a pawn storm on white`s queenside. The Najdorf has been very popular for many decades now and has been played a lot by World Champions like Fischer and Kasparov and many others.} 6. Bc4 { Fischer`s favourite. It seems not as agressive as the common 6. Bg5, but black has to whatch out for sacrifizes on f7.} e6 { White can`t sacrifize on f7 any more, but now on e6. 6.. e6 has the other function to make space for the Bishop on f8.} 7. Bb3 { That gives the bishop a safe home. Other ideas are 0-0, Pa3, Bg5, Be3 or Qe2.} b5 { Builds up the thread ..b4 and makes space for the Bishop on c8. On the other hand the rook on a8 isn`t very safe now and c6 has become weak.} 8. Bg5 { Fischer`s original plan was castlig short. The move surprised me a little, becaue white could have played that earlier. And black wanted to play Be7 anyway. Kokesh: White is mixing systems, never a good idea in a sharp opening like the Najdorf.} Be7 9. Qf3 { Now white`s plan is clear: Castling at the queenside and attack blacks`s King whith the officiers - not whith a pawn storm. It is a rather old plan but not a bad one. The main thread at the moment is 10.e5 and Nf6 and Ra8 are attacked. Kokesh: In other lines this move is more reasonable than it is here, and Black doesn't have to try the risky 9. ... Nbd7 10. e5 dxe5 11. Qxa8 exd4 (with great compensation) in order to prove it. Even 9. ... Bb7 makes a lot of sense.} Qb6 $5 { It seemed to me more agressive than Qc7, because the knight on d4 is beeing attacked. On the other hand white wanted to castle anyway. Kokesh: Both moves are reasonable.} 10. O-O-O ({ if} 10. e5 { now, then} Bb7 { Black seems to stand better after that. Kokesh: Agreed.}) 10... O-O { The race for the Kings has been started!} 11. Rhe1 { Since white doesn`t plan a pawn storm he wants to activate all of his pieces, I guess. Kokesh: Who knows what White is doing. He's playing planlessly, centralizing the rook because it might be good eventually. Here it's just a waste of time.} Bb7 { Now the queen is indirectly threatened.} 12. Qh3 { Now the queen is safe again and maybe she will build up some threads on h7. Kokesh: For White to set up threats on h7, he will need a knight on g5, a bishop on the b1-h7 diagonal, or a second heavy piece on the h-file. None of these ideas seem very likely. My guess is that White is planning to sac on e6, but there isn't any danger to Black yet.} Nc6 $2 { Black, too, is developed completely. Kokesh: Black is now exposed to one of the problems with having the queen on b6; it doesn't protect anything there. Better is 12. ... Qc7, protecting against the tactic that White misses.} 13. Be3 $2 { The knight needed support - and now black`s queen is beeing threatened. Kokesh: White missed 13. Nxc6 when Black's recapture allows 14. Bxe6 fxe6 15. Qxe6+, picking up the Be7 two pawns to the good. True, Black can regain at least one pawn by capturing on f2 (if he has played 13. ... Bxc6), but White definitely has an advantage.} Nxd4 { The direct Qc7 was possible here. But I felt better after the position was a bit more clear. White could always try a sacrifize on e6. Kokesh: Both moves are fine.} 14. Bxd4 Qc7 15. g4 $6 { Seems like he chances his plan - or he doesn`t know how to continue his attack. I liked the move - for black.} (15. e5 { looks interesting. } dxe5 $6 { shouldn`t be played now:} 16. Bxe5 { and where to move with the queen? Kokesh: Black is fine after 15. ... Nd7, however.}) 15... Nd7 $5 { The knight leaves, before 16.g5 will make him.} 16. Ne2 $6 { That is an ing pawn sacrifize. Taking the pawn seems to be dangerous, because white can move his knight near the black King and attack the bishop on e4 at the same time. Kokesh: I don't think that Black has anything to fear after 16. ... Bxe4 17. Nf4 Bg6 (or even 17. ... e5).} Rac8 { Now black has build up a serious thread against the white King. I liked black`s position much better now. I felt a win was possible.} 17. Kb1 Bxe4 { Since black can play Bc2: whith check now taking the pawn seems to be good for black.} 18. Bc3 $6 { Here I expected the knight to move back to c3.} a5 $6 (18... b4 $5 19. Bxb4 Bxc2+ 20. Bxc2 Qxc2+ 21. Ka1 { looks ok for black. I have thought about that for some minutes but I didn`t kow how to go on after that so I played the other move. Kokesh: I think this line looks fine (compared to the game)for White, although Black still retains the extra pawn and more of an attack.}) 19. Nf4 { Another mistake and the critical move in this game. It gives black the good chance 19..Nc5! which would have made white`s chances smaller. I have seen that move, too, but something happened around me and I lost concentration. I liked my position up to that moment, but after that I made one mistake after the other. The other thing is that I felt I had a very fine position against a strong player and just had to win. My opponent felt unhappy at this moment as I have heard later. He thought I would win. Kokesh: There is nothing wrong with 19. Nf4. Slower moves allow Black to win with 19. ... a4.} d5 $2 { Kokesh: There is absolutely nothing wrong with this move either.} 20. Nxd5 $2 exd5 21. Bxd5 Bxc2+ $4 { I can`t see why I played that move anymore. Kokesh: After 21. ... Bxd5, I think Black is doing just fine. White will only have a pawn for his piece. 22. Rxe7 Be6 looks particularly good for Black.} 22. Kxc2 Bf6 { Kokesh:22. ... Bb4 is at least as good.} 23. g5 b4 $2 24. Be4 h6 $2 { Missing the last chance.} (24... Qxc3+ 25. bxc3 Rxc3+ 26. Qxc3 Bxc3 { Kokesh: Wh ite stands unquestionably better after moving his Re1 to safety, although this line is definitely better than the game.}) 25. Rxd7 Qf4 26. gxf6 bxc3 27. bxc3 Qxf2+ 28. Kd1 Qxf6 29. Qf5 $1 { Kokesh: The game is over now.} Qxf5 30. Bxf5 Rxc3 31. Kd2 Rfc8 $2 32. Ree7 Rh3 $4 33. Bxh3 1-0 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "fics, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2001.06.15"] [Round "?"] [White "DooB"] [Black "TheMJA"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C70"] [WhiteElo "1561"] [BlackElo "1550"] [Annotator "IM Breder"] [PlyCount "66"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 b5 $6 ({ Breder:} 4... Nf6 { 4...Nf6 is the main line.}) 5. Bb3 d6 6. d3 $6 ({ Breder: Much more logical was } 6. c3 { with the idea 7.d4.} Nf6 7. d4 $1 (7. Ng5 d5 8. exd5 Na5 $1 { is not clear.}) 7... Nxe4 $2 8. Bd5) 6... Bg4 7. O-O $6 ({ Breder:} 7. c3 $1 { followed by h3 still would give white a slight positional advantage.}) 7... Nd4 8. h3 $4 ({ Breder:} 8. Nbd2 $142 Qf6 9. h3) 8... Bxf3 ({ Breder:} 8... Nxf3+ $1 9. gxf3 Bxh3 10. Re1 Qf6 { wins easyly.}) 9. gxf3 Qf6 10. f4 { To counter d4xf3 by black} ({ Breder:} 10. Kg2 Ne7 { followed by Ng6 is hopeless for white.}) 10... exf4 11. Qg4 { Did I develop my Queen too early? Breder: No, otherwise the move f4-f3 would have been much more stronger.} f3 $6 ({ Breder:} 11... Nh6 { Why does black not develope pieces? Instead of this he changed all active ones! } 12. Qxf4 $4 Ne2+) 12. Nc3 { Would Nd2 have been better as f3 proves to be a problem? Breder: No, the Nc3 must protect the e2 sqare (see variation) .} ({ Breder:} 12. Nd2 $2 h5 13. Qg3 { (only square)} Ne2+ $19) 12... Qg6 $6 13. Be3 Qxg4+ $6 { I was not expecting the Queen exchange} 14. hxg4 Nxb3 15. axb3 { I thought I had better activate my rook.} Nf6 $2 ({ Breder:} 15... c6 16. Kh2 { with the idea Kg3 and white have a big posisiotnal advantage because of the strong center. You see that f4-f3 was only a weakeningmove!}) 16. Nd5 $4 ({ Breder:} 16. Nxb5 $1 Kd7 17. g5 { And after 18.Nd4 and 19.Nxf3 white have a winning position.}) 16... Nxd5 17. exd5 O-O-O $4 ({ Breder:} 17... Be7 { Development!}) 18. Rxa6 Kb7 $2 19. Rfa1 { I thought at this stage that I was in a reasonable position.} Be7 20. c4 $6 ({ Breder:} 20. Ra7+ $1 { wins immediatly:} Kc8 (20... Kb8 $2 21. Ra8+ Kb7 22. R1a7#) 21. Bb6 cxb6 22. Rxe7 Kb8 23. Rea7 Rc8 (23... Kc8 24. Ra8+ Kd7 25. R1a7+ Ke8 26. Rxd8+ Kxd8 27. Ra8+ { is the same.}) 24. Ra8+ Kc7 25. R1a7+ Kd8 26. Rxc8+ Kxc8 27. Ra8+ $18) 20... bxc4 21. bxc4 $6 ({ Breder} 21. Ra7+ Kc8 22. Bb6 $18 { wins again.}) 21... Ra8 22. Ra7+ $2 ({ Breder:} 22. Rxa8 $1 { Is probably still winning quite easyly:} Rxa8 23. Rxa8 Kxa8 24. Kh2 Bh4 (24... Bf6 25. b4 Be5+ 26. Kh3 h6 27. d4 Bf6 28. Kg3) 25. g5) 22... Rxa7 23. Rxa7+ { I felt I had the better position so I opted for the rook exchange.} Kb8 24. b4 Bg5 $2 ({ Breder:} 24... h5 $1 { Black is to pawn up on the kingside, so he must push his pawns there !} 25. gxh5 (25. g5 $4 Bxg5) 25... Bg5 26. Ra3 Rxh5) 25. Bd4 $6 ({ Breder:} 25. Ra3 $1 { with big advantage for white.}) 25... Bf6 26. Be3 Re8 { I did not see that coming.} 27. g5 $4 Bxg5 28. b5 $4 { I know I have lost my bishop so I started to advance my pawns.} ({ Breder:} 28. Ra3 Bxe3 29. fxe3 Rxe3 30. Kf2) 28... Bxe3 29. Ra6 Bc5 30. Kf1 Re2 31. Ra1 Rxf2+ 32. Kg1 Ra2+ 33. Kf1 Rxa1# { White checkmated} 0-1 [Event "1.Bundesliga"] [Site "?"] [Date "2001.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "IM Breder"] [Black "IM Heinemann, Thies"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B92"] [WhiteElo "2411"] [BlackElo "2468"] [Annotator "IM Breder"] [PlyCount "76"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be2 e5 7. Nb3 Be7 8. O-O O-O 9. Be3 Be6 10. Qd2 Nbd7 11. a4 Re8 (11... Rc8 12. a5 Qc7 { with the idea to avoid Nd5 is the main line.}) 12. a5 Bf8 { According to theorie it is bad in this variation to allow Nd5 generally, but I absolutly did not proof this! Do you see a way to proof this ?} 13. f3 h6 { According to my database, absolutly nobody played this idea before.} 14. Nd5 { It was maybe better to make some other useful moves before playing Nd5 . What do you suggest?} (14. Nc1 $5 Rc8 { Now I must play Nd5 (otherwise balck plays Qc7).} 15. Nd5 Nxd5 16. exd5 Bf5 17. c4 Bh7 { and the position is maybe minimal better than in the game.}) (14. Rfd1 { does not make sense in my view:} Rc8 15. Nd5 (15. Bf1 $6 Qc7) (15. Rac1 $6 Bxb3 16. cxb3 Qxa5) 15... Nxd5 16. exd5 Bf5 { and the rook on d1 does not have a task there.}) (14. Rfc1 Rc8 15. Bf1 Qc7 16. Nd5 { (otherwise 16...Qc6)} Nxd5 17. exd5 Bf5 { Compared with the game, the balck queen is better on d8 (white plays c2-c4-c5 later) , but white also did the quiet useless move Bf1 and white also cannot play Nc1 like in the game.} 18. c4 Bh7 19. Qf2 f5 { and it is difficult for white to prepare b2-b4.}) 14... Nxd5 15. exd5 Bf5 16. c4 Bh7 17. Nc1 f5 18. b4 f4 19. Bf2 g5 20. Nb3 Nf6 21. Bb6 (21. Bd3 { I do not know if this really helps white:} Qd7 $1 22. Bb6 $5 (22. Rfd1 { preparing c5.} e4 $1 23. fxe4 Nxe4 24. Qc2 Nxf2 25. Qxf2 Re3 26. Bxh7+ Qxh7 { followed by Bg7.}) 22... Re7 $1 { preparing e5-e4 and Rae8.} (22... Qg7 $5 ) (22... e4 $2)) 21... Qd7 22. c5 Kh8 23. Rfd1 Bg8 $1 24. Bc4 g4 25. Rac1 gxf3 26. gxf3 Re7 27. Kh1 (27. cxd6 Rg7+) 27... Rg7 28. Qf2 Qh3 29. cxd6 Bxd6 30. Nc5 Bh7 31. Bf1 Qh5 32. Bd3 Bxd3 33. Rxd3 Rag8 34. Rcd1 Qh3 35. R1d2 Bxc5 36. Bxc5 Nh5 37. Bd6 Ng3+ 38. Qxg3 Qf1+ { I do not really know, where my mistake was in the game.} 0-1 [Event "1. Bundesliga"] [Site "?"] [Date "2001.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "GM Nunn, J."] [Black "Breder"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "B12"] [WhiteElo "2578"] [BlackElo "2383"] [Annotator "Breder (and *death)"] [PlyCount "84"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. dxc5 e6 { Do you know somebody, who would like to analyse this intersting variation with me (with making own analyse first) ?} 5. Qg4 h5 6. Qf4 (6. Qg3 h4 7. Qf4 Bxc5 8. Bd3 Qb6 9. Nh3 Qb4+ 10. Qxb4 Bxb4+ 11. c3 Be7 12. Nd2 b6 13. f4 Ba6 14. Bxa6 Nxa6 15. Nf3 Nh6 16. Be3 Nf5 17. Bf2 Nc5 18. Ke2 Ne4 19. Rhd1 Rg8 20. Rd3 Rc8 21. Rg1 g5 22. fxg5 Rc4 23. g4 hxg3 24. Bxg3 Nfxg3+ 25. hxg3 Nxg5 26. Nhxg5 Bxg5 27. Rd4 Be7 28. Rxc4 dxc4 29. Nd4 Rg5 30. Nf3 Rg4 31. Nd2 Bc5 32. Rg2 b5 33. a4 bxa4 34. Kf3 Rg8 35. Nxc4 Kd7 36. Rd2+ Kc6 37. Na5+ Kc7 38. Nc4 Rb8 39. Ke4 Kc6 40. g4 Rh8 41. Na5+ Kc7 42. Nc4 Kc6 { 1/2-1/2 Khenkin,I-Iordachescu,V/Germany 1997/EXT 99 (42)}) 6... Bxc5 7. Bd3 Qb6 { So far the theorie.} 8. c3 $146 (8. Nh3 Qb4+ 9. Qxb4 Bxb4+ 10. c3 Be7 { with the idea 11...b6 and 12...La6 like in the above mentioned game looks quite equal to me. What do you think? *death is in complete agreement.}) 8... g5 $1 9. Qd2 $6 (9. Qxg5 $1 Bxf2+ 10. Kf1 Bxg1 (10... Ne7 $2 11. Qf6) 11. Rxg1 Ne7 12. Nd2 ({ *death: I think white might look at alternatives to Nd2 here, for example:} 12. Na3 a6 (12... Nbc6 13. Nb5) 13. Rb1 Nbc6 14. Be3 Qc7 (14... d4 $2 15. Nc4 $18) 15. Bd4 $14) ({ or:} 12. b3 $1 Bd7 13. Ba3 $5 (13. Na3) 13... Nbc6 14. Bd6) 12... Bd7 $1 13. a4 (13. Nf3 $6 Bb5 $1) 13... Nbc6 14. Nf3 { was a suggestion of GM Lukacs.} d4 $1 { I am not sure, who has advantage here. What contiuation do you suppose? *death tries his hand at supposing:} 15. a5 $1 Nxa5 16. Nxd4 Nb3 17. Nxb3 (17. Be3 $2 Nxa1 $1 18. Nf5 Nxf5 $17) 17... Qxb3 18. Kf2 (18. Ke1 Bb5 19. Be4 (19. Ra3 $6 Qd5 20. Bc2 $2 Rg8 21. Qxh5 Rxg2 22. Rxg2 Qxg2 $19) 19... Qc4 20. Bf3 Bc6 $5) 18... Bb5 19. Ra3 Qd5 20. Bc2 $14 { The white king is close to safety, and the two bishops confer a definite advantage in most endings. A couple of possibilities to try to neutralize them: } Rg8 $1 (20... Nc6 21. Re1 Qc5+ 22. Be3 Qxe5 23. Qxe5 Nxe5 24. Bd4 (24. Bxa7 Nd3+) 24... Ng4+ 25. Kg3 Rg8 (25... Rf8 26. h3 Nh6 27. Kh4 $1) 26. Bh7 Rg5 27. Kf4 Rd5 (27... f6 28. Rxe6+ Kf7 29. h4 Rg7 30. Bf5 Bd7 31. Rd6 Bxf5 32. Kxf5 { and white looks pretty active, though black has managed to eliminate the bishop pair.}) 28. h3 Nh6 (28... e5+ 29. Kg5 $1) 29. Be4 Rd7 30. Kg5 Ng8 31. Kxh5 $16) 21. Qxh5 Bc6 22. g3 Ng6 23. Qg5 Qxe5 24. Bxg6 Qxg5 25. Bxg5 Rxg6 26. h4 $14 { The ending is still not entirely trivial, but this is the best I've found for black in this fantasy line.}) 9... Nc6 10. Qe2 Nh6 11. Nf3 (11. b4 $2 { was recommended by GM Lukacs. He obviously did not see 11...Nxb4. :)} Nxb4 12. cxb4 Bd4 13. Bb2 (13. Bb5+ Bd7) 13... Qxb4+) 11... g4 12. Nd4 { White decided to sacrifice two pawns instead of getting a slightly inferior position:} (12. Nfd2 Qc7 13. Nb3 Bf8 14. Bf4 { It is again difficuilt to decide now: (What do you propose?)} f6 (14... Bg7 15. Bb5) 15. Bxh6 Rxh6 16. exf6) 12... Bxd4 { GM Lukacs:?!} (12... Nxd4 13. cxd4 Bxd4 14. O-O g3 15. hxg3 Ng4 16. Nc3 Nxe5 17. Nb5 Bd7 18. Nxd4 Qxd4 { GM Lukacs considers this position as clearly better for black. But does white have here no compensation on the dark squers like in the game? Where is the real difference?} 19. Bc2 { And now ?} Nc4 (19... f6 20. Bf4) 20. Bf4 { *death: I agre e with the IM here; white is getting plenty of compensation. I think I prefer the game line.}) 13. cxd4 Qxd4 14. O-O Qxe5 15. Qd1 Bd7 (15... Kf8 { with advant age for black according to GM Dautov. What do you suggest for white now and what is your estimation? *death: I'm not sure that there is much difference between the game and Dautov's suggestion. I suppose the idea must be to try to hide the king on g7, though it isn't clear to me why this move must replace ... Bd7, or if there is some other plan for the black bishop. I think the black king is going to come under fire wherever it goes. Black's apparent lead in development and space are illusions; there are weaknesses on the dark squares, and possibilities to get the white rooks into play. The only advantage that black has is the two extra pawns -- which, of course, is a significant factor.} ) 16. Re1 Qf6 17. Nc3 O-O-O $2 { Is is absolutly not a safe place for the black king.} 18. Be3 h4 19. Rc1 Kb8 20. Qd2 Qg7 (20... d4 $2 21. Bf4+ e5 22. Nd5 { followed by Rxc6.}) ({ *death: Why hurry to retreat to g7? Was black worried about Bg5 and the capture on d8? How about preventing that tactically, and maybe providing a kingside distraction at the same time:} 20... g3 $1 21. Bf4+ (21. Bg5 $2 gxf2+) 21... Ka8 { and though white's play is similar to the game, black is faster on the kingside, and the queen may even prove to be more usefully placed.}) 21. Nb5 a6 22. Bf4+ Ka8 23. Rxc6 Bxc6 24. Nc7+ Ka7 { Under time pressure John Nunn (he used much time in the opening) now missed the win:} 25. Qa5 $2 (25. Be5 $1 Qf8 26. Rc1 $3 $18 { with idea Rxc6 would win quick.} (26. Bxa6 g3 { Is not so clear or ?})) (25. Bxa6 g3 $1) 25... g3 $1 26. hxg3 hxg3 27. Bxg3 Qd4 28. Nxa6 { I also was now under time pressure and so I decided go for a draw:} Qb6 (28... Qa4 29. Qc5+ b6 30. Qe7+ Bb7 31. Nc7 Nf5 32. Bxf5 exf5 33. Re3 Qd1+ 34. Re1 Qa4) 29. Qxb6+ Kxb6 30. Bc7+ Ka7 31. Bxd8 Rxd8 32. Nb4 Bd7 33. Re5 Rc8 34. f3 Ng8 35. g4 Nf6 36. Kf2 Rh8 37. g5 Ne8 ({ *death:} 37... Rh2+ 38. Ke3 Rxb2 { had to look tempting for black. I suppose the time control was move 40, and there was no time to look for these kinds of things:} 39. gxf6 $1 Rxb4 40. Bg6 $1 Be8 41. Rxe6 $1 fxe6 42. Bxe8 e5 $1 (42... Rh4 43. f4 $1 $11) 43. Bf7 $1 d4+ $1 (43... Rf4 44. Bxd5 Rxf6 45. Ke4 $11) 44. Ke4 d3+ 45. Kxd3 Rf4 46. Bd5 $1 ( 46. Bh5 $5) 46... Rd4+ 47. Ke3 Rxd5 48. Ke4 Rd8 49. Kxe5 Kb6 50. f7 Kc7 51. Ke6 $11) 38. Re2 Rh4 39. a3 Nd6 40. Ke3 Bb5 41. Bxb5 Nxb5 42. Nd3 Nd6 { *death: What a battle! Great game.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Jarret cup"] [Site "Thorpe Bay Bridge club"] [Date "1500.??.??"] [Round "3"] [White "John Marshall"] [Black "Neil Sutherland"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "E11"] [PlyCount "50"] [EventDate "1.??.??"] 1. d4 { I play white, My FICS handle puzzlemonkey, rating standard games ~1590, time control 36 moves in 1.15 minutes [Hello, i am ferkelchen from FICS and i will comment this game. I dont know my FICS rating, my FIDE rating is about 2200. Because your own comments are very good, i will add only a few remarks. I hope they will help you to understand the game and improve your chess. English is not my mother language so please be lenient.]} Nf6 2. c4 e6 { I guess this is blacks most flexible reply, he can play a Nimzo-Indian, Benoni or QGD [Especially if black intends to play the Benoni this move order is a good idea. If white plays 3.Nf3 black can play the Benoni and the most dangerous weapon against the Benoni (variations with f4) are no longer possible.]} 3. Nf3 { Since I am still a novice to such openings I play a move which offen illicits a benoni [See above!]} Bb4+ { And I get a opening I've never encoutered before a Bogo_indian,Nc3 puts us back in Nimzo territory, So I play Bd2,retaking with the N develops a piece and covers the e4 square.} 4. Bd2 Qe7 5. a3 Bxd2+ { Exchanging bishops and the black Queen going to b4 seems risky and instantly I would have to defend b2,So I decide to force the exchange with a3,also it then controls b4 and possibly starts a queen side expansion.} 6. Nbxd2 d6 { d6 seems rather passive and I want to develop all my pieces So e3 seems a natural move releasing the bishop,I did have the oppotunity for e4 but maybe that provides too many pawns to defend,at least e3 supports d4} 7. e3 c5 { Of cource the purpose of d6 was to prepare c5, instantly I dont feel I need retake,I could if black takes retake with my N on f3 and I would have a semi-open d file and maintain a reasonable pawn structure,so I play Be2} 8. Be2 O-O { It is a suitable time to castle} 9. O-O b6 { Now I spot that black will have a very good diagonal for his bishop My bishop at e2 is very passive,I move it to d3 with the aim to force an exchange and get my bishop to e4,at least d3 is a more active square} 10. Bd3 e5 { I would like to play d5 but e4 forks 2 pieces,So I'm forced to take the e pawn} 11. dxe5 dxe5 { my pieces are congested on the d file and so I play to exchange them, with the black kings N gone black will have to be a little more curcumspect} 12. Ne4 Bb7 { The black bishop is now on the good diagonal and I exchange Knights} 13. Nxf6+ Qxf6 { I need to do something about that bishop,Qc2 would be nice but B*N would be next and my kingside pawns are blown apart,so I'm reduced to trying to lock up the centre at the expense of making my bishop even poorer.} 14. e4 Nc6 { I not especially worried about the knight going to d4 because I will exchange and f2-f3 shores up the centre,I would like to open the d file so I need to move the Q out of theway} 15. Qe2 Bc8 { I guess the target is the pin on the knight and then a nasty Nd4} 16. h3 Qh6 { I dont know what hes up to but I assumed he was starting to go for the kill,In effect he is probably preparing f5,with my concern about Nd4 I offer an Q exchange that controls the d4 square.} 17. Qe3 Qf6 { I need to get the Bishop away before I'm just defending it} 18. Bc2 Be6 { Attacking the C pawn I can defend with b3} 19. b3 Rad8 { Contesting the d file is important} 20. Rad1 Rxd1 21. Rxd1 Nd4 { Its a lovelly square for the Knight but if I exchange it generates a passed pawn,which I mustblockade} 22. Nxd4 cxd4 { He has a passed pawn but I have a queenside majority,I decide to attack e5 with my mandatory Q move.} 23. Qg3 Rc8 { time was getting low and I effectivelly destroyed any quuenside advantage Bd3 better} 24. a4 a5 { The only good thing was that all the action was going to be kingside, I want to drive off the Q at f6 and win e5.} 25. Rd3 Rc5 { He defends e5 but its not a good place for his rook,its starting to look drawish, unfortunatly we were both very low on time,I offered a draw but it wasnt accepted,we played on very quickly and when the dust settled my opponent would have won my h pawn and given his d passed pawn.I didnt think it likelly I would be able to hold off both,so I resigned.} 0-1 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "fics, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2001.06.15"] [Round "?"] [White "lmurphy"] [Black "REEVA"] [Result "1-0"] [WhiteElo "1611"] [BlackElo "1258"] [PlyCount "79"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] [TimeControl "30"] 1. e4 { **VASSIL** I am not an e4 player, but I hope I will be able to help you guys to find some of your mistakes and strengths! :)} e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 { Ruy Lopez Main Line} Qf6 4. O-O a6 5. Ba4 b5 6. Bb3 Bb7 7. Re1 Na5 8. c3 Bc5 9. d4 exd4 10. e5 { wrong move IMHO. Leads to .. Qg6 11. Bc2 dxc3 which loses a pawn. Better is Bd5 forcing the removal of the powerful bishop at b7 (one way or the other) which would remove the mate threat on g2. **VASSIL** Well, not the best move because after Qb6, white's in trouble. Better would be to just exchange pawns.} Qg6 { **VASSIL** As I said, Qb6 would've been better.} 11. Bc2 f5 { **VASSIL** Wrong move. After eXf (en passant), the King is in check and black is practically lost.} 12. Nh4 { **VASSIL** White missed the winning move.} Qc6 13. f3 { **VASSIL** No need to panick! First of all, white is protecting the mate with you knight; second,you can take the hanging f pawn with no worries!} O-O-O 14. Nxf5 Qg6 { **VASSIL** Very bad move! White can now play Nd6+ and win the queen. This game is a war of blunders as I can see! :) Uh-oh. Leads to Ne7+ Nxe7 Bxg6 which loses a Queen for a bishop and a Knight. Better IMHO is dxc3+ 15. Kh1 cxb2 16. Bxb2 which wins 2 pawns for 1 pawn} 15. Ne7+ { **VASSIL** Great move.. alternative would be Nd6 as I said above, but this is also winning the queen.} Nxe7 16. Bxg6 hxg6 17. cxd4 Bb4 18. Nc3 Rh4 19. Bg5 Rh5 20. Bxe7 Bxe7 21. g4 Rh3 22. b4 Rdh8 23. d5 Bxb4 { **VASSIL** Better would be to take the h pawn.} 24. Qc1 Nb3 { **VASSIL** Losing a knight for no reason.} 25. axb3 Bc5+ 26. Kf1 Rxh2 27. Re2 { **VASSIL** Yup, a big mistake. White shouldn't panick.. the two rooks may be dangerous, but not fatal. Since white has such a huge piece advantage, it should attack, not try to defend. "Attacking is sometimes the best defence." Oops. Bad move on my part. Leads to Rh1+ which loses a queen for a rook. Better is Ra2 leading to .. Rh1+ 28. Kg2 R8h2+ 29. Kg3 Rxa2 which leads to an exchange of 2 rooks. A Better player would have punished white for this mistake but the inexperience of black allowed white to recover for a close win. } Rh1+ 28. Kg2 R8h2+ 29. Kg3 Rh3+ 30. Kf4 Rxc1 31. Rxc1 Be7 32. d6 g5+ 33. Kf5 Bxf3 34. Rf2 Bc6 { **VASSIL** The blunder war has continued.. black should play Bd8.} 35. dxe7 d5 36. Nxd5 Rh6 37. Rxc6 g6+ { Leads to 38. Ke6 Rh8 39. RF8+ RxF8 40. exf8=Q+ which loses 2 rooks and a bishop for a rook and a queen. better IMHO is Rxc6 which wins a rook for a rook and a bishop.} 38. Ke6 Kb7 { Black has moved into a forced mate in 2. Leads to Rxc7+ Kb8 e8=Q#} 39. Rxc7+ Kb8 40. e8=Q# { Black checkmated **VASSIL** This game is a War of Mistakes. Black did a good job trying to win after the lost game.. white could've won alot quicker. Both of you did a great job in the opening (up until move 10) Try not to learn much opening strategy, but Middle and Endgame.. Thank you, Vassil} 1-0 [Event "California USA): FICS rated standard gam"] [Site "?"] [Date "2001.07.05"] [Round "?"] [White "pires"] [Black "DooB"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B42"] [WhiteElo "1451"] [BlackElo "1463"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 d5 $2 { Kokesh: I've never seen this move here before, and it doesn't look sound to me. After 4. exd5 Nxd5 5. Nxe5, White's extra central pawn is huge. Black can try to temporize by protecting e5, for instance, 4. ... Qd6, but then White simply plays 5. Bc4 and is better. In general, when Black wants to avoid the sterile symmetry of 3. ... Nc6, 3. ... Bb4 is considered the standard.} 4. Qe2 $2 Nc6 $2 5. d3 $2 { Kokesh: 5. exd5 is still good.} d4 $6 { Kokesh: Closing the center like this is usually a bad idea. See below.} 6. Nd1 $2 { Kokesh: This is a really terrible square for the knight. White should retreat the knight to b1 and bring it back into the action with Nbd2.} Be6 7. g3 Bc5 8. Bg2 { Kokesh: So we have a King's Indian-type pawn structure. However, Black's pawn on c7 should really be on c5, so that Black would have a pawn break on c4. On the other hand, White's Nd1 is misplaced, and the Qe7 is also not well-placed here. This position is probably roughly equal.} Qd7 9. a3 O-O-O $6 { Kokesh: The Black king might belong here, but then again, it might not. Black might consider 9. ... h6 (stopping Bg5) and/or 10. ... Bh3 before commiting his King to the queenside.} 10. b4 Nxb4 $4 { I needed to create some space. Kokesh: This sacrifice is way too optimistic. With regard to the space comment, Black has more central space, so he is really not in any danger of being squashed.} 11. axb4 Bxb4+ 12. Bd2 Bc5 { Kokesh: This is an indication of how unrealistic Black's sacrifice was. If Black doesn't show something soon, White's piece will count much more in the coming middlegame than Black's pawns. } 13. c3 $2 { Kokesh: Opening central lines and creating a weakness on d3. There's no reason for this. White should simply castle and prepare for the f2-f4 pawn break.} dxc3 14. Bxc3 Ng4 15. Kd2 $5 { Kokesh: This is a really clumsy defense of d3. Keeping Black from achieving three connected passed (but yet impotent) pawns on the queenside makes sense, but maybe White should have simply played 15. O-O Qxd3 16. Qxd3 Rxd3 17. Nxe5, simplifying.} Bc4 { I am unsure about this move. Should I have made more preparations before commencing my attack? Would 15...Nxf2 have been better to enable capture of d3? Kokesh: After 15. ... Nxf2 16. Nxf2 Bxf2 17. Nxe5!, White is completely winning. Not that 15. ... Bc4 causes White any problems either.} 16. Nb2 Nxf2 17. Nxc4 Qb5 18. Nb2 Qb3 19. Ne1 Rhe8 20. Rf1 Nxe4+ { I did not know what to do and consequently ran out of time. Kokesh: There isn't much to do here. Black is and has been busted since move 10.} 21. Qxe4 1-0 [Event "ICS Rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2001.07.01"] [Round "?"] [White "dyroy"] [Black "DamianoJ"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "E11"] [WhiteElo "1832"] [BlackElo "1604"] [Annotator "Claudio Ruzza"] [PlyCount "86"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. c4 Bb4+ 4. Bd2 Qe7 5. a3 Bxd2+ 6. Qxd2 O-O 7. Nc3 d5 8. e3 c5 { -Annotator- I searched for this very exact position in my ChessBase (over 2 million games). Do you know what the result was? "No games found!". Did you find a theoretical novelty? Did you go thru a weak variation? The second is the correct one, IMHO. What White can do in this position? The first and only move I see is 9.cxd5, forcing Black to suffer all the game with an isolated pawn in d5, no matter what Black can answer to cxd5 (9...,cxd4 10. Nxd4!). You will think. "Is that all? I was expecting a very deep positional opinion...". Well, the problem is that the isolani in this position is the "main course", is the element on which the game will develop itself. Other elements become less important. For my personal taste, the plan with 8....c6 followed by Nbd7, dxc4 and e5 would have been preferable. Note that the queen in e7 helps this Black's push.} 9. Bd3 { -Annotator- This is not a mistake, but I think that the isolani creation with cxd5 and dxc5 would have given White a clear plus. To have a clear target helps to find a plan! Furthermore, Bd3 looks like a waste of time because gives Black the chance to avoid the isolani creation with dxc4! White of course must recapture on c4 with the bishop, that spend two tempo to go to c4!} Nbd7 { -Annotator- This is uncoerent. Why not Nc6? The only good point of c5 is the nice post for your knight created in c6.} 10. O-O b6 { Here's where I saddled myself with the isolated pawn that eventually ruined me. I have the option of cxd4 ____ dxc4, instead of b6. Is that preferable? -Annotator- Yes! I mean that b6 itself is not a bad move at all, but IMHO liquidating the center was better. However, there are plenty of games in which one side allow the other to create the two isolated pawns in c5 and d5 (or c4 and d4 for White). If you were aiming to this structure the move 10...b6 fits very well. It's a matter of taste, two proud pawns versus open lines. In such cases the balance of the games generally favours the better developed colour - in this game Black seems a little bit late (Bishop still in c8, etc.).} 11. cxd5 exd5 12. Rfe1 Bb7 { For me, the whole idea here was to prevent e4, to connect the rooks, and to get the bishop doing something... but now that I look at this move, it looks ugly.-Annotator- It may look ugly, but what else Black could play? Bb7 has some plus: connecting rooks, control e4 not only to avoid the white push, even to place a Black Knight! Whe one has the isolani (or the two pawns) the structural disadvantage must be compensated with a better piece activity, and a Knight in e4 looks active!} 13. Rac1 Rac8 { Only possible reason I could see that he played Rac1 is to open the c-file fully, perhaps through dxc5 ____ b4. I wanted to make the c-file a little less tempting, and I _really_ didn't think he'd play his next move. -Annotator- The rooks must occupy the open and semi-open lines! There are no immediate threats, but if Blacks plays inaccurately it might arise....} 14. Nb5 a6 15. Nc3 Rfe8 { I thought Nb5 was just a waste of time, though perhaps he did it for the simple purpose of giving himself a target on a6 in the future? Anyway, I added more pressure on e4. At this point I think I had the initiative and didn't have to respond to a particular threat, so I had to come up with a plan... and protecting e4 was all I had. :::shrugs:: : -Annotator- I agree with you regarding Nb5, looks like a waste of time. I disagree when you say you've the initiative. IMHO the position is even with chances for both sides. White has just wasted time, Black has the Knight in d7 poorly placed. Had it been in c6, a6 was unnecessary, and the Knight could have a future in a5, aiming for b3 or c4!} 16. Qe2 cxd4 { Eh, yes... back over the notes that I made during the game, I felt I had the options c4, b5, cxd4, and a6, which I discarded because the knight could move back in. I felt that I had to respond to Bxa6, but rather than doing it by defending, I tried to attack, and I did forsee that I would have to play Nc5, but nothing much further than that... I shouldn't have played that move, should I?} (16... c4 17. Bf5 b5 { -Annotator-How about this variation? Thanks to you pressure on the "e" column and your advanced pawn in c4 you could plan to create a passed pawn ond the queenside without giving dangerous counterplay to white. You must do some manouvres before (defend b5 to push in a5, then b4, etc.), and after that you'll have the better hand. Note that White can't play} 18. Ne5 { because of} Nxe5 19. Bxc8 Nd3 20. Bxb7 Qxb7 { and after taking back the exchange Black is ready to play a5}) 17. Nxd4 Nc5 18. Bf5 Ne6 { Again trying to respond to a threat without becoming fully defensive. I think, though, that my possible response, nxn, pxn, qxq, rxq, rxr, nxr is bad for my position, because it trades off pieces, a bad thing to do with an isolani on the board, right? -Annotator- Definitely. Despite its appearance, Ne6 is a defensive move. Black is going to be cramped. Any piece trade favours White} 19. Red1 g6 { Naively, 'maybe I can force a trade and it won't be isolated anymore.'} 20. Bh3 Nxd4 21. Rxd4 Rc7 22. g3 { He's obviously going after the pawn so I'm going to try to protect it... by trading more pieces off. After this, I feel that I lost control of the game, though it probably happened earlier. Lost heart in the endgame, and I had around 2 mins. left at this point, so it's definitely lost.} Ne4 23. Qe1 Nxc3 24. Rxc3 Rxc3 25. Qxc3 f5 26. Bg2 Qc5 27. Qd2 Rd8 28. h4 Rc8 $2 { -Annotator-The position was still very hard to win for white. There is only one weakness in black position, and in such cases a passive defense may lead to a draw. Never give up!} 29. Bxd5+ Bxd5 30. Rxd5 Qc1+ 31. Kh2 Qxd2 32. Rxd2 Rc6 33. Kg2 Kg7 34. f3 Kf6 35. Kf2 h5 36. e4 fxe4 37. fxe4 Ke5 38. Ke3 Rc5 39. Kf3 a5 40. Ke3 a4 41. Kf3 b5 42. Ke3 Rc6 43. Rd5+ Ke6 { -Annotator- What can we say about this game? Black could avoid to created an isolani, but he missed this chance. White ignored this opportunity for a while, then he did, he wasted some tempo and due to inaccuracy of Black instead of own brilliant play had the upper hand. The bigger error I see in Black plan was to play for prevent White threats instead of seeking initiative. In position with isolani the initiative is fundamental. That's all! Hope you'll like it! *****Copyright freechess.org ***** Use this file for personal use only.} 1-0 [Event "ICS Rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2001.07.04"] [Round "?"] [White "johnnymc"] [Black "MIW"] [Result "*"] [ECO "B28"] [WhiteElo "1836"] [BlackElo "1643"] [Annotator "Geoff Crook"] [PlyCount "75"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 a6 3. c3 { MIW: Once again I attempt the O'Kelly variation of the Sicilian. White has cleverly chosen the move 3.c3, which leads to a kind of Alapin variation where White has an extra tempo because he already has a knight on f3, while I have wasted a turn playing a6. I know this move to be the best reply from the 50 000 game database of ChessMaster 7000. Compare the following (which are master level or above games) 3.c3 132-100-67 (White scores an average of 0.61 points +/-) 3.c4 52-34-48 (White scores an average of 0.51 points, =) 3.d4 31-39-60 (White scores an average of 0.36 points, -/+) 3.Nc3 14-11-12 (White scores an average of 0.53 points, +/=) He hasn't played d4, so its time to play some good moves. Killerman: I agree White is going to achieve a better position potentially than Black. As we shall see White develops to an Advanced French position where the move a6 is of no real help. You appear to recognise the weakness of this set up so it is important to remember that when faced with such a prospect you must try to get something going in the position to compensate for this. Your development is key and I believe you now make some bad choices.} Nc6 $146 (3... d6 4. d4 Nd7 5. Bd3 Qc7 6. O-O Ngf6 7. Nbd2 e5 8. a4 Be7 { Kampinski-Kempinski 1995 1-0}) (3... d5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. d4 e6 6. Be2 Nf6 7. O-O Nc6 8. Be3 cxd4 9. Nxd4 Bd7 10. Bf3 Qd6 11. Nd2 $11 { Ye Jiangchuan-Csom 1992}) 4. d4 cxd4 5. cxd4 e6 6. Nc3 Bb4 $6 { Killerman: A premature move I think. You need to reconcile the centre first. Are you really sure the bishop is going to be placed here? Maybe not but the d pawn is likely to go to d5 so play it now.} ({ Killerman} 6... d5 7. exd5 (7. e5 Qb6 8. Bd3 Bd7 $11) 7... exd5 8. Be2 Be7 9. O-O Nf6 $11) 7. Bd3 ({ Killerman} 7. d5 exd5 8. exd5 Nce7 9. Qd4 Bxc3+ 10. Qxc3 Nxd5 11. Qxg7 Qf6 { is interesting}) 7... Nge7 8. O-O d5 9. e5 { MIW: Normally when I see a player do this I am quite happy. Now I have targets to aim for in typical hypermodern fashion. On the other hand, my king looks quite poorly guarded from White's point of view. I figure that one knight moving to g7 would be enough to guard the king against any onslaught, was this a bad decision? Should I have made further measures to ensure his protection? Killerman: Let us look at the respective positions and see where the problems lie. White has good development as well as a space advantage a kingside attack is bound to come soon. Black has many development problems. Not castled (danger maybe in doing so), bad bishops, lack of space. In this type of position if black just sits back he will get squashed, so it is important to find something dynamic to do. trouble is finding the move.} O-O { MIW: ?? This allows the "Classic Bishop Sacrifice" which I saw looking from White's point of view the third time I was reviewing the game. Now all the comments I have made regarding king safety seem to make sense it is all up to White as to whether or not my fate is immediate.} ({ Killerman} 9... Ba5 10. Be3 b5 11. Rc1 Bb7 $14 { leaving the king in the centre is not a bad choice}) 10. Ne2 $4 { MIW: ?? I guess he was in a generous mood. Bxf7 was surely better.} ({ Killerman } 10. Bxh7+ $1 Kxh7 11. Ng5+ Kg8 (11... Kg6 12. Ne2 { intending Nf4+}) 12. Qh5 Re8 13. Qh7+ Kf8 14. Qh8+ Ng8 15. Nh7+ Ke7 16. Bg5+ Kd7 (16... f6 17. Qxg7#) 17. Bxd8) 10... Ba5 11. Bg5 Bb6 $6 ({ Killerman} 11... h6 { is a little more dynamic} 12. Bxe7 Nxe7 13. Rc1 Bd7 $14) 12. Qd2 Ba7 { MIW: The end of a 3-move excursion for my dark-squared bishop. I figured since the center was closed that time was no longer of the essence. Was deciding to move the bishop at the cost of three moves a mistake? Was there a better place that it could end up? Killerman: I agree that routing the bishop in this way was not a bad idea, but i am still concerned by the general lack ofdevelopment in your position. Although a little risky the following variation is quite interesting.} ({ Killerman} 12... Bd7 13. Qf4 Qc7 14. Bxh7+ Kxh7 15. Bxe7 Nxe7 16. Qh4+ Kg8 17. Qxe7 { for the pawn black has some compensation with the two bishops}) 13. Ng3 Qb6 $4 { Killerman: A mistake that goes unpunished} ({ Killerman} 13... f6 14. exf6 gxf6 15. Be3 $14) 14. Bxe7 $4 ({ Killerman} 14. Bf6 $3 Nxd4 (14... gxf6 $4 { leads to mate in various ways} 15. Qh6 Nf5 16. Nxf5 exf5 17. exf6 { is one of them}) 15. Bxg7 (15. Bxe7 $6 Nxf3+ 16. gxf3 Re8 $18) 15... Nxf3+ 16. gxf3 Kxg7 17. Qg5+ { leads to mate}) 14... Nxe7 15. Rfd1 Bd7 16. Rac1 Rac8 17. Qg5 Ng6 18. Rxc8 Rxc8 19. Bxg6 hxg6 $11 { MIW: Here I figure was the most important choice of move in the game. We are told to 'capture towards the center' in the majority of cases, but looking back I think that fxg6 would have been better. If I had recaptured with the f-pawn, perhaps I could have moved my Rook back to f8 or put my Queen on the seventh rank, thus preventing penetration by the White Queen. Which was better, to capture fxg6 or hxg6? Killerman: After the last few moves Black now finds an equal position. Either hxg6 or fxg6 are fine. I would have made your choice as I don't believe that Black is likely to be able to use the f-file.} 20. Rc1 Bc6 $6 { MIW: I do not wish to trade down, as I still want to target both the b2 and d4 pawns with my Queen. I did not want to invite the White queen over to this sector of the board, but perhaps I should have. Would the move Rxc1 have been better? Killerman: I do not like this move and would have traded rooks. The problem is the bishop is now pinned to the rook.I would exchange rooks and play Qc6. The bishops must end up being better than the knights} 21. Rc2 Qb4 { MIW: Now I some kind of middlegame plan. I wish to mate the White King. I see that if I can get my light squared bishop to b5, I may be able to put pressure on White. The problem is that it will take an extra move to get the rook off the c-file and White has a much greater threat he could have used perhaps even now. Should I have continued pressuring the White queen- side, or should I have done something different? Killerman: Mating the King is a little optimistic here. I agree with pressure on the queenside. Trading rooks previously would have helped draw white away from your own kingside.} 22. Qh4 Qa4 $4 { Killerman: The last real mistake which costs the game Re8 is probably OK here.} ({ Killerman} 22... Re8 23. Nf1 Bb5 24. Ne3 $14) 23. b3 Qb4 24. Ng5 { MIW: Now I know I'm in trouble. I had been neglecting the king and now it was time to pay the price.} Rb8 25. Qh7+ Kf8 26. Qh8+ Ke7 27. Qxg7 Rf8 28. Nh7 Re8 29. Qf6+ Kd7 30. Qxf7+ Re7 31. Nf8+ Kc8 32. Qf6 Bxd4 33. Nxe6 { MIW: At this point I frantically serach for a mating combination, but there are none. Some level of panic sets in and I blow the rest of the game, despite the fact that White is also short on time.} Kb8 34. Nxd4 Re8 35. Nxc6+ bxc6 36. Qxc6 Rf8 37. Qxd5 Qe1+ 38. Nf1 { MIW: At this point I am simply goofing around, the game was over long ago. I feel that if I had made just a few simple changes, it would have been White who was in this shape! Killerman: An interesting game with chances for both sides. I distrust the line for Black as it looks too passive to me after c3 and d4 for White. However you did appear to handle this well albeit should have lost after 0-0. My tip in this game would be to look at the Bc6 move that you played and say why? , because I think that if you wish to pressure the queenside you need to get rid of the rook. You will also have the advantage of the two bishops if you can get the position to open up. Bc6 and the subsequent Qa4 eventually caused the loss although time pressure probably was a factor by then. Thank you for allowing me to analyse this game.} * [Event "Internet Chess"] [Site "Yahoo"] [Date "2001.07.08"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "deafhawk"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D00"] [PlyCount "91"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. d4 d5 2. e3 Bf5 3. Nf3 e6 4. Nbd2 Nf6 5. Be2 Bd6 6. O-O Nbd7 7. Nh4 { DH: Obviously he wanted my bishop. I thought of moving the bishop to g6. Should I have? If he captures at g6, I capture with h-pawn and get a half-open h-file against the castled white king. Would that be better than let him capture at f5? I can always castle on the queenside if needed to. ACA: Your move seems good enough. But Bg6 also seems viable. But instead of capturing with the h pawn, I would opt for capturing with the f pawn. This followed by the move ... e5, after protecting the d5 pawn with c6, gives you enough counter play in the center. Capturing with the h pawn followed by queenside castling doesnt seem good. White can easily start a massive attack on the queenside with his a, b and c pawns before you can assemble an attack on his king.} O-O 8. Nxf5 exf5 9. Bd3 g6 { DH: I hate to make a weakness in the castled king position but I want to fight for the center and I did not see f4 helping with that. ACA: 9... Ne4 seems good. His capturing the Night (Bxe4 or Nxe4) would close the center and you can easily start a kingside attack with Qh4, f4-f5 and possibly your rooks. His other pieces would be trapped because of the closed center. If he playes f3 then} (9... Ne4 10. f3 Qh4 11. h3 (11. g3 Nxg3 $19) (11. fxe4 Bxh2+ 12. Kh1 Bg3+ 13. Kg1 Qh2#) 11... Ng3 { ACA: followed by g5 and g4and you have the upper hand. The important thing in this position arising after 9... Ne4 (his best move seems to be 10. c4 or Nf3) is the cramped setup of his night and bishops, especially the one on c1. It seems you could have taken advantage of this.}) 10. f3 Re8 11. Re1 c6 { DH: maybe c5 would have be better but he could capture and give me an isolated pawn and that was not appealing to me. I saw that c7 would be a good square for my queen. maybe I should have played b6 to prepare c5? b3, c5, and then Qc7? ACA: The isolated pawn that might arise after c5 is not a problem here. His position is toatally cramped and he has no simple way to use that isolated pawn. On the contrary, after ....Bxc5 you start exerting even more pressure on e3, which is now quite weak due to the move f3. If you ask me an isolated pawn on d5 in this position is by no means weak. It protects e4 considerably, and now your night is free to play to c5 and e5 where it can further your attack. c5 seems a better move than c6.} 12. Nf1 { DH: wondered why he didn't play e4. he could, right? ACA: It seems your opponent was affraid of the following} (12. e4 dxe4 13. fxe4 Ng4 { ACA: followed by Qh4 and a king side attack. But here he had Nf3 which would have rendered your attack less potent. e4 seems playable and good as it helps white to open up his position.}) 12... b5 13. Bd2 Qc7 14. f4 { DH: a mistake? he did have his knight to guard h2. Now I get a good grip in the center with more space than white. ACA: Your opponent just doesnt seem to care about the center! yes it is not a good move. But your previous move b5 doesnt seem to be part of your plans. It seems you didnt want your opponent to play c4. As I stated above the isolated pawn would still be of no bad consequence to you. Infact, here if he plays c4, the c-file might open up for a possible attack with your rook.} Ne4 15. c3 Ndf6 16. h3 { DH: I think my queen, bishop, and knights are nicely placed. I do not see any better squares for them. I have a rook on a half-open file and the other rook, well, I did not know where to put it. This ends my plan from the opening which was to get good control of the center and good squares for my pieces. Now I need a new plan for the middle game. I decided to play for king -attack starting by putting my rooks on g and h files and advance the pawns to open the position. Well having a bad plan is better than having no plan at all. I wonder. Should i have doubled my rooks on the e-file and put more pressure on the backward e-pawn? or should i have play to expand in the queenside and try to increase my space advantage? Well, you tell me. ACA: All your pieces are placed for a king side attack, so a qeen side attack with the help of your pawns doesnt seem right. Also attacking the backward e pawn with your rooks doesnt seem viable as he has bishops and a night protecting that area, while you cant attack with any other pieces than your rooks and queen down that file and on the pawn. So your plan sems good enough.} Kg7 17. Kh2 { DH: That do es not look like a good move. That put the king on the g8-h2 diagonal with my queen and bishop. I decide to try to exploit that.} g5 18. g3 h6 19. Kg2 Rh8 20. Bxe4 fxe4 { DH: Should I have capture with the knight? I did not like the idea of him playing Qh5 which I suspected he was trying to do by his last move Bxe4. ACA: dxe4 is better. The game got not exactly good for you in the next position and if not for his blundering his night, you wouldnt have had such an easy game. By capturing with the dpawn, you have one more pawn in the area where the attacks are going.} 21. Nh2 { DH: uh oh, his knight is heading for g4 and possible exchange of my knight. I did not want that and I especially do not want his queen to get into the melee.} gxf4 22. exf4 h5 { DH: stops knight move to g4. I love to frustrate my opp's plans.} 23. Nf1 Rag8 24. Ne3 Qd7 { DH: I don't think so. his knight is not going to f5!} 25. b3 Kf8 26. Rf1 h4 { DH:Now that my rooks are in place, I did not see any good sac to rip open the position. I did not see any way to force an opening of the g or h files. I played this because I can see that I can get the knight to a nice post on g3.} 27. g4 Nh5 28. Nf5 { DH: a blunder? this seems to lose the knight.} Qxf5 29. Kh2 { another blunder? should he have played Kf2?} Qg6 30. g5 Qf5 31. Qg4 Ng3 32. Qxf5 Nxf5 33. Kg2 Ke7 { DH: I want to attack the pawn on g5 with my f pawn but I want my king to be out of way and in a safer place. Also it is getting to the endgame and a more centralized king is good in the endgame, I know.} 34. a3 Kd7 35. Bc1 Re8 { DH: I decided not to attack the g5 pawn but to see if i can advance my passed pawn and try to get my rooks deep into the enemy's camp via the e-file.} 36. Re1 e3 37. Kf3 Re4 38. Bxe3 Nxe3 39. Rxe3 Rxf4+ 40. Ke2 Rg8 41. Rg1 Be7 42. a4 bxa4 43. Ra1 axb3 { DH: yes, I know. a terrible blunder. I was pressed for time. Yes, there was no time controls but the game was taking more time than I expected and it was late and I wanted to get the game over with and so I started to move faster than I should have.. I am a poor blitz player by the way. ACA: Re4 would have won it for you.} 44. Rxa7+ Kd6 45. Rexe7 Rb8 { DH: Another blunder. this time, fatal.} 46. Rad7# { DH: Oh well. I thought I was winning. Got the table turned on me sure quick, sigh. ACA: A famous player (dont remember who it was) once said "the hardest games to win are those which you are ahead in" (or something like that). Never play fast in such positions. Your opponent made blunders. But so can you. The important thing in this game is your plans. Your making what seem to be adequent plans. Work on refining them. White had a very cramped position from the beginning. This was a sign to you to start openning files for your rooks and diagonals for your bishops and weak squares for your knights. Dont worry about isolated pawns, especially isolated center pawns. They can sometimes be very valuble. Your game was quite good in general. Hope I was of any help.} 1-0 [Event "Level=Blitz:60'. "] [Site "Milan"] [Date "2001.07.24"] [Round "?"] [White "Gatti, Andrea"] [Black "Faile 1.4.4"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "D02"] [BlackElo "1404"] [Annotator "Gatti,A"] [PlyCount "60"] [EventDate "2001.07.24"] 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. d4 d5 3. Bf4 Bg4 $146 { Killerman: I have to say that I dislike this move. As with all openings it is important to get your pieces on the correct squares and I think if one were honest this move has to be a bad idea. The bishop is more likely to be better at f5, but in any case the decision can be delayed. I think that c5 is good for Black. In these slow white openings I think Black has opportunities if he can challenge early in the centre} (3... c5 4. e3 Nc6 5. c3 Qb6 6. Qb3 c4 7. Qxb6 axb6 8. Na3 $11 { Summerscale-Van Wely 0-11992}) 4. Nbd2 e6 5. e3 Bd6 6. Bg3 { The idea was to call Black for and exchange by Bxg4 and then have the h file already open against a possible opponent's castle. Given a second thought, I dislike it a bit, since I would have preferred a kingside castle, which now becomes too dangerous to perform. Probably better is Bxd6. Killerman: I agree with some of your comment but not all. Firstly, I would not take the the exchange on d6 as after 6 Bxd6 cxd6 the e5 square is not available for the knight. Furthermore Black has an extra pawn in the centre and may get the opportunity to play e5 at a convenient time to free his position. So Bg3 is sensible.As for castling I think that your king is OK to be left in the centre as it is unlikely that the middle of the board is going to come open that quickly. Your choice of move is therefore fine.} Bxg3 $6 { Killerman: c5 is still better I think} 7. hxg3 c6 8. c4 { Aiming to 8. dxc4 Bxc4! Killerman: Funny, I would be looking to capture Nxc4. Does your bishop really have a long term future on c4? I think not really but one or other of your knights has a future at e5.} O-O 9. Qb3 Qb6 { I think this Black move is almost the only possible to avoid that the c6 square gets really weak in case of 9...b6.} (9... b6 10. c5 { Killerman: Ne5 may be better.} (10. Ne5 Bf5 11. Rc1 $14) 10... bxc5 11. dxc5 Nbd7 12. Rc1) 10. Qxb6 { The negative effect of this move as I see, is the fact that now B has the "a" file open against the latest possibility that I had for castling queenside. As a result, I start thinking to leaving the King in the center. Killerman: I agree this move gives black some opportunity at last on the a-file. White is still Ok though and leaving the king in the centre is still all right. Castling kingside is still a possibility as without the queens on the board Black is unlikely to be able to drum an attack up on the k-side} axb6 11. cxd5 $2 { Killerman: I am not sure about your choice here but I guess a plan is not easy to find either. Both sides need to complete development which will be the key to future success in the game. Therefore moves like Bd3 and Ne5 I still like for White. cxd5 does no acheive anything. The tension in the centre has gone and Black controls the c4 and e4 squares permanently now.} ({ Killerman: This may be one way to progress} 11. Ne5 Bf5 12. Be2 Nbd7 13. g4 Nxe5 14. gxf5 Nxc4 15. Nxc4 dxc4 16. fxe6 b5 17. exf7+ Rxf7 18. a3 $11) 11... exd5 12. Be2 Ra7 { Overwhelming positional play: it appears b7 is almost the only weak square now, and Ra7 protects it. Killerman: I would say that whilst I agree b7 may be a weak point. How is White going to get to it? I think there are better moves such as Re8 or Nbd7 here.} 13. a3 Bf5 14. Ne5 { Square e5 is a Black semi-weak square and it stil could be defended with the f-pawn, but would require the N to move away from f6. Killerman: You now recognise the e5 square as important good and well played. The position is still level here I think.} Nbd7 { Obviously the opponent cannot live with that!} 15. Nxd7 ({ Kilelrman:} 15. Ndf3 Nxe5 16. Nxe5 Ne4 17. g4 Be6 $13) 15... Bxd7 16. Rc1 Ne4 { I don't like this move as the N, once captured, would leave the pawn in e4 in a white strong square. Killerman: I understand your concern but actually Ne4 is not really that good here. Bf5 first is better, when at least any recapture by Black does not have to ruin his good pawns.} 17. Nxe4 $1 dxe4 18. f3 $5 ({ Killerman:} 18. Rh4 $1 f5 (18... Bf5 19. Bc4 $11) 19. Bc4+ Kh8 20. Kd2 $11) 18... Re8 { But I didn't really see this, and the continuation, that allows Black to gain a full pawn! Killerman: Yes you need to now play Kd2 or Kf2. As you say the rest is easy after g4 for Black.} 19. g4 exf3 20. gxf3 Rxe3 21. Kf2 Rb3 22. Rb1 b5 23. Bd1 Rd3 24. Bc2 { A big big mistakes, as it loses the B.} Rd2+ 25. Kg3 Rxc2 26. Rh2 Rc4 27. Rd2 Be6 28. Rbd1 b4 29. b3 Rc3 30. axb4 Rxb3 { And there's no way to carry on defending b4. Killerman: A level game until move 19 so well played for that. I think you need to concentrate on key squares and the development aspects of moves. The square e5 was a key square throughout but you may not have recognised it as such early on. The pawn centre did not need resolving when you played cxd5 as if Black had captured on c4 you would have been OK so why did you decided to do it? You had already recognised that after c4 dxc4 you would have played Bxc4 so why the change of plan? I suspect because it was not easy to see a better one and I agree it isn't an easy position to play. Finally, as with many closed openings like this they lead to a very slow developing type of game which I admit is not to my taste. However, it is just as important to complete your development before your opponent as nearly every game of chess can show that he/she who develops first wins the game. Thank you for allowing me to look at your game and good luck.} 0-1 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2001.06.30"] [Round "?"] [White "Kralle"] [Black "MIW"] [Result "1-0"] [WhiteElo "2040"] [BlackElo "1648"] [PlyCount "59"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] { Aeneas: Hello MIW! I hope that my help will be useful. If you want to discuss with me, we can meet on FICS. That's a nice game, quite instructive.} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 { MIW: What exactly is this?! I am never sure how to respond when White deviates from 2 c4. I am prepared to play a Nimzo and thats it. What responses by Black are best in this position? Aeneas: you've many possibilities. 2...e6 is of course correct; 2...g6, d5, c5, d6, b6 too. It depends on your style of play.} e6 3. e3 Bb4+ $6 { MIW: Looking back at this choice of giving away the dark-squared bishop, I would much more happily choose c5, in an attempt to challenge White's central control. Do you thin this is better or worse? Is there other possibilities that are superior? Aeneas: 3...c5 is very good and natural; it seems logical, as White develops quite passively. No doubt about that, as GMI Portisch played it :). I put ?! to your move because of 4.c3: White can obtain the typical structure of a Colle, with a tempo more, due to the poor position of the Bb4.} 4. Bd2 Bxd2+ 5. Nbxd2 O-O 6. Bd3 d5 7. c4 c6 { MIW: With this moves it seems I've relegated my self to a defensive role. It doesn't look like I have much counterplay, and my pieces lack good squares. Ther must be a better move than this, or perhaps I'm in trouble already. Aeneas: you're right. 7...c6 is too passive. Two moves seem logical and have been played: 7... b6, with the idea Bb7, Nbd7 and c5; the other one is 7... Nbd7. If you want counterplay, you must be able to push c5 in good conditions.} 8. Qc2 Re8 9. cxd5 exd5 { MIW: Here I am definitely thinking "Kingside Attack". My pawns are pointing there, telling me which way to go. I have some kind of pressure down the open e-file. Was this the right idea? I can see that White has many more pieces developed in that general area. Aeneas: The pressure you have on the e-file will not last a long time, after the 10th white move. But what remains is the square e4. If you could install a piece, say a knight, on this square, it would be interesting. And if White repells this piece with f2-f3, then the e3 pawn will be less strong...} 10. O-O Bg4 11. h3 Bh5 { MIW: Looking back, I wouldn't mind trading my bad bishop for his good one, even if it doubles pawns on the g-file.} 12. Ne5 { MIW: He has a good outpost, but I think I felt I could challenge it right away. } Nbd7 13. Ndf3 Bxf3 14. Nxf3 Ne4 { Aeneas: Fine! you have occupied the e4-square. Now I think that you've equalized.} 15. Rfe1 Qf6 $6 { MIW: Looking back this looks a little foolish, putting the Queen on perhaps an inferior square. Maybe 15...Nf6, ensuring a knight at e4 was better. It is true that Black could quickly trade down on this square, but I would end up with a rook sitting pretty none the less. What was a better move at this juncture? Aeneas: 15... Nf6 is interesting but has an obscure side... White will NOT exchange on e4, neither will give you the opportunity. So your two knights are aiming for only one square, e4... The drastic 15...f5 was worth of interest: it holds firmly e4, prepares eventually the opening of the f-file with f5-f4. About the move played in the game, 15...Qf6, I don't see what aims the queen here. It seems that at this moment you are playing without any plan. Try always to have in mind a more or less general idea what you want to do. For example here: "I want to open the f-file, so I've to prepare f7-f5-f4"; "I want to attack his king with more pieces, so I've to prepare the rook's transfer on g6 or h6"...} 16. Re2 Re6 $2 { Aeneas: We can see in the game that the rook is misplaced on e6 (cf. your 19th move). So better was here 16... Re7. Another path was interesting here: as it's clear that White wants to play Nf3-d2 (the only one explanation for 16.Re2), you can prepare a consolidation of the e4-square by playing 16...Qg6!; 17.Nd2 f5 and Black has good perspectives.} 17. Nd2 Rae8 18. Nxe4 dxe4 { MIW: Now I have only a pawn on the e4 square. Surely a knight would be better, forcing him to trade off his bishop and helping mobilize my rooks. If White played f3, would it create a weakness to exploit at all?} 19. Bc4 R6e7 { Aeneas: The loss of time I spoke about in the comment of your 16th move. Now your rooks looks miserable and useless on the closed e-file.} 20. Rd1 Nb6 21. Bb3 Nd5 $2 { Aeneas: after 22.Bxd5, the endgame is very good for White. So it's better here to hold on the position and to challenge the d-file with 21...Rd7.} 22. Qc5 { MIW: Threaten ing both the a7 pawn and attacking the knight twice to its one defender. Perhaps the simple retreat 23...Nb6 woould have been the answer? My head is still swimming with "Kingside Attack" but I have also hear block before you punch (from one of Silman's books).} ({ Aeneas. more simple here was} 22. Bxd5 cxd5 { and we see which file opened: not the e-file...} 23. Qc5 Qa6 (23... b6 24. Qxd5 ) 24. Rc2 Rd7 (24... Qxa2 $4 25. Qxe7 $1) 25. b3 h6 26. Rdc1 $16) 22... Qg5 { MIW: ? Aeneas: 22...Nb6 is better for black. But after 23. a4 and 24.a5 White gains more space on the queenside.} 23. Qxa7 Re6 { MIW: ?? I mean who needs pawns when you're going to win in a few moves anyway?} ({ Aeneas: A better try was} 23... f5 24. Bxd5+ cxd5 25. Qc5 $16 Rd8 26. Rc2 Rf7 27. Rdc1 f4) 24. Qxb7 Rg6 { Aeneas: you seem to have a nice position to attack his king, but you've too many weaknesses: your back rank, the f7 pawn and your Nd5 pinned on f7. Because of all these weaknesses, the mobility of your pieces is reduced, and so your attack.} 25. g3 h5 $6 (25... Qh5 { was perhaps more interesting} 26. Qd7 { forced because of the double attack on e2 and h3.} Kf8 27. Red2 Re7 28. Qc8+ Re8 29. Qa6 Qxh3 30. Qf1 Qh4 { with some initiative for the pawn.}) 26. Rc2 Nxe3 27. Qxf7+ Kh7 28. Qxe8 Nxd1 29. Qg8+ { MIW: My ignorance of possible threats and of my queenside pawns was too much to compensate for. My biggest question is was this a winning position for Black at any point? If so, what plan should I have attempted to see it through? I thank you for your advise - MIW. Aeneas: I think that the turning point of the game is as the 15 and 16th move. There, you could have taken some initiative. At the end of the game, as you saw it clearly in your analyse, you give too many pawns for an unsufficient attack: unsufficient because of weaknesses in your position. About the opening, remember in closed game to avoid Bb4 if White can reply with c3.} Kh6 30. Qh8# 1-0 [Event "FICS 30 0 game"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2001.11.06"] [Round "1"] [White "lmurphy (1634 standard)"] [Black "mutten (1970 standard)"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C42"] [Annotator "Lee Murphy, Joachim Vaerst (1906 standard)"] [PlyCount "62"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] { lmurphy: Hi, this is my first annotated game. I annotated this game from an exact game played on FICS on the date specified. This was a 30 minute game but it didn't last any where near that time. I know 2 of the errors which led to the result for certain but any others I am not sure of. I am particular struggling with regards to early control. Black seemed to gain it at my expense. joeva: Hi, I'm Joachim Vaerst from Bonn, Germany, aka 'joeva' on FICS. Sorry for taking that long for annotating, but here we go. If you have any questions, fell free to contact me via email joachim(at)jvaerst.de or on the server. Just one remark to start with: I will not go into details regarding opening variations, as you can easily read up on those in books and I personally think, "theory" is much overrated among beginners. Instead, I will focus on general principles in the opening.} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d3 Nf6 6. Be2 Be7 7. O-O O-O 8. Re1 Re8 9. Ng5 $2 { joeva: So far, you've played reasonable moves, but this is a serious mistake. You've probably heard of the general principles inregard to the opening, but since they are so often "forgotten" by beginners, I'll list them again: 1. Look after your pieces, don't lose them! 2. Fight for some control of the center! 3. Develop all your pieces quickly! 4. Ensure the safety of your king! One thing to do when following principle three is to NOT move any of your developed pieces a second time, until all of your pieces are in play (unless of course that needs to be done following principle 1). Ng5 of course does just the opposite, while your whole queenside ist still asleep, a serious loss of time, especially since the only "point" to it, the attack on f7 is easily refuted. An example of premature attack.} d5 { joeva: Controlling the center.} 10. c4 { joeva: You allenge that control, but I don't like this move here, as black could follow up with ...d4 and that pawn does cramp your position somewhat. 10.d4 would have been preferable, to get even in the center.} Nc6 { joeva: ...d4 might have been better, but this move is quite okay, too.} 11. Bh5 { lmurphy: In hindsight this was a bad move leading to 11. ..Nxh5 12. Qxh5, Bxh5 13. Rxe8, Qxe8 14. Qd1, Bxc1 15. Qxc1 which results in the loss of a knight. I don't know what the better move would have been though. joeva: disregarding principle 3 again... Even if this would not lead to the immediate loss of a piece, it's just a bad move. an attack with just two minor pieces against an uncompromised and well defended kingside is absolutely hopeless, unless you expect your opponent to ignore you threats. Unfortunately that doesn't happen very often. Any development would have been way better, but it's already difficult, as Nc3 would be met with d4. So, probably 11.d4 is best, taking advantage of the fact that black did not seize his chance on the previous move. Bf5 might have been okay, too. But in the end, you will probably have to retreat your Ng5 and will be seriously behind in development.} ({ joeva:} 11. d4 { doesn't lose a pawn, by the way, as after} dxc4 $2 12. Bxc4 { f7 is threatened. If first 11...h6 Nf3 then d4 is adequately defended again.}) 11... Nxh5 12. Qxh5 Bxg5 { lmurphy: Qxg5 would result in a Rxe1 mate. Can't allow that.} 13. Rxe8+ Qxe8 { lmurphy: Again Qxg5 would result in a Qe1 mate. In this position it appears to me I need to concede the loss of material and play Qd1 as the only move to prevent mate and protect against the loss of a second piece. joeva: Yes, after this forced sequence of moves, you end up a piece down. Practicing your tactics will help you see something like this ahead of time. Note that, had you developed your Nb1 and Bc1 instead of wasting to moves by moving the other two minor pieces twice each, your back rank would not be weak now.} 14. Qd1 { joeva: the only other possible move was 14.Bd2. But it wouldn't have changed the material balance.} Bxc1 15. Qxc1 dxc4 16. dxc4 Qe5 { joeva: Of course, being a piece down, all you can hope for now is a serious blunder by your opponent.} 17. Nc3 Be6 18. b3 Rd8 19. Qe3 $2 { joeva: just a principle thing: when down materially, trade pawns, but avoid trading pieces; when up materially, it's the other way around. The more you trade off, the less chances for a succesful swindle you have and the more will your opponents advantage show. On a full board, an extra bishop might not be that much of an advantage, but if you only have K and pawns, while your opponent still has that bishop, as well as K and pawns, it's usually hopeless.} Qxe3 20. fxe3 Nb4 21. Nb5 Nc2 22. Rf1 { lmurphy: Hindsight again says Re1. I cannot believe I didn't see that in the game. Re1 would have prevented the loss of the pawn on e3. joeva: I have to disagree. If you look again, you will undoubtedly notice, that e1 would have been a bad square for the rook, as it could just be taken off by the Nc2. You probably DID see that in the game and thus correctly avoided it...} Nxe3 23. Re1 Nc2 24. Re2 Nd4 { joeva: Your opponent plays very well and straightforwardly continues to exchange pieces. Now, Rd2, hoping for Nxb5, which would allow Rxd8 mate, unfortunately runs into Nf3+.} 25. Nxd4 Rxd4 { joeva: Your position is just plain lost, and as long as your opponent avoids a back rank mate, you won't get a chance. His two pieces will just continue to attack an win pawns, that you can only defend once.} 26. Re5 Rd2 27. Rc5 c6 28. a3 Rd3 29. Ra5 a6 30. b4 Bxc4 31. Ra4 { lmurphy: Blatent bad move. I think when I played it I didn't think broadly enough to expect Bb5. I thought maybe b5 which would result on me playing Rxa7. joeva: Never expect your opponent to make moves that are just obviously bad. If they do, exploit it, but don't count on it. If the only reason why you play a move is that your opponent might blunder something on the next move, it's probably not a good move. Nevertheless, sometimes it's the only hope left...} Bb5 { joeva: And there goes your last piece... All in all, your main fault was disregarding opening principle 3 and instead going for a very premature attack, which was bound to fail, considering that your opponents position was unweakened and he actually had more pieces to defend around. While your two lone attackers where off on a crusade, the rest of your army was still asleep in its barracks. This resulted in a weak back rank and consequently your opponent was able to exploit that to win a piece. It was all downhill from there as your opponent never returned the favor and quite safely converted his advantage to a full point, trading off your remaining pieces wherever possible. Still, if you remember to develop your pieces in future games, maybe work a little on your tactics and most importantly, practice - i.e. play regularly against challenging opponents - I'm quite sure, you'll see improvement! Don't be discouraged. Again, if there are any questions left open, feel free to contact me! CU} 0-1 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2001.07.30"] [Round "?"] [White "marand"] [Black "Raspberrydude"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B08"] [WhiteElo "1854"] [BlackElo "1969"] [PlyCount "137"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. e4 g6 { Hello, I am marand at FICS and I am playing white in this game. It says my rating is 1854, but that is only because I have played so few standard games. It is more likely around 1500-1600. I won this game, but that is only my opponent messed up when he was running out of time. I was losing the game at that time. [Hello, I am ferkelchen from germany and I will comment this game for you and give some advice. I will include my comments in brackets [ ]. I am not an english native speaker, so please be lenient.] Already out of my opening book, but though I should try to take control of the center.} 2. d4 { [Yes, 2.d4 is the strongest move in this position.]} Bg7 3. Nf3 d6 4. Be3 { [I prefer Nc3 here. The best position for the Nb1 is c3, where the knight defends the pawn e4 (will be attacked soon) and controls the centre. The Bishop c1 is perhaps better placed on g5, so i think Nc3 is the more flexible move here.]} Nf6 5. Nc3 Ng4 { I did not want to have my bishop exchanged for his knight so I had to use another move. I guess playing it on e3 in the first place was a bad idea.} 6. Bf4 { [The bishop could be a little bit exposed here - e5 will be played sooner or later, or tricks like taking on d4 (after Nc6 is played) followed by e5. Perhaps Bg5 is better, if black plays h6 you can consider playing Bh4 and the e7 pawn is still pinned.]} Nc6 7. Bb5 { Did not kno w where to develop my bishop. Thought I should pin his knight. e2 or c4 might have been better for my bishop?} O-O 8. O-O { [Your should consider 8.d5]} a6 { [If black likes he can play 8..Nxd4 instead of a6, followed by e5. Black wins the piece back and destroys your centre. Do you remember what i told you above about the bishop onf4?]} 9. Be2 { Forced to move my bishop again. I guess I should have either taken his knight on c6 or not placed my bishop on b5 in the first place. [I dont like Bxc6, gives up the bishop pair and opens the b-file for the black rook. Rook on b8 and Bishop on g7 are able to create a lot of pressure on your queenside.]} e5 { Forced to take his pawn? Thought about closing the center with d5, but I am a terrible player at closed positions so I figured my only chance was to try to get an open position where I could somehow put pressure on him. [10.d5 simply loses a pawn: 10...exf4 11.dxc6 bxc6.]} 10. dxe5 dxe5 { Thought abo ut Bg5 or Qxd8 followed by Bg5. But liked the idea of Bg3 followed by h3 which would either win a pawn or put his knight at h6.} 11. Bg3 { [Thats true, but is the knight on h6 placed so bad placed? Black can play f5 sooner or later, and your Bg3 could be in trouble (ideas like f5-f4, h6, g6-g5)]} Be6 12. h3 Nh6 13. a4 { [I dont understand this move, do you want to prevent b5?. If you like the move Qc1 you should play it right now]} Re8 14. Qc1 { Here I thou ght I had done a strong move which deflected his g7 bishop and threatened to win a pawn. Also Rd1 would give me the open file.} f5 { Taking his pawn would only give his knight a better place to stand on so here I played to win his e-pawn.} 15. Nxe5 Nxe5 16. Bxe5 Bxe5 17. Qxh6 { I had calculated to this point. But with his next obvious move he wins back the pawn and gives me a terrible pawn structure.} Bxc3 18. bxc3 fxe4 { I guess black is better here because of my extra pawn island and double pawns.} 19. Rfd1 { [Ok, your pawn structure looks terrible, but the black pawn on e4 is a little bit weak too. And your king is much safer than the black king. And you are able to develop your piece quickly (Rd1 attacks the queen, Rd4 will attacks the e-pawn, for example a move like Rb1 will attack the b-pawn). Position is not so clear, i think you have good compensation for the weak pawns.]]} Qf6 20. Qe3 Rf8 { [20..Rad8 was probably better]} 21. Rd4 { Threatening to win a pawn.} Bf5 { Black tried to protect his pawn. I think this was a bad move since he gave me the a2 g8 diagonal and g4 would force his bishop away so I could still win his e-pawn. [It is difficult to suggest a better move, at least he forces you to play g4 if you want to win the pawn. This weakens your kingside and he will get some counterplay perhaps. ]} 22. Bc4+ Kh8 23. g4 { [Sharp and consequent move.]} c5 24. Rd2 Be6 { I did not want to give up the d-file so I could not take his rook with my rook. I am a pawn up, but I don't like my pawn structure.} 25. Bxe6 { [25.Bxe6 s uggests itself, but it looks as if 25.Rd6 is even stronger! The pin of the Be6 is very annoying for black, for example: 25.Rd6 Rae8 and now 26.Rb1 attacking the b7 pawn. You can choose if you take the b7 or the c5 pawn]} Qxe6 26. Qxc5 Rad8 { [Black should try to attack - and dont exchange pieces! 26.. Rac8 was better in my opinion]} 27. Rad1 Rxd2 28. Rxd2 Rc8 29. Qd4+ Kg8 30. Re2 { Did not know what to do so I thought I should put pressure on his e-pawn. I failed to see his Rc4 response which not only guarded his pawn, but also forced my queen away and should have won my a-pawn. [30.Re2 is a very good move, because Rc4... ]} Rc4 $4 { [??? big blunder, Rc4 loses by force because of 31.Qd8+ Kg7 32. Rd2 and Rd7+ will win. Unfortunately you missed this chance to win the game]} 31. Qe3 $4 Qc6 { He is almost running out of time so he missed the opportunity to take my pawn. However at this point I felt that my position was lost and I had no idea on how to get some initiative. [Never give up! Why should your position be lost? Your are a pawn up - ok, ok, your pawns are weak - but at least your are a pawn up right now. Much more important is the king position, try to attack his king, for example with 32. Qg5, followed by Rd2 or Qd8 check. His king is exposed, i think your position is better!]]} 32. a5 Kg7 33. Qb6 { A terrible move which takes me into a losing endgame. [Yes, i agree, Qb6 was a very bad move.]} Qxb6 34. axb6 Kf6 { I think I am lost here. I cannot see any way to prevent his king from reaching e5 and then he can just move his rook to c6 and pick up my pawn.[I am not sure if this endgame is lost, but black is better. His a-pawn will be very dangerous and blacks king is more active. Before the queen exchange the black king was exposed, in danger. Now the king is more active, because the queens are exchanged! Thats why the queen exchange - despite the fact you created him a passed pawn - was such a bad move.]} 35. Re3 Kg5 { [35.. a5 was much better because...]} 36. Kf1 { [now you should have played f3 to get rid of this annoying e4-pawn and make a little more space for your king]} Kf4 { [Well, it would be not fair to comment these next moves made in mutual time trouble]} 37. Ke2 a5 38. Kd2 a4 { I am also running out of time and I need to do something about his a-pawn.} 39. Re1 Kf3 40. Re3+ Kxf2 41. Re2+ Kg3 42. Re3+ Kf4 43. Re1 Rc6 44. Ra1 e3+ 45. Ke2 Rc4 { I think my position is even worse here and my only hope is to win on time. } 46. Ra3 Re4 47. Ra1 Ke5 48. Rd1 Ke6 49. Rd4 { Another terrible move by me, 49. Rxd4, 50. cxd4, a3 would give him a queen and easy win. [Yes. It looks like 49. Rd8! give you a lot of counterplay, you can go for the b7 pawn and you can stop the a4-pawn from behind.]} Ke5 { He failed to see it since he was almost out of time.} 50. Rd7 a3 51. Rxb7 a2 { Another blunder in the panic against the clock.} 52. Ra7 Ra4 { The last panic move before I had a easy win and the rest of the game is not interesting. (Here I had 7 seconds left and finally won in time.) [You have made 17 moves in 7 secs? Woow, thatisveryfast!]} 53. Rxa4 Kd5 54. Rxa2 Kc6 55. Rb2 Kb7 56. Kxe3 Kc6 57. Kf4 Kb7 58. Kg5 Kc8 59. Kh6 Kd7 60. Kxh7 Ke6 61. Kxg6 Ke5 62. h4 Kf4 63. h5 Kxg4 64. h6 Kf4 65. h7 Ke3 66. h8=Q Kd2 67. b7 Kd1 68. b8=Q Ke1 69. Qhd8 { Black lost on time. [I will not comment this position : )). Well, i hope my comments are useful for you and i wish you good luck for your next games! See you on FICS.]} 1-0 [Event "Online game"] [Site "chess.net"] [Date "2001.08.05"] [Round "?"] [White "yuda"] [Black "oase0"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "D20"] [PlyCount "120"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] { Player: As you will see I am a beginner. In this game I am playing black.} 1. d4 d5 2. c4 { Player: I seem to play quite poorly in face of a gambit. I will definitely need to study. But since all I have for study are online resources - can you please recommend a few good ones? ACA: Although we are in the era of the internet, offline sources (books!) are still an indispensible study aid. I would suggest you at least get a general book on chess openings (eg Batsford Chess Openings). This is the best way for you to advance your knowledge on openings. There are collections of games on the internet for different openings. But these are better for slightly advanced players. This URL could be of help ft://136.142.185.47/group/student-activities/chess. Previously thay also had game collections for different formats, but when I entered a moment ago I couldnt find them. Their are still other interesting things for download on the server. For the middle game and endgame you can find some information on the internet. A useful URL is http://www.freechess. org/~toddmf/lecbot.html Here you can obtain the lecturebot lectures found on FICS for offline viewing.} dxc4 3. Qa4+ Nc6 { ACA: There is a lot of theory behind the 'Queens Gambit accepted', as is in all opennings. If you dont like gambits, you could have opted for the move 2... e6. Like I said above, the best way to study opennings at your level is books, because they also give explanations about the ideas behind the oppenings.} 4. e3 e5 5. Nf3 { ACA: Upto this point you seem to have played a bit too aggresivly.Unforunately my knowledge on the Queens Qambit Accepted is not much more than you! So if you find my comments in the oppening phase not so informative sorry.} e4 { e6 instead of e5 followed by simple play seems to have been better. At this point I would have exchanged the pawn via 5. ... exd4, followed by Bd7, and you have a playable game. By playing e4, you have commited yourself to a passed d pawn which is way too strong in this position, especially because of the possible thrust d5 in the following couple of moves.} 6. Nfd2 Nf6 { ACA: You see, you dont have much of a choice on moves, because white is continuously making new threats. Even your pawn on e4 is open to attacks like Nc3. Bd7 seems better than Nf6. You infact force your opponent to take the pawn on c4 with his queen, thus decreasing the prssure on your knight on c6, as you threat Nxd4 with a discovered attack on your opponents queen. You would still have problems with whites passed d-pawn, but your opponents pieces are not developed and you have more spacial advantage. Possible play couldbe} (6... Bd7 7. Qxc4 Nf6 8. Nc3 Bf5 9. g3 Bd6 10. Bg2 Qe7 { and about equal}) 7. Bxc4 a6 { Be7 was best here, although you would probably lose the e4 pawn:} (7... Be7 8. Nc3 Bf5 9. Qc2) 8. a3 b5 { Player: Oops... This blunder gives the direction of the game - a furious fight on the black queenside.} 9. Bxb5 axb5 10. Qxa8 Bd7 11. Qb7 { Player: Is any kind of queen trap possible here? ACA: Nope! After Bxb5, you should have played Bd7 and accepted being 1 pawn down, although you would have again lost the e4 pawn. White here should have exchanged the queens. That was his biggest error in the game, after which he should have attacked the e4 pawn.} Na5 12. Qa6 c6 13. b4 Nc4 14. Nxc4 bxc4 15. Qxc4 Nd5 { Player: Thi s move is the beginning of a desperate attempt to stop the invasion on the a and b files.} 16. Nc3 Be6 { Player: I was planning to let white take the N and retake with the B - and this is what actually happened! White helped a lot here. If he would have taken the c6 pawn, I think it would have been the end. As it was, thestructure made of the B on d5 plus the c6 and e4 pawns made a very precious asset. ACA: Yes. In such positions, especially if your opponent does not have any pieces with which to attack that bishop, they can block the whole position up, and save the game.} 17. Nxd5 Bxd5 18. Qc3 Bd6 19. a4 O-O 20. a5 { ACA: b5 was the best move for white, or possibly just the simple 0-0. He should then have brought his king side rook to the queen b1 and then thrust the pawns. After a5, the position clogs up, and white has no way of succesfully opening the queen side.} Qb8 21. Ba3 Qb5 22. Rb1 Rb8 23. Rb2 g6 { Black is stalling, waiting for an opportunity to reduce the materialdifference. } 24. Kd2 f5 25. g3 Kf7 26. Ra1 { ACA: here white should have concentrated on the kings side. eg and tried to open it from their, as all your pieces are involved in protecting the queen side. their is no way of him attacking that side.} Ke6 27. a6 Ra8 { Player: I was too afraid to move the queen ACA: Qxa6 was possible, but taking the a pawn with your rook seems better than comminting your queen to the a file, where it could have been attacked by the rooks.} 28. h3 Rxa6 29. h4 Rb6 { ACA: Here h5 was best. You would have closed also the kings side and saved the day.} 30. Rab1 Rb8 31. Qc1 Kd7 { Player: I had an obsession with the b4 pawn. I didn't see Qd3 :-(} 32. Qd1 Ke6 33. g4 Ra8 34. gxf5+ gxf5 35. Ra1 { ACA: White played it horribly in this part of the game. Before opening up this position, he should have protected his king with the aid of the queen and left the attacks to one of the rooks. But like I said, by playing h5 you would have avoided all of this.... and probably winning the game!} Ra4 36. Qh5 Bxb4+ 37. Rxb4 Rxb4 38. Qe8+ { This starts a period of harassment of the black king by the white queen. I have the feeling that white could have obtianed a significat advantage from it but I can't figure out exactly how.} Kd6 39. Qe5+ Kd7 40. Qg7+ Ke6 41. Qe5+ Kd7 42. Qg7+ Ke6 43. Qg8+ Kd7 44. Qxh7+ Ke6 45. Qg6+ Kd7 46. Qxf5+ Ke7 47. Rb1 Qd3+ { Player: Finally!} 48. Ke1 Qxb1+ { ACA: Rxb1 and you have mate!} 49. Ke2 Qd3+ 50. Ke1 Qxa3 51. Qe5+ Kd7 52. Qg7+ Kc8 53. Qf8+ Kb7 54. Qe7+ Kb6 55. Qc5+ Ka6 56. Kf1 Rb1+ { Player: I think maybe there would be other more direct executions but I am a bit conservative - I prefer simplified positions with clear material advantage.} 57. Kg2 Qxc5 58. dxc5 Kb5 59. h5 Kxc5 60. h6 Rb8 { ACA: Good for you! The best thing for you at your level is to study a bit of everything. Openings are a must for chess. But dont overdo it. Chose certain basic variations against the moves that your opponents can make. Like I said, the best source for these are books. Also try solving chess problems. These will help you think faster in games, and also give you knowledge on what you must look in positions. You can find a good amount of these on the internet. I hope I could be of help to you.} 0-1 [Event "2^ Torneo Sociale Open"] [Site "Lentate Sul Seveso"] [Date "2001.02.08"] [Round "1"] [White "Gatti, Andrea"] [Black "Romano, Fabio"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "D00"] [BlackElo "1786"] [Annotator "Gatti, Andrea"] [PlyCount "62"] [EventDate "2001.02.08"] 1. Nf3 d5 2. d4 { This game is one of my very first OTB chess tourneys. I studied a bit the Nf3 opening, and tried early to diverge from the Reti schema. } Nf6 3. Nc3 { This move has been quickly taken out of my repertoire, as I here now usually play Bf4. Killerman: This move is actually OK it is your next move that gives me cause for concern.} g6 4. e3 $146 { Blocking my own B. This move is now played after displacing the B to f4, usually. I agree that this is not ideal} ({ Killerman:} 4. Bf4 Bg7 5. e3 (5. Qd2 Ne4 6. Nxe4 dxe4 7. Ne5 Be6 8. e3 Nd7 9. Nc4 O-O 10. Be2 Bxc4 11. Bxc4 e5 12. dxe5 Nxe5 13. Bb3 a5 { Jussupow-Kasparov Belfort 1988}) 5... c6 (5... O-O 6. Be2 c5 7. dxc5 Qa5 8. Nd2 Qxc5 9. Nb3 Qb6 10. Nb5 Ne8 11. Qxd5 Bxb2 12. Rb1 Bg7 13. O-O { Hansen-Djurhuus Reykjavik 1995}) 6. Be2 Qb6 7. a3 Bg4 8. b4 Nbd7 9. O-O Nh5 10. Bg5 h6 11. Bh4 g5 12. h3 Be6 13. Nd2 Nf4 14. Bg3 Nxe2+ 15. Qxe2 f5 16. Nb3 Qd8 17. Na5 { Hodgson-Wolff New York 1990}) 4... Bg7 5. Bb5+ { Allowing White to develop c6. I should have followed the rule that a check without a sense (plan) is most of the times, useless. Killerman: Yes again I can only agree. Be2 immediately is more in keeping with the position. I cannot stress enough that the quicker and more accurate you can develop the better your chances in the game.} c6 6. Be2 (6. Ba4 b5 7. Bb3) 6... O-O 7. O-O Nfd7 $6 { Killerman: This move looks wrong to me because it underdevelops. This is now a great opportunity for White to improve his position by e4 freeing the bishop now that the f6 knight has gone from coveringe4} 8. Na4 { This is a wrong idea; exchanging the NN in c5 actually helps black, i.e. leaves a doubled Pin c5, wich can easily become a target for my opponent. Killerman: Again correct in your judgement. e4 is the move here} ({ Killerman} 8. e4 Nb6 9. h3 (9. Re1 Bg4 $11) 9... dxe4 10. Nxe4 Bf5 11. Ng3 Be6 $11) 8... b5 9. Nc5 { Going back to Nc3 would represent a lose of tempo, while Nc5 is a mistake; it's really diffuclt to think something better for W. Killerman: Nc3 may actually be better because of the eventual weakness of the c5pawn} Nxc5 10. dxc5 e5 11. Rb1 $6 { To prepare b4. Killerman: Actually I don't think that you need to prepare b4 can't you just play it now? I agree that getting the rook off the diagonal may have to happen though.} a5 12. a3 a4 13. b3 axb3 14. cxb3 { All of the previous moves to preserve and defend the P in c5, but I really did not consider a strong continuation from Black.} Bf5 15. Ra1 (15. Bd3 $2 e4) 15... Na6 $6 { Killerman: d4 is a good option here} ({ Killerman} 15... d4 { intending d3} 16. exd4 exd4 17. Bd3 Bxd3 18. Qxd3 Na6 $17) 16. a4 bxa4 17. Bxa6 (17. Rxa4 $143 Nxc5 18. Rxa8 Qxa8) 17... Rxa6 18. Rxa4 Rxa4 19. bxa4 Qa5 20. Ba3 (20. Bb2 Qxc5 21. Bxe5 Bxe5 22. Nxe5 { Would have left a bit more of initiative to White, I think.}) 20... Bg4 21. Qc2 Bxf3 22. gxf3 Ra8 { It appears there's no way to save the P in a4. Killerman: No there is no way to save the pawn and the game now drifts to the inevitable end} 23. Bb2 Qxa4 24. Qxa4 Rxa4 25. Ra1 Rxa1+ 26. Bxa1 { I have here one pawn less than my opponent, but the analysis of the PP structure appears to say that the game is lost: The pawn in c5 is isolated, and fixed by Pc6; I have a doubled on f3 and the king is open to attacks. Unfortunately, my king will not be able to quickly run to the center, as he would need to go via f1 and e2, to not be stopped by the black PP.} e4 27. Bxg7 { Moves like one, are to be considered wrong: I should not fall in exchange when the situation is worse for me. Btw, just consider that it was my first game against a pretty strong player, with as much as 1780 ELO points against no ELO. This is not an excuse, but it was the motivation to try to come to the endgame as quickly as possible: firstly, because I was worried to be mated early in the game, and secondly, because often also the string players make several mistakes in the endgame..} Kxg7 28. Kg2 Kf6 29. f4 Ke6 30. f3 f5 31. fxe4 (31. Kg3 exf3 32. Kxf3 d4 33. exd4 Kd5 34. Ke3 Kc4 35. h3 h6 36. h4 h5 { And White has to move the king away.. }) 31... dxe4 { Killerman: As you rightly point out at the start the problem really stems from the passive e3. I think you need to ask yourself questions as you start off each game with the opening few moves. Make sure that each move has a purpose and try to keep to the maximum that you should not move a piece twice in the opening until all pieces are developed. You will find that this helps. The bishop move to b5 was an obvious error as was the knight manouvre so we can say that at least 3 moves early on were a waste of tempo. If given the opportunity to counter in the centre as you had with e4 where I pointed out then you must take it. I think this was actually a game lost thatn a game won by your opponent. The good thing is that you have noticed your errors so I am sure you can put these points right.} 0-1 [Event "60 min. game"] [Site "?"] [Date "2001.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "AcidSatyr"] [Black "BrucedLee"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "D47"] [Annotator "AcidSatyr"] [PlyCount "67"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Nf3 Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Bd3 Bb7 { So far,so good.These are normal moves from Wade Variation. akryl: I have occasionally played this variation myself, and won. But I consider it way too toothless. And blacks position has an amazing degree of resilience.} 9. a3 { The most popular move here is 9.e4, but this is playable,too. Idea behind the move is simple.White wants to play b4. Therefore Black should try to get there first. 9...b4 is considered best,but 9...a5 is good alternative.} a6 $2 { This is wrong move. Black should have played a5 at once. akryl: The verdict is far from clear. After searching Chessbase online database, I see that black has a winning percentage in this line. But against the specific line 10. b4 the balance tilts towards white. I would play 9... b4 myself, as black is home free after that.} 10. b4 a5 { Black already have one tempo lost. akryl: We'll see about that in a few moves. The point of 9... a5 is that black now directly attacks the white queen side pawns. That would not be the case before b4 was played. Wether that is enough to compensate for the constricted black queen side, and white's superiority in the centre is what we will try to discover. AcidSatyr:Ok. i agree with u,but if Black wanted to play to ...a5 anyway,he should have waited White to play b4. akryl: This is also a move order thing. By playing a6 black actually forces white into a little known variation. 10. b4 is a must. The only major waypoint is at move 15. black also has another resource to vary the game with Nd5 going for an exchange Queens gambit type of position. All in all black seems to have no more weaknesses that he can handle. } 11. Rb1 { I thik this is better then to capture at a5, this way keeping "an eye" on c5. akryl: A correct decision the capture would result in severe problems for white. It's now obvious that white did not win a tempo. As you had to move the rook from the potentially open file, to guard an attacked pawn. White's asset is the numerical pawn advantage in the centre. Where an advance e4-e5 will make blacks king side hard to defend, or the break e4, d5 to weaken b5. Or e4,dxe5, f4 to control the centre. Black will have to struggle to establish an outpost in the centre.} axb4 12. axb4 Bd6 13. O-O O-O (13... Qe7 { akryl: A try to confuse the issue} 14. Bd2 { akryl: unless black has anything better that 14... O-O this will lead to the same position} e5 15. Qc2 O-O 16. dxe5 Nxe5 17. Nxe5 Bxe5 18. f4 Bd6 19. e4 Bxb4 20. e5 Bc5+ 21. Kh1 Ng4 22. Bxh7+ Kh8 23. Bf5 Nf2+ 24. Rxf2 Bxf2 25. Ne4 g6 26. Nxf2 gxf5 27. Qxf5 { akryl: This is just one of a multitude of variations that shows the possible use of white's centre. It's possible to improve on the score, but I show it as is anyway.}) 14. Bd2 Qe7 15. Qb3 (15. Ne4 Nxe4 16. Bxe4 Nf6 17. Bd3 Ra2 $1 18. Qb3 Rfa8 { and Black have a good play on a-file.}) ({ I think this is the critical move. Black will have to react correctly.} 15. Qc2 Bxb4 (15... Rfd8 $5 { AcidSatyr:White indeed have a initiative for the pawn, but it says nowhere that Black is obligated to take the pawn! For example: akryl: This is indeed a better move. And frees f8 for other pieces, including the king.But the I think the Queen stands better at c2. The Queen actually defends the bishop. All this analysis seems to indicate that black is fine after 9... a6} 16. e4 (16. Ng5 { akryl: A direct try to use the Queen. White is a little better.} h6 17. Nge4 Bxb4 18. Nxb5 Bxd2 19. Nbd6 Bc8 (19... Ba6 20. Bxa6 Rxa6 21. Qxd2 Nxe4 22. Nxe4 e5 23. dxe5 Nxe5 24. Qc2 { akryl: This is about equal. But it's still a lot to play for.}) 20. Qxd2 Nxe4 21. Nxe4 e5) ({ akryl: Gently does it.} 16. Ne2 Ra4 17. e4 e5 18. dxe5 { akryl: From here it seems possible to continue to use the white centre.} Bxe5) 16... e5 $1 { This is thematic move in this game!} 17. d5 ({ and not} 17. dxe5 $4 Nxe5) (17. Ne2 exd4 18. Nexd4 Ne5 19. Nxe5 Bxe5 20. Nf3 Ra3 21. Rb3 Rxb3 22. Qxb3 c5 23. bxc5 Bxe4 24. Bxe4 Nxe4 { akryl: A clearly drawn position.}) 17... cxd5 18. exd5 Nxd5 (18... Rac8 { akryl: This move seems even better.} 19. Qb3 Nb6 ({ akryl: Or:} 19... e4)) 19. Bxh7+ Kf8 20. Nxb5 Bxb4 21. Nc7 Rab8 22. Be4 N7f6 23. Bxd5 Bxd5 24. Bxb4 Rxb4 25. Rxb4 Qxb4 26. Nxe5 Be4 27. Na6 Qe7 { White have extra pawn,but it is not so important,because Black have Bishop. And as long as his Queen is on the board, Black have a good chances for draw. This is ofcourse just one way to refute the b4 pawn and there are still many variations, but I think as long as Black don't capture b4 pawn in move 15. he have a good game.}) 16. e4 { akryl: White has a serious initiative for the pawn. A simple variation goes like this. White should have chances to improve.} e5 ( 16... c5 { akryl: doesn't look too promising after:} 17. e5 Ng4 (17... Nd5 { akryl: All hell breaks loose.} 18. Bxh7+ Kh8 19. Bg5 f6 20. Nh4 Nxc3 21. Ng6+ Kxh7 22. Nxe7+ Be4 23. Qd2 Rf7 (23... fxg5 24. Rb3 { akryl: Better than 24. Qxg5.}) 24. dxc5 Bxb1 25. Qxd7 Rxe7 26. Qxe7 fxg5 27. Qxe6 { akryl: Black will have a hard time blocking the pawns.} Ba2 28. Qf5+ g6 29. Qd7+ Kh6 30. c6 Bd5 31. c7 Bb7 32. e6) (17... Bxf3 18. exf6) 18. Bxh7+ Kh8 19. Be4) 17. dxe5 Bxc3 (17... Ng4 18. Nd5 { akryl: And black loses quickly.}) 18. Bxc3 Ng4 19. h3 Ngxe5 20. Nxe5 Nxe5 21. Bb4 Qh4 22. Bxf8 Rxf8 23. f4 Nxd3 24. Qxd3 Bc8 { akryl: A seriously asymmetric position that favours white.} 25. Rbc1 Be6 26. Rxc6 Bc4 27. Rxc4 bxc4 28. Qxc4 { akryl: Black has some drawing chances. But it will be hard to defend accurately.}) 15... Rfd8 { akryl: Black prepares for the e5 push. The rook will be excellently posted after exchanges on e5.} 16. Rfe1 (16. e4 e5 17. d5 (17. dxe5 $4 Nxe5 18. Be2 (18. Nxe5 Bxe5 19. Ne2 Qd6 { and White is lost again.}) 18... Nxf3+ 19. Bxf3 Bxh2+ $1 20. Kxh2 Rxd2 { leavs Black with superior game.}) (17. Rfe1 $2 exd4 18. Nxd4 Ng4 19. g3 Nc5 $1 20. bxc5 Bxc5 21. Be3 Bxd4 22. Bxd4 Rxd4) 17... cxd5 18. exd5 e4 19. Rfe1 Ne5 20. Nxe5 Qxe5 21. g3 Qh5 22. Bxe4 Nxe4 23. Rxe4 Be5 24. Qd1 Qf5 { Black have a very good game.}) 16... e5 17. Qc2 Ra3 $1 { Intending to capture at c3 and move the pawn to e4.} 18. Ne4 Nxe4 { There are now few forced moves.} 19. Bxe4 Nf6 20. Bxc6 e4 { akryl: This move activates the black square bishop and dislodges whites knight from the king side. And traps the white black square bishop behind a wall of pawns. A nice multi purpose move. Black gets good compensation for the pawn.} ({ akryl: Black has an interesting strategic motif here. The white bishop might have trouble developing. Therefore:} 20... Bxc6 21. Qxc6 e4 22. Nh4 Ng4 ({ akryl: If black wants a safe out this variation is possible.} 22... Ra2 23. Nf5 Qe6 24. Ra1 { akryl: Forced, or white will get the worse position.} Rxa1 25. Rxa1 Bxh2+ 26. Kxh2 Qxf5 27. Kg1 h6 { akryl: The position is close to equal, but the white bishop might get buried. Luckily the break f3 is still possible.} ) 23. Nf5 Bxh2+ 24. Kf1 Qe6 25. Qxe6 fxe6 26. Ne7+ Kf8 27. Nc6 Rc8 { akryl: Blac k is probably better. Even if the pawns are weak white has problems with his bishop.}) 21. Bxb7 Qxb7 22. Ne5 $5 (22. Ng5 { akryl: That move seems better. But white will have a hard time proving an advantage. I really like the dynamic chances black has.} Qd5 23. f4 exf3 24. Nxf3 Ne4 25. Ra1 { akryl: And black gets to the game position at move 25} Rb3 ({ akryl: Or maybe better:} 25... Rda8)) 22... Qd5 (22... Bxe5 23. dxe5 Nd7 24. Bc1 Rd3 25. Bb2 Nb6 26. Bd4 { is fine for White.}) 23. f4 (23. Bc3 $4 Rc8) 23... exf3 24. Nxf3 Ne4 25. Ra1 (25. Bc1 $2 Rc3 $1 26. Qe2 Rdc8 27. Bb2 R3c4 28. Rec1 Bxb4) 25... Rb3 26. Ra5 (26. Reb1 Nxd2 27. Qxd2 Re8 28. Rxb3 Qxb3) 26... Rxb4 $1 { White can't save the pawn.} 27. Bxb4 Bxb4 28. Rea1 Bxa5 29. Rxa5 Qb7 ({ akryl: If black wants he can try to squeeze white in the endgame. He has the far passer and blocks whites pawn centre. And the safer king. Defending will take accurate calculation from whites side. But the position can be won by the better player.} 29... Nd6) 30. Nd2 { I guess there's nothing better at this point...} Nxd2 31. Qxd2 b4 32. Qd3 Qe7 33. Rb5 Ra8 { akryl: An entertaining game resulting from a quiet opening. White had an interesting choice in his 15'th move. After white failed to take the initiative in the centre and on the king side. Some of the sub-variations are very tactical indeed. Black offered a pawn for ample dynamic chances. And managed to put white under great pressure, but missed a chance to regroup his pieces in the 29'th move. All in all both players played well, but failed to take stock of the situation when the game changed phase. White from opening to middle game. And black from middle game to endgame.} 34. Qb3 1/2-1/2 [Event "l"] [Site "LAURENTI-1XTIL3"] [Date "2001.08.20"] [Round "?"] [White "MIW"] [Black "FlemingD"] [Result "*"] [Annotator "Aeneas"] [PlyCount "80"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. e4 e6 { MIW: Here we go. The move ...e6 signals a French defense and most likely a long and drawn out encounter.} 2. Nf3 { MIW: I use this response when dealing with the French to try and avoid the typical d4 push and keep Black guessing. I know that after d4 Black has solid chances for a win.} Nc6 { MIW: This move confused me somewhat. Now it seems that the defender cannot perform his c5 push that is so crucial in the french when counter- attacking. I was lured into playing d4 and could not resist.} 3. d4 d5 4. e5 { MIW: now we have a sort of advance variation. In my limited experience, this is a difficult game for White as he must now protect his center, the object of Black's affection. Aeneas: This position has been played in some games. But it's not very good for black. You've been right to push e4-e5 and so to obtain the french advance's pawn structure. Black cannot react immediately by c7-c5 which is the move the most natural.} Nge7 { MIW: Blocking in his dark-squared bishop though only temporarily. What was the best response to this move? Is there a way to play that will pressure Black when he does this manouvre? Aeneas: With a such a closed centre, an immediate action is not possible. From e7, the Knight will go on g6 or f5, freeing the Bf8. White has to developp, hold the centre and pay attention to black counterattack which can be launched by two moves in such a position: or c7-c5 or f7-f6.} 5. Nc3 { MIW: Destined for e2 and helping support the White center. Aeneas: 5. c3 is more natural: it supports the white centre and allows to play 6. Bd3 without fearing the manoeuvre Nc6-b4.} b6 6. a3 { MIW: I see is as a good square for Black to use so I rush to control it before either a knight or his bishop can get to it and increase pressure. Did I waste a tempo here? Aeneas: many moves are possible here. Nikitin, against Kortchnoi, played 6.Bb5. Another possibility is 6. Ne2, with the idea 7.c3 and 8. Ng3. Finally, I found 6.h4 in a game of Fedorow, GMI. This last move is quite interesting and typical is this sort of position: the centre is closed, Black cannot attack it, so White gains space on the wing. Your move is not bad; it allows 7.Bd3 and a possible b2-b4.} Bb7 7. Bd3 Qd7 { MIW: Here is plan became clear to me. Castling long and launching a subsequent pawnstorm directly on my king. Mentally I was prepared for his moves, and I formulated a plan around busting through on his Q-side which the next several moves prepare.} 8. O-O Nf5 9. Ne2 O-O-O 10. c3 Nb8 $2 11. Qc2 $5 { MIW: He wants c5 so badly I figured why not optimize the Queen's strength by having her indirectly stare down at the king. Aeneas: Your move is ok. But a more natural sequence of move, against the pawn structure a7-b6-c7, is to play a4-a5 and axb6 to open the "a" file.} c5 12. Ng3 { Aeneas: I don't see the point of this move. Your attack is on files a-b-c. So you should have continued playing in this zone.} (12. a4 c4 13. Bxf5 exf5 14. a5 { with great initiative.}) 12... Nxg3 13. fxg3 { MIW: I was e happy with the exchange of his well posted knight and my defensive one. In addition I have opened a file and developed the f1 rook. Was this a good plan or does it create too many weaknesses? I feel it was good for me. Aeneas: in 99 percent of games, white would have respond 13. hxg3 ( the law: in direction of the centre). But it's true that here open the "f" file is interesting and will gain perhaps a tempo for the Rf1.} h6 { MIW: With thi s move a little trumpet sounds across the battlefield. Here the pawns come!} 14. Kh1 { MIW: Perhaps a wasted tempo but I do not want any future tactics revolving around this weakness of the exposed king. I am prepared to defendandcounter-at tack.} c4 $2 { MIW: I was happy when I saw this because I realize that this file can now be opened. I remeber reading that to open a file you must first block the pawn before trying to remove it. My counterattack will revolve around the c-file as well as help from the rook on my open f-file. I want to expose the Black king. In the following moves I intend to do so, but my question here is... how sound is this plan? In the French, White usually attacks towards the kingisde and my pawns are definitely pointing that way. Would it have been more effective to double rooks on the f-file and fight back from there? Aeneas: I think you've choosen the right plan. With opposed castles, the game is often very hard: the first who arrives on the king, the first who wins. So, go on the black king!} 15. Be2 g5 16. Be3 Bg7 17. Rac1 { Aeneas: I t hink 17.b3 immediately is better. Of course 17.Rac1 is not a bad move, but white cannot not know, at this moment of the game, what will be be the best place for this rook. So it's better to begin operations with 17.b3 and then, after the black reactions, chose the place of the rook.} f6 18. exf6 Bxf6 19. b3 $1 { Aeneas: Attacking the pawn chains.} cxb3 { 19...b5 was no better, but after this, the Rc1 was misplaced...} 20. Qxb3 Nc6 21. c4 Kb8 22. c5 { MIW: Now I am out for blood. I realize that my opponent will be sweating this one out a little more than I will because of his weakend king position.} g4 23. cxb6 $5 { MIW: Seeing that I was going to lose d4 in a hurry I decided it was time to rip his majesty open and go all out. I liked the look of the two soon to be active bishops and I realized my rooks can join the fray very quickly. Was this a good choice?! I thought I was playing intelligent at the time and got very excited. I love a game where material difference does not mean so much. Was this move unsound? Aeneas: We cannot say that you 23th move is unsound. But it's not clear, because of the note of the 24th black move. It offers good pratical chances to White, as it's never easy to defend such a position.} gxf3 24. bxa7+ Nxa7 $2 ({ Aeneas:} 24... Ka8 $1 { and the black king uses the pawn a7 as a shield.}) 25. Rxf3 Bg7 26. Bf4+ $6 { Aeneas:The bishop b7 is pinned, so press it immediately.} ({ Indeed, White wins with} 26. Ba6 $1 Rc8 (26... Ka8 27. Bxb7+ Qxb7 28. Qxb7+ Kxb7 29. Rf7+ Kb6 30. Rxg7 $18) 27. Rb1 Rc7 28. Bxb7 Rxb7 29. Qxb7+ Qxb7 30. Rxb7+ Kxb7 31. Rf7+ $18) 26... e5 27. dxe5 Qe6 28. Rfc3 ({ Aeneas:} 28. Rb1 Rd7 (28... Qe7 29. Ba6) 29. Ba6 Qxa6 30. e6+ Ka8 31. exd7 { was very interesting and winning for White.}) 28... Rc8 29. Rb1 $1 { Aeneas: Aaaah! Finally you play this good move !} Qe7 30. Ba6 { MIW: Now I do what I have been told so many times... If you have a pinned an enemy piece, pile up the pressure!} ({ Aeneas:} 30. e6+ $1 { Even better was to activate your last passive piece.} Ka8 31. Ba6 $3 Rb8 (31... Bxa6 32. Rxc8+ Rxc8 33. Qb8+ $1 Rxb8 34. Rxb8#) 32. Rc7 { and wins.}) 30... Rxc3 31. Qxb7+ { Aeneas: The less good choice.} ({ The simple and natural} 31. Qxc3 Ka8 (31... Rc8 32. e6+ Ka8 33. Qb3 $18) 32. Bxb7+ Qxb7 (32... Kb8 33. e6+ { mates.}) 33. Rxb7 Kxb7 34. Qb3+ { wins easily for white.}) 31... Qxb7 32. Rxb7+ ({ Aeneas:} 32. e6+ Kc8 (32... Ka8 33. Bxb7#) 33. Rxb7 Kd8 { (because of the threat 34.Rb8 mate)} (33... Nc6 34. Rd7#) 34. Rxa7 { with the same material as after your 33th move, but a very better position.}) 32... Ka8 33. Rxg7 { MIW: And now I have traded a rook for two of his bishops. I also have a tonne of pressure against his exposed monarch. I was so excited here that I could not contain it. Unfortuantely this excitement lost the game. In addition, the material count is now even. I felt gratified that my attack produced such results.} Rb8 { MIW: Necessary to prevent mate.} 34. h4 Rxa3 35. Be2 { MIW: I now what a post for this floating bishop and what could be better than f3 and sattacking the pawn, pinning it to the cornered king?! Here I was watching for Bank rank attacks but the two bishops are powerful at defending as well as attacking.} Nc8 36. Bf3 Rd3 37. e6 { MIW: Passed pawns must be pushed I remembered. I was going to fry this guy alive now. His pawn cannot achieve such glory due to the well-placed b.} Rb1+ 38. Kh2 Rb2 39. e7 $2 { MIW: Here I was so elated I simply pushed the pawn. A terrible mistake as my opponent, who was losing (in my opinion) had set a trap for an over-excited player. I fell right in without a second thought. After all, I was going to crush this} ({ Aeneas: winning immediately is} 39. Rg8 Kb7 40. e7 $1 Nxe7 41. Rb8+) 39... Nxe7 40. Rxe7 Rxf3 { MIW: A terrible end to a good game. I was furious and quickly lost with my bad attitude, material disadvantage and 5 minutes left on the clock. Aeneas: you know many general principles of chess, of strategy. But sometimes, these principles are not so important: the tactical play, the combinations are predominent. So, in you've sometimes to calculate with great precision the different moves possible. In the final position, you've good compensations for the exchange: an active rook, a good bishop, a black "h" pawn to take and white pawns to push... All is still possible. So keep good fighting spirit up to the end of a game! You played here very good here, with a good sense of the position. A game that I enjoyed analysing.} * [Event "ICS unrated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2001.08.23"] [Round "?"] [White "GuestXCRQ"] [Black "tedrick"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B90"] [BlackElo "2314"] [Annotator "randomo"] [PlyCount "41"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] { Hi, I am Optimiser. I played as GuestXCRQ (white) with a player with a high rating. Surprisingly I won; perhaps he did not play at his best; was complacent or whatever. I don't know Sicilian; only upto move no.4. This showed since soon both my centre pawns were displaced and his in place.} 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bd3 { [This is not a common move; sometimes White plays it a little later, as in the line 6.f4 e5 7.Nf3 Nbd7 8.Bd3.]} e5 7. Nf5 { [After the following exchange, you will have no more center pawns. I would prefer 7.Nde2, with Ng3 to come later.]} Bxf5 8. exf5 d5 { [Now Black's center pawns give him the advantage.]} 9. O-O { Optimiser: Let me study Sicilian later and complete the development right now.} Bc5 { [This move may be too ambitious; after your next move, the Black Bishop belongs on e7 to break the pin.]} 10. Bg5 h6 { [You missed a good chance for an advantage here. His Knight is supporting his pawn center, so get rid of it! Play 11.Bxf6 gxf6 12.Nxd5. He can't play 12. ... Qxd5 because Bb5+ followed by Qxd5 wins his Queen. He can play 12. ... Bxf2+ 13.Rxf2 Qxd5 (since his Queen now prevents Bb5+), but you have damaged his pawns and improved your own; you stand better.]} 11. Bh4 e4 { [This move is actually weak; it makes the d5 pawn more of a target, because he can't play ... d4 without losing the e4 pawn (and also because he forces you to move the Bishop, which opens up your Queen's attack on d5).]} 12. Be2 Qd7 { [Yuck! He is just begging for 13.Bxf6 gxf6 14. Nxd5, when you have a nearly winning position. Maybe you were afraid to open the g-file for him, but your development is so much better that he can't use that file; he has to defend his weaknesses, especially f6.]} 13. Bg4 { Optimiser: Protects pawn and threatens Q indirectly.} Nxg4 14. Qxg4 { Optimiser: Q Takes over the function of Bishop earlier and Q is in position to attack in case of K side castle.} g5 { [My computer program (Fritz) says White is winning after 15.Rad1 gxh4 16.Qg7 Rf8 17.Nxd5. It is certainly easier to move your attacked piece away instead of sacrificing it, but this line shows how serious the weaknesses in his position are.]} 15. Bg3 { Optimiser: ck exposes K side pawns and allows my Bishop to go to a better directed square. here my Bishop allows Q side castling, but I thought black K will be exposed somewhat, any place it may go.} Nc6 { [Bad! His d-pawn will be attacked soon; he should play 15. ... Bb4, so that he can trade his Bishop (which isn't doing much) for the Knight that is attacking his center.]} 16. Rad1 { Optimiser: Now my aim is N taking Pawn at e4 and then dual threat: N taking Bishop and N going to f6 to fork K and Q. Defending black pawn at d5 is pinned and itself threatened by R and N. Black Q is indirectly threatened by R and Q ( though my Q is without support).} Ne7 { Optimiser: Black decides to defend only the d6 Pawn. But the real threat is elsewhere: 17.NxP at e4 and 18.NxB or Nf6 forking K and Q. [He probably should have played 16. ... d4, but after 17. Ne4 you are still crushing him.]} 17. Nxe4 { Optimiser: As per plan. Aiming for Nf6 and Bishop.} Bxf2+ { Optimiser: ck gives up Bishop taking the K side Pawn as a compensation. But this lets my other Rook open up another front. My Rook at d1 is supported by Q.} 18. Rxf2 { Optimiser: Heavier the better. Can launch f file attack also when the K castles. [There is no point to his sacrifice, but facing moves such as Be5, he is lost anyway.]} O-O-O { Optimiser: Black foils my plans. But black K is in a congested place. Mate if my N were on b6 right now. N to c5 (threatemning Q), a4 (losing tempo, hence perhaps unfeasible), then b6. (. . . loong way to go)} 19. Nc5 { Optimiser: All forces towards black K. [You could also win heavy material with 19.Nd6+, but I don't blame you for playing for mate!]} h5 { Optimiser: My N can now glide happily to b6 not via tempo-losing a4 but via d7, taking Q on the way. [He misses your threat, but if his Queen moves, 20.e6+ is crushing.]} 20. Nxd7 hxg4 21. Nb6# { Optimiser: As I said earlier, this was a gift from the black player. On this particular day and for this game, he may have decided to relax a bit, not to pay enough attention and not to put enough efforts. I need advice from the Reviwer how to play against such strong players, since knowing many openings will take some time (I know only Ruy-Lopez Open var somewhat) how to play till then. tedrick checkmated [After he weakened his center, you did a good job of attacking it. Still, you need some more "book" opening knowledge if you want to succeed against strong players. You don't have to memorize the main lines; try to develop a repertoire of less-played but still strong lines. Against the Sicilian, for example, you might try the Grand Prix Attack (2.Nc3 followed by 3.f4); your opponent may be less familiar with it than with main lines, and an aggressive player like you could have fun with it. On the other hand, instead of studying many defenses to 1.e4, you could also find a system that you could play for White against almost any defense, such as the Blackmar Diemer Gambit (1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3). Various books are available on these lines. Good luck!]} 1-0 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "fics, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2001.08.25"] [Round "?"] [White "Almuradour"] [Black "garlic"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B12"] [WhiteElo "1536"] [BlackElo "1287"] [PlyCount "83"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] [TimeControl "20"] 1. e4 { E: Hi. I've added quite a few comments to your game, and some general advice at the end. I hope the variations I add with my program ("Scid") work out alright in the PGN. Also, I'm not a Caro Kann player and I don't own any books on it, so it might be that I think a move is dubious while it's normal theory. Still, I know *why* I would play my moves, and that's more important : -). Your comments are "G:" and mine are "E:". Also, I didn't use a computer to analyze (you can do that yourself), so there might be some tactical mistakes left. And lastly, if you or anyone else has comments on this analysis, don't hesitate to message ElOso.} c6 { G: The Caro-Kann opening, I hope a solid defence for black. E: Yes, it is solid, that means that GMs seldom lose with it (but don't win often). I don't think it's the best for you, see the end.} 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bf5 { G: the advance variation is good for me. I can develope bishop an then push e6, for other bishop.} 4. Bd3 { E: I think this move is pretty boring. White exchanges his good bishop for black's bad one (a bishop is theoretically "bad" if your pawns in the center are on the same colour) and also black is a bit cramped (white has more space) so that black wants some exchanges. White can't have much advantage after this.} Bxd3 5. Qxd3 e6 6. Nf3 Qa5+ 7. Nc3 Qa6 8. Qxa6 Nxa6 { G: Pachman and Porreca say: this variation reduce white's attack. It'st true ? I play it frequently. E: Well, the queens are exchanged. Without a queen, it is harder to play a direct attack on the king. This is true for black as well, of course. The position becomes very quiet.} 9. O-O O-O-O $6 { E: This move looks like a nice move for "development", getting your king to safety, et cetera. But it doesn't seem to be connected with a specific goal. You should search for moves that do something specific. With the pawns in the center the way they are, you want to push yours on the queenside, and white wants to push his on the kingside, in theory (attack on the side the pawns point at). You also want to improve your knight on a6, and your other pieces need something to do. Without the queens, your king is quite safe without castling, and the rook on a8 might be useful there later. I suggest Nb4!? to make use of the weak point on c2, push ...c5 later so the knight can go to c6. The bishop is useful on f8 to support pawn c5 and to cover d6 in case of Nb5-d6. (see variation).} (9... Nb4 10. Ne1 { What else?} c5 11. a3 Nc6 12. dxc5 { The pawn couldn't be covered twice.} Bxc5 13. Nd3 { Hoping to chase Bc5 away and make f4 possible} Bd4 $1 14. Bf4 Bxc3 15. bxc3 Nge7 { Black's knights have some good squares, and black can put his rooks on the c file to attack the weak white pawns.}) 10. Bg5 Be7 { G: So I can develope Knight.} 11. Bxe7 Nxe7 12. Ng5 Rdf8 13. f4 h6 14. Nf3 Nf5 { E: In the last few moves white has managed to play f4, but your knight on f5 is very strong. He would like to play g4, but then Ne3 forks two pawns and a rook. 15.Rae1 looks like the best move, but then black plays 15...h5! stoppin g4 again. And on 16.h3, h4! would follow. If white wants to play g4, he has to go for a long series of moves - Rae1, g3, Kg2, h3, g4, in the meantime doing something about your threats, and at the end black has the h-line if you played ...h5. But it's hard to find another plan for white. White decides to just block your Nb4 and doesn't know what to do, it seems.} 15. a3 Nc7 { G: this Knight must work !} 16. Rf2 { G: My opponent want play Raf1. But I see the defenceless d4 Pawn. E: I don't think he wanted to play Raf1, since that is useless with the closed f file. He wanted to play g4, the fork is gone now (g4 Ne3 h3). You could have played h5 to prevent this plan.} Nb5 $6 17. Re1 $4 { E: I have no idea what he wanted with this, it gives away a pawn.} (17. Nxb5 cxb5 18. g4 Ne3 19. h3 Kd7 { To get the rook to c8} 20. Nh4 $1 { White continues with his plan of f5} Rc8 21. c3 $1 { And this blocks black's counterplay for the time being.} g6 22. Re1 Nc4 23. f5 gxf5 24. gxf5 Rhg8+ 25. Kh2 exf5 26. Nxf5 Rg6 27. Nd6 { !?} Nxd6 28. exd6 Rxd6 29. Rxf7+ Kc6 30. Ree7 { And black is in trouble}) 17... Nbxd4 18. g4 { E: Now g4 does nothing special.} Nxf3+ 19. Rxf3 Nd4 20. Rf2 f6 { E: Nice idea, although white could prevent the open f file for a while with Raf1 - but then black would just play Kd7-e7 before opening it.} 21. Rd1 fxe5 22. fxe5 Rxf2 23. Kxf2 Rf8+ { E: Now black has the f file, he should be winning.} 24. Ke3 $4 { G: Here I think 24...Cxc2+, but then I afraid to lose the Knight. I don't saw 24...c5 ! E: Indeed c5 is nice because of the threat Rf3+, and because it keeps the knight on its strong point, and because it threatens Nc6 and then d4 or Nxe5. However, you did see Nxc2+, sure, if you lose the knight it's bad, but if you don't then you're two pawns up and therefore winning! You can look at the lines yourself, the knight can't be won because Rf2 will be played if the king goes that way, and it's very strong. The ?? is because you lose your knight to a simple pin, even though you win his knight - for a pawn, so now it's equal again.} Nf3 25. Rf1 d4+ 26. Ke2 dxc3 27. bxc3 Nd4+ { G: I believed the only solution... E: You could have played something like Rf7 (threatens Nxe5) Rxf3 Rxf3 Kxf3, but then white's king is on f3, not f1. That can make a big difference. It is irritating that his structure is repaired, but you could have broken it up again (see later). Nd4+ is ok.} 28. cxd4 Rxf1 29. Kxf1 { G: My great w eakness: Pawns structure ! I often play this kind of endgame, and I often lose ! What are correct strategy in this position ? E: To make a draw, you must keep his king away. You can't do that by passively staying in the back and hope he doesn't get in, because he will. You must try to get your pawns forward where you are strong, so that his king has to stay behind to guard them. You have 3 vs 2 pawns on the queenside, so you could have attacked there. 29...c5! does that, and also, if he takes your king is close enough to take it back, and his pawns are bad again. I won't look at that, I think 29... c5 30.dxc5 must be at least a draw for you, he must try c3.} Kd7 ({ G: My great w eakness: Pawns structure ! I often play this kind of endgame, and I often lose ! What are correct strategy in this position ? E: To make a draw, you must keep his king away. You can't do that by passively staying in the back and hope he doesn't get in, because he will. You must try to get your pawns forward where you are strong, so that his king has to stay behind to guard them. You have 3 vs 2 pawns on the queenside, so you could have attacked there. 29...c5! does that, and also, if he takes your king is close enough to take it back, and his pawns are bad again. I won't look at that, I think 29...c5 30. dxc5 must be at least a draw for you, he must try c3.} 29... c5 30. c3 b5 $1 { Prevents white's a4, and takes more space. White still can't take on c5, so he brings his king closer.} 31. Ke2 c4 $1 { The breakthrough is setup. After this you play ...a5, and then white's king can never go past the 4th rank, since then you play ...b4, and one of your pawns promotes (cxb4 c3!). That is an important theme: if your pawns are far enough, you can sacrifice one or two to promote another. For the same reason, black can't go to the other side since then d5! will follow, and white's d or e pawn promotes. So this should be a draw.}) 30. Ke2 b6 31. a4 c5 32. c3 a5 33. Kd3 g5 34. Kc4 cxd4 35. cxd4 Kc6 { E: These last moves didn't do much for you. White is now winning since he can move his d-pawn. First he has to make you move away - but he has one tempo left with his h pawn! He can waste some time and you must move your king. You could have played ...g6 first so you could have done ...g5 now, but i'm not sure it would have helped.} 36. h3 Kc7 37. Kb5 $2 { E: This is wrong. White wins with d5! (see variations)} (37. d5 exd5+ { Black must take.} (37... Kd7 $2 { This is wrong, since white can now play d6, and your king is tied to the d-pawn. White can go win the b6 pawn, then the a5 pawn. You can try to keep his king out of there, but that's not possible since you can't go to c7.} 38. d6 Kc6 { As long as black can go to c6 when white is on c4, the white king stays away. But black must stay on b7 or d7 then to be able to get to c6, so he must move kc6-d7-c6-d7-c6 or something like that. But white can walk a triangle so he can enter c4 at the right moment!} 39. Kd4 Kd7 40. Kc3 $1 { black would like to go to c7 now, but he can't} Kc6 41. Kc4 $1 Kb7 { tries to defend to b6 pawn} 42. Kb5 Ka7 43. d7 { and white wins. if black leaves the b6 pawn, white also wins easily}) 38. Kxd5 Kd7 39. e6+ Ke7 40. Kc6 $1 { black quietly mops up the queenside pawns first while black is in the centre} Kxe6 41. Kxb6 Kd6 42. Kxa5 Kc5 43. Ka6 Kc6 44. a5 Kc7 45. Kb5 Kb7 46. Kc5 { and now the kingside pawns, black can never stop both those pawns} Ka6 47. Kd5 Kxa5 48. Ke6 Kb5 49. Kf6 Kc5 50. Kg6 Kd5 51. Kxh6 Ke5 52. Kxg5 { white wins}) 37... Kb7 38. d5 $4 { E: Suddenly black is winning!! After the better Kc4 Kc6 white has no tempo winning moves and black might hope for a draw. Now all is different - if black simply takes on d5, white's king can go nowhere, so he has to move pawns. Even when black's king is gone, white can only move to a6 or b6 - and then pawn d5 simply queens!} Kc7 $4 { G: My intention was to defend e6-Pawn. Where is the error ? You can't defend it anymore, white takes next move. Now black is lost.} ({ Suddenly black is winning!! After the better Kc4 Kc6 white has no tempo winning moves and black might hope for a draw. Now all is different - if black simply takes on d5, white's king can go nowhere, so he has to move pawns. Even when black's king is gone, white can only move to a6 or b6 - and then pawn d5 simply queens!} 38... exd5 39. e6 Kc7 40. e7 Kd7 41. Kxb6 d4 { black wins}) 39. dxe6 Kd8 40. Kxb6 Ke7 41. Kxa5 Kxe6 42. Kb6 { E: Now for some general comments. The game got off to a very quiet start, after some fifteen moves there had been no real confrontation, only quiet development moves and piece exchanges. Neither player seemed to know what to do. Then there was a short phase of about 10 moves of tactics - and with some big errors by both players. He gives a pawn away, then another, but you don't take it and give yours away. The mistakes made there were much bigger than anything else that happened in the game, except for the brief moment in the endgame with d5?? Kc7??. Now, all of these things were quite simple tactics - I know you can understand these things, and certainly you must know that you could get better at it with practice. The strategy is much harder - what's a good plan for black after move 10? I'm not sure. I gave one idea, but this is much harder, more subtle. AND: even if your strategy is as good as Karpov's, if you drop pawns or fail to win dropped pawns, it is useless. Conversely, do you see how many simple mistakes this player 250 points above you makes? Believe me, they also do it 500 points higher. The conclusion then is: get better at tactics. It's no use at all to learn openings or endgame strategy when you make big basic tactical mistakes. There is a simple way to learn tactics: practice. Solve diagrams with pins, skewers, forks etc from puzzle books, but also try to get into tactical situations in every game. You might lose more at first, but since you would do it every game, you'd soon improve a lot. Then we get to my last point: the Caro Kann is a very bad opening for this. It is a very strategical opening, good for masters who play for a draw as black, but it gives all the tactical opportunities to white in most lines, if black misses something; and in other lines like this one it leads to very saltless positions where you don't know what you should do. I suggest you play ....e5 in answer to 1.e4, since it often leads to positions where both players have something clear to do. And learn the basics - tactics, and the fight for the centre, something else that was almost entirely absent from this game. This advice is a bit of a cliche, but the proof is in your game - the first 15 moves had no influence on the result at all, and weren't very exciting either. You learn nothing from that part. Then a part that was understandable for lower players, but where both of you showed you can improve a lot there, and then a hard endgame. Take up the Caro Kann again when you are close to master level :-). And too bad you didn't win it, you were winning a few times. And now it's time for bed. Success.} 1-0 [Event "30 min game"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "AcidSatyr"] [Black "Fritz4.01"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A80"] [WhiteElo "1836"] [BlackElo "2670"] [Annotator "AcidSatyr/Killerman"] [PlyCount "52"] { I walk up this morningand found myself in blank and bored state (maybe its all that beer from last night). It was raining. "Damn", i tought, i really wanted to go outside. Well,good thing, i have computer. After searching on my game cd's, my sight stoped on Fritz4.01. Our last "encounter" was 2 months ago, when he crushed me (i always put him on high reatings). "Why not",i tought, a little "brain-coming-back" after last night "brain-kill" will do no harm. So i start the game, and put "Rated" option and set him on "unleashed" option. Bytheway,what the hack is that? What is the difference beetwen regular 2200 and unleashed, when the reating goes on 2700 or so?? (It'a imposible that game have such a strenght). Anyway, i decided that 30 min. will be just enough for him to beat me. I was White...} 1. d4 { I personally think that 1.d4 is somewhat better than 1.e4 against computer, maybe because Sicilian defense is very strong and open positions which arise, machine can be much better hande and calculate than i (well, daaa...). Killerman: I agree d4 is better and computers do not handle the blocked position that well. I have to say I have had good results against the Sicilian when playing computers.} f5 { I don't have much experience in Dutch , so i tried to find sideline and avoid theory...} 2. Nc3 { 2.Nc3 is always a good Anti-Dutch weapon.} Nf6 3. Bg5 d5 4. Bxf6 exf6 5. e3 Be6 6. Bd3 g6 7. Qf3 { Killerman: To this point we are following Browne-Byrne USA 1977 1-0. In that game Black now played c6 to strenghten the centre and allow the queen to come to b6 and pressure the queenside.} Bg7 $6 { Killerman: I dont like this move as I do not see the long-term potential of the bishop on this diagonal with the pawn sitting on f6.} 8. Nge2 c6 9. h3 { I remember reading a text from "Chess Life" by IM Jeremy Silman, when he sugested that White's plan of h2-h3 followed by g2-g4 and Kingside attack creates an interesting game. So i decidet to try it out, altough i just didn't beleve it will work agains such a strong opponent, and that i'll justoverextend e my attack at some point and die...Killerman: I have to agree that this is the plan but I prefer playing 0-0-0 first to connect the rooks. I do not see that this will slow you down as the position is blocked until you make the break. If there is one thing to learn here it is to attack at the right time and when the pieces are in the right position. If you attack too soon you find that you have to waste a move later on to complete development and that is just enough for the opponent to cover the attack. As computers do not shuffle pieces well I would have looked to manouvre first and then play g4. As it happens you get a very good position playing it your way. Silman's books are excellent and I would also recommend 'How to Reassess Your Chess' as another good read.} O-O 10. g4 fxg4 11. hxg4 Qe8 12. Nf4 Bf7 13. O-O-O h6 { Well, solid start, i tought,but it was time to develop a concrete plan (if it is possible). What's it gonna be...14.Rh2 or 14.e4 ... I decided to lift a rook on h-file... Killerman: This is a very nice position for White but not yet a clear cut win. Black has a sound if cramped defensive position and the key piece here has to be the g7 bishop which covers the key h6 pawn. Doubling rooks on the h-file looks attractive but where is the breakthrough coming from? I think e4 is a good idea too but would prepare it first with Rde1. Another interesting idea is Nh5! threatening to get rid of the g7 bishop liquidates the position and White ends up slightly better.} 14. Rh2 (14. Nh5 gxh5 15. Qf5 Bg6 16. Qxg6 Qxg6 17. Bxg6 hxg4 18. Bf5 Kf7 19. Rdg1 Na6 20. Rxg4 Nc7 21. Ne2 $16) 14... Nd7 15. Rdh1 g5 { Didn't expect this move,more to move the king to h7 or so and here i noticed that i have a really good game actually and that i can fight for draw. Yes draw was all i ever wanted...} ({ Killerman at first glance Ne5 looks that it might be good but Rxh6 puts paid to that.} 15... Ne5 16. dxe5 fxe5 { but} 17. Rxh6 $3 Bxh6 18. Qh3 Kg7 19. Qxh6+ Kf6 20. Bxg6 $18) 16. Nh5 Bxh5 { Killerman forced move else the g7 bishop goes and the position collapses} 17. Rxh5 Qe7 18. Bg6 $6 { Wow, i was so enlighted when i did this move... Is't like when you walk on nice sunny day when sudenly someone comes and slaps you!(or somthing like that). Analyzing game later i noticed that after Qf5 i could have better game...Killerman: This looks attractive but in reality the game can be won. Qf5 is as you say a very good line but even better is the sacrifice Rxh6} ({ Killerman:} 18. Rxh6 $3 Bxh6 { Black has to accept the rook} 19. Rxh6 f5 20. Rg6+ Kf7 21. gxf5 Nf6 22. e4 $18) 18... Nb6 19. Qf5 ({ Killerman:} 19. Rxh6 $3 { gets through again} Bxh6 20. Rxh6 f5 21. Qh1 Qg7) 19... Rad8 20. Bh7+ ({ Killerman:} 20. Rxh6 { leads to the draw that you find later} Bxh6 21. Rxh6 Rd7 22. Bh7+ Kh8 23. Bg6+ $11) 20... Kh8 21. Rxh6 { I know i saw atleast a draw here somewhere after this sacrifice!! Man,i'm so close and the game was only reaching its 21. move.} Bxh6 22. Rxh6 Rd7 23. Bg6+ { I was running out of time (2-3 min. or so) so i missed a simple 24. Qg6 Qg7 25.Qh5 when he would have to give up his Queen for Rook and a Bishop touhgt it would still leave him with solid game and i would lose the game on time(again...).} Kg8 24. Bh7+ Kh8 25. Bg6+ Kg8 26. Bh7+ Kh8 { Threefold repetiton and i was happy. Maybe i'm not such a passive player after all,i tought. I just couldn't "buy" taht his strenght was set on 2670 more like 1500-1600 or so. Maybe i'll finaly start winning some games! Well, i just have to show this miniature to someone, so there u go.Killerman: A well played game against Fritz. Well Done. Your play proved to give you the opportunities and Black never really got into the game which proves what we said at the start about blocked positions. You really only missed the earlier Rxh6. Well played, you proved that you can play chess after a heavynight!!} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "fics, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2001.08.26"] [Round "?"] [White "gnomko"] [Black "garlic"] [Result "1-0"] [WhiteElo "1433"] [BlackElo "1353"] [PlyCount "100"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] [TimeControl "20"] 1. e4 c6 { I love Caro-Kann ! I feeling it, my preferred defence (it's solid) Me too :)} 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 { And the Queen's Bishop is out (it's a great relief). This is one of reasons that I prefer Caro-Kann. That is the main advantage of Caro-Kann compared to French defence.} 5. Ng3 Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. Nf3 Nd7 { I know that the Knight in e5 is no good for black. That is true.} 8. Be2 e6 { Maybe Qc7 comes first ,I'am not sure,it prevents Bf4 or maybe you can play it later instead of Nf6 . Anyway the h2-b8 diagonal is important for black in this defence.Afther Qc7 and Bd6 white has problems on g3,also afther Qc7 white can't play Ne5.} 9. O-O Ngf6 10. Ne5 { ok, now isn't a problem. If you had your queen in c7 you didn't have to make your next move.} Nxe5 11. dxe5 Nd5 { Now you have sensibile square in d6,for example 12.Bd3 Bxd3 13.Qxd3 and white can later try to play c4,Td1 and Ne4-d6 (pretty anoying knight but if you exchange it he gets an free pawn right in the middle).You can still defend good but your game is harder then befor.White howevere didn't choose this plan. } 12. h5 Bh7 13. Bf3 Qb6 { This move I don't like too much.Maybe it was better to put it in c7 where it is not so exposed ( maybe it is just question of stile but I always see queen in c7 in positions like this :).} 14. Bxd5 { This move is also strange.It is true that your knight was good but now you will have c-file openede,white knight in g3 is cutted off (no e4 square),black bishop on h7-b1 diagonal is stronger than ever and in the end black has a bishop pair that here it isn't so important but it may get important later in the game.White could have played Be4 to exchange your strong bishop and to bring his knight in e4 (where he still wants to go in d6).} cxd5 { The c-column is open, and this is OK for me (i hoped). It is good ( one of the reasons why one queen in c7 was nice ) but white did not play sharp next moves.} 15. b3 { White could have played sharp Be3!? and if you take pawn afther: 15... Qxb2 16. Tb1 Qxe5 (or Qxa2) 17.Txb7 and you have some problems with your king while white is better developed. It may be risky for white to give a central pawn but he has initiative and I think he can be dangerous.} Bb4 { It ends up as loosing time.Maybe Tc8 right away was better: 15... Tc8 16.Be3 (white is trying defende c2 pawn somehow) Bc5 17.Bxc5 Qxc5 and the c2 pawn is lost! Even Qc7 wins a pawn (e5 or c2).} 16. Be3 Bc5 { Again Qc7 wins a pawn.(Have I told you that I like Qc7? :))} 17. Re1 Bxe3 18. fxe3 { and White has 2 double Pawns. This move I didn't understand.Why not Txe3. Now white position is really bad! White moved 17.Te1 I though he did it to take with a rock.White already had a position that I didn't like (afther he played Bxd5) but now he has only problems while black has to castle and he is fine.} O-O { Good!Some other moves wins material but there is no need to hurry white can do very little.} 19. Kh2 Rac8 { I wanted the C-column ! Good!} 20. Rc1 Rfd8 { If ...d4, I defend. Alternative is Rc3 right away to block white position and to double rocks on c file soon as possible.} 21. Qe2 d4 { You are following your plan,that is good.} 22. e4 { But now you loose some pressure on c2 pawn.} Rc3 23. Qf2 Qc5 { I saw the defendeless e5-Pawn. Qf4 defendes it but white is still in troubles.} 24. Re2 { Maybe Rf1 was better.} Qxe5 25. Rf1 f6 { I saw the threat Qxf7. There was a nice combination: 25... Rxg3! 26.Qxg3 Qxh4+ 27. ?? Qxe2 and you win a piece if 26.Qxf7+ then Kh8 and you still win a piece and your king is safe enaugh.} 26. Qf4 Qxf4 27. Rxf4 e5 28. Rf3 { I wanted occupy the c-column with my rooks.} Rdc8 29. Rxc3 Rxc3 30. Nf5 Bxf5 { I like this move ,now you have two central pawns ready to advance.} 31. exf5 Kf7 32. g4 b5 33. a3 a5 34. a4 b4 { This move is good ? Yes,advancing your a and b pawns was not so important but now this position gives no chances for white while black has clear plan...} 35. Kg2 Re3 { I don't know if this move is good. But What can I play now ? .. not this one!!(you loos your pawn for nothing!) You had to play Ke7-d6-d5 and then advance with your central pawns keeping your king near them.Anyway you still can win this game.} 36. Rxe3 dxe3 { And now here my great strategy problem: Pawns endgame ! Ok,the idea is to promote one pawn but you have to understand the position to find out the right one.I'll explain it afther your next few moves that are good (they centralise your king).} 37. Kf3 e2 38. Kxe2 { Ok,here we are. You both have the same material but your position is wone!Why?Because you have your e-pawn free while white has to loose many time to create one on the queen's side(on the king's side there is nothing he can do).Your e-pawn probabliy want promote ever but it will serve for one important thing: to keep the white king away from his pawns on the queen's sidewhile you eat them :). First of all you go with your king near his pawns.} Ke7 39. Ke3 Kd6 40. Ke4 Kc5 41. Kd3 Kd5 42. c4+ { White is desperate! If he plays Ke3 afther e5 he has to let your king in d4 (always closer and closer to his pawns)} bxc3 43. Kxc3 e4 { A passed Pawn, finally ! This move was not necessary!And it could have been wrong!Your pawn was doing fine job in e5 (always threating to addvance) while in e4 it is weak. You should have played Kc5 so white has no choice but to let you in b4 (finaly near his pawns) and then addvance your pawn until white has to go to stop it and then you eat both of his pawns: 43... Kc5! 44.Kd3 Kb4 45.Kc2 e4! (now it is going to promote and white can stop it only leaving his pawns) 46.Kd2 Kxb4 46.Kxe4 Kxa4 47.Kd3 Kb3 (and you promote your a pawn :)} 44. Kd2 Kd4 45. Kc2 { And now, what must I do ??? Advance the e-Pawn or... ? Great double. Now you have to calcolate (just a little). But still you shouldn't try to hard to promote e-pawn he serves just to move away white king: 45.... Kc5! (keep your king on the queen's side,I think it is only move that wins) 46.Kc3 e3 47.Kd3 Kb4 (and here we are again :)} Ke3 46. b4 Ke2 { Ach ! my opponent has a passed Pawn, too. This not was in my plan. Yes ,but you played bad move Ke2?? .You decided to promote your e-pawn so you have to protect squares infront of him not to be infront of him! Kf2 was the right move even you still have a game that leads to an draw.} 47. b5 e3 48. b6 Kf1 { Now you have to loose this tempo. } 49. b7 e2 50. b8=Q e1=Q { And I resigned (perhaps the game for me is not so bad, but...) Well, where are my errors ? Maybe you didn't have to resigne because game now becomes complicated. If you don't exchange queens it would be draw. Your opening was good (at least I liked it :) middlegame also only you have to seek for the simple combinations a bit more ,but I think that comes with time try to play more tacticle for some time( you will lose many games but your combinations will get better),your endgames has to be improved, reemember some priciples: first of all centralise your king an try to keep opponents king away, then look how to make an free pawn (that doesnt have to be promoted always but it is a strong weapon),when you make it try to pin down opponent king in defence and try to use zugzwang. If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact me. P.S. sorry for my english :)} 1-0 [Event "Brazilian NorthEast local tourney 2001 2"] [Site "?"] [Date "2001.04.29"] [Round "?"] [White "ComeCom"] [Black "MM"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "A17"] [WhiteElo "1763"] [BlackElo "1886"] [Annotator "ComeCom and Bracco"] [PlyCount "100"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4 4. g3 b6 5. Bg2 Bb7 6. Qc2 O-O 7. O-O a6 8. b3 Qe7 { -Annotator- This sounds suspect to me. I can't see any good reason for black to throw away two tempo trying to trade the dark-square bishops. Definitely development of pieces was better} 9. Bb2 $2 { -Annotator- Why not a3 instead? With a3 you will have forced black to loose the bishop pair, pointing out how ineffective was his plan started with 7...,a6} Ba3 10. Rfe1 Bxb2 11. Qxb2 h6 12. Rad1 c5 13. e4 d6 14. Qc2 $6 { -Annotator- this is mysterious to me. The queen was better placed in b2, eventually supporting the further advance of the e4 pawn} Nc6 15. d4 cxd4 $2 { -Annotator- there's no hurry for black to take in d4. He is late in development, better was to put a rook in d8 or c8} 16. Nxd4 Nxd4 17. Rxd4 Rac8 18. Red1 Rfd8 { -Annotator- White is better. The pawn in d6 is a clear target} 19. e5 { -Annotator- Too early. How about Qd2? Now e5 is a tremendous threat} Bxg2 20. exf6 Qb7 21. Rxd6 { White missed fxg7 -Annotator- Here is not important the single move white can have missed. What is important to notice here is that white had a clear plus and throw it away because of his impatience. Now black has some counterplay based on his strenght on the long diagonal. The game is complicated} Rxd6 22. Rxd6 Bh1 { Black threatened mate whith Qg2#} 23. f4 gxf6 24. Qd2 { f5 pawn advance was missed by white. Could expose black's king, weakening black's position.-Annotator- I prefer the text move. You can play f5 later, in better conditions} Bf3 25. h3 { White desired to prevent Bg4 followed by Bh3, whith permanent threats agains white's king. -Annotator- h3 is a waste of time. Have a look on f5 now....} Bh5 26. Qf2 $2 { White missed g4 with threats against black's bishop. -Annotator- In my opinion Qf2 is a serious mistake. The attack of the b6 pawn is easily met by Rc6!, not to mention the fact that the Queen left the "d" file and the "X-ray" threat to h6. The immediate f5 was still good. The double attack to the pawn e6 and the pawn h6 is very dangerous for black.} (26. g4 Bg6 27. f5 exf5 28. Nd5 $18) (26. f5 $1 Rc6 (26... exf5 27. Qxh6 Bg6 28. Nd5 $1 $18) (26... Kg7 27. fxe6 fxe6 28. Rxe6 Bf7 29. Rd6 { White is a pawn up and has the better position}) 27. fxe6 Rxd6 28. Qxd6 fxe6 29. Qxe6+ Bf7 30. Qxf6 { With a winning position for white}) 26... Rc6 27. Qg2 { Pinning the Black's Rook, forcing a queen trade -Annotator- Personally I don't like the queen trade. You were playing this game on the board, weren't you? Why not to keep your pieces with Rd8 check and then Qd2? In a OTB game to put your opponent under pressure is more important than a positional advantage. The Rook+minor piece ending is far from be easy! Two heavy pieces dominating a file is a bad enemy to dealwith!} (27. Rd8+ Kg7 28. Qd2 $14) 27... Rc7 28. Qxb7 Rxb7 29. Rd8+ { White had good moves like f5 or Na4, but played Rd8+ to forces black's king into g7, impeding him to f8 and e7, when it could protect the d file. This was not a good choice, but white still has the advantage. -Annotator- I believe that f5 is much better tha Na4. See the following variations. Once more, to move the Knight to peripheral squares like a4 is a poor choice.} ({ -Annotator-} 29. Na4 $6 b5 30. cxb5 axb5 31. Nc5 Ra7 $132) (29. f5 Kf8 30. fxe6 Ke7 31. exf7 $3 Bxf7 (31... Kxd6 $4 32. f8=Q+) 32. Rd4 { with a clear advantage for white}) 29... Kg7 30. Kf2 { Going to the center.} Rc7 ({ -Annotator-} 30... e5 { doesn't work because of} 31. g4 Bg6 32. f5) 31. Ke3 { Again, f5 or g4 were good moves, or the correct use of the rook whith Rd6 or Ra8.-Annotator- I partially disagree. Yes, you mentioned two correct ideas. In addition, you can play f5 whenever you like; now, whit your king in e3, f5 is a serious threat. All you plans become stronger now. The king in the center is a MUST in the endgame. One should put his king in the center and then choose a plan, and not to do these things in the reverse order!} b5 { -Annotator- Black plays an active move after a long time....} 32. Kd4 $2 { White is moving his king to an endangered position.-Annotator-Kd4 is a passive move. Look at the following variation:} (32. g4 Bg6 33. f5 exf5 34. Nd5 Rc5 35. Kd4 Rc6 36. c5 $36 { I think that the c5 passed pawn is a big trouble for black. One should tell himself:"Ok, my opponent is threathening something. Can I meet his threat with a counter-threat (hopefully a correct one!-analysis are fundamental)? If the answer is "NO" I must play a defensive move. This is not the case"}) 32... bxc4 33. bxc4 e5+ 34. fxe5 fxe5+ { White is losing all his advantages.-Annotator- Is sad to see how a promising position can fall down after a single weak move} 35. Kd5 f6 { Black didn't played Bf3+ and white could play c5, with c4 to go with his king.-Annotator- I think that f6 is a correct move because the Bishop is not a bad bishop anymore. Now f7 is a wonderful square for him!} 36. c5 Bf3+ 37. Kd6 { White missed Kc4, the correct move. It's begining white's defeat.-Annotator- I think that the white defeat has began at move 32. Kd4?. In a OTB game psicology is very important: you were better for a long time, then you suddenly loose your advantage: this is like a psicological KO, difficult to recover from. In such a condition in most cases a blunder follow another blunder...} Rc6+ 38. Kd7 Rxc5 39. Rc8 Rxc8 40. Kxc8 Bg2 41. h4 Kg6 { -Annotator- Black has a winning position} 42. Nd1 Bd5 43. a3 Kf5 44. Ne3+ Ke4 45. Ng4 { A blunder. White had lost his concentration with the last moves.-Annotator- Once more, white king is far from the center....} Be6+ 46. Kb7 Bxg4 $19 47. Kxa6 Kd3 48. a4 e4 49. Kb5 e3 50. a5 e2 { White resign ed.*****Copyright freechess.org ***** Use this file for personal use only.} 0-1 [Event "TL 45 45 - 11 (4)"] [Site "freechess.org-nitreb"] [Date "2001.10.08"] [Round "4"] [White "Nitreb"] [Black "Justjanie"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C30"] [WhiteElo "1333"] [BlackElo "1471"] [PlyCount "38"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] { Hi. My name is ElOso on FICS, I'll comment on your game. It's pretty hard to comment on this game, since apart from the last few moves, you were playing better than your opponent. It's probably more useful to submit a game where you were outplayed instead - then we can look at what you did wrong, and you can learn something. Where both of us had a comment, I've marked yours with N: and mine with E:.} 1. e4 e5 2. f4 d6 { N: A solid move, but I think it's too passive against the King's Gambit: White may be able to get a favourable Spanish-type setup with f4 already played. In my opinion, although it entails more risks Black should play more actively by taking the gambit pawn, and then try to keep it by pushing g5 at some point like in the Fischer or Kieseretsky Defences. Other good choices are the Modern and Cunningham defences. E: This move by itself isn't passive - black can still take on the next move and go into the Fischer defence, for instance. If Black wants to keep it closed, it might be better to get the Bishop out to c5 first. But this can't really be a bad move by itself.} 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. Bb5 { N: Trying to put e5 under pressure. E: You compared this to "a Spanish with f4 already played". I don't think that's a very useful comparison - f4 totally changes the position. For instance, after 0-0 and Nf6, in the Spanish white often covers his pawn with Re1, to build a center with c3 and d4, in the meantime giving his bishop a safe spot on c2. Both Re1 and the c3-d4 plan don't look good with f4 already played. I think Bc4, aiming for f7, looks more logical.} Bd7 5. O-O Nf6 6. Nc3 { N: Another possibility is d3. E: As said, if this position was like a Spanish, then you'd play Re1 here :-). What's the difference between d3 and Nc3? For one thing, that playing one of them keeps the option of not playing the other. So d3 keeps the option Nbd2 open, and Nc3 keeps the option d4 open.} a6 { This is almost invariably played in that kind of position. Perhaps I should consider playing Bc4 in light of my comments on White's next move.} 7. Be2 { N: Maybe not the best move. Bxc6 should be considered more closely. However, this means giving the bishop pair to Black and since I've become more sensible lately to the power of the bishop pair, I tend to keep it. Another reason is that I don't see clearly what kind of compensation White would get in this position from exchanging bishop for knight: bxc6 gives Black a strong centre, and Bxc6 will put the Bishop on a nice diagonal that Black could try later to open by pushing d5. I did not want to play Ba4 either for the same reason: After b5, White has to exchange or must play Bb3 and after Na5 Black will force the exchange. Compare the situation here with the one in the Spanish Exchange, where White gets a clear compensation for the exchange of his bishop. E: I believe Bxc6 is consistent. If that is better for Black, then it was Bb5 that was wrong, not taking on c6. After that, a position arises where White must make outposts for his knights, and keep it closed as much as possible - like 7.Bxc6 Bxc6 8.fxe5 dxe5 9.d3 or something, when White has reasonable prospects.} h6 { An unnecessary weakening of the king's position. Although it's not exploitable at the moment, it will put Black in a difficult position later on. Better would have been to continue development with Be7.} 8. d3 { 8.d4!? (se e the comment to Nc3) was an option - you have an advantage in development, Black's king is in the centre, let's open it up. In this case, the king can castle easily, but it gives White a little more space and changes the style of play a bit. A matter of taste.} (8. d4 exd4 9. Nxd4 Be7 10. Be3 O-O) 8... Be7 9. Be3 { E: This is an automatic development move that doesn't do much. 9.Nd5!? was probably better, since Black can't take the knight very well because of the pressure on e5, and you threaten to get the bishop pair whenever you want it.} (9. Nd5 Nxd5 10. exd5 Nd4 11. fxe5 Nxf3+ 12. Bxf3 dxe5 13. Re1 Bd6 14. d4 { White is clearly better.}) 9... O-O 10. Qe1 { N: Here I began to think about an attack: White has a space advantage on the king side, the black king has just castled there and there is the weakness introduced in Black's king position when he played h6. I was trying to imagine one of those fantasy positions Silman writes about in his books: Queen on f3, f-pawn on f5, sacrificing the dark square bishop on h6 and the possible idea of a rook lift Rf1-f3-h3. E: One of the things Silman explains about fantasy positions is that you should see if Black can defend even if you manage to obtain your fantasy position. With the queen on f3 (where did the knight go?) Bxh6 doesn't look that dangerous since Black can probably defend with ...Rg8 and ...Qf8.} Nb4 { N: I often miss these nasty knight moves. E: Well, this one isn't so nasty, as you can defend c2. It's also a bad move - it would be good only if it could be used to push ...d5 to get some counterplay in the center, but that's not possible yet because of fxe5. Black should have waited with this until after White played f5.} 11. Rc1 Nc6 { E: Black seems to realize her mistake, and has to go back to defend e5, making the knight excursion a total waste of time.} 12. f5 { Starting the attack.} Bc8 { E: Black still wants to answer White's wing attack with a counter attack in the center - but by now that costs so much time with moves like this, and so much time is already lost, that there's no hope that it will work. On the other hand, I don't see a way to organize a defense either.} 13. Nd2 d5 { E: The counter attack - as it happens, it also has the drawback of allowing White's f6 after Nxd5, opening the line for the rook. But at least it's consistent and might give Black's pieces some activity for maybe a final schwindle.} 14. Qg3 Kh8 { Getting out of the pin threat. For example, 14...d4 15. Bxh6 and how does Black survive?} 15. exd5 Nxd5 16. Nxd5 Qxd5 17. f6 { Opening the line for the rook. Unfortunately, these operations have also caused some exchanges and given Black more piece activity - it's the right plan, but not without risk.} Bxf6 18. Rxf6 { Interesting! Bxh6 would have won the pawn back, but there is no clear followup. After Rxf6 White's attack should win, but you need a very good eye for tactics in positions like this - but that's the King's Gambit :).} Nd4 { N: This came as a surprize. I was expecting gxf6 and intended to play next Bxh6 which I thought would win. However, it would have been a very bad idea since it's instead winning for Black. The right move is either Ne4 or Qh4. E: Nd4 is just a blunder, costing a piece. After gxf6, Qh4! is the right move. See variations. } (18... gxf6 19. Bxh6 (19. Ne4 Ne7 20. Qh4 Ng8 21. Rf1 { and the attack goes on.}) (19. Qh4 Nd4 20. Ne4 { with the same kind of position. }) 19... Rg8 20. Qh4 Qxg2#) (18... gxf6 19. Qh4 { This prevents Black from playing ...Rg8, and attacks like this tend to work better when the queen comes first anyway.} f5 { Black must play ...f5 first to prevent Ne4. Now White would like to play 20.Bxh6, threatening terrible checks, but unfortunately Black can exchange queens with 20...Qd4+! 21.Qxd4 Nxd4, when Black is maybe even slightly better. So White has two options: 20.Qxh6+ or the wild 20.Ne4!? that sacrifices a piece just to stop the queen exchange with ...Qd4+. I haven't been able to find a win in either line, but maybe you can - analyzing this out is your homework.} 20. Qxh6+ Kg8 21. Ne4 $1 { The threat of Nxf6# is so strong that Black has to give her queen for the knight. She also wins back a rook, but that's not enough.}) 19. Bxh6 { N: Either I did not see the fork or I thought the bishop was protected somehow through magic. The result is the same: a lost game. To bring back the rook to f2 was the only move. After that, White is up a piece and probably winning:} (19. Rf2 Qxa2 20. Qxe5 Nxe2+ 21. Rxe2) 19... Nxe2+ { N: Nitreb resigns E: You can talk so much about a game, but moves like this make it all irrelevant... In my experience, you make blunders like this less and less, over time. On the whole, the strangest thing in this game is that I don't think White was actually winning yet, even though Black lost so much time. Apparently the direct attack was too direct after all, and White should have spent some time restricting Black's center first. If you want to talk about this review, you can contact me (ElOso, that's eLoso) on FICS so we can meet some time, even though I think we're in different timezones.} 0-1 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "fics, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2001.11.30"] [Round "?"] [White "TechnoDestructo"] [Black "theep"] [Result "1-0"] [WhiteElo "1681"] [BlackElo "1700"] [Annotator "TechnoDestructo, tomaro"] [PlyCount "86"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] { Although I won this game, it was very close. I submit this game because I find it harder for me to analyse my mistakes in games I've won. I know I made them, but where? This is where I hope you can help me.} 1. d4 Nf6 { I just found out this is the Indian Defense. I think my first mistake is not studying enough opennings. tomaro: Since you didn't play 2.c4 this opening will finish as Pirc Defense not one of the Indian defenses.} 2. Nc3 { tomaro: Maybe better was 2.Nf3 to keep possibilty of pushing in c4 which is the most active plan in d4 d5 systems.Now black can play 2. .. e6 3.e4 d5 and go in to French Defense or can simply play 2. .. d5 and prevent 3.e4 (unless you want to play Blackmar-Diemer gambit,I never did :)) and black has no problems afther 3. Bg5 Bf5 4.Nf3 e6.} g6 3. e4 { Not knowing the openning I decided for a classic center. tomaro: Since black didn't play d5 this move is good and black has to play carefully.} Bg7 4. Nf3 d6 5. Bf4 { tomaro: I looked for similary games and usually white plays Be3.Anyway Bf4 seems fine.} Nbd7 6. Bc4 O-O 7. Qd3 $2 { Maybe I should also have castled here, I kind of got distracted and let it go too long. tomaro: Yes 7.0-0 was much better,7.Qd3 is not good , alternatives were:} (7. e5 { doesn't look good because after} dxe5 8. dxe5 Nh5 9. Qd2 Nb6 ( 9... Nxf4 { is inferior because after} 10. Qxf4 Nb6 11. Rd1 { black has problems} ) 10. Bb5 Nxf4 11. Qxf4 c6 { black has at least equality}) (7. Qd2 { threathing o exchange darksquare bishops with Bh6 and then maybe castle on the queen's side and start pushing your pawns on the king's side with good game.}) 7... c5 8. dxc5 { probably you did well not blocking your light square bishop by playing:} (8. d5 { for example after} a6 9. a4 Ng4 10. h3 Nge5 11. Nxe5 Nxe5 12. Bxe5 Bxe5 13. O-O { black has comfortable game and could start a king-side attack with interesting move} g5 { which paralyzes white king-side pawns}) 8... Nxc5 { Gah, why didn't I think of that :) He harassed me pretty good for a while, shook me up. tomaro: Now was much better 8.Qe2 right away.} 9. Qe3 $2 Ng4 { here black missed} (9... Qb6 { gaining a pawn with attack on b2 and the threat of taking in e4 for example} 10. Rb1 Ncxe4 11. Nxe4 Qxe3+ { this intermediate was not possible afther 9.Qe2} 12. Bxe3 Nxe4) 10. Qe2 Be6 11. h3 { tomaro: This seems a loss of time,black knight doesn't do anything good in g4 :)} Bxc4 12. Qxc4 Bxc3+ { tomaro: Fr om now on you should try to keep dark square bishop on the board to exploit weakness of dark squares around black king.} 13. bxc3 b5 14. Qb4 { tomaro: Why didn't you take in b5? Maybe you didn't notice black has still his knight attacked.Following variation shows it} (14. Qxb5 e5 (14... Nf6 15. e5) 15. Bg5 Nf6 16. Nd2) 14... a5 { I hate protecting pawns with my Queen!} 15. Qxb5 Nf6 16. e5 Nd5 17. exd6 { tomaro: here was better try to keep the dark square bishop:} ( 17. Bd2 Qc7 18. exd6 exd6 19. O-O { now you have a pawn and your king is safe but black has very active pieces at the moment.}) 17... exd6 { At this point I'm REALLY regretting not having castled. I'm trying to find a way to gain a tempo, but no way is for sure. So I try something, and he takes it, luckly.} 18. Bg5 f6 $2 { tomaro: bad move,afther the following variant black has exchanged queens (so his weakness around his king is not a big problem any more) , won back the pawn and white has a bad position.} (18... Qe8+ 19. Qxe8 Rfxe8+ 20. Kf1 (20. Kd2 Ne4+) 20... Nxc3) 19. Qc4 fxg5 20. Qxd5+ { woo, my tempo! tomaro: you lucky... :)} Kg7 21. O-O Rf5 22. Qd4+ Kh6 23. Rfd1 Ra6 24. Rd2 Ne6 25. Qc4 Rb6 { This my opponent proclaimed as a mouse slip after I took his knight. However no move from his rook would have protected the knight, so I'm not so sure. This was however the move that really turned the tides. tomaro: even after correct 25.Nc5 white still has a good game.} 26. Qxe6 d5 27. Qe1 { tomaro: here the game is already won :) but there are always better and worse ways to show it.Here was better Qe3 to keep the queen in active postition.} Qd7 28. Rad1 Rxf3 { My opponent became desperate with very little time and was simply trying something. Caught me off guard so I'd say it was a good move even though it wasn't a good move.} 29. gxf3 Qxh3 30. Qe5 Re6 31. Qh2 Qxh2+ 32. Kxh2 Rc6 33. Rxd5 Rxc3 34. Rc1 { tomaro: here was better to eliminate his a-pawn with Rxa5 and finish the game pushing your a pawn until promotion or:} (34. Kg2 Kg7 (34... Rxc2 35. Rd7 Rc4 36. Rh1+) 35. Rxa5) 34... Ra3 35. Kg2 Rxa2 36. c4 a4 37. c5 a3 38. c6 Rb2 39. c7 a2 40. c8=Q Rb1 41. Qf8+ Kh5 42. Rdd1 g4 43. Rh1+ Kg5 { Black resigned since f4 is checkmate. I really enjoyed this game, but I'm very sure that I made more mistakes than just those I pointed out. If I didn't I'd be much higher than 1700! Also, this is my first submission, so let me know what kind of comments would be helpful for me to include. Thanks, Neal tomaro: your comments are helpful,however more comment (like what idea is behind some move or what do you think about the position on the board) is always useful :). Feel free to contact me for comments or questions.Ciao, Toma.} 1-0 [Event "Edited game"] [Site "OEMCOMPUTER"] [Date "2001.11.23"] [Round "?"] [White "Majno"] [Black "-"] [Result "0-1"] [Annotator "Majono, ElOso"] [PlyCount "86"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. d4 { E: Hi! In this review I concentrated more on verbal comments than variations. In general I think a weakness of your game is that you don't play with a well thought out plan yet. A very good book on this subject is Silman's "How to reassess your chess", I highly recommend it.} Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 c5 5. d5 { M:Out of the openig books. E: I feel this move can't be very good. The pawn formation becomes fixed very early, I think that is to black's advantage here. In the game this shows because it is easier for black to find squares for his pieces.} Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 d6 7. Nf3 { M: An error, I think. Now I can' t avoid the black push his the pawn to e4.E: Yes, Bd3 was the move.} e5 8. Qc2 { M: To play e4 if the black loss the chance.} O-O { M: Missing the chance to push the pawn to e4. The black could get the advantage with 8...e4 9.Nd2 or 9.Ng5 9...Bf5 10.f3, Te8 and the black keep the square e5.E: Black is sticking to strictly 'correct' strategy: he has traded off his black square bishop, and now he puts his centre pawns on black. But probably in this case ...e4 was indeed better, since the white bishops stay locked in and the e5 square is juicy.} 9. e4 Qa5 { E: Black is trying to put some pressure on White's queenside pawns, but I don't see how he can get anything concrete here.An advantage of the quick d5 is that he can't play ...Nc6-a5, a standard way to attack pawn c4 (with ...b6 and ...Ba6).} 10. Bd3 { M: Is Be2 better?E: That depends on your plan. Your white square bishop is pretty bad at themoment, it looks like a big pawn. There are three things you could do aboutit: break open the centre so it gets more freedom, move it outside the pawn chain, or trade it off. Moving it to a4 doesn't look very promising, and slow. Moving it to g4 also takes a lot of preparation because it needs too much protection, so let's ignore that. Let's look at the overall plan first. On the queenside, we have a half open line, but also doubled pawns. Black has no weaknesses. If we put pressure on the b file, we might eventually provoke b7-b6, then move a4-a5xb6 to create a weak pawn, and pressure it, but it's a very slow plan, and even if it all works, it's not hard for black to defend a pawn on b6.The center is currently locked up. The break f2-f4 is the only way to try to open it, but Black isn't forced to take on f4. However if he moves, say,f4 Re8 fxe5 dxe5, we get a supported passed pawn on d5 that is a trump in the endgame.If he does take, or retakes with a piece on e5, the e pawn becomes mobile and the d3 bishop and c2 queen would become active. This should look promising. On the kingside there isn't much to do yet. His king is there, but ours will also probably go there. An immediate pawn storm doesn't seem to have much chance as Black has no weakness and our bishop and queen are out of play a bit.In total, I'd go for Bd3, with the idea of f2-f4 (the knight moves to f5, if possible - if Black takes, our e-pawn restrict the pieces a bit less already).} Bg4 11. Nd2 { M: During the game I thougt to develope the queen bishop in e3 or in g5. If the black take in f3, I could keep the king in the centre, where I don' t think it is in danger (the centre is close), and try to attack the king side with Tg1, Bg5, Dd2 and f4. But I didn' t want loss to opportunity of the short castle, so I played 11.Nd2. Besides after the game the opponent told me he didn' t take in f3. Was 11.Be3 or 11.Be5 better?E: The better move is 11.Nh4! f3-h4-f5 is a faster route than f3-d2-f1-g3-f5, and doesn't block the bishop on c1.Nf5 and f4 are coming up, and probably 0-0 to get the rook on the soon to be opened f-file. If black tries to prevent Nf5 with the weakening 11.Nh4 g6, white simply plays 12.0-0 with f4-f5 coming, black can't even play Nbd7since f3 locks up the black bishop.} Nbd7 12. Rb1 { E: This move fits in with the queenside plan, but is quite useless for other plans. You should choose a plan based on the position's characteristics, and then stick to it!} Rab8 13. Rb5 { M: I don' t know if this move was a good idea. I could try to increase thebressure on the b line with o-o, a4, Ba3, Tfb1 and a5. If the black pushed the pawn to b6 and took in a5, I could play against the weak pawns on the aline. During the game I thougt this plan take too many moves. Besides the bishop in a3 will be causig holdup, so I will have to spend another move tobring it in c1. So I decide for an attack to the king side, but the Tb5 wasout of play. Besides the queen from c7 in the game will defend effectively the seventh line.E: This move (and the previous one) is only good if you are going to play for the queenside plan. Even if you are, 0-0 also fits in with that plan and keeps more options open.The whole plan is of course quite slow. But you should have noticed that a few moves ago when you had to choose a plan, not a few moves into it!Note, by the way, that all black's pieces are on nice-looking squares, but he has no good plan, as far as I can see. All the active things he can go for (b7-b5, f7-f5, exchanging the white bishop) relieve you of some of yourproblems. Still, he had to choose a plan, and not move around aimlessly theway he's going to do. He could go for his own kingside attack, with Qd8 now, then Nh5-f4 and f7-f5 (if e4xf5, then Nxd3 before taking back). This plan could well be faster than yours, and your king is still in the center.} Qc7 { On c7 the queen only defends b7 and d6, pawns that don't need defending since they aren't attacked (the b7 pawn can move to b6 soon and be safe there). So I prefer Qd8.} 14. f3 Bh5 15. Nf1 { Now you're ing for a kingside plan, moving the knight to f5. But that means the rook on b5 is out of play!Maybe 15.Nb3 (threat 16.Na5 b6 17.Nc6) b6 16.a4 would be more consistent...No oops 16..a6 loses a rook :). Plans are nice, but tactics are most important.} Bg6 { This move (and the next two of his) don't do much.} 16. Ng3 Nh5 17. Ne2 { Going for g4, which looks nice, but is also weakening. With your king in the middle and a rook out of play that may be a bit dangerous.} Rbe8 18. g4 { With the queen on d8 (and also the rook still on b8, of course) ideas likethis would have been risky because of Qh4+ all the time.} Nhf6 { White has a space advantage on the kingside, but no attack yet. Black's pieces are better positioned if the position were to open up a bit. I thinkthe possibility of ...h5 soon for Black gives him a slight advantage.} 19. Ng3 Kh8 { Black is impressed and thinks he has to defend.} (19... h5 20. g5 (20. gxh5 Nxh5 21. Nxh5 Bxh5 22. O-O { This seems less dangerous for white, but I don't think there is any possibility of an attack left.}) 20... Nh7 21. O-O f6 22. gxf6 Nhxf6 23. Qg2 { Black is slightly better here, I think.}) 20. h4 h6 { M: During the game I was afraid of 20...h5, because I couldn' t see how continue effectively the attack opening the line. 21.gxh5, Bxh5 is good forthe black. After 21.g5, Ng8 the black is very holdup, but how continue effectively the attack? Ma be exploiting the bad position of the balck pieces for an attack on the queen side? If yes, how moves do you suggest? But after this line can' t the black play f6 and open the f line? I think that doing that the black rooks are strong on the f line and my king begin to be in danger. At the end, was 20...h6 good of an error?E: You are right, 20...h5 is still good here. Not only can you not continuethe attack after 21.g5 Ng8 (or Nh7), but you don't even have an attack at the moment, and he can take over the initiative with ...f6 on the next move.} 21. h5 { M: Was 21.g5, Ng8 22.gxh5, Nxh5 23.Bxh5, gxh5 better? I think that also opening the g linee my attack are uneffective. The black rook seem to can conquer the g linee. But may be I could continue without opening the g line. If yes how?E: He has his king, a knight, a bishop, two rooks and a pawn shield in immediate defense and his queen and another knight nearby. You try to attack with a bishop, a rook and a knight, and some pawns. That won't work!First you must get your rook on b5 back into the game, and your queen into the attack.Your knight should also be place on f5 before the breakthrough. There isn'tthat much he can do in the meantime.} Bh7 22. Nf5 { M: Was g5 better?E: No, this is good. First get your pieces to the right squares, then breakthrough. In fact, probably Qg2 and Rb2 first was better (see later on).} Ng8 23. g5 { I don't think this is good; Black can lock up everything immediately with Bxf5 exf5 f6. Without g5, you could reply gxf5 and try to concentrate everything on the half open g file.In fact, because of this, it was probably better to play Qg2 (or h2) and Rb2 with some battery setup on the g file first, before Nf5, to make the capture on f5 impossible.} Bxf5 24. exf5 Nb6 { Black misses his chance to lock up! You should have played 25.f6! now to keep something going, on general principle. For the first time, you have a concrete attack, which seems rather dangerous. 24...Nb6 is quite a bad mistake.} (24... f6 { White's attack is over, similar to the game.}) 25. Qg2 { And therefore, so is this.} ({ Black misses his chance to lock up, you could have played 25.f6! now to keep something going, on general principle.} 25. f6 { Notice how big the bishop suddenly becomes after the pawn is finally gone!} gxf6 26. gxh6 Ne7 27. h7 e4 28. fxe4 Kxh7 29. Qd2 Ng8 30. Rg1 { This is winning for White, the threats (like Qd2-g2-g7#) are too much. But there may have been better moves for Black, this is an example.} f5 31. Rxg8 Kxg8 32. Qg5+ Kh8 33. Qh6+ Kg8 34. Rb2) 25... f6 { The attack of the withe is end. Where I could play better?} 26. gxh6 gxh6 27. Qg6 { E: It turns out that this just leads to mass exchanges, and you should avoid those all the time because the pawns make his knights much stronger than your bishops.} Qh7 28. Rb2 { Too late.} Re7 29. Rg2 Rg7 30. Qxh7+ Kxh7 31. Rhg1 Rff7 32. Rg6 Re7 33. Kd1 Nd7 34. Be4 Nf8 35. Rxg7+ { I don' t see how avoid the change of the rooks. 35.Tg2, Txg2 33.Txg2, Tg7 and if I avoid the change of the second rook the black get the frist or thesecond line.} Rxg7 36. Rxg7+ Kxg7 { M: Is the game already lost?E: Quite possible. You have many pawn weaknesses, and your white square bishop is basically a pawn as well. The black bishop is 'good' in theory, but in fact it can't go anywhere either. This is a position for knights.} 37. f4 Nd7 38. Ke2 Ne7 39. Kf3 Nc8 40. Ke3 Ncb6 41. Kd3 exf4 42. Bxf4 Ne5+ 43. Bxe5 { M: May be I could try still to play a little bit giving the pawn in c4.E: I doubt it, the knight on e5 was very powerful anyway.} fxe5 { The black won easily.} 0-1 [Event "Brazilian NorthEast Tournament Nordestao"] [Site "?"] [Date "2001.04.29"] [Round "?"] [White "DS"] [Black "ComeCom"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "E70"] [WhiteElo "1775"] [BlackElo "1763"] [Annotator "ComeCom, Aatesin, Aeneas"] [PlyCount "111"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Be3 O-O 6. Bd3 Ng4 { CC: black is trying exchanging pieces to make more space and to get the bishop pair ACA: The plan of openning the center as fast possible as you seem to be doing here can be risky. But by attacking the bishop and the pawn on d4 you pressurised your opponent. White should have tried f3 earlier or 6. Nf3 taking the pressure of his bishop on e3. Ng4 then would have the game about equal which would give black what he wants from the oppening. Aeneas: The normal 6th white move is 6.f3. So your knight's move is perfectly logical here, However, we could contemplate here the simpler 6...e5 which gives a good game to Black.} 7. Qe2 Nxe3 { ACA: e5 seems better here, giving you a slight plus. Nxe3 allows for an equal position. Here is some analysis. There is no need for expediently taking the bishop. You have the pressure so it is best to continue it.} (7... e5 8. d5 (8. dxe5 Nxe5 9. Rd1 Nbc6 10. Nf3 Bg4 11. h3 Nxd3+ 12. Rxd3 Bxf3) 8... Nxe3 9. Qxe3 f5 10. Nge2 Nd7 11. O-O Nc5) 8. Qxe3 Nc6 9. Nge2 f5 { CC: fighting against white's center. ACA: d5 followed by Nb4 seems better here. You should opt not to open up the center so fast. Whites position is cramped. Openning up the center will free his pieces for active play. (9... e5 10. d5 Nb4 11. Bb1 f5) Aeneas: 9...e5 seems more natural here. Your move weakens your kingside. Attacking on the kingside with f5 in King-Indians is better when the centre is closed, when the centre is stabilized. So first e5, then f5 is the right plan I think.} 10. exf5 Bxf5 { CC: developing a piece, weakening white's center and opening the f file for the f8 rook ACA: True but white has opened up the center and his pieces are able to enter the game} 11. Bxf5 Rxf5 12. O-O { CC: peharps white could castled in the queenside, that appears to be more safe ACA: even better is d5. Aeneas: Yes, the white king should go on thequeenside, but I think that White had to engage fight now with 12.h4. This move can give White an interesting initiative. Let's look some possible variations:} (12. d5 Ne5 13. Qe4 c6 14. f4) (12. h4 Qd7 13. h5 e5 14. d5 Nd4 15. O-O-O Nxe2+ (15... Rxh5 16. Rxh5 gxh5 17. f3 (17. Rh1 $6 Qf5 18. Ne4 Bh6 19. Qxh6 Nxe2+ 20. Kd2 Qxe4 21. Qe6+ Kg7 22. Qe7+ Kh6 23. Qf6+ Qg6 24. Qxg6+ hxg6 25. Kxe2 Rf8 $17) 17... Qf5 18. Ne4 { with compensation for the pawn.}) 16. Qxe2 { with good play for White.}) 12... e5 { ACA: good move. By this move you have blocked the center for whites pieces (finally! :) ). Aeneas: A good move: Black not keep the e7 pawn behind.} 13. dxe5 Nxe5 14. Nd4 Rh5 { black defends the rook and begins a kingside attack, with Qh4 in the next move} 15. h3 Qh4 (15... Qf6 16. Ne4 Qf7 17. b3 Nc6) 16. Nf3 (16. f4 Nf7 17. Rae1 Rc5 18. Qe8+ Rxe8 19. Rxe8+ Bf8 20. Ne6 Qh6 { ACA: with slight advatage to white}) 16... Nxf3+ { CC: black had the better move Qxc4, maintaining the tension. ACA: you would have had an almost won position! Aeneas: not only maintaining the tension but winning a pawn too.} 17. Qxf3 c6 18. Qd3 Be5 19. Rab1 Rf8 20. Qe4 Rf4 { ACA: At this point the game seems won for you. All your pieces are attaking the king side.} 21. Qe2 Qg5 { ACA: Rg5 wins} (21... Rg5 22. Kh1 Rfg4 23. f4 Rxg2 24. Qxg2 Rxg2 25. Kxg2 Bxf4 $19) ({ Aeneas: you missed here a winning move:} 21... Rg5 { threatening 22...Qxh3.} 22. Kh1 (22. Kh2 Rxf2+ $19) (22. Qe3 Rfg4 $1 23. g3 (23. hxg4 Qh2#) 23... Qxh3 { and wins.}) 22... Rgf5 23. f3 (23. Kg1 Rxf2 24. Rxf2 Rxf2 25. Qe1 Bd4 26. Kh1 Qg3 $19) (23. Nd1 Rf3 $3 $19) 23... Qg3 $19) 22. Ne4 $11 Rxe4 { CC: isn't a good decision. black is reducing the tension with disadvantageous exchanges ACA: At this point the game is about equal. Qe7 seems better. Aeneas: The move played in the game leads to a forced draw. The question here is: Is Black better ? If yes, how can he use his advantage? It's clear, I think, that Black can keep the tension with 22....Qh6 or 22...Qe7. But if we look closer at the position, we can say some interesting considerations: a) if we compare the both kings, the white one is more secure. b) Black has a better activity with his pieces. c) The pawn structure is favourable to White: d6 can become weak. d) Black has a powerful Bishop, but White has beautiful centralized Knight. It seems to me that Black has NOW the initiative. But if he doesn't succeed in attacking the king, White will become very dangerous later. So taking the draw here is not bad decision I think.} 23. Qxe4 Rxh3 24. g3 ({ CC: after this move, game are equal, but with will ruins the position. Aeneas: I think that here White cannot anymore play for a win. Black has very active play on the kingside and White has to be very careful. Black threatens here 24...Rh1+ and 25...Qh5+. So not many moves are left to White. Let's examine some of these defensive move:} 24. f4 Bd4+ $1 25. Qxd4 Qh4 26. gxh3 Qg3+ 27. Kh1 Qxh3+ $11) ( 24. f3 Bh2+ 25. Kh1 Bg3+ 26. gxh3 (26. Kg1 Rh1+ 27. Kxh1 Qh5+ 28. Kg1 Qh2#) 26... Qd2 $1 $19) (24. Rfe1 Rh4 25. Qd3 Qf4 26. g3 Qxc4 27. Qxc4+ Rxc4 { and Black has enough compensation for the exchange (2 pawns and active pieces). }) 24... Rh4 $4 { CC: A big blunder. Black could win this game. But lose here. After this move, black will only resist until the endgame. A draw were possible with 24... Rxg3+ 25. fxg3 Qxg3+ 26. Qg2 with perpetual check Aeneas: Yes, a blunder...} 25. Qxh4 Qf5 26. Kg2 g5 27. Qh5 Qe4+ 28. Qf3 Qxc4 29. Qb3 b5 30. Qxc4+ bxc4 31. f4 gxf4 32. gxf4 Bd4 33. f5 d5 34. f6 Kf7 35. Rf3 Bc5 36. Rh1 Bd4 37. Rxh7+ Kf8 38. f7 Bxb2 39. Re3 Bg7 40. Re8+ Kxf7 41. Rxg7+ Kxg7 42. Rc8 Kf6 43. Kf3 Ke5 44. Ke3 d4+ 45. Kd2 Kd6 46. Ra8 c3+ 47. Kd3 c5 48. Rxa7 c4+ 49. Kc2 Kc5 50. Rb7 Kc6 51. Rb1 Kd5 52. a4 Ke4 53. Re1+ Kf3 54. a5 Kf2 55. Re8 d3+ 56. Kxc3 { ACA: In this game the most important point is the way you dealt with the center. In this type of play, you should have aimed to try to block the center with your pawns. This would lead to the pasifisation of whites pieces and you can start a kings side attack. White needs an open center in order to attack. Beware of this, because as soon as the center opens, whites pieces can start a deadly attack. Aeneas: In summary: You should remember close the centre (here with e7-e5) before attacking on a wing. You played very well this game and seem to be a player who likes attack! King's Indian could give you great happiness in pushing your pawns on the poor white King and in attacking him :). But remember (your 24th move): before playing a move, verify it carefully, verify what piece your opponent can take on the board.} 1-0 [Event "email game"] [Site "AtlanticChess.com"] [Date "9.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "jasoncyt"] [Black "alhalsey"] [Result "1-0"] [Annotator "jasoncyt, Kokesh"] [PlyCount "67"] [EventDate "9.??.??"] { I was jasonc65. 14 days were allowed for each move. My opponent doesn't make his poor skills evident until his 14th move. Before that event, there were some things I was uncertain of.} 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 Bg4 5. Qb3 { I'm not sure how to meet black's unusual move. Should I take the opportunity to advance my knight and try to bag the two bishops and provoke my opponent to give up the center? 5.Ne5 dxc4 6.Nxg4! Nxg4 7.e4 Nf6 8.Bxc4 Kokesh: I think the text is okay, if followed up correctly. In the line you give, Black should prefer Bf5 or Bh5 over 5. ... dxc4.} Qb6 6. Qxb6 $6 { Kokesh: White does better to play 6. c5!, gaining space. If Black responds with 6. ... Qxb3?! 7. axb3, White is much better if he can play b3-b4-b5.} axb6 7. cxd5 cxd5 8. Bg5 Bxf3 $6 { Kokesh: Simply 8. ... e6 holds d5 without making any concessions.} 9. Bxf6 $6 { Kokesh: White should not give up the B pair so lightly. 9. exf3 retains all the trumps that White has accumulated thus far, including the 2 Bishops.} e6 10. gxf3 { Kokesh: I probably would have preferred development over occupation of the center. Thus, 10. exf3.} gxf6 11. e4 Nc6 $2 { Kokesh: Black can avoid the coming difficulties by playing 11. ... Bb4 first.} 12. O-O-O Bb4 13. exd5 Nd8 14. Na4 $2 { Kokesh: This works, but it shouldn't. 14. ... Ba5 remains down only a pawn.} Rxa4 $4 15. Bb5+ { Kokesh: For all intents and purposes, the game is now over.} Ke7 16. Bxa4 Rg8 17. dxe6 fxe6 18. Rhg1 Rh8 19. d5 f5 20. Rg7+ Kd6 21. dxe6+ Kxe6 22. Rgd7 Bc5 23. Rxd8 Bf8 24. Re1+ Kf6 25. Ree8 Kf7 26. Rxf8+ Rxf8 27. Rxf8+ Kxf8 28. Kd2 f4 29. Kd3 Ke7 30. Ke4 Kd6 31. Kxf4 Kc5 32. Ke5 b5 33. f4 bxa4 34. f5 1-0 [Event "Campionato Italiano a squadre (serie c)"] [Site "Crevacuore"] [Date "2001.04.08"] [Round "4"] [White "Scarrone Alberto (2N) - Majno"] [Black "Ferrari Lorenzo (2N)"] [Result "1-0"] [Annotator "Majno, Aeneas"] [PlyCount "105"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 c6 { During the game this move seem to me strange. But later the opponent told me that Kasparov have played it....} 5. Nf3 { Aeneas: GM Gligoric played in 1973 5.Bd3 in order to avoid the 5th black move of the game.} Ne4 6. Qc2 f5 7. a3 $2 { Aeneas: This move is here useless. It loses time.} (7. Bd3 d5 (7... Nxc3 8. bxc3 Be7 9. e4 $1) 8. O-O O-O 9. Ne5) 7... Bxc3+ 8. bxc3 O-O 9. Bd3 d5 { Aeneas: We have now here a new pawn structure, which is usually attained in a hollandish game "stonewall".} 10. O-O Nd7 11. cxd5 cxd5 12. c4 $1 { Aeneas: a good move which attacks the pawn chain.} b6 { An error.This move loss a pawn.} ({ Aeneas:yes, i'm according with you. Better was} 12... Ndf6 13. Bb2 b6 14. Rac1 $14) 13. cxd5 exd5 14. Qc6 $1 Rb8 ({ Aeneas:} 14... Bb7 { is no better} 15. Qxb7 Ndc5 16. dxc5 Nxc5 17. Qc6 Nxd3 { and White wins.}) 15. Qxd5+ Kh8 16. Bxe4 $6 { Aeneas: I'm not sure that it's a good idea to exchange your Bd3. It's your good bishop, and after the departure of the Ne4, the diagonal b1-h7 is opened.} (16. Ne5 { with the idea of pushing f2-f3 is better.} Nxe5 17. Qxe5 Bb7 18. f3 Nd6 19. Bb2 { is very good for White.}) 16... Bb7 $2 { A real bad move.} ({ Aeneas: The only move was here} 16... fxe4 { which opens the a8-h1 diagonal for the Bb7.} 17. Qxe4 Bb7 18. Qh4 Bxf3 19. Qxd8 Rbxd8 20. gxf3 Rxf3 21. Bb2 { but White should win this endgame.}) 17. Qb5 { I missed 1 7. Qxb7 Rxb7 18. Bxb7. A rook, two pieces and a pawn for the Queen. I think that would be very good for me. Aeneas: Yes!...} fxe4 { Another error.The bishop in e4 should be good. Now it's locked.} ({ Aeneas:} 17... Bxe4 { is not really better: Black cannot hold the "c" file and so has no real counterplay.} 18. Nd2 Rc8 (18... Bb7 19. Bb2 $16) 19. Nxe4 fxe4 20. Bb2 Rc2 21. Rac1 $16) 18. Ne5 Nf6 { 18... Nxe5 maybe was better, but the advantage is however mine.Aeneas: of course 18...Nxe5 is better. The black knight is the only black piece that can eliminate the magnifical Ne5. If we compare both the Ne5 and the Nf6, the white one is the better.} 19. Bb2 $6 { 19.Nc6 don't seem good. A central knight for a locked bishop. Aeneas: I put a ?! to your move. You're right. Your knight is beautiful (or magnifical...). But your bishop on b2 is not very well placed. Another diagonal could be opened for him: 19.a4 with the idea 20. Ba3 and perhaps later a5, attacking the black pawns.} a6 20. Qe2 Qd5 { Aeneas: The opposite coloured bishop... Black plays on the white squares and you cannot challenge it. It's quite difficult to win. So your 16th move wasn't really a good move.} 21. Rac1 Rfc8 22. Qd2 $6 { Aeneas: Th e only plan to try to win is to prepare f2-f3; so after that, you'll be able to push your central pawns.} b5 23. Qb4 Qe6 24. Rxc8+ Rxc8 25. Rc1 Rxc1+ 26. Bxc1 Kg8 27. Qa5 Qc8 28. Qd2 Bd5 29. Bb2 g5 { This move produce weaknesses, I think. Aeneas: Yes, it's really a bad move. Black should stay quiet, exchange perhaps the Ne5 with Nd7 and hope that the opposite coloured bishop ending will be draw. But even after this move, Black can hold firmly e4 adter f2-f3 and perhaps should be able to draw the game.} 30. Qc3 { I allowed the changes, but I don't found how increase otherwise my advantage.} Qxc3 31. Bxc3 { The position with the queen and the rook was better oe this final is easier to win?} g4 32. Kf1 h5 { Last two moves of my opponent move don't do much.} 33. g3 $2 { I think the pawns blocked will be easier to attack. Aeneas: I put here a "?" to your 33th move. All the white pawns are now blocked. The black pawns on the kingside can only be attacked by your Knight. That will be not sufficient. Now Black can quietly wait. He has only to avoid that White exchange white Bishop against black Knight.} Kg7 ({ Aeneas:} 33... Kf8 { is more natural. Here is some variations for example.} 34. Ke2 (34. Bb4+ Ke8 35. Ke2 Nd7 36. Ng6 (36. Nxd7 Kxd7 { with a draw bishop ending.}) 36... Bf7 37. Nf4 Nb6 { and what can do White against 38...Nd5?}) 34... Ke7 35. Ng6+ Kf7 36. Nf4 Ke8 37. Nxd5 Nxd5 38. Bb4 Kd7 39. Kd2 Nb6 40. Kc3 Kc6 41. Bf8 Nd5+ 42. Kb3 Kb6 $11) 34. Ke1 Bb3 $2 { Aeneas: it's more secure to not move the Bd5: he controls c6 and b3, two important squares that White could be use to penetrate the position.} 35. Kd2 Nd5 36. Nc6 Bc4 $2 ({ Aeneas:} 36... Nb6 37. Nb8 Nc4+ 38. Kc1 a5 39. Nc6 Nxa3 { is much mor better for Black.}) 37. Nb8 Nxc3 { The final error. I won easily.} 38. Kxc3 a5 39. Nc6 a4 40. Kb4 Kf6 41. Na7 Ke6 42. Nxb5 Bb3 43. Nc3 Bc2 44. Nxa4 Kd6 45. Nc5 Kc6 46. a4 Kc7 47. Kc4 Bb1 48. Kd5 Bd3 49. Nxe4 Bf1 50. Nf6 Bg2+ 51. Ke6 Kc6 52. d5+ Kc7 53. Ke7 { The black resign.} 1-0 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2002.01.03"] [Round "?"] [White "axelina"] [Black "ideogram"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C55"] [WhiteElo "1590"] [BlackElo "1613"] [Annotator "ideogram, Killerman"] [PlyCount "139"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d3 Be7 5. O-O O-O 6. Nc3 d6 7. Be3 Bg4 8. h3 Bh5 { Up to this point I felt it was a pretty standard opening. My opening book is still fuzzy so if I did something wrong please let me know. Killerman: I agree that all moves look natural to this point. However I think that 7... Be6 would have been better than 7...Bg4. The reason being that the bishop is actually going to be on a worse square than it's counterpart on c4 which is quite active. Having said that the game is fairly equal to this point.} 9. g4 { I felt this was a mistake but I wasn't sure how to take advantage of it. The only other way of tackling this move is to capture the pawn. This is not without risk but the exposed nature of the White King gives an uncertain outcome.} Bg6 ({ Killerman:} 9... Nxg4 $5 10. hxg4 Bxg4 11. Kh1 Qd7 12. Rg1 Kh8 13. Nd5 f5 $13) 10. Qd2 h5 { Trying to break open the kingside. I was expecting g5 after which I would play Nd7, Kh8, f6. Killerman: There is a big word in chess called IF. The problem is that IF rarely happens. You expect g5, actually I think g5 is right for White as your plan does not work given the following variation (see below) You can't get time to play f6 and it actually weakens your kingside further.} 11. Nd5 $6 { Ok so she lets me take the pawn. After that I was expecting Nxf6+, and I would play Bxf6 and then back to Be7, Kh8, Bh7, g6, f5. Killerman: Your analysis here is good Nxf6 would have been correct after you take on g4.} ({ Killerman:} 11. g5 $1 { is better} Nd7 12. Nh4 Bh7 $14) 11... hxg4 12. hxg4 { So she hung the pawn! At this point I'm feeling pretty good.} Nxg4 13. Kg2 { Killerman: It is in these positions that you must learn to sense danger. Although White is a pawn down it is his pieces that will come into the attack first. He already has use of the g and h files and taking on e3 gives over the f file too. You handle the next few moves well.} Nxe3+ { Taking her "good" bishop. Even better!} 14. fxe3 Bh5 { Now I must worry about doubled rooks on the h-file. I thought that this was the only way to deal with it. I reasoned that I must move the bishop there before the rook got to the h-file so I could protect it with the g-pawn next. Killerman: Good reasoning. just need to remember that White could sac a rook to open up the position.} 15. Rh1 g6 16. Nxe7+ { She took my "bad" bishop so I was not overly concerned.} Nxe7 { I felt I s hould take with the knight to prevent Bd5. Killerman: I don't see the problem in allowing Bd5. Capturing with the queen enables the a8 rook to enter the game quicker.} (16... Qxe7 17. Bd5 Kg7 18. Rh3 Rh8 19. Rf1 Raf8 { intending Nd8 and c6 just about covers everything.}) 17. Rag1 { Now I see she is preparing to pin my g-pawn so I prepare to protect my bishop with the rook.} Kg7 18. Kf2 Rh8 $2 { Killerman: A point where you could have done better. Having moved the king to g7 the f-pawn is now free to move. You may have missed this point. I think that the following variation gives White problems.} ({ Killerman:} 18... Bxf3 $5 19. Kxf3 f5 20. exf5 d5 { cutting off the bishop} 21. Bb3 Nxf5 22. Ke2 Qd6 $15 { The knight is better than the bishop. Your rooks are now connected. and White has to now spend time unravelling his queen from d2}) 19. Nh4 ({ Killerman:} 19. Ng5 $5 { is also a good option} Qd7 20. Ke1 $14 ( 20. Bxf7 $2 Raf8 $15)) 19... Qd7 { I see that she can play Nf5 and after Nxf5, exf5 my g-pawn would be in trouble so I must protect with the queen, which also nicely prepares for f5.} 20. Kf1 f5 { Killerman: I think that this move is premature. You still have time so I would prepare first with Raf8.} 21. Qf2 $2 { Killerman: Not a great idea putting the king and queen on this line.} ({ Killerman:} 21. exf5 Nxf5 22. Ke1 $15) 21... Raf8 { She has added an attacker so I must add a defender, also getting the other rook into play and preparing for the discovered attack. Killerman: Correct} 22. Qg3 fxe4+ 23. Ke1 b5 { Now it seems all my pieces are tied up except for the queen so I thought I should play on the queenside. I decided to push the pawn and threaten the bishop at the same time. I expected her to play Bb3, after which I would play a5 and she must push a pawn to be able to retreat the bishop.} 24. Bd5 { I did not expect this; I thought that I would be able to take the bishop but then saw that that would hang my g-pawn leading to unpleasant complications.} Rf6 { The bishop will soon be attacking the g-pawn so I must add another defender. Killerman: You don't need to lose the e pawn though.} ({ Killerman:} 24... exd3 $5 25. cxd3 Rf6 $19 (25... Nxd5 $6 26. Nxg6 Rf3 27. Qg5 Rxe3+ 28. Kf1 Rf3+ $11 { repetition})) 25. Bxe4 d5 { Trying to relieve pressure on the g-pawn and at the same time pushing pawns hoping for an eventual breakthrough.} ({ Killerman:} 25... Qe6 { is more immediate in acheiving your aim d5 can be delayed.} 26. b3) 26. Bf3 Bxf3 $6 { I felt that the bishop exchange, which I had forseen, was forced. Killerman: No not actually forced. I think that this was a valuable defender.} (26... Qd6 27. Bxh5 Rxh5 28. Qg4 Rh8 29. c3 d4 $15) 27. Nxf3 e4 $4 { The e-pawn was hanging so might as well push it. Killerman: Should have been the losing move.} (27... Rxh1 28. Rxh1 Qd6 $11) 28. Ne5 $2 { I was expecting Qe5.} ({ Killerman: I expected} 28. Rxh8 $1 Kxh8 29. Qh4+ Kg7 30. Ng5 $18) 28... Qd6 { I realized she could play Rxh8 and I would need another defender for the g-pawn. Also I was preparing for Qb4+ and taking some pawns.} 29. Rxh8 Kxh8 { Now I was worried she would play Qh2+ followed by Rh1, Qh8+ but I realized I had enough time to play Kg7 followed by Kf8 and Ng8. Killerman: I believe Rh1 and Qh2 is a good way for white to proceed.} 30. Rf1 $2 { Killerman: gives the initiative back} Kg7 { I'm happy to get my king off the open file and back to a stable position.} 31. d4 Qb4+ { Now I felt I could take some pawns.} 32. c3 Qxb2 $4 { you should have taken the rook first then you are OK.} 33. Rxf6 Qxc3+ { I realized after I take the rook she can play Nd7+ with a discovered attack on the c-pawn so I protect it first.} 34. Kf1 Kxf6 { Now I see that if she playes Qf4+ and I move the king I will lose either a pawn or the knight but instead I can block with the knight. If she played Qh4+ I was planning on playing g5 but now I see that would be bad. According to Crafty this position is a draw-by-repetition.} 35. Qf4+ { White should take the draw 35 Qh4+ Ke6 36 Qg4+} ({ Killerman:} 35. Qh4+ g5 $4 36. Qh6+ Kf5 37. Qh7+ Ke6 38. Qf7+ Kd6 39. Qf6# { one of many mating combinations after g5??}) 35... Nf5 36. Ng4+ Kf7 { Now I am w orried about perpetual check so I move to a square where the Queen cannot check me. I expect to be checked by the knight but after that I would offer a knight exchange and sac the g-pawn then I hope I can get to safety and my extra two pawns can win the game.} 37. Nh6+ Kf8 38. Nxf5 gxf5 $4 { Killerman: Gives white chances} ({ Killerman:} 38... Qa1+ $1 39. Ke2 Qxa2+ 40. Ke1 gxf5 41. Qxf5+ Ke7 42. Qh7+ Ke6 43. Qg6+ Kd7 44. Qf7+ Kc6 { With the q ueen on a2 protecting the d pawn the king can get to safety. The position would be clearly won for black.}) 39. Qxf5+ { It has worked out as I planned. At this point I was happy but looking back on it now I realized that the fact I am in check is bad since I have lost the initiative.} Ke7 40. Qe5+ Kd8 { I am still trying to get to safety so I give up a pawn.} 41. Qxd5+ Kc8 42. Qf5+ Kb8 { I did not realize she could take _another_ pawn with check.} (42... Kd8 { Killerman: drawn by repetition I guess}) 43. Qxb5+ { Now it is starting to look like a nightmare.} Kc8 44. Qe8+ Kb7 45. Qxe4+ Kb6 46. Qe6+ Kb5 47. Qb3+ { Having achieved a pawn majority she forces the queen exchange. At this point I have lost but I play on out of stubbornness and desperation.} Qxb3 48. axb3 Kc6 49. Ke2 Kd5 50. Kd3 a5 51. e4+ Ke6 52. Kc4 c6 53. Kc5 Kd7 54. e5 Kc7 55. e6 Kd8 56. Kxc6 Ke7 57. d5 Kf6 58. Kc7 Ke5 59. e7 Kd4 60. e8=Q Kc3 61. Qa4 Kb2 62. Qxa5 Kxb3 63. d6 Kc4 64. d7 Kd4 65. d8=Q+ Ke4 66. Qh4+ Kf3 67. Qa3+ Kg2 68. Qc4 Kf2 69. Qc2+ Ke1 70. Qa1# { Killerman: An interesting game with chances throughout for both sides. My main comment would be you should expect the unexpected all the time because that it what usually occurs if that makes sense. You played a good game and was probably unlucky in the end. I think that by connecting rooks earlier and also by playing Raf8 before f5 you would have done better. Even so at move 38 Qa1+ would have seen you to the full point. Keep going and keep in mind a sense of danger and remember activity and development is key to a good attack.} 1-0 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2001.12.29"] [Round "?"] [White "SamIam"] [Black "balajil"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B30"] [WhiteElo "1415"] [Annotator "balajil, tomaro"] [PlyCount "62"] [EventDate "2001.??.??"] { Dear Sir/Madam, This is my first game at FICS. My name is Balaji Lakshmanan playing as balajil. I am playing as BLACK. I would like to get your insights in this game. Especially relating some decisions I made. tomaro: Hi,I am Toma Roncevic, and I will try to show you errors in this game (most of them are tactical), still if you have other coments or questions feel free to contact me on my e-mail.} 1. e4 c5 { I tried Sicilian for a good defense} 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Ng5 $2 { This was a surprise for me. I dont know the real intentions of this move. Only way to protect was using my horse} Nh6 $2 ({ tomaro: Protect from what?!3.Ng5 was at least a big waste of time.There was simple and good move e5, sacrifice in f7 gives nothing to white:} 3... e5 { (or e6,you are attacking his knight and have good center)} 4. Nxf7 (4. d3 Be7 { and black is better then white}) 4... Kxf7 5. Bc4+ Ke8 6. Qh5+ g6 7. Qf3 Qf6 { as you can see nothing happens.Other variants are not more dangerous for black since white is not developed enaugh.}) 4. d4 cxd4 { Trying to collapse the center pawn.} 5. Nf3 e5 6. Bxh6 { This move as I understand is to prevent me from castling isn't it ? tomaro: Yes,white has a pawn less so this is some compesation for it.Now you should play carefull and try to exchange pieces so white has less possibility to attack you.} gxh6 7. Bc4 Bb4+ { tomaro: this move does not look like part of any plan and is not a good move(see later).You could have played:} (7... Rg8 { to put the preasure on the g file}) 8. c3 dxc3 9. bxc3 Bc5 $2 10. O-O $2 ({ tomaro: both errors} 10. Bxf7+ Kxf7 11. Qd5+ Kg7 12. Qxc5) 10... d6 11. Bxf7+ $2 { Surprise !! Why did he take the pawn. He has already collapsed my king side pawns. tomaro: sacrifice without any chances (or good reason).White still has not developed compleatly and (like you noticed) your king has no side to castle so white has no need to do things like this without good reason.} Kxf7 12. Qd5+ Ke7 { tomaro: much better was simply} (12... Be6) 13. Nbd2 Be6 14. Qd3 Qg8 { Tried to double up queen and rook. Thought that was the only alternative! tomaro: That is a good plan.} 15. Qb5 Rb8 { Trying to push the pawn after I make the queen leave tomaro: there is no real need to make his queen leave from there.From there she can not protect his castle and your attack should be faster than his.} 16. Nh4 Qg5 17. Nf5+ { Should I have exchanged my bishop for horse? tomaro: Yes! More pieces you exchange your material advantage is more significant.Also his knight was strong and you gain one pawn :)} Bxf5 18. Nf3 Qf4 { trying to keep the queen there for my pawn} 19. exf5 Qxf5 20. Rae1 a6 { tomaro: as I sad before this is not necessary.} (20... Rhg8 { threatening Qxf3!} 21. Qe2 Qg4 22. g3 Rbf8 { and white is under big preasure,if he moves his knight you can exchange queens so your piece of advantage gives you fast victory :)}) 21. Qc4 b5 22. Qh4+ { tomaro: simple Qf6 was also good} Kd7 23. Qxh6 b4 $2 { tomaro: Your plan doesn't look good. You have to exploite open files (g and f) to attack (not open other files giving white some chances!):} ( 23... Rbg8 { also to prevent Qg7+} 24. Nh4 Qg5 { (this is an example if you want to exchange queens)}) 24. Qg7+ { Why didn't he take my pawn? I thought of threatening the rook out of there} Ne7 25. Rd1 ({ tomaro: here there was small tactical possibility for white:} 25. Nxe5+ dxe5 26. Rxe5 Qf8 27. Qxf8 Rbxf8 28. Rxc5 { and white wins back two pawns! }) 25... bxc3 26. Nxe5+ { should I have gone for a queen exchange? tomaro: What queen exchange !!!?You can not take in e5 after 26. .. Qxe5 27. Qxe5 becuse your pawn is pinned !!} Kd8 { Made a mistake by moving king down. I should have moved it to f2!! Why didn't he take my rook with queen? tomaro: his move was also good,now white has good chances!} 27. Nf7+ Kd7 28. Nxh8 c2 29. Rc1 Ba3 { Time to execute my plan} 30. Nf7 $4 { tomaro: big error:} (30. Rfe1 Bxc1 31. Rxe7+ Kc6 32. Rc7+ Kd5 33. Qc3 { and you have big problems}) 30... Bxc1 31. Rxc1 Rb1 { SamIam resigns} 0-1 [Event "ICS Unrated untimed match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2002.02.24"] [Round "?"] [White "YumiChess"] [Black "TerryPatcher"] [Result "*"] [ECO "D01"] [Annotator "TerryPatcher, Aatesin"] [PlyCount "118"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bg5 e6 4. e3 Be7 5. Bxf6 { TP: Any thoughts on this? I see it ALOT, especially with this opponent, but I also use it alot myself, haven't quite figured out if its a bad, good, or just decent move, I like it especially if it is not quite covered, and he has to mess up his pawn structure to retaliate. Not the case here though, and I wouldn't have hit it, but he did. .. ACA: Development would be the more important point for both sides here. The developing move Nf3 would be much better a move here. The game would be level after 5.Nf3 0-0. Also by taking the knight on f6 white helps black gain better control of the long diagonal.} Bxf6 6. g3 { TP: hmm, preparing to fianchetto the kingside bishop? that would add pressure to my pawnstructure, and he could very much be preparing e4 ACA: g3 has mainly a defence role here. It protects the h4 square for a possible attack by black on the king side with h5-h4.} Nc6 (6... c5 { ACA: c5 seems interesting here. Both pressure is increased on the center and the night on c3 suddenly becomes a weak point. Also Oppening of the c-file will help black to increase the pressure on it via a later Rc8 move.} 7. dxc5 (7. Nf3 $15) 7... Qa5) 7. Qg4 { TP: Bad move ! This allows me to develop, while white is actually forced to move his queen back ACA: Nf3 would be about equal. With e5 you managed to gain the initiative.} e5 8. Qe2 O-O { TP: Perhaps e4 would have been better? ACA: Taking the pawn seems the correct way to continue here.} (8... exd4 9. exd4+ Be6 10. Nf3 $19 { ACA: All of whites pieces are starting to be blocked out of the game. The bishop will probably find it quite hard to develop, the night on f3 will be under continous threat, and with a timely Nb4 (especially in case of a queen side castle) black has almost all the play to himself.}) 9. e4 (9. dxe5 Nxe5 10. O-O-O c6 $15 { ACA: This seems better for white. He should have consolidated the center in a controlled fashion and not start an excapade of this nature.}) 9... Be6 (9... Nxd4 10. Qd2 c6 11. Bg2 { ACA: and black has a very good game}) 10. exd5 Bxd5 11. Nxd5 Qxd5 12. Nf3 exd4 (12... Nxd4 13. Nxd4 exd4 14. Bg2 Qxg2 15. O-O-O { ACA: This might prove a faster finish.}) 13. O-O-O Rae8 14. Qd3 { TP: Exactly the move I was anticipating, and hoping he would make, the only actually sane choice also. My plan was now Bg5+, Nxg5, Qxh1. But then I suddenly noticed a second before I made the move, that this would be very bad, as it would allow Qxh7# !!! My plan was still to keep his knight pinned down though, as i saw no other way of attacking him quite yet, so i needed to relieve pressure from h7, a way to do this was Nb4 ACA: Good that you saw that, or it would have been the end of a good game!} Nb4 15. Qb3 c5 { TP: Needed to make sure he didn't steal my horse and force me to withdraw my attack. His best answer I think would have been Bc4, it is a lot more aggresive, and it develops both the Bf1 and the Nf3, since the Knight would no longer be pinned down protecting his rook.} (15... Nxa2+ 16. Kb1 Qxb3 17. cxb3 Nb4 { ACA: This w ould have been again a faster finish. Their is no need anymore for the queens in the game. Your lighter forces have enough ground and power to finish it off.}) 16. a3 { TP: Considered Na2+, but I feared i would be giving him a chance to advance his king towards the center of the board. Decided to go with swapping queens, as it would leave his kingside defence a mess, while allowing me to keep a tight grip on it, with my knight after Qxb3, cxb3, Nd5. ACA: I think your knight would be trapped in case of Na2+. He could play Kb1 and your knight is easy bate.} Qxb3 17. cxb3 Nd5 18. Bc4 { TP: Anticipated much earlier, and now it doesnt seem to pack quite the same punch. It does although allow him the possibility to get both his rooks put to use, but in doing so, he forces me to open up the weak point in my defence, the 2 neighbouring rooks.} Rd8 19. Rhe1 Nb6 20. Bb5 { TP: Probably a mistake, allows me to gain tempo while advancing a pawn. ACA: white does not have much of a choice anymore.He is biding for a mistake.} a6 21. Bc4 { TP: Nxc4 considered, but it would allow his kingside pawn structure to become rather strong, although it might allow me certain space to attack. Chose instead to open up my defenses, and allow him to exchange rooks should he want to ACA: Your knight is better than his bishop. No need for such an exchange.} Rfe8 22. b4 { TP: At first this move puzzled me VERY much, then i noticed the havoc it could wreak on my pawn structure, he would effectively be exchaning a bishop for 2 pawns, which at this point in the game probably could be explained. When i decided to hit on the bishop, it was with plans of Nxc4, bxc5, d3, ??, Bxb2+. He later told me the move was a blunder. ACA: Indeed it is a blunder.} Nxc4 23. bxc5 { TP: noticed here that in order for my plan to be effective, i had to relieve the d-file, from som pressure. Exchanging of rooks would lead to d3.} Rxe1 { At this point I saw that the last move was a mistake, should he choose to play Nxe1, my plan would be rather shot to the ground.} 24. Rxe1 (24. Nxe1 Rc8 25. Nd3) 24... d3 { TP: To my luck he didn't notice the actual possibility of Nxe1 ( or he discarded it for some reason ) ACA: That move would be a last effort of desperation. Black still has an easy winner.} 25. Nd2 Bxb2+ 26. Kd1 { TP: Suits me fine, exhanging of knights allows me to steal a pawn, which in the end could decide the game. Besides that he was a piece down, and he would be more weakened than I by exchanging} Nxd2 27. Kxd2 Bxa3 { TP: Threatening to clean out the c-file, and thereby having 2 passed pawns.} 28. Re5 Bb4+ 29. Kd1 f6 30. Re7 Bxc5 (30... b6 31. Re4 bxc5 { ACA: Even firmer and faster}) 31. Rxb7 { TP: Hmm, I probably should have seen that one coming.} Bxf2 32. Rb3 a5 33. Ra3 Bb6 34. Kd2 Be3+ 35. Kd1 Bc5 36. Rxa5 { TP: Another grave mistake, the game is not lost, but I am definitely allowing him alot of possibilities for counterplay.} Bb4 37. Rb5 Ba3 (37... Rd4 38. Rb8+ Kf7 39. Rb7+ Kg6 { ACA: Your bishop is in a good position on b4. No need for playing it to a3}) 38. Rb3 Bc5 39. Rb5 Bg1 40. h4 { Bad move, h3 would have prevented me from getting a pawn just now} (40. h3 Be3 41. Rb3 Bh6 { ACA: The outcome is the same. When we look back at the position of the game for the last 10 moves or so, your plan should have been to play to promote your d pawn. Attacking after pawns should not have been your main aim of play. The position is ripe for just playing with your bishop and rock togther to secure the squares in front of the pawn. That should have been your main objectives until now.}) 40... Bf2 41. Rb3 Bxg3 42. Kd2 Bf4+ 43. Kd1 f5 44. Rb4 Bg3 45. h5 f4 46. Rb3 f3 47. Kd2 Bf4+ 48. Ke1 d2+ 49. Kd1 f2 50. Rf3 Be3 51. h6 gxh6 52. Rg3+ Kh8 53. Rf3 h5 54. Rf5 h4 55. Rf3 h3 56. Rxe3 { TP: And he effectively surrendered.} f1=Q+ 57. Kc2 Qc1+ 58. Kb3 d1=Q+ 59. Kb4 Rb8+ { TP: wooops, missed the rook.... :) White resigned here at last, only possible move was Ka5, to be followed by Qa1+, Ra3, Qxa3# ACA: Your play at the beginning of the game seems fine. You managed to secure a couple of nice attacks. Their were a couple of better tries, but these can be seen as a matter of taste. The main point that you should beware of is towards the endgame. You do not need to pick up every pawn off the board before going in for a promotion. You can use your own pieces in defending an advancing pawn and queen. My advice would be for your working on these positions. They will be great in advancing your play at all stages of the game. I hope I have been helpful. Good luck in your future games!} * [Event "US Am Team West"] [Site "?"] [Date "2002.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "naugtybishop"] [Black "Nordanyan"] [Result "*"] [ECO "C01"] [Annotator "naughtybishop, akryl"] [PlyCount "106"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 exd5 4. c4 { I play the Exchange French described by IM Josh Waitzkin in Chessmaster 8000. I like the system because it gives you a nice open game at the cost of an isolated d-pawn. Another disadvantage of the system is that it may be widely known after being published in Chessmaster. Akryl: I sometimes use the exchange system too. And have +6 over ten games. But to use it effectively you need an opponent that is desperate for the full point.} Nf6 5. Nc3 Be7 6. Bd3 h6 7. Nge2 { Akryl: I tend to put the knight at f3 to try for the bishop pair. And some additional tactical motifs based on pushing the black bishop around.} c6 8. O-O O-O 9. Re1 Nbd7 10. Nf4 dxc4 11. Bxc4 Nb6 12. Bb3 { So far this is all of the idea of the opening as described in CM8000. Instead of simply defending the d4-iso, White is actually challenging Black's control of d5, and threatening to push d4-d5. I like this a lot more than the "normal" closed smelly French positions.} Bb4 13. a3 Bxc3 { Akryl: The plan of shedding the blck bishop and the pair is suspicious and seem totally unneccesary. Black will suffer mightily later due to the weakness on the black squares and the inability to oppose whites black squared bishop.} 14. bxc3 { With this, Black has relieved White's isolated pawn. White has a strong center, and more space. Akryl: And the bishop pair. A pretty nice fallout of the opening.} Nbd5 15. Qd3 Re8 16. Bd2 { Akryl: Black is in trouble. He has no real defences for his king.} (16. Re5 { Akryl: A dynamic approach. If black exchanges rooks. White will get a nice battering ram in the e5 pawn.} Rxe5 17. dxe5 $16) 16... Nxf4 17. Bxf4 Rxe1+ 18. Rxe1 Nd5 19. Bc2 Be6 $1 { This excellent move gets the bishop to an excellent square while closing off the e-file. Akryl: This is in fact a bad move. See the comments after whites reply.} (19... Nxf4 20. Qh7+ Kf8 21. Qh8#) (19... Nf6 20. Be5 { Akryl: This is the best play. And black is on the verge of a total breakdown.}) 20. Bd2 $2 (20. Qh7+ Kf8 21. Bd2 $1 { Akryl: And black is toast due to the threat c3-c4.}) 20... Nf6 $1 { This move only looks passive. Now White's dreams of a kingside attack are over. } 21. c4 { White's new plan will be to push d5-d5, which is actually just his old plan renewed. I realize now that this is an impossible plan, since Black can control d5 more times than White can. Akryl: This will allow black counter play based on the pressure on the white pawns and a possible b7-b5 creating an outpost on d5-c4. But you still have the possible Bc3 d4-d5 manouver. And the prospects are still good for you.} Qc7 $2 22. Bb3 $2 (22. Bc3 $1 b5 23. cxb5 cxb5 24. d5 Bf5 25. Qf3 $1) 22... Rd8 { Akryl: Black has equalized. To get some play. You will have to re-train your pieces at blacks king.} 23. h3 $6 { I didn't want to allow ...Ng4, but there is a worse problem. Akryl: it actually creates a few complications so it's not all bad.} Qd6 24. Bc3 ({ Akryl: or this variation} 24. Qf3 Qxd4 25. Bxh6 ({ Akryl: or this even better move.} 25. Bc3 Qh4 26. Re5 { Akryl: And white got game :)}) 25... gxh6 26. Rd1 Qb6 27. Qxf6 Rxd1+ 28. Bxd1 Qb1 29. Qd8+ Kh7 30. Kh2 Bxc4 { Akryl: And some chances due to the lack of pawns round the black king.}) 24... Qxa3 25. Qc2 { Now, I could win the pawn back if Black were to leave his queen on a3. But in the spirit of his 19th and 20th moves, Black plays} ({ Akryl: Or} 25. Rb1 { to get some go at the black queenside pawns}) 25... Qd6 $1 { Akryl: Actuallay a bad move.} 26. c5 { This looks a bit strange, but I want to prove that the b6 square will be a problem for him. I want to control b6, and then attack his immobilized b7 pawn.} (26. d5 $3 { Akryl: The main theme in this game.} Bd7 27. Be5 Qb4 { Akryl: And white can choose from a few different ideas} 28. Qc3 (28. Bc3 Qd6 29. Be5) (28. Re3) 28... Qxc3 29. Bxc3) 26... Bxb3 27. Qxb3 Qd7 28. Rb1 Nd5 { Akryl: And as you realized. This is a perfect position for black to capitalize on the extra pawn.} 29. Ba5 { I cannot allow Nd5-c7-b5!} Rb8 30. Qb2 b6 31. cxb6 axb6 { Here is th e failure of my plan. I can't do anything to his b-pawn with my queen leading the battery. If my queen and rook were switched, I would be OK.} 32. Rc1 Qa7 33. Bb4 Nxb4 $2 { Akryl: Black is better off keeping the superior blockading knight. Not that it really matters.} 34. Qxb4 Qd7 35. Rb1 b5 36. Rd1 Rd8 37. Qc5 Qd6 38. Qb6 b4 39. d5 cxd5 40. Qxd6 Rxd6 41. Rd4 Rb6 42. Rxd5 Kf8 { I totally missed this move in my calculations. Akryl: A really good move from black. Shows he is keeping his concentaration.} ({ The only line I had calculated was} 42... b3 43. Rd8+ Kh7 { in which I thought that maybe I could draw. Akryl: Black is winning anyhow. He can force to white pawns to move and then pick them up.}) 43. Rd2 Ke7 44. Kf1 b3 45. Rb2 Kd6 46. Ke2 Kc5 47. Kd3 Kb4 48. Kd2 Ra6 49. Kc1 Ra1+ 50. Rb1 Rxb1+ 51. Kxb1 Kc3 52. Kc1 f5 53. f4 g5 { Akryl: You got a good opening. Ans should have won fairly easily. But when black played non obvious moves. You failed to keep your vigilance and accepted them at face value. You should practice caution and try to keep you concentration and then you opening preparations should reap benefits.} * [Event "Edited Game"] [Site "VMM Südwestfalen"] [Date "2002.02.02"] [Round "?"] [White "Weinreich"] [Black "Wiemer"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "A08"] [Annotator "Wiemer, Bracco"] [PlyCount "122"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. Nf3 c5 2. g3 d5 3. Bg2 g6 4. c4 Nf6 5. b3 Bg7 6. Bb2 O-O 7. O-O Nc6 8. e3 $2 { Bracco: Sounds like a mistake. This move allows the noisy pin in "g4" and creates a couple of holes in the light squares (d3 f3). I have found in my DB only one professional game (ended in a draw) with this variation and White play at this point differs: 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Bxg7 Kxg7. The position arising is everything but ambitious for both sides. I suggest this variation for solid and quiet players.} Bg4 { Wiemer: somehow the white position seems not healthy to me. The white squares became a bit weak. Bracco: I totally agree. One shoul never mix g3 and e3 (g6 and e6 if playing Black), or, at least, do that being very careful. It's easy to fall down in a passive position. I think that your move exploits very well the Whits's inaccuracy.} 9. h3 $2 { Bracco: White was still in time to play d3, eventually saving a tempo for keeping off the Black Knight from "b4" (playing "a3" if necessary) without leaving en-prise the pawn in "d3". Playing that way your Bishop has been "forced" to go in a wonderful square!} Bf5 $1 { Bracco: Well done! Now if White plays "Nh4" the Bishop runs over "d3", and the white position become painful} 10. d3 Nb4 { Bracco: As i mentioned before, should the Bishop had still being in "g4", White would had time to play "a3". Black has already the upper hand.} 11. Ne1 $2 { Bracco: This move loose a pawn without fighting. The knight in "e1" looks perfectly silly and doesn't help in any way to save material. Better would have been for white to play in a more active way. For example 11.Ne5 would have placed the Knight in a more active square. Yes the pawn is lost anyway, but one should find a sort of compensation when is down from the material point of view (=piece activity, development)} dxc4 12. d4 cxb3 { Wiemer: black ended up with one pawn up and a healthy position} 13. Qxb3 Qc8 14. dxc5 Qxc5 15. Bd4 Qd6 $17 { Bracco: The position is plenty of open lines and white's knights are still sleeping....} 16. Na3 { Bracco: Looks risky to grab the pawn in "b7" because of Rb8 and the white Queen is in hot water} Nc6 17. Bc3 Ne4 { Wiemer: Maybe it wasn't a good idea for black to exchange the bishop, but I'm not sure...Bracco: you're a pawn up, your castling is far from under fire, so why not? Furthermore, your sequence looks forced for white due to the threat Nd2} 18. Bxg7 Kxg7 19. Nf3 Qe6 $5 { Bracco: A smart continuation. You force White to trade the "b7" almost useless pawn with the "h3" one, or to trade off queens.} 20. Qb2+ Qf6 (20... f6 { Bracco: this move is a mistake because of} 21. g4 { trapping the Bishop.} Bxg4 22. hxg4 Qxg4 23. Qxb7 Rfc8 24. Rfd1 h5 25. Nd4 $1 { and Black attack is sadly finished}) 21. Qxf6+ (21. Qxb7 Rab8 22. Qa6 (22. Qc7 Rfc8 $1) 22... Rb6 23. Qc4 (23. Qe2 Rb2 $1 $17) 23... Bxh3 $1) 21... Nxf6 { Wiemer: I think the exchange of the queens is good for black Bracco: of course it is! You're always a pawn up, each step towards the endgame is good for Black. Had I been playing this game as White, at this point I would had keep the queens in some way. However, Qxb7 is wrong. Have a look to the upper variation.} 22. Rfd1 Rfd8 { Bracco: Black has a lovely position. It's hard to find a satisfactory plan for White: the knight in "a3" is bad placed, the "b1" square is off-limits for white's rooks} 23. Nb5 Rxd1+ 24. Rxd1 a6 25. Nbd4 Be4 26. Nxc6 Bxc6 27. Ne5 Bxg2 28. Kxg2 Rc8 29. a4 b5 30. axb5 axb5 31. Rb1 Rb8 32. f3 Rb7 33. e4 Ne8 34. Rb4 Nd6 { Wiemer: Now black has a solid position and is still one pawn ahead. My major question is: how to handle the resulting endgame. I was not sure about the best moves many times in the following sequence Bracco: To speak in general terms, Black should: 1) bring his king as close to the center as he can 2) Keep the rook behind the pawn in order to put White in Zugzwang (When the white rooks is forced to leave the "b4" square, the black pawn is free to advance!). 3) When White pieces are completely devoted to stop the "b" pawn create a second weakness in the King side with a sudden action. Easy to say...} 35. Nc6 Rc7 $2 { Bracco: with moves like this one black risks to throw away his advantage. I Would have preferred the immediate walk of the king towards the center, via "f6" and "e6". After "Kf6" lhe black rook can move to "b6"} 36. Na5 e5 { Wiemer: Now the white knight is on a quite bad square, and he can't go to b3, because of Rc4 and an exchange of the rooks... Bracco: In my opinion this move is unnecessary. I'm still convinced that the King approach to the center was better, and the "e5" square (if free) is an important point to pass trough.} 37. Rb2 Kf6 38. Rd2 Nc4 { Wiemer: The idea was to force the exchange of the knights, but now I'm not sure if this was a suitable strategy.. (?) Bracco: In my opinion Ke6 was better. Keep in mind that in the endgame the leading players shoul have no hurry at all. Defending the Knight with the king perfectly suites the famous "waiting policy" - a policy that usually makes the defending player more and more nervous. Besides, I don't like Nc4 because gives a chance to trade off a mis-placed white knight with a central black one. The resulting endgame shoul still be won for black, but is slightly more difficult.} 39. Nxc4 bxc4 { Wiemer: now after the game I'm not sure if it would have been better to capture back with the rook, because now the pawn is one file nearer to the kingside. Bracco: The recapture with the pawn is the correct one. No matter if your pawn is nearer to the center, what is really important is the wonderful position of your rook (behind the pawn - a golden rule)} 40. Kf2 Ke6 41. Ke3 Rd7 42. Rc2 Rd4 { Wiemer: Here I'm absolutely not sure where the rook belongs: behind the pawn, or at the side of it ... Bracco: now you should already known by yourself the answer... The side protection has one basic disadvantage: in case of a frontal attack, you are not able to further push the pawn.} 43. Rc3 f5 44. exf5+ { Bracco: This is a move arisen from the desperation. If white plays "passive defence" fashion with "g4" is hard (but not impossible) for black to make progress (the black rook is now poorly placed)} gxf5 45. g4 f4+ { Wiemer: I tryed to get a second passed pawn.} 46. Ke2 e4 47. fxe4 Rxe4+ 48. Kd2 Kd5 49. Ra3 Kd4 50. Rf3 Ke5 51. Rc3 h6 { Wiemer: here I want to prevent an advance of the g-pawn after an eventual global exchange, when the black c-pawn survives. Then white has to capture the c-pawn and black has to capture the white pawns. Afterwards white has to rush to g2 to keep the black king at distance. A white pawn advance to g5 would lengthen the way for the black king. Now he needs two moves more to appear on b2. Therefore h6...Bracco: In my opinion this move is a waste of time. Better seems "Rd4" check followed by"Ke4"} 52. Rf3 Rd4+ 53. Ke2 Ke4 54. Rc3 f3+ $2 { Wiemer: ?? a little but important fault in my calculation, but white misses the point as well: now 55. Rf3: Rd3+ 56.Kd3: Kf3: was possible, because white is fast enough... Instead I think it would have been better to head to the queenside with the king... Bracco: The drawish move! You're perfectly right, after 55.Rxf3 Rd2+ white appears to be lost, but it saves himself with a well-known draw endgame. See the variation after Kf2??} ({ Instead of 54... f3+ these lines shows how such an endgame should be conducted. Remember: no hurry!!} 54... Kd5 55. Ra3 (55. Rf3 Ke5 56. Rc3 Ke4 57. Kf2 Kd5 58. Rf3 Rd2+ 59. Ke1 Rd3 60. Rxf4 c3 61. Rf2 Rxh3 $17) 55... Re4+ 56. Kf3 Kd4 57. Ra6 Re3+ 58. Kxf4 Rxh3 59. Rd6+ Kc3 $17) 55. Kf2 $4 { ?? We both saw the same ghosts...} (55. Rxf3 Rd2+ 56. Kxd2 Kxf3 57. Kc3 Kg3 58. Kxc4 Kxh3 59. Kd3 Kxg4 60. Ke2 Kg3 61. Kf1 $11) 55... Rd2+ { now white is lost...} 56. Ke1 f2+ 57. Kf1 Kd4 58. Rc1 c3 59. h4 c2 60. g5 Rd1+ 61. Kxf2 Rxc1 { Bracco: A nice game. White gave away a pawn very early and missed the chance to draw the endgame. Hope my comments will be of some help to you. *****Copyright freechess.org ***** Use this file for personal use only. } 0-1 [Event "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2002.03.25"] [Round "?"] [White "Cruin"] [Black "cmate"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A22"] [WhiteElo "1456"] [BlackElo "1281"] [Annotator "cmate, Zenchess"] [PlyCount "91"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. c4 { cmate: Not an opening I am familiar with I decided my best response was e4 and try to keep control of the centre.} e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Bb4 $2 { Zenchess: This is a typical move in english openings, attacking the knight which controls e4 and d5, and threatening to double white's c pawns. However, in this position, it simply drops the e pawn, after Nxe5, black will not have much, if any, compensation for the important center pawn. Better was Perhaps . .Nc6, defending the e pawn, then continuing developing the kingside pieces.} 4. g3 $2 { Zenchess: The move Nf3 developed while attacking black's E pawn. Note that black could not push the e pawn to e4, attacking white's night, because after Ng5, black will lose that pawn. Black was forced to defend his e pawn, after Nf3, and he didn't, so take it! Your position is entirely safe, with no weaknesses, and having this important central pawn, and the material advantage of a pawn, would lead to a big advantage for white.} (4. Nxe5) 4... d6 5. Qc2 { Zenchess: This is a good move, developing the queen to a nice square, and preparing to meet Bxc3 with Qxc3, keeping the pawn formation intact.} Bg4 { Zenchess: It may be more accurate to delay the development of this bishop until castling has been completed and the queenside knight has come out. The reason, as Stenitz put it, is that the knights generally are coming out to either c6 and f6, while the square the bishops want to come out to is not always obvious, and may change based on what happens in the game. A common plan in a position like this is to trade off white's fianchettoed bishop on g2 by playing Qd7 and Bh3.} 6. Qa4+ { Zenchess: This move does not accomplish anything, and only helps black to develop his pieces. Not only that, but now the queen has left C2, and black can execute his plan of doubling white's c pawns.} Nc6 7. a3 { cmate: after 7a3 I felt I had good development and central control. Rather than retreat the bishop, which I rarely do anyway I decided to trade for a Knight leaving doubled pawns for my opponent on the c file. Zenchess: The idea of doubling the pawns on the c file is a good one, also keep in mind that your dark squared bishop was 'bad' being on the same color as your central pawns. However, I do not like your comment about 'I hardly ever retreat the bishop anyway', in chess, you must not have biases and prejudices, but must play the move that the position demands.} Bxc3 8. bxc3 { cmate: after 8 bxc3 I again traded bishop for Knight leaving doubled pawns on 2 files} Bxf3 { Zenchess: This is a little risky. While it is true you are giving your opponent a lot of doubled pawns, they are not weak, and they control a lot of central squares. The imbalance that these trades create are the 2 bishops vs. 2 knights, and if white can open up the position he will rule the day. Keep in mind that doubled pawns are only 'bad' if they can be successfully attacked, or if the inherent lack of mobility in doubled pawns restricts white's game. Much safer, and guaranteed to give black a wonderful game, would have been the simple} (8... Qd7 9. Bg2 Bh3 10. Bxh3 Qxh3 11. Rb1 Qc8 12. O-O O-O { Zenchess: Leaving white with weak kingside light squares (g2 and h3), and preparing to play against the doubled pawns. Exchanging light squared bishops takes the sting out of the '2 bishops'.}) 9. exf3 { cmate: by no w I felt no matter which side my opponent castled the king would be wakened by the doubled pawns. Zenchess: I don't understand that. White will obviously try to castle kingside, and the doubled pawn on f3 actually defends white's king, not 'weaken' it.} O-O 10. Rb1 { cmate: after 10.Rb1 I played a really stupid move in 10...a6 planning 11...b5 forcing the Queen to retreat. As can be seen I should have allowed for the b pawn being unprotected. Zenchess: Always ask yourself what your opponent's move does, and do not ignore his moves!! Also, your plan of a6 followed by b5 didn't make much sense, as I will try to show in the following variations:} (10. Bg2 { Let's say white doesn't play Rb1...} a6 11. O-O b5 $2 { Zenchess: Since this clearly loses a pawn, you must prepare this advance (if you really want to make it.)} (11... Rb8 12. d3 b5 (12... Nd7 13. Qc2 b5 14. cxb5 Rxb5 15. f4 { Attacking the knight on c6.} Na5 { Zenchess: No w look at the position, while black has made some gains on the b file, the position has entirely opened up, and white has gotten rid of his doubled pawns. Positions like this will favor the dangerous 2 bishops. (Bishops like open positions)}) 13. Qxa6 { ZenchesS: Here you have also lost a pawn. What I am trying to show is that the b5 advance was next to impossible, but let's make a fantasy variation where it becomes possible, and we'll see why it's a strategically flawed idea.})) 10... a6 { Zenchess: Instead Rb8 would have been logical, defending the b pawn with the rook, and black is safe on the queenside.} 11. Rxb7 Re8 { Zenchess: Again, you are not looking at your opponent's moves. After every move, ask yourself "what did my opponent's last move threaten, or accomplish?". In this case, besides the obvious win of a pawn, he has destroyed the defender of your c6 knight, (which is currently being attacked by white's queen.) If you lose a pawn, fight as hard as you can for a draw. Don't becomediscouraged, and start making blunders.} 12. Qxc6 e4 13. Bh3 { cmate: Aware of the build up of Whites pieces I felt after 13..exf3+ I would have the advantage again and be able to exert enough pressure on Whites king to gain the advantage again. Zenchess: That's nothing but a fantasy, white's king is perfectly safe, and black has no pieces that can effectively attack it. Black is simple down a piece, and entirely lost.} (13. f4) 13... exf3+ 14. Kd1 Qe7 15. Rxc7 Qe2+ 16. Kc2 Qe4+ { cmate: Qe4+ forcing an exchange of Queens despite being behind in material I still felt the exposed King would help me regain the advantage. Zenchess: Don't trade queens when you are down on material! Instead, you could have taken the f pawn and prayed for a miracle. The fact is, white's king being 'exposed' is an illusion. A king is only 'exposed' if there are pieces threatening it. In this position, which is an endgame, white's king is not only perfectly safe, but well placed to enter the center via d3.} (16... Qxf2 17. Qxd6 Rad8 18. Qxa6 { Zenchess: And white will have no problem converting his material advantage into a win.}) 17. Qxe4 Nxe4 18. Re1 Nxf2 19. Rxe8+ Rxe8 20. Rc8 Rxc8 21. Bxc8 Ne4 22. Bh3 f2 23. Bf1 Ng5 24. Kd3 Nf3 25. Ke3 Nxh2 26. Kxf2 Nxf1 27. Kxf1 { cmate: after 27.Kxf1 I had obviously failed to make use of the exposed king and having traded of pieces the outcome was inevitable and I resigned shortly afterwards. Zenchess: Unfortunately, there was nothing to take advantage of.} g5 28. d4 g4 29. c5 dxc5 30. dxc5 Kf8 31. Ke2 h5 32. Bg5 Ke8 33. Ke3 Kd7 34. Kd4 Kc6 35. Kc4 f5 36. Kb4 Kd5 37. Bf4 Kc6 38. Bd6 Kd5 39. Ka5 f4 40. Bxf4 Kxc5 41. Kxa6 Kc4 42. a4 Kxc3 43. Kb5 Kd4 44. a5 Ke4 45. Bc7 Kd5 46. a6 { Black resigns. Zenchess: If I can offer some advice, it's that you should not try to apply abstract generalizations to every position you find yourself in. Generalizations like 'his king is exposed' only make sense if his king is in danger. One of the hardest things to do as a chess amateur is to realize that many of the 'beginners rules of chess' that you learn in beginner books (which are only generalizations, of course) do not apply to the positions you will find yourself in. In this case you cannot use a generalization to find the correct move, but you must analyze the position freshly. Good luck in your future games!} 1-0 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2002.03.17"] [Round "?"] [White "frankvanvliet"] [Black "bore"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D00"] [WhiteElo "1489"] [BlackElo "1666"] [Annotator "frankvanvliet, bore, tomaro"] [PlyCount "89"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { frank: hi there, thanks in advantage for looking at our game. I'm still learning a lot in chess and this will hopefully never change :) tomaro:that usualy doesn't change ever :)} 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 { bore: just protecting my pawn I guess tomaro: this is good develping move,pawn doesn't need protection but center always needs some protection extra :) frank: I have little knowledge of standard openings, I just feel secure on this opening, making it an interesting game tomaro: maybe is better to start with Nf3 keeping the possibility of playing Pc4 before Nc3.But this move seems good anyway.} 3. e3 c5 { bore: exchanging a c pawn for a d pawn seems a good idea tomaro: yes,if white takes it ,you can play e5 with a good game} 4. Nb5 $2 { frank: protecting my pawn and making sure the queen stays at home tomaro:This kind of moves are not good at this point of game you shold have played Nf3 continuing development.} cxd4 { tomaro: This was not very good move because it gives some space to the white's blacksquare bishop. Nb5 was too early.Now afther} (4... a6 5. Nc3 Nc6 { .. the black simply gained two tempo}) 5. exd4 Nc6 $2 6. Be3 { frank: protecting the pawn tomaro: from what? Queen was protecting that pawn. Afther Nc6? (5... a6 was the right move!) youshouldhaveplayed} (6. Bf4 { threating Nc7+ gaining a rock for a knight} e5 7. dxe5 { ... and simply gaine a pawn with advantage}) 6... e5 { bore: getting rid of all his middle pawns looked good tomaro: your plan looks good but there are some realization problems :) ... a6 was still better.} 7. Qe2 { frank: I saw no reason in adding protection to the pawn, if it were on d5 it would have use in blocking bores development. So i decided to put my queen in a position pinning the e5 pawn} (7. dxe5 Nxe5 8. Qe2 { ... was more precise trying to pin the knigt instead of pawn (right now you again threat Bf4 , Nc7+ so black has big problems}) 7... Bg4 8. f3 Bf5 { bore: I should've expected that} 9. Bf4 { frank: making use of the pinning, also for a cover when the knight moves to c7 or d6} (9. dxe5 { .. was little better because now black can not take that pawn since} Nxe5 10. Bd4 { wins a knight ,so he has to play Nd7 and you wone the pawn still with good game }) 9... e4 { bore: the pin quite messed up my plans, but e4 seemed like a nice place to have my pieces move up front tomaro: Rc8 was better but still you would have very hard game to play} 10. Nc7+ { frank: c7? so be it bore: oops didn't see that, now I can rid of the pin} Kd7 11. Nxa8 Nxd4 $2 { bore: because his queen is under attack he won't be able to move out the knight frank: i think bore is just trying to bluf his way out, hoping for a Nc2 tomaro: you didn't calcolated it good now moving his queen in d1 he attacks your knight! and he has time to get out with his knight making new threats} 12. Qd2 { frank: exploiting the vulnerability of the knight} Bc5 { frank: he covers up with a bishop, also unprotected bore: now I'm forgetting about the knight} 13. O-O-O { frank: making the queen free to move and still put preassure on the dline with some nice pieces in it} ({ now Nc7 doesn't work (instead of Qd2 white shold have played Qc1!)} 13. Nc7 e3 14. Qd1 (14. Bxe3 Nxc2+)) 13... Qxa8 { tomaro: now in the game there are many possible moves,anyway white should try to exchange pieces as he has material advantage and black can not avoid that since his king is too exposed} 14. Qc3 { frank: attacking the knight but also trying to take controll of the diagonal, usefull with the bishop onf4 tomaro:trying to develop (and exchanging black's active pieces) was better, here is apossibility} (14. Ne2 Nxe2+ 15. Bxe2 Rc8 16. Bb5+ Ke7 17. fxe4 Bxe4 18. Rhe1 { .. activating all white pieces!}) 14... Ne6 { bore: defending own bishop while attacking his} 15. Bb5+ { frank: i was doubting very much if i shouldn't play Be5, but i think that would end up in exchanging pieces, simplifing the game and undoing my preassure tomaro:you don't have to worry about your preassure too much :),even if you simplify the position you still have advantage in material so you shold win,anyway this move is just fine except for the detail that now black can move his king from the d-file where it was exposed to your rock.} Ke7 16. Be3 { frank: thinking i could get away with this move, opening the c line} d4 { frank: quite surprised, not thought of this tomaro:you gave away much of your advantage.Now you see why black had more problems with his king on d-file. However you still should win.} 17. Bxd4 { frank: the knight on e6 was irritating and preventing my queen from moving out, so that knight had 3 functions and now bore had to chose} Bxd4 18. Rxd4 { frank: sacrefic ing the rook, but there was no other way because of my mistake of not seeing that pawn moving forward tomaro: :(} Nxd4 19. Qxd4 exf3 20. Qe5+ { frank: making him limit his king movement and voluntarely pinning pieces tomaro: better was to try} (20. Qc5+ Kd8 21. Nxf3 Qc8 22. Rd1+ Bd7 23. Qd4 { pinning the bishop in d7 where he doesn't have any protection from his pawn and threating Ne5}) 20... Be6 21. Nxf3 b6 $2 { tomaro: the game was almost equal the black should have prevent Qc5+ or Qc7+ with} (21... Rc8 22. Nd4 Qb8 { trying to exchange queens and going into an equal ending}) 22. Re1 $2 { tomaro: black should have played} (22. Qc7+ Nd7 (22... Kf8 23. Rd1 { with winnig threats Rd8+ mating and Bc6 winning a queen}) 23. Bxd7 Bxd7 24. Re1+ { winning a piece and probabli mating soon}) 22... Rd8 { frank: keeping the pin but letting my queen go} 23. Qc7+ Nd7 $2 { bore: wanted to keep the R down tomaro: you should have played Kf8 liberating from pinnes not create new ones} 24. Ne5 { tomaro: much better was Nd4 keeping some extra possibilities against Rc8} (24. Nd4 Rc8 25. Nxe6 $1 Rxc7 26. Nxc7+) 24... Qc8 $2 (24... Rc8 25. Nc6+ Qxc6 26. Qxc6 Rxc6 27. Bxc6 { was probably best}) 25. Nc6+ Ke8 26. Qf4 { frank: there is plenty of time for my knight to take his rook, now I can put preassure on both sides of his king tomaro: threating mate in e7 was much better :)} (26. Qd6) 26... a6 { frank: useless pawn move, at least I do not see the strength of it tomaro:black has no good moves} 27. Nxd8 { tomaro: this should be enough material advantage for white to win the ending} Kxd8 28. Bxd7 { frank: making the queen pin herselve in a very nasty way when i pull in my tower} Qxd7 29. Rd1 Bd5 30. Qg5+ { frank: i should have played c4} f6 31. Qh5 $2 { tomaro: why not simply} (31. Qxd5 Qxd5 32. Rxd5+ { with an VERY easy ending}) 31... g5 32. c4 Qc6 33. b3 b5 { bore: this is my possibility to get into some offence tomaro: that is right,you have to seek an draw exposing white's king (probably only good plan)} 34. Rxd5+ Kc7 { bore: oops } 35. Qf7+ Kb6 { bore: moving king forward for maybe an offence possibility} 36. c5+ Ka5 37. b4+ { frank: not wise move of me tomaro:it complicates things a littli bit} Kxb4 38. Rd4+ { frank: setting up an attack of king with his queen behind it} Kxc5 { bore: when I now move my king I attack his tomaro: there is an cure for this look (Qa7+)} 39. Rd2 (39. Qa7+ Qb6 40. Rd5+ Kxd5 (40... Kc6 41. Rd6+) 41. Qxb6) 39... Kb4+ 40. Kd1 Qe4 { bore: wanted to get to b1 I guess} 41. Qb3+ Kc5 42. Qc3+ Kb6 43. Rd6+ Kb7 44. Rd7+ Kb6 45. Qc7# { Black checkmated tomaro: I think both should pay more atention about your (and the other's) development befor starting any attack,in this game white has advantage form the begining but only because black missed some chances to punish whites too agressive moves and you should not always try to resolve everything in the middle game if you have material advantage,sometimes the final is much simpler to resolve.If you have any questions or comments please contact me on my e-mail.} 1-0 [Event "Unrated Friendly Game"] [Site "-"] [Date "2002.04.01"] [Round "?"] [White "Chaosknight"] [Black "Chris K."] [Result "0-1"] [WhiteElo "1493"] [BlackElo "1963"] [PlyCount "96"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. e4 d6 2. d4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg4 4. Bc4 { Not sure if Bc4 was the "correct move" but it seems ok to me -Annotator- The opening scheme choosen by Black is open to several continuations. The "correct move", the one and only doesn't exist. There are many playable moves (Nc3, Be3, c3, Bd3, Be2) and Bc4 is one of them.} Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Be3 e5 7. d5 Ne7 { I had expected Na5 but after he made the move I noticed that his move was stronger than what I expected -Annotator- The move choosen by Black is definitely the best possible continuation. The move that you were expecting is weaker due to the variation} (7... Na5 8. Be2 c5 { -Annotator- White was threatening 9.b4 trapping the Knight} 9. dxc6 Nxc6 { -Annotator- and White has the upper hand because of the strong square "d5", the weakened pawn in d6 (a clear target) and a couple of tempo's in his development}) 8. O-O Bg7 9. h3 Bd7 10. Nd2 $2 { I decided to follow his knight idea -Annotator- I would have preferred 10.Qd2 welcoming the Black castling with 11.Bh6, trading off the Dark-square bishop. In this position the center is firmly blocked: White must choose his plan among a queen-side pawn storm (preparing c4, b4, and then c5, better with Rooks in b1 and c1) and a King attack, whose the first step is to remove the bishop in g7 (in order to create "holes" around the black king). The Knight in d2 doesn't suite neither the first plan nor the second. Another possibility could have been Ne1, leaving the square d2 for the queen and keeping both plans possible. From e1 the Knight can go later in d3, controlling the point c5, or come back in f3 after the push in f4 (trying to open lines against the enemy king)} O-O 11. Qf3 $2 { -Annotator- I can't see any purpose for this move. The only reasonable plan for black in this position involves the attack to the pawn chain with f5 (of course firt removing the Knight in f6). After this move the queen looks somewhat silly facing the happy black rook in f8. White is playing without a plan.} Ne8 { -Annotator- Starting the standard plan in similar schemes} 12. a3 $2 { -Annotator- another waste of time. Better was Qe2, in order to meet the black push in f5 with the push in f3 (holding the center)} f5 13. Bg5 fxe4 14. Qxe4 Bf5 { -Annotator- Let's have a look on what white get after having put his Queen in "f3". Black has a confortable development, the "f" line is opened, the "e5" pawn has no opponent in front of him and in some variations is free to advance creating threats along the h8-a1 diagonal. And White? I'm afraid White has nothing but the "e4" square. Any white activity on the queenside is far from easy now.} 15. Qh4 { I felt I had a stronger position here still -Annotator- My feeling is different, as I told in my previous note. After defending the Knight, Black is OK} Bf6 16. f4 { I played this with the idea of making my rooks more active} exf4 { -Annotator- A safe way to proceed! Risky was 16...Bxc2. See the variations.} ( 16... Bxc2 17. Bxf6 (17. fxe5 Bxg5 (17... dxe5 $4 18. d6+ $18) 18. Qxg5 Nf5 19. Qxd8 Rxd8 20. e6 { -Annotator- with a sharp position: white has a strong pawn in e6.}) 17... Rxf6 18. fxe5 Rxf1+ 19. Rxf1 { -Annotator- and black cannot stop the creation of the passed pawn in "e6"}) 17. Rac1 { -Annotator- In my opinion this is a very passive move. Better would have been 17.Nde4, putting the Knight in an active square and reserving the Rook for a more active place (for instance in "e1"). You opened lines for your Rooks with "f4" and now you played a Rook passive move. This sound strange, do you agree?} Bxg5 18. Qxg5 Nf6 19. Qxf4 Nd7 $1 { -Annotator- The activity of black pieces increases move by move. Now the Knight is ready to jump in "e5" and the bishop in "f5" is ready to move anywhere because of the X-ray attack to the queen. Black is better. He reached this position playing natural moves. This means that the White plan started with 11.Qf3 is deficitary.} 20. Qd4 g5 $6 { -Annotator- Black frees a square for the Bishop. 21.g4 was the threat. However I would have preferred Ne5} 21. Qe3 Nc8 { -Annotator- This is a consequence of 20...., g5. Now "c8" is the only Knight retreat if black want to defend the g5 pawn. Looks poor to me, because the knight become passive.} 22. Nce4 h6 23. g4 Bg6 { I had been expecting him to take the knight -Annotator- Black keeps the Bishop because is the most useful piece for controlling the "e6" and "f5" squares, the only weaknesses of Black position. Furthermore, The Black bishop actually is the Black minor piece best placed. No reason for trade it off.} 24. Rxf8+ $2 { -Annotator- Why? There's no hurry to trade pieces! After the last black's inaccurate moves the balance is equal again . White can play for activate his pieces. How about to put a knight in "f5" (Ne4-g3-f5)? If black trade it off, a free pawn arises....} Qxf8 25. Rf1 Qg7 26. Bb5 $2 { -Annotator- This move gives Black a chance to repost his poorly placed "c8" knight. Better would have been 26.c3, with multiple purposes: defend "b2", control "d4" where a Knight can come and pressure "f5" and "e6", and remove the pawn from "c2" where is under fire of the Bishop in "g6"} Ncb6 27. Bxd7 $2 { -Annotator- The worst piece of black, the Knight in "b6" has disappeared. The white Bishop has disappeared too, but the trade favours Black, that is definitely better now.} Nxd7 28. b4 Qe5 $1 { -Annotator- Centralizing the Queen. In such an engame the piece activity and centralization is the best plan one can look for. Black can exert a noisy pressure on the "e" column and on the pinned "e4" knight now.} 29. c4 Re8 30. Re1 Nf6 $6 { -Annotator- Kg7 was clearly better. After the text move White can free himself with a check from the strong black attack} (30... Kg7 31. Qf3 Qd4+ (31... Nf6 32. Qxf6+ Qxf6 33. Nxf6 Rxe1+ $17) 32. Qe3 (32. Qf2 Qb2 33. Ng3 Ne5 $17) 32... Qxe3+ 33. Rxe3 Nf6 $19) 31. Nxf6+ Qxf6 32. Qf2 Rxe1+ 33. Qxe1 Qc3 34. Kg2 { Right here I knew I was gonna lose -Annotator- Almost. You can still search some activity giving a check in "e6" with the queen} Qxa3 35. b5 { -Annotator- The position is near to be lost for white, but in a live game may be useful to put problems to the opponent instead to making a passive defence. Look the variation (maybe incorrect, I want only to show you how to fight for the activity)} (35. Qe6+ Kg7 36. Ne4 (36. Qe7+ { -Annotator-looks weaker because of} Bf7 37. h4 Qxb4 38. Nf3 Qxc4 39. Kg3 Qxd5 $19) 36... Qxb4 37. Qf6+ Kh7 38. Qe7+ Kh8 39. Nf6) 35... Qd3 36. Qf2 h5 37. gxh5 Bxh5 { -Annotator- Black's pieces are too active. White is lost.} 38. Qe1 Kf8 39. Qf2+ Ke7 40. Qe1+ Kd8 41. Qf2 Kd7 42. Qe1 Qe2+ 43. Qxe2 Bxe2 44. Kf2 Bd3 45. Ke3 Bf5 46. Nf3 Bxh3 47. Nxg5 Bf1 48. Kd4 c6 { White resigns I knew I was gonna lose here so I gave up -Annotator- I'll be probably wrong, but I think you were playing this game being too much afraid of your stronger opponent and looking for a draw. Let me say one thing: play against the position, not against you opponent! Human usually make mistakes, Kasparov too. If you play a stronger opponent, let him to demonstrate that he's really the best! { *****Copyright freechess.org ***** Use this file for personal use only.} 0-1 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2002.03.23"] [Round "?"] [White "Kvuzon"] [Black "pollyparrot"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B52"] [WhiteElo "1686"] [BlackElo "1846"] [Annotator "Kvuzon, msh"] [PlyCount "126"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Bd7 4. Bxd7+ Qxd7 5. c3 { MH: The plan to achieve the central pawn duo isn't just to have the pawn duo, it's to have pawns which can advance and restrain or chase the enemy's pieces. Without a light square bishop it's easier for Black to challenge White's pawns. After 5. c3 Black can fight on light squares with 5...d5 or 5...Nf6. I'm not saying 5. c3 is horrible, just that it's not (and d2-d4 isn't) an end in itself. More common among GMs is 5. c4 to use the pawns on light squares, maintaining a bind on d5, and then d2-d4 to fight on dark squares, hoping to open lines for Bc1 and Qd1.} ({ MH:} 5. c4) 5... Nf6 6. Qe2 ({ MH:} 6. O-O { might be better, but I'm not an expert on this particular variation.}) 6... Nc6 { K: Isn't 6...Qg4 good here? MH: It looks to me like he (?) is just developing pieces and isn't looking for an immediate concrete variation to capitalize.} ({ MH:} 6... Qg4 7. d3 Qxg2 8. Rg1 Qh3 9. Rg3 Qd7 (9... Qh5 { and White has a slight development lead and Black's Qh5 is badly misplaced which might (!) be sufficient compensation for the pawn.})) 7. O-O e6 ({ MH:} 7... e5 { has it's obv ious immediate merits: preventing e4-e5, controlling d4; but it would leave Bf8 quite bad -- blocked by all the pawns on dark squares.}) 8. d4 ({ MH:} 8. d3 { should be considered. It utilizes the pawns to restrain Black on light squares and opens the way for Nb1 and Bc1 to come into play. Also, this would keep control of e4, so ...d5 could be met by e4-e5 and and Nf6 wouldn't have use of square e4. Or, in the event White just prefers to keep Pe4, he just develops pieces: Nb1-a3, Bc1-f4, Rd1 and the pieces find useful squares.}) 8... cxd4 9. cxd4 d5 $1 10. e5 { K: Should 10. exd5 been better here? White will get an isolated pawn and as far as I can see black have no problems in blocking it. } ({ MH:} 10. exd5 Nxd5 { and Black has good control of d5. White hasn't yet got Nc3 to fight Nd5 and he hasn't a light square bishop to play around Pd4. Black would be better.}) 10... Ne4 { MH: It seems to me Black is doing well. Ne4 is strong and White can either trade it off with Nb1-d2 or White can defend Pd4, move Nf3 and threaten f2-f3 to continue the theme of keeping Black cramped (the central pawn duo did that) and chasing his pieces to bad squares (where's Ne4 to go?).} 11. Be3 { K: After the game black suggested 12. Nc3 but after 12.. .Nxc3 13. bxc3 Na5 I wouldn't have enjoyed it. MH: I agree with you.} Bb4 { MH: This might be a good move, but it depends upon what pollyparrot is intending. If he just hopes White will move out a piece, so he can trade off his mediocre bishop then it's not so good. If he intends to maneuver ... Bb4-a5-b6 to target Pd4 then it's pretty good. The danger of putting Bb4 is it is too close to the enemy (as Ne4 may also be) and gives White a chance to play a2-a3, ...Ba5, b2-b4, ...Bb6 and then somehow get a Nc5 to clobber the queen-side. Whether White can do this isn't so clear and would have to be calculated carefully. There is still (also) the Nf3-e1, f2-f3 theme to be considered. Combining the two themes might be successful also (see variation 13. b4).} 12. a3 { K: This was to deny black the b4 square. A good move?} Ba5 13. Nfd2 { K: In some games, french defence, I've seen Ne1 followed by f3, would that been better? I don't think b4 would have been good, it gives black the c4 square. MH: It doesn't give away c4 that quickly. Black isn't prepared to utilize it. See variation 13. b4 and reconsider the position and it's possibilities.} ({ MH:} 13. b4 Bb6 14. Rd1 { and then Nf3-e1, f2-f3 at least keeps the pressure on Black, if it doesn't squash him immediately.}) 13... Bxd2 14. Nxd2 Nxd2 15. Qxd2 { MH: These trade-offs certainly ease Black's cramp and leaves Pd4 as the only significantly weak exposed pawn and Be3 as a truly bad bishop. Now control and use of c4 and the c-file IS very important.} Rc8 { K: Maybe 15...f6 would have been better. 16. exf6 gxf6 17. f4 and black can get a central passed pawn when it suits him. MH: though Black is still slightly cramped he will apparently be trying to play around the existing pawn structure. He's caught up with development and Nc6 has some better prospects than Be3, so he shouldn't be worse.} ({ MH:} 15... f6 16. exf6 gxf6 17. b4 { and Black might find his king's safety to be a continual problem.}) 16. Rac1 O-O 17. b3 { K: To control the c4 square. Good or bad? MH: Good and quite restrained. It does become a contest to control certain key squares (sometimes called invasion squares because one needs that critical foothold to gain ground).} ({ MH: A good alternative is} 17. Rc2) 17... Ne7 { MH: Black might intend ...Ne7-f5xe3, but that doesn't gain him anything really. More likely Black might like to play ...Qd7-b5 to poke holes in White's set-up. With the c-file already contested White might consider Qd2-a5 or Qd2-b4 to guard b5 and threaten a Black pawn. The area between Pa3 & Pb3 and Pa7 & Pb7 is where pieces can do some real damage. To that end White might also consider, if given time, Be3-d2-b4. Perhaps the coordinated Qd2-d3 and Be3-d2-b4 would be good. There are several good setups.} ({ MH:} 17... Rc7) 18. Rxc8 $2 { K: I was a fraid of something if the black rook was on f8. I cannot remember what.} Rxc8 19. g4 ({ MH:} 19. Rc1 { Don't let Black have the c-file for free. Even if he gets ...Qb5 it won't gain him much if the number of pieces shrinks.} Qb5 20. Rxc8+ Nxc8 21. Qc2 Ne7 22. f3 Nc6 23. Kf2 h5 { and Black maintains a persistent advantage because Qb5 and Nc6 are in better positions than Qc2 and Be3.}) ({ MH: } 19. a4 Qc7 20. Rc1 Qb6 $15) 19... Rc6 ({ MH:} 19... Qb5) 20. Rc1 Qc8 { MH: If Black just wants to trade rooks and queens then White might be able to safely go to a B vs. N ending. King position would count for a lot in that ending.} ({ MH:} 20... Qc7 { still aiming for ...Qc7-b6xb3}) 21. Rxc6 ({ MH:} 21. Kf1 Rxc1+ 22. Qxc1 Qxc1+ 23. Bxc1 Nc6 24. Be3 Na5 25. b4 Nc4 26. Bc1 Kf8 27. Ke2 Ke7 28. Kd3 Kd7 29. b5 Kc7 30. Kc3 Kb6 31. Kb4 { and Bc1 is relieved of having to defend Pa3. Even in this ending Nc4 is potentially better than the bishop. It's just that this simplified ending is less scary for White than the one(s) where Black's queen and rook could do more damage.}) 21... Qxc6 22. Qb4 ({ K:} 22. Qa5 { would have been much better. MH: Yes, I agree. It would've forced a queen trade and lead to the simpler B vs. N ending where White should survive easier.} Qb6 23. Qxb6 axb6 24. Bc1 Nc6 25. Bb2 g5 ({ MH:} 25... f6) 26. Kg2 Na5 27. b4 Nc4 28. Bc1 h6 29. Kg3 Kg7 30. f4 Kg6 31. fxg5 hxg5 32. h4 gxh4+ 33. Kxh4 b5 { and white cannot break through.}) 22... Qc7 23. Qc5 { K: My opponen t called this a horrible move. I wanted to deny black the use of the c-file. Comments? MH: I like it on two accounts: one is that, as you said, it prevents Black from using the c-file and two, it clears the way for Be3-d2-b4. If it just happens to look ugly...well, that's too bad.} Qxc5 24. dxc5 Nc6 25. f4 Na5 26. b4 Nc4 27. Bc1 { MH: Let's re-evaluate: Nc4 appears to dominate Bc1, but Bc1 and the White pawns on dark squares also dominate Nc4. It's a stand-off. Pd5 is passed, but White has the queen-side majority, so the kings should be drawn toward d4 and c6 to fight over the squares Pd5 or Pc5 would wish to cross. Pa3 can be moved, so Bc1 won't be tied down forever. This means it's still about equal, though there's still room for someone to win.} a6 { K: 27...g5 should win.} ({ MH:} 27... g5 28. a4 (28. b5 $4 gxf4 29. Bxf4 Nxa3 30. c6 bxc6 31. bxc6 Nb5 $19) 28... gxf4 29. Bxf4 { and the win is...?}) 28. Kf2 Kf8 29. Ke2 Ke8 30. Kd3 $4 { MH: This is the right sentiment for the White king, but if your attention narrows too sharply you can easily forget that you're fighting Black's army. In this case getting a Pb5 to prevent Black's king from playing is awfully important.} ({ MH:} 30. a4 Kd7 (30... b6 31. cxb6 Nxb6 32. b5 axb5 33. axb5 { and White gets Kc5 (or perhaps Ka5) to support Pb5}) 31. b5 { maintains Pc5 as a potential passer by preventing Black from blockading it so solidly. This keeps Kd7 from defending Pd5 which allows f4-f5 to work better. It just plain prevents Black's pieces from working together in any meaningful way.}) 30... Kd7 31. a4 Kc6 $17 32. Kd4 g6 33. h3 ({ MH:} 33. f5 gxf5 34. gxf5 exf5 (34... b6 35. cxb6 Nxb6 36. fxe6 fxe6 37. a5 Nc4 38. Bh6 Kb5 39. Bf8) 35. b5+ axb5 36. axb5+ Kxb5 37. Kxd5 { and White's king is probably better and Bc1 has air to breathe, so Black's doubled f-file pawn doesn't give Black any advantage (I think), though a computer might find a concrete variation where Black is better.}) 33... b6 34. g5 $4 $19 { K: I believe this is a bad move. I wanted to stop h6 and g5. MH: Bc1 is now just a pawn. g5 so much as lost a piece!} bxc5+ 35. bxc5 Na5 36. Kc3 Kxc5 37. Be3+ { K: I'm trying to create a fortress.} Kc6 38. Kb4 Nc4 39. Bd4 a5+ 40. Kc3 Kb7 ({ MH: The following variations show another way, to use Pd5 and Kc6 more. Please don't think I've analyzed all these variations in my head. Nope. I just decided on the plan to utilize all of Black's forces in a concerted manner. The variations are just the obvious continuation to carry out the idea and I generated them by moving the ChessBase pieces on the computer display.} 40... Nb6 41. Kb3 Nd7 42. Be3 Nc5+ 43. Ka3 d4 44. Bxd4 (44. Bd2 Nb7 45. Kb3 Kd5) 44... Kd5 { and Black's pieces should dominate so that the nominally equal material will be irrelevant -- Black should win, perhaps even easily.} 45. Bc3 Nb7 46. Kb3 Kc5 47. Be1 Kd4 48. Bc3+ Kd3 49. Be1 Nc5+ 50. Ka3 Ke3 51. Bxa5 Kxf4 52. Bd2+ Kxe5 53. a5 Kd4 54. Kb4 e5 55. Kb5 (55. Bc3+ Kd5 56. Bxe5 Nd3+ 57. Kb5 Nxe5 58. a6 Nc6 59. Kb6 Kd6 60. Kb7 Kc5 61. Kc7 Kb5 62. Kd7 (62. Kb7 Na5+ 63. Ka7 Kc6 64. Kb8 Kb6 65. a7 Nc6+ 66. Kc8 Kxa7) 62... Kb6 63. Ke8 Ne5 64. Ke7 Kxa6 65. Kf6 Nf3 $19) 55... e4 56. a6 Nxa6 57. Kxa6 e3 58. Ba5 Ke4 59. Kb5 Kf5 60. Kc4 (60. h4 Kg4 61. Be1 Kf3 62. Kc4 Ke2 63. Ba5 Kf1 64. Kd4 e2 65. Ke5 e1=Q+ 66. Bxe1 Kxe1 67. Kf6 Kf2 68. Kxf7 Kg3 69. Kg7 Kxh4 70. Kxh7 Kxg5 $19) 60... Kxg5 61. Kd3 Kh4 62. Kxe3 Kxh3 { It might be possible for White to draw, but by definition Black has all the winning chances.}) 41. Bc5 Nb6 42. Kb3 Kc6 43. Bd4 Nc8 44. Kc3 Ne7 45. Bg1 Nf5 46. Bf2 h5 ({ MH:} 46... d4+ $2 { is a little more difficult since Nf5 isn't yet threatening any pawns} 47. Bxd4 Kd5 48. Bb6) 47. h4 { K: Maybe the pawn should have stayed on h3.} Kc7 48. Kd3 Kb7 49. Kc3 Ne7 50. Bg1 Nc6 51. Bc5 Nb4 { K: Ladies and Gentlemen, please hold your noses, an absolute stinker is on the way. MH: This indicates Black doesn't know how to make his pieces work with Pd5 to force a breakthrough. I suppose the idea of sacrificing by ...d4, at the right moment to allow Black's king to walk through d5, didn't occur to him.} 52. Be3 { K: Ta-daa! I saw that 52. Bxb4 axb4+ 53. Kxb4 draws as black cannot make any progress without advancing the d-pawn. After the exchanges of the a and d-pawns black cannot force white away from the e4-square. Why didn't I play it. Psychology, I had already dismissed this game as a draw and just moved away till my opponent also should realize it. I had lost concentration. That is the main lesson of the game: Concentrate! Play the game to the end! MH: Hopefully there's even more to learn from this game. I think you might consider ways to play your pawns which will allow your pieces to become more active and useful than in this game. That one idea permeated this entire game from opening to ending.} ({ MH:} 52. Bxb4 axb4+ 53. Kxb4 Ka6 54. a5 Kb7 55. Kb5 Ka7 56. Kc5 Ka6 57. Kb4 d4 58. Kc4 Kxa5 59. Kxd4 Kb5 60. Kd3 $11 { maintaining opposition!} Kc5 (60... Kb4 61. Kd4) 61. Kc3) 52... Kc6 53. Bd4 Na6 54. Kb3 Nc5+ 55. Ka3 Nd3 56. Be3 { MH: There's the key position again.} Ne1 ({ MH:} 56... d4) 57. Bd2 Ng2 58. Bxa5 ({ MH: It looks like White's pawns are just falling off the board.} 58. Kb3 Kb6 59. Kc2 Nxh4 60. Be3+ Ka6 61. Kd3 Nf5 { and Ph5 will advance or Black will go back to threatening Pa4}) 58... Nxf4 59. Bc3 Ng2 60. Bd2 Nxh4 61. Kb3 Nf3 62. Bf4 h4 63. Kc3 h3 { K: White resigns} 0-1 [Event "ICS Rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2002.03.20"] [Round "?"] [White "poison"] [Black "saturnz"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B90"] [WhiteElo "1754"] [BlackElo "1823"] [Annotator "poison, Aeneas"] [PlyCount "113"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3 { In my own opinion the strongest move here must be 6.Bg5, as white has already made two big concessions with his second and third moves. If 6.Be2 then black can even fight for advantage with 6...e5! Aeneas: I'm not a specialist of the Najdorf Variation, but I think that the choice of the 6th white move is matter of taste...} e5 { I was relieved to see this move,as I have had nightmares about 6. ..e6, In my own opinion 6...Ng4!? is just interesting enough that white has chances to gain an advantage, while this move offers prospects of equality for white. The rest of the game will revolve around black getting in the freeing advance d5.} 7. Nb3 Be6 8. f3 Be7 9. Qd2 Nbd7 10. O-O-O Rc8 { I had been out of my "book" for a couple of moves now, although I had expected 10...b5 which turns out to be a major continuation. Theory considers 10...Rc8 to be slightly inferior, but this was ofcourse unknown to me at the time and he was still making his moves quickly.} 11. Kb1 { I must confess that my opening knowledge is a handicap, it really surprises me how much theory some people know. I think I could get to about move 10 in any opening as long as it was relatively central and straightforward. Having said that, I suspected that 11.Kb1 was getting off track, and that something like 11.g4 should be played. I have studied a few openings in depth and one of these is the dragon variation with 5...g6, Tiviakov always avoids a certain setup where white plays his king to b1 and his pawns to g4 and h4, and this position reminded me of that one. 11. Kb1 turned out to be theory though, in fact. I was in for a surprise at just how long westayedintheory!} Nb6 { Obviously, both parties want Nc4 to be played. Its difficult for me to tell when those amorphous moves that dont really seem to do anything direct are called for, such as 11...Qc7. Also I know castleing for black in these lines is generaly not a good idea until later, but I couldnt show you why, just that after seeing Bobby castle early (once) against Uhlmann, (or was it Unzicker?), he declared he would never castle again!(or something to that effect)} 12. g4 Nc4 13. Bxc4 Rxc4 14. g5 { I felt this was good because it weakens blacks influence on the d5 square, theory thinks so to. } Nh5 { This move surprise d me though, I would have opted for Nd7, so as to bring the knight back to b6 and try and hold out for the d5 break, probably id just play BxN, and black has two completely uncontested bishops and I have... what do I have again?!, oh yeah, play against d6. Plus my opponent was still (much to my discomfort) playing quickly. Aeneas: 14...Nh5 makes more difficult for White to push his pawns on the kingside. It's not easy to remove this knight... But 14...Nd7 was possible too, of course.} 15. Rhg1 $6 { Only now do we leave theory, which suggests 15.Nd5 Bxd5 16.Qxd5 Qc7 17.Na5! and probably white can take control of the c-file after 17...Rc2 18.Rc1 Rc1+ 19.Rc1. One point of 14...Nh5 can be seen here after 20.Bb6? Nf4! the idea being after 21. Qb7 Qb7 22.Nb7 Kd7!! 23. Rc7+ Ke6 24. Rc6 (threatens Nc5#) 24...Kd7 with a draw by repitiion that white has to take, as black also threatens to play Rb8 tieing whites pieces up. (thanks to fritz for helping me there) Aeneas: 15.Nd5 seems logical indeed. You pulled the Nf6 away from the centre and away from d5. So it's natural tu occupy this square. Another point: you commit too quickly your Rook on the "g" file: in some variations, it could be very useful on the "h".} Qc7 16. h4 O-O 17. Rg4 { Probably 17.Nd5 was the only way to fight for advantage, but if I wasn't going to play it on move 15 im probably not thinking about playing it now. I got to likeing this exchange sac a lot, although even during the game I realized white would not have more than just compensation. Aeneas: 17. Nd5 is no more good here. First, White has to take with the Queen, so c2 is lost. Second, if White take with the pawn e4, it's totally anti-positionnal. D5 MUST be occupied by a piece, not a pawn. 17.Rg4 is interesting. I like your imagination!} ({ Let's look at some lines:} 17. Nd5 Bxd5 18. exd5 (18. Qxd5 Rxc2 19. Rc1 (19. Bb6 Qc6 $1) 19... Rc8 $15 { and Black is a pawn up.}) 18... Rc8 $15) (17. Ne2 { with the idea to free the g+h pawns by exchanging the Nh5 is interesting but it seems too risky:} Rc8 18. c3 b5 19. Ng3 Nxg3 20. Rxg3 b4 21. cxb4 d5 $1 22. Bc5 dxe4 23. fxe4 Rxe4 24. h5 { and Black is better, but White may have some counterchances...}) (17. Na1 { preparing Nd5 seems perhaps the best move:} Rc8 18. Nd5 Bxd5 19. Qxd5 { and White has pressure on d6. A typical sicilian position.}) 17... Bxg4 18. fxg4 Ng3 { Ofcourse i completely expected 18...Nf4 here, as I had thought 18... Ng3 unplayable due to the simple 19.Qg2} 19. Qg2 Rxc3 { Only while saturnz was considering his 19th move did I realize that Nxe4 was probable, although before I calmed down enough to start calculating variations he played the text, which is in fact less good. So what about 19...Ne4 20.Ne4 Qc6! (the point, as pointed out to me by fritz) and white has to find the amazing 21.Rd5!! to stay alive(I probably would have opted for 21.Nf6 or 21. Nbd2 both of which hand the advantage over to black).} ({ Aeneas:} 19... Nxe4 { seems indeed quite good. But the result should be a draw by repetition. So, if Black plays here for a win, it's not enough.} 20. Nxe4 Qc6 21. Rd5 Kh8 { (to avoid Nf6+)} 22. Nc3 Qc8 23. Ne4 Qc6 { (nothing is better)} 24. Nc3) 20. bxc3 Qxc3 { Maybe 20...Ne4 was still better, but white retains a large advantage after this move too, during the game I felt that I was better, but I wasn't sure.} ({ Aeneas: yes. After} 20... Nxe4 21. Qxe4 Rc8 22. h5 { White should win.}) 21. Qxg3 d5 { fritz suggeste d 22.Rd3 which is very strong, I think I saw it but decided to play the move I was thinking of when I convinced myslef to play QxN.} 22. Qe1 Qxe1 23. Rxe1 d4 24. Bc1 $2 { Aeneas: you should control the c3 square to avoid the manoeuver Rc8-c3, as you point it in your comment.} Rc8 { Black has regained some ground that he lost, he has less pieces but one might say it is not how many pieces you have, but what you do with them that counts! Also his structure is sound, while my structure is well..err, um.. .Indeed like if I do something really tupid now like allow 25...Rc3...} 25. a3 $2 { Aeneas: I don't see the point of this move. You put a pawn on the colour of the Be7, you lose time and you tie your Bc1 to the defence of this pawn. It was better here to recognize your error and play 25.Bd2.} Rc3 { So I felt like making a game of it, my reasoning was that he would clean up on the kingside, while I would have a field-day on the queen's end of the board.} 26. Rf1 { This is a good move from a difficult spot, for better or worse, I have to activate my pieces, I could sense that much, what I couldn't sense is just how close it would actually be.} Rg3 { The move I expected, while also being a good one, he is taking a few seconds for his moves, while I have to really think to find mine. Too bad I cant even make back- rank threats against his king, he certainly can againstmine!} 27. Na5 $2 { The move I had been planning. It must be a bad sign when your reduced to attacking your opponents pieces in lieu of steady positional gains.} ({ The idea is good, but you had to play it only after} 27. Rf5 $1 Bd6 (27... Rxg4 28. Rxe5 $16) 28. Na5 Rxg4 29. Nxb7 { and you win a tempo by attacking the Bd6 in regards of the variation given in the next move.}) 27... b6 $2 { very unexpec ted.. something told me his best move was b5(fritz told me later is was 27... Rg4) but that something forgot to mention why, as now 28. Nc4 is possible, anyway I had resigned myself to 28.Nc6 so I completely missed it.} ({ Aeneas:} 27... Rxg4 $1 28. Nxb7 Rxh4 29. Re1 Rg4 { and Black is even better now...}) 28. Nc6 Bd6 29. Rf5 Rg1 { I figured this was coming, so it was one move that I had already worked out and was able to play my next move immediately. One good thing about "only moves" is you dont have to spend a whole lot of time calculating variations =o) .} 30. Kb2 Rg3 { My opponent squeezed every once out of the position, he really deserved better than he got.} 31. Nb4 Rxg4 32. Nxa6 Rxh4 33. Bd2 { Here I was able to come up with a good solution, fritz wasnt much help either, I guess black just has the advantage, luckily my opponent played inaccurately.} Rxe4 34. Bb4 Bxb4 { There was no reason to let the knight back into play, 34... Bf8 helps black tempo- wise.} 35. Nxb4 g6 { Im not sure if this is necessary, but my computer plays it too, Re2 at least makes me burn time on the clock thinking it over. Aeneas: after g6, g5 drops and the black pawns are very very strong...} 36. Rf2 { an automatic move for someone of my level (patzer)} Rg4 37. a4 { This is my big idea..nice eh, to bad I think he could have made life more difficult for me.} e4 $6 { Aeneas: here Black should have been logical and played 37...Rxg5.} 38. Nd5 Kg7 { 38...e3 39.Nf6 Kg7 40.Ng4 ef2 41.Nf2 and I felt I woud win.} ({ Aeneas: yes, you win after 38...e3 but not easily. Let's look at somevariations :} 38... e3 39. Nf6+ Kg7 40. Nxg4 exf2 41. Nxf2 f6 42. gxf6+ Kxf6 43. Kb3 h5 44. Kc4 g5 45. Kxd4 $1 (45. Kb5 $2 g4 46. Kxb6 Kf5 47. a5 g3 48. Nh3 Kg4 49. Ng1 h4 50. a6 h3 51. a7 h2 52. a8=Q hxg1=Q $17) 45... g4 46. c4 Kf5 47. Ke3 g3 48. Nd3 Kg4 $1 49. c5 bxc5 50. a5 c4 51. Ne5+ $18) 39. Nxb6 e3 $1 { here i thoug ht "an intermezzo before Rg5?" In fact I had looked at only 39... Rg5 and then maybe maybe 40.Nc4 or 40. Kb3 im not sure which would be better, my computer suggested 40.Re2 which I hadnt even considered, as 40...f5? would be horrible, cutting off the black rook from the defense of the queenside.} 40. Re2 d3 $1 { NO! he is going to win his piece back!} 41. cxd3 Rb4+ 42. Kc3 Rxb6 43. Rxe3 { Ofcourse now the smoke has cleared and his position is lost for black I think, although that was impossible to tell before the combination,with this time control, if I had seen it I would have played it myself! Aeneas: I'm not according with you. Black has very strong pawns. He should unlash them immediately and White could have some difficulties. If so, 39....e3 and 40... d3 are VERYgoodmoves!} Ra6 $2 { Lose a vital tempo...} (43... h6 $1 44. gxh6+ Kxh6 { and the black pawns can be very very dangerous. For example:} 45. Kc4 ( 45. a5 Rb5 $1 46. Re7 Rxa5 47. Rxf7 { with a dead draw.}) 45... f5 46. a5 Rf6 47. Kb5 $6 f4 48. Re2 g5 49. a6 g4 50. a7 Rf8 51. Ra2 f3 52. a8=Q Rxa8 53. Rxa8 g3 54. Rh8+ Kg7 55. Rh3 g2 56. Rg3+ Kh6 $19) 44. Kb4 h6 45. gxh6+ Kxh6 46. Kb5 Rf6 $2 { Aeneas: Why blocking his own pawns??} (46... Ra8 47. a5 f5 48. a6 g5 { and Black should hold the draw I think.}) 47. a5 Rf5+ 48. Kb6 Rf6+ 49. Kb7 Rf5 50. a6 Rb5+ 51. Kc6 { I actually managed to play a strong endgame(incrediblely)} Ra5 52. Kb6 Ra2 53. Re5 f5 54. Ra5 Rb2+ 55. Kc5 { Kc7 won also.} Re2 56. a7 Re5+ 57. Kb4 { And here my opponent resigned, a pity as I was going to offer a draw for playing such a lovely game. It reminded me of a game Topalov-Morozevich, Topalov had white and played 1.d4 (does he still play 1.d4 regularly?) Morozevich's main weapon at the time was the chigorin defence, (you gota admire someone for playing that opening against a top ten player!) and at some point he played a dubious move, 0-0-0, I think, or maybe it wasnt dubious at the time when he played it, it sure is now, anyway Topalov really grubbed on pawns, and just took everything Morozevich gave him, who incidently had to play like a god just to get into an endgame that lost by one tempo. Even I couldn't be proud of the way Topalov played the first half, his technique at the end was simply amazing..kinda like my game =0). Aeneas: A game very interesting. 1. You play well against sicilian! You have a plan and so keep it! You weaken black's control of d5? so occupy this square! 2. At the beginning of the ending, you make some errors, allowing counter for Black. You should have paid more attention to CONCRETE variations. So you would have been able to see Rc8-c3. 3. You play well the ending, but in your analysis, you underestimate black chances. You can remember that 2 tied pawns (like f-g in this game) are very strong against a Rook!} 1-0 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2002.05.05"] [Round "?"] [White "SGV"] [Black "pdunne"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C43"] [WhiteElo "2396"] [BlackElo "1858"] [Annotator "pdunne, Aeneas"] [PlyCount "69"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { pd: some general remarks before we begin. Clearly, my assessment of what was going on and what to do was deeply flawed throughout the endgame. Essentially what I'd like to know here was, do my comments show that I now understand the position, or am I still floundering? Did I loose by inaccurate play and/or not understanding what to do in the ending, or is my position after the Q exchange on move 11 so bad that I'm already lost? Aeneas: To answer your questions, I think that you lost this game for several reasons.1. The ending that you attained at the 13th move is difficult for Black. The position is much more easier to play for White. They risk nothing, so they can play a long time, while Black has to defend and play very accurately. 2. It seems that in the endgame you played without real plan. You saw the d5 square for your Knight, but didn't play this piece there. Follow your plan! In your comments, you saw the power of the bishop pair, you saw the possible ending with opposite coloured Bishops. That's a very good thing. The main problem you have in this game is how to deal with your Knight. That's the point.} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 Nxe4 4. Bd3 d5 5. Nxe5 Bd6 6. O-O O-O 7. c4 c6 { pd: up to this is book, as I discovered by looking it up afterwards. Now the book line is 7.... Bxe5 8. dxe5 Nc6 =. Aeneas: The move you play here is perfectly correct. Even if 7... Bxe5 is the main, 7... c6 has been played by some GMI, for example Vastimil Hort.} 8. Nc3 Be6 $2 { Aeneas: This is the fault in the opening. White can go straight forward in a very favourable endgame for them. 8...Nd7 was better.} ( 8... Nd7 9. Nxe4 dxe4 10. Bxe4 Nxe5 11. dxe5 Bxe5 12. Bxh7+ Kxh7 13. Qh5+ Kg8 14. Qxe5 Re8 { is a line given by Yusupov. He says that White has a small advantage: White is a pawn up, but there are opposite coloured bishops and some attacking chances for Black (ideas such as Qh4, Re8-e6-g6 or h6,...)}) 9. Nxe4 $1 dxe4 ({ Aeneas:} 9... Bxe5 { is not possible:} 10. Ng5 $1 Bc7 { ( a try to save the Bishop)} 11. Bxh7+ Kh8 12. Qh5 { and White wins.}) 10. Bxe4 Bxe5 11. dxe5 Qxd1 (11... Bxc4 { if not better, could have complicated the task of White, even if your opponent keeps the initiative.} 12. Re1 (12. Qxd8 $6 Rxd8 13. Re1 Nd7 14. Bg5 f6 15. exf6 Nxf6 16. Bf5 Kf7 { and the position is almost equal.}) 12... Bd5 13. Bd3 { with some good prospects of attacking on the kingside for White.}) 12. Rxd1 Bxc4 13. Rd4 Be6 { pd: OK, assessment time. He's got the two bishops in an open position, and more space, but I felt that I could hold. I have no weaknesses, and should be able to make d5 a strongpoint. Aeneas: This is the critical position that is issued from your 8th move. I think that White is better here. He has not only the Bishop pair in an opened position, but the initiative too. He threatens here f5, which would leave Black with only three ranks to play. Another point is the difficulty that Black has to put his Knight on a good square. The only one seems indeed to be d5, but it's very difficult to reach.} 14. f4 g6 { pd: I felt I had to prevent f5, e6, and an exchange on e6 giving him a passed pawn.} ({ Aeneas: another way to prevent f5 is to play yourself f7-f5. But here it's not possible because of the power of the Bishop pair. Black cannot open the position. Let's look at some variations:} 14... f5 15. exf6 gxf6 16. f5 Bf7 17. Bh6 Re8 18. Bf3 Kh8 { (because of the threat 19.Rg4+)} 19. Rad1 $1 Bxa2 20. Rg4 Rg8 (20... Na6 21. Rd7 $1) 21. Rxg8+ Bxg8 (21... Kxg8 22. Rd8+ Kf7 23. Bf8 $1 { with the idea 24.Bh5 mate!} Kg8 24. Bd6+ Kg7 25. Rxb8 Rxb8 26. Bxb8 { and White wins easily with a bishop more.}) 22. Rd8 $1 $18 { with a complete paralysis of the black pieces...}) ({ If one tries a move which not prevents f5, it seems not very good too:} 14... Na6 15. f5 Bc8 16. Be3 Nc5 17. Bc2 b6 18. Rad1 { with a great advantage for White: developpement, more space, "d" file, strong pawns.}) 15. Be3 Na6 { pd: this gets me into trouble. I was afraid to play 15....Nd7. I was fixated with geting my N to d5. Is there a better plan here? Clearly the N has to go somewhere. I can't recall why exactly I thought Nd7 was bad.} ({ Aeneas:} 15... Nd7 { was really playable I think:} 16. Rad1 Nb6 17. Rb4 { if not 17.Rb4, Black can safely play Nd5 with equality.} ({ for example:} 17. a3 Nd5) 17... Nd5 (17... Bxa2 $2 18. b3 $1 { and the Ba2 is doomed.}) 18. Bxd5 Bxd5 19. Rxb7 Rab8 20. Rxa7 (20. Rxb8 Rxb8 21. b3 a5 { with chances to hold the draw. }) 20... Rxb2 21. Rd2 Rfb8 { and Black has very good chances to hold the draw due to the activity of his pieces and the presence of opposite coloured bishops.}) 16. Ra4 { Of course. Threatens Bxc6, among other things; also simply Bxa6 bxa6 Rxa6.} Bd5 ({ Aeneas: You should have played the logical following of 15...Na6:} 16... Nc7 17. Rxa7 (17. Bxa7 $4 Nb5) 17... Rxa7 18. Bxa7 Ra8 19. Bb6 Nd5 20. Bxd5 Bxd5 21. a4 { and Black should try to blockade the light squares, using so his fine Bd5. The presence of opposite coloured bishops can help much Black to obtain the draw. Black should try to exchange Rooks if he can.}) 17. Bd3 $6 { pd: surprising. I'd expected him to exchange bishops.} ({ Aeneas: 17.Bxd5 is more simple indeed. White wins a pawn and probably the game then.} 17. Bxd5 cxd5 18. Rd1 Rfd8 19. Ra5 Nc7 20. Rxa7 Rxa7 21. Bxa7 Ra8 22. Bb6 Ne6) 17... Nc7 18. Rxa7 Rxa7 19. Bxa7 Ra8 20. Bb6 { pd: This is inaccurate, is it not? 20. Be3 holds his extra P.} ({ Aeneas:} 20. Be3 { don't hold the extra pawn: a2 is captured.} Rxa2 21. Rxa2 Bxa2) 20... Ne6 21. Be3 Rxa2 22. Rxa2 Bxa2 23. g4 Ng7 $2 { Aeneas: You play here too passive. On g7, your Knight is virtually dead. To prepare its future, you have two options: you can give it the square d4 with the move c5. Or you can try to go on d5 via c7. Let's look the concrete variations.} (23... Nc7 24. Kf2 Nd5 25. Bd2 Kg7 { and Black has good chance to hold the position. His Knight is beautiful, and if White exhanges it, the endgame is again with opposite coloured bishop, which should be draw or at least very difficult to win for White.}) (23... c5 $5 24. f5 Nd4 25. Kf2 { and White keeps the better game: he can decide when he wants to exchange the Nd4, and the Bishop endgame is better for White.}) 24. f5 gxf5 { pd: This makes the Ph7 weak, and White can now execute the plan he in fact followed in the game, to walk his K up to h6 and grab the P with his B. So, I should have sat tight, and if W exchances 25. fxg6 hxg6, it seems to me that I can easily blockade his passed pawn. My N sits on e6: if he takes it off we've got a drawn opposite-colored B ending; if he doesn't take it off, his K can't penetrate. Aeneas: You're right I think. Exchange on f5 gives the white pawns to much power.} 25. gxf5 Bd5 26. Kf2 Ne8 { pd: ? A blunder, allowing my N to be imprisoned. I guess Black is lost after this. But in truth the N is already very restricted. Aeneas: your move is not so bad. It's your next one which is.} 27. Bb6 Kg7 { pd: ?? Crass move. I didn't see what was wrong with allowing f6 at all until I'd allowed it! No point in analysing the rest. Aeneas: Indeed you had to play 27... Ng7, although the position is very difficult to defend.} 28. f6+ Kg8 { In retrospect, it's clear that Black could have resigned at this point.Aeneas: Right! The only way to free your position is to give a pawn with c5, but then the position is of course lost for you.} 29. Kg3 Kh8 30. Kg4 Kg8 31. Kh5 c5 32. Kh6 c4 33. Bxh7+ Kh8 34. Bc5 Nc7 35. Bf8 { Black resigns} 1-0 [Event "Edited game"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2002.04.02"] [Round "?"] [White "vipiu"] [Black "danke"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "E11"] [Annotator "vipiu, msh"] [PlyCount "124"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. d4 e6 { MH: Black allows 2. e4, expecting that White isn't interested. However, with this pawn move he does make it clear he won't be playing a King's Indian or other king-side fianchetto defense. He might play a Dutch (... f5) or a Queen's Indian (...Nf6, ...b6) or a Queen's Gambit (...d5) or a Polish (...b5). White can go ahead with 2. c4 (a standard way to get the pawn into play before Nb1-c3) or keep Black guessing with 2. Nf3. I probably wouldn't suggest 2. g3, though some people would play it.} 2. c4 Nf6 { MH: There is an interesting detail involved in the making of White's next move choice. Some people avoid the Nimzo-Indian (3. Nc3 Bb4), but with 3. Nf3 Black can play for a Modern Benoni with 3. Nf3 c5, knowing White won't have a quick f2-f4 available. Nowadays top GMs play either, according to taste and what fits their style.} 3. Nf3 Bb4+ { MH: The Bogo-Indian hasn't by any measure been refuted, but isn't as popular these days as some other moves.} ({ MH: I will give alternative moves without comment.} 3... b6) ({ MH:} 3... c5) ({ MH:} 3... d5) 4. Bd2 Qe7 { MH: It appears Black wants to keep the pressure and perhaps add more with ...Ne4, forcing simplifications which ease Black's cramp, making his choice to not move many pawns all the more successful. White can play 5. a3 to force an immediate resolution or 5. Qc2 to prevent Black's plan or continue development in expectation Black's position will remain somewhat vulnerable, even if his (Black's) opening plan is successful.} (4... a5) 5. g3 { MH: Since White threatens Bf1-g2 Black has time, if he desires, to neutralize the long diagonal with 5...b6 6. Bg2 Bb7 OR continue with the earlier plan of 5...Ne4.} ({ MH:} 5. a3 Bxd2+ 6. Qxd2) ({ MH:} 5. Qc2) 5... Nc6 $6 { MH: This is a move one sometimes sees in Queen's Indian Defense games. It's usually an awkward attempt to develop the knight where it doesn't contribute with the other active pieces. The alternatives are to ...O-O and then resolve the state of Bb4 and aim for ...d6, ...e5 with central development or ...b6, ...Bb4 with ...O-O and a very late development of Nb8 to a6, d7 or c6 depending upon the situation.} ({ MH:} 5... b6) ({ MH:} 5... Ne4 6. a3 Bxd2+ 7. Nfxd2 Nxd2 8. Qxd2) ({ MH:} 5... O-O 6. Bg2 Bxd2+ 7. Qxd2 d6 8. Nc3 Nbd7 9. O-O e5) ({ MH:} 5... b6 6. Bg2 Bb7 7. O-O Bxd2 8. Qxd2 O-O 9. Ne1 Bxg2 10. Nxg2) 6. Bg2 ({ MH: White mig ht do better to try to exploit the slightly exposed state of Nc6 by initiating a queen-side pawn advance.} 6. a3 Bxd2+ 7. Qxd2 d6 8. b4) 6... Bxd2+ 7. Nbxd2 d6 { MH: Now with Nc6 completely secure Black can put his pawns on dark squares and free Bc8. It's difficult to say Black is worse after this.} 8. O-O O-O { MH: Black clearly plans to expand in the center with ...e6-e5 and possibly even ...e5-e4-e3. White is a little weak on the central dark squares, so planting a Ne3 would be helpful. To that end 9. Re1 e5 10. Nf1 might be good. This is clearly a plan to limit any damage the Black plan might normally achieve. White's pieces aren't placed strongly enough to work together offensively. Fortunately White's position doesn't have much weakness, so it's still about equal. However, realizing that Black has a constructive offensive plan, though limited, is important. Without that one might not realize White has to play a little defense to keep the balance.} 9. e4 { MH: Although this might appear to be the natural follow-through of the fight for e4 it isn't without it's difficulties. First, it blocks Bg2 and second it leaves Pd4 weaker. Fortunately Pe4 also restrains Black's offensive potential and that's sufficient reason for it.} ({ MH:} 9. Re1 e5 10. d5 (10. Nf1 $6 e4 11. Ng5 h6 12. Nh3 g5 13. Ne3 { and Nh3 is stranded}) (10. dxe5 $2 { seems to open lines too much} dxe5 11. Nf1 e4 12. N3d2 Rd8 13. Qc2) 10... Nb8 11. Nf1 Nbd7 12. e4 (12. b4)) 9... e5 10. d5 Nb8 11. b4 ({ MH:} 11. Ne1 { heading to d3 to support c4-c5} Bg4 { hoping Qd1 will move, so ...Bg4-e2xf1 can be played} 12. f3 Bc8) 11... a5 12. a3 Na6 { MH: Na6, Pd6 and Qe7 control c5, but that's also one minor piece (Na6) which is far from the king-side action. Perhaps those who play a King's Indian Defense would be more likely to go for the king-side offensive and not spend so many tempi on the queen-side. Which is better is debatable.} ({ MH:} 12... Ne8) 13. Qb3 { V: Till now it is just book. I knew he plays this line from some older games of him.} Bg4 ({ MH: Probably better is} 13... axb4 14. axb4 Bd7) ({ or the immediate} 13... Bd7) 14. h3 { V: I am not sure if this is book too, but h3 looks good here.} Bxf3 ({ MH:} 14... Bd7 { and there is a little danger White can block up the king-side with g3-g4. This forced trade of ...Bg4xf3 is a cost of the provocation.}) 15. Bxf3 { MH: Now it appears to me the tables are turned: the position might still be about equal, but it's White who has the better chances to do something offensively.} Ra7 ({ MH: Without the light-square bishop he probably should use ...c6 to try to get rid of one or two of White's imposing central light-square pawns.} 15... axb4 16. axb4 c6) 16. Rfc1 { V: Maybe Ra1a2 was better here. MH: Doubling rooks on the c-file, and possibly even using Qc2 or Qe3, to support c4-c5 is the only sensible thing to do.} Rfa8 { MH: Black's "threat" might be 17...axb4 18. axb4 Nc5, but White can surprise Black with 19. Rxa7 Nxb3 20. Rxa8+ when White's two rooks should be better than Black's queen because Qe7 has no open lines.} 17. Rc3 $2 { V: I think this is a mistake...Ra1a2 and Rc1c2 may be better choices.} ({ MH:} 17. Rc2) ({ MH:} 17. Ra2) 17... Qd7 { V: Next moves are forced for me.} 18. Bg2 axb4 19. axb4 c5 $5 { V: here I think black is already better :( where did I do wrong ? can i draw this ? MH: You pointed out that 17. Rc3 probably isn't as good as Rc2 or Ra2. That's the only obvious move error. Other than that I should say White's advantage wasn't/isn't so great and one or two dubious moves can change the tide. It isn't entirely clear to me at this point what the consequences of 17. Rc3 might be; after all, the d-file opens and Rc3-d3 might not be so bad.} 20. dxc6 bxc6 { MH: If I were Black I'd begin looking at . ..Rb8 and ...Rab7 to threaten Pb4. White has to change things quickly to avoid losing that pawn.} 21. Rd3 { MH: This is obviously one of the two or three themes to be looked at, but I have a feeling it fails because it's easier for Black to make his pieces work together in the threat on Pb4 than it is for White to bring more pieces to the plan to threaten Pd6. This could be the key point in this game from which you can learn.} ({ MH:} 21. Ra4 Qb7 (21... Nc5 22. Rxa7 Nxb3 23. Rxd7 $18) (21... Rb7 $2 22. Qa3) (21... c5 22. b5 Nb4 23. Rxa7 Qxa7 24. Nf1) 22. Qa3 Nc7 23. Rxa7 Rxa7 24. Qb2) 21... c5 $1 { MH: I really like this "ugly" move. It makes a point of focusing on Pb4 and incidentally (!) blocks Pc4, so that Bg2 can hadly get into play. It creates the threat of ... Na6xb4. Incidentally, it would be awfully easy to say 21. Rd3 was bad because you overlooked the possibility of ...c5. That's not it. In fairly balanced positions there are always going to be resources for each side, many which surprise the opponent. Nope, it's finding the right plan or theme which makes the rejoinder especially effective.} 22. b5 Nb4 23. Rxa7 Qxa7 { V: I sacrificed the rook for a knight and a pawn with the idea of making a better bishop and to push those passed pawns.} ({ MH:} 23... Rxa7 { gives White even fewer options} ) 24. Rxd6 { MH: The right move because deviating from the chosen plan would lose even more time and bring devastation upon your house.} Qe7 25. Rd5 Nbxd5 { MH: He has to take it, but after exd5 Bg2 gets to play and Pb5 is less blocked. It's still within the range of drawable.} 26. exd5 Qd6 27. Qb2 { MH: This is a difficult position for Black to try to win. White's king is safe and Pb5 & Pd5 are passed. He has to somehow restrain those pawns while threatening Kg1? It doesn't seem likely to succeed!} Nd7 28. Ne4 ({ MH: It seems easier to restrain Black by keeping the light squares completely in White's hands.} 28. Be4 g6 29. g4 f6 30. h4) 28... Qb6 ({ MH:} 28... Qc7 $4 29. d6 { and Ne4-f6+ is a real threat}) 29. h4 ({ MH:} 29. g4 { is tempting, but it's another pawn on a light square to block Bg2, so it bears a lot of risk.} h6 { preparing ...g6, ...f5} 30. Ng3 g6 31. d6 Ra4 32. Bc6 Nb8 33. d7) 29... f5 { MH: Here's where Black's position could unravel a bit. To restrain White's probing pieces he has to weaken his own king's safety a bit.} 30. Ng5 { MH: What is White's threat? If it's not of major proportion then Black should consider activating Ra8.} Qd6 { MH: This move is perhaps better than I originally gave it credit for being. It blocks Pd5, so Bg2 can't get into play via d5-d6 (a sacrifice). Still, activating Ra8 is very good.} ({ MH:} 30... Ra4 31. Qc2 Ra1+ 32. Kh2 e4) 31. Qb1 ({ MH:} 31. Bh3 g6 32. g4 { is certainly complicated with an unclear outcome}) 31... e4 $1 $17 { MH: It's st range that this idea, originating early in the middle-game, should arise again. White is weak on the dark squares, so ...e4-e3xf2 could help to make Kg1 weaker -- a key element to any Black plan to succeed. Meeting ...e3 with f2-f4 would keep Kg1 somewhat safe and leaves Pe3 separated from Black support. Either way it looks like Black is making a little progress. It looks like White's pieces aren't so able to work together as Bg2 has a hard time fighting Pe4 & Pf5, so it can't ever get into play on the queen-side via d5-d6 (even a sacrifice) and Bg2-c6 (or -b7 or -a8).} 32. Ne6 Ne5 33. Qc2 Ra1+ 34. Kh2 Ra3 35. Qb2 { MH: This probably loses due to ...Ra3-a4xc4, but there's nothing else for White to do.} Ra7 { V: Maybe Ra4 with the idea of Rb4 or Rxc4 is much better for black} ({ MH:} 35... Ra4 36. Nxc5 Ng4+ $19) 36. Qc3 Ng4+ 37. Kg1 Qe5 { MH: It's really amazing Black hasn't latched onto the idea of capturing Pc4 to undermine Pb5 & Pd5. Without the anchor of having to keep those pawns blocked he would have excellent chances to directly attacking Kg1.} 38. Qxe5 Nxe5 { V: ??? another idea ?} 39. Nxc5 Ra1+ 40. Bf1 Nxc4 41. Kg2 { MH: After that flurry of forced moves let's re-evaluate: White's king isn't entirely safe, but Black's is. Bg2 has gotten back into play, but Kg8 is freer to go after White's queen-side pawns. I guess I'd have to say Black's rook is probably the one thing which gives Black the winning chances. Keeping Pb5 blocked with ... Nb6 and then using Kg8 to go after Pd5 might be all that's needed.} Nd6 { V: do i have a draw line ? MH: If you do it's not easy to find, but I think it might be easier here than after ...Nb6.} 42. b6 Rb1 43. b7 ({ MH: Similar is} 43. Nd7 Kf7 44. Ne5+ Ke7 45. Nc4 Nxc4 46. Bxc4 Rxb6 $17) 43... Nxb7 44. Nxb7 Rxb7 45. Ba6 Rb2 { V: I should resign here.} 46. Kf1 Rd2 47. Bc8 { V: hope reappeared} g6 48. Ke1 Rd3 ({ MH: Black can force simplification immediately if he chooses:} 48... e3 49. fxe3 Rg2 50. d6 Kf7 51. Kf1 Rxg3 52. Kf2 Rg4 53. h5 Rh4 54. hxg6+ hxg6 { The pawn ending would be won for Black, so he can go after Pd6 and trade his rook for bishop & pawn.}) 49. Ke2 Kg7 50. Be6 Kf6 51. Bg8 h6 52. Be6 g5 53. hxg5+ hxg5 54. Bg8 Ke5 55. Bf7 Rb3 56. Kf1 Rb1+ 57. Ke2 f4 58. gxf4+ gxf4 59. Be6 f3+ ({ MH:} 59... Rb2+ 60. Ke1 e3 61. fxe3 fxe3 { and Black's king can come up to complete the mating picture}) 60. Kd2 ({ MH:} 60. Ke3 $2 Rb2 { and ...Rb2-e2#}) 60... Rb2+ 61. Ke1 Kd4 ({ MH: Also simple, but slightly longer is} 61... e3 62. fxe3 Ke4 63. d6 Kxe3 64. Kd1 f2 65. Bh3 f1=Q+ 66. Bxf1 Rb1+ 67. Kc2 Rxf1 68. d7 Rf8 69. Kc3 Rd8 70. Kc4 Rxd7) 62. d6 Kd3 { V: ..puah} 0-1 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2002.04.19"] [Round "?"] [White "xxPeteman"] [Black "Kerbrech"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "D07"] [WhiteElo "1523"] [BlackElo "2193"] [Annotator "xxPeteman, tomaro"] [PlyCount "42"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6 3. Nf3 Bg4 4. cxd5 Bxf3 5. gxf3 Qxd5 6. e3 e6 { Everything s book up until about here. I decided to try and gain an edge by chasing the black queen for a bit. tomaro:another possibility for black is} (6... e5 { and then afther} 7. Nc3 Bb4 8. Bd2 Bxc3 9. bxc3 exd4 10. cxd4 Nf6 { white has th e couple of bishops and strong pawn center but black has better pawn structure, so I think the position is pretty equal}) 7. Nc3 { Knight to c3 develops and gives the queen a shove} Qh5 { I don't understand the point of putting the black queen on h5. I suppose it stops me pushing the f pawn, but I wasn't thinking of doing that anyway. tomaro: h5 is good square for the black queen from where she keeps an eye on your weak squares if you play f4 then black can play Qh5 still staying near or black can exchange queens} 8. Bb5 $2 { I was hoping to take the knight and double blacks pawns, managed to forget he had another knight tomaro: the idea is not so bad (since doubled pawns on c7 and c6 would be on the open file) but even if you realize it your white sqares near you king (f3 g2 h3) are now even weaker and the queen on h5 can make some threats also you would give away the couple of bishops wich later could become very strong,now your game becomes difficult} ( 8. f4 Qxd1+ (8... Qh4 9. Bg2) 9. Kxd1 { gives you an equal game}) 8... Nge7 9. b3 { I was still keen to double his pawns at this point, moving the pawn let me bring my bish to a3} Qg5 { I missed the follow up to this move, queen g2, and continued on my merry way. Looking at it now I wonder about King to f1 to keep the pesky thing out. tomaro:maybe Bf1 :),I think Ba3 was good,at least you could exchange your bishop with his since your bishop can not be very active with all your central pawns on blacksquares} 10. Ba3 O-O-O 11. Bxe7 $2 { I figured taking this could only do me good. If he'd taken back with the bishop I would have taken the knight and doubled his pawns. Taking with knight moves it away from the center and blocks in the bishop tomaro: it is not all true,if he takes with his knight then he gaines a tempo to bring his knight in d5 where it would be more active.There is also an constant threat e5! which could give you problems so maybe better was Qe2 threating Nc3-e4-c5 with good chances to attack ontheopenc-file} Nxe7 12. f4 $2 { This move was pretty pointless, I think white's position would have been sounder with the pawn where it was, maybe Queen to d3 at this point, with an eye to a sac at a6 or b7 would have been better. tomaro: as you can see I agree :) since your whitesquare bishop is out catching black knights this is not a good move} (12. Qd3 e5 13. d5 f5 { gives you bit of problems}) (12. Bd3 Qg2 13. Ke2 { gives you a ttack on the c file and on the long diagonal (afther Be4 ,Qc2,Tc1 and Na4-c5) of course black can defend him self but you have the initiative}) 12... Qg2 13. Ke2 Nf5 14. Qd3 { still Bd3-e4 was better} Qg4+ 15. Kd2 { I'm not to sure about this move either, it allowed black to pin the knight with the bishop taking a lot away from my sac threat. King f1 here may have been the go. tomaro:you have very little choice} (15. Kf1 Qf3 16. Rg1 (16. Kg1 Nh4 { and white losses: if Qe4 then Qh3, if Qf1 then Qg4+}) 16... Qh3+ 17. Ke2 Qxh2) 15... Bb4 16. Ba6 $2 { tomaro: you are trying something but better was try to defende yourself} (16. a3 Bxc3+ 17. Qxc3 Qf3) 16... Qf3 { The queen sneaking in here put a big hole in my attack. I figured myself for dead at this point. tomaro: that is true :(} 17. Rac1 Nd6 18. d5 { the pawn push was a desperate attempt to get my attack rolling again by blocking the queen from the defence. It was never going to work, I forgot that my knight waspinned} Ne4+ 19. Kc2 Nxc3 { This move fin ishes it all, ending all my threats (covers b5) and winning a piece.} 20. Bxb7+ Kxb7 21. Rhf1 Rxd5 { xxPeteman resigns tomaro: next time try to keep your white bishop in defence (maybe put it on g2 and castle) because your attack shouldn't begin with exchanging your best piece :) and bishop is strong enaugh from g2 as it was from b5 only that from g2 it can help your defence too.Also pay more atention on your opponent's attack ,there is nothing wrong in defending your self and waiting for better moment to attack.} 0-1 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2002.06.09"] [Round "?"] [White "Bengbula"] [Black "pdunne"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A40"] [WhiteElo "1999"] [BlackElo "1877"] [Annotator "pdunne, Aeneas"] [PlyCount "71"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. d4 e5 { Aeneas: The Englund Gambit. Psychologically, it's interesting for Black, you're right. But on the board, this gambit seems a bit incorrect. White can play naturally and hold the pawn. There are other gambits after 1.d4 which are better: the gambit benko, budapest or the Albin counter gambit, and so on...} 2. dxe5 Nc6 3. Nf3 f6 { pd: working on the asumption that most 1.d4 players are cowards (!), this gives a nice open game at the cost of a P which can be regained if White doesn't want to face an attack. Best for White is probably 4. e4, but 1.d4 players don't like to play that.} 4. exf6 Nxf6 5. g3 { This is too slow. 5. Bg5 is obvious and good. Aeneas: I'm not so sure. White has now a very solid position. Of course 5.Bg5 is good, but the move played here seems good too.} d5 $6 { Aeneas: I prefer here 5...Bc5, which developps more quickly.} 6. c3 { Aeneas: I don't see the point of this move. 6. Bg2 was logical.} Bc5 7. Bg2 O-O 8. O-O Qe8 $5 { Aeneas: I prefer the plan with Bf5, Qd7 and then Bh3. The manoeuver Qe8-h5 is interesting indeed but perhaps a little slow. But I can not blame you, due to the position you obtained in this game! The plan involving Qd8-e8-h5 is often played in the Dutch defense, for your information. } 9. Bf4 Qh5 { White's development has been routine. He is now in a passive position, and Black seizes the initiative.} 10. Bxc7 { pd: another pawn? Sure, help yourself. He doesn't have time for this. Black definitely has enough attack for two Ps here.} Bh3 11. Nbd2 Ng4 12. Bxh3 { pd: swapping his white-square B can't be right. Black has a fine attack here, the price White has paid for following his pet scheme of development regardless of the moves his opponent played. Already, mate at h2 is in the air. Aeneas: I'm according with you. 12.Bxh3 is a very surprising move, a sort of computer move: White plays to win material in a position where he should think about defence...} Qxh3 13. Qb3 Ne7 ({ Aeneas:} 13... Bxf2+ { is a possible, but seems not sufficient:} 14. Rxf2 Nxf2 15. Qxd5+ Kh8 16. Kxf2 Qxh2+ 17. Ke3 Rae8+ 18. Kd3 Qxe2+ 19. Kc2 Rc8 20. Re1 Nb4+ 21. cxb4 Rxc7+ 22. Kb1 Qf2 { with a slight advantage for White.}) 14. Bf4 h6 $2 { pd: not the best. Why not simply Rxf4 at once? See note to 17th. Alternatively, I could break the pin on the d-pawn with Rf7, followed by Raf8, then g5 (without prep. h6) wins the B or forces mate after the double N capture on f3. Aeneas: This is here one the most critical position of the game. I tried to analyse it. Black has here two interesting moves: 14...Rf7, with the idea of doubling the rooks on the f file (breaking the pin on the d-pawn is no really important) and 14... Rf5 with the idea of doubling too the rooks on f file and perhaps transferring the Rf5 on h5. Let's look some concrete variations:} (14... Rf7 15. Qb5 { (as in the game)} (15. Qxb7 Raf8 16. Qb3 (16. Qb5 Bd6 $1 17. e3 (17. Bxd6 $2 Rxf3 $1) (17. Qd3 { (the move recommended by Fritz)} Rxf4 $1 18. gxf4 Bxf4 { and there is no defence for White}) 17... g5 $1) 16... g5 $1 { (the key move: the Bf4 has no good squares)} 17. Bxg5 Rxf3 18. Nxf3 Rxf3 { and Black wins.}) 15... Bb6 16. c4 Raf8 $1 { The point.} 17. c5 (17. cxd5 Rxf4 $1 18. gxf4 Ng6 $1 { winning.}) 17... Bc7 { and again g5 will come with a devastating attack for Black.}) (14... Rf5 { is the second possibility. Here is an example of an incredible variation: Black has a very strong attack and it seems dubious that White can survive during a game with the pressure of time...} 15. Qxb7 (15. Qb5 Rh5 16. Qxc5 Nxh2 17. Nh4 { (The only move)} Ng6 { (threatening 18...Nxf4)} 18. Qd6 Nxf4 19. Qxf4 Ng4 20. Ndf3 Rf8 $1 21. Qa4 Rxf3 $1 22. Qxg4 (22. exf3 $4 Qh2#) 22... Qxg4 23. exf3 Qg5 { with a better game for Black.}) 15... Raf8 16. Nb3 $2 Rh5 $1 17. Nxc5 Nxh2 { followed by the mate.}) 15. Qb5 Bb6 16. c4 Bd4 $2 ({ Aeneas: again here} 16... Rf5 { seems to offer good chances to Black... For example:} 17. c5 Rh5 18. cxb6 Nxh2 19. Nh4 { (again the only move)} Ng6 20. Bc7 Nxh4 21. gxh4 Qxh4 { wins for Black:} 22. Bg3 Qh3 { and what can do White against 23...Nf3+ and 24... Qh1 # ? This was here your last chance...}) 17. cxd5 Rxf4 { pd: this works, except in one variation. White has a neat defensive resource -- see move 21. The idea is simply if 18. gxf4 Ng6-h4 and mate on g2 or h2 cannot be avoided.} 18. Qxb7 Raf8 19. Qxe7 Rxf3 20. Nxf3 Rxf3 21. Qh4 { pd: I missed this, or rather, I saw it too late. Now Black must swap Qs, which kills his attack.} Qxh4 22. gxh4 Rxf2 23. Rxf2 Nxf2 24. Kg2 { pd: assessme nt time. A difficult endgame for both sides. White's central passed pawns look formidable, but I was hoping to blockade them. And then, White was down to about 20 secs on the clock, while I had plenty of time. Aeneas: yes, This endgame is quite difficult to assess. But Black has some chances to save the game. h4 is weak and d5 could become weak too.} Kf7 { pd: ?? Now it's all over -- for Black! I think I'm right in saying the ending now has no drawing possibilities for Black. Aeneas: no comment...} 25. Rf1 Kf6 26. Rxf2+ Ke5 27. Rf3 Bxb2 28. Rd3 Kd6 29. Kf3 Be5 30. h3 h5 31. Ke4 Bb2 32. Kf5 a5 33. e4 a4 34. Rg3 a3 35. Rg6+ Ke7 36. e5 { Black resigns. Aeneas: A good game of attack. Very tactical. Remember the 14th move: When you're attacking you've to use all your pieces (here: doubling the rooks). Remember too the manoeuver Rf8-f5-h5. This sort of switch is quite common during an attack on a castled king (for example, with White: Rf1-f3-h3). Another thing that I want to say: your very bad 24th move is not really surprising. All your game, from the beginning, was attack, attack, attack. Suddenly, you're in a complex ending. In such a change, be careful. Stay calm, think a long time, and change your mind: you're in an ending, no more in a tactical attack. You must be ready for that.} 1-0 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2002.06.08"] [Round "?"] [White "kampagnol"] [Black "hthen"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A04"] [WhiteElo "1796"] [BlackElo "1663"] [Annotator "hthen, MrBug"] [PlyCount "55"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { MrBug: Hi! Let's have a look at your game.} 1. Nf3 f5 2. b3 { This move su pris e d me. I cannot simply play Nf6, so I decided to block the long diagonal first.} d6 3. Bb2 e5 4. d3 Nf6 5. Nbd2 g6 6. c4 Bg7 7. Qc2 O-O 8. O-O-O $2 { MrBug: A tactical blunder hanging f2. What's worse is that White doesn't seem to have anyclear-cutplan} a5 $5 { Here I was thiking about Ng4 winning a pawn or the text move, which threatens to attack along the a-file. I think the threat on the a-file is stronger, so I can always play Ng4 later. Also I wanted to play the knight to a6 and then to c5, and this moves secures the c5 field. MrBug: Interesting decision. Had you seen meeting e4 with f4 I think maybe you would have played 9...Ng4 which seems stronger} (8... Ng4 9. Rg1 Nxf2 10. Re1 Ng4 11. e4 f4 $1 $19 { MrBug: With similar lines to the game variation}) 9. a3 { Now if I play the pawn to a4, white can simply play b4.} (9. h3 a4 $1 { MrBug: the initiative to Black would be too dangerous while the kings are on opposite wings.}) 9... Ng4 10. Rg1 Nxf2 11. Re1 Ng4 { I have some central control and a pawn, but I forgot to develop most of my pieces. MrBug: We can extend this further - you have a stable centre, more space and a safe king and an extra pawn. Your opponent has "developed" more of his pieces but they do not do much.} 12. e4 (12. e3 Bh6 13. e4 f4 14. d4 Nc6) 12... Na6 $6 { I think th is is a blunder. I was planning (13.exf5 Bxf5 ) to develop the bishop to a strong diagonal, but I hadn't counted on the fact that it would never be able to stay there. MrBug: Not quite a blunder, but a stronger alternative was 12... f4. Black's dark-squared bishop might look "bad", but in fact White can't do anything and has nothing to show for his pawn deficit without giving the bishop scope.} (12... f4 $1 13. g3 (13. d4 exd4 14. Nxd4 Ne5 $19 (14... Nxh2 $5 { MrBug: Perhaps Black can take this pawn and still return to his knight to the e5 outpost})) 13... Bh6 $1 14. Kb1 (14. d4 fxg3 15. Rxg3 Bf4 16. Rg1 Be3 17. Rg3 (17. Rxg4 Bxd2+ $19) 17... Bf2 $19) 14... c5 $19 { MrBug: White has nothing to show for his pawn}) (12... Nc6 { MrBug: compared with Na6, this move is also worth a look. The idea is that if White plays d3-d4 (say with h3 first to get rid of the Ng4), Black gets a comfortable knight outpost on e5}) 13. exf5 Bxf5 14. h3 Nf6 15. g4 Bd7 { Here my piece s simply lack scope. Also I had no real plan, apart from playing b7-b6 to open up the white pawn-structure on the king-side. I think a better plan would have been to fight for some control in the center first, by centralising my rooks on the open files and perhaps bring my Queen to b6. MrBug: White's pieces also lack scope - Black is still much better thanks to his extra pawn. What is actually more important is that it's hard to find a plan or prove compensation for White.} 16. Bg2 Rb8 (16... c6 17. d4 exd4 18. Nxd4 Qb6 { MrBug: This is an interesting line you give. It even contains a cute trap} ( 18... Qc7 $2 19. Re7 { MrBug: Black can't simultaneously meet Ne6 and Rxg7 threats}) (18... Rc8 $5) 19. Re7 Rae8 $2 (19... Bh8 $1 20. Rge1 Rae8) 20. Rxg7+ $1 Kxg7 21. g5 Nh5 22. c5 $1 { MrBug: a clearance sacrifice, using the double check in full power} Nxc5 (22... Qxc5 23. Ne6+ $18) 23. Nc4 Qa6 24. Nf5+ Kf7 (24... Kg8 25. Nh6#) 25. Ncxd6+ $18 { MrBug: the Black king meets an onslaught}) 17. d4 exd4 18. Nxd4 Nc5 $2 { MrBug: A chance missed} (18... a4 $1 19. b4 c5 20. bxc5 Nxc5 $19 { MrBug: White is a pawn down with an exposed king and nothing to show for it}) 19. Rgf1 b5 $2 { This is a stupid blunder, losing at least a pawn. MrBug: Yes it's annoying to blunder in a complicated position when you have the advantage. You have an extra pawn and White doesn't have any threats, so you don't need to rush to open the position for your attack. Get your pieces to where you want them.} (19... c6 20. Kb1 Rc8 $17) (19... Kh8 $5 { MrBug: b5 becomes a plausible threat now}) 20. Nxb5 Bxb5 21. cxb5 Rxb5 $4 22. Qc4+ { After this I struggled on a little, but only to my further shame. No comments.} d5 23. Qxb5 Nfe4 24. Bxg7 Rxf1 25. Rxf1 Nxd2 26. Bf6 Ncxb3+ 27. Kb2 Qf8 28. Bxd5+ { hthen resigns} 1-0 [Event "ICS Rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2002.07.07"] [Round "?"] [White "Guarded"] [Black "hthen"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A10"] [WhiteElo "1693"] [BlackElo "1744"] [Annotator "hthen,msh"] [PlyCount "73"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. c4 { MH: I generally recommend 1. d4 or 1. e4 as they allow White to threaten the opponent more directly and therefore give Black fewer good options.} f5 { MH: Again, I don't generally favor wing play in the opening when central play is available.} ({ MH:} 1... e5) 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 c6 $6 { h: Since bl ack cannot play d5, it is better leave this square open for the knight, so it can transfer to e7, after I play e5. MH: Black needs to be concerned with developing pieces and this doesn't help.} ({ MH:} 3... e5) ({ MH:} 3... g6) 4. d3 { MH: If White is completely immobilized by the thought that whatever he does might be met by a counter-play from Black then he won't get anywhere.} ({ MH:} 4. Nc3 $1 { leaves open the option of d2-d4, but might(!) have to face ...d7-d5-d4}) ({ MH: } 4. Nf3 $1 { appears to prevent ...e7-e5, but after ..d7-d6 then Nf3 might have to face ...e7-e5-e4}) ({ MH:} 4. d4 $1 { weakens e4, so that ...d7-d5 would likely be a good move. Still, it promotes central control and development.}) 4... g6 5. Nc3 Bg7 { MH: Black has corraled White's pieces (to a large extent), so White has to decide on a plan of development which might turn into something later on. Fortunately for White Black's queen-side is undeveloped and it's clear, with Pc6, that Black will probably have to play ...d6 and develop ...Nb8-a6 while leaving Bc8 unmoved. White might aim for b2-b4 to "hit" a Na6 with b4-b5, but that by itself won't hurt Black much. Nope, White's position isn't geared for offense and he can't hope for any knockouts without some cooperation from Black. On the other hand, Black should have fair freedom of movement and can aim for ...d6, ...e5 with good space behind those pawns for his pieces to maneuver. Generally Black's play would involve playing ...f4 with a bishop invasion at h3 to weaken White's king-side. Notice that Black would leave pawns on light squares to take up the duty of that bishop for the time after it's been traded. If I were White I'd be thinking about things offensive which don't require an early O-O. Perhaps Bc1-f4, Qd1-c1 to invade Black's king-side.} 6. e3 $2 { MH: Building a "solid" defensive position on the king-side is just a way of telling Black about the fortress he has to scale. It doesn't help Bc1 and none of White's other pieces can achieve much.} ({ MH:} 6. Bf4) ({ MH:} 6. Bd2) 6... d6 7. Nge2 O-O 8. O-O e5 9. e4 { MH: Usually this sort of pawn move is only used when it's absolutely necessary to block it's opposing number from advancing. In this case ...e5-e4 wasn't likely. It appears he intends to prevent ...d6-d5, though that move would likely help White as much as Black by weakening Black's control of the g2-a8 diagonal. Instead an effect of e3-e4 is that Pf5 can exchange at e4 to open the way for Bc8 or that Pf5 might advance (some day) with less difficulty, even if it must be sacrificed, to clear the way without opening any central squares for White's pieces. Pe4 might in that case act as a prison cell wall, keeping Bg2 caged-in.} ({ MH:} 9. b4 { attempts to broaden the fight to the whole board}) 9... a5 $6 { h: I wanted to play Na6 and then Nc7, but I thought to delay white's b2-b4 up first. However, this takes a lot of time. The knight might better go to d7, after Be6. MH: The question is not simply whether to develop . ..Be6 before ...Nd7, it's what your plan for further play involves. I think Bc8 is well placed until it jumps into the king-side, but it may well be that Black needs ...Be6, so there's room for ...Qd8-c8 (Black has no fear of being worse and can afford to avoid any queen trade which might arise on an open d-file) and ...f4, ...Bh3. That's fairly direct and doesn't involve enough pieces, but it does show that it's the complete follow-through needs to be considered rather than just what one move would be good. So, does Nb8 need to go to d7? Probably not; that would block ...Be6 and ...Qc8. Instead ...Na6, ... Be6, ...Nc7 and ...Qc8 might be excellent moves to consider, with the idea of . ..Nc7-e6 when Black is well mobilized and ready to play on dark or light squares as needed. Should Black start with ...a5? In general one should consider piece moves first. Too many pawn moves and you've got weaknesses the other fellow can exploit. If he's not done anything offensive then don't give him any weaknesses to target.} 10. Rb1 Na6 11. a3 Nc7 12. b4 { MH: Not only has White prepared b2-b4, but he'll avoid a simplifying rook trade on the a-file while he's at it. Ra8 might have an open file, but few possibilities.} Qe8 $6 { h: I wanted to defend against a further b5, but this is not necessary. Better was f4. MH: Black sometimes plays ...Qd8-e8 in a Dutch. In a Leningrad (with king-side fianchetto) it's usually to support the pawn advance ...e7-e5. That's not necessary here as ... e5 is already accomplished. In a Dutch with .. .e7-e6 and ...Be7 Black might play ...Qd8-e8-h5 to play on the king-side. Here that isn't available because of Pg6.} ({ h:} 12... f4 $5 13. gxf4 Nh5 14. fxe5 dxe5 { And black can quickly start an attack on the kingside, with moves like Qh4 and Ne6-f4.}) ({ MH:} 12... axb4 { Opening the a-file isn't absolutely necessary, but you might as well give Ra8 some hope of useful activity. The only down-side is that a3 opens, so Bc1-a3 might become possible.} 13. axb4 Ne6 14. exf5 (14. b5 f4 $5 15. gxf4 Nh5) 14... gxf5 15. b5 Qe8 16. bxc6 bxc6 17. Rb6 Bd7 { and Black is still well coordinated and with good development and perhaps better central pawns}) 13. f4 { MH: Even the possibility that Black might sacrifice ...f5-f4 worries White and he prevents it. Fortunately for Black this means there are more ways to open lines and there shall be more weak White pawns.} Bd7 ({ MH:} 13... Ne6 { might inspire White, for whatever reason, to play exf5. This would allow ...gxf5, opening the e8-h5 diagonal! In any event I don't see that Bd7 is much more useful than Bc8. I admit it allows ...Ra8-d8, so it's not entirely bad.}) 14. Bb2 $2 ({ MH:} 14. Be3 { taking aim b6 and continuing to control central dark squares. What's Bb2 do? Practically nothing.}) 14... Ng4 { h: With my queenside adequately defended I decided to start my own play on the kingside. However, too much time was wasted, white is not going to attack on the queenside, and white's kingside position is very solid now. However, I decided to try and take over the a7-g1 diagonal. MH: I don't agree that "too much time was wasted" in light of White's indecisive play. It's hard to say whether White will attack on the queen-side or anywhere in particular. He seems adept at not doing anything in particular. White's king-side is less solid now than it has ever been.} 15. Qd2 exf4 $5 16. Qxf4 { h: This move surprised, me since I thought the discovered attack would make this very unpleasant, but then I saw that the Queen would take on d6. MH: I agree with the variations you've given below. His Qf4 shouldn't scare you very much. A large piece is usually too exposed to small ones and is easily chased away. In fact he just had no goodrecapture!} ({ h:} 16. Nxf4 Bd4+ { with fxe4 to follow.}) ({ h:} 16. Rxf4 Ne6 { with Nd4 to follow.}) ({ h:} 16. gxf4 { Here I hadn't thought of any variations, but I thought the weakened kingside would leave me enough counterplay.} g5 17. fxg5 Ne5) 16... Be5 ({ h:} 16... fxe4 17. Qxd6 Be5 18. Rxf8+ Qxf8 19. Qxf8+ Rxf8 { This is what I calculated during the game and black has too many pawns hanging. }) ({ h:} 16... Ne5 { This may have been better. Now the threat of fxe4 is very real and white cannot take on f5, as this would allow Rxf5. Also d3 is hanging. } 17. Qd2 axb4 18. axb4 { MH: I don't care for this variation because Black has given up his Pe5 for minimal compensation.}) ({ MH:} 16... Qe7 { intending ... Bg7-h6-e3+ might also be very good. It moves the queen off the back rank, so that Ra8 defends Rf8 and that makes ...fxe4 possible. The downside is that it's a pawn gambit and at this point that's unnecessary and perhaps bad.}) 17. Qd2 Ne6 $1 { h: This loses the game. I missed the capture on f5. Now black cannot take on f5 with the bishop. I was intending to play Nd4 and then take over the a7-g1 diagonal. However, I wouldn't know a better move in this situation. MH: This does NOT lose the game. It's the normal natural continuation of your plan. That it involves gambitting a pawn shouldn't concern you much. Opening lines for your pieces at this time can only be a good thing.} 18. exf5 gxf5 $4 { h: Even so, I should have played Nd4. The fact that I only took a minute for the last few moves shows that I wasn't thinking enough at a crucial moment. For one, the pawn seriously hampers my piece activity and secondly white develops a strong initiative. MH: 18...gxf5 is possibly the losing move. It certainly keeps the material equal, but gives away a lot positionally. You'll have to re-live the experience and try to figure out what tipped the balance in favor of recapturing the pawn over ... Nd4. You had a plan and didn't stick with it. Perhaps you didn't do analysis to confirm the pawn sac. was sound. Perhaps you felt fear. What pushed you towards regaining the pawn? What is missing from your thought process which allowed the balance to tip that way? Did you consider ...Nd4? Only you know what was going on in your mind at this time, so it's tough for me to dissect the process and tell you what's not right and what to do to fix it. Give it some thought and if you want e-mail me (hathawa2@marshall.edu) with some info. or questions then we can discuss it more thoroughly. Sometimes the lesson one can learn from one key moment like this is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING about the game.} ({ h:} 18... Nd4 { Even now I haven't analysed all the variations, but the complications might have been better to live with than the game continuation. MH: You make it sound so terrible that you have to "live with" this situation. Yet to me it looks terrific for Black. Sure it's a risk to gambit a pawn, but surely you can see the great piece activity which becomes available to Black. Don't ignore that Piece Activity! Though you probably didn't analyze the possibilities fully during the game your variations below completely justify the pawn sac. That you didn't see them all during the game doesn't mean your good sense to play ...Nd4 was wrong. Be brave. The only sensible move is to occupy d4 with a piece, to replace the strong central control your pawns used to provide and to prevent d3-d4.} 19. fxg6 (19. Nxd4 Bxd4+ 20. Kh1 Bxf5 { This is OK for black.}) 19... Qxg6 (19... Nxe2+ $4 { MH: It would be very bad to trade pieces when you're gambitting a pawn and you need your pieces to provide offensive threats.} 20. Nxe2 (20. Qxe2 Bd4+ 21. Kh1 Qxe2 22. Nxe2 Nf2+ (22... Bxb2 23. Rxf8+ Rxf8 24. Rxb2 axb4 25. axb4) 23. Rxf2 (23. Kg1) (23. Kg1 Nh3+ 24. Kh1 Rxf1+ 25. Bxf1)) 20... Bxb2 21. Qxb2 Qxg6) 20. Rxf8+ (20. Ne4 Qh6 21. Rxf8+ (21. h3 Qxd2 22. Nxd2 Nxe2+) (21. Nxd4 Qxh2#) 21... Rxf8 22. Qxh6 Nxe2+ 23. Kh1 Nxh6) (20. Nd1 Rxf1+ 21. Kxf1 Nxh2+ 22. Kg1 ( 22. Kf2 Bxg3+) 22... Nhf3+) 20... Rxf8 21. Nxd4 Bxd4+ 22. Kh1 { MH: This looks like an excellent pawn gambit variation. White's Nc3 and especially Bb2 are out of play and Kh1 is looking quite vulnerable. The possibility of a direct attack on Kh1 with ...Nxh2, ...Qh5 and ...Rf2 is terrific.} Nxh2 $17 ({ You could also consider:} 22... Rf2 23. Qe1 Rxg2 24. Kxg2 Qh5 25. h4 Ne3+ $40)) 19. d4 Bg7 20. Qd3 ({ MH:} 20. b5 { prevents Black from opening the a-file (to give life to Ra8) and endeavors to change the focus of the fight away from Kg1 and onto Pc6 & Pb7. It's still not clearly advantageous for White because his position is poorly coordinated and there are many weak squares.}) ({ MH:} 20. d5 { also tries to open the g2-a8 diagonal}) 20... Qh5 { h: Well you never know. MH: It seems less likely this attack can pay off because there isn't any complementary play on the dark squares (no Be5 to hit Pg3). It does defend Pf5 and clear the way for ...Ra8-e8, so once again it's not all bad.} ({ MH:} 20... Ng5 { clears the way for a Black piece to land on e3 or e4}) 21. h3 Nh6 22. d5 Ng5 23. Nf4 ({ MH:} 23. Kh2 $4 Ng4+ 24. Kg1 Nxh3+ $19) 23... Qf7 24. Nce2 Rae8 ( { MH: First toss in} 24... axb4 25. axb4 { then play} Rae8 { to support ...Ng5-e4, blocking out Bg2} ({ or} 25... Ra2 { aiming to switch Rf8 to the e-file where it won't be blocked by Pf5})) 25. Bxg7 Qxg7 26. Nh5 ({ MH:} 26. Nd4) 26... Qe5 27. Nef4 Qe3+ { h: Here I couldn't stand it anymore and decided to exhange queens. However, even after an exchange of queens the lack of activity for the minor pieces remains. Ne4 might have offered better chances for a draw, but I was afraid of the resulting pin. MH: "Couldn't stand" what? White's position is noticably better now, but aside from his superior queen-side I don't see any knockout blows in the offing. Black might have some time to get his house in order, but it wouldn't be easy.} ({ h:} 27... Ne4 28. Rbe1) ({ MH: Keeping Rb1 out of play by keeping the b-file closed might be good, though a Pa4 will be weak.} 27... a4 $5 28. Rfe1 Ne4) 28. Qxe3 Rxe3 { MH: None of Black's play has come to fruition, so White just "picks up the broken pieces" and exploits whatever weaknesses remain -- mostly the b-file and opening the g2-a8 diagonal (a lifelong plan of English Opening players).} 29. bxa5 ({ MH: Better is to open the diagonal a bit first, though White might be winning in any event.} 29. dxc6) 29... Bc8 $4 { MH: When all is lost it's tough to criticize any move.} ({ MH: Ideal would be to keep Bg2 under wraps} 29... c5 30. Rxb7 Re7 (30... Bc8 $4 31. Rg7+ Kh8 32. Rxg5) (30... Rd8 $4 31. Rxd7 Rxd7 32. Nf6+ Kf7 33. Nxd7 Rxa3 { and White should win, despite some difficulties}) 31. Ne6 $18 { but it just doesn't work.}) 30. dxc6 bxc6 31. Bxc6 Ba6 { h: And another mistake. Rxa3 might have given me some chances for a draw. MH: Given White's irregular play it's hard to say; you might have even gone on to win.} 32. Bd5+ Kh8 33. Rb6 Ra8 { h: The rook is hanging, but I only saw that the next move.} 34. Rfb1 { h: Either he didn't see it or he tried to go for mate first.} Bxc4 { h: Otherwise both rook and bishop were lost.} 35. Bxc4 ({ MH:} 35. Rb8+ Re8 ( 35... Rxb8 $4 36. Rxb8+ Re8 37. Rxe8+ Ng8 38. Rxg8#) 36. Rxe8+ Rxe8 37. Bxc4 $18) 35... Rxa5 36. Rb8+ Ng8 37. Rxg8# { h: And this I had simply not seen. MH: It's just as well to let it end there.} 1-0 [Event "PC2 6/28/02 7:14 am"] [Site "Yahoo! Games"] [Date "2002.06.28"] [Round "1"] [White "Williams, Tracy"] [Black "Moakley, Neil"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B20"] [Annotator "egnarorm,pdunne"] [PlyCount "80"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. e4 c5 { Thank you for reviewing my game - this is my first experience w/ FICS, & I am also very much a beginner chess player; I'm sorry in advance for my poor commenting ability - I would appreciate feedback on the whole game, as I am just starting out. Thanks!} 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 { pd: White's 2. Bc4 was not best, but you don't take advantage of this, and so you justify his placement of the B! 3...e6, blocking the diagonal and preparing to support a later ...d5, is better. Your move is not bad, just not best.} 4. O-O g6 { pd: But this *is* a bad move. Black doesn't have time for it. See next note.} 5. e5 Ng4 { pd: this turns out well for you, but only because W misses a simple tactical shot. 6. Bxf7+ Kxf7 7. Ng5+ & 8. Qxg4, and W is clearly better. Therefore, the N has nowhere to go, and 5...d5 is necessary: but 5...d5 6. exf6 dxc4 7.Re1! and W is better, e.g. 7...Bh6 8.d3 Bxc1 9. Qxc1 O-O 10. Qh6 exf6 11. Re4! and mate on h7 cannot be stopped without loss of material. Thus is neglect of development in the opening punished. 4...e6 was better, blocking the line of the B against f7 and preparing to bring your B to e7.} 6. Ng5 { pd: White misses it, and embarks on a premature attack. He has only two pieces developed, the same as Black, and there is no weakness in the Black position severe enough to give this little sortie any target.} Ncxe5 { pd: although this turns out well for you, the move is poor on general principles. You are left with a N on e5 and one on g4, each dependent on the other for support. And if one Black N should accidentally fall...?!} 7. Qe2 { pd: Very poor. White neglects his development. He must defend the B (7.Bb3? c4!), but this is not the way. 7. d3 was ok, but Black is already better, thanks solely to W's neglect of a very basic rule: he has moved his N twice without due cause.} d5 { pd: Good in principle: a developing move, opening lines for B and Q, and contesting the centre. But a tactical shot available for W (and justfiying his 7. Qe2!) renders it dubious. See next note.} 8. f3 { pd: Another poor move. Even 8. h3 was better than this, but much better than either is 8. Bb5+. After that, Black has good central control, but his K is still in the centre, and, worse than that, he is losing a N! 8...Bd7 (only move really) 9. Bxd7+ Qxd7 10. h3 and B must give up one of his Ns!} dxc4 9. fxg4 Bg7 10. Nc3 Qd4+ { pd: Nice move! Now we see why 8. f3 was so bad!} 11. Qf2 { pd: Loses a piece. A bit better is 11.Rf2 Nxg4 12. Nh3 (to keep Qs on) Nxf2 and Black gets the exchange (R for minor piece). The best White's got is 11. Kh1 Nxg4 12. Nh3, but Black is winning anyway with 2 Ps extra, central control, and a good attack going.} Nxg4 { I know, I know - play at this level must be painful for someone w/ experience to watch. At least Both of us were similarcy mediocre. This move is the first hint I felt of me gaining any sort of advantage, but it's more taking advantage of his mistake than playing well myself, it often seems. pd: You are correct, in the opening you have been taking advantage of the mistakes of a very weak player rather than playing well per se. But at any level, it isn't possible to win unless your opponent gives you a chance. In any case, 11...Nxg4 is a good move here, less because it wins a P, more because it increases pressure on f2, and indeed leads to an immediate tactical result.} 12. Qxd4 Bxd4+ 13. Kh1 Nf2+ 14. Kg1 Ne4+ 15. Kh1 Nxg5 16. d3 h6 17. dxc4 Bf5 { pd: Nothing wrong with this, but better was Bxc3, removing W's most active piece. Then Bf5, O-O, and doubling Rs on the Q-file gives an easy win.} 18. Nd5 O-O-O 19. Nxe7+ Kb8 20. Re1 { pd: Another example of White's weakness. He is a piece down, but if he wants to play on, he needs to be getting compensation. He can pick up a P here with 20. Nxf5 gxf5 21. Rxf5, and then threatens to gain another by 22. Bxg5 hxg5 23. Rxg5. Thus, better to have got rid of that active N!} Bf2 { pd: Pointless. Simply Rhe8 is better, developing your last piece. 20...Bf2 turns out well for you, because your opponent makes inconsequential moves, but always strive to make the best move in the position. } 21. Bf4+ { pd: Bank rank mate threats are in the air, and this is as good a means as any of getting the B out and linking up his Rs.} Ka8 22. Re2 Ne4 { These are the little things we novices are proud of :-)} 23. b4 { pd: this is what I mean by "inconsequential"! I mean, he's lost anyway, but this is mere wood-shifting.} Bd4 24. Rb1 Nf2+ 25. Kg1 Nd1+ 26. Kf1 Nc3 { pd: nice little fork!} 27. Be5 Nxb1 { pd: ? Huh? Why not simply Bxe5 followed by Nxb1? What you played is good enough, you come out a whole R ahead; but you could have made that a R and a piece!} 28. Bxh8 Bxh8 29. Nd5 Bd4 30. Ke1 Nc3 31. Kd2 { This certainly couldn't have been high on the good-move-ometer. pd: Yeah, this is abysmal!} Nxe2 32. Nc7+ Kb8 33. Kxe2 Kxc7 34. Kd2 Bb2+ 35. Ke2 Bg4+ 36. Kf2 Re8 { I really should read some endgame text. Was there a more efficient way to end this? pd: I thought you tidyed up the game quite nicely. Your 36th move is logical, restricting the K to one side of the board where he is quickly suffocated.} 37. b5 Re2+ 38. Kg3 f5 39. h3 Be5+ 40. Kh4 g5# 0-1 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2002.06.16"] [Round "?"] [White "pdunne"] [Black "SGV"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C21"] [WhiteElo "1882"] [BlackElo "2345"] [PlyCount "88"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. e4 e5 ({ MH:} 1... c5) 2. d4 { MH: I won't say 2. d4 is wrong, but it's probably not for everyone.} ({ MH:} 2. Nf3) 2... exd4 3. c3 { pd: the Danish is a real killer at my level on FICS.} Qe7 $5 { MH: This is interesting because it's at least partially justified by the fact Pe4 is a little awkward to defend and now that it's pinned ...d7-d5 could create real problems for White. It also does two other things which are quite common tactics of titled players: take the game in a different direction than you had anticipated (or planned), so you have to figure it all out over the board AND pose some immediate, and not so easy to solve, tactical problem(s). Even if you solve them you will probably have spent a good deal of time on it. In any event this shows Black's confidence or perhaps his complete ignorance of this opening. Either way White has to decide what to do. What precisely should White's plan be? Well, if you wait for ...dxc3 you'll be waiting a long time. Apparently Black has no intentions of helping White to develop Nb1. Black doesn't hope for a simple draw by 3...d5, so he fights from the first moves. Pe4 is a little exposed, so you can sacrifice it to open the e-file except you're not well developed yet and O-O is far away. You can defend Pe4, but Bd3 or Qf3 leave White open to ...d7-d5xe4 and simplifying exchanges, after all. Perhaps best is 4. Qxd4 with the further intention of c3-c4, Nb1-c3 and possibly Bf1-d3 to have a Maroczy kind of pawn structure. Yes, Qd4 would be terribly exposed, but that's offset by Qe7 which blocks Bf8. Also, the odd thing about a change of plan like this is that it seems like you're being cheated out of playing your Danish and how can Black do that to you already? The answer is he's played a move which has this one advantage (to screw you up) , but also has disadvantages. Usually we shy away from moves with disadvantages, but the stronger player looks at the resulting balance of the position and doesn't worry about just the weaknesses of a move. In this case he'll have to pay some price for Qe7 blocking Bf8, so the balance remains, even if the shape of the position is unfamiliar. That's where he's going to be more accepting and you're feeling off balance. I know this is a long note for this early in the game, but it seems like a crucial moment.} ({ MH: White hasn't developed pieces forcefully, so Black wouldn't have to hesitate (much) before opening lines for his own pieces.} 3... d5) 4. cxd4 $2 { pd: I thought for a while on how to "refute" Qe7, which looked distinctly dodgy to me, but couldn't find anything convincing. The capture on e4 doesn't hurt, so I'll just get on with things... MH: This is a typical kind of reaction and it isn't necessarily correct. Some moves (such as ...Qe7) aren't so easily REFUTED. It may actually be a great move or a move which has both good and bad aspects. Whether "the capture on e4 doesn't hurt" isn't so clear to me.} ({ MH:} 4. Qxd4 { controlling d5 to prevent ...d7-d5}) 4... Qxe4+ 5. Be2 { MH: I'm not sure whether this is worse than Bc1-e3. It's probably dubious for Black to capture Pg2, but White might feel very uncomfortable allowing it anyway.} d5 { pd: I think he could have played Qxg2; after Bf3 Qg6 his queen is "formally" exposed, so to speak, but I couldn't see any way to really exploit this. MH: His opening plan has already succeeded and he has no need to grab more material if that's going to give you a chance to get your pieces activated.} ({ MH: It might make sense to take Pg2 to disrupt White's chances of developing sensibly and keeping Ke1 safe, but it's a risk for Black too.} 5... Qxg2 6. Bf3 Qg6 $13) 6. Nf3 Qe6 { MH: This is a little odd. Though there's a clear desire to get the queen off the e-file he's chosen a slightly odd way of doing it.} ({ MH:} 6... Bb4+ 7. Nc3 Nc6 8. O-O Bxc3 9. bxc3 Nge7 10. Bd3 { is a little awkward for Qe4 and if it has to run far Bc1-f4 will target Pc7}) ( { MH:} 6... c6 7. O-O Bd6 8. Nc3 Qe7 9. Re1 h6 10. Bd3 Be6 { is a passive position, but it appears Black can hang onto the pawn}) ({ MH:} 6... Nf6 7. O-O Qe6 8. Re1 Ne4 { and Black might be able to keep the e-file closed so he can complete his development without giving back the pawn}) 7. O-O Be7 8. Re1 Qd6 9. Nc3 c6 10. Ne5 Nf6 { MH: Black's "got religion" and wants to save his king; assuming he will probably also hang onto the pawn and catch up with piece activity later. He might not make such an assumption against a GM.} 11. Bf4 Qd8 { MH: After this it becomes clear White has to do something extraordinary to make something of his piece activity lead in development, before Black can begin offering minor piece exchanges.} 12. Qd2 $2 { pd: Not a b ad move, but already a sign that I lack any concrete plan. Instead, I play a "developing" move, joining my Rs. Not bad, but not to the point either.} ({ MH: } 12. g4 $5 { is one of those moves like 3...Qe7 which you usually avoid, but which can have great potential. In this case g4-g5 might shake up Black's side of the board and Black doesn't have any easy to way to threaten Kg1.}) ({ MH: The more typical kind of developing moves} 12. Bd3 O-O { doesn't necessarily lead anywhere useful; because it's not very forceful, using the already active pieces.}) 12... O-O 13. a3 { pd: ? This is clearly just a waste of a move. I am marking time, unsure what to do. MH: Apparently, for you, it's time to dig out some books on the middlegame and begin working on how to develop a plan from positions you've never seen before. Time to get creative. Now, let's see how Black goes about converting his advantages to win this game. He's got a pawn, so trading pieces is one thing he can do. Developing pieces in standard ways might still be alright too (e.g. ...Bf5, ...Nbd7).} Nbd7 ({ MH:} 13... Bf5 14. g4 Ne4 15. Nxe4 Bxe4 16. f3 Bg6) 14. Bd3 { pd: I think this is where the B belongs in this type of position. On the other hand, because my Q is no longer on d1, he can now play...} Nh5 15. Be3 Nxe5 16. dxe5 g6 { pd: this can't be good for him. I couldn't see any clear reason for playing it then, and I can't now. Sure, he's worried about a pile-up on h7, but this weakens the K-side badly. MH: Nh5 is a little exposed, so he gives it a square (g7) and blunts Bd3, so ...d4 can be played.} ({ MH:} 16... d4 $2 17. Bxd4 Qxd4 18. Bxh7+ Kxh7 19. Qxd4 $18) ({ MH:} 16... f6 17. Be2 { is awkward for Nh5}) ({ MH: Another move which might get the job done is} 16... f5 17. Be2 $6 (17. f4 Qe8 { and Black has a pretty safe position and probably plenty of time to develop pieces, but Nh5 is still out there. Perhaps ...g6, ...Nh5-g7-e6 is good, but then Bc8 is blocked. It's not so easy for Black to wriggle out of the slightly awkward coordination.} (17... d4 $2 18. Bc4+ Kh8 19. Bxd4)) 17... f4 18. Bxh5 fxe3 19. fxe3 Bc5) 17. Bh6 { pd: of course.} Re8 18. Rad1 { pd: but does the R belong here? I think not. See next note.} ({ MH:} 18. f4 { with the possibility of f4-f5 on the horizon}) 18... Be6 19. Ne2 { pd: Another sign of definite floundering. I don't really know what to do, so I play moves on general principles that "improve my position". I was hoping to get the N to a better square. I have a decent enough position, and B's k-side is weakened. The correct plan now is to get my Rs on e1 and f1, then f2-f4-f5 with an attack. MH: It's possible for White to generate some play, but it's not entirely obvious whether it will work and this is because White didn't get onto the best path earlier. Now it's a bit of a struggle to get active. Getting to the better plan as early as possible and staying with it (the better plan, whatever shape that takes) is clearly a problem for you, and fortunately you already see that.} Qb6 { MH: Black sees that only f2-f4-f5 can cause him great difficulty, so he prevents it and continues developing off the back rank. I expect he's also looking for good ways to force piece trades to further prevent White from making threats.} 20. Nc3 Rad8 21. b4 { pd: ? MH: Pawn s don't fight pieces very well and it's awfully tempting to move targetted pawns, but they're slow so the enemy just chases them down like leopards chasing the slow ox or prison guards chasing down a prisoner with manacled feet.} a5 { pd: the obvious reply. what in God's name am I doing playing on the Q-side anyway ?!} 22. Rb1 axb4 23. Qc2 Qd4 { MH: White's position is pretty much hopeless. Black threatens ...Nh5-f4xd3 as well as the obvious ...bxc3.} 24. Ne2 Qxe5 $19 { pd: what a difference a few moves can make! Black has seized the centre, and is clearly better. This is thanks to W's dilatory and planless play. The rest of the game needs no comment. I decided to launch a crazy attack in the hope of getting a swindle, but it's hopeless. MH: Black isn't just "clearly better" he's got a won position. White has no chance of ever getting at Kg8 and Black has a material advantage he's just waiting to utilize. } 25. axb4 Qf6 26. Be3 d4 27. Bd2 Bd6 { MH: Black has super central control and will now seek to create two threats at once, so he can break through somewhere. } 28. Ng3 Nxg3 29. fxg3 Ra8 ({ MH:} 29... Bd5) 30. Rf1 Qd8 { MH: Notice Black's pieces are relatively back and don't threaten anything immediately. He's not hurrying because he has what Steinitz called "lasting advantages".} 31. h4 Bxg3 32. Bg5 Qd6 { MH: The queen stays on dark squares, so it might guard g7. It also defends Bg3. It's not so easy for Black to force another weakness, so ... Ra2 won't carry much weight just yet.} 33. h5 $2 ({ MH:} 33. Qd2) 33... Qd5 34. hxg6 Qxg5 35. gxf7+ Bxf7 36. Bxh7+ Kg7 37. Rf5 Qe3+ 38. Kh1 ({ MH:} 38. Kf1 Qe1+ 39. Rxe1 Rxe1#) 38... Re6 ({ MH:} 38... Qh6+ 39. Kg1 Qh2+ 40. Kf1 Qh1# { It seems appropriate to me that he could've ended with the rampaging queen, which started all this confusion.}) 39. Rxf7+ Kxf7 40. Qf5+ Ke7 41. Bg6 Rh8+ 42. Bh5 Rxh5+ 43. Qxh5 Qe1+ 44. Rxe1 Rxe1# { White checkmated} 0-1 [Event "Timman Collectief vs Schaakhui"] [Site "Timman Collectief vs Schaakhui"] [Date "2002.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kees de Otte"] [Black "Hans Then"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B33"] [Annotator "hthen, MrBug"] [PlyCount "60"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { MrBug: Hi! I will be analysing your game} 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Nf3 $2 { MrBug: A bad mistake - it is dangerous to play the open version of the Sicilian without knowing some lines!} (6. Ndb5) 6... Bb4 7. Bd2 $6 { MrBug: not realising the loss of a pawn} (7. Bd3 Bxc3+ 8. bxc3 h6 $15 { MrBug: White has the bishop pair, but doubled c-pawns, a file which Black can occupy easily}) 7... d6 $6 { Bxc3 does not win a pawn as white can take the e5 pawn. Here I felt comfortable, with active pieces and a good position for my dark-squared bishop outside the pawn chain. MrBug: Actually there is a nice tactic that allows you to win e4. It's quite a thematic opening trap when the c-pawn has moved and doesn't not block the 4th rank.} ( 7... Bxc3 $1 8. Bxc3 Nxe4 $17 9. Bxe5 $4 (9. Nxe5 Nxc3 10. Nxc6 Nxd1 11. Nxd8 Nxb2 12. Rb1 Kxd8 13. Rxb2 Re8+ 14. Kd2 b6 $17 { MrBug: one more pawn to Black}) 9... Nxe5 10. Nxe5 Qa5+ $19 { MrBug: There are a few opening traps based on this queen fork idea}) 8. Bd3 O-O 9. h3 Be6 (9... h6 10. Nd5 Bxd2+ 11. Qxd2 Be6 $15) 10. a3 { MrBug: the correct decision - Black must either forgo the bishop pair or have his knight pinned} Ba5 11. b4 Bb6 { Here my plan was to relocate my f6 knight and play f5, followed by pressure on f2.} 12. Bg5 { I was bothered by this pin and I didn't know what to do with it. I thought that after 12...h6 white would play 13. Bh4 and that g5 next would weaken my king's position too much.} Rc8 $1 { To prepare an attack on the Nc3 by Nxb4 or Nd4. If the knight moves I can play d5. I missed the reply 13.Nd5. MrBug: Excellent move - there are some tricky lines to calculate after 13.Nd5. However Black definitely has some advantage after this move.} 13. Ne2 { White misses Nd5 too.} (13. Nd5 Bxd5 14. exd5 e4 $5 (14... Nd4 $15) 15. dxc6 $1 { MrBug: I find this line trickiest} (15. Bxf6 Qxf6 16. Bxe4 Rfe8 17. O-O (17. Nd2 $4 Qxf2#) (17. Qe2 $4 Qxa1+) 17... Rxe4 18. dxc6 Rxc6 $17) (15. Bxe4 Re8 16. Qe2 $2 (16. O-O Rxe4 17. dxc6 Rxc6 $17) (16. Nd2 Nxe4 $1 17. Bxd8 Ng3+ 18. Qe2 (18. Ne4 Rxe4+ 19. Kd2 Rd4+ 20. Kc3 Nxd8+ 21. Kb2 Rxd1 22. Rhxd1 Bxf2 $19) 18... Rxe2+ 19. Kd1 Rxd2+ $19) 16... Rxe4 17. Qxe4 Nxe4 18. Bxd8 Nxd8 $19) 15... exd3 16. Qxd3 Re8+ 17. Be3 Rxc6 18. O-O Bxe3 19. fxe3 Qc8 $1 (19... Qc7 $2 20. Nd4 Rc3 21. Nb5 $16) 20. Ng5 $5 Rc3 21. Qxd6 Rxc2 22. Qd3 Rc3 23. Qd4 Rcxe3 24. Qxa7 (24. Rxf6 gxf6 25. Qxf6 Qc4 $1 26. Kh2 Qc7+ 27. Kg1 Re1+ 28. Rxe1 Rxe1+ 29. Kf2 Qe7 30. Qxf7+ Qxf7+ 31. Nxf7 Ra1 $19) 24... Qa8 $1 25. Qxa8 (25. Qd4 Rxa3 26. Rxa3 Qxa3 27. Rxf6 gxf6 28. Qxf6 Qe3+ 29. Kh1 Qe1+ 30. Kh2 Qe5+ $19) 25... Rxa8 26. Rfc1 h6 27. Nf3 Nd5 $1 $17) 13... d5 $6 ( 13... h6 $1 14. Bxf6 (14. Bh4 d5 15. exd5 Bxd5 16. Bxf6 Qxf6 17. Bh7+ Kxh7 18. Qxd5 Qg6 19. O-O Rfd8 (19... Qxc2 $5) 20. Qb3 e4 $17) 14... Qxf6 15. c4 Rc7 16. Rc1 Rfc8 $17) 14. O-O $2 { MrBug: White misses his chance} (14. exd5 $1 Bxd5 15. Bxf6 (15. Ng3 $2 e4 $1 16. Bxe4 (16. Nxe4 Bxe4 17. Bxf6 Qxf6 18. Bxe4 Rfe8 $19 { MrBug: the pressure on a1 and f2 means the bishop cannot be saved}) 16... Re8 17. Bxf6 Qxf6 18. Qxd5 Qxa1+ $19) (15. Nc3 $2 Nxb4 16. Nxd5 Nbxd5 17. O-O Qc7 18. Re1 e4 $1 { MrBug: forcing favourable exchanges} 19. Bxf6 Nxf6 20. Bxe4 Nxe4 21. Rxe4 Qxc2 22. Re2 Qc5 $19) 15... Qxf6 (15... gxf6 $2 16. c4 $1 Bxf3 (16... Be6 17. Qc2 $16) 17. gxf3 Nd4 18. Nxd4 Bxd4 19. Rb1 Kh8 20. Qc2 $13) 16. Bxh7+ Kxh7 17. Qxd5 e4 $5 (17... Qg6 $6 18. Qe4 $1 (18. O-O Rfd8 19. Qe4 Qxe4 20. Ng5+ Kg8 21. Nxe4 Nd4 $15) 18... f5 19. Qh4+ Kg8 20. O-O $13) 18. Qxe4+ Kg8 19. O-O Rfe8 20. Qd3 Rcd8 $44 { MrBug: Black has strong pressure for his two pawns. Uncomfortable for White, but he is not without chances}) 14... dxe4 { Hoping for Bxe4, but at least getting the bishop pair. MrBug: I don't think it's good to rely on traps to win in such positions. Traps should be little things on the side that help you achieve what you're trying to do positionally.} 15. Bxf6 Qxf6 16. Bxe4 Rfd8 17. Qc1 Qe7 $6 { Preparing f5. 18. Bxc6, cxb6 19. Nxe5 doesn't win a pawn because of 19...,Bd5.} (17... Bf5 18. Bxf5 Qxf5 $17 { MrBug: Black has strong pressure}) 18. Ng3 (18. Bxc6 bxc6 19. c4 (19. Nxe5 $4 Bd5 $19) 19... e4 20. Ne1 e3 21. c5 exf2+ 22. Rxf2 Bc7 $17) (18. Ng5 f5 19. Nxe6 Qxe6 20. Bd3 a6 $1 { MrBug: idea e5-e4} 21. Ng3 (21. b5 $4 Na5 22. bxa6 Rxd3 23. axb7 Nxb7 $19) 21... Nd4 $19) 18... Bc4 $6 { Protecting the e5 pawn in case of 19.Bxc6. MrBug: there is no such need} ( 18... Nd4 $1 19. Rb1 (19. Nxe5 $4 Nb3 $19) (19. Nxd4 Bxd4 20. Rb1 Ba2 21. Nf5 Qc7 $1 22. Nxd4 Bxb1 23. Nb5 { MrBug: otherwise Bxc2} Qb6 24. Nxa7 Qxa7 25. Qxb1 Qxa3 $19) 19... Nxf3+ 20. Bxf3 f5 $17) 19. Re1 { This puts even more pressure on the e5 pawn so I want have to protect it further.} f6 { MrBug: practically forced - else it is hard for Black to proceed} (19... Nd4 $2 20. Nxe5 $14) 20. Nf5 Qf7 { Still preparing prepare f5, perhaps after a king move and then g6. I think a better plan might be to place the queen on the c-file and start an attack there.} (20... Qf8 { MrBug: avoids the fork, but no direct Qh5 for Black}) 21. Ne3 $6 { This I didn' t understand, the knight was perfect on f5. MrBug: I don't like this move either, but I wouldn't say the knight was 'perfect'.} (21. Qb2 Qd7 22. Ne3 $15) 21... Nd4 $6 { With the next few exchanges I end up with good rooks on the fourth rank. My (rather vague ) plan was to use the rooks to drive away the bishop and then play something like f5, Rf4 and Qg6 or Qh5. I felt I had the advantage, because of my good control over the center-files and the pressure on f2, but I didn't have a real plan for afterwards.} (21... Be6 $17 { MrBug: there is no hurry to exchange minor pieces}) 22. Nxc4 Nxf3+ $6 { MrBug: an err or of judgement - better to let White exchange the knights in order to gain tempi.} (22... Rxc4 23. Nxd4 $4 Rdxd4 $19 { MrBug: as in the game} ) 23. Bxf3 Rxc4 24. Be4 $2 $19 { MrBug: loss of time, since both Bd3 and Bf5 lose. Even not knowing Bf5 loses, the bishop does not serve a purpose on f5} ( 24. Re2 $5 $15) 24... Rdd4 { Hoping for 25. Bf5 or 25.Bd3, but 24...f5 was probably better. MrBug: no I believe Rdd4 to be more accurate} 25. Bf5 { Lucky. MrBug: something like that!} (25. Bf3 Rf4 $17 { MrBug: the threat of Rxf3 is strong}) 25... Rf4 (25... g6 { MrBug: just another thought}) 26. Bxh7+ { 26. Bd3 wins at least two pawns for black, but was probably better.} (26. Bd3 Rxf2 $1 (26... Bxf2+ 27. Kh1 Bxe1 28. Bxc4 Qxc4 29. Qxe1 Qxc2 30. Rc1 Qf5 31. Qd1 { MrBug: with more difficulties for Black than necessary}) 27. Bxc4 Qxc4 28. Kh1 Qc6 29. Rg1 Rxc2 30. b5 Qc8 $19) 26... Kxh7 27. Re2 Qh5 { Here I felt winning and so I wasn't very alert, missing 27...Rxf2. MrBug: nice trick!} ( 27... Rxf2 28. Rxf2 Rf4 $19 { MrBug: well spotted in after-analysis - I didn't even see your point of Rxf2 at first!}) 28. Qd2 Bd4 (28... Rcd4 $1 29. Qe1 Rxf2 30. Rxf2 Rf4 $19) 29. Rd1 f5 { At last, but Bxf2 was better. MrBug: in a way you managed to achieve your plan of playing f5 - but it's funny that it really didn't affect the game much} 30. Kf1 Bxf2 $1 { MrBug: quite well played. You should try to append !! ! !? ?! ? ?? to some of your moves - especially include moves that you are proud of or critical of.} 0-1 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2002.07.03"] [Round "?"] [White "smithytwo"] [Black "FloydianSlip"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C68"] [WhiteElo "1675"] [BlackElo "1395"] [Annotator "FloydianSlip, pdunne"] [PlyCount "50"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] [TimeControl "900"] { FloydianSlip: Hello. I would like to have this game reviewed. This is the first time I've reviewed my own game so please bear with me. This was a tourney game. I rarely play tournaments due to the huge talent pool but this one was a max rating of 1800} 1. e4 e5 { FloydianSlip: To me this is a tired opening but that means lots of practice on it. pd: I play both 1.e4 and 1...e5 myself. I think it the best way to open the game all the way from beginner to near-expert level. It usually gives an open game in which the strategic choices and plans are well-defined and not over-subtle.} 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 { FloydianSlip: It always worries me when this opening is played. I have trouble when they sac their bishop. pd: Don't say sac here! Sac is short for sacrifice; there's no question of giving up the B, just of exchanging. If you don't like the B-swapping line, you don't have to play 3...a6 here. There are plenty of viable alternatives: 3...Bc5, 3...Nf6, perhaps 3...Nd4, and even the wild 3... f5.} 4. Bxc6 bxc6 { FloydianSlip: I'm not sure about this move. I would love to find an alternative to avoid this opening. pd: dxc6 is more usual, but there's nothing wrong with bxc6. This is not a very enterprising line for W at your level. If your opponent plays it: don't worry, be happy! It is extremely unlikely that he has the endgame technique to exploit your P weakness; in the meantime, you have the 2 Bs in a position that is easy to open, so in the middlegame you have good chances.} 5. Nxe5 Qe7 { FloydianSlip: This is the first time i've moved my queen out this soon in this scenario. Was there a better move? pd: 5.Nxe5 is a very poor move for White. 5...Qe7 seems to work out well as a response to you; the standard refutation after 4...dxc6 is 5... Qd4.} 6. Ng4 Qxe4+ { FloydianSlip: I think this is bad form to move my queen around so early, but it seemed to work for the moment. Feel free to offer alternatives. pd: The Q move is fine. It regains the P and smashes W's centre. 6. Ng4 was another rotten move by W -- Nf3 or d4 are both better. By his 7th move, White has still only his N developed. True, you have your Q a little exposed, but W has played so passively that he's in no position to actively exploit this.} 7. Ne3 Nf6 { FloydianSlip: I guess there was no choice at this point. Would this mean black has the advantage due to development or a disadvantage due to the broken pawn chain? pd: Black is fine here. He is as developed as W, and his Q turns out to be quite well-placed after all.} 8. d3 Qg6 { FloydianSlip: Getting nervous about having my queen trapped...it's happened too often. pd: It's good that you are nervous about this! It has happened to us all. On g6, the Q functions well, looking into the centre down the diagonal h7-b1, and also active on the side where W will be castling (it would be foolhardy for W to castle Q-side, where there is already the half-open b-file to reckon with.) Again, W's move is needlessly passive. His d pawn belongs on d4; better was 8.Nc3. As for chasing the Q, the only move he's got is f2-f4-f5 after O-O, but B has plenty of time to deal with this, and it would only weaken W's K-side.} 9. O-O Bd6 { FloydianSlip: I know I want to move my bishop, but I'm not too sure where the best place would have been. Any suggestions? pd: It doesn't do you any harm in the game, but 9...Bd6 is poor on general principles. 9...d5 followed by 10...Bd6 is much better. Your P stakes a claim in the centre, and sheltered behind it the B lines up on the K-side. Also, moving the d-pawn allows you to develop the Bc8. Did you already have the idea of developing this to b7 instead? This works well for you in the game, but only because you opponent continues to play so slowly and passively. Against active W play, your development is too slow.} 10. Nc3 O-O 11. Nc4 { FloydianSlip: Is he going to sac his knight for a bishop? Maybe set up to trap my queen? I'm totally unsure what move to make, and I know that I take too much time to think w/ a 15 minute time limit... pd: Another bad W move. A good rule of thumb in the opening is, not to move any piece twice until they have all been moved once. White flaunts this. B is already at least level.} Bb7 { FloydianSlip: so I'll wait and see what he's going to do and try to set up some kind of offense. pd: An excellent idea! Bb7 is the only logicaldeveloping move now that your Bd6 has blocked the d-pawn.} 12. Nxd6 { FloydianSlip: I knew he was going to do that...and I have serious trouble playing the trading game. I think a better move for him would have been Re1? pd: At the risk of repeating myself, another very poor move from W. Almost anything would have been better that this! This N has made 5 moves, and now makes a 6th, swapping itself off for a B that has moved once.} cxd6 13. f3 { FloydianSlip: Was this a good move on his part? It seems to me it limits his options. pd: He's worried about your Q and B focusing on g2. This weakens his K-side. Black is already better anyway, because W is not doing anything.} c5 { FloydianSlip: Free up my bishop} 14. Ne4 { FloydianSlip: I think Bc4 would have been better pd: you mean Bf4? Then 14...Nh5 15. Bg3 Nxg3 16. hg Qxg3 doesn't look too nice, even aside from the loss of a P. 14. Ne4 is actually not bad, in that it acknowledges the diagonal a8-h1 as a problem, and seeks to block it. } Nd5 { FloydianSlip: I'm just trying to compete. It looked like a strong position but not much immediate value. pd: You are quite right not to exchange. You have to attack, and each exchange eases W's position. If now 15. c4, then the N comes to d4 via e7-f5. You have a good position here now.} 15. Re1 Rab8 { FloydianSlip: Maybe for some discovered attack? I can't take this player head on...I'll lose for sure. pd: Not so. On the moves so far, you are clearly the better player. Your plan is simple, but W seems to have no plan at all. Better here was 15...f5, driving the N from it's central post, and with the idea of f4 at some stage, with your R's on the e-file and your N threatening to come to e3. W's R move is foolish, because it removes the the only defender from the Pf3. >From now on, your later Bxf3 is always in the air.} 16. Bd2 { FloydianSlip: This seems like a very nonaggressive move. Why not Bd5 for more protecion and position on the king side? pd: you mean Bg5? Yes, the B belongs on the K-side, and this is the only way of getting there. As you say, Bd2 is very non-agressive, but by this stage W has played so passively that he has very little scope for activity.} f5 { FloydianSlip: At the time, my thoughts were,"His only option is to retreat." pd: better late than never!} 17. Nc3 { FloydianSlip: Brings me back to move 16. This weakens his Bishop's position even more, doesn'tit?} f4 { FloydianSlip: Ok, his Bishop is contained and his Knight is on the wrong side of the board. I'm starting to like this game. pd: If I was you, I would have been liking this game too! Perhaps it's better to keep your N on the board by Nf6. But this is good enough.} 18. Nxd5 Bxd5 { FloydianSlip: Gave my rook a clear shot at his queenside and I feel i have a more developed game than he does. Still, he out-rates me by a lot and I'm wondering how I'm doing against him. pd: His rating evidently doesn't reflect his ability, unless he has a heavy night of boozing behind him! Play the board not the man. You are better here, but not clearly winning -- unless your opponent continues to play passively...!} 19. b3 Rf5 { FloydianSlip: To inch towards some type of threat on the king side. pd: Not a bad move. But better is the P advance h7-h5-h4-h3, which creates further weaknesses in W's K-side. Obviously he can't allow the P to get to h3, so, he must play h3 himself. Then the h-P is obviously vulnerable due to the g-P being pinned. B can then bring all his forces to bear on the K-side; the cramping effect of the Pf4 and the horribly-weakened P structure are then probably enough to secure a decisive B attack.} 20. c4 Bc6 { I want to hold that diagonal as best as I can. Only 5 minutes remaining for me. I think I'm going to lose on time if not by a blunder from pressure of time. pd: Of course, you must stay on the diagonal. W's 20th is yet another pointless move... unless he thinks you're going to leave the B hanging?!} 21. Bc3 { FloydianSlip: Isn't it a bit late for this? pd: Just so. His B is needed for defence on the K-side, instead he makes a move that threatens nothing.} Rg5 { FloydianSlip: Another inch but easily defended.} 22. Qd2 { FloydianSlip: He screwed up HUGE, at least that's how I saw it. Why was he worried about my little pawn? pd: My guess is he thinks he's defending g2 with the Q, and just didn't see your (obvious) next move. Observe how W's lack of development is killing him here anyway. His Re1 should have remained on f1, and the Ra1 should be on e1.} Bxf3 { FloydianSlip: I'm glad I held this diagonal now and relieved to know I have a clear advantage. pd: Clear advantage? You have a won game. 23. Re7 is rubbish, but what defence is there? 23. g3 doesn't work, nor does Kf1. Black is coming in for the kill, and there is nothing W can do about it.} 23. Re7 { FloydianSlip: It's too late. Maybe he's tired but would it not have been better to bide his time with Kf2? pd: 23. Kf2 Rxg2+ and Rxd2. There is no defence.} Rxg2+ 24. Kf1 Rg1+ 25. Kf2 Qg2# { White checkmated - FloydianSlip:I'm trying not to let this go to my head, but it was my first tourney win, shared with two others, and my first win against someone this much stronger than me. Please burst my bubble and show me how I could have been crippled or have improved my moves? Thank you. pd: That mate is a pretty finish that you deserved. The trouble with "bursting your bubble" here is that your opponent, whatever his rating, was so much inferior to you that he never presented you with any problems at all. You followed a sensible plan: develop, then attack on the K-side. White by contrast didn't seem to have any plan at all, and that proved fatal. I'll wager that he plays the Exchange variation of the Lopez a lot, and that his games are generally futile wood-pushing until one or other side misses a cheap shot. With that in mind, you might like to select as the next game for review one in which you fought hard and lost. It owuld prove more instructive than thispush-over!} 0-1 [Event "Bratto"] [Site "?"] [Date "2000.08.26"] [Round "1"] [White "Signorelli, Roberto"] [Black "Majno"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B13"] [WhiteElo "1500"] [BlackElo "1591"] [Annotator "Fritz 7 (120s), Majno/Killerman"] [PlyCount "107"] [EventDate "2000.??.??"] { B13: Caro-Kann: Exchange Variation and Panov-Botvinnik Attack} 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. Nc3 { Killerman: A quiet line in the exchange variation, one that gives the second player good early chances to equalize. I much prefer the more common attack instigated by c4. As we shall see from the next few moves black gets a comfortable position. Most games on the database in this line favour black and it is easy to see why. White needs to play c4 to challenge the centre of the board, with the knight on c3 this will take time to engineer. } Nf6 5. Nf3 Bg4 6. Be2 (6. Bf4 Nc6 7. Bb5 Qb6 8. a4 a6 9. a5 Qa7 10. Ba4 e6 11. O-O Bb4 12. Qd3 Bxf3 13. gxf3 O-O 14. Bxc6 bxc6 15. Kh1 Rfc8 16. Rg1 Nh5 17. Ne2 g6 18. Qe3 Nxf4 19. Nxf4 Bf8 20. Rg3 Bg7 { Timmers,R-Bien,S/Baunatal 2001/CB42/0-1 (38)}) 6... Nc6 { Killerman: You marked this as a novelty but there a several games on my database with this position.} (6... e6 7. Ne5 Bxe2 8. Qxe2 a6 9. O-O Be7 10. Bf4 Qb6 11. Qd3 O-O 12. Rfe1 Nc6 13. Ne2 Rac8 14. c3 Nxe5 15. Bxe5 Rc6 16. Qg3 Bd6 17. Qd3 Bxe5 18. dxe5 Ne4 19. Nd4 Rc7 20. f3 Nc5 21. Qc2 Nd7 22. Kh1 Qxd4 23. Rad1 Qc4 24. Rd4 Qxd4 { 0-1 Tse Yue Ning-Juarez,R/Thessaloniki 1984/EXT 97-B (24)}) 7. O-O Qb6 $146 { Killerman: This is the novelty. developing the queen here does put pressure on the white queenside and d4 but I am not sure whether this placement is sound. bringing the queen out before completing your kingside development seems wrong to me and therefore moves like e6, Be7ord6 and castles should be the plan before finding the best square for the lady. Later in the game you comment that the queen drifts around the board and you didn't have a plan. I wonder if this is the start of the problem.} (7... e6 8. h3 (8. Re1 Bb4 9. Bg5 h6 10. Bh4 O-O 11. Ne5 Bxe2 12. Rxe2 g5 13. Bg3 Ne7 14. f3 Bxc3 15. bxc3 Rc8 { Serrano Salvador-Rause/Gonfreville 1999 0-1}) (8. Be3 Be7 9. h3 Bh5 10. Ne5 Bxe2 11. Nxe2 O-O 12. Nxc6 bxc6 13. Ng3 Qb6 14. b3 c5 15. dxc5 Bxc5 16. Bxc5 Qxc5 { Edmar-Erich ICCF World Cup prelim 0-1}) 8... Bh5 9. Bg5 Be7 10. Qd2 O-O 11. Nd1 Ne4 12. Bxe7 Nxd2 13. Bxd8 Nxf3+ 14. Bxf3 Bxf3 15. gxf3 Rfxd8 16. c3 Na5 { DosSantos-Kreuz/Sao Paulo 1995 0.5-0.5}) 8. Ne5 Bxe2 9. Nxe2 e6 10. c3 Bd6 11. Bg5 $4 { This move lose a pawn} (11. Nd3 $142 $5 $11 { is Fritz's suggestion. }) (11. Nxc6 { Killerman: I think white can keep equality with} bxc6 (11... Qxc6 $6 { allows the bishop out} 12. Bf4 Bxf4 13. Nxf4 O-O 14. Nd3 $11) 12. Re1 O-O 13. b3 $11) 11... Nxe5 $17 { Killerman: What happens here is the key to future success in the game and I think that although one would normally take with the knight, taking with the bishop may work out to be better. Still your move is far from being bad.} ({ Killerman:} 11... Bxe5 12. dxe5 Nxe5 13. Bxf6 gxf6 14. Qa4+ Ke7 { intending Nd7 and expansion of the pawns with e5}) 12. Bxf6 gxf6 13. dxe5 Bxe5 { Fritz7 give here Black the advantage. Playing the game I thought that yet: a pawn more than White and the bishop against the knight. But now, examining the game, I am not so sure about that: it's only a copy pawn, my king still is on the centre and besides White can now play aggressively. Now I moved the queen aroud without a precise plan and so allowed White to get a better position. What was a good plan for this position? Comments of the reviewer about that are welcome. Killerman: This is a key position in the game and to find the right plan you need to look at the pawn structures and ask the following questions. 1 Whose pawns are better? 2 Where should the black king go? 3 Where are the rooks going? A1 Well it has to be black. Although the f-pawns are doubled this will add strength to the move e5 when it comes. These pawns should move forward as a unit over time. A2 Initially e7 which will support f6 allowing the freedom to move the bishop. A3 Now the king is out of the way the rooks are connected and either rooks to the g-file or perhaps better to c and d files look OK to me. You are right to say that your game starts to drift here. You do not connect your rooks, move the king or use your pawns effectively. You get passive and even the queen which was actually pressuring the queenside drifts to the poor square f8.} 14. Qa4+ Qc6 $6 { Offering the exchange of queens is not a bad idea, but white is unlikely to accept this. You have moved away from pressuring b2 also. Ke7 here sets my plan into action and is much better.} (14... Ke7 15. b3 Rac8 16. Rac1 Rc5 17. Rc2 (17. c4 Ra5 $1) 17... Rhc8 18. Rfc1 Qa5 { and the queens should come off} ( 18... f5 $5 19. Qh4+ Bf6 20. Qh3 (20. Qxh7 $4 Rh8 $1 { is a nice trick}) 20... Qd6 $17) 19. Qxa5 (19. Qh4 Bxc3 20. Qxh7 Bb2 21. Rxc5 Rxc5 $19) 19... Rxa5 20. f4 Bd6 $17) 15. Qh4 { a good move, I think. Attack the weak f6 pawn and stop my bishop from moving. Now the threat is f4 Killerman: I agree that this is a good attempt from white.} Qc4 16. Qh5 Qc5 { in order to prevent f4, but I think were this move and the next one who allowed White to get a better position. Killerman: Yes I agree that this is not a good idea. You can't really prevent f4 so something more active is required.} ({ Killerman: This may be a better alternative.} 16... O-O-O { gets the king out of the way and connects rooks f7 cannot be taken because of the knight on e2.} 17. f4 Bd6 18. Nd4 Qc7 { the position holds together with a continuing advantage although actually breaking out may take a while.} 19. Rae1 (19. Qh6 f5 20. Kh1 (20. Rae1 Rdg8 $17) 20... Bc5 21. Rad1 Rdg8 22. Qf6 Qe7 23. Qe5 (23. Qxe7 Bxe7) 23... Bd6 24. Qe2 $15) 19... Rdg8 20. Kh1 a6 { avoiding Nb5} 21. g3 Kb8 $17 { getting the king off of the c-file in case it opens up}) 17. Kh1 { Killerman: position is starting to deteriorate. Your next move is really not the answer to your problems as you realise, but a good plan is difficult to find. The problem now is that your king is in the way. I think that Ke7 is OK or Qb6 even though f4 is coming you can just about meet it effectively. Another tip in this type of position would be don't be afraid to give the pawn back to gain some time.} Qf8 $2 ({ Killerman:} 17... Qb6 18. f4 Bd6 $6 { the bishop will need to move again shortly} (18... Bc7 $1) 19. Rad1 Qxb2 20. f5 e5 21. Rxd5 Bc7 $15) ({ Killerman} 17... Ke7 18. f4 Bc7 19. Nd4 Rag8 20. Rae1 Rg6 21. Qh4 Rhg8 22. Qxh7 Ke8 $15 { required as Nxe6 is threatened}) 18. f4 Bd6 (18... Bc7 $5 $11 { Killerman: Fritz's suggestion must also be considered as the bishop may get in the way on d6.} 19. c4 O-O-O $11) 19. c4 $1 $36 { black king still is on the centre so White try to open files} Qg7 (19... dxc4 20. Qb5+ { Killerman: is not much better I think}) 20. cxd5 Rg8 { I don't think the attack on the g file is effective, but I didn't know what was a better idea. Killerman: Well this plan at least attempts to slow white down a little.} 21. Ng3 Qg4 $2 { Killerman: Unfortunately this gives away a pawn} ({ Killerman:} 21... O-O-O $14 { Fritz suggets that this is worth looking at and I agree. If white captures on e6 then your pawns are at least looking better and some pressure has gone.} 22. dxe6 fxe6 23. Rae1 e5 24. Qh3+ Qg4 $11) 22. dxe6 Qxh5 23. Nxh5 Ke7 24. exf7 Kxf7 { This is a good time to reflect on the position before we start the endgame. 1 What are the good points? 2 What can we remember about endgames? 3 Am I lost? A1 Well you have the bishop against the knight so that is a good start. Even though a pawn down. Rooks are connected and should find a file. A2 In principal swopping a pair of rooks improves the defence in rook and pawn endings but we need the minor pieces off first. Care is needed though as swopping pieces is not always best when down on material at the end. A3 No not yet. If you are defending then one aim would be to make the board smaller. So aiming at getting rid of the queenside pawns is a possibility although this could prove difficult. Penetration into the white position with your rooks will certainly cause problems} 25. Ng3 Rad8 26. Nf5 Rge8 27. Nxd6+ Rxd6 { Killerman:Well let us relect on my above comments. White has swopped off the bishop as we might have wanted. If we can now penetrate the white position we may force off a pair of rooks and if we can, then make the board smaller the ending may well be drawn.} 28. Rf2 { Killerman: attempting to stop the rook from getting into d2} Red8 29. g3 Rd1+ $5 { I wanted take control of the 1th line. Was may be keep the two rooks better in order to create more complication Killerman: Actually this is not the best idea it is control of the seventh rank you need so Rd2 is the best here and the game may go something like this.} (29... Rd2 30. Raf1 $1 (30. Rxd2 $4 { allows black in} Rxd2 31. b3 Kg6 32. a3 Kf5 33. Rc1 Kg4 34. Rc7 h5) 30... Kg6 31. Kg2 R8d3 32. Rxd2 Rxd2+ 33. Rf2 Rd3 34. Kh3 { black can still hope to hold the ending the position is similar to the game after 31 Kg2}) 30. Rxd1 Rxd1+ 31. Kg2 Re1 $2 { Killerman: Your rook actually needs to stay on the d or c file. Your king will stop white's rook from getting to e6,7,and 8 so I think I would probably play h5 here just waiting and slowing down g4.} 32. Rd2 Ke7 33. g4 Ra1 34. a3 Ra2 $4 { Now the rook has no mobility. I think this move and the previous one allowed White to get a winning position. Killerman: Yes you spot the problem, the rook has to be kept active so this has to be a bad idea. With the rook out of the game it is a reasonably easy victory from here.} ( 34... Rc1 { Killerman: keeps the game going and the rook active}) 35. Kg3 b5 36. h4 a5 37. g5 Ra1 { the rook return to play too late} (37... b4 38. axb4 axb4 39. f5 $18) 38. gxf6+ Kxf6 39. Rd6+ Kf5 40. Rd5+ Kg6 41. Rxb5 Rg1+ 42. Kf2 Rg4 $2 { another mistake but it is too late now anyway} 43. Rg5+ Rxg5 44. hxg5 Kf5 45. Kf3 a4 46. Ke3 Ke6 47. Ke4 Kf7 48. f5 Kg7 49. Ke5 Kg8 50. Kf6 Kf8 51. g6 h6 52. g7+ Kg8 53. Kg6 h5 54. f6 { Killerman: A very interesting game. You certainly came out better after the opening but did not really find a plan after your opponent had gifted the pawn. In the attempt to hold things together your position became too passive so more attention to active moves would have been better even if the pawn had to be given back. The ending was certainly not lost and you had the right idea to penetrate with your rook, however be careful not to put it on a poor square. It is vital in endgames that all pieces are placed to their optimum.squares. I hope you enjoy my review.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "2002.07.31"] [Round "?"] [White "D Bronstein Jan2002"] [Black "Sean Marsh/chessborne"] [Result "*"] [ECO "B15"] [Annotator "Chessborne:Hathaway, Mark"] [PlyCount "53"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Nge2 { MH: Alekhine! But, after 4...dxe4 5. a3 Be7 (Capablanca) 6. Nxe4 it's unclear what Ne2 is doing. It isn't developed aggressively enough for the position with an open center, in my opinion. If the center is closed by e4-e5 then Ng1-e2-f4 or somesuch maneuver to get to the enemy might be alright.} ({ MH:} 4. e5) 4... dxe4 5. a3 { c: a3! Forces the WBishop to give up the pin on the BN} Bxc3+ { c: NXB! Attacks the BP with potential for another piece to join in attack} ({ MH:} 5... Be7 { Capablanca}) 6. Nxc3 Nc6 { MH: I like this move because it makes Pd4 an immediate problem for Black. Playing 6...Ne7 might have lead to something similar.} ({ MH:} 6... f5 $4 { See Alekhine-Nimzovich, 1-0 in very few moves. White played f2-f3 and blasted Nimzo's position to smitherines, sort of like a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit approach.}) ({ MH:} 6... Nf6 $6 { Essentially allowing a transposition to a BDG via f2-f3 or a French Defense via Bc1-g5 and Nxe4 isn't so good. Black is missing his dark-square bishop, so the Bc1-g5 pin on Nf6 is going to be very annoying to Black.}) ({ MH:} 6... Ne7) 7. Bb5 { MH: The doubt I have about this move is that White could have better things to do with the bishop than to trade at c6 for a knight.} ({ MH:} 7. Be3 { preparing Nxe4 or f2-f3 is probably good}) 7... Nge7 $1 8. Bg5 f6 { c: Is this ove worth the long-term risks (moving one of the castled king's defending pawns) in the then circumstances? MH: It seems right in this case, though it's not so desirable in general to weaken the king's position.} ({ MH:} 8... Bd7 $2 { Trying to keep Ke8 safe when White is throwing so many pieces out there aggressively seems essential. Usually you'd want to fight pieces with pieces, but sometimes pawns have to be used.} 9. d5 $1 exd5 10. Nxd5 O-O 11. Nxe7+ Nxe7 12. Qxd7) 9. Be3 O-O { MH: Now White would like to capture Pe4 to open the d3-h7 diagonal, but d5 is weak (in Black's hands for the moment), so White has to ignore Pe4 for the moment and continue his piece play.} 10. Qd2 ({ MH:} 10. Nxe4 Qd5 { and the (in my opinion) over-extended/misplaced Bb5 is a problem} 11. Bd3 (11. Qd3 f5 12. Nc3 { seems pretty good for Black}) 11... Nxd4 (11... f5 12. c4 Qd8 { and the threat of ...fxe4 or ...f5-f4xe3 makes it awkward for White to defend Pd4}) 12. Nxf6+ Rxf6 13. Bxd4 e5 14. Bc3 Qxg2 15. Rf1 Bg4 16. Qd2 { is apparently very good for Black}) 10... a6 ({ MH:} 10... Bd7 { aiming to shore up the king-side light squares with ...Bd7-e8-g6 would also help to clear the queen-side pieces, so Qd8 and Ra8 wouldn't be so blocked-in. But, it's more essential to fight Bb5 and secure control of d5 before embarking on a long journey like ...Bc8-d7-e8-g6.} 11. Nxe4 $14) 11. Ba4 $6 { MH: It's hard to say this is terrible, but it does allow Black to advance on the queen-side with gain of time (kicking Ba4) and that gives Black a chance to prevent White's O-O-O. That's crucial because White needs to have his king on the queen-side if he's to be free on the king-side for a complete attack.} ({ MH:} 11. Be2 { keeping the B on a diag. where it can get to d3 and the king-side in general}) 11... f5 $5 { c: Why didn't White bother to pick up the loose pawn on e4? Did he see greater advantage in his alternative moves to this point? MH: I'd guess he was considering f2-f3 to sacrifice a pawn for open lines -- see Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. Then, once other moves were played, it became necessary for him to play out that theme, leaving Pe4 untouched. Once you say A and B then it's hard next to say Z. If he had started with Bc1-e3, rather than Bf1-b5, then it might have been easier for him to focus on Pe4 (by Nc3xe4 or f2-f3).} ({ MH:} 11... b5 12. Bb3 Nd5 13. Nxe4 a5 { gives Black a fair amount of play on the queen-side, perhaps enough to keep White occupied and not thinking as much about Kg8. It's important to do more than just occupy and control the center: one must do something significant or the opponent will ignore your maneuvers and attack you.}) 12. O-O-O { MH: This is either courageous, arrogant, stupid or his only choice. It's hard to say what he was thinking, but he had little choice because Black's potential king-side play is great. That said, Black's queen-side play is pretty good too! Unless White can stir up some trouble on the king-side Black should be able to take the advantage, aiming at Kc1.} ({ MH:} 12. O-O $2 b5 13. Bb3 Nd5 14. Nxd5 (14. Bxd5 exd5 15. Ne2 $15 { White has better dark-square control with Ne2, so Black's advantage isn't so overwhelming.}) 14... exd5 15. f3 Be6 $17) 12... b5 13. Bb3 Nd5 14. Bg5 $6 { MH: There's only so much the pieces can do and sometimes pawn moves are necessary, usually to force open lines a la Morphy.} ({ MH:} 14. g4 { continues the theme of trying to open lines toward Kg8 at a time when it's difficult for Black to prevent all thedamage} Nce7 (14... f4 $2 15. Bxd5 fxe3 ( 15... exd5 16. Bxf4) 16. Bxe6+ Bxe6 17. fxe3) 15. gxf5 exf5 16. Rhg1) 14... Qd6 $15 { MH: I think Black has finally gained enough control to claim at least equality. He has the extra pawn, plenty of light square control, a safe king and some development. White hasn't sufficient opened lines for his early development lead to pay off.} 15. f3 { MH: better late than never} h6 { MH: the sort of move a computer would love, perhaps winning, but it opens up a can of worms Black would probably rather have avoided. If you're going to take the piece then you'd better be ready to defend against his coming offense. Many times it's better to avoid that confusion and give the pawn back to keep things under control.} ({ MH:} 15... e3 { keeping king-side lines closed} 16. Bxe3 b4 17. axb4 Ncxb4) 16. fxe4 { MH: trying to complicate to avoid getting crushed} ({ MH:} 16. Bxh6 $5 { but apparently insufficient} gxh6 (16... Nxc3 17. bxc3 Qxa3+ 18. Kb1 gxh6 19. Qxh6 Qe7 20. Qg6+ Qg7 21. Bxe6+ Kh8 22. Qxg7+ Kxg7 23. Bd5 Bb7 24. fxe4 fxe4 $17) 17. Qxh6 Qf4+ (17... e3 18. Qg6+ $11 { by perpetual check}) 18. Qxf4 Nxf4 19. fxe4 { has to favor Black because of the extra piece and his relatively safe king}) 16... Nxc3 17. Qxc3 hxg5 18. d5 { c: 18. d5 is an interesting move by GM Bronstein. Please analyze its full implications. MH: It's not so complicated really. White is down a minor piece, so he has to act now (forcefully) or slowly be ground down; so he plays to open lines immediately!} Qf4+ $2 { MH: I find this move dubious because it exposes the queen, so White can kick it around as he tries to activate his pieces and because it can get deflected away from defending Pc7. It would help if you saw that DB was coming down the middle with his guns loaded and you have to step aside. Then you could begin to look for safe squares for your pieces. Qf4 isn't so good. Having the extra piece is great, but you have to have safe squares for a piece, so you'll have time to move another one. If White can continually kick pieces around as he maneuvers then he'll gain enough time (probably) to have compensation for the material. In short, Black needs a plan, not just a move.} ({ MH:} 18... Ne7 19. e5 (19. dxe6 Qb6 20. exf5 { opens lines a bit further, but might help to activate Black pieces}) 19... Qb6 20. dxe6 Bxe6 21. Rd7 Rf7 22. Bxe6 Qxe6 23. Qxc7 Rc8 24. Qb7 Qxe5 $17 25. Rxe7 $2 Qc5 $19) 19. Kb1 Ne7 { c: Can Black keep the extra piece?!!} 20. g3 Qxe4 $4 ( { MH:} 20... Qd6 { transposes back to the other scenario where Black might indeed keep the extra piece}) 21. Rhe1 { MH: Isn't this what a GM aims for? He has all his pieces developed, Kb1 safe and some opportunities to open lines. Of course he would have loved to get this without being behind a knight!} Qg4 22. Qxc7 Ng6 ({ MH:} 22... Nxd5 $2 23. Rxd5 { a very appealing tactical solution! } exd5 24. Bxd5+ Be6 25. Bxa8 Rxa8 26. Qc6 $16 (26. Rxe6 $4 Qd1+ 27. Ka2 Qd5+ 28. Kb1 Qxe6 $19)) 23. dxe6 { c: I would suppose White saw the cramping effect of his Queen and Pawn at e6 were worth more than the material difference?! How do you go for such positional dynamism judgment instead of counting material differences? What led White to see all this?! Also what are the criteria for assessing the value of a passed pawn nearing promotion, and dynamic pieces like White's Queen and Rooks? Would they have additional material value? MH: As I said before, White had an assessment of the situation and decided to go in this general direction with 18. d5. After that decision is made the specific moves one chooses becomes much easier. It's only when the nature of the position changes again that he'll have to re-evaluate what direction he needs to take the game. At the moment he's just trying to get as much out of this plan/idea as he can. Whether the Pe6 is worth x value or something else doesn't matter so much as the fact he's getting as much for it as he can. GM Gregory Kaidanov once told me it's not so important to do some sort of valuation of a position as it is to know what plan to pursue. Stay on course with your plan and at the end an evaluation of things will become much simpler. Try to evaluate all along the way and you spend time which isn't necessary.} Kh7 { MH: This might be a winning position for White.} 24. e7 { c: What happens if 24... Rfe8 25.Rd8 Bb7? MH: See variation below. c: What happens if 24... Rfe8 25.Rd8 Rf7?! 26.e8=Q 27.RxQ@c7 MH: That doesn't compute because a ... Re8-f7 is illegal. c: Please analyze in detail several move sequences/ variations from scenarios resulting in this position.} Nxe7 { MH: forced} ({ MH: } 24... Re8 25. Rd8 (25. Bf7 Be6 26. Bxg6+ Kxg6 27. Rxe6+ Kf7 28. Ree1 { and Pe7 is huge plus Kf7 is a bit exposed to checks}) 25... Bb7 26. Rxe8 Rxe8 27. Qxb7 $18 { The threat of Bb3-f7xe8 is very strong.}) 25. Qxe7 { MH: White has material equality again and a hugely superior position. Black can't develop Bc8 or Ra8. Now is the time for White, and Black for that matter, to re-evaluate and devise their next plans. White probably could threaten Ra8, as it's quite stuck, or try to go at Kh7. Immediately Black has to deal with the threatened Rf8.} Rh8 26. Bd5 { c: What happens after 26... Bb7?! MH: See variation below. c: Can White finish fast and in style from here, causing fireworks, typical of GM Bronstein's style of play? MH: To a certain extent it's simple technique, but the variations are quite forcing.} Rb8 ({ MH:} 26... Bb7 27. Bxb7 Raf8 28. Rd7 { and it costs Black material to defend Pg7} Rhg8 29. Bd5 Qh5 30. Bxg8+ Rxg8 31. Rd8 { forcing simplification} (31. h4 g4 32. Re6 a5 33. Rdd6 { threatens 34. Rh6+ Qxh6 35. Rxh6+ Kxh6 36. Qg5+ Kh7 37. Qh5#} Kh8 34. Rg6 b4 35. Rg5 Qh7 36. Rd8 Qh6 37. Rxg8+ Kxg8 38. Qe8+ Kh7 39. Rh5 { ought to be enough pain for Black, causing resignation}) 31... g4 32. Rxg8 Kxg8 33. Qe8+ Qxe8 34. Rxe8+ { and White wins quite easily}) 27. Qc7 { c: Black resign ed after 27.Qc7. How does White finish him off either with mate or great material gain from this point? MH: It looks like Black has to give his bishop to keep Rb8, so the game might continue somewhat similarly to the variation above (26...Bb7).} * [Event "ICS Rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2002.07.06"] [Round "?"] [White "rodeloper"] [Black "zubauza"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B20"] [WhiteElo "1514"] [BlackElo "1503"] [Annotator "zubauza, frengo"] [PlyCount "102"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] [TimeControl "900"] 1. e4 { This is our 15 0 rated standard game. I (zubauza) played black pieces. My opponent played the King's Pawn Opening. (frengo)Hello! I'll analyze this game without a chess engine, I hope not to make bad tactical mistakes :)} c5 { I almost always use the Silician Defense against this opening and this time I played it too.} 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Ne7 4. Nf3 { I often play these moves, but I don't really know wether they are good moves.} d5 { (frengo)This move seems premature to me. I use to play similar systems sometimes, and only push in d5 after playing Nbc6, g6, Bg7 and 0-0.} 5. exd5 exd5 6. b3 { passive move. With:} (6. cxd5 Nxd5 7. Bb5+ { (frengo)White could have spot problems arising from 4...d5.} Nc6 (7... Bd7 8. Qe2+ Ne7 9. O-O { and White stands clearly better} Nbc6 (9... Bxb5 10. Qxb5+ { and Black loses material, and is behind with development}) 10. Ne4 { threatens Nd6 mate ! (and also black pawn in c5)}) 8. Bxc6+ bxc6 9. O-O Be7 10. Qa4 Bd7 11. Ne5 Qc7 12. Re1 { and White is better}) 6... g6 7. d4 $6 { (frengo)at least dubious move ...} (7. cxd5 Nxd5 8. Bb5+ { (frengo)again was a good option for White}) 7... Bg7 { (frengo)maybe you could have also tried} (7... dxc4 8. dxc5 (8. Bxc4 Bg7 9. Be3 Nbc6 { is clearly better for Black}) 8... Qxd1+ 9. Nxd1 Bg7 10. Bb2 Bxb2 11. Nxb2 cxb3 12. axb3 { (frengo)should be almost equal}) 8. Bb2 cxd4 9. Nxd5 Nxd5 10. cxd5 Qxd5 11. Bxd4 O-O (11... Qa5+ 12. Qd2 Qxd2+ 13. Kxd2 O-O 14. Bxg7 Kxg7 { was probably a better variation for Black, then the played one}) 12. Bxg7 Qxd1+ 13. Rxd1 Kxg7 { I dont know who is better now. Maybe it was better not to trade? (frengo)IMHO at correct play, Black should be able to draw this game.} 14. Be2 Re8 15. Rd2 b6 { (frengo)this is probably not the correct plan. White is going to take 'd' column, and you can't give him d7 square so easily. Better would have been:} (15... Nc6 16. O-O a6 { (frengo)to avoid the annoying pin Bb5, and this is equal}) 16. O-O Bb7 17. Rfd1 Nc6 18. Bb5 Re6 19. Bxc6 (19. Rd7 { (frengo)was natural, and strong} Na5 { forced } 20. Nd4 { threatens also b4 now} Re5 (20... Ree8 21. b4 a6 (21... Bc8 22. Rc7) 22. bxa5 Bc8 23. Rxf7+ Kxf7 24. Bxe8+ Kxe8 25. axb6) 21. b4 Bc8 22. Rc7 Nb7 23. Bc6 Rb8 { (frengo)And White is in big advantage}) 19... Bxc6 20. Nd4 Rf6 21. a4 $6 { this moves is dubious, since it weakend White pawn structure (as the following shows).} (21. Nxc6 Rxc6 22. g3 { is better, White has no problems here }) 21... Rd8 22. Nxc6 Rxd2 23. Rxd2 Rxc6 24. g3 Rc3 25. Rd7 { I think this is my opponent's worst move so far. Which move had been better? (frengo)The only move able to hold the pawn is} (25. Rb2 { but this leads to a very dangerous position for white, since it's too passive. Here is a variation, for example} Kf6 26. Kf1 Ke5 27. Ke2 f5 28. Kd2 Kd4 29. Ke2 Rd3 30. Rd2 Rxd2+ 31. Kxd2 a5 32. f3 (32. Kc2 g5 33. h3 Ke4) 32... g5 33. h4 gxh4 34. gxh4 h5 { and White is lost}) 25... a5 26. b4 axb4 27. Rb7 Ra3 28. Rxb6 Rxa4 29. Kg2 h6 30. Kf3 Ra3+ 31. Ke4 Rb3 32. Kd4 Rb1 33. Kc4 b3 $2 (33... Rb2 { and Black has very good chanced to win}) 34. Rxb3 Rxb3 35. Kxb3 { My idea was to keep the king away from the pawns. I dont know wether the idea was good or not... (frengo)Not good enough, as we will see} Kf6 36. Kc3 Kf5 37. Kd3 $4 { (frengo)This move loses the game. White could easily have a draw with 37.f3 or with 37.Kd4} (37. Kd4 Kg4 38. Ke5 Kh3 39. Kf6 Kxh2 40. Kxf7 Kg2 { draw} (40... g5 $4 41. Kg6 Kg2 42. Kxh6 Kxf2 43. g4 { and White wins!})) (37. f3 { (frengo) holding g4 square}) 37... Kg4 38. h3+ { the game is already lost. There is no time to try 38.Ke4:} (38. Ke4 Kh3 39. Ke5 Kxh2 40. Kf6 Kg2 41. Kxf7 g5 42. Kg6 Kxf2 43. Kxh6 g4) 38... Kxh3 39. Ke3 Kg4 40. Ke2 h5 41. Kf1 Kf3 42. Kg1 g5 43. Kf1 h4 44. gxh4 gxh4 45. Kg1 f5 46. Kf1 h3 47. Kg1 f4 48. Kh1 Kxf2 49. Kh2 Ke2 50. Kxh3 f3 51. Kh2 f2 { In the opening section, you made a premature move (generally don't open the game, if you're not well developed), but fortunately your opponent didn't exploited that. In the middle, you gave you're opponent the chance to conquer 'd' column and to get into the 7th rank. This should be avoided, as you probably know. Fortunately, your opponent missed this chance too. In the ending, probably both you didn't play at your best, but it must be said that Rook+pawn ending are amongst the most complicated existing endings. You played well the pawn ending (even if we can't forget about your opponent big mistake at move 37). I hope you've found this commentary interesting, for any question, explanation, you can contact me on FICS, for example via a server message. See you on FICS, frengo rodeloper resigns} 0-1 [Event "Exhibition Game"] [Site "?"] [Date "2002.07.31"] [Round "?"] [White "Jernigan, John/jjinn"] [Black "Chessmaster 8000, Rusty"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B01"] [WhiteElo "1351"] [BlackElo "1941"] [Annotator "jjinn, pdunne"] [PlyCount "111"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { I have a few questions about this game. 1. Why did I win this game? Black makes no obvious mistakes, other than neglecting development. 2. Can you identify major weaknesses? What should I work on? 3. Given my apparent style, can you recommend any openings? My repotoire is virtually nothing right now. 4. Throughout the game I will sometimes show other possibilities for white that may or may not be better; can you offer your opinion on these issues? 5. Also, do you think I calculate enough? I sometimes worry that I focus too much on generalities and abstractions instead of concrete variations. Although this annotation has a number of variations, I calculated very few at the board. 6. What do you think of the endgame? I don't have as many variations for that part, but that may be partly due to white's clear winning method. Now, on to the game. pd: OK, some general comments before analysis of the game. Firstly, yes, you are right, you do spend too much time on general ideas. That wouldn't be so bad, except you do not know how to apply them correctly, nor how to evaluate a position. You are trying to run before you can walk. Don't worry about such stuff as "good Bs v bad Bs". I'll make this clearly in the comments to the game. Secondly, you handled a clearly better endgame poorly, giving Black counterchance after counterchance. You still won, but you could have won far more quickly. Lastly, do you have no possibility to play against humans? It's a bit pointless putting your computer on a low setting and then demostrating that you can thrash it. To anwser your questions: 1. You put the computer on so low a setting that you could hardly avoid winning! 2. Learn the principles behind the opening. Play more actively. Work on your tactics, to give you the confidence to attack when Black neglects development, as he did in this game. 3. Don't worry too much about openings. As White, open 1.e4 as you do; as Black, answer 1.e4 with 1...e5 and contest the centre, against 1.d4, answer 1...d5 and ditto; against other White moves, once again, contest the centre. Remember: play according to the two basic tenents of the opening: development and central control, and you can't go far wrong. 4. I think I have done so below. 5. How long is a piece of string?! 6. Frankly, very badly played by both sides.} 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. Nf3 Nf6 (4... Bg4 { seems more aggressive than the text, pressuring the knight that willeventually support white's center.}) 5. d4 Bf5 ({ This was the end of my book knowledge. I'm not sure what my plan or goal should be at this point, so I'm reluctant to develop my bishops--I'm just not sure where they should go. Obviously Black's Queen has a strong pin on my Knight, and I feared the after e6, Black would add pressure with Bb4. So, I play what is essentially a waiting move while attempting to prevent pressure from Black. Again,} 5... Bg4 { seems more accurate. For instance,} 6. h3 Bh5 7. Bd2 e6 { which is similar to the game, except that black's bishop is playing a much more significant role. pd: There is no book knowledge required in this simple position, just knowledge of the basic positional principles underlying all opening play. Core to these is the maxim: develop your pieces with an eye to controling the centre. Your suggested counter to Bg4, h3, does not aid in this. Better would be 5...Bg4 6.Be2 (developing and breaking the pin) and if 6...Ne4 7. Bd2.}) 6. a3 $6 { Too passive. This allows black to take a slight initiative, and the black pin on the a3-pawn means I'll have to move my c1 bishop in order to prevent ... Bb4.} (6. Ne5 { seems more active, posting white's knight on a strong central square and disrupting the coordination of black's pieces. pd: 6. a3 is both passive and a waste of time. The correct course here is to bring out the KB and then castle, followed by development of the QB. Your comment on your suggested improvement indicates to me that you are trying to run before you can walk, taking about "strong central squares", and "disruption", when you are not handling development in the opening correctly.}) 6... Ne4 $6 ({ This may cash in too soon. Black can still pressure the c3-knight, albeit more carefully.} 6... e6 7. Bd3 Bxd3 8. Qxd3 Bb4 9. Bd2 O-O 10. O-O Bxc3 11. Bxc3 Qa6 { and black is better than in the text. His king is safe and both rooks are ready to enter the game. The knights are or will soon influence the center, with a potential post at d5. pd: Obviously the computer is playing on a low setting! Even after W's pointless 6th move, Black doesn't have any advantage to justify this sortie. This is a premature attack. Yes, 6...e6 is clearly better.}) 7. Bd2 Nxc3 8. Bxc3 { pd: 8. bxc3 was better here. On c3, your B does nothing, and it's not easy to get it to a better square. Were you worried about doubled Ps? Don't be. Doubled pawns are a disadvantage in the endgame, and there are positional techniques (restraint à la Nimzowitsch, etc) which can be used against them by strong players; but you really don't need to be worrying about this at your level.} Qd5 { I still haven't formulated a plan, instead simply developing my pieces to what seemed to be their natural squares. pd: Which is precisely what you should be doing. That IS the plan in the opening! Development and central control are the two goals that should be in your mind.} 9. Bd3 ({ This may be inaccurate; white does not necessarily need to trade bishops. Black's bishop just looks imposing, and I played this move without truly considering any variations that would demonstrate that my light-squared bishop could be an important piece, while blacks could be made rather harmless. For instance,} 9. Be2 Nd7 10. O-O O-O-O 11. Nd2 e5 12. Bc4 Qd6 { This position seems unclear; do you think it is superior to the text? pd: Offering to trading Bs is fine here, but Black's obvious response is 9. Bd3 Bg4, when your B is on the wrong square -- should be on e2. In view of this, 9. Be2 is better.}) 9... Bxd3 $6 ({ Black does not need to take--he could focus on development instead. For example,} 9... Nc6 10. O-O O-O-O 11. Bxf5+ Qxf5 12. Qe2 e6 13. Rad1 Bd6 { and Black's game is good, better than the game. His pieces are more active and his development is approimately equal to white's. pd: this trade does nothing for B. 9...Bg4 was better.}) 10. Qxd3 Nd7 { Why here instead of c6? In prepartion of a possible c5? pd: I would imagine so, though second-guessing a computer is really not my forte! The c5counter-thrust is a natural one in these positions. And the N really belongs on f6.} 11. O-O a5 ({ This is an interesting move that I overlooked. It correctly attempts to stifle my queenside expansion, but it delays black's development even more. However, if black waits and develops along the lines of} 11... e6 { I will have time for} 12. Bd2 Be7 13. c4 { But after} Qh5 14. b4 a5 { black is pr obably contesting white's pawns as much as in the game. pd: 11...a5 is not interesting, just plain bad. B should develop and then counter-attack in the centre.}) 12. b3 $6 ({ At the board, I didn't even consider that my queenside expansion can come a move earlier with} 12. Bd2 e6 13. c4 Qh5 14. b4 { However, I'm not convinced that the bishop is better placed on d2 than b2. On b2 it protects a3, the source of the pawn chain, and d4, the pawn most likely to advance and one likely to be challenged after ... Be7-f6. Also, in the event of d4-d5, a bishop on b2 would be very strong. On d2, however, the bishop can move to f4, getting it outside the pawn chain and pressure black's pawn structure. The question seems to be: passive and defensive, but solid; or active but more fragile? pd: on b2, your B does precisely nothing (except protect a P that should never have been moved in the first place!) You do see that c4 is the move for you here, which should have been prepared with Bd2. Forget about "pawn chains". You are playing far too slowly here, given that B hasn't castled, will take another 2 moves to do so on the K-side (...e6,...Be7) , and has made Q-side castled unattractive for him by advancing the aP. In this position, you should play vigorously with the idea of opening the game. What did you think wrong with 12. b4? It threatens to win a P, and gains a bit of space. 12.b4 a4 13.Bd2 e6 14.c4 and W has the advantage due to control of the centre.}) 12... e6 ({ I had feared an immediate} 12... a4 { , pressuring my queenside pawn structure. I can split my pawns into islands and potentially be burdened with an isolani in a position not designed to exploit it, or play} 13. b4 { , which leaves a gaping hole on c4 that is easily exploited by ... Nb6-c4. pd: Your assement here is badly flawed. Firstly, An immediate a4 does NOT "pressurise your Q-side P strucutre". More generally, all this talk about "pawn islands" and "isolated pawns" and so on is not to the point. These ideas are useful, but not relevant here. This indicates, as I said above, that you are trying to run before you can walk. By the way, you have a hole NOW on c3; the "hole" on c4 after b4 could be easily repaired by c4, so isn't a hole.}) 13. Bb2 ({ Even here I could have considered} 13. Bd2 Be7 ({ If} 13... Bd6 { to prevent Bf4, then} 14. c4 Qh5 15. c5 Be7 16. Qb5) 14. Bf4 O-O 15. c4 Qh5 { The a1-rook is tied to the weak a3-pawn, but the bishop on f4 is an active participant in the queenside action. Ultimately I'm not sure which is better. pd: The line of action with Bd2 and c4 is correct here, yes. 15. c5 is an awful move though, handing over d5 for B's N. The cP controls more of the centre from c4 that it does from c5.}) 13... Be7 14. c4 { pd: Now you're getting the idea. But in the meantime, B has developed and is ready to castle. Do you see how more powerful this would have been if you'd played it earlier?} Qf5 $2 ({ This hardly seems to be the best location for the queen. Although it's been said that the side with less space should trade pieces, this trade is very disadvantageous for black. It will leave his f5-pawn vulnerable and allow tremendous pressure on the e-file, delaying castling even more. Compare this with:} 14... Qd6 15. Rad1 O-O 16. Rfe1 Qb6 { when Black's king is safe and his pieces are preparing to find better squares. Although his position is cramped, it remains solid. pd: Qf5 is an awful move. Your assessment of the open e-file is correct. The fP is not really vulnerable, though: it is easily defended by g6 -- W will find it very difficult to exploit the resulting Blacksquare weakness. The Q probably belongs on h5. It can't be attacked there, and there might be scope for a B K-side attack if W plays passively.}) 15. Qxf5 exf5 16. Rfe1 { I want to allow my a1-rook to have flexibility.} a4 ({ Black may have instead wanted to resolve his problems on the e-file with something like} 16... Kd8 17. d5 a4 18. b4 Bf6 19. Bxf6+ Nxf6 20. Ne5 Rf8 { , a position that is still relatively uncomfortable. Is this better than the text? pd: 16...a4 is another daft move. White is now clearly better.}) 17. b4 Kf8 18. Re2 $6 ({ A little too slow. I could have gone for the full space grab with} 18. d5 { followed by} Re8 19. c5 Bf6 20. Rxe8+ Kxe8 21. Bd4 Bxd4 22. Nxd4 g6 23. Re1+ Kd8 24. c6 bxc6 25. Nxc6+ Kc8 26. Re7 { , a long but relatively forced line that leads to a significantly superior ending. Perhaps black need not exchange all those pieces, but I think this ambitious queenside expansion is the proper way to convert my current advantage. pd: Yes, I think 18.d5 is best here. But Re2 is fine too.}) 18... Nb6 ({ Black could have considered} 18... Bf6 19. Rc2 Re8 20. Rd1 g5 { , where white's pieces are not nearly as coordinated as in the game and black has counterplay attacking the center and expanding into the kingside. pd: 18...Nb6 is a poor move, since after 19.c5 Nd5 20.Re5 B will lose a P.}) 19. c5 { Both of these variations are relatively good for white; what do you think is best? pd: 19.c5 is fine here because although it gives B a good sqaure for his N, 19...Nd5 loses a P, and 19...Nd7 allows 20.d5.} ({ I may be in a rush to damage my pawn chain. White has many other options:} 19. Rc1 Bf6 { and if I want to keep my pawn phalanx intact (the point of playing Rc1 instead of c5), then I'm forced to play} 20. Ne5 Rd8 21. d5 Bg5 22. Rcc2) ( 19. Rc2 $5 Bf6 20. Bc1 Re8 21. Bf4 Re7 22. Rd1) 19... Nd5 20. Rae1 ({ Perhaps an immediate} 20. Re5 { is more accurate.} c6 21. Rxf5 g6 22. Re5 Kg7 23. Rae1 Rhe8 { Again, how does this compare to the game's continuation? pd: Of course 20. Re5 was better: it wins a P! That the machine didn't see this when considering Nb6 illustrates how low a setting the computer is on. Obviously, 20...g6 is the right move after your failure to play Re5 at once.}) 20... Bf6 { pd: 20...g6 is better, saving the P. The B is not threatened, so why Black moves it is a mystery to me.} 21. Ne5 { pd: A good move.} Bxe5 ({ Any attempt to avoid trading the bishop, like} 21... g6 { will be met by} 22. Nd7+ { , forcing the exchange.}) 22. Rxe5 Nf4 $6 ({ Why is black abandoning his strong post in search of white's bad bishop?} 22... c6 { is stronger. pd: Why is Black making stupid moves? Because it's a computer and you have put it on such a low settting!}) 23. Rxf5 Nd3 24. Re2 { I saw all o f this after 21. Ne5 and considered the exchange to be beneficial. Although Tarrasch said that all rook and pawn endgames are drawn, the very poor placement and activity of the black rooks and my control of the only open file made me confident of my ability to convert my material advantage. pd: Tarrasch said no such thing. Besides, this is not a R+P endgame yet; and anyway, you have an extra P. The exchange of B for N is good for Black; his only chance lies in swapping off pieces and pawns in the slim hope of getting to a R+P ending which *is* drawn despite W's P plus. White's B was clearly superior to Black's N, even if the latter stayed on d5.} g6 ({ pd: What else? If} 24... Re8 25. Rxe8+ Kxe8 26. Bc3 Nc1 { (else the N is trapped)} 27. Re5+ Kd7 28. d5 { and White is winning.}) 25. Rf3 Nxb2 26. Rxb2 Re8 ({ Both} 26... Kg7 { , attempting to involve the h8-rook}) ({ and} 26... Rd8 { , pressuring the d-pawn, are viable alternatives. pd: No. 26...Re8 is best. Rd8 does not pressure the dP, since it is simply defended by Rd2: and W wants a R behind the dP anyway.26...Kg7 allows White to take the e-file with Re3 and Rbe2.}) 27. Kf1 { I want to bring my king to the center for the endgame, exchange and pair of rooks, and prevent black from penetrating to the seventh rank on the open file. pd: Good reasoning, but simply Re3 is better. Either 27...Rxe3 28.fxe3 or 27...Kg7 Rbe2 is good for White. Kf1 is not bad, just slow.} b6 ({ pd:?? Appa lling. Black gives W a passed pawn for free. Clearly, on the seting used, the program simply cannot play the endgame. Stronger is} 27... Rd8 28. Rd3 Rd5 { , blockading my potential passed pawn, although white should be able to make progress by Rb2-e2-e5.}) 28. Re2 (28. d5 { seems to be a more direct means of creating a passed pawn.} Kg7 29. cxb6 cxb6 30. d6 Rd8 31. Rd2 { and white is winning. pd: What did you have against 28. cxb6 cxb6, when you have a PP straight away?!}) 28... Rb8 29. Ke1 { Because my ook is cutting off the black king's access to the queenside, I'll essentially have an extra piece on the queenside.} bxc5 30. dxc5 { pd: letting B make the capture instead is clearly weak. Black is still lost, but White's dilatory play (not doubling Rs on the e-file, not creating a passed pawn) has let him strengthen his position a bit.} h5 ({ A more aggressive defensive option is} 30... Rd8 { Although there are certainly many possible resources for both sides, a line might run} 31. Rf6 Rd3 32. Rc6 Rxa3 33. Rxc7 Rb3 34. Ree7 Rxb4 35. Rxf7+ Kg8 { where both sides have threats.}) 31. Rfe3 h4 { pd: Black is attempting to complicate matters a bit, but is really only weakening his K-side Ps.} 32. Kd2 ({ I could have invaded immediately with} 32. Re7 { , but the text gives me the chance to exchange rooks. pd: Re7 is clearly stronger.} Rd8 { is in no way forced. In any case, your 2 Rs are clearly much better than B's, so why do you want to exchange off a pair?}) 32... Rd8+ 33. Rd3 Kg7 34. Rxd8 Rxd8+ 35. Kc3 { I'm not sure if black has a defensive resource in here somewhere--overall it seems rather clear-cut. pd: still a win for White, but far from clear-cut. Black has made the best of the chance afforded him by White's slow play to gain some chances on the K-side.} c6 36. Re7 Rd5 37. Rc7 Rf5 38. Rxc6 Rxf2 39. Rb6 (39. b5 { was probably more accurate, although I calculated this line when I played 36. Re7}) 39... h3 { pd: Awful. 39... Rxg2! was far better, e.g. c6 Rf1 Kd5 (c7? Rc1+ & Rxc7) Rxh2 Kd6 Rc2 and how does White stop the Black hP? Of course, White has better lines, and should still win; but he has given Black too many chances.} 40. gxh3 Rxh2 (40... Rf3+ { is quite an interesting defensive try. Although I certainly haven't analyzed it to exhaustion, the key line appears to} 41. Kd4 Rxa3 42. b5 Ra1 43. Ra6 f5 44. b6 Kf7 45. c6 Rd1+ 46. Ke5 Re1+ 47. Kd6 Rd1+ 48. Kc7) 41. c6 Rxh3+ (41... Rh1 42. Kc4 f5 43. Rb7+ { All of my computer analysis recommended this instead of an immediate Rb8. Why? Here is the continuation of the win for white:} Kf6 44. Rb8 Rc1+ 45. Kb5 Ke6 46. Kb6) 42. Kc4 Rh8 43. c7 Rc8 44. Rc6 { This is where my variation ended, as I concluded this was won for white.} f5 45. Kb5 Kf7 { pd: waste of time. Attempting to push fP through with 45...f4 46. Kb6 f3 47.Kb7 f2 48.Rc1 Rf8 49.c8=Q still loses, though. More interesting is the attempt to advance both K-side Ps: 46. g5 47.Kb7 Re8 48.c8=Q Rxc8 49.K/ Rxc8 g4; and this would be a draw if White didn't have the Q-side Ps.} 46. Kb6 f4 47. Kb7 Rf8 48. c8=Q Rxc8 49. Kxc8 f3 50. b5 { pd: pointless. Why not just 50. Rc3 f2 51. Rf3+ Ke6 52. Rxc2 ?} f2 51. Rc1 Kf6 52. b6 { pd: again, just 52. Rf1 and 53.Rxf2} Kg7 53. b7 g5 54. b8=Q Kg6 55. Rf1 Kf5 56. Rxf2+ { Although the computer didn't resign, I feel that this is an appropriate place to end. Black can offer absolutely no resistance.} 1-0 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2002.07.15"] [Round "?"] [White "Endymion"] [Black "cuadroblanco"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B20"] [WhiteElo "1261"] [BlackElo "1561"] [Annotator "cuadroblanco, tvc"] [PlyCount "56"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] [TimeControl "480+12"] { Hi ! This is tvc here. My comments are indented with an tvc: mark. Enjoy !} 1. e4 c5 { This is an opening I use often, as it gives me good results.} 2. c4 { I didn't know this variant. I followed the usual opening for black. tvc: Well, neither was I. But openbot has about 176 games with this opening, so it must be known. It does not give good results for white( has only a 37% score !!)} d6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. d3 { tvc: This has been played in about 4 games according to openbot. Here the suggested move is Nf6 or Bg4.} e5 { tvc: I would have probably gone for g6 and Bg7 with the idea of putting the knight on d4 ( as you did ). But his dark long diagonal seems to be weak and a bishop on g7 would do well.} 5. Be3 Be7 6. Nc3 Nf6 7. Be2 O-O 8. h3 Nd4 9. Bxd4 exd4 { I think better than 9... cxd4 because I keep pawn pressure on the queen side. tvc: I agree. I think you mean king side.} 10. Nd5 Re8 { Adding pressure over the e column and protecting the Bishop. tvc: I am not sure about Re8, it gives up the bishop pair for not much in return. Have a look at the following lines - ...Nxd5 cxd5 ( gives black prospects on both sides of the board ) b4 0-0 Ba6 Nd2( with the idea of f4 ) Rc8 b3 Bg5 ( preventing f4 ) Black looks pretty good here. He has the bishop pair, with both bishops active, whereas white is pretty much on the defensive. - ... Nxd5 exd5 ( Here too black's bishops are better than white's knight and bishop. The plan would be to open up the queen side by a6, Bd7, b4 to make space for the bishops and black would have the better game.)} 11. O-O Nh5 { Now I think this was not a good move. It is not consitent with the idea of opening queen side. tvc: I agree. It also loses a pawn. For eg. - Nxd4 Nf6 Nf3 or - Nxd4 cxd4 Bxh5, which is worse for black.} 12. Nxe7+ Rxe7 13. Ng5 { Attacking the Knight. Again I think that with 11... Nh5 I gave advantage to white. tvc: White could have still taken the pawn ! Also I would have gone for Qxe7 in place of Rxe7. With your knight on h5 going to f4, Bishop hitting on h3 and the queen ready to attack on the kingside, you would have good prospects !} f6 14. Bxh5 fxg5 15. Bg4 { Perhaps this is a weak move. With the bishop on h5 white controlled e8, avoiding black to eventually double the strenght on the column. Maybe, Qf3 would have been a more agressive option. tvc: Bg4 seems okay to me. As you mentioned later Bxc8 is not good. So white should not play it until forced to ! With Qf3 comes g6 Bg4 h5 and now Bxc8 is forced and black has a good king side attack.} Qf8 { tvc: Good sequence of moves. Opening up a file for attack and putting your peices on it. The game seems to be even here.} 16. Bxc8 { Exchanging a developed Bishop by a non developed piece, and helping black to develop the second Rook. A mistake in my opinion. tvc: Yes, I agree. I think a plan for white could be to open up the queen side while black builds his forces on the king side.The game could proceed as follows - 16. a3 Rf7 17. b4 Rf4 18. g3 - 18. ... Bxg4 19. hxg4 Rf3 20. Kg2 Rf6 21. Qd2 h6 22. f4 gxf4 23. gxf4 b6 and white seems to be doing well. - 18. ... Rf6 19. Qd2 h6 20. f4 gxf4 21. gxf4 h5 22. Bxc8 Rxc8 23. f5 and white seems to be okay here too.} Rxc8 17. Qg4 { I don't see the idea of this movement as the rook is well protected. tvc: The pawn is not protected. He probably wants to prevent g4 in the future, though I am not sure that is the right way. I don't think he can prevent it at all without inviting more trouble on the f-file.} Rf7 18. f3 { tvc: White could have taken the pawn ! There is no immediate threat.} Rf4 $2 ({ From this movement black loses a piece and the options of doing something. This rook wont play anymore.} 18... b5 19. cxb5 c4 20. dxc4 (20. Rac1 c3 { is worse for white}) 20... Rxc4 21. Rad1 { tvc: The g5 pawn is your main attack weapon to break open white's castle. h6 would have been good here. I like Rf4 after h6. Playing b5 now is deviating from ur plan. Your original plan was to open the queen side. But you have done well to open the f-file, have two heavy peices there and a pawn on g5. The course of the game has changed your plan ! Right now your plan is a king side attack and you should stick to it.}) 19. Qxg5 h6 20. Qg3 Rb8 21. Qe1 { White has captured a pawn. Moreover, the Rook on f3 will prove useless later.} b5 { Late. The white queen is back in the center of the defence and will abort blacks attack. tvc: I don't think you had much choice. The move h6 could be questioned though. The queen on g5 wasn't posing any direct threats without the support of its rooks. You could have played Rb8 or a6 directly. You are correct in recognizing that your king side attack is over with the loss of the g4 pawn. Your hopes to save the game lie in active play on the queen side. Continuing your king side attack with moves like g5 seems risky.} 22. Qa5 bxc4 23. dxc4 Rxb2 24. Qxa7 d3 { tvc: I don't like d3. You have no way to support it, with your own pawn blocking that file.} (24... Rc2 25. Rfc1 d3 26. Rxc2 dxc2 27. Rc1) 25. Rad1 d2 { tvc: 25. ...Qf6 indirectly protects your pawn, but the d6 pawn falls. Black seems lost anyway. If 26. Rxd3 then Rxg2+ ! 27. Kxg2 Qxa1 28. Rxd6} 26. Qa3 { At this point black has a dead pawn and a useless Rook. Perhaps It would have been a good idea to advance my pawns on columns g and h. trying to unblock the Rook on f4. tvc: That seemed risky, but it maybe correct. As I said earlier, I wouldn't have gone for moving g and h pawns after losing g5. It needs deeper analysis, and is a difficult decision to make in an 8 12 game. At this point I think the game is won for white.} Rc2 $2 { Losing the pawn } 27. Qb3 Rc1 28. Rxd2 Rxf1+ { At this point my oponent lost by time. My comclusion is that if black had the control of the game, perhaps after 17. Qg4 when could have taken the initiative, lost it with a series of movements that gave to nowhere. The final position is quite equal, so draw would have been a fair end in my opinion. tvc: Here I disagree. I think the game is completely won for white. White has two extra pawns, one of them passed. Black has a weakness in the d6 pawn which can fall. To your credit is the fact, that you have used lesser time on the clock and white will have to hurry through his moves. In conclusion I think there were three errors on your part : - You had a good plan at the beginning of the game to open the queen side for the attack. You did not follow it up with å move like Nh5. - Again, your king side attack was strong, but you did not recognize the importance of your g5 pawn, and that attack was lost, with the loss of that pawn. - The move d3 was incorrect and the pawn was doomed without anything to support it. To your credit is the fact that you were the active player on the board and the player with plans ! White did not seem to have a plan, he was waiting for you to make the mistakes. His plus point was that he did not make any obvious blunders. Carrying through with your plans, would have given you the win without the clock playing a part ! Suggestion : - Keep playing ! With more games, the blunders(like g5 pawn and Nh5) will disappear ! - Your ability to make a plan in the game is good. Sticking to them will help ! - If you are serious about improving, investing in a good book on Tactics will help. I hope this review was helpful !} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "2002.08.24"] [Round "?"] [White "Dariusd"] [Black "NN"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B13"] [Annotator "Dariusd/bscastro"] [PlyCount "89"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { bscastro: Greetings!} 1. e4 { D: 'Since I don't play in tournaments, this is a casual game I played. My goal in the Opening is to develop pieces quickly, not to follow a specific "book opening".' bscastro: "That is good. Also, studying some basics of openings is good so you see how the pieces work together in the opening. You mentioned that planning is a difficulty for you, and studying openings (not memorizing, but actually trying to understand the opening) will help you to understand what plans come out of those openings. The pawn structures and piece placement will determine what you will be doing in the middlegame. In any case, don't study openings too much (better to study tactics first at your level--and mine :-) but it is good to study a little."} c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. Nc3 Qd7 5. Bb5 { D: Here I take advantage of the Queen-King line up.} Nc6 6. Nf3 Qe6+ 7. Be3 Bd7 8. O-O Nf6 9. Ng5 { D: "To chase away the Queen." bscastro: "This is okay, but you should continue your development. Black's queen is not doing much at the moment. You can continue with natural development and this will also give you opportunities later to perhaps attack the queen. Also, after the queen moves, your knight on g5 is not doing much. In the opening, look for moves to improve your position. At this point you have an advantage because Black's position is very cramped."} ({ bscastro: For example} 9. Re1 { followed u p by moves like Qd2 and Rad1 will improve your position and you might have some later opportunities by moving the dark-square bishop if Black were to leave the queen there. Here's a sample line:} a6 10. Bd3 g6 $2 { Intended to free the dark-square bishop. This is a mistake, but this is to illustrate what can happen when a) Your opponent leaves his queen in the middle (and blocking this e-pawn) and b) You make developing moves which develop into later threats.} 11. Bg5 Qd6 12. Bxf6 Qxf6 13. Nxd5 $16 { and you are winning.}) 9... Qf5 { bscastro: "White has a better position because of his better development and Black's cramped game. White needs to start making some plans for the middle game. Some general thoughts here include a) eventually doubling heavy pieces on the open e-file; b) Depending on where the Black king ends up, moving the bishp to d3 or e2; c) See if there are future ways of taking advantage of the opponent's queen in the middle of the board."} 10. Ba4 { D: "I'm getting worried about this Bishop. I plan to bring it to a2 or c2 later." bscastro: "Why are you worried about the bishop? If you want to move the bishop, d3 or e2 would be better, because after ...e6, White won't be able to attack d5 so easily, and the light-square bishop will be stuck on b3 and will take a long time to get to c2 (you would have to move the knight, play c3 or c4, then play Bc2). See my recommendations below."} a6 11. Bb3 { D: Now I put pressure on d5.} e6 { bscastro: "Black easily defends against this plan. As I mention in myrecommenda tions below, try to figure out how your opponent can defend. If he can't (or by doing so makes his position weaker) then your plan is probably okay. If he can, think of another plan (or find a different move order to make your plan work)."} 12. h3 { D: I moved h3 because I didn't know what to do here.} ({ bscastro: "When you don't know what to do, think about a few things. Look at your pieces and see which ones can be improved. For example, 3 pieces come to mind--your rooks and your light-square bishop (your queen too, but let's start simple). Your rooks should be on the open files (here the only open file is the e-file) or on central files (as a general rule). Your light-square bishop is not doing anything along the a2-g8 diagonal (because the pawn on d5 is very solid). It would be bettrer on the b1-h7 diagonal where it will attack the kingside. Now that you've decided which pieces you need to improve, then you can pick one. The a1 rook needs the queen to move to develop somewhere useful. The bishop on b3 needs several moves (which we've mentioned earlier) to do anything. The rook on f1 can move to its best square (e1) right now, so this would be the move to make instead of a move like h3. There is more that needs to go into planning, but that is one example you can think about in how to make decisions in your games when you are stuck. :-)"} 12. Re1 Ng4 { You might have been fearing this trade, but it is okay for White.} 13. Qf3 Nxe3 (13... Qxf3 14. Nxf3 Nxe3 15. Rxe3 { and White's next move might be Rae1, doubling rooks on the e-file.}) 14. Qxe3) (12. Nf3 { can be played if you want to avoid trading vishop for knight as in the variation above. With this move, you protect the d-pawn (so you can move the bishop) and you also block the queen's path to f2).} Ng4 13. Bd2) 12... Be7 13. a3 Nxd4 $4 14. Qxd4 Bd6 15. Qb6 Bb8 (15... Bc6 { bscastro: T his defends the pawn. White is winning because Black dropped his knight, but this would have kept Black from totally losing in this position.}) 16. Qxb7 O-O 17. Bc5 { D: "I must be careful now! If Qxa8 Bh2+, Rxa8. I decided to threaten f-rook with my Bishop." bscastro: "This is actually fine. Black has many hanging pieces, and you win the exchange and more with this move."} ({ bscastro: Give yourself a pat on the back if you noticed the followingvariation } 17. Qxa8 $2 Bh2+ 18. Kxh2 Rxa8 { White's still winning with because of his previously won material, but it's a common tactic that you should watch out for.}) 17... Qxg5 { D: "I just realized that I left my knight en-prise. Maybe it was better: Nf3 and then Bc5." bscastro: "This would have been fine also, but Bc5 was good."} (17... Bf4 18. Bxf8 Rxf8 19. Nf3 Bb5) 18. Bxf8 Nh5 { D: Black is setting up a mate threat.} 19. Qxa8 { D: Material status: White is way ahead in material!} Nf4 20. g3 Ne2+ $4 { D: A free knight... I'll take it!} 21. Nxe2 Qd8 22. Bd6 $1 { D: "Here I ... If I move the Queen away, I'll lose the Bishop. So, I retreat my Bishop to d6, putting pressure on Black's bishop." bscastro: "You should be proud of this move, it piles up on the pinned piece (the bishop on b8) and wins it."} Bb5 23. Qxb8 { D: "I decided to trade Queens and my Knight for Black's Bishop." bscastro: "A good choice. In general, when you are ahead by a lot of material, you should exchange pieces."} Qxb8 24. Bxb8 Bxe2 { bscastro: "I think you couldn't have protect this piece, because you needed to win the bishop on b8. When you are ahead by a lot of material, it is good to exchange material."} 25. Rfe1 Bb5 26. Ba2 d4 27. Re5 { D: I wanted to take the initiative but wasn't sure what to do here. Here's my *biggest problem*, I do okay in the opening, and the ending, but in the middlegame I am never sure about what to do. What can I do to improve my playing?} h6 28. Rd1 { D: the passed pawn is making me nervous.} d3 29. c3 { D: "Now I want to move all my pawns to white squares." bscastro: "It depends. On the one hand your bishop protects all of your pawns. On the other hand, your bishop is blocked by your pawns. this is a case where the specific situation is more important than the general rule. You are winning by a lot, so you need to make plans differently now."} Kh7 30. b3 (30. c4 { bscastro: "You could have played this right away."}) 30... Bc6 31. Rxd3 { D: Great! I killed the passed pawn.} g6 32. Rc5 Be4 33. Re3 { D: Now I try to keep my rooks on dark squares.} Bb7 34. Rc7 { D: Forks B and f-pawn.} Bd5 35. Rxf7+ Kg8 36. Rc7 h5 37. Bb1 Kf8 38. Bxg6 { D: I systematically attack the base of all pawn chains.} Kg8 39. Bf7+ { D: I want to destroy his light-squared Bishop.} Kf8 40. Bxe6 Bxe6 41. Rxe6 { D: Finally I got open files for both my rooks.} h4 42. Ba7 hxg3 43. fxg3 a5 44. Rb6 { D: Closing in for the kill!} Kg8 45. Rb8# { D: "I won thi s game, but I played the middlegame without a clear plan. Please let me know what I can do to improve my play." bscastro: "Here are some recommendations based on this game. First, think about how long your plans take. Earlier in this game, you mentioned a plan of putting your light-square bishop on b3 or c2. Ask yourself while you're playing, what is my bishop doing here? Is there a better place for my bishop? If you're plan was to attack the d5 pawn, ask yourself, how easy can my opponent defend against my attack. These types of questions will help you develop a plan when playing. Secondly, tactics, tactics, tactics! Your opponent made many mistakes, so you were okay, but every player under master level should study tactics intensely. Third, here are some general guidelines for planning when you are ahead in material: 1) Continue to attack weak points in your opponent's position-e.g. weak pawns, pinned pieces, etc. 2) Exchange pieces (if you do #1 correctly, this will be easier, because you can exchange if your opponent tries to defend his pawns or pieces. 3) Stop your opponent's counterplay--e.g. If your opponent has a dangerous passed pawn, give some material back to stop their threats (for example, sacrifice a piece if you are way ahead to stop the pawn). 4) Always be on alert of surprises-e.g. losing your queen or getting checkmated. Finally, to improve your game overall and your planning, study games of stronger players and try to decide what plans they were making. Cover up the moves of the game and see if you can figure out what plan should be followed and then see what plan they actually did. This is best done with annotated games which there are plenty of on the web for free. Good players to do this with are positional players like Capablanca or Karpov, but attacking players like Morphy or Tal are good too because you can see how they build up an attack (not just making one move threats). Oh, and study those tactics! Good luck and I hope this will be helpful to you."} 1-0 [Event "ICS Rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2002.08.29"] [Round "?"] [White "Trocado"] [Black "DemetriusNunes"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B51"] [WhiteElo "1403"] [BlackElo "1667"] [Annotator "trocado, msh"] [PlyCount "134"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { T: I've been playing on FICS for a couple of weeks. I am completely unable to play with fast time controls so in a typical game I'll lose my queen on the 6th move or so. I never played on a club or (otb) tournment, but on games against friends or computers I usually don't blunder so horribly. So I blamed the time controls and played this 45 45 game against DemetriusNunes. This turned out to be a fine game in my oppinion, but I lost.} 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ { T: I usually play the Rossolimo Variation against the Sicilian, because I've read it has fewer variations and so involves less study. MH: 2...d6 3. Bb5+ is the Moscow Variation. It's quite similar sometimes, but not always. T: But anyway I've never studied the line besides the moves so far. Maybe browsing some master games with this opening wouldn't hurt... I've never really choosed an opening repertoire, because I don't know what style of player I am... It isn't clear for me what kind of positions I like better. MH: Then play a variety of openings (with both White and Black), so you can see which you do well with. If there's anything consistent about the ones you play badly then that should be a clue about some weakness(es) in your play.} Nc6 { MH: This has been played recently, but 3...Nbd7 or 3...Bd7 have been much more common.} 4. d4 { MH: This move isn't usually played in conjunction with Bf1-b5+ because the Bb5 seems destined to exchange at c6 and allowing ...c5xd4 simplifies Black's pawn structure problems. However, White hasn't captured Nc6 just yet, so d2-d4 probably isn't bad at all. You should notice that moving Pd2-d4 allows ...Qd8-a5+, but in this instance that's not a problem.} (4. Bxc6+ bxc6 5. O-O { MH: has also been played recently by GMs. It's a new idea for White and I don't have a strong opinion of whether it's good.}) 4... cxd4 5. Nxd4 Bd7 { MH: One reason Bf1-b5 isn't generally played is that Nc6 is too far into Black's camp for White to make headway, this early in the game; and that aligning Bb5 with Bd7 just means minor piece trades which simplify the game, making it easier for Black to draw. Generally White likes to keep pieces on the board to try to attack.} 6. Nc3 a6 { MH: More contentious than 6...Nxd4, this move keeps pieces on the board and dares White to trade (to his detriment) or retreat, letting Black fight on his own terms.} (6... Nxd4 7. Qxd4 Bxb5 8. Nxb5 Qa5+ 9. Nc3 Nf6 { MH: and Black isn't terribly cramped, has the open c-file and can apparently proceed to develop with ...e6, ...Be7, . ..O-O.}) 7. Ba4 { T: I figured that after 7...b5 8 Bb3, my bishop would be better than on c4.} b5 ({ MH: Probably better is to develop pieces.} 7... Nf6) 8. Bb3 { MH It's possible that the extended Pb5 could be attacked later (by a2-a4), but with Bd7 it's not likely to be too terribly weak. Still, it might have been better for him to not to play ...b5.} Nf6 { MH: It appears Black is threatening ...b4 to undermine Pe4, but ...Nxe4 can be met by Bb3-d5. Probably more likely is ...g6, ...Bg7 to take aim at Black's queen-side or ...e6, ...b4 to fight for the center.} 9. Be3 { T: I didn't know where to drop the dark bishop, but I think this is a good place, potentially pointing at black's open q-side. MH: One tactical detail you have to keep your eye on is whether Black can advantageously play ...Nf6-g4. There are several other good candidate moves (below)} ({ MH: With Bd7 it might be useful to play} 9. f3 { preparing g2-g4-g5, when Nf6 has no good square.}) ({ MH: to inhibit ...g6 there is} 9. Bg5 $5 b4 10. Nce2 (10. Bxf6 bxc3 11. Nxc6 Bxc6 12. Bxc3 Bxe4) 10... Nxe4 11. Bd5 Nxg5 12. Nxc6) 9... g6 ({ MH: Safest seems to be} 9... e6) 10. O-O { T: He's preparing the fianchetto... right time to castle.} ({ MH: Perhaps the time is right to attack!} 10. Nd5 { threatening either Nxf6+ or Nxc6 and Be3-b6} Nxd5 (10... Bg7 $2 11. Nxc6 Bxc6 12. Bb6) 11. Bxd5 (11. exd5 { blocks Bb3}) 11... Rc8 12. Nxc6 Bxc6 13. Bd4) 10... Bg7 11. f4 { T: For: puts the pressure on e5, where I plan to struggle to close the bishop's diagonal. Also if black plays 11...e5 12 fxe5 dxe5 13 Nf3 I think my position would be better (d open file, f semi-open file and black's doubled pawns) Against: weakens the e4 pawn, exposes the king and limits the B in e3. I thought the fight for the center was worth it. MH: A little respect for the opponent's pieces is always in order. Consider the other candidate moves I give below.} (11. h3 b4 $6 12. Na4 Nxe4 $2 13. Bd5) (11. f3) 11... Qc7 { MH: It's rare for the queen to sit comfortably on this square when square d5 is still in White's hands. Maybe in this instance it's fine, but I'd hesitate before putting the queen there. Even more common is to ...O-O, ...Qc8, aiming to achieve ...Be6 to nullify Bb3.} ({ MH: More challenging to White's direct plan is} 11... Ng4 12. Nxc6 Nxe3 13. Nxd8 Nxd1 14. Nxd1 Rxd8 15. c3 $15) 12. Nd5 { T: Threatening 12...Nxd5 13 Bxd5 and I'll pin black's N while attacking the soft spot f7.} Nxd5 13. Bxd5 e6 { T: I didn't expect this...} ({ MH: King Safety comes first} 13... O-O) 14. Bb3 O-O { MH: O.K., good enough} 15. c3 { T: I need to close the diagonal and protect my N. I wouldn't like to see black playing Nb4 either. MH: It's risky to put another pawn on a dark square where Bg7 might be able to get at it. I know that seems far-fetched at this point, but it's just that kind of judgment about what the future *might* hold which shades our decision. Evacuate the diagonal and Bg7 would have no targets. Leave Pc2 and ...b5-b4 can never be useful. The best reason I see for c2-c3 is to give air to Bb3 (allowing Bc2).} ({ MH: Perhaps necessary is the immediate} 15. f5 { to take on the fight to avoid letting Black gain an enduring initiative} Nxd4 ( 15... Qb6 $6 16. c3) 16. Bxd4 Bxd4+ 17. Qxd4 exf5 18. Rad1 (18. exf5 Bxf5 19. Rad1)) (15. a3 $2 Na5 16. Ba2 Nc4 17. Bc1 Qb6 18. c3 e5 $19) 15... Na5 { MH: Black makes his pieces offensive weapons and his pawns block White's minor pieces. That's why White needed f4-f5 as quickly as possible, breaking into Black's king-side shell.} 16. Qc2 { T: I don't see what my opponent is threatening with his last move, but I became a bit disoriented and I honestly didn't know what to play... I sensed that both my c and e pawn would need a little extra protection and so Qc2... MH: He's probably threatening to invade a little further to c4 to threaten Be3 and Pb2. The general idea is to win bishop for knight and lessen White's ability to attack, so the endgame arrives and Black has the two bishops and White has a weak Pe4 and potentially weak Pc3 & Pb2.} ({ MH: It seems to me that a retreat should be looked at before conceding to the knight for bishop trade.} 16. Bc2 Nc4 17. Bc1 { retreating isn't against the rules (except for pawns, of course)!} Qb6 18. Kh1 b4 { and Black's pressure is considerable, but not immediately winning.} 19. Bd3 bxc3 20. bxc3 (20. Bxc4 $4 Bxd4) 20... Bxd4 $17) 16... Rac8 17. a3 { T: I notice d that if 17...Bxd4 18 Bxd4 b4 19 cxb4 Qxc2 20 Bxc2 Rxc2 I would lose material! MH: I like this. It prevents Black from using ...b5-b4 to break up White's queen-side pawns.} Bc6 $2 ({ MH: Now Black should grab the bishop to enable further use of square c4.} 17... Nxb3) 18. Ba2 { T: I missed this very simple combination: 18 Nxe6 fxe6 19 Bxe6 and 20 Bxc8. MH: We all miss tactics at some time. Don't worry.} Bb7 19. Rfd1 ( { MH: Taking the moment to attack might be best. This also gives some air to Be3. } 19. f5 Nc4 20. Bxc4 Qxc4 21. f6 Bh8) ({ MH: Or, just keep developing} 19. Rad1 ) 19... Rfd8 20. Rac1 { MH: Apparently Black had convinced you all the play was on the queen-side!} Nc6 21. Bb3 ({ MH: ...b4 doesn't seem to be an immediate threat because White can capture with Pc3, opening the c-file and pinning Nc6. However, It might be better to avoid minor piece trades and threaten e4-e5 or Be3-d4, continuing to fight to win.} 21. Nf3) 21... e5 { MH: courageous or stupid? It shows the difficulty Black is suddenly having, trying to make something happen.} 22. Ne6 ({ T: Only now I saw it! If} 22. fxe5 dxe5 ({ MH:} 22... Bxe5 { activates the bishop and defends Pd6}) 23. Nf3 Rxd1+ 24. Rxd1 Nd4 25. Nxd4 exd4 26. Bxd4 Bxd4+ 27. Rxd4 { and this atomic bomb wouldn't give a clear win to either player. MH: Are you sure? White is up a good pawn here. T: I knew this during the game, although sometimes I'm afraid of relying on my own calculations on a position like this. I trade my active bishop and knight for the f pawn and a rook (and a hidden black king). Was this good?} (27. cxd4 Qxc2 28. Bxc2 Rxc2)) 22... fxe6 23. Bxe6+ Kh8 24. Bxc8 Rxc8 25. Qf2 { T: I decided to begin an attack on the king side.} ({ MH: White could take this moment to keep Bg7 "quiet"} 25. f5 $5) 25... Rf8 26. Qh4 { T: Innocently played, this move turned out giving black the necessary tempi to transfer his forces to k-side.} Bf6 { MH: Black is probably concerned that Bb7 doesn't work too well with Nc6 in front of it.} 27. Qg4 ({ T: I think} 27. Qh6 Bg7 28. Qg5 Bf6 29. Qg3 { would be a faster retreat.}) 27... Bc8 $1 28. Qg3 (28. f5 { MH: still might be good}) 28... Qe7 29. c4 $1 { T: Now trying to open a file for the rook and taking the game to the other side...} Bh4 30. Qf3 exf4 31. Bd4+ $4 { T: An error in my opinion. The right move was Bxf4, grabbing a precious pawn. I was worried about getting my bishop pinned, but now I don't see how that could really trouble me (if 31...g5 32. Qc3+).} ({ MH: Risky though it might be, it does seem important to keep the material.} 31. Bxf4 Ne5 32. Bxe5+ dxe5 33. Qd3) 31... Nxd4 32. Rxd4 Qe5 33. Rcd1 h5 { MH: threatening ...Bg4 to win more material} 34. R1d2 { T: Because of 31...Bg4.} bxc4 35. Rxd6 { T: I took a long time thinking about this one, and I still don't know what would be the right move. MH: What's wrong with the move you played?} Bg4 { T: Forcing a queen trade...} 36. Qc3 ({ MH: White's position is getting very difficult as Black's small minor pieces can chase White's rooks or queen pretty well.} 36. Qf1 $2 Qxe4 $17) 36... Qxc3 37. bxc3 { T: Now, steppi ng into an ending with three isolated pawns, I think I'm clearly worse.} Rb8 $17 38. g3 { T: Losing a pawn but it's the only way to prevent the winning Rb1+. } fxg3 39. hxg3 Bxg3 40. Rd8+ $2 { MH: Don't trade when you're behind and the other fellow has a clear-cut plan to win the game. Try to complicate matters with defense or counter-attacks.} ({ T: I think} 40. Rxg6 { MH: seems better -- to get rid of every Black pawn (potential queen and shelter for Black's king).} Rb1+ 41. Kg2 { would be better.}) 40... Rxd8 41. Rxd8+ Kg7 42. Kg2 ({ MH: Why waste time with a king move?} 42. Ra8) 42... Be5 43. Ra8 Bxc3 44. Rxa6 { T: I'll now face a very hard mission...} Be2 ({ MH: Black can pretty well escort Pc4 up the board while keeping White's king from doing anything terribly useful.} 44... Bd2 45. Rc6 c3 46. a4 Bd1 47. a5 c2 48. a6 Be3 { After this Black has Ph5 and White has Pe4 to add more offense.}) 45. Rc6 Bd3 46. Kg3 ({ MH: Defending Pe4 isn't such a terrible thing. It keeps Pe4 on the board to get in the way of Bd3.} 46. Kf3) 46... Bb2 { MH: I don't think the bishop is as good here as it would be on e3 (or d2).} 47. a4 c3 48. e5 Bf5 49. e6 ({ MH: Adding more offense is crucial, but still futile in this case} 49. a5 c2 50. Kf4 (50. a6 Bxe5+ 51. Kg2 Bd4 $19) 50... c1=Q+ 51. Rxc1 Bxc1+ 52. Kf3 Bd3 $19) 49... Bxe6 50. Rxe6 c2 51. Re1 c1=Q 52. Rxc1 Bxc1 { T: And it's almost oficially a lost game...} 53. a5 Be3 54. a6 Kf6 55. Kf3 Bb6 56. Kf4 { T: I don't know if it's bad sportsmanship to play a lost game just because the opponent may make a mistake and give me the draw...In doubt I'll keep fighting like a computer. MH: You're right. When in doubt fight it out.} g5+ 57. Kg3 Kf5 58. Kh3 Kf4 59. Kg2 g4 60. Kh2 h4 61. Kg2 Ba7 62. Kh2 h3 63. Kh1 Kf3 64. Kh2 g3+ 65. Kxh3 g2 66. Kh4 g1=Q 67. Kh5 Kf4 { T: And I resigned. I hate to lose, but this time I was even happy because this was a really hard-fought game, therefore fun to play. I made some mistakes, but I don't think I can blame the defeat on one or two moves (and my opponent made mistakes as well). So help would be enormously appreciated. MH: I agree it was a well-played game. I add an over-view in the e-msg which comes along with this gamescore (& notes).} 0-1 [Event "Casual Game"] [Site "http://www.itsyourturn.com"] [Date "2002.08.13"] [Round "?"] [White "Bryan Castro (bscastro)"] [Black "trcspot"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B01"] [Annotator "bscastro, msh"] [PlyCount "72"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { bscastro: This was a correspondence game, so I consulted Nunn's chess openings for my opening line. For the most part, this cut down on big blunders. ..EXCEPT on my last move. In this game, I would like especially in my decision making at the end after I won the piece.} 1. e4 d5 { MH: This is one of the most contentious openings, but like an open French or Caro-Kann it leaves e5 weak and usually allows White to establish the only central pawn. Aside from that Black's position is pretty solid. It has the benefit (for Black) of opening some lines which allows him to develop and fight easier.} 2. exd5 Nf6 ( { MH:} 2... Qxd5 { is an entirely different ball of wax}) 3. d4 Bg4 $5 { BC: I play this variation with Black, so I felt very comfortable with it.} ({ MH:} 3... Nxd5 4. Nf3 { is the move-order recommended by MCO-14. I know because I looked it up after a game I'd recently played. I don't actually own the book, I just went to a book store and studied it a bit, placed it back on the shelf and left. :-)}) 4. Be2 { MH: It's an odd thing to see White offer the trade of his better bishop, but it's often necessary when Black's light square bishop is very good. In this case a bishop trade gives White's queen (at e2) good control of e5.} Bxe2 5. Qxe2 Qxd5 6. Nf3 e6 7. c4 ({ MH:} 7. O-O { prepares c2-c4 without allowing ...Bf8-b4+ and thus keeping as many pieces on the board as possible; it also allows White to meet ...c7-c5 with c2-c4 and d4-d5!} c5 8. c4 Qe4 9. Qxe4 Nxe4 10. Re1 Nf6 11. d5) 7... Qh5 ({ MH:} 7... Bb4+ { might lead to some simplification, which could ease Black's slight cramp} 8. Kf1 { doesn't help much because of} Qh5 9. c5 $2 c6 { and Bb4 cycles back to c7}) 8. Nc3 Bb4 { MH: too late to do any real damage} 9. Bd2 Nbd7 ({ MH:} 9... O-O 10. a3 Bxc3 11. Bxc3 Nbd7 { and the possibility of ...c7-c5 is held up because Bc3xf6 would damage Black's king's safety}) 10. a3 Bxc3 11. Bxc3 O-O-O { MH: perhaps worth a try because Bc3 aims at g7 rather than c8} 12. O-O g5 { bscastro: Right about here I'm out of my book knowledge.} 13. Rfe1 { bscastro: F oreseeing the next move, I wanted to protect the queen. Also, I saw the position with after trading off knights. I wanted to get a bishop vs. knight imbalance where I thought the open nature of the game would favor me. Also, here, I didn't want to play a move such as h3 considering the attack Black could develop with the open g-file. MH: I like Rf1-e1, but White should also keep an eye on ways to attack Kc8 while utilizing Bc3 and control of e5. In other words, White has to be opportunistic to fight all over the board.} ({ MH: Another try is} 13. d5 { aiming for Qe2-e3 to create a double-edged threat, to Pg5 and Pa7, while really annoying Black with the pin on Nf6} Rhe8 (13... g4 $6 14. Ne5 exd5 $2 15. Nxd7 $16) 14. Qe3 g4 (14... Kb8 $2 15. Qxg5 Qxg5 16. Nxg5 exd5 17. Nxf7 Rc8) 15. Nd2 (15. Qxa7 gxf3 16. Qa8+ Nb8 17. Bxf6 Qg6 $19) 15... Kb8 { and Black maintains good coordination while making the pin on Nf6 go away}) 13... g4 14. Ne5 h6 ({ MH:} 14... Nxe5 15. Qxe5 Qxe5 16. Rxe5 Rhg8 $14 { is only slightly in White's favor}) 15. Nxd7 $2 { MH: You're trading a terrific aggressively placed piece for his most passive piece. That's not necessary or good.} ({ MH:} 15. d5 { creates a battery on the c3-h8 diagonal and could easily confuse Black into making an error} Rhg8 16. Nxf7 Qxf7 17. dxe6 Qg6 18. exd7+ Rxd7 19. Qe6 $16) 15... Nxd7 16. d5 { bscastro: I didn't see Black's text move here. I think I was thinking about the mistakes he could have made in this position. This move is ultimately based on my desire to have the bishop vs. Black's knight, because otherwise I think the position is even. Are there any other plans I should have been pursuing?} ({ MH: It might be very good to lead with the very odd} 16. c5 { intending c5-c6 to break up Black's king's pawn cover and possibly preparing d4-d5-d6 to force an opening to Kc8} c6 $2 { a plausible, but weak defensive move} (16... Nf6 17. d5 Qg6 18. dxe6) 17. d5 Rhe8 18. dxc6 $16) 16... Rhe8 { MH: Black's king-side play is over and he's just defending (again). White needs to get to Kc8 without allowing too many piece trades. Curiously ...exd5 isn't an immediate threat because Qxe8 wins.} ({ BC:} 16... Rh7 $2 17. dxe6 fxe6 18. Qxe6 { winning a pawn.}) 17. Rac1 { bscastro: Putting the rook on the c-file in case the file opens up.} ({ MH:} 17. Rad1 { defends Pd5 (from Qh5) to prepare b2-b4, c4-c5-c6} exd5 $4 18. Qxe8 $18 Rxe8 19. Rxe8#) 17... Nc5 18. dxe6 ({ MH:} 18. Bf6 { doesn't appear to strike fast enough, though it's close to working} exd5 19. Qc2 (19. Qxe8 $6 Rxe8 20. Rxe8+ Kd7 21. Re7+ Kd6 22. b4 Ne6 23. c5+ Kc6 24. a4 a6 $17 { Once the king is secured Black's queen will become the dominant piece on the board.}) 19... Rxe1+ 20. Rxe1 Rd6 (20... Rg8 { just getting away to a safer place} 21. cxd5 Qxd5 22. Re5 (22. Qh7 Rf8 23. Qxh6 Qd6 24. Qg7 Kb8 25. Be7 Re8 26. Qxf7) 22... Qc6 23. Rxc5 Qxf6 24. Rxc7+ Kb8) 21. Re8+ (21. Re5 Qg6 22. Qxg6 fxg6 23. Be7 Re6 24. Rxe6 Nxe6 25. cxd5 { and Pd5 might be a little weak since Black's king is quite close and Kg1 is far away from theaction}) 21... Kd7 22. Re7+ Kc8 23. Qh7 b6) ({ MH:} 18. Qe3 b6 19. b4 $16 exd5 $6 20. Qxe8 Rxe8 21. Rxe8+ Kd7 22. Re5 Qxe5 23. Bxe5 Nd3 24. Rd1 Nxe5 25. Rxd5+ Ke6 26. Rd4 $18) 18... Nxe6 { MH: Now Black's pieces are uncovered and Ne6 is pretty well placed (no worse really than Bc3), so White's advantage has dissipated and it's about equal.} 19. Rcd1 Rxd1 20. Qxd1 Rd8 21. Qc2 Qg5 22. g3 { bscastro: I wanted to protect against h5-h4-h3.} h5 23. Rd1 h4 $2 { bscastro: This is where I saw the following combination.} ({ MH:} 23... Rxd1+ 24. Qxd1 a6) 24. Rxd8+ Nxd8 $2 ({ MH:} 24... Kxd8 25. gxh4 (25. Qd2+ Qxd2 26. Bxd2 hxg3 27. hxg3 Kd7) 25... Qxh4 26. Qf5 Ke7 { and Black persistently hangs on}) 25. gxh4 Qxh4 26. Qf5+ Kb8 27. Bf6 $16 Qh6 28. Bxd8 { bscastro: I have won some material, now I wonder what I could have done with it.} Qc1+ 29. Kg2 Qxc4 30. Qd7 ({ BC:} 30. Qe5 { bscastro: Might have been better, centralizing the queen for the upcoming checks. MH: I like this a lot because it defends against Black's checks from d5 or e4 and it defends Pb2; but mostly I like that it threatens Pc7 and the simplification which could lead to an easily winning pawn ending!}) ({ MH:} 30. Bf6 { is the next best alternative -- consolidating the advantage before embarking on a concrete plan to win}) 30... Qe4+ 31. Kg3 Qf3+ 32. Kh4 Qxf2+ ({ BC:} 32... Qh3+ $2 33. Kg5 { I analyzed this line and I saw a big plus for White.} Qxh2 { to protect c7} 34. Bf6 b6 35. Qxg4 Qxf2 { MH: is still quite difficult to win}) 33. Kxg4 Qg2+ 34. Kf4 Qxh2+ 35. Kg5 Qg2+ ({ MH:} 35... Qe5+ { tries to keep Kg5 away from Pf7 and threatens to advance the pawn} 36. Qf5 Qg7+ ) 36. Kh6 $4 { MH: Oops.} ({ bscastro: My hope would be to do something like the following and block off the checks.} 36. Kf6 Qxb2+ { MH: Giving Black this pawn almost assuredly leads to a draw. If Black can force a queen trade, even losing a pawn in the deal, he can let all his pawns go and hide at a8, where White can't chase him out (imagine the position with all of Black's pieces & pawns gone and White's queen gone).} 37. Kxf7 Qf2+ 38. Bf6 Qa2+ 39. Qe6 Qxe6+ 40. Kxe6 { MH: leads to a draw!}) 36... Qg6# { bscastro: Overall, I think I played fairly well. The ending of course teaches me to double check for these type of things before making a move. Any comments or advice is welcome. Thanks. MH: Your King's Safety was fine and you didn't forget to keep it that way. Your concern for Material was appropriate, even though the position got a little complicated. Your Coordination was fair, but it wasn't especially difficult in this game to keep things defended. You might have a too rigid idea about what a proper Plan might look like or it could be you simply need to work on achieving better Piece Activity within the context of a Plan. In this game White could do some ordinary-looking things and they were good, but there came a moment when unusual-looking things were required and you couldn't find them (I'm thinking of the c4-c5-c6 idea). So, study ways to make your pieces work together to achieve some offensive purpose(s) (Planned Piece Activity).} 0-1 [Event "Verbandsliga Mitte"] [Site "?"] [Date "2002.03.17"] [Round "7"] [White "Holzhauer"] [Black "Muuss"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "A16"] [WhiteElo "1798"] [BlackElo "1998"] [Annotator "Holzi, Aeneas"] [PlyCount "122"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { H: I played this game as white in a league match with a time control of 2 hours for the first 40 moves, 1 hour for the next 20 moves and then a rapidplay finish. My OTB ratings are 1828 DWZ and 159 BCF at the moment. On FICS I play as Holzi. Aeneas: Hello! I hope that you will appreciate my comments. I have to say here that yourself you have done great work in working on your game!} 1. c4 Nf6 2. g3 g6 3. Bg2 Bg7 4. Nc3 d6 5. d3 { H: Seeing as black hasn't made any choice as to whether he will play c5 or e5, I don't make any decisions (e3 or e4 / Nf3, Nh3 or Ne2 etc.) yet either.} c6 { H: Maybe this makes my choice easier (seeing as he probably wouldn't play c6-c5 overly soon) and I could have played e4 right away.} (5... O-O { is the move after which I've seen Bg5.} 6. Bg5 h6 7. Bd2 c6 8. e4 Nbd7 9. Nge2 { H: In the end this variation looks somewhat like the game, but I feel that I would prefer to reach this type of position without Bc1-g5-d2 and h6 played (hence the idea of playing e4 right away in the game).}) 6. Bg5 $6 { H: I'm not e I should have played this move here. I now suspect that playing e4 right away would have been better (considering the comments and alternatives to his 5th and 7th move). Aeneas: 6.e4 seems good indeed, after which you can complete your developpement with 7. Nge2. Committing the Bishop on g5 with a fianchetto on g3 means that you Bishop has not the usual retreat on h4. So, logically, if you play here 6.Bg5, it should be with the (doubtful) intention of exchanging on f6.} h6 { H: Obviously he doesn't give me the time to play Qd2, as white might get some useful control over h6.} 7. Bd2 a6 { H: A bit odd, does he want to play b7-b5? I decided that I can just ignore that possibility, because of my pressure on the h1-a8 diagonal.} (7... e5 { H: would make more sense to me.} 8. e4 O-O 9. Nge2 Be6 { H: This sort of variation is another thing I was worrying about during the game. What should I actually do about black's planned d5? It seems like my central pawns will end up being quite akward. If h6 hadn't been played b3 (so that I can answer d5 with exd5 followed by Bg5) would look okay, but now I don't have the g5 square. Aeneas: d5 is not really a possibilty now for Black. Let's look at the plausible variation:} 10. O-O d5 $2 11. exd5 cxd5 12. Qb3 { and White has the advantage due to the pressure on the queenside} dxc4 (12... Qd7 13. Nxd5 Nxd5 14. cxd5 { wins a pawn}) 13. Qxb7 cxd3 14. Nf4 exf4 15. Qxa8 fxg3 16. hxg3 { with the gain of exchange for White. So Black must take time to prepare carefully d5. But you can mean while, go straightforward fot a kingside expansion with f4. It should be a correct plan.}) 8. e4 Bg4 9. Nge2 { H: I am a bit doubtful, whether I should allow him to swap his bishop for my knight, because there might be a potential good knight versus bad bishop endgame out there for black. On the other had maybe black has spent too much time with a6 and c6 - could black actually hope for something like that or would white be able to open the position up in the middlegame? Would playing f2-f3 right away have been better? I suppose a downside of 9.f3 would be that he might be able to play b5, because I block the diagonal of my bishop. Or would Qb3 or Qc1 followed by e.g. h3 be a better idea? Aeneas: The move you played in the game canNOT be bad. The endgame is too far away now, and if he exchanges his Bishop for your Ne2, later you could bring your Bg2 to the light with several possiblities, depending upon the sort of position (f4 followed by e5, or Bh3, and so on). The bishop pair could be very useful. Now the position is closed, but if it opens later, your bishops could be very powerful.} Nbd7 10. f3 $6 { H: I wanted to force black's bishop to a less useful square (e6), leaving his position a bit cramped, but he gets some interesting tactical counterplay. Aeneas: Why not continue your developpement? 10.0-0 is simple and good. His Bg4 is misplaced, put no real pressure on the centre, so it is not a problem for you.} Ne5 { H: Now he has some nice tactical ideas and his position looks quite healthy.} 11. Nc1 $6 { H: I didn't dare to go for the complications after fxg4, because I saw he would have a lot of play with Nxd3 and Qb6, winning the pawn on d3 and maybe those on g4 and b2 on the way. Admittedely the knight looks quite odd on c1, but the move seems necessary. Aeneas: If you are obliged to play here Nc1, somewhere, in your previous moves, there is an error. Indeed, as shown in the variation which follows, it's risky to take the Bishop. But there is another solution, a natural kove which seems good: 11. 0-0. You finish your developpement and the Bg4 must retreat.} (11. fxg4 Nxd3+ 12. Kf1 Qb6 13. Be1 Nxe1 (13... Nxb2 14. Qb3 { with the exchange og the Queens.}) 14. Qxe1 (14. Kxe1 Nxg4 $19) 14... Nxg4 15. Nd1 { (protecting f2,e3 and b2)} O-O (15... Bxb2 $2 16. Rb1) 16. Nf4 (16. h3 Ne5 { followed by f7-f5 and the position becomes opened on the white King.}) 16... e5 17. h3 { (given by the computers)} exf4 18. hxg4 fxg3 19. Qxg3 f5 20. gxf5 gxf5 21. Rxh6 fxe4+ 22. Ke2 Qd4 23. Rg6 Qxc4+ 24. Ke1 Qb4+ 25. Nc3 (25. Ke2 Qc4+ { is draw by repetitition}) 25... Rf7 26. Rd1 (26. Qxd6 $2 Qxb2) 26... d5 (26... Qxb2 27. Rdxd6 { and both white Rooks are playinf now}) 27. Bh3 { (threatening 28.Be6 and activating the Bishop which dead on g2, due do the black pawn chain) } Kf8 28. Rd2 { and the position is very double-edged...}) ({ Let's look now at} 11. O-O Bd7 12. Be3 { and White has some interesting possibilities: They can prepare d4 or f4, they can put pressure on h6 with Qd2, so on.}) 11... Be6 12. f4 { H: I played this assuming he wouldn't play the move he chose in the game, because of 13.Qb3. I considered other moves than 12.f4 too passive, as it seems that he might otherwise play d5.} Bg4 13. Qb3 Nf3+ { H: I wonder whether this was his best move.} (13... Ned7 14. Qxb7 Nc5 15. Qb4 { H: Would black have more compensation in this variation? Aeneas: In this variation, the white Queen has some difficulties to come back in the centre of the board. There are no many pathes which lead to a secure place. And Ned7 and Nf3+ are both logical move. The first hopes to attack the white queen, the second one is more positionnal.}) 14. Bxf3 Bxf3 15. Rf1 $2 { H: Maybe castling would have been a better idea, as the king might have been useful for protecting the kingside pawns. However I was afraid my king might be too exposed on g1 and felt he would be safer in the middle. Quite possibly an incorrect decision. Aeneas: Yes, I think it's an incorrect decision. Black has not pieces well placed to attack your castled king for the moment. You're very strong in the centre, so if Black chooses to push his pawns on the kingside, you can easily counterattack with a break in the centre with d4,e5, f5, ... and so open the position at your advantage. In the game, it's clear that your King is misplaced.} Bg4 16. Qxb7 { H: Otherwise my previous play wouldn't make much sense.} O-O { H: He sacri fices a second pawn. Seeing as I didn't have any other good ideas I simply took it, after all my position seems solid and I didn't really see much compensation for black. Well, as it turns out my kingside is in fact quite weak, while the majority of my pieces pile up on the queenside.} 17. Qxc6 Bd7 18. Qb7 Rb8 19. Qxa6 Rxb2 { H: Obviously I didn't like the presence of his rook on the second rank and offered to swap it off right away.} 20. Rb1 (20. f5 { H: This move was suggested by my computer program. There obviously is a lot of sense in shuting out the bishop on d7, even if this move gives black the e5 square. Aeneas: Seems to me that's it's a "computer's move". With the move it proposed, Black can open more the game. Black king is secure, white not. So more opened is the position, better it is for Black. Let's look a little further in cconcrete variations:} gxf5 21. exf5 Ng4 22. Qa3 { (The Rb2 is too powerful)} (22. h3 $2 Ne3 $1 { and Black has a winning position. For example:} 23. Bxe3 Bxc3+ 24. Kd1 Qa8 { exchanging the better developped white piece!} 25. Qxa8 Rxa8 { and White has no satisfactory defence against 26...Ba4+. For example, just for the fun:} 26. Ne2 Ba4+ 27. Kc1 Rc2+ 28. Kb1 (28. Kd1 Rxa2+ 29. Kc1 Rxa1#) 28... Rb8+ 29. Bb6 Rxb6#) 22... Rb8 23. h3 Ne5 { and I think that Black has enough compensation: the white King won't find a quiet place and the endgame is far away... Conclusion: the "human" move you played here (20.Rb1) is the best one. Poor computer Fritz!}) 20... Qb8 { H: He probably wanted to increase pressure on my queenside, but this move doesn't actually do much.} (20... Rxb1 { H: I suspect black should have played this move, because the rooks are going to be swapped off anyway, but like this he would somewhat displace my knight.}) 21. Nb3 $2 { H: I did want to keep the black queen out of my position.} (21. Rxb2 Qxb2 22. f5 { H: Afterwards this seems like quite a good option, but during the game it seemed too unsafe to let the black queen come to b2. Aeneas: not 22.f5. But 22. Qa7! and the Queen has again a large scope and can easily and quickly return in defence if neccesary. After the game's move, Black will have strong initiative on the kingside.}) 21... Rxb1+ 22. Nxb1 Bh3 { H: Now I finally noticed the full extent of the problems I was getting into on the kingside. Now black clearly has some compensation for the pawns, even though I feel his sacrifices were not really correct.} 23. Rf2 Ng4 24. Re2 Bd4 { H: Now I can't keep his bishop from coming to g1, where it threatens to eliminate my pawn chain h2-g3-f4.} 25. Nc3 Bg1 26. Kd1 $2 { H: Here I decided that I would be willing to give the exchange to avoid losing pawns on the kingside. Aeneas: Black has great activity on the queenside. Giving the exchange is possibly a good idea. But you didn't choose the best way to do it. I don't see the point of 26.Kd1: your king is always stuck in the centre. This move gives absolutely nothing to White. Much more interesting was 26. Nd5, improving the power of the Nc3. But this line is very to be played during a game. Nerves must be solid...} (26. Nd5 $5 e6 27. Ne3 Nxh2 28. Bc3 { (making room for the Rook and activating the Bishop)} Nf3+ 29. Kd1 { and White has always his extra-pawn and should resist the attack.}) 26... Bf1 { H: He immediately goes for the exchange. Maybe he shouldn't have? Aeneas:he's right.} 27. h4 { H: Now my pawns are safe.} Bxe2+ 28. Kxe2 h5 29. Nd5 { H: Now I feel that my position is okay, black doesn't have much play, while my pieces are quite active and I have the idea of advancing my pawns on the queenside.} Re8 { H: Challenging my knight with e6 looks more active. Aeneas: Yes!} 30. Qb5 { H: This move was meant to free my a-pawn with a tempo, since I felt that black couldn't possibly afford to exchange queens.} Qxb5 $2 { H: This seem s like a horrible mistake to me. Now I obtain two connected passed pawns. Aeneas: You are right.} 31. cxb5 e6 32. Nc7 { H: Now I started some maneouvering, with which I hope to prepare the advance of my pawns.} Rc8 33. Ba5 { H: Keeping the c-file closed.} Rb8 { H: Black doesn't seem to find any useful plan. Aeneas: He should improve the King's position.} 34. a4 Nf6 { H: I guess it is obvious he needs more pieces on the queenside.} 35. Na6 { H: Now I start to maneouver about in order to force through b5-b6, but my actions don't seem especially precise. Aeneas: the most important here for you is to free the a-file, in order to push your passed pawns. 35. Bc3 makes it with a tempo: it attacks the Nf6. Let's look an example (pretty!)} (35. Bc3 Nd7 (35... Rc8 36. Bxf6 Rxc7 37. a5 Rc2+ 38. Kd1 Ra2 39. b6 Ra3 40. Bd4 $1 Bxd4 41. Nxd4 Rxd3+ 42. Kc2 Rxd4 43. b7 Rb4 44. a6 { and White will queen.}) 36. d4 Rc8 37. Ba5 e5 { (trying to open the diagonal for the Bg1)} (37... Kf8 { is bad due to} 38. Bb4 $1 Ke7 (38... Rxc7 $2 39. Bxd6+) 39. e5 $18) 38. Nd5 Rc2+ 39. Kd3 Ra2 40. Nc3 Rb2 41. Kc4 $16) 35... Rb7 36. Bd8 { H: Probably a bit dubious, why do I give him a target for his rook and force him to play the good move Nd7? Aeneas: Indeed c3 or b4 are better squares for your Bishop.} Nd7 37. Na5 Ra7 38. Nc4 { H: With the idea of going to e3, where the knight would shut out the black bishop on g1 (which is one of the obstacles currently keeping me from playing b5-b6).} (38. Nc6 Rb7 39. d4 { H: I had overlo oked this possibility, because I didn't see that this pawn advance would shut out the black bishop. In the game I was trying to achieve the same thing, but it was tactically questionable.}) 38... d5 39. exd5 { H: Probably not really a mistake, but why do I open the e-file for his rook?} exd5 40. Ne3 $2 { H: This was meant to shut out the Bg1, however the black rook gets to e8 with tempo and cause considerable problems for me. Aeneas} Ra8 $1 { H: Now he gets his rook onto the e-file with tempo.} 41. Be7 { H: While I did overlook black's next move (even though it is quite obvious), it seems to me that white is still winning.} (41. Bc7 { H: The play following this move seems more difficult for white than in the game, but I suspect Bc7 also wins.} Re8 42. Be5 Nxe5 43. Nc7 Ng4 44. Nxe8 Nxe3 45. b6 ({ Aeneas: Interesting too was} 45. a5 Kf8 46. b6 Nc2 (46... Nf5 47. Nf6 Nd6 48. Nxd5 { and what can do Black against 49.a6?}) (46... Nc4 47. dxc4 Kxe8 48. cxd5 Kd7 49. Kd3 Bf2 50. Kc4 { and White wins}) 47. Nf6 Nb4 48. b7 Na6 49. Nd7+ Ke7 50. b8=Q Nxb8 51. Nxb8 Kd6 52. Na6 Bd4 53. Nb4 $16) 45... Nf5 46. Nf6+ Kf8 47. Nxd5 Nxg3+ 48. Kf3 Nf5 49. a5 Nxh4+ ({ Aeneas:} 49... Ne7 { is better. Black has no time for picking up the h4 pawn.}) 50. Ke4 f5+ 51. Ke5 Bc5 52. Ke6 Ng2 53. a6 Nxf4+ 54. Nxf4 Bxb6 55. Nxg6+ { H: This position ought to be winning for white.}) 41... Bxe3 $1 { H: I will lose a piece.} 42. Kxe3 Re8 43. Kd4 Rxe7 { H: Now I am a rook down for two pawns, but I felt that the two connected passed pawns were quite strong.} 44. a5 Re1 $2 { Aeneas: a mistake. Your comment about your 45th move is right: 45.Nc5 wins clearly. But this variation is no good anymore after 44.. .Kf8.} (44... Kf8 45. Nc5 Nxc5 46. Kxc5 Ke8 47. a6 Kd8 { and Black will win: the white pawns are stooped.}) 45. Kxd5 $2 { H: I must admit that I didn't realise that it would be in my interest to swap off the knights, until my computer program pointed it out.} (45. Nc5 $1 { H: As far as I can see this move would have given white a clear advantage, either the black knight is displaced and the white pawns move forwards or black swaps off the knights and won't be able to stop the pawns, because his king is too far away. Aeneas:yes!} ) 45... Ra1 { H: Black can now eliminate my a-pawn, the remaining two passed pawns are considerably less dangerous than the two connected passed pawns were. } 46. Kc6 Rxa5 47. Kxd7 $2 { H: This seems like another incorrect move, even though it is of course hard to resist the temptation of getting a knight for a pawn.} (47. d4 $142 $1 { H: This seems to win an important tempo. Black really has to move his knight, as otherwise white would take it and be able to advance his d-pawn much more effectively than in the game.} Nf6 48. Nc5 Ra8 49. b6 Rc8+ 50. Kb7 Rd8 51. Ka7 Rxd4 52. b7 Rb4 53. b8=Q+ Rxb8 54. Kxb8 { H: I assume that I could draw this endgame.}) 47... Rxb5 48. Kc6 $1 { H: The onl y move that keeps me in the game, even if with correct play the endgame appears to be a win for black. Aeneas: yes it's lost now.} Rb3 49. Nc5 Rc3 50. Kd6 Kg7 51. Kd5 Rc1 52. d4 Rg1 { H: Before he started attacking my pawns on the kingside, he forced me to make some akward king moves, which slow down the advance of my d-pawn.} 53. Kc6 Rxg3 54. d5 Rg4 $2 { H: Black doesn't play correctly, I had realised that he could win by playing Rc3, I suspect he thought Rg4 would win as easily.} (54... Rc3 $1 { H: looks like a win for black, even if it is not all that easy to do. Aeneas: 54... is not the only one winning move. 54...Kf8 is good too. It's just important to keep the Rook active BEHIND the pawn.} 55. d6 Kf8 56. Kd5 (56. d7 Ke7 57. Kd5 Rf3 58. Ke5 Rh3 59. d8=Q+ Kxd8 60. Kf6 Ke8 61. Kg5 Rg3+ 62. Kf6 Rg4 $19) 56... Ke8 { H: This is how far I analysed this variation during the game concluding that I wouldn't get anywhere, because his king is there in time to stop my pawn.} 57. Nb7 Ra3 58. Kc6 Rd3 59. Nc5 Rc3 60. Kd5 Rf3 61. Ke5 Rh3 62. Kf6 Rxh4 63. d7+ Kd8 64. Kxf7 Rxf4+ 65. Kxg6 Rc4 66. Ne6+ Kxd7 67. Ng5 h4 68. Kh5 Kd6 69. Nh3 Kc5 70. Nf2 Kb4 71. Nh3 Kc3 72. Ng5 Kd3 73. Nh3 Ke3 74. Ng5 Kf2 $19) 55. d6 Rxf4 56. d7 Rd4 57. Ne4 $4 { H: I saw th at after winning the rook with Kc7 the game would still be difficult to draw, so I looked for a way of improving my knight's position, but this idea just doesn't work. After black's next move I immediately realised I had blundered.} (57. Kc7 $142 $1 { H: I believe this is the only way of drawing the game, however I am not entirely sure I would have managed to draw the position OTB.} g5 58. hxg5 h4 59. Ne4 Rxd7+ 60. Kxd7 Kg6 61. Kd6 h3 62. Ke5 h2 63. Nf2 Kxg5 64. Ke4 Kh4 65. Kf3 f5 66. Kg2 $11) 57... Kf8 $1 { H: Ooops, now his king arrives in time. Obviously I'm lost now.} 58. Nd6 Ke7 59. Nc8+ Kd8 60. Nd6 { H: Well, it didn't really matter anymore, other moves don't help either.} Rxd6+ $1 { H: The easiest way - winning as black is now trivial.} 61. Kxd6 f5 { H: Here I resigned. Aeneas: this is a game very interesting andverycomplicated , involving tactical possibilities, problems in the opening, an endgame with unbalanced material... This is important to remember, after this game, that two connected passed pawns can often be more strong than a Rook, if they are helped by their King. Remember too that no Bg5 if you played g3 before.} 0-1 [Event "team match"] [Site "-"] [Date "2002.09.15"] [Round "1"] [White "wiemer"] [Black "skapski"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B85"] [Annotator "wiemer, Killerman"] [PlyCount "151"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. e4 c5 { The Sicilian Defence} 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 d6 { I think this move order allows white to play 5.c4 after 5.Nc3 Black has nothing better than to transpose to the normal lines. Killerman: Yes, I like c4 here which sets up the Maroczy Bind in the centre stopping Black from a future d5. I find it a slightly more interesting way of playing this position when given the opportunity and it avoids a lot of theory. Nc3 is of course fine and the game continues to follow standard lines.} 5. Nc3 (5. c4 { Killerman: these are two common lines after c4 you could look at.} Nf6 6. Nc3 g6 7. Be2 Bg7 (7... Nxd4 8. Qxd4 Bg7 9. Be3 O-O 10. Qd2 Be6 $11) 8. Be3 O-O 9. O-O $11) 5... a6 6. Be3 Nf6 7. Be2 e6 8. O-O Be7 { Is it possibl e to play an immediate 8...d5 or is this premature? How would White react? Generally are there rules or typical reasons when a d5 of Black would be premature? Killerman: A few questions there. In answer to the first an immediate d5 has to be unsound in principal as with the Black King in the centre opening the e-file is not going to be the greatest idea. In addition Black will end up with an isolated pawn on d5 which will be a target. Standard play around an isolated pawn is to place a piece in front of it and then shoot at it and I think White can do this comfortably as the following variations illustrate. Even in the best line for Black he is in for a very long struggle at best. There are sounder moves here so a possible d5 should wait until development is complete..} ({ Killerman:} 8... d5 9. exd5 exd5 (9... Nxd5 10. Nxd5 exd5 (10... Qxd5 $6 11. Bf3 $1 Qd7 12. Nxc6 bxc6 13. Qe1 $14 { avoiding queens coming off and intending Rd1}) 11. c4 $1 { attempting to blast the position open and to catch Black's King in the centre} Ne5 (11... Nxd4 $2 12. Bxd4 dxc4 13. Bxc4 { and the king is wide open}) (11... dxc4 $2 12. Nxc6 Qxd1 13. Raxd1 bxc6 14. Bf3 { leaves Black in positional ruin}) 12. cxd5 Qxd5 13. Re1 Be7 14. Bf4 O-O 15. Nf5 $1 Nf3+ 16. Bxf3 Qxf5 17. Rxe7 Qxf4 18. Qe1 $14 { and Black is still under pressure}) 10. Re1 Be7 11. Bf3 O-O 12. Bg5 Nxd4 13. Qxd4 Be6 14. Rad1 $14 { rooks can be doubled up the d-file and the pawn may soon drop}) ({ Killerman: another idea that did not work is} 8... Bd7 9. f4 b5 10. a3 Be7 11. g4 O-O 12. g5 Ne8 13. h4 f6 14. Nxc6 Bxc6 15. Bg4 Nc7 16. Bb6 f5 17. exf5 exf5 18. Bf3 Qd7 19. Re1 { Wang Zili/Portisch Yerevan 1996 1-0}) 9. Nb3 $146 { The main idea was to play f4 and I was afraid of 9.f4 Qb6 when I was not sure how the struggle would end. Is it possible or better for White to play f4 without Nb3 and how will White react on Qb6 then? Killerman: You are worried about pressure on the b pawn and a possible capture. But this attack would not be a good idea for Black. White has a perfectly good response to Qb6 as the following shows so an immediate f4 is correct here. Black does best not to put the queen on b6 as the b pawn cannot be safely attacked and it is also wrong to be putting the queen opposite White's bishop. Qc7 is the normal response to f4. Your Nb3 move is just too passive to be good and is not really in keeping with the position, this loss of time with the knight makes your next few moves and resulting middlegame more difficult than it ought to be.} (9. f4 Qb6 $2 ( 9... O-O 10. Qe1 Qc7 11. Kh1 Nxd4 12. Bxd4 b5 13. a3 $14) (9... Qc7 10. a4 (10. Kh1 O-O 11. a4) 10... O-O 11. Kh1 Re8 12. Bf3 $14) 10. Qd2 Qxb2 11. Rfb1 Qa3 12. Rb3 Qa5 13. Nxc6 bxc6 14. Bb6 Nxe4 15. Nxe4 Qxd2 16. Nxd2 $16) 9... b5 { Can black play 9...d5 instead? Killerman: probably but I still think this will be the wrong plan, completing development is the most important still. b5 is good, the bishop will have a natural square on b7 and after castling Black can think about developing the rooks and moves like d5.} 10. a3 Bb7 { again may d5 be an alternative? Killerman: My comments before are still valid completing development is best.} 11. f4 { After this move ...d5 can be met by e5... Killerman: d5 can always be met with e5 but if Black were to play d5 now I think that exd5 is much better} O-O ({ Killerman:} 11... d5 12. exd5 exd5 13. Re1 O-O 14. Bf3 $16) 12. Bf3 { My plan was to build up with Qd1- e1-g3 and f4-f5 with a kingside attack. During the game I was not sure where to move the light squares bishop. I was afraid of moves like ...b4 when after ab4: Nb4: the e-pawn lacks protection. Now I believe that Bd3 would have been better: The bishop eyes on the kingside too and if a knight will capture it the c2 pawn can recapture comfortably. Killerman: Yes, it is time for a plan and you have thought out some of the key points very well. Where I think your plan fails is attempting to play f5. I just don't think that this will work without you putting more pressure into the centre first. Developing your rooks after Qg3 by Rad1 then Rf2-d2 will do this. You will certainly have to watch out for b4 as Black will attack on the queenside. I also think he may consider moving his k-side knight d7-b6-c4 where he can pressure you still further.} Qc7 13. Qe1 Rfe8 { The idea maybe or was to oppose the queen, but I can hardly believe that this move was quite effective. Killerman: If you examine Garry Kasparov's games in the Sicilian he plays moves like Re8 and they don't seem effective, until much later. I think it is quite in keeping with the position that each side decides on a position for the rooks before attacking. When Black followed up with Rac8 then I think he has a sound position. I also think that if you play through some of my variations later you may agree that the move Re8 is quite a good defensive/aggressive move against your f5 threat.} 14. Qg3 Rac8 { Killerman: I think Nd7 is also good aiming at b6 then c4 as in my previous comment.} 15. f5 $2 { Starts the planned attack. Killerman: Did you consider what would happen if Black captured on f5? I did and it may turn out better for Black, certainly he would not be worse. See below. Black does not have a bad position, all of his pieces including rooks are developed you would be better to develop your rooks too.} ({ Killerman: This is how I would play the position, but it is fair to say there are many possibilites.} 15. Rad1 b4 16. axb4 Nxb4 17. Rf2 d5 18. e5 Nd7 $11 { I prefer White 's position here. Either rook can double on d or f files as necessary pawn pushes with f5 or prepared with a g4 first will come later.}) 15... Ne5 $5 { I think Whites position is quite comfortable here, but I'm not sure what was the best way to continue. I decided to capture on e6 as long as the f-pawn has to capture back. Killerman: Yes, after this your position is just about OK and you do the right thing fxe6 is correct.} ({ Killerman: As you play through these variations consider how much better the positions would be if you had developed the rooks before f5 you have certainly been better.} 15... exf5 $1 16. Bh6 (16. exf5 Ne5 17. Bh6 Nxf3+ 18. gxf3 Bf8 $17) 16... Bf8 17. exf5 d5 { after this the queens have to come off or White is worse.} 18. Qxc7 (18. Bf4 Qb6+ 19. Kh1 Ne7 $15) (18. Qh4 Qb6+ (18... gxh6 19. Qxf6 Bg7 20. Qh4 $15) 19. Kh1 Ne7) 18... Rxc7 19. Bg5 Ne5 20. Bxf6 Nxf3+ 21. Rxf3 gxf6 22. Rg3+ Bg7 $11 { Killerman: The two bishops may be better in this endgame but White's pawn structure is better.}) 16. fxe6 fxe6 17. Nd4 Bf8 { Now the bishop on f3 is quite misplaced...} ({ Killerman:} 17... Nxf3+ { is optimistic} 18. Rxf3 Qd7 19. Raf1 { the pawn cannot be taken} Nxe4 20. Qg4 Nf6 (20... Nxc3 $2 21. Rf7 g6 22. Rxh7 $3 { is winning}) 21. Rxf6 Bxf6 22. Rxf6 $16) 18. Bg5 Nxf3+ { Probably the only defence since Qe7 or Qf7 run into Bh5...} 19. Qxf3 { Maybe gf3: would have been better...? Killerman: I think Qxf3 is correct, gxf3 runs into d5 which may be difficult to counter if you want to avoid the exchange of queens.} (19. gxf3 d5 20. e5 (20. Qxc7 Rxc7 21. Rad1 e5 $17) 20... Nd7 21. f4 Bc5 22. Rad1 Nb6 23. f5 exf5 24. Rxf5 Nc4 $17) 19... Qf7 { Killerman: Black seems to have a good game now. I think you have to develop your a rook to either d1 or e1.} 20. Qg3 $2 { Tries to exploit the pinned knight, but misses the following move. Td1 may be a better idea} Qg6 $1 { Killerman:You cannot avoid the exchange of queens now} 21. Bxf6 Qxg3 22. hxg3 gxf6 23. Rad1 { I think black is surely better, but it is not so easy to exploit this, because when the black central pawns advance there easily become weak. Killerman: You are correct, Black has a number of small advantages which add up to a good plus. 1. The bishop pair 2. Better pawn structure 3. Better semi-open files He must not rush to advance the centre pawns as he must keep you knights out of the game for the time being. I think a plan to advance the b-pawn by Black is probably the right idea and also to centralise the King} Bg7 24. Nde2 Red8 25. Nf4 Kf7 26. Rd3 Bf8 $2 { probably no t so good, because now Black loses a pawn. Killerman: Black fears Rfd1 I think but Ke7 would easily deal with this as the following shows in addition I don't know that he needs to lose a pawn.} ({ Killerman:} 26... Ke7 $1 27. Re1 { probably best} (27. Kf2 { trying to use the h-file} a5 28. Rh1 b4 29. Rxh7 (29. axb4 axb4 30. Rxh7 Rg8 { leads to the same thing after} 31. Nh5) 29... Rg8 30. Nh5 bxc3 31. Rxc3 Rxc3 32. bxc3 Kf7 $17) (27. Rfd1 Rc4 28. Re3 Bh6 29. Kf2 Bg5 $17) 27... Rc5 28. Kf2 a5 29. Rde3 { necessary to try to hold the weak e-pawn} Rdc8 30. R3e2 { trying to cover c2 also} h5 31. Nd3 Rg5 32. Rd1 Rc4 $17 { it is going to be difficult to stop b4}) 27. Nh5 Be7 $2 { Killerman:This does lose a pawn but what about Kg6 or Bg7 do they hold?} (27... Bg7 { the difference here is the bishop exerts pressure along the diagonal so there is compensation.} 28. Rdf3 (28. Nxf6 Kg6) 28... f5 29. Nxg7 Kxg7) (27... Kg6 28. Nf4+ (28. g4 Be7 $11) (28. Nxf6 Bg7 29. e5 dxe5 $15) 28... Kf7 $11) 28. Nxf6 Kg6 { Bf6: runs into Rdf3!} 29. Ng4 { Maybe Rdf3 was better anyway? Killerman: probably} h5 30. Nh2 { Probably a r field would have been better. Killerman: Ne3 or Nf2 are much better} Bf6 { Killerman: Care is still needed even though you won the pawn. Black has still a good position} 31. Rdf3 Bxc3 { Sure white now has two doubled pawns, but black gives up the bishop pair and the white rooks become quite active. Killerman: Yes your rooks do become active and for this reason only I think Black is wrong to capture on c3. He doesn't need to just yet as the c pawn is weak I think Bd4+ is the move here.} (31... Bd4+ { keeps the king out from the centre} 32. Kh1 Rc4 ({ not} 32... Rd7 33. g4 $1) 33. Rf7 Bc6 { and it is still difficult for white to penetrate} 34. Re7 Re8 $17) 32. bxc3 Bxe4 33. Rf6+ Kg7 34. Rxe6 Bd5 $2 { Killerman:Bxc2 is better} 35. Re7+ Kg8 { Killerman:Kg6 would keep your rook out of f5} 36. Rf5 Ba2 37. Ra7 Rxc3 38. Rxa6 Rxc2 39. Rxb5 { Now my feeling says to me that white is better but the endgame seems not so easy -at least for me- It would be great to learn which basic ideas to follow in such types of endgames, which constallations to strive for and which to avoid. Killerman: I prefer the look of White's position too because the Black king appears more exposed. But is it? He has the move so can he force the issues? In endings the keys are: 1. Activity of pieces 2. Use you king (Centralisation) 3. Look to create two weaknesses 4. A little knowledge goes a long way I will discuss these points as we go along but I will just comment on the two weaknesses. If you have as here play on both sides of the board it makes the defence much more difficult. You have strength with the a-pawn and you are attacking the h-pawn. If you can create a passed pawn on both sides of the board you will have created two weaknesses for your opponent to cope with.} Rc1+ 40. Kf2 Rf8+ $2 { Killerman: ACTIVITY OF PIECES. Rf8+ appears to meet this aim but Nf3 helps White too. Let us play something else instead.} ({ Killerman:} 40... Rc2+ $1 { the difference is the g-pawn will be attacked and the knight is still out of the game. The White king is actually as bad as the Black one and therefore Black's activity is probably enough compensation for the pawn in these lines.} 41. Ke3 (41. Kg1 Rc1+ 42. Kf2 Rc2+ $11) (41. Kf3 Rf8+ (41... Bc4 $2 { looks aggressive but only helps White to activate his position} 42. Rg5+ Kf7 43. Ra7+ Ke6 44. Ke3 Rxg2 45. Nf3 $16) 42. Ke3 Rc3+ 43. Ke4 d5+ 44. Kd4 Rc4+ 45. Kd3 Re4 $15) 41... Re8+ 42. Kd3 (42. Kd4 Rd2+ { just to kick the king a square away from the centre before taking on g2} 43. Kc3 Rxg2 44. Rxh5 (44. Rg5+ { the check actually activates Black's king} Kf7 $11 ) 44... Ree2 $44) 42... Rxg2 43. Rxh5 Rxg3+ $11) 41. Nf3 { Killerman: Correct} Bc4 42. Rg5+ Kf7 43. Rf5+ Kg8 44. Rg5+ Kf7 { A bit time preasure involved...} 45. Rxd6 Ke7 46. Rc6 Rf1+ 47. Ke3 Bg8 48. Rxh5 { Maybe Ra6 would have been better to protect the a3 pawn. Killerman: What about Rg7+} (48. Rg7+ Bf7 49. Ng5 Kd7 50. Rh6 Kc8 51. Nxf7 R8xf7 52. Rxf7 Rxf7 53. Rxh5 { Killerman: Clearly winning. Well I say that but a LITTLE BIT OF KNOWLEDGE GOES A LONG WAY. You see knowing what types of position to look for in endings is key to this. Rook and Pawn against Rook is not always won in fact quite often it only draws. Even a Rook and two pawns against rook can sometimes draw but it does usually win. It is difficult for me to go through every variation here but an examination of a good book on endings will certainly improve your knowledge. I used to refer to Practical Chess Endings by Keres but there are a lot of other good books out there.}) 48... Ra8 49. Rc3 $2 { Killerman: Active move? No I don't think so but maybe necessary. Anything better? Well.} (49. Re5+ $5 { gives Black a chance to go wrong} Kf8 (49... Kd8 50. Rd6+ Kc7 (50... Kc8 $2 51. Re8+) 51. Rd3 { now maybe you have to defend} Ra1 52. Rc5+ Kb6 53. Rcc3) 50. Rec5 Ke7 (50... Rxa3+ $4 51. Ke2 $1 Rb1 52. Rc8+ Kf7 53. R5c7+ { and the bishop drops}) 51. Rc3) 49... Ra1 50. Re5+ Kd6 51. Rd3+ Kc7 52. Rc5+ Kb6 53. Rcc3 { Killerman: Oh look didn't we have this in the variation A above} Re8+ 54. Kf4 { Killerman: Good CENTRALISATION OF KING} Ra2 55. Rd2 $2 { Killerman: tive? Are you certain you are better with a rook swop? Anything better?} ({ Killerman:} 55. Rd6+ $1 { although not all variations lead to mate. Your resulting position in the last two lines give more activity than you get from swopping a pair of rooks I think. Another point is endings with rooks are that for the defending side it is better to swop a pair of rooks it makes draws more common to swop.} Ka7 (55... Ka5 $4 56. Rc5+ Ka4 57. Ra6+ Kb3 58. Nd4+ Kb2 59. Rb6+ Ka1 60. Rc1#) (55... Kb5 $4 56. Nd4+ Ka5 57. Rc5+ Ka4 58. Ra6#) (55... Kb7 56. Rd7+ Kb6 (56... Ka6 $2 57. Rc6+ Kb5 58. Nd4+ Ka4 59. Ra7#) 57. Nd4 { More activity}) 56. Rd7+ Kb6 57. Nd4 { More activity}) 55... Rxd2 56. Nxd2 Re2 57. Ne4 Rxg2 { Killerman: I now refer you back to a previous note. You should know what type of position you are looking for now. Rook and two pawns against rook should win so swopping the minor pieces will be OK after making sure your rook and King remain active. However be careful if the Black king gets active and you lose the a-pawn the bishop may give itself up for the g pawn and Rook and Knight against Rook is drawn in most positions} 58. g4 Bd5 59. Nf6 Rf2+ 60. Kg5 { Killerman: Ke5 is a little better but not much} Bf7 61. Ne4 Re2 62. Kf5 Bg8 63. Nf6 Bf7 64. Rg3 { Killerman: Usually this idea is correct as another rule in rook and pawn endings is get your rook behind the pawn not in front. However you have just given the Black king more space and Black starts to get more active again. I think the ending is probably drawn after this, but.} ({ Killerman:} 64. Nd7+ { is better, using the king as an attacking piece} Kb5 { the most active square} 65. Kf6 { chasing the bishop away gaining tempo} Rf2+ 66. Ke7 { now the bishop has to move} Ba2 67. g5 $18) 64... Kc6 (64... Kc5 { Killerman is better, getting closer to the centre and the a-pawn}) 65. g5 Rf2+ 66. Ke5 Re2+ 67. Kf4 Bg6 { Killerman: Black is defending well, his best try is to keep the minor pieces on the board and to blockade the pawns} 68. Ng4 { Killerman: threat Ne5+} Kd6 $2 ({ Killerman: But} 68... Re4+ $1 { would have been embarrassing} 69. Kf3 Kc5 70. Nf6 Ra4 71. Ke2 { and your king is nicely deactivated}) 69. Rb3 Re4+ 70. Kf3 Bf5 $2 { Black should leave the bishop on g6} 71. Nh6 { Bh7 is a better try} Re5 $4 { Bh7 keeps the bishop on and makes the win more difficult} 72. Nxf5+ { 72.Nf7+! wins faster. Killerman: Correct} Rxf5+ 73. Kg4 Rf8 74. Kh5 Ke6 75. a4 Kf5 { but now things are clear anyway...} 76. Rf3+ { Killerman: A very interesting game and many learning points. Although your initial attack was not sound due to the position of your rooks you fought back well in the game. If you bear in mind the points I raised on endings and get a solid endings book to help your study I think you will improve your end game very quickly. Remember active play is your friend and passive play your enemy. Well Done and Thank You for allowing me to review the game.} 1-0 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2002.08.17"] [Round "?"] [White "milu"] [Black "MichaelNeyses"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "D53"] [WhiteElo "1915"] [BlackElo "1578"] [Annotator "Michael Neyses"] [PlyCount "56"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. Nf3 h6 { I'm not sure to force the exchange Bishop vs. Knight. And the Knight is the one at the 0-0 Side. MrBug: 'force'? There is also Bh4, which is better in my opinion. Black doesn't know when White will take f6, if ever.} 6. Bxf6 { Here I was sure it's right to take back with the Bishop.} Bxf6 7. cxd5 { I don't know if that was a good moment for 0-0!} exd5 (7... O-O 8. dxe6 Bxe6 9. e4 Re8 10. Be2 { MrBug: I don't see Black's compensation for the pawn}) 8. e3 O-O 9. Qc2 { I though about g7. But it opens the King's position.} Nc6 (9... b6 { MrBug: maybe try and trade off White's good bishop. This move also allows c7-c5 without having to think much about compensation for the pawn or recapturing it}) 10. a3 Re8 11. b4 $4 (11. O-O-O { MrBug: and the fight is still ahead}) 11... Bxd4 { to take with the pawn was not possible. I think this was good. Wasn't it?} ( 11... Nxd4 12. Nxd4 Bxd4 13. Rd1 Bxc3+ 14. Qxc3 c6 $19 { MrBug: an extra, comfortable pawn to Black - note the bishops are of the same colour. I would prefer this but I guess it could be a question of taste.}) 12. O-O-O (12. Nxd4 Nxd4 13. Qd3 Qh4 $1 $19 { MrBug: threatening Rxe3+ Qxe3 Nc2+ forking}) 12... Bxc3 13. Qxc3 Bf5 14. Bb5 Qd6 { I'm not sure if Qd6 or Qd7 was better. Is there a difference here? MrBug: probably not better to pin the queen.} (14... a5 $1 15. bxa5 Re6 $1 16. a6 Rb8 17. axb7 Na7 18. Bc4 Rd6 19. Nd4 Bg6 20. Bb3 Rxb7 $17) 15. Bxc6 Qxc6 $6 { I forced the Queen Exchange. Because the White King isn't in good position. MrBug: If you want to attack the Black king, in general you should keep the queens on unless you have a clear reason for not doing so.} (15... bxc6 16. Nd4 Bg6 17. Nb3 Reb8 $1 $17 { MrBug: threatening a5 followed by c5 with dangerous lines against Black's king} ) 16. Qxc6 bxc6 17. Nd4 Bd7 18. Kb2 $2 (18. Nb3 Reb8 19. Rd4 { MrBug: Black finds progress much more difficult here}) 18... a5 19. Rc1 axb4 20. axb4 Reb8 21. Kb3 Rb6 22. Rb1 $4 (22. Rc5 Rab8 23. b5 { MrBug: a better attempt}) 22... c5 23. Nf3 Rxb4+ 24. Kc3 Ra3+ 25. Kd2 Ra2+ 26. Kc3 { I could not find a Mate. And because I played against a stronger Player than me (over 1900) i was happy for the Draw. MrBug: I would not be happy with a draw against anyone here as Black - if you are winning, play on what are you afraid of?} Ra3+ (26... Rc4+ $1 27. Kd3 (27. Kb3 Rcc2 $19 { MrBug: White can't stop the threat of Ba4 mating}) 27... Bf5+ 28. e4 Bxe4+ 29. Ke3 Bxb1 30. Rxb1 Rcc2 $19 { MrBug: I'm sure you'd consider this to be winning.} ) 27. Kd2 Ra2+ 28. Kc3 Ra3+ { But One Question: Was there a Mate (or an advantage) possible? MrBug: You don't consider two extra pawns and active pieces an advantage? It is an absolutely winning one. Make your games more of a fight! Draws are for dead positions or for boring grandmasters!} 1/2-1/2 [Event "ICS Rated standard match (30 mins)"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2002.10.16"] [Round "?"] [White "SWEETJAM"] [Black "Khamsin"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "D26"] [WhiteElo "1678"] [BlackElo "1657"] [Annotator "Khasmin, msh"] [PlyCount "131"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. d4 d5 ({ MH:} 1... Nf6 { is more flexible.}) 2. c4 ({ MH:} 2. Nf3 { allows White to consider a London or Torre System.}) 2... dxc4 ({ MH:} 2... c6 { is the Slav or Semi-Slav Defense}) ({ MH:} 2... e6 { is a Queen's Gambit Declined }) 3. Nc3 { K: I've just started playing the QGA in competition play, trying to find a response to d4. I know that this move leads to positions where Black can hold onto the pawn, but I don't know the complications, so I chose to try and steer it back to main lines.} ({ MH:} 3. e4) ({ MH:} 3. Nf3) 3... Nf6 ({ MH:} 3... a6 4. a4 { prevents Black from playing ...b7-b5, but also prevent White from using Qd1-a4 to regain Pc4, so that} Nc6 $5 (4... Nf6 { transposes back to "normal" lines} 5. e4 e6 6. Bxc4 c5) 5. e3 Na5 { and Black holds the pawn, at least for some time}) 4. Nf3 ({ MH:} 4. e4 b5 { a lot of complicated variations arise when Black tries to hold Pc4} 5. e5 (5. Nxb5 Nxe4 6. Qf3 Bb7 7. Bxc4 e6) 5... b4 (5... Nd5 $2 6. Nxb5) 6. exf6 bxc3 7. fxg7 (7. fxe7 $2 Qxe7+) 7... Bxg7 (7... cxb2 $4 8. gxf8=Q+ Rxf8 9. Bxb2) 8. bxc3 $13 { though most variations which are very forcing early in a game tend to favor White because of his first move development advantage}) 4... e6 { K: Could he have reasonably played Bg5 here?} 5. e3 ({ MH: Yes.} 5. Bg5 Bb4 { is the Vienna Variation}) 5... a6 6. Bxc4 c5 { MH: Now it's back to a well-known Queen's Gambit Accepted position.} 7. O-O { K: Now I'm out of book. I think that Qe2 is the main line, unless he wants to go into the Rubenstein variation with a4.} ({ MH:} 7. Qe2 { leaves Pd4 a bit weak } Nc6) 7... Nc6 8. d5 $5 { K: I think this move simply releases my problem child bishop.} ({ MH:} 8. dxc5 { was played in the Spassky-Fischer 1992 match} Qxd1 9. Rxd1 Bxc5) 8... exd5 9. Nxd5 ({ K:} 9. Bxd5 { MH: I see no good reason to give the bishop for a Black knight.} Nxd5 10. Qxd5 Qxd5 ({ MH:} 10... Be6) 11. Nxd5 { and Black is in trouble, having to meet the threat of Nc7+; i.e.} Bd6 12. Rd1 { threatening Nb6} O-O 13. Nf6+ gxf6 14. Rxd6) 9... Nxd5 ({ MH:} 9... Be6) 10. Bxd5 Nb4 $4 { K: I think this move lands me in trouble. I end up behind on development and cramped.} ({ MH:} 10... Qc7) 11. Bc4 $2 ({ K:} 11. Qa4+ $2 b5 12. Qd1 Qxd5) ({ MH:} 11. Bxf7+ $16) 11... Qxd1 ({ MH:} 11... Bf5 { doesn't guard d5, so that after Nb4 is kicked away White might have an entry point. But, at this stage Pc5 isn't terribly weak, so the threat of ...Nb4-c2 might be good.}) 12. Rxd1 b5 { K: I have to find a way to pull my knight back. MH: This weakens both Pa6 and Pb5 by exposing them to the White bishop and a2-a4.} ({ MH:} 12... Be7) 13. Be2 Bb7 ({ MH:} 13... Bf5 14. Bd2 Nc6) 14. Bd2 c4 $2 { K: This is a waste of time. I should have played the knight back immediately. MH: I disagree. Having pushed ...b5 it makes sense to use ...c4 to guard Pb5 from Be2.} ({ MH:} 14... Nd5 15. a4 $16 c4 16. axb5 axb5 17. Rxa8+ Bxa8 18. Ra1 Bc6 19. Nd4 Bd7 (19... Kd7 20. Ra7+) 20. Ra8+) 15. a3 Nc6 ({ MH:} 15... Nd5 16. a4 Rc8 17. axb5 axb5) 16. Bc3 { K: The White bishops have more targets than mine do, I think. But how could I have changed before this? MH: Develop pieces rather than ...b7-b5} ({ MH: It's getting tougher for White to try to win a pawn by direct attack.} 16. a4 Bb4 17. axb5 axb5 18. Rxa8+ Bxa8 19. b3 c3 (19... Bxd2 20. Rxd2 c3 21. Rd5 b4) 20. Bc1 (20. Bxc3 $4 Bxc3 21. Bxb5 O-O 22. Bxc6 Bxc6 23. Rc1 Ra8) 20... Na7 ) 16... Rd8 { K: Trying to release pressure by exchanging. Should I have done this? MH: I don't know that Rd1 was the biggest threat, and he can always replace it with Ra1. Bc3 threatens Pg7 and Be2 can threaten Pc4 & Pb5 & Pa6, so they're probably bigger threats.} ({ MH:} 16... f6 17. Nd4 (17. a4 $2 b4 18. Bd2 Na5 { gives Black a chance to keep everything covered}) 17... Nxd4 18. Rxd4 Bc5 19. Rd2 Ke7) 17. Rd2 Rxd2 18. Nxd2 f6 { K: Hoping to blunt the c3 bishop.} 19. Bf3 f5 $2 { K: This had an idea behind it, to leave the d2 knight at home by depriving it of the e4 square, clogging the d-file for White's pieces. But I missed the simple reply. Perhaps Bc4 was better?} ({ MH:} 19... Kd7) 20. e4 $1 fxe4 { K: I couldn't see a better move here.} 21. Bxe4 $16 h6 { K: Trying desperately to free my pieces, but the g7 pawn is even weaker now.} ( { MH:} 21... Kf7 22. Re1 Nd8) 22. Re1 $1 { K: Strong. My king is very weak right now; yet I don't know if there was a mate later.} Kd7 ({ K:} 22... Kf7 23. Bd5+ Kg6 24. Re6+) 23. Bf5+ Kc7 ({ K:} 23... Kd8 $5) 24. Re8 $18 Ne7 $2 25. Ba5+ $2 ( { K:} 25. Bxg7 $1 Bxg7 (25... Nxf5 26. Bxh8) 26. Rxe7+) 25... Kc6 26. Be4+ Nd5 27. Bxd5+ ({ MH:} 27. Bb4 Bxb4 28. Rxh8 Bxd2 29. Bxd5+ Kxd5 30. Rd8+ $18) 27... Kxd5 28. Rd8+ ({ MH:} 28. Bb4 Bxb4 29. Rxh8 Bxd2 30. Rd8+ $18) 28... Ke6 29. Rb8 Bd5 { K: I see that I have to give up a pawn here. I'm hoping that I can hold the endgame.} 30. Rb6+ Kf7 31. Rxa6 Be7 { K: Now my pieces can finally emerge. This is the first time that my f8 bishop has moved! MH: When your pieces can get out to play then you at least have a chance.} 32. Ra7 Re8 33. Bb4 Kf8 { K: Finally a threat of my own. His back rank is weak, so he trades, but now his initiative goes, I think.} 34. Bxe7+ ({ K:} 34. h3 Bxb4 35. axb4 $14) 34... Rxe7 35. Rxe7 Kxe7 $14 { K: I breathed a sigh of relief here, because I'm pretty sure that I can hold this endgame. My king is more centralized, and my bishop can outrun the knight. MH: In general I agree.} 36. Nb1 $2 { MH: The knight can't hold this all by itself. Kg1 must help.} ({ MH:} 36. f4 $2 Kd6 37. Kf2 Kc5 38. g3 Kd4) ({ MH:} 36. f3 $1 Kd6 37. Kf2 Kc5 38. Ke3 b4 39. axb4+ Kxb4 40. Kd4 Bf7 41. f4 $16) 36... Kd6 37. Nc3 Bc6 38. Kf1 Kc5 39. f3 b4 { K: Trying to allow my king to penetrate even more.} 40. axb4+ Kxb4 41. Nd1 Ba4 { K: At this point, I calculated to the 48th move, and figured that it was a draw.} 42. Ke1 Bxd1 ({ MH:} 42... Bc2 43. Kd2 Kb3 44. Ne3 (44. f4 $4 Bxd1 45. Kxd1 Kxb2 $19) 44... Bd3 45. Kc1 $14) 43. Kxd1 Kb3 44. Kc1 c3 45. bxc3 Kxc3 46. Kd1 Kd3 47. Ke1 Ke3 48. Kf1 { MH: White's king does nothing aggressive, Pg2 can't move without the loss of Pf3 and Pf3 can't advance. So, Black needs to aim for equal pawn trades, so the remaining one-pawn ending is drawn.} g6 ({ MH: } 48... g5 49. Ke1 h5 50. Kf1 h4 (50... g4 { most direct} 51. fxg4 hxg4 52. Ke1 Kf4 53. Ke2 (53. Kf2 $2 g3+ { a neat little trick} 54. hxg3+ Kg4 $11) 53... Ke4 54. Kf2 Kf4 55. g3+ Kf5 56. Ke2 (56. Ke3 Ke5 $11) 56... Ke4 $11) 51. h3 Kf4 ( 51... Kd2 $4 52. Kf2 Kd1 53. f4 gxf4 54. Kf3 Ke1 55. Kxf4 Kf2 56. Kg4 Kxg2 57. Kxh4 Kf3 58. Kg5 $18) 52. Kf2 Kf5 53. Ke3 Ke5 $11) 49. h4 g5 50. hxg5 hxg5 51. Kg1 Kf4 $4 ({ MH: Getting rid of another pawn is good} 51... g4 52. fxg4 Kf4 $11 ) 52. Kh2 $4 ({ MH:} 52. Kf2 { supporting the pawns more fully} g4 (52... Kf5 53. Kg3 Kf6 54. Kg4 Kg6 55. f4 gxf4 56. Kxf4 Kf6 57. g3 $18 Kg6 58. Kg4 Kf6 59. Kh5 Kg7 60. Kg5 Kf7 61. Kh6) 53. g3+ { another little trick!} Kf5 (53... Ke5 54. fxg4 Kf6 55. Ke3 { threatening to play Kf4} (55. Kf3 $4 Kg5 $11) 55... Kg5 56. Kf3 Kg6 57. Kf4 Kf6 58. g5+ Kg6 59. Kg4 Kg7 60. Kf5 Kf7 61. g6+ Kg7 62. Kg5 Kg8 63. Kf6 Kf8 64. g7+ Kg8 65. g4 Kh7 66. Kf7 Kh6 67. g5+ Kh5 68. g8=Q $18) 54. f4 Ke4 55. Ke2 Kd4 56. Kd2 (56. f5 $2 Ke5 57. Ke3 Kxf5 58. Kd4 Kf6 59. Ke4 Kg7 60. Kf5 Kf7 61. Kxg4 Kg6 $11) 56... Ke4 57. Kc3 { White can outflank Black forever, so Black can't defend passively. He has to counter-attack. And, there are some positions where that is correct and sufficient to hold the draw.} Kf3 58. f5 Kxg3 59. f6 Kh2 60. f7 g3 61. f8=Q g2 62. Qf2 Kh1 63. Qh4+ Kg1 64. Kd2 Kf1 65. Qe1#) 52... g4 53. fxg4 Kxg4 $11 54. g3 { K: He's just testing now, to see if I will miss the draw. MH: I once saw an Expert misplay this ending when he had very little time on his clock. First the Class A player tricked him, so a loss became a draw, then the Class a player tricked himself and the draw became a win for the Expert again. I'll never forget seeing it happen.} Kg5 55. Kh3 Kh5 56. g4+ Kg5 57. Kg3 Kg6 58. Kh4 Kh6 59. g5+ Kg6 60. Kg4 Kg7 61. Kh5 Kh7 62. g6+ Kg7 63. Kg5 Kg8 64. Kh6 Kh8 65. g7+ Kg8 66. Kg6 1/2-1/2 [Event "Edited game"] [Site "Z9W9Z4"] [Date "2002.05.12"] [Round "?"] [White "AlexAlex"] [Black "Cristiano Quaranta"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "E02"] [Annotator "AlexAlex, tomaro"] [PlyCount "139"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. g3 dxc4 5. Qa4+ Bd7 6. Qxc4 Bc6 7. Bg2 Nbd7 { Now my opening preparation ends here.} 8. O-O Nb6 9. Qd3 Be4 10. Qd1 Be7 11. Nbd2 { My idea is to develop the pieces in this way: Nbd2, b3, Bb2. tomaro: it makes sense} Bc6 12. b3 O-O 13. Bb2 a5 { I think this move is a good one. He threatens: a4 then axb3 and now b-pawn is isolated tomaro: maybe the idea is to force you to take in a4 and leave you with isolated a-pawn, wich is much worse because it is on the open a-file, or to arrive in a3.An isolated pawn on closed b-file is not so weak (real weaknes is square b4!) and responding in center you should still have the advantage} 14. Nc4 Nbd5 15. Nfe5 Bb5 16. a3 { I want to controll b4 (for avoiding Bb4 or Nb4) and if black plays a5-a4 I answer b3-b4 so c5-pawn is weak. tomaro: I likeit} Nd7 17. Nxd7 Bxd7 18. Qd2 a4 $2 { tomaro: this move looks bad,I think black should have tried b6 or maybe try to liberate with} (18... c5 19. e4 Nf6 20. dxc5 Bb5 21. Rfd1 Bxc4 22. Qc3 Qc7 23. Qxc4 Qxc5 24. Qxc5 Bxc5 { where black still have good chances}) 19. b4 Bb5 { Black want to play Bxc4 but I think this is not so good: 1-I have the pair of bishops 2-I gains some tempos with my a1-rook tomaro: black wants to play c6 so first he gives his bishop wich would be bad in d7 so this move is not so bad.Your knight is much better then his bishop in this position.} 20. Rac1 Bxc4 21. Rxc4 c6 22. Rd1 { My idea is e4 then d5 tomaro: maybe better was to push in e4 first} (22. e4 Nb6 23. Rc2 f5 24. Re1 { with all white pieces active}) 22... Qd7 23. Qc1 { Error: this is a tempo totally lost tomaro: still e4 was fine} Rfd8 24. e4 Nb6 25. Rc2 Bf6 26. d5 { tomaro: this move now doesn't look good} (26. Rcd2 { you have lots of time before the push in d5 wich black can not prevent,so better prepare your pieces for the new positionaftherthepush}) 26... Bxb2 27. Qxb2 cxd5 { Error: 27 ... exd5! and black gains a pawn during the match I thought: "Even if he gains pawn it is an isolated one and I hve more pieces activity: I draw at least!!" tomaro: even if} (27... exd5 28. exd5 Nxd5 (28... cxd5 29. Qd4 Qd6 30. Rc5 { and you win back the pawn}) 29. Rcd2 Qf5 30. Qa2 Rac8 31. Bxd5 cxd5 32. Rxd5 Rxd5 33. Qxd5 Qxd5 34. Rxd5 Kf8 { and equal again}) 28. Qd4 dxe4 $2 { tomaro: this move is bad,black had to play} (28... Rac8 29. Rxc8 Nxc8 30. exd5 Ne7 31. d6 (31. Qa7 Nxd5 32. Bxd5 exd5) 31... Nd5 32. Qa7 Qc6 33. Bxd5 exd5 34. Qa5 Qxd6 35. Qxa4 { and this shold be a draw}) 29. Qxd7 Rxd7 30. Rxd7 Nxd7 31. Bxe4 Kf8 { Good move: now eighth rank mate is impossible. I was threating 32 Bxb7 Rb8 33 Rc1+ and I win tomaro: black has very little choice} 32. Bxb7 Ra7 33. Bg2 { tomaro: in this positon is better to put bishop in f3 or in e4,in g2 there is always some possibilty for black to gain tempos with some check on the first line pinning down the bishop ,just for example} (33. Bg2 Nf6 34. Rc5 (34. Kf1 { is the right move,but even then black plays Rd7 and activates his rock} Rd7 35. Bc6 Rd6 36. Bxa4 Ra6 37. Bc6 Rxa3) 34... Rd7 35. Ra5 Rd1+ 36. Bf1 Ne4 { threating Nd2} 37. Kg2 Nc3 { and black has more then before}) 33... Ke7 34. Kf1 Kd6 35. Ke2 Nf6 36. h3 Nd5 37. Kd3 f6 38. Rc5 Ne7 39. Bf3 { I want to play Bd1} Ng6 40. Bd1 Ne5+ 41. Ke4 f5+ 42. Ke3 g5 43. f4 gxf4+ 44. gxf4 Nc6 45. Bf3 Rc7 { 45 ... Rc7?? tomaro: I agree with ?? :) Ne7 resists much longer} 46. Rxc6+ Rxc6 47. Bxc6 Kxc6 48. Kd4 Kd6 { Now I win easy tomaro: this is a classic} 49. h4 h6 50. h5 Kc7 51. Ke5 Kd7 52. b5 Kc7 53. Kxe6 Kb6 54. Kxf5 Kxb5 55. Kg6 Kc4 56. f5 Kb3 57. f6 Kxa3 58. f7 Kb2 59. f8=Q a3 60. Qxa3+ Kxa3 61. Kxh6 Kb4 62. Kg7 Kc5 63. h6 Kd6 64. h7 Ke6 65. h8=R Ke7 66. Rh6 Kd7 67. Kf7 Kc7 68. Ke7 Kb7 69. Kd7 Ka7 70. Kc7 { tomaro: there was not much to tell,the game was pretty correct so I could have only give the second opinion but nothing more.If you have any questions or comments please contact me on my e-mail or on FICS.} 1-0 [Event "Edited game"] [Site "CGS-M8BCUFBE3O9"] [Date "2002.10.22"] [Round "?"] [White "garfy"] [Black "-"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A40"] [Annotator "garfy, MrBug"] [PlyCount "65"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. d4 e6 2. Nf3 Be7 $6 3. c4 $6 (3. e4 { MrBug: A superior move here even for a 1.d4 fan}) 3... Nf6 4. Nc3 O-O $2 (4... d5) 5. e4 d6 6. Qc2 $6 (6. Bd3) 6... c5 7. g3 $6 (7. dxc5 $6 { MrBug: initially I thought this worked} dxc5 8. e5 Nfd7 9. Bd3 Nc6 $1 { MrBug: and suddenly White is in trouble} 10. Bxh7+ (10. Bf4 Kh8 $1 11. Bxh7 $2 (11. a3 Nd4 $1 12. Nxd4 cxd4 13. Ne2 (13. Nb5 Qa5+ 14. Bd2 Qb6 15. f4 (15. Bxh7 Nxe5 $17) 15... f6 $1 16. exf6 Nxf6 $15) 13... Nxe5 14. Bxe5 Qa5+ $17) 11... g6 12. Bxg6 (12. h4 Kxh7 13. h5 Rh8 $19) 12... Nb4 $1 13. Qe4 fxg6 14. Qxg6 Rxf4 15. Qh6+ Kg8 16. Qxf4 Nd3+ $19) 10... Kh8 11. Be4 Ndxe5 $15) (7. d5 $14) 7... b6 $2 { MrBug: Black misses his chance} (7... cxd4 8. Nxd4 Nc6 { MrBug: a Sicilian where White's Qc2 did him no favours}) 8. Bg2 Bb7 9. d5 { I wasn't sure if I should play d5 or e5} e5 $2 (9... exd5 { MrBug: a better move, hoping to give the bishop scope in the near future.} 10. exd5 a6 11. O-O b5 12. Re1 Re8 13. b3 $14) 10. O-O Bc8 { MrBug: a ki nd of Benoni (Czech I think?) position but Black has wasted several tempi} 11. b3 $6 { MrBug: what's your plan here? If you are going to develop pieces, follow a plan } (11. Ne1 $1 { MrBug: White seeks to play f4 with an advantage. I think this move is more precise than Nd2 which is probably not a bad move either}) (11. a3 $5 { MrBug: primitive idea of b2-b4 and controlling the b-file. Nothing wrong with primitive plans they are not always easy to meet!}) 11... h6 12. Bb2 Nh7 13. Rae1 { was rad1 better? MrBug: I think not - if Black does nothing, White will have to open up the board with f4 - the rook on the e-file will be useful then.} f5 14. Nxe5 $1 { is this move sound? MrBug: I didn't think much of this move at first but after analysis I think yes!} dxe5 15. d6 Qxd6 16. Rd1 Qf6 ( 16... Qg6 17. exf5 Bxf5 18. Qd2 Rd8 19. Qxd8+ Bxd8 20. Rxd8+ Nf8 21. Bxa8 $16 { MrBug: Black's position appears shaky}) (16... Qc7 { MrBug: best defence I think } 17. Nd5 $1 (17. exf5 Nc6 (17... Bb7 $2 18. Nd5 Qd6 19. Bxe5 Qxe5 20. Rfe1 $18 ) 18. Nd5 Qb8 19. Nxe7+ Nxe7 20. Qe4 Bxf5 21. Qxa8 Qxa8 22. Bxa8 Rxa8 23. Bxe5 { MrBug: maybe White could draw this}) 17... Qd8 18. exf5 $1 (18. Bxe5 Nc6 19. Nxe7+ Qxe7 20. Bd6 Qe8 21. Bxf8 Qxf8 { MrBug: It's not clear in this line that White has anything for the slight material loss}) 18... Bxf5 19. Nxe7+ Qxe7 20. Qd2 Nc6 21. Bxc6 Rad8 22. Bd5+ $16) 17. Nd5 Qd6 18. f4 $1 Nc6 19. fxe5 Nxe5 20. Ne3 $2 (20. exf5 $1 Rb8 21. f6 $1 Nxf6 22. Nxf6+ Qxf6 23. Rxf6 Bxf6 24. Rf1 $1 $18 { MrBug: White simplifies and wins}) 20... Qc7 (20... Qb8 $1 21. exf5 Bg5 22. Qe4 Bb7 $1 23. Nd5 Nf7 $17 { MrBug: it is no longer clear White has full compensation for his piece}) 21. exf5 Nc6 22. Nd5 Nb4 23. Qc3 (23. Nxb4 { MrBug: simpler}) 23... Bf6 24. Nxf6+ Nxf6 25. Bxa8 Nxa2 26. Qe5 Qxe5 27. Bxe5 Ng4 28. Bd5+ (28. Bd6 $1 Rxf5 29. Rxf5 Bxf5 30. Bd5+ Kh7 31. Ra1 Nc3 32. Rxa7 $18 { MrBug: a hopeless endgame for Black here}) 28... Kh7 29. Ra1 { I wasn't sure of ...Nxe5. would black be able to draw after taking the bishop?} Ne3 $2 (29... Nxe5 30. Rxa2 a5 31. Re2 Ng4 32. Be6 $18 { MrBug: no draw here :)} ) (29... Nb4 $1 { MrBug: most tenacious} 30. Bd6 (30. Bf4 $6 Nxd5 31. cxd5 a5 { MrBug: and the White win is not-so-easy to find}) 30... Rd8 31. Be7 Rd7 32. f6 $1 gxf6 33. Be6 Rxe7 34. Bxc8 Ne3 35. Rxf6 Nbc2 36. Rb1 $18 { MrBug: still a won position, but White has some work to do}) 30. Rxa2 $1 Nxf1 31. Rxa7 Bxf5 32. Rxg7+ Kh8 33. Ra7+ 1-0 [Event "OTB tournament"] [Site "City"] [Date "2002.11.03"] [Round "5"] [White "vcStalker"] [Black "Opponent"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "B81"] [Annotator "vcStalker, msh"] [PlyCount "85"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. e4 { vcS: The game was drawn, but I had lots of problems in it. That's why I submit it for review. Ususally I pay more attention to lost games. The problems were how to play against Sicilian: 1) How to meet Black's plan b7-b5 and Nb6-c4; 2) How to meet a7-a6 with b7-b5-b4; 3) Where Nc3 should go in case b7-b5-b4; 4) Where Bf1 belongs; 5) Where was the place for "f"-pawn and queen in this particular game. Mark: 1) Prepare to block on the queen-side with Nc3-a4 and b2-b3. Guard c4 with either Bf1 or Qe2. 2) Don't freak out, just play sensible defensive moves. 3) Nc3-a4 is usually best, but occasionally other moves are needed. Nc3-b1 guards the a1-c1 rank and Nc3-d5 can be used to advance an offense. It depends upon the needs of the position and what you think you can get away with. 4) Usually it's seen at e2 in Sicilians, but in the Keres Attack it goes to g2 or h3 to advance the offense. It really is an Attack variation. 5) f2 until needed elsewhere, as you played it} c5 2. Nf3 e6 (2... Nc6 { leaves the placement of the central pawns for later}) (2... d6 { as with ...Nc6 this prepares ...e7-e5 or at least controls e5 to prepare ... Ng8-f6 and/or ...e7-e5}) 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 { Mark: Black's setup is solid, but passive. The central pawns limit White, but block Black's bishops. And, Black isn't directly challenging Pe4 either. Yet, this is a quite popular system because it slows White a bit and gives Black time to develop his pieces; usually safely.} 6. g4 { Mark: Keres Attack -- may have been the move which discouraged Kasparov from playing the old-fashioned Scheveningen Variation move-order and caused him to switch to the Najdorf Variation move-order. This immediately threatens g4-g5 to challenge Nf6 and for the moment it secures f5, so ...e6-e5 can be met by Nd4-f5. 6. Qf3 might also serve that purpose, though I don't recall ever seeing it used against the Scheveningen Variation. Other developments are also good, but less forceful than 6. g4.} (6. Be2 { is perhaps the most common move}) 6... Nc6 7. g5 Nd7 8. Be3 { Mark: White prepares queen-side castling, so he can continue the king-side pawn assault, in particular against Pe6 & Pf7 by g5-g6 (at the appropriate time).} a6 { Mark: Black would like to prevent Nd4-b5xd6 and he might rather have ...b7-b5 before playing either ...Nd7-b6 or ...Nd7-c5. That way Bc8 can also be developed to b7. However, it should be noted that in light of White's assault on the light-square pawns it might be wise to plan on ... Bc8-d7 instead, and queen-side castling to get away from White's king-side offense.} 9. h4 { vcS: White could play Qd2 here, and h4 only after Be7. Mark: h4 is good, but White should also play Qe2 and O-O-O to create pressure on the d-file. Bf1-g2 or Bf1-h3 could be useful.} Be7 { Mark: He isn't planning to ... O-O, is he? So, ...Qc7 or ...b5 to advance the plan of ...O-O-O is preferred.} 10. Bg2 { vcS: This is must be a mistake. Bishop does nothing here. If Black plays e5, than Bishop is absolutely useless. It should protect c4 and should be placed on e2. Mark: Bg2 isn't a horrible mistake. Black isn't so likely to play ...e6-e5, which weakens d5 dramatically. Actually g2 or h3 is preferable to e2 (where it gets in the way of Qd1). Coordinating the queen and bishop in this instance (and quite often) means applying them to different tasks where they don't "fight" over the same squares. If White was restricted to Qd1-d2 then Bf1-e2 or just leaving Bf1 would make sense. Also, above developing Bf1 should be O-O-O, so deciding where Qd1 belongs was White's priority.} (10. Qe2 Qc7 11. O-O-O b5 12. Nxc6 (12. Bh3 { intending to sac at e6 and clearing the way for Nc3-d5 might also be interesting}) 12... Qxc6 13. Bd4 $14 b4 14. Nd5 exd5 15. exd5 Qc7 (15... Qxd5 16. Bf6 $14) 16. Bxg7 Rg8 17. Bf6 $14) 10... Rb8 $2 { Mark: Now Black's king is going to reside on e8 or g8; and neither is very good.} (10... Qc7) 11. Qd2 { Mark: Again, this isn't horrible, but it leaves c4 weak.} (11. Qe2) 11... Nxd4 { Mark: Black seeks a simplified queen-side, but one where he still might be able to gain the advantage. The only trouble with that is it also makes White's play easier.} (11... Na5 12. Qe2 Qc7 { and it's not so safe for O-O-O, so the balance of the game goes back to near equal} 13. g6 hxg6 14. h5 g5 ( 14... gxh5 15. Rxh5 Rxh5 16. Qxh5 $14) 15. Qg4 $13) 12. Bxd4 O-O $2 { Mark: Castling into the attack!} 13. a3 $2 { Mark: Defending against what? You should spend that tempo attacking Kg8.} (13. O-O-O b5 14. Bh3 $14 Qa5 (14... b4 { might be dubious because White's Nc3-a4 could slow up Black's offensive} 15. Na4 Qa5 16. b3) 15. Kb1 b4 16. Ne2 Nc5 17. f3 Bd7 $11) 13... b5 14. O-O-O { Mark: castling into it, but because of necessity} Nb6 { vcS: The best places for White pieces: Bd3 (protecting Bd3 and targeting Kingside), Rg1, Rh1, f4. Key squares: c4, h7, g6, h6. White should attack fast here, and it is bad for him to exchange black-squared bishop. Probably I had to play Bg2-f1, (although it is very slow), and if Bb7, than Rg1 with h4-h5 following. Mark: "attack fast", so don't waste time on f2-f4 and don't spend time on Bg2-f1-d3 until it's absolutely clear it belongs there. I like your game approach better than your notes.} (14... b4 $2 15. axb4 Rxb4 16. Nd5 Rb8 17. Nxe7+ Qxe7 18. Bc3 Rb6 19. f4 $14) 15. Bxb6 Qxb6 $15 { vcS: Now b5-b4 with a6-a5-a4-a3 following is unpleasant for White. Mark: Indeed! White's offense has failed to materialize, so Black's is suddenly quite prominent. White has to find a plan to regain equality. A queen trade leaves Black with the two bishops advantage, but it still might be a good thing to do.} 16. Na2 { vcS: The knight looks ugly on a2, but I did not want to exchange queens after Qd4, as I would have few chances to attack. I'd like to have my pieces as: Bd3, Rg1, Rh1, Nc2, pawn c3. Mark: That's a lot to hope for. Better is to deal with the specific threat(s) of Black, regain equality and then begin to look for ways to gain an advantage or two.} (16. Qd4 $5) ({ Mark: too slow is} 16. Rh3 $2 b4 17. axb4 Qxb4 18. b3 Qa3+ 19. Kb1 a5 $17) 16... Bd7 { Mark: This is a good moment to remember that Black's bishops are somewhat blocked by his own pawns and that gives White a bit of time to get his defense organized (or an offense going).} 17. c3 $2 { Mark: Weakening the area around Kc1 doesn't help. It also blocks Rh1-h3-b3 and Qd2.} (17. Rh3 $5 { coming to the aid of Kc1 on the queen-side}) 17... Rfc8 18. Kb1 a5 19. h5 (19. f4 { clears the second rank, so a Rh1-h2 might be of some use -- and it might be part of an offensive for later, but it's not as directly offensive as 19. h5.}) 19... Bf8 { vcS: White's attack does not look so dangerous. Black could just to attack on queenside. Mark: He can certainly try.} ({ vcS:} 19... b4) (19... e5 { clearing the way for ...Bd7-e6}) (19... b4 { makes sense, but it's probably premature} 20. cxb4 axb4 21. Nxb4 d5 22. exd5 Bxb4 23. Qxb4 Qxb4 24. axb4 Rxb4 25. dxe6 Bxe6 26. Rd2 Rcb8 27. Rhd1 Kf8) 20. g6 $1 { Yes! You've got to open lines to Kg8 to restore the balance completely or to take over the advantage.} fxg6 21. hxg6 { vcS: White's attack does not look so dangerous. Black could just attack on queen-side} hxg6 { a curious move to see, but with as much logic as some others} ({ vcS:} 21... h6 22. Qf4 Be8 { Mark:} 23. Bh3) 22. e5 $2 { vcS: The idea of this move was to cut off Black forces from kingside. Mark: By allowing Pd6 to move you free Bf8 to participate in the queen-side offensive. Black was already cut off from the king-side becuase Pd6 & Pe6 and the two bishops block most of the lateral lines of movement.} ({ vcS:} 22. Qf4 { Mark: is good because it prepares Rd1-d3-h3-h8# or Rh1-h2, Rd1-h1, Rh8#} b4 23. Rh8+ Kxh8 24. Qf7 Rc5 25. Qxg6) 22... Rc5 $2 { Mark: He must have been very afraid and didn't realize he could play ...d5. Now White can just take Pd6, restoring the blocked a3-f8 diagonal to keep Bf8 inactive.} ({ vcS: I prepared some trick after} 22... d5 23. Qf4 { with the idea} ({ Mark:} 23. Be4 $4 dxe4 24. Qxd7 Rd8 $19 { Eek!}) 23... Rc4 24. Rh8+ Kxh8 25. Qf7 { with Rh1#, but it would not work as Black's rook may come to defend thru c4. Mark:} Rh4 26. Qxd7 { is still worth fighting out. Though Black has the material advantage his king is still vulnerable.}) 23. exd6 $16 { vcS: Now White has advantage.} Qd8 { Mark: Apparently he doesn't know how to continue the queen-side offensive, so White has at least re-established equality -- perhaps more.} 24. Qd3 { vcS: White could try f4 and Bf3 restricting Black rook.} ({ vcS:} 24. f4 Rb6 25. Bf3) ({ Mark:} 24. Be4 $1 Qf6 25. Rdg1 Be8 (25... g5 26. Rh5) 26. Rh3) 24... Qf6 25. Be4 { vcS: Again f4 was playable. Mark: The position is open, so pure tactics and piece play should predominate. Your instincts during the game appear to have been better than your post-mortem worrying.} ({ vcS:} 25. f4) 25... Kf7 { Wow! If this is Black's best then he's possibly in serious trouble.} 26. Rh3 $1 Rf5 $2 (26... Rb6 27. Rf3 Rf5 28. Bxf5 gxf5 (28... Rxd6 $4 29. Bxg6+ Kg8 30. Rxf6 Rxd3 31. Rxf8+ Kxf8 32. Rxd3 $18) 29. Qc2 $5 { seeks a positional solution where Pd6 is strong and Black's queen-side pawns and Kf7 are weak} ( 29. Qd4 $6 Qxd4 30. Rxd4 Rxd6 31. Rxd6 Bxd6 32. Rd3 Ke7 { will still take some work because of Black's better king-side pawns})) 27. Bxf5 gxf5 28. Qf3 { vcS: Qe3 looks good intending Qa7. Mark: Qf3 restrains, but doesn't crush the opponent.} (28. Qe3 $1) 28... e5 29. Qd5+ Qe6 30. Nc1 { vcS: White should keep queens as Black bishops + 2 pawns may be stronger than White rook and knight. Besides, it was important to keep 'd6' pawn as it controls fields in Black's camp.} (30. Qc5 { and it's still complicated}) 30... Qxd5 31. Rxd5 Ke6 32. Rd1 Bxd6 33. Rhd3 Rb6 34. Nb3 (34. Rg3 { Perhaps White's rooks need more open space and distance from Rb6 to be effective.} Kf7 35. Rdg1 (35. Nb3 a4 36. Nc5 Bc8 37. Rd5) 35... Bf8 36. Nd3 e4 37. Ne5+ Ke8 38. Nxd7 Kxd7 39. Rg5 Rf6 40. Rg6 Rxg6 41. Rxg6 Bc5 { and it's still a very tough game!}) 34... a4 35. Nc5+ Bxc5 36. Rxd7 Bxf2 37. Rxg7 { vcS: White has active rooks, but Black's pawns are well protected and if he will activate the rook, White probably won't be able to do anything against the pawns. Mark: Yes, this is very good for Black. The pawns are probably worth a piece.} Bh4 (37... e4 $4 38. Rg6+) 38. Kc2 e4 39. Rh1 { I notice you found the distant open files for your rooks. That's good. Sometimes all you have to do is look for the biggest open space(s) on the board and then look to see if your pieces would be better there. At the beginning of the game the space between the two armies is that "big open space", but later in the game it can be elsewhere.} Bf6 40. Rc7 { Rb6 is looking a little awkward.} Bg5 41. Rc5 Bf6 $2 (41... Be3 { chases Rc5 from it's great post}) 42. Rh5 ({ vcS: Now Black should lose the pawns or to take a draw after Be5} 42. Rh6 { Bf6 Rh5}) 42... f4 43. Rcf5 { vcS: Now White is probably winning, but the game was drawn after lots of mistakes in time trouble.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FICS rated blitz game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2002.11.08"] [Round "?"] [White "tomg"] [Black "themorgoth"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C20"] [WhiteElo "908"] [BlackElo "1160"] [Annotator "tomg, bscastro"] [PlyCount "54"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { tomg:"I am trying the KIA opening I saw in a tutorial on FICS. I have had mixed success, and don't really understand how to further develop it." bscastro: "Greetings!"} 1. e4 e5 2. d3 Nf6 3. Nf3 d6 4. g3 Be7 5. Bg2 O-O 6. Be3 { bscastro: "Considering Black's response, this move is not really effective. If you really want to play this, you should play h3 first."} (6. h3 { "This will prevent ...Ng4. This may not be the best plan (to play Be3), but if you play it, you should play h3 to prevent the knight move."} Nc6 7. Be3 $11 ) 6... Ng4 7. O-O Nxe3 8. fxe3 { bscastro: "Although you now have doubled pawns, d4 is now covered and your f-file is open. When you are playing, try to find the positive aspects of normally negative aspects (such as doubled pawns)."} Nc6 9. Nbd2 Bg4 { tomg:"Not sure how to proceed from here. Moved knight to try to project some power."} 10. Nc4 ({ bscastro: "One plan might be to prepare d3-d4. c3 also prevents the knight from hitting b4. Here is one example of what can happen."} 10. c3 Bg5 11. Qe1 { Breaking the pin and protecting e3.} Bh6 12. d4 exd4 ({ bscastro: "If Black doesn't take the pawn, White can force Black to make a decision with his light-square bishop followed by finishing his development."} 12... Re8 13. h3 Bd7 14. Qf2 Qf6 15. Rad1 $11) 13. exd4 Re8 14. Qf2 $11 { bscastro: "Now White has more space in the center and his pieces are protected. Also, White has potential threats on the f-file. Black's position is solid too."}) 10... b5 { bscastro: "When you play a move, try to see if your opponent can do something to counter it. It is tough to do this in blitz games, so sometimes try to play longer games (like 30 minute with 5 second increment for practice with this."} 11. Ncd2 { tomg:It ends up being a wasted move.} Bg5 12. Qe1 { tomg:Moved queen, hoping for Nf3g5.} Bxf3 13. Bxf3 $2 (13. Nxf3 { bscastro: "This might have been the better recapture, since you want to drive the bishop away. This also allows you to defend the knight threat more effectively."} Nb4 14. Qe2 $11 { bscastro: "I consider this position about equal. Although you have doubled pawns, you also have the open f-file for your use."}) 13... Nb4 14. Rc1 { tomg:Avoid fork if black moves Nb4c2} (14. Bd1 { bscastro: "This is the best way to defend against this threat. You don't lose any material here."}) 14... Nxa2 15. Ra1 Nb4 16. Ra5 { tomg:I'm reacting, not acting. Again, avoiding fork at c2.} (16. Bd1 { bscastro: "You can still defend with Bd1. Your position is passive, but you are only down a pawn with a fairly solid position. After Black moves you can think about playing Nf3 and kicking the bishop out of his post."}) 16... Nxc2 17. Qc1 Bxe3+ 18. Kh1 Nd4 19. Qc3 a6 20. Re1 { tomg:I walk into a fork--several moves away, but I didn't see it coming.} Bxd2 21. Qxd2 Nxf3 { tomg:Here it is.} 22. Qe2 Nxe1 23. Qxe1 { tomg:Now I'm down a rook, with the other in bad position.} c6 24. Qc1 Qxa5 { tomg:Oops. Didn't see that. Game over.} 25. Qxc6 Qe1+ 26. Kg2 Qe2+ 27. Kh1 Qf1# { bscastro:"Here are some general things you can do to improve your game. First, you can work on eliminating simple blunders. One way to do this is to practice a simple technique which I started using when I found I was making these blunders: Before I make a move, I visualize the move and ask myself 'Can Black checkmate me? Can he take my queen? Can he take my rooks?' and so on. Although this seems like it would take a lot of time, you'd be amazed at how you can now count on not making simple blunders where you lose a piece or pawn, and it gets faster with practice. I do it almost automatically. Of course, I now make different types of mistakes, but I rarely hang a piece or pawn now. Of course, this might mean playing longer games, because it will take time to do this. Secondly, analyze your games thoroughly. When something happens in your game, such as when your opponent threatened the knight fork, you found that it was difficult to defend against it properly. When you analyze it, look back a couple moves and see where you can improve. That is how I analyzed your game in part...I looked at your mistakes and looked back and tried to find where you can improve it. If you do this diligently (it can be hard work) you will start to do this automatically in your games and start to avoid your problems. Finally, if you don't do so already, study tactical problems and tactics in general. Not only will you find these tactical shots for yourself, you will also see when your opponent makes a threat. I think if you do these things, you will see great improvement in the quality of your games, because you will start avoiding simple errors. As for openings, it should not be a priority in your study. You should study enough to get the general ideas, but you will improve much more through the above suggestions. Once you avoid dropping pieces and start noticing your opponent tactical threats (and are able to defend against them), then you will start needing to know more opening theory. Good luck!"} 0-1 [Event "Human VS Computer at home"] [Site "USTC"] [Date "2002.11.15"] [Round "?"] [White "PTFN"] [Black "GK2000(C)"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B80"] [WhiteElo "1869"] [BlackElo "1900"] [Annotator "PTFN, Killerman"] [PlyCount "52"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { PTFN:Hello! This is a game I played with my chess computer GK2000. I lost it but I don't know why, It seems I didn't make many blunders.} 1. e4 c5 { PTFN:Sicilian Defence} 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6 6. Be3 Be7 7. Be2 O-O 8. O-O b6 $146 { PTFN:The first 8 moves are normal developing. Killerman: I agree that you have set up a standard position here and you should get a good game. I tend to favour a slightly different set up by playing on move 7 f4 to counter the fact that if the bishop goes to b7 you can in many lines play Bf3 to support the centre and counter the action of the bishop. It also helps to stop Black's freeing move d5. Black's move b6 is actually a little premature. I believe that your opponent should be playing Nc6 first. The weakness of the move b6 will become apparent as we move on. In addition the move Bb7 is usually prepared by a6 and b5, I will come back to this later on as well.} 9. Kh1 { PTFN:It is obvious that black will follow by 9. ...Bb7, I planned to react by 10.f3 so I played this pre-defensive move. Killerman: Your move would normally be a good choice but, here you have a better move. As you are ahead in development which is important I think you can take advantage of the weakened diagonal with Bf3. Black cannot safely play Bb7 next.} (9. Bf3 { Killerman: In lines A and B here try to picture what would happen if the Black knight was on c6. He would have gotten rid of your d4 knight. This is a clear indication of the strength of your position and why Nc6 was actually important. In line C you can see that the best way for Black to counter your threat is actually to move into a passive position which whilst not losing is certainly not a good line to be in.} Ne8 (9... Ba6 10. Re1 Ne8 { avoiding the trap of e5 but} 11. e5 d5 12. Nxe6 $1 fxe6 13. Nxd5 Rxf3 ({ if } 13... exd5 14. Bxd5+ $18) 14. Nxe7+ Qxe7 15. Qxf3 $18) (9... Bb7 10. e5 $1 Nd5 11. Nxd5 exd5 12. e6 (12. Nf5 dxe5 13. Bxd5 Bxd5 14. Qxd5 Qxd5 15. Nxe7+ Kh8 16. Nxd5 $18) 12... Bf6 13. exf7+ Rxf7 14. Ne6 Qd7 15. Bxd5 Bxd5 16. Qxd5 Nc6 $16) 10. Qd2 Bb7 11. Rad1 $11) 9... Bb7 10. f3 Nc6 11. a3 { PTFN:I felt a little constrained at this position. If the c2 pawn were on c4, white would feel much more satisfied: he can play Rc1, or Qc2 followed by Rad1, to support his center. So I planned to move the c3 knight away then c2-c4, and 11.a3 is logical. Killerman: Your position is not actually as bad as the picture you paint. I agree if there was a pawn on c4 you would perhaps have a better position but to actually spend time getting it there is going to take too long. I mentioned earlier about the set up by Black of a6 and b5. Why does Black normally do this and not simply play b6? Well one of the reasons is that it is a stronger set up. Here you can actually take advantage of the fact that the bishop on b7 is supporting the knight. If you delay Black will play Rc8 and his weakness will have gone. I also think that if you don't take this opportunity the position starts to favour Black.} (11. Ba6 $1 { a move that couldn't be played if Black had pawns on a6 and b5.} Bxa6 12. Nxc6 Qc7 13. Nxe7+ Qxe7 14. Re1 Rfd8 15. Qd2 h6 $11) 11... Rc8 12. Rc1 { PTFN: It may be reasonable to follow by 12.Na2 but I wanted to recapture the black knight by my queen, if black played Nxd4 in the move next, at the moment. Killerman: Na2 would not be bad but I don't think you need to be putting a knight over there. I also think you would provoke Black to open the centre. Another way to support the c2 pawn would be by playing Bd3 after capturing on c6. You could then consider moves like Qe2 or Rf2 which will support the c pawn. Rc1 is just too passive a move.} (12. Na2 $2 d5 { is also good for Black} (12... Nxd4 13. Bxd4 e5 14. Bc3 $1 (14. Be3 d5 15. exd5 Nxd5 $15) (14. Bf2 d5 15. exd5 Nxd5 16. Nb4 Nf4 17. Nd3 Ng6 18. c3 $11 { is probably about equal but, I don't like White's pawns on the queenside}) 14... d5 15. Bxe5 dxe4 16. fxe4 Nxe4 17. Nc3 $11) 13. Nxc6 (13. exd5 Nxd5 14. Bf2 Nxd4 15. Bxd4 e5 16. Bf2 Nf4 $15) 13... Rxc6 14. e5 Nd7 15. f4 Bc5 16. Bxc5 bxc5 $15) ({ This is the best line I think} 12. Nxc6 Rxc6 13. Bd3 d5 14. e5 Nd7 15. f4 $11) 12... Nxd4 13. Qxd4 d5 14. e5 { PTFN:I knew black's next move must be Bc5 but I thought I could react by Qd2 if this is the case and I was attacking his knight first. Killerman: Did you consider Qa4? I don't think either line is winning but it is better than your move which as you know loses. } (14. Qa4 $5 a6 15. e5 b5 16. Qd4 { unfortunately back here again} Bc5 17. Qxc5 { forced} Rxc5 18. Bxc5 Nd7 (18... Re8 19. exf6 Qxf6 $13) 19. Bxf8 Qxf8 $13) 14... Bc5 15. Qd2 d4 { PTFN: This is what I overlooked. But now I am facing two options: the first 16.exf6, the second 16.Bg5. Is there any move better? Killerman: You could try Bxd4 but this is not going to make life any better.} 16. exf6 dxe3 17. Qxd8 Rfxd8 18. fxg7 Kxg7 19. Rcd1 { PTFN:The d-file is opened and opponent's rook has already occupied it. Is 19.Ne4 better? Killerman: No Black will capture and then play Rd2. It would be better to play Rfd1 as the ending would be difficult to win.} (19. Rfd1 Rd2 $1 { with the threat of Bxa3 as the knight will be under attack the bishop cannot be taken} (19... Rxd1+ 20. Nxd1 f5 $15) 20. Rxd2 exd2 21. Rd1 Bxa3 22. bxa3 Rxc3 23. Rxd2 Rxa3 $17 { should be enough to win with same coloured bishops in the ending but would still be a good battle.}) 19... Bd4 20. Nb5 Bxb2 21. c4 Rb8 22. a4 { PTFN:Maybe 22.Nxa7 can result in a longer holdout? Killerman: Yes but the position is lostanyway} a6 23. Nd6 Bc6 24. f4 Ba3 25. c5 Bxc5 26. Nc4 Bxa4 { Killerman: So where did it go wrong? Well your opening moves went well until move 8. You had a good position but, I think did not fully appreciate your lead in development gave you the chance to take advantage of Black's error on move 8. As a result Black equalized the game after his 11th move. Look at your moves 9-11 two pawn moves and Kh1. Sometimes it will be necessary to play these moves but all are quiet and passive. I believe that by playing a little more actively you will get a better game. Not seeing the strength of moves like Bc5 happens to us all but these possibilities may have not occurred if it had been you who was the active player. Even given the above you could have had a great battle after my line 14 Qa4 or even if you had played 19 Rfd1 the ending would not have been easy for Black to prove the win. I hope you enjoyed the review. Keep playing the computer I know you can beat it. This game proves that you just need to look out for those small errors in it's play.} 0-1 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2002.11.11"] [Round "?"] [White "handsom"] [Black "tomg"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C20"] [WhiteElo "1737"] [BlackElo "1417"] [Annotator "tomg, Tobe"] [PlyCount "67"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] [TimeControl "600+30"] 1. e4 e5 { tomg: I'm much weaker with black than with white. I'm trying to find a defense for black that I like. Tobe: Hi !} 2. d3 f6 { Tobe: 2... f6 is dangerous because: it weakens the King side, it exposes the King to 3. Qh5+ g6 that would weaken it even more, it blocks a natural development square for the knight, and actually, the e5 pawn doesn't need support for the moment. Other possibility: you can do 2... Nf6 to prepare 3... d5. You needn't be afraid of 3. Bg5, which can be handled with 3... Be7.} 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. c3 b6 5. Be2 Bb7 { Tobe: b7 is a good square for your bishop. It puts pressure on e4 and prepares d7-d5.} 6. O-O Qe7 { tomg: Move queen into play, ready O-O-O if needed. Tobe: it's too early for Qe7, there is no threat on the king yet: you have time to develop your king-side bishop and knight. Other possibility: 6... d5 (as you do later).} 7. a4 Qe6 8. b4 d5 9. Qb3 { tomg: I'm very much stuck here. I can't d5xe4 because then 10. Qb3xe6+. Probably should have Nc3e2. Tobe: true: the pawn is pinned. You must protect it immediately because it is attacked twice (queen and pawn) but protected only once (queen). For example: 9... O-O-O or 9. .. Nge2 (which blocks the king bishop, though)} Bd6 10. exd5 Qe7 11. dxc6 Bxc6 12. Nbd2 Nh6 13. b5 Bb7 14. Nc4 Nf7 { tomg: Want to O-O, protecting from discovered check if N on c4 was to move. Tobe: well seen, discovered checks are deadly. I think O-O-O is safer here (because of 2... f6), even if white pawns have much advanced on the queen side.} 15. Nxd6+ cxd6 { tomg: As I did c7xd6, I wondered if it was the right move. I still wanted the N for when I O-O, but Nf7xd6 would put the knight in play. Tobe: yes, the knight can't move if you want to castle. And it should probably stay around the king to protect him. I think 15... cxd6 is okay, it reinforces your center, and you open the c column where you can put some pressure on the c3 pawn with your rook, and later with your d-pawn.} 16. c4 { tomg: I was both happy white blocked his queen, but disappointed as I wanted to d5. Tobe: d5 is a good goal, you only have to prepare it a bit. The d5 square can only be protected by the white queen and pawn (in the next few moves), wheras you can bring fresh forces with 16... Qd7, 16... Rd8. But it is wiser to castle for the moment.} O-O 17. Nh4 Qe8 { tomg: preparing to Qg6, put more pressure on g2. Tobe: White's 18. Bh5 could have been annoying: 18... g6 is too dangerous for the king, so you would have been forced to move the queen again.} 18. Nf5 Ng5 { Tobe: Ng5 is not good because it leaves the d6 pawn hanging (take care of your troops ! :) and, more important, it exposes your king to a discovered check: the White queen is hiding behind one pawn only... this kind of situation, where your king is on the same diagonal or column as an enemy figure, must be taken care of very quickly !! (for example: 18... Kh8)} 19. Nxd6 { tomg: I missed this fork. Tobe: every forks are not helpless ! Here the queen could have escaped with 19... Qd7, protecting the bishop at the same time (as you say below).} Qg6 { tomg: I was too eager to Qg6; as soon as I moved, I realized I should have Qb8 and at least traded the N for the B rather than just giving the bishop away. Tobe: yes. You have the choice here: Qb8, Qe7 or Qd7. Qb8 blocks the rook, while Qd7 and Qe7 free the last row for both rooks, so they are probablybetter. } 20. Nxb7 Ne6 { tomg: Wanted to later Ne6d4 and fork the bishop and queen, but should have been prepared for c4c5. Probably should have Ng5f7 instead. Tobe: about the planned fork: the White bishop and queen have time to move before your knight arrives on d4 ! It is a very good place for it though, because it is central, protected by a pawn, and it can't be chased by a white pawn.} 21. c5 Qf7 { tomg: I think I took a step backward here. Should probably have protected N with one of the rooks. Tobe: no, it's good to "unpin" the knight while protecting it. Your queen is not threatening anything on g6, so she can as well defend.} 22. Bf3 Rac8 { tomg: There wasn't really anything I could do to keep the rook. I was thinking Ne6d4, and not watching for fork when white does Nb7d6.} 23. c6 { Tobe: thanks to the discovered check, White succeded in creating a dangerous passed pawn. When you are attacked like this, it is often a good idea to exchange pieces. Here: 23... Nd4 would have proposed a queen exchange. If White forks with 24. Nd6, you can exchange queens, then move the rook. If White moves his queen, yours is unpinned so you can move it, for example 24... Qe7, avoiding the fork.} Kh8 24. Nd6 Qg6 25. Nxc8 Nf4 { tomg: I can't remember what I was thinking here--definitely not the best move.} 26. Bxf4 exf4 27. Ne7 Qe8 28. Rfe1 { Tobe: here your queen must not stay under the fire of a potential discovered check. For example, 28... Qd8 to prevent 29. c7.} g5 29. c7 { tomg: I wasn't watching for this as well as I should have. It's comes back to bite me. Tobe: yes, the knight controls the promotion square, everything is set up ...} Qd7 30. Rac1 g4 31. Bxg4 Qxg4 32. c8=Q Rxc8 33. Rxc8+ Kg7 { tomg: I didn't want to trade my queen for a rook. I still had a vain hope I could get a couple more moves in and push f4f3 after moving my king to safety.} 34. Qg8+ { tomg: It was over a long time ago. There were a couple places I wasn't sure how to advance, and other times when I allowed my opponent to take advantage of his good position. Tobe: there are simple things you can do to quickly improve. o direct mistakes: before even thinking of what move you'll play, ask yourself if each of your pieces and pawns are protected (at least as many times as they are attacked) o also ask yourself if your king or queen is exposed to a discovered check (actually, any piece can be subject to a discovered attack !) o speed: before moving a piece, ask yourself if your opponent can immediately make you move it back. If yes, you shouldn't do that move (generally), because the only effect is that it will make you lose two tempi. o last but not least: on FICS, observe some LectureBot's conferences (finger LectureBot), you should enjoy and learn a lot. Moreover there are some that talk about the openings, where you can find a defense you like for Black. And there are the three principles of the opening to have in mind: 1. have at least a pawn in the center 2. quickly develop the knights and bishops 3. quickly castle. Hope this helps :) Black resigns} 1-0 [Event "Online game"] [Site "FICS"] [Date "2002.03.08"] [Round "?"] [White "Goblinov"] [Black "Unknown"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A01"] [Annotator "Goblinov, tomaro"] [PlyCount "51"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { Place:FICS White:Goblinov (1820) FICS rating Black:Unknown(can't remember) standart game 15+15. Hi I'm intrested know where i have better moves and where black plays badly and also if you have something to tell about this system i'm only ears.} 1. b3 { This is so called NIMZO-LARSEN ATTACK. All what i have to say this opening is a) White has "no" advantage in the Nimzo-Larsen b) Anyone who likes to win their games in the opening should play other systems.} e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 d5 4. Bb5 Bd6 5. f4 { Goblinov:if black plays exf4 then of course Bxg7.} Qe7 { Goblinov:Almost always is played 7. - Qh4+ 8.g3 Qe7 etc.} 6. Nf3 { Goblinov:Increasing pressure on e5.Black is perfectly OK after 7.fxe5 Bxe5.} f6 { Goblinov: 6. - Bg4 is slighly safer (you will see later).} 7. Bxc6+ bxc6 8. fxe5 Bxe5 $2 { Goblinov:I think that this is situation where black begins to lose. Better is : 8. - fxe5 9.Nxe5 Nf6 10.Nxc6 Qe4 gives black little counter-attack but i'm not so sure how bad. Is there something for a black ? tomaro: black can do much better!} (8... fxe5 9. Nxe5 (9. O-O Nf6) 9... Qh4+ $1 10. g3 Qh3 { I found 12 games with this position (with results: 1 wins white, 2 draws and 9 wins! black) and it seems that white can choose between Qf3 and Qe2 ( if knight moves then Bxg3) here are two lines that show some ideas:} 11. Qf3 Nf6 12. Nxc6 { I think white shouldn't take this pawn,maybe white can try Qf1} Ne4 13. Qf1 Bxg3+ 14. hxg3 Qxg3+ 15. Kd1 Rf8 16. Qe1 Nf2+ 17. Kc1 Nxh1 18. Qxh1 Qh2 (18... Bh3 19. Be5) 19. Qe1 Qg2 20. Bxg7 Rf1 21. Qxf1 Qxf1+ 22. Kb2 { and black wins}) (8... fxe5 9. Nxe5 Qh4+ 10. g3 Qh3 11. Qe2 Nf6 12. Na3 O-O 13. Qf1 (13. O-O-O Bxe5 14. Bxe5 Bg4) 13... Qh5 14. Nd3 Bh3 15. Nf4 Bxf4 16. Qxf4 Ne4 17. Qxc7 Rf7 { and black wins again} 18. Qxc6 Raf8) 9. Nxe5 fxe5 10. Qh5+ Kd8 11. Qxe5 Nf6 12. O-O Ba6 $2 { Goblinov:Now i start to finish this game. tomaro:black should have exchanged queens entering an heavy game ending instead of Ba6.} (12... Qxe5 13. Bxe5 Rf8 14. Nc3 Ba6 15. Bxf6+ gxf6 16. Rf4 Ke7 { anyway white should win but with much more problems ,for example} 17. Na4 Kd6 18. d4 Rae8 19. Nc5 Bc8 20. e4 dxe4 { (black can not leave this pawn because afther Raf1 white can push in e5)} 21. Nxe4+ Ke7 22. Nc5) 13. Rxf6 gxf6 14. Qxf6 Rf8 15. Qxe7+ { Goblinov:Not Qxc6 because Rf1X} Kxe7 16. Ba3+ Ke6 17. Bxf8 Rxf8 18. d3 c5 19. Nd2 h6 { tomaro: this looks like waste of time,black should try to exchange his weak pawns} (19... c4 20. bxc4 dxc4 21. d4 c3 22. Nb3 Kd5 { trying to complicate game}) 20. Rf1 Rg8 { Goblinov: "Thanks for F-line" tomaro: black has very little choice at least he can hope in some counterplay with rocks on board} 21. Rf4 Bb7 22. h4 { tomaro: this move doesn't look so good,, you should have pushed g-pawn or first play Rf2,now you give black possibility to block two white pawns with one black pawn.White is still winning but he complicates his life for nothing.} (22. g4 h5 23. h3 hxg4 24. Rxg4 Rf8 25. h4) 22... h5 23. Kf2 Rg4 $2 { Goblinov:He is history. tomaro: this moves gives no resistance!Anyway game for black is lost} (23... Bc6 24. Nf3 Rg6 25. Ng5+ Ke7 { and black can resist for little time} 26. Rf7+ Kd6 27. Rh7 Rf6+ 28. Ke2 Be8) 24. Rxg4 hxg4 25. Kg3 Kf5 26. e4+ 1-0 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2002.11.02"] [Round "?"] [White "PTFN"] [Black "Tomarov"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A90"] [WhiteElo "1902"] [BlackElo "1714"] [Annotator "PTFN, Aneneas"] [PlyCount "131"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. c4 f5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. d4 e6 4. g3 { PTFN: Can I play 4.Bg5 here? Aeneas: of course this natural move is possible. It has been played quite often, by players of the highest level, such as Spassky, Bronstein, Bogoljubow,...} d5 5. e3 $2 { PTFN: More logical maybe 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg2 Aeneas: The simple 5. Bg2 is the best here, as Black cannot win the c4 pawn: 5.Bg2 dxc4;6. Qa4+. 5. e3 weakens the light squares and closes the diagonal of the poor Bc1. After this move, you will have problems to finish your developpement and put your Bishop where he has to go: on g2!} c6 6. Nge2 { PTFN: seeing the e6 pawn weakened I planned to put my knight on f4.} Bd6 7. Nf4 O-O 8. c5 $2 { Aeneas: a very bad move. By releasing the tension in the centre you give Black the initiative: now Black has an easy play: he can prepare e6-e5 or a pawn storm by g7-g5.} Bc7 9. h4 { PTFN: I made this meaningless move since I didn't know how to develop my pieces in this situation.Aeneas: it is no so meaningless. Black now cannot push when they want g7-g5.} ({ Aeneas:} 9. Bg2 e5 10. dxe5 Bxe5 11. O-O { is probably better.}) 9... Qe8 10. Nce2 { PTFN: This knight aimed at e5} Nbd7 11. Ng1 Ne4 12. Nf3 { PTFN: I neglected my opponent's next move. Better is 12.Bd2 or 12.b4.} Ba5+ 13. Bd2 Nxd2 14. Nxd2 e5 $1 { PTFN:Shocker! I never noticed this pawn's advancement! I would only waiting for my position ruins if it were a club player who play against me. Aeneas: It's a very good move, which is possible because of your 8th move. Black has a better developpement now and open the position: your King is stuck en centre...} 15. Ne2 ({ Aeneas: if} 15. dxe5 Nxc5 { and the e5 pawn will be soon lost.}) 15... exd4 16. Nxd4 ({ Aeneas: trying to keep the material is no better:} 16. exd4 f4 $1 { and lines are opening on the white King's position.}) 16... Nxc5 17. Rc1 ({ Aeneas: It was better to try to finish the developpement by} 17. Be2 Ne4 18. N4b3 Bb6 19. O-O { even if Black has still a winning position.}) 17... Bxd2+ $6 { PTFN: Why did black play this? Isn't, for instance, 17. ...Ne4 better? Black released the pinning on a5-e1 diagonal ofhimself! Aeneas: You're right! I've written here some interesting (and sometimes beautiful) variations.} (17... Ne4 18. N4b3 (18. N4f3 f4 $1 { a key move with such a pawn structure;it threatens 19...Bg4 which will be deadly. White has no more defence:} 19. gxf4 (19. Bh3 fxe3 20. fxe3 Nxd2 21. Nxd2 Qxe3+ 22. Qe2 Bxd2+ $18) 19... Bg4 20. Rc2 Nxd2 21. Rxd2 Rxf4 $19) 18... f4 $1 19. gxf4 (19. Nxa5 $2 Nxf2 20. Qe2 (20. Kxf2 $2 Qxe3+ 21. Kg2 Qxg3#) 20... fxg3 21. Rg1 Bg4 $19) 19... Rxf4 (19... Nxd2 20. Nxa5 Qe4 21. Bg2 Qxg2 22. Kxd2 d4 $1 $19 { opening the position and undermining the pawn chain.})) 18. Qxd2 Ne4 19. Qb4 $6 { PTFN: I was determined if 19. ...c5 then 20. Rxc5 Nxc5 21.Qxc5 maybe I can find some opportunity.} ({ The natural} 19. Qc2 { is better than the game's move: } Bd7 20. Bg2 b6 21. O-O { Black is of course a pawn up, but White can continue playing.}) 19... Rf7 $6 ({ Aeneas:} 19... c5 $1 20. Rxc5 Nxc5 21. Qxc5 Qe4 22. Rg1 Qb1+ 23. Ke2 (23. Kd2 Qxb2+ 24. Qc2 Qxc2+ 25. Kxc2 b6 { is an ending easy to win for Black.}) 23... Qxb2+ 24. Kf3 Qxa2 { and the white opportunities are very small for White...}) 20. Nb3 Bd7 { PTFN: I was surprised of this move at first glance. Was black tempting me to play 21.Qxb7 and then trapping my queen? But I found nothing he could do, so I played:} 21. Qxb7 Qc8 $2 ({ Aeneas: A very bad move, which throw away any advantage.} 21... Nxg3 { was very tempting here, trying to exploit the bad position of the white Queen:} 22. fxg3 Qxe3+ 23. Kd1 Re8 24. Nd2 { (Black was threatening f4, Bg4+, Bf5+ followed by Qe1 mate)} f4 (24... Qxg3 { is very interesting too}) 25. Qb3 { The point of 28.Nd2: the white Queen is back in defence.} Bg4+ 26. Kc2 Bf5+ 27. Bd3 Rb7 28. Bxf5 (28. Qc3 { is same than 28.Qa3.}) (28. Qa3 Bxd3+ 29. Qxd3 Rxb2+ $1) 28... Rxb3 29. axb3 fxg3 { with a totally wild position, probably for Black. }) 22. Ba6 $2 ({ Aeneas: White wants too much of the position. It was better to exchange the Queens:} 22. Qxc8+ Rxc8 23. Ba6 Rb8 24. O-O { with an equal position.}) 22... Qxb7 $2 { Aeneas: giving up a pawn.} ({ Aeneas:Keeping the Queens on the board gives good chances to Black. Forexample: } 22... Qf8 $1 23. O-O Rb8 24. Qc7 c5 25. Qa5 (25. Nxc5 Bb5 $1) 25... c4 26. Nd4 Qd6 { and Black is very actively placed.}) 23. Bxb7 Rb8 24. Bxc6 Bxc6 25. Rxc6 Rfb7 26. Ke2 a5 27. Ra6 Rb5 28. Rd1 $2 { Aeneas: Why not take the opened file with 28.Rc1 ?} Nc5 29. Nxc5 Rxc5 30. b3 Rc2+ 31. Kf3 ({ Aeneas:} 31. Rd2 { seems more natural here. Black has to leave the 2th rank, as exchanging on d2 gives gim a lost Rook's ending.}) 31... Rxa2 32. Rxd5 Rxb3 33. Rd7 $2 { PTFN: I was too doctrinairized by the chess books which suggests "pair of rooks on the 7th rank" and didn't play 33.Rxf5 which guarantees a easy win. Aeneas: The doctrine of the book is good here... : ) You missed an intermediate check, which changes everything. Let's look at it.} (33. Rd8+ Kf7 34. Rd7+ Ke8 (34... Kf8 $4 35. Ra8+) 35. Rxg7 Kf8 (35... Rd2 36. Rxh7) 36. Rxh7 { and it's an easy win for White.}) 33... h6 34. Raa7 Rbb2 35. Rxg7+ Kh8 36. Kf4 Rxf2+ 37. Ke5 Rac2 38. Rgd7 { PTFN: Maybe I should play 38.Rh7+ Kg8 39.Rxh6 now.} ({ Aeneas:} 38. Rh7+ Kg8 39. Rxh6 { is good indeed. This position is very similar to the position attained after your 43th move. But there is difference: The black Rook in more passive here on f2 than on d2.} Rc5+ 40. Kd4 Rfc2 41. Rd6 $1 { Threatening mate.} R2c4+ 42. Kd3 Rc3+ 43. Ke2 Rc8 44. Rxa5 $18) 38... Rc5+ 39. Kf6 Rc6+ 40. Ke5 Rc5+ 41. Kd4 Rc8 42. Rh7+ Kg8 43. Rxh6 Rd2+ $1 { Aeneas: Black begins several forced moves which lead to a draw. They play very precisely.} 44. Ke5 Rc5+ 45. Kf4 ( 45. Kf6 $2 Rd6+ 46. Kg5 f4+ 47. Kxf4 Rxh6 { and Black wins.}) 45... Rf2+ 46. Kg5 f4+ $1 47. Kg4 fxe3 { Aeneas: Now I think that this ending is a draw. Black has activated his rooks and it should be enough to hold the draw.} 48. Re6 e2 49. Re8+ Rf8 50. Rxe2 Rf7 51. Ra8+ Rf8 52. Rxf8+ Kxf8 53. Ra2 Kg7 { PTFN: Is this a winning or a drawish position? I am lack of endgame knowledge. Aeneas: I think it's a draw here. I don't see how White can activate his King without losing one of his pawns.} 54. Ra4 Rb5 55. Kh3 Kg6 { PTFN: I was urgy to advance my pawns!} 56. g4 $2 { Aeneas: after this move, White has no more win. It's absolutely sure here. You could have waited a while, playing your King in centre and see what your opponent plays. A good lesson here: always think carefully before a pawn's advance: pawns cannot go back.} Rb3+ 57. Kg2 Rb4 $1 { Aeneas: An excellent move which ends the game in a dead draw.} 58. Rxa5 Rxg4+ { Aeneas: now it is a theoritical draw.} 59. Kh3 Rg1 60. h5+ Kh6 61. Kh4 Rh1+ 62. Kg4 Rg1+ 63. Kh4 Rh1+ 64. Kg4 Rg1+ 65. Kh4 Rh1+ 66. Kg4 { Game drawn by repetition. Aeneas: Some observations about this game: 1. When you play g2-g3 in the opening you should be able to play then Bg2. 2. Never forget your developpement: here your King has been stuck in the centre and Black could have exploited this. 3. The move 8.c5 allows Black to push e5 with an excellent game for him. Be careful when you release the tension in the centre. 4. Taking a pawn on b7 with a Queen is often dangerous: you win material, but your Queen is far away from defence and from the centre.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "ICEG Match"] [Site "?"] [Date "2002.08.31"] [Round "1"] [White "Andii"] [Black "Cox, Barry"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B93"] [Annotator "Andii, msh"] [PlyCount "60"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. d4 { A: A postal game I played through the ICEG. I played this variation with the intention of learning about the Leningrad variation of the Nimzo- Indian. My intention was to learn about the structures and play encountered in this variation. I used a database, analysis and book knowledge to bring me through the opening.} Nf6 2. c4 e6 ({ MH:} 2... c5 { is one of the more interesting attempts to clarify the pawn structure early-on. }) 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bg5 { MH: This is a little unusual these days. Generally the attempt to counter an early Bc1-g5 involves chasing it off the c1-g5 diagonal and then attacking on the queen-side.} h6 5. Bh4 c5 6. d5 { A: Pushing here certainly locks up the center and provides black with his dark-square blockade. This limits the power of white's bishops and, after Bxc3, limits white's plans. White can either hope to castle k-side and use the b-file to infiltrate black's camp with the assistance of the a-pawn as a lever. Black, one the other hand, will try to slow any play on the Q-side with b6 and a5. The b6 pawn is a weakness that can be adequately defended with a Nd7. MH: This move may reflect a little too much optimism. I'd think 6. e3 to enable Ng1-e2 should be considered. The Black offense against Nc3 is somewhat like that of a Cambridge Springs Variation. Even an immediate 6. a3 could be used to hinder Black's "natural" offensive plan. Also, don't get too far ahead of yourself. Just make sure the choice you're making now is good. The other technical elements will be taken care of later.} Bxc3+ { MH: More often one sees something like 6...g5 7. Bg3 Ne4 and ...Qa5.} 7. bxc3 d6 { MH: This is consistent; placing pawns on dark squares to replace the "missing" dark-square bishop. White's pin on Nf6 should be maintained and Black should only be able to get out from under that pressure by weakening his position with pawn moves. Earlier when Black had some piece activity in exchange for the pawn moves it made sense. Now it would just be a worsening of his position.} 8. Nf3 e5 9. Nd2 Nbd7 { MH: White's only weakness is the exposed Bh4, so more "normal" development is called for. White will play to uncover Bf1 and to have at least one way to open lines for other pieces. Probably control of e4 to fix Pe5 and then f2-f4xe5 to open the f-file, where incidentally White already has some pressure on Nf6.} 10. e3 { A: e3 is played here for a couple of reasons. It supports the f4 pawn lever and also gives the light-squared bishop some extra scope. The e4 square is also open to occupation by white's knight. I would like to be able to open up the position to give my bishops some extra scope but I find it a difficult task to perform. MH: If it's the correct thing to do then you make the moves and do it. It's not hard to move the pieces around, only to do it in the right order. Once you know the task the move-order becomes easier to discover. Sometimes the better moves just jump out at you and grab your attention, even if you hadn't thought of them earlier.} Qe7 11. Bd3 g5 { MH: attempting to prevent f2-f4, but weakening the king-side. Black isn't likely to castle king-side now, so White should think carefully about where Ke1 belongs. But, first things first, Bh4-g3.} 12. Bg3 Kd8 { A: Black makes his intentions known by Kd8. I am afraid of o-o as Black would be able to unload with the eventual idea of h4-h3. I am thinking that my safest place for my king is on the queenside though it limits my play to the king side and f4. I feel that this position suits black and his hopping knights. Perhaps a good idea for white is h3, Bh2, g4, and f4. MH: It seems odd for Black to committ to ...Kd8 when he might have moved a couple of pieces and played ...O-O-O, bringing Ra8 toward the king-side, where it could meet White's offense head-on.} 13. Qc2 (13. h3 { ensures that White preserves the dark-square bishop which would make it easier to challenge Black's heavily dark-square set-up}) 13... Kc7 14. O-O-O Nh5 { A: Here if Black plays Nxg3, I will probably play fg, a bit of an antipositional move, and hope to take advantage of the half-open f-file. My knight would be great on f5 but it is quite a ways from the square. Black is going to continue with his development and keep improving his position. MH: Still, ...Nh5 was probably a very good move. To leave Bg3 on the board is risky. As to the original plan of f2-f4 to open the f-file, that hasn't changed and Black's king maneuvering hasn't stopped White.} 15. Kb1 { MH: Why stray from the plan? Do you intend Ka1, Rb1? How does Kb1 fit with the king-side plan?} ({ MH:} 15. Rdf1 { or 15. Rde1 and 16. Rhf1, 17. f4}) 15... Nb6 16. h3 { A: Here I started on idea of h3, Bh2, g4, and then h4 but I got waylaid. I am not sure why I didn't proceed with this plan but it appears to have gotten lost in the shuffle. MH: Here's a critical thing about your handling of this game. Focus on this one point and you'll learn a lot. Go back to the position and recall your thoughts about the different things Black had done, how you responded to them and how that affected your selection of moves. "Waylaid" probably isn't the right word; I'd think "distracted" is more appropriate. Find out how you could've stayed on target and how that would've saved you moves and made the plan more effective.} Ng7 { A: Now, if Bh2 Black responds with h5, making it difficult to play the g4 push. Still the bishop is better placed on h2 as it is out of striking distace from the eventual f4 break. As it turns out, this profilactic move would have been very helpful later. I suppose my big problem is how to develop a good plan for white in this line. The only suitable break seems to be on f4 but black seems to have a much freer game. MH: After ...Ng7 Black is prepared for ...f7-f5-f4, so it's imperative for White to get in f2-f4. In fact 17. f4 seems pretty good because Bg3 isn't in danger any more. I don't know how you think Black has a freer game, nor does it matter. White has to play with the one plan which makes sense.} 17. f4 f6 { A: Solidifies black's position. I would like to capture the file with my rooks. MH: Yes that's correct!} 18. Rdf1 Bd7 19. Rf2 Rhf8 20. Rhf1 h5 { A: Here, I made a fairly obivious error. I would like to open the file and use the power of my rooks. I would also like to occupy the e4 square with my knight but I don't want to block off white's control of f5 by the bishop-queen combo. In hindsight, I should have played 21. fg fg 22. Bg6 with the eventual idea of Ne4. The big problem is that the bishop is somewhat misplaced here and open to attack. Here, I am really unsure of a sound idea for white. MH: First plan goals established. Next, White needs to decide how to use the piece activity that's been established. I think 20...h5 weakened Pg5 and that might be something to exploit with Nd2-e4. Another thing to consider is tripling up on the f-file, though that seems less easy considering the cramped board. The weak g6 square might give White a chance to take the seventh rank and that would be terrific, so Bg6 is a candidate. It would also prevent Black from doubling rooks on the f-file. With Nb6 keeping an eye on Pc4 it is probably best to leave Nd2 to defend that and activate Qc2 & Bd3 more fully. That makes Bg6 look better. One other thing to consider is that Black might try to keep the f-file closed, so fxg5 might immediately be good. In light of ...Bd7-a4 chasing Qc2 off the b1-h7 diagonal, it might be prudent to play Bg6 first and see how Black reacts. Is it safe? Oh, there's fxe5 with the threat of exd6+. That might make ...Ba4 irrelevant. And, if Black wants to play ...dxe5 with the idea of ...f6-f5 then e3-e4 would secure the half-open f-file stays that way. So, 21. fxe5 looks best.} 21. Bg6 { A: Blunder MH: Your Blunder-Checker must be broken. Have you heard of the Blumenfeld Rule? It is that once you've established the move you want to play you should write it down and then go back to the position and look at it through the eyes of a child or patzer. Ask yourself, "Does it lose a piece or something else horrible?" Ask yourself, "What is my opponent's response?" If you can see nothing terrible then you go ahead with your plan and move.} exf4 22. exf4 f5 { A: Now, my last chance to try and save the piece. Nf3 with the idea of Bh7 and Ng5. Black has a pretty good game but white can try and shift over to the e-file and attempt to play around the e6 square. This square looks very enticing for the white knight. MH: In your Ng5 plan Black would probably round up Bh7 and Ng5 in exchange for a rook, and Pc4 would need a new defender -/+. There's also 23. Qc2-d1 g4 24. hxg4 hxg4 25. Rh1, but then ALL of White's pieces end up blocked and Bg6 is still lost.} 23. fxg5 Qxg5 24. Bxd6+ { A: Here I just went for a pretty bad looking combination. I was hoping that black's semi-exposed king might become a factor if I was able to give up a couple pieces for the black Queen. MH: That's a very creative attempt at a solution. It's great that you have a large dose of that. It can come in handy in many situations. Of course, it's better to avoid those problems in the first place.} Kxd6 25. Rxf5 { A: I saw having the back row weakness glaring at me so I decided to eliminate it.} Bxf5 26. Rxf5 Qxg6 27. Ne4+ { A: I believe that white is lost here.} Ke7 { MH: This is a very curious choice. It just seems natural to run the king away from enemy pieces. So, 27... Kc7 28. d6+. Oh I see Rxc5+ keeps at the king. That means he had no choice but to go straight back. Alright, White probably doesn't have anything.} 28. d6+ Ke8 29. d7+ Nxd7 30. Rg5 Qb6+ { A: I realize that I made several really poor moves during the later half of this game. If you could point out some other ideas for this variations or any other comments on my thinking, I would appreciate it. MH: I don't know how much of the opening was played with the assistance of books or other tools. But, it seemed to me you latched on the right plan, but you hesitated about following through because the appearance of the positions weren't immediately favorable to White. That probably comes from lack of experience with the opening, but could also be a common failing of yours. I don't know, but you do. Don't worry about appearances, just the effect of moves. You need to have your plan defined clearly, precisely and let that help you find your candidate move. Then you need to do a Blunder-Check on your move to avoid problems. Practice on defining your plan more clearly, while avoiding the appearance of things. And, practice your Blunder-Checking. You'll do well.} 0-1 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2002.11.26"] [Round "?"] [White "PTFN"] [Black "DreamingOne"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B33"] [WhiteElo "1886"] [BlackElo "1907"] [Annotator "PTFN, Killerman"] [PlyCount "54"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { PTFN:Hello! This is an FICS standard game I played against a player whose rating is not dramatically higher than me but whose strength seems far over me. The problem is I'm in lack of so-called "position sense". At last I lost the game.} 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Nd5 { PTFN: Is there any other move for white to select? Killerman: I prefer lines with Bg5 here, but there is a lot of theory to the position and your play would need to be accurate. I give below a couple of possible continuations. I would suggest that you obtain a good book on the Sicilian as it is an opening that crops up quite a lot and it is good to have a few lines in the memory banks against each of the Black set ups. Your choice is fine though.} ({ Killerman:} 7. Bg5 a6 8. Na3 b5 9. Bxf6 (9. Nd5 Be7 10. Bxf6 Bxf6 11. c3 O-O 12. Nc2 $11) 9... gxf6 10. Nd5 f5 11. Bd3 Be6 12. O-O Bxd5 13. exd5 Ne7 14. c3 Bg7 $11) 7... Nxd5 8. exd5 { PTFN: An ordinary variation of Sicilian Defence} Nb8 { PTFN: I was surprised by this strange move. Often black play 8. ...Ne7 here. But I didn't know what to do on the next step. Killerman: Black's move is fine. He figures if you have wasted time in getting your knight to b5 then he has time to reroute the knight.} 9. Be3 { PTFN: I decided to go on developing. After the game I thought about this position, black's d6 pawn is somehow weak, maybe I should play Nb5-a3-c4 to set up pressure on it. At the moment I just didn't have a clear plan. Killerman: Be3 is OK, but c4 might be more in keeping with the position. You will hold the d5 pawn and if a6 the knight can jump back to c3. I think that your knight moves would not work because Black is quite likely to set up a6 and b5 and kick your knight out of c4. In addition I can't see how you would get enough pieces to pressure the d6 square. I think that is why I would prefer the more natural c4 which fits better with your development planning. There will be natural squares for the pieces to go to and Black will have a slightly more cramped position but will still aim to play f5.} Be7 10. c4 { PTFN: Since black would play a6 to drive my knight away soon, In advance I put my c pawn ahead to the c3 square where is the room for knight. Killerman: Quite correct.} a6 11. Nc3 O-O 12. Be2 Nd7 13. O-O f5 { Killerman: So far we have been following a well trodden path of theory. Black is setting up the natural pawn centre and will be looking to attack on the kingside with pieces behind his pawns. If that is the case you are more likely to get success by attacking on the queenside. What you can't do is open up the kingside because Black's pieces will flood over there.} 14. f4 $4 { PTFN: Otherw ise 14. ...f4 will follow. Killerman: This I think is the start of the problems you have. It is very necessary to play f3 here before starting on a queenside attack. You can't afford to open up the kingside as you pieces are actually pointing more towards the queenside. The move f3 will slow down the attack from Black. Your move f4 actually weakens weakens your whole centre position. If you allowed Black to play f4 himself then Bc1 would be OK as Black has very kindly given over the e4 square for your pieces. I also think that Black might actually be able to take on f4 now as you cannot safetly re-capture. See the following lines.} (14. f3 { Killerman: There are other games in this line this is just one of them where white gets a queenside attack going.} g5 15. b4 e4 16. fxe4 f4 17. Bd4 Bf6 18. c5 Bxd4+ 19. Qxd4 Ne5 20. cxd6 Qf6 21. Kh1 Bd7 22. b5 { Kagan-Gutman, Netanya 1983}) 14... Bf6 $5 { Killerman: If I were Black here I would also be tempted to play e4, but exf4 is best as the pawn cannot be re-captured..} ({ Killerman:} 14... exf4 15. Bxf4 (15. Rxf4 $4 Bg5 16. Rf3 Bxe3+ 17. Rxe3 Qb6 18. Qd3 f4 $19) (15. Bf2 g5 $15) 15... Qb6+ 16. Kh1 Qxb2 $15) 15. Rc1 { PTFN: I was not sure of the security on the dark long diagonal. Killerman: A fair point. I would also have considered capturing on e5.} exf4 16. Bxf4 Ne5 { Killerman: Qb6+ is not so effective as the b-pawn cannot be taken without Black securing d6.} 17. Qd2 { PTFN: My c3 knight is out of use now; I planned Nc3-d1-e3 to improve its position somehow. Killerman: A very good idea. My only criticism is that if you should be playing on the queenside you are likely to need it on c3, but it won't be too far away on e3 I guess, it just takes time and I don't know if you can afford that time as Black is starting his attack now. I think from your comments it is clear that you had not considered attacking on the queenside. This is actually quite natural as usually we want to be attacking the king. However you do have a queenside pawn majority which you can use. i.e. b4 followed by c5 which will create threats which Black will need to answer.} Bd7 18. Nd1 Rc8 19. b3 { Killerman: b4 is better threatning c5} g5 { PTFN: I felt it very hard to respond. Killerman: Be3 is best, but you are right Black's attack happens quickly.} 20. Bxe5 ({ Killerman:} 20. Be3 f4 21. Bd4 $11 { but Black still has the initiative}) 20... Bxe5 21. Bd3 Rf7 { PTFN: Now I can do nothing but waiting for the end of game. Killerman: Well I would not be quite that defeatist but your pieces are not very well placed that's true. See how your knight has yet to jump out to it's originally intended square. You have no control of the 4th rank. This has all happened because you did not play actively on the queenside.} 22. Bb1 ({ Killerman:} 22. Nc3 { is probably the best try giving up the exchange to open the g-file.} Qb6+ 23. Kh1 Bf4 24. Rxf4 gxf4 $15 { but even this is probably lost.}) 22... f4 $6 { Killerman: This gives you a small chance} ({ Killerman:} 22... Qb6+ $1 23. Kh1 Bf4 24. Rxf4 gxf4 25. Qxf4 $15) 23. Nf2 g4 24. Nd3 $4 { PTFN: A small error which accelerates failure to come to me. Killerman: Actually the losing move. It's just a disaster now. After Ne4 you can continue the fight.} ({ Killerman:} 24. Ne4 { all lines still favour Black but the battle continues.} f3 25. Qf2 Qf8 (25... b5 26. Bd3 Qe7) (25... Qe7 26. Rce1 b5 27. Bd3 Rcf8) 26. Qh4 Qg7 27. Kh1 $15) 24... Bd4+ 25. Kh1 Be3 26. Qc3 Qh4 27. Rce1 g3 { White resign s Killerman: So where did it go wrong. Well quite simply you did not get started with the correct plan and ran out of ideas very early. Your position became very passive and whilst Black may well be a similar grade he had a very natural attack. Yours was not so obvious but was necessary as Black's attack was always going to come quickly once he had established his centre and you had played f4. As I pointed out earlier it is natural to look to hunt the king down but often we can't do that directly, so we must play on the side of the board we are stronger, this will help to distract our opponent away from their plan and their king. We can also just as easily win material which may become vital in an endgame. If your opponent had castled queenside then I am sure you would have thrust your pawns at him. So give it a try in another game. Good luck with your chess in the future and many thanks for allowing me to review your game I hope my comments help.} 0-1 [Event "gameknot.com"] [Site "gameknot.com"] [Date "2002.11.13"] [Round "?"] [White "goudysans"] [Black "brulla"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B07"] [Annotator "bscastro/brulla"] [PlyCount "43"] [EventDate "2002.11.13"] { bscastro:"Greetings!"} 1. e4 d6 { brulla: "I like the Pirc well: together with the King's Indian it makes up uite a complete defense system."} 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Bg5 Bg7 (4... c6 5. Qd2 b5 { bscastro:"Here, Black ignores the bishop for a few moves and starts his queenside development. This is where he will develop his counterattack."} 6. Bd3 h6 7. Be3 Ng4 8. Bf4 e5 9. dxe5 dxe5 10. Bg3 h5 11. Nf3 h4 12. Bxe5 Nxe5 13. Nxe5 Qf6 14. f4 Bh6 15. Ne2 Qxe5 16. fxe5 Bxd2+ 17. Kxd2 Nd7 18. e6 fxe6 19. Nd4 Ne5 20. Nf3 Nxf3+ 21. gxf3 e5 22. a4 { Nunn's Chess Opening gives the following lines from a similar opening. NCO says this position is equal. As you can see from this line, it is quite sharp and both sides must be ready for tactics.}) 5. Qd2 { brulla: "In this game I was the first time confronted with this constallation attack my point h6, so maybe I did not react correctly. But on the other hand, this system is quite often played." bscastro: "Yes, this is a common set-up against the Pirc. Similar to one I use against it."} h6 { bscastro: "This move is okay, but at the moment the bishop is not pinning anything. pushing h6 potentially weakens the kingside pawns. This is not a bad move, but perhaps you should have continued with your development."} 6. Bf4 { bscastro:"Notice the difference between this move and the move played in your game. It will transpose later to a the same position as in the master game, but here I don't know that ...g5 is necessary. The White bishop doesn't eye the d8-h4 diagonal anymore."} (6. Bh4 g5 7. Bg3 Nh5 8. O-O-O Nd7 9. Nge2 e6 10. h4 a6 11. Bh2 gxh4 12. e5 Nb6 13. Nf4 Nxf4 14. Bxf4 $14 { I found this line in NCO which has very similar ideas to you game. NCO gives White a slight edge in this line. This is from Leko-Svidler, Groningen 1996.}) 6... g5 { bscastro: "This move weakens your kingside pawns. Since the bishop no longer has the potential in on the knight, it is not necessary either. I see that h6 is attacked if you castle, so maybe this is why you played it. Perhaps h6 should not have been played earlier. See my notes on that move."} 7. Bg3 Nh5 { bscastro: "You have used three tempi--h6, g5, and now Nh5--to threaten the bishop without capturing it. If you play a move like ...Nh5, which puts the knight in a bad position, you should be have decided beforehand that you were going to capture it. Of course, it is not a huge mistake, and your position is still solid, but you should consider these issues in your opening, as you still have many pieces to develop."} 8. O-O-O Nd7 9. Nge2 { bscastro: "So here, this is still a theoretical position."} c5 10. dxc5 Nxc5 11. h4 g4 12. Bh2 Qb6 ({ brulla: "Here my position gets quite pressed. I wonder if this pawn sacrifice would have brought relief."} 12... g3 { bscastro:" The problem here is that this line is not forced. White does not have to take back with the bishop. When analyzing, consider all of your opponent's captures in a line."} 13. Bxg3 ({ bscastro: "For example, consider that White could recapture with the knight and end up a pawn ahead for little compensation."} 13. Nxg3 Nxg3 14. Bxg3 $16) 13... Nxg3 14. fxg3 Bg4 15. Re1 Qb6 { bscastro: "Whe n you sacrifice material, calculate the forcing lines first (because they are forcing). In this case, you saw an idea which might relieve your pieces and give you some activity, but you need to look for your opponent's best moves."}) (12... Bd7 { bscastro:"The text move is not bad as it creates threats. You can also thinking of developing the bishop. From here, threats of Bb5+ or even Nb5 are prevented as well as thinking about developing the rook to c8 to start using the half-open c-file. You mention feeling pressed by White, but right now your position is somewhat solid. I think you can even think about castling kingside."} 13. Nd4) 13. Nd4 Ne6 { brulla: "I tated to take the knight with my bishop as the queen looks into my 'could have been'-castle...this also seems to be a big point here: Idare not castle, in the end my king was stuck in the middle." bscastro: "Again we see the ramifications of ...h6 and ...g5. White has gained a lead in development."} ( 13... Bd7 { bscastro:"Although some of your pieces are somewhat misplaced, I think you should try to catch up in development. The text seems to be a one-move threat of capturing the knight."} 14. Bc4 Na4 15. Nxa4 Bxa4 $11 { bscastro: "This is an example of what can happen if White continues with regular development. You can get your pieces in more active positions."}) 14. Nf5 Nc7 (14... Bf6 { bscastro: "Here I think you need to preserve this bishop. It offers some threats to White's king and it also protects your kingside. White has an advantage here in development and space in the center."} 15. Bb5+ Kf8 { bscastro:"This move is necessary, otherwise, Black loses much material. Here White has a slight edge I think due to his more active pieces, but at least here you still are in the game."} (15... Bd7 16. Bxd7+ Kxd7 17. e5 { White capitalizes on his lead on development and wins a piece at the veryleast. } Bxe5 18. Bxe5 Rh7 19. Nxe7 Kxe7 (19... Ke8 20. Bxd6 $18) 20. Nd5+ { and White wins the queen.})) 15. Nxg7+ Nxg7 16. e5 Bf5 17. exd6 { brulla: "The support this pawn gets is really amazing."} Rd8 (17... O-O-O { bscastro:"This accomplishes the same goal as the text, but has the added benefit of getting the king out of the center. White is winning, but at least Black can get his king to safety."}) 18. Qe1 Nce6 19. Bb5+ Kf8 20. Nd5 { brulla:"I think I could have resigned here but I saw the mate and like it somehow. :)} Qxb5 21. dxe7+ Kg8 ({ bscastro:"Although it might be too late to save the game, you could have avoided mate."} 21... Ke8 22. exd8=Q+ Kxd8 23. Nc7+ $18) 22. Nf6# { bscastro:"I think from this game I can make a few general recommendations to improve your overall play. First, I think it important to remember to review and try to actively practice general opening principles such as harmonious piece development and king safety. Secondly, I felt that your moves were not cohesive--you made one-move threats or reacting to your opponent's moves without considering your own plans. One method to improve this is to study strategy particularly from games of masters. If you study the games of Capablanca, you will see that sometimes he has several moves that look good, but he chooses the move that furthers his overall plan (e.g. controlling a file or square or improving the position of a piece). Finally, although this is related to the previous point, I feel that you are not considering your opponent's forcing moves in your calculations. You must expect your opponent to play the best move and then have a move ready in reply to what you believe his best move will be. This is not easy, but if you work on this, I think you will be amazed at how fast you improve as you start to eliminate simple blunders based on erroneous calculation. Of course, tactical study will help in this regard as well. I hope these recommendations help. Good luck."} 1-0 [Event "Tj Praga championship - group B"] [Site "?"] [Date "2002.11.26"] [Round "11"] [White "Straka"] [Black "Rezek"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "D91"] [WhiteElo "1765"] [BlackElo "1731"] [Annotator "kubik + RoundTower"] [PlyCount "39"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. Nf3 Nf6 { K: my fics hadle: kubik time control: 105mins per 40 moves + 25 mins for rest I played black.. Zdenek Straka is strong correspondence player and also holds FIDE international ELO 2061. In previous rounds of this tournament he played Reti system with great success. Since he plays Kings Indian Defence himself and avoids most of other sharp openings, there comes a question What to play against him?} 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 { K: upon analysis of my openents' games on www.chesslive.de I decided for gruendfeld defence. Of course one has to be ready for "anti-gruendfeld" approach 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Qa4 or 5.e4 RT: An excellent choice. I play the Gruenfeld myself as my main defence against 1. d4. I don't think the "anti-Gruenfelds" are anything to be afraid of. In any case, if you knew his repertoire you probably knew he would transpose to the Gruenfeld here.} 4. d4 { RT: I don't usually like to recommend opening books as I feel too many players concentrate on the opening unneccessarily. But for you I strongly recommend Jonathan Rowson's "Understanding the Gruenfeld" published I think by Gambit. It is one of the best chess books I have read and should improve your chess in general, not just your handling of the Gruenfeld, and it will be useful up until master level.} (4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. Qa4+ (5. e4 Nxc3 6. dxc3 Qxd1+ 7. Kxd1 { =}) 5... Bd7 { =}) 4... Bg7 5. Bg5 Ne4 6. h4 $6 Nxc3 $6 { K: Theory sais Nxg5, but I did not want to play this - h7 may become backward pawn and h-file can serve white as base for attack. The bishop pair may or may not be enough to keep balance. My move was intended to push game closer to the main line RT: I don't know that there is any real "theory" on 6. h4; according to my database it has been tried only once before. But I think 6...Nxg5 would have been much better.} ( 6... Nxg5 $1 7. hxg5 { =+ RT: In this position you have the two bishops and a reasonably open position. White's g5-pawn is at least as weak as Black's "backward" h7-pawn: note that White cannot now play Ng5 or Bh6 as part of any kingside attack (both standard ideas against the fianchetto). In fact, White would rather have this pawn on h4 to have the possibility of h4-h5xg6 in any future attack. Here Black is already better in my opinion.} dxc4 { Black is committed to 7...dxc4. 7...c6 or 7...e6 would be too passive} 8. Qa4+ c6 9. Qxc4 Be6 10. Qd3 Na6 11. g3 Nb4 12. Qd2 c5 13. Ne4 Bxd4 14. a3 Nc6 15. e3 Bd5 16. Rh4 Bg7 17. O-O-O Qb6 18. Qe2 O-O-O 19. Qb5 Qxb5 20. Bxb5 h6 21. gxh6 Rxh6 22. Rxh6 Bxh6 23. Nfd2 Nd4 24. Bc4 Ne6 25. Bxd5 Rxd5 26. Rh1 Bg7 27. g4 Kd8 28. Kc2 Ke8 29. f4 b6 30. f5 gxf5 31. Rh5 Kf8 32. gxf5 Nd8 33. Nc3 Rd7 34. Nf3 Nc6 35. Ne4 Ne5 36. Nxe5 Bxe5 37. Ng5 c4 38. Nf3 Bf6 39. Nd2 b5 40. a4 a6 41. axb5 axb5 42. Ne4 Be5 { 0-1 Granda Zuniga, J - Sokolov, I, Wijk aan Zee 1989 }) 7. bxc3 h6 $2 { RT: a mistake. You force his bishop to a better position and make a BIG weakness in your kingside. h6 is now a target for White. You are probably not going to need to move your e-pawn soon, so it is not so important that this pawn is pinned.} (7... c5 $5) 8. Bf4 c5 { K: I think White cannot grab the pawn with 9.Bxb8?! Rxb8 10.Qa4+ Bd7 11.Qxa7 cxd4 with great compensation for black RT: I agree. But White has the alternative 9. e3 which would lead to a kind of Bf4-Gruenfeld where the inclusion of h4 and ...h6 probably benefits White.} 9. cxd5 (9. Bxb8 $2 Rxb8 10. Qa4+ Bd7 11. Qxa7 cxd4 { =+}) (9. e3 $5) 9... Qxd5 10. e3 Bg4 $1 { K: uses weakened g4 to put more presure od d4. White still can not gain pawn with Bxb8. RT: you are right, although this time it took more analysis to convince me. It is good that you exploit the weakness your opponent created on his 6th move. Normally in the Gruenfeld when White plays e3, ...Bg4 is not so strong because there is less pressure on d4. But here it is the best spot for the B.} (10... Be6 $6 { RT: more thematic but less good. White might try to exploit the poorly placed Q and B here, although he should be wary of the obvious idea c4 and d5 which would leave his pawns immobile and Black's Bg7 very strong.}) 11. Rb1 $6 { RT: I don't know why your opponent played this. Maybe he simply missed that after your reply he could not take on b7, or maybe he was just hoping for 11... Qxa2. Maybe he felt he needed to run from the g7-bishop. It would be better to develop and free the N with 11.Be2} (11. Bxb8 $6 Rxb8 12. Qa4+ Bd7 13. Qxa7 O-O 14. c4 Qd6 { =+} (14... Qc6 $5)) (11. Be2) 11... Nc6 { K: Another pawn that can't be taken after Rxb7 for Nxd4 Bb5+(or Qa4+) Kf8 which leaves white position ruined RT: Correct.} (11... Qxa2 $6 12. Rxb7) 12. Be2 (12. Rxb7 $2 Nxd4) 12... O-O 13. O-O b6 $1 { RT: I don't like this move in principle. But here I think it is necessary to hold c5 and b7 in the long term} 14. Qb3 Qh5 { K: ! Incerases preasure on f3&e2 RT: yes. 14...Qxb3 would cause White few problems.} 15. Bg3 { K: ?! better was 15.Qa4 Na5 16.dxc5 RT: I think this would also be quite good for Black.} (15. Qa4 e5 $1 { RT: It took a lot of analysis to convince me that this was good for Black. Even now I could have missed something. This line is very sharp and tactical.} (15... Na5 16. dxc5 Qxc5 { =+ RT: with some pressure for Black, because of weak c3}) 16. dxe5 (16. Qxc6 exf4 17. exf4 Rac8) (16. Bxh6 Qxh6 17. Qxc6 e4 18. Qxe4 Bf5) (16. Bg3 Nxd4 $1 17. cxd4 e4) (16. Bh2 { RT: similar to 16. Bh2 but does not protect h4}) 16... Nxe5 (16... Bxe5 $4 17. Qxc6 { +-}) 17. Bxe5 Bxe5 18. Nxe5 Bxe2 19. Nd7 $1 Kg7 20. Nxf8 Bxf1 { =+ RT: Black is better, because of his queenside majority and White's weak pawns on a2 and c3. But these are hard to exploit in the Q+2R ending so this is probably objectively drawn. Remember that the b6-pawn is hanging here.}) 15... e5 16. d5 e4 { K: ? this is critical position - I was considering the move made in the game and Na5, which is probably better. After 17.Qc2? or 17.Qa4? e4! 18.Qxe4 Bf5 white loses exchange. But I did not see any reply after Qd1. Crafty suggests f5! and I think I would be very suspicious to it, because it blocks queen and bishop on their places and weakens black king, but I don't see any way how could white use this fact RT: Here I have to agree with Crafty, although 17...f5! is hard to see over the board. You shouldn't worry so much that it will "block in" your Q and B because you are creating so many threats. In fact the moves after 17...f5 are almost forced and your f-pawn does not remain on f5 long enough to block anything useful. You use your f- and e-pawns to tear apart White's kingside.} (16... Na5 $1 17. Qd1 f5 $1 (17... e4 18. Nd4 Bxe2 19. Nxe2 { = RT: this looks about equal.}) 18. Re1 ( 18. Rb2 $6 { RT: this gives rise to some nice tactics} f4 19. exf4 (19. Bh2 $2 { RT: loses by force} e4 $1 20. Nd4 (20. Ne1 f3 $1 21. gxf3 exf3 22. Bb5 Bh3) ( 20. Nd2 Bxe2) 20... f3 $1 21. gxf3 exf3) 19... exf4 20. Bh2 Bxc3 { RT: Black is much better}) 18... f4 19. Bh2 fxe3 (19... e4 20. Nd2 Bxe2 21. Qxe2 f3 22. gxf3 exf3) 20. fxe3 e4 21. Nd4 (21. Nd2) 21... Bxe2 22. Nxe2 Qxh4 { RT: Black can aim for Na5-c4-e5 and will have a fine position and an extrapawn. }) 17. dxc6 exf3 18. gxf3 Bxf3 19. Bxf3 Qxf3 20. c7 { K: white has offered draw, which I accpeted immediately in view of continuation: 20. .. Rfe8 21. Rbd1 Rxe3 22.Rd8+ Re8 23.Qd1 Qc6 or 21.Qd1 Rxe3 22.Qxf3 Rxf3 23.Rbd1 give white great advantage. RT: This position is more complicated than it looks. The passed pawn on c7 looks very strong, but it is hard to support. If you can win it with ...Be5 some time, you will have a won ending. On the other hand, if White can maintain this pawn and keep your pieces defending c7 and c8, he can win or draw even if you win a few pawns first. The second line you gave looks most accurate and gives White an advantage. So you are probably right to take the draw: playing on for a win would be risky. A good result against a high rated player and you were unlucky not to do even better. I recommend that next time you send a longer game for analysis. I hope you found these comments useful: feel free to contact me on FICS or by email to abbotofglendalough@hotmail.com if you would like to discuss your game further.} (20. c7 Rfe8 21. Qd1 $1 { RT: only move I think} (21. Rfd1 Qg4 $1 { covers d7} ( 21... Rxe3 $6 22. Rd8+ Re8 23. Rbd1 { += RT: as you say this is probably good for White. He can tie you up by putting a R on d7.}) 22. Rd3 Rac8 (22... c4 23. Qd1 { RT: is not so effective}) 23. Qd1 (23. Rbd1 $4 c4) 23... Qe4 { ~ RT: Black intends ...Be5 and can hope to get a big advantage, assuming he can round up the c7-pawn.}) ({ RT: is similar} 21. Rbd1 Qg4) 21... Rxe3 22. Qxf3 Rxf3 23. Rbd1 { += RT: White should not lose}) 1/2-1/2 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2002.11.30"] [Round "?"] [White "Luz"] [Black "PTFN"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "E46"] [WhiteElo "2164"] [BlackElo "1880"] [Annotator "PTFN, Aeneas"] [PlyCount "110"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { Hello! I hardly submit games I won for review, since winning is somehow due to luck rather than playing strength. But this game is one I won but theoretically lost. I have already learned a lot from it and want to learn more. That's why I send this game for discussion. Aeneas: Hello! It's the 2nd game of you that I review and I hope that it will be ok with you. Happy new year 2003!} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 { PTFN: Nimzowitsch Defence, A strange opening to me. I prefer Queen's Gambit; But considering the opponent is strong(with FICS standard rating 2164) I would like to play steadily.} 4. e3 O-O 5. Nge2 d5 { PTFN: I did not remember very well the official line, but it seems that black should play 5. ...c5. Aeneas: 5... d5 is perfectyl correct. No problem with it.} 6. a3 Bxc3+ { PTFN: It took me a little time to think about the reaction. To avoid losing development tempo I made this move, but I'm not certain. It leaves white the bishop pair. Aeneas: it seems more logical to keep your Bishop by playing 6... Be7. Even if you lose a tempo, it's not important, because the Ne2 ismisplaced and White will have to move it a second time. But the exchange is playable too. (Players such GMI Andersson or Chandler played it).} 7. Nxc3 c6 $2 { PTFN: I tho ught this is like Slav Defence, but at this particular position perhaps 7. ... b6 is better. 7. ...c6 worsens the light-squared bishop. Aeneas: You're right! Your analyse is fine. Planning b6 and Bb7 is frequent in the nimzo-indian opening.} 8. Bd3 Nbd7 9. O-O dxc4 { PTFN: I found my knights couldn't go any further. By this move I planned Nd7-b6-d5.} (9... Nb6 10. c5 Nc4 11. Bxc4 ({ Aeneas: the more subtil} 11. b3 Na5 12. b4 { wins space on the queenside and after} Nc4 13. e4 $1 { White gains space on the kingside.} a5 14. e5 Nd7 15. Qh5 { and White has some good prospects on the Kingside}) 11... dxc4 { PTFN: White will easily capture the c4 pawn. Aeneas: it's not so easy. For example:} 12. Qa4 (12. Qe2 b5 13. cxb6 axb6 14. Qxc4 $2 Ba6) 12... b5 13. cxb6 Qxb6 { and the black pawn's structure is bad, but the material is still equal.}) 10. Bxc4 Nb6 $2 { Aeneas: Here you had a freeing move: 10... e5, which challenges the white centre and open a diagonal for your poor Bc8. As you say in your comment of th 11th move, the plan involving Nb6-d5 doesn't work: White can prepare quitely e3-e4, occupiying the centre and pulling away the Nd5.} (10... e5 11. Re1 exd4 12. exd4 Nb6 13. Bb3 Qd6 { (because of 14.Bg5 pinning the Nf6)} 14. Bg5 Bd7 { and even if White has some initiative, the play is more easy for Black than in the game.}) 11. Bd3 Qe7 { PTFN: Then I realized 11.Nbd5 is useless. The key problem is the bad c8 bishop. without exchanging a pawn there would be no way for it.} ({ Aeneas:} 11... Nbd5 $2 12. e4 $1) 12. Qc2 c5 { Aeneas: again I prefer here 12...e5. From move 13 to 18, the moves are more or less forced. This sequence gives a very good position to White, so I think that 12...c5 is really not good here, even if it's a thematical counter in the centre.} 13. Ne4 Nxe4 14. Bxe4 f5 ({ Aeneas:} 14... cxd4 { (the only other move which loses no material)} 15. Bxh7+ Kh8 16. Bd3 e5 17. Re1 dxe3 18. Bxe3 { and White has the better game, due to the weakness of the black king's protection and to the bishop pair.}) 15. dxc5 { PTFN: I was surprised here. Actually I calculated this variation from the 12th move, but up to 14. .. .f5 I couldn't continue.} Nd7 16. Bf3 $1 (16. c6 fxe4 17. cxd7 Bxd7 18. Qxe4 Bc6 { PTFN: this is what I prepared. Although a pawn down, black activated his bishop and he could control the d-file.}) 16... Qxc5 17. Qxc5 Nxc5 18. b4 Na4 $2 { PTFN: It may be reasonable to play 18. ...Nb3} ({ Aeneas:} 18... Nb3 { leads to a very diificult ending for Black after the forced sequence} 19. Rb1 Nxc1 20. Rbxc1 { White holds firmly the "c" file, presses on b7. After 21. Rc7 or Rfd1, White dominates the board. So the game's move is not so bad...}) 19. Rd1 ({ Aeneas:} 19. e4 { opening the c1-h6 diagonal was tempting here.}) 19... e5 { PTFN: I overlooked the transisive 20.Bd5+ but why white didn't choose it?} 20. Rd6 ({ Aeneas: I'm according with you. Concrete variations confirm what you say: } 20. Bd5+ Kh8 21. Bb3 Nc3 (21... Nb6 22. Bb2 e4 (22... Re8 23. Bxe5 $1) 23. Rac1 { and there is no satisfactory defence against 24.Rc7; for example:} Bd7 24. Rc7 Rad8 25. Rxb7 $18) 22. Re1 $1 { (so Black cannot play 22...Ne2+)} Bd7 ( 22... Nb5 23. Bb2 Re8 24. Red1 { (threatening 25.Bxe5)} Be6 25. Bxe6 Rxe6 26. Rd5 $18) 23. Bb2 { and Black loses a pawn in a position where the diagonals are opened for the white Bishops...}) 20... e4 ({ Aeneas: The main problem here for Black is how to complete their developpment. The Bc8 is tied to the b7 pawn. As you mention it, 20. Bd5+ was very good for White. Is Black able to take advantage of this omission? Yes, with the surprising} 20... Kf7 21. Bd1 { (for example)} Ke7 22. Rd2 (22. Rd5 $5 Nc3 23. Rxe5+ Kd6 24. Bb2 Kxe5 25. Bxc3+ Kd6 26. Bxg7 Rf7 27. Bc3 { with a balanced ending.}) 22... Nb6 { and Black will be able to finish their developpment.}) 21. Bd1 Nc3 22. Bb3+ Kh8 23. Bb2 { PTFN: White's bishop pair came into action. I felt the position hard now. Aeneas: you're right. So your 20th move was probably not so good, as it opens the a1-h8 diagonal.} Nb5 24. Rd2 Re8 { PTFN: I intended to trade bishops} 25. Bf7 ({ Aeneas: It was better here to play the natural} 25. Rc1 { which activates the last white piece.}) 25... Rf8 26. Be5 ({ Aeneas:} 26. Rc1 $1 { again.}) 26... h6 27. Bc4 a6 28. a4 Na7 29. b5 Re8 { PTFN: I think there is no options for black from 25th to 29th move.} 30. Bc7 Be6 31. bxa6 { PTFN: I was astonished! I had expected either Bxe6 or Be2. Aeneas: the game's move is perfectly ok.} ({ Aeneas: It's interesting to note that} 31. Be2 { is really bad:} axb5 32. axb5 Nxb5 $1 { and Black is a pawn up due to the weakness of the back white rank.}) 31... bxa6 { PTFN: When I went over the game after it was finished I guess I should have played 31. ...Bxc4} (31... Bxc4 32. axb7 Rab8 33. Bxb8 Rxb8 { black might still have a chance. Aeneas: Let's see deeper in this variation:} 34. Rd7 { (with the idea Ta1-c1-c7)} Be6 (34... Nc6 $2 { (trying to activate the Na7)} 35. Rc7 Ne5 $4 36. Rc8+) ({ If Black tries} 34... Kh7 { to avoid Rc8 with check, White plays simply the manoeuver Rd7-c7 and Ra1-b1-b6-a6.} 35. Rc7 Bd5 36. Rb1 Nc6 37. Rc8) 35. Rc7 Bd5 { Black plays the only piece he can play, as the Kinght and the Rook cannot move...} 36. Rb1 { and I don't see what Black can do against the deadly manoeuver Rb1-b6-a6.} Be6 37. Rb6 Bd5 38. Ra6 $18) 32. Bxa6 Nc8 33. Bb5 Rf8 34. Be5 Ne7 $2 { PTFN: Simply 34. ...Kh7. Aeneas: but, of course, the position is still lost, due to the a-pawn and the bishop pair.} 35. Rd6 Bg8 36. Rxh6+ Bh7 37. Re6 Ng6 38. Bd4 f4 39. Rxe4 { PTFN: It's all clear now. Black should resign at this position. but at the moment I found white only had 107 seconds while I still had 300+, so I made up my mind to continue resisting - maybe he would be out of time first! Aeneas: there is nothing to say about the following moves.} Rad8 40. Re6 fxe3 41. fxe3 Nf4 42. Bxg7+ Kxg7 43. Re7+ Kh6 44. exf4 Rxf4 45. Rf1 Rxf1+ 46. Bxf1 Rd1 47. Re3 Kg5 48. h4+ ({ Aeneas:} 48. Ra3 $1) 48... Kf4 49. Rf3+ Ke5 50. a5 ({ Aeneas:} 50. Ra3 $1) 50... Be4 ({ Aeneas:} 50... Ra1) 51. Rf8 Bd3 52. Rf3 Bxf1 53. Rxf1 Rd6 54. Ra1 Ra6 55. h5 Kf6 { White forfeits on time. More than many times I heard that, "never give up when there is hope". But I first understand it from this game. Perseverance is victory! Aeneas: an interesting game!} 0-1 [Event "RCC Saturday Swiss"] [Site "?"] [Date "2002.12.14"] [Round "1"] [White "Castro, Bryan"] [Black "Golyak, Isay"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "B21"] [WhiteElo "1705"] [BlackElo "2216"] [Annotator "bscastro, msh"] [PlyCount "108"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { bscastro: This was a game against a master in a small OTB tournament. I was a little disappointed that I didn't find the right plan in the endgame, but I'll take a draw against Isay on most days.} 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 d3 { bscastro: "In this line, I know the general ideas, so I was fairly comfortable. " MH: That's always a good starting point.} 4. c4 g6 5. Bxd3 Bg7 6. Nf3 ({ MH:} 6. Ne2 { should also be considered. It would support Nb1-c3 and avoids any ... Bc8-g4 pin. There's also some possibility that it could move Ne2-f4-d5, though that's not the immediate aim.}) 6... Nc6 7. O-O Nf6 8. Nc3 O-O 9. h3 d6 10. Bg5 h6 11. Be3 { MH: Good. You could've captured at f6, but there's no immediate need to ease Black's cramp and Ph6 is weaker now, so keep an eye on it. You're doing great so far.} Bd7 12. Qd2 Kh7 13. Rac1 { bscastro: The decision on where to puts the rooks was tough. Had I forseen the action, I might have developed them to d1 and e1. MH: I like your choices so far. You have to base your plans primarily on the position before you.} Ne8 { MH: Alternatives to consider are listed below. I don't understand why he committed to this knight move (or maneuver, if that's what it is) so quickly. Does ...Ne8-c7-e6-d4 really mean that much? Can he afford to spend that many moves on the maneuver? Perhaps he intends ...f7-f5; but that would only make Bd3 stronger by opening the b1-h7 diagonal a bit.} ({ MH:} 13... Rc8) ({ MH:} 13... Qa5) 14. b3 { MH: Not necessary. Probably better is Rf1-d1, aligning with Bd7 and preparing c4-c5 to break through on the c- and d-files.} ({ bscastro:} 14. Nd5 { This was considered. My thought was to perhaps induce d6 or maybe even play to f4. However, I thought it best to solidify the c4 pawn. MH: Induce ...e6? I doubt Black would do that willingly. More important is that you find a way for most or all of your pieces to become actively useful. What other piece(s) work with Nd5 to achieve something good. It allows Rc1 to support c4-c5, so that's good; but it also blocks the d-file. It's not so clear Nd5 is part of a larger plan which can produce results.}) ({ MH:} 14. Rfd1) 14... e6 $2 { MH: Bad because it leaves Ne8 passively defending Pd6 and blocking the back rank and Pe6 blocks Bd7.} 15. Rfd1 { MH: Good. White can maneuver to pile up on Pd6 and probably, in the process, prepare f2-f4-f5 to blast open Black's fortress.} f5 { MH: I hesitate to call this bad because Black has already created a bad position for himself. But, it has to be doubtful to move so many pawns and give White opportunities to open lines for his pieces, leaving Black with a mess.} 16. exf5 $1 { MH: Obvious, but good anyway.} gxf5 { MH: Now it's clear Black can play for ... e6-e5-e4, so White has to do some maneuvering aimed at ensuring continued piece activity. I think Bd3-b1 to retreat from Black's pawns and to open the d-file should be good. Then perhaps Nf3-d4 to take aim at the pawns at e6 & f5. } 17. Bb1 $1 a6 18. Bf4 $2 { MH: Almost like walking into a punch. It's better to avoid ...e6-e5.} ({ MH:} 18. Nd4 { while ...f5-f4 isn't possible and preparing ...f2-f4 to restrain Black's pawns while leaving them exposed on the half-open d- and e-files} Nxd4 19. Bxd4 e5 20. Be3 Qf6 21. Nd5 Qf7 22. f4 $14) 18... e5 { bscastro: I somewhat expected this, which frees d5 for me. However, it was a question of what to do with the bishop.} 19. Bg3 { bscastro: The reasoning behind this move was to keep an eye with the bishop on the center.} ({ bscastro:} 19. Be3 { was my other choice, but I thought Black might get an initiative by simply moving his king and advancing the pawn. MH: Worse than that Black might actually win by trapping a White pieces. Black's pawns can be quite dangerous while they're mobile. They need to be broken up, blocked, fixed in place so White can maneuver around them or capture them.}) 19... Bf6 { bscastro: I thought he might do this, but I thought it was adventageous for me. MH: Despite the central pawns Black has some problems. It's not so easy for him to activate his pieces to support the pawns. Ne8 is still tied to Pd6 and Pf5 is pinned and when Nc3-d5 is played his dark squares c7, e7 and f6 will be threatened.} ( { MH:} 19... Qf6 20. Nd5 Qf7 21. Nb6 Rd8 22. Bh4 Rb8 23. Nxd7 Qxd7 24. g4 { (not absolutely necessary and somewhat risky, but showing the weaknesses in Black's position)} (24. c5)) 20. Nd5 ({ bscastro:} 20. c5 $1 { wins at least a pawn. Fritz helped me with the following analysis.} e4 21. Bxd6 Nxd6 22. Qxd6 Rf7 23. Nd5 $16 { MH: Nice. I like Nd5 pretty well too, but the more forcing line to open files AND win a pawn has to be taken advantage of (if you can find it).}) 20... Bg5 21. Nxg5+ Qxg5 22. Qxg5 hxg5 23. Nb6 { bscastro: I had this move on my mind before the previous exchanges. I feel that I'm getting a good sense of weak and strong squares. Whenever I'm seeing a pawn advanced, I'm looking for ways to exploit it now. I should keep up this kind of thinking and back it up by playing Real Chess! MH: I think you're playing pretty well. White has almost all the winning chances (open d-file, two bishops, weak Pd6 to target).} Rd8 24. Nxd7 ({ MH:} 24. c5 Be6 25. Rd2 Kg7 26. Rcd1 f4 27. Bh2 { leaves Bh2 out of the game and Black should be able to regain equality}) ({ MH: } 24. h4 Kg6 25. Nxd7 Rxd7 26. hxg5 Kxg5 { seems like a minimal advantage to White, based on the two bishops. Black has good king safety and is supporting his pawns pretty well.}) 24... Rxd7 25. f3 $1 Kg6 26. Bf2 { bscastro: I was a little worried about Black's central pawn mass, but I felt the two bishops would give me an edge.} Kf6 27. Rd2 Ne7 28. Rcd1 Rc7 29. Bb6 ({ MH:} 29. g4 { forces a breech in Black's pawns to give Bb1 more air}) 29... Rc6 30. Ba5 $5 ({ bscastro: I considered this.} 30. Bd8 { But I didn't want to lose the two bishops. MH: I can't argue with that. Until you get specific advantage there's no need to consider trading B for N.}) 30... b6 31. Bb4 Ke6 32. Kf2 { bscastro: Here we were starting to run low on time. I wanted to get the king in the action.} Rf6 33. a4 ({ bscastro: One other thought was the following. However, I feared the weakness of the h3 pawn afterwards. MH: Bobby Fischer once said, "You've got to give squares to get squares." I don't think that's all there is to it, but that's one thing to keep in mind. Your pieces can't be everywhere and do everything, so you need to focus their activities like a hot knife cutting through soft butter. That's why I like Be3-b6-a5-b4: it assists the rooks to pressure Pd6! The only thing wrong with g2-g4 at this point is that Kf2 is a little awkward on the file with Rf6.} 33. g4 fxg4 (33... f4 34. Be4) 34. hxg4) 33... Kf7 34. a5 ({ bscastro:} 34. g4 { may have been playable here as well with the same ideas.}) 34... Ng6 ({ bscastro:} 34... bxa5 35. Bxa5) ({ bscastro:} 34... b5 35. cxb5 axb5 { And I think the passed pawn would be dangerous.}) 35. g3 { MH: Though White doesn't have a plan which threatens to win immediately he does have potential: there's pressure at Pd6 and Pf5. Black has to be patient and just defend and some people have trouble with that. If his opening play is indicative then pawn moves are in the offing. But, if he wanted to hold it all together he'd begin thinking about ways to trade a knight for bishop or just holding tight with ...Ng6-e7-c8 and ...Kf7-e6 and ...Rf6-h6 (just giving his position strength and a little room for the rooks.} ({ bscastro:} 35. axb6 $2 Rxb6) 35... e4 $2 { MH: More pawn moves, more weaknesses White can exploit!} 36. Bc3 $1 Re6 { bscastro: Here Isay fell under 5 minutes on his clock.} 37. fxe4 fxe4 38. Ke3 { MH: I think the king should be safe here, but it gets trickier with every move where the king is close to the opponent's pieces. Still, Pe4 is over-extended and with the open f-file White might even gain a better inroad with Rd2-f2-f5.} b5 { bscastro: Here is where I stopped keeping notation. However, I believe the rest of the game is pretty accurate. MH: seems like a bit of desperation (not desperate to avoid loss exactly, but trying to find a way to win, rather than sitting around waiting to be beaten or drawn)} 39. Rd4 bxc4 40. Rxc4 Rxc4 41. bxc4 Ne5 42. Bxe5 $1 { MH: Good. Simplifying a bit makes it more difficult for Black to drum up counterplay and with the bishop v. knight ending in sight Black is doing great. Pe4 looks like a goner.} Rxe5 43. Rd5 $1 Rxd5 44. cxd5 Nc7 45. Kxe4 $1 { MH: It would be easy to play Bxe4, but that piece is needed at d3 (or perhaps c4).} Nb5 46. Bd3 Nc7 47. h4 { MH: Pieces first (generally) and only then commit to pawn structure changes. I see no rush in getting in h3-h4. It can't win the game by itself anyway. Piece almost always win games and pawns are either in the way or in assistance roles, except when they're being advanced to promotion to make a new piece.} ({ MH:} 47. Bc4 { completely opposes Nc7 and frees White to play on the king-side as if it were a simple pawn ending (at least for a few moves). It would be difficult for Black to remove Nc7 from defense of Pa6 to help out on the king-side.} Kf6 48. h4 gxh4 49. gxh4 Kg6 50. Kf4 Kh5 51. Kf5 Kxh4 52. Kf6 Kg4 53. Ke7 Kf5 54. Kd7 $18) 47... gxh4 48. gxh4 Kf6 49. h5 $2 { bscastro: I thought pushing the pawn would tie the king up. MH: You weren't wrong, so long as you see Bd3-c4 before it's too late.} ({ bscastro: Several stronger players showed me this plan during the post-mortem. } 49. Bc4 Kg6 50. Kf4 Kh5 51. Kf5 Kxh4 52. Kf6 Kh5 53. Ke7 $18) 49... Kg7 ({ MH: } 49... Kg5 50. Bc4 Kxh5 51. Kf5 $18 { still wins for White}) 50. Be2 $2 { MH: You need to over-protect Pd5 to free Ke4 for other offensive duties, otherwise you're just holding equal.} Kh6 51. Bf3 { MH: It isn't necessary to defend both Pd5 & Ph5 this way, though I can see your idea clearly.} Kg5 52. h6 { bscastro: In time trouble, I thought I could break into the position somehow by sacking the pawn. MH: No time to think usually produces thoughtless results. It happens to all of us some time or other.} Kxh6 53. Kf5 Kg7 { MH: I guess the detail you didn't quite get was that Nc7 holds out your king. That's easy to overlook, but it does highlight that it's the pieces which are fighting it out and you weren't accurate enough to beat both Kg7 and Nc7.} 54. Be4 Kf7 { bscastro: As time got short, of course the quality of play did as well. However, I felt overall I played a very good game. However, there is still improvement to be made. I think one area for improvement in general is planning for the endgame. I usually would like to submit losses, but lately I've been winning, so I thought this was a good game, because Mr. Golyak is one of the stronger players I play against regularly. MH: I think you played very well too. I didn't see any serious errors until the end when you pushed the pawn before Bd3-c4. It's a shame you couldn't finish it off. That was a nice game to be proud of.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "OTB tournament"] [Site "Chess Club"] [Date "2002.10.28"] [Round "5"] [White "vcStalker"] [Black "opponent"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B90"] [WhiteElo "1908"] [BlackElo "2027"] [Annotator "vcStalker, msh]"] [PlyCount "48"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 ({ MH:} 3. Bb5+ { is the Moscow Variation and it allows quick development without committing to d2-d4 right away. Kasparov and many others have used this intermittently.}) ({ MH:} 3. Bc4 { I don't know that this has a name, but it's been used a little recently; primarily to avoid the early commitment of d2-d4, perhaps to avoid a Dragon Variation.}) 3... cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Rg1 { vcS: Recently I went through several games with this move and I think I found interesting attacking line against Najdorf. MH: I think this was invented by GM Shabalov. It looks like a beginner's move, but is clearly part of a plan to advance g2-g4-g5 (and perhaps on to g6). The downside is that it commits White before Bc1 is developed and White is still several moves from O-O-O.} e5 ({ MH: Probably more common is to hold the central squares with pawns and leave Nf6 free to maneuver toward the queen-side (...Nf6-d7-c5).} 6... e6) 7. Nb3 Be6 8. g4 h6 { vcS: Tries to prevent g4-g5, but allows to prepare it with h2-h4. 8...h6 is probably just wasting time. 8...d5 looks better (main book line).} ({ MH: I think I recall some GMs maneuvering the knight from f6 to b6 to guard d5 again before White can take permanent control. It doesn't appeal to me in some ways, but I've seen games where it was effective.} 8... Nfd7) ({ MH: Prefacing the knight maneuver with ...b5 is probably also useful.} 8... b5 9. g5 Nfd7 10. Be3 Nb6) 9. h4 Nc6 10. g5 hxg5 11. hxg5 Nd7 12. Be3 { vcS: Now Wh ite has the only undeveloped piece Bf1, but it may wait to find out which square is better for him - e2 or g2, or may be c4 depending on Black's plan. Critical squares: e5, g5, g6, d5. 12.g6 looks interesting. White King is far from danger and White may not rush with castling. After 12.g6 Black has problem with developing kingside. If 12...fxg6 than 13.Rxg6 and pawn g7 needs defense and king is open, and Bf8 defends two pawns, rooks are disconnected. If 12...f6, than again Bf8 is placed badly, and rooks are not coordinated.} ({ MH: Using Pg5 to keep Black's knight off f6 is one thing and g5-g6 to break up pawns around Ke8 is another. You have to decide which is appropriate and when. In this case, with Be6, it's probably good to leave Pg5 for the moment; breaking up the pawns around Ke8 probably won't have much effect yet.} 12. g6 b5 13. gxf7+ Bxf7) 12... Rc8 { vcS: Black should play 12...g6. MH: Maybe. That move would weaken f6, but fixes Pg5 to make it a target. I don't think it's perfectly clear what is best. With ...Rc8 Black seems to be saying he thinks he has to go after your Ke1 (or after O-O-O, Kc1) and doesn't have as much time for ...g6. Seeing the game from his perspective might give one a different sense of the priorities.} 13. Nd5 { vcS: Bad move. Gives up centre, e4, f5 squares, and after 13...Bxd5 14.exd5 the pawn d5 requires too much attention. 13.Nd5 solves many Black's problems. MH: I think this particular position and the reason you played Nd5 rather than some other move could be most important to study. There are times when our thinking narrows or we don't have a theoretical basis for playing a "bigger" idea. In this instance I see you seeking to control "key" squares, but not developing a plan where more of your pieces are involved and your king safely tucked away. I think your focus on d5 and f5 is correct, but only part of the better plan. White can control d5, even occupy it, for the purpose of blocking Be6, Pd6 and Bf8. But, how do you win? You must go around to the f-, g- or h-files where Black might be weaker. So, Qd1-f3, O-O-O, Bf1-e2, Rg1-h1 and there's a route to invade over there. Somewhere in there it might also be useful or necessary to play g5-g6. Meanwhile, on the queen-side, White's Nb3, Nc3 and Be3 work to prevent Black from making inroads. Qf3, incidentally, is pretty well placed on the third rank to defend Nc3 (if necessary).} ({ MH: The unusual} 13. Qf3 { clears the way for O-O-O and keeps control of key light squares (d5, e4, f5, f7, h1)}) 13... Bxd5 14. exd5 { MH: After this your king (after O-O-O) will be a little less safe (without Nc3) and Black has one less worry as the d-file is blocked. He does however still have a problem with Bf8 (Pd6 blocks it) and the immediate threat to Nc6 isn't comforting.} Ne7 ({ MH: Better could be} 14... Na5 15. Nd2 b5 { and White's king won't be completely safe anywhere (not c1 or e1)}) 15. Qd2 g6 { vcS: Knight gets excellent outpost f5 threatening to exchange Be3.} 16. O-O-O Nf5 17. Bd3 Nxe3 18. Qxe3 { vcS: 18.fxe3 could leave more chances with open 'f' file. MH: I like Qxe3 well enough. You can use f2-f4xe5 or f2-f4-f5xg6 to re-open the f-file. But, fighting him head-on isn't necessarily going to break through. It's probably still best, if you get time to try it, to use the h-file to find a way around -- a flank attack. But, it's beginning to look like Black has eased his cramp significantly and ...Ke8-d7 will solve his back rank problems.} Be7 19. Kb1 { vcS: White cannot defend pawn g5 - 19. Be2 Rh4 and 19...Rf4. Black has decisive advantage on King side.} ({ MH: Ne4 wou ld be ideal to hold him in place, except Black has ...Nd7-c5 to get rid of Ne4. } 19. Nd2 Rh5 { if Black is intent on laying siege to Pg5} (19... Qa5) 20. Ne4 ( 20. Nf3 { to passively defend Pg5}) 20... Nc5 21. f4 Nxe4 22. Qxe4 exf4 23. Be2 f3 24. Bxf3 Rh2 { is possibly better for Black because Pg5 is exposed, but Black's king isn't quite as secure as White's. Overall it's about equal, but with plenty of possibilities yet to come.}) 19... Rh5 20. f4 exf4 21. Qxf4 Ne5 $17 22. Rdf1 Bxg5 23. Qf2 Kd7 24. Re1 Bh4 { vcS: After I analysed this game on my own, I checked it with computer. Surprisingly, computer shows that I completely understimate my position, and I had good game until the very last move (23.Qf2). I was unhappy with the game after 13.Nd5, but according to computer I played good moves without understanding that they were really good. It looks I did not understand the position. MH: So, you need to study that one thing: how to "understand the position" and from that you will find it easier to create the appropriate plan! I think the fundamental elements are King Safety, Piece Activity, Material and Coordination. Then, when I devise a plan, it is to try to maximize those relative to my opponent. It often comes down to finding the best way to keep your king safe by fighting your opponent's pieces and then finding some way to get to the opponent's king by going around or through the opponent's pieces. Winning or losing material and sacrificing material are often coincidental, though not unimportant, to the bigger plans. You didn't find any effective way to threaten to get at Ke8 and that gave your opponent time to organize a defense and counter-attack. So, his plan came through first.} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "2002.12.08"] [Round "?"] [White "Arne_Tumyr"] [Black "Trond_Tumyr"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B20"] [Annotator "TrindTumyr, kdl"] [PlyCount "66"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { FICS handle: TrondTumyr Hello, I have already sent this game, but it was sent back, since I had not annotated it. Now I have annotated it whith the toughts I had when I played the game. Hopefully this is sufficient to forward the game to stronger players, who can give me guidelines in my play. I have no ELO rating, but my FICS rating is around 1200 blitz and 1500P in standard (only played 3-4 above 15 min. online) I believe however that I would play at a rating somewhat higher than this in a 40/120 game, but I am not able to give an approximate rating. However, sine it is strategies and long term planning I feel I need most help with, I hope that someone rated above 2000, can help me with this. This game is by no means any masterpiece with either flashy combinations or deep strategy involved. Nevertheless, I think that black is better after just a few moves. What I'm looking for when I ask for a third-party analyzis is especially (if the annotator is stronger and more experienced than myself) to point out strategical errors made in the game which I couldn't see for myself.} 1. e4 { 00:00} c5 { 00:04 I usually choose the Sicilian defence when faced with e4, because I like the tactical battles that often occurs.} 2. Bb5 { 00:12 I don't think that this is a good 2nd move for White, since I can drive the bishop back, and in the bargain get a6 (the najdorf move) without spending tempo on it. Thats why I played a6.} a6 { 00:09 kdl: a6 looks to be the correct move here. Nc6 would just put your knight in a position that justifies his dubious bishop move. Bb5 is a move that works when the knight is already on c6 or in systems where the black d pawn has already moved. Here you are correct, it is a wasted tempo, and your move is quite correct.} 3. Bc4 { 00:28 Now, this is a position I have met a LOT by FICS players. That is, that they play 1. e4 followed by 2. Bc4. I do not know why this is used so commonly, since it is not a book move in the sicilian. Does this move have any value? In my opinion it looses foothold in the centre. kdl: The reason most people play Bc4 on the second move is that they started playing chess by playing Qh5 on the third move trying to mate quickly with the queen raid, and are so used to playing the Bishop to that square that they do not know any better. These players are not familair with sicilian or other non head-pawn systems (i.e. e4, e5) that they just play the move by rote.} e6 { 00:17 kdl: Preparing a strike at d5. In the sicilian, if black can effect an early d5 without loss of material, all other things being equal, black has equalized. White has done nothing to prevent this so far other than let you have free moves.} 4. Nc3 { 00:37 kdl: Nf3 would have been a slight improvement here. Nc3 stops whites c pawn from advancing, which is a key pawn to help contest the center. Black can now play just about any pawn move at will here. White has given up the first move initiative.} b5 { 00:32} 5. Be2 { 00:53 I have trapped several bishops in blitz games by this set-up, but my plan here is to kick the bishop away from the diagonal, and thus control the d5 square. kdl: It's a good idea to assume that your opponent will play the best move and plan accordingly. When you played b5, Bb3 should have not even entered your mind. It only costs you needless thought processing on a move that just loses that you could spend on strategy on what happens on the only reply which is Be2. Not saying that you did spend that much time on that move, but it is good advice nonetheless.} Bb7 { 00:51 A normal developing move. Please make comments if you find soemething wrong with the move order, or suggest better plans of delevopement than what is done here. kdl: Bb7 is probably best. Nc6 is also a fine move. It is still early in the opening, and black needs to start developing, so either move is fine. Black has to keep in consideration the d4 break for white. White wants to get his Knight to f3 and play d4 as soon as possible, freeing his game. White has not played the best moves so far and black has responded nicely.} 6. Bf3 { 01:10 kdl: I don't mean to be negative but this move is just terrible. He has moved the bishop now for the 4th time! From b5-c4-e2-f3. The knight belongs on that square. Strategically speaking, he has given up the square he needs for the knight, where it will control the important e5 square, and now the bishop is just "biting on granite" so to speak. White's play is not impressive. Black can now mobilize quickly and at will, since white has presented no problems for the black player whatsoever. White had the first move but is already defending!} d6 { 00:56 kdl: This is the first move that I do not like for black. This pawn wants to go to d5 to equalize as discussed before... thus it has made a move already. Now to play d5, it will have to move again, wasting a tempo, when if it is held back, it can be played in one move later on. Also, Black should develop pieces, and take advantage of whites lack of development and play Nge7. (Nf6 would be hairy because of e5.)} 7. d3 { 01:52 kdl: White needs to develop here. The pawn needs to go to d4 eventually, so reccommended is Nge2 to facilitate castling before his king gets stuck in the center.} Nc6 { 01:51 kdl: I might have developed the king knight here instead to speed up castling.} 8. a3 { 02:09 kdl: Again, another wasted move that could be used on development. White is in great danger of getting stuck in the center. Black needs to develop his kingside pieces quickly and break the center open to punish white for his lazy play.} Nf6 { 01:59} 9. Bg5 { 02:51} g6 { 02:52 Here is a change in what I usually play. I usually puts the bishop on e7, which is normal in many sicilian systems, but here I wanted to exploit the fact that the dark long diagonal is wide open, AND that I control the dark central squares. Is this correct judgement, or would it be better with Be7? kdl: Be7! I would like to say a few things about g6 (which is a mistake in my view). First, if you notice, there are squares at h6, and f6 that have suddenly become weak. Granted yes, the bishop can protect it, but white can quickly remove the bishop by Qd2 and Black will find it quite difficult to castle. Even if black plays h6, the bishop will have abandoned d6 and when white plays Bf4, that pawn will be under attack, and there will be dark squared weaknesses all around blacks kingside. Second, the Bishop already had a way to get out via e7, which would allow black to castle on the next move. With g6, black has to play Bg7 next, instead of castling, and spend an extra move to castle. Third, the d6 pawn is currently a little backward. It is not yet by definition, but as soon as white plays d4 it will be. Thus it will be a weakness later on. Since Black has played c5, e6, AND Bg7, that pawn is left with only one defender, the queen. The bishop will be left with double duty, to protect the weakened dark squares, and to help protect the d6 pawn (since the queen will be unable to do it by itself, even with one rook under it.) White will be able to pile up his rooks on that file and win the pawn easily. Regarding the control of the long diagonal. This is normally a very good strategy. This particular position though you are mixing two strategies. You mentioned before that it is a Najdorf move to play a6, but now you have adopted a dragon system. First The two systems do not work well together. You should stick with the original plan that you embarked upon which was working quite well for you. Second, the dragon system is effective when white castles queenside and you have an open c file, neither of which you have. So the bishop will have control of that diagonal, yes... but all by itself. It needs to be part of an overall plan, which in a Najdorf it is not if it is on g7. Also as an additional note, there is an interesting tactical idea here that white can try as a retort which is a temporary pawn sac. White can play 10 e5!? right away. The variation would be . ..dxe5 11 Ne4 Be7 12 Bxf6 Bxf6 13 Nxc5 and white will have messed up blacks pawn structure a little, and provided an outpost for his knight on c5.} 10. Qd2 { 05:09 This response I saw on forehand, as it was an obvious reply, whith thre threat of exchanging the darksquared bishops. kdl: This is a good move by White.} (10. e5 dxe5 (10... Nxe5 11. Bxb7) 11. Ne4 Be7 12. Bxf6 Bxf6 13. Nxc5) 10... h6 { 03:53 I think that this was the best way to remove the threat of bishop exchange, as well as giving me control over the long diagonal.} 11. Bh4 { 06:03 kdl: Bf4 was probably a little better, beginning to pressure the d6 pawn. } Bg7 { 03:56 Now, as I have the diagonal, I begin to form attacking plans.} 12. Nge2 { 06:15} O-O { 06:06 This was done, to put more pressure and thrust in the centre, not to safe the king. kdl: There was an interesting move order here... the White squared bishop has so little mobility that a two pawn thrust by the g pawn could cause some havoc. Look at the following variation, 12...g5 13. Bg3 g4 14.e5 gxf3 15.exf6 fxg2 (fxe2?? fxg7) 16.Rg1 Bxf6) and Black is up a pawn. -kl kdl:} (12... g5 13. Bg3 g4 14. e5 gxf3 15. exf6 fxg2 (15... fxe2 16. fxg7 Rg8) 16. Rg1 Bxf6 17. Rxg2 $2 Nd4 18. Nxd4 (18. Rg1 $4 Nf3+) 18... Bxg2) 13. Rb1 { 06:33 This looked very passive to me. I don't see anything of value whith this move, at this point in the game. kdl: It is always of value to try to find the idea of your opponent. The move is most likely a dubious one, but it may be based on a cheapo or a trap, and if you dismiss it, you may miss his cheapo and lose a piece or even the game! Always ask yourself, what is my opponents plan when he makes a move, even if it looks like a ridiculous move. As players and competitors we have a tendency to criticize our opponents moves but not realize that they are making moves that they think make sense and that they think have a perfectly good reason to play. My assessment of this move is that he wants to play b4, to strike at your imposing queenside pawns, and he could not do this with his rook on a1. After Rb1, he can play b4, then cxb4, axb4, and now he can play d4 with out any challenge from your c pawn. I am not saying that this is the BEST plan, but my guess is that is what his move was meant for.} Kh7 { 06:49 Here is the beginning of a build up. This move is obvious, since it frees the bishop on g7 for more active duties.} 14. Rg1 { 07:09 This second rook move seems to me worse than the first. Not only one more waste of good tempo, but also the loss of casteling options. The king is stuck in the centre, and I feel like I have an advantage in the centre at this point. In my opinion White is worse. kdl: This rook move seems to begin a g pawn thrust, though it seems unneccesary since the pawn can go on its own. Center control is about even with Black having an ever so slight edge. The thing you should take note of here though is very evident. Whites last move was a gross error. Black has also made an error in not capitolizing on it. There are many factors that contribute to that assessment. Let me explain. White with his last move can now never castle. That is obvious. But the reason that is such an error is that the center is fluid! Blacks move here is not Kh7, but g5 followed by d5! ripping open the center. White's king is hopelessly lost in the center and will never get out, trapped in by his own pieces and pawns. Black has all the fire power he needs available to go right down the d and e files and piledrive the king into oblivion. 14. O-O was definitely called for here.} Qc7 { 07:21 Frees the knight.} (14... g5 15. Bg3 d5) 15. Bg3 { 08:07 An attempt to undermine my centre perhaps. kdl: Maybe your opponent finally saw d5! and decided to pin the d pawn to your queen. Since the bishop is no longer doing much on h4, this is a respectable move.} Rfd8 { kdl: I might have placed the a8 rook on this file to leave the f8 rook for the e file, lining up your rooks with both his queen and king, since one of these two files are the most likely to open up in the near future but that may just be personal preference.} 16. h3 { 09:36 Here I wanted to launch my bishop to c3, and take the white queen. I found no clear ways to do so, but that was my plan, so I started to reroute my knight to a4, with the plan of removing the b2 defender. kdl: Here is the first major error in judgement that I think you have made in this game. You mentioned that when you castled you wanted to thrust in the center, and now you are talking about taking whites queen, which seems to be diverting from that plan. If white were going to be gracious enough to leave his king on e1 long enough to allow you to set up a very long term plan to do this, this would not be a very good game to analyze. The analysis from what I can see is you are trying to provoke a b3 advance so you can play b4, and hope that he plays axb or something else, and then you can play Bxc3 winning the queen. Coming up with a "dream position" as IM Silman calls it is a very good thing to do, but the second thing he mentions is, "can you realize that plan?". Here, I do not believe you can, since all white has to do is move his King to f1 and the whole tactic falls apart, and you have to figure out what to do with all the moves you made. Do they serve any other additional purpose? If this tactic is a nice side effect of a long term plan, i.e. "I am trying to get an outpost for my knight on c4, and white cannot play b3 because he will lose his knight and queen to my bishop." That would be different. But here the moves will all be for naught when white moves his king off the diagonal. The moves you use toward this tactic would be better used to continue with your original plan (which was quite a good idea) which was after you said you wanted to castle, you wanted to thrust in the center.} Nd7 17. Bh2 { 11:02 I still don't get the plans of White. kdl: White seems that he wants to play g4 and start an attack on the kingside. Not a bad idea since you have removed one of your last defenders of that side of the board.} Nd4 { 15:20 This is just to remove the e2 defender. kdl: I understand the reason for your move here based on your comments. I would reccommend Nde5 here. Your knight would be well placed and if white plays Bxe5, you play Nxe5 replacing the knight, and you have a very well placed piece and have frozen the white e pawn, thus allowing you to start to open the d file with the thrust d5.} 18. Nxd4 { kdl: Did you look at cxd4 here? 18...cxd4 19.Ne2 Rdc8 piling up on the newly opened c file with a very nice position for Black.} Bxd4 (18... cxd4 19. Ne2 Rac8) 19. Ne2 { 15:42 This seems very logical, to drive away my bishop, and to protect the c3 square once more.} Bg7 20. g4 Nb6 { 19:17 I still try to provoke some weakness in the queenside, and I want this done by putting the knight on a4. kdl: Indirectly this is a good move, not because of Na4 but because it controls d5 and will help in the d5 push. I would not be aiming for a4 so much as c4 which is a terrific square if you can win it.} 21. c3 Na4 22. Kf1 { 17:32 Now, as the king has moved off from behind the queen, I want to open the centre. kdl: The center needed to be opened when the king was still on the e file, now the king has a little more safety and if need be can escape to g2.} Qe7 23. Bg3 { kdl: To prepare h4.} Rac8 24. h4 { kdl: Kingside storm, but maybe a little late.} d5 { !} 25. e5 { 21:25 Since the pawn will not get support from the d-pawn, I think that this was a slight error. kdl: On the contrary, opening the center with his king in the middle would have been more of an error.} d4 26. Bxb7 { kdl: Forced.} Qxb7 27. b3 { 24:07 And here my opponent does a severe error, and I can make my breakthrough. } Nxc3 28. Nxc3 dxc3 29. Qxc3 Qf3 { kdl: Good move. Taking advantage of the pin on the d pawn and penetrating into the king position. White is lost here and should resign.} 30. Qe1 Rxd3 { 33:27 In my opinion this was better than Qxd3+ in several aspects. I now threatens to capture the b3 pawn, and I can double my rooks on the d-file.} 31. Qe2 { Rxb3!} Qd5 32. Qc2 { 29:57 Another error. This defense does not seem to fend off the black attacks. After this move, there are many lines to consider, but I have found none that can save white's game. kdl: This game was over moves ago.} Rd8 { 34:21 I can see no proper defence here. I would certainly appreciate if a strong player can find any reasonable escape for white. kdl: White has dug himself such a hole that not even Kasparov could defend this position unless black starts to play silly moves.} 33. f4 { 30:54 And by doing this, the White Queen is lost.} Qf3+ { 35:53 Here my opponent sees what's coming, and resigns. Now, at the end, I wonder how this game looked like for a stronger player. How would you have played to give black more trouble? Or even more interesting, how would you have played as black? kdl: Overall I think you played fairly well and had some good ideas. I think you strayed a little with the Na4 idea and I think the Bg7 idea was inconsistent with a Najdorf setup. Your opponent did not give you much of a fight, thus I think you should submit a game that you lost and do not know why rather than a game that you beat an opponent who did not give you much trouble. You will learn much more from analyzing your mistakes and losses then you will from your wins.} 0-1 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2002.12.22"] [Round "?"] [White "tvirlip"] [Black "Majkl"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A34"] [WhiteElo "1853"] [BlackElo "2055"] [Annotator "tvirlip + RoundTower"] [PlyCount "51"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] [TimeControl "900"] 1. c4 c5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. g3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. Bg2 Nc7 6. e3 $6 { tvirlip: This move is not in opening references. Let me explain why I did it. It seems to me that white development is slightly better: the only developed black piece is Nc7 without reasonable moves, black Q position is dangerous if d column will be opened. Bg2 and then O-O follows and I want to open the center. Semi-open column c is not very useful for white because of B on c1. Well, things went in the game exactly like I hoped... for some time. RT: No, you certainly won't find this move in opening books. It creates a BIG weakness on d3 and blocks the c1-bishop. As you point out white is better developed, but there is no good way to exploit this lead at the moment. I suggest White should continue 6. Nf3 and 7.0-0 before committing himself in the centre. You should be aware of this important motif of a weakened d3 in the English (more particularly the "Reversed Sicilian" 1. c4 e5). Finally I found amusing games with Qa4+ which is another possibility trying to muddle black's development by blocking the d7 square. I don't necessarily reccommend this idea, but look how easily top GM's lose quickly as Black with it...} ({ RT:} 6. Nf3 $1 Nc6 7. O-O (7. Qa4 $5 Qd7 8. O-O e5 9. a3 f6 10. e3 { RT: Now of course black does not have Bc8-f5-d3 or Nc6-b4-d3} Be7 11. Rd1 Rb8 { +/- RT: Black has neglected development and is worse} 12. d4 exd4 13. exd4 b5 14. Qc2 cxd4 15. Bf4 $1 { +-} b4 16. Bxc7 Qxc7 17. Nd5 Qd6 18. Nxd4 Nxd4 19. Rxd4 O-O 20. Rad1 Bd8 21. Qc4 $2 { RT: I think the immediate 21. Nf4! is more direct and does not allow Black to resist by 21...Be6!} Kh8 $4 22. Nf4 $1 { 1-0 Uhlmann, W - Mariotti, S, Manila 1976. White wins by Ng6+ hg6 Rh4#}) 7... e5 8. d3 { = White still better developed with possible pressure on the h1-a8 diagonal at the cost of some central control.}) (6. Qa4+ $5 Qd7 7. Nf3 Qxa4 8. Nxa4 Ne6 9. b3 Nc6 10. Ba3 Nb4 11. Kd1 a5 12. Nb6 Rb8 13. Nxc8 Rxc8 14. Ne5 Rb8 15. Nc4 b6 16. Bb2 $1 { +/- threat 17. a3!} Nd8 17. Be5 { 1-0 Ivanchuk, V - van Wely, L, Frankfurt 2000}) 6... e5 $1 { RT: I think this is good, to fight for d4 and develop Bc8.} 7. Nge2 Be7 ({ RT:} 7... Nc6 $1 { RT: this was better, continuing the fight for d4.} 8. Qa4 $5 ({ RT: If} 8. Bxc6+ $6 bxc6 { RT: White gives up the "good" fianchetto bishop and control of d5. Black is at least equal here despite his pawn structure. Due to the change of pawn structure Black has strong control of d5 and the possibility of ...Ba6 hitting d3 again, while White will find it hard to immediately attack the supposedly weak pawns.}) 8... Bd7 { RT: doesnt give White much either}) 8. d4 { tvirlip: No danger for white king right now, so go for the center and postpone O-O. RT: consistent, at least.} exd4 9. exd4 O-O 10. O-O { tvirlip: I did not want to have black bishop on c5, so I did not touch c5 RT: the correct decision, Black's bishop would be hugely improved by 11. dxc5? Bxc5. Now Black needs to develop quickly.} Nd7 ({ RT:} 10... Nc6 { RT: blocking the white bishop's view of b7, letting his own bishop out, pressuring d4, considering Nc6-b4 (an important square in this position is d5). I can't understand why Black didn't play this. Maybe he got carried away by thinking of "bad pawns" after 11. Bxc6? bxc6.} 11. Bxc6 $2 bxc6 { =+ RT: I find particularly among young players, a common positional mistake to overestimate the impact of doubled/isolated pawns. This is possibly because they are very easy to see! I tell some people I teach that if you have doubled pawns, you also have an open file which might be more than enough compensation in the right position. Black is better here; in any case, he doesnt have to keep his doubled isolated pawns for long because of the presence of the white d-pawn.}) 11. Be3 cxd4 12. Nxd4 { += tvirlip: Everything went as I exepected. From my point of view white is far ahead in development; center columns are opened and white rooks are ready to move. Black Q is blocked by its own pieces. RT: I agree. White is now better.} Re8 13. Qc2 Nf6 { RT: looking at d5. But if Black had preferred 10...Nc6, he could now play 13...Nb4 with tempo.} 14. Rad1 { tvirlip: continuing the same plan} Nd7 { tvirlip: Not Bd7 because of hanging b7, thanks to no pawns in the center.} 15. Rd2 { +/- RT: so white gains two moves. Black was doing badly enough in development before squandering two tempi} Bb4 { RT: White is clearly better here. The question is only how best to convert the advantage.} 16. Rfd1 { RT: in this position, two rooks on the d-file are not necessarily better than one. What is the purpose of your R on d2? It pins the knight on d7. Maybe you can find a better job for this rook elsewhere.} ({ RT:} 16. Nf5 $5 { RT: a try fo r a kingside attack, usually a good option when you are miles up in development and he has no pieces defending his king. This move gives Black a wide choice, but White should get an advantage in all lines. The knight eyes e7, g7, and h6 as well as freeing d4 for the R or B. In particular if Black gives up control of d6 the knight will also be able to hop in there.} Qf6 ( 16... a5 $2 17. a3 Bxc3 (17... Be7 18. Bb6 { +- RT: winning the knight by 19. Nd5}) (17... Bf8 18. Bb6 { +- RT: again winning the N by 19. Nd5. Maybe Black's best chance is to give up the Q:} Nxb6 $5 19. Rxd8 Rxd8 { RT: but white still has a large advantage}) 18. Qxc3 { RT: with the threats 19. Bb6 and 19. Qxg7#} Qf6 19. Nd6 Qxc3 20. bxc3 Re7 ( 20... Rd8 $2 21. Nxc8 Raxc8 22. Rfd1 { +-}) 21. Nxb7 { RT: winning at least a pawn and keeping a better position}) (16... g6 $2 17. Nh6+ Kg7 18. Nxf7 Kxf7 19. Qb3+ { +-}) (16... Bxc3 17. Qxc3 Qf6 (17... f6 18. Qb3+ Ne6 (18... Kf8 19. Rxd7 $1 Bxd7 20. Bc5+ { +-}) (18... Kh8 19. Nd6 { +-}) 19. Bd5 Nb6 20. Bxb7 { +-}) 18. Nd6 Qxc3 19. bxc3 Re7 20. Nxb7 { +/- RT: again winning a pawn with the better position}) (16... Ne6 17. Rfd1 { RT: threatening Bxb7} (17. Nd5 $6 { RT: doesn't seem to get enough for the exchange, as White needs his R on the d-file}) 17... Qc7 (17... Rb8 18. Qa4 $1 Bxc3 19. bxc3 Nef8 { +/- RT: Black's position is on the point of collapse}) 18. Nb5 { RT: coming to d6 or maybe c7} Qxc2 ({ RT: coming to d6 or maybe c7} 18... Qa5 19. Nbd6 Bxd2 20. Rxd2 $1 (20. Bxd2 { RT: is also good}) 20... Rf8 21. Nxc8 Raxc8 22. Ne7+ Kh8 23. Nxc8 { +- RT: and the N escapes to d6}) 19. Rxc2 { +/- RT: White still has the awkward threat Bxb7}) 17. Bd4 Ne5 18. Nxg7 Qxg7 19. f4 Bd6 20. fxe5 Bxe5 21. Bxe5 Rxe5 { RT: weakens the back rank. But the alternative 21...Qxe5? fails to a wonderful combination} (21... Qxe5 $2 22. Rxf7 $3 Kxf7 23. Qxh7+ Ke6 (23... Kf8 24. Rf2+) (23... Qg7 24. Rf2+) (23... Kf6 24. Ne4+ $1 Ke6 25. Bh3+) 24. Ne4 $3 { +- RT: with the killer threat 25 Bh3+}) 22. Ne4 Ne6 (22... Nd5 $2 23. Rxd5 Rxd5 24. Nf6+) 23. Nd6 { RT: hitting f7, b7 and c8} Rc5 24. Qa4 $1 Rc7 25. Ne8 Bd7 { RT: only move} 26. Rxd7 Rxe8 27. Rdxf7 Qxf7 (27... Rxf7 28. Qxe8+ Nf8 29. Rxf7 ({ RT: not} 29. Bd5 $4 Qd4+) 29... Qxf7 30. Qxf7+ Kxf7 31. Bxb7 { +- RT: an easily won ending}) 28. Rxf7 Kxf7 { += RT: this might be the critical position after 16. Nf5!? In theory Black has a slight material advantage (although White can simply take on a7) but his king is very exposed and White's Queen can attack Black's loose pawns and pieces. I don't see a clear win for either side but I prefer White here.}) 16... a5 { tvirlip: I believe that at this point white position is clearly better, +-. And then I did something wrong... RT: I agree. I haven't analysed it fully but it seems now 17. Nf5 should still be very strong, with threats of Bxb7 and Bb6.} 17. a3 { RT: however this is not incorrect; it is natural to unpin the knight} ({ tvirlip: I believe that at this point white position is clearly better, +-. And then I did something wrong... RT: I agree. I haven't analysed it fully but it seems now 17. Nf5! should still be very strong, with threats of Bxb7 andBb6. } 17. Nf5 $5) 17... Bc5 18. Nc6 { RT: all of your pieces are better than Black's. Why do you try to exchange them like this? In this position it is not in White's interest to simplify unless it is the clearest way to an advantage. 18. Nf5 was still possible.} bxc6 19. Bxc5 ({ RT:} 19. Bxc6 Bxe3 20. fxe3 { ~ RT: is very unclear}) 19... Ra6 20. Na4 $6 { tvirlip: With the idea Bb6, Bxc6. RT: Nd5 stops this plan. I would have preferred Ne4 going to d6, instead of trying to win a pawn} (20. Ne4 $5 { += RT: Black's pieces are still awkwardly placed. No need to hurry and try to win the pawn on c6 immediately: it will still be weak in 20 moves time.}) 20... Nd5 { RT: only move} 21. Bxd5 { tvirlip: was it the error? I do not know. I did not like the idea ofexchanging white-square bishop, but was not able to see how to continue otherwise. RT: hard to say if this is an error. Black's knight on d5 was very strong, and you won a pawn, so objectively it is hard to fault the move. But it allowed the tactical trap that was played in the game. Notice also that if your knight was still on c3 you would have a very good position after Nxd5.} cxd5 { tvirlip: I hink that position is equal now; white spent somewhere all his advantage. RT: I think your extra pawn still counts.} 22. Rxd5 { +=} Bb7 { tvirlip: I'd like to give `!' to this move. I did not see it and I still think that this move is much better any other in the given position. RT: yes} 23. Rxd7 $4 { tvirlip: It was not a blunder, I was thinking about 5 minutes before I did this move. Of course it's a bad move, but I do not remeber why I did it. Probably R5d2 was much better. RT: well, if it was not a blunder it was a serious oversight, undoing all your hard work to get to this position.} ({ RT:} 23. R5d2 { RT: White still has an advantage}) 23... Qxd7 { tvirlip: time control now: white: 3+ minutes, black: 5.0 minutes. I saw this move, it was not a surprise. RT: GM Najdorf said never to analyse blitz games, so I won't be too harsh from now on} 24. Be3 { tvirlip: Blunder. Qh3 now wins. RT: yes} Rc6 $4 { tvirlip: black does an error as well, just luck.} (24... Qh3 25. f4 { RT: with little time left you could still have hoped for 25...Rxe3??} Rae6 $1 { RT: winning}) 25. Rxd7 Rxc2 26. Rxb7 { Majkl resigns} 1-0 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2002.12.17"] [Round "?"] [White "pugly"] [Black "CoolTrain"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "A00"] [WhiteElo "1704"] [BlackElo "1878"] [Annotator "pugly/bscastro"] [PlyCount "56"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { pugly: The time control was "15 0 standard". I think I was doing all right for quite a while. Not really clear when the tide turned in his favor...maybe at the 20th move? I thought he made a mistake to bring out his queen so early, but he managed to make it the pivot point of multiple attacks on me. Maybe that's what really made the difference. By the way, my true playing strength is nowhere near 1700. Maybe 1100. I just joined FICS. bscastro: Greetings!} 1. e4 d5 { bscastro: This is the Scandinavian Defense. The main line is to capture on d5.} 2. Nc3 { pugly: Wanted to defend the pawn and develop a piece at the same time. Of course he could have chased me all over the place after 2...d4.} ({ bscastro: Here are examples of main lines in this opening.} 2. exd5 Qxd5 (2... Nf6 { is another option for Black.} 3. d4 Bg4 (3... Nxd5)) 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 c6 { is a main line given by NCO.}) 2... dxe4 3. Nxe4 Nd7 { pugly: Am I playing against a beginner? (I'm about to find out that the answer is no.)} 4. d4 Ngf6 5. Bd3 Nxe4 { pugly: He likes trading. No matter, I'll have the stronger center.} 6. Bxe4 Nf6 7. Bd3 Bd7 8. Nf3 e6 { pugly: Why is he so shy?} 9. O-O Bd6 10. Bg5 { pugly: I'm going to remove one of his developed pieces and either break up his king-side pawns or get his queen out where I can harass her. bscastro: When you think of a plan, try to look for ways your opponent can stop it or if the plan is realistic. For example, let us analyze your plan behind this move--'I'm going to remove one of his developed pieces' - but in doing so you are removing one of your own. 'break up his kingside pawns' - We see that he doesn't have to break up his pawns by capturing with the queen, which brings us to 'get his queen out where I can harass her' - here you need to calculate more concretely how you would do that, after which you might see that it would be difficult to harrass her since you are missing the dark-square bishop and one of the knights. The move itself is not bad, but by analyzing your planning after your games, you can see where you can improve them.} h6 11. Bxf6 { bscastro: I think this capture is premature. In general, in open positions, bishops are slightly better than knights. Also, you have an advantage in space, due to your advanced pawn on d4. In general, you want to retain your pieces when you have a space advantage because of you have more room to maneuver. Also, in this case, you have helped Black complete his development.} ({ bscastro:} 11. Be3 { is a simple move that retreats the knight. Now, you have created a potential target on h6 if you play a later Qd2.}) 11... Qxf6 { pugly: Maybe in semi-speed chess this isn't too early to bring out the queen after all. bscastro: The problem is that you can't really harrass the queen here. Black is almost fully developed. At this point, Black has a slight advantage.} 12. c4 { bscastro: This is a good move, gaining space.} Bc6 13. Be2 { pugly: I don 't want to expose my king. Too bad I have to move my bishop to where it's much less useful.} ({ bscastro: A more aggressive way to meet this would be} 13. d5 $1 exd5 14. cxd5 Bxd5 15. Bb5+ c6 (15... Bc6 16. Bxc6+ bxc6 17. Re1+ Kf8 { and White will soon regain the pawn.} (17... Be7 18. Ne5 { threatening Qd7+} Rd8 19. Qc2 { threatening Qxc6.})) 16. Qxd5 { taking advantage of the pin.} O-O 17. Bxc6 bxc6 18. Qd4 $11 { And now White might be a little better because of his better pawn structure, although the dark-square bishop keeps it pretty even as it has an advantage in the open board.}) 13... O-O 14. c5 { pugly: I want to own e5. bscastro: Not a bad idea, but now he owns d5 as well. This will become a problem which will plague you for the rest of the game. Another problem with this move is that now the d4 pawn is "backward" since it cannot be advanced safely and has no "neighbor" pawns to protect it, therefore it is subject to attack, particularly since the d-file is half-open. Black can make a plan like putting his rooks on d8 and d7 and moving his bishops out of the way and capturing the pawn. Or he can do as he did in the game by removing the defenders of d4.} ({ bscastro:} 14. Re1 { is a good move, which prepares the eventual Ne5 as well as putting the rook on the half-open file.}) 14... Be7 15. b4 ({ bscastro:} 15. Ne5 Rfd8 { Threatening ...Bxc5, since d4 is pinned by the rook.} 16. Rc1 { So that the rook can recapture on c5.} Bd5 17. Bc4 { Trading off the strong bishop.} Bxc4 (17... Be4 { If he avoids the exchange, you can develop freely.} 18. Re1) 18. Rxc4 { and Black might have a slight advantage because of continued pressure on d4, but at least you have put your knight on a great square and eliminated Black's strong bishop on d5.}) 15... Bd5 { bscastro: Now Black has an advantage. The bishop is very dominant here.} 16. Qc2 { pugly: Preparing to free my rooks. bscastro: Your queen does not do much else on c2. It would have been more useful on d2 perhaps. If you were planning Bc4 to try to trade bishops, that would be a reason to put it here, although that would be an incorrect plan.} ({ bscastro:} 16. Qd2 { Would have been more useful.} c6 17. Ne5 Rfd8 18. f4 $11) 16... c6 { pugly: He c ould have played Bxf3, and then 17...Qxd4. I'd better prevent that now...} 17. Rfd1 a5 { bscastro: White's pieces are uncoordinated. The queen on c2 is not really doing anything useful, and the rooks are overworked, as the text shows. Black has the initiative.} 18. a3 $2 { pugly: I want the open a file for my rook, not his. bscastro: This loses the pawn tactically. This is probably the turning point in the game. From here, your position goes from slightly worse to losing because you spend the rest of the game trying to defend your weak pawns.} ({ bscastro:} 18. bxa5 { Seems to be the best way to save the pawn. Although Black has an open file, White also has a target in the b7 pawn. There are some tactical points, but when the dust settles, White is okay.} Rxa5 19. Ne5 Rfa8 20. a4 Bxc5 21. Ng4 (21. dxc5 $2 Qxe5 $17 { Black is winning in material and positionally.}) 21... Qf5 { The only move that keeps the material balance. Black tries to trade queens.} 22. Nxh6+ gxh6 23. Qxf5 exf5 24. dxc5 $15 { Black does have a slight advantage due to continued pressure on White's pawns, but White has some compensation due to Black's own wrecked pawns on the kingside.}) 18... axb4 19. axb4 Rxa1 20. Rxa1 { pugly: Oops, forgot that my rook was guarding d4.} Bxf3 21. Bxf3 Qxd4 { bscastro: Black has a clear advantage. Besides being a pawn up, White must now be on the defensive for the rest of the game.} 22. Ra4 { pugly: Now I have to worry about checkmate. But Rb1 would have given up the open file.} Rd8 23. h3 { pugly: I need an emergency hatch, even though d1 seems secure for now.} Qf4 24. b5 { pugly: I should have played Qe4 and tried to force a queen trade. Now I've only made it easier for him to eliminate my pawn at c5 and follow with ... Bd6.} Qe5 25. bxc6 bxc6 { pugly: I can defend the pawn at c5 but at the cost of pinning down my queen and rook. Meanwhile, he has several threats brewing. If I have a plan now, it's to get a passed pawn.} 26. Ra5 $2 ({ bscastro:} 26. Qe4 { with this move, you try to trade queens. White is down a pawn, and should be looking for ways to draw. In this case, you threaten to trade pawns on the queenside and going into a drawing positions with bishops of opposite color and 3 vs. 4 pawns on the kingside, which is difficult to win.} Qxe4 27. Rxe4 Bxc5 28. Rc4 Be7 29. Rxc6 { and White has chances to defend.}) (26. Rc4 $2 { is another way to protect the pawn which fails.} Ra8 27. Be2 { to block the rook check.} Ra1+ 28. Bf1 Qe1 29. Qd3 Rd1 30. Re4 Rxd3 31. Rxe1 Rc3 { and Black can win another pawn.}) 26... Rc8 ({ bscastro:} 26... Qe1+ { As you see, Black wins here.}) 27. Bxc6 { pugly: If I play conservatively I'll lose on time. So I try this stupid gamble, hoping to push that passed pawn and trade it for his rook or his queen...fat chance.} Qe1+ { ! pugly: Ugh, I didn't see that coming. And he could have done it a move earlier even.} 28. Kh2 Qxa5 { pugly resigns. bscastro: Based on this game, you seem to make one-move plans and threats. When your opponent meets your threat or your plan doesn't work out quite the way you wanted, you make another one. You had some good ideas about gaining space on the queenside (in particular, c4 was an excellent move). You made a positional error when you advanced c4-c5, since you gave your opponent the d5-square as well as creating a backward pawn on d4 (which came under attack later in the game). You wanted to claim the e5 square, which is a great idea, but your knight was stuck defending the weak pawn on d4. Here are some recommendations based on this game: 1. Analyze your plans to see if they are realistic much like I did quickly in the game. Sometimes, we have good ideas in general cases, but we must be specific to our situation where the idea might not work. 2. I always advise people to study tactics because it is one of the most important things you can do to improve. However, here I also suggest that you study positional elements. Some of your errors werepositional errors which don't cause you to lose immediately, but added up as the game went on. For example, creating the backward pawn on d4 and trading your bishop for knight in the opening and allowing him to have the two bishops (which is usually an advantage in open positions). 3. Try to figure out your opponent's plans and threats. Assume they will play the best move in any position, and that way you can come closer to playing your best move. 4. After each game, write down your thoughts, plans, and analysis you had during the game. Then you can look at it (like I did in the note for Bg5) and make corrections. I do this often and have been making gradual progress in reducing my "thinking" errors. In summary, you did not make huge tactical errors, such as blundering a piece or the exchange. However, small errors and one-move plans allowed your opponent to accumulate small advantages which resulted in an eventual loss of material. Efforts to correct this will help you improve greatly. Good luck!} 0-1 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "2003.01.07"] [Round "?"] [White "juppu"] [Black "kylec"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "E91"] [WhiteElo "1543"] [BlackElo "1678"] [Annotator "juppu, PTFN"] [PlyCount "84"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] [TimeControl "1200"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nf3 g6 4. Nc3 Bg7 5. Bf4 { PTFN: Bf4 is playable but Bg5 seems a little stronger.} (5. Bg5 Nbd7 (5... h6 6. Bh4 g5 7. Bg3 Nh5 8. e4 { +/=}) 6. e3 (6. g3 $6 h6 { =/+}) 6... O-O 7. Be2 c6 8. O-O h6 9. Bh4 { =}) 5... O-O 6. e3 { juppu: Was it a mistake to close the bishop's line back to safety? PTFN: This is not essential.} Nh5 7. Bg5 h6 8. Bh4 Nd7 9. Be2 c5 10. O-O b6 11. a3 { PTFN: It's time to consider a concrete plan. Black's last move 10....b6 weakened the light long diagonal somehow and brought white some tempi. For example let's see what if Nd2:} (11. Nd2 Nhf6 ( 11... cxd4 12. exd4 Bxd4 13. Bxh5 gxh5 14. Qxh5 { +/-}) 12. Bf3 Rb8 13. Nde4 Bb7 14. Nxf6+ Nxf6 15. Bxb7 Rxb7 16. Qf3 { PTFN: White get spaces}) (11. Ne1 Nhf6 12. d5 g5 13. Bg3 Ne5 { PTFN: It is not so ideal for white}) 11... Nhf6 12. b4 $2 { PTFN: In my opinion this was a strategical slip. You had fewer pieces on the Q-side than on the K-side, so active performance is not necessary. Moreover, after b4 your c4 pawn floated up and became weak. This would affect the dark long diagonal too.} (12. h3 { PTFN: A quiet move. The position is not urgent so white needn't be hurried.} Re8 (12... e5 13. d5 Ba6) 13. Nh2 e5 14. d5 g5 (14... Ba6) 15. Bg3 Nf8 16. Ng4 Ng6 17. Nxf6+ Bxf6) 12... cxd4 13. Nxd4 { PTFN: For as mentioned the possible weak pawn, recapturing by e-pawn (exd4) may help a little.} Bb7 { juppu: The ning phase is over, all the pieces are more or less in the game. Now what? I feel this is my biggest problem at the moment. I can't find a decent strategy, so I usually just end up eating something, because I don't know any better moves (or strategy). PTFN: This is not a pure positional or tactical problem; We'll discuss it later.} 14. Bxf6 { PTFN: 14.Bxf6 is not bad but I think 14.Bg3 is more necessary. Your lineup is not so solid as that 3 moves before, concerning the major deficiency - the c4 pawn. How can black press on it? well, first Rc8, then Ne5,Ba6(tempting your b5 to fix the weakness). Thus you would have guarded the point e5.} (14. Bg3 Rc8 15. Rc1 a6 (15... Rc7 $2 16. Ncb5) 16. Qb3 Ne4 17. Nxe4 (17. Nd5 Nxg3 18. hxg3 e6 (18... Ne5 $2 19. f4) 19. Nc3 Rc7 20. Na4 Qa8 21. f3 Rfc8 { Then ...Ne5}) 17... Bxe4 18. f3 (18. c5 $2 bxc5 19. bxc5 dxc5 20. Bxa6 Rb8 $1 { +/-}) 18... Bb7 19. Rc2 Rc7 20. Rfc1 Qa8) 14... Bxf6 15. Nd5 Bg7 16. Nf4 { I guess that was a mistake. More or less a result of having no strategy.} (16. Rc1) 16... e5 17. Nxg6 { I thought I found a clever way out, but I still lost in pieces.} fxg6 18. Ne6 Qe7 19. Nxf8 Rxf8 20. Bg4 { juppu: I made this move while I was thinking that I was a bit ahead. I miscalculated the result of the exchange of my knights. I thought this move was clever, because I wanted to force the exchange of bishops. PTFN: Normally the loss trading 2N at R+P is slight, but in this particular situation black has winning material, due to the weakness of your c4 pawn. However, maybe there is a more clever way to exchange light-squared bishops.} (20. Ra2 { PTFN: I think this is natural. White gets his rook out from the X-ray of black bishop, and be ready to aim at black's d6 pawn.} e4 ( 20... Nf6 21. Rd2 Rd8 22. c5 bxc5 23. bxc5 d5 24. Rc2 Rc8 25. Qc1 Rc6 26. Bb5 $1) 21. Rd2 Be5 22. f4 exf3 23. Bxf3) 20... Nf6 21. Bf3 { PTFN: lost a tempo} e4 22. Be2 Rd8 23. h3 { Again, I didn't know anything better to do. Get the control of the g4 square and to have a escape for the king, just in case. PTFN: Now there is indeed nothing interesting to play for white, but instinctively I would play 23.Rc1.} d5 24. Qb3 { juppu: These tactical calculations went over my head so I just tried something neat with a possible check after ...d4 c5. PTFN: Correct} Kh8 25. Rfd1 (25. Rac1) 25... Rf8 26. cxd5 { juppu: I thought I gained something. After few moves it came very clear that I didn't. I guess I just need to be more careful with others play. I get so excited about my own possibly good moves that I don't bother to check out if there is a hidden danger. PTFN: A blunder which accelerates the come of failure. I agree with your statement. Similar slip occurs not only to beginners but also occasionally to GMs, The remarkable difference between them is the latter make such blunders much more seldom.} Nxd5 27. Rxd5 Bxd5 28. Qxd5 Bxa1 { juppu: Well the rest of the game is not very interesting, although I managed to hold him for a while.} 29. Bc4 Rd8 30. Qc6 Rd1+ 31. Kh2 Qd6+ 32. Qxd6 Rxd6 33. b5 Kg7 34. a4 Rd2 35. Kg3 Be5+ 36. f4 exf3+ 37. Kxf3 Rc2 38. Bb3 Rc5 39. Ke4 Kf6 40. g4 Kg5 41. Be6 Bc7 42. Kd3 Kh4 { An interesting game. By going over it I get a general impression of your chess skill. You should do more effort if you like to improve it, these include: 1.Do more investigation before making a move, more explicitly, try to evaluate the position rather than simply calculate moves. Taking this game for instance, where you go wrong is the 11th move, that is of high probability due to having not evaluated the position and been eager to start attack. 2.Get familiar with frequently used openings, and understand the ideas they imply. You said you have no idea on what to do after 13th move. I think if you had an explicit thought with the opening you had chosen, you won't be unable to make a fit move. Good luck!} 0-1 [Event "Ivrea"] [Site "?"] [Date "2002.03.16"] [Round "1"] [White "Scarrone, Alberto"] [Black "Pichierri, Giancarlo"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B03"] [WhiteElo "1612"] [BlackElo "1458"] [Annotator "Scarrone,Alberto, msh"] [PlyCount "65"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. e4 Nf6 { MH: I wish I knew more about this opening. I'd like to play it in tournaments. So far I've only played it in skittles games.} 2. e5 Nd5 3. c4 { MH: This is a fairly normal move but you have to remember it blocks Bf1, so the gains made with it are at some cost.} Nb6 4. d4 (4. c5 Nd5 { MH: This "Chase Variation" is very interesting, but isn't played much because it forces the issue very quickly and if Black knows how to handle it there's a good chance it will dissipate White's chances to win. On the other hand, if Black doesn't handle it right in the opening he can face serious problems.}) 4... d6 5. exd6 { MH: The Exchange Variation was one of my favorites, but I decided later it might be more fun to use my pieces for offense, rather than just to defend the central pawns. In practice it scores well for White if the player is comfortable with it.} (5. f4 { MH: This, the "Four Pawns Attack" was very popular in the 1960s and '70s. It's lost a bit of it's lustre, but hasn't been refuted. Nowadays people tend to play less forcing lines and try to keep their kings safe while building toward some advantage in the middle-game.}) 5... exd6 (5... cxd6 { MH: is considered more aggressive and possibly Black's best way to fight for a win. I don't know if I agree, but it immediately makes the game less balanced (pawn structure) and that ensures some good fights.}) 6. d5 $2 { majno: in order to prevent Black from to play Nc6 and to get d4 for the queen MH: This is premature. White moved some pawns and has cleared the way for his pieces to develop: so it's time to develop them. Leaving the pawns in a rigid formation also makes it easier for Black to decide how he can develop his pieces.} (6. Nc3 Nc6 7. Be3 Be7 (7... Bf5) 8. Bd3 Bf6 9. Nge2 { MH: is the sort of thing one often sees in games with this opening. White could O-O or O-O-O with play on either wing, while Black focuses on the center with his two knights already in place for that.}) 6... Bf5 $1 7. Bd3 { MH: It's a shame White has to do this, but Bf5 is very strong and White has to develop that B somewhere. Anyway, with the central pawns being blocked on light squares it makes sense to trade that B off; even though it might have been a great offensive piece, attacking Ph7.} Qd7 { majno: probably not very bad. The Nb8 cannot be developed in d7 but it can be placed in c5 via a6, after a5 I think MH: I won't say Qd7 is terrible, but it seems more natural for the queen to play on dark squares like e7, f6 or h4.} (7... Bxd3 8. Qxd3 N8d7 { MH: should give Black fine play on dark squares with Nb6 keeping an eye on Pb3. }) 8. Nf3 Qe7+ $2 { majno: Not good, I think. Black can developed the bishop in g7 after g6 but the second queen move lose a time MH: This highlights a small problem with Qd7, that it depends upon White to exchange at f5 before Black's d7 square is cleared again. So, that would limit Black's Nb8 to developing, as you said above, to a6. But, unfortunately, e7 might not be any better. If he plans ...g6 and ...Bg7 then he'd better trade-off Bf5 so it won't get caught without a good square. Also, one should ask whether the Qe7 will be comfortable on that square for long. Isn't it likely White will be able to play Re1 sometime soon?} (8... Be7 9. O-O Na6 { MH: isn't so bad for Black; his pieces are active and not really in each other's way}) 9. Be3 Bg4 { majno: This second bishop move seem forced to me. White is now better developed MH: If by "forced" you mean that it isn't in the spirit of the position then I agree. It isn't "forced" in the sense that it is "required".} (9... Bxd3 10. Qxd3 N8d7 { MH: still seems pretty fair for Black, though he'd better get Bf8 developed before White's Be3 becomes hugeatd4!}) 10. O-O N8d7 11. Re1 $2 (11. Nbd2 { majno: was probably better. White can't now avoid the copy pawn in f3 MH: Incidentally, in the USA we refer to that as a "doubled pawn".}) 11... Ne5 12. Nc3 $2 { MH: To allow the weakening of Kg1's pawn cover isn't very desirable and one should avoid it at even a high cost.} (12. Be2 Nxf3+ (12... Nbxc4 13. Nxe5 Bxe2 14. Qxe2 Nxe5 15. Qb5+) 13. Bxf3 Bxf3 14. Qxf3 Nxc4 15. Bd2 Ne5 16. Qb3 { MH: isn't entirely easy for Black: there's the pin on Ne5 which White might exploit with f2-f4 and there's the threat to Pb7 and Bf8 isn't developing any time soon.}) 12... f5 $2 { MH: I suppose he thought he was guaranteed the chance to force gxf3 and wasn't in a rush. But, he's leaving Qe7 aligned with Ke8 and Re1 for far too long.} (12... Bxf3 13. gxf3 { majno: was correct} O-O-O $17 { MH: and Black can begin many devious plans to threaten Kg1!}) 13. Bxb6 $2 (13. c5 $1 Bxf3 (13... Nbd7 { MH: avoids weakening Pf5 before it's necessary} 14. cxd6 cxd6 15. Be2) 14. gxf3 Nbd7 (14... dxc5 15. Bf4) 15. Nb5 Qd8 (15... O-O-O 16. c6 { majno: and Black castle are very weak}) 16. Bxf5) (13. Be2 $1 { MH: helps to solve White's problems and leaves Black wondering why he weakened his position with ...f7-f5. Also, after Bd3-e2 White can (and probably should) consider Nf3-d4 to target Pf5, square e6 and staying on the board to threaten Black's queen-side (in the event of ...O-O-O).}) 13... Bxf3 14. gxf3 Qg5+ 15. Kh1 axb6 16. Nb5 $1 { majno: black king are forced to remain in the center too, ank white knight will get a very good posotion in e5. Althought the copy pawn in f3, Black probably haven't a better position, I think} Kd7 { MH: It's not clear that Black's king is worse in the center as it's blocked. He's on a light square and White might soon lose Bd3 or any other pieces which could get at Kd7. Of course, it's also unclear how Black might get at Kh1 as Bf8 isn't yet developed and neither Black rook could quickly get to h6 or g6. Still, I'd say Black is a little better because his weaknesses can be fixed with piece play; whereas White will probably always have a weak pawn cover for Kh1.} 17. Nd4 g6 18. Ne6 { majno: position evalutation seem to me about draw MH: It's probably not wise to weaken Pf3 further. Better would be a2-a4, intending Ra1-a3 to defend along the third rank or maybe Bf1 to bring another piece in front of the king.} ({ MH:} 18. Qc1 Qh5 19. Kg2 Bh6 20. Qc2 (20. f4 Qg4+ $17) 20... Bf4 21. Rh1 Qg5+ 22. Kf1 $15) ({ MH:} 18. Bf1) ({ MH:} 18. a4) 18... Qh5 $2 { majno: Black want f3, but White can force him to lose the good Ne4 using a little tactical threat} ({ majno: probably keep the position about draw} 18... Qh4 { MH: I think it's slightly better for Black, but within the range of a draw. However, there's plenty of opportunity for Black to try to win before agreeing to only a draw. To say it's "equal" is also not quite right (in my opinion).}) 19. Be2 { majno: threat f4} Bh6 $2 { MH: A queen trade would lessen Black's chances to threaten Kh1, but Black's advantage doesn't completely disappear as the Black rooks should become more active.} (19... Qh4 20. f4 Nf7 { whit the Rg8,g5 idea was better? MH: Yes, Black has to take a few moves to show he has any advantage(s). I think Ne6 can be strong, but challenged and chased away. Then, Black can try to open the king-side a bit and demonstrate his advantage is real, though small.}) 20. f4 Ng4 21. Bxg4 fxg4 22. Rg1 $6 $13 { MH: I don't think White wants to win Pg4, face a queen trade (however desirable that might have seemed just a couple of moves before) and then find all his pawns are so weak he would lose a simple ending.} (22. Qb3 { MH: defends Pa2 and so prepares to move Ra1, keeps Pc4 defended, guards f3 against checks from Black's queen and threatens an invasion by Qb5+. White can begin to consider moves such as Nxc7 or to double rooks (Re1-e4, Ra1-e1) and then invade at e7; completely surrounding Black's king.}) 22... c6 { majno: the ct idea I think. Black attack the white centre MH: It does indeed seem necessary, though highly undesirable in terms of Black's king's safety.} 23. a3 $2 { MH: Pa2 is nice to have, but it's more important to activate the pieces and get to Kd7.} (23. Qd4 { majno: thinking about to protect the centre playing Rd1 and Re1 may be? MH: Qd4 looks quite strong!}) (23. Qxg4 Qxg4 24. Rxg4 cxd5 25. cxd5 Ra5 { MH: and Black has the advantage as he's attacking three weak points and White's Ne6 is more a target than a strong point.}) 23... Qf5 { MH: It appears Black intends ...h7-h5 to hold Pg4 (a laudable goal), but misses the point that he can activate Ra8 by threatening Pd5. Still, Black's position is quite good and White has many weak points.} ({ MH:} 23... cxd5 24. cxd5 Ra5 $17) 24. Rxg4 Qe4+ ({ MH:} 24... cxd5 25. cxd5 Ra5) 25. f3 Qxc4 { MH: It's ironic, almost tragic, but winning Pc4 and forcing Pd5 to trade-off might weaken Black's king more than simply leaving White's pawns alone. This is the double edged sword of playing offensively in the vicinity of Kd7; it also opens lines for White to get at Kd7. Safer would be to activate the black pieces and only then try to win pawns, thus ensuring there will be fewer chances for White to attack Kd7.} 26. dxc6+ bxc6 27. f5 $5 { MH: This is a good attempt to open things further for Rg4 and to weaken Kd7. Notice how the White pawns have to be gotten out of the way (along with Black's pawns) for the White pieces to become very active (useful, utilitarian, dangerous).} Qd5 $6 ( 27... Qb5 { majno: Fritz7 think White have a winning position after this move. During the game I thought Black had a better one. Comments of the reviewer are welcome} 28. Rd4 { MH: Notice at this moment White has three offensive pieces (Qd1, Rd4, Ne6) and Black has only Qb5 defending. For the moment White has good chances, though Black might bring pieces to defend Kd7 and regain the overall advantage.} d5 29. Rb4 Qa6 30. Qc2 Rhe8 (30... Rag8 { MH: makes more sense to me, though it's not easy for Black.}) 31. Rh4 Bf8 32. Rxh7+ $16 { MH: possibly winning, though it's the game is far from done while both kings are exposed and there are still queens on the board}) 28. Rd4 Qe5 ({ MH: There is also the more obvious} 28... Qxf5 29. Rxd6+ Ke7 30. Rd7+ Ke8 ( 30... Kf6 31. Qd4+ Qe5 32. Rf7+ Kxe6 33. Re7+ Kxe7 34. Qxe5+ Kf7 35. Qc7+ $16) (30... Kxe6 $4 31. Qd6#) 31. Nc7+ Kf8 32. Nxa8 $18) 29. f4 Qxf5 (29... Bxf4 30. Nxf4 { majno: was may be a little bit better, but with a pieces more than the opponent, White should win anyway} gxf5) 30. Rxd6+ Ke7 31. Rd7+ Ke8 32. Nc7+ Kf8 33. Qd6+ (33. Qd4 { majno: forcing to give the queen was faster} Qxd7 (33... Rg8 34. Qd6#)) (33. Nxa8 Qe4+ 34. Kg1 Qe3+ 35. Kg2 Qe4+ 36. Qf3 Qc2+ 37. Kg3 $18 { MH: and Black runs out of checks}) 1-0 [Event "Kilkenny Major"] [Site "Kilkenny IRL"] [Date "2002.12.01"] [Round "5"] [White "Murray, David"] [Black "Willow, Dave"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C12"] [Annotator "RoundTower, msh"] [PlyCount "61"] [EventDate "2002.11.29"] 1. e4 { RT: I annotated this game first with a pen and paper and real chessboard. Then I transferred the annotations to PGN with the freeware program SCID from scid.sourceforge.net.} e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Bb4 5. e5 h6 6. Bh4 { RT: I knew this is theoretically incorrect. But I played it once before up to White's 9th move and wanted to try it again. 6. Bd2 is much more common and theoretical. MH: At least after this game you'll have a better understanding of the two moves and their consequences.} (6. Bd2 { MH: It's safer to have Pe5 rather than having it end up at f6. It's useful to have Bd2, for however long, on d2 where it targets Ph6 and breaks the pin on Nc3 rather than chopped off at h4 when the pin on Nc3 is a serious matter. Let's see how these key differences play out in your game.}) 6... g5 7. exf6 gxh4 8. Qg4 ({ MH: First, let's look briefly at the simple Qf3 to defend Pf6.} 8. Qf3 Nd7 { and it's immediately evident White is losing Pf6. So, what compensation does White have for the pawn? There is a large open space from e3-e5-h5-h3 and even up to g7; can White activate his pieces in that area? It doesn't seem likely White can dominate that area more than Qd8 & Nd7. Probably the most White can do is regain the pawn by capturing Ph4.}) 8... Qxf6 $11 { RT: Black's only real alternative is 8...Nd7. But the N may be needed on c6. MH: Very true.} ({ RT:} 8... Nd7 { MH: passive compared to the game continuation} 9. Qxh4) 9. Nf3 Nc6 { MH: Notice that with Pe5 gone missing it's much easier for Black's queen to create some offense, aiming at Pd4 in particular. Without ...Qf6 it's unlikely Black would've found ...Nc6 to be useful. Still ...Bxc3 and ...c5 are stronger ways to fight White's bind on the dark squares and to complete his development. The game continuation shows how difficult it is for Black to directly fight through the bind on d4 & e5 with ...e5.} ({ RT:} 9... c5 10. O-O-O Nc6 $2 ({ MH: } 10... Bxc3 11. bxc3 Nc6 12. Qxh4 Qxh4 13. Nxh4 b6 $11 { In this ending Black has only two pawn islands and the g-file favors Black a little while the e- and b-files could favor White. neither side has a lot of advantage, but White has doubled c-file pawns which *could* be a problem, though at the moment they seem fine.}) 11. Nb5 Qe7 12. c3 a6 13. cxb4 cxb4 14. Qg7 Rf8 15. Qxh6 axb5 16. Bxb5 Rxa2 17. Kb1 Ra5 18. Bxc6+ bxc6 19. Qxh4 Qa7 20. Nd2 Ra1+ 21. Kc2 Ra2 22. Nb3 Qa6 23. Qg3 Qc4+ { 1/2-1/2, Murray, D - Aherne, T, Greystones 2002}) 10. O-O-O { RT: My king should be quite safe here. It is definitely bad to take on h4 and Bb5 commits the "good" bishop which I might need on d3. After this, tricks with ...e5 don't work for Black. MH: It looks good to me.} ({ RT:} 10. Bb5 $6 Bd7 { MH: and all White has done is align Bb5 with Bd7 to achieve a trade he doesn't really want}) ({ RT:} 10. Qxh4 $2 Qxh4 11. Nxh4 Nxd4) ({ RT:} 10. Nxh4 $2 e5 $17 ({ MH: or} 10... Qxd4 $17 { threatens ...Qxg4 or ...Bxc3+ and prevents O-O-O})) 10... Bd7 { MH: Black sudden ly lost his zeal for active play! This indicates he's not aiming for ...e5 and that gives White a chance to grab the advantage.} ({ RT:} 10... e5 $2 11. Nxd5 Qd6 12. Qg7 { +/-}) ({ RT:} 10... Bxc3 { MH: White's pressure on Pd5 has to be eliminated if Black's to play ...e5; and since he can't play ...c5 it seems clear he needs ...e5 to complete his development before White creates a bind.} 11. bxc3 e5 12. Qxh4 Qxh4 13. Nxh4 e4 ({ MH:} 13... Be6 { might be better in spite of the split pawns Black would incur after 14. dxe5} 14. dxe5 $6 Nxe5 15. f4 Ng4 16. f5 (16. Re1 O-O-O 17. f5 Bd7) 16... Nf2 17. fxe6 Nxh1 18. Bb5+ c6 19. Bxc6+ bxc6 20. exf7+ Kxf7 21. Rxh1) 14. f3 { looks fine for White} ({ or maybe} 14. g3 { intending Nh4-g2-e3})) 11. Qxh4 { RT: I have to take this off sooner or later, but my N ends up offside MH: not so offside as you seem tothink} ({ RT:} 11. Nxh4 Bxc3 12. bxc3 Qxf2 ({ also after } 12... e5 13. Qg3 exd4 { White shouldn't get enough compensation, for example} 14. Re1+ Be6 15. f4 O-O-O)) 11... Qxh4 12. Nxh4 { RT: Here I thought White had a reasonably good position. Black's light-squared bishop is "bad" and Black will find it hard to achieve the pawn-breaks ...e5 and ...c5. With this in mind maybe Black would like to play 12...Bxc3, but it doesn't work: MH: The position favors White, but if he doesn't press the advantage forcefully the position could open and give Black's two bishops a chance to show their stuff.} O-O-O ({ RT:} 12... Bxc3 $2 { MH: There's no need for Black to give up the two bishops if he can't get in ...e5 advantageously, especially since Nc3 wasn't doing much.} 13. bxc3 e5 14. dxe5 { looks good for White who can follow up with f4 and Nh4-f3-d4}) ({ RT:} 12... f6 $2 { weakening} 13. f4) 13. Nf3 { RT: If White really wants to play against ... e5 he can try 13. f4!? Would this be more accurate? MH: I like f2-f4 a lot. After Nh4-f3 Black doesn't have any immediate concerns and has time to reorganize a bit; he can aim for ...Ne7, ...Bd6, ...c5 or maybe ...Ne7, ...c6, ...Ng6, ...Rhe8, ...f6, ...e5. This is a slow plan, but if White doesn't force much then there's time. The quick Nf3-e5 is probably repulsed by ...Be8 and ... f6. So, White needed a more active plan which involved pawn play, trying to force more weaknesses in Black's position.} ({ RT:} 13. f4 $1 $14 { MH: Despite the difficulty it does make sense to play a minority attack (making Nh4 useful where it sits), holding e5 with pieces and using f2-f4-f5xe6 to force a weak pawn on Black. You could also use g2-g3, Bf1-h3 to back up f4-f5.} f6 ({ MH:} 13... Be7 $2 14. Nf3) 14. f5 Bxc3 15. bxc3 e5 16. dxe5 Nxe5 17. Rxd5 Bc6 18. Rxd8+ Rxd8 19. Be2 { MH: After considering this variation, pawn sac and all, it seems Black has to leave his f7-d5 pawn chain intact and just support it.}) 13... Rhg8 14. Rd3 $5 { RT: coming to c3, e3 or h3 maybe MH: Aiming for Nc3-e2-g3-h5 would be interesting. Of course, there's no guarantee Black will sit still and let White create a complete bind on d4, e5 & f6.} ({ MH:} 14. Ne2 $5 { I know it seems odd to maneuver before having developed all the pieces, but there wasn't any pressing need to develop Bf1 yet. Regaining the bind on d4-f6 is very important.}) 14... Bd6 { RT: I really don't understand positions like these very well. Would 14...f6!? have caused more problems?} ({ RT:} 14... f6 { MH: I think that move is likely to be part of Black's plan, but it's just not necessary at this point.}) 15. g3 { RT: I was reluctant to play g3, as it stops any ideas of Rd3-h3. But there is no other way to defend the g-pawn in the long run, and now I have g2 and h3 for my B. This move also takes away the f4-square from the Black bishop, which is important in some lines, particularly if I want to put a R on d2 or e3... MH: In this situation it makes pretty good sense. you never know you might yet get to play Nf3-h4 (or Nf3-e1), f2-f4.} ({ MH:} 15. a3 { prevents ...Nb4, ...c5 and might prepare b2-b4 to keep a clamp on c5. Whether that's something you can really do isn't yet clear.}) 15... a6 { RT: Instead Black can try 15...Nb4 immediately. In the main line I give after 15...Nb4, White does not need the b5-square.} ({ RT:} 15... Nb4 { !?} 16. Rd2 (16. Re3 $2) 16... c5 17. a3 (17. Nb5 $2) 17... Nc6 18. Bh3 cxd4 19. Nxd4 Nxd4 20. Rxd4 Bc5 21. Rd2 Bc6 22. Re1 a5 { and Black's bishops and rooks support the central pawns pretty well, while White's pieces 'bite on granite'.}) 16. Bh3 { RT: It turns out the B is quite well placed here, still fighting against the ...e5 break.} ({ RT:} 16. Bg2 Nb4 17. Rd2 (17. Re3 c5 18. a3 Nc6 19. Rd1 cxd4 20. Nxd4 Nxd4 21. Rxd4 Bc5) 17... c5 { =+}) ({ RT: I could also have tried} 16. a3 { preventing ...Nb4 and not yet committing the bishop. But for practical purposes, I didn't mind the game getting a bit more tactical.}) 16... Nb4 17. Rd2 Kb8 $2 { RT: It appears my opponent saw problems on the h3-c8 diagonal after 17...c5!? I could have used this tempo to play 18. a3! but instead I thought I could exploit the fact that Black's N is temporarily not covering e5:} ({ MH:} 17... c5 { otherwise ...Nb4 was pretty senseless}) 18. Re1 ({ RT:} 18. a3 $1 Nc6 19. Re1 { and Black still has to work a lot to open up the game}) 18... c5 19. Ne5 { RT: here Black has several ways to get an advantage} ({ RT:} 19. dxc5 $6 { is again just making a big concession in the centre}) 19... Bxe5 $6 { RT: giving up the "good" bishop and activating White's Re1. On the other hand, it wins a pawn... MH: at the cost of giving White a handful of free offensive moves to make...} ({ RT:} 19... Be8 $1 { =+ similar to the other line, Black will regroup with ...Nc6 and retain better central control}) ({ RT:} 19... cxd4 $2 { MH: just allows White to thrash around like a fish on a hook; he might get loose or just confuseBlack}) 20. Rxe5 ({ RT:} 20. dxe5 { after the game, my opponent said this was the only move he had considered. It seems at least as good as the game continuation. MH: and the use of f2-f4-f5 and at least a little pressure on Pd5 keeps White in the game. perhaps the biggest problem for black, compared to the previous position, is that his pawns aren't as mobile with Pe5 blocking them. That makes it difficult for him to push back White's pieces to make room for his own. Now he has to fight through closed lines and it's not at all certain he will win. There's the possibility of f2-f4 and then ...h6-h5-h4 to attack Pg3, but White isn't obliged to play f2-f4! Nope, Black should find a plan to win from the immediate position and not count on White to weaken his position any further. To that end, consider that Black has a 4-to-3 queen-side pawn majority. He should align behind those pawns and advance them. I'd suggest something like ...b5, ...Nc6, ...b4, ... Kc7 and a slow steady advance of pawns to create contact points with White's pawns, then there can be some line opening way over on the a-, b- or c-files where Black might be able to fight more advantageously (far from Bh3).} d4 $2 ( { MH:} 20... b5 21. Kb1 Kc7 22. Ne2 Nc6 $15) 21. Ne4 Nxa2+ 22. Kb1 Nb4 23. Nxc5 { =}) 20... cxd4 $2 ({ MH:} 20... Nc6 21. Rh5 cxd4 22. Ne2 Rg6 (22... e5 $2 23. Bxd7 Rxd7 24. Rxh6 { and White's pieces are attacking more than Black's!}) 23. Nxd4 Ne7 { is still very unclear}) 21. Ne2 ({ RT:} 21. Rxd4 $4 Nc6 $19) 21... Nxa2+ $6 { MH: Grabbing this pawn costs time and let's White's pieces become very active. It's very risky.} ({ MH:} 21... Nc6 22. Rh5 Rg6) 22. Kb1 Nb4 23. Rh5 Rg6 ({ RT:} 23... Rh8 24. Rxd4 Nc6 25. Rdh4 { wins the P back more easily.}) 24. Rxd4 Nc6 25. Rdh4 Rh8 26. Nf4 { RT: the most active move MH: Is it the most active? I thought the idea was to win ph6, but I guess that if you thought you could only get it in trade for Pa2 then it's nothing special. However, maybe there's another way: see the note.} ({ MH:} 26. g4 $5 { simply aims to win Ph6 and make Pg4 into a passer at h7 by g4-g5xh6-h7. Can Black stop this plan?} e5 27. g5 Bxh3 28. Rxh3 Rhg8 29. gxh6) 26... Rf6 27. Nxd5 { MH: Yes, it looks like black missed an opportunity to trade Ph6 for Pf2, thereby keeping good chances; especially with Rf2 and Nc6 able to go at Kb1 while White's pieces aren't in position, after capturing Ph6, to transition to another offensive.} exd5 $2 { RT: this move came as a surprise to me. I had expected 27...Rxf2! which I still think is better.} ({ RT:} 27... Rxf2 28. Rxh6 (28. Nb6 { I thought this move would give me equality, but I missed at least one tactical point.} Be8 { I underestimated this move, because the B looked so fragile here, and I thought it would be vulnerable to a White Rook landing onh8} 29. Rxh6 Rxh6 30. Rxh6 Rxh2 31. Rh8 Kc7 32. Na8+ { only chance for material equality, but it doesn't work} Kd8 { and White cannot rescue his pieces easily}) 28... Rxh6 29. Rxh6 Rxh2 30. Nf6 ( 30. Nb6 { transposes to the note on 28. Nb6!? and also gives Black a large endgame advantage}) 30... Bc8 { Again White has a very difficult endgame}) 28. Bxd7 Rxf2 29. Rxd5 ({ RT:} 29. Rxh6 Rxh6 30. Rxh6 Nb4 { would give Black better chances}) ({ MH: A more aggressive try at winning is to regain the pawn and simplify to a rook & pawn ending where White has the more outside passer.} 29. Bxc6 bxc6 30. Rxh6 Rxh6 (30... Rc8 $6 31. Rf4 Rxf4 32. gxf4 Kb7 33. Rh7 Rf8 34. h4 Kb6 { seems to favor White, but it isn't clear he'll be able to break through with Ph4; Kb1 isn't participating!}) 31. Rxh6 Kb7 { and again White's king isn't participating, but this time Black has his rook more active and can move behind a passed White pawn; he just can't allow a rook trade (the h-file pawn would win immediately)}) 29... Kc7 { RT: Now White 's rooks control the 4th and 5th ranks, so Black can't use his N or his Rh8 to attack} ({ MH:} 29... Rf6 { frees Rh8 a bit, though it makes the Rf6 more passive }) 30. Bxc6 Kxc6 31. Rdh5 { RT: I had a lucky escape into an equal material rook ending. I was so relieved at this that I offered a draw which my opponent immediately accepted. In fact since my rooks are so active I could probably have played on and had better chances. Black has two ways to play: defend the h-pawn or attack along White's second rank. (sample lines below) I think objectively the game is drawn either way, but I'm not exactly an endgame expert: how should White play this position and what should be the result? MH: Sometimes our emotions carry the day. I had exactly the same experience in a game this last weekend. After the game my opponent and a friend of mine chided me for offering a draw, rather than at least waiting to see my opponent's next move. We'd just made time control and I guess I was a bit disoriented. Oh well, that's the way it goes sometimes. Conclusions from this game: This game was about controlling the centre, in particular the e5-square. Once Black was ... c5 his central pawns became dominant and he should probably have won. However even though this sounds like the game was very positional it was also sharp and tactical in places -- I'm sure I've missed a dozen blunders even in this analysis. I think I should be more aware of controlling the centre, either with pieces or with pawns. MH: Controlling the center is not an end in itself. It's just a way of restraining the opponent, so you have time to put your pieces into play and bash your opponent at the first chance. As far as this French Def. position you can now know for certain that if your opponent has ways to challenge your d4 & e5 then you'd better control those squares sufficiently with pieces and even in some situations with pawns. And, if you can't restrain him he'll use his pawns to push you back (eventually) and take over the initiative. Yes, there are always positional concerns, strategic aims and short-term tactics. That's just the way of the game. I get the sense that you prefer a game where your pieces are free to do some damage. That's fine. Just take these games as a lesson of how to fight the opponent's pawn play, so that you can ensure your pieces that freedom of movement. Then you can get on with finding more direct ways to try to win.} ({ RT:} 31. Rdh5 Rf6 (31... Re8 { MH: This might be the best try: get the rooks active and don't trade them.} 32. Rxh6+ Kb5 ({ MH: Safer is} 32... Kc7) 33. c4+ ({ MH:} 33. R6h5+ Kb6) (33. R4h5+ f5 34. Rf6 Re1+ 35. Ka2 Rxc2 36. Rhxf5+ $16) 33... Kb4 { and now White is in danger of being mated}) 32. Kc1 ({ MH: A more testing line is} 32. g4 b5 $1 { controlling c4 is amazingly crucial at this moment!!!!} (32... Kc7 { for example } 33. g5 hxg5 34. Rc4+ $18) 33. g5 hxg5 34. Rxh8 gxh4 35. Rxh4 Rf1+ 36. Ka2 Rf3 { is likely drawn}) 32... Kd6 33. Kd2 Kd7 (33... Ke6 34. Ke3 { += and the White king is still cut off by the well placed rook on f6, but White is still slightly better placed I think}) 34. Ke3 Re8+ { = activating the rook with gain of tempo and equalising}) 1/2-1/2 [Event "OTB tournament"] [Site "Chess Club"] [Date "2002.12.02"] [Round "9"] [White "vcStalker"] [Black "opponent"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B90"] [WhiteElo "1908"] [BlackElo "2027"] [Annotator "vcStalker, Aeneas"] [PlyCount "69"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Rg1 { My second game with this line. Aeneas: a psychological choice quite interesting: you avoid the great lines and give your opponent some matter to think about immediately.} e5 7. Nb3 Be7 $6 { Aeneas: GMI Joel Lautier played here an interesting move: 7.. .h5, with the idea of preventing g2-g4. 7...Be7 seems a natural move, but it allows White to do what they want without real counterplay. More precise here is 7...Be6 and if 8...g4 d5!. It's a general ruel: Faced to a wing attack, counterattack in the centre!} 8. g4 Be6 9. g5 { 6.Rg1 was played for this.} Nfd7 10. Be3 Nc6 11. Qh5 { 11.Qd2 and . O-O-O was OK also. Aeneas: probably 11 Qd2 was best than the game's move. With the Queen on h5, White cannot push h2-h4-h5 which is one of his most natural plan. in this sort of position.} Nf8 { I expected 11...g6, but after 12. Qh6 Bf8 Black's position is unpleasant. 11.. .O-O was the best move probably, but than White would have very good chances for an attack.} 12. O-O-O { White has go od position. Bf1 did not find his square yet, but it may wait as rooks do not need to be connected right away.. Critical squares in this position: d5 (controlled by White, and holds pawn d6), e4 (white pawn controls d5 and f5), g6, g5. White plan may be pushing h-pawn - h2-h4-h5 with attack on king side.} Ng6 { 12...Qc7 was necessary.} 13. Nc5 Qa5 { Black probably did not want to move another piece on 8th rank 13...Bc8.} 14. Nxe6 fxe6 { Now White gets clear target - e6. All game now will be around this square - the weakest point.} 15. Bc4 Nd4 16. Bxd4 exd4 17. Ne2 { Pawn d4 is another target.} Kd7 { 17...e5 weaks white squares dramatically.} 18. Qg4 { Too slow. 18.f4! guarding e5 pawn. If 18...Raf8 than 19.Qg4.} ({ Aeneas: He re it's a moment very important in the game. It seems that you miss the best continuation (and the more simple one):} 18. Nxd4 { attacking twice the pawn e6 seems natural and good. What can Black do to protect his pawn? let's examine the variations:} Nf4 (18... e5 { weaks, as you said before, too much the white squares around the black King.} 19. Qh3+ Kc7 20. Ne6+ { and White controls the whole board thanks to the white squares.}) (18... Nf8 19. Qf7 { (attacking one more time e6 and g7)} Qe5 20. f4 Qxe4 21. f5 $1 { and all the lines will be opened on the black King} e5 22. Ne6 { (threatening 23. Nc5+)} Rc8 (22... Nxe6 $2 23. Bxe6+ Kd8 24. Rxd6+ $1) 23. Nxf8+ Rhxf8 24. Be6+ Kd8 (24... Kc7 25. Qxe7+) 25. Rxd6+ Kc7 26. Qxe7+ $18) 19. Qf7 Qe5 20. Nf3 $1 Qxe4 (20... Qc5 $4 21. Qxf4 Qxc4 22. Ne5+) 21. Rge1 $3 Qxf3 22. Bxe6+ Kc6 { (The Nf4 is pinned because of the Queen no protected on f3)} ( 22... Kd8 23. Rxd6+ Kc7 24. Qxe7+) 23. Qxe7 { and Black has no more defence, due to the poor position of their King.}) 18... Qe5 19. Rxd4 $2 { 19.f4 was still good. Or 19.Nxd4 with pressure on e6. Aeneas: the game's move seems not very good: the Ne2 remains quite passive and the attack on e6 is made more difficult now.} ({ Aeneas:} 19. Nxd4 { is good too, but there is a difference with the 18th move: here Black can exchange Queens and restiste a bit more longer...} Qf4+ 20. Kb1 Qxg4 ({ if Black tries to win some material by} 20... Qxh2 21. Qxe6+ Kc7 22. f4 $1 { cutting off the black Queen and threatening 23.f5.} Rae8 (22... Nxf4 23. Qxe7+) (22... Qxf4 23. Qxg6 $1 hxg6 24. Ne6+ Kb6 25. Nxf4 $18) 23. Qd5 $1 { (freeing e6 for the Knight)} Nxf4 24. Qa5+ Kb8 25. Bxa6 $3 { with a winning attack; for example:} bxa6 26. Qb6+ Kc8 (26... Ka8 27. Nc6 { and mate on a7}) 27. Qxa6+ { and the mate is forced in some moves.}) 21. Rxg4 { with an ending winning for White, but the win will be more slow than after 18. Nxd4.}) 19... Raf8 20. Rd5 { Not good as it frees Black from defending pawn e6.} Qxh2 21. Rgd1 { I planned 21.Rg2 Qh1+ 22.Rd1, but did not notice that Black can play 21...Qh4. I played 21.Rgd1 because I couldn't resist to try 22. Qxe6+ Kxe6 23.Rxd6+ Ke5 24.Re6#. But this move is bad because of obvious reply. 21. Rdd1 was better - 21...Qe5 22.f3.} Nf4 22. R5d2 { White does not want to exchange queens as he still hopes to use the weakness e6. Aeneas: It's a miscalculation, as Black can force it if he wants (see variation on move 23).} Nxe2+ 23. Bxe2 Qe5 ({ Aeneas:} 23... Qf4 { exchanging the Queens gives an equal ending after} 24. Qxf4 (24. Qg2 $2 Qxg5 $17) 24... Rxf4 25. f3 { and even if Black is a little better, the bishops of opposite colors should probably make a draw.}) 24. Kb1 Rf4 25. Qh3 Rxe4 26. Bd3 Re1 27. f4 Rxd1+ 28. Rxd1 Qxf4 29. Re1 Re8 { Black could simply play 29...Bxg5 and keep two extra pawns. If 29... Qf7 than 30.Rxe6.} ({ Aeneas: I'm not according with you. The black King is too much exposed and it will sufficient for White to draw easily the game due to the initiative they have. Let's see some variations:} 29... Bxg5 30. Qxe6+ Kc7 31. Rf1 Qe5 (31... Qg3 32. Rf7+ Kb8 33. a3 $1 { and after Be4, Back will have great difficulties.}) 32. Rf7+ Kb8 33. Qxe5 dxe5 34. Be4 $1 { (blocking the pawn)} b5 35. Rb7+ Kc8 (35... Ka8 $4 36. Rxb5+ Ka7 37. Rb7+ Ka8 38. Rxg7+ Kb8 39. Rxg5 $18) 36. Rxg7 h6 37. Bb7+ { (the point of the intermediate check 35.Rb7+)} Kb8 38. Bxa6 { and White cannot lose this ending.}) ({ After} 29... Qf7 30. g6 $1 { is probably stronger than 30.Rxe6:} Qg8 31. gxh7 Qf7 32. Rxe6 { and the pawn h7 is quite powerful.}) 30. Qxe6+ { Now White must be winning because of open position of Black King and badly placed rook and bisho - they almost cannot move. But here I had less than 5 mins on my clock and lost my chance. Aeneas: I'm according with you... Black has no more chance here.} Kc7 31. Bf5 Qa4 32. Bxh7 ({ Aeneas:} 32. Re4 { activating the Rook on the 4th rank is much more stronger.}) 32... Qd7 33. Qf7 Kd8 34. Bf5 Qb5 35. Qxg7 ({ Aeneas:} 35. Bg6 { is more simple: it wins the exchange and the game.}) 0-1 [Event "Ivrea"] [Site "?"] [Date "2002.03.02"] [Round "2"] [White "Lissandrello, Luca"] [Black "Scarrone, Alberto"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C45"] [WhiteElo "1576"] [BlackElo "1612"] [Annotator "Scarrone,Alberto/Killerman"] [PlyCount "44"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 { Killerman: The starting point of the good old Scotch. This opening saw a brief revival in the Kasparov-Short Match of 1993. A good choice for those who like chances for both sides and plenty of action.} Qh4 { Killerman: The Steinitz variation is not one to be underestimated. Black decides to hit the e-pawn straight away but does go against the opening principle of developing the queen early. With accurate play White should be OK but the position requires much care. The Kasparov-Short games followed Bc5 lines.} 5. Nb5 { Killerman: Nc3 is another and perhaps more solid choice.} Qxe4+ ({ Killerman: This is another way to handle the position.} 5... Bc5 6. Qe2 Nf6) 6. Be2 Kd8 { Killerman: although alternatives exist this move has to be played at some point.} ({ Killerman: You can't take the g pawn} 6... Qxg2 $4 7. Bf3 Qg6 8. Nxc7+ $18) ({ Killerman:} 6... Bb4+ 7. N1c3 (7. Bd2 Kd8 $11) 7... Bxc3+ 8. bxc3 Kd8 $11) 7. O-O Nf6 { Killerman: Let's look at the position here.White has overcome the initial burst from Black although a pawn down and must now set about development, but how is this going to be achieved? Black on the other hand has two significant problems the central queen is going to get shot at and the king is going to get stuck in the centre. So as White my first objective is to get the pieces out and on their best squares and, if I can, I am going to chase the queen around so Black loses time.} 8. Re1 $2 { Killerman: This move looks OK but is in fact an inaccuracy. The point is that although the queen is under pressure it does not have to move.White has to develop with a tempo so N1c3 is by far the best here.} ({ Killerman:} 8. N1c3 $1 Qe6 { probably the best square for the queen} (8... Qe8 9. Re1 Be7 10. Bf3 (10. Bf4 d6 11. Bc4 Bg4 12. f3 Be6 13. Bxe6 $36) 10... d6 11. Nd4 $11) 9. Re1 { now this is OK} (9. Bg5 Be7 10. Re1 Qf5 11. Qd2 $15) 9... Bc5 10. Bd3 Qg4 11. Qxg4 Nxg4 12. Ne4 $15) 8... Bc5 $1 { Killerman: Now White is under pressure.} 9. Bf3 ({ Killerman:} 9. N1c3 $5 Qf5 10. Rf1 $17 { and the rook goes back home.}) ( 9. Bd3 Qh4 10. g3 Qh3 $17 { Killerman: Is no better as the kingside is full of holes.}) 9... Qf5 10. c4 a6 ({ Killerman:} 10... Ne5 $1 { is even better}) 11. N5c3 Nd4 ({ Killerman:} 11... Ne5 $1 { again this is better as the knight enters the action but does not hinder the Black bishop from aiming at f2.}) 12. Be3 $2 { Killerman: You marked this? and you are quite right. Be4 is best.} (12. Be4 { Killerman: The point of my last comment is clear the f2 pawn is not threatened because of the position of Black's knight.} Nxe4 13. Nxe4 Re8 14. Nbc3 $15 { The position is still uncomfortable for White but it is better.}) 12... Nxf3+ 13. gxf3 (13. Qxf3 { was the queen trade off better? Killerman: Yes, with the queens off the open lines on the kingside will be less important.} Qxf3 14. gxf3) 13... Bd6 $4 { a tactical mistake. Besides it's better don't move a pieces more times in the openings. Killerman: Quite correct.} (13... d6 { in order to complete pieces developing probably was correct. Killerman: Iagree. }) 14. Ne4 $4 { Killerman: The best line is not that easy to see.} (14. Qxd6 $3 { it was anyway not very easy to see I think} cxd6 ({ Killerman:} 14... Qxf3 { As Black cannot recapture the queen then this is the best option, but still loses.} 15. Nd2 Qg4+ 16. Kh1 $18) 15. Bb6#) 14... Nxe4 15. fxe4 Qe5 ({ Killerman:} 15... Qg6+ { is more accurate} 16. Kh1 Qxe4+ $19) 16. Nc3 $4 (16. f4 Qxb2 { the open b file are not a sufficient compensation, I think, but White could try to use it anyway. Killerman: Whilst f4 is better than the text it is still not going to be enough. As you say the open file is not really of any use.} ({ Killerman:} 16... Qxe4 { this is an interesting way should Black want to liquidate the position.} 17. Qxd6 Qxe3+ 18. Rxe3 cxd6 19. Nc3 $15) 17. Nd2 Qf6 $19) 16... Qxh2+ { White king is now endangered} 17. Kf1 Be5 { in order to play d6 to complete pieces developing using the Bc8 too} 18. Qd5 Rf8 $2 (18... d6 { was correct if White takes} 19. Qxf7 ({ Killerman:} 19. Ke2 Qh5+ 20. Kd2 Bxc3+ 21. bxc3 Qxd5+ 22. cxd5 $19 { and Black is two pawns to the good.}) 19... Bg4 20. Bg5+ Bf6 21. Bxf6+ Kc8 { and White is forced to give the queen to avoid mate} 22. Qe6+ Bxe6) ({ Killerman: I favour this line for Black} 18... Qh5 { cutting the Kings escape route off.} 19. Qd1 { almost forced as the threat of d6 followed by Bh3 is severe.} Qh3+ 20. Ke2 { Killerman: To use an American Football phrase the King is in the pocket, but I guess is about to get sacked.} d6 $19 { Bg4 is coming}) 19. Rad1 $2 { Killerman: The king has to go on the run.} (19. Ke2 Bxc3 20. bxc3 d6 { forced. There aren't good queen moves} 21. Rh1 Qe5 { forced again} 22. Qxe5 dxe5 23. Rxh7 { Black's position is still better after this line too, but the rook on the second line allow a little counterplay for White as is better than the line chosen in the game anyway. Killerman: Nicely put, quite correct.}) 19... d6 20. Rd2 (20. Ke2 { isn't now good} Bxc3 21. bxc3 (21. Rh1 Bg4+ 22. Kd3 Qe5 23. Rdg1 Be6 24. f4 (24. Qxe5 Bxe5 { with a piece of advantage}) 24... Bxd5 25. fxe5 Bxe4+ 26. Kxe4 Bxe5 27. Bd4 (27. Rxh7 Bxb2 $19) 27... f5+ 28. Kd3 h6 $19) 21... Bg4+ 22. Kd2 Bxd1 23. Qxb7 Kd7 $19) 20... Be6 (20... Bg4 { White cannot avoid Qh1 mate} 21. f4 Bh3+ 22. Rg2 Qxg2#) 21. Qc5 Bg4 22. Ne2 ( 22. Rxd6+ { was not better} cxd6 23. Qb6+ (23. Qa5+ Ke8 24. Qa4+ b5) 23... Ke8) 22... Bh3# { The game illustrates the importance of tempi in the opening. In open games such as the Scotch small inaccuracies lead to swift ends. White's small mistake 8 Re1 does not look that bad but it's a move that just doesn't do enough and that is all the time that Black needs to create further problems. Even so White still had chances especially after 13... Bd6 but this time it wasn't to be. Well played and many thanks for allowing me to review the game, good luck with your chess.} 0-1 [Event "Casual Game"] [Site "?"] [Date "2002.12.30"] [Round "?"] [White "ReiJay"] [Black "medchess"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C42"] [Annotator "medchess, PTFN"] [PlyCount "69"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 $6 { PTFN: Nc3 is weak and not in accordance with the idea of Petrov defence; I recommend 3.d4.} (3. d4 exd4 4. e5 Ne4 5. Qxd4 d5 6. exd6 Nxd6 7. Nc3 Nc6 8. Qf4 Bf5 9. Bb5 Qe7+ { etc.}) 3... Bb4 4. Qe2 $2 { PTFN: More reasonable is 4.Bc4 to go on developing. No necessity to worry about the e4 pawn because white is also attacking black's e5 point.} (4. Nd5 $2 { PTFN: This is no good} Nxd5 5. exd5 e4 $1) 4... O-O 5. Nxe5 { medchess: Ok I predicted that but I wasn't sure what I could do about it... actually at first I was expecting to continue the petrov's deffence but I was affraid that the night could expose my castle at F7. PTFN: Nxe5 is premature. It is likely to play} (5. h3 Re8 6. Qe3 d6 7. Be2 { PTFN: and then castles.}) 5... Bxc3 $1 { medchess: ok, best deffense sometimes = attack; at least I could gain some time to think and move away for seconds all the eyes to Ne5. PTFN: I agree with you} 6. bxc3 d6 { medchess: I decided to play d6 so I could attack the knight and at same time develop the bishop. PTFN: Now Re8 becomes playable:} ( 6... Re8 7. Nc4 d5 8. Ne3 dxe4 { PTFN: In this line your aim is also achieved and I think it even better.}) 7. Ba3 $2 { PTFN: seems like a blunder, but to withdraw the knight is no better:} ( 7. Nf3 Nxe4 8. Qc4 (8. Qe3 $2 Re8 9. Be2 Ng3 $1) 8... d5 9. Qa4 Bd7 10. Qb3 Bc6 { PTFN: By threatening white queen black develops rapidly.}) 7... c5 $2 { PTFN: Obviously you should have do the exchange:} (7... dxe5 8. Bxf8 Qxf8 { PTFN: This is due to not only that the value of a knight and bishop is greater than a rook but also that development become easier for black after the exchange.}) 8. Nc4 Re8 9. d3 Be6 { ... and I was planning to deffend my center too. It's a pity I don't have a knight available so I could play Ne5 to stop e4} 10. e5 $4 { PTFN: Incredible! Hadn't he even checked the simpliest continuation?} (10. Ne3 Nc6 11. g3 Qa5 12. Bb2 Rad8 13. Bg2 { PTFN: White managed to keep the advantage of a pawn up.}) 10... d5 $4 { PTFN: Of course you should have eaten this yummy knight:} (10... Bxc4 $1 { PTFN: Black is winning.}) 11. Nd6 Ng4 12. Nxe8 Qxe8 13. Bxc5 Qc6 14. d4 Nd7 { medchess: actually I was thinking of playing Qa4 but first I opted to develop the knight. PTFN: Qa4 makes little sense.} 15. Qb5 Qxb5 16. Bxb5 b6 $2 (16... Nxc5 $1 17. dxc5 Rc8 { PTFN: Although up in material, white is bothered by the triple pawns on the c-file.}) 17. Bxd7 bxc5 18. Bxe6 fxe6 19. O-O cxd4 { medchess: I decided to break the wall. PTFN: No better option....} 20. cxd4 Rc8 { medchess: my plan now was destroying his pawns so I could attack the king with my kingside pawns. PTFN: Yeah but after all you are to activate your pieces.} 21. Rab1 $2 { medchess: I did not get why white did it. Even when I get his Cpawn and he checks me he could not do the mate with one piece. PTFN: There is no reason for white to give up his c-pawn. Allowing the black rook to enter the 2nd rank would raise the probability of black's counter.} (21. Rfc1 Rc3 { Although this line may be bothering for white yet it is far better than abandoning c2 pawn.} 22. Rab1 Ra3 23. c4 $1) 21... Rxc2 22. Rb8+ Kf7 23. Rb7+ Kg6 24. h3 Nh6 25. f4 $6 { PTFN: Simply Rxa7.} (25. Rxa7 Nf5 26. Ra4 { PTFN: Followed by Ra1, Rb4, a4....the remote passed pawn is definitive.}) 25... Rc4 $6 { medchess: If I could only weaken e5 would be a good thing... PTFN: It is important to activate your pieces in the endgame. Logical is Nf5.} 26. g4 Rxd4 27. g5 Nf7 $2 { PTFN: It seems passive. Nf5 does no harm.} (27... Nf5 28. Rxa7 Rd3 { PTFN: Now if white intends to protect his h-pawn:} 29. Kg2 (29. Kh2 Rd2+ 30. Kh1 Rd3) 29... Nh4+ 30. Kh2 Nf3+ { PTFN: This will lead to a draw.}) 28. Rxa7 Rd3 29. Kg2 h6 30. h4 hxg5 31. fxg5 $2 (31. hxg5 { PTFN: This will deprive black of any chance to strike back.}) 31... Nxe5 { ok now I was hoping to move my knight to Ng4 and then Ne3 so I could forkwhite. } 32. h5+ { PTFN: Not necessary; firmer is} (32. Ra6 Kh5 33. Rxe6 Rd2+ 34. Rf2 Rxf2+ 35. Kxf2 Ng4+ 36. Ke2 { PTFN: White firmly holds the win.}) 32... Kxh5 { medchess: by the time I thought it was a stupid check -- I was really happy I could get to the ending game since I'm a beginner(even loosing) PTFN: I guess he wanted to deliver checkmate, but is not so easy. white's own king is not sufficiently defended and he must pay attention to probable perpetual check.} 33. Rxg7 Ng4 $4 { PTFN: A move admitting the failure. I guess you were afraid of the promotion of his g-pawn. In fact,} (33... Kg4 $1 { PTFN: White should not treat this position casually though he is up. For example,} 34. Rf6 $6 Nf3 $1 35. Kf2 (35. Rxe6 $4 Rd2+ 36. Kf1 Kg3 $1 { -#1}) 35... Rd2+ 36. Ke3 d4+ 37. Ke4 Re2+ 38. Kd3 Re3+ { PTFN: Black has chance to counteract.}) 34. Rh1+ Rh3 35. Rxh3# { PTFN: Really a dramatic game! White played weak and problematically during first few moves while black fed back afterwards. Your play reflects you are still in lack of basic chess knowledge(such as N+B>R) and skill(incredibly missed 10....Bxc4!). But I would rather say you were dealing with the game casually, because you could have avoided these errors by doing even simplest calculation. In my opinion you need to do more effort on openings and tactics, but in fundamental, you must treat your play with a careful and serious attitude if you really want to improve it! Good luck!} 1-0 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2002.12.20"] [Round "?"] [White "Arphahat"] [Black "Steady"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C24"] [WhiteElo "1747"] [BlackElo "1397"] [Annotator "bscastro/arphahat"] [PlyCount "55"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { bscastro: Greetings!} 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. d3 { (Arphahat) This is my favorite opening. 2) Bc4 attacks the f7 square nicely. Additionally, the dark bishop and the queen have open diaganols and can provide a threat even without moving.} b6 { (Arphahat) I don't like this move. Although it allows freedom to the light bishop, it also exposes the rook at a8. With the pressure I try to apply on the kingside, 0-0 is common and may lead to a bishop fork between the king and the rook.} 4. Nf3 d6 5. Bg5 { (Arphahat) Pinning the knight to the queen tends to be how I typically play it, with Bh4 if threatened with h6. bscastro: Sounds like logical opening play, however, with this particular move order White has some attacking chances with Ng5.} ({ bscastro:} 5. Ng5 $1 { wins material almost instantly.} d5 { Forced to prevent Nxf7.} 6. exd5 Bd6 { To clear the way for the king to castle and to block the d-pawn from advancing. } 7. Ne4 $16 { Having won a pawn, White can retreat the knight to a strong centralized position.}) 5... h6 6. Bh4 Be7 7. Nc3 { (Arphahat) Is there a name for this opening? It does several things which I appreciate. It develops all of my minor pieces, it tries to control the center, and it attacks the f7 square. bscastro: Usually, I think it is a variation of the Italian game. I'm not sure if there is a particular name for this variation other than that.} Bb7 8. Nb5 O-O 9. d4 $2 Bxe4 $6 ({ bscastro:} 9... Nxe4 $1 { Tactically, Black could have gained the advantage.} 10. Bxe7 { Forced, or White loses more material.} (10. dxe5 { Now, the knight is not attacked and the bishop is attacked twice and only defended once.}) 10... Qxe7 11. dxe5 dxe5 $17 { Black is a solid pawn ahead.}) 10. dxe5 { bscastro: The difference between the bishop capturing and the knight capturing is that with White's reply, Black's knight is attacked. See my notes for ...Nxe4.} Bxf3 $2 { bscastro: Not only is this bad tactically, it leaves all of the light-squares on the queenside weak.} ({ bscastro:} 10... dxe5 { It is almost even here, because White has good development for the pawn.}) 11. Qxf3 { (Arphahat) I don't think he noticed the queen and assumed I would go 11) gxf3. This blunder allows me to pressure an attack on the king, as well as giving me the rook at a8 as a backup plan.} dxe5 { (Arphahat) He didn't notice the rook, but I have other plans, anyways.} 12. Bxf6 { (Arphahat) I want to position my light bishop and the queen on the b1-h7 diaganol, for an attempted mate. If the attack is noticed, I can still take the rook.} Bxf6 13. Bd3 $2 { bscastro: Lets Black off the hook.} Qd7 { (Arphahat) I'm not sure what he was attempting here. The queen is attacking both my knight and the bishop, but if he wants to trade his queen for either, it is fine with me.} ({ bscastro:} 13... c6 { blocks the queen and gives Black some breathing room. Actually, in this position, Black has slight advantage because it won't be too long before he can catch up in development since White will waste a move retreating the knight.} 14. Rd1 Qe7 15. Qe4 g6 $15) 14. Qe4 { (Arphahat) Ready for mate in one with 15) Qh7++.} g6 15. Qxa8 { (Arphahat) He saw the mate, so it is time to cash in on his rook exposing blunder.} Nc6 16. Qb7 e4 17. Bxe4 { (Arphahat) I suspect he didn't re-assess his position after moving the knight and assumed that my bishop would have been unable to attack.} Bxb2 18. Bxc6 { (Arphahat) 17)...Bxb2 was a bad move. Although it got him a pawn and attacks the rook, my attack is too strong to waste time with pieces that are not in play. Especially since his queen is exposed.} Bc3+ $2 { (Arphahat) This would have been a good move, except he overlooked the knight. bscastro: Perhaps your opponent was in timetrouble?} ({ bscastro:} 18... Qe7+ $1 { saves the queen and wins the exchange (the knight on c6 for the rook on a1). However, White still has the advantage overall.} 19. Kf1 Bxa1 $18) 19. Nxc3 Qe7+ 20. Ne4 Qb4+ 21. c3 Qb2 22. O-O { (Arphahat) I like to hold off on castling until later, as it allows me more options, and can often come as a surprise, like it did this time. I noticed at this point that every piece of mine was protected.} Qe2 23. Rae1 { (Arphahat) Oops. I should have attacked with the rook at f1 instead of leaving the a2 pawn undefended. bscastro: True, but at this point in the game, your advantage is overwhelming.} Qxa2 24. Bd5 Qa5 25. Nd6 { (Arphahat) Another oops! I sometimes get so focused on the objective, I don't always notice why a move is bad until it is too late to take back. What I am looking for here is a trade of my knight and bishop for his rook and f7 pawn.} Qxc3 { (Arphahat) Hmmm....is there a reason he didn't go 25) ... fxNd6?} 26. Bxf7+ Rxf7 27. Nxf7 Kxf7 { (Arphahat) Trading here was not a good idea for black. But, was there anything that could save him at this point?} 28. Rc1 { (Arphahat) He probably should have just resigned much earlier. Perhaps he was hoping for an error? Steady resigns. bscastro: This seemed to be an easy game for you. Your opponent made many blunders and you were able to capitalize on them. However, even in that he had some chances to even the game. Here are some key points from the game with recommendations: 1. Black's rook was hanging for several moves. You were planning a kingside attack, but Black could have easily saved the rook with an advantage. When you are given a "gift" you should check if it is safe to take it (make sure there are no traps), and then gobble up the goodies. 2. You sacrificed the pawn on e4 early in the game. Usually, this is more effective when Black's king is still in the center, because you can often gain time and development with moves like Re1 when Black has to get his king to safety. 3. Playing stronger opponents is useful because they will punish you for your mistakes and cause you to correct them. Good luck!} 1-0 [Event "ICC 15 0"] [Site "Internet Chess Club"] [Date "2003.01.25"] [Round "?"] [White "FOURPAWNSDOWN"] [Black "bscastro"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B01"] [WhiteElo "2177"] [BlackElo "1854"] [Annotator "bscastro, msh"] [PlyCount "79"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. Bb5+ Bd7 4. Bc4 Bg4 5. f3 Bf5 6. Nc3 c6 { MH: You should look to an ECO, MCO or NCO or other reference opening book to see if this is considered best. I'm not an expert on this particular opening variation. Black can rarely afford to gambit a pawn, but in this case the good central control, weakened White king and good development should make it playable.} 7. dxc6 Nxc6 { bscastro: I felt I was getting good development for the pawn.} 8. d3 { MH: White's cautious approach (controlling light squares with pawns and playing on the dark squares with his pieces) gives Black freedom to continue his plans, but fewer weak spots for Black to exploit.} ({ MH:} 8. g4 Bd7 9. g5 Nh5 { and Black is chased away from the center, but at a large cost to White's king's safety. Whether this is this good for White or just another random variation isn't clear.}) 8... e5 9. Nge2 Bc5 { bscastro: Here, I wanted to keep the White king in the center for another move. I felt here I had good compensation for the pawn. MH: Yes. But, forget the pawn; at this point you have to be thinking about what to do with your pieces. If you just develop them but don't use them White will eventually catch up.} 10. Ng3 Bg6 11. Bg5 h6 $2 { MH: You sensed, but couldn't settle on the more aggressive ...Qd4. That was the better impulse. Curiously it didn't require tremendous calculation of variations to justify it; you just had to do it and let White find a defense.} ({ bscastro:} 11... Qd4 $1 { was a thought, but this is easily defended. MH: True, but it certainly takes advantage of the weak d4 and weak Ke1. There's also the fact you break the pin on Nf6 to keep that piece on the board. You need your piece activity as compensation for the pawn and that can only be accomplished or maintained if your pieces remain on the board.}) ({ bscastro:} 11... Qb6 $4 { was another thought. MH: You shouldn't allow simplifying exchanges unless, as in Bg5xf6, you gain something from it.} 12. Na4 { but I was worried about the fork.} Bf2+ (12... Qa5+ { was not even considered during the game, but I think White seems okay here too. } 13. c3 { MH: Yes, though White has to figure out how to deal with the awkward Na4.} ({ MH:} 13. Nc3 { might be safest and best, though not awe-inspiring.})) 13. Kf1) 12. Bxf6 Qxf6 13. Nge4 { bscastro: My opponent does a good job of negating my piece activity. MH: One thing Experts are often good at is consolidating material advantages and grinding them into victories. If you're going to play a gambit then you have to keep the pieces on the board and increase threats, complexity and confusion so they can't quite ever get to a simple endgame where the one pawn might win.} Bxe4 $6 { MH: You should keep all your pieces, but if given a choice ...Bc5 is the better of the two bishops because it has no good opposition in White's camp and it keeps White's king "under supervision".} ({ bscastro:} 13... Qe7 $1 { Maybe I should have retreated the queen to retain the light-square bishop.} 14. Nxc5 Qxc5) 14. Nxe4 Qe7 15. Nxc5 { MH: But then he gets rid of that one too. Yikes.} Qxc5 $16 { MH: White's king appears safe and he's got the bishop v. knight and an extra pawn.} 16. Qd2 Na5 { MH: Probably a very good idea as he can't avoid getting doubled pawns. That should even up the ending a bit more than your opponent expected!} 17. Bb3 ({ MH:} 17. b4 $2 Nxc4 18. bxc5 Nxd2 19. Kxd2 Kd7 20. Rab1 Kc6 { and once Black defends Pb7 with a rook it appears Pc5 will fall.}) 17... Nxb3 18. axb3 { MH: Time to re-evaluate. White has the extra pawn, but it's doubled (Pb3). Black has the better central pawn (Pe5) and (for the moment) better queen. White's half open e-file should be balanced by Black's half-open c-file. It's about equal.} a6 ({ MH:} 18... O-O { improves king safety and piece activity by bringing Rh8-f8. This could be huge as White can't bring his Rh1 into play so easily.}) 19. O-O-O { MH: Possibly best, but also risky in light of ...a6-a5-a4xb3, opening the a-file.} f6 $2 { bscastro: At this point, I assessed my position as slightly losing. However, with White's doubled pawns on the b-file, I thought perhaps I might be okay. MH: Did you evaluate Qc5 as superior to Qd2? Did you think of ...a6-a5-a4xb3 to weaken Kc1? Did you think of improving the safety of your own king by ...O-O? Think of the pieces first and in most cases you'll do much better. Even in this instance where I'm suggesting a pawn move it's to improve Ra8, not to give mate with the pawn. There are few instances of pawns checkmating anybody.} ({ MH:} 19... Rd8) ({ MH: } 19... O-O) 20. d4 $1 { MH: He's taken care of his own king's safety, so he's going to activate his pieces and in the process go after Ke8. Bravo!} exd4 21. Rhe1+ Kf7 22. Qxd4 $14 { MH: Neutralizing your previously superior queen and making all his pieces active at once.} Qxd4 23. Rxd4 Rhd8 24. Red1 Rxd4 ({ MH:} 24... Re8 { Avoiding a piece trade on the principle that it's only your piece activity which can ever compensate fully for White's extra pawn.} 25. Rd7+ { White can force the issue, but Black shouldn't cooperate until then.} Re7 $14) 25. Rxd4 Re8 $2 ({ bscastro:} 25... Ke6 $1 { seems better, because it keeps the rook off the 7th rank. MH: Yes, absolutely. You have two weak pawns (Pb7 and Pg7) and his Rd7 would really hurt, so prevent that one thing and make him use other forces - if he wants to win.} 26. Rb4 Rb8 27. c4 { idea: c4-c5-c6xb7} Kd6 28. Kc2 Kc5 29. Ra4 Re8 30. Kd2 Rd8+ $11) 26. Rd7+ Re7 27. Rxe7+ Kxe7 { MH: Re-evaluate again. White's extra pawn isn't easily converted to a passer, so king position will be big and extra tempo pawn moves too. On the king-side White has one extra pawn move and on the queen-side it's close; if ...a5 then White only has c2-c3-c4. It appears White would win any "face off" of kings. So, Black should aim for an unbalanced fight.} 28. Kd2 Kd6 ({ MH: One scenario - } 28... a5 $2 29. Kd3 h5 30. Kc4 h4 31. Kb5 g5 32. Kxa5 f5 33. Kb6 g4 34. fxg4 fxg4 35. Kxb7 h3 36. gxh3 gxh3 37. c4 Kd6 38. Kb6 Ke5 39. c5 Ke4 40. c6 Kf3 41. c7 Kg2 42. c8=Q Kxh2 43. Qxh3+ Kxh3 $18) ({ MH: Another scenario -} 28... Ke6 29. Kd3 Ke5 30. Kc4 { If he's to win he has to use his material advantage on the queen-side.} b6 31. b4 f5 32. b5 a5 33. b4 axb4 34. Kxb4 Kd4 { White's backward Pc2 and Black's superior king makes the position very close to equal.} 35. c3+ Kd5 (35... Ke3 $2 { premature} 36. c4 Kf2 37. c5 bxc5+ 38. Kxc5 Kxg2 39. b6 Kxf3 40. b7 Kg2 41. b8=Q) 36. c4+ Kd4 37. f4 g5 38. fxg5 hxg5 39. Kb3 Kd3 ({ Or} 39... f4 40. h3 Kd3 ) 40. Kb4 Kd4 41. c5 bxc5+ 42. Ka3 $1 { retreating, but without allowing Black's pawn to advance with check} Kd5 { If he can't fully support a pawn advance then he has to stay within reach of Pb5.} (42... Kd3 $4 43. b6 c4 44. b7 c3 45. b8=Q c2 $18) 43. Kb2 (43. Kb3 $6 c4+ 44. Kb4 Kd4 45. b6 c3 46. b7 c2 47. b8=Q c1=Q) 43... c4 44. Kc3 Kc5 45. b6 Kxb6 46. Kxc4 Kc6 47. Kd4 Kd6 $11 { Of course, I may have made a mistake or two with this very long analysis, but I think this is certainly within the limits of what people might have come up with OTB and it certainly confirms the evaluation that piece activity compensates to some degree for material (particularly a doubled pawn).}) 29. Kd3 b6 30. Kd4 g6 31. b4 b5 $2 $18 { MH: You began with a fortress and you should have stuck with it.} ({ MH:} 31... Ke6) ({ MH:} 31... Kc6) 32. b3 Kc6 { bscastro: I have a feeling that this was a mistake. MH: It's probably best in this position. It saves your king-side pawns. The only alternative was to advance ...h6-h5-h4 and ...g6-g5 (given the chance to cramp White's king-side pawns.} (32... h5 33. h4 Kc6 34. g4 { already threatens gxh5 ...gxh5 to weaken f5, so that Kd4-e4-f5 would win.}) 33. c4 Kd6 34. c5+ $1 { This ties down your king a bit and gives his king freedom to raid your king-side.} Kc6 35. h4 g5 36. h5 f5 37. Ke5 f4 38. Kf5 a5 39. bxa5 b4 ({ MH: There's no chance for tricks.} 39... Kxc5 40. b4+ Kxb4 41. a6 Kc3 42. a7 b4 43. a8=Q b3 44. Qb7 b2 45. Qxb2+ Kxb2 46. Kg6 Kc2 47. Kxh6 Kd3 48. Kxg5 Ke3 49. h6) 40. a6 { Black resigns} 1-0 [Event "Edited game"] [Site "CGS-M8BCUFBE3O9"] [Date "2003.01.19"] [Round "?"] [White "BMercer"] [Black "Garfy"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A20"] [Annotator "garfy, RoundTower"] [PlyCount "91"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] 1. c4 e5 { G: I haven't come up against 1. c4 often and wasn't sure how to transpose it into a Queens pawn opening. maybe 1. c4 e6. I am unsure how to develop black's bishop or how to handle the threat of d4. RT: after 1...e6 it is possible that White will go for 2. d4, but more likely he will continue with the same moves he played. The move you played is excellent, particularly if you like playing against the Sicilian as White.} 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 Bc5 $6 { G: I also considered Be7, Bb4 and d5. I wasn't sure of Be7 and Bb4 looks as if it would fail to a3 when the bishop has to retreat to e7 or c5. However the bishop retreated from c5 a few moves later anyway. RT: It's not clear where this bishop should go. In this position I play 3...c6 intending 4...d5. It is also possible to break in the centre immediately with 3...d5.} (3... c6) (3... d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5) 4. Nc3 O-O 5. e3 { RT: now you see the problem with Bc5 -- it is "hitting" nothing and White will play d4 with tempo.} Re8 6. Nge2 { G: I now have the problem of where to put the black bishop as d4 is now imminent. 6... Bb4 looks bad after 7. Nd5 Nc6 8. a3 and it has to retreat. 6... Bb4 7. Nd5 Nxd5 8 cxd5 d6 may be better RT: 6...Nc6! is possible, restraining d4 for the moment whie you consider what to do with the bishop.} Bf8 (6... Nc6 7. O-O d6 8. d4 { += RT: here Black can decide whether to put the bishop on b6 or b4 and whether or not to take on d4.}) 7. O-O c6 $6 { RT: Initially I liked this move, but it is only good if you can play ...d5 next move, which it turns out you can't. Instead maybe 7...g6 to redevelop the bishop.} (7... g6 $5) 8. d4 d6 { G: 8...d5 9.de rxe5 10. cd cd and I didn't like the prospect of an isolated pawn. 8...ed 9. ed d5 10. cd cd and we both have isolated pawns. However I wasn't confident with my play at this point and didn't want to risk my opponent knowing more about playing with isolated pawns than I did. RT: I think you made the right decision because in the lines you give the isolated d-pawn is very weak.} (8... d5 9. dxe5 Rxe5 10. cxd5 cxd5 { +/-}) (8... exd4 9. exd4 d5 10. cxd5 cxd5 { RT: In this position as you say both players have isolated d-pawns. However Black's is weaker because White can easily attack it with Bg5, Nf4, or Qb3. So you should avoid this position NOT because "your opponent might know more about it than you do" but because it is bad! Quite often the isolated d-pawn is an asset for the side that has it, controlling space in the centre, but here you are not developed enough to use it in that way. If you reach this kind of position a lot, I reccommend you read the book "Winning Pawn Structures" by GM Alex Baburin, which despite its title is a book about the isolated d-pawn.}) 9. b4 d5 { G: I was happy to play d5 as I now had the added resource Bxb4 but I think my analysis was wrong as 10. de rxp 11. cd Bxb4 12. dc QxQ 13 RxQ Nxp looks fine for black 10. cd Bxb4 11. cd (RT: dc) nxp d5 looks worse. At the time I had only considered Bxc6 which I would have been happy with as it weakens the white king.} 10. cxd5 (10. dxe5 Rxe5 11. cxd5 Bxb4 12. dxc6 Qxd1 13. Nxd1 Nxc6 { RT:I agree, here you are doing fine.}) (10. cxd5 Bxb4 11. dxc6 Nxc6 12. d5 { += RT: here you will have trouble blockading the d-pawn. However it is not necessarily winning for White, as if he plays e4 to support the pawn, his g2-bishop is blocked.}) 10... Bxb4 11. dxe5 { RT: Your line 11. dc6! looks better} (11. dxc6 $1) 11... Rxe5 12. Qb3 Bf8 $1 { G: I have now moved the bishop 3 times! 12... Bxc3 may have been better but I was now concerned that white's black bishop was about to become powerful. RT: Here I think you made the correct decision.White's bishop would indeed be very good unopposed on a3.} 13. Rd1 cxd5 { G: I thought it worthwhile to simplify and try to take advantage of my Queenside majority.} 14. Bb2 Be6 $2 { G: I had s een that if white takes the b pawn it allows black to finish development. If white waits a move, after Nd7 the pawn is poisoned as white loses his black bishop to Rb8. RT: Here I at first thought White could win the rook on e5, but this doesn't work. However 14...Be6 loses material to a quite common tactical trick.} 15. Qxb7 $2 (15. Nd4 $6 { RT: This was my original idea here, to try win the "trapped" rook on e5. However in all lines Black is doing fine.} Nbd7 16. f4 $2 (16. Bc1 $2 { RT: apparently threatening 17. f4, but there is such a thing as trying too hard.} Nc5 17. Qc2 Bg4 { RT: and Black is fine.} (17... Nfe4 18. Nxe4 Nxe4 19. f4 Rc8 $1 { RT: only move to save Black} (19... Rh5 $4 20. Bxe4 dxe4 21. Nxe6 { RT: winning}) 20. Qb2 Bg4)) 16... Rxe3 17. Bc1 Nc5 $1 ( 17... Rxc3 18. Qxc3 Nc5 { RT: Here Black has got two pawns for the exchange, so material is nominally equal, but I think Black is actually slightly better once he puts a knight on the e4-square.} (18... Rc8 $5)) 18. Qc2 Ng4 19. h3 Rxg3 20. hxg4 Bxg4) (15. Nxd5 $1 Rxd5 (15... Bxd5 $4 16. Bxe5) 16. Bxd5 Nxd5 ( 16... Bxd5 17. Bxf6 Qxf6 18. Qxd5 { +-}) 17. e4 { RT: winning}) 15... Nbd7 16. Rab1 Nc5 17. Qb4 { G: The only safe square due to the threat of Rb8! I was happy to sacrifice a pawn to complete my development as it has got me out of a lot of trouble and with the next move removes a major threat to my rook. RT: It is always good to sacrifice a pawn when you are already a pawn up! Here my initial impression was that Black was better, but his misplaced pieces on e5 and e6 contradict this.} Nd3 (17... Nce4) 18. Qd4 Nxb2 { RT: Understandably you were eager to grab the bishop pair and remove the threat of a discovered attack on your rook. But this manoeuvre Nc5-d3xb2 was actually quite bad -- your knight was one of your best placed pieces and it would have been nice to see it come to e4, for example.} 19. Rxb2 Qc7 $2 { RT: loses material. The rook on e5 has turned out to be a problem after all.} 20. Rc1 $2 { RT: White misses a tactical way to win instantly. This is a good time to point out a common mistake you may be making: you "gain a tempo" on the queen or king or some other piece (a) although it does not long-term improve your position or (b) when there was a better move available. Here Rc1 looks like the obvious move in a blitz game, creating a discovered attack on the queen, but Nb5 was better.} (20. Nb5 $1 Qb8 21. Rc1 $1 { RT: with the unstoppable threat of 22. Nc7! attacking three pieces (a8, b8, e5) }) ({ RT: loses material. The rook on e5 has turned out to be a problem after all.} 20. f4 { RT: Even after this move, the rook is misplaced on h5 (although not so badly because you have ideas of Ng4, etc)}) 20... Ba3 21. Nxd5 { G: I had missed this move. I had seen Nb5 instead. the text is better as it weakens my pawns and opens up an attack on blacks rook on a8.} Bxb2 { G: 21... Qxc1+ 22. Nxc1 Bxb2 23. Qxb2 loses marerial as my rook on e5 is threatened by the queen and whites bishop is lined up to attack blacks took on a8.} ({ G: I had missed this move. I had seen Nb5 instead. the text is better as it weakens my pawns and opens up an attack on blacks rook on a8.} 21... Qxc1+ 22. Nxc1 Bxb2 23. Qxb2 { +-}) 22. Nxf6+ gxf6 23. Rxc7 { G: 23. Qxb2 Rb8!} Bxd4 24. Bxa8 Bb6 25. Rc2 Bf5 26. Rd2 $2 Kg7 $2 { G: I missed that after 26...Rxe3 27. Rd8+ I had 27...Bxd8. RT: Yes, Rxe3 would equalise.} (26... Rxe3 { =}) 27. Nf4 Rxe3 $4 { RT: the right idea, at the wrong move! White can safely take back, winning a piece.} 28. Bd5 $4 { G: 28. fxe3 Bxe3+ loses the rook and an extra pawn RT: look again.} (28. fxe3 Bxe3+ 29. Rf2 Bxf2+ 30. Kxf2 { RT: and White wins.}) 28... Re1+ { G: I still had a few moves to meet the time control at 35 moves with only 2 minutes on my clock. Therefore, I decided the most prudent course would be to make some quick moves to simplify the position thereby meeting the time control, reaching an endgame I thought would be drawish when I would have planty of time to analyse the position accurateley. RT: In principle this is a good idea. } 29. Kg2 Be4+ $6 { RT: However i disagree with this move. In this position White has an asset in the shape of Black's bad pawns on the kingside. Black has a compensating asset in the bishop pair. Giving up the bishop pair was a bad idea (even though you remain with bishop against knight).} 30. Bxe4 Rxe4 31. Kf3 Ra4 32. Nd5 Rd4 33. Rxd4 Bxd4 { G: Considering my position out of the opening I thought I had done well to mantain material equality by sacrificing my b pawn. I thought the weakness in my Kingside pawns was minor and defendable. RT: This is a complicated endgame I definitely am not qualified to assess. My opinion (and that's all it is) is that you can draw this.} 34. Ne3 { RT: Of course you didn't have time to analyse the variations, but the pawn endgame after Bxe3 must be better for White.} Kg6 (34... Bxe3 $6) 35. Ke4 Bb6 36. f4 { RT: Here you faced the decision of whether or not to take the knight on e3. In general this is a bad idea as you should be able to draw the endgame if you don't play this. For example 36...Bc5.} Bxe3 37. Kxe3 Kf5 { RT: On the her hand, your king gets a bit further into White's position, so it's not all bad.} 38. h3 h5 $1 { RT: good move.} 39. a4 { RT: Here with "plenty of time to think" you should realise that to allow the white king into your position with 39....Ke6 is suicide. Then you don't even have to think about whether 39...a5 would also be technically lost. You should play a5 (there is no other reasonable legal move) and analyse later.} Ke6 (39... a5 { Here White has two choices: Kf3 giving up control of d4 or Kd4 giving up control of f4.} 40. Kd4 ( 40. Kf3 Ke6 41. Ke4 (41. g4 h4 42. Ke4 { RT: Here it seems like Black will have to allow the White king to penetrate to f5, but...} (42. f5+ Kd5 { Here you coun t again: Black takes 8 moves to promote his a-pawn, but how many does White take? Kf3-f4-g5 (don't count g5 and ...fg which is a move for each player) -f6xf7-e7 and f5-f6-f7-f8 is also 8 moves. And it is White to move, so he will have the advantage. Nevertheless, you will end up with Q and h-pawn versus Q and h-pawn, which might give drawing chances despite White's well-placed king. Let's look closer:} 43. Kf4 Kc4 44. g5 fxg5+ 45. Kxg5 Kb4 46. Kf6 Kxa4 47. Kxf7 { RT: It's never quite clear where the king should go in this situation. A good rule of thumb is a knight's move from the queening square, so as not to interfere with any of the queen's lines.} Kb3 48. f6 a4 49. Kg6 a3 50. f7 a2 51. f8=Q a1=Q { RT: Here Black has good drawing chances.}) 42... f5+ $1 (42... Kd6 { RT: Here Black is in trouble.} 43. Kf5 { RT: Here a straight pawn race should lose, because after Kf5xf6xf7-g6 and f4-f5-f6-f7-f8, White ends up with an extra kingside pawn and the move. So...} Ke7 44. g5 fxg5 45. fxg5 { RT: finally Black can admit defeat.}) 43. gxf5+ Kf6 { RT: K on f6 controls f5. Now the only way for White to try to win is to go for the a-pawn. Count: White takes 9 moves, Black takes 8 moves (by promoting either the h-pawn or the f-pawn) so White cannot win. Actually if Black promotes the h-pawn, White will lose because when he promotes, the queen will be en prise to Qh1xa8!}) 41... f5+ 42. Kd4 Kd6 { RT: here Black has the opposition and should draw.}) 40... h4 41. gxh4 Kxf4 { RT: Once you reach this position in your analysis, you can start counting moves. If White plays to take the a-pawn, he takes 8 moves to promote a pawn (Kd4-c5-b5xa5-b5 and a4-a5-a6-a7-a8). Black takes 6 moves (Kf4-e5 and f6-f5-f4-f3-f2-f1) so he has at least a draw. Note that if White answers ...Ke5 with h5, ...f5 covers for Black. So what happens if White goes the other way (starting with h5)?} 42. Kc5 Ke5 43. h5 f5 { RT: We have established 44. Kb5 does not work for White, so...} 44. h6 (44. Kc4 { RT: In light of this variation, perhaps Kc4 in the first place is an improvement over Kc5.} Kf6 45. Kd4 Kg5 46. Ke5 { RT: It looks like White will take the f-pawns, Black will take the h-pawns, and White will get back to the queenside first (the "outside passed pawn" principle). But...} f6+ $1 { RT: forces the White king away} 47. Kd4 Kxh5 48. Ke3 Kh4 49. Kf4 Kxh3 50. Kxf5 Kg3 51. Kxf6 Kf4 { RT: here Black has the opposition and even wins.}) 44... Kf6 45. Kd5 Kg6 46. Ke5 Kxh6 (46... f6+ $2 47. Kf4 Kxh6 48. Kxf5 Kh5 49. Kxf6 Kh4 50. Ke5 Kxh3 51. Kd5 Kg4 52. Kc5 Kf5 53. Kb5 Ke5 54. Kxa5 Kd6 55. Kb6 { RT: this time White wins.}) 47. Kxf5 Kh5 48. Kf6 Kh4 49. Kxf7 Kxh3 50. Ke6 Kg4 51. Kd5 Kf5 52. Kc5 Ke5 53. Kb5 Kd5 54. Kxa5 Kc5 55. Ka6 Kc6 56. Ka7 (56. a5 Kc7 57. Ka7 Kc6 { RT: also draws.}) 56... Kc7 57. a5 Kc8 { RT: with a draw. So we conclude 39...a5 would have drawn. Although my analysis may be wrong, it is at least clear that White would have to play extremely accurately to even get winning chances.}) 40. Kd4 f5 { RT: more suicide! There is now no way on earth for Black to make progress. 40...Kf5 was your last chance, although I don't know whether it would have held the draw.} 41. Kc5 f6 42. Kc6 a5 43. Kb5 Kd5 44. Kxa5 Kc5 45. Ka6 Kc6 46. a5 { G: black resigns RT: An interesting game. My conclusions from this: you played the middle game quite well despite never fully recovering from a difficult opening position. You played good positional chess. However both you and your opponent missed several tactical ideas (at least one of them I would call an elementary idea). You also had trouble evaluating the pawn endgame (admittedly not easy; I have included a lot of notes on it and still amn't 100% certain) I suggest you sharpen up your tactics and also study more endgames. These are two places where most players can save full points and half points that they don't really deserve! Good luck in your future games and as I said, don't be afraid to contact me if you have any questions or comments.} 1-0 [Event "Casual Game"] [Site "?"] [Date "2003.01.12"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "medchess"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C42"] [PlyCount "56"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 { defending my pawn...petrov's deffense} 3. Nc3 d6 { yes, indeed I think I should have played the Nc6 instead... JK: Most books suggest 3... Bb4 here - I suppose the purpose (besides taking the coverage of e5) is to be able to castle fast, maybe even sacrifice pawn e5 and attack the white king that remained in the centre. I don't know if that's a plan for a beginner. You're probably right -transposing to the Four Knight's game may be best. 3... d6 keeps your King's bishop off the game; it can only go to e7. Usually it is always a good idea to castle early - you will see during the match that you get in trouble because white attacks your king.} 4. h3 { actually I didnt get that move. I was really expecting something like d2-d4 since I forgot that stuff about the petrovs three knights game... it did not developed any piece and weakened white king side... JK: White is concerned about Black's bishop getting to g4. At this of the stage of the match that's probably too early; getting pieces developped is moreimportant} Nc6 { well, let' s make the center stronger with some pressure to e5 and d4 too. JK: Alright, developes a piece} 5. d4 { and here she goes...fighting for the center} Be6 { I was concerned about the center and I challenged white to play d5 so I would sacrifice my bishop so I could have a solid center JK: a strong centre is always a good thing, but never worth a whole piece. You can sacrifice a piece in order to open a king's defence, to get a strong attack, but not to get "just" a good pawn structure. At least you saw the fork d5 - many other players would have missed that. Maybe 5. exd4, transposing to some sort of Philidor's Defense, would have been anoption} 6. d5 { ok... trap... or crap?} Bxd5 7. exd5 { ok now white does not have a center and I do but lets first save my knight JK: I'd say white still has a centre - the pawn d5 presses into your position and takes the squares c6 and e6 away - and you're down a piece} Nb4 { JK: I guess 7... Ne7 would be better. Now 8. a3 would force you 8... Na6, and now white has the choice either to let your knight stay at the border (always bad for a knight) or exchange 9. Bxa6 bxa6 and give you a double pawn.} 8. Bg5 { ok I expected that too and now I would like to get rid of that pawn but i dont like to see my knight pinned to my queen. that's why I played...} Be7 { be7!?} 9. Bb5+ { yes, I should definitly have played c6 instead... and could avoid that. Well, I thought maybe deffending my king and at the same time attacking another piece would be nice.} Nd7 { so I did it!mmm... looking now it's not so good as I thought. Now I'm going to loose 2 pieces more...and I'm one piece down... I should have moved my king instead...right? JK: Do you mind if I don't share your opinion? To me your last two moves were nearly the only moves you could play. Okay, more material maybe is leaving the board, and being down a piece that's bad, but you are left with the possibility to castle to either side and initiate an attack on the other wing. I see, you did that later on. Moving your king would have meant 9... Kf8; you are not allowed to castle any more and need several moves to get your rook on h8 into action.} 10. Bxe7 Qxe7 { yes I was unfortunately right} 11. Bxd7+ Qxd7 12. O-O O-O-O { ok I decided to castle queenside because I could have all my kingside pawns to develop till the white side.I was expecting to play qb5 to get that pawn right away. JK: As you noticed yourself and as I argued before, this was the best you could do in this situation - attack and hope that you can make up the minus-piece. But I do not understand what you say about 13... Qb5, since you attack d5 twice, by queen and knight, and white covers it twice as well, by queen and knight. And - of course - b5 is covered by the white knight.} 13. Qd2 f5 { for some reason white took a LOT to play and I forgot about my idea to get rid of the d5 pawn :) JK: As I told you before, there's no good chance to attack d5. Advancing on the king's wing was the best things you could do; you have a plan meanwhile the next moves show that white - despite of being up a piece - has no idea how to go on.} 14. Qe3 Rhe8 { for some WEIRD (not to say stupid) reason i was concerned in centralizing my rook and TOTALLY missed the queen advancing possibility. JK: In my eyes the queen does not have good advancing possibilities. But now you change your plan; moving the rooks to the centre does not meet your original intention to attack on the kings side. Something like h6-g5-g4 and setting up the rooks in the g- or h-file would have done that. But of course you had to take care of your uncovered pawn on a7. I'd suggest 14... Kb8, and now white has to take care of its uncovered pawn c2.} 15. Qxa7 { That surprised me because I was playing too fast. And the worst thing is the queen was all by herself...well, that might not be a bad thing at all.} c6 { I thought about opening some space; if he attacks c6 I'd have a queen to deffend it. If he checks me I'd have a scape as well. JK: Only your second-to best move. 15... c5 would have worked as well, because the queen omits 16. Nb5, and the pawn on c5 would cover your knight on b4. After 15... c5 white has nothing: 16. Qa8+ Kc7 17. Qa5+ Kb8 18. Nb5 Na6. After 15... c6 16. Qa8+ Kc7 17. Qa5+ Kb8 18. Qxb4 would have given another piece.} 16. dxc6 { and so he did JK: Here you were lucky. Now you have space for your king to escape.} Qxc6 { and one less problem so deal with} 17. Qa8+ { that surprised me too because it seems only to be a spite check. I thought he would have his rook centered I dont know... JK: You're right: Now your king's away from the threatening queen and white has to move his queen, while his pawn c2 is still uncovered. Interesting would have been 17. a3 with attack to the knight, because 17... Nxc2 18. Rac1 and now the white rook on c1 aims over the knights on queen and king in the c-file, which very fast will mean trouble.} Kd7 { now I could do something to the queen} 18. Qa5 Qc5 { deffending my knight... its a pity I forgot I was one piece down and a pawn; i should have advanced my knight.. JK: I looked this over several times and found no way not to exchange queens. After 18... Nxc2 19. Rac1 forces your knight to d4, if you don't want to lose it. But after 19... Nd4 20. Nxd4 exd4 21. Nd5 your queen is captured. So maybe 18... Qc5, as sad as it is, is now one of the better moves, though white can exchange queens and the extra piece gets stroner and stronger.} 19. Qxc5 { and now queen exchange... good..} dxc5 { for white of course... which probably checks me soon} 20. Rfd1+ { there it goes... and as I was affraid of exchanging pieces again I played...} Ke7 { which later I realized was even worse because if white really would have decided to exchange pieces she would have done it the same way. Kc7 would have been definetly better JK: Sure, now e5 is uncovered and besides from losing another pawn the white knight gets a strong square in the centre of the board.} 21. Nxe5 { AND i could also avoid to left e5 unprotected...} Kf6 { JK: By the way, this was your first chance to take on c2 (21... Nxc2)} 22. Rxd8 { new exchanging again... JK: This was not too well played from white, since after 22. Rxd8 Rxd8 black is alone in control over the d-file. Always see to get your rooks on open files, where they can reach far into opponent's space!I would have played something like 22. Nd3, maybe followed by 22... Nxc2 23. Rac1 Nd4 24. Bxc5} Rxd8 23. Nf3 Nxc2 { ok just one piece down...} 24. Nb5 { now I didnt see white's plan... why that knight on b5??? And I thought of all possibilities to that knight; Do white have a REAL plan? I took a long time to think about it...} Rd3 { AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA... too late only after playing Rd3 I saw I could have eaten WHITE'S ROOK. That's it! I should really loose this one! I was only worried about the c2 pawn and white's plan I totally forgot to analyse my own pieces... JK: Of course, 24. Nb5 was a brutal mistake, throwing away the whole match. But apart from 24... Nxa1!!, what was the purpose of 24.. . Rd3? What does the rook do on d3 that he doesn't do on d8? A move should always improve the position of a piece in the one or other way, but the rook doesn't threat anything in the 3rd rank, since all pieces there are covered.} 25. Nc3 { men, you're not going to believe me now... as white played Nc3 I start it all over again - eg. why white did not retreat her rook??? and FORGOT about white's rook again thinking about other possibilities... I suck at this game sometimes... JK: I suppose white is simply nervous about being up a piece and having no plan how to exploit that. What I said before about your move also applies here: if you do a move, always think over what is the purpose of the move and why is the piece better on its new square than on its old square. Maybe the plan doesn't work, but you only learn by mistakes, not by moving around pieces without sense.} f4 { I have no idea why I played that move...(ok, ok yes I'm a woman before you wonder :) I think I was waiting for the en passant thing or something... JK: In my eyes the pawn on f5 was important, because it controlled e4. Now something like 26. Rc1 Nb4 27. Ne4+ Kf4 28. Nxc5 is possible.} 26. Ne4+ { JK: The check at once of course is not too clever for the Ra1 is still under attack} Kf5 { ok now I attack the knight and get the rook...with luck} 27. Nxc5 { man I have no explanation to the following move...} Rd5 { JK: This was a good move! If 27... Nxa1 28. Nxd3, white is still up a piece and your knight is at the corner of the board, with a long way back into action. Now two white pieces, the rook and the knight, are attacked and white can only save one of them.} 28. Nxb7 { I think I was tired and did not see that. JK: Forget about that pawn. You get white's rook, and after being down a piece for about twenty moves, material now is about even. Maybe 28. Rc1 would have kept an advantage for white: 28... Rxc5 29. Rxc2 Rxc2 30. Nd4+ Ke4 31. Nxc2 - but who is able to calculate that far?} Nxa1 { but finally... that's it... then the connection was lost. Thanks for your comments but please be kind... I'm a begginner. JK: You have the exchange (rook for a knight or bishop), and as a compensation white has two extra pawns. As a rule of thumb, a rook is worth five pawns and a knight and a bishop are each worth three pawns; thus, the material is about even. White is now probably trying to promote the a- or the b-pawn. If they move, covered by each other and the two knights, black has to try a lot to stop them. But if they are stopped, the black rook probably wins the match; always provided, that neither side blunders a piece. The match is totally open and exciting.} 0-1 [Event "OCL WinterTourney (Open)"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2003.01.28"] [Round "?"] [White "Khamsin"] [Black "aarondesk"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B13"] [WhiteElo "1765"] [BlackElo "1727"] [Annotator "Khamsin, Holzi"] [PlyCount "127"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] { H: Hi, I'm Holzi on FICS and I have had a look at your game. I've marked your thoughts with "K" and my comments with "H". This is a quite interesting game, in which there were several points at which you had to make important strategic decisions. Tactics played a less important role, even if both sides missed a few good opportunities.} 1. e4 c6 { K: The Caro-Kann. I only face this rarely, and so I have nothing prepared for the main-lines. So I usually decide on the exchange variation. H: Avoiding main-line theory is quite a sensible idea, especially if one doesn't want to spend a lot of time on opening preperation against an opening one doesn't face all that often. The downside is that in less forcing lines black can often get away with things he wouldn't usually be able to do. E.g. here black plays 5...e5, which certainly is a dubious move if white is willing to play an endgame, but the position offers white hardly anything in a middle game.} 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. Bd3 Nc6 5. c3 e5 $6 { K: This move isn't in any book that I can find, and it immediately felt fishy to me. Looking it up on the web, I see that it's not unknown, but White seems to get a fairly comfortable endgame almost immediately, with pressure on the Black isolated d-pawn, which never has time to become an attacking tool. H: I entirely agree, since white can force an isolated queen's pawn on black and then immediately go into an endgame this move is rather questionable. I would guess that black was already out of his book and just thought that this move might be "active".} 6. dxe5 Nxe5 7. Qe2 { H: The moves you played in the game (Qe2 & Bb5) look like a very simple way of getting a good game as white against 5...e5. 7.Qe2 forces black to moves his queen to e7, which will enable white to get into a very good endgame.} Qe7 8. Bb5+ Nc6 9. Be3 { K:I unwitt y followed a typical line until here, when I thought that I could get more if I were to keep the queens on the board. I thought that his queen would congest his position more than mine does for me, as my bishop has already moved out and I will be able to castle more easily. H: This is one of those cases were one has to choose between two quite tempting options. Either you get an endgame, in which he has an isolated queen's pawn (but active pieces) or you get a middle game, in which he will have to be slightly careful. If both continuations are equally strong, then it's more or less a matter of taste. However in this case I think that going for the endgame would have been the better option. The problem is that in the middlegame his isolated queen's pawn won't be much of a liability, so if black can untangle his kingside and avoid being overrun, then he will be fine after 9.Be3. I believe black can manage that, because white's pieces aren't quite active enough and he is lacking central pawns that he could push forwards.} (9. Bg5 Qxe2+ 10. Nxe2 Be7 11. Bxe7 Ngxe7 { K: looks better, as it seems that White has a ready target on d5. H: I entirely agree. This variation looks better than the game continuation. Here I would clearly prefer to play white - in an endgame such as this one the isolated queen's pawn is clearly disadvantageous for black. In a middlegame it might offer dynamic possibilities, but here it simply doesn't and is just a weakness. However black doesn't have any other weakness and his pieces can move freely, so this position is not entirely lost for black, but white has a definite advantage and good winning chances. First white will make sure that the black d-pawn can't advance, this should be easy enough to do (after all the pawn on c3 and the knight on e2 are already well placed for this task). Then one will eventually put more and more pressure on d5 and either win the pawn or force more concessions (e.g. if black has to place his bishop on e6, it would be rather inactive). Black on the other hand will have a hard time with finding counter play (clearly the white position has no real weak point).} ) 9... Nf6 { H: This seems to be a very good and natural move.} 10. Nf3 Bg4 { H: Black has a reasonably straightforward plan for finishing his developement: first he will play Qe6, then move the darksquared bishop and finally he will castle.} (10... Ng4 { K: might have been stronger for Black here..} 11. Bd4 { H: In the variation that you offer in order to explain, why 10...Ng4 might have been better you suggest that white would continue with 11.Bd4, but I think that would actually be a mistake, because blackplays} Qxe2+ 12. Kxe2 { H: Here the endgame would be more pleasant for black, since he can secure the pair of bishopswith} a6 { and black should be fine. Nevertheless I don't think that 10...Ng4 is such a good move for black, because white doesn't have to move his bishop to d4 at all. White can just play 11.Bf4 and he should once again get a pleasant endgame.}) (10... a6 { H: This would be another idea for black that one has to watch (even though the idea of castling queenside looks rather dubious).} 11. Bd3 (11. Ba4 $5 Ng4 $11 (11... Qe4 12. Bc2 Qg4 $13)) 11... Bg4 12. O-O Ne5 (12... O-O-O { H: While white is probably better, this wild and tactical variation offers chances for both sides in practical play.}) 13. Nbd2 Ne4 14. Nxe4 Nxd3 15. Neg5 Ne5 16. Rfe1 { H: And here white is better due to his clear lead in developement, e.g.} h6 17. Bd4 f6 18. Bxe5 O-O-O 19. c4) 11. O-O Qe6 { H: This seems to be by far the most logical continuation for black.} (11... a6 { H: Attempts by black to solve his problems in a tactical way seem to fail, e.g. } 12. Bd3 Ne4 13. Re1 Ne5 14. Bd4 Nxd3 15. Qxd3 Bf5 16. Nbd2 { and blackk has massive problems.}) 12. Nbd2 { K: I was constantly searching for a way to make use of my dark-squared bishop moving off of the line of the queen, perhaps to win a pawn on e6. H: I must admit that the idea looks tempting, but I can't see a way to make it work, the white pieces simply seem to be not quite ideally placed for that, e.g. if there was already a rook on e1 instead of the queen on e2 then this would be deadly for black, but as it is white doesn't have any serious threats.} (12. Re1 Bd6 13. h3 Bh5 14. Nbd2 O-O { H: Here black has also more or less avoided all immediate problems.}) 12... Bd6 13. Rfe1 O-O 14. Bg5 { K: And for some reason, I thought I had it here. This raises one of my first questions. Was there a better way for me to take advantage of Black's position at this point? Was I following the wrong plan? Should I have been pushing on the d-pawn? H: Actually this move (by itself) looks quite good, because it once more forces an exchange of queens (at least if white wants to - but your plan was to keep on looking for an advantage in the middlgame), but there isn't much white can do otherwise - black's pieces are just too active and well placed, therefore there just aren't any tactical opportunities at the moment. So basically I think, that yes, you have been following the wrong plan, there isn't much in the black position that suggests that one could outtactic him in the middlegame - except for the previously slightly akward queen position, which white couldn't really exploit - while the isolated d-pawn is something that is most easily exploited in an endgame.} Qf5 15. Bd3 (15. Qd3 { H: As I said when commenting on 14. Bg5, you could have forced the exchange of queen's, because black needs to be able to recapture on f6 with the queen (and hence can't move it away). Nevertheless the endgame you could have reached earlier looked slightly more promising too me than this one.}) 15... Qe6 (15... Qxg5 16. Nxg5 Bxe2 17. Rxe2 $11 { H: This variation seems to give black an even more reliable way of equalising, because he will be able to get rid of his isolated d-pawn.} Ne5 18. Bc2 Rae8 19. Rae1 h6 20. Ngf3 Nc4 { H: Since the pawn b2 is threatened white will eventually have to (a) take this knight or (b) play b3 weakening c3 and more or less requiring a later c3-c4. In both cases black won't have an isolated queen's pawn any more. E.g.} 21. Rxe8 Rxe8 22. Rxe8+ Nxe8 23. Nxc4 (23. b3 Nxd2 24. Nxd2 Nc7) 23... dxc4 $11) 16. Qxe6 fxe6 { K: I missed that the bishop covered this pawn.} 17. h3 Bf5 { K: I'm not sure if this is a mistake or not? On one hand, he gets rid of my 'good' bishop, and gains more of a central grip; but on the other hand, the e-pawn could likely have advanced from where it is and might have made a strong force marching down the board, i.e.} (17... Bxf3 18. Nxf3 e5 { when White has the bishop pair, but Black's central pawns look good. Was his choice correct? H: 17...Bxf3 would have been better. If white plays 18.Nxf3 then black does indeed have a nice position after 18...e5. White could try 18.Rxe6 instead, but the position is by far more complicated and unclear than in the game.}) (17... Bxf3 18. Rxe6 Bxg2 19. Kxg2 Ne5 20. Bc2 Rad8 21. Rd1 { H: This position is far from clear, both sides have a weakened pawn structure now. White has the advantage of having the pair of bishops, but he also has to be at least a bit careful about his rook on e6.}) 18. Bxf5 exf5 { H: In this position the blakc d-pawn is definitely a liability, but black has some counter play.} 19. Nb3 { K: I was fai rly eager to plunk my knight into d4. H: That is obviously a good idea, but perhaps you should have swapped bishop for knight first.} (19. Bxf6 { H: Immedia tely swapping of the knight would not have given black the chance of playing 19...Ne4. But there is of course often a psychological barrier that keeps us from swapping bishops for knights and e.g. black's bishop is clearly a plus of his position, but the white bishop on g5 is not especially useful and perhaps more importantly the blakc knight could have become very strong on e4.}) 19... h6 (19... Ne4 { H: I think black should definitely have considered this move, e4 is a really nice outpost for the knight and secondly white's darksquared bishop might well turn out a liability just as in the game.}) 20. Be3 { K: I think that this too, might have been a mistake. With hindsight, this bishop fairly quickly proves to be a liability. H: I agree, it is difficult to find good squares for this bishop and it would have made everything much easier for you if you had swapped it off. Now black has some compensation for his isolated pawn, while before there wasn't really any weakness in your position. As in the game an advance of black's kingside pawns could give black a slightly unpleasant space advantage.} ({ K: I think I like} 20. Bxf6 Rxf6 21. Rad1 Ne7 { K: better, perhaps with the idea of Nd4-e6 and Nf3-d4, with very strong knights and nagging pressure on the d-pawn. H: That sounds like quite a good plan, it might be even better to get rid of his darksquared bishop - firstly the bishop might turn out to be stronger than your knight and secondly and a reduction of the number of pieces should make it more difficult for him to secure the d-pawn.} 22. Na5 b6 23. Nb7 Kf7 24. Nxd6+ Rxd6 25. Nd4 { H: There is no question that white has a much better position than black in this endgame}) 20... Ne4 21. Rad1 Ne7 { H: I'm not sure that this knight is really well placed on e7. Your opponent should probably have protected the d-pawn differently (e.g. indirectly by Rad8), the knight would be much better placed if it remained on c6.} 22. Nfd4 f4 { K: I underestimated this move.} 23. Bc1 g5 $2 { H: Black has a good strategic idea here, but at the moment this move meets tactical problems.} (23... Rae8 24. Nb5 Bb8 25. f3 Nd6 26. N5d4 g5 27. Nc5 Nef5 28. Nd7 Rxe1+ 29. Rxe1 Rd8 30. Nxf5 Nxf5 31. Nxb8 Rxb8 32. Re5 Ng3 33. Bd2 Rd8 34. Re7 d4 35. cxd4 Rxd4 36. Be1 { H: This is a very complicated variation, but I think black is fine.}) 24. f3 $2 { K: I was looking at things like} (24. Nb5 { which wins material almost immediately, but for some reason I thought that it didn't work, and I thought that I had found a simpler line (see move 26 by White)}) ({ I also looked at} 24. Ne6 Rf6 25. Rxe4 dxe4 26. Rxd6 { but I wasn't sure if I would end up losing the knight. H: The knight seems quite safe, because you always have the option of playing Rd8 and move like} Nf5 { are answered by} 27. Rd5 { This variati on also offers you a material advantage, but the poor position of the bishop on c1 and the impressive black pawns make it looks much less appealing thatn 24. Nb5.}) 24... Nc5 25. Nxc5 Bxc5 26. Kh1 $2 { K: Aargh! Blindne ss; I didn't even think that the knight would be pinned, and I intended Ne6, winning material after 26. Ne6 Rfc8 27. Nxc5 Rxc5 28. Rxe7. H: I also think that it wasn't a good choice to move the king to h1, that might be a safe spot in the middlegame, but in the endgame it makes more sense to have it closer to the middle of the board unless there were some specific problems with placing it on f1 (which there aren't).} (26. Kf1 $1) 26... Rfe8 27. Ne6 { K: Thinking that the knight would be strong on e7 anyways. But from here, it begins to slip away from me, and I'm not sure why. I would appreciate your thoughts.} Bb6 28. b3 { K: I *have* to find a way to develop my bishop. At this point, I would be ecstatic to trade it for the e7 knight.} Kf7 29. Ba3 Nf5 { K: Of course, he's not going to allow that..} 30. Nc5 (30. Nd4 Nxd4 31. cxd4 Rxe1+ 32. Rxe1 Bxd4 33. Rd1 $11 { I should have taken this road.}) 30... Rxe1+ 31. Rxe1 Ne3 { K: Ouch...but even as good as this looks,} (31... Rc8 32. Nxb7 Rxc3 33. Nd6+ Nxd6 34. Bxd6 { leaves Black's rook quite actively placed.}) 32. Rc1 Bxc5 33. Bxc5 b6 34. Bd4 { H: This definitely looks like a good move to me, this bishop is a very nice piece and while black has a good position it's very difficult for him to achieve anything substantial.} Rc8 35. Bxe3 $2 { K: Why did n't I do this if I was going to do it the move before, you ask? Or why didn't I just play Re1 instead? Good question. H: Indeed. Since it's probably white who should be looking for a draw at the moment, it seems unwise to swap of the important bishop that was holding the white position together, even if it eliminates the very strong knight on e3. Now the c-pawn is horribly weak and black's new passed pawn on e3 could also become dangerous.} fxe3 36. Kg1 { K: I should have lost the game here. But he made some imprecise moves (as did I), and I managed to pull it out.} Ke6 $2 (36... d4 37. c4 d3 { and I would have probably resigned here.}) 37. Kf1 Kd6 $2 { H: Once more black could have played d5-d4, his policy of centralising the king is often sensible, but here it is really missing the point.} 38. Ke2 Re8 { H: Black slowly gets himself into trouble. Passive defense is hardly ever a good idea in rook endgames.} (38... d4 $1 39. Rd1 (39. c4 Ke5 40. Kd3 Rd8 { and Black's king marches into g3, at least securing the draw, if not a win.}) 39... Rxc3 40. Rxd4+ Kc5 { looks much more active for Black; H: Certainly more active and sensible than the game, but it seems he simply didn't want to play d5-d4 at all. This position should simply be a draw.}) 39. Rd1 Kc5 40. Rd3 b5 41. Rxe3 { K: After this, I've at least got a draw. H: Certainly a draw (black just doesn't have anything active) and good chances of pressing for a win.} Rd8 { K: avoiding the exchange of rooks, to keep drawing chances. A good move. H: It was certainly his only drawing chance to keep the rooks on the board, however he probably should have placed it somewhere else, where it actually does something (e.g. h8 were it protects black's h-pawn).} 42. Kd3 $2 (42. Re6 { H: This moves looks very strong, since black will immediately loose pawns now. }) 42... Rd6 $1 { H: a very sensible move keeping the white rook out of e6, now black can at least defend all of his pawns.} 43. Re5 b4 $2 { K: His last chance to obtain some activity for himself evaporates. He should have played Ra6 instead, forcing my rook back to a2. After this, it's an easy conversion. H: Yes, worse he really does invite you to play the winning move 44.c4, which either wins another pawn or allows you to swap off the rooks. Ra6 isn't the only non-losing move he could have made, but it would indeed seem rather obvious due to the threat to a2.} 44. c4 Kc6 { H: This is a rather pointless move by black, white is winning, but something like 44...Ra6 might have been a better try for black.} 45. Rxd5 Rxd5+ { H: It's probably not really fair to call this a mistake, but the pawn ending is winning for white (as you nicely demonstrate), so keeping the rooks on the board might have been a better "swindling" attempt, but white is also clearly winning in that case.} 46. cxd5+ Kxd5 47. g3 h5 48. Ke3 Ke5 49. f4+ gxf4+ 50. gxf4+ Kf5 51. Kf3 { K: This posiiton is won for White.} a6 52. Ke3 a5 53. Kf3 Kg6 54. Ke4 Kf6 55. f5 Ke7 56. Ke5 Kf7 57. f6 h4 58. Kf5 Kf8 59. Kg4 Kf7 60. Kxh4 Kxf6 61. Kg4 Kg6 62. h4 Kh6 63. Kf5 Kg7 64. Ke5 { K: I won this game, but I consider it as a loss because he had a fairly simple win in the endgame. My questions are thus: How could I have better taken advantage of his opening? (Was it even fishy?) Where, exactly, did I go wrong in the middlegame? (A deficiency in thinking?) Thank you for your help. H: Black's fifth move is weak, but to exploit it white has to go for an endgame, which might not be everyone's taste, especially if one is playing 1.e4. That endgame with the isolated pawn on d5 would have offered white good winning chances, while the middlegame (with queens on the board) you went for instead seems to be entirely okay for black even if the d-pawn remains a *potential* weakness. After that (as you pointed out) you missed a few tactical opportunities and hence allowed black to carry out his strategy, which eventually gave him a very good position. The typical strategies in positions with an isolated queen's pawn is for the side owning it to look for attacking chances in the middlegame, while the other side usually wants to swap pieces and reach an endgame. In this case you could have achieved this right away, so 9.Bg5 would have seemed like a good choice. Later you faced some strategic decisions, which are often difficult to make (swapping a bishop for a knight etc.), it is important to constantly reasses the value of each piece, for example the black pawn chain on the kingsside drastically reduced the value of your bishop, while on the other hand his knight obtained several nice outposts. But a bit later your bishop was quite a decent piece again on d4 (stabilising the white position) and swapping it off also resulted in immediate tactical problems. In the end you played the rook endgame much better than your opponent, who didn't look for active play at all and hence you eventually outplayed him. In addition to the many strategic decisions one had to make, both sides also missed quite a few tactical opportunities (as you noticed yourself), so you should always remember to watch out for them. Of course there are positions, where one should look especially hard to see whether there is a tactical solution. For example you quite correctly looked for such opportunities on move 24 (even if you miscalculated), on the other hand you might have spent too much time looking for them earlier in the game, because the black position was essentially pretty sound, but of course with the black queen in an unusual position one should always check quite carefully. Basically it comes down to spotting certain hints that indicate tactical opportunities, e.g. before on 24 the black minor pieces were in the line of fire of the white rooks and rather akwardly depending on each other, but then one has to calculate and check whether there is actually something there. I hope my review of this game helps you, if you have any further questions, you can always email me or ask me online.} 1-0 [Event "http://gameknot.com/chess.pl?b"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/chess.pl?b"] [Date "2002.12.04"] [Round "?"] [White "brulla"] [Black "patagon"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C82"] [WhiteElo "1614"] [BlackElo "1755"] [Annotator "brulla, PTFN"] [PlyCount "62"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Nxe4 6. d4 b5 7. Bb3 d5 8. dxe5 Be6 9. c3 Bc5 10. Qe2 { PTFN: This is playable but a better move is 10.Nbd2, get ready for knight exchange and the retraction of the central control.} (10. Nbd2 O-O 11. Bc2 { PTFN: Try to eliminate the e4 black knight. There are several continuations for black, For example if} Bf5 12. Nb3 Bg4 (12... Bg6 13. Nfd4 Bxd4 14. cxd4 a5 15. Be3 a4 16. Nd2 a3 17. Nxe4 axb2 18. Rb1 Bxe4 19. Rxb2 Qd7 20. Bd3 Bxd3 21. Qxd3 Rfb8 22. Rfb1 b4 23. Rc1 Rb6 24. Qb1 h6 25. h3 Ra7 26. Rc5 { +/=}) 13. h3 Bh5 14. g4 Bg6 15. Bxe4 dxe4 16. Nxc5 exf3 17. Bf4 Qxd1 18. Raxd1 Nd8 19. Rd7 Ne6 20. Nxe6 fxe6 21. Be3 Rac8 22. Bc5 Rfe8 23. Re1 h5 24. gxh5 { +/= for the control of the 7th rank and the isolated f3 black pawn.}) 10... O-O 11. Be3 Bf5 { brulla: until here it seems to be theory, black's pieces stand quite active and I wonder what white could do about it. PTFN: I agree that by following theoretical line you have got an equal position. As the last move made by black, 11...Qe7 is recommended in books, since it makes a consolidated and harmonic lineup for black. As to 11...Bf5 it is a little inferior, for his bishop get unprotected.} (11... Qe7 12. Bxc5 Qxc5 13. Nbd2 Bg4 14. Nxe4 dxe4 15. Qxe4 Bxf3 16. Qxf3 Nxe5 17. Qe4 Rad8 18. Rad1 Nc4 19. Bxc4 bxc4 20. Rfe1 g6 { =}) 12. Bxc5 $6 { PTFN: This is not efficient enough as you pay a tempo for black's rearrangement of his pieces. There are a few alternatives: 12.Nbd2 - the most natural way developing, or 12.Rd1 - aiming at the underprotected d5 pawn.} (12. Nbd2 Bxe3 { PTFN: Note that the practicability of 12....d4 does not hold:} (12... d4 $2 13. Nxd4 Nxd4 14. cxd4 Bxd4 15. Nxe4 Bxe4 16. Rad1 $1) 13. Qxe3 { =}) (12. Rd1 $5 Bxe3 13. Qxe3 { PTFN: Then if} Ne7 14. c4 $1 bxc4 15. Bxc4 { =}) 12... Nxc5 13. Bc2 Bxc2 14. Qxc2 Qe7 15. Nbd2 (15. Re1) 15... Ne6 { PTFN: In fact taking the e5 pawn is not bad for black:} (15... Nxe5 16. Rfe1 Nxf3+ 17. Nxf3 Qf6) 16. Rad1 d4 $2 { PTFN: It seems not to be the occasion for black to start attack; Natural for him is 16...f6.} 17. cxd4 $2 { PTFN: 17.Nb3! seems to be of a little trick under the current position; e.g. if } (17. Nb3 $1 dxc3 18. Qxc3 Ncd8 19. Rd2 c5 20. Rfd1 c4 21. Nbd4 Nxd4 22. Rxd4 { PTFN: White has activated his rooks and stopped the pushing of the Q-side black pawns.}) 17... Ncxd4 18. Nxd4 Nxd4 { brulla: Here black gets a strong centralized knight, I wonder what white can do against it. PTFN: Qe4 is OK, nevertheless how the game will proceed depends on your subsequent play. Black is a bit up for the active knight and the pawn majority on queenside, but the position is far from win for him.} 19. Qe4 Rad8 20. Nb1 $2 { PTFN: This move showed that you are eager to rid black of his Nd4. Yes it is the principal conflict in this position. However, you may consider to exchange the knights on f3 rather than 20.Nb1, which looks passive.} (20. f4 Qe6 21. b3 Qg4 22. Nf3 Nxf3+ 23. Qxf3 Qxf3 24. gxf3 { PTFN: winning under such a position for black requires the extreme precision of play which is even not easy to achieve for masters.}) 20... c5 21. Rfe1 Qe6 22. b3 h6 { brulla: Such positions are very difficult for me to play. There is some kind of balance, but I see nowhere a point to advance. PTFN: It is like "zugzwang". I guess your actual move is the best.} 23. Nc3 Rfe8 24. h3 Nc6 25. Rxd8 { brulla: Maybe this was a positional mistake, to give up the d-file to him. His rook gets very strong now. PTFN: Your statement is generally right. But have you considered Rd6?} (25. Rd6 $1 Rxd6 26. exd6 Nd4 27. Qxe6 Nxe6 28. Rd1 Nd4 29. Kf1 { PTFN: drawish.}) 25... Rxd8 26. f4 Rd4 27. Qe3 c4 28. bxc4 Qxc4 29. g3 $4 { brulla: here I did not see the rook fork and lost my knight.} (29. Rc1 Rd3 30. Nd1 $1) 29... Rd3 30. Qf2 Qxc3 31. Kg2 Nd4 { PTFN: The main problem in this game is the 17th move, cxd4?. when your opponent offers an exchange to you, you are not necessary to accept it, especially not when he/she attempts to start attack - the direct way is not always the best way to react against an attack. The same statement is applied to 12.Bxc5, 25.Rxd8. Therefore you may think of multiple choices when facing an exchange rather than simply do it in your further games. The secondary point is 20.Nb1. I point this out without deep calculation because there is of less harmony with your pieces after it. As to 29.g3?? it is a very basic error, but not particular. Finally, you are to avoid playing too fast games (e.g. 15 minutes or less) since the errors mentioned above are typical in them. Good luck for your future play.} 0-1 [Event "Ivrea"] [Site "?"] [Date "2002.03.23"] [Round "4"] [White "Rabaglino, Lorenzo"] [Black "Scarrone, Alberto"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "D02"] [WhiteElo "1591"] [BlackElo "1612"] [Annotator "Majno, msh"] [PlyCount "72"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 e6 { MSH: This blocks Bc8. It's not the worst move on the board, but there are other choices you should consider.} ({ MSH:} 2... Nf6 { leaves open options of how to develop}) ({ MSH:} 2... Bf5 { immediately develops the bishop to prepare ...e6}) ({ MSH:} 2... c6 { clears the queen-side a bit to allow ...Qd8-b6 to defend Pb7, preparing ...Bc8-f5 and trying to inhibit c2-c4 by threatening ...dxc4 to grab and hold onto the pawn}) ({ MSH:} 2... c5 { tries to trade a wing pawn for a central pawn and opens the queen-side a bit to allow Qd8 to move and ...Nb8-c6. This is maybe a little less agressive than it first appears, but it's another acceptable choice.}) 3. Bf4 Bd6 4. Bxd6 $2 ({ MSH:} 4. e3 { continues development and doesn't just respond to Black}) 4... Qxd6 5. c3 c5 ({ MSH:} 5... Nd7 { allows you to directly fight for ...e6-e5 without having to make any other pawn moves which might weaken your position.}) ({ MSH:} 5... Nc6 { is another way to fight for e5}) 6. e3 c4 { Majno: too many pawn moves in the opening I think. MSH: a little yes. Pc4 is slightly extended beyond your piece support. Still, I understand your reasoning. I've played this sort of thing a time or two. You want sooo much to limit Bf1 that you grasp at anything. But, it takes more than a few pawn moves to stop White; though you probably won't see that for a few moves. Even after a few games it's not always easy to accept that you can't just push that pawn and crush White. After all, White hasn't done much aggressive, so why shouldn't you just crush him? The main reason is that pawns are slow and can't move sideways or backward and pieces can. In this case White can simply play e3-e4 and you can't stop it.} ({ Majno: } 6... f5 { in order to prevent e4 but Whithe can play} 7. dxc5 Qxc5 { and may be attack black pawn chain playing c4 in the future}) 7. Be2 $2 { MSH: conceding that Black's idea is good.} ({ MSH:} 7. e4 { is actually playable! } dxe4 8. Nfd2 b5 9. Nxe4 { and White's hip-hopping knight jumps around like a magical sprite, gobbling the 'extra' pawn and leaving White with the better center (Pd4 and centralized minor piece Nd4).}) 7... Nc6 $1 ({ Majno:} 7... f5 { in order to avoid e4 in the future may be? MSH: It's o.k., though you probably know as you read this that I'd rather you develop a piece and not weaken e5 so quickly. There's still the problem of developing Bc8, but White's Be2 isn't very good yet either.} 8. Ng5 Nf6 9. Bh5+ Nxh5 10. Qxh5+ g6 { Majno: probably this variation is good for White. A knight for locked bishop and the dark squares on the kingside are weak.}) 8. O-O Bd7 9. Nbd2 Nf6 10. Re1 O-O 11. Bf1 b5 12. e4 dxe4 13. Nxe4 Nxe4 14. Rxe4 Ne7 $5 { Majno: Nf6 is disappeared but Ne7 can quickly get f6. Is my castle weak for a pieces attack? MSH: I think you've done pretty well to here, but that the position becomes unique and you have to decide how to continue. I like the idea of maneuvering the knight to free Bd7. Your Kg8 may be a tiny bit weak, but not unacceptably.} ({ MSH: Anothe r highly contentious approach is to keep Nc6 in control of e5 and ...} 14... Qd5 15. Rh4 { then you have several choices: ...f6, ...Ra8-d8, ...Rf8-e8, ...Nc6-e7-g6.}) 15. Ne5 $1 { Majno: this is a very good knight} Nd5 { MSH: This is fairly good. It aims first at keeping your king safe -- a very good thing -- and only after that continuing your development and maneuvering.} ({ MSH: Here's a possible line which challenges White in a big way. You might not feel it's safe to get away with this during a game. It depends upon your ability to calculate (envision) the variation.} 15... Bc6 16. Rh4 (16. Nxc6 Qxc6 17. Rh4 Rad8) 16... Bd5 { a bold challenge to White} 17. Qh5 h6 18. Rg4 (18. g4 f6 19. Ng6 Nxg6 20. Qxg6 Qf4) 18... Nf5 { seems alright for Black}) 16. Qf3 $1 Nf6 17. Re2 ({ Majno: } 17. Rf4 $1 { is Fritz7 suggestion. Is the rook sacrifice dangerous? MSH: Yes, because White will have Qf3 and Ne5 versus your weakened king position (Nf3-g4xf6 is the idea).} Qe7 18. Rxf6 gxf6 19. Nxd7 Qxd7 20. Qxf6) 17... Rab8 18. Rae1 Rfc8 19. Rd2 Bc6 20. Nxc6 { Majno: I dont know if this trade off is good. My bishop was on the sqares of my pawns, but the h1-a8 line seems good to me. What is the reviewer opinon? MSH: My opinion is that White has equivocated and Black has been following a good plan, so White has to play defense; meaning trading his offensively placed knight for your (now) good bishop. Black is better here because your queen and rooks are as good or better than White's and your Nf6 is clearly better than Bf1. White's offensive possibilities died on the vine and Black's is just now coming to fruition.} Rxc6 { Majno: Now I can open files on the quenside and play actively on that, so I think my position are beginning becoming good} 21. g3 { Majno: does that lose a time? MSH: He should probably expect Bf1 to remain for some time, but he should also play actively and so a2-a3 and Re1-e5 can be tried. After that he will have to adjust based on Black's moves.} b4 22. Bg2 $2 { MSH: The bishop was most actively placed, despite it's backrank location, threatening Pc4. After Bg2 Black's mobile rook backs up a square or two and the queen-side offensive continues with Bg2 misplaced.} bxc3 ({ MSH: Or} 22... Rcc8) 23. bxc3 ( { Majno:} 23. Qxc6 $4 Qxc6 24. Bxc6 cxd2 25. Ra1 Rxb2) 23... Rcb6 24. Qe2 ({ Majno:} 24. Qd1 $5 { in order to avoid occupation of 1th or 2th line is interesting} Qa3 $1 { MSH: Focusing on White's weaknesses this way has to be good.} (24... Nd5 25. Bxd5 exd5 { White keep the equality} ({ MSH:} 25... Qxd5 { keeps Pc4 safe and keeps the e-file closed and improves Black's queen and makes White's king a little less safe by taking away g2} 26. Re5 Qb7 $15)) (24... Rb2 $2 25. Rxb2 Rxb2 26. Qa4 Qc7 27. Bf1 { and White get a pawn and Black cannot retake one} Rb8 28. Qxc4 Qxc4 29. Bxc4 Rc8 30. Rb1 g6 31. Rb4 Nd5 32. Bxd5 exd5 33. Rb3 $16 { Kf1-e2-d3 following}) (24... Rb1 $2 25. Qxb1 Rxb1 26. Rxb1 { are the rooks pair better than the queen? MSH: I think the queen would be better if there was no Bg2 & Nf6 because Pc3 is weak. However, with Bg2 that might change things a little. It can threaten Pc4.}) 25. Qc1 Rb2) 24... Qc7 25. Rc2 Rb1 { Majno: I got the 1th line. I think my position is better, even it is a little bit only. MSH: Yes, I agree. The trick is in forcing White to defend his own weaknesses rather than allowing him to counter-attack in any way. Once he's only defending then you can work on Pa2, Pc3 and Kg1 to disrupt his position. Are you familiar with the Principle of Two Weaknesses? It says that if someone only has one weakness then he can focus his pieces there and it's awfully hard to break through. But, if that person has two (or more) weaknesses then you can switch your attack back and forth between them and it's much more difficult for him to switch his defenses. The attacker's winning chances go up considerably. It's used most commonly in the endgame, but it's also very valuable in middle-games.} 26. Rxb1 Rxb1+ 27. Bf1 { Majno: the bishop are stopped from moving and White have to lose some time to get him give it freedom. The position aeema to me better for Black. Fritz7 said it' s about equal. What the reviewer think? MSH: It's precarious. If Black slips then White can indeed take the initiative because Pc4 is exposed and weak.} Nd5 28. Qd2 Qb7 $1 { Majno: could I play better? MSH: On this turn I think ...Qb7 is probably best. It prevents Rc2-b2 and controls g2 to keep Kg1 immobilized.} 29. Qg5 $6 ({ Majno:} 29. Rc1 Rb2 ({ MSH: Let's consider some options:} 29... Qb5 30. Rxb1 Qxb1 31. Kg2 Qa1 (31... Qb7 32. Kg1 (32. Bxc4 $4 Ne3+ $19) 32... Qa6 33. Qb2 h6 { still seems about equal. Isn't it ironic that it is the slightly over-advanced pawn at c4 which is the 'culprit' holding Black back?}) 32. Bxc4 Nxc3 $13) 30. Rc2 Rb1 (30... Rxc2 31. Qxc2 Qb5) (30... Rxc2 31. Qxc2 Qb5 { who is better?} 32. Be2 Qa5) 31. Rc1 { Majno: White keep the equality.}) 29... Nf6 ({ Majno:} 29... h6 $1 { better don't move the good Nd5}) 30. Qc5 { Majno: seem good but...} Qa6 ({ Majno:} 30... Ne4 $1 { it' s very hard to evalutate this pawn sacrifice during a real game I think} 31. Qxc4 Ng5 { MSH: Black's pieces seem terribly active, but if White has a way to escape then the pawn might become very important.} 32. d5 { it' s not easy for me to evalutate this position (without a computer help), even Fritz give Black a marked advantage}) 31. Qc7 $2 ({ Majno:} 31. Kg2 $2 { is worst even it's may be a better try} Qb7+ { forced. Qxc4 was threathen} 32. Kg1 (32. Kh3 $4 Rb5 $1) 32... Ne4 $1 { the some variation of 30th Black move}) 31... g6 { Majno: Qa4 is threathen} 32. Kg2 $2 ({ Majno:} 32. Qe5 Qa4 33. Qe2 Nd5 { is Black better? MSH: Yes. White has wasted several tempi for no benefit and Black's pieces are in a better offensive position. Whether it's enough to win isn't yet clear.}) 32... Qa4 $1 { Majno: not very very easy to see for the White I think, because the queen in a6 seem defensive only MSH: I like that the pieces are sort of revolving around Pc4, but that Black's queen is becoming more offensive (threatening Rc2 at this moment) while White's may be a bit closer to Kg8, but it doesn't have support from other White pieces. In short, White is losing coordination and cohesiveness of his pieces while Black's is improving. White probably didn't realize he was forcing his own destruction.} 33. Re2 ({ Majno:} 33. Rd2 Ne4 { is not better (greetings to the rook)}) 33... Qd1 { MSH: Now it's more obvious than before that the threat to pawn at c3, then Rc2 and now Bf1 are all enabling Black to maneuver with some gain of time, eventually to get at Kg2. That's how the Principle of Two Weaknesses should be utilized!} 34. Kf3 Qxf1 35. h4 Qh1+ 36. Kf4 Nd5+ { MSH: A beautiful finish - aesthetically pleasing and efficient.} 0-1 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2002.12.18"] [Round "?"] [White "JPLkan"] [Black "Arphahat"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "D02"] [WhiteElo "1175"] [Annotator "Arphahat/bscastro"] [PlyCount "61"] [EventDate "2002.??.??"] { bscastro: Greetings.} 1. d4 d5 { (Arphahat) I prefer the Kings pawn opening, as it allows my queen better access to the diaganols and I can launch a more effective attack on the f2 square.} 2. Nf3 Bf5 3. Bf4 e6 { (Arphahat) My opening looks similar to this, but reversed. 1)e4, e5 2)...,Bc5 3)...,d6. Allows for strong attacks and may cause a kingside castle, making the attacks more focused.} 4. e3 Nf6 { (Arphahat) I'd still like to launch an attack on the f2 square, but I don't see how I could do it. There are pieces I can move to start an attack, but unless I can move his knight and the g2 pawn, I cannot mate with ...,Ne4 ...,Qh4 ...,Qf2. bscastro: At this point it would be difficult to attack the f2 square because of White's protection of it and the pawns on the diagonal that are in the way.} 5. c4 c6 { (Arphahat) I like this move. It allows my queen access to both sides of the board, as well as giving both my dark bishop and queen access to the e1-a5 diaganol, with the option of checking.} ({ bscastro: ...c6 is a good choice. Another find choice would have been ...c5, attacking White's pawn center.} 5... c5 { For example,} 6. dxc5 Bxc5 7. cxd5 Nxd5 { and Black has equal chances.}) 6. Nc3 { (Arphahat) Knights make me nervous. At first glance, I can never tell if they are being positioned for an attack, or simply being moved.} Bb4 { (Arphahat) There! That knight isn't going anywhere...for now.} 7. a3 Ba5 8. b4 Bb6 ({ bscastro: You can also challenge the bishop along this diagonal. Either move is fine, but White's bishop is fairly strong.} 8... Bc7 9. Bxc7 Qxc7) 9. b5 { (Arphahat) I thought the better move would have been c5, since it would have maintained pressure on my bishop and taken away the e1-a5 diaganol. Am I missing something?} ({ bscastro: The game is about even here.} 9. c5 Bc7 10. Bxc7 Qxc7 { This would bring up a closed position where Black would be attacking on the kingside, eventually preparing an e6-e5 push, while White would be preparing b4-b5.}) 9... Ba5 { (Arphahat) Knight is pinned with a fork of the King and the rook next turn, unless it is guarded against.} 10. Ng5 $2 { (Arphahat) At this point, I worried (unnecessarily) about a fork of my rook and queen on f7. Obviously, the king would prevent that, but as I have been screwed by this a number of times, I am very afraid of the fork.} Bxc3+ { (Arphahat) Speaking of forks, one of my own. bscastro: You're opponent makes one of several big mistakes.} 11. Ke2 Bg4+ { (Arphahat) I still thought I had to worry about a fork.} ({ bscastro:} 11... Bxa1 { You should have taken the rook right away.} 12. Qxa1 dxc4 { Winning another pawn and clearing the d5 square for your knight.}) 12. f3 Bh5 { (Arphahat) At this point, I realized that I had nothing to be concerned about. Drat! I blundered away the bounty of my nifty fork.} 13. e4 $2 { (Arphahat) ... Or had I? As will become evident, both of us need to pay more attention to the a1-h8 diaganol. bscastro: Not necessarily that, but White should look at which pieces are attacked, as should you. :)} Bxa1 14. e5 Ne4 15. Qxa1 ({ bscastro: White should have played, but you are still winning in any case.} 15. Nxe4 dxe4 16. Qxa1 exf3+ 17. gxf3 { Black is winning. Plans here include castling your king to safety and start consolidating your material advantage since your extra material is undeveloped.}) 15... dxc4 $2 { (Arphahat) I want to clear the d file so my queen can attack.} 16. Ke3 ({ bscastro: White can win your knight.} 16. Nxe4 O-O ({ If you don't castle, White gets a nice post for his knight.} 16... cxb5 17. Nd6+) 17. bxc6 Nxc6 18. Nd6 { Here he gets a nice outpost anyway, but at least it is not with check. Black is winning, but White still has some chances with the two bishops and a strong center.}) 16... Nxg5 17. h4 Nxf3 { (Arphahat) I couldn't find a way to save the knight, but at least it went down swinging.} 18. gxf3 cxb5 { (Arphahat) Providing a solid hold on the d3 square. Hopefully, I will be able to get my queen there.} 19. Bg5 f6 20. exf6 gxf6 21. Bh6 Qd7 { (Arphahat) I still want to attack along the d file, but also wanted to guard against a fork on my rook and pawn at g7. What happens later makes my apparent attention to this diaganol amusing.} 22. Bh3 { (Arphahat) Trying to stop me from attacking his pawn with ...,e5, which would open the d file for me.} f5 23. d5 Qxd5 { (Arphahat) What??? Hello! Arphahat! You just lost your rook to 24) QxRh8. This is why I need to pay more attention to that diaganol. Although I will still have the advantage, this gives him a free piece, puts my king in check and essentially allows him to reposition his queen as he sees fit.} 24. Rf1 $2 { (Arphahat) Wow. Yeah, we both need to pay more attention to that diaganol. While he was taking his turn, I noticed the hanging rook and could only wonder how long it had been available. bscastro: Of course, White missed the free piece.} ({ bscastro:} 24. Qxh8+ Kd7 25. Qxh7+ Kc6 26. Bg7 Qxf3+ { Black's material advantage is so great that it doesn't really matter as much from here.}) 24... Rg8 { (Arphahat) Whew! I probably should have just done this to avoid the potential fork in the first place.} 25. Rg1 { (Arphahat) No! He had the rook right where it needed to be. This mistake will cost him dearly.} Qxf3+ { (Arphahat) I am pretty sure this came as a surprise.} 26. Kd2 Qd3+ { (Arphahat) Hey, those pawns did come in handy.} 27. Kc1 Rxg1+ { (Arphahat) e, check, and a skewer. It doesn't get much better. The only way it could have improved would have been if the bishop was elsewhere, allowing me the mate.} 28. Kb2 Rxa1 { (Arphahat) Oops. I just passed up mate with 28)...,Qb3. Oh well. At this point, the game was in hand anyways.} 29. Kxa1 Qc3+ 30. Kb1 Qxh3 { (Arphahat) Figured I might as well take the pieces I could. That way, I wouldn't need to be concerned about losing my queen to a foolish move along one of the bishops diaganols.} 31. Bd2 { (Arphahat ) Actually, as pleased as I am by this game, it breaks my heart to think of the number of times this type of stuff happened to me. bscastro: Here are a few suggestions based on this game and another that I've reviewed of yours. 1. Study master games to see the ideas of the openings. Queen's pawn openings are different that king's pawn openings in nature, so the ideas will be different. One good book if you have access to it is Logical Chess: Move by Move by Irving Chernev. It's an excellent move-by-move account of early masters and explains the plans behind every move very well. 2. When you have a chance to win material and it is not a trap, win the material first. Your opponents luckily have given you second chances, but stronger opponents won't. 3. When you are ahead in material, make sure your king is safe and develop your pieces so you can use your extra material. Also, feel free to trade down material so that your extra material will become an even bigger factor. 4. Play stronger opponents who will punish you for your mistakes. I've found through many losses that I've improved much more from losing against strong opponents than I have against winning against much weaker opponents. Good luck!} 0-1 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2003.03.18"] [Round "?"] [White "freenomo"] [Black "Trocado"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A00"] [WhiteElo "1534"] [BlackElo "1493"] [Annotator "Trocado, SirJockel"] [PlyCount "57"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] 1. e3 { I don't think this is the best way to open a game.} e5 { I tried to follow the basic opening rules.} 2. b3 d5 3. Bb2 Nc6 { JK: I know s opening the other way around - 1. e4 b6 2. d4 Bb7 3. Nc3 e6. It is a valid, though seldom used, tactics to play a black opening with the white pieces, especially because this is a more or less defensive strategy and white uses to attack from the beginning. White's strategy is to keep his central pawns e2 and d2 back and attack your advanced pawns on e5 and d5.} 4. Bb5 Bd6 { This got me a doubled pawn, but I saw nothing better.} 5. Bxc6+ bxc6 { JK: I don't think the double pawn is really a problem since in exchange for it you get the bishop's pair, the semi-open b file for your rooks (white cannot play O-O-O very good now) and an extra pawn in the c-file, strenghtening your pawn centre.} 6. Nf3 Qe7 7. h3 { This loses time. JK: White wants to keep his Nf3 flexible. After Bg4 it would have been pinned.} Nf6 8. Qe2 { JK: I don't really get the sense of that move. What does the Queen do on e2 that it doesn't do on d1? Except from preparing to castle queenside - but with you having the open b-file?} O-O 9. d3 c5 { The idea is to play d4, closing the diagonal my opponent's bishop is in and refusing him space. JK: Now the centre is totally under control and white has to do something against that. In my opinion d4 is not necessary; keeping up the tension is also a good idea. The bishop on b2 doesn't threat anything by now. But of course d4 is not a mistake.} 10. Nbd2 d4 { JK: Now d4 is not so good because on d5 the pawn did control e4 and c4. After 10... d4 white may move Nc4; a knight in the centre that cannot be attacked by a pawn is usually very strong. And you cannot move your Bd6.} 11. exd4 cxd4 12. O-O Rb8 { Was Ba6 better? c5? Re8? JK: In my opinion all moves (including Rb8) are playable and good. By now you control the centre, you have the bishop's pair and the semi-open b-file - a good advantage. Your only problem is the backstanding pawn on e5, that is in the semi-open e file and can be attacked by white's rooks and queen. Maybe you should think about playing Nd5 or Nd7-c5 in order to be able to cover the pawn with f6. As a rule of thumb, coverage is better if it is done by a piece of low value, especially by a pawn.} 13. Nc4 Re8 { To defend e5. JK: Your only chance.} 14. Na5 { This has no consequence, and enables be to get my bishop out without losing time. The move I was afraid of was Re1. JK: You probably saw that white was trying a trap - Nc6 is a fork. But your comment is right.} Bd7 15. Nc4 Bb5 { JK: Makes you able to eliminate one of the attackers on e5, but makes you give away your bishop's pair} 16. Nxd6 Qxd6 17. Rfe1 e4 { I don't remember what exactly my calculations were, but I thought this would get me a won game. JK: Miscalculation. Of course white cannot take dxe4, because the queen would be uncovered, but d4 is not covered any more, and after 18. Nxd4 dxc3 the queen has time to get away. The game is still about even, but you gave away your nice pawn centre for nothing. I still prefer 18. Nd5, maybe followed by c4 19. dxc3.} 18. Nxd4 exd3 19. Qd1 dxc2 { Probably Rxe1+ Qxd1 dxc2 Nxc2 was better, because the white knight ends up on second row... JK: That plan is probably better than what you played. I don't think the knight's position on c2 is really bad, but with 19. Rxe1+ Qxd1 20. dxc2 Nxc2 21. Re8 you had the chance to take over control over the open e file again.} 20. Qxc2 c6 { Not knowing what plan to follow, and after spending many precious minutes thinking, I decided that defending was better. Even now, after the game, I'm having trouble finding what to play. JK: c6 doesn't defend anything. It is true that in an extreme open position such as this one it is tough to find good moves. As a basic rules, look out for weak points in the enemy position, and attack or occupy them, and if you can't find any weak points that you have access to, have a look at your own weak points. As I said before, a knight in the centre is always very strong. Sad as it is, I suppose I would have played Bd7 in order to control b5, c6, e6 and f5 and omit that the white knight gets these squares.} 21. Nxb5 { An error, in my opinion. Winning is a4 Ba6 Rxe8 Rxe8 Qxc6 Qxc6 Nxc6 followed by Nxa7 and white is two pawns up and has a won game. JK: After 21. a4 Ba6 22. Rxe8+ you didn't need to recapture with the rook; 22... Nxe8 was also possible. And the Nd8 covers g7 and omits the Nf5 double attack on Qd6 and pawn g7. But of course the Knight on d8 lokks very inactive. Well, but now 23. Qxc6 Qxc6 24. Nxc6 Rxb3 25. Bd4 in fact loses a pawn. If white is able to win the game with the extra pawn in the a file is unclear, due to the different-squared bishops, but as a consequence you are right: 21. a4 looks nice.} cxb5 22. Rxe8+ Rxe8 { This is ver y even now. JK: Your pieces are a little more active than the white ones, but that doesn't make much difference.} 23. Rd1 Qa6 { JK: Maybe 23... Qf4, in order to still cover f6 and h2 and if white moves the rook out of the 8th rank, there could follow Re1#, but this is too obvious.} 24. Ba1 b4 { JK: Though you now get the diagonal a6-f1 for your queen, white does that as well. And your pawns a7 and b4 are far away from each other, meanwhile white's a2 and b3 cover each other, how pawns should do. White takes the opportunity and attacks b4. Now you have the choice of trading queens or allowing white to chase your queen over the board and position his pieces better.} 25. Qc4 Qb6 { I didn't thi nk trading queens was a good idea, because of Qxc4 bxc4 Ne4 (Rc8 Bxf6 gxf6 Rc1) Re1 and I'm stuck. JK: Well, after 25... Qxc4 26. bxc4 Rc8 27. Bxf6 gxf6 28. Rc1 the endgame is hard to be won by anybody, though I agree with you that your pawn structure looks awful.} 26. Bd4 Qd6 27. Qd3 a5 28. Bxf6 Re1+ { I stared at the position for a couple of seconds, and I played this, thinking "Eh, nobody ever sees this kind of tactics!" Oh well...} 29. Rxe1 { I realise th at I can't take the queen. Hadn't I blunder, would this be a clear draw? I'm not sure if this is the best game to submit to Fics Teaching Ladder, specially because it ends with such a mistake. But I do believe that I was better somewhere in middlegame, and that anyhow I spoiled it... JK: It honours you that you tried some tactics in a totally drawn position. But the king behind f7, g7, h7 always is some kind of an alam signal. That's why I suggested to keep control over h2 with your queen and threaten the same type of mate (by the way, you called 7. h3 a "waste of time", which it probably was). After 28.. . Qxf6 (instead of Re1+) there is an endgame with heavy pieces and equally distributed pawns. This is usually a draw, at least there have to be big mistakes to make either side winning. Sometimes it is even tough to win such an endgame with an extra pawn.} 1-0 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2003.03.10"] [Round "?"] [White "Mariorichard"] [Black "Wiens"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "E90"] [WhiteElo "1692"] [BlackElo "1830"] [Annotator "Wiens, MSH"] [PlyCount "52"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Bg5 d6 5. e4 O-O 6. Nf3 ({ MH: Much more common is} 6. Be2 { to at least threaten h2-h4-h5 and to allow Ng1-f3 without Black being able to force a trade of Bc8 for Nf3 by ... Bc8-g4xf3.}) ({ MH: Also possible is} 6. Bd3 { preparing Ng1-e2 to complete development without allowing ...Bc8-g4.}) ({ MH:} 6. Qd2 { supports Bg5 and prevents (mostly) ...h7-h6. It might even be used as preparation for a transposition to a Saemisch kind of position with f2-f3 and O-O-O.}) 6... h6 { Wiens: I knew I could either play this or c5 against the Bg5 variation but I had forgoten the line that included Qa4 so h6 was it.} ({ MH:} 6... c5 7. d5 Bg4 { is considered pretty good for Black, though he still has to find ways to keep his pieces active, including Qd8 which is sort of hidden back behind the Black pawns (c5, d6, e7).} (7... h6 { is akin to your approach}) ) 7. Be3 Nc6 { Wiens: I diverge here from book. I don't worry too much about 8. d5 Ne5 9. Nxe5 dxe5 as this just gets my kingside pawn advancement started faster than having to play d5. Comments? MH: Good move. If White continues to allow ...Bc8-g4xf3 then Black might well dominate the central dark squares with ...e7-e5.} 8. Be2 e5 ({ MH:} 8... Bg4 { Black's play is heavily piece-oriented and challenges White's ability to create threats without pushing pawns which creates more weakness in White's position than problems for Black.}) ({ MH: Possibly an even better move-order is} 8... Ng4 9. Bc1 e5 10. h3 exd4 11. Nb5 Nge5) 9. d5 Ne7 10. Qd2 Kh7 11. O-O $2 { Wiens: I thought he might actually try 0-0-0 and pawnstorm me.} Ng4 $1 { Wiens: With my pawn structure on the kingside having weaknesses on the dark squares, it seemed that the dark B had to go.} 12. h3 $2 { Wiens: A wasted move? What is he hoping to accomplish. It does make room for his N at move 15 but... MH: Not only is it a wasted tempo, but it makes Ph3 stand out as a target for Black's advancing pawns and/or Bc8.} Nxe3 13. Qxe3 f5 14. exf5 gxf5 15. Nh2 f4 $2 { Wiens: ?! I think I should have looke more at e4!. This gives much greater scope to my dark bishop and a great post position for my N on d5. It also avoids my light squared weakness that becomes evident.} ({ MH:} 15... Ng6 $15 { would allow Qd8 to come into play on the d8-h4 diagonal while preventing f2-f4 and without weakening e4. Black is clearly better, but a long way from having a won position.}) 16. Bd3+ Nf5 { Wiens: I liked my moves till this point but I am not sure if I should have place my N or B on f5. The game goes well from here for me but if White doesn't push his kingside pawns as he does, he might have a better game and perhpas the B belongs here... Also better would have been Kg8 or Kh8. MH: Nf5 might be alright. If you move Kh8 you might still have to spend a tempo on Nf5 or Ng6 later, so go ahead and play the knight move and hope you don't have to spend an extra tempo on the king move later. If you get to play ...Nf5-d4 or ...Nf5-h4 then you'll definately still be doing well.} 17. Qe4 { MH: This is probably as much as White can do to hinder Black. If White aims for g2-g4 then Black opens more lines to Kg1 and just sidesteps the pin with ...Kg8.} Qg5 { MH: Another square for the queen might be better. If Black had proceeded to bring other pieces into play by let's say...Qe7, ...a6, ...Bd7, ...Rf7, ...Rg8 and such then White might've tried to force the issue, but he would've run into a brick wall (only h7 is a serious weakness). Instead, by ...Qg5 White gains a little time to make his threats more forcefully. It makes a difference.} 18. Nb5 Rf7 19. Nf3 Qe7 $2 { MH: The second rank needs to remain open, so Rf7 can defend Pc7. Black's queen shouldn't get in the way of that.} ({ MH:} 19... Qh5 { might be better for inhibiting g2-g4 as that pawn move would allow ...Qxh3}) 20. g4 { Wiens: ?! White starts to go wrong here I think, but it isn't fatal till later. } ({ MH: Waiting and preparing for Rf1-g1, g2-g4 might be wiser.} 20. Kh2 Kg8 21. g4 fxg3+ 22. fxg3 a6 23. Nc3 Bd7 24. g4 Nd4 25. Nxd4 exd4 26. Qh7+ Kf8 { and White has opened lines toward Black's king and has plenty of piece activity; whereas Ra8 isn't yet inplay!}) 20... fxg3 21. fxg3 Kg8 22. g4 Ng3 23. Qh7+ Kf8 24. Rf2 $4 { Wiens: No better is 24. Re1 Rxf3, however, Bg6 seems give white the advantage. I think I would have been better with a different 16th move.} ({ Wiens:} 24. Bg6 Nxf1 $2 (24... Rf4 25. Rf2 Rxc4 26. Nxe5+ Bf6 27. Qxe7+ Kxe7 28. Nxc4 { Wiens: is very bad}) ({ MH:} 24... Rf6 $13 { intending ... Ng3-e2-f4 should be good for Black. Positions don't swing from terrific to terrible in one move unless that one move is pretty bad. In this case White had something to work with, so Black's advantage was pretty slight and this makes it complicated, but not horrible for Black.}) 25. Bxf7 Qxf7 26. Rxf1 { Wiens: with advantage white}) 24... e4 25. Kg2 $4 ({ MH: The better alternative variation shows just how complicated all this is, though it also shows Black is doing pretty well.} 25. Re1 e3 26. Kg2 a6 27. Na3 exf2 28. Rxe7 Kxe7 29. Qg6 f1=Q+ 30. Bxf1 Nxf1 31. Qe4+ Kf8 32. Kxf1 Bxb2 $15) 25... exf3+ 26. Kxg3 Be5# { Wiens: I got lucky I think. ...15 f4 followed by...16 Nf5 is a questionable plan. MH: perhaps slightly questionable, but not horrible. You got in a bit of a rush is all.} 0-1 [Event "Home Friendly"] [Site "Riley's Home"] [Date "7.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Riley Williams"] [Black "Samdy McArthur"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D02"] [Annotator "ringsanta, bscastro"] [PlyCount "83"] [EventDate "7.??.??"] { RHW: This is just a game played casually between two friends who are both extremely rusty, but I would appreciate an analysis thereof. bscastro: Greetings.} 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Bg4 5. e3 e6 6. Bb5 Bb4 7. O-O O-O { bscastro: There is nothing particularly "wrong" with copying each other's moves (one person does not gain an advantage), except that your pieces are not working toward some goal. They are not working together. Well-known openings are designed to help pieces work together towards creating certain imbalances in the game (which I'll talk more about later in my recommendations) .} 8. Qd3 Qd6 { RHW: Up to t, we just mirrored each other's moves. We tend to do this as we otherwise just get bogged down in deciding what to do at each step. I'm aware this isn't a good reason for playing like this though.} ({ bscastro: Moving your queen allows your opponent to damage your pawn structure. Although you do this to him on the next move, he missed this opportunity to do it to you.} 8... Bxf3 9. gxf3 h6 10. Bh4 Be7 { Black has a slight advantage. Your pawn structure is slightly damaged and Black can start to coordinate his pieces to start attacking the weakened pawn structure.}) 9. Bxf6 { RHW: Let's open up his pawns...} gxf6 10. Nh4 f5 11. h3 { RHW: Move that pesky Bishop from g4 !!! bscastro: There isn't a particular reason to do this though. Although you win the bishop on the next move because of your opponent's blunder, the bishop can move to ...h5 without incident.} Be2 $2 { RHW: I didn't want that !!!} ({ bscastro:} 11... Bh5 { would have been better.}) 12. Qxe2 e5 13. Nxf5 { RHW: Clear that pawn out the way. The attack on his queen is a bonus.} Qg6 14. e4 ({ bscastro: The following combination wins much material.} 14. Nxd5 Qxf5 15. Bxc6 { Eliminating the defender of the bishop.} bxc6 16. Nxb4 { White succeeds in trading down into a more manageable amount of material.}) 14... dxe4 15. Qxe4 Nxd4 16. Ne7+ $2 { RHW: Fork his K and Q, winning Q for N.} Kg7 ({ bscastro:} 16... Bxe7 { Unfortunately, this fork is not sound. Black could have still been in the game here.} 17. Qxe5 (17. Qxg6+ hxg6 { The game is about even here.}) 17... Ne6 $14 { White has a slight edge because of his extra pawn.}) 17. Nxg6 hxg6 18. Qxe5+ f6 19. Qxd4 Bd6 20. Bd7 { bscastro: What is the purpose of this move? You should try to make sure each move works towards some end.} Rad8 21. Bg4 { bscastro: Perhaps this was the purpose of the move, to maneuver to g4.} c5 { RHW: Not really sure what to do at this stage, despite being materially and positionally ahead. bscastro: When ahead by a lot of material, there are a few guiding principles. First, make sure your pieces are fully developed. For example, you would put your rooks on open files. Second, you would just start attacking targets (for example, Black's pawns on the queenside). As you attack and your opponent defends, you will be able to exchange pieces. As you exchange, your material advantage will be more apparent with the reduced force on the board.} ({ bscastro:} 21... Bh2+ 22. Kxh2 Rxd4 { White has such a material advantage that it doesn't really matter.}) 22. Qc4 a6 23. Qd5 ({ bscastro: It's probably best to develop a rook. Rooks belong on open files (files where there are no pawns).} 23. Rad1 b5 { If Black tries to attack your queen, just eliminate a couple pawns. You have such a huge advantage, that you can do this.} 24. Nxb5 axb5 25. Qxb5 { With less pieces on the board, you can see that Black can't really do much.}) 23... Rf7 24. Ne4 Bh2+ { RHW: Completely missed that !!!} 25. Kxh2 Rxd5 26. Be6 Re7 27. Bxd5 b5 28. Nd6 Rd7 29. Ne8+ Kf8 30. Nxf6 Rd6 31. Nh7+ Kg7 32. Rad1 Kxh7 33. Bg8+ { RHW: This game should have been over by now!!! Still R for B at least kills the last of his major pieces...} Kxg8 34. Rxd6 a5 35. Re1 { RHW: At this point, it should basically be a case of the classic two rooks ending. On looking back, I realise I should've done Rd7 instead of Re1 at this stage, to ensure his K stays on the back row...} Kf7 36. Re5 b4 37. Rxc5 Ke7 38. Rxg6 Kf7 39. Ra6 Ke7 40. Rc7+ Kd8 41. Rh7 Kc8 42. Ra8# { RHW: At last !!! bscastro: This game was one in which you had a large material advantage. I mentioned the principles to follow when ahead on material. Among recommendations to improve is to study games played by masters. You can get an idea about how they "string" moves together into plans and why they make the moves they do. A good book which explains each move made in master games is Chernev's Logical Chess Move-by-Move. If you want to improve, I would highly recommend this book. In general, here are some other pieces of advice: 1. Before you make a move, ask yourself, "Can any of my pieces be taken? Can he put me in check and does that matter? What is the purpose of my move?" These questions will help you avoid simple errors in your games. 2. Try to have your pieces work together. For example, if you are attacking the king, make sure you use several pieces, not just one or two. This takes advanced planning, and you will get better at it the more you do it. 3. When possible, try to play stronger competition who will punish you for your mistakes. It is one of the fastest ways to improve (many losses have taught me this). 4. You had some knowledge of tactical devices such as discovered attacks and forks. Continue to study these profusely. Good luck.} 1-0 [Event "Spring Fling #2 RCC Open 1 hour game"] [Site "Regina"] [Date "2003.04.19"] [Round "2"] [White "Longstreet"] [Black "Brandon"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C51"] [Annotator "Longstreet, SirJockel"] [PlyCount "82"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 { Longstreet: This is a personal favourite of mine, the Evan's Gambit. JK: I used to like that, too, 'til I switched to Ruy Lopez with white.} 5. c3 Bc5 { This is where I ran into trouble, I expected the Bishop to go to a5 rather than c5. Unsure about what to do, I castled and I Believe this was my downfall. JK: 5... Bc5 is a loss of tempo, that's why it's not in the books. The idea of the Evan's Gambit is sacrificing a pawn in order to develop fast in the centre, especially to get the pawns on e4 and d4. After 5... Bc5 6. d4 is still possible, attacked three times, defended three times, and now the Bc5 has to disappear, losing another tempo. 6... exd4 7. cxd4 Bb4+ can be met by 8. Nbd2, and now white has a huge advantage for his pawn.} 6. O-O $2 Nh6 { JK: Of course Nh6 is a strange move. As a rule of thumb, a knight should never be moved to the side of the board. 6. .. Nf6, attacking e4, looks more natural.} 7. d4 { JK: Good move.} exd4 8. cxd4 Bb6 { JK: Now white has a huge position in exchange for his pawn.} 9. Ba3 { Preventing castling. JK: You should consider 9. Bxh6, giving black the double h-pawn and making the castling difficult for him. On the other hand, it opens the g file towards the white king. I suppos this is a matter of taste ... 9. Ba3 is not bad either.} d6 10. d5 { JK: I don't like that move. Now the centre is fixed, and there is a backward pawn in the open e file.} Ne5 { JK: In my eyes 10... Ne7 would have been safer. The e file with the backward pawn would have remained open, and pawn d6 would have kept the Ba3 out and allowed black to castle.} 11. Nxe5 dxe5 12. Qa4+ { JK: Maybe 12. h3 would have been a possibility, giving the Nh6 no other spot but g8. The queen check seems to be following no plan. Always consider the plans of your moves ... I also like 12. Nc3, developping the piece and letting Ra1 come out.} Bd7 13. Bb5 Ng4 $1 14. h3 $2 { Again unsure of what to do. JK: Again 14. Nc3 or 14. Nd2, maybe?} Nxf2 15. Rxf2 Bxf2+ 16. Kxf2 { JK: I don't like white's idea of exchanging bishop and knight for rook and pawn. Just seeing the roughly calculated value of the pieces, it may be a nearly even exchange, but black gives away his most active pieces for a not developped rook. Okay, on f2 the white king is somewhat exposed and separated from his pieces, but I see no way for black to exploit that. 14... Nf6 would have been better.} g6 { JK: Again a move with no plan.} 17. Nd2 { with hope of playing Nc4} a6 18. Bxd7+ Qxd7 19. Qb4 b5 20. Rc1 { JK: Good move. The rooks belong to the open files. Black's weak points are on c7, e5 and f7, and you should search for a way to attack them.} a5 21. Qc5 b4 22. Bb2 { JK: Very good. Now e5 and c7 are under attack, black can only cover one of them.} Qd6 23. Qxc7 Qxc7 { JK: I don't know if black does well to exchange queens. Black has less material, so he should take care to keep as many material on the board as possible. And the white rook gets to c7; a queen or a rook on the second-to-last rank is nearly always dangerous. Maybe 23... Qf6+.} 24. Rxc7 O-O { JK: Giving away another pawn. Castling is good in the beginning of a match, when many pieces threaten a king, but now, without queens on the board, the king is not under so much danger. In the centre he would have been more active. Maybe 24... f6 or 26... Rf8.} 25. Bxe5 { Ivhad nothing else to do and free material was sitting there.} Rac8 26. Nf3 { JK: In my opinion black's most dangerous pieces are the pawns a5 and b4, they only have the counterpart on a2 and are pretty far advanced. So maybe it would have been better to put the king over there, something like 26. Nb3 a4 27. Nc5 Rxc7 28. Bxc7 Rc8 29. Bd6. Of course not 26. Nc4 Rxc7 27. Bxc7 Rc8, losing a piece.} Rxc7 27. Bxc7 a4 28. Nd4 { JK: Stopping the pawns.} Rc8 29. Bb6 { JK: I don't like that move, because now 29... b3 30. axb3 axb3 is possible, since 31. Nxb3 Rb8 loses a piece. What about 29. Be5? This would leave you in control over b2 and a1, for if the pawns come through.} b3 30. axb3 a3 { JK: As I said before, 30... axb3 would have been possible. I'm not sure if a3 really works - I don't think so.} 31. b4 a2 32. Nb3 Rc3 33. d6 { JK: This move loses the match. It simply gives away a piece and makes it nearly impossible to stop the a pawn on its way to promotion. I think 33... Na1 would have saved the situation, since you are still able to cover the Na1 with the bishop.} Rxb3 34. d7 { JK: Doesn't work since the rook is fast enough to cover the d file.} Rd3 { JK: Of course not 34... a1=Q 35. d8=Q+} 35. d8=Q+ Rxd8 36. Bxd8 a1=Q 37. Ba5 Kg7 38. Ke3 Kf6 39. Bb6 { My only hope for a win or draw. JK: With such an imbalance in material there has to be an incredible blunder to give white the opportunity for a draw.} Qc3+ { Dashed.} 40. Kf4 Qxb4 41. Be3 g5+ { I resigned, I had no hope for counter-play at this point. Longstreet JK: You did really well, with quite some understanding for positional aspects, until you underestimated the pawns in the a and b file. You let yourself fool innecisarily.} 0-1 [Event "-"] [Site "Z9W9Z4"] [Date "2003.05.11"] [Round "?"] [White "AlexAlex"] [Black "-"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A90"] [Annotator "AlexAlex, msh"] [PlyCount "152"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] { A: I play with white's and my Elo Italia is 1615, my opponent's Elo is 1300. This is the 4th match in the open and we have 1 win and 2 loses. We have 2 hours for all move (quick play finish).} 1. d4 { A: Normally I play 1. Nf3 for avoiding opponent opening preparation. I play 1.d4 only against NC player. But during this match I will understand that also NC's could be very well prepared. MH: Know what you play and play what you know. When you play 1. Nf3 do you usually play d2-d4 at some later time? If so then you're still in familiar territory.} e6 2. c4 f5 { A: The Dutch Defense: Stonewall variation. My knowledge about this opening is poor: I know black pushes in d5 blocking centre and white have to use the e5 hole. In some case black can attack in the king-side, so white put Bf8 in fianchetto. MH: It's not considered a Stonewall until Black commits to ...d7-d5. However, at this early point your opening moves are fine.} 3. g3 { MH: This move is good for several reasons. Black's light-square pawns block both player's light-square bishop. Whomever occupies the h1-a8 diagonal first will have the better bishop.} Nf6 4. Bg2 Bb4+ 5. Nd2 { A: I remember that in the Stonewall Nb1 go to d2 and not to c3. In fact after Nd2-f3-e5 white can use the e5-hole. MH: This is fine. While Black hasn't yet played ...d7-d5 he still has ...d7-d6, so it might be best to leave Bb4 awkwardly exposed to White's pawns (a2-a3).} O-O 6. a3 Be7 7. Ngf3 a5 { A: During the match I don't understand this move. I thought: "a typical non-positional move". After the match my opponent said me that the idea was to block the queen-side with a7-a5, b7-b6, Ac8-b7, Ra8-a7. And attack in the king side with Qd8-e8-h5, Nf6-g4. A NC player with strong opening preparation! MH: Indeed! There are a couple of advantages to White's position which make Black's plans less than overwhelming. First there is sitll some potential for White to break through in the center to dominate the overall position, thus preventing Black from achieving much of anything. Secondly, all Black's moves on the queen-side are tempi not spent on offensive plans. White can consider a more straight-forward offensive and take the initiative before Black is ready to counter-attack.} 8. O-O Ra7 9. Ne5 { A: During the match I thought "Now I put my knight in the e5 hole". But e5 is not a hole! My opponent don't want to play d5, he want to play b6, Bb7 and exchange the fianchetto's bishops. So this move lose a tempo. MH: Yes, you need to develop Bc1 and prepare for a major push in the center; one which Black can't reject with just one or two defensive pawn moves. I think you had the Stonewall formation in mind and were a little out of contact with the reality, that pawn d7 hasn't yet moved. It isn't a disaster, but wasting a move isn't good. Better was b2-b3, preparing Bc1-b2 or Nf3-e1-d3, Nd2-f3 in order to have Bc1 become active on the c1-h6 diagonal.} d6 10. Nd3 { MH: Good. This leaves Bg2 unblocked and f3 open for Nd2-f3 or for e2-e4.} b6 11. Qc2 { A: I played this move without any idea. After the match my opponent said me that Qc2 is strong, the idea is to prepare c4-c5.} ({ MH: Black hasn't done anything threatening, so White can make a stronger push into the center without much fear.} 11. e4 fxe4 12. Nxe4 Nxe4 (12... Bb7 13. Ng5) 13. Bxe4 Bb7 14. Qg4) 11... Na6 12. b3 { MH: aiming for Bc1-b2 isn't terrible, but the b2-h8 diagonal is blocked. You'd have to find some way to open lines to your advantage. Playing toward the queen-side is fine, but probably expected by Black.} Bb7 13. Bxb7 { A: My idea is to push out the Ra7 from the a-column and then to play b3-b4.} Rxb7 14. b4 { A: Black can't open the a-column: if 14....axb4 15. axb4 Nb8 and I gain the control of the column.} c6 { A: The black is coherent with his plan: blocking the queen side. MH: Black is a little weak on light squares. All those pawn moves have left a6, b7, c6 and e6 weak.Possibly Bc1-b2, Nd3-f4 and d4-d5 would be effective (with Qc2 also being uncovered on f5).} 15. Nf3 { A: I want to develop Bc1. Its natural square is b2, but there it close the b-column to the rooks. So I decide to develop it in the c1-h6 diagonal. MH: As I said earlier this plan makes good sense. It would've been better without the wasted pawn moves on the queen-side. With the pawn moves it's unclear whether it's the best plan, but Black hasn't challenged White, so there are probably still options.} Ra7 { A: My opponent played a coherent game so far, but there is not any idea in this move. After the match my opponent say that he would have started the king-side attack. In my opinion, white attack in the queenside is faster, because white can open and use the b-column. MH: I think White is a little better everywhere on the board, but perhaps for e4. Black has weakened his position in many places, so it would be risky for Black to begin an offensive. What's his basis for that? Has he superior pieces? Is White's king terribly weakened? No, White is fine.} 16. Bd2 Ne4 17. bxa5 bxa5 18. Qa4 { A: In my opinion this is the first position in which white had a slight advantage. Now Qa4 attack a5-pawn and c6-pawn.} Nb8 { A: Passive. From now black start to play in a strange way: he moves quickly and he plays moves easy to calculate. He will not take into consideration moves which involves complex variants. Simply he played "the first move he see". MH: I think Nb8 is alright. It's a cheap economical defender of c6 and allows a5 to be defended by the rook.} 19. Rfb1 ({ MH:} 19. Rab1 { leaving Rf1 to defend on the f-file might be better. In any event there's an odd situation where Ne4 could fork White pieces at c3 or d2. So, White has to be careful.}) 19... c5 { A: Black ins ist with his plan: blocking queenside and attacking in the king side. For me it is not correct: he have to fight for the open column.} 20. Nf4 { A: Strong move in my opinion, it threatens Nxe6.} ({ MH:} 20. dxc5 { opens the po sition in a general way and that should favor White's pieces more than Black's. Square e5 becomes weaker and White's queen and rooks should be significantly better very quickly.}) 20... Rf6 { A: Strange move but good.} 21. d5 { A: Another good move: Be7 is becoming a "bad" bishop.} ({ MH:} 21. dxc5 { is still good.}) 21... Nxd2 22. Nxd2 { A: I was very happy of this change: black give up his best placed piece. Black insists in playing the first move he see. MH: Fortunately he's not Capablanca, else that first move might be good enough to beat you? :-)} exd5 { A: I think 22...e5 23 Ne6 Qc8 is better, because black has a stronger control of centre. After 22...exd5 the black pawns structure looks damnaged, most of all the d6-pawn.} 23. Nxd5 Rf8 24. Rb3 { A: This move prepare Ra1-b1. Now it is also possible to move rook long the third rank.} Nd7 25. Nf1 { A: My idea is Nf1-e3. White is fine now.} ({ MH:} 25. Rab1 { The lines are open, so simple piece activation is called for, unless there's some overriding tactical problem.}) 25... Qe8 { A: Maybe an error. Why changing queens? Or black want to play Qe8-h5? I don't know.} 26. Rab1 Nf6 27. Qxe8 Rxe8 28. Nfe3 $16 Ne4 { A: Black threaten Ne4-d2 but he leaves anprotected f5-pawn.} 29. Nxf5 { A: It is not so easy to play this move. I had to see this variant: 29 Nxf5 Nc2 30 Nxe7+ Raxe7 31 Nxe7+ Rex7 32 Rb8+! and white gain a quality too.} Bf8 30. R1b2 { A: I think this is an error! The idea is to avoid Nc2 but I didn't see two good move: Rb8 and Rd3. After this move I lose concentration and make some other mistakes.} ({ MH: Simplest is to trade-off Black's more active pieces, leaving White with all the advantages.} 30. Rb8 Rxb8 31. Rxb8) 30... Rf7 { A: Strong move, now the f7-pawn is threatened.} 31. Rf3 ({ MH: Fritz suggests a variation few humans would find or consider. It judges White to be winning.} 31. Rb8 Rxb8 32. Rxb8 Kh8 (32... Rxf5 $4 33. Ne7+ $18) 33. g4 g6 34. Nh6 Rxf2 35. g5 Kg7 36. Nc7 $18) 31... Ng5 32. Re3 $8 Rxe3 33. Nfxe3 { A: Another error 33 Nexe3 is the right move. Now I see only 33 ... Nh3+ 34 Kg2 Rxf7?? and not 33 ... Nh3+ 34 Kg2 Nxf7! so I lose the f-pawn.} ({ MH: There doesn't seem to be an easy solution.} 33. Ndxe3 g6 34. Nh4 Nh3+ 35. Kg2 Nxf2 36. Nf3 Ne4 37. Rb5 { and White seems to retain some advantage, but it's positional and not permanent }) 33... Nh3+ 34. Kg2 Nxf2 { A: Now white has a simple plan: capturing the a-pawn. Probably it is enough to win or, at least, to have a easy game. But I try something different...} 35. Rb8 { A: My idea is to play Nd5-f4-e6 and paralyze the Bf8 and Kg8. The Rf7 could move only in the f-column. Then I can attack the paralysed king-side using the Ne3 too. MH: I like the idea of fighting Black's other pieces. They're the thing most likely to threaten White, so they should be the target until there's no more threat, then you can turn to pawn a5 or pawn d6.} Ne4 36. Nf4 Nc3 { MH: It's difficult for Black to fight White's pieces, so he goes after pawns. But, the knight will be misplaced for the coming fight.} 37. Ne6 { A: The first part of my plan is realised.} Nxe2 { A: I lose another pawn.} 38. Nd5 Nd4 39. Ne7+ { A: My original idea was to play Nd5-b6-d7. But this move is stronger. It is easy to see that this move gain a piece, it is difficult to see that it mate! In fact I see the mate only after the match.} Kh8 { A: Forced.} 40. Rxf8+ $2 { A: White gain a piece but he could mated! 40 Nxf8! g6 41 Ne6 # 40 Nxf8! h6 41 Nfg6+ Kh7 42 Rh8 # Unfortunately I didn't see the second variant.} ({ MH: It's a shame you didn't find that variation and end the game at that point. It would've been an appropriate continuation of what you'd achieved up to that point. When your pieces are better than your opponent's there no need to exchange them. Keep yours to do more damage.} 40. Nxf8 $18) 40... Rxf8 41. Nxf8 { A: Now white is a piece up but it not easy to win. I have 20 minutes, 35 my opponent. MH: With threats to both kings gone you should begin scooping up pawns. I should mention there is potential for a checkmate (leave Ne7 and play Nf8-f7#), but it's not so easy to achieve and it's completely unlikely to succeed.} a4 { A: Black strong idea is Nc2 then Nxa3 then Nxc4.} 42. Nd5 { A: My idea is Nc3 and Nxa4. The best move was very difficult to find: Nd7 and Nb6 attacking the a4-pawn and defending the c4-pawn! 42 Nb6! Nc2 43 Nb6 Nxa3 only when black moves Na3 white gains the a4-pawn.} ({ MH: Gobble pawns and be ready to stop pawn a4!} 42. Nc8 Nc2 (42... d5 $4 43. cxd5 c4 44. Kf2 (44. d6 $4 c3 45. d7 Nc6) 44... c3 45. Ke3 c2 46. Kd2 $18) 43. Nxd6 { incidentally and thankfully this defends pawn c4} Nxa3 44. Ne6 Nc2 45. Nxc5 a3 46. Nb3 a2 47. c5 Kg8 48. c6 Nd4 (48... Ne3+ 49. Kf3 Nd5 50. Ke4 Nc7 51. Kd4 Kf8 52. Kc5 Ke7 53. Nf5+ Kf6 54. Ne3 Ke6 55. Kb6 Kd6 56. Nf5+) 49. c7 Nxb3 50. c8=Q#) 42... Nc2 43. Nc3 Nxa3 44. Nxa4 Nxc4 45. Ne6 Kg8 46. Kf3 { A: During the match I see Nxc5 with a total equal game. 46 Nxc5 dxc5 47 Nxc5 = But I feel that white is slightly better so I play Kf3. MH: You were correct, though there is a slight risk that Black's pawns could become dangerous. White's advantage seems quite slight unless you can find a way to blockade the pawns safely.} Kf7 47. Nf4 { A: Controlling d5. In my opinion: if black will not push d3-d4 then white would gain a decisive advantage; if black will push d3-d4 then white would gain a slight advantage.} Kf6 48. Ke4 g5 { A: I think te is fine but black play for a win! MH: He had no choice. To try to hold his position passively would probably fail.} 49. Nd3 { A: Maybe Nd5 is better: 49 Nd5+ Ke6 50 Nc3 and white block the pawns.} ({ MH: I think your note is correct.} 49. Nd5+ Ke6 50. Nac3 { threatening Nd5-c7+ and Nc3-d5}) 49... Ke6 50. Nab2 { A: Perhaps 50 Nc3 controlling d5 is a better move?} Nd2+ 51. Ke3 Nb3 52. Ke4 d5+ 53. Kf3 { A: In this position I offer draw. I have 10 minutes my opponent 20 I thought that I have no much time to win this final. But my opponent decided to play for a win!} h5 54. h4 { A: I want to create counter-play.} g4+ { A: Error. This move create two weak blocked pawn: g3-pawn for white, h5-pawn for black. But h5-pawn is weak and g3-pawn is good defended.} 55. Kf4 Kf6 56. Ke3 Kf5 57. Nf4 { A: I think wins forcefully. MH: Yep, it looks like you got a second chance to take advantage.} d4+ 58. Kd3 Na5 59. Nxh5 Ke5 60. Nc4+ Nxc4 61. Kxc4 Ke4 62. Nf4 Ke5 63. Kxc5 d3 64. Nxd3+ Ke4 65. Nf4 ({ MH: The knight isn't needed now. The passed pawn is free to run.} 65. h5) 65... Kf3 66. h5 { A: When I play h5 I see that black can't promote his pawn.} Kxg3 67. h6 Kxf4 68. h7 g3 69. h8=Q g2 70. Qa1 ({ MH: Or} 70. Qh2+ Kf3 71. Qg1) 70... Kf3 71. Qg1 Kg3 72. Kd4 Kf3 73. Kd3 Kg3 74. Ke3 Kh3 75. Kf3 Kh4 76. Qxg2 Kh5 1-0 [Event "Rated game, 30m + 0s"] [Site "Main Playing Hall"] [Date "2003.04.22"] [Round "?"] [White "hadoque"] [Black "Rotate"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B12"] [Annotator "hadoque, Roundtower"] [PlyCount "54"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. f3 Nd7 4. Bd3 { H: to prepare towering and to give a second protection to e4.} e5 5. Ne2 Ngf6 6. Nbc3 Bb4 7. Be3 O-O 8. O-O { H: at first i changed my mind about towering on kingside because of 3.f3, and was thinking of towering on the queenside instead, but then i thought d2 would be a bad place for the queen,with nowhere to move, so i finally towered on kingside after all. RT: I think you made the correct decision. Firstly, it is difficult for Black to play on the kingside as he is worse developed. Secondly, the move f3 might even help your own kingside play as if at some point Black plays ...dxe4 you will have fxe4 opening the f-file for your rook.} Re8 9. a3 Bd6 10. b4 { H: with my bishops and knights all tied up in the defence of the center, i couldnt think of anything else... RT: This is quite an interesting position where it is not clear how you should play. Prehaps the best was dxe5 followed by exd5 leaving Black with a potentially weak isolated d-pawn.} (10. dxe5 Nxe5 11. exd5 cxd5 12. Bg5 { RT: with an unclear position. The point is that you should not be thinking always of "defending" your centre, at some point you will need to explode it!}) 10... b5 $2 11. Qb1 $6 { H: preparing to place the queen on blacks king diagonal. RT: This is an interesting idea, very strange. I think the queen is not particularly well placed on a2 because you do not have other pieces attacking f7. More importantly, you could have immediately won the pawn on b5 by 11. exd5!} (11. exd5 cxd5 12. Nxb5) 11... a6 { RT: defending b5} 12. Re1 { H: thinking that e5 might become a hot spot. RT: Quite right. But you missed your best chance to blow open the centre with advantage.} h6 13. Qa2 { RT: In my opinion neither side is manouevring with purpose. In this position you should think of a plan instead of looking for moves like Qd1-b1-a2, h7-h6 which do not really improve your position. Black should develop with Nb6-c4 and White should continue looking for a way to break open the centre with advantage.} Nb6 14. Rab1 Be6 15. a4 $2 { RT: this was a dubious idea anyway: you should only play on the wings when there is nothing to do in the centre. However a4 is an important idea to open up this side of the board. But it is worse than dubious since it loses a piece!} dxe4 16. Qa3 { i saw the discovered attack, but not the double-threat.} exd3 17. cxd3 exd4 18. Bxd4 Nh5 19. Be3 Qc7 20. Nd4 { H: the blunder that ended the game. RT: It is already over really.} Bxh2+ 21. Kf2 Qg3+ 22. Ke2 Qxg2+ 23. Bf2 Nf4+ 24. Ke3 Bc4+ 25. Kd2 Qxf2+ 26. Kc1 Nxd3+ 27. Kd1 Rxe1# { RT: You played a good opening and definitely had the better position. Unfortunately this game is a good example of how one big mistake can turn a game around! One thing you should understand is that a big centre, like you achieved in this game, is not just an ornament to be protected and defended -- at some point you will have to use it. As I said, feel free to contact me about this game or anything else. Good luck!} 0-1 [Event "fics unrated standard match"] [Site "fics"] [Date "2003.05.03"] [Round "?"] [White "Longstreet"] [Black "OgeeBit"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B27"] [WhiteElo "1191"] [BlackElo "1371"] [Annotator "longstreet, RoundTower"] [PlyCount "97"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] [TimeControl "1800+30"] 1. e4 { Although I won this game, it was really close and I want to see what I could have done to advance my play. I was looking for a sacrifice that would end the game after every move he made. BTW Longstreet(White) is me. I really want to understand how I could have played better positionally. Thanks} c5 2. Nf3 f6 { Never seen this response before to Nf3 in the Sicilian.} 3. Nc3 e6 4. d4 a6 $2 { I question this move because what did it do for him?} 5. Be3 h6 $2 { again, a6 and h6 pawn moves are relatively weak, although I didn't notice at the time, I had 3 pieces developed before he had 1.} 6. Bd3 { My favourite setup. Incredibly strong} Ne7 7. O-O cxd4 8. Bxd4 d5 9. Rc1 { In hopes of opening the c-file later on and controlling the file.} Nbc6 10. Be3 $6 e5 11. exd5 Nxd5 12. Nxd5 Qxd5 { I was hoping to get him on the run with c4!} 13. c4 $1 Qa5 14. a3 Bc5 15. Bd2 Qd8 16. Rb1 $4 { Major blunder, I was amazed at my stupidity but I still thought I could pull a win off.} Qxd3 17. b4 Bb6 18. b5 Ne7 19. Qc1 O-O 20. Rd1 Qd6 21. Bb4 { Double threat, hoping to trap his Queen with his own pieces.} Qe6 22. Rd6 $1 Bxf2+ { His only move, better than giving his bishop away for free.} 23. Kxf2 $6 { Unsure, any better moves?} Qf7 24. Qd2 Qxc4 25. Rb6 axb5 $2 26. Bxe7 Re8 27. Rc1 Qf7 28. Bb4 Qg6 29. Qd5+ Kh7 30. Re1 $1 { With hopes of Nxe5.} Qh5 31. Qd3+ Kh8 32. h4 $2 { This move still looks very weak to me, any alternatives?} Bf5 33. Qxb5 e4 34. Re3 exf3 35. Rxe8+ $2 Kh7 $4 36. Re7 Qxh4+ 37. g3 Qd4+ { This next series of moves was frustrating, but I outwaited his attack by philosphical defense.} 38. Kxf3 Qg4+ 39. Kg2 Be4+ 40. Rxe4 { I couldn't let him get a mating threat, at this point I noticed his rook still hadn't moved.} Qxe4+ 41. Kh3 Qh1+ 42. Kg4 h5+ 43. Kf4 g5+ 44. Kf5 Qh3+ $2 { I believe this move cost him the game.} 45. Kxf6 Qxg3 46. Rxb7+ Kh6 47. Rh7+ $3 { My sacrifice, I loved this move. I took about 5 minutes examining this before I moved though.} Kxh7 48. Qd7+ Kh6 49. Qg7# { OgeeBit checkmated. This was probably my most brilliant finish on FICS. I've had better against people on wooden boards but I've never had a sacrificial attack succeed against a King. Any suggestions on how to improve my positional play during the opening and middlegame? Thanks.} 1-0 [Event "Frankfurt Stadtmeisterschaft"] [Site "Frankfurt"] [Date "2003.04.28"] [Round "1"] [White "Bordin"] [Black "Schirrmeister"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "D60"] [Annotator "Schirrmeister, Killerman"] [PlyCount "142"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Nc3 O-O { Killerman: The Queens Gambit Declined Orthodox variation. I have tried playing this as Black a few times in the past and found that it is very difficult to get equality from the opening. I switched to the Slav and King's Indian instead as I prefer the more aggresive style of those openings, but you may prefer the slower positional game. If so this is alright but you have to play accurately so I give below a few alternative lines that I have found to be useful in the past.} 7. Bd3 c6 { Killerman: A perfectly playable move but not my preference. I like to get stuck in so I don't like the fact that if you want to play c5 then why play c6 first. I usually play the other common line dxc4, but that's just me.} ({ Killerman:} 7... dxc4 8. Bxc4 c5 9. O-O a6 10. a4 cxd4 11. exd4 Nb6 12. Bb3) 8. O-O dxc4 9. Bxc4 Nd5 { Killerman: Given the resulting position after the exchanges I would suggest that you try an alternative here which may help to get a better position. I like the move b5 because it is an attempt to expand on the queenside and bully White a little. It gives him something to worry about. It also keeps the tension in the centre. There are many sample lines and I give a few below.} ({ Killerman:} 9... b5 10. Bd3 a6 (10... Bb7 11. Rc1 a6 12. a4 Rc8 (12... Re8 13. Qc2 h6 14. Bh4 Rc8 $11) 13. Qe2 h6 14. Bh4 b4 $11) 11. e4 c5 12. e5 Nd5 (12... Ng4 13. Be4 Rb8 14. Bxe7 Qxe7 15. h3 cxd4 16. Qxd4 b4 $14) 13. Bxe7 Qxe7 14. Nxd5 exd5 15. dxc5 Nxc5 $11) 10. Bxe7 Qxe7 11. e4 Nxc3 12. bxc3 c5 $6 { The plan was to make pressure on the c-file and the center after b6 and Bb7. I've underestimated the white move e5. It should be avoided in this situation if possible. So 12. ..., e5 would be better. Killerman: I agree this move is not best however e5 is not so easy either. b6 has been tried in the past without much success which is why I would go back to my previous comments and would try a few other lines. It is not that you stand so badly your position is going to collapse if you played e5 or b6 it is just that the position is one in which Black lacks active plans.} (12... b6 13. Re1 Bb7 14. Bd3 Rfd8 15. Re3 Nf8 16. c4 c5 17. d5 Qc7 18. Qb3 Rac8 19. Rae1 Re8 20. Bc2 Rcd8 21. Qb2 Bc8 22. Rd1 e5 23. Nh4 g6 24. g3 Re7 25. Ba4 Qd6 26. f4 f6 27. Rf1 { Kortchnoj-Segal, Sao Paulo 1979 1-0}) (12... e5 13. Re1 (13. Qc2 b5 14. Bd3 Bb7 15. Rae1 a6 16. Nxe5 Nxe5 17. dxe5 Qxe5 18. f4 Qc5+ 19. Kh1 Rae8 20. e5 g6 21. f5 Rxe5 22. fxg6 fxg6 23. Bxg6 Rxf1+ 24. Rxf1 Qe7 (24... Re7 25. Bxh7+ Rxh7 26. Qg6+ Rg7 27. Qe6+ Kh8 28. Rf5 $18) 25. Bd3 $2 (25. Qb3+ Kh8 26. Bxh7 Kxh7 27. Rf7+ $18) 25... c5 { Vaysman-Opravil, Pardubice 1992 1-0}) 13... exd4 (13... Rd8 14. Qb3 exd4 15. cxd4 Nb6 16. Bf1 Bg4 17. Ne5 Be6 18. Qe3 f6 19. Nf3 Qb4 20. a4 Nc4 21. Qc1 Na5 22. Rb1 Qd6 23. Qc3 b6 24. Re3 Rac8 25. Rbe1 Qf8 26. h3 Rd7 27. Ba6 Rcd8 { Kortschnoj-Schweber, Stockholm 1962 1-0}) 14. cxd4 Nb6 15. Bb3 Bg4 16. h3 (16. Qd3 Bxf3 17. Qxf3 Rad8 18. Rad1 Rfe8 19. a4 $14 { Lasker-Mason 1899 drawn}) 16... Bxf3 17. Qxf3 Rad8 18. Rad1 Rd7 19. Qc3 Rfd8 20. a4 Na8 (20... Nc8 21. e5 $14) 21. f4 { Kortschnoj-Cassagrande, Linz 1997 1-0 }) 13. Qe2 b6 14. Rfd1 Bb7 15. a4 Nf6 { Pressure on e4 and after the white move e5 the knight has a nice place on d5.} 16. Bd3 Qc7 { To prevent a5. Fritz suggested cxd4 but in my opinion the tension should be kept. Killerman: I agree.} 17. e5 { I've underestimated this move. Very strong in my opinion. Killerman: Yes it is a strong move and Black must tread carefully but you can resist the attack.} Nd5 18. Qe4 { Also a very strong move} g6 19. Qh4 Nxc3 { Killerman: Black has time to pick up the pawn} 20. Ng5 h5 21. Rdc1 Nd5 ({ I thought cxd4 wasn't possible but maybe this is the best move here. Killerman : Well it doesn't look right does it? I guess that the pin on the c-file put you off because it looks bad, but it does not work for White so this is the best line for Black. After your move White gains the initiative.} 21... cxd4 22. Qxd4 Rac8 23. Bf1 (23. Ra3 $4 Ne2+ $19) 23... Qc6 24. Qe3 Rfd8 25. Rc2 Qc5 26. Qf4 Qe7 $17) 22. Ne4 { I feared 22. Bxg6 . Killerman: This looks dangerous but isn't if you are careful.} (22. Bxg6 fxg6 23. Nxe6 Qd7 { Killerman: Qc6 is a better response, but you are OK in both lines.} (23... Qc6 24. Nxf8 Nf4 25. f3 Ne2+ 26. Kh1 Rxf8 27. Rf1 Nxd4 $19) 24. Nxf8 Rxf8 { Killerman: Now you would be OK after this.} 25. dxc5 (25. e6 Qxe6 26. Re1 Qc6 27. f3 Nf4 28. Re4 Qd6 29. Qe7 Qd5 (29... Qxe7 30. Rxe7 Rf7 31. Re8+ Kg7 32. dxc5 bxc5 $19 { Killerman: When the minor pieces should win the day}) 30. dxc5 Qd2 31. Rxf4 Rxf4 32. Re1 (32. Qxb7 $4 Qd4+ $19) 32... Bc6 33. cxb6 axb6 $19) 25... Nf4 26. Rd1 Qf5 $19) 22... Qe7 { Killerman: Qd8 is the other option.} 23. Qxe7 Nxe7 24. Nd6 Bd5 25. dxc5 Nc8 $2 { Very weak, c6 would probably win the game. Killerman: You are correct after this move c6 leaves White ahead. A better move is Nc6 but the position is still difficult.} ({ Killerman:} 25... Nc6 26. f4 Nd4 (26... f6 { trying to undermine the knight} 27. cxb6 axb6 28. Nc4 (28. Rab1 fxe5 29. Rxb6 Rxa4 30. Rbxc6 Bxc6 31. Rxc6 Rfxf4 $11) (28. exf6 Rxf6 29. g3 e5 30. Ne4 Re6 31. Ng5 Rd6 32. Be4 Bxe4 33. Nxe4 Re6 34. Rab1 Ra6 35. Rc4 $14) 28... Bxc4 29. Rxc4 Ne7 30. exf6 Rxf6 31. g3 Kf7 32. Rb1 $16) 27. Rab1 f6 28. cxb6 axb6 29. exf6 Rxf6 30. Rc8+ (30. Rxb6 Rxf4 31. Rc8+ Rf8 $11) 30... Rxc8 31. Nxc8 Rxf4 32. Rxb6 $16) 26. Ba6 Ne7 ({ Killerman: This would be bad as White has all the control.} 26... Nxd6 27. cxd6 f6 28. f4 $16) 27. cxb6 axb6 28. Bb5 Nf5 29. Rc7 Rad8 30. Bd7 { f6 would so lve all problems here. Killerman: Quite correct in which case I think that White should play 30. Nxf5 instead.} ({ Killerman:} 30. Nxf5 gxf5 (30... exf5 31. f4 Rc8 32. Rac1 Rxc7 33. Rxc7 Ra8 34. Kf2 Bb3 35. Rb7 Bxa4 36. Bc4 Be8 37. Rxb6 $14) 31. Rac1 f6 32. exf6 Rxf6 33. f4 $14) 30... Nxd6 31. exd6 f5 32. Rd1 (32. Re1 Rf7 33. Bxe6 Bxe6 34. Rxe6 Rxc7 35. dxc7 Rd1+ 36. Re1 Rxe1#) ({ Killerman: his is an interesting alternative with White trying to activate the other rook. } 32. a5 Rf7 (32... bxa5 33. Rxa5 Rb8 34. Bb5 Rfd8 35. d7 e5 $11 { I think Black holds on the king will walk to e7.}) 33. axb6 Rfxd7 34. Raa7 Rxd6 35. Rg7+ Kf8 $11) 32... Rf7 33. Rxd5 Rfxd7 { Now I was in time trouble. There were 2h for 40 moves and 15 minutes for the rest. I offered remis but my opponent wanted to win.} ({ Killerman: In time trouble you did well to avoid this} 33... exd5 $4 34. Be6 Rxd6 35. Bxf7+) 34. Rxd7 Rxd7 35. Rd3 Kf7 36. f4 Kf6 37. Kf2 e5 38. fxe5+ Kxe5 39. Re3+ { My goal at this point was a remis because og my time trouble. Killerman: I believe the position should be drawn provided the rooks stay on and White does not do anything silly with his King, what actually happens is exactly that the White King drifts aimlessly towards the wrong side of the board and the ending is well won in the end.} Kd5 40. Rd3+ Ke5 41. Kf3 Rxd6 42. Rb3 g5 43. Rb5+ Kf6 44. Rb2 Ke5 45. Rb5+ Kf6 { Killerman: White should simply play Rb2 and go for the draw. Can he really think this is a winning ending or is he playing for the flag to drop?} 46. Ke3 Re6+ 47. Kf3 Rc6 48. Rb2 Rc3+ 49. Ke2 Rc6 50. Kd3 Ke5 51. Rb5+ Ke6 52. g3 Rd6+ 53. Kc3 { To move the king to this side was a mistake. Now I tried to win. Killerman: You were right not to push the k-side pawns until now especially with White drifting aimlessly. Now with the White king cut off for a while from the k-side you are right to go for the win you can't lose the ending.at least.} Kf6 54. Rb2 { Killerman: I think White needs to play h4 to stay in the game this move is just to slow.} h4 55. gxh4 gxh4 56. Kb4 Kg5 57. Kc4 f4 58. Rb3 Kg4 59. h3+ Kg5 { Killerman: Kf5 is more accurate} ({ Killerman:} 59... Kf5 60. Rb5+ (60. Rf3 Ke4 61. Rf1 f3 $19) 60... Ke4 $19) 60. Rb5+ Kg6 61. a5 bxa5 62. Rxa5 f3 63. Ra2 Rf6 64. Rf2 Kg5 65. Kd3 Kf4 66. Rf1 Kg3 67. Ke3 Kg2 { Killerman: Of course f2 should be played but you see this next time around. 67...Re6+ 68 Kd4 f2 is leading to the same theme.} 68. Rf2+ Kg3 69. Rf1 f2 70. Kd3 Kg2 71. Ke2 Re6+ { Killerman: My comments on the game can be summarised by saying that throughout the game Black struggled against the White set-up and I would suggest that you look again at this opening if it is one you usually play. I think that if White had taken the opportunity on move 26 you may have felt that you never really got into the game at all. There are better lines to choose which will give you more play in the middlegame so have a study and find one that you feel comfortable with. I think that your assessment of the position throughout was very good so you understand the plus and minus points of positions which leads me to believe that if you find better lines you will get bettermiddlegame s. Your ability in the endgame won the day and I would congratulate you on that this is a very great asset to have. Many thanks for allowing me to review the game and Well Done.} 0-1 [Event "Millenium Chess Festival 2003"] [Site "Virginia Beach, Virginia"] [Date "2003.03.27"] [Round "1"] [White "Sean Umphlet(supremecommander)"] [Black "Joe Dalessandro"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B12"] [WhiteElo "920"] [BlackElo "1174"] [Annotator "supremecommander, Bracco"] [PlyCount "104"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] { The following game was played at the Millenium Chess Festival in Va. Beach, VA. This game was the Caro-Kann Defence, an opening I hadn't had much experience with. I hope my analysis is enough. It is done to the best of my ability -Annotator- Nice to meet you. My FICS handle is "bracco", Feel free to ask me (via email or on FICS, if we meet there) any question about this game or about chess in general. You hope your comments are enough? Well, this is my review number eight, and I never saw before a game so deeply analyzed by the requester! That's the kind of work one must do since the very beginning of his chess career, assuming he wants to improve his play!} 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 { I studied a game by Kasparov where he played the Advance variation so I thought I'd try that out.Anotheroptionis} (3. Nc3) 3... Bf5 { -Annotator- I'm not a Caro-Kann expert, but here Nc3 is more usual. The idea behind it is to play aggressively with the pawn advance "g4" without allowing the Black Light-square Bishop to access "e4"} 4. Nf3 h6 5. Be2 e6 6. Nc3 $6 { I realized it is better to play} (6. c4 { in order to help white claim the c-file for the rook -Annotator- In this position Nc3 is not the best choice basically for one reason: White must be ready to substain its "d4" pawn with the "c" pawn in case Black play "c5". The move you considered, "c4" is meet by dxc4!, creating for Black a strong square in "d5" for the King Knight (a path could be Ng8-e7-d5). Besides, the White "d4" pawn is weak (=non defendable by pawns) and is in an open file for Black (=a potential target)}) 6... Nd7 7. a3 { -Annotator- You didn't put any comment to this move. This could be a starting point for your improvement: what's the purpose of this move? To prevent the pin in "b4"? Such a pin must not be feared, because White can easily un-pin his Knight just with a Kingside castle. If Black trades his bishop, white gets the Bishop pair, and the doubled pawn is not a problem: he can get rid of it pushing in "c4" (idea: c4xd5). In my opinion your "a3" is simply a waste of time.} c5 $1 { This was when I started to cringe. Now black has more space to develop his pieces. -Annotator- How beautiful could have been a pawn in c3 now! :-). In this position Black not only has more space for his pieces, but he's ready to put back the "d4" pawn in the chessmen box, weakening the advanced "e5" pawn.} 8. Be3 { Yes. White wants to play 9. Bb5 to pin the knight. -Annotator- This move looks to be reasonable. Aother option was} (8. O-O { without fearing} cxd4 { that can be meet by} 9. Nxd4 Nxe5 $2 (9... Bg6 { -Annotator- this Bishop retreat is clearly better} 10. f4 $11) 10. Bb5+ Nd7 11. Nxf5 exf5 12. Qxd5 $14) 8... a6 { White has to be careful that the d4 pawn is not protected by a piece or the knight and bishop get forked. -Annotator- The "d4" pawn is protected three times and attacked once: Hard to fork the Nc3 and the Be3! Black would need three more "d4" attackers, do you agree? Switching to a comment to Black last move, I believe is a waste of time. I would have captured in "d4" followed by Bc5, Ne7 and 0-0} 9. O-O Rc8 { Now the game heats up. The control of the c-file is what the war is over. -Annotator- Are you sure? Let's evaluate the position in his globality: White has already developed his pieces, Black's Kingside is still sleeping: hardly the control of a file is dangerous in a so early stage, with most of friend pieces still at home. But a development advantage is temporary, while a structural advantage is permanent. In my opinion the real White structural weakness (=structural advantage for Black) is his pawn-center. Sooner or later the "d4" pawn will disappear and "e5" is weakeneed too. Anyway, the game is equal. In practical games it's hard to capitalize this advantage... Yes, White has a couple of weak points, but he has the d4 square for his pieces and some more space on thekingside} 10. Qd2 b5 11. a4 $2 { -Annotator- I disagree with your evaluation of this move: In my opinion is not a mistake, but a perfectly playable move with an idea behind it: White is ahead on development, so why not try to open lines? If Black keeps the position closed he has to waste some more tempo's to protect his pawns, advanced too early without an effective piece development to support them!} b4 $1 { Forces my knight to an undeveloping square -Annotator- And, most important, keeping the position closed: Worst would have been bxa4? because after Rxa4 White would have get free hand on the Queenside} 12. Na2 cxd4 ({ -Annotator- Another option could have been} 12... a5 13. dxc5 Bxc5 14. c3 bxc3 15. Nxc3 { -Annotator- and White Knight is back! Now White is not worse than Black. A pla could be to put a knight in d4 an play to create a passed pawn on the Queenside}) 13. Nxd4 (13. Bxd4 { stops black from playing Bc5. However the knight would develop better.}) 13... a5 { I'm in a mess! My bishops are pointing nowhere and I have a knight on a2 blocking the rook! Plus, black's queenside pawns are very dangerous. Not to mention my a-pawn is rendered useless -Annotator- You were probably depressed, because you missed Nxf5!, destroying the pawn structure of Black: Have a look at the position after Nxf5!: the "d5"pawn is very sad, while the c2 pawn is easily defendable. Furthermore, as we saw in a previous note, the Knight in "a2" can escape by preparing the "c3" push.} 14. f4 $2 { I knew black's knigside was null so maybe I'd try to get a rook in the action. -Annotator- AS I wrote in the previous note, Nxf5! was your best option. See the following variation:} (14. Nxf5 exf5 15. c3 bxc3 16. Nxc3 Nxe5 $6 { -Annotator- Very dangerous to grab pawns when the development is not complete. Better is} (16... Bb4) 17. Bb5+ Nc6 18. Nxd5 { -Annotator- White has a clear plus}) 14... Bc5 15. Bd3 $6 { Black's bishop on f5 is of little concern. It seems better to keep my bishops. -Annotator- You were still in time to play Nxf5!} (15. Nxf5 exf5 16. c3 bxc3 17. Nxc3 { -Annotator- White is better. The "d5" pawn is a permanent weakness, and white has two pawn versus one on the Queenside (=chance to create a free pawn)}) 15... Bxd3 16. Qxd3 (16. cxd3 $2 { would almost gaurantee black the c-file -Annotator- and would have prevented White from freeing up his knight with the "c3" plan!}) 16... Bxd4 $1 { Now black's rook shoots down the c-file.} 17. Bxd4 { Now if} (17. Qxd4 $2 Rxc2) 17... f5 $2 { Black readies to control the kingside -Annotator- Did you consider exf6 e.p.?} 18. c3 $2 { -Annotator- This is a good plan but played in a wrong moment. Better would have been exf6! See the variation:} (18. exf6 Ngxf6 19. Qg6+ Kf8 20. c3 { -Annotator- White has protected his only weak pawn and his ready to attack the Black king, deprived of the castling. The "e6" pawn is also weak.}) 18... Rb8 19. cxb4 axb4 { I was trying to free my knight, rook, and a-pawn from the corner -Annotator- Correct. You also got a free pawn on the "a" file, quite dangerous for Black.} 20. Nc1 Ne7 (20... Qa5 $2 21. Nb3 { -Annotator- The Queen's try to stop this pawn is prodly meet by the White Queen Knight.}) 21. Ne2 $2 { I wonder if 21. Nb3 is better -Annotator- Yes, it was. Now Black can stop your pawn with Qa5!} Nc6 22. Rac1 { -Annotator- Why the "a1" Rook instead of the other? The game is developing on the Queenside, the "f1" Rook was doing nothing, while the "a1" Rook was substaining the "a4" pawn} Nxd4 23. Nxd4 Kf7 24. Nc6 $2 { I soon realized that after making this move that black had an out. -Annotator- The knight was lovely placed in "d4". You probably were attracted by the chance to win an exchange. However, Rc6 was very poweful. See the variation:} (24. Rc6 Re8 25. Nxe6 Rxe6 26. Qxf5+ { -Annotator- Black can resign now}) 24... Qb6+ 25. Kh1 Nc5 {  I saw this move and I looked very far ahead to the following several moves which ended us both up with equal material and me almost out of the mess.} 26. Rxc5 $5 Qxc5 27. Nxb8 Rxb8 { Unfortunately, my pawns are ina serious mess! -Annotator- White missed a couple of chances to get the upper hand and now has a seriously compromised position. Not only the pawns are weak, the c-file is now totally in the Black's hands} 28. h4 $2 { -Annotator- There was no need to put another pawn in an unprotected square. Better would have been Qd2, trying to control the entrance square of the c-file (=c2), and, if Black doesn't play the immediate Rc8, allowing Rc1!} Qc4 (28... Rc8 $1) 29. Qd1 { I hoped to take control of the game with 30. Qh5+} (29. Qxc4 { was clearly better because leads to an equal Rook endgame:} dxc4 30. a5 c3 31. bxc3 bxc3 32. Rc1 Ra8 33. Rxc3 Rxa5) 29... g6 { Now starts a terrible pawnfight which I lose.} 30. g3 $2 { I was hoping the g-pawn would help over there, but now I just left it defenseless -Annotator- How better would have been to have the "h" pawn at home now?} b3 31. Qc1 { I gave up trying to control the kingside pawns with the queen} Rc8 32. Qxc4 Rxc4 33. Ra1 { -Annotator- This move was probably played to protect the pawn, but is also useful to threat a further advance! The "a4" passed pawn must be take in account in any moment by Black! See the variation:} (33. a5 $1 Ra4 34. Rf3 Rxa5 35. Rxb3 Ra7) 33... d4 { This is frightening! My a-pawn is in danger. And black has a passed pawn. -Annotator- You too! As we saw, the "a4" pawn is not less dangerous than Black's one!} 34. Kg2 $4 { My BIG mistake now black wins a pawn.} ({ -Annotator- You were still in time for } 34. a5 d3 35. Rd1 Rc2 36. a6 Rxb2 37. Rxd3 Ra2 38. Rxb3 Rxa6 { with a drawish endgame}) 34... Rc2+ { -Annotator- The game is compromised now} 35. Kf1 Rxb2 36. Rd1 Ra2 37. Rb1 { Why not 37. Rxd4 b2!! 38. Rd1 Ra1 and game over.} b2 38. Ke2 $6 { I think 38. Kg2 and king over h3 is better -Annotator- The King must play actively if White wants try to save the game. The game is compromised in any way, but in "h3" White King is trapped like a mouse and far from the center.} Rxa4 39. Rxb2 { I suppose giving up the pawn on b2 and supporting the d-pawn is better} Ra3 { The danger of the g3 pawn shows. Then black can fork the f and h pawns} 40. Kf2 (40. Rd2 { makes little difference. Black Rook is too active} Rxg3 41. Rxd4 Rg4 $17) 40... h5 41. Rb4 d3 42. Rd4 Ke7 43. Ke3 $2 { The last mistake. Now black gets what he wants.} d2+ 44. Kxd2 Rxg3 45. Ke2 Rh3 46. Kf2 Rxh4 47. Kf3 g5 48. Rc4 g4+ 49. Kg3 Rh3+ 50. Kg2 Rd3 51. Rc1 h4 52. Kf2 Rf3+ { White resigns -Annotator- You missed several occasion to get a winning position, the you missed a couple ofchances to draw, and finally a Blunder gave the game to Black. I think you played a bit afraid of your stronger opponent, and this prevented you to be confident on your chances. I hope my comments will be helpful to you.****Copyright freechess.org****} 0-1 [Event "FICS Standard 20 0 5/26/03"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Hubertus"] [Black "JestMe"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C46"] [Annotator "JestMe, RoundTower"] [PlyCount "64"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Bb4 { Bb4 to start clearing the back ready to be ready to castle.} 4. Nd5 Ba5 { J: Again as in the 1st game my rival has attacked my QB pawn threatening the fork. I drew my B back to a5 to offer protection to c7 but the night is still in my way as I can't play d4 and I don't like his knight there. I will have to chase it out. RT: Of course there is no threat on your QBP until you move your queen. But you are right, the N on d5 can be a nuisance to Black.} 5. c3 Nf6 { J: He appears to be making a route for his queen and or preparing to advance d2-d4. I threaten his N on d5 while trying to deveolp my back rank. RT: Yes, always develop. You see that in this game you develop your minor pieces logically and have little trouble in the opening. Maybe that is what is missing from your other games.} 6. Ne3 $2 Nxe4 { J: His N does back. I realize I can attempt to fork him on f2 which will cause him to recapture with his K and prevent caltling as well as losing a Kside pawn. It costs me a knight but . .. I did it. Perhpas I should have been more focused on developing my other pieces and or castling. To me, white looks rather cramped.. unable to move his QB. RT: you have won a pawn with a quite good position. No need to throw it away now.} 7. Bc4 Nxf2 $2 { J: Is he preparing to make a battery with the B & Q on the b3 - f7 diagonal? I think my move was impulsive. I'm going to lose the N possibly without causing much damage. It also took 3 moves to get him there and now he'll be gone. RT: If you had some other pieces in the area to follow it up then this might be a nice move. But instead it loses a knight.} 8. Kxf2 O-O { J: I think I castled because I was expecting his Q to come out and I felt more protected castled. Though maybe he's just preparing for d4. RT: If you have sacrificed a knight you must try to get some compensation for it. Maybe you should play 8...e4!? pushing back his knight and starting to invade.} (8... e4 $5 9. Ne1 Bb6) 9. Rf1 d6 { J: He's recovering from the effect of my knight. 2 moves and he'll look castled, but the f2 pawn is gone. I'm defending d5 and opening up for my B. RT: An important nuance: the f2 pawn being gone is not necessarily good for Black, particularly when you are not attacking his king. Here it means his Rook has the open file all the way to your f7.} 10. Bd5 $6 { RT: an inconsistent move. He should play with Kg1 or d3. Now you could play Be6 exchanging the Bishop he has moved twice.} Bb6 { J: I'm not sure why he moved his B? It's now threatening my knight so I think he must mean business. I think I'm just pinning his N on e3. RT: good move, your B was doing nothing much on a5. You could also have considered Be6.} 11. Kg1 Be6 { J: His K is now essentially castled. I'm calling his B attack me or get out...RT: Good. He still has an extra piece though.} 12. Be4 d5 $1 { J: His B retreats, maintaining the threat to my N. D5 threatens his B trying to force him back further. D5 is defended by my B on e6 and Q on d8. His QB is still closed in and he can't connect his rooks. RT: very good, seizing the initiative in the centre.} 13. Bc2 e4 { J: threatening his N. He doesn't seem to have a good place for it. Maybe it'll go to the back rank. THis opens up the file to him but ... will allow my N to the center. RT: You are playing quite logically, you understand where your pieces are well placed. But as you point out you missed winning a piece with ...d4.} ({ variation from actual play ...} 13... d4 $1 14. cxd4 exd4 15. Nxd4 Nxd4 { J: would win a N & Pawn for 2 pawns ... this may have been a better line. ? RT: Here you have achieved what you wanted to do with ...e4: You have placed your N well in the centre and opened up the lines for your bishops. In addition you have won a piece back and you are now winning. So yes, you should have played this. Full marks though for seeing 15. Nxd4 was forced.}) 14. Ne1 Ne5 { I think I wanted to center my N and back up my d5 pawn by c6.} 15. Kh1 h6 $6 { J: Moving his K to free his N. DOn't have any idea why I moved h6?? Maybe g6 would have been better ... to discourage his Q from h5. RT: I also have no idea why you did this. If you want to push a kingside pawn it should be the f-pawn which would dislodge his N from the central square e3.} (15... f5 $1) 16. Qh5 Qg5 { J: I don't want his Q there, especially with teaming up with his rook and threatening f7 in front of my king. I Don't really want to toss my Q away but feel I have the better position and though I am down my N I am up 2 pawns. If we clear away the heavy guns perhaps I can sneak a pawn down for promotion. RT: f7 is defended 4 times so that was a small worry. In general, trading pieces is good for the side with "static advantages" such as being up a N for 2 pawns. When you have "dynamic advantages" such as better placed pieces, you want to keep the queens on.} 17. Qxg5 hxg5 { The Qs are gone. I don't like breaking up my Kside pawns or the dbl pawns on the g file but his threat is diminshed and I think he will have problems getting pieces over to attack me.} 18. d4 Ng4 { My N responds to the threat from d4 and threatens his N.} 19. Nxg4 Bxg4 { J: Ns exchanged. His B on c1 now has a diagonal threatening my g5 pawn. I do see that his rook on f8 is undefended... RT: You should also see that now we have swapped off some pieces, Black's position is no longer so great (although he has the useful passed e4-pawn)} 20. Bxg5 f6 { J: Pawn on g5 gone. Threatening B on g5. I expect he will move his B to f4 threatening c7. I will move c6 to defend d5 and not lose the c7 pawn.} 21. Be3 c6 { RT: this is a good idea, preparing to bring your B back to c7 on the long open diagonal. But you are still clearly losing because you are down a piece. White should now play 22. Bd1! exchanging more pieces or getting a better square for his B. Also this makes room for the N: note that his N has no squares to go to.} 22. b3 Bc7 { b3 suggests he'ss looking at c4 ... move my B to c7 to cover f4 from his B and threaten h2.} 23. c4 f5 $1 { c4 as suspected I'll let him do the attacking and. I'll recapture cxd5. I'm starting to move my f pawn it's walk is protected by rook and 2 bishops. perhaps I can push hi B back further.} 24. a4 f4 25. Bd2 { RT: commonly it is best to keep the pawns like this on f4 and e4 and only push them when you know you are ready So you could have continued with 25...Rf6!? or 25...Rf5!? instead, doubling rooks or putting a rook on the h-file.} f3 $6 26. cxd5 ({ variation from actual move.. . may have helped black. . . his rooks would be connected ...?} 26. gxf3 exf3 27. Nxf3 Bxf3+ 28. Kg1 Be2 29. Rxf8+ Rxf8 30. Ra3 { RT: I am completely amazed by Ra3. Do you not think White has any better moves? However this whole variation is bad for White because he has given back the knight.}) 26... cxd5 27. gxf3 exf3 28. Bg6 $2 { RT: Bg6 is a waste of a move, allowing you to double rooks without loss oftime. } Rf6 { threatening his B on g6 and preparing to double up rooks.} 29. Bc2 Raf8 30. Nd3 f2 { J: expecting a battle over the f2 pawn...} 31. Nc5 $4 { J: His N is lining up a fork on my 2 rooks could be trouble ... RT: allowing mate in 1 by 31...Bf3#. I think Bd1 was the only move for white to avoid this, but in that case you would win by Bh3.} ({ J: variation from actual move... this was my expectation...} 31. Nxf2 Rxf2 32. Rxf2 Rxf2 { RT: winning for Black. You have an amazing fondness for moves which lose a knight for a pawn.}) 31... Be2 32. Nd7 Bf3# { J: I should have made this move as 31... Hubertus checkmated RT: More to the point you should have made it last move. I thought you played this game extremely well except for one or two moments of madness such as giving up your knight for a single pawn. Hopefully you learnt something about conducting a kingside attack (especially about pushing your f-pawn - look what a monster it is in the final position.) Good luck in your games and as I said before feel free to contact me about the game or anything else.} 0-1 [Event "FICS Standard 20 0 5/26/03"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "JestMe"] [Black "Hubertus"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C00"] [Annotator "JestMe, SirJockel"] [PlyCount "60"] { JestMe vs Hubertus FICS Std 20 0 5/26/03} 1. e4 e6 2. d4 Nf6 { JK: A strange way to continue the French. After 3. e5 the knight is not able to retreat to d7 as in other variants of the French, where d5 was played, so if the knight doesn't want to retreat to g8, it has to go to the centre where white is able to develop and attack the knight at the same time. Basic opening rule: develop your pieces, never move a piece several times in the opening = loss of time.} 3. e5 Ne4 4. Be3 { to protect against ...Nxf2 5. Kxf2 and I lose ability to castle as well as disturbing my kside pawns... JK: I don't like 4. Be3. The bishop is somewhat closed in by the pawns f2 and d4, and the diagonal c1-h6 was under its control before as well. As I said before I think it's a good idea simply to develop, e.g. by 4. Nf3, and later start attacking the knight in its exposed position. Black shouldn't play 4... Nxf2 since 5. Kxf2 loses a whole piece for a pawn, and white is miles more developped. A piece is far more worth than being able to castle, and you are still able to achieve the "artificial castle", e.g. by Bd3(Be2)-Rf8(Re8)-Kg8. The Nf3 is very important now because it omits 4... Nxf2 5. Kxf2 Qh4+, which would mean trouble for your king. By the way, trying to capture the knight with 4. f3 doesn't work. The knight has not a single square to go; however, 4. f3 Qh4+ means trouble since neither 5. Ke2 Ng3+ (6. hxg3 Qxh1) nor 5. g3 Nxg3 (6. hxg3 Qxa1) look promising.} g6 5. Nc3 { attempting to develop a piece and push back the black knight from e4. JK: 5. f3 still doesn't work because of Qh4+. But 5. Nc3 is not bad since black is forced either to exchange the knight that already consumed several tempi for yours that only used one tempo, or retreat it with 5... f5 6. exf6 Nxf6, giving up another tempo.} Nxc3 6. bxc3 { at least the knight is gone but now I have doubled pawns. None of my kside pieces have developed. On the other hand black has only developed 1 piece and it is off the board. JK: I don't think the double pawn is really a problem, for it is not isolated and you'll likely get several chances to get rid of it during the match. And you have the semi-open b-file, maybe for your rooks. If you don't want the double pawn, you could have played Nd2 instead of Nc3. As you said, you have a huge advantage in development, I'd in any case prefer white in this position.} d6 { I don't think he will take my pawn [dxe5] now because I will end up owning the file [7. Nf3 dxe5 8. dxe5 Qxd1 9. Rxd1 and I have the file]. JK: I don't agree with your variant. Having the rook in the open file is of course an advantage, but black is faster in castling and will bring his rook to d8 pretty soon. And now your ouble pawn is isolated. Nevertheless, Nf3 is not a bad move, developing and covering the essential squares d4 and e5.} 7. Nf3 Nc6 { Now his N is also attacking e5 possibly he may also ... f6 further attacking my pawn. I like keeping his pawn on e6 closing his QB in. I could move Bf4 offering another defender to e5 or Bb5 pinning his knight that is attacking e5. This would also clear my kside rank for castling... JK: Now you see why I didn't like 4. Be3. It doesn't do anything there and you have to move it a second time (to f4) to make it work. By the way, there is no need to act since e5 is attacked twice (Nc6/Pd6) and covered twice (Nf3/d4), so it is stable. But of course Bb5 is not a bad move since it develops, pins Nc6 and prepares white's castling.} 8. Bb5 Bd7 { The e5 pawn is still covered but if he uses his N to attack e5 there is a discovered attack on my B on b5. If so I would have to play Bxd7+ and not lose a tempo. On capturing my bishop I capture his knight at e5. His back rank is now cleared so the file will become contested now since he can deploy his rook to d4. Castle,} 9. O-O { JK: Bad mist ake. What would you do after 9... Nxe5? 10. Bxd7+ Nxd7 and you lost a pawn, though having some advantage in development. Or 10. dxe5 Bxb5, also losing a pawn. Obviously something like 9. Rb1 had to happen, covering the bishop. If you have an uncovered piece on the board, always watch out if it cannot be attacked suddenly.} Bg7 { another attacker on e5 [still f6 available as well] Looking now I might consider [10. Bf4 ... 11.Rf1] JK: Luckily black missed the opportunity to win a pawn. But the threat is still alive. Around e5 everything is becoming a little tough now, so maybe it would be best to relieve the tension, maybe by 10. exd6. After 9... Bg7 Black doesn't have the possibility of Bxd6, which would have meant taking and developping at the same time, winning a tempo.} 10. Ng5 { Now I don't like this move f6 is unpleasant... Not sure what I was thinking ... maybe 11. Qf3 ... 12. Qf7 [or if he castled 12. Qh1 ... 13. Qh7] anyway Ng5 was the move I made JK: Now black can take on e5 without any problems, right? The combination after 10... dxe5 11. Qf3 O-O 12. Qh3 h6 leads to nowhere. Ng5 looks like following no plan.} O-O { JK: Well, black does't like your pawn. Second chance away.} 11. Qf3 Re8 { Not sure why he moved Re8 ... is he afraid I might attack e6? because of my N on g5? Perhaps d5 would have possibilities?If 12. .. . Nxe5 13. Qxb7[protecting my B on b5] Rb8 14. Qa6. Not clear enough... JK: 11... Re8 is crap. The e file is totally closed and doesN't look like it's going to open soon. Rooks belong into open files. And the pawn f7 is free for you now.} 12. Nxf7 { Attacking his Q. 12. Qxf7 may have been stronger. Could lead to Q trade. I dont want to see the N get pinned. JK: I would have preferred 12. Qxf7+ Kh8 as well. I looked at this quite some time and saw no way to get more out of it but the pawn f7, but a chess is - with exceptions - usually the more forcing move. Maybe you could have tried 12. Qxf7+ Kh8 13. Qf3, threatening the fork Nf7+.} Qe7 { N attacked twice only 1 protector. I lose N&Q for Q Not a good trade. Suspect 13 ... Rf8 coming up either pinning my N or attacking my Q. Now I think I should have moved 13. Ng5 Rf8 14. Qh3 looking at ... 15. Qh7++. ... if 14. ... Qxg5 15. Bxg5 winning a Q for a N. ... if 14. ... h6 my N is attacked with out a good escape square. JK: Nothing to add to this analysis, except from that after 13. Ng5 Rf8 14. Qh3 14... h6 omits the mate quite reliable.} 13. Nh6+ { If 13. ... Bxh6 14. Bxh6 will prevent Rf8. JK: All right.} Kh8 14. Nf7+ Kg8 15. Ng5 { As previously discussed ...} (15. exd6 Qxf7 16. Qxf7+ Kxf7 17. dxc7 { Losing Q & N for a Q & pawn. Not a good trade. Black has to be careful of my passed pawn though. It will be hard to protect it for me... JK: Correct analysis as well, except from that you have two pawns for the piece (d6,c7).} Rac8 18. Bf4 e5 { doesn't work...}) 15... dxe5 { Now Black is concerned about the e5 pawn... must be wanting to bring his Q to f6 to contest the file. I was looking for Rf8... If JK: In my eyes this is simply winning back a pawn. As I mentioned before, black's attackers outnumber your defenders, so black can take the pawn. By the way, your second analysis that follows looks forcing (15. .. dxe5 16. d5 and so on, giving you the exchange; thus, black cannot take 15.. . dxe5, but 15... Ne5 16. dxe5 Bxb5 still works.} 16. dxe5 (16. Bxc6 Bxc6 { and black is attacking my Q and can pick up the open d file.}) (16. d5 exd5 17. Qxd5+ Be6 18. Nxe6 Qxe6 19. Qxe6+ Rxe6 20. Bc4 Kf7 21. Bxe6+ Kxe6 { suggests a ossibility. JK: As you saw yourselves, 16. d5 would have been better.}) 16... Nxe5 17. Qh3 h6 18. Ne4 { just tryin g to keep the knight centered and in play also attacking f3 to help prevent black from putting the Q there. My B on b5 is in trouble I should have traded off Bishops first. JK: Yes, you simply overlooked your uncovered bishop - which is enough to loose the match. Since the attack on h7 has no chances due to 17... h6, you should probably move 17. Qe2, Taking the queen out of attack and covering Bb5, or 17. Qh3 h6 18. Bxd7 Qxd7 19. Ne4.} Bxb5 { attack on my f1 rook.} 19. Rfd1 { take the d file ... for now} Bc6 20. Bc5 Qf7 21. Qf3 { Absolute blunder ... may be due to clock? JK: Of course this totally loses the match, but you were down a piece before, so your chances to get something out of it were rather small, even if you didn't do the blunder.} Nxf3+ 22. Kh1 { Next blunder ... pretty much all over ...} Bxe4 23. Rac1 { JK: 23. gxf3 Qxf3+ 24. Kg1 Qg2#} Nh4 24. f3 Bxf3 25. Rf1 { Pin the B JK: 25. gxf3 Qxf3+ 26. Kg1 Qg2#. But 25. Rf1 doesn't work either due to 25... Bxg2+.} Bxg2+ { Oh well} 26. Kg1 Bxf1 27. Rxf1 Qd7 28. Bf2 Nf3+ { The N was trapped Moving the B to f2 let him get out. JK: No, the knight always had the retreat to f5.} 29. Kg2 Rf8 30. c4 Qd2 0-1 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2003.03.01"] [Round "?"] [White "bidaksquare"] [Black "PTFN"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A07"] [WhiteElo "1821"] [BlackElo "1801"] [Annotator "PTFN, msh"] [PlyCount "61"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] 1. Nf3 d5 { MH: This could be just fine, but the follow-up has to have a large dose of fight for control of d4 & e5.} ({ MH:} 1... Nf6 { prevents e2-e4 without weakening e5}) ({ MH:} 1... c5 { prepares ...Nb8-c6 and doesn't weaken d6}) 2. g3 { MH: Fianchettoing Bf1-g2 usually has to be done in conjunction with c2-c4 or e2-e4, to expand the scope of Bg2. Black can know this at this time and make his next few moves with the idea of meeting Bg2. I've outlined some of the common plans in variations after Black's second move. Fortunately there are enough good options so a player should never be bored. It should also be noted, I suppose, there are ways to go wrong, such as 2...f6 (preparing ...e7-e5) 3. d4 when Black's king-side is damaged and ...e7-e5 doesn't seem likely to follow.} Nf6 { MH: This isn't horrible (developing pieces rarely is), but quicker development of the queen-side, in order to meet any pressure White might like to apply with a Bg2 and c2-c4, should take precedence. Also, depending upon the plan you'd carry out there might be more use for ...Ng8-e7, so it's probably better to leave that option.} ({ MH:} 2... c6 3. Bg2 Bg4 4. c4 e6 5. O-O Nd7) ({ MH:} 2... c5 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. O-O e5 5. d3 f6 { if you'd favor a King's Indian Defense Reversed, Saemisch with ...Bc8-e6}) ({ MH:} 2... Nc6 3. Bg2 e5 4. O-O Be6 5. d3 Qd7 { when it's a Pirc Reversed, Sveshnikov Variation and ...f7-f6 might come in handy to prevent ...Nf3-g5xe6}) 3. Bg2 Bf5 ({ PTFN:} 3... g6 4. O-O Bg7 5. d3 O-O 6. c4 $2 { MH:} dxc4 { and after a queen trade squares d4 and c2 are weakened.} 7. dxc4 Qxd1 8. Rxd1 Na6) 4. O-O ({ MH:} 4. c4 { is very likely better; emphasizing immediately the slight weakness of d5 and b7 }) 4... e6 $11 { MH: After this I think White has allowed Black enough time for development, so that it's equal. Black shouldn't have any real difficulty completing his developments and I don't see any active plan for White to take theadvantage!} 5. d3 Bc5 { MH: The best square for this bishop has been "debated" by masters for many years. For some time e7 was thought best and then later c5. At e7 it could get in the way of Qd8, but at c5 it's a little exposed to advancing White pawns. Offensively Black can aim for ...e6-e5-e4 (after further development), but if White weakens his queen-side then it's possible Black would leave the center solid and just play on the queen-side. It's this uncertainty as to where the play will occur which makes it impossible to know where the dark-square bishop best belongs.} ({ MH: It's not required, but you can maintain Bf5 by giving it a little air to retreat to h7. This is quite common in a London System where White has plays; d4, Nf3, Bf4 and often h2-h3.} 5... h6) ({ MH: Probably most common (aside from ...h6) is to control e5 and give Ra8 a little room to move by} 5... Nbd7) 6. Nbd2 O-O { MH: This is probably safe, but you really ought to pay some attention to the weakness of Pb7 or the possibility of Nf3-h4xf5 which would weaken your king-side.} 7. b3 { MH: This double-fianchetto is rarely anything Black should fear, but White has little else he can undertake because he's already allowed Black such active development.} c6 $1 8. Bb2 Na6 { MH: White has limited his developments a bit, so Black should be a bit more expansive or aggressive and aim for some offense (obviously after preparatory moves): either ...e6-e5-e4 or ...a5-a4} ({ MH: Trying to play against White's queen-side is also possible with Bc5 you can play ...Qd8-e7, ...Bc5-a3xb2 to weaken White's dark squares and prevent White from having full control of d4 & e5.} 8... a5 9. a3 { to meet ...a5-a4 with b3-b4 so as to keep the dark squares under control} Nbd7 { continuing the fight for dark squares by preparing ...Qd8-e7, ...e6-e5-e4}) 9. Re1 { MH: Black has castled and developed the minor pieces. Now what? What's the plan? I suspect Black's light-square pawns are too solid for White to fight, so all the fight will occur on dark squares. That means, even if White aims for e2-e4 he will likely follow with e4-e5 or possibly Bxf6 and then e4-e5. He could switch plans with d3-d4, Nf3-e5, Nd2-f3, but that is a slight loss of time and not more constructive than e2-e4. Black should remain calm, preserve a safe king's position with ...h7-h6 and meet each incursion with a threatened piece exchange or prepare a rebuff with ...Qd8-??, ...Ra8-e8, ... Nf6-??, ...f7-f6 and then if all is well placed Black can go right into an offensive plan with ...e6-e5-e4. Unfortunately Na6 is a bit out of place for that plan, but it could come into play a bit later.} Ng4 $2 { MH: Immediate threats aren't out of the question, but this doesn't seem to be part of, or advancing, a particular plan. It will probably rebound and just lose time (Ng4 will probably be out of place for the ensuing play, so it would have to retreat - costing a tempo).} ({ MH: Here's one sample of how White can get everything he wants and run into a brick wall, only to see Black counter-attacking him.} 9... h6 10. e4 Bh7 11. Bxf6 Qxf6 12. e5 Qe7 13. h4 (13. d4 Bb4 14. Re3 c5 15. c3 Ba3) 13... Rae8 14. Nf1 Nb8 15. N1h2 Nd7 16. c3 f6 17. d4 Ba3 18. Qd2 fxe5 19. Nxe5 Nxe5 20. Rxe5 Bd6 21. Re2 e5 22. dxe5 Bxe5 { threatening ...Bxc3!}) 10. e3 $1 { MH: Good. This preserves the rest of his pawn structure and reserves the option of e3-e4 for later. Interestingly it also offers him the option of d3-d4.} Qb6 $2 { MH: Black is trying to be active, but White's position isn't so weak that these immediate threats can work. Black needs a plan which will strengthen his position and trying to poke holes in White's position (as the idea of trading dark-square bishops would do).} 11. Nh4 $5 { PTFN: This led to the following combination.} ({ PTFN:} 11. Nf1 { This line is more stable. MH: It's unnecessarily passive!} Be7 { MH: Why retreat when you can provoke more weaknesses and discoordination with ...Bc5-b4 or you could bring rooks toward the center by ...Ra8-d8 or ...Rf8-e8?} 12. e4 dxe4 ({ MH: If Black can calculate the variations then this might be the moment to take advantage at f2, where he's attacked and inexplicably White has left it undefended.} 12... Nxf2 13. Bd4 Bc5 14. Kxf2 Bxd4+ 15. Nxd4 Qxd4+ 16. Re3 Bg4) 13. dxe4 Bg6 ({ MH:} 13... Qxf2+ 14. Kh1 Rad8 15. Bd4 Bc5 $17) 14. Qd4 Qxd4 15. Nxd4 Rad8 16. Rad1 { =}) ({ MH:} 11. h3 { and Black has to sac. ...Nx?? or just retreat the knight}) ({ MH: Or,} 11. d4 Be7 12. c4 { and Ng4 doesn't seem to serve much purpose}) 11... Bxe3 $1 { PTFN: Since 10.Qb6 I was calculating this move, which actually came topractice. } 12. fxe3 Nxe3 13. Qe2 $2 ({ PTFN:} 13. Qh5 Nxc2+ 14. Kh1 Nxe1 15. Nxf5 exf5 16. Rxe1 { This line is what I thought at the 10th move.}) ({ MH: It's safer to not let Black's pieces remain on the board.} 13. Rxe3 Qxe3+ 14. Kh1 $13) 13... Nxc2+ 14. Kh1 Nxe1 { PTFN: seems a bit too anxious} ({ PTFN:} 14... Nab4 { To improve the place of Na6. It's not necessary to recapture immediately since the white rooks won't both escape.} 15. Nxf5 exf5 16. Qe5 f6 { Black has got a knight move for free.}) 15. Nxf5 exf5 16. Rxe1 d4 $4 { PTFN: My idea is to close the dark long diagonal. But by the means of 16.... d4? is not proper. MH: Fighting the opponent's pieces with pawn moves is usually futile. They're solid on the light squares restraining Bg2, so leave them there to do that, unless it becomes impossible to prevent checkmate threats without ...d5-d4.} ({ PTFN:} 16... f6 { Then if} 17. Qe6+ Kh8 { Black is planning Nb4} 18. Qxf5 Rae8 $1 { The rook exchange favors black: allowing his sole rook to control the open e-file and Qb6-e3.} 19. Rxe8 Rxe8 20. Qd7 Qe3 { -/+}) ({ MH: Keep your king safe by preventing Qe2-e5 (or trade queens) and you're half of the way to home.} 16... Qc7) 17. Qe5 Qc5 { PTFN: Blac k is up in material, but as far as it is concerned that his queen and knight are negatively placed and the Ra8 is still at its original square whereas white's queen are getting active and the Nd2 has a good square c4, black only gets an equal position.} ({ PTFN:} 17... Nb4 $4 { I considered this move at the moment and found nothing wrong, but now it is definitely denied by:} 18. Bxd4) 18. Qf4 Rad8 $6 ({ PTFN:} 18... Rae8 $1 { to fight for the open e-file.} 19. Rc1 Qe5 20. Qf2 Nb4 { -/+}) 19. Nc4 { MH: sort of threatening Bb2-a3, though it can be defended for a moment by ...Na6-b4} f6 $2 { PTFN: I was only concentrating on what if Re5 and neglected, or didn't paid enough attention to, white's next move. But it seems no move is especially good now:} ({ PTFN:} 19... b5 20. Ba3 Nb4 21. Ne5 (21. Qd2 bxc4 22. Bxb4 c3 23. Bxc5 cxd2 24. Rd1 Rfe8 $1 25. Bf3 Re1+ 26. Kg2 Rxd1 27. Bxd1 Re8) 21... Qc3 22. Rc1) ({ PTFN:} 19... Rfe8 $1 { MH: Piece Activity is often the cure for your positional ailments.} 20. Rxe8+ Rxe8 21. Bxd4 { MH: Again you missed a tactic. This one would've really helped you too, by forcing a trade of pieces to end White's slight superiority of activity and leading to an endgame where you'd have a safe king and more pawns. } ({ MH: White's king needs a little air.} 21. Bf3 $11 Rd8 22. Ba3 Qb5) 21... Re1+ 22. Bf1 Rxf1+ 23. Qxf1 Qd5+ 24. Kg1 Qxd4+ 25. Kg2 g6 $19) 20. Ba3 { MH: most likely +- because White's (soon to be) superiority in pieces will easily beat Black's superiority inpawns} Nb4 { MH: Just losing another pawn.} 21. Qd2 a5 22. Nxa5 Qxa5 23. Bxb4 Qa6 24. Bxf8 Rxf8 { MH: Black could resign, though he could also sit back and wait a bit to see if White knows how to proceed.} 25. Re7 Qa3 $2 { PTFN: Small Slip, allowing Rxb7} ({ PTFN:} 25... b5) ( { MH: One hope for Black would be to get a perpetual check against White's king, so it would be good to get Rf8 onto an open file and to get rid of pawns around Kh1.} 25... h5 { idea: ...h5-h4xg3}) 26. Qe2 Qc1+ 27. Qe1 Qc2 28. Qe2 Qc1+ $6 { PTFN: Considering for playing ...f4 later.} ({ PTFN:} 28... Qb1+ { Seems to be more precise.}) 29. Bf1 b5 $2 { MH: This move does avoid Re2xb7, but it also allows a2-a4 to produce a passed pawn for White. Better would have been ...b6 or ...f4.} ({ PTFN:} 29... f4 { MH: a good idea, in keeping with my note about weakening the area around Kh1} 30. Qe6+ Kh8 31. Qg4 $4 { MH: overlooking...} Qxf1#) 30. Qe6+ Kh8 31. Qxf5 { PTFN: In this game I felt I didn't manage the opening well, while white's 11th move allowed me to start the battle. But several weak moves from 16....d4 to 19....f6 ruined the game. waiting for your suggestions, sincerely MH: I'll put my concluding comments in the e-mail message.} 1-0 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2003.06.03"] [Round "?"] [White "somethinghere"] [Black "ashland"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B34"] [WhiteElo "1585"] [BlackElo "2154"] [Annotator "somethinghere, Holzi"] [PlyCount "86"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] { Holzi: Hi, I've had a look at this game. The main theme throughout the entire game is the contrast of black's knights against white's bishops and weakened pawn structure. Both sides have the advantage throughout the game, until in the endgame white eventually blunders a bishop away.} 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6 5. Nc3 Bg7 { Somethinghere: I am fairly competent with the sicilian although I do have more trouble than with more traditional e4 openings, on this move I normally protect the knight with Be3. In this case I retreated to try and get a hole in the Kingside's darksquares Holzi: Well, if black does actually play in the risky way he picks in the game you get just that, but of course black could just keep on playing "normally".} 6. Nb3 Bxc3+ { Holzi: This is one of the extra options you allow black by playing 6.Nb3, but this move is also rather double-edged for black, because you get the pair of bishops.} (6... Nf6 7. Be2 O-O 8. Be3 d6 { Holzi: would be a standard classical dragon variation position (and hence is quite thoroughly analysed).} (8... a5 { Holzi: is an attempt to hold the d-pawn back and hopes to play d7-d5 at some point in the future, e.g.} 9. a4 Nb4 { black will either achieve d7-d5 or white will have to play some odd moves to prevent it.})) 7. bxc3 Nf6 8. Bd3 { Somethinghere: I made this move to allow castle kingside since black could easily rush me since I'm commited to either it or the center with my open queenside. I like how taking the bishop will solidify my pawn structure. Holzi: Preparing to castle certainly makes a lot of sense here, Bd3 does that and protects the e4 pawn at the same time. On the other hand the bishop isn't terribly active on d3, for that reason one might at least consider the alternatives.} (8. Bc4 { Holzi: This is one possible alternative to Bd3. Black has several options.} Ne5 (8... Nxe4 { Holzi: doesn't actually win a pawn:} 9. Bxf7+ Kxf7 10. Qd5+) 9. Be2 { Holzi: and the Ne5 might turn out to help white, who might gain a tempo when playing f2-f4 later.}) (8. Bh6 { Holzi: This rather crazy variation might also be feasible.} Nxe4 9. Bd3 Nxc3 10. Qd2 Nd5 { White certainly has a clear developement lead, while black has grabbed 2 pawns. }) 8... d5 9. f3 { Somethingthere: I made this move in order to hold my center. Without the darksquare bishop and black's queen being fenced in, especially on the kingside dark squares, I thought this would be a way to hold the center. Holzi: While it's certainly not a "real" mistake, I don't think I like this move too much, it seems the bishop on d3 gets a bit blocked in, white ends up having another weakness in his pawn structure (the pawn e4) and does not actually get to use the f-file.} (9. exd5 { Holzi: has definitely got to be considered, opening up the game should after all help white with activating his bishops.} Qxd5 10. O-O Bf5 (10... O-O 11. c4 Qh5 12. Qxh5 Nxh5 13. Re1 Re8 { Holzi: and white has the bishops for the doubled pawns.}) 11. c4 Qd7 12. Nc5 Qc8 13. Bh6 Ng4 14. Bg7 Rg8 15. Bc3 Qc7 16. g3 O-O-O 17. Rb1 b6 18. Na6 Qb7 { Holzi: This is an analysis by Suba that Silma quotes (without a lot of commentary) in "Winning with the Sicilian".}) 9... dxe4 10. fxe4 { Holzi: Here I must say that I would probably prefer the black pieces due to the rather akward looking white pawn structure and the somewhat inactive bishop on d3.} Bg4 11. Qd2 { Somethingthere: I felt this was forced since Be2 leads to trading down and with my pawn structure I decided this was decidedly bad. Holzi: Your decision was entirely correct, not only from a strategic point of view, but also because of the immediate tactical problems involved with 11.Be2 (see following variation).} (11. Be2 Qxd1+ 12. Kxd1 O-O-O+ 13. Nd2 Ne5 14. Bxg4+ Nfxg4 15. Ke2 f5 16. exf5 (16. Ba3 Rxd2+ 17. Kxd2 Nc4+ { is obviously disasterous.}) 16... gxf5 17. Nf3 Nc6 18. Re1 Rhg8 19. Kf1 e5 20. h3 e4 { Holzi: is an example of how problematic white situation would be after the mistake 11.Be2 (which you correctly avoided).}) 11... Qb6 { Somethingthere: I wasn't sure if this move was aggressive or an attempt to prepare to castle on the queenside. Probably both I suppose. Holzi: Castling queenside has to be rather suicidal for black (half-open b-file, a white bishop about to turn up on e3, etc.), unless he can prepare sufficient counter chances first (that would probably require opening a few lines on the kingside - e.g. the g-file). I would guess black mostly meant to make castling difficult for white. However you found a good plan (Qf4 followed by Be3) to counter that, so quite possibly black should have done something else (e.g. 0-0 or playing the somewhat more solid move Qc7 or possibly Ne5).} 12. Qf4 { Somethingthere: This move looked quite strong. It threatens the bishop since e5 can easily deflect the knight on f6. I knew black would spot this but I felt black had no strong response to this move while I'd be able to play Be3, allowing castling on the kingside without trading off the queens. I still feel black would be better off without them. Holzi: I agree. The black queen on b6 turns out to be rather useless and black would probably very happy to enter an endgame at this point.} Be6 { Holzi: As you said, it's quite difficult to find a good square for this bishop, so quite possibly one should have considered alternatives.} (12... g5 { Holzi: If black wanted to castle queenside (as you suggested he might have) then he could have played this move here. It seems rather dubious andincorrect, but at least white can't really take this pawn immediately. Play could have continued with e.g.} 13. Qg3 h5 14. Bxg5 Rg8 15. Bxf6 exf6 16. h3 h4 17. Qxh4 Qe3+ 18. Kf1 Be6 19. Re1 Qb6 20. Qxf6 { Holzi: and white has to be a bit better due to his 3 extra pawns and since black hasn't managed to castle queenside in time.}) 13. Be3 { Somethingthere: The real plan with Qf4. Black's queen is in what looks to me like a bad state while I am taking control of the dark squares. Holzi: Yes, your control over the dark squares is quite strong, which was a risk black had to be willing to take when he played Bxc3. It seems like he didn't play entirely accurately after that and hence didn't get enough compensation for the pair of bishops he surrendered to you.} Nh5 14. Qf2 { Somethinghere: I saw this move when I originally played Qf4. I wasn't too worried about it then, and I still didn't feel it was a very strong move for black. Looking at black's position it's clear it is. There weremanyinteresting exchanges, I didn't see anything other than being able to get pawns on e4 and d4 while exchanging queens. Bxb6 Nxf4 Bd4 Nxd4 cxd4. This may have been better, perhaps my thirst for blood got the best of me, but I still liked my attacking chances. Holzi: The move you played in the game looks very sensible. f2 is a good square for the queen and makes Nh5 look a bit pointless.} (14. Bxb6 Nxf4 15. Bd4 Nxd4 16. cxd4 { Holzi: The variation you suggest doesn't look especially good for white to me, black can e.g. just take the pawn on g2.} Nxg2+ { Holzi: Now he's a pawn up and you don't have the pair of bishops anymore. The way you played in the game looks much better than this.}) 14... Qc7 15. Nc5 { Somethinghere: I just wanted to plant a thorn in black's queenside. If black wanted to quickly rid himself of this knight he would have to play b6. I was thinking ...b6 Nxe6 fxe6 Bb5. This would eliminate any thoughts of going to the queenside. I also Was thinking about Rb1. I think this move was too agressive in retrospect. Rb1 or 0-0 may very well have been stronger since I could make this move later with at least the same oomph.} (15. O-O O-O 16. Nc5 Ne5 17. Nxe6 fxe6 18. Qh4 { Holzi: looks less risky for white - on the other hand, you still had the opportunity to castle later in the game (and to get into the same variation I've given here).}) 15... Ne5 16. Bd4 { Somethinghere: Following my plan of dominating the dark squares and pinning the knight. The intermediate move Nxe6 was tempting but I decided I'dwait until it was forced. I felt I was winning here.} (16. O-O { Holzi: Once more this seems like quite a good and safe move.}) (16. Rb1 { Holzi: looks very appealing.} b6 17. Nxe6 { Holzi: and after the check on b5 that is to follow white would be clearly better, hence black plays} Nxd3+ 18. cxd3 fxe6 19. O-O { Holzi: White has everything he could wish for - the black position is full of weaknesses and white has a solid center plus the advantage of bishop versus knight.}) 16... Ng4 $2 { Holzi: This move was a blunder by your opponent, because you can actually remove your queen from f2 with tempo and then the rook on h8 will actually be lost.} (16... O-O { Holzi: had to be played. The black king just can't remain in the centreforever. } 17. O-O { Holzi: and we are back in the type of position I mentioned in previous variations. White is better and black has to be quite careful, e.g.} Ng4 { leads to problems:} 18. Qh4 Bc8 19. Be2 Nhf6 20. e5 Nxe5 21. Qf4 { Holzi: and white would be winning.}) 17. Qd2 { Somethinghere: I wanted some clout on f4. I didn't want to play Qe2 and allow Nf4 allowing black to move back towards the center. Holzi: Here you could have exploited the rather dubious arrangement of the black pieces + the fact that his king has remained in the centre for too long. If one looks at the position one spots rather immediately that the black setup looks rather suspicious, so it's quite possibly a good idea to look for a tactical solution. In the game black gets away with his play and has a rather pleasant position after casteling on the next move.} (17. Nxe6 fxe6 18. Bb5+ Kd8 19. Qd2 $1 { Holzi: I guess that was the move you didn't see, it's obvious now that black is lost.} Kc8 20. Bxh8 { Holzi: and white is totally winning.}) 17... O-O { Holzi: Finally black castles and now he actually enjoys a quite good and active position. Black's main advantage however is the white pawn structure and the fact that it's quite difficult to find a good place for white's king.} 18. h3 { Somethinghere: I think this was my dumbest move of the game. I wanted to expel these knights but missed Qh3. I feel that even if this move was not possible 0-0 was still probably better. Holzi: 0-0 isn't possible for white here (Qxh2#) and castling queenside isn't particularly feasible either. As you say getting rid of the knight on g4 would be extremely useful for white. Since h3 doesn't look like the ideal way of going about that, Be2 looks logical.} (18. Be2 { Holzi: tries to either eliminate the knight on g4 or to force black into tangling up his pieces.} Bc8 { Holzi: might actually be black's best, but obviously doesn't look very appealing.} (18... Nxh2 { Holzi: fails horribly, because after} 19. Bxh5 { black can't take the piece back due to the answer Qg5+ followed by mate.} ) (18... Nhf6 19. Qg5 Bc8 20. e5 h6 21. Qh4 Nxe5 22. Qg3 b6 23. Qxe5 Qxe5 24. Bxe5 bxc5 25. Bf3 { Holzi: I don't think black would have sufficient compensation for the exchange he will have to give up.}) 19. e5 { Holzi: seems important to keep black from playing e7-e5 himself later.} (19. Bxg4 Bxg4 20. Qg5 e5 21. Qxe5 Qxe5 22. Bxe5 Rfe8 { Holzi: looks unpleasant for white.}) 19... Nxe5 (19... b6 20. Nd3 Bf5 21. O-O { Holzi: looks very good for white.}) 20. Bxh5 gxh5 21. Qf4 f6 22. O-O Qc6 { Holzi: is a rather crazy variation and end position. But this certainly seems to offer chances for white rather than for black, even if neither 18.h3 nor 18. Be2 seem to lead to a decisive advantage for either side.}) 18... Qg3+ 19. Kd1 Ngf6 20. Rf1 { Somethinghere: I want a piece of the f4 square (this square keeps popping up :( ). I want to play Rf3 expelling the queen to distant land away from the king. My other plan which I elected not to do since I like my king's position was to run over to the queenside in a makeshift castle. Holzi: It's quite difficult to say what white should do at the moment and one of the the most obvious ways of improving the white position is indeed to play 20.Rf1. The whole position is still quite double-edged and both sides definitely still have chances.} b6 (20... Ng7 { Holzi: Since I actually think your Nxe6 a bit later was quite a good move, I suspect black chould have prepared for that with Ng7. Now he could respond with with Ng7xe6 and would get a splendidly placed knight on e6. However that would also have meant sacrificing the pawn on b7 - yet, if white takes it then black also get the b-file for one of his rooks.}) 21. Rf3 { Somethinghere: Why not continue with the plan? Holzi: Indeed. } Qh2 { Holzi: Eve n if it looks tempting to threaten things like Qh1+ it would have been better to put the queen on a safe square such as c7. The queen on h2 enables white to play g2-g4 later at the same time forcing the exchange of queens.} 22. Nxe6 { Somethinghere: I think this was a big mistake. I was somewhat worried about Bxa2 and was thinking of this bishop as a good defensive piece when it's more like a crack head. This move also forces the capture fxd6 which addsprotection to the knight and brings black's rook back to life. Live and learn I suppose... Holzi: I'm not so sure this was wrong, after all finally black also gets a weakness, even if he gets the f-file for it. Also you don't loose any time moving the knight about - if you e.g. retreated it to b3, then black could immediately hop in g3 with his knight, now seriously threatening Qh1+, because he now has f1 under control.} fxe6 23. e5 { Somethinghere: In fairness I was running somewhat low on time here. I was also planning to sac my bishop with Bxh6. I still think this had some punch to it. This also blocked black's queen. I think the king run would have probably been a good preparation move, still not really sure though.} (23. g4 { Holzi: Would have been another sensible move. Either white gets a piece for 3 pawns or forces the exchange of queens obtaining a clearly favourable endgame - the existence of this possibility for white is a consequence of black placing his queen on h2 instead of a safer square such as c7.} Qh1+ (23... Qxd2+ 24. Kxd2 Ng7 25. Raf1 Nd7 26. Bc4 { Holzi: In this endgame white has a space advantage, the pair of bishops and will win the pawn e6.}) 24. Rf1 Qxh3 25. gxh5 Nxe4 26. Qe2 Rxf1+ 27. Qxf1 Qxh5+ 28. Qe2 Qxe2+ 29. Kxe2 Nd6 { Holzi: Black actually has 3 pawns for the piece, but white's pieces are immensely active and he also has his extremely strong bishops. Certainly white doesn't have to be too afraid of this.}) (23. Qg5 { Holzi: could be a better move than 23.e5 for preparing an attack on the kingside. g3 isn't a feasible place for a black knight anymore and there is little black can do. e4-e5 can always be played later.}) 23... Nd5 24. Rxf8+ { Somethinghere: I was torn between this and Kc1. I was also looking at Qh6 (the original plan for making the move e5) but thought Qh1+ Rf1 Rxf1+ Bxf1 Qxf1+ looked fairly bleak for white.} (24. Qh6 Qh1+ 25. Kd2 Qxg2+ 26. Be2 Rxf3 $19) (24. Kc1 Rxf3 25. gxf3 Qxh3 26. Kb2 Rf8 27. Be4 Ng3 $17) 24... Rxf8 25. Kc1 { Somethinghere: White's king has a nice spot on the B2 square, safe from all the fireworks on the kingside (whoever would have predicted this would be the safe side from the first four moves?). Holzi: The white king might or might not be safe there, but it costs a lot of time to even get him there and to be quite honest I'm not entirely sure white will be entirely happy in the middlegame when his king will probably easier to attack than black's king behind a still nearly intact pawn structure.} (25. g4 { Holzi: could be a sensible idea in the sense of damage limitation, because I don't think white's king will really find any safe square and hence the middlegame with the queens on the board is quite potentially dangerous for white.} Qh1+ 26. Qe1 Qxe1+ 27. Kxe1 Nhf4 { Holzi: Blac k's knights are quite splendid, but white's bishops still have some potential, especially if e.g. a2-a4-a5 is played putting pressure on the black queenside pawn and eventually increasing the bishops scope.}) 25... Nhf4 26. Kb2 { Somethinghere: It looked to me like my original plan of a strong center was coming true. Even now I still like this move.} (26. Be4 Nxh3 27. c4 Nc7 28. Qe3 { Holzi: Might have been a better try, in this variation white's king *might* (or might not) end up being vaguely safe on b2 and white still retains some potential counter play.}) 26... Qxg2 { Somethingher e: This was actually a shock to me. Seeing a decent looking endgame and no good squares for the queen I decided why not trade. Holzi: Well, you are quite right about no good square for the queen, but the endgame doesn't look especially appealing to me (considering that you are a pawn down).} 27. Qxg2 Nxg2 28. Be4 { Somethinghere: Wanting to win the doubled pawn while strengthening my central position Holzi: I cannot see how you could (feasibly) win any of the black e-pawns. 28.Be4 also results in some annoying possibilities for black (like sending a knight to c4). A lot of the white problems stem from the brilliant position of the black knight on d5, which makes moves like 28...Nge3 etc. possible in the first place.} (28. c4 { Holzi: would drive away the strong knight from d5.} Ndf4 { Now} 29. Be4 { does indeed strengthen white's central position. White might be able to draw from this sort of position.}) 28... Ngf4 { Holzi: While threatening the pawn on h3 this doesn't really address white's chances on the queenside at all. Getting a knight to c4 on the other hand certainly would.} ( 28... Nge3 { Holzi: looks extremely good for black, he will either get a knight outpost on c4, or something horriblelike} 29. Bd3 (29. Bxd5 Nxd5 { Holzi: is the only other way of denying black the c4 square, but white is left with a bishop that is clearly inferior to black's knight - and black has an extra pawn and the f-file...}) 29... Rf3 30. Rh1 Nf4 { will happen to white.}) 29. c4 Nb4 ( 29... Nc7 { Holzi: would be an attempt at doing something about white's 30.c5 possibiliy. Whether it's actually good is difficult to tell.} 30. c5 Nxh3 { Black can grab this pawn, because white doesn't actually threaten to win a pawn on b6.} 31. cxb6 axb6 { White can't take on b6 due to the answer Rb8.} 32. a4 Rb8 { Holzi: and black is still up in material, but white has some counter-play.}) 30. a3 { Holzi: Black's knight on b4 seems rather inactive, so I'm not sure it's an especially good idea to force it onto better squares.} (30. c5 Nbd5 31. cxb6 Nxb6 { Holzi: Here white has a passed pawn on the c-file and the bishops have some breathing space now. This may not be enough to compensate for the missing pawn, but there is some clear compensation now.}) 30... Na6 { Somethingh ere: Trying to win tempo moves. Here is where I think I first dropped the ball. Rf1 hoping for more trading seems good since my bishops are so strong. I have very little experience with this type of endgame. Holzi: Now the knight on a6 keeps you from playing c4-c5 for the moment. Trading the rooks would help you, especially since your rook is currently totally inactive, his rook is quite strong and his knight have slight problems with finding good outposts - however there are several problems with Rf1, firstly the unprotected pawn on h3 (the pawn by itself might not be decisive, but black would getting two free pawns on the h and g-file, which could be very dangerous) and secondly (something your opponent missed later in the game) the check Nf4-d3+ leaving your rook en prise. But you definitely need to do something with your rook soon, because you cannot afford to have it out of play.} 31. Bb7 { Somethinghere : I am trying to trap his knight Holzi: If you have the time to do so, you should check whether there is any real hope of doing so, I don't see that here. As it turns out (though it's not easy to spot) this move gives another pawn away.} Nc7 { Holzi: Black plays the "obvious" move, but could have won a pawn instead.} ( 31... Nc5 $1 32. Bc6 (32. Bxc5 bxc5 { Holzi: and you can't defend against both Rb8 and Nxh3.}) 32... Nxh3 { Holzi: Black's passed pawns on the kingside are entirely winning for him.}) 32. Rf1 $2 { Holzi: A blunder. Rh1 or h4 had to be played - you have to protect the h-pawn, additionally your move allows the annoying Nd3+.} Nxh3 { Holzi: As you pointed out earlier the bishops get extremly strong after trading the rooks and as a result white gets some counter chances on the queenside. In fact it's not entirely clear whether even this second still ensures black's victory... Winning the exchange with the other interesting knight move however would have done so.} (32... Nd3+ { Holzi: Is obviously totally winning for black.}) 33. Rxf8+ { Somethinghere: The trade} Kxf8 34. c5 bxc5 35. Bxc5 a6 36. Bb6 Ne8 $2 ( 36... Nd5 { Holzi: simply had to be played. After 36....Ne8? white gets his pawn back and has a dangerous passed pawn on the a-file.} 37. Ba7 g5 38. Bxa6 g4 39. c4 Ndf4 40. c5 g3 41. c6 Nd5 { Holzi: is a rather sharp endgame, but would offer black much better chances than the game continuation.}) 37. Bxa6 Nf4 { Holzi: Doesn't give black much counter play, but white's passed pawn together with his bishops seem quite impressive anyway. One of black's main problems is that white can usually quite easily sacrifice a bishop for an advandced passed pawn, but black finds it much more difficult to do the same with one of his knights.} 38. Be3 { Holzi: The way you keep black's pawns from advancing looks very good. Simply continuing pushing the a-pawn is another obvious choice.} (38. a4 g5 39. Bb7 Ng6 40. Bd4 Nc7 41. a5 h5 42. a6 Nxa6 43. Bxa6 g4 44. c4 h4 45. c5 h3 46. Bb7 h2 47. Bh1 g3 48. c6 Ke8 49. Bb6 Nxe5 50. Kc3 Nf7 51. Kd3 Nd6 52. Bc7 Nf5 53. Ke2 { Holzi: I'm not entirely sure this is all forced, but without any obvious errors black is now lost.}) 38... Nd5 ( 38... Nc7 39. Bb7 Ncd5 { Holzi: Might offer black more counter play, since his kingside pawns can move.} ) 39. Bh6+ Kf7 40. c4 Nb6 41. Bb5 Nc7 42. Kb3 Nc8 { Holzi: is a rather silly move, I don't see any reason why black would really want to play it, certainly it throws away a possible drawing chance.} (42... Nxb5 { Holzi: If this is played at this point, black's king is back on the queenside in time to prevent a promotion.} 43. cxb5 Ke8 44. a4 Kd8 45. a5 Nd7 46. a6 Kc7 47. Kb4 Nb6 { Holzi: and white still needs to break through. I strongly suspect that he actually can't.}) 43. Ba6 $2 { Somethinghere: 34 seconds left and I felt I need a piece to win in that length of time. I am aware this is a bad move ;-) I talked to black (Ashland) the game and he said he was going to sac his g pawn. I am not sure how this would have turned out but I still like white's chances. I still feel I let victory slip away. When I was in good position I made poor moves since I couldn't find good ones. Holzi: You are right, especially in the endgame you had a winning position for quite a long time. Instead of 43. Ba6 you could have continued to do so with e.g. Be3.} (43. Be3 { Holzi: Prepares the advance of the a-pawn.} h5 (43... Nxb5 { Holzi: Here it's too late for that.} 44. cxb5 Ke8 45. b6 Nxb6 46. Bxb6 { White will obviously win.}) 44. a4 h4 45. a5 h3 46. Bc6 { Holzi: is quite hopeless for black.}) 43... Nxa6 { somethinghere resigns Holzi: This was a rather complicated and unbalanced game, the type of position that arises from dynamic openings like the sicillian. You certainly haven't lost this game, because your opponent played much better than you, but rather because he played reasonably well and eventually you made the decisive error blundering the bishop. Black gave up his dark squared bishop up to weaken the white pawn structure, but in compensation white had his two bishops. While those weren't always especially strong, they eventually totally dominated the knights in the endgame (one of the risks black had to accept when playing Bxc3) . It is very difficult to tell, where exactly black got into a losing position - certainly from a practical point of view white already had excellent chances after black took the pawn on h3. When one looks at the opening, both sides committed several small inaccuracies and there was the big chance for you on move 17, but in the end it just added up to a small advantage for black. Nothing really decisive had happened until you gave away the g2 pawn for free. Except for the occasional tactical slip (like 32.Rf1?) and missing the occasional tactical chance for yourself (17.Nxe6!) you played the game quite well, usually you seemed to have a good idea of what you should do strategically, but sometimes you didn't seem to be watching your opponents options closely enough. A lot of strong players think that one of the things resulting in a great improvement in playing strength is analysing tactical positions on your own (writing down the variations etc.) and then comparing the results with the annotations of strong players. That way one hopefully learns to consider all options of both sides and to assess very clearly which plans can be carried out tactically. I hope my review helps.} 0-1 [Event "ICS Game"] [Site "ICS"] [Date "2003.06.11"] [Round "?"] [White "Jwizzle"] [Black "waldoxwho"] [Result "1-0"] [PlyCount "91"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] 1. a4 d5 2. b4 e5 { These first two moves are quite good. When your opponent does something funny stick to opening principles.} 3. g4 Bxb4 4. h4 Bxg4 5. c3 Bc5 { I would play Be7 or possibly Bd6 here. While you keep your bishop in the center white has d4 here which would allow him to take back some control in the center} 6. Bg2 c6 { While this strengthens the d5 square the same thing could be accomplished with Ne7 or Nf6 developping the knight and preparing to castle kingside at the same time. In the opening it is very important to develop all your pieces as quickly as possible.} 7. Bb2 Bf5 { Black allows e4 allowing white to take a bite out of the center. While arguably it is a slight improvement for black he would do much better to develop his g8 knight. I also just spoted Qb6 looks decent too but d4 would put a stop to this idea.} 8. d3 f6 { Black should be completing development. It;s not that the moves are that bad, it's that they're more appropriate for a middlegame. Black needs his whole army to attack.} 9. Nf3 Ne7 10. h5 Nd7 { Black looks awkward. At some point during the opening it is often a good idea to plan out where you would like your pieces to be. Knights generally are more effective farther up the board making moves like Nf6 and Nc6 more popular. If one of the pawns were not moved and a knight put in its place black would look much more menacing.} 11. Nh4 Bg4 12. a5 b6 13. axb6 Bxb6 { I would say Qb6 here. Black could start the attack and mobilize his queen. Black could then castle and make a very strong battery with Rb8} 14. Bf3 f5 15. Rg1 O-O { Castling would have been much more effective earlier in the game. Here black castles into the line of white's rook.} 16. Kf1 g5 { This is not generally a move one wants to make. Pawns can only move forward unfortunately and this is one of the king's key defenders. Its value as a defensive piece is much higher.} 17. Ng2 a5 { I see this as a mistake for black. He has overextended his pawns already. Black should still be thinking about his pieces more than his pawns. moving the rook over to b8 would do much for his position.} 18. Ba3 c5 19. Qb3 e4 20. dxe4 fxe4 { Often time an in between move can make a big difference in an exchange. Here black should take white's bishop off the board before exchanging pawns, this prevents the subsequent loss of bishop forpawn} 21. Bxg4 Ne5 22. Be6+ Nf7 { Black blocks his rook which is pointed at white's king and freezes his knight in a pin to the king. Moving the king out of the way would leave black in a very good position since he can push the c pawn and simultaneously attack white's queen and the pawn onf2} 23. e3 c4 { This move would have been much better if black had not blocked his rook. The king would have been quite safe on h8.} 24. Qb2 d4 { Black could still have taken advantage of the open bfile which is now more enticing due to white's queen being there too.} 25. cxd4 Qd6 { A good move on first sight. This gives away the queen for nothing since it hangs to the a3 bishop (black can't even get back the bishop since his knight is pinned.} 26. Bg4 Nd5 27. Qc2 { Moving the other knight to allow an attack on f2 would be more effective. Perhaps Nh6? (this of course is ignoring the hanging queen). Or Rb8.} Qf6 { A great move. Even if white takes the f8 rook black will still have a very strong battery aimed at the white king. only the g2 knight prevent the royal fork Nxe3+. Black could still turn things around here} 28. Qxc4 Rfd8 { Black is down and he needs a spark. Qxf2+ Kxf2 Nd6+ Might allow black some counterplay. The text move is not that bad though.} 29. Ne1 Rac8 { Black's King all the time remains on the light squares. This causes him significant trouble since he has no light square bishop. Black could get a free queen with Nxe3+! since white's knight no longer protects the e3 square and the f2 pawn is pinned.} 30. Qa6 Rc1 { Well here I put this piece and after I realized what I done. Maybe I moved without thinking? I wouldn't say so. the move is a great idea so you clearly thought. You just didn't check to make sure you didn't hang any pieces. Nxe3+ would probably still be your best move.} 31. Bxc1 Rc8 { Yet again, I moved without thinking, I believe this is the beginning of the end for me in this game. When checking to see if a move is good the first thing you should do is look down the diagonols and for rooks and the ranks and files for bishops. Checking what squares your opponents knight's attack will ensure that these things don't happen} 32. Bxc8 { The queen taking would be much stronger, it comes with check and takes white's queen off of the same file asblack's} Nxe3+ { Again, It seems I played this game too eagerly. I moved without see'ing the consequences. I have realized every mistake I've made. I wonder, how do I make myself concentrate better? When I started playing I generally only played 10 minute games. This allowed me to think about my moves long enough so that I didn't shamelessly hand pieces. Try longer time controls, 10 minutes will allow you time to think.} 33. Bxe3 Qd8 34. Qa8 g4 35. Rxg4+ Kh8 36. Rxe4 Qg8 37. Rf4 Bd8 38. Rh4 Bxh4 39. d5 h6 40. Rxa5 Qg5 { I had gone to the bathroom before I started this game, perhaps I flushed my brain down the toilet as well. :-\ You had many good ideas, you just weren't able to see them through to the end. This will come with practice and reviewing your games.} 41. Bxg5 Nxg5 42. Ra7 Nh3 43. Bf5+ Bd8 { I believe after this point I'm pretty much screwed. But ya know, he(my opponent) played a good game. He did and he didn't. He didn't hang any pieces but he made many mistakes. He left his queen in a deadly fork which I pointed out. The key points you need to work on (other than not hanging your pieces!) is pins and development. To try and prevent hanging pieces pause for 5 or 10 seconds before making any move. Read about one opening (I like the italian game myself) and understand it. You must develop your entire army. You did a slightly better job than your opponent but the pieces didn't seem coordinated and black lost many oppertunities to develop faster. White's play is actually more deplorable. His knight on b1 never moved and it was only in the last four moves that his a1 rook did anything. I don't know about other people but I tend to consider these important pieces and they did nothing at all for white. Try and set your rooks on open files. The b file was begging for a black rook On b8 the whole game. Try and only make 2 or 3 pawn moves before you have all your pieces developped and have castled. DO NOT move the pawns in front of your king unless you find it an important defensive move. It's kind of like abandoning your mother in a bad neighbourhood late at night :) Try and place your rooks and bishops in positions where they point at the king or queen, especially when there are pieces blocking them. Who knows when these pieces might come flying off the board or when your opponent might feel the need to move them. Make a plan. There's a saying in chess; if you don't plan you plan to fail (well not only chess I suppose but what else really matters?.} 44. Bxh3 Kg8 45. Be6+ Kf8 { I sent him a tell to just end my pain and take my bishop, though I anticipate he was already going to do that.} 46. Qxd8# 1-0 [Event "torneo Alta Padovana"] [Site "Cavino (Padova)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "2"] [White "AlexAlex"] [Black "Massimiliano Gardin"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A18"] [Annotator "AlexAlex; msh"] [PlyCount "95"] { A: I played this match in a open tournament (for player with Elo below 1850). I played with white and my Elo is about 1600, my opponent's Elo is about 1500. We had two hours for all move (quick play finish). I think this match is interesting because I kept the initiative for all the match, but I failed to win. After the match I analysed my game and I found some reasons but I am not so sure and I prefer to hear the opinion of an expert. MH: In the following commentary I use "!" and "?" in a slightly less intense way than you might see it in a book. I use "!" only to tell you I think the move is good and playable. I use "?" only to tell you a move is not good, though there may not be any immediate tactical consequence.} 1. c4 { A: I play English Opening because it is not so common for the player of my category. So I hope to avoid strong opening preparations. MH: You really needn't worry. At your level of play the opening preparations of your opponents aren't likely to be dangerous. It's more important to play openings you know and like.} Nf6 2. Nc3 { MH: This "sneak y" move-order was often used by GM Korchnoi in order to get to a Classical King's Indian Defense (after 2...g6 3. e4 and 4. d4) while avoiding a Gruenfeld Defense. Later many other players also began to use it.} e6 { MH: This move might be considered suspicous or even dubious by those who know this opening well. More common are 2...g6 and 2...c5.} 3. e4 $1 { A: In my opini on my opponent hoped I played 3.d4, but I wanted to try something different...} d6 $2 { A: I knew the best move is 3...d5 with sharp position. But a player did not play it without home preparation. After this move I could gain a strong centre of pawns without any strong pressure of black pieces.} 4. d4 { MH: White has more space within which to maneuver and to fully develop. Black's bishops, in particular, are blocked. Though there are no immediate targets in Black's position I think it is safe to say White is clearly better. Black might try to fight in the center with ...c5 or ...e5, but with care White should maintain his current advantage. If Black struggles further then White might build up a huge advantage within the next 4-7 moves.} Be7 5. Be3 { MH: This is good. 5. f4 is also worth considering.} b6 6. Bd3 Nbd7 7. Nf3 { A: I had some doubts: I had to play f2-f4, f2-f3 or not touching f-pawn? Now I think that f2-f4 was the better choice: the pawns centre became stronger and the black stroke e6-e5 was more difficult to play. During the match I played Nf3 because I wanted to play a combination (typical of French Defense): if black would play 0-0, I played e4-e5 (pushing away Nf6) then Bxh7+, Ng5+, Qh5+ ...with very strong attack.} ({ MH:} 7. f4 { is very likely best because it provides you with more ways by which to open lines (through pawn advances and exchanges), so that your well-placed developed pieces can be used. Limiting yourself with Nf3 is to believe your pieces on the third rank can become terribly dangerous without a lot more work; it may be so in some cases, but not all. It (Nf3) also allows ...Ng4 which challenges Be3 just a bit.}) 7... O-O $6 { MH: Black should probably not castle until he has fully challenged White's central pawns and can see how they will be placed for the long run. Then he would know better where to place his king. While the central files are closed Ke8 would be perfectly safe.} 8. h4 $6 { A: I played this move with the same idea of 7. Nf3} ({ MH: Another way to see the matter is that Nf6 is exposed to pawn advances and pawn h3 prevents ...Ng4 and that since you know where Black's king is you can go straight for it with h2-h3, g2-g4-g5, h3-h4-h5 and use Qd1-e2, O-O-O to bring Ra1 to the king-side. } 8. h3 { Of course, after 8. h3 you might see Black play toward the queen-side, so that you'd hesitate to O-O-O. In that case you're still well-placed to play anywhere on the board.}) 8... Ng4 ({ MH:} 8... e5 { blocks pawn e4, keeps Kg8 safe and makes pawn h4 seem awfully over-extended}) 9. Bg5 { A: I played this move without any doubt: Bxg5 would open the h-column, h6 would weaken the castle.} e5 $1 { A: My plan (Bh7, Ng5, Qh5...) is not possible now but I felt that white is fine. MH: Yes, White is fine, but I think you lost a bit of momentum by trying for a second-best plan (e4-e5, Bxh7, etc.). Now you have to re-think the position.} 10. Nd5 { A: During the match I thought that this was a strong move: I centralized a knight and I threatened Be7 but I didn't see my opponent's simple move... MH: It still looks good to me. If you can arrange for Nf3 to move, in some constructive way, then you can regain control of the king-side and continue your offensive.} Ngf6 { A: Sure! Bl ack put his knight in a better position and avoid my threaten. If I would have see this simple move, I didn't play Nc3-d5.} ({ MH:} 10... Ndf6 { might even be better as it clears the way for Bc8 to defend Ng4. It is, of course, riskier since Ng4 has no good retreat for the moment. But, ...Nf6xd5 and square f6 is again available.}) 11. Nc3 { A: I could play Nxe7+ gaining the pair of bishops. But black controlled very few squares to put his pieces so I play this move for not changing pieces.} ({ MH:} 11. h5 $4 Nxd5 $19) ({ MH: So,} 11. Qd2 { merely continuing to develop and trying to build pressure which Black can't quite neutralize.}) ({ MH: Or,} 11. Nxe7+ Qxe7 12. Qe2 exd4 13. Nxd4 Nc5 { and it appears Black would have diverted attention from h7 and onto pawn e4}) 11... exd4 12. Nxd4 Nc5 13. f3 { A: The pressure on e4 is strong so I play f2-f3. My idea is O-O-O and using g and h pawns to attack black castle.} ({ MH: } 13. Bc2 { The light square bishop is good because pawn e4 is still mobile. It's probably still better to not go along with simple threats to trade pieces because that makes Black's task easier.}) 13... Nxd3+ 14. Qxd3 { A: I was happy of this change: black gained the pair of bishop but he changed strong Nc5 with my bad bishop Be3. MH: Bd3 wasn't so bad while pawn e4 can move! There is also the unknown future when having the two bishops could be of some major importance.} Bd7 15. O-O-O h6 $6 16. Be3 { A: For me 16. Bxf6 would have helped black very much.} Re8 17. Kb1 { A: My opponent was playing passive so I prepared my attack with no hurry...} ({ MH: I see no threats, even potential, from Black, so why not go ahead?} 17. g4 $1) 17... Bf8 18. g4 { A: I thought this position was very very good for me: I attack the castle and my opponent couldn't do the same! MH: Yes!} g6 19. g5 $1 { A: I play this move now because now I am sure to open some lines near black king.} Nh5 20. gxh6 Kh7 21. Rdg1 $1 { A: I could play Qd2 to keep the extra pawn. But I prefer not to keep my h6-pawn. If black will gain the pawn, I change bishops of dark squares gaining chances to attack the king.} c5 22. Nc2 { A: When I played this move I was not sure that I was the best. I am not happy that my king and my queen was in the same diagonal (b1-h7), in fact black can use this to play f7-f5 at the right time, so I play 22. Nc2. Maybe I would have played Ne2 (with the idea: Ne2/Ng3/Nxh5) or Nb5 (with pressure on d6-pawn) . MH: Your concern over the choice on this move is justified. I think if you asked a group of masters you would hear various opinions.} Bc6 23. Bg5 $1 { A: I wanted to gain another diagonal. I thought that black could not play f7-f6 because it would have weakened g6 and my Qd3 and Rg1 would have became very dangerous. MH: It also probably gives you a chance to play Nc2-e3 and on to d5 or g4 from there. If Black plays ...f6 you could always retreat the bishop to d2 and leave e3 vacant, while still having gained another weakness in Black's position (g6).} Qc7 24. Ne2 $6 { A: This was a critical point! I wanted to attack black king and I understood that Nh5 is a strong defender. So I wanted to change it with Nc3-d2-g3 then play h4-h5, then using rooks and queen to checkmate. This is a logical plan but now I think I would have not only attacked the king but also played in the centre using d5-outpost and d6-weak-pawn (by move like Nc2-Nd5...).} ({ MH: Now that Black has committed his light square bishop to c6 and can't support ...f7-f5, even if that were good, you can move more aggressively toward the king-side.} 24. Ne3 f6 { not good, but for an example of how things might proceed} 25. Ned5 Qf7 26. Bd2 { and then doubling rooks on the g-file combined with f3-f4-f5, Nd5-f4xh5 or some other similar offensive maneuvers should give White a good chance of winning.} ({ or, for the more adventurous...} 26. Nxf6+ Nxf6 27. Bxf6 Qxf6 28. h5)) 24... Bxh6 25. Bxh6 $6 ({ MH: Instead of building up pressure and an advantage of having more pieces in the vicinity of Kh7 you're exchanging pieces and simplifying the position. You could've also tried} 25. Ne3 { when you'd have all your minor pieces on the king-side and Black's Bc6 is a bystander}) 25... Kxh6 26. Qd2+ Kg7 27. Nf4 $6 { A: I continued in my plan but now there are no problems for black to avoid h4-h5!} ({ MH:} 27. Qg5 { adds pressure (Qxh5 is a threat) rather than simplifying} Re5 28. Qg4 Rh8 29. Ne3 { when White's pressure isn't clearly winning, but the only question is whether White can win.}) 27... Re5 { A: Sure!} ({ MH: More amusing would be} 27... Rh8 $4 28. Rxg6+ fxg6 29. Ne6+ $18) 28. Nxh5+ $2 { MH: This might be the last moment at which you let the offense dissipate to the point where you couldn't hope to win by any simple attack.} ({ MH: Another way to organize your pieces is to eject Re5} 28. Nd3 Ree8 29. Qg5 Rh8 30. Ne3) ({ MH: Or,} 28. Rg5 Nxf4 (28... Rxg5 $4 29. hxg5 Nxf4 30. Qxf4 Qe7 (30... Rh8 31. Qf6+ $18) 31. Qh4 $18) 29. Qxf4 Rh8 $16) 28... Rxh5 { A: During t he match I felt something get wrong only now. MH: It's because at this point it's your one Nc2 versus Black's Bc6 and they're of approximately equal value. It's quite difficult to build up any significant pressure now. You could consider f3-f4-f5 to get at pawn g6, but that naturally creates a weakness at e4; that might allow enough counter-pressure from Black to stay equal. Pawn h4 is also weak. Actually, White might need more exchanges to avoid problems. The situation has changed rather quickly.} 29. Rg5 $1 Rah8 30. Qf4 { A: I felt my attack was over!} Qe7 31. Rxh5 Rxh5 { A: Now I felt that black is better: my h4 pawn is weak and Bc6 is a good bishop stronger then my knight MH: I don't know if I agree about your assessment of Bc6 & Nc2, but overall things have changed and Black is much better than before.} 32. Ne3 Qf6 { A: My opponent played this move and offered draw. Now I would accept surely!} 33. Qg4 { A: But during the match I refused draw for two reason: 1) I took the initiative for all match so I wanted to win 2) my opponent's Elo is lower than mine. It was a pity I "forgot" to analize the position, I would have understood that black is better and I would have accepted draw!! MH: It's very difficult to accept a draw offer with someone whose rating is much lower than your own. It just doesn't seem right that the game should end that way. But, so long as you know the risks of the position you can rightfully continue playing. In this instance I think it's alright to play on. Keeping queens on the board to defend pawns f3 & h4 is much better than trading, so it was accepting the draw offer or avoiding a queen trade and playing on - your choice.} Kh7 34. Qg3 Qe5 35. Qf2 $4 { A: This move is an error but I and my opponent didn't see it! Unfortunately after this move I offer draw. So my opponent thought that I offered draw because 35. Qf2 was an error. So he started to seek a combination and saw my error! I was very unlucky!} ({ MH: As an example of the dangers of trading queens...} 35. Qxe5 $4 dxe5 36. Ng4 Kg7 37. Kc2 f6 { and ..g6-g5 should win pawn h4. The pin on the pawn is very strong for Black.}) ({ MH: More acceptable is} 35. Qg4 Qd4 36. Qf4 Kg8 37. b3) 35... Bxe4+ $17 36. fxe4 $4 { A: This move is horrible! I lost a rook! I was very tired and I didn't see it. Now we have about 10 minutes to end the game.} Qxe4+ 37. Kc1 Qxh1+ $19 { MH: Time for White to resign? Not quite. First, let's see if Black knows how to use his material advantage to win.} 38. Kd2 Qb7 $1 39. Nd5 Rxd5+ $1 40. cxd5 Qxd5+ 41. Kc1 Qxa2 { MH: not terribly relevant} ({ MH: It's not always easy to play a queen & pawn ending, but in this case there are few open lines, so Black should feel pretty comfortable, aiming to advance some pawns and force a queen trade.} 41... Qc4+ 42. Kb1 (42. Kd2 $4 Qd4+ $19 43. Qxd4 cxd4 44. Kd3 Kh6 45. Kxd4 Kh5 46. a4 Kxh4 47. Kd5 g5 48. Kc6 g4 49. Kb7 g3 50. Kxa7 g2 51. Kxb6 g1=Q+ 52. Kb5 Qc5+ 53. Ka6 Qb4) 42... Qd3+ 43. Kc1 f5 { idea: ...d6-d5-d4, ...Qe3+ to force a winning pawn ending}) 42. h5 { A: Desperation!} Qc4+ 43. Kb1 Qe4+ 44. Ka2 Qb4 $4 { A: A miracle! We have about five minutes} ({ MH: Apparently you were right to play on! Black didn't quite know how to win his 'won' position.} 44... Qe6+ 45. Kb1 g5 { keeps lines around Kh7 closed and will eventually result in victory.}) 45. Qxf7+ Kh8 46. hxg6 { MH: giving Black even one move could be a mistake in many positions, but in this one it only gives White a chance to make a mistake (to lose)} ({ MH: One way of checking the black king is a slight mistake, though not losing} 46. Qf6+ Kg8 47. Qxg6+ Kf8 48. Qf6+ Ke8 49. Qe6+ Kd8 50. Qxd6+ Kc8 51. Qc6+ Kb8 52. h6) ({ MH: Immediately drawing is to not let the Black king run away} 46. Qf8+ Kh7 47. Qf7+ { as Black can't move to h6 for fear of Qxg6#}) 46... Qa5+ 47. Kb1 Qe1+ 48. Ka2 { A: Draw by repetition. I played a better opening and I gained some initiative. My opponent played passive so I took the initiative for all match, but my attack was not so strong and it failed. We arrived in a equilibrated final in which black had a slightly advantage. In zeitnot the match ended draw. My question is: how could I win this match? Thank you! MH: A stronger player could have played the attack better. Whether it could have been won is unclear. I didn't see any decisive forcing variations. Your descriptions, in notes, of who had the advantage and why are quite good. Your ideas of how a position might be played out aren't varied enough. Your creativity may be lacking a bit. Certainly you need to be courageous and tackle the more complex task of building up pressure on an opponent and somehow breaking through to their king. To improve your skills you could work on complex attacking games and try to forsee how the attacker is going to carry out the offensive. There are quite a few books which might help, though I don't know your financial situation or their availability in your area. I'd suggest... Attacking with Tal, by Tal and Damsky The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal, by Tal middle-game books by Dvoretsky tactics for advanced players - puzzle books by Lein, Nunn or others Sorcerer's Apprentice by Bronstein 100 Open games by Bronstein Brilliancies (I've forgotten the author, but it's a new book on best Informant games) You might also consider playing weak opponents on the internet and just beat up on them with whatever creative imaginative things come to your mind. Having a lot of experience beating 'bunnies' will give you more confidence that your creative ideas can be correct and that you will be up to handling whatever complications are required. This can take time, so don't expect great changes overnight. Attack attack attack, in many varied, fun and interesting ways. Don't worry about the results of these practice games. It's the process and developing your attacking imagination which is needed.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "scarlbourgh"] [Site "?"] [Date "2003.10.27"] [Round "?"] [White "plant"] [Black "akischess"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A81"] [WhiteElo "114"] [BlackElo "112"] [Annotator "akischess; thespiritoftal(FICS Ladder)"] [PlyCount "110"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] { A81: Dutch Defence: 2 g3 I am black and i have to win.Its the last game in the tournament (in the minor section) and we both play for the first prize.} 1. d4 f5 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 e6 4. Nf3 d5 5. O-O Be7 6. c4 c6 { thespiritoft al:This is Stonewall defense.It was played by Botvinnik with success and today Kramnik also uses it sometimes with success.Black gets control of the e4-square and aims for attack but in return his light-squared bishop is bad.} 7. cxd5 $6 { still not sure how to capture thespiritoftal:I believe this is a dubious move. there are lots of other ways to continuehere} exd5 { thespiritoftal:I believe this is the right way to capture as this somehow frees your light-squared bishop and also opens the e-file for Black.} 8. Nc3 O-O 9. Ne5 Nbd7 10. f4 { i dont like the idea of a passed e pawn but neither of a knight therethespirito ftal:I believe this position is about equal the structure seems symettrical and both sides have strong points (e4 for black and e5 for white)also both sides have a bad bishop (c1-bishop and c8-bishop)} (10. Nd3 Ne4 11. f3 Nxc3 12. bxc3 Nf6 13. Qb3 b6 14. Ba3 Ba6 15. Rfe1 Re8 16. Ne5 Rc8 17. Bxe7 Rxe7 18. a4 Nd7 19. f4 Nf6 20. Bf3 h6 21. a5 bxa5 22. Qa3 Bb5 23. Qxa5 Qxa5 24. Rxa5 a6 { Burkhardt,H-Barbero,G/Baden-Baden 1987/TD/0-1 (45)}) 10... Qe8 $146 (10... Ne4 11. Bxe4 (11. Nxe4 fxe4 12. e3 Nf6 13. Bd2 c5 14. dxc5 Bxc5 15. b4 Bb6 16. Qb3 Kh8 17. Rfe1 Qe8 18. Bc3 Qh5 19. Qb2 Be6 20. Rac1 Rac8 21. Bf1 Ng4 22. Nxg4 Qxg4 23. Bg2 Rc4 24. a4 Rfc8 25. a5 Bxe3+ { Henderson,H-Ward,T/East Lansing 1995/EXT 2001/1-0 (37)}) 11... fxe4 12. Nxe4 Nxe5 13. dxe5 dxe4 14. Qc2 Bf5 15. Be3 Qc7 16. Qc4+ Kh8 17. Kh1 Rad8 18. Rad1 h6 19. b4 Bh7 20. Qc3 Rd7 21. Rxd7 Qxd7 22. Bxa7 Ra8 23. Bd4 Qe6 24. a3 Bg8 25. Rc1 Qb3 26. Qxb3 Bxb3 27. Bb2 Bd5 28. e3 Bd8 29. Kg1 Bb6 30. Kf2 Rf8 31. g4 Rxf4+ { 0-1 Tache,B-Boukobza,A/Avignon 1999/EXT 2002 (31)}) ({ thespiritoftal:I have a plan here to go on with Black.} 10... Nxe5 11. fxe5 Nd7 { thespiritoftal :Now Black has the following plan :he will try to maneouvre the knight to the strong blockading square e6 after which the passed e5-pawn will have no importance and then he will bring his bishop to life with the standard maneouvre in such positions :Bd7-e8-h5}) 11. Qb3 Nxe5 $6 { Thespiritoftal:there was no need for this move.} ({ here i was afraid of the} 11... -- { 0} 12. Nxc6 bxc6 13. Nxd5 cxd5 14. Bxd5+ Kh8 15. Bxa8) (11... Kh8 { thespiritoftal:you could simply play this then maybe Rf8-g8 aiming Nf8-e6again. }) 12. dxe5 $2 { thespiritoftal:opens the a7-g1 diagonal} (12. fxe5 { thespiritof tal :This move is better because it both opens the diagonal for White's bishop on c1 and also the diagonal a7-g1 is closed.} Ne4 { is not playable in view of:} 13. Bxe4 fxe4 14. Rxf8+ (14. Nxe4 Rxf1+ 15. Kxf1 Qf7+ 16. Nf2 Bh3+ 17. Kg1 Rf8) 14... Kxf8 15. Be3 { aiming Rf1 with attack.}) 12... Bc5+ (12... Ng4 13. h3 Bc5+ 14. Kh1 { thespiritoftal :I think this is playable.} Be6 $1 15. Qxb7 Ne3 16. Bxe3 Bxe3 { Black has a dangerous initiative threatining Rb8 also he has two bishops which are powerful.}) 13. e3 Ng4 14. Re1 Be6 15. Na4 Bxe3+ 16. Bxe3 d4 17. Qxb7 Nxe3 18. Bxc6 { thespiritoftal :a very interesting position White's king is weak but he has a queenside pawn majority.Also black has a passed d-pawn.} Rb8 19. Qa6 Bc4 { after all the variations i was thinking i played the Bc4 without really check it and i missed the obviousQxB} (19... Rb6) (19... Qc8 20. Qxc8 Rfxc8 21. Rec1) (19... Bc8 20. Bxe8 Bxa6 21. Bc6 Nc2 22. Bd5+ Kh8 23. Nc5) (19... Rb6 20. Bxe8 (20. Qxb6 axb6 21. Bxe8 Rxe8) 20... Rxa6 21. Nc5 Rb6 22. Bd7) ({ thespiritoftal:An alternative is:} 19... Qd8 { Black aims to support the d-pawn also he will play Bd5 to weaken the white king and the light-squares around it.Also Black aims to play Nc2.White really has big problems now.} 20. Rac1 (20. Qe2 Rc8 21. Qf3 { now Black can try:} Nc2 { again Black is better.} ({ worse is :} 21... Rxc6 22. Qxc6 Bd5 23. Qc5 Qe8 24. Qxd4)) (20. Nc5 Rb6 ({ worse is:} 20... Bd5 21. Bxd5+ Qxd5 22. Qe6+ Qxe6 23. Nxe6) 21. Qa4 (21. Nxe6 Rxa6 22. Nxd8 Rxd8 23. Bb5 Rb6 24. Bd3 Rxb2) 21... Bd5 22. Bxd5+ Qxd5 { wins.}) 20... Bd5 21. Bxd5+ Qxd5 22. Qe2 Qxa2 { Black is better. }) 20. Qxc4+ Nxc4 21. Bxe8 Rfxe8 22. b3 Ne3 23. Rac1 Rbc8 24. Nb2 { Now White is better as d4-pawn is isolated and White has a healthy pawn majority on queenside.} Red8 25. Nc4 Kf8 26. Nxe3 Rxc1 27. Rxc1 dxe3 28. Re1 Rd2 29. Rxe3 Rxa2 30. b4 { here i wish i knew how i should setup my pawns and where to have my rook thespiritoftal:If you wish I'll be happy to explain : ) your rook is very active on the second rank as it restricts White king.I believe this position can be defended by Black.} a6 31. Rc3 Rb2 32. Ra3 Rxb4 33. Rxa6 Rb2 { thespiritoftal :you did right changing the a-pawn in return for b-pawn now a draw is nearer.} 34. Ra7 h6 35. e6 Re2 36. Rf7+ Kg8 37. Rxf5 Rxe6 38. Kf2 { This is a theoritical drawn position though it requires knowledge.} Ra6 39. Re5 Ra2+ 40. Re2 Ra3 41. h4 Kh7 { thespiritoftal:you mustn't let your opponent fix your pawns because then he can win.} (41... h5 $1 { is a draw.} 42. Re5 g6 43. Re7 { the g3-pawn is under fire so White king can't leave and this is draw.}) 42. h5 Ra5 43. Re5 Ra3 44. f5 Rb3 45. Re7 Rb5 46. g4 { thespiritoftal now you are lost :(} Rb2+ 47. Kg3 Rb3+ 48. Kh4 Rb6 49. Re6 Rb3 50. Re4 Rb1 51. Kg3 Rb3+ 52. Kf4 Rb1 53. Ke5 Rb6 54. Kd5 Ra6 55. Re6 Ra4 { there are some more moves but i was in time trouble thespiritoftal (Ali Polatel) was happy to analyze your game!I hope it will be helpful to you! :) regards,} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "2003.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "jrtallasker"] [Black "?"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C77"] [Annotator "jrtallasker; PTFN"] [PlyCount "57"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O { I was told that d4 is better, but I prefer this one. PTFN: Neither 4.O-O nor 4.d4 is in itself better than the other, so the choice depends on the player's favourite. If 4.d4 see the variation} (4. d4 exd4 5. e5 Ne4 6. O-O d5 7. Nxd4 Bd7 8. Bxc6 bxc6 9. f3 Ng5 10. f4 { PTFN: White gains a little initiative at the king side.}) 4... a6 $2 { PTFN: This is not a good idea for black after white's castling. Black's refutation against white's Bxc6 dxc6 Nxe5 winning a pawn is based on the double attack Qd4, which fails when white has already castled: Nf3 Qxe4?? Re1 wins the Queen. Normal is 4.Nxe4} (4... Nxe4 5. d4 a6 6. Ba4 b5 7. Bb3 d5 { PTFN: switching to the "open variation".}) 5. Bxc6 dxc6 6. Nxe5 Bd6 7. Nf3 { Maybe d4 would be better? PTFN: Your actual choice was correct. 7.Nf3preserves the extra pawn, whereas 7.d4 leads to a big exchange which allows black to equalize the position:} (7. d4 Bxe5 8. dxe5 Qxd1 9. Rxd1 Nxe4) 7... Bg4 8. Re1 O-O 9. d4 { I think I that e5 would win a piece, but I didn't play it because n the game I thought it was wrong. This must be my big opportunity, but I missed it...} Re8 { I felt silly when I saw that I had the chance to win a piece TWO times, but I missed it! Grrrr...} 10. Nc3 Bb4 11. Qd3 Bxc3 { I thought that I would eat the B with my Q, but then I suddenly realised that I would lose my P at e4! PTFN: Qd3 wouldn't help c3, but at least it got rid of the pin on d1-h5 diagonal.} 12. bxc3 Qe7 $2 { PTFN: It seems black should play the following variation concerning white's prospect of attack on the kingside:} (12... Bxf3 13. Qxf3 h6 14. e5 Nh7 { Although black is inferior, there is still a long-term battle. -PTFN}) 13. e5 Nd5 14. Ng5 g6 15. Ne4 Kg7 16. Bd2 $2 { PTFN: Bg5 is stronger:} (16. Bg5 Qd7 17. Qd2 Rg8 (17... Re6 18. c4 Nb6 19. Nf6) 18. c4 Nb6 19. Nf6 Qe6 20. Bh6+ Kh8 21. Qg5 Bf5 22. d5 $1 cxd5 23. cxd5 Nxd5 24. Nxd5 $1 { white's knight cannot be taken. -PTFN}) 16... f6 17. c4 f5 18. Nf6 { PTFN: It se ems you would have reserved some chances by not exchanging the knights:} (18. Ng3 Nb6 19. h3 $1 f4 (19... Bh5 20. Nxh5+ gxh5 21. Qxf5 $18) 20. Bxf4 Be6 21. c5 { This wins a free pawn for white and makes f6 an outpost for your army. -PTFN}) 18... Nxf6 19. exf6+ $2 { PTFN: Again Bg5 is better as it saves a pawn for you without the black knight escaping.} Qxf6 20. f3 Bh5 21. Rab1 b5 22. d5 bxc4 23. Qxc4 cxd5 24. Qxc7+ Qf7 25. Rb7 $2 { PTFN: What did you think when making this move? Have you considered other possibilities like the one following?} (25. Bh6+ Kg8 26. Qxf7+ Kxf7 27. Rb7+ { PTFN: There are two options for black: Kg8 and Kf6.} Kf6 (27... Kg8 28. Reb1 { ready for 29.Rg7+ Kh8 30.Rbb7 white is winning.}) 28. Bg7+ Kg5 29. Rd1 { Aiming for Rd4 and h4 mate, black has no proper move without sacrificing the bishop now.-PTFN}) 25... Rxe1+ 26. Bxe1 { PTFN: The game is in a dead draw now.} Qxc7 27. Rxc7+ Kg8 28. h3 g5 { and after that I offered a draw,which she accepted} 29. g4 $11 { PTFN: From the game it reflects you are at the beginning level. You prove to be aware of some basic tactics by figuring out the e5 fork, but you still need a lot of practice to get yourself more familiar with general play of chess. Doing some not-so-complicated exercises may help, too. And I would like to give you a piece of special advice related to this game: Avoid the habit of playing "straight lines," such as immediate recapture after capture, creating first-pulse threats, and so on. As the 19th move, I believe you could have figured "Bg5" out within a little more investigation if you had not played "exf6". And 25.Rb7? is just too easy-to-be-defeated to be a threat, moreover you could have got chances by not exchanging major pieces. That's all. Just play more and you ARE to improve. Good luck!} 1/2-1/2 [Event "-"] [Site "-"] [Date "2004.01.20"] [Round "?"] [White "thepooemperor"] [Black "gflan"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B12"] [WhiteElo "1658"] [BlackElo "1447"] [Annotator "gflan; msh"] [PlyCount "92"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] 1. e4 c6 { gflan: Tired of getting beat by people who know the sicilian better than me, I've recently decided to try playing the caro-kann to keep away from responding e5. MH: Those are completely valid reasons for playing something different.} 2. d4 d5 3. e5 { Caro-Kann: Advance Variation} c5 { MH: an interestin g variation world champion Botvinnik played - it might be better than the common 3...Bf5} 4. c3 { MH: This is the answer Black wants from White. More aggressive is 4. dxc5 to threaten pawn d5 while trying to hold onto pawn c5.} Nc6 5. Nf3 Bg4 { MH: very good!} 6. Bb5 cxd4 ({ MH:} 6... e6 { is good.}) ({ MH:} 6... Bxf3 7. Qxf3 e6 { is good.}) 7. cxd4 ({ MH:} 7. Qa4 { would have complicated matters significantly.}) 7... e6 8. h3 Bxf3 9. Bxc6+ bxc6 10. Qxf3 Bb4+ { gflan: Trying to develop my pieces and prepare the castle, I wanted to get my bishop out before Ke7, aiming at Ke5 and Kxd4.} ({ gflan:} 10... c5 11. Be3 $11) ({ MH: Or,} 10... Qb6 { to hit pawn d4 and pawn b2 will keep White tied-down while Black continues to develop}) 11. Nd2 Ne7 12. O-O Nf5 13. a3 $4 ({ MH:} 13. Nb3) ({ MH:} 13. Qd3) 13... Bxd2 { gflan: Trading in order to hit d4.} ({ gflan:} 13... Nxd4 14. Qg4 Nc2 15. Qxg7 $14) 14. Bxd2 Nxd4 { MH: You've played very well and in the hands of a master Black should win this quite often. The backward pawn c6 is a problem.} 15. Qd3 Qb6 $4 ({ gflan:} 15... c5 $5 $17 { This does seem better, though not too sure how to respond to 16 b4}) ({ MH: Simplest is} 15... Nf5 { where pawn c6 is backwards and Bd2-b4 is good for White, but Black's position is safe and he has the extra pawn at c6}) 16. b4 ({ MH:} 16. Be3 c5 17. b4 { and White will probably regain the pawn and have a terrific position.}) 16... O-O $4 { gflan: releasing the pressure on the opponent} ({ gflan:} 16... Nf5 17. Rac1 $15 { I don't understand this analysis by Fritz, I don't see where the pressure is that he is talking about. Kf5 is always possible later, I wanted to get the King out of the center.}) ({ MH:} 16... Nf5 { seems required to avoid Bd2-e3xd4 +-}) 17. Kh1 ({ MH:} 17. Be3) 17... f6 { gflan: Prevents intrusion on g5 MH: I see no intrusion on g5, but opening the f-file for Rf8 is good and having ...fxe5 to support Nd4 is good.} 18. Qg3 Nf5 19. Qf4 fxe5 { gflan: Trying to open up the F file for my Rook.} 20. Qxe5 Rae8 21. Rae1 Rf6 22. Bg5 { MH: The bishop doesn't have much to do on g5.} Rg6 23. Qf4 h6 24. Bh4 { MH: Black's position is looking very good. You just have to find the right tactical play to capitalize on that.} Nxh4 { MH: Simplifying trades aren't forcing enough to win most of the time. His Bh4 was awful, so why trade it for your good Nf5 unless you can forcibly win his king or some material?} ({ MH: Since Bh4 is exposed and awkwardly placed it makes sense to strip it of support. To that end} 24... Qb8 { might work wonders. For example,} 25. Qxb8 Rxb8 26. Bg3 Rxg3 { interesting?} 27. fxg3 Nxg3+ 28. Kg1 Nxf1 29. Kxf1 Kf7 { and Black has won another pawn!}) ({ MH: Also, since Qf4 is on an open file and somewhat tied to Bh4 it makes sense to threaten it by} 24... Rf8 { intending ...Ng3+}) 25. Qxh4 Rf8 { gflan: Adding pressure on f2. Looking forward to the endgame.} 26. Qh5 Rgf6 27. Re2 ({ MH:} 27. f3 { may be required, though} c5 { gets rid of Black's one liability and probably leads to a lasting advantage with pawn d5 perhaps someday advancing.}) 27... Rxf2 ({ MH: Also simple is} 27... c5 { to solve a positional problem before seeking rook trades.}) 28. Rexf2 Rxf2 29. Rxf2 Qxf2 30. Qe8+ Qf8 { MH: Black has a nice advantage in pawns, but queen & pawn endings can be very difficult if your king is exposed to any checks. gflan: Hoping against hope that he will trade queens.} ({ gflan:} 30... Kh7 $5 31. Qxe6 Qc2 $17 { MH: It's not easy to find a win, but it's worth trying.} ( 31... Qf6 32. Qd7 { isn't any better than 31...Qc2})) 31. Qxe6+ Qf7 ({ MH:} 31... Kh8 32. Qxc6 Qd8 33. Qc3 d4 34. Qd3 Qd6 35. Kg1 Qe5 { goes nowhere because Black can't budge Qd3 and White has some queen-side pawns too}) 32. Qxc6 { MH: White is better now. He has equal material, but his queen-side pawns are further from the kings and they're not split and exposed like Black's pawns at a7 & d5. Still, it's very close to equal because White's king is as exposed to checks as Black's.} Kh7 33. Qc2+ Qg6 { MH: In a pawn ending White's queen-side pawns will generally force Black's king away from pawn d5 and pawn g7. In this instance Black's king is better than Kh1, so it's more complicated than usual.} ({ gflan:} 33... g6 34. Qd3 $11) 34. Qxg6+ { gflan: I am a very weak endgame player, it seems to me now that he should be able to stop the advance of the d pawn and break through with the two pawn majority on the queenside. MH: Possibly. At least that's the first thing to consider.} ({ MH: Possibly safest is} 34. Qc5 { to restrain pawn d5 and begin advancing the queen-side pawns while keeping the queen to harass Black's king if that's needed.}) 34... Kxg6 { MH: GM Benko has said it takes a brave man to enter a pawn ending. They can so often be won or lost on small tricks and one tempo move.} 35. Kg1 Kf5 36. Kf2 Kf4 { gflan: Trying desperately to remember the little bit about opposition that I read too long ago.} ({ MH: Did you fear you were losing? I know the feeling. When situations change it's sometimes hard to re-evaluate properly. In this case Black is winning because his king is better! It can take aim at White's queen-side pawns.} 36... Ke4 37. Ke2 Kd4 38. Kd2 Kc4 39. Kc2 d4 { running White out of moves} 40. h4 (40. Kb2 { allows} Kd3 { and ...Ke2, d3-d2-d1=Q}) 40... h5 41. g3 g6 42. Kd2 Kb3 43. Kd3 Kxa3 44. Kxd4 Kxb4 $19 { Amazing!}) 37. g3+ Ke4 38. Ke2 d4 $2 { MH: This is bad. Pawn d4 blocks your king from getting to pawn a3. Now you'll have to retreat and is suddenly more complicated. If there is a good argument for piece activity being more relevant than pawn play this is it. The idea of crushing one's opponent with pawns is hilarious, so using pieces to go at the opponent's king or material is essential. Did you have that in mind? You should. Did you think your king and pawn d4 were only to restrain White? Why? What threat did he pose which you feared? Analyze this situation carefully and in it you will find the germ of how to play simple positions, perhaps all positions, and you should have less fear of the opponent when your pieces are better, or at least in good positions.} 39. b5 g5 ({ MH:} 39... Kd5 40. Kd3 Kc5 41. a4 Kb4 { and you're still in business =}) 40. a4 Kd5 41. Kd3 Kc5 42. h4 g4 ({ gflan:} 42... gxh4 $142 43. gxh4 h5 { MH: What does White do? Isn't this great for Black? All you have to do is trade White's pawns for d4 and then win by using pawn a7 to deflect White's king while you go get pawn h4 and promote pawn h5.} 44. Kd2 Kb4 45. Kd3 Kxa4 46. Kxd4 Kxb5 47. Kc3 Kc5 $19 { etc.}) 43. a5 Kxb5 44. Kxd4 Kxa5 45. Kc5 { gflan: At the time, I wasn't sure at all if I could have won, though looking back (especially with the help of fritz) it seems obvious that I would have. MH: It always helps to have Fritzie's objective eye. I use it to review my tournament games, to see if I missed anything major.} a6 46. h5 ({ gflan:} 46. h5 Ka4 47. Kc4 $19) 46... Ka4 { gflan: The loss is because I accidentely pushed "disconnect", using a new client software, I actually was trying to "tell" my opponent something. He offered a draw at move 45. Made me ill. MH: You played pretty well throughout, but you didn't capitalize on tactical things in several places and I sense you had a great fear of things outside your vision (ability to calculate variations).} 1-0 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2003.11.26"] [Round "?"] [White "labasol"] [Black "abotieso"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C91"] [WhiteElo "1483"] [BlackElo "1396"] [Annotator "abotieso; SirJockel"] [PlyCount "65"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] [TimeControl "1200+15"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 { abotieso: I always answer 1. ... e5 and search for a Ruy López. I think this is good for a beginner.} 3. Bb5 { Ruy López. I ignore the variation's names} a6 4. Ba4 b5 { JK: Ruy Lopez main line plays 3... Nf6 first. In some variants the white bishop on b3 causes some trouble due to his attack on f7, especially before black has castled. Therefore it might be better to play Nf6, Be7 (or Bc5) and O-O first. But b5 is of course not a mistake.} 5. Bb3 { I've seen that these pawn moves were played in GM games. I don't know if they are the best.} Nf6 { My idea was to threaten e4 and try to control the center JK: The problem is that after 5. O-O you cannot keep the pawn you take on e4 because after 5. O-O Nxe4 6. Re1 your pawn e5 is lost, and the unprotected king is in the e file - and the white bishop aims on the king's wing as well. An extra pawn does not always make up an unprotected king in the centre. As a rule of thumb, a beginner should watch out for a quick castle.} 6. O-O { White doesn't seem to be afraid of Cxe4. Theory says that this move is bad because of d4 and Rb1. JK: Alright, but because of d4 and Re1.} Be7 $6 { Protecting Cf6 and preparing to castle. Correct? JK: Preparing to castle - correct. Nf6 does not need to be protected. More important, Be7 closes the e file, Re1 does not directly threaten the king; thus, Nxe4 would be possible.} 7. Re1 { Protects e4 and places a Rook in the center} O-O { I always castle as soon as possible.} 8. c3 { Prepares d4 and prevents a Knight-Bishop exchange.} d6 ({ Protects e5 but closes Q-side for my black Bishop. What else could I do? JK: This move is theory - by exchange of move order you have reached the Ruy Lopez Main Line. Thus, d6 is correct in any case. The bishop is placed well on e7, it has no aims on the queenside; thus, blocking it is no problem. There is a very sharp alternative, called the Marshall Attack (often played by Grandmasters).} 8... d5 { often followed by} 9. exd5 Nxd5 10. Nxe5 Nxe5 11. Rxe5 Bd6 { gives a pawn for a strong attack to the king's wing.}) 9. d4 exd4 $2 ({ The center now belongs to White JK: Main Line would have been 9. h3, but 9. d4 is possible as well. I regard 9... exd4 not as a bad mistake, for you can round the center on either wing, but theorysays} 9... Bg4 { is the better choice. It indirectly attacks the pawn d4.}) 10. cxd4 Na5 { Too late for an exchange. JK: Yes, but you force the bishop out of the black king's diagonal.} 11. Bc2 Bb7 { Connects the rooks and Queen.} 12. Qe2 Nc4 { Searching for a central placed knight but wrong. White will win a pawn. JK: I do not see how white can force to win a pawn here. I have no problem with Nc4.} 13. a4 Nd7 $4 ({ The only good move was} 13... c6 { JK: Of course you have to watch out for your weak point b5. c6 is on alternative, Qd7 another one. I wouldn't remove Nf6 without a reason, for it makes pressure in the center and protects the king's pawns.}) 14. axb5 axb5 15. Rxa8 Bxa8 ({ JK: Why not} 15... Qxa8 { doubling queen and bishop in the long diagonal?}) 16. b3 Ncb6 { JK: Okay, now pawn b5 cannot be protected anymore.} 17. Qxb5 { From now on, the game is lost for black. JK: Not really - it's just a pawn. Your position is not nice, but in a beginner's game there still should be many chances.} Re8 { JK: Now imagine your position with your knight still on f6 and Qa8 and Bb7. Quite some nice pressure in the centre,right?} 18. Nc3 c6 { JK: The queen is not placed well on b5; thus, there's no need to expel it from there. And your Ba8 is closed in by c6.} 19. Qf5 $1 { Threatens e5 and checkmate or another pawn lost for black. White central pawns advance and I don't see how to stop it.} c5 $4 { Demoralized JK: Okay, this move doesn't make any sense. Why not g6, attacking the queen and closing the diagonal towards h7? After that, white cannot advance the pawns.} 20. Ng5 $1 { Black's position collapses JK: This also wouldn't have been possible after 19... g6.} Bxg5 { Defending by piece exchange. But there are too many threats.} 21. Bxg5 f6 { forced JK: You could have removed your queen as well, but f6 is of course a possibility.} 22. Be3 cxd4 { JK: Still g6 is a possibility. Now the black bishop gets into a diagonal towards your king.} 23. Bxd4 d5 { Setting up a trap for a back rank mate. My only idea. JK: That's a little obvious. I probably would have played 23... Ne5, blocking the pawn e5. After 24. f4 Ng6 the pawn h7 is covered.} 24. Re2 { White makes no mistakes.} Ne5 $4 { In time trouble and lost JK: Now Ne5 doesn't block anything, for white can capture on d5. You cannot prevent that white opens e file and the long diagonal; for that, d5 was a bad mistake. Maybe still 24... g6 is worth a try, but everything doesn't look good anymore.} 25. exd5 Nxd5 { Instead, 26... Rxe2 could have brought some relief. This allows your king to escape into the e file.} 26. Qxh7+ Kf7 { This checkmate is a textbook expample. Now all moves are forced.} 27. Qh5+ Kg8 { JK: What about Kf8? After this move all is lost, even 28. Rxe8+ Qxe8 29. Qxe8+ is possible.} 28. Bh7+ Kf8 29. Bc5+ Ne7 30. Rxe5 Qc7 31. Bg6 Qxc5 { Taking the queen is no temptation for white} 32. Qh8+ Ng8 33. Rxe8# { Black checkmated} 1-0 [Event "ICS Rated Chess Match"] [Site "?"] [Date "2004.01.26"] [Round "?"] [White "Ringworm"] [Black "bakker"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A02"] [WhiteElo "1371"] [BlackElo "1311"] [Annotator "Ringworm-thespiritoftal"] [PlyCount "75"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] 1. f4 { . . . When I open with Bird, my plan is to open f1 - a6 diagonal for my light bishop, use my dark bishop to aid in king defense, work at opening either a or c files and directing my main attack on white's king from queenside. I try to avoid attacks on king side, because my own is sort of weak. In this game submitted to FICS ladder (thanks MAd!!!) my plan is foiled. It ends up being my own fault though.} f5 { I don't remember ever being countered by a Dutch before, Scid calls this Bird Symmetrical.} 2. Nf3 ({ 10:+0.04} 2. Nf3 { Crafty is still calling for the standard V formation - e3, e6, d4 which is what I went after on the next move. thespiritoftal:I found some games in database in this opening.I attached them to the game.} Nf6 3. e3 ({ RR} 3. g3 d5 4. Bg2 e6 5. O-O Bd6 6. d3 O-O 7. Nc3 c6 8. Kh1 Bb4 9. e3 Bd7 10. Bd2 Be8 11. a3 Ba5 12. Ng5 Bf7 13. Qe1 Bb6 14. e4 Nbd7 15. Bh3 g6 16. e5 Ne8 17. Na4 h6 { Archangelsky,M-Rooda,K/Hoogeveen 2000/CBM 78 ext/1/2-1/2 (50)}) 3... e6 4. d4 ( { RR} 4. d3 d6 5. b3 b6 6. Bb2 Bb7 7. Nbd2 Nbd7 8. Be2 Be7 9. O-O O-O 10. c4 c5 11. Rc1 Rc8 12. g3 a6 13. Qe1 Qe8 14. b4 b5 15. cxb5 axb5 16. a3 cxb4 17. axb4 h6 { 1/2-1/2 Nguyen Thi Hanh-Pham Thi Nu/Hanoi 2002/CBM 90 ext (17)}) 4... Nc6 5. Bd3 Be7 6. O-O O-O) 2... Nf6 3. e3 g6 { How is black going to keep his king safe I wonder? I've actually used that opening as black against e4 openings, results in being a huge battle of minor pieces in the center with whites pawns all on the second row and Black's king totally exposed. Its fun but nerve racking for black. I won both times I used it so I will be totally cautious of this guy, especially his nights.} 4. c4 $146 { From my experience, using his opening I want to get my pawns out there and try to direct the fighting queen side or center. Also I want to hamper his knight movements as much as possible, as it is with mobile knights that opening worked for me. Thespiritoftal:This move is an interesting novelty.I believe this is a nice move.} ({ 11:+0.61} 4. Be2 { Instead of deviating from the standard opening like I did, Crafty is calling for the normal opening!!!! This always happens to me when I see a new opening from black, me deviating and then Crafty saying not to, I should have more faith.} e6 5. O-O { !!! Get that king stored!!!! why do I often hesitate?} h6 6. Nc3 { Here is where Crafty and I always go our separate ways, I find that when I wait till d2 pawn is advanced, then I can use this knight Nd2 to follow the other one's foot steps into Black's territory. Its pretty devastating when one knight is traded off for a piece only to have an other drop right into the same spot! My favorite path for the nights is f3-e5 then either d7 or f7 or g6 depending on what I am able to support either with the second knight or another piece. While this knight is in d2, it acts as second support for pawn advancement to c4. ie after the standard V is built, f4, e3, d4, Ne2 then C4 really gets things rolling king side. The knight can't stay in d2 long though because that is where the dark bishop needs to hang out for king defense. Well all this happens in my ideal game anyways, often Black foils such ideas however :(} Rg8 7. a4 g5 8. fxg5 hxg5 9. b3) ({ RR} 4. d4 Bg7 5. Nbd2 O-O 6. Bd3 d6 7. c3 h6 8. O-O c6 9. Qe2 Qe8 10. e4 fxe4 11. Nxe4 Nxe4 12. Bxe4 Bf5 13. Nh4 e6 14. Bxf5 gxf5 15. Bd2 Nd7 16. Rae1 Rf6 17. g4 Rf8 18. Qg2 Kh7 { Antusch,I-Geckle,G/Dresden 2001/CBM 84 ext/1-0 (40)}) 4... Nc6 { Here he comes with the knights!} 5. a3 { hampering his c6 knight and setting up b4 Thespiritoftal:There is no need for such a move.The plan a3-b4 is too early you should first develop your pieces and then start your plans.} ({ 10:+0.42} 5. Be2 e6 6. O-O h6 7. d4 { Crafty is trying to get back to the normal opening, I really need to stick to my guns better against weird black openings!!! thespiritoftal:Yes if you try to understand the moves you will quickly understand their simplicity.First develop your pieces.Then castle and bring your king to safety then try to create weaknesses in your opponent's camp.} g5 8. d5 exd5 9. cxd5 Nb4) 5... d5 6. d4 { I'm trying to keep the f1-a6 diagonal opened so I may use bishop f1 to keep his attacks queen side.} e6 7. c5 { I have my open diagonal. thespiritoftal:It is good you are playing sticked to a specific plan.But the plan is not the best I think.True the bishop has an open diagonal but it doesn't control any important points. Additionally the c5-move gives up the tension in the center in favor for Black. As now he can land his knight comfortably to e4 which he couldn't do if the pawn was on c4 because then d5-will lack protection.} ({ 8:+0.00} 7. Nc3 { I'll go along with Crafty's idea of getting this knight out, just I would put in d2. Crafty wants to battle for e4, which experience shows is too strong for Black. I say let Black park his knight there, eventually when he brings it out there will be a better opportunity to attack it.} Ne4 8. Bd3 Nxc3 9. bxc3 dxc4 10. Bxc4 Na5 11. Bd3) 7... b6 { thespiritoftal:A wrong move.} (7... Ne4 8. Bd3 Bg7 { Black has an equal game and no difficulties at all.}) 8. b4 { What I don't like here is in my effort to get the pawns out, my minor pieces are not developed, nor is my king safe! thespiritoftal:You are completely right.You had a better move then b4 here.} (8. Bb5 Bd7 { This is the only move.} (8... Bb7 9. Ne5 { wins.}) 9. Qa4 { White's pieces start to develop creating threats.} Nb8 { It is sad that Black should get his knight back to its own square.} 10. c6 Bc8 11. O-O { Black's development is hampered because of the strong c6-pawn.White is clearly better.}) 8... a5 9. Be2 { preventing him from stealing my diagonal! thespiritoftal:This is a wrong move.} ({ 9:+0.33} 9. Bb5 Bd7 10. Ng5 Ne4 11. Nxe6 Qh4+ 12. g3 Nxg3 13. Nxc7+ Kf7 14. Nxa8 Nxh1+ { This variation of Crafty's is just awful!!!!!!}) ({ I believe this is better.} 9. Qa4 Bd7 { is again only move.} 10. b5 Nb8 11. c6 Bc8 12. Bd3 { Black's development is again hampered and White is clearly better. I can't see a way how Black will develop his queenside pieces.}) 9... axb4 { Now White is worse.} 10. a4 { He is sneaky, I'll say that much! Hopefully that will stop his A column snatch attempt. Why am I playing Mr defense as white????} Ne4 { It will take my entire army to drive his knight out of e4, guess I'll have to live with it being there, not unusual when I use Bird to result in a knight stuck here, I'm used to it.} 11. O-O { It seems way late for castling....} bxc5 12. dxc5 { He has certainly destroyed my pawn structure :(} Bxc5 { This is turning ugly for me thespiritoftal:This position is clearly better for Black.} 13. Bb2 { Might as well get a1-h8 before he does! I have the good diagonals now, so why do I feel like I am going to loose thisgame?} Bxe3+ { Ah yes, the g1-a7 is his, this game is looking like a nightmare! I'm used to having pawns at b5, c5, d4, e3 to stop this sort of nonesense, where the heck are they?} 14. Kh1 Rf8 15. Ng5 Nf2+ { Oh goodie, where did that knight come from???? I forgot to pay his knights close attention, and I know better!!!! As soon as he got the g1-a7 I should have expected this. Thespiritoftal:It is very interesting but I think this move is dubious.} ({ After.} 15... Nxg5 16. fxg5 Qxg5 { black is simply winning.}) 16. Rxf2 Bxf2 { Things are beginning to look hopeless :( My rook pair is gone, no pawns. Black's pawns are in perfect condition and I still have a knight on the back row!!!! Thespiritoftal:All you said is true but your pieces are active and Black king is in the middle. Now you could have had a attack!} 17. Nxh7 { After this wrong move your position is worse.} ({ The right move is:} 17. Bb5 Bd7 18. Qe2 { very good move!White is threatining both e6-pawn and the f2-bishop.Black is obliged to give away his bishop.} Qe7 (18... Bd4 19. Bxc6 Bxb2 20. Ra2 { good move!} Bf6 21. Qxe6+ Qe7 22. Bxd7+ Kd8 23. Bc6 Bxg5 24. Qxd5+ Kc8 25. Bd7+ Kb8 26. Qb5+ Ka7 27. Qa5+ { With perpetual check.White manages to save!}) 19. Qxf2 { Here also White has two pieces for the rook plus the black king is in the centre and the position is equal.You should work tactics.This was a really interesting variation.}) 17... Rh8 { A blunder by Black.You had luck! :)} (17... Qh4 { is a good move and can decide the game in Black's favor.} 18. Bb5 Bd7 19. Nxf8 Kxf8 { Black has 6 pawns against White's four and his king is no more in danger. This position is clearly better for Black.}) 18. Bxh8 { Well he falls for stupid tricks at least, maybe there is yet hope, I'll try confusing him with night movements and hope he makes another mistake.} Qh4 19. Nf6+ { He is not foc using his attacks well, I am feeling slightly hopeful now. Thespiritoftal:This is another blunder in return.} ({ You could directly win the game with:} 19. Bb5 Bd7 20. Bb2 { good move! if now:} Qxh7 21. Bxc6 Bxc6 22. Qc2 { is a double attack.White wins a bishop and will have a piece up.}) 19... Kf7 20. Nh5 gxh5 21. Bxh5+ { Black had such a nice set up, and is letting it slip away...... The opening he used is terrible for king safety!!!} Kg8 22. Bb2 { With his king exposed like that, if I make no mistakes I should beable to win this one, certainly a major change of events here! thespiritoftal:I am thinking not like you.This position is good for Black if he plays precise as you can't bring your pieces to attack the enemy king.True it is bare and weak but you don't have enough pieces to attack it.} Bg3 23. h3 Qxf4 ({ This move is better I think.} 23... Bxf4 { Black is aiming Qg3} 24. Nd2 Ne5 { And Black winning.}) 24. Nd2 Qg5 25. Nf1 Be5 26. Bxe5 Nxe5 { I'm feeling pretty confident at this point, I don't think he can defend those pawns and keep his king safe now. Thespiritoftal:I think a bit more optimistic about Black here.} 27. Nh2 Bb7 28. Nf3 $4 { Terrible move by me, I am so lucky Black didn't catch it! I feel kind of bad about winning this one now :( He should have done Qxh5, pinning my knight. I would have been done for after he Nxf3! Thespiritoftal: you had luck again :)} Nxf3 29. Qxf3 { Black really blew an opportunity here, cost him the game. Thespiritoftal:It is true he missed an opportunity but he is still better.} Rf8 30. Qe2 { Going into full attack mode now} Qf6 (30... e5 $1 { wins quickly!you can't take the pawn because your bishop will be undefended then.And if you don't take Black will have a huge center and passed pawns.}) 31. Rc1 { By threatening his pawns I am hoping he will forget to protect his king} Qg5 { Another very poor move by Black, he should be defending e6, I think he has given up in this game and is just going through the motions of playing now. Thespiritoftal:This is a blunder.Now White is winning.} 32. Rxc7 { The 7th row is mine, I nearly never loose once I put a rook safely on this row.....} Rb8 33. Qxe6+ { Diminishing his hopes toward moving those pawns, Black is a goner now, no king defense at all.} Kh8 34. Qe5+ { Thespiritoftal:White has mate soon...} Kg8 35. Bf7+ Kh7 36. Bh5+ Kh6 37. Qe6+ Kxh5 38. Rh7+ { bakker resigns thespiritoftal:With mate coming... I was very happy analysing your game.If you have any questions or any points you didn't understand please send me an e-mail to alipolatel@yahoo.com or ask me when I am connected to FICS. Thespiritoftal FICS Ladder Team http:// chess-live-cage. com/thespiritoftal.html} 1-0 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2004.02.09"] [Round "?"] [White "chessisbest"] [Black "Slayter"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C21"] [WhiteElo "1485"] [BlackElo "1140"] [Annotator "Slayter, RoundTower"] [PlyCount "42"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] [TimeControl "1800"] 1. d4 { S: In this game I sacrificed material for position. Once I had position I did not know how to capitalize on it. Perhaps my position was not strong enough?} d6 2. e4 e5 { S: I am still not comfortable with d4 openings (Something I plan to work on.) RT: don't worry too much about the openings at the moment. Just play the most natural moves, developing your pieces, as you did.} 3. dxe5 Nc6 { S: Should I have played 3. ...dxe5 and exchanged queens? RT: It's a matter of taste...if you exchange queens you lose the right to castle, which is always useful, but otherwise you sacrifice a pawn. I think the move you played is an interesting gambit, because you get to develop some pieces fast.} 4. exd6 Bxd6 5. Bb5 Nf6 6. e5 $2 { RT: This throws away a pawn!} Bb4+ $2 { RT: instead of this, you could easily have taken the pawn on e5 - not with your knight, which is pinned, but with your bishop.} (6... Bxe5) 7. Bd2 $2 { RT: Here your opponent missed a useful trick - if he had blocked the check by playing c3! then both your bishop and your knight would be attacked by his pawns, and you would have to lose one of them.} (7. c3 $1) 7... Bg4 8. f3 $1 { RT: this time your opponent spots the same trick...now two of your minor pieces are attacked by his pawns.} O-O 9. exf6 Re8+ 10. Ne2 Qxf6 $5 { S: I playe d 10. ...Qxf6 to save my pawn structure? Was there a better solution? RT: normally I would say that you should save the bishop on g4 rather than take the pawn. But this move attacks White's weak pawn on b2, so it is interesting.} 11. fxg4 Nd4 { S: I wanted to play 11. ...Bc5 (who knows how long I spent pondering this) and now I don't know why I played 11. ...Nd4 RT: Nd4 is a principled move because it puts pressure on the pinned knight on e2. But unfortunately you weren't careful enough about your rook on e8.} 12. Bxe8 Rxe8 13. Bxb4 { RT: maybe you saw that here you could win his queen for your rook, by taking the knight on e2. Of course, he has a lot of pieces to compensate for the queen, but you would win back something.} Qe5 (13... Rxe2+ 14. Qxe2 Nxe2 15. Kxe2 Qxb2 { RT: forking rook, bishop and pawn. Also with a queen against several pieces, it is likely you would get another chance to fork some "loose" pieces.}) 14. Nbc3 Qf4 { S: I know I should have played Qf4 on 13. ... Qe5. I felt utterly lost at the time RT: You are utterly lost, but where there's life there's hope.} 15. Qd2 Qxg4 16. O-O-O { RT: Now White has managed to get all his pieces developed and his king safe. He should win easily with his extra material.} Qxg2 $2 17. Nxd4 h6 $4 { RT: You lose your queen, but the game was pretty much over anyway.} 18. Qxg2 b6 19. Rhe1 Rf8 20. Bxf8 Kxf8 21. Nf5 g6 { Slayter resigns. RT: The main mistakes you made in this game were tactical -- you dropped a piece or failed to take one of your opponent's. In general you should be more aware of the "double attack" - when your opponent is attacking 2 pieces and you can only save one. This happened at move 8 and could have happened as early as move 7. But you are thinking well, and since you took the time to annotate this game it is clear you are willing to work on your chess. So keep practicing and annotating your own games. Good luck!} 1-0 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2004.02.10"] [Round "?"] [White "Slayter"] [Black "sidbarrett"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C41"] [WhiteElo "1136"] [BlackElo "1436"] [Annotator "slayter, RoundTower"] [PlyCount "78"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] [TimeControl "1200"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 { S: I've just started studying Ruy Lopez (I've yet to play against a person with it) and this stumps me RT: Like I said don't worry about learning opening moves for the moment.} 3. Bb5+ c6 4. Ba4 b5 5. Bb3 h6 6. O-O f5 $6 { RT: White is better developed, so Black shoud get some pieces out before making more pawn moves like this. Especially moving the f-pawn leaves him open to a lot of tricks on the light squares around his king. White could even sacrifice material with 7. Nxe5!? here. 7. d3 as you played is also perfectly fine and solid though.} 7. d3 (7. Nxe5 $5 dxe5 8. Qh5+ Ke7 { RT: with an interesting attack for White in exchange for his material}) 7... fxe4 8. dxe4 Nf6 9. Re1 { S: I thought I was doing well as far as my development. Perhaps I wasn't, or maybe I need to work more on my mid/end game? RT: So far so good, you are well ahead in development here.} Nbd7 10. Bg5 $5 { RT: You really should mention in your notes what you thought was going on here. When I saw this move first I thought it must just lose a piece - you put the bishop where it can be taken. But if you saw that the knight could come from g5 to the weakened squares on f7 and e6, very good! Let's see what happens if he takes the piece...} c5 (10... hxg5 11. Nxg5 d5 { RT: to stop Nf7 forking Q and R} 12. exd5 cxd5 (12... Nxd5 13. Bxd5 ({ or even} 13. Nf7 $1 Kxf7 14. Bxd5+ cxd5 15. Qxd5+ Ke8 16. Qxa8) 13... Qxg5 14. Bxc6 Rb8) 13. Bxd5 Nxd5 14. Qxd5 { RT: threatening mate on f7, and the rook on a8.} Qxg5 15. Qxa8 { RT: an interesting position, Black has two bishops for a rook and two pawns, which is usually a bit better, but Black might have some trouble getting his pieces out.}) 11. Bd5 $1 { S: Maybe I should have played 11. Nbd2 ? RT: absolutely not -- Black was threatening to win your bishop for a pawn by playing ...c4 next move.} (11. Nbd2 $2 c4 { RT: and the bishop is trapped.}) 11... Rb8 12. Bc6 $2 { RT: all this time your bishop has been sitting on g5 waiting to be taken. Now it is definitely safe for Black to take it, since your white-squared bishop no longer controls the e6 and f7 squares where it would penetrate.} Be7 (12... hxg5 13. Nxg5 Qe7 { RT: and Black is winning}) 13. Bxd7+ { S: I thought I was ahead in time so I would trade pieces. Mistake? RT: Probably. In general if you are "ahead in time", you have got your pieces developed to better squares than your opponent. In this case you got your bishop all the way into his position, while his knight hasn't even got out in front of his own pawns. So your bishop is a better piece for the moment.} Nxd7 14. Bxe7 Qxe7 15. Nc3 O-O 16. Nd5 $1 { RT: Good - the d5 square is very weak for Black, since it can no longer be controlled by a Black pawn.} Qf7 17. Nh4 Nb6 18. Ng6 $5 { RT: Nice trick! If Qxg6, Ne7+ wins the queen.} Re8 (18... Qxg6 $2 19. Ne7+ Kh7 20. Nxg6) 19. Nde7+ { S: I was going to trade my knights for his rook (obviously not sound thinking in hindsight) 20. Nxe7. I guess I should have slowed down and played 19. Qh5, 20. Nde7+, 21. Nxe7, possibly? RT: If you want to give up both knights for the rook you might as well do it now.} Rxe7 20. Qh5 $2 { RT: but not like this! You just lost a knight - at best you should have got a rook for two knights by taking the rook on e7 immediately. Now you end up in even more trouble, since the knight on g6 is pinned to the queen.} Re6 $1 { RT: a good move, moving the rook out of danger and attacking the pinned knight. } 21. f4 Qxg6 22. Qxg6 Rxg6 23. f5 Rf6 { RT: Here you have just thrown away two knights in the space of three or four moves. Before that you had quite a good position - now it is lost.} 24. g4 { S: From here I felt I was in a downward spiral and didn't know how to play to regain an advantage or a draw. RT: The rule is: you should not play for a win or a draw, but just try to find the best moves. Here you would be very lucky to get anything.} Nc4 25. h4 Nxb2 26. g5 hxg5 27. hxg5 Rf8 28. f6 Rf7 { RT: he could have taken on f6, but it doesn't matter much.} (28... gxf6) 29. Kf2 gxf6 30. g6 Rg7 31. Rg1 Bd7 32. Rae1 Be8 33. Re3 Nc4 34. Reg3 Nd2 35. c3 { S: I'm sure 35. Kf3 would have been far wiser. RT: well Ke3, anyway...Kf3 is illegal.} Nxe4+ 36. Kf3 Nxg3 37. Rxg3 Bxg6 38. Rxg6 $2 { RT: The position is hopeless anyway, but there's no need to recklessly give up a rook for a bishop. } Rxg6 39. Ke4 Rb6 { Slayter resigns RT: A well-played game apart from your one "blip" where you lost two pieces. You can certainly feel a little bit unlucky - it happens to everyone. The best advice I can give you is to take your opponent's pieces when possible, and avoid letting him take yours. You can become a Grandmaster knowing very little more about chess than this.} 0-1 [Event "Simultaneous Exhibition, 23 boards, no t"] [Site "Columbia Chess Club, Maryland "] [Date "2004.03.04"] [Round "?"] [White "GM Wojtkiewicz, Aleks"] [Black "mischa"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A34"] [WhiteElo "2675"] [BlackElo "1636"] [Annotator "mischa, msh"] [PlyCount "54"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] { m: This was an OTB simulatneous exhibition, with no clocks. Wojo went 21-1-1, losing to one of his students and drawing this game. What I really want help with is whether I had realistic winning chances at the end, and what kind of continuation I should have tried to force the endgame. There are other questions in my notes, as well. Thanks.} 1. c4 { MH: He generally prefers a Catalan Opening with d2-d4, c2-c4, g2-g3, Bf1-g2. However, in a simul the exhibitor will usually play a wide variety of things.} Nf6 2. Nc3 c5 { MH: I don't generally recommend this as it can lead to a game where the open lines will favor White more than Black. It isn't played by top GMs as often as ...g6, ...e6, ...e5 or ...b6. However, I also advise a person to play the openings they know and know the openings they intend to play.} 3. Nf3 e6 4. g3 d5 { MH: This should definately be avoided by all but the best tacticians. The Rubinstein Variation, which AW appears ready to play, is quite safe for White and not offering a lot of offense for Black. For examples see the 1984 wch match of Karpov-Kasparov.} 5. cxd5 exd5 6. d4 Be7 7. Bg2 Be6 $6 { m: I wanted to over-protect the d5-pawn, since I knew he was going to blockade it and then hammer it once it was isolated. However, I think this is probably premature at this point, as it eliminates the possibility of ...Bg4 (without the loss of a tempo, that is). The light squared Bishop is technically 'bad' on e6, inasmuch as it is blocked by its own central pawn on d5, and it is also passively developed; but it is performing a vital function in guarding d5-pawn. I would have been only too happy to have White trade a Knight for this Bishop, as I could recapture with the f-pawn, giving pawn support to the d-pawn, and opening the f-file for my Rook. Instead of 7...Be6, more standard is 7...Nc6. Knights before Bishops. MH: It's right to see pawn d5 as a potential problem, but there is also pawn d4 and squares d4 & e5 to control with ...Nc6. Your slight over-reaction already indicates your state of mind for the event... understandable.} 8. O-O O-O 9. b3 $5 { m: I am not familiar enough with the subtleties of the Tarrasch to say for sure, but this seems a bit unusual and somewhat slow. A more traditional handling of the position would be 9.dxc5, isolating the d-pawn, and then after 9...Bxc5 possibly 10.Na4. Another typical idea people have played against me is 9.Bg5 which all but forces 9...cxd4 10. Nxd4. Does Black's early 7...Be6 justify deviating from the bookish lines? Most of the theory I have seen has White's dark-square Bishop developing along the c1-h6 diagonal, usually to g5 or even e3. Anyway, my feeling was that White has taken it a little easy on Black in the opening to this point and should have played more forcefully. MH: He likes to develop fully before committing to any tactical "solution". In this instance he sees Be6 defending pawn d5 and simply chooses not to trade Bc1-g5xf6 when it doesn't gain him much. So, instead, he's developing Bc1-b2 to prepare Ra1-c1 and dxc5, Nc3-b5-d4 or something similar. It's probably not in a book, but it does fit the position.} Nc6 10. Bb2 Rc8 11. Rc1 b6 { MH: Interesting position! White's Nc3 is in the way and it's not clear where Qd1 can be moved to prepare Rf1-d1. Black's position looks harmonious except for the slightly exposed Be6, though that's safe enough for the moment. Before Nf3 can move (perhaps Nf3-g5xe6) he needs to deal with the weak pawn d4 and that leads to moving Nc3.} 12. Na4 cxd4 { 12...Nd7 would also be interesting.} 13. Nxd4 Qd7 { MH: 13...Nxd4 14. Bxd4 ought to be safe enough, but might lead quickly to an ending where you'd be afraid of having the IQP pawn d5. Still, that might be o.k. and a good way to defuse the position before he can create anything more dangerous.} 14. Nc3 Bc5 { m: Here I was attempting to fight for control of the important d4 square. At some point, I was hoping to remove the blockading Knight, preferably without giving up my good Bishop on c5. If I can force White to recapture with his e-pawn, I should have a fairly equal game as both sides would have the same weakness, an isolated d-pawn. However, if I am forced to give up my good Bishop without compromising White's pawn structure or activating my other pieces, I will be in for a long and dreary endgame. MH: Good thinking.} 15. Ncb5 Nxd4 16. Nxd4 Bh3 $5 { m: I was worried after I played this move. My idea was to trade off my bad Bishop for White's good Bishop; trading a defender of my weak pawn for one of his attackers, and weakening the light squares around his king at the same time. I suspect it may be a mistake, however, as if White simply captures it I will have to spend time recapturing with the queen and then possibly moving her back to the center where the action is. Maybe 16... Bg4 instead, to delay the advance of the e-pawn, or possibly 16...Ne4 straightaway? MH: I think it's premature to make this kind of offensive move. The two bishops are both good, but trading off Bg2 to weaken Kg1 can only be useful if you have some other pieces which can move in to take advantage. Better is ...Bg4 and then further developments such as ...Rf8-e8 and ...Rc8-d8. Black can't always afford the same kind of piece trades as White since they would weaken pawn d5. So, Black must build threats with many pieces and play offensively with the extra open e-file as compensation for White's solid use of d4 and the slightly perpetually weak pawn d5.} 17. e3 { MH: Dubious or outright bad; this should be replaced with more piece play: Qd1-d3, Rf1-d1 and attempts to generate play via f5, after Bh3 is traded and against pawn d5 by moving Nd4 and threatening Bxf6 to undermine the pawn.} Bxg2 18. Kxg2 Rfe8 { m: Following the plan, and now eyeing e4 with the Knight. MH: Piece play will make up for a lot of pawn structure "sins".} 19. Qf3 { m: This seemed odd to me, and in fact ended up causing White some difficulty as it blocked the f-pawn from challenging the e4 square, and enabled forking threats later on. MH: He might have been simply thinking about threats to Nf6 or the idea of Qf3-f5 to head for an endgame. But, it's too late because pawn d5 isn't so terribly weak and Nf6 can move (no more target).} Ne4 20. Rcd1 $2 { m: This is a mistake, as it relinquishes control of the c-file. However, White is worried about the weakness on d2 and the possibilities of forking the Queen and Rook on f1, alluded to above. The sad truth is, I had not noticed the c-file invasion when I played 19...Ne4, but had been planning a Knight maneuver designed to challenge White's Knight on d4. My idea was to play Ne4-g5-d6, and exchange everything on d4. I assume this was a bad idea?! Fortunately, I noticed the other idea in time. MH: It's just too passive to aim for those trades when you have a fine position without that. He should perhaps have found Rf1-d1, Nd2-e2-f4 to apply nice pressure to pawn d5 and make his pieces more of a threat to Kg8. Only the tight squeeze Qf3 is in is a big concern (for someone spending very little time on each position during a simul). Unforseen situations are normal. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, sees everything and all consequences. So, you play your plans, take advantage of mistakes and keep your eyes open for dangers to avoid.} Bxd4 $1 { MH: The things I like about this move is it does the unexpected, giving a B for a N, and opportunistically taking advantage of the open c-file. I can imagine AW being surprised and suddenly worried.} 21. Bxd4 Rc2 { m: Black's pieces have become very active, and it is in fact White who is cramped and tied down to defending weak squares, not Black. In fact, White is not even attacking the isolani. Instead, White tries to move one of his potential weaknesses off of the second rank, but in doing so creates a weak pawn on b3. MH: Rf1 is going to be very tied down to defense now. Such are the consequences of Rc1-d1, rather than Rf1-d1.} 22. a4 Rec8 { MH: Did you see 22...Nd2 and reject it for some reason? Of course, 23. Qe2 makes it bad, so you thought of ...Rec8 to add protection to Rc2. That way you really do threaten ...Nd2. But, that's not giving much credit to White. So, ... The queen-side pawns aren't terribly weak yet (though they would be if queens suddenly disappeared). More to the point is the kind of offense I mentioned above, where Black uses all his pieces offensively as compensation for the White use of d4 and the weakened pawn d5. In this position that offensive idea can be done better with Rc2, but not attacking pawn b3, so much as pawn f2 and Qf3 & Kg2. So, to that end ...Re8-e6-h6 would be more to the point.} 23. Qf4 { m: After the game, White mentioned that he missed a tactical opportunity with 23.Bxg7, with the idea that if 23...Kxg7? then 24.Qxe4! dxe4 25.Rxd7 and White has won a pawn, destroyed Black's kingside and has a Rook on the seventh, comparable to Black's Rc2. However, it turns out that Black doesn't have to bite, as he can win the exchange instead: 23.Bxg7 Nd2! 24.Rxd2 Rxd2 25.Bf6 Qe6 26.Rd1 Rxd1 27.Qxd1 Qe4+ (not 27..Qxf6? Qg4+ followed by Qxc8) and Black is doing well. Additionally, simply 23...Qe6! followed by 24...Nd2 is also good. Of course, I had seen none of this, and was in fact a bit worried about White's Bishop and Queen on my seemingly undefended Kingside. MH: Scary, isn't it, what a GM can see, and yet overlook. Every chess position is an individual and has it's own hidden secrets. Even the quiet looking positions can be amazingly complex and tactical. He might not have overlooked it, so much as he was depressed that he hadn't won and felt maybe that it would've worked -- but during the game he probably didn't see it quick enough or considered it and wasn't certain he could safely do it. Oh, the pressures of only having seconds to find a move, much less a plan.} Qe6 $6 { m: Here I was seeing shadows. I probably should have played 23...Nd2 immediately, but I wanted to be able to bring the Queen over to the Kingside in case White started trying mating threats with his Bishop and Queen. I was afraid of 23... Nd2 24.Qg5 threatening mate on g7. My reasoning was that if 24...f6, White can simply take the pawn with 25.Bxf6 since the g-pawn is pinned, and if instead 24...g6 25.Qf6 was simply winning. However, it turns out that 24...f6 wins for Black since his Queen still guards the mating square g7 and he can win the Bishop: 24...f6 25.Bxf6 Nxf1 26.Rxf1 (not 26.Rxd5? Nxe3+ forking the Rook) and now 26...h6! will win the Bishop since if 27.Qg6 R8c6! Incidentally, it also turns out that my evaluation of 24...g6 as being lost for Black is wrong too, as White can only force a draw by repetition: 24...g6 25.Qf6 Kf8 26.Qh8+ Ke7 27.Qf6+ Kf8, etc. Lost in my fantasies, I knew only that for now the Knight on e4 protected the key squares f6 and g5, and I wanted to maintain that for at least another move. MH: I like the looks of Qe6. One should maintain a safe king, as you were fearfully doing, and don't think you have to rush quite so much. Your decision was probably right, but you should feel more comfortable doing that, and not wondering if it's right. When the time for calculating complex tactics and variations come then you can apply more intense effort. Of course, the better players calculate humongous variations and ideas all the way through, but they also use common sense and general ideas about how a game is progressing. In your case it appears there's room for some work on generating variations under fire and having confidence that you're seeing enough of a position's potential. Not being able to see variations well will always lead to fear, as though walking through a dark forest and hearing awful animal growls and screeches. Seeing more clearly all the potentials of a position will automatically help you be more at ease and able to carry out normal plans and maneuvers.} 24. h4 $6 { m: Hmmm...I think with this White is trying to scare his vastly lower-rated opponent by lashing out at the King. This move seems anti-positional as it only further weakens the light squares around the King. Perhaps he was hoping that Black would allow him to play Rh1 followed by h4-h5-h6, really attacking the Black King. But this is slow and Black is too strong in the center for a flank attack, especially against the weak f-pawn. MH: I think he was just preventing ...Ne4-g4 and thus keeping Kg2 safer from your pieces. That frees Qf4 to move to other squares.} Nd2 { MH: Again, I think you're rushing the offense just a tad too much. Instead there's time for 24...h6 to give Kg8 some air and then continue the offense with ...Re2, ...Rcc2.} 25. Rfe1 Ne4 $5 { m: And here I lost my backbone! I decided that I would rather take the forced draw by repetition then try to grind out a win in a pawn-up Rook ending. Since in general, Rook endings are drawish, and considering the significant difference in playing strength between White and Black (and commensurate theoretical endgame knowledge and experience), this seemed justified. However, it seems that Black has decent winning chances in this position, yes? MH: Yes, definately, though with this material on the board it wouldn't be easy. m: After 25...Nxb3 26.Qe5 Nxd4 27. Qxd4 things are shaping up to be an endgame with all the heavy pieces still on (and thus plenty of chance for mishaps), so that's probably not what Black is looking for. 26...Qxe5 seems better but White still has plenty of force left to make trouble, and the Bishop may do better in the ending than Black's Knight. And if Black trades minor pieces, it's down to a laborious double Rook endgame. For whatever it's worth, out of curiosity I set up the position after 24...Nd2 and gave Crafty-18.15 the White pieces and GNU Chess 5.02 the Black pieces, and each 30 minutes; White won back his pawn and the game ended in a draw... MH: I'm not terribly surprised. The amount of heavy pieces on the board means the extra pawn isn't so significant.} 26. Rf1 Nd2 27. Rfe1 Ne4 { m: Draw agreed. MH: Woohoo! Congratulations! You played a very nice game. My suggestions are: 1) Learn to calculate forcing variations better. Focus on it. 2) Don't rush an offense, let your material advantage and piece placement lead. 3) Keep a well-rounded sense of the position -- keep your king safe too.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Jakarta"] [Site "Jakarta"] [Date "2003.08.21"] [Round "?"] [White "Comet B60"] [Black "DavidBudiman"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "B12"] [Annotator "DavidBudiman, Killerman"] [PlyCount "155"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] { This is my best game against Comet B60 on AMD K6-2 450 MHz. The opening line is the Caro Kann which I'm not familiar with, I chose it because I want to try something new.} 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. f3 { Killerman: This is one of the more unusual lines in the Caro Kann with moves like 3. Nc3 or 3. e5 the most popular. This move is a rather artificial way of supporting the centre pawns and it also takes away the f3 square from the knight. It does however avoid a lot of opening theory and the centre is supported in the hope that White might get a central pawn advantage later on.} e6 4. Be3 $6 { Killerman: I believe that 4.Nc3 supporting the centre and not weakening b2 is better. Black has two good replies to Be3.} ({ Killerman:} 4. Nc3 Bb4 5. Nge2 (5. Bf4 Nf6 6. Qd3 $11) 5... dxe4 6. fxe4 Qh4+ 7. Ng3 $11) 4... Qb6 { I'm not sure if Qb6 is the right continuation, but from my perspective it tickles White's b2 pawn. Killerman: This is fine, developing in a way that forces your opponent to cover something is usually right. The alternative is 4... dxe4} ({ Killerman:} 4... dxe4 5. Nd2 (5. fxe4 $2 Qh4+ $17) 5... exf3 6. Ngxf3 Nf6 7. Bd3 $15 (7. Nc4 $15)) 5. Qc1 { Killerman: The alternative is Nd2 which may be better, but still leaves White with a poor position.} ({ Killerman:} 5. Nd2 Qxb2 6. Bd3 Nf6 (6... Qa3 7. Ne2 b6 8. O-O Ba6 9. Nb3 Bxd3 10. Qxd3 Qa6 11. Qd2 Ba3 12. Ng3 Nd7 13. Nc1 Ne7 14. Nd3 O-O { Black is still better but the game ended in a draw Mitkov-Khenkin 1999}) 7. Ne2 Qa3 8. Nb3 b6 9. O-O Ba6 10. Bc1 Qe7 11. Ng3 Qb7 12. Bg5 Nbd7 13. Qe2 Bxd3 14. cxd3 h6 15. Bxf6 Nxf6 16. f4 O-O-O 17. Rab1 Qa6 18. e5 Ne8 19. f5 Rd7 { Gdanski-Khenkin 1998 0-1}) 5... Na6 $6 { Where else can the Knight can go? The d7 square is needed by my Bishop to clear the way for the King to castle queenside if it needs to. Killerman: In assessing the best plan there are a number of factors to consider. This is how I would deal with the problem. The first factor is the centre and if you look at the pawn structure it is clear that if Black is to attack White's centre it is by playing c5, it is the most natural pawn break. In addition the pawns on e6 and d5 suggest a queenside attack as they point in that direction. The second consideration is development. Are there any natural moves that I can consider playing? Well, Nf6 has to be a candidate move but neither bishop has a really 'good' square and I would suggest that the queens knight falls into the same category. The third factor is castling. Which side shall I go? Well, if I have decided in the first place that I am attacking on the queenside it is reasonable to suggest that the kingside is where I will castle. In conclusion then I am castling kingside and playing Nf6 and c5. Either of the two moves is fine and I give a couple of sample lines. By using similar logic to that which I give above will help you when you are undecided as to the best course of action.} ({ Killerman:} 5... Nf6 6. Nd2 c5 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8. Bxc5 Qxc5 9. Nb3 Qb6 10. e5 Nfd7 11. f4 O-O 12. Nf3 Nc6 { Pedersen-Jensen 1994 drawn}) ({ Killerman:} 5... c5 6. c3 (6. dxc5 Bxc5 7. Bxc5 Qxc5 8. Nd2 Qe3+ 9. Ne2 Ne7 10. exd5 Nxd5 11. Ne4 Qxc1+ 12. Rxc1 Ke7 13. Nd4 { Hodge-O'Brien 1995 drawn}) 6... Nc6 7. Qd2 dxe4 8. fxe4 Nf6 9. dxc5 Bxc5 10. Bxc5 Qxc5 11. Bd3 Ne5 12. Nf3 Bd7 13. Nxe5 Qxe5 14. Qe2 Bc6 15. Nd2 Rd8 { Hamberger-Duer 1995 0-1}) 6. Nc3 Bb4 { Another attempt to annoy White at the cost of moving the Bishop twice, is this worth it? I was thinking if White plays a3 immediately I will reply with Bxc3 to double White's pawns on the c-file. Killerman: I prefer Be7 but your choice is fine and your reasoning is OK. I would add that you can also withdraw the bishop after a3 to e7 as happens in the game.} 7. Nge2 Nf6 8. a3 Be7 9. Ng3 Bd7 $6 { Killerman: I'm not sure about this move. You are obviously following your plan of castling queenside, but as I outlined earlier I'm not sure of that as a plan. In addition White is threatning to take over space with the move e5 so putting the bishop on d7 takes away a square from the knight. I wouldtherefore have delayed moving the bishop at the moment. The move 9.. dxe4 is best here attempting to loosen White's hold of the centre and giving Black a share of space on the board.} ({ Killerman:} 9... dxe4 10. fxe4 { if White were to have recaptured with either knight then Black would have the d5 square touse} Ng4 { the bishop has to cover the d4 square so} 11. Bg1 (11. Na4 Qa5+ 12. Qd2 Qxd2+ ( 12... Qxa4 $2 13. b3 $1 { trapping the queen} Bb4 14. bxa4 Bxd2+ 15. Bxd2 $14) 13. Bxd2 b5 14. Nc3 $11) 11... e5 { applying more pressure and releasing the c8 bishop} 12. dxe5 Bc5 13. Bxc5 Nxc5 $11 { and Black regains the pawn on e5}) 10. e5 Ng8 { Do I have a choice? Black just doesn't have enough room for all of his army. What if White replies with Nh5? Kf8 would have been my answer, but is this adequate for Black? Killerman: No, you don't have a choice any other moves just lose material. If White had now replied Nh5 then either g6, or Bf8 would have been the moves to play. Although Kf8 is OK you keep the option open to castle queenside later.} 11. Be2 ({ Killerman:} 11. Nh5 g6 (11... Bf8 12. Na4 (12. Bd3 c5 $11) 12... Qa5+ 13. Qd2 Qxd2+ 14. Bxd2 c5 $14) 12. Ng3 (12. Ng7+ $2 Kf8 $19) 12... O-O-O 13. Bd3 h5 $14 ) 11... h5 12. O-O g6 13. Na4 Qa5 14. Qe1 Qxe1 ({ Killerman:} 14... Qxa4 $4 { a mistake} 15. b3 $1 { the queen is trapped as earlier} Bb4 16. Bd2 $18) 15. Rfxe1 Nc7 16. Bd3 Nh6 17. b4 h4 18. Ne2 Nf5 { I don't see what else to do, but I know I don't want to castle yet. Killerman: Black will now find it difficult to play the c5 break so a kingside attack is more likely. Castling queenside followed by Rdg8 gives you some attacking chances. If you leave your king in the centre for too long I don't see how you will be able to usefully use your queensrook} ({ Killerman:} 18... O-O-O 19. Nc5 Nf5 20. Bf2 Rdg8 21. Nxd7 Kxd7 $11) 19. Bxf5 ({ Killerman:} 19. Bf2 { transposes into the line above} O-O-O $11) 19... gxf5 { Killerman: Although you now have an open file to work with it is not so easy to break through. Therefore I prefer exf5} ({ Killerman:} 19... exf5 { this is better as it gives Black more pawns to throw at the White kingside} 20. Nc5 O-O-O 21. a4 g5 22. Nxd7 Kxd7 $15 { after Rdg8 you have a natural attack forming}) 20. Nf4 Nb5 { Killerman: is doesn't make a lot of sense as there are better moves to play. The knight does not yet have any future on b5 as it is bound to get chased by a later a4 and be forced to retreat thus losing a tempo. 0-0-0 is therefore better.} 21. Nc5 O-O-O 22. a4 Nc7 23. Reb1 ({ Killerman:} 23. Nxd7 Kxd7 $11) 23... Rdg8 24. Nxd7 Kxd7 25. b5 cxb5 26. axb5 Ra8 27. Ra4 { Killerman: A wasted tempo I guess Comet was looking to double rooks and does not see the loss of tempo after a6 which Black is bound to play next.} ({ Killerman:} 27. Kf2 { Killerman: A quiet but useful move, bringing the king nearer the centre as an ending looms.} a6 28. bxa6 Rxa6 $11) 27... a6 28. bxa6 Rxa6 29. Rxa6 bxa6 { White's attempt to pressure my Queenside ended up with Black's passed pawn. Comet B60 must have made a mistake somewhere. Killerman: Your position was solid and Comet has been a little optimistic in it's attack. The loss of tempo on move 27 has not helped either. Although the passed pawn will create threats it will be difficult to promote.} 30. Rb7 $2 { Killerman: Another optimistic move and waste of tempo. Kf2 is still better as White will need to centralise the king and may need the piece to stop the passed pawn.} a5 31. Bd2 Ra8 32. Rb2 a4 33. Kf2 a3 34. Ra2 { I have a pawn threatening to promote, but I just don't have the technique to remove the blockader and make it happen. Killerman: The pawn is now well supported on a3 so the plan has to be to bring up other forces to help. The king is a useful attacking piece now and the knight has good squares in b5, and a6 intending b4. White has little by the way of a counter attack and must defend.} Rb8 $5 ({ Killerman:} 34... Kc6 $1 35. Ke3 Kb5 { the king is going for the a4 square} 36. Kd3 Na6 { White has no threats so Black has time} 37. Ne2 (37. Be1 Nb4+ 38. Bxb4 Bxb4 39. Ne2 Rg8 { probing the kingside} 40. g3 hxg3 41. hxg3 Ka4 { once the king gets here Black should win}) 37... Rg8 { probing for a kingside weakness} 38. g3 hxg3 39. hxg3 Nb4+ 40. Bxb4 Bxb4 41. c3 Be7 $17 { White is so tied down here the position just has to be better for Black who will play Ka4 to hold the passed pawn and free up the rook and bishop to start probing other weaknesses. Any attempts from White to break out are insufficient I think.}) 35. Bc1 Nb5 { Killerman: The difference in my suggested line above and your choice is clear. White has had time to attack the pawn and both your knight and bishop are now having to defend. If your king had been involved in helping the passed pawn one of these two pieces is free to attack somewhere else. Don't be afraid in the ending to use your king.} 36. Ne2 Rc8 37. Ke3 Bg5+ { I don't know if a direct Nc3 is better than this little distraction first, because the Knight exchange at c3 is going to happen anyway. Killerman: Nc3 seems to lead to a quick draw and Bg5 seems pointless as you do not gain anything. I would have tried Ra8 and try to bring my king up as before, but I think that now White can stop you from gaining an advantage in that line too.} ({ Killerman:} 37... Nc3 38. Nxc3 Rxc3+ 39. Kd2 Rc4 40. Kd3 { forced} Ra4 41. c3 Kc6 42. Kc2 { White threatens Kb3 so Black has little option but to play for the check when the king reaches b3} Ra6 43. Kb3 Rb6+ $11) ({ Killerman:} 37... Ra8 38. Kd3 Kc6 39. g3 hxg3 40. hxg3 Nc7 41. Nc3 Ra7 { waiting} 42. Nb1 Nb5 43. Nc3 $11) 38. f4 Be7 39. Kd3 Bb4 40. Be3 Nc3 41. Nxc3 Rxc3+ 42. Ke2 Rc8 43. Kf3 { Killerman: The king is going the wrong way and gives you another opportunity to bring up your king to attack} Rb8 $2 ({ Killerman:} 43... Kc6 $1 { after this Black is winning} 44. Bf2 Be7 45. Ke3 Rg8 46. g3 hxg3 47. Bxg3 (47. hxg3 $2 { fatally opening the h-file} Rh8 $19) 47... Kb5 48. Kd3 Ka4 49. Ra1 Rg4 $19 { threatening Bh4 is winning}) 44. g3 hxg3 { My alternative is Be7 or Rh8, of which I think Rh8 is best because I don't want to lose a3 pawn. If White replies with gxh4 then Rxh4 Bc1? trying to exchange the pawn then Rxh2 Bxa3?? Rh3+ winning the Bishop. Killerman: I think the move played isbest} ({ Killerman:} 44... Rh8 45. gxh4 Rxh4 46. Kg3 { is best} (46. Bc1 $4 Rxh2 47. Bxa3 $4 Rh3+ $19) 46... Be7 $15) 45. Kxg3 Ke7 $2 { I didn't see this move will force me to exchange the a3 pawn. I'm thinking that White now has a passed pawn at h2 so I need to bring my King to the Kingside. Killerman: I know why you played this but you can still win by playing your king to thequeenside} ({ Killerman:} 45... Kc6 $1 46. Bc1 Ra8 47. h4 { if the White king leaves the h-pawn then the Black king still goes to a4 and the rook will be free to attack the h-pawn} (47. Kf3 Kb5 48. h3 Ka4 $19) 47... Kb5 48. h5 Ka4 $19 { the rook is free to attack White}) 46. c3 Bxc3 47. Rxa3 Bb2 { For the rest of the game, my best hope is to play for draw because now it is White who has the chance to win unless he makes a terrible mistake. Killerman: After the loss of the a-pawn the position is drawn. The reason is the fact that the white pawns are on dark squares, so White's bishop is worse than yours. In addition even though white has a passed pawn White can't make progress with it as there is not enough space to advance and support it.} 48. Ra4 Kf8 49. Kf3 Kg7 50. Kf2 Bc3 51. Ra3 Rb2+ 52. Kg3 Be1+ 53. Kh3 Rb1 ({ Killerman:} 53... Bd2 { is a good try} 54. Bxd2 Rxd2 55. Ra4 Kg6 56. Kg3 Rd3+ 57. Kg2 Kh5 58. h3 Kh4 59. Ra7 Rxh3 60. Rxf7 Rd3 61. Rg7 Rxd4 62. Kf3 Rd3+ 63. Kf2 d4 64. Ke2 { the ending should be drawn}) 54. Rd3 { Here I offer a draw but Comet B60 refused.} Rb2 55. Rd1 Bf2 56. Bxf2 Rxf2 57. Kg3 Rc2 58. Rd3 Rc4 59. Kf3 Kh7 60. Kg2 Kh6 61. Kf2 Kh5 62. Kg3 Ra4 63. Kh3 Rc4 64. Kg3 Rc8 65. Re3 Rg8+ 66. Kh3 Rg4 67. Rf3 Kh6 68. Rf2 Kg7 69. Rg2 Rxg2 70. Kxg2 Kh6 71. h4 Kg6 72. Kg3 Kh6 73. Kh2 Kh5 74. Kh3 Kh6 75. Kg3 Kh5 76. Kh3 Kh6 77. Kg3 Kh5 78. Kh3 { Killerman: A very interesting game. Remember that in endings it is important to visualise the best squares for each piece. Your advantage was the a-pawn which was going to tie down all of White's pieces so bring the king up was the correct way to win. Not that you could do much to stop the blockade of the pawn but you could use it as a threat. Another good point is that in an ending you usually need to create two weaknesses to win the game. By bringing the king up and then attacking the kingside with the 'extra' piece creates that weakness and the win. Even so you played a good solid game and deserved more. Thanks for allowing me to review the game.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "ICS rated standard match"] [Site "freechess.org"] [Date "2004.02.19"] [Round "?"] [White "wwolf"] [Black "dklis"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C68"] [WhiteElo "1631"] [BlackElo "1715"] [Annotator "dklis, PTFN"] [PlyCount "117"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] [TimeControl "900+5"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 { my play in to attack the d4 square.} 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 bxc6 { was that right? or better d7xc6? PTFN: dxc is the normal line. As to the inferiority of bxc to dxc, look into the "5.d4" variation. if black chose dxc, the following would be:} (4... dxc6 5. O-O { It is assumed that you know the refutation against 5.Nxe5 (generally this is true for a player with FICS standard rating 1700+). -PTFN} Qd6 $1 6. Na3 Be6 7. Qe2 f6 $11) (4... bxc6 5. d4 { The straight} (5. Nxe5 Qg5 6. Nf3 (6. Ng4 d5 7. Ne3 d4 $17) 6... Qxg2 7. Rg1 Qh3 { won't bring white real benefits. -PTFN}) 5... exd4 6. Qxd4 Qf6 7. e5 Qg6 8. O-O Bb7 9. Nbd2 O-O-O 10. Nb3 c5 11. Qc3 f6 $14) 5. c3 { As shown above, This move is too steady for white. -PTFN} d6 { PTFN: interesting is} (5... d5 6. Qa4 Qd6 7. Nxe5 Qxe5 8. Qxc6+ Ke7 9. Qxa8 Qxe4+ 10. Kd1 Bg4+ 11. f3 Bxf3+ 12. gxf3 Qxf3+ 13. Kc2 Qxh1) 6. d4 Bg4 7. dxe5 dxe5 8. Qe2 Nf6 { my plan changed to attach the e4.} 9. O-O Bd6 { was there a better placement for the bishop? maybe e7? PTFN: In my opinion, both Be7 and Bc5 are playable; d6 is just the lousy position for the bishop, as this square should have had the queen over it. Q being on d6 not only get protection over the e5 pawn, but also avoid a pin if white plays Bg5.} 10. Bg5 O-O 11. Nbd2 h6 12. Bh4 Rb8 $2 { PTFN: Rb8 leaves your a6 pawn unprotected. In fact, At the current position you may try g5 instead, loosing the pin on d8-h4 diagonal:} ( 12... g5 { Theoretically such pushing of pawns covering the king is a weakening in lineup, but is practically not if your opponent gets no actual offensives. -PTFN} 13. Bg3 Nh5 14. h3 Nxg3 15. fxg3 Bh5 (15... Bc8)) 13. b3 Qe7 $2 { PTFN: In order to save your a-pawn, Qc8 is the move. You needn't worry about the exchange on f6 since your bishop pair is an enough compensation to the doubled pawns.} (13... Qc8 14. Nc4 (14. Bxf6 gxf6 15. Nc4 f5 $1) 14... Re8 15. Rad1 Bf8 $14 { then try to activate your b8 rook. -PTFN}) 14. h3 $2 { White should simply play Qxa6. -PTFN} Bh5 15. Nc4 Bg6 16. Bxf6 gxf6 $2 { i've played g7f6 in order to attack the e4 by f6f5. was is better to capture with the queen? PTFN: As the game has proved, Qxf6 is really better. By gxf6 you allowed his Nh4-f5 march, while f6-f5 wouldn't become a real threat.} ( 16... Qxf6 { resists lots of possible attack of white, including} 17. Nxd6 cxd6 18. Qxa6 Bxe4 $15) 17. Nh4 Qe6 { he wants to place the knight at f5, so i backup with my queen.} 18. Qf3 a5 $4 { i can't hold on f5, i shall exchange by bishop. so i sacrifice the pawn in order to place my d6 bishop at a3 and then at b2, trying to open the right half of the board. PTFN: Your idea sounds rather strange. Did you mean if 19. Nxa5 then 19...Ba3 then Bb2? But there is a simple refutation - white might have his knight return to c4 then how can your bishop go to b2? Anyway, offering a free pawn is a severe - if not fatal - mistake. Better is Rfd8 and then Bf8 to guard the weak h6 pawn, So that the position is still playable.} ( 18... Rfd8 19. Ne3 (19. Nxd6 cxd6 { only helps black recover his weak points. -PTFN}) 19... Bf8 20. Ng4 Kg7 21. Nf5+ Kh7 { Although superior in the position, white has no immediate crushing attack. -PTFN} (21... Bxf5 $2 22. exf5 Qd5 23. Qg3 $16)) 19. Nxa5 Ba3 20. Nf5 Bxf5 21. exf5 Qe7 $4 { threatening qc4, if that is a threat! PTFN: "Qc4" seems to be a clerical error; You might mean Qc5 by that. But neither of the moves look like a threat. By now, the disadvantage of your position become despairing. Maybe, Qd5 would help a little.} (21... Qd5 22. Nxc6 { Of course not 22.Qg3+:} (22. Qg3+ $2 Kh7 23. Nc4 Rg8 $1 24. Qh2 Bf8) 22... Qxf3 23. gxf3 Rb6 24. Na5 Bb2 25. Nc4 Bxa1 26. Nxb6 Bxc3 27. Nd5 Bd4 28. Nxf6+ { White also wins, but not that easily due to his triple pawn. -PTFN}) 22. Nxc6 { i didn't see that, the queen move was a blunder!} Qe8 23. Nxb8 Qxb8 24. Rfd1 Qb6 { another mistake, i think now Qb5 was better. PTFN: That doesn't matters; All is decided and the following moves are meaningless.} 25. Rd7 Bd6 26. c4 Qa6 27. Qg4+ Kh8 28. Qh5 Kh7 29. Qg6+ Kh8 30. Qxh6+ Kg8 31. Qxf6 Qc8 32. Rxd6 cxd6 33. Rd1 Qd8 34. Rxd6 Qxf6 35. Rxf6 Kg7 (35... Ra8 36. a4 Rb8 { Such minor technique may help to catch a pawn but not to save the game. -PTFN}) 36. Rd6 Rc8 37. Rd5 Kf6 38. g4 Rc7 39. Kg2 Ra7 40. a4 Rb7 41. Rb5 Rc7 42. a5 Ra7 43. Kf3 Rc7 44. Ke3 Ra7 45. Ke4 Rd7 46. a6 Ra7 47. Rb6+ Kg7 48. Kxe5 Re7+ 49. Kd6 Ra7 50. c5 f6 51. c6 Kf8 52. c7 Rxc7 53. Kxc7 Ke7 54. a7 Kf7 55. a8=Q Kg7 56. Qd8 Kh6 57. Qxf6+ Kh7 58. Qg6+ Kh8 59. Rb8# { PTFN: Finally let's have an overview to this game so that I can give you a piece of advice: First, follow the opening books when you are a novice. The main lines suggested by opening books are precise enough to assure you of an even position. As on the 4th move, dxc6 is the book move and better it is than bxc6. Second, drop some prejudice on position evaluation. I guess it was your fear of weakening the kingside that caused your miss of playing g5 on 12th move and Qc8 13th move, in fact they are playable since it is long before white can mass pieces over the weakened field. Third, check the practicability of a move before making it. This can help avoid implementing strange ideas like 18...a5?? and making blunders like 21...Qe7??. Above all, the more practice the better. Good luck!} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Kanellis, Nick"] [Black "Zafeiropoulos, Andreas"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B33"] [Annotator "jrtallasker, Bracco"] [PlyCount "51"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 { Why did he play that? -Annotator- Althought I'm not an expert of this opening at all, I know for sure that the move "a6" by Black has several purposes in the Sicilian: to keep away a White Knight from "b5"(intending to play e7-e5), or preparing an enlarged Fianchetto (b7-b5, eventually followed by Bc8-b7 and maybe b5-b4), or simply confuse the opponent with the move order, aiming at a particular variation reached later.} 6. Bc4 { I think he had the ability to play Nxe4 and after Nxe4 d5 -Annotator- The well known fork-trick here doesn't work. See the following variation.} e6 (6... Nxe4 $6 7. Nxe4 d5 8. Nxc6 bxc6 9. Bb3 dxe4 $4 10. Bxf7+ $18) 7. Nf3 Be7 { Was that a bit pathetic? -Annotator- I can't see anything wrong with this move. It's a normal developing move that can be followed by d7-d6, 0-0, b7-b5 etc., reaching positions that have been reported thousand of times in books} 8. O-O O-O 9. Re1 b5 10. Bb3 Bb7 11. Bf4 { I think I have a better development than he has -Annotator- The Black position is not so bad, White as a little space advantage andnothingmore} Bb4 { If he wanted to move the B to b4 he could have done it earlier.He missed a tempo -Annotator- I totally agree. In addition, this move allows White to fix a weakness of the Black structure: the hole "d6". That's why in my opinion the move "d7-d6" at this stage would have been much better. Look at the variation.} (11... d6 { -Annotator- This is the idea: black can continue with the plan involving a further push of the "d" pawn. To achieve that, one among the Bishop in "b3" and the Knight in "c3" must be deviated; Na5 or b4 looks sound.} 12. Qd2 b4 (12... Na5 13. a3 (13. Rad1 $2 b4 14. Na4 Nxe4 $17) 13... Nxb3 14. cxb3 d5 $11) 13. Na4 d5) 12. Qd3 { -Annotator- Not an mistake, but "e4-e5" was stronger. See the variation below} (12. e5 Bxc3 13. bxc3 Ne8 14. Qd3 f6 15. Rad1 Rf7 { -Annotator- Black has a cramped position. The pawn in "d7" is a serious weakness}) 12... Rc8 13. e5 Nh5 14. Bd2 Rc7 $2 { Both useles and piece-losing -Annotator- Correct. An escape-square for the "h5" Knight should have been created, for instance with "g7-g6"} 15. g4 { Hey man,where does that little piece goes?} f6 16. gxh5 fxe5 17. Ng5 { I now have a great attack!} Rf5 $2 { -Annotator- another big mistake in a sad position. Black could have resigned at this point In view of Qxf5!! Your move is also good} 18. Nxe6 $1 { When I made that move, I felt great! He can resign now...} Qh4 { After the game, my opponent told me that he thought that I couldn't take the Rc7. But it isacheck! -Annotator- Sadly for him, i't's a check. The game has nothing else tosay} 19. Nxc7+ Rf7 20. Bxf7+ Kxf7 { Things are easy now...} 21. Qf5+ Kg8 22. Qxd7 { Threatening Qe8 and after Bf8 Ne6} h6 23. Qe8+ Kh7 24. Qg6+ Kg8 25. Ne6 { As I saw he didn't want to resign, I made that move to exchange the Queens} Bc5 { And that game comes to an end...} 26. Qxg7# { *****Copyright freechess.org ***** Use this file for personal use only.} 1-0 [Event "fics unrated standard match"] [Site "fics"] [Date "2004.02.21"] [Round "?"] [White "GuestQJCR"] [Black "Touya"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B21"] [Annotator "akaineco:MH"] [PlyCount "92"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] 1. e4 c5 2. d4 d5 $6 { A: This move is rather bad. Black should play 2...cxd4 3 c3 dxc3 4 Nc3 and there are some variations that give black a good game. Variation leads to very open games. MH: I don't think I've ever seen this before. Black generally has to be circumspect in the opening and carefully aim to stake out some control of the center, so as to develop pieces safely. ...d5 doesn't control the center very well, but ...cxd4 at least breaks-up White's attempt to control the center. If one doesn't like wide open positions and doesn't mind a slight cramp the option of 2...e6 is available.} (2... cxd4) 3. dxc5 dxe4 4. Qxd8+ Kxd8 5. Nc3 { A: White stands clearly better MH: Black's loss of castling privilege leaves Kd8 awkward.} (5. Bc4 $1 { MH: hoping to encourage Black into ...e6, blocking-in Bc8.}) 5... Bf5 6. Bc4 ( 6. Be3 { MH: prevents the simplifying ...e3 to trade that pawn for pawn f2 or pawn c2}) 6... e6 7. Bf4 $4 { A: why should white hang his c5 pawn? Instead Be3!? with the idea of 0-0-0 leads to a good possition for white} (7. Be3 $1) 7... Bxc5 8. Be5 { MH: If you don't gain something of lasting value (a la Steinitz) then it's usually better to develop more pieces and not waste time on moves such as Be5, which doesn't work in concert with other pieces.} (8. Nge2 { MH: aiming for O-O, Ne2-g3xe4 to regain the pawn}) 8... f6 $8 { A: Almost forced i Believe. Nc6 ?? Bxg7 and white wins, or Nf6?!, BxN and black's terrible pawn structure and safer king might be a reasonable consolation prize for white's pawn minus.} 9. Bxb8 $2 ({ MH: Let's look at a few other possibilities:} 9. O-O-O+ Ke7 (9... Kc8 $4 10. Nxe4 Bxe4 (10... fxe5 11. Nxc5) (10... Bxf2 11. Nd6+ Kd7 12. Nxf5+ Ke8 13. Bd4 $18) 11. Bxe6+ Nd7 12. Bxd7+ Kd8 13. Bf5+ Ke7 14. Bxe4) 10. Bd4 $17) 9... Rxb8 10. O-O-O+ $6 (10. Nge2 { MH: Keep pawn f2.}) 10... Ke7 11. h3 $4 { A: Now why does white hang a second pawn. Black was already slightly better (after Bxc5), and now he is 2 pawns up. Better would be f3 !? with an interesting game.} Bxf2 $17 12. Nge2 Rc8 (12... Nh6) 13. b3 $2 { MH: weakens Nc3 and dark squares around Kc1 unnecessarily} (13. Bb3) 13... Be3+ 14. Kb2 { A: Yes indeed, Black Seems totally won here.} Rc5 $6 { A: Why play this? The rook has no prospective in c5. Black Does not have to attack, if he just leads the game into an endgame he certainly wins. I propose Rc7 with the idea of protecting the 7th rank. If Nb5 Rd7 leading the game into an endgame (the a7 is protected by the bishop)} (14... Nh6 { MH: The same principle applies to Black as to White -- develop and use your pieces!} 15. Ng3 Bg6 16. Ngxe4 Rhd8) ({ MH: Or, if you think it's safe enough, hang onto pawn e4 by} 14... Bg6 15. Ng3 f5) 15. g4 Bg6 16. h4 $5 { A: Actually this move seems dubious. But what can white do, he is 2 pawns down for no obvious reason.} ({ MH: Trying to surround pawn e4 doesn't quite work, but is probably the besttry. } 16. Ng3 f5 17. gxf5 exf5 18. Rd5 (18. Nd5+ Rxd5 19. Rxd5 Nh6 $13) 18... b6 19. Rhd1) 16... f5 $6 { A: I believe this is a serious mistake. The way to stop the minority attack (white's h and g pawns) is h5! when black has a simple won game. MH: It is a mistake, but not horrendous. As a consequence, you are forced to develop your remaining pieces and you end up with a won position.} ( 16... h6 $1 { MH: to keep Bg6 on the diagonal supporting pawn e4}) (16... h5 17. gxh5 Rhxh5 (17... Rcxh5 $2 18. Rh3 Bc5 19. Nf4 R5h6 20. Rg3) 18. Rh3 Bh6 { odd looking, but effective} 19. Ng3 Rhe5 $17) 17. h5 Bf7 18. gxf5 exf5 19. Bxf7 Kxf7 20. Rd7+ Ne7 { A: Definately better than fleeing.} 21. Rxb7 $17 Rhc8 { A: I think this is slightly better than Rd8. MH: Yes, it acts directly against White's Nc3 and pawn c2 with the threat of ...Kf8, ...Nd5.} 22. Rd1 { A: A very natural move which should frighten no one. The simple move R8c7 should give Black a won game} Ke6 { MH: I'm not so certain this deserves question marks. The king is relatively safe on e6, surrounded by his own pieces.} (22... R8c7 $1) 23. Rxa7 (23. Rdd7 $1) 23... g6 { A: The idea of creating a pawn mass is interesting and more forcing is g5 !?. But I am sure that the simple R8c7 would leave black with a better possition} (23... g5 $1) (23... R8c7 $1) 24. Rdd7 Nc6 (24... Re8 { MH: keeps the king-side pawns safe from White's rooks, but then Black loses offensive potential}) 25. Rab7 Ne5 26. Re7+ $2 { MH: I don' t like this because it might actually chase ...Ke6-d6, where it controls c7 -- a square White might want to land on to fight Black's rooks (e.g. ...Rxc3; Nxc3 Bd4; Rc7).} (26. Rd1 { MH: prevents ...Be3-d2xc3}) 26... Kf6 { A: Now this is a Fritz annotation. He gives that black is still won after Kd6 with the trap of RxN NxR Bd4 -+ MH: How can this be a "??" when you give 27...Be2 as "-+' ?} ({ MH: Be3 dominates Ne2 pretty well, perhaps theatening ...Be3-d2xc3 and Re7 is under attack, so White's rooks aren't entirely comfortable.} 26... Kd6 27. Nb5+ (27. b4 Rxc3 28. Nxc3 Bd4 $19) 27... Rxb5 $19) 27. Rxh7 { A: the difference is now that White can hold the knight with Rc7 at some point (after Bd4)} R8c6 { A: I really cannot understand this move. It seems that black IS winning a piece with Bd2, with this move (R8c6) black simply remains a pawn down and suddenly white is better again!! MH: White is not 'better again'. White was never better and White is not better after 28.hxg6.} 28. h6 $2 { A: The only hope for white is hxg6.} Bd2 $1 { A: I feel a need to award this move a ! At a crucial moment black finds the right way to win material} 29. Rhe7 Bxc3+ 30. Nxc3 Rxc3 31. h7 Rxc2+ 32. Ka3 Ra6+ (32... Rc8 { MH: immediately deals with the threat of h7-h8=Q and threatens ...Ra8+ or ...e3 }) 33. Kb4 Nc6+ $2 { A: Althought Not a bad move, It shows black does not know the right plan. Ra8 is essential. White is a piece down with to true threats. MH: This endangers the knight and moves it the wrong direction. It will be needed to corral pawn h7 or to support the advance of king-side pawns.} 34. Kb5 Nxe7 $4 { A: terrible move gives white winning advantage ! Ra8 was Forced.} ( 34... Ra8 $8 35. Rf7+ Ke5 36. a4 e3 $19) 35. h8=Q+ $18 { MH: Black should resign.} Ke6 36. Kxa6 { A: Black could resign, but luckily he did not.} (36. Qe8 { MH: going for the throat!} Raxa2 37. Qxe7+ Kd5 38. Rd7#) 36... Rc6+ 37. Ka7 { A: I cannot see why white did not play Rb6! exchanging the rooks and winning easily} Nc8+ 38. Kb8 Nd6 39. Qg8+ Kf6 40. Qg7+ Kg5 41. Qe7+ Kf4 42. Rc7 Rb6+ 43. Ka8 { A: Ka7 also wins} Ra6+ 44. Ra7 Nc8 45. Qb7 $4 { A: Both Qh4+ and Qc7+ win for white Very easily} Rxa7+ 46. Qxa7 Nxa7 { A: Black Was better for the biggest part of the game, or should i say black had a Won game. After white's dubious decision to give up 2 pawns black had the uper hand. Unfortunately with Ke6 and R8c6 he made his life tough. White showed he could not take advantage of these mistakes. Then Black Blundered with NxR but fortunately white made an incredible error and lost the game. MH: Black kept his king safe and was conscious of opportunities to win material, but didn't work early-on to develop pieces. Early in the game the plan seemed to be to hold onto the material lead and that left out normal piecedevelopments . Later the plan to activate rooks on the c-file was great, including ... Be3-d2xc3, but after that the mistake of playing for mate or to win Re7 completely overlooked that pawn h7 was ready to promote. The idea of holding off White's pawn and advancing pawn e4-e1=Q wasn't grasped. So, what I think you need to work on is in fully developing your pieces early in every game and in focusing on ways to use your pieces in concert to do two things: a) restrain your opponent's plans and b) advance your own plan. Your offensive plan will usually involve one of two things, attacking the opponent's king for mate or to win material (or promote a pawn to make more material). Balancing your forces to restrain the opponents plan and to advance your own will require some decisions about how to assign pieces, but that won't be too difficult. To use your pieces requires more work, but it's also a lot of fun. To find ways to achieve both aspects of your overall strategy requires some restraint (defending when needed) and courage to carry out your offense, no matter how long it may take or what sacrifices you might need to make to succeed. Patience and courage to seize the moment are essential qualities to utilize.} 0-1 [Event "120'/40+30'"] [Site "Vercelli"] [Date "2003.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Majno"] [Black "opponent"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "E81"] [Annotator "Arvindn,Majno"] [PlyCount "72"] [EventDate "2003.??.??"] [TimeControl "900"] { 48MB, Fritz8.ctg, OEMComputer} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Be3 Nbd7 7. Qd2 { arvindn: 7. Nh3 is not good. 7. Qd2 is fine. The knight should go to e2. Its not good to put it on the edge of the board.} ({ the move} 7. Nh3 { offer some better chance to get an advantage?}) 7... c5 8. d5 { arvindn: also deserving consideration is} (8. Nge2 { After} cxd4 9. Nxd4 { the position is similar to the sicilian dragon except that white's pawn is on c4 instead of c2. This is bad for white if he castles on the Q-side, but by castling K-side he can retain a powerful Maroczy bind. A possible continuation is} Ne5 10. Be2 Bd7 11. O-O ({ If instead} 11. Rc1 Rc8 12. Nd5 { then black has} Nxd5 13. exd5 e6 $5 14. f4 exd5 15. fxe5 dxe5 { followed by 16... d4 with compensation}) 11... Rc8 12. b3 { with an edge}) 8... a6 9. Bh6 Qa5 10. Bxg7 { arvindn: Not sure if this is good. You seem to have a tendency to release the tension immediately. You should probably play 10. h4, intending to sacrifice a pawn with 11. h5 and opening the h-file. If black takes the bishop that's good for you because it gets your queen where you want it to be.} Kxg7 11. g4 { Bad. Weakens f3. Better is} (11. h4 h5 $5 12. g4 $5 Rb8 { with an unclear position}) 11... Rb8 12. Nge2 { arvindn: 12. g5 followed by 13. f4 and 14. Nf3 might be better} ({ playing I thought about} 12. Kf2 { but after thi s move white cannot castling. Besides it seems better do not block the second rank for the queen (thinking about the possibility of Qh2 after h4 in the future)}) 12... Ne5 13. Ng1 { forced. So what better that 12.Ne2?} b5 14. b3 bxc4 ({ thinking} 14... b4 15. Na4 { and Na4-b2-d3 and may be Nxe5}) 15. Bxc4 Qb4 16. Bd3 Nfd7 { arvindn: If instead 16... a5 intending 17... Nxd3 followed by ... Rb6, ... Ba6 and ... Rfc8 then 17. a3!} 17. Kf2 c4 { arvindn: but now 17... a5 is better. Black needs to bring the bishop and KR into play. There's the added threat of ... a4. I would say Black is winning after ...a5. Equally good is 17... Nxd3 18. Qxd3 Ne5 19. Qd2 a5. The move played is not so good.} 18. Bxc4 Nxc4 19. bxc4 Ne5 20. Rb1 Qc5+ 21. Qe3 Qc7 22. Rxb8 Qxb8 23. Qd4 Kg8 24. Nge2 Qc7 25. c5 { in order to weaken black pawns. But now I think I had to hold the b8-h2 line and the sixth rank closed cause the position of white king arvindn: after 25. Na4! it might be white who has the advantage. If 25... Qxc4 26. Qxc4 Nxc4 27. Rc1 and the white rook penetrates. Black is punished for not developing the Bishop and Rook.} dxc5 26. Qd2 { playing I thought my position were not bad cause the c5 pawn} Qd6 27. h4 { arvindn: you should have played this 17 moves ago :-) After this move your position is lost. You should have tried 27. Kg2, getting out of the f-file. If 27... Qf6 then 28.Qf4} Qf6 { here I realized black was better} 28. Nf4 Nc4 29. Qc1 e5 30. Nce2 Nd6 31. g5 Qe7 32. Nd3 f5 33. Ke3 c4 34. Nf2 Qa7+ 35. Kd2 Qxf2 36. Qa3 Nb5 { playing I didn't realize exactly when I lose the game} 0-1 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2004.04.19"] [Round "?"] [White "OccamRazor"] [Black "zezine"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A07"] [WhiteElo "1449"] [BlackElo "1401"] [Annotator "OccamRazor, Ptarmigan"] [PlyCount "141"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] [TimeControl "1800"] { OccamRazor: I am trying to practice the King's Indian Attack.} 1. Nf3 { (( I am strictly a 1.e4 man, so this will be a learning experience for me too! All of my comments will be inside these double brackets.))} Nc6 2. g3 Nf6 { ((This seems a bit odd. I'd expect 2...e5 or 2...d5))} 3. Bg2 { ((In view of Black's last move, I'd play 3.d4 here to establish a pawn in the centre without blocking the Bishop's diagonal from h1-a8.))} e5 4. d3 d5 { (( Black has succeeded in establishing the classic centre - pawns on d5 and e5, protected by Knights on c6 and f6. He has good diagonals for both Bishops.This gives him a space advantage and he stands slightly better. I think that White should be looking for more from the opening. White must strike at the centre, sooner rather than later, or risk being choked.))} 5. Nbd2 { ((This does not prevent 5. ..e4 if Black wants to play it, so I'd favour 5.0-0 here. Then, if Black opens the game with 5...e4, the White King is safely castled and the Black King is in the centre, which can be very significant.))} Bf5 { ((5...Bc5 is probably better than this, when Black is ready to castle. If this was to enable ...e4, it wasn't needed. Black could play it now and probably should. In all lines Black establishes a clear, but not overwhelming, advantage.))} (5... e4 6. Ng5 (6. Ng1 Bf5 7. Nb3 Qe7 8. d4 O-O-O $17) (6. dxe4 dxe4 7. Ng5 e3 8. Bxc6+ bxc6 9. Nde4 Qxd1+ 10. Kxd1 Nxe4 11. Nxe4 f5 12. Ng5 exf2 13. Be3 Be7 14. Rf1 O-O $17) 6... Ng4 7. Nh3 e3 8. Nb3 exf2+ 9. Nxf2 Nxf2 10. Kxf2 Qf6+ 11. Kg1 $17) 6. O-O { ((A sensible move. 6.c4 is the other good choice here.))} Be7 { ((6...Bc5 i s more active; 6...Qd7 is worth a look, with the possible idea of 7 ...Bh3 to swap off the fianchettoed Bishop. A frequently used idea in these positions is to move the Rook so that the fianchettoed Bishop can avoid the swap. So here .. .6...Qd7 7.Re1 Bh3 8.Bh1))} 7. Re1 { ((A good, solid move, but I would prefer 7. c4 here. Black is about to castle and this is White's last chance to start attacking the Black centre before the King moves into safety.))} O-O 8. Nh4 { ((This move works because Black reacts badly to it. 8.c4 is certainly better. White may be thinking of bringing the other Knight to f3, but he must be careful if he does since the Knight on h4 will have no square to retreat to.))} Bg6 $6 { ((This gives up the Bishop pair and mutilates the Black pawn structure. 8 ...Be6 is correct, when Black is slightly better.))} 9. Nxg6 $1 { ((Of course!))} fxg6 { ((It's usually better to capture towards the centre, which suggests 9...hxg6. However, Black now has a Rook on the half-open f file. Against that, he has weakened the e6 square and this weakness is permanent.))} 10. e4 { ((It is the right idea to attack the centre, but 10.c4 is better. White should do what he can to make the g2 Bishop a strong force. The c4 advance is more likely to open the long diagonal. Black can answer either 10. c4 or 10.e4 with 10...d4, in the one case the diagonal is open; in the other it is closed.))} d4 { ((Now the g2 Bishop will need to find a way into the game. It's vital that he should, because Black has no Bishop to oppose him and he could be very powerful.))} 11. c3 { ((White is thinking along the right lines, but 11.Nf3 or possibly 11.Nc4 first would allow the Queen to protect the d3 pawn and would give the c1 Bishop some space. Piece activity is probably the single most important factor in chess and the Bishop is a bad piece at the moment. It's important to realise that the d3 pawn is now weak. Pawns and squares can be weak, pawn d3 for White, square e6 for Black.))} Rf7 $2 { ((A mistake. Presumably he's thinking about doubling Rooks on the f file, but he's rushing it. 11...Kg8 removing the King from the open b2-g8 diagonal would be sensible. If Black plays 11...dxc3 it works out fine for White.))} (11... dxc3 12. Nf3 cxb2 13. Bxb2 Bc5 14. Rc1 Nd7 { (( In the line given here, White is a pawn down for the moment but he does not stand badly. After 14...Nd7 is a good time to review the positional aspects. White has an isolated pawn on b2 and a backward pawn on d3. His pieces are well placed, or they would be if he could activate the g2 Bishop. Black has a Queenside pawn majority (good) and an isolated pawn on e5 (bad). The d7 Knight is awkwardly placed, though he is defending c5 and e5. The King is vulnerable on the open diagonal. d4 is a strong square for Black. This all adds up to a pretty equal game, I think. What should White play here? These positional ideas give us the answer. 15.d4 is what I have in mind. It will take away Black's strong square and activate the g2 Bishop. It liquidates Black's isolated pawn, but you can't have everything.))} 15. d4 exd4 16. e5 Qe7 17. Nxd4 Nxd4 18. Bxd4 c6 19. f4 { ((Black is a little better, but White is in the game.))}) 12. Nf3 $1 $14 { ((Definitely best here, I think.))} Nd7 13. Qb3 $2 { ((This leads to problems. 13. Bh3, the, old idea of activating the Bishop, is good, with the threat of 14.Be6, winning the exchange. Black would have to play 13 ...Kh8 (13...Nf8 14. Ng5), but White will certainly improve the Bishop's game. 13.cxd4 is also good. ))} (13. Bh3 Kh8 14. Be6 Rf8 15. Bd5) 13... Nc5 $1 14. Qd5 $6 { ((White should settle for 14.Qc4.))} (14. Qc4 dxc3 (14... Na5 $6 15. Qd5 Qxd5 16. exd5 Nxd3 17. Rd1) 15. Rd1 c2 16. Qxc2 Ne6 $15) 14... Nxd3 $6 { ((I think that 14...dxc3 is more accurate.))} (14... dxc3 15. bxc3 Nxd3 16. Rd1 Nxc1 17. Raxc1 Bd6 $15) 15. Rd1 $1 Qxd5 $2 (15... Nxc1 16. Raxc1 dxc3 17. Rxc3 Nd4 18. Nxd4 exd4 19. Rxd4 Qxd5 20. Rxd5 c6 $14) 16. exd5 $16 { ((White is winning now.))} Nxc1 17. dxc6 $1 Ne2+ 18. Kf1 d3 $4 { OccamRazor: I know I have this knight, but I'm not patient enough. ((This is a losing move. 18...Raf8 looks like the best attempt, though White should keep a big advantage.))} (18... Raf8 19. Kxe2 e4 20. Kf1 exf3 21. Bh3 bxc6 22. Be6 Bf6 $16 ) 19. Rxd3 { Nxe5 ((OccamRazor is right. 19.Nxe5 wins.))} (19. Nxe5 bxc6 (19... Rf5 $4 20. cxb7 Re8 21. Bd5+ Kh8 22. Nf7+ $18) 20. Nxf7 Kxf7 21. Rxd3 Rb8 22. Re1 Rxb2 23. Rxe2 $18) 19... e4 20. Re3 { ((White has a choice of two winning moves here. The simplest, perhaps is 20. cxb7; but 20. Ne5! is even stronger.)) } (20. cxb7 Raf8 21. Re3 exf3 22. Rxf3 Rxf3 23. Bxf3 $18) (20. Ne5 Rf5 21. Nxg6 $1 Bc5 (21... hxg6 $2 22. Bxe4 Nxg3+ 23. hxg3 bxc6 24. Bxf5 gxf5 25. Rd7 $18) 22. Ne7+ Bxe7 23. Bxe4 Re5 24. cxb7 Rb8 25. Re3 Nxg3+ 26. hxg3 Kf8 { ((Note that if Black does not move the King he would lose Rook and pawn for Bishop with 27. Bxh7+ Kxh7 28. Rxe5))} 27. Rae1 $18) 20... exf3 21. Bxf3 { ((Good. Better than 21.Rxf3))} Bc5 { ((An interesting point is the Knight on e2. This piece is doomed and so Black should use him as a so-called 'desperado' .. . that is a piece which must be lost and so sells his life as dearly as possible. So here, and before now, in fact, Black could play, 21...Nxg3+ 22. fxg3 and he has at least taken a pawn with him. It's better to take with the f pawn since it is threatened by two Black pieces and may be lost.))} 22. Re4 $4 { Rxe2 ((This should be the losing move! I don't agree that Rxe2 is correct, though. White should play 22.cxb7! Raf8 23.Rd3 c6 Of course, after 23. Rd3 in this line Black cannot dream of playing 23...Rxf3 24.Rxf3 Rxf3?? and White Queens the pawn. After 23 ...c6 24.b4 Bb6 25. Kxe2 White is winning.))} Rxf3 { ((22...Nxg3! 23.fxg3 Rxf3))} 23. Kxe2 $2 { ((Better to take with the Rook.))} Rxf2+ 24. Kd3 { ((24...b5! ends the career of the White pawn. 24...bxc6 is also good.))} Rxb2 25. cxb7 Rxb7 { ((25...Rb8 is slightly better.))} 26. h4 { ((In general terms, the player with the extra piece should be happy to swap off pieces but not pawns; the other player (White in this case) should swap pawns but not pieces)) .} Rb2 27. Kc4 Bf2 28. Rf1 Rxa2 { ((Exactly what Black wants. He now has a passed pawn, and with the extra piece it should be an easy win. He should push the pawn as far as he can as quickly as he can. The point is that if White has to block the pawn with a Rook, and the pawn is on, say, a3 the White Rook has only two squares on the a file. A Black Rook would have a8-a4. In short, superior mobility.))} 29. Kb3 Rd2 30. Kc4 Bxg3 31. Kc5 Rc2 32. c4 Bd6+ 33. Kc6 a5 34. Kb7 Rd8 35. Ra1 Rb2+ { ((Black now has mate in 5. 35...Rb2+ 36.Kc6 (36. Kac6 Ra8 mate) Rb6+ 37.Kd5 Bg3+ 38.Kc5 Bf2+ 39.Re3 Bxe3 mate.))} 36. Kc6 Rb6+ 37. Kd5 Ra6 $2 { ((See previous note))} 38. c5 Bg3+ 39. Kc4 c6 40. Kb3 Bf2 41. Rea4 Bxc5 { ((Better is 41...Rb8+ followed by Rb5.))} 42. Rxa5 Rxa5 43. Rxa5 Be7 44. Kc4 c5 { ((White has fought hard and done what he can, but this is now hopeless. The rest of the game will be very lightly annotated.))} 45. Rb5 Rd4+ 46. Kc3 Rxh4 47. Rb7 Bf8 48. Kd3 g5 49. Ke3 g4 50. Kf2 Rh3 51. Kg2 Rd3 { ((51...h5!))} 52. Rc7 g3 { ((52...h5!))} 53. Rc8 Kf7 { ((The King was fine where he was. 53...h5! Is this monotonous?))} 54. Rc7+ Be7 55. Ra7 Kg6 56. Ra6+ Kg5 57. Ra2 c4 58. Kh3 c3 59. Rg2 Kf4 { ((59...Bd6))} 60. Rc2 Bb4 { ((There's another mate here, starting with 60...Rd2.))} 61. Rc1 Rd2 62. Rf1+ Ke3 { ((62...Rf2!))} 63. Kxg3 c2 64. Rf3+ Ke2 65. Rf2+ Ke1 66. Rf4 c1=Q 67. Kg4 Rg2+ { 67...Qd1+ and 67...Qc8+ both lead to forced mates.))} 68. Kf5 Qc5+ 69. Ke4 Re2+ 70. Kf3 { ((This leads to mate in 4, but 70.Kd3 is mate in 1.))} Qe3+ 71. Kg4 { Black forf eits on time ((There are two mates here. A)71...Rg2+ 72.Kh5 Qh3+ 73.Rh4 Qf5 mate B)71...Qg1+ 72.Kh5 Rh2+ 73.Rh4 Qg6 mate.)) My general comments are: (1) Black was better after the opening and you need something sharper. White should strive for the initiative with his first move advantage. I really think that opening with 1.e4 or 1.d4 is a good idea for a while. Flank openings can be tried later. (2) You got yourself back into the game well during the tactical phase of the game, say moves 13-25, and after 18...d3 you had good winning chances. However, you should have lost after 22.Re4. (3) If you are spending time studying chess, at least half of it (maybe more) should be on tactics. You can study tactical positions in books or there are computer programs like Ct-Art 3.0 from Convekta or Intensive Tactics from Chessbase (you don't need to have Chessbase to run this). After you've solved 50 positions on each of pins, forks and so on, you'll start to see them in your games! (4) Always look at every capture and check on every move, yours and your opponent's. Losing material almost always means defeat ...brilliant sacrifices are another matter! It's really hard to calculate several moves in advance and evaluate the positions, but there's no other way tp play and you will definitely improve with practice. (6) Always try to anlayse your games afterwards. Once you have done that, check it with a computer program (Fritz or Crafty or whatever) if you can to see what you've missed. But don't let the computer do it for you. You'll learn a lot by working out your own mistakes. (7) Always check analysis, including mine. I've tried to be careful but there may be mistakes here. No analysis is ever complete and can always be improved. Thanks for giving me the chance to look at your game. I really enjoyed it. Good luck with your chess.))} 1-0 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2004.04.19"] [Round "?"] [White "OccamRazor"] [Black "zezine"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A07"] [WhiteElo "1449"] [BlackElo "1401"] [Annotator "Morrison,Douglas"] [PlyCount "141"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] [TimeControl "1800"] { OccamRazor: I am trying to practice the King's Indian Attack.} 1. Nf3 { (( I am strictly a 1.e4 man, so this will be a learning experience for me too! All of my comments will be inside these double brackets.))} Nc6 2. g3 Nf6 { ((This seems a bit odd. I'd expect 2...e5 or 2...d5))} 3. Bg2 { ((In view of Black's last move, I'd play 3.d4 here to establish a pawn in the centre without blocking the Bishop's diagonal from h1-a8.))} e5 4. d3 d5 { (( Black has succeeded in establishing the classic centre - pawns on d5 and e5, protected by Knights on c6 and f6. He has good diagonals for both Bishops.This gives him a space advantage and he stands slightly better. I think that White should be looking for more from the opening. White must strike at the centre, sooner rather than later, or risk being choked.))} 5. Nbd2 { ((This does not prevent 5. ..e4 if Black wants to play it, so I'd favour 5.0-0 here. Then, if Black opens the game with 5...e4, the White King is safely castled and the Black King is in the centre, which can be very significant.))} Bf5 { ((5...Bc5 is probably better than this, when Black is ready to castle. If this was to enable ...e4, it wasn't needed. Black could play it now and probably should. In all lines Black establishes a clear, but not overwhelming, advantage.))} (5... e4 6. Ng5 (6. Ng1 Bf5 7. Nb3 Qe7 8. d4 O-O-O $17) (6. dxe4 dxe4 7. Ng5 e3 8. Bxc6+ bxc6 9. Nde4 Qxd1+ 10. Kxd1 Nxe4 11. Nxe4 f5 12. Ng5 exf2 13. Be3 Be7 14. Rf1 O-O $17) 6... Ng4 7. Nh3 e3 8. Nb3 exf2+ 9. Nxf2 Nxf2 10. Kxf2 Qf6+ 11. Kg1 $17) 6. O-O { ((A sensible move. 6.c4 is the other good choice here.))} Be7 { ((6...Bc5 i s more active; 6...Qd7 is worth a look, with the possible idea of 7 ...Bh3 to swap off the fianchettoed Bishop. A frequently used idea in these positions is to move the Rook so that the fianchettoed Bishop can avoid the swap. So here .. .6...Qd7 7.Re1 Bh3 8.Bh1))} 7. Re1 { ((A good, solid move, but I would prefer 7. c4 here. Black is about to castle and this is White's last chance to start attacking the Black centre before the King moves into safety.))} O-O 8. Nh4 { ((This move works because Black reacts badly to it. 8.c4 is certainly better. White may be thinking of bringing the other Knight to f3, but he must be careful if he does since the Knight on h4 will have no square to retreat to.))} Bg6 $6 { ((This gives up the Bishop pair and mutilates the Black pawn structure. 8 ...Be6 is correct, when Black is slightly better.))} 9. Nxg6 $1 { ((Of course!))} fxg6 { ((It's usually better to capture towards the centre, which suggests 9...hxg6. However, Black now has a Rook on the half-open f file. Against that, he has weakened the e6 square and this weakness is permanent.))} 10. e4 { ((It is the right idea to attack the centre, but 10.c4 is better. White should do what he can to make the g2 Bishop a strong force. The c4 advance is more likely to open the long diagonal. Black can answer either 10. c4 or 10.e4 with 10...d4, in the one case the diagonal is open; in the other it is closed.))} d4 { ((Now the g2 Bishop will need to find a way into the game. It's vital that he should, because Black has no Bishop to oppose him and he could be very powerful.))} 11. c3 { ((White is thinking along the right lines, but 11.Nf3 or possibly 11.Nc4 first would allow the Queen to protect the d3 pawn and would give the c1 Bishop some space. Piece activity is probably the single most important factor in chess and the Bishop is a bad piece at the moment. It's important to realise that the d3 pawn is now weak. Pawns and squares can be weak, pawn d3 for White, square e6 for Black.))} Rf7 $2 { ((A mistake. Presumably he's thinking about doubling Rooks on the f file, but he's rushing it. 11...Kg8 removing the King from the open b2-g8 diagonal would be sensible. If Black plays 11...dxc3 it works out fine for White.))} (11... dxc3 12. Nf3 cxb2 13. Bxb2 Bc5 14. Rc1 Nd7 { (( In the line given here, White is a pawn down for the moment but he does not stand badly. After 14...Nd7 is a good time to review the positional aspects. White has an isolated pawn on b2 and a backward pawn on d3. His pieces are well placed, or they would be if he could activate the g2 Bishop. Black has a Queenside pawn majority (good) and an isolated pawn on e5 (bad). The d7 Knight is awkwardly placed, though he is defending c5 and e5. The King is vulnerable on the open diagonal. d4 is a strong square for Black. This all adds up to a pretty equal game, I think. What should White play here? These positional ideas give us the answer. 15.d4 is what I have in mind. It will take away Black's strong square and activate the g2 Bishop. It liquidates Black's isolated pawn, but you can't have everything.))} 15. d4 exd4 16. e5 Qe7 17. Nxd4 Nxd4 18. Bxd4 c6 19. f4 { ((Black is a little better, but White is in the game.))}) 12. Nf3 $1 $14 { ((Definitely best here, I think.))} Nd7 13. Qb3 $2 { ((This leads to problems. 13. Bh3, the, old idea of activating the Bishop, is good, with the threat of 14.Be6, winning the exchange. Black would have to play 13 ...Kh8 (13...Nf8 14. Ng5), but White will certainly improve the Bishop's game. 13.cxd4 is also good. ))} (13. Bh3 Kh8 14. Be6 Rf8 15. Bd5) 13... Nc5 $1 14. Qd5 $6 { ((White should settle for 14.Qc4.))} (14. Qc4 dxc3 (14... Na5 $6 15. Qd5 Qxd5 16. exd5 Nxd3 17. Rd1) 15. Rd1 c2 16. Qxc2 Ne6 $15) 14... Nxd3 $6 { ((I think that 14...dxc3 is more accurate.))} (14... dxc3 15. bxc3 Nxd3 16. Rd1 Nxc1 17. Raxc1 Bd6 $15) 15. Rd1 $1 Qxd5 $2 (15... Nxc1 16. Raxc1 dxc3 17. Rxc3 Nd4 18. Nxd4 exd4 19. Rxd4 Qxd5 20. Rxd5 c6 $14) 16. exd5 $16 { ((White is winning now.))} Nxc1 17. dxc6 $1 Ne2+ 18. Kf1 d3 $4 { OccamRazor: I know I have this knight, but I'm not patient enough. ((This is a losing move. 18...Raf8 looks like the best attempt, though White should keep a big advantage.))} (18... Raf8 19. Kxe2 e4 20. Kf1 exf3 21. Bh3 bxc6 22. Be6 Bf6 $16 ) 19. Rxd3 { Nxe5 ((OccamRazor is right. 19.Nxe5 wins.))} (19. Nxe5 bxc6 (19... Rf5 $4 20. cxb7 Re8 21. Bd5+ Kh8 22. Nf7+ $18) 20. Nxf7 Kxf7 21. Rxd3 Rb8 22. Re1 Rxb2 23. Rxe2 $18) 19... e4 20. Re3 { ((White has a choice of two winning moves here. The simplest, perhaps is 20. cxb7; but 20. Ne5! is even stronger.)) } (20. cxb7 Raf8 21. Re3 exf3 22. Rxf3 Rxf3 23. Bxf3 $18) (20. Ne5 Rf5 21. Nxg6 $1 Bc5 (21... hxg6 $2 22. Bxe4 Nxg3+ 23. hxg3 bxc6 24. Bxf5 gxf5 25. Rd7 $18) 22. Ne7+ Bxe7 23. Bxe4 Re5 24. cxb7 Rb8 25. Re3 Nxg3+ 26. hxg3 Kf8 { ((Note that if Black does not move the King he would lose Rook and pawn for Bishop with 27. Bxh7+ Kxh7 28. Rxe5))} 27. Rae1 $18) 20... exf3 21. Bxf3 { ((Good. Better than 21.Rxf3))} Bc5 { ((An interesting point is the Knight on e2. This piece is doomed and so Black should use him as a so-called 'desperado' .. . that is a piece which must be lost and so sells his life as dearly as possible. So here, and before now, in fact, Black could play, 21...Nxg3+ 22. fxg3 and he has at least taken a pawn with him. It's better to take with the f pawn since it is threatened by two Black pieces and may be lost.))} 22. Re4 $4 { Rxe2 ((This should be the losing move! I don't agree that Rxe2 is correct, though. White should play 22.cxb7! Raf8 23.Rd3 c6 Of course, after 23. Rd3 in this line Black cannot dream of playing 23...Rxf3 24.Rxf3 Rxf3?? and White Queens the pawn. After 23 ...c6 24.b4 Bb6 25. Kxe2 White is winning.))} Rxf3 { ((22...Nxg3! 23.fxg3 Rxf3))} 23. Kxe2 $2 { ((Better to take with the Rook.))} Rxf2+ 24. Kd3 { ((24...b5! ends the career of the White pawn. 24...bxc6 is also good.))} Rxb2 25. cxb7 Rxb7 { ((25...Rb8 is slightly better.))} 26. h4 { ((In general terms, the player with the extra piece should be happy to swap off pieces but not pawns; the other player (White in this case) should swap pawns but not pieces)) .} Rb2 27. Kc4 Bf2 28. Rf1 Rxa2 { ((Exactly what Black wants. He now has a passed pawn, and with the extra piece it should be an easy win. He should push the pawn as far as he can as quickly as he can. The point is that if White has to block the pawn with a Rook, and the pawn is on, say, a3 the White Rook has only two squares on the a file. A Black Rook would have a8-a4. In short, superior mobility.))} 29. Kb3 Rd2 30. Kc4 Bxg3 31. Kc5 Rc2 32. c4 Bd6+ 33. Kc6 a5 34. Kb7 Rd8 35. Ra1 Rb2+ { ((Black now has mate in 5. 35...Rb2+ 36.Kc6 (36. Kac6 Ra8 mate) Rb6+ 37.Kd5 Bg3+ 38.Kc5 Bf2+ 39.Re3 Bxe3 mate.))} 36. Kc6 Rb6+ 37. Kd5 Ra6 $2 { ((See previous note))} 38. c5 Bg3+ 39. Kc4 c6 40. Kb3 Bf2 41. Rea4 Bxc5 { ((Better is 41...Rb8+ followed by Rb5.))} 42. Rxa5 Rxa5 43. Rxa5 Be7 44. Kc4 c5 { ((White has fought hard and done what he can, but this is now hopeless. The rest of the game will be very lightly annotated.))} 45. Rb5 Rd4+ 46. Kc3 Rxh4 47. Rb7 Bf8 48. Kd3 g5 49. Ke3 g4 50. Kf2 Rh3 51. Kg2 Rd3 { ((51...h5!))} 52. Rc7 g3 { ((52...h5!))} 53. Rc8 Kf7 { ((The King was fine where he was. 53...h5! Is this monotonous?))} 54. Rc7+ Be7 55. Ra7 Kg6 56. Ra6+ Kg5 57. Ra2 c4 58. Kh3 c3 59. Rg2 Kf4 { ((59...Bd6))} 60. Rc2 Bb4 { ((There's another mate here, starting with 60...Rd2.))} 61. Rc1 Rd2 62. Rf1+ Ke3 { ((62...Rf2!))} 63. Kxg3 c2 64. Rf3+ Ke2 65. Rf2+ Ke1 66. Rf4 c1=Q 67. Kg4 Rg2+ { 67...Qd1+ and 67...Qc8+ both lead to forced mates.))} 68. Kf5 Qc5+ 69. Ke4 Re2+ 70. Kf3 { ((This leads to mate in 4, but 70.Kd3 is mate in 1.))} Qe3+ 71. Kg4 { Black forf eits on time ((There are two mates here. A)71...Rg2+ 72.Kh5 Qh3+ 73.Rh4 Qf5 mate B)71...Qg1+ 72.Kh5 Rh2+ 73.Rh4 Qg6 mate.)) My general comments are: (1) Black was better after the opening and you need something sharper. White should strive for the initiative with his first move advantage. I really think that opening with 1.e4 or 1.d4 is a good idea for a while. Flank openings can be tried later. (2) You got yourself back into the game well during the tactical phase of the game, say moves 13-25, and after 18...d3 you had good winning chances. However, you should have lost after 22.Re4. (3) If you are spending time studying chess, at least half of it (maybe more) should be on tactics. You can study tactical positions in books or there are computer programs like Ct-Art 3.0 from Convekta or Intensive Tactics from Chessbase (you don't need to have Chessbase to run this). After you've solved 50 positions on each of pins, forks and so on, you'll start to see them in your games! (4) Always look at every capture and check on every move, yours and your opponent's. Losing material almost always means defeat ...brilliant sacrifices are another matter! It's really hard to calculate several moves in advance and evaluate the positions, but there's no other way tp play and you will definitely improve with practice. (6) Always try to anlayse your games afterwards. Once you have done that, check it with a computer program (Fritz or Crafty or whatever) if you can to see what you've missed. But don't let the computer do it for you. You'll learn a lot by working out your own mistakes. (7) Always check analysis, including mine. I've tried to be careful but there may be mistakes here. No analysis is ever complete and can always be improved. Thanks for giving me the chance to look at your game. I really enjoyed it. Good luck with your chess.))} 1-0 [Event "FICS"] [Site "FICS"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "geshakov"] [Black "DavidBudiman"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C96"] [WhiteElo "1490"] [BlackElo "1552"] [Annotator "Budiman, David; Cohen, David"] [PlyCount "89"] { DB: I have played Ruy Lopez as White very often against many chess engines such as Comet B60, Fritz 5.32, Fritz 8, Shredder 7, Chess Tiger 15, and Chessmaster 9000. I found that Black is very solid and difficult to attack. Instead Black slowly counter-attacks on the Queenside and ultimately wins the game. In this game I tried to use the same strategy, but obviously I didn't do it right. DC: Use Fritz's database to find the position with the first new move. In non-master games, this is usually the first error. Compare your move with the GMs' moves and Fritz's analysis.} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O b5 6. Bb3 Be7 7. Re1 O-O 8. c3 d6 9. h3 Na5 10. Bc2 c5 11. d3 Re8 12. Nbd2 Bd7 { DB: I was considering 12... Bb7, but I see that N/d2 will eventually go to g3, aiming at the f5 square for its post. So I need to guard that square and develop at the same time. DC: You can play ... g7-g6 to cover f5. Your pieces should not interfere with each other; B/d7 later blocks the escape of the N/f6. B/b7 puts pressure on White's center (e4) and supports your eventual push in the center (... d6-d5).} 13. Nf1 Qc8 { DC: This looks ugly. 13... Qc7 would protect P/e5 and develop the queen to connect your two rooks.} 14. Qe2 Bf8 { DB: I figured that White will soon begin his Kingside attack, so I placed the bishop to defend g7. I was inspired by a chess program I played against that made this move, but perhaps in this game it is not an appropriate move. DC: It's fine.} 15. Ng3 Nc6 { DB: I feel that this was another inaccurate move I made. I think this move is a waste of time. But since I don't know what exactly to do, I figured that centralizing the knight is at least a sound reason. Chess program I played would leave the N/a5 and do something else, I just couldn't remember what. DC: Yes, waste of time. You need to follow the plan you suggested at the beginning and start your Queenside play. However, a pawn push here will do no good, as your Queenside pieces are not well placed to invade behind the pawns. You need to reorganize the queen and B/d7, and get the R/a8 onto the file that your pawn push will open up. Unfortunately, you moved the one piece that was already centralized (i.e., ready for action) away from the center (i.e., the center of the action - the Queenside). Having a piece in the center of the board is almost useless if there is no action there. The only reason to have it in the center of the board is to move it quickly to the area of the board where the action is (in this case, the Queenside).} 16. b3 b4 { DB: This is yet another inaccurate move I think. I was wrong about White launching his Kingside attack, so I put my piece on hold to a defensive position. But White is jerking around; he delayed the attack and moved the Queenside pawn as if he puts me in zugzwang.} 17. c4 Ne7 { DB: Ouch...I didn't see Bg5 threatening to disrupt my Kingside pawn structure and there is nothing I can do. Maybe I should have moved 17... a5 instead. I was in haste to bring another defender to my Kingside and discourage White's plan of attacking Black's Kingside, since for him the Queenside is closed. DC: 17... g6, 18... Bg7} 18. Bg5 Ng6 19. Bxf6 gxf6 20. Nh5 Bg7 { DC: ... g6 would also have covered h5. Allowing the main defender of the Kingside, the dark-squared bishop, to be traded is bad.} 21. Nh2 f5 { DB: I was following what the theory said, attacking the centre to counter a flank attack. } 22. Nxg7 Kxg7 23. Qh5 f4 { DB: Then I saw White's bishop could join the attack, so I closed the b1-h7 diagonal with this move.} 24. Bd1 a5 { DB: Now I w as trying to counter attack on the Queenside to distract White's attack. DC: Too slow - no danger for White.} 25. Bg4 Bxg4 26. Nxg4 { DB: I make the exchange thinking that fewer pieces would reduce the danger to my king.} Qd8 27. Qh6+ Kh8 28. g3 Re6 29. Qh5 { DB: Despite the hole at g7, I think Black's position is still solid and not so easy to break. DC: With Queenside and center both blocked, you can safely rush all your pieces to the Kingside to help with its defence.} Qf8 30. Nh6 Kg7 31. Nf5+ Kh8 32. Kh2 fxg3+ { DB: This is it, the mistake my opponent is waiting for. After 32... fxg3 the f-file is open for White's rook. Silly me, what was I thinking? DC: 32... Ne7 would begin repelling the invading pieces.} 33. fxg3 Ne7 { DB: Still not noticing the danger, I don't even smell it!} 34. Rf1 Nxf5 35. Qxf5 Ra7 { DB: It's a blunder, but I think Black's position is critical now and there is nothing I can do for I already lost this game. DC: Before this move, I think your position wasn't lost. Try defending both P/f7 and queen with your king! Get R/a8 over to help as quickly as White gets R/a1 into the attack. Your king is exposed, but your rook on the 6th rank should be able to play to g6 and help to cover it. There's probably even time for ... Qg7, covering the king, making room for R/a8, and counter-attacking along the g-file!} 36. Qxe6 { DB: Boom! like a thunderclap in broad daylight.} fxe6 37. Rxf8+ Kg7 { DB: Pride demanded that I fight even for the slightest chance, but there was no chance for me at all. So the rest of the game does not require annotation.} 38. Raf1 a4 39. bxa4 d5 40. exd5 exd5 41. cxd5 e4 42. dxe4 c4 43. Rb8 Rxa4 44. Rf2 c3 45. d6 { DavidBudiman resigns} 1-0 [Event "sshhhh's mini-tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/chess.pl?b"] [Date "2004.04.09"] [Round "?"] [White "kingstrint"] [Black "baseballfan"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C68"] [WhiteElo "1274"] [BlackElo "968"] [Annotator "baseballfan ,Miroslav Rakovic (fege on FICS)"] [PlyCount "63"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] [TimeControl "259200+86400"] 1. e4 { My name is Miroslav Rakovic (fege on FICS). I will anotate this game. My comments will start with MRF} e5 { BBF:I am playing black, it seems to me that I had this game pretty well handled, but then at some point, thing went awry. I am not really sure where that happened} 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 { MRF: Ruy Lopez, Exchange variation.} bxc6 { BBF: This was a correspondance that took place over a few days, soon after this move I have learned that dxc6 is better here. MRF: You are right. dxc6 is the right move.} ({ MRF: Let's look at a position after} 4... dxc6 { White gave up his bishop pair. What he got in return? Black has doubled pawns on queenside, but in return white got pawn majority on kingside. Let's look at variation} 5. d4 exd4 6. Qxd4 Qxd4 7. Nxd4 { White main object is to exchange all piecess and win in ending. If we remove all piecess from the board white would win. WC Euwe prove that.}) 5. d4 (5. Nxe5 { ?!} Qe7 6. d4 d6 7. Nxc6 Qxe4+ 8. Qe2 Qxe2+ 9. Kxe2 Bb7 10. d5 Bxc6 11. dxc6 Ne7 12. Nc3 Nxc6 { =}) 5... exd4 { BBF:This is not a move I would normally make, but I wanted to be aggresive this game. MRF: This is the only good move. He attack your pawn twice, so you should exchange pawns or try to protect pawn. After} (5... d6 6. dxe5 Qe7 7. Qd4 { +/-}) 6. Nxd4 Nf6 7. Bg5 h6 8. Be3 Bc5 { BBF: Would Bb4 be better here? Im not sure now why I did this instead. MRF: I don't think that Bb4 is better. During the game, did you consider Nxe4? He offer a pawn sacrifice. Maybe you should take the pawn. WC Capablanca wrote that if you don't see why opponent offer a pawn sacrifice, you should take a pawn.} ({ MRF: After} 8... Nxe4 9. O-O { white will development advantage}) 9. Nc3 O-O { MRF: Castling early is usually a good move, but here you missed a tactical shot for white.} 10. O-O ({ MRF:} 10. Nxc6 dxc6 11. Bxc5 { +-}) 10... a5 ({ MRF: Better is} 10... Qe8) 11. a3 ({ MRF: White didn't see} 11. Nxc6 { again} dxc6 12. Bxc5) 11... Bd6 { MRF: Not a good move, now you must constantly think of e5 push} 12. Re1 ({ MRF: After} 12. f4 { you must move bishop again, but fortunately white didn't played that move.}) 12... Ba6 ({ MRF: You should play} 12... Re8 { to attack e4 pawn and postpone f4 move}) 13. Qd2 ({ MRF:} 13. f4 { is better}) 13... Ng4 14. f4 Qh4 ({ MRF: You should exchange knight for bishop} 14... Nxe3 15. Qxe3 { Instead you decide to attack, but you attack is premature. You don't have enough piecess to succeed and there is not any weaknesess in white camp}) 15. h3 ({ MRF:} 15. Nf3 { is much better.}) 15... Nf6 ({ MRF: You missed} 15... Nxe3 16. Qxe3 Bxf4 17. Qf3 Be5) 16. e5 { +- BBF: Nice move, was this where the game turned? MRF: This is simple fork move.} Nh5 17. Bf2 { BBF: This move totally evaded me, I never saw it coming. MRF: Why this move evade you?} ({ MRF: } 17. exd6 { is the simpliest way to win the game}) 17... Qe7 ({ MRF:} 17... Qxf4 18. Qxf4 Nxf4 19. exd6 cxd6 { +-}) 18. exd6 Qxd6 19. Ne4 Qe7 20. Nf5 ({ MRF:} 20. Ng3 Qh4 21. Nf3 Qxf4 22. Nxh5 { +-}) 20... Qe6 ({ MRF: Better is} 20... Qd8) 21. Nfg3 ({ MRF:} 21. Neg3 Nxg3 22. Rxe6 dxe6 23. Nxg3 { +-}) 21... g5 { Why you playe d this move? You weakened a king position permanently and your knight on h5 is enpraise.} ({ MRF: Better is} 21... Nxg3 22. Nxg3 { +-}) 22. Nxg5 ({ Better is:} 22. Nxh5 { +- but your position is lost anyway}) 22... Qf6 ({ MRF: Better is} 22... Qg6 { to protect knight at h5}) 23. Nxh5 Qxb2 24. Bd4 Qb5 25. Nf6+ Kg7 26. Nxd7+ Kg8 27. Nxf8 Kxf8 ({ MRF:} 27... Rxf8 { would postpone the end of the game} ) 28. Bf6 Qb6+ ({ MRF:} 28... hxg5 { Why you didn't take a piece free of charge}) 29. Bd4 c5 30. Bh8 ({ MRF: Better is} 30. Nh7+ Kg8 31. Nf6+ Kg7 32. Nd7+ Kg8 33. Nxb6 { +-}) 30... Kg8 ({ MRF: Better is} 30... hxg5 { Again, why you didn't take a piece?}) 31. Qc3 Kf8 32. Qg7# { What to tell after I saw the game? I will recommend you to find some tactics book and study easy tactical problems (1-2 moves). I recomment Bain's Chess Tactics for Students or Convekta's Chess Tactics for Beginners.} 1-0 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2004.04.22"] [Round "?"] [White "MrNupsen"] [Black "firehawkv"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C28"] [WhiteElo "1910"] [BlackElo "1794"] [Annotator "MrNupsen/Killerman"] [PlyCount "36"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] { MrNupsen: I saw myself given a queen (almost) for free in this game, but ended up humiliated. I'm really curious as to whether I could have saved my back or not...} 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Bc5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. d3 Nc6 5. f4 { I enjoy pl g f4 in these positions, although I don't really know if it's a smart move or not? Killerman: This move is fine and we have reached a fairly typical Vienna Opening position, an opening that is often described as a delayed King's Gambit. As with a lot of the old gambits they are played infrequently at GM level but they are still good weapons for club players.} d6 6. f5 $5 { Killerman: This is tempting as it looks like a good idea to block in the Black bishop and start an attack. However you have committed yourself a little early in my opinion. I prefer lines following Nf3 which retain the tension in the centre a little longer and allow you more flexibility. You may end up playing f5 for your attack later which is fine, but by delaying it you allow yourself to see how Black intends to set up his position before thrusting forward. In addition completing your development first will always allow you to carry out a better attack.} ({ Killerman:} 6. Nf3 Bg4 (6... Na5 7. Bb3 Nxb3 (7... a6 8. Rf1 Nxb3 9. axb3 $11) 8. axb3 Qe7 $11) (6... a6 7. Rf1 (7. f5 h6 8. Qe2 Na5 9. Be3 Bxe3 10. Qxe3 $11) 7... O-O 8. f5 h6 9. Nd5 $11) 7. h3 { Killerman: The start of my favourite line and well worth playing around with} ( 7. Na4 Bb6 8. Nxb6 axb6 9. O-O $11) 7... Bxf3 8. Qxf3 Nd4 9. Qg3 $1 { after this Qe7 or castles is OK for Black. Taking the c pawn usually loses as White gets a very powerful attack} Nxc2+ 10. Kd1 Nxa1 11. Qxg7 Kd7 (11... Rf8 12. fxe5 dxe5 13. Bg5 Be7 14. Rf1 $16 { and the attack is very good}) 12. fxe5 dxe5 13. Rf1 Be7 14. Bg5 $16 { both of the C lines lead to very complicated but great positions to play. It isn't possible here to put in too many lines but I would suggest that if you like playing this opening then a study of the position and regular playing of the position after 6...Bg4 7.h3 Bxf3 is worth doing.}) 6... g6 $2 { Killerman: Risky as it weakens key squares on the kingside. Better would have been an attempt to swop off your light squared bishop with Na5} ({ Killerman:} 6... Na5 7. Bb3 (7. Qf3 c6 8. g4 b5 9. Bb3 Nxb3 10. axb3 Qb6 $11) 7... Nxb3 8. axb3 d5 $11) 7. g4 $2 { This might be exaggerating just a little bit, I could have played Bg5 already at this point I guess. Killerman: Yes, this move is tempting but is played too soon. Development is important so Bg5 is probably a good idea, however what will happen after Black plays h6? The alternative is to capture on g6 which will leave Black with weakened kingside squares} ({ Killerman:} 7. Bg5 h6 8. Bxf6 (8. Bh4 g5 $15) 8... Qxf6 9. Nd5 Qd8 $11 { White could now capture now on g6 and follow up with Nf3, but Black is now OK}) ({ Killerman:} 7. fxg6 fxg6 (7... hxg6 $2 8. Bg5 $14 { the bishop can be supported from here which gives White the edge}) 8. Nf3 { delaying the development of the c1 bishop because Bg5 is not as good as itlooks } (8. Bg5 h6 9. Bxf6 (9. Bh4 g5 $15) 9... Qxf6 10. Nf3 $15) 8... Na5 9. Bb3 Nxb3 10. axb3 c6 11. Rf1 $11 { eventually White will castle queenside, note that Black struggles here to castle kingside as it helps White complete development} O-O 12. Bh6 Re8 13. Qd2 $14) 7... h5 { Na5 may also be possible getting rid of the c4 bishop} 8. Bg5 hxg4 $3 { Killerman: Did Black mean this? If so it's a great attacking attempt. After the more obvious Bb4 White still seems to retain an edge but it's far from clear.} ({ Killerman:} 8... Bb4 9. fxg6 { opening the f-file anything else is too slow} fxg6 10. Qf3 Rf8 $1 (10... hxg4 $2 11. Qxf6 Qxf6 12. Bxf6 g3 13. Nge2 g2 14. Rg1 Rxh2 $16) 11. gxh5 gxh5 12. Bxf6 (12. Bh6 Nd4 13. Qf2 d5 $1 14. Bxf8 Ng4 $17 { with the threat of Qh4}) 12... Qxf6 (12... Bxc3+ 13. bxc3 Qxf6 14. Qxh5+ Ke7 15. O-O-O $14) 13. Qxh5+ Kd8 14. O-O-O $14) 9. Nd5 Nxd5 { Black decides to sack the queen, apparently for two pieces...Killerman: Black has no option but to accept this situation here} 10. Bxd8 Ne3 $1 { Killerman:Correct. Black has to find the best moves now and hope for a mistake} 11. Qd2 g3 $1 12. h4 $4 { Eager to spare my rook after 12. h3 g2 13. Rh2 Nf1, allthough h3 would have covered the g4 square.} ({ Killerman: Is Nf3 possible? I think it might be covering the h2 pawn and threatening to get rid of the dangerous pawn.} 12. Nf3 $1 g2 (12... Nxd8 13. Bb3 { allows Rg1 when Black can't take on c4 threatening the queen} g2 14. Rg1 gxf5 15. exf5 Bxf5 $14) 13. Rg1 Nxd8 (13... Kxd8 $2 14. Rxg2 Nxg2+ 15. Qxg2 $18) 14. Rxg2 Nxg2+ 15. Qxg2 $14) 12... Kxd8 13. fxg6 $4 { Now of course the black Bishop enters the attack, but I really don't see how to wiggle my way out of this position? Killerman: The game was probably lost after 12 . h4 but now it's all over. Of course you can't stop the bishop entering the game but there is no need to open lines to your king as well. fxg6 just helps Black. You need to keep Black out of d4 so c3 is the best but you do now have a position that verges on Zugzwang and as such you have to sit and wait for the attack} ({ Killerman:} 13. c3 gxf5 $15 { All White can do is wait for the attack to come. Black will get to play f4 and as White can't take the f5 pawn Black will develop and push forward the kingside pawns. White just has nothing to do.} 14. exf5 $2 Rh5 $19 { the threat is to take on f5 and threaten f1 as in the game once the rook gets to the f-file it's game over}) 13... fxg6 14. c3 { Killerman: It's too late for this move. Nf3 is probably best but the game has gone.} ({ Killerman: An attempt to play d4 and counterattack although it is insufficient. } 14. Nf3 Rf8 (14... g2 15. Rg1 Rf8 16. d4 exd4 17. Be2 d3 $19) 15. d4 Rxf3 16. dxc5 $19) 14... Rf8 15. Nh3 g2 16. Nf2 (16. Rg1 Rf1+ 17. Rxf1 gxf1=Q#) (16. Rh2 Rf1+ 17. Ke2 Bg4#) (16. Ke2 Bg4+ 17. Ke1 gxh1=Q+ 18. Ng1 Qxg1#) 16... gxh1=Q+ 17. Nxh1 Rf1+ 18. Ke2 Bg4# { White checkmated That really hurt :) Killerman: A very exciting game and a great attack from Black. The game shows how difficult defending can be against a group of minor pieces on good squares. Keep playing the opening though as you are always going to get interesting games in these sort of lines. Just don't overplay the pawn moves. In the end your lack of development was the key to Black's success. Thanks for allowing me to review your game.} 0-1 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2005.10.05"] [Round "?"] [White "Theep"] [Black "Wiens"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C92"] [WhiteElo "1911"] [BlackElo "1876"] [Annotator "Wiens:MH"] [PlyCount "77"] [EventDate "2005.??.??"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 ({ MH: another interesting line is} 5... b5 6. Bb3 Bc5 7. d3 { Unlike the main line this game followed, this plan aims to take advantage of a pin on Nf6 by Bc1-g5, Nb1-c3-d5, therefore c2-c3 and d2-d4 aren't used.} h6 8. Nc3 d6 9. a4) 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 { MH: defending pawn e5, so that ...Nc6-a5xb3 is possible} 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Bb7 10. d4 Re8 11. Ng5 Rf8 12. f4 { MH: I've never see f2-f4 here. Most common is to retreat Ng5-f3. In fact, there have been several draws where White and Black repeat Nf3 Re8; Ng5 Rf8, etc.} exf4 $2 { MH: This isn't the most obvious error, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. But, what happens is White's pawn chain from b2-d4 restrains Nc6 very well, blocking it out a long time.} ({ MH:} 12... exd4 $142 13. cxd4 Na5 14. Bc2 h6 ({ or} 14... c5 { and Black continues trying to destroy White's central pawns, to make more good squares for Black's pieces} 15. d5) 15. e5 hxg5 16. exf6 Bxf6) 13. Bxf4 Na5 14. Bc2 Nd5 $5 ({ MH:} 14... h6 15. e5 dxe5 (15... hxg5 16. exf6 Bxf6 17. Qh5 g6 18. Bxg6 fxg6 19. Qxg6+ Bg7 20. Bxg5 $16 { because White keeps the extra attacking piece Bg5 out in front} Qd7 (20... Qe8 21. Rxe8 Raxe8) 21. Re7 Qxe7 22. Bxe7 Rf7 23. Bg5 Re8) 16. dxe5 Qxd1 17. Rxd1 hxg5 18. exf6 Bxf6) 15. exd5 Bxg5 16. Qh5 ({ MH:} 16. Bxh7+ $2 Kxh7 17. Qh5+ Bh6 18. g4 g5 { prevents g4-g5} ({ MH:} 18... f6 19. h4 g5 (19... Bxd5 $2 20. g5 Bf7 21. Qg4 fxg5 22. hxg5 Re8 23. Nd2))) 16... h6 17. h4 Bxf4 $1 { MH: When under attack, as Black is, it's usually best to trade off the attacker's better pieces -- to grab a pawn is to take a risk which makes no sense at all. A king is worth more than a pawn.} ({ Wiens:} 17... Bxh4 $2 18. Bxh6 gxh6 19. Qxh6 { and mates on the next move.} ({ MH:} 19. Qf5 Re8 (19... Kg7 20. Qh7+ Kf6 21. Qxh6#) 20. Qh7+ Kf8 21. Qh8#) 19... f5 { and Black can fight for survival a bit longer.}) 18. Qf5 g6 ({ Wiens:} 18... Bh2+ $1 { Wiens: I considered this only to expose the king more but worried that I gave him a tempo in getting his rook to g1 so I discarded it. Many of the lines given were pointed out by Crafty. MH: Black gets to keep his bishop a little longer, so it should be considered. I don't see your point about Rg1 as that file isn't open. At worst it doesn't change anything, so Bh2+ was worth a try.} 19. Kh1 g6 20. Qf2 ({ MH:} 20. Qg4 { threatening Bxg6+ to at least secure a draw for White, is more aggressive than Qf2}) 20... Nc4 ({ MH: White's attack has fizzled and Black should take advantage of the moment.} 20... Bxd5 $1 21. Kxh2 Qd7 22. Nd2 Rae8 $15) 21. b3 ({ MH:} 21. Kxh2 Nxb2 22. Bxg6 fxg6 23. Qxb2 Bxd5 { also favors Black}) 21... Ne5 22. dxe5 Bxe5 $15) 19. Qxf4 h5 ({ MH: Why weaken your king-side dark squares?} 19... Kg7) 20. Nd2 ({ MH: White should definately hold onto pawn d5!} 20. Qf3) 20... Bxd5 21. b3 Qd7 22. Be4 { Wiens: I never saw this move coming but it trades off my strong B for his now weaker one. I can't find a good way to avoid it. MH: Life's like that sometimes. That's why you have to do as much as you can to avoid permanent weaknesses which might, at some later time, be taken advantage of. That's one of the key ideas Steinitz introduced: 'lasting advantages or disadvantages'.} Bxe4 23. Nxe4 f5 24. Ng5 Rae8 25. Rxe8 Rxe8 26. Qg3 Qe7 ({ Wiens:} 26... Re2 27. d5 Qe7 ({ MH:} 27... c6 28. Ne6 Kh7 29. Ng5+ Kh6) 28. Ne6 { seems to put the black rook in a difficult position. MH: If other Black pieces could come to the center to support it then all would be well, but as they can't then you're right to avoid putting the one piece in such an awkward place.}) ({ MH: One more Black piece to activate, to keep Kg8 safe.} 26... Nc6 27. d5 Ne5 $15) 27. Nf3 Kf7 ({ MH: Here's another example of how to fight White's attempt to establish a lock on e6} 27... Qf6 28. Re1 Rxe1+ 29. Qxe1 Kf8 30. Ng5 Qe7 31. Ne6+ Kf7 32. d5 c6 33. Ng5+ Kf8 34. Qxe7+ Kxe7 35. b4 Nc4 36. dxc6 Ne5 37. c7 Kd7 38. Ne6 $13) 28. Re1 Qd8 ({ MH: There are pitfalls to avoid.} 28... Qf6 $4 29. Ng5+ Kf8 30. Nh7+) 29. Ng5+ Kf6 30. Nh7+ Kg7 31. Ng5 Rxe1+ { MH: White threa tens Ne6+, but aside from that I don't see why Black should give up the e-file. } ({ Wiens:} 31... Qd7 $1 32. Rxe8 Qxe8 33. d5 Kg8 34. Ne6 Qf7 { This would have been better in view of White's 35th move possibility.}) 32. Qxe1 Qd7 33. c4 { MH: chasing Black's knight into play!} ({ Wiens:} 33. Qe6 Qxe6 34. Nxe6+ Kf7 35. Nxc7 Ke7 36. Nxa6 Kd7 37. Kf2 $18) 33... Nc6 34. d5 ({ Wiens: } 34. Qe6 Qxe6 35. Nxe6+ Kf6 36. Nxc7 bxc4 37. bxc4 Nxd4 38. Nxa6 { This would have been another way to go.}) 34... Ne5 { MH: This defends pawn g6 very nicely, so Black's king-side may be defensible.} 35. Ne6+ Kf7 ({ MH:} 35... Kg8) 36. Qe3 { MH: White's offensive potential is quite good: Qa7 and pawns a6 & c7 are targets or Qh6 and Kf7 is a target} bxc4 $4 ({ Wiens:} 36... Qe7 37. Ng5+ Kg8 38. Qa7 bxc4 39. Qb8+ Kg7 40. Ne6+ Kh7 { time pressure got to me and I couldn't see my way out.}) 37. Qh6 Kg8 38. Qf8+ Kh7 39. Ng5# { Black checkmated MH: a nifty mating formation. Black made far too many moves which weakened, or lead to some forced weakening of, the king-side. It was a long slow process where White picked at the position like it was a scab about to come loose. Eventually, the weakness at g5 was used by both the knight and queen (traveled over it to get to the also weak h6) to get at Black's king. That Black never activated his pieces or was fully able to find a way to fight White's pieces, mano a mano, was key to white having the needed time to keep his offense going. Black needs to defend more economically and activate his pieces more fully, in order to begin considering any offensive possibilities. I suppose one of the typical problems a person has, I know I did, when coming up through the ranks is that even if you have an idea of what needs to be done you can oftentimes become confused by the myriad variations and possibilities. The way to deal with that is to look very narrowly at specifics, specific threats and then at the limited number of defensive possibilities. sort through those carefully to find the defense which leaves your king safest, forever. Be picky, don't weaken your king's position if there is any other good possibility. Don't assume you've got all the variations figured out, there might be something you've overlooked. Leave yourself a big margin for error. Don't let your opponent get the ball rolling with piece developments or weaknesses in your position. Develop your pieces and if necessary, as a defensive measure, trade them off. Seek safety in closed lines and pawn cover for your king. Don't give an inch! Then, after getting better at that, begin working for more piece activity and ways to generate offense or ways to win material for the endgame.} 1-0 [Event "FICS unrated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2004.04.24"] [Round "?"] [White "Schoenbach, Patrick"] [Black "Nemisis"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B84"] [WhiteElo "1162"] [BlackElo "1887"] [Annotator "Schoenbach + Fritz8 + Murray"] [PlyCount "66"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] 1. e4 { RT: Hi, this is RoundTower analysing your game for the FICS teaching Ladder. I haven't had a database program or engine to help me with this, so I hope everything is accurate and the PGN is readable. IF you have questions or comments about this game talk to RoundTower on fics or email abbotofglendalough@hotmail.com. I have marked your comments with M: and mine with RT: to distinguish between them. M: This game has been played in a simultan game against Nemisis. The variations have been analyzed with the help of Fritz 8. RT: In general I recommend you use Fritz either not at all or only after rigorously analysing the game yourself: it is there to correct your errors rather than as an endless supply of correct moves} c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3 e6 7. f4 { M: The idea of f4 was to prevent e5. But somehow, Bd3 seems better.Why? RT: This is purely a matter of taste - in fact I prefer to play such positions with f4 included. IT's important to realise that the purpose of f4 is not to prevent ...e5, which Black could have played last move, but to give you options of a later e4-e5 or f4-f5. In fact f4 may turn out to provoke a later ...e5 rather than to deter it. Furthermore, you should be wary of trusting Fritz in the opening; computers are invariably more reliable later on in the middlegame.} (7. Bd3 d5 8. exd5 Nxd5 9. Nxd5 Qxd5 10. O-O Nc6 11. Nxc6 Qxc6 12. Qg4 e5 13. Qg3 Qe6 $16) 7... Be7 8. Be2 O-O 9. O-O b5 { RT: threatening ...b4, and when you move the N, to take on e4. 10. e5 is one way to meet this: after 10...Ne8 11. Bd3 f5, how about for example 12. exf6 when whichever way Black recaptures, he may have problems with his central pawns. This variation illustrates why Fritz may not help you much here: do you really understand the reasons behind all these moves? The drawback of 10. Qd3 is that this is not a natural sq for the Q, although it prevents Black's immediate threat. The Q may be dislodged by Nb8-d7-c5; she would be happier on d2 or better still, coming to the Kingside via e1.} 10. Qd3 { M:I was reluctant to play e5, because it would weaken d5, but it seems the better move. How to evaluatethis?} (10. e5 $142 Ne8 11. Bd3 f5 12. Qf3 Nc7 13. Rad1 dxe5 14. fxe5 Bc5 $16) 10... Bb7 11. a3 Nbd7 12. b4 { M: Blocking c5 for the black knight. RT: !? an interesting, double-edged move: it denies the N its natural square, but your backward c-pawn could turn into a serious weakness since it is hard to get it to c4.} Rc8 13. Bf3 { M: Protecting e4. RT: I like this move in these positions, but you might need the B to support c2-c4. } Qc7 14. Bd2 (14. Nde2) 14... Qc4 { RT: occupying the weakened square c4. of course exchanging pieces does not help: 15. Qxc4 Rxc4 wins material} 15. Rfe1 Rc7 16. e5 dxe5 17. fxe5 Nd5 18. Nxd5 exd5 (18... Bxd5 19. Bxd5 exd5 20. Bf4 { RT: 20. Nf5!? looks strong} Qxd3 21. cxd3 $14) 19. Nf5 { M: With the idea Nd6, but Bf6 seems stronger. RT: not sure what you mean} (19. Bf4 h6 20. Rad1 Qxd3 21. Rxd3 Rc4 22. c3 Re8 $14) 19... Bd8 20. Nd6 { M: I was q uite happy about having such an advanced support point for the knight, but Rac1 seems to be a lot stronger. Why? RT: of course d6 is a great place for the N. Fritz prefers Rac1 because it protects your c-pawn, which Black is attacking. After Rac1! you would retain the possibility of Nd6 next.} (20. Rac1 Qc6 21. Bf4 Qg6 22. e6 fxe6 23. Bxc7 Qxf5 24. Qxf5 exf5 25. Bxd8 Rxd8 26. Re7 Ba8 $18) 20... Qxd3 { ?!} ({ RT:} 20... Qxc2) 21. cxd3 Be7 { RT: maybe keep the B by 21...Ba8, and try to dislodge the N by ...f6} 22. Nxb7 Rxb7 23. Bxd5 Rc7 $18 { RT: White has a clear advantage, but you need to do something about your attacked p on e5. 24. e6! is an excellent way to do this with tempo, withuot allowing Black in to e.g. c3. The B is wasted just defending a pawn.} 24. Bf4 { M: Again, 24. e6! seems much stronger. Why?} (24. e6 $1 Nf6 25. exf7+ Rxf7 26. Be6 Bd6 27. Rac1 Kf8 28. Bxf7 Kxf7 29. h3 Nd5 30. Rf1+ Kg8 31. Rxc7 Bxc7 $18) 24... Nb6 25. Be4 Rcc8 26. Bf5 $6 { M: Kind of away the initiative. RT: consider Bb7, a trying to win a P in a typical way} ( 26. Be3 Nd7 27. d4 Rfd8 28. Rac1 f6 29. Rxc8 Rxc8 $18) 26... Rcd8 27. Red1 (27. Be3 Nd5 28. Bc5 Rfe8 29. Be4 Bxc5+ 30. bxc5 Nc3 31. Bf5 g6 32. Bg4 h5 33. Bh3 Rxd3 34. g3 $14) 27... Nd5 28. Bg3 $4 { M: I simply had overlooked the black knight fork on e3.} (28. Bd2 g6 29. Be4 f5 30. Bf3 g5 31. Rac1 g4 32. Be2 Rc8 $16) 28... Ne3 29. Bxh7+ $4 { M: To me, it seeme d better to lose the bishop, win a pawn and to destroy the pawn shield of black's king instead of sacrificing the exchange, but obviously, this is not true. Why? RT: You have a choice of giving up R for N or B for P. Every Russian schoolboy knows that this is apparently the same material loss. In this position you should prefer to give up the exchange because: 1. you want to keep the 2 bishops 2. taking a P from Black's shelter doesn't matter so much with so little material left - if you had an active N or Q things would be different 3. most importantly, you would now have WORSE pieces, not just LESS pieces. By giving up the B you have one less fighting unit than your opponent. 4. In this position Black's tactical tricks happen to work against you - his B, N, Rd8 combine well.} (29. Be4 Nxd1 30. Rxd1 f6 31. Rf1 fxe5 32. Rxf8+ Bxf8 33. Bxe5 Bd6 34. Bb2 Rc8 $15) 29... Kxh7 30. Rd2 Bg5 31. h4 Nc4 32. Rc2 Be3+ 33. Kf1 Rxd3 { RT: Black's pieces are far too active and it is indeed time to resign. In this game I thought you played well above your rating and missed very few of your opponent's threats. All I can suggest about your game is that you may have trouble putting away weaker players or winning a won game; you didn't find moves like 24. e6! which would have put the outcome almost beyond doubt. It was unfortunate that you missed your opponent's one tactical resource. Good luck in your future games!} 0-1 [Event "*"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "davewv"] [Black "Jeremy"] [Result "*"] [ECO "B63"] [PlyCount "50"] [TimeControl "480/3600:0"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 e6 7. Qd2 Be7 8. O-O-O O-O 9. f3 { gmtobe: I believe 9.f3 to be unnecessary. Moving the light-squared bishop is better. e.g. 9. Bb5 . Also this connects the rooks (10. Rhe1 can protect the e4 pawn).} Nxd4 10. Qxd4 a6 { gmtobe: This prophylactic pawn move is unnecessary. Is the threat of Nb5-Nxd6-e5 (forking) strong enough to waste one move?} 11. e5 dxe5 12. Qxe5 Bd7 13. h4 { gmtobe: Why is the f1 bishop still asleep? It is probably better to fianchetto the f1 bishop because the b7 pawn is quite weak. Also the mobility of the g5 bishop is reduced by the pawn on the same colour. (Nimzovich advised putting pawns on the squares having opposite colour of the colour of the opponent's bishop )} Qb6 14. Rh3 Rfd8 15. Rg3 Kf8 16. Be3 Qc6 17. Rxg7 { gmtobe: That's a speculative sac.} Kxg7 18. Bh6+ { he cannot take the bishop or he will suffer a mate} Kh8 { forced move} 19. Ne4 { the knight is pinned...if I can dislodge him... gmtobe: Fritz says 19. Ne4?? and recommends 19.Bg5 Kg8 20.Bxf6 Bxf6 21. Qxf6 += . Personally I feel Ne4 while strengthening your position in the centre , weakened c2.} Rac8 { he threatens mate} 20. c3 { gmtobe : what about Qc3 ?} Qc7 { oops, I overlooked this one spot for his queen. I thought I had his queen trapped to prevent any move to help him defend} 21. Rd6 { I am hoping he will take the rook, but that is more of a desperation trap} Ba4 { great move} 22. Rxd8+ Rxd8 { I fail to get the win against a strong player, 1900, after the nice double sacrifice gmtobe: I think the Rxg7 sac was not well thought out. By playing Kh8 , Jeremy was able to escape with a material advantage.} 23. Bg7+ Kxg7 24. Qg5+ Kh8 25. b3 Nxe4 * [Event "Challenge from philosophia"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/chess.pl?b"] [Date "2004.01.30"] [Round "?"] [White "somestring"] [Black "?"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C50"] [WhiteElo "1522"] [BlackElo "1515"] [Annotator "somestring, mazeta"] [PlyCount "58"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nd4 4. O-O ({ mazeta:} 4. Nxd4 { getting rid of his only developed piece seems logical, but your move is playable as well} exd4 5. c3 (5. O-O c6 6. c3 b5 7. Bb3) 5... Bc5 6. Bxf7+ Ke7 7. O-O) 4... d6 5. c3 { mazeta: a good move making him to move his centralized N for a 3rd time and supporting theeventuald4} Nxf3+ 6. Qxf3 { mazeta: so his N disappeared (and yours as well) but he spent 3 moves while yours only one and you also developed your Q in a rather nice square} Nf6 7. d4 { I thought I had a good position here mazeta: Indeed is a good position if we count the moves played 3 pawn+1 B+Q+0-0=6 while black has 2p+1 N=3 furthermore you have a good center, the c pawn is ready to replace the d in case of an exchange, your K has castled your bishops have nice diagonals and not any weaknesses} Be6 8. d5 { I wanted here to cramp black, since after BxB PXB Black can play d5 mazeta: It does restrict the B but unfortunately he has a couple of good squares moreover you also restrict your own B and make the c3 pawn a bit useless (before it had a role to replace the d pawn) and you release the tension in the center. Lets see the position; the main thing is that you have a lead in development and his K needs 2 moves to castle, usually that means that you should open lines and attack or at least play energetic moves to keep the advantage because otherwise Black will eventually catchup} ({ mazeta:} 8. Bxe6 fxe6 { its true that this usually is a bad move opening the f file for the opponent} 9. Bg5 ({ but I think you should consider that} 9. dxe5 dxe5 { with his doubled pawns look ridiculous}) 9... Be7 10. Nd2 O-O { here black has a nice play with good center and a nice semi open file}) ({ mazeta: also} 8. Na3 { comes into consideration with the idea to replace the B with the N}) 8... Bg4 { But he gets a tempo on my queen. I saw this but thought it was not important.} 9. Qe3 { mazeta: the Q now blocks the B and I have doubts whether she serves something there. In g3 she is in a nice file eyeing the B (so keeps the N busy and also if the B at f8 moves then by f3 or h3 the g7 pawn is in trouble} ({ mazeta:} 9. Qg3 g6 10. Bg5 Bd7) 9... g6 { mazeta: black continues with a slow development which should be punished} 10. f3 { My plan was to play f4, but I could win a tempo back and prepare it with Qf2 before I played it if I played f3 first. I wanted my queen out of the way of my bishop also. mazeta: usually with this pawn structure e4-d5 white is looking for Qside play for example Bb5 (with your pawns in white squares you should be happy to trade him) and continue with advancing the c pawn. While black tends to play on the Kside (since his central pawns point that way) and in order to create some play he has to advance the fpawn} ({ mazeta: if you want to play f4 though} 10. f4 Bg7 (10... Bh6 11. Qg3 Bd7 (11... exf4 12. Bxf4 Bg7) 12. fxe5) 11. fxe5 dxe5 12. Qg5 { the idea of Qf2 is nice but slow}) 10... Bd7 11. Qf2 { mazeta: slowly your development advantage disappears} Bg7 12. Be2 { This bishop was doing nothing on c4, so I moved it here to cover g4 when I play f4 mazeta: Its true that the B seems that is doing nothing but first of all you have 2 undeveloped pieces which should come intoplay} ({ mazeta:} 12. Bg5 c6 13. dxc6 bxc6 { and is the B who is holding the d pawn back}) 12... c6 13. c4 { To maintai n my center. I don't take the pawn because it will allow black to play pxp andthend5} O-O { mazeta: and is the black who finished the development first} 14. a4 { I was worried about b5 I cant see why could b5 bother you} ({ mazeta:} 14. Bg5 b5 15. dxc6 Bxc6 16. Nc3 bxc4 17. Bxc4 { and you have a backward central pawn to base your game}) (14. -- b5 15. b3 (15. dxc6 Bxc6 16. cxb5 Bb7 17. Bc4)) 14... a6 15. Nc3 { Now, after 15...b5, 16.axb axb 17. rxr qxr 18. cxb and the queen is away from the kingside} Nh5 { I thought he wanted to put his knight on f4 to stop my pawn at f3, then after the exchange of bishop takes, pawn takes, the pawn stops f4 and my queen and rook look silly mazeta: when this N moves the most likely is that the opponent is preparing to advance thefpawn} ({ mazeta:} 15... b5 16. axb5 axb5 17. Rxa8 Qxa8 18. cxb5 { that/^s your variation} cxd5 19. exd5 Nxd5 20. Rd1 Nxc3 21. bxc3 d5 { and black is ok}) 16. f4 { So I play f4 immediately} f5 { Didn't see is coming at all. now after pxe5 pxe4 my queen is under attack allowing black to win a pawn.} ({ mazeta:} 16... Nxf4 17. Bxf4 exf4 18. Qxf4 (18. a5 Be5) 18... Qb6+ { and black is better}) 17. Bxh5 { I thought for a long time about this move, I thought it was the best since it removes the defender of black's f pawn ( the pawn takes back and will be on the h file) and an attacker of my f pawn mazeta: that is a very good move that puts you back into the game} gxh5 18. exf5 Bxf5 19. Qe3 { So that if pxp I can take with my rook, and my queen moves off of the file with the rook and stops black's queen from pesteringonb6} Qh4 { Didn't see this coming, but if he takes my pawn with his pawn my rook wins a tempo off the queen} 20. Ne2 { Defending the pawn once more mazeta: "The law of overprotection applies only to strong points" Nimzowitsch} ({ mazeta:} 20. dxc6 bxc6 21. Qf3 Rac8 { with at least equal chances, the Q is holding the d-pawn back and you will be able to find a target in his center}) 20... c5 { mazeta: correctly he blocks any Q side play so he can focus in his Kside and creating a nice strong point at d4 for hisB} 21. Bd2 { Connecting my rooks finally, and wanting to stop black winning a pawn on a2 / threatening my rook on a1 by putting the bishop on c3. Also an exchange opens blacks king and this would be good for me.} Rae8 { But now my queen is lined up with another of his rooks and i felt the heat so I exchanged queens} 22. Qg3 { mazeta: it is your strong Q who is holding your position without her soon your position will collapse as all his pieces are ready to penetrate to yourcamp} ({ mazeta:} 22. Ng3 { with the idea to trade his better posted pieces and if he wont allow that at least start to create some game of your own} Bc2 { for example} 23. fxe5 Rxf1+ 24. Rxf1 Qxc4 25. Nxh5 Rxe5 26. Qg3 Rxh5 27. Rf8+ Kxf8 28. Qxd6+ { with a draw}) 22... Qxg3 23. Nxg3 Bd3 { I saw this move but felt there wasn't much I could do about it} 24. Bc3 ({ mazeta:} 24. Rfc1 exf4 25. Nxh5 Bxb2 { loosing the exchange}) ({ mazeta:} 24. Nxh5 { might be better}) 24... Bxf1 25. Rxf1 exf4 { I can't take back so I have to move the knight. 'no problem' I thought and took the pawn} 26. Nxh5 ({ mazeta:} 26. Bxg7 Kxg7 27. Nxh5+ Kh6 28. Nxf4 { doesnt save you but is a interesting alternative}) 26... Bxc3 27. bxc3 Re3 { Felt like resigning. If Rc1 then it's all tied up to the defense of that one pawn mazeta: Its true that your position is bad here,his R's are good he doesnt have weaknesses to attack and your pawns cantbedefended} 28. Rf3 { So I challen ged the rook, and after pawn takes back the f4 pawn is stopped from advancing.} Rxf3 29. gxf3 Rf5 { My pawn eating horse blunder became obvious here. The knight is trapped and I resigned. Post game my opponent told me that his pieces had more power on the board. but I don't know what this means. mazeta: "his pieces had more power on the board" pieces that control more squares have a role usually aggressive make a mess in your territory for example you could look at the position after the 21st move In general black started the game with a slow development and left behind (moves 1-7) and you obtained an excellent position. But then you chose to close the center when it would be more logical to try to open it even by sacrifising.Then (moves 8-14) you stopped developing and you regrouped your already developed pieces but almost the same position arise and that gave him the oportunity to continue developing without giving him any problems.Then 15-21 he copleted his development having posted all his pieces in nice squares.In the last 22-29 moves you are forced to react to his threats untill the game ends.If the question is "why i lost?" then i would say that you stoped developing and lost the initiative and didnt try to get advantage of his lack of development.I have given some variations which I think they are not better moves that you didnt see but moves that arise from the need to fight for the initiative.} 0-1 [Event "Open Cappello"] [Site "Scacchistica Milanese"] [Date "2004.05.04"] [Round "1"] [White "X, X."] [Black "VindalooMan"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C48"] [WhiteElo "1881"] [BlackElo "1440"] [Annotator "VindalooMan, akaineco"] [PlyCount "71"] [EventDate "2004.05.04"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 { Akaineco: You d have many other alternatives like 3... d6 (passive but playable and known as the Steinitz Variation), 3... a6 4 Ba4 - d6 (known as the improved Steinitz) 3... f5 !? (a very dangerous variation). Your move is ok but I would personally play the improved Steinitz.} 4. Nc3 { vindalooMan : ... The common sense says "Don't move too fast". I took my time and produced the following masterpiece} Be7 { vindalooMan : I didn't consider d6 because in a naive way I didn't want to close a side to my dark bishop Akaineco: I am sure it is a playable move, but I would prefer d6 with the idea of g6 , Bg7 and 0-0} 5. Bxc6 bxc6 $2 { Akaineco: Actually this is your first real mistake, The pawn does not fall at once if you take dxc6 :)} (5... dxc6 $142 6. Nxe5 Nxe4 7. Nxe4 Qd5 8. O-O Qxe5) 6. Nxe5 { vindalooMan : 6th move and I am one pawn under... I thought "that's life... show must go on, the match is long"} Bb7 { vindalooMan : My idea was to occupy the long diagonal and, maybe, get the pawn back. Probably Ba6 was better, in order to prevent white from castling. Now my target was to disrupt a bit white pawns' centre} 7. d4 c5 8. d5 d6 9. Ng4 O-O 10. Bf4 c6 11. O-O cxd5 12. Nxd5 $2 (12. Nxf6+ $142 Bxf6 13. Nxd5 $16 { BxN QxB Bxb2 does not work as white has Rb1 winning a piece}) 12... Nxd5 13. exd5 { vindalooMan : That's what I wanted... Now let's look for counterplay on the king side.} f5 $1 { Akaineco: White allowed this tactic and it was good for you to forsee it :)} 14. Ne3 { vindalooMan : Thanks to this I can gain a piece} g5 15. Qh5 Bc8 16. Bxg5 Bxg5 { vindalooMan : 2 pawns for one piece, with still the two bishops. I feel ok now Akaineco: You should feel ok about the tactic, but your opening needs some fixing .} 17. f4 Be7 18. Rf3 Qe8 19. Rg3+ Kh8 20. Qh6 Rg8 21. Rxg8+ Kxg8 $6 { vindalooMan : Still feeling ok, I countered white attack and still got a better position Akaineco: The alternative I give you is more "sure". With the text you still have the better chances but you complicate the position a bit more} (21... Qxg8 $142 22. Re1 Qf8 23. Qh5 Bf6 { with the tactic of Nxf5 BxN QxB Bd4+ 0-1} 24. Kh1 Bg7 $17) 22. Re1 Bf8 { Akaineco: Maybe slightly better was Qf8 with the previous idea} 23. Qh4 Bg7 $2 { Akaineco: You are allowing a tactic no one saw} 24. Nc4 { Better was Nxf5, with the text white has equallity accoding to fritz. I Think here You did not Judge the possition well enough. 2 of your pieces are not active, but whites pieces are all in play. This means you have to find a way to put them All in play. ONLY THEN will your piece up count.} (24. Nxf5 Qf8 (24... Qf7 25. Qd8+) ( 24... Bxf5 25. Rxe8+ Rxe8 { with very complicated game and FRITZ giving white as slightly better}) 25. Ne7+ Kh8 26. Ng6+) 24... Bd4+ $2 { vindalooMan : Aiming to press the king and strengthen the attack. Unluckily this way I let the knight come back in play and I lose the attack... From now on only defense for me} (24... Qg6 25. Qd8+ Bf8 26. Re3 Bb7 { is your better chance}) 25. Kh1 Qg6 $2 { vindalooMan : Maybe my definitive mistake, I was still thinking to be attacking and wanted to play a "solid" move, attacking the castle and strenghtening my king's position... I didn't see the obvious reply that follows Akaineco: Your final mistake} 26. Qd8+ { vindalooMan : My king starts wandering here and there, my rook never comes in an active position} Kg7 27. Nxd6 Bf6 28. Ne8+ Kf7 29. Qc7+ Kf8 30. Qxc5+ Kf7 31. Nd6+ Kg7 32. Nxc8 Bxb2 { vindalooMan : My last hope 33...Ba4 34 Qxa4 Rxc8 and at least the rook is back in the game} 33. Re7+ Kh6 34. Re6 Bf6 35. Qf8+ Qg7 36. Rxf6+ { Akaineco: All in All it was a tactical game with many tactical errors for both sides. I personally like these games (maybe it sounds funny but I do) because they are human. I believe that Kxg8 was the beggining of many evil things for you because you let white complicate. You will have to remember That a piece up is only worth when it plays an active role in the game. White used his experience and puzzled black into some traps. I suggest 2 things. Firstly learn an opening bettter than the one we saw here and secondly when you are material up do not try to complicate but to "uncomplicate" Exchange heavy pieces and put all your pieces to action. I Hope I helped you even 1 bit :)} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "2004.05.21"] [Round "?"] [White "kalou"] [Black "Crafty 19.1 (1 second/move)"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B15"] [Annotator "kalou; Good"] [PlyCount "44"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] { k: While I clearly made tactical errors in this game, I'm rather unsure about the plans I used. I'd like some tips on strategy. I feel very unable to make any good pawn moves when playing. Thanks for your time!} 1. e4 { k: I have absol utely no opening knowledge but rather concentrate on the understanding of resulting positions. So this one may look a bit strange. DC: The only opening knowledge you need is to develop your pieces to squares where they will be active. I think you already understand this. Understanding the resulting positions is also a good idea. In addition to considering the placement of the pieces, you need to understand the pawn structure. The pieces will play around the pawn structures you and your opponent set up.} c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. f3 { k: Half-opening the file and/or developing knight or bishop. I hope to do something later for the d-pawn.} e3 ({ DC: If} 4... exf3 5. Nxf3 { DC: then the Knight is developed; and the f-file is half-open - available to White's rook but not to Black's rook.}) 5. Bxe3 e6 6. Bd3 { k: I can't remember why I played Bd3. Bc4 was probably better, trying to keep the d5 square? DC: This is a fine move. From the center, the bishop is well placed to observe either wing, especially h7 if Black castles king-side.} (6. Bc4 { DC: This is not useful, since P/e6 denies White the chance to attack f7. The d5 square belongs to Black. Thanks to the control by P/c6,e6, only a Black piece can land there safely. Attacking d5 with B/c4 does not change this.}) 6... Na6 7. a3 { k: To avoid ... Nb4 more than ... Bb4 - I was thinking the game would be opening up, thus I decided to keep my bishops away from trouble. DC: Good idea - a useful preventive move.} Ne7 8. Nge2 Nf5 9. Bf2 { k: Don't want to exchange the good B/d3 for a knight. DC: You can make a different plan based upon the pawn structure after} (9. Bxf5 exf5 { when Black's 4 Ps vs. 3 Ps cannot make progress because of the doubled pawn, while your 4 Ps vs. 3 Ps queenside majority can produce a passed pawn to win the endgame.}) 9... Qg5 { k: Oops.} 10. Bxf5 { DC: ?} ({ DC: Black made a threat that was easy to deal with. The simplest reply was to guard P/g2, make your king safe, and continue your development by castling.} 10. O-O { If Black continues with} Ne3 11. Bxe3 Qxe3+ { then you get rid of your bad bishop, which was stuck behind your P/d4. Unfortunately, you panicked and gave up your good bishop without compensation (doubled pawns).}) 10... Qxf5 11. O-O { k: I was thinking to finish development as that was my advantage, then to rush him before he could develop and castle. I had the dream of a knight on d6. DC: Good thinking. It will take Black some time to castle and get the B/c8 and N/a6 to useful squares.} Be7 12. Ne4 { k: Trying to take over the d6 square. How to begin such an attempt? DC: You are proceeding correctly. c4-c5, supported by P/b4, will help control d6.} b6 { k: I was planning to send a pawn to c4. The computer was probably avoiding Nc5? Or did he play this for my pawn already? DC: You would lose a pawn from 13. Nc5, since you have fewer defenders (2: P/d4, B/f2), while Black has more attackers (3: N/a5, B/e7, Q/f5). So, this move was likely to make room for Bc8-b7.} 13. Bg3 { k: Always on the d6 square. Saw nothing yet.} Bb7 14. Bd6 { k: I was happy with preventing him from castling. I guess he was okay with this move anyway. DC:!} Rd8 15. Bxe7 Kxe7 16. c4 { k: Planning b4, c5.} c5 17. N2g3 { k: I just wanted to move the queen off of the 5th rank to deal with P/c5. The pinned pawn was annoying - so I felt like allowing ... cxd4 to play b4. DC: ? This is where your troubles begin. You can save this move - keep it as a threat. N/e2 has the valuable job of protecting your P/d4. You should not allow Black the passed pawn on d4 (unless you have some very good compensation, but I don't see that here). Better to finish your development with a queen move, to d2 or d3. Later, you can work your way out of the pin by guarding P/ d4 with your queen along a diagonal, e.g., from f2.} Qf4 18. b4 { k: Was okay with the passed pawn as long as my troops could reach his king quickly. Where does the mistake happen? DC: ? This move was your last chance.} ({ DC: With} 18. d5 exd5 19. cxd5 { you can not only prevent Black from obtaining a passed pawn immediately, but retain chances of your own for an attack on the uncastled Black king. This is your compensation for Black's 3P vs. 2P Q-side advantage. I think you understood all this, but didn't realize how bad your position would be with the passed pawn restricting the movement of your pieces.}) 18... cxd4 19. Qd3 { k: But finally, wanted to block the pawn, and oops again. DC: ?} ({ DC:} 19. Qa4 { completing your development}) ({ and} 19. Re1 { placing your rook opposite Black's king were both ways of trying for an attack. }) 19... Qe3+ 20. Qxe3 dxe3 21. Rfd1 { k: Trying to get some control on the file, thinking the knight could do a good job of blockading the pawn. DC: The important point is that Black will play ... f5, gaining a tempo with the attack on N/e4, followed by ... f4, protecting the P/e3 and maintaining it there. Even if you blockade the pawn, your pieces will be tied down to it, and you will have no chances.} Rxd1+ 22. Rxd1 Rc8 { k: This looks terrible now. I didn't see what to play so I randomly played "feeling" moves and lost. DC: You have to make exact calculations. I wouldn't give up until Black actually plays ... f5 and ... f4. With Fritz 8's suggestion of 23. Nd6 you take away the gain of tempo from ... f5, defend P/c4, and improve your position considerably.} 0-1 [Event "FICS unrated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2004.05.03"] [Round "?"] [White "LEMONT"] [Black "DavidBudiman"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C58"] [WhiteElo "1890"] [BlackElo "1767"] [Annotator "DavidBudiman ,mazeta"] [PlyCount "47"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] { This is one of many terrible game I've ever played on FICS, the opening is Two Knight Defend Ng5 variation. I know that Ng5 is not going to work against computer, it leads to wild tactical game that seems to favor black.} 1. e4 { ***Hi I am mazeta and I will review your game, my comments will be in "*** nice useful comments *** " also I have written some variations throughout the game, but please do not consider them complete ,there is more analysis to be done ****.} e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Na5 { I dare not to play Nxd5 because white can play the Fried Liver variation which I don't have the anti of that variation. ***Na5 is the main line and a pretty good one***} 6. Bb5+ c6 7. dxc6 bxc6 8. Qf3 { This is not what I'm expected from white, to be honest I'm not ready for this. Ok, my problem is the c6 pawn is under attack by white's bishop and queen, both pinned the pawn and the only defender is the knight at a5. I already lost a pawn but I hope to compensate that with lead in development and attacking chance. With that in mind Bb7 seems to fit or is it not? *** That's the first time I see the Qf3 move, so lets see what's going on. The idea is simple developing moves in efficient squares (which are they?) and if possible to make him react to them so he will not develop. He has 2 undefended pieces so makes sense to base our game in attacking them, The N can be attacked by h6 or by moving the f6 N; The B by Bd7,Rb8 and Qb6. ***} Bb7 ({ ***} 8... h6 9. Ne4 { not much earned}) (8... Nd5 9. Qxf7# { not that good, so the N idea is gone}) (8... Qb6 9. Ba4 Bg4 10. Qg3 Bc5 { with a good position} (10... Qd4 { is also strong}) 11. O-O O-O 12. Bb3 h6 13. Nf3 Nxb3 14. axb3 e4 15. Ne5 Be2 16. Re1 Nh5) (8... Rb8 { brings the Rook in the open file} 9. Bxc6+ (9. Ba4 Rb4 10. Bb3 Nxb3 11. axb3 h6 { with a good position}) 9... Nxc6 10. Qxc6+ Nd7 11. d3 Be7 12. Ne4 Rb6 13. Qa4 f5 { and black has an excellent position for the 2 pawns. Of course this position requires more analysis. I think that Qb6,Bb7 and Rb8 are playable but I think that Rb8 gives the best chances.***}) 9. Ba4 Bc5 { I forgot to move h6 forcing white to lose a tempo, if 10.Qh3 Bc5 threatening Bxf2 Kxf2 Qd4 if 11. Bb3 0-0 black leads in development, 11.Nf3 e4 and the knight have to move again, 11.Nc3 0-0 again leaving white with his king still in the centre while black's king have already castle. *** As you noticed this move blocks your light square bishop and it doesn/^t force anything and I cant see any purpose, of course it clears the 0-0 but I don/^t think its time for that***} ({ *** These are the variations you are giving} 9... h6 10. Qh3 ({ better is} 10. Ne4 { and I cant see why white is loosing a tempo, didn/^t black played h6 which is not a developing move? Didn/^t white move the undefended N to a defended square?} Nxe4 11. Qxe4 Bd6 12. d3 { and I think that white will catch up in development}) 10... Bc5 11. Nf3 (11. Bb3 O-O) 11... O-O { ***}) ({ *** The} 9... Qd4 { is in the right spirit, centralizes the Q with the gain of a tempo} 10. Bb3 Nxb3 { a good move even if it wasn/^t forced} 11. axb3 (11. Qxb3 Qd7)) 10. O-O ( { I would try} 10. c3 { another reason to consider Bc5 a bad choise}) 10... O-O 11. Nc3 Nd5 { I think I should have moved 11... Be7 instead, trying to open up h1-a8 diagonal for my light square bishop.} ({ *** I agree} 11... Bd4 { or Bb6 trying to use both your Bs cant be bad***}) ({ *** The ability to recognize a bad move or plan is very useful} 11... Be7 { but Be7 doesn/^t serve any purpose the N can retreat at the excellent e4.Your B will be more aggressivelypostedatthef1-a7diagonal***}) 12. Nce4 Be7 ({ ***the B is in a nice diagonal and should stay in it***} 12... Bb6 13. Qf5 g6 14. Qh3 h5) 13. Qf5 g6 14. Qxe5 Nc4 ({ *** Here you missed a good chance} 14... f6 15. Qe6+ Kg7 16. Nf3 (16. b4 Bxb4) 16... Bc8 17. Nd4 Nf4 { ***}) 15. Qg3 Nd6 16. d3 Nf5 17. Qh3 h5 18. c3 Nb6 19. Bb3 c5 20. g4 Bxe4 21. Nxe4 hxg4 22. Qxg4 Qxd3 { I think I'm losing but it shouldn't be so fast. If I could go back to the past, I think I would move 22...Kg7 with prospect like double ling rooks on h file.} ({ ***Practically forced} 22... Kg7 { although white have a clear advantage already***}) 23. Qxg6+ Ng7 { From all terrible options of move, this is the worst.} ({ ***Indeed} 23... Kh8 24. Qh5+ Kg8 25. Qxf5 { doesn/^t loose immediately but looses...***}) 24. Bh6 { Black resigns *** So lets see what happened. moves 1-10 development : You didn't get advantage from his undefended pieces so he had time to castle. The black square B is blocking the light one. You have open lines but you haven/^t taken advantage of them. Still your opening wasn/^t bad but just not as effective as it could be; moves 11-19 : You try to create some play but you can see that you play with the same pieces that he does so I don/^t know if you actually have a lead in development. Still you missed a good change to equalize at least with 12..f6 but I would expect to see some pressure on his K moves 20-24 : a small disaster :-) Because the game was tactical rather positional my suggestion would be to try play it again, against a computer this time; not from the beginning but from positions that you find critical. Also try play as white from positions that you think that white is winning to see if you can manage to win or to discover some hidden defenses. I suggest as black try 8...Rb8 do not play the whole games about 10 moves to see what happens and compare with your game 9..Qd4 to see how the Q could change the course of the game 11...Bb6 to see how you can effectively use the 2 Bs 12... f6 there are very good attacking and defending sources 22... try something else; and as white after the 17..h5 and after 22.Qxg4 also try your own suggestions . See you on FICS,mazeta*****Copyright freechess.org ***** Use this file for personal use only.} 1-0 [Event "FICS rated standard game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2004.04.30"] [Round "?"] [White "SludgePuppet"] [Black "DavidBudiman"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C30"] [WhiteElo "1775"] [BlackElo "1737"] [Annotator "DavidBudiman, RoundTower"] [PlyCount "111"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] 1. e4 { DB: Before we start, I want to tell my reviewer that I never really successfull with King's Gambit Accepted. I studied Falkbeer Counter Gambit but I never used it against human opponent yet. In this game I tried King's Gambit Declined, and I felt that it's not satisfactory defences to King's Gambit. RT: Hi, I am RoundTower on FICS and I have annotated your game for the FICS teaching ladder. I have marked your comments with DB: and mine with RT:} e5 2. f4 d6 { RT: evidently you are uncomfortable playing 2...d6 here. It is not really enough, or accurate, to say that this is "not a satisfactory defence to the King's Gambit." Many GMs have used this with success, and it is solid. However it is fair to say it doesn't suit your style; certainly it will not suit everyone. A more active alternative which I have used is the countergambit 2...exf4 3. Nf3 d5!?} 3. Nf3 { DB: Trying to hold e5 seems to be the basic idea of KGD, and according to opening theory Knight should be developed before Bishop. So my next move shouldn't be to far wrong I think.} Nc6 4. Bb5 { DB: Ok, taking the f4 pawn is premature, I think this is not the best reply, maybe I should move Bg4. RT: I agree you shouldn't take the f-pawn unless you are going to hold onto the extra pawn. Trading pawns on f4 and ceding the centre to White will not help you.} exf4 5. d4 Bd7 ({ RT: In my opini on the only consistent way to play is now 5...g5, fighting to keep the extra pawn. But it is very sharp, e.g.} 5... g5 6. d5 a6 7. dxc6 axb5 8. Qd4 Qf6 9. Qd5) 6. Bxf4 { DB: I'm already in trouble, my piece are difficult to develope. RT: White has got a development advantage without sacrificing material. This is a typical problem in the KGD when Black fails to play actively enough.} Qf6 $5 { RT: Mixing things up, but not the most natural move. Develop your minor pieces. } 7. Bxc6 { RT: since you played ...Qf6 you might at least look at Qxf4 here, e. g. 8. Bxb7?! Rb8 9. g3? Qg4 -/+, or 8. Bxd7+ Kxd7 9. 0-0 Qxe4 with compensation for white.} Bxc6 (7... Qxf4 8. Bxd7+ Kxd7 9. O-O Qxe4) 8. Bg5 Qg6 9. O-O { RT: Here you have a good opportunity to grab the pawn with 9...Bxe4. It is often better to play with a worse position in return for a pawn rather than in a slightly uncomfortable position with equal material.} f6 ({ RT: Here y ou have a good opportunity to grab the pawn with 9...Bxe4. It is often better to play with a worse position in return for a pawn rather than in a slightly uncomfortable position with equal material.} 9... Bxe4 10. Re1 Kd7) 10. d5 $2 Bd7 $2 { RT: You missed a chance to win material safely with 10..Bb5!} 11. Bd2 O-O-O 12. Nc3 { RT: Despite White's backward pawn and Black's apparent "advantage of the bishop pair", White will have an enduring advantage because Black cannot find squares for his pieces.} Nh6 13. Nh4 { DB: Only 3 squar e that my queen can go, f7, e8 and g4. f7 and e8 puts my queen in passive position, so its better for me to exchange the queen. RT: Of course, if you have a space disadvantage it is usually correct to exchange.} Qg4 14. Bxh6 Qxd1 $6 { RT: 14...Qxh4!? would have avoided messing up your pawns, and even obtained the initiative.} (14... Qxh4) 15. Raxd1 gxh6 { RT: of course white gets in trouble if he takes f6, your bishops will finally pay off.} 16. Nf5 { RT: White has a bind. it seems the most natural freeing move for Black is ... c6, but you may need to prepare this.} Re8 ({ RT: White has a bind. it seems the most natural freeing move for Black is ...c6, but you may need to prepare this.} 16... c6 $5 17. dxc6 Bxc6 { +=}) 17. Rd3 $1 Rg8 18. Rdf3 { DB: My dark square bishop is totally useless, and the other Bishop has no good target. RT: Yes, you are almost helpless against white's plan of ganging up on the h6 or f6 pawn. Maybe 18...Re5!? here.} Rg6 ({ DB: My dark square bishop is totally useless, and the other Bishop has no good target. RT: Yes, you are almost helpless against white's plan of ganging up on the h6 or f6 pawn. Maybe 18... Re5!? here.} 18... Re5 $5) 19. Nh4 { RT: this may be a good moment to play the surprising ...Re5!?} Rg4 20. Rxf6 $4 { RT: neither player understood the tactics here.} Be7 21. Rxh6 { DB: Should Rxh4 and I win a piece for 2 pawn, I think I could win. Instead I took it with the bishop which give white a chance to strike back. RT: Indeed. This is a crucial blunder - not only do you give white an extra pawn but you allow him to use his rooks devastatingly. after rxh4 you would have one less rook to worry about.} Bxh4 $2 22. Rxh7 Reg8 23. g3 Bg5 { DB: Bd8 I think is better, but the pawn duo h2 and g3 looks scary. RT: there may be a draw after Bxg3!? - I don't see it, but a computer may find it.} (23... Bxg3 24. hxg3 Rxg3+ 25. Kf2 Rg2+ 26. Ke3 Rxc2) 24. Rff7 Be3+ $4 { DB: This is wrong, giving white a fork threat with king in f3 after Bd7 is removed. RT: Check for the sake of check. Even without this move, white had a lot of counterplay. now he is just winning. } 25. Kg2 Rd8 26. Kf3 Bd4 27. Rxd7 Rxd7 28. Rxd7 Kxd7 29. Kxg4 { DB: I tried as as I can to draw the game, but white advantage is too much for me. RT: It's over.} Ke7 30. h4 a6 31. Kf5 Kf7 32. g4 b5 33. h5 b4 34. Na4 Be5 35. g5 Bd4 36. h6 Be5 37. g6+ Kg8 38. c3 bxc3 39. Nxc3 a5 40. Ke6 Bf4 41. h7+ Kg7 42. Kd7 Be5 43. Kxc7 Kxg6 44. Nb5 Kxh7 45. Nxd6 Bxb2 46. Nb7 a4 47. d6 Kg7 48. d7 Bf6 49. d8=Q Bxd8+ 50. Kxd8 Kf7 51. Nd6+ Ke6 52. Kc7 Ke5 53. Kc6 a3 54. Kc5 Ke6 55. Nc4 Kd7 56. Nxa3 { RT: Conclusions: You got scared of White in the opening and didn't play actively enough. White played reasonably well to reach a superior position, but then blundered a piece with Rxf6. You failed to take full advantage of this and White reached a dominant position despite being a piece down. The final blunder was ...Be3+. I felt you had trouble adapting to your position throughout this game; possibly you do not play well in such passive positions. You should either strive to avoid them from the opening, or improve your handling of them. Of course I probably missed something during this game, so if you have questions or comments contact RoundTower on FICS. Good luck in your future games!} 1-0 [Event "manchester"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "5"] [White "Nezis"] [Black "Slater, Br"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B06"] [Annotator "mazeta, death"] [PlyCount "91"] [EventDate "2004.07.12"] [SourceDate "2004.07.12"] 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. c3 { takes the c3 from my N but secures my center ** White has great flexibility to chose a pawn structure and development plan against the modern defense, because black isn't causing any immediate problems. Generally, white will take some kind of space advantage, then make sure his pieces coordinate well with each other and the structure. -- death **} d6 4. Bc4 { a good diagonal,weak f7 and after the e6 maybe some pressure at g6 ** Although this diagonal looks aggressive, if there are no immediate tactics against f7, the bishop will be a target for a black pawn break on d5 or queenside expansion with ...b5. With the c3/d4/e4 structure chosen by white, I would tend to prefer to place this bishop on d3, play h3 to restrain black's bishop from developing usefully, then develop Nf3, Be3, Nbd2, then Qe2 (or possibly Qc2, if it helps pressure a weakened g6), probably choosing 0-0 (though 0-0-0 might be practical in some circumstances). The thematic way to profit from a space advantage is to keep the opponent cramped, and white has good chances to do this. Queenside expansion by b4 and a4 makes sense with this development, too. -- death **} e6 5. Be3 { I hadnt decide whether the f4 will overextend my center so i didnt want to play Nf3 to block the f2-f4 ** Neither side is taking the old adage, "knights before bishops," very seriously. More importantly, I don't think either side is basing their development plan on the actual position. Black seems to have a development in mind from move one, without much regard for what white might do. White is dithering, trying not to make any decisions. He fears overextending the center if he goes with f4, but equally would regret not being able to play f4 if he chooses Nf3. Be3 isn't a bad move, but it's the result of not making a decision. I want to know what is the plan. -- death **} Nd7 6. Nf3 h6 { ** I can't see any particular reason for this move. It weakens g6 and doesn't develop. Perhaps it's part of the general plan h6, a6, b5, g5, Ne7, Bb7, with symmetry. This may be aesthetically pleasing, but it isn't really chess. -- death **} ({ I guess because the} 6... -- 7. Ng5 { but i cant see why that is a problem}) 7. O-O a6 { white is almost fully developed while the black K needs at least 2 moves to castle so I have to open lines ** An interesting conclusion, but how is white to arrange open lines? It isn't really possible for white to force lines open here, because black's structure is so flexible. Advancing a center pawn allows black to close the center to his advantage. This highlights one of the positive points of playing f4, namely that the advance f5 really would create some weaknesses and open some lines for white. With the chosen structure, white has to develop his remaining forces, grab all the space that's freely available, then sit on black for awhile preparing a breakthrough. -- death **} 8. Qc2 { to allow bring the Rs to the center files and eye g6 ** I would much prefer to develop Nbd2 first. The white queen might want to go to e2 instead, or even to b3. Usually develop the smaller pieces first, since the queen will have more options and it's hard to choose between them until the enemy force arrangements are more clear. -- death **} (8. e5 dxe5 (8... d5 9. Bd3) 9. dxe5 Nxe5 { cant see any good continuation}) (8. d5 e5 { not good} (8... exd5 9. exd5)) ({ i was thinking} 8. Qd2 { with the idea to make 0-0 a bit difficult but blocks the N}) 8... b5 9. Bd3 Ne7 10. Nbd2 Bb7 { apparently I failed to create game while his K was still in the center} 11. Rad1 { ** That rook might have had play on the queenside, so if I was going to move a rook here I probably would have chosen Rfe1. Having f1 available for the knight or bishop can be useful and the rook goes directly opposite the king. Even better than a rook move, though, is 11.a4. Black has made weaknesses on the queenside with his pawn advance, and a4 strikes at b5 while preparing to develop the a1-rook on its original square. Incidentally, this might have been even better if the queen was on e2. -- death **} (11. a4 bxa4 12. Rxa4 O-O 13. Rfa1 Qc8 14. b4 { ** Or imagine the pressure on b5 if black doesn't exchange on a4. -- death **}) 11... g5 { a strange move since I have a quite secure position and weakens his Kside (his K cant stay in the center) so opening the f file must be good ** Black has achieved his symmetry. -- death **} ({ with the idea} 11... -- 12. e5 dxe5 13. dxe5 Nxe5 14. Nxe5 Bxe5 15. Bxb5+ axb5 16. Nc4 Bd6 { which fails for the time}) 12. Ne1 { ** A reasonable redeployment to allow white pawn breaks to open lines and expose some weaknesses in the black position. On this and previous moves, the pawn advances in the center are a bad idea. It's not just that they lose a pawn (or whatever) in each case, but that the white pawn center is currently potentially mobile, and once it advances, it isn't. White should keep his center pawns side by side for the present, ready to react to a black pawn lever as appropriate. In this position, with f4 coming, black really must do something quickly to avoid being crushed. -- death **} (12. e5 dxe5 (12... d5) 13. dxe5 Nxe5 14. Nxe5 Bxe5 15. Nf3 Bd6) 12... e5 13. dxe5 ({ **} 13. Qb3 d5 14. Nc2 f5 { ** Is a wild and crazy pawn center. -- death **} 15. f3 f4 16. Bf2 { ** And white should actually emerge with a healthy plus. -- death **}) 13... Nxe5 { an nice place for both the N or the B but maybe surrenders the center ** Black didn't have any of the center, so getting a well-posted knight on e5 can hardly surrender it. White almost certainly shouldn't capture on e5 on move 13, since this allows black to relieve much of the cramp in his position and improve all of his minor pieces. Now he can get real play on the kingside dark squares, too. That g5 pawn is almost starting to look like a good idea.... -- death **} 14. Be2 O-O 15. f4 { ** This seriously weakens the white e-pawn with the hope of getting at the black king along the f-file. It seems a bit too committal. Perhaps Nd3 or Ndf3 to undermine the well-posted black knight is better. -- death **} gxf4 16. Bxf4 N7g6 17. Bg3 Bc8 { ** Hmm, the bishop was developed, attacking the weak isolated e-pawn, so.... it needed to be redeveloped? Why?? -- death **} 18. h3 { ** This looks risky to me, creating another weakness near the white king. -- death **} (18. -- Ng4 (18... Bg4 19. Bxg4 Nxg4) 19. Bxg4 Bxg4 20. Nef3 Ne5 { ** This ...Ng4 sally appears to favor white, as now he can play Bxe5 and h3. The ideal piece for black to maintain on the blockade/outpost square e5 is the knight. -- death **} 21. Bxe5 Bxe5 22. h3 Bxf3 23. Nxf3 { ** Black's kingside weaknesses are going to be more serious here. -- death **}) 18... Qg5 19. Kh2 Be6 20. Ndf3 Qe7 (20... Bxa2 21. b3 { ** Since ...Bxa2 hangs the queen, this comment must have been meant for another place. -- death **}) 21. Nd4 c5 { a bad move,d6 is weak now ** Right, this is weak. -- death **} ( 21... Rae8 22. Nf5 Bxf5 23. exf5 Nd7 { ** This is a complex position, with rough equality. In addition to avoiding the weakness of d6 created with ...c5, black has added a tactical defensive option for his g6-knight. By hitting e2, he can reposition it to replace the other knight on e5. -- death **}) 22. Nf5 { the N impoved his position} Bxf5 23. exf5 Nh4 { looses} ({ the only alternative} 23... Nh8) 24. Rf4 Bf6 25. Qe4 Rae8 (25... Bg5 26. Bxh4 Bxf4+ 27. Qxf4) 26. Bxh4 Bxh4 27. Rxh4 Qg5 28. Rh5 Qf6 29. Qh4 Qxh4 30. Rxh4 f6 31. Rxd6 Nf7 32. Re6 Ng5 (32... Rxe6 33. fxe6 Ng5) 33. Bh5 Rd8 (33... Nxe6 34. Bxe8 Rxe8 35. fxe6 Rxe6 36. Nd3) 34. Rg4 Kh8 35. Re7 Rd2 36. h4 Rxb2 (36... Nh7 37. Rgg7) 37. hxg5 hxg5 (37... Rxa2 38. g6 Rd8 39. g7+ Kg8 40. Bf7+ Kh7 41. g8=Q+ Rxg8 42. Bxg8+ Kh8 43. Bxa2 ({ or} 43. Rh7# { ** --death **}) 43... h5 44. Rg8#) 38. a4 b4 39. cxb4 cxb4 40. Nd3 Rd2 41. Nxb4 (41. Rxb4 Rxd3 42. Rbb7 Rfd8 43. Rh7+ Kg8 44. Rbg7+ Kf8 45. Rf7+ Kg8 46. Rhg7+ Kh8) 41... a5 42. Nc6 Rc8 43. Rge4 Rxc6 44. Re8+ Kg7 45. R4e7+ Kh6 46. Rh8# { ** Good execution. -- death **} 1-0 [Event "Hartepool"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "4"] [White "Fulton, N."] [Black "Nezis, A. (mazeta)"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A80"] [Annotator "Deep Fritz (30s), mazeta, msh"] [PlyCount "85"] [EventDate "2004.05.23"] [SourceDate "2004.05.23"] { Akis: A80: Dutch Defence: Unusual White second moves The game is from a recent tournament I played (my rating is 112 (thats the english Elo)) the time control was 1.40(for the first 36 moves)+20 min.Fritz has analyse it and there are also my comments which start with Akis} 1. d4 e6 { MH: I prefer 1...Nf6, but the game move is a good choice if you're comfortable after 2. e4 (French Defense or English Defense).} 2. Nf3 { MH: 2. g3, preparing Bg2, prevents Black from taking the b7-h1 diagonal by ...b7-b6, ...Bb7. But, after 2. g3 Black can change directions a bit with ...d7-d5 and try to block the light squares.} f5 ( { MH:} 2... b6 { trying to sneak in ...f7-f5 is probably also good.}) 3. g3 Nf6 ( { MH: Now that e6 is weaker} 3... b6 { might be premature because of} 4. d5) 4. Bg2 d5 5. O-O c6 { MH: Not absolutely necessary yet and it precludes possibilities of ...Nb8-c6 and makes queen-side play such as ...b7-b6, ... a7-a5, ...Bc8-a6, ...Nb8-d7, ...c5 take at least one move longer to implement.} 6. Bg5 $146 { Akis: I haven't come across that before but it seems not dangerous MH: Why would White want to trade Bg5 for Nf6? It's purely defensive, to avoid ...Nf6-e4. But, what's the best response? Probably normal development when it will become clear that Bg5 isn't well placed.} ({ Akis:} 6. b3 Ne4 (6... Nbd7 7. c4 Ne4 8. Qc2 Bd6 9. Ba3 Bxa3 10. Nxa3 Qe7 11. Qb2 O-O 12. Rac1 a5 13. e3 Ng5 14. Nxg5 Qxg5 15. Nb1 Qe7 16. Nc3 Kh8 17. a3 dxc4 18. bxc4 e5 19. Rfd1 e4 20. Na4 c5 21. Nxc5 { Ftacnik,L-Schmittdiel,E/Passau 1997/EXT 2001/1-0 (36)}) (6... Bd6 7. Ba3 O-O 8. Bxd6 Qxd6 9. c4 Nbd7 10. Qc2 Ne4 11. Nbd2 b6 12. e3 Bb7 13. Rfd1 Rac8 14. Qb2 h6 15. Rac1 g5 16. Ne5 Nxe5 17. dxe5 Qe7 18. f4 gxf4 19. gxf4 Kh7 20. cxd5 cxd5 21. Rxc8 { Walther,A-Remmler,H/Baden 1999/EXT 2002/1/2-1/2 (50)}) (6... Be7 7. Ba3 Bxa3 8. Nxa3 O-O 9. Ne5 Qe7 10. Qc1 Nbd7 11. Nd3 e5 12. dxe5 Nxe5 13. Qb2 Ng6 14. c4 Bd7 15. Rad1 Rad8 16. cxd5 Nxd5 17. Nc4 f4 18. Nce5 Nxe5 19. Nxe5 Be6 20. Nd3 fxg3 21. hxg3 { Sahu,S-Mohanty,P/IND 1988/EXT 97/1/2-1/2 (21)}) 7. c4 Be7 8. Ba3 Bf6 9. Qc2 Nd7 10. Rd1 h5 11. Nbd2 h4 12. Nxe4 fxe4 13. Ne5 hxg3 14. hxg3 Bxe5 15. dxe5 Qg5 16. Qd2 Qxe5 17. Bb2 Qh5 18. Bxg7 Rh7 19. Bb2 Ne5 20. Bxe5 Qxe5 { Andrianov,N-Krayz,A/Rishon Le Ziyyon 1993/EXT 97/0-1 (37)}) ({ MH: More normal is to aim for a dark-square bishop trade by} 6. b3 -- 7. Ba3 { to gain better control of e5 and to prevent Black's better bishop from ever participating in an offense.}) 6... Bd6 { Akis: Its a better place than e7 soon after castlng the R will support the N and the Q will go to e8 unpinning the N} 7. e3 { Akis: Controls f4} O-O 8. Re1 $2 { MH: Does nothing but weaken f2.} Qe8 { unpinning the N and make Qh5 available} ({ MH:} 8... Nbd7 { should also be considered. It prevents Nf3-e5 and supports Nf6, so White is completely stymied and Black can take over a very slight initiative.}) 9. Bf4 $5 { Akis: there is no need to exchange my good B but i wondered whether forcing c3 is good or i give him a tempo; the idea was to steal the c3 from his N MH: This creates a crisis for Bd6. Black doesn't want to allow ...Bxf4 exf4, when pawn e6 is exposed. But, to move Bd6 gives White sole control of e5. Probably best is either ...Ne4 or ...Qe7 to defend Bd6; conceding that White has prevented the situation from getting out of hand.} Bb4 $6 10. c3 Be7 11. Bxb8 $2 { Akis: for the time his "bad" B is the good one so exchanging it for the N seems bad MH: Correct. Better is just to develop more pieces.} ({ MH:} 11. Nbd2 -- $140 12. Nb3 -- 13. Nc1 -- 14. Nd3 { taking full use of e5 and f4}) 11... Rxb8 12. Ne5 { Akis: Ne4 doesnt seem good but I dont know whether retreating the N was good perhaps there is no reason to exchange N's yet MH: With this move White prevents part of Black's best plan: ...Qh5. But, by not developing faster he also allows Black to easily trade off any dangerous White pieces to keep equality. If Black wants to fight for the advantage then he has to open a new front on the queen-side with ...c5, to use Qe8 in another place and to finally develop Bc8.} Nd7 ({ Akis:} 12... Ne4 13. f3 Nf6 14. Nd2 Bd7 15. e4 fxe4 16. fxe4 Rd8) ({ MH:} 12... Bd6 { Re-developing the bishop to fight for e5 and the entire b8-h2 diagonal, is good.}) ({ MH:} 12... c5 { opening a second front, is also good.}) 13. Nd3 Rf6 { Akis: to put some pressure to his K MH: Now that White has moved Nf3-d3 this makes more sense. It's not likely to be fantastic, but queen-side play can be met with Nd3 helping. On the king-side there is Bg2 and Qd1 to be beaten.} ({ Akis:} 13... Bd6 14. f4 $11) ({ Akis: here I was thinking whether} 13... g5 { is good with the idea} 14. Nd2 g4 { limiting the N} ({ MH:} 14... Qg6 { aligning w ith Kg1 might make it possible for Black to play ...f4 at some point. The discovered attack on Nd3 is a small point of interest too.}) 15. f3 h5 { but i was afraid of over extending without having developed}) 14. Nd2 g5 { Akis: starting an attack} 15. f4 { MH: Purely defensive. Black doesn't have the advantage really, but White doesn't want any to appear either. After f2-f4 it's time for Black to begin thinking about ...Nd7-f6-g4 or ...Ne4. I also think ...Bd6 is good, despite White's dark-square pawns. It's an ideal location for that piece even if it's only ever traded-off for a Ne5. If you don't use the piece you might as well not even have it.} ({ MH: Better, I think, is} 15. Nf3 { to improve the pieces without weakening Kg1 or e3 (as f2-f4 does).}) 15... g4 $2 { Akis: Black gets more space MH: Space doesn't win games, piece activity does. By blocking the position you narrow the possible field of play to the h-file and I feel certain White can defend that.} ({ Akis: bad is} 15... gxf4 16. exf4) ({ MH:} 15... Rg6 { aligning with Kg1, preparing ...Kh8 to bring more pieces to the g-file and possibly also preparing ...h7-h5-h4 (at some point) to blast open the king-side -- hopefully when Black's pieces are in place to do something.}) 16. Nf2 { Akis: here i was quite happy with my position it seems I have the initiative,I have more space and an attack but it is unclear how to continue} Rg6 { Akis: eliminating the possibility of 17.h4 gxh3 18. Nxh3 Rxg3 MH: Don't be so afraid of White weakening his own king's position. Let him. Get your pieces into position to pounce when the lines open.} ({ Akis:} 16... Qh5 { involving the Q to the attack MH:} 17. h4 { blocks the king-side forever!}) ({ Akis:} 16... Rh6 { freeing the f6 for the N or the B MH:} 17. Nf1 { and no large Black piece can capture h2.}) ({ Akis:} 16... h5 { having a pawn storm MH:} 17. Kf1 h4 18. Ke2 hxg3 19. hxg3 Rh6 20. Rh1 { and the h-file is still neutral.}) ({ MH: With the king-side closed it becomes important to play on the queen-side. However, one must be careful that it doesn't boomerang to favor White's Bg2.} 16... c5 $2 { (premature)} 17. c4) ({ MH: Preventing b2-b4 helps to begin queen-side play, but without weakening it just yet.} 16... a5 { Black might have to defend pawn a5 by ...Qd8, but then ... b7-b5 can begin some offensive play in earnest. Still, it's very close to equal.}) 17. Nf1 ({ Akis:} 17. h4 $4 { MH: Don't play wish chess. Don't hope your opponent makes a bad move. Plan on having to break through or go around excellent defense.} gxh3 18. Nxh3 Rxg3) 17... h5 18. Nh1 $2 { Akis: with ll his pieces in the corner I considered starting playing on the other side with a5 but i was afraid of h4 closing the K side MH: White would be foolish to think he could close the king-side by allowing you ...gxh3 to immediately open it.} ( { MH:} 18. Nd3 { both activates the knight and clears a path for Kg1-f2. A Black knight appearing at e4 would be summarily chopped off.}) 18... h4 ({ Akis:} 18... a5 $1 { with the idea 19. -- b5 20. -- b4} 19. h4 $4 gxh3 20. Bxh3 h4 21. Qh5 Rxg3+ ({ MH:} 21... hxg3 22. Nhxg3 Nf6 23. Qf3 Ne4 24. Kh2 Bh4 { is a crush nd a lot more trouble for White to deal with than just leaving the pawns alone and the position closed.}) 22. Nfxg3) 19. gxh4 $2 ({ MH:} 19. Nd2 { allowing for} h3 20. Bf1) 19... Bxh4 20. Nhg3 b6 $4 { Akis: to bring the other B into play. I played that without checking it after thinking for long time how to proceed in the Kside and couldnt find anything} ({ Akis:} 20... Rh6 $5 $15 { should be considered MH: Yes, that's good.}) ({ MH: Just move all your pieces toward the somewhat exposed pawn h2 and Kg1. You started the plan, you should carry it out.} 20... Nf6) 21. Qa4 $14 { Akis: missed that} Bb7 ({ Akis:} 21... Nf6 22. Qxa7 Rb7 23. Qa6 { MH:} b5 { followed by ...Rb7-h7, ...Rg6-h7 and you've got some coordination, but not a clear breakthrough. It might just be +- for White, though it's not so easy to show that.}) 22. Qxa7 Rh6 { Akis: unfortunatel y my N,B,R are immobile and I dont want to lose a move with Qc8 so I'll wait to see if he will move his Q, the rook move frees the e8-h5} 23. Qa4 Nf6 { Akis: I ve lost a pawn for nothing but my pieces can jump to him quite easilly} 24. Qb3 ({ MH:} 24. Re2 { breaking the pin on Ng3 and preparing to defend pawn h2 is probably very useful. Qb3 doesn't seem absolutely necessary at this time. }) 24... Ba6 25. a4 $2 { Akis: time problem until the 36th move; less than 5 min left} ({ MH:} 25. Kf2 { runs away from the danger on the h-file and prepares to move Nf1 to clear the way for Re1-h1.}) 25... Bxf1 { Akis: his N is pinned so I can trade the N that hold his position} ({ Akis:} 25... Bc4 $6 { MH: Leave the queen away from Kg1, so he'll have to spend tempi moving it if it's ever needed for the defense.}) 26. Rxf1 ({ Akis:} 26. Kxf1 Bxg3 27. hxg3 Rh2 $11) ({ MH: No better is} 26. Bxf1 Bxg3 27. hxg3 Qh5 28. Re2 Ne4 $19) 26... Ne4 $4 { Akis: releasing the pressure on the opponent. I got confused and running out of time MH: I think the main thing this does is to give White time to make a defensive move. Sometimes the only way to win is capture capture capture, check check check, checkmate. "Positional" moves or finesse aren't much relevant when you're near a decisive result.} ({ Akis:} 26... Bxg3 $142 $1 27. hxg3 Qh5 $17 { MH:} 28. Kf2 Qh2 { Because of the weakness at g3 it is probably -+.} 29. Rh1 (29. Rg1 Ne4+ 30. Ke1 Qxg1+ $19) 29... Ne4+ 30. Kf1 (30. Ke1 Qxg2 ({ or} 30... Qxg3+ 31. Kd1 Rxh1+ 32. Bxh1 Qg1+ $19) 31. Rxh6 Qf2+ 32. Kd1 Qd2#) 30... Nd2+ $19) ({ Akis:} 26... Nh5 $2 { MH:} 27. Nxh5 Qxh5 { and Bh4 is awkward, not doing anything.}) 27. Bxe4 $16 fxe4 ({ MH:} 27... Bxg3 28. hxg3 fxe4 29. Kg2 { and Rf1-h1 ends Black's attack.}) 28. Kg2 Bf6 29. Rh1 Rh3 { Akis: The black rook on an outpost} ({ MH: Black needs confusion and this idea popped into my head. I doubt anything is terribly good, but it's worth a try.} 29... b5 30. a5 Rh7 31. Qa2 { threatening b2-b4 to secure pawn a5!} b4 32. c4 Ra7 { when Black tries to regain the pawn while White's rooks are pinned to the back rank.}) 30. Raf1 c5 $1 { Akis: desperate move to go to the 36th} 31. Qd1 Qg6 32. f5 $4 { MH: Idiotic weakening of the king's position even further.} exf5 33. Nxf5 ({ Akis:} 33. dxc5 $142 d4 34. c6 $18 { MH:} d3 (34... dxc3 $2 35. bxc3 Bxc3 36. Qd5+ $16) 35. Nxf5 Rf3 $13) ({ Akis:} 33. Rxf5 Rxg3+ 34. Kxg3 Qxf5) 33... Rf3 $11 { MH: The weakness around Kg2 and Black's piece activity would seem to justify that comment (=).} 34. Ng3 { Akis: The white knight is safe in front of g4} cxd4 $6 ({ MH:} 34... c4 { blocks the queen-side to keep play focused on Kg2.}) ({ MH:} 34... Qh6 { takes direct aim at Kg2!} 35. -- $140 Qh3+ $19 36. Kg1 Rxg3+ 37. Kf2 (37. hxg3 Qxg3#) 37... Rg2+ 38. Ke1 Qxe3+ 39. Qe2 Qxe2#) 35. cxd4 $4 { Akis: White loses the upper hand.} ({ Akis:} 35. exd4 $142 { is the best option White has} Bh4 36. Qb3 $15) 35... Bg5 $19 { Akis: with seconds left it was instict and not logic that i played that move} ( { Akis:} 35... Rxe3 $6 36. Rxf6 { Annihilates a defender: f6} Qxf6 37. Qxg4+ Kf7 (37... Kh8 38. Rf1) (37... Qg7 38. Qxg7+ Kxg7 39. Nf5+) 38. Rf1 $11 { MH:} Rf3 { might possibly keep some advantage for Black. But, with Kf7 so open to checks an = might be the exactly right evaluation.}) 36. Rxf3 $2 ({ Akis:} 36. h4 $142 Bxe3 37. Qb3 $19) 36... gxf3+ $4 { Akis: an unfortunate move that relinquishes the win. 20 more minutes MH: What a shame. That would've capped off a nice attack.} ({ Akis:} 36... exf3+ $142 { secures the win} 37. Kf2 Rc8 $19) 37. Kf2 $11 Qh6 { Akis: trying to make forceful moves} 38. Qb3 Rd8 39. h3 ({ Akis: I spend lots time in 39..Rd8 calculating} 39. Nxe4 Qh3 40. Ng3 Qg2+ 41. Ke1 f2+ 42. Kd1 Qxh1+ 43. Nxh1 f1=Q+) 39... Bh4 40. Rg1 Qe6 $4 { Akis: gives the opponent new chances. that seemed more forceful I thought Rh1 was the only answer. MH: Maybe you were right!} ({ Akis:} 40... Kh8 $142 $19 { MH: Yes, finding g3 as the target to home in on!}) ({ Akis: my first thought was } 40... Qd6 { keeping the N pinned and the K on the f2}) 41. a5 $4 { Akis: not a good decision, because now the opponent is right back in the game} ({ Akis:} 41. Qb5 Kf7 ({ MH:} 41... Qxh3 { still looks very good.}) 42. Ke1 $19) 41... Qxh3 { Akis: less than 2 minutes again} ({ Akis: Weaker is} 41... bxa5 42. Qb5 Rc8 43. Rf1 $19 (43. Qxa5 $4 { capturing this pawn is a mistake} Rc2+ 44. Kf1 Qxh3+ 45. Ke1 f2+ 46. Kd1 fxg1=Q+ 47. Kxc2 Qc8+ 48. Qc3 Qxc3+ 49. bxc3 Qf2+ 50. Kb3 Bxg3 $19)) 42. Qxb6 ({ Akis:} 42. Qxb6 Kh7 43. Qc7+ Rd7 44. Qf4 $19 Rg7 45. Qxh4+ Qxh4 46. Rh1 Qxh1 47. Nxh1 Rg2+ 48. Kf1 Rxb2) 42... Bxg3+ $4 ({ MH:} 42... Qh2+ 43. Kf1 { doesn't gain ground.}) ({ MH:} 42... Kh7 { still aiming for ...Rd8-g8xg3 wins.}) 43. Rxg3+ { Akis: I missed the check MH: What a shame. It was going to be a nice victory.} 1-0 [Event "------"] [Site "?"] [Date "2004.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "------"] [Black "Momster"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B20"] [BlackElo "1761"] [Annotator "Momster, TiredOfTheWar"] [PlyCount "45"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] 1. e4 c5 2. b4 { Momster: This was completely new to me and I didnt know what to do. I dont want to lose this fast next time! All through the game I was anxious to castle and to get my queen-side pieces out, but never did TiredOfTheWar: The thing with most unusual gambits is, that they aren't very sound. The real reason they are being played is because the white player hopes the black player is not familiar with this line of play and will make errors. The best way to tackle gambits you're not familiar with is to grap the first pawn, and after that follow the standard opening "rules". You could also decline the gambit (here for instance with 2. ... e7e5) to play on safe, but that will give white some advantage in the centre. Whatever you do, never try to defend the pawn advantage when you are playing an unfamiliar gambit. Know that you will at one point give white the pawn back and try to force white to take the pawn back when it suits you best.} cxb4 3. a3 { TiredOfTheWar: I don't really like this move. The reason behind 2. b2b4 was to remove the c5 pawn so white could get a strong, classical centre (d4,e4) and then use that centre to obtain material advantage in the middle game. I think 3. d2d4 or 3. Ng1f3 were better.} d5 { TiredOfTheWar: Solid move. Actively challenging whites centre.} 4. exd5 Qxd5 { TiredOfTheWar: Threatening Qe5+} 5. Nf3 e5 6. axb4 Bxb4 7. c3 e4 { Momster: Maybe this wasnt as smart as I thought... TiredOfTheWar: After cxb4, exf3, Qxf3, Qxf3, gxf3 white wins a pawn but has a very weak pawn structure. White has the bishop pair and with such an open position they can become quite strong. This is still an undecided position. Instead of e4, I think simply moving your bishop to safety (d6,e7 or even f8) would have been better.} 8. Nd4 { TiredOfTheWar: Not the best move. Better was the line described above.} Bc5 9. Qa4+ Bd7 { Momster: Seemed so natural at the time that I didn't pay attention, and never saw the next move coming. TiredOfTheWar: Well, Bd7 isn't a bad move and Bc4 isn't a real threat. You'll see why below. In general, whenever you move a piece, that piece will give up control over certain squares. When you give up control over certain squares, check and doublecheck if the opponent can take advantage of that. The square you are giving up control here is b7. If you would have taken a little more time here trying to figure out how white can take advantage here of the weakened b7, you would have surely found Bc4 followed by Qb3. But as said above, Bd7 was not a bad move.} 10. Bc4 { Momster: A nasty shock I never recovered from.} Qd6 ({ Momster:} 10... Bxa4 11. Bxd5 Bc6 12. Nxc6 Nxc6 13. Bxe4 Nge7 { is this what I should have done? TiredOfTheWar: No, I don't think Bxa4 is the answer here. What about Qh5 to defend f7? And after Qb3 simply develop with Nc6 giving white the chance to win his pawn back under conditions that favour you. Or you could check which square white gave up control of with his last move and take advantage of that by moving your queen to g5. The game would become totally crazy after Qg5, Qb3, Qxg2, Rf1, Nc6, Bxf7+; but black would still be a solid pawn ahead.}) 11. Qb3 Nh6 { TiredOfTheWar: Not a good move. Better was Nc6, giving white the opportunity to win back his pawn, but giving black the lead in development. After Nc6, Bxf7+, Ke7; how is white better than black? His queen is pinned to the defence of his bishop at f7. You threaten to win a pawn with Bxd4, cxd4, Nxd4. His gambit didn't lead to a better development. No, I think if anything, black is slightly better after Nc6.} 12. Qxb7 Bxd4 13. cxd4 Bc6 { Momster: Is this better 13. ..Qc6 14.Qb3 O-O TiredOfTheWar: Well, Qc6 was much better than Bc6, but after Qb3, O-O would be a big mistake (Ba3 attacking your rook at f8 and threatening to play Bd5). After Qc6, Qb3, and some move by black to disarm the threat Bd5 (maybe something like Qc7 or Qd6) I would say white has the advantage but it is still a playable position.} 14. Qc8+ { Momster: The game was probably lost by now TiredOfTheWar: No, not lost. At recreational level, the amount of errors in a single game is very high. While white undoubtedly has the advantage here, you should never give up. Keep looking for the best possible move and you'll see that you will win a lot of games where you thought you were dead lost.} Qd8 15. Qxd8+ Kxd8 16. Nc3 Re8 { TiredOfTheWar: Better was Nd7, threatening to come to b6 to maintain the balance in the centre. Also, Nd7 brings you one move closer to connecting your rooks, which is vital as the battle for the open files is about to commence.} 17. O-O f5 { TiredOfTheWar: This pawn move was unnecessary. It was better to keep on developing with Nd7, rather than trying to fortify your centre with f5.} 18. d3 Ng4 19. d5 Bb7 20. Bg5+ Nf6 21. Rfb1 Bc8 22. Nb5 Re7 { TiredOfTheWar: This was probably the biggest error in the game. After d6 you will lose your rook at a8 to the unavoidable Nc7. The better way to support the a pawn was to simply move it up the board with a5.} 23. d6 { TiredOfTheWar: The bottom line of this game is twofold. In unknown gambits, maintain your cool and find the best possible way for you to give back the pawn you won. Don't try to hold on to the pawn as that will usually lead to heavy underdevelopment. Secondly, never give up. After Qc8+, there is still material balance. Quickly develop your pieces, maybe even at the cost of a pawn. To sum it all up; Material is not everything, if you have the material advantage but your pieces are all on the back rank, how is that advantage helping you? Focus some more on positional play. I hope this review will help you in your future games, TiredOfTheWar} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "2004.06.13"] [Round "?"] [White "boobug"] [Black "Tab Salvo"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "A00"] [Annotator "boobug, RoundTower"] [PlyCount "84"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] 1. g3 { RT: Hi, I am RoundTower on FICS and I am annotating your game for the FICS teaching ladder. If you have any questions about this game, or any other matter, feel free to ask me.} Nf6 2. Bg2 d5 3. e3 g6 4. Ne2 Bg7 5. d3 { RT: this is very quiet, it is probably now time for black to seize the centre with ...c5 or ...e5} O-O 6. O-O { B: Is castling here right away good? RT: well, you don't seem to be doing anything active, so there's nothing wrong with castling.} c5 { RT: finally!} 7. Nd2 Nc6 8. Rb1 { B: I went rook to b1 because of tactical reasons of the bishop on g7. RT: if you are planning b3, this may be necessary, but personally I would really rather make something happen in this position: for example, 8. c4 would be logical.} Bd7 9. b3 e5 { RT: 10. c4 ould still make sense, putting pressure on Black's centre and possibly freeing c4 and e4 for your knight, or blocking the g7-bishop's diagonal.} 10. Bb2 (10. c4) 10... Qc8 { B: Black's planning to go to Bh3 to try and trade off my white's square bishop so he can gain control or/and occupy the weak white squares in my kingside. I'm not sure if moving my rook to e1 followed by bishop h1 would be ok, in order to keep the white square bishop. I think keeping the bishop would be good for me since f3, g2, and h3, have been potentially weaken. Since the bishop on g2 is the main defender of the kingside, maybe keeping the bishop would be a good idea? RT: Re1 would be one plan.After the plan you chose, however, your light-squared bishop is much less useful since it is blocked by your e4-pawn, so you don't need it as much.} 11. e4 { B: I'm cramped so I decided to challenge my opponent's space advantage in the center. RT: I would have played this 10 moves earlier. You are White, so the space advantage is something you could have had but gifted to Black.} d4 12. a3 { B: I went a3 because c2 could be a potential target for black's knight on c6. RT: You don't need to worry about c2 as long as it is defended - if Black plays ...Nb4 you will have a3 with tempo.} Bh3 { B: Black is doing a good thing of exchanging the main defender of my king side. because once the bishops are exchanged, black's pieces may suddenly have access to h3, g2, and f3. RT: don't worry about this too much either -- the only Black piece that can get to these light squares is the queen.} 13. Bc1 { B: I went back to Bc1 because it was a bad bishop. Bishops must have open diagonals to be effective. RT: Good idea, supports your natural break in this position which is f4.} Bxg2 14. Kxg2 Qd7 15. h3 { B: I think this move is essential in order to keep the knight out of e3. Knights like strong secure strong points. RT: You are concentrating too much on prophylactic play, instead of backing up your ideas with analysis. Here you should analyse what happens after you play f4 and Black tries to occupy e3:} (15. f4 Ng4 16. Nf3 Ne3+ 17. Bxe3 dxe3 18. Qc1 exf4 19. Nxf4 { RT: and you should win back the pawn, which is very weak on e3.} (19. gxf4 Nd4 $1 { RT: with a good position for Black.} (19... Bd4 $2 20. c3 { RT: winning}))) 15... h6 { B: I'm not sure why my opponent played that.} 16. f4 { B: since the center is closed, I must attack on the wing.} exf4 17. gxf4 ({ B: I took with the pawn because I wanted greater control of the center of e5. However, I should have taken the pawn with the knight. Taking with the pawn leaves my king more exposed because it has very few pieces or pawns near it for defense. always find best squares for my pieces. RT: this is the riskiest recapture, but it seems fundamentally right to me. You will gain control of the centre, and Black's pieces are not well placed for an attack on your king. } 17. Nxf4 { RT: also perfectly good.}) 17... Nh5 18. Nf3 f5 { B: This moved suprised me. I'm not really sure why he moved there. RT: I expect Black is trying to use the d5-square.} 19. e5 { B: Now I have a protected passed pawn. If I can get in an end game, would I have the advantage because of the protected passed pawn? RT: That depends on the type of ending. Let's try a thought experiment: Suppose all the pieces except for kings and pawns are removed, and that the queenside becomes blocked with pawns on a4/a5, b3/b4, c2/ c5, d3/d4. Then Black can play Kf7 and keep White out forever, meeting h4 with ...h5 if necessary. On the other hand, this is the simplest possible endgame -- if you keep other pieces on, or work something out on the Queenside you should expect the e5-pawn to be to your advantage.} Ne7 20. b4 { B: I'm trying to undermine the center by trying to get him to take on b4, so I can get the central pawn on d4. I know this thinking is faulty because I can't make him try to take the pawn on b4. RT: Even thoiugh Black does not have to take on b4, you will retain the option of exchanging on c5 and playing Nf3-d2-c4(-d6 -- another advantage of the e5-pawn), or of ganging up on the weak c5-pawn. So this is not a bad move.} b6 21. bxc5 { RT: you don't need to do this immediately though.} bxc5 22. Bd2 Rab8 23. c3 $6 { B: I'm trying to make my bishop good by trying to make pawn exchanges. Yes, I'm aware that I made a pawn weakness on c3. but, I can easily get rid of it with my 2 knights and queen. RT: I don't think this is the right way to play, although I don't see how else to develop your bishop.} dxc3 24. Bxc3 Nd5 { B: That move surprised me. he's putting pressure on the pawn on f4. RT: it shouldn't surprise you -- this is why Black played ..f5 6 moves ago.} 25. Qd2 { B: I think this move is a bit bad. It's a defensive move. The queen is not a great defender because it's always vulnerable to being captured. I should try and use the queen for attack. The queen is better for offense than defense. Counter attacking is the best defense. Can I counter attack instead of going to queen to d2? RT: You may not like to play this, but I don't see that you have much choice since your B, P and e3-square are all attacked there is no good way to counter attack. Grit your teeth and play it.} Rfd8 26. d4 { B: This move is good. It gets rid of my pawn weakness. RT: True.} Bf8 27. Rfd1 Qa4 28. Qa2 { B: Threatening to win a knight. RT: both you and your opponent may have missed that 28...Kh7! works, e.g. 29. Rxb8? Nxf4+ 30. Nxf4 Nxf4+ 31. Kg3 Nh5+ 31. Kg2 Rxb8} Rxb1 ({ B: Threatening to win a knight.} 28... Kh7 $1 29. Rxb8 $2 Ndxf4+ 30. Nxf4 Nxf4+ 31. Kg3 Nh5+ 32. Kg2 Rxb8) 29. Rxb1 Be7 30. Rb7 { B: Threatening to win a bishop.} Kf8 31. dxc5 $2 { B: I think this move is bad. It lets the black queen put pressure on f4. Because of that, the black queen is another piece in the attack RT: I agree. Now Black breaks in.} Ndxf4+ 32. Nxf4 Qxf4 { B: Now my king is exposed. There are few pawns and pieces to defend my king.} 33. Be1 Qe4 34. Qb2 Bxc5 { RT: 34...Nf4+! is a killer.} (34... Nf4+ $1) 35. e6 { Threatening mate of queen to h8} Kg8 36. Rb8 { B: I think this move is losing. By trading pieces in my attack, it will get rid of my attack. RT: I think you are lost whatever you do.} Rxb8 37. Qxb8+ Bf8 38. Bb4 Nf4+ { B: I did not see this move.} 39. Kg3 Nxe6 40. Qe8 { B: I need some counterplay.} g5 41. Qg6+ { B: I trying to get some perpectual checking or something. RT: a little analysis should convince you that this is useless, the game is over.} Bg7 42. Bc3 f4+ { RT: In my opinion you displayed in your notes excellent knowledge of the principles of positional play. However I felt you were unwilling or unable to analyse some of the tactical continuations, and in the end you fell victim to attacking tactics based on a positional invasion. Furthermore, you were not willing to seize the initiative in the opening, to play actively enough. I think you have probably read too many books for the time being, and you need to practice more, and to practice playing more aggressively, so you can use what you have learned. Feel free to talk to me about this game or anything else, particularly if you feel I made some mistakes. Good luck in your future games!} 0-1 [Event "ICS Rated Chess Match"] [Site "?"] [Date "2004.01.26"] [Round "?"] [White "Ringworm"] [Black "astorastor"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A02"] [WhiteElo "1378"] [BlackElo "1767"] [Annotator "Ringworm, OsaridSaris"] [PlyCount "87"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] [TimeControl "2700"] { I expected to get trounced going into this game, but wanted to learn where my weaknesses were with Bird opening. What better way to discover weakness than to go up at a guy rated 400 points higher than me? I can't bellieve I drew this game, though I know he probably had his gaurd down playing against such a low ranked opponent as I am. OS: Introductory note : I analyze positions using Jeremy Silman's Thinking Technique from "How to Reassess your Chess"} 1. f4 e5 { Right from the start he has me befuddled! I don't think move 3.. e3 is going to work now. OS: This is the "From Gambit" variant of the Bird. Your opponent is hoping to take you out with an early-game attack based on the open line to your king that f4 created.} 2. d3 { e4 pawn is my post for the knights, he ruined it. OS: The theory move is to take the pawn and force black to generate compensation for his material deficit. Your chosen move helps to control e4 and f4, provides a path of development for the dark bishop, and dampens black's attacking spirits so that he doesn't get the initiative he was hoping for.} Bd6 3. e3 { Well I'm going to do the opening the best I can, and see what happens. OS: You could consider capturing the pawn here, and use attack against his temporarily centralized bishop, perhaps with Nf3, to help gain time to build a strong pawn center. If he defends against Nf3 with d6, Qe7, Nc6, etc, you get d4 in for free and he's forced to uncentralize the bishop.} exf4 4. exf4 { Got my post back, thats something, I think. OS: I'm not sure what you mean here.. if you're planning to use e4 as a central post, black's possession of a pawn on e5 doesn't actually stop you and can potentially even help you out by essentially serving as a shield against attack along the file} b6 { He smells a weak kingside, oh joy :( OS: It's true what he's developed so far, the bishop, points toward your kingside, and that your king is exposed along the e file and somewhat along the e1-h4 diagonal. But you have have time to castle, and your entire army is available to defend if things become somehow troublesome, so I wouldn't call your kingside weak.} 5. Nf3 Bb7 { I have no experience with attacks from queen side onto my kingside, wonder if I can put up any fight at all? OS: At this point, your opponent arguably has a development edge kingside, as both the two bishops and the queen point there. But, your decision to stubbornly keep a pawn on f4 rather than exchanging earlier has left you in solid control of e5 and g5, so black will find a kingside pawn storm quite difficult to get away with.} 6. Be2 { Accept for the fact that e3 is missing and d3 shouldn't be there, this set up is familiar to me. OS: you could also consider playing d4 and and Bd3, as your bishop on e2 will have to move again to allow white to fight for the e file} Nf6 7. O-O { Things are weird, yet seem ok at this point, I'm probably missing something in his plan. Seems like he wants to dominate the diagonals into my kingside, simple enough. OS: his light bishop does more than kingside diagonaldomination -- it also exerts influence over the central squares d5 and e4. His dark bishop on e6 looks intimidating, but I don't really like its position. It's blocking his d pawn.} O-O 8. Be3 { I am thinking that the dark Bishop is going to be a key defensive piece. I learned that from Crafty's analysis in other Bird games. Really awkward way to get it into position though!!! OS: If he brings his rook to e8, you'll be forced to retreat back as redirection to f2 loses your f pawn without compensation. I recommend repositioning your light bishop starting with Ng5. If he challenges with h6, play Bf3 instead of retreating, then either recapture on f3 if he captures, or redeploy the knight to the e4 post if he declines via Nc6. This gives your knight a great square and eliminates his bishop's scorchingly powerful diagonal.} Re8 9. Bf2 { Well that is where I wanted the dark Bishop anyways!!! OS: Black has started to exert his will on the central file.} Bxf4 10. Nbd2 { OS: you might want to consider Nc3 instead, exerting more control over the center} Na6 11. a3 { Hoping to mess up his knight movements, also have b4, c4 in mind. OS: yes.. he's overly addicted to keeping his large light diagonal open at any costs, so he moves his knight to a poor square. His plan is probably to redirect to e6 via c7, but I think he'd have better luck with a c5 and d5 pawn duo and the knight on c6} c5 12. Nc4 $6 { Why did I do this? The Nc4 is where a pawn is supposed to go! What am I attacking? the fork Re1 Bb7 won't work because of Bf4, also there is no post or any sort of back up for that knight. OS: It should be noted that playing c4 instead of Nc4 won't stop him from playing d5. You wouldn't be able to capture due to leaving the d pawn isolated, and if he gets the advance d4 in, the pawn on c4 instead of c2 can no longer challenge, and he'll be left with a potent spatial bind in addition to his material edge} d5 13. Ncd2 { c4 was a dumb place for the knight to be anyways.} Nc7 14. c4 { That's more like it!} d4 { Now it occurs to me that c4 and d3 are totally wrong!!!! My white Bishop is now bad!!!!! I messed up because of the missing f4 pawn and started the V in the wrong place!!! They should be at e3, d4, c4, b4 more or less. My whole plan is shot now, so all I am going to do is react to him. OS: Reacting to him without a counterplan will result in him smashing you. b4, the move you play next, accurately places pressure on the pawn chain that is causing you so much grief. If you can undermine it sufficiently, you'll relieve your defensive task.} 15. b4 Qd6 16. g3 { I've been practicing defending this king position with crafty, lets see how it works out.... OS: g3 isn't actually necessary here, as the knight defends h2, and if black captures the knight then the other knight will defend h2} Be3 { Getting the dark bishop to f2 certainly paid off! Thanks Crafty for teaching me that! OS: the primary problem facing you in this position is that the e3 square will remain under black's control despite exchanges.. I recommend holding the bishop on f2 rather than exchanging, and instead play bxc5 to continue your efforts to undermine the a7-d4 pawn chain.} 17. Bxe3 dxe3 { Should I have gotten the white Bishop at some manuvering room. d4 ??????? OS: Your white bishop is ok. Black made an error in recapturing with the pawn. He shut down the e file, and if he's planning to plant a knight on f2 instead, it will take time and give more counterplay to you} 18. bxc5 { Can I grab B column? OS: yes, you can and should. He can recapture with queen, but then Nb3 then Nd4 lets you keep his knight out of f2} bxc5 19. Rb1 Bc6 { What a surprise, I got it!!!! Original plan may not be shot after all.} 20. Nb3 { Just trying to camp things out in his queen side so he will leave my kingside alone.} Rad8 21. Na5 { He is just letting me in so easily? OS: He can't stop you from getting in with your knight.. but I'm not sure what he hopes to accomplish with Rad8. Other than locking your bishop to e2, it doesn't seem to accomplish a useful purpose. The fork that you achieve next move puts a definite question mark on Rad8. If he left the rook alone for a bit, he could redeploy his bishop to h3 via d7} Ba8 22. Nb7 { With his light Bishop gone, defending my king will be much easier OS: agreed} Bxb7 23. Rxb7 { To have a rook on the 7th row of an oppenent ranked 400 points higher just feels right some how. What is he thinking?} Ng4 24. Nh4 { OS: You mi ght want to consider Ng5 hoping for redeployment to the central e4 square} Nf2 25. Qe1 Nh3+ { I have a lot of experience with these attacks, I don't think he has the right pieces with his light bishop gone to succeed. OS: If you didn't have your light bishop, he'd fork your king and rook with his queen. Since you do, his Nh3+ move doesn't help. However, 25 .. Nxd3 appears to win more material for him because 26 Bxd3 Qxd3! and if the rook grabs the knight, the pawn promotion appears unstoppable.} 26. Kg2 Nf2 27. Nf5 { OS: due to black's ability to push the pawn through using the approach I mentioned, I recommend Qc3 or Qa5} Qd7 { OS: he's worried about his knight and a pawn, but Qe6 seems better. When the knights exchange off the queen can nestle in to h3 with check and bring a rook in, white will likely have to sacrifice the exchange to ward off mate.} 28. Nxe3 Qh3+ { OS: Qh3+ without support from the e3 pawn is not very menacing, as compared to the earlier line I mentioned} 29. Kf3 { OS: You might want to consider grabbing the knight} Rxe3+ 30. Kxe3 { Am I missin g something???????????? OS: From what I can see, the only purpose to this move is the cheap, and avoidable, trap of skewering the king to the queen..} Ng4+ 31. Bxg4 Qxg4 32. Rxc7 { OS: simply Kd2 gives you a simple extra exchange with more material to come, as the a pawn and knight are not both defensible} Re8+ 33. Kd2 Rxe1 34. Rxe1 { I'm not sure who is ahead right now, but a lone queen against a bishop pair and his pawns no threat, seems even up to me, unbelievable!} Qg5+ 35. Re3 { He is going to try and fork a rook, I'm hopeful he can't do it. OS: he can't. Your mate threat gives you time to not only win the a pawn but also connect the rooks. When they're connected the best he can do is get them both for the queen, at which point your a pawn will win the day} g6 36. Rxa7 Qf6 37. Re8+ Kg7 38. Ree7 { I am no great check mater, but I know this bugs him, two rooks on the seventh rank! Even if I loose now I feel kind of good about this game. OS: even if he somehow manages to get both your h2 and g3 pawn, your connected rooks can get his f7 and h7 pawn, and potentially promote your a pawn..} Qb2+ 39. Ke3 Qd4+ 40. Kd2 Qb2+ { He initiates the draw, how flattering!!! I'm no idiot, I'll take it! OS: If you want to play for the win instead, get your king over to h3 to get shielding from the checks, redeploying to h1 when you have a chance, then start eating more of his pawns and work your a pawn forward. Your position isn't particularly high risk, so you can play for the win without really worrying about losing due to a really subtle mistake here} 41. Ke3 Qd4+ 42. Kd2 Qb2+ 43. Ke3 Qd4+ 44. Kd2 { Game drawn by repetition OS: In summary, I noticed that most of your analysis was in terms of normal bird-opening plans, even though the structure started to become only semi-birdish early on. You may want to focus on what the pieces and pawns are doing in the game itself as opposed to what they would do if the continuation followed theory. I liked your queenside counter attack, penetrating up along the b file and making him exchange off his powerful light squared bishop. Also, you may want to increase your focus on the center a bit, for example when you played Nh4 instead of Ng5 to seek the e4 post. Given the complexity of the final position, I think that a draw was likely anyway, so accepting it was fine} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "lepionjaponais"] [Black "?"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C02"] [Annotator "ferkelchen/lepionjaponais"] [PlyCount "45"] { Hello, i am ferkelchen from germany. I hope you will enjoy my annotations. I played the famous Milner-Barry-Attack as white for several years in countless games against a friend of mine. It was our favourite opening.} 1. e4 e6 { lepionjaponais: French Defense} 2. d4 d5 3. e5 { lepionjaponais: Advance Variation. Other possibilities: exd, Nc3, Nd2, ...} c5 { lepionjaponais: in the french defense, black generally attacks white center particularly the d4 square} 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. Bd3 { lepionjaponais: White wants to play the Milner Barry Gambit. They sacrifice the center for a quick developpement} Bd7 { lepionjaponais: avoiding the well known trap 6.. .cxd 7. cxd Nxd 8. Nxd Qxd 9. Bb5+ winning the queen ferkelchen: In my opinion 6..Bd7 is a slight inaccuracy because it opens up more possibilities for white. It is more exact to play 6..cxd4 first followed by 7..Bd7.} 7. O-O { lepionjapon ais: white can protect the d4 pawn by playing Bc2 ferkelchen: a) Yes, that is true, but after 7..cxd4 8.cxd4 Nb4 black is already slightly better, because black will exchange the strong white-squared bishop. (9. Bb3 is bad because of 9.. Bb5 (prevents castling) and after 9.Ba4 Qa6 looks very strong.) b) By playing 7. 0-0 white does not try to take advantage of black's move order. 7. dxc5 is a well-known good move in this position. The idea is to gain space on the queenside and to win a tempo by playing b2-b4 (attacking the bishop) and sometimes even to play b4-b5 (attacking the knight). The mainline is: 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.0-0 a5 ( to prevent 9.b4, not 8...Nge7?? 9.b4 wins a piece) and now 9. Nbd2, 9.a4 (to control b5, Na3-b5 is an idea) or 9.Qe2.} cxd4 8. cxd4 Nxd4 9. Nxd4 { ferkelchen: 9.Ng5 is an interesting offbeat line, not sound, but good enough to surprise your opponent - especially in a rapid or blitz game. But even in a tournament game it seems to work sometimes... ferkelchen-NN, Cologne 1988: 9.Ng5 Nc6 10. Re1 Bc5 11.Qf3 Nh6 12.Nc3 Bd4 13.Bf4 Nxe5? (to greedy) 14. Bxe5 Bxe5 15.Rxe5 Qxb2 16.Rae1 Qxc3 17.Nxe6! Bxe6?! (Better was 17..Qxe1+ but the position is lost anyway) 18.Bb5+ Qc6 19. Rxe6+ fxe6 20.Rxe6+ Kd8 21.Bxc6+ bxc6 22.Qf41-0} Qxd4 10. Nc3 { lepionjaponais: white sacrifices a second pawn} Qxe5 { lepionjaponais: black generally declines this second pawn and plays a6 preventing white from playing Nb5 ferkelchen: Yes, 10..a6 is the "safety first"- approach and probably it is the best move. (Another solid move is 10.. Qb6 which should be answered by 11.a4 ( to kick the queen by playing a5 or to play Bb5 / Nb5) or 11.Qg4 ( to hinder the kingside development).) 10..Qxe5 is perfectly playable, but much more risky (No risk, no fun ;))} 11. Re1 Qc7 { lepionjaponais: may be a mistake ferkelchen: I dont like 11...Qc7. The main idea of Qxe5 is to play 11..Qb8. There are almost 200 games with 11...Qb8 in my database (overall score about 50 per cent which is fine for black). This line is covered in detail in Watson's "Play the french", 3rd edition. Pretty complicate line, i will give you just one line, the one i played in hundreds of blitz games against a friend of mine. 11...Qb8 12. Nxd5 Bd6 13.Qg4 (or 13. Qh5) Kf8 14.Bd2 (14.Nc3 is an alternative) h5 15.Qh3 Bc6.} 12. Nxd5 { lepionjapo nais: the e-pawn is pinned by the e1 rook ferkelchen: Nxd5 is attacking the queen now compared to the line 11...Qb8!} Qd8 { lepionjaponais: is Qb8 better? Qb6? ferkelchen: Well, after 12..Qb8 black is a tempo down compared to 11... Qb8. I can't believe that this is working. 12.. Qb6?? blunders the queen, i bet you meant 12..Qd6. I would play 13.Bc4 (idea 14.Bf4 winning) 13..Rc8 14. Bf4 Qc5 15. Rc1 and i don't see any defense for black, white wins.} 13. Bf4 { lepionjaponais : I do not know what should be played here ferkelchen: Well, 13. Bf4 is a very logical move, it can't be wrong. But let's have a look at the position from a more general view: White is a pawn down but has a tremendous lead in development and the black king is still stuck in the center. White has to prevent black from catching up with development and / or has to create weaknesses in the opponent's camp.} Rc8 { lepionjaponais: to avoid the Nc7+ threat ferkelchen: yes, only move} 14. Rc1 { lepionjaponais: I still do not know what was the best move here. I did not like the idea of exchanging pieces by playing Nc7 ferkelchen: Of course not 14. Nc7+ Black takes the knight 14...Rxc7 15.Bxc7 Qxc7 and you are lost. Black has two pieces and pawn against one rook. 14.Rc1 is a much better move.} Bc6 { lepionjaponais: all threats from white seem to have disappeared ferkelchen: Well, this position is pretty sure a critical one. One bad move and black will be better. But of course the same is true for black, he still has to be very careful.} 15. Bb5 { lepionjaponais: a strange move. White has now two attacked pieces. But the bishop cannot be taken. Elsewere Rxc8 followed by Nc7+ is crushing. Both bishop and e-pawn cannot take the knight because of the pin and if the queen take the knight, white simply takes back with the queen, as bishop and e-pawn are pinned ferkelchen: Yes, this is true, but i still don't like the move because by playing 15..Ne7 black protects everything, develops the knight and attacks your strong knight on d5. Let's have a look if there is a better move than 15.Bb5. And in my opinion 15.Qh5 (idea is 16.Rxe6+) it as least worth a try. Well, what to do? a) 15..Bxd5 16.Rxc8 Qxc8 17.Dxd5 Sure, white is still a pawn down but black is under heavy pressure: For example 17.. Be7? 18.Qd4!, 17...Nf6? 18. Bb5+ Nd7 19.Qh5! 17..Ne7 looks like the best move, but white can play 18.Bb5+ Nc6 19.Qe5! and black still has to solve a lot of problems, white has more than enough compensation for the pawn. b) 15...Be7. 16. Nxe7 Nxe7 and now 17. Rcd1 creates a lot of complications with chances for both sides after 17..Qd5 18. Qh3 c) 15..Ne7 16. Nxe7 Bxe7 18.Rxe6 Qxd3 19. Rce1 0-0 20. Rxe7 looks drawish} Ne7 (15... Bxb5 16. Rxc8 Qxc8 17. Nc7+ Ke7 18. Qd6+ Kf6 19. Qe5+ Ke7 20. Qc5+ { with Qg5# or Rd1 and mate follows}) 16. Bxc6+ { lepionjaponais: is it good? ferkelchen: Let's put it this way: There is nothing better} Nxc6 { ferkelchen: It was better to play 16..bxc6, it forces the queen exchange. For example: 17.Nxe7 Qxd1 18.Rexd1 Bxe7 Black is a pawn up in the ending, but in my opinion it would be very difficult to convert the pawn: The queenside pawns are weak and the rook on h8 still out of play. But a pawn is a pawn...} 17. b4 { lepionjaponais: in order to force the kinght to move, but bishop may have taken this pawn, isn't it? ferkelchen: No, 17.. Bxb4 loses by force: 18.Nxb4 Nxb4 19. Rxc8 Qxc8 20.Dd4! Nc2 and now a computer would probably suggest 21.Qxg7 but simply 21.Rc1 leads to a winning ending after 21..Nxd4 22.Rxc8+ Kd7 23.Rxh8 Ne2+ 24.Kf1 Nxf4 25.Rxh7 But you missed 17. Qb3! attacking the pawn on b7. Black is not able to defend the pawn because 17. .b6? 18.Rcd1 is winning - there is no defense against Nc7+ winning the queen. 17..Bd6 18.Bxd6 Qxd6 19.Qxb7 looks like the best chance for black, but white is definitively better after 19...Qd7 20.Qb5} Be7 { ferkelchen: Much better than 17..Bxb4?} 18. Nxe7 Qxd1 19. Rexd1 Kxe7 { ferkelchen: Weaker is 19..Nxe7. 20.Rxc8+ Nxc8 21.Rc1! and the rook invades the 7th rank.} 20. Bd6+ { ferkelchen: I do not like this move, 20.b5 first was better (see comment on the next move)} Ke8 { ferkelchen: Why not 20..Kf6? 20.. Kf6! activates the king and finally the rooks are connected!} 21. b5 Ne7 22. Rc7 { ferkelchen: ? A very bad move - but it wins the game! :)) Black should have played 22..Rxc7 23.Bxc7 Nd5 - as you mentioned below - and is simply a pawn up! For example 24.Bd4 f6 25.Be3 a6 Much better than 22.Rc7 was 22.Bg3 (idea: 23.Rxc8 followed by 23.Rc1 and Rc7). I don't think that black is able to win this ending.} Kd8 { lepionjaponais: black was afraid of the line Rxc7 Bxc7 with the threat Rd8# but missed the simple Rxc7Bxc7Nd5line} 23. Rxe7 { Black resigns. ferkelchen: A dissapointing ending to an interesting game. lepionjaponais: I would like to understand why black managed to keep a pawn more without any real threats from white. How white sould have played to keep the initiative ? ferkelchen: Well, i showed you a lot of possibilities in the notes given above. By the way: There is at least one lecturebot lesson dealing with the Milner-Barry-attack online on FICS. Don't miss it! See you online, bye bye.} 1-0 [Event "DAVID"] [Site "DAVID"] [Date "2004.09.16"] [Round "?"] [White "DavidBudiman"] [Black "Comet B.60"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B32"] [Annotator "DavidBudiman, RoundTower"] [PlyCount "92"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] [TimeControl "120+10"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. c3 { RT: I guess there is nothing wrong with this move, particularly in a training game and to "find new excitement" as you put it. Certainly playing positions of this type will sharpen your tactical skills.} dxc3 { RT: However, sacrificing the second pawn may be a bit extreme. I would rather play Nxc3 transposing back into a mainline Smith-Morra gambit. That said, you do gain quite a lead in development here.} 5. Bc4 (5. Nxc3) 5... cxb2 6. Bxb2 Qb6 7. Qe2 { DB: I'm not sure this is right, but Qc2 in my opinion is weaker because of the queen can be pin and can be attack with Nb4. And exchanging the queen would favor black since white is attacking and need the queen. RT: logical.} d6 8. O-O Bg4 { RT: this pin is no fun for White.} 9. Nc3 Bxf3 (9... Nd4 { RT: this variation is fiendishly complicated -- if you analysed this correctly, and found that it is no real threat for White, well done.} 10. Qd2 Nxf3+ (10... Bxf3 11. Nd5 $1 { RT: winning for White.}) 11. gxf3 Bxf3 12. Nd5 $1 { RT: surprisingly winning the queen} Qd8 ({ RT: surprisingly winning the queen} 12... Qc6 13. Bb5 Qxb5 14. Nc7+) 13. Bb5+) 10. gxf3 Nf6 11. Rab1 Rc8 { RT: you are getting a big development lead, for your 2 pawns. There is no need to "undevelop" your bishop to attack the Black queen -- the queen comes to an active square on c5 now. Maybe Nd5 here.} 12. Ba1 $6 (12. Nd5 Nxd5 13. exd5 Nd4 14. Bxd4 Qxd4 15. Rfc1 { RT: with a good position, e.g.} b6 16. Bb5+ Kd8 17. Rxc8+ Kxc8 18. Bc6 { RT: with Qa6+ to come}) 12... Qc5 13. Nd5 Nxd5 14. Bxd5 { RT: maybe ...e6 here.} Rc7 (14... e6 $5) 15. Rfc1 Qa3 { RT: you have a good position here, you are very close to breaking through. Rather than exchange the bishop immediately, you can create the threat of Rxb7 by playing Rc2! (Rxb7 is impossible now only because c1 falls with check) Rc3!? looks even better, because you move the rook with tempo on the queen, but Black can defend somewhat with Nd4.} 16. Bxc6+ $6 (16. Rc2 $1 e6 17. Rxb7 Rxb7 18. Bxc6+ Rd7 19. Bxd7+ Kxd7 20. Qb5+) ({ RT: you have a good position here, you are very close to breaking through. Rather than exchange the bishop immediately, you can create the threat of Rxb7 by playing Rc2! (Rxb7 is impossible now only because c1 falls with check)} 16. Rc3 Nd4 17. Rxa3 Nxe2+ 18. Kf1 Nf4) 16... bxc6 17. e5 Rc8 { DB: Did I missed rc3 followed with exd6? RT: this is certainly one way to continue, try and get at least a pawn back now that so much material has been exchanged. Plus many of the complications work out in your favour.} 18. exd6 (18. Rc3 Qa5 19. exd6 e6 20. Qd3 (20. Qd2) (20. Qd1 Qd8 21. Rb7 (21. Rd3 Qd7 22. Bd4 $1)) 20... Qd8) 18... Qxd6 19. Rd1 Qg6+ 20. Kh1 Qf5 { DB: I have 2 active rooks, a bishop controling the long diagonal a1-h8, but couldn't find the winning move, what is wrong with white position? RT: You do not have enough pieces, and you are two pawns down. Black can try to consolidate here and win.} 21. Rb7 { DB: I made this move in haste, i was running out of time. RT: it is a sensible move, anyway.} Rg8 { RT: take the free pawn!} 22. Bb2 $6 (22. Rxa7) 22... a6 23. Re1 { RT: now you are operating without a plan. It is a shame that you ran into time trouble, because in a position like this you often need to find some very precise moves to prevent Black consolidating.} e6 24. Rb3 Ra8 25. Qc4 Qd5 26. Qc2 g6 27. Rd1 Qc5 28. Qe2 Be7 29. f4 a5 { RT: each move Black gets closer to consolidation.} 30. Qe4 Rd8 31. Rxd8+ Bxd8 32. Rb8 $2 Qd5 { DB: Ouch...there goes my queen, forced to exchange my strongest attacking piece. With 2 pawn down and bad pawn structure i don't have a chance in end game. RT: yes -- to keep some chances maybe Rd3 was better.} 33. Qxd5 exd5 34. Bc3 a4 35. Be5 Kd7 36. Kg2 c5 37. Kf3 Re8 38. Rb7+ Ke6 39. Ra7 f6 40. Bb2 d4 41. Rxa4 Kd5 42. Ra7 Be7 43. a4 h6 44. Ke2 Bd6+ 45. Kd3 c4+ 46. Kd2 Bb4+ { RT: the opening phase of this game was very interesting, as you sacrificed material to get a big development advantage. Your opponent did not really understand the nature of the position and it is unfortunate that you didn't find some ways to punish it. This type of game is very typical of how strong players used to play against computers, allowing them to grab material while building up an attack that would come unforeseen. I'm glad you showed that this is still possible with more modern computers! I don't really know what I can recommend you improve -- just be a little more vigilant for tactical continuations like 16. Rc2! and 18. Rc3! in such sharp positions. If you have any questions/comments, you know how to contact me. Best of luck in all your games!} 0-1 [Event "FICS unrated blitz game"] [Site "FICS, Fremont, California USA"] [Date "2004.10.23"] [Round "?"] [White "ConditionZero"] [Black "smellevator"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C55"] [WhiteElo "845"] [Annotator "ConditionZero, doggoneit"] [PlyCount "71"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 { after 2. Nf3 Nf6 other options for immediate space and easy deployment are 3. Bc4, and 3. Bb5. 3. Bc4, "Giuoco Piano" should be the next opening you explore. 3. Bb5, the Ruy Lopez, is tricky to play but rewarding.} 4. Bc4 d6 5. d3 h6 6. Be3 Bg4 7. Qd2 Nb4 8. Nd5 $2 { 8. d4 is better here. The text move results in two sets of doubled pawns for white, with little to show for it. It also blocks in white's light-squared bishop.} Nfxd5 9. exd5 Bxf3 10. gxf3 c5 11. Bb5+ $2 { notice white's bishop protects the a2 pawn before this move, then doesn't protect it afterwards. White's about to castle queenside, weakening the a2 pawn. Better to keep the bishop in place and play 11. c3 to scare off the knight, before moving the bishop.} Ke7 12. O-O-O { Again, I like castling queen side, but I'd move his knight first by 12. c3. He has nowhere to go but 12 ... Na6, where his knight really doesn't threaten anything, and incidentally prevents his next move, a7. Then you can do 13. O-O-O} a6 $2 { black should have taken 12... Nxa2+ first. The text move leaves him no escape route. . .} 13. Bc4 b5 14. Bb3 Qa5 $4 { loses the knight. Better is 14... a5} 15. a3 Na2+ 16. Bxa2 Qxd2+ 17. Bxd2 a5 18. b4 $4 { You're ahead by a bishop, plus his bishop and other rook are trapped in the corner behind his king. Don't Panic!! A few things to keep in mind here: you have half-open files on e and g. You should try to control these with your rooks. Also, your bishop is blocked by the pawn on d5 (actually it has been the entire game) so think of ways to get it out into the open. As for the pawn rush, just wait for his pawns to arrive, and lock up your pawns. Patience is a virtue!!! For instance : 18. Rhg1 b4 19. a4, and you've got an easy game. or try 18. Rde1, followed by 19. f4. or 18. f4 immediately. or 18. c4. Notice that this is a situation where you thought you could recapture with the a-pawn safely, but it turned out that you couldn't, because your a-pawn is pinned by his rook.} axb4 { At this point it should be obvious that you can't re-capture with your a-pawn, or you will lose your bishop. So don't re-capture with the a-pawn!!! protect your bishop first with 19. Kb2. This would also allow your rooks access to the a-file. Notice that your opponent still only has one active piece (he can't move his bishop or other rook without moving his king first!!), to your four. You should still not be panicking despite your lost b-pawn.} 19. axb4 $4 { The first thing beginning chess players have to learn (I'm still learning this!!!) is how to avoid oversight. If you make a move like this, and you're looking back over the game, think, "did I see this, and make the decision to do it anyway, or did I not see the rook threatening my Bishop??" If the answer is the second one, think of why you didn't see the rook, and what you can do to make sure you see it next time.} Rxa2 20. Bc3 $2 { better is 20 bxc5 don't worry about the check at Ra1. You can trade rooks with him and still be okay.} Ra3 21. Bb2 $2 { what about 21. Kd2 to protect your bishop, also allowing your rooks control of the home row} Ra2 22. Bc3 $2 { better is bxc5} g5 $4 { loses an extra pawn to 23. bxc5, dxc5 24 Bxe5 better is 22. . . . cxb4} 23. h4 $4 { shouldn't be launching an attack on the queenside, with the kingside still in question. Settle things first with bxc5.} Bg7 $2 { better is cxb4} 24. hxg5 hxg5 25. Rxh8 Bxh8 26. Rh1 $2 { bxc5 is still white's best move} Bf6 27. Rh7 $2 { bxc5 is still white's best move} Ra3 $2 { cxb4 is still black's best move} 28. Bb2 Ra4 29. c3 $4 { no reason not to take 29 bxc5. The text move just feeds four pawns to black's hungry rook.} cxb4 30. cxb4 Rxb4 31. Bc3 Rb3 32. Ba5 Rxd3 33. f4 gxf4 34. Kc2 Rxd5 35. Rh3 Rc5+ 36. Kd2 { Game drawn by mutual agreement (rwg) I can't believe this was drawn, black is winning by four pawns. This should be a loss for white!!!} 1/2-1/2 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "2005.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Class A player"] [Black "boobug"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B06"] [WhiteElo "1856"] [Annotator "boobug; Cohen, David"] [PlyCount "69"] [EventDate "2005.??.??"] 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 e6 ({ DC: This setup is rare. Normal is} 3... d6 { to preserve Black's nice pawn structure; to develop the knight to the natural square f6; and to allow the light-squared bishop to develop.}) 4. Nf3 ({ bb: I think better is to get the center more by} 4. f4 { ; and c4. DC: Black is posting pawns on the 6th rank, and pieces on the 7th rank. So, Black is inviting White to take the first four ranks, and then to expand to the 5th rank. With lots of space to manoeuver in, White has lots of choice for placement of pawns and pieces.}) 4... Ne7 5. Be3 ({ DC: Novelty -} 5. Bd3) ({ and } 5. Bg5 { were played before in master games.}) 5... d5 { bb: Time to strike at the center.} 6. Bd3 Nd7 ({ DC: ? Too soon. What is the knight going to do here? Nothing, yet. Meanwhile, Black is obviously going to castle kingside. Black should do it now, to prevent the invasion on h6 by, e.g. ,} 6... O-O 7. Qd2 Re8 8. Bh6 Bh8) 7. Qd2 h5 ({ bb: Even though it weakens my kingside, I think this move is needed so White won't occupy the hole on h6. DC: Better for Black to slowly weaken the king position by allowing the dark-squared bishop to be traded after} 7... O-O 8. Bh6 { when White still has lots of work to do, than to immediately and voluntarily weaken the king position.}) 8. O-O-O O-O { DC: Black's king might be safer in the center!} 9. Rhg1 ({ DC:} 9. Bh6 { forcing the removal of B/g7, the main defender of Black's king position, is best. B/g7 is pinned to R/f8, so Black cannot avoid the trade. After this, Black's queen can invade on the dark squares.}) 9... b6 10. g4 hxg4 11. Rxg4 { DC: With kings castled on opposite sides of the board, both players race to throw their pawns at each other, in attempts to be the first to gain an open file onto the enemy king. White succeeds.} c5 { bb: Threatening to win a piece by 12... cxd4 13. Bxd4 e5 14. Be3 d4 with a double attack on B/ e3, N/c3. DC: It's not so simple. If 13. Nxd4 e5 14. Nf5! and White offers to sacrifice a piece or two for a winning attack.} 12. exd5 exd5 13. Bh6 c4 { bb: I made this move because I wanted the light-squared bishop to get off the d3-g6 diagonal. Now I can get a strong N/f5. Plus, the start of an attack on White's king position. One of the disadvantages of this move is it leaves an outpost for White on e5. I also didn't capture on d4 because White's pieces such as N/f3, Q/d2 and R/d1 would be very active. DC: Excellent analysis, except that with the c-file onto White's king closed, Black's attack will be very slow. More importantly, it will be slower than White's attack, where the g-file onto Black's king is already open.} 14. Be2 ({ DC: There was no need to retreat yet, as White could remove the defending dark-squared bishop and continue the attack with} 14. Bxg7 Kxg7 15. Rh4) 14... Nf6 15. Rgg1 Nf5 ({ bb: I played this to get a strong knight. I don't know if this is the best move though, because I think I should focus on starting queenside play by moving up the a- and b-pawns. DC:} 15... b5 { is the fastest and best way to start the attack, sacrificing the pawn to open up the b-file onto the enemy king, and if} 16. Nxb5 { then the White knight is deflected away from e4 so that Black can play} Ne4 { with advantage.}) 16. Bg5 ({ DC: ? - an unnecessary retreat, and now the game is equal.} 16. Bxg7 { continues the attack.}) 16... Be6 { bb: My last piece to be developed. DC: No, Black's queen is still undeveloped.} 17. Ne5 Qb8 ({ bb: Getting out of the pin and planning to gain more space by 18. ..b5. DC: Better} 17... b5 { right away. The pawn can be sacrificed. Attacking first is more important here. }) 18. f4 { bb: What's the purpose of f4? Trying to cement the outpost on e5? DC: ? - a poor move, preventing the queen and bishop from protecting each other. Outpost - possible; I don't understand it either. The only other use is to permit the queen to reach the g-file via the 2nd rank. The game is equal again.} Nd7 { DC: ? bb: I think this is the first move by me where White gets the initiative. Watch what happens in the next couple of moves.} ({ bb: I moved here to take the strong N/e5. Maybe I should follow up with my original plan of a queenside attack by} 18... b5 { , and not worry about it. DC: YES!}) 19. Nxd7 { bb: He traded his strong knight for my knight so he wouldn't lose his bishop on g5 on a tactical sequence. DC: No, Black's king position is so weak that the B/g5 could be sacrificed, e.g., ... f6; Nxg6 fxg5; Nxg8 etc.} ({ DC: The position gets tactical here, and White is winning, as Black is weak on the kingside, Black's attack has not started yet on the queenside, and Black's center is about to crumble. Lineslike} 19. Bg4 { threatening 20. Bxf5 Bxf5 21. Nxd5}) ({ and} 19. Bf3 Qd6 20. Nxc4 dxc4 21. Nb5 c3 22. bxc3 Qb8 23. Bxa8 Qxa8 24. d5 Nc5 25. dxe6 Nxe6 { win material.}) 19... Bxd7 20. Nxd5 { bb: This is where it begins to be tactical. DC: No, it was tactical a move earlier. bb: This move surprised me. Luckily, I can get my pawn back on d4 by my knight. DC: No, Black's knight was needed on f5 to guard e7.} Nxd4 21. Bxc4 { DC: +- but there was much better!} (21. Ne7+ { and once the White queen reaches the h-file it's checkmate.}) 21... Bf5 ({ bb: I was also thinking of} 21... Nf3 { for a double attack on Q/d2 and R/g1, but I thought it might be too risky because the h-file is weak, so I didn't want to take the chance. It didn't look like a good deal for me. Also, the knight check on e7 looks strong, followed by capturing B/d7. DC: Right, the h-file is fatal, as the White queen will reach it and mate after} 22. Ne7+ Kh7 23. Qxd7) 22. Qf2 ({ DC: Again} 22. Ne7+ { is the quickest way to win.}) 22... Re8 { bb: A blunder! At this point of the game each player was low in time, about 10 minutes left. DC: Actually, this is probably the best move in a hopelessly lost position, since it gives Black's king an escape square, and the rook can be sacrificed if White plays 23. Ne7+.} 23. Rxd4 { bb: White's pieces are more active than before. I guess going back to move 18 I should have followed up my plan by starting with ...b5, with a queenside attack. I should have stuck to my original plan by ...b5. DC: YES!} b5 24. Bb3 ({ DC:} 24. Nf6+ { immediately wins faster.}) 24... a5 25. Nf6+ { bb: White has the initiative because he is forcing moves on me. How did White get the initiative on me? DC: You already know the answer to that: Black missed the chance to sieze the initiative with 18... b5. At that time, Black's undeveloped pieces were on the queenside, and would have come to life with queenside play. But in this position, notice that Black still has not completed the development of the pieces, whereas White's pieces are not only developed, but are well advanced to active positions. White's pieces were well positioned to take full advantage of the opening up of the center.} Bxf6 26. Bxf6 Ra6 { bb: Forced to prevent checkmate.} 27. Qh4 Rxf6 28. Qxf6 Qa7 29. Rgd1 ({ DC: Or} 29. Rxg6+ Bxg6 30. Qxg6+) 29... a4 30. Rd8 Qe3+ 31. Kb1 axb3 32. Rxe8+ Qxe8 33. Rd8 bxc2+ { bb: Is this the right pawn capture? I had about 3 minutes right here, or very low on time. DC: Everything wins for White, but it was the right capture because it gives White the chance to go wrong with 34. Ka1 c1(Q)#.} 34. Kc1 Qxd8 35. Qxd8+ { bb: I lost on time. Is this position a draw? It doesn't seem like I'm completely lost. This position seems drawish because the queen cannot penetrate my kingside. How would white proceed here? Thanks. DC: White would win for three reasons. First, queen against bishop is a winning material advantage. Second, White has a- and b-pawns with which to make an extra queen (to penetrate your king position on the dark squares). Third, White can simplify by sacrificing queen for bishop, then win the pawn ending by using the 2 vs. 1 advantage of a- and b-pawns against b-pawn to make a queen (this works here because White has pawns on both sides of the board, and the lone Black king cannot defend against them all).} 1-0 [Event "venezia"] [Site "Venice ITA"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "?"] [Black "AlexAlex, msh"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "B06"] [Annotator "AlexAlex:MH"] [PlyCount "81"] 1. d4 { AA: I played a week-end open in Venice, this is the most interesting match of my tournament, so I decided to find someone, who helps me to analyse it deeper. We have two hours for 40 moves, rest moves in 30 minutes. I play with black against a 12 years old boy. My Elo is 1775, my opponent's is 1709. In this match nobody have strong winning chances, there are less tactical positions than strategic ones. Both players play well in my opinion. MH: It sounds like a good game to analyze carefully.} g6 { AA: In this tournament I try a new way to play the opening. I try to use always the same opening: I play 1. g3 with white and I play 1...g6 with black. In the past I have played the most common opening line of a many opening systems and my opponents have often surprised me with sharp uncommon line. MH: This idea is not always successful because the "Black openings" played with White give more than equality, but perhaps not as much as you'd expect or hope for a White opening. The Kings Indian Defense/Kings Indian Attack can also be like that.} 2. e4 Bg7 ({ MH:} 2... d6 { is a flexible choice}) 3. Bc4 d6 { AA: During the game I spend 5-10 minutes for this move. So, I played 3... d6, if 4. Qf3 e6 and I don't like very much this pawns structure but the Qf3 isn't well placed. MH: If you know the opening then the ...dxe5 and ...Bg4 and ...Qd1# line will slow White and give you time to develop properly. Also, the ...e6, ...c6, ...d5 line has been played by grandmasters and is considered fine.} ({ AA: I can't play} 3... Nf6 4. e5 Ng8 { and I am afraid of pressure in f7.}) ({ AA: And I also analyze:} 3... d6 4. Qf3 Nf6 5. e5 dxe5 6. dxe5 Bg4 7. Qb3 { and white gain b7 or f7 (during the game I don't see the obvious mate: 7...Qd1#).}) 4. Be3 { MH: This ma kes sense, but weakens b2. Black might try either ...Nf6 (continuing development), ...c5 to strike at targets on the a1-g7 diagonal or more pawn moves aimed at Bc4 (...c6, ...b5). When to develop Ng8 is of major importance because moving it weakens h6 and might only provide a target for advancing White pawns. On the other hand, not moving it means Ke8 can't O-O.} Nf6 { AA: Now I can play it.} 5. Nc3 ({ MH:} 5. f3) 5... c6 { AA: I want to play 5... a6 or 5...c6 or 5...0-0. I don't play 0-0 because if my opponent plays dragon-like system (f3, Qd2, Bh6, h4...), I wouldn't like that my king is in the king-side. In my home preparation I have seen some matches with the Modern Defense and I have understood that b7-b5 is a strong idea if white plays Nc3 (and obviously not c4!). Black can prepare b5 in two ways: a6 and c6. The move a6 allow you to play c5 in only one tempo. The move c6 allow you to play a5 in only one tempo and to control d5 too; this is very useful if white plays a2-a4, after b4-b5 the Nc3 can't go in d5 and if white threatens b5-pawn, black can play a5 in only one tempo. Probably both are two good moves, but I prefer c6.} 6. Bb3 b5 7. f3 { AA: I want to play b4 or a5, I don't play b4 because I don't like that white can play a3 in the future. In this position black has a lot of possible move (b4, a5, 0-0, Qa5, Nbd7...), so I seek for some matches which reached this position. I found only two games (www.chesslab. com) and this is very strange for me because both players have done natural moves. MH: Probably the bishop's development Bf1-c4-b3 is not so usual in the Pirc with f2-f3. In both games black plays 7...b5 and he has some problems after a2-a3. Here there is the most interesting match: Myhrvold,R (2249)-Gronn, A(2310) 1. ge4 d6 2. d4 g6 3. Be3 Bg7 4. Bc4 Nf6 5. Nc3 c6 6. Bb3 b5 7. f3 b4 8. Nce2 a5 9. a3 Na6 10. axb4 axb4 11. Nf4 Nd7 12. Nge2 O-O 13. O-O Rb8 14. Qd2 c5 15. Bc4 cxd4 16. Nxd4 Bxd4 17. Bxd4 Nac5 18. Nd5 (1/2-1/2)} a5 $1 { MH: This has the benefit of provoking weaknesses in White's queen-side and that would make it much less likely he will O-O-O and then throw everything at your king-side (as in a Dragon Sicilian Yugoslav Attack). It's more akin to a Kings Indian Defense, Saemisch Variation where Black plays a Byrne Variation (...a6, ...c6, ...b5) and White castles king-side. Both kings are on the king-side (or in the middle) and play ranges all over the board.} 8. a4 b4 9. Nce2 Nbd7 { AA: I have no hurry to develop Bc8 because it is already well placed in c8 in my opinion. So I play Nbd7 to avoid e5 and to prepare e5 or c5 and to play the standard idea Nbd7-Nb6. MH: Preparing ...c6-c5-c4 might be even more effective. If you have a trade of Black's c-file pawn for White's d-file pawn (as in a Sicilian) then Black would have a lovely Dragon formation. A Black knight at c5 would already hit Bb3 and pawn a4 and the half-open c-file should benefit Black in any ending. Meanwhile, White has hardly gotten his Ng1 developed. Only one other detail needs to be considered here. There are times when Ng1 develops to h3 and on to f4 or back to f2. Black might consider witholding Nd7 for a time (if possible) to hinder that method of White development. It's your choice.} ({ MH: The obvious alternative is} 9... O-O) 10. Qd2 h5 { AA: I play h5 to avoid Bh6. My best opening book give this line as the most often played: 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Be3 Bg7 5. f3 c6 6. Qd2 b5 7. O-O-O Qa5 8. Kb1 Nbd7 9. Bh6 Bxh6 10. Qxh6 Nb6. There are some differencies from this line and the game. White has his bishops in b3 instead of f1, I think it is better in f1 because black gained a tempo for playing b7-b5. Black hasn't played Qa5, but white hadn't already played O-O-O (as in the book line); so Qa5 isn't so effective for me. In the book line black allows the bishops change (9. Bh6 10. Bxh6 Qxh6) , but I don't like this idea, I prefer to avoid Bh6 for taking the option of castle. MH: Believe it or not, I've just seen such a game this past week. A friend of mine played it (badly I'm afraid). I don't think you have to worry about Bh6. You could ...O-O without much fear. But, ...h5 shouldn't be bad either. It just leaves in question where the Black king will eventually reside. It also leaves fewer options for Black to play aggressively in the center with pawns because that might endanger Ke8. The fight isn't yet engaged and already Black has to wait and let White bring the fight to him.} 11. O-O-O ({ MH:} 11. Nh3) 11... Nb6 { AA: During the game I see that 12. e5 Nfd5 gives black no problems.} 12. Nf4 { AA: During the game I don't understand this move, now I think that myopponent's idea is e4-e5 and then e5-e6: a very good move!} Ba6 $1 { AA: I play a move because I don't see 13. e5 Nfd5 14. e6!. Now I would have played 12...Qc7, avoiding e5 and preparing c6-c5; I think that black is slightly better. MH: After ...Qc7 the back rank is guarded by Ra8! But, White is still better.} ({ MH:} 12... Qc7 13. e5 dxe5 (13... Nfd5 14. e6) 14. dxe5 Nfd5 (14... Qxe5 $4 15. Qd8#) 15. e6 Bxe6 (15... Nxf4 $4 16. exf7+ Kf8 17. Qd8+ Qxd8 18. Rxd8#) 16. Nxe6 fxe6) 13. e5 { AA: Only after this move I see the dangerous 14. e6. MH: This seems premature to me. White needs to bring Ng1 and Rh1 into play before forcing lines open this way.} ({ MH:} 13. Nge2) 13... Nfd5 $2 { AA: I don't consider 13...dxe5 only for philosophical considerations: I don't want to open the d-column because I feel that white has better chance than mine to control it. I think that these philosophical consideration are very dangerous in positions like this. MH: White isn't fully developed and he would have trouble controlling anything on the board. It's only small tactical things which would be dangerous for Black. By leaving queens on the board you only allow White more opportunities to create threats against Ke8.} ({ MH:} 13... dxe5 14. dxe5 Qxd2+ 15. Rxd2 Nfd5 16. e6 (16. Nxd5 Nxd5 17. Bxd5 cxd5 18. Rxd5 Bc4 19. Rc5 { keeping pawn e5 defended} Bf1 20. h4 O-O $11) 16... Nc4 17. Bxc4 Bxc4 18. Nxd5 Bxd5 (18... cxd5 $2 19. b3 d4 20. Bxd4 Bxd4 21. exf7+ Kxf7 22. Rxd4 Bf1 23. Rd2 Rhd8) 19. exf7+ Kxf7 $11) 14. e6 Bc4 { AA: The only two move I see for me are Bc4 and Nc4, I choose Bc4 by intuition (another risky philosophical consideration) and not by analysing long lines. MH: There are many times when the logical approach is correct. I'm looking at which pieces can do Black the most harm: Qd2-d3xg6xf7, Nf4xg6, Bb3-f7. In light of that Ba6 (a piece not directly in the line of fire) moves in to exchange for an attacker. Nb6-c4 only threatens to get rid of Be3 and that's not a primary attacker.} 15. exf7+ Kxf7 16. Bxc4 { AA: During the game I never think about 16. Nxg6 so I am very lucky because 16. Nxg6? is an error which lose the game.} ({ AA:} 16. Nxg6 Kxg6 ({ MH:} 16... Nxe3 $4 17. Nxh8+ Qxh8 18. Qxe3 Bh6 19. f4 $18) 17. Bxc4 Nxc4 18. Qd3+ Kf6 { and black have an extra piece and black king is exposed; but if my king goes to d7, his troubles are finished and black wins.}) 16... Nxc4 17. Qd3 Nxf4 ({ AA: The only one. I see the white's trap:} 17... Ncxe3 18. Qxg6+ Kg8 19. Ne6 Qf8 20. Nxf8 { and only two pieces for the queen.}) 18. Bxf4 Nb6 { AA: During the game I see also 18...d5, after d5 my idea is to play e5 in the future. Now I think the more natural Nb6 is better.} 19. Nh3 Bf6 20. Bg5 { AA: Another trap: 20...Bxg5? 21 Nxg5+ is very good for white. But the move Bg5 doesn't threat anything, so it isn't so strong for me: the simple Rhe1 is better.} Nd5 ({ AA: In the game I spend some time on 20...e5!? I see:} 20... e5 21. Bxf6 Qxf6 { and if} 22. dxe5 dxe5 { and I will play Rd8, my judgement is: black improves his piece activity but his king is not safe and the e-pawn is an "isolanus". So I decide to play the simple Nd5. Analysing this position now, I think I was right.} ({ (I don't like} 22... Qxe5 23. Rhe1)) 21. Rhe1 Qc8 { AA: My king is not so safe so I want to change queens with Qc8-f5 (or Qa6).} 22. Re2 Qf5 23. Qxf5 gxf5 24. Bxf6 exf6 $4 { MH: Permanent horrible damage and self-inflicted!} ({ AA:} 24... Nxf6 25. Ng5+ { and white's position is better.}) ({ AA: There are two other moves: Kxf6 and exf6. I see} 24... Kxf6 $1 25. Rde1 e5 ({ But probably the best move for me is} 25... Rag8 $1 { and black is better, the idea is that e7-pawn is not so weak but g2-pawn is weak. I don't find this solution because I thought that white has an advantage and I tried only to balance the game.}) 26. dxe5+ dxe5 { and I don't like the position: my pawns are a little weak.}) ({ AA: In the match I see also} 24... exf6 25. Rde1 Rae8 26. Rxe8 Rxe8 27. Rxe8 Kxe8 { and I have very very weak pawns in the king side but my d5-knight is strong and the position is balanced for me. After analysing the position at home, I agree with this statement.}) 25. Rde1 Rae8 26. Rxe8 Rxe8 27. Rxe8 Kxe8 28. Kd2 Nb6 { AA: But now I think 28...Nb6 is an error for two reasons:} ({ AA: I play this move to force} 28... Nb6 29. b3 (29. Nf4 Nxa4 30. Nxh5 Nxb2 { and black is better because black gives up his weak pawns for white a-pawn and b-pawn.}) 29... Nd5 { and now d5-knight remain in d5 how much he wants.}) ({ AA: A) white couldn't gain control of d5 with his pawns:} 28... Kf7 29. c4 bxc3+ 30. bxc3 Nb6 { and a-pawn is in trouble.}) ({ AA: B) I didn't see a good move.} 28... Nb6 29. Nf4 Nxa4 30. b3 { (I didn't see this!)} Nc3 31. Nxh5 { and white has a passed pawn in the h-column that is dangerous in knights and kings endings.}) ({ MH: White plans} 28... -- 29. c4 bxc3+ 30. bxc3 -- 31. c4 Nb6 32. Nf4 h4 33. Ng6 h3 34. g3 -- 35. Nf4 -- 36. Nxh3 { creating a passed h2 pawn. Black needs to stop that White knight maneuver and since g6 is involved Black's king can simply take that away.}) 29. b3 { AA: My opponent see 30. b3! but he don't play it because he don't understand the importance of the passed h-pawn. MH: Considering the note I add at the end of this analysis: This is one good moment in the game to consider the question of how much defense is needed and how much of your time (moves) can be spent on offense.} Nd5 30. g3 { AA: My opponent idea is to change knights with Nf4, this is not the best plan but it is difficult to find strong ideas in this position. After the match I see two good ideas for white: Nh3-f2-d1 and now Ne3 for changing knights or Nb2-Nc4 attacking a5-pawn. In my analysis I have tried to find a good concrete line for white but I have found nothing: knight's activity helps black to hold the position. MH: The "strong ideas" for this position are: to win pawns, create passed pawns and create open lanes for pieces so they can support the advance of those passers to promotion.} Ke7 31. Nf4 Nxf4 32. gxf4 Ke6 { AA: During the game and now in the analysis I think this position is totally drawn. A very strong player analyses this pawn ending (very shortly) and says that white has some chances because of the weakness of h5-pawn. That pawn is surely weak, but in my opinion there are no ways to capture it without losing the game! MH: Isn't pawn d4 more immediately weak than pawn h5? Black can always threaten pawn d4 and keep White's king there to defend it. White's chance would be to force Black's king back, advance to c4 and then use d4-d5 to break through to b5.} 33. Ke3 ({ AA: During the match I was afraid of} 33. c3 { with the idea of freeing the a-pawn. But I see:} c5 { and then it is draw.}) ({ AA: Analysing now I see also} 33. c3 bxc3+ 34. Kxc3 Kd5 35. b4 axb4+ 36. Kxb4 Kxd4 { and the two passed pawn promote in the same time for me: this is a crazy probably balanced position. This the only exciting line I have found in this pawns ending, but white can avoid it not playing c3 and black can avoid it playing c5 (after c3). MH:} 37. a5 c5+ 38. Ka4 (38. Kb5 c4 39. a6 c3 40. a7 c2 41. a8=Q c1=Q $19) (38. Kb3 $4 Kd5 39. Ka4 Kc6 $19) 38... c4 (38... Kd5 $4 39. Kb5 c4 40. a6 c3 41. a7 c2 42. a8=Q+ Kd4 43. Qa1+ Kd3 44. Qc1 $18) 39. a6 c3 40. Kb3 Kd3 41. a7 c2 42. a8=Q c1=Q 43. Qd5+ Ke3 (43... Ke2 44. Qxf5 Qe3+ 45. Kb2 Qd2+ 46. Ka1 Qd4+ 47. Ka2 Qc4+ 48. Kb2 Qb4+ 49. Ka2 Kd2 50. Qe6 Qxf4 $19) 44. Qxd6 Kxf3 45. Qxf6 Qxf4 $19 { If the pawns promote simultaneously then the king positions are a significant factor - and Black's king is better for the resulting Q+P ending! It would be -/+ or -+ because of the king positions! NOT EQUAL!}) 33... Kd5 34. Kd3 c5 35. dxc5 Kxc5 36. Ke3 Kd5 37. Kd3 Kc5 38. Ke3 Kd5 39. h4 Kc5 40. Kd3 Kd5 41. Ke3 { AA: Probably my opponent has analysed deeper that me and he has done less errors than me in analysing concrete lines. But I had more ideas than him and my positional play has been better than his. So my tactical play is very poor but my positional play is very good: I think it is a good idea for me to solve some tactcal problems or to read a book about combinations to improve my tactical skills. Thank you for your attention! MH: You were searching for all the key ideas of this new opening system and you did well. That you didn't give enough weight to e4-e5-e6 may be because you hadn't seen any games where it was played. Maybe Black never allowed it to be good, so White never played it. Naturally, it's most dangerous when Black has played ...h5 and weakened f7 & g6. Another small idea you didn't mention was that ...Nd7 blocked the diagonal and allowed Ng1-h3. It usually takes some time to learn all the small finesses and details of a new opening system. Late in the game you overlooked 30. b3! That's similar to overlooking e4-e5-e6. This is something we all must live with to some extent. There are too many good move sequences for us to see them all. We're not computer programs. What we must do is find the right ideas, plans, and forcing move sequences. If we can get through the tactical spots o.k. then we can stay on course and carry out our strategical plans. You did that well. Where I see your play lacking most is in another area which you might not have considered at all. It is that you committed yourself early with queen-side and king-side pawn moves, so that it became very difficult for you to construct an offensive plan. Your play was aimed almost exclusively at defensive themes (except that you gave some mention to using pawns on the queen-side to attack White's Bb3 & Nc3). You should, at some point, be able to keep your position safe and not be scared by possibilities, so that you can also play some offense. Doing only one or the other will usually leave your position overly passive or overly weak (offensive moves do that). Doing both throughout a game, as needed, will keep your position safe enough and yet offer offensive possibilities your opponent must always defend. Facing a stronger opponent with only defense would be very unappealing. So, the task I set you is to consider one thing and one thing only: on each turn, ask yourself, what is the smallest, most efficient defense you can get away with, so you can expend the rest of your energies and chess piece forces on offense? This consideration of both needs might help you establish a better balance in your play. Sometimes one must play all defense, sometimes all offense is possible. But, to know how much of one or the other is needed, you must reflect on that issue. Good luck!} 1/2-1/2 [Event "2004 OUCC Qualifier"] [Site "SLC MPR Waterloo"] [Date "2004.11.28"] [Round "1"] [White "Jpryor"] [Black "Danish Iqbal"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D55"] [Annotator "Jpryor, logis"] [PlyCount "39"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] { Hello jpryor. My FICS handle is logis and i was asked by the FTL to review your game. My comments will start with "logis: ..." so that you can see the difference in the notes you made already and mine.} 1. d4 d5 2. c4 { At the time I was inclined to play Nf3 to go to a Colle Zukertort but I figured that I would hold that off for my next opponents as I didn't want them to see my opening.} e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 Nc6 { I think this is a positional blunder, on the queen's gambit one usually leaves the knight behind c7 until c5 is played. logis: I don't think c5 is such a good move in this position since after trading the centre pawns black will get an isolani on d5 which is easy to attack for white. However, in Colle and Colle-Zuckertort openings c5 is a plausible move to put presure on d4 (and avoid white to play an easy e4) because in that sort of positions white didn't play c4 but c3. I wouldn't have played 6. ... Nc6 either but 6. ... c6 going into the Slavish opening. But that are personal preferences.} 7. Rc1 { Im not sure this is right. .. something like Bd3 might be better. I figured that pressuring c7 because of Nc6 was a good idea. logis: Yes, Bd3 might be better to prevent Ne4 and that black takes control/blocks the centre with f5 afterwards. Rc1 is a plan on the long term. Not really, in my eyes, suitable in opening play. Opening is for developing your pieces and if possible taking control of the centre.} Ne4 { A sort of strange move giving me two options. I can take the knight and force the pawn capture (as taking the bishop drops a piece or I can capture the bishop and go on to trade queens. Ifigured I was positionall up so I didn't want to lose material. Alternatively, he could retake with his knight on c6 and i caputre the knight on e4 and I don't like the look of the resulting stonewall. logis: Personally i like Nxe4. You can also play: 8. Bxe7 Qxe7 9. cxd5 Nxc3 10. bxc3 exd5 I doubt he will play Nxe7 if you take the bishop on e7 simply because the knight stands better on c6 then e7.} 8. Nxe4 dxe4 9. Bxe7 Qxe7 { Take with the knight maybe? logis: Doubt Nxe7 is good. What is the knight doing there? What is the follow up plan after Nxe7 to bring the knight back into play? It's good that you think about the different possibility of recaputering. But just don't stop with that recapture, see what possibilities there are after Nxe7 and what the difference are with Qxe7. If you have compared the possibilities after both moves then you must admit that Nxe7 looks kinda bad in this position.} 10. Nd2 { And after all that i fall into the stonewall position anyways!} e5 { An interest ing move... c4 doesn't look pretty on its own! logis: I don't understand your comment about c4 being on it's own. Does the pawn on b-file not count?} 11. d5 { Vying formore center space. It looks like from here I must give up the white bishop. logis: seems that the white-squared bishop of white is becoming bad because the pawns blocking him. However, we are only at move 11, kinda early to already talk about bad and good pieces. Offcourse you can see around to notice which piece isn't used optimal or needs a bigger actiradius. But you can't really speak of bad or good as yet.} Nb4 { Retaking on e4 doesn't seem to get much for a2, and then i have nothing to kick the knight with. I think a3 is all I have logis: I agree, it's not a good idea to swap a2 for e4. Afterall, after 12. a3 you can win the pawn e4 for nothing.} 12. a3 Na6 { What?! Nd3! logis: 12. ... Nd3+ 13. Bxd3 exd3 14. e4 and white wins the pawn also.} 13. Nxe4 f5 14. Nd2 e4 { Right, taking his own centre space. logis: Not only taking the centre but giving you a difficult time to develop your bishop on f1. Negative for black is that he has troubles developing his bishop on c8 also but that black bishop is easier to freeed then the white bishop.} 15. g3 { A terrible move, but white is in a LOT of trouble. I figured a fianchetto might be the only way out. logis: I can't see where white is in trouble. I agree that black has more space then white to develop his pieces but that's not a reason to panic. I would have gone for 15. Be2 16. 0-0 { kingsafety!!! Re1 and then trying with move f3 to attack black's centre.} b6 { I believe the game is lost afte this, the knight is never coming out. logis: ??? White can easily play Nd2-b3-d4. And the knight isn't standing bad on d4 either. Black has kinda the same plan Na6-b8-d7-e5 and from there it can go to either d3 or f3 or g4 depending on where it is most useful.} 16. b4 Bb7 17. Nb3 { Probably something like the knight sack was all black had. logis: I find your views a bit optimistic. Like i described a few moves earlier black's knight can still play a very important part in the game. By first playing 16. ... Bb7 black has the option to get his a-rook into the game before he makes that long journey with his knight.} c6 18. d6 { i don't know if this is accurate but it looks ok logis: 18. dxc6 Bxc6 19. b5 wins a piece. So, 18. dxc6 Bc8 19. b5 Nc7 { 19. ... Nc5 20. Nxc5 a4 looks better in my eyes.} Qe6 19. c5 Nb8 { And a dreadful blunder by black loses the game.} 20. Bc4 { Black resigns. A few tips. 1) Make sure you understand the plan behind the moves ofyour opening, not just study the moves. Chess is not an encyclopidy. 2) Don't be pessimistic but neither optimistic about you chances (or your opps chances) in a certain position, be realistic. A game is only won (or draw or lost) when there is a result agreed between the players. 3) Try to find a method to visualize your board so that it's easier for you to calculate lines. Some good advise about that is given in the book "Improve your chess NOW" from Jonathan Tisdall. If you still have questions then you may always contact me on FICS when i am online.} 1-0 [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "2004.09.02"] [Round "?"] [White "boobug"] [Black "Frank Uhrin"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "A00"] [Annotator "boobug, RoundTower"] [PlyCount "58"] [EventDate "2004.??.??"] 1. g3 d5 2. Bg2 e5 3. e3 Nf6 4. Ne2 { B: I'm not sure if I should play Ne2 right away. because now black can easily go to bishop e6, Qd2, and trade off my white square bishop on h3. Maybe I can wait on this move to see what my opponent does first? It might be too dangerous to castle right away, for at least two reasons. If I castle right away, Black can do the wing pawn attack by pawn to h5, h4, and hit my king side. Plus he can do the white bishop trade at h3. 4 ... RT: Well, you will probably want to castle eventually. Wherever you castle, your opponent will have the chance to try to launch a direct attack on your king. Particularly after the ultra-passive system you have chosen, you have to expect to spend some of your time defending.} Bg4 { B: Which is better? Moving the bishop to g4 or e6? RT: g4 looks fine. If you're really worried about Qd7 and Bh3 you can play h3 now.} 5. d3 (5. h3) 5... c6 { B: I think this is not the best move for black. I think moving the pawn to c5 would have been better because it gains space and better control of the center. Plus, the knight could go to c6, and the queen could go to Qe7, preparing the bishop trade on h3. RT: this is probably a matter of taste - Black already has excellent control of the centre, and the c6 pawn can be useful to blunt the g2-bishop which is your only good piece at the moment. c5 would also be fine,} 6. Nd2 Be7 { B: Is this bishop move a bit passive? perhaps he can go to Bd6? RT: I think I would also play Bd6 but I don't know where the bishop would end up. Mostly Black wants to get it out of the way and castle.} 7. b3 O-O { B: I had the decesion of developing my bishop to Bb2 or castling first. I chose Bb2 so it can attack the pawn on e5. I wanted my opponent's knight to land on d7. so he can't develop his queen to d7 and trade off my white square bishop on h3. I waited for him to castle first so he can't do the h-pawn attack on me. now it is probably safe for me to castle on the king side. If I would have castle first on the kingside, it would probably be too dangerous, since he has the opportunity to castle on the queen side and then do the h-pawn attack on me. Was it smart to wait for my opponent to castle first? RT: particularly after playing ...c6, I don't believe your opponent intended to castle queenside. If he had, I expect you would have at least equal chances in a sharp game where you attacked on opposite sides. I find it hard to imagine that you would have tried to castle queenside if he had gone queenside.} 8. Bb2 { B: This a new opening that is called the Beginner's game. I have gotten good results with this opening. 8 ... RT: This is a load of rubbish especially for a beginner. Only the most blind of players would try to defend it as "hypermodern genius": in fact you should be developing your pieces to reasonable squares and fighting for control of the centre with pieces or pawns. All that said, I remember some players have had success with this game, in particular look at Pein-McShane from Kilkenny some years ago, and I believe one or two early anti-computer experiments based on the idea that the computer would somehow self-destruct if faced with this formation. My advice is not to play it.} Nbd7 { B: good! I wanted black to do that! but then I have another thought. Maybe black can move his knight to Knight to b6 and then movinig his queen to d7 and then trade do the bishop trade on h3. I'm not sure why black didn't do that in the actual game. RT: It's good that you are aware of the idea for Black to exchange bishops on h3/g2, but there are also other possibilities in this position. Don't worry about it overly. Also remember Black has a pawn on e5 which his knight is needed to defend.} 9. O-O h6 { B: I think this move is uncessary for black. It weakens the king side and is a waste of time. I understand that you shouldn't move up the castled king pawns in the opening unless you have a very good reason. RT: I agree, I don't understand the point of this move. However I also don't see how you have even the remotest chance of exploiting this "weakness" and checkmating Black's king from this position.} 10. a3 { B: I think this is a waste of time because it does nothing for my plan. Maybe it does. Maybe it helps me gain space on the queen side. 10 ... RT: I don't know what your plan is, but this move is plausible to support something like b4 followed by nb3. I would prefer to play c4 soon, and with this in mind, a3 is likely to turn out to be weakening.} Qc7 11. Rc1 { B: Which is better, playing c4 first, or moving the rook to c1? I played Rc1 because it will be better placed since I was planning pawn to c4. Plus, the rook is lined up on the same file of black's queen, which is potentially dangerous for black. RT: This shows understanding of Nimzowitsch's idea of potentially open files. Be aware that you may have trouble with a weak pawn on d3 after you play c4 and recapture with a piece. Rc1 is fine, c4 would also be ok.} a5 { B: Black probably didn't play knight to b6 first, like what I thought, because he wanted to gain space on the queenside, i'm assuming. RT: well, your rationale for ...Nb6 was that it alllowed ...Qd7. Black seems to be neglecting this planm and I don't see what else the knight can do on b6.} 12. c4 { B: I am threatening to win a piece. Plus I'm attacking now in the center. RT: a principled move} d4 { B: I think black didn't go knight b6, because he wanted to gain space on the queen side. RT: He could have gone Nc5, however, with complications possibly favouring Black.} (12... Nb6) 13. exd4 { B: I was th inking of going to e4 to keep the center closed. I didn't go to e4 because then my white square bishop will have a closed diagonal and have no future. Is pawn to e4 better? RT: No, e4 leaves you with huge problems with your weak d3 and b3 pawns - the result of playing a3.} (13. e4 Nc5 14. Nf3 Bxf3 15. Bxf3 Qb6 ) 13... exd4 14. Nf3 { B: Perhaps going to Knight to e4 is better? I didn't want to go to Knight e4 because black would trade my knight for his knight on e4. After the knight trade, the passive knight on d7 would go to f6 and it will be more active there. but then again, I'm kind of cramp on queenside, so maybe Knight to e4 would be good.so I could have more space by the knight trade. RT: best is, as you did, to notice the unprotected pawn on d4 and wonder what could you do to win it. It is probably best not to take immediately, but you can start to attack it and probably force c5, weakening the long diagonal.} (14. h3 Bh5 15. Nf3) 14... c5 { B: Isn't this a bad move for black? Doesn't this make his black bishop bad by putting his pawns on the same color of his bishop? doesn't this weaken the d5 square? Maybe not. It supports the d4 pawn. RT: This move is positionally bad mainly because your Bg2 may now turn into a monster, but it was necessary because you ahd so much pressure on d4. Note that your "good" bishop on b2 is much worse.} 15. a4 { B: I went to a4 because he could go pawn to ruin my pawn structure, by pushing up his pawn to a4. then after the pawns exhange, I would have weak double pawns on the a file. Then he would double up with his rooks and attack those pawns. I wanted to prevent that from happening. Is this prophylactic play? RT: yes, this is prophylactic play, but I can't decide whether or not it is correct given that you give Black a great outpost on b4 from which he can attack d3. I think I'll reserve judgement on this, but it's not a move I would have played. If Black does double up on the a-file, he won't be able to use his rooks elsewhere.} Rab8 { B:black wanted to get off the diagonal of my white square bishop, because of tactical reasons. but I don't think this is the best square for black's rook. I don't think it does much on b8. I think the rook should have moved to the open file on e8, where it belongs. RT: I agree. Black is now not going to be able to force through b5 at any cost.} 16. Qc2 { B: I played this move so I can get my rooks connected. My plan here is to get my black square bishop on b2 outside the pawn chain so it can be good on Bf4. RT: excellent plan.} Bd6 { B: What's black's plan ? RT: I don't know, but he may be trying to keeo you out of f4} 17. Rce1 Rfe8 18. Bc1 Ne5 19. Nxe5 { B: I have two things in mind. I might be able to get a good grip on the weak square on d5 with my white square bishop or my knight. I also want to make my undevelop dark square bishop good by playing f4. Is this a good and active plan? RT: Yes, you have understood two of the important things about this position.} Bxe5 20. Bf4 { B: I was thinking of going to knight f4 too. since my bishop was undeveloped, I wanted to develop it. Which is better, Bishop to f4 or Knight to f4? RT: Nf4 is probably better for tactical reasons. 20...g5 is quite good for Black, but even better was 20...Bxe2.} (20. Nf4) 20... g5 { B: This prevents my plan! I didn't see this move coming. Maybe I should have moved the knight first to f4.} (20... Bxe2 $1 21. Rxe2 Bxf4 22. gxf4 Qxf4 { RT: winning a pawn,}) 21. Bxe5 Qxe5 { B: I was expecting for black to capture with the rook, not the queen. I thought that so he can double up his rooks faster. Which is better? capturing it with the queen or rook? RT: Again tactical reasons override the positional niceties of whether you should have your queen or rook in front when you double up major pieces. You are now in serious trouble because of the pinned knight. Probably your best here is f3 with a worse position.} 22. Nf4 { B: This move is losing. It is a blunder. I thought I might have still get a grip on the weak square on d5. I also thought that when the queen trades the two rooks, I can outperform them with my queen. I should have played f3, and I would probably be ok. I also played knight f4 because maybe someday it could prevent the bishop on h3 to prevent mate. I kind of saw this tactic but not completly. RT: yes, a total blunder. Several of the things you got wrong here: 1) you are trading not two rooks for a queen, but two rooks for queen and knight. 2) the rooks would be better than the queen here anyway, with such good control of the e-file 3) You would still be worse after f3 4) how did you think you were going to maintain the knight on f4 to "guard" h3? it is en prise. Nf4 is positionally reasonable only with the idea Nd5. 5) You can't "not completely" see a tactic. Possibly you saw that you would have a discovered attack on the queen and thus gain enough time to play your knight to the good square d5. If you had seen QxR winning material, you couldn't have justified Nf4. I don't mean to be harsh here; as you admitted this move is a blunder, and it throws away a not altogether hopeless position.} (22. f3 Qe3+ 23. Rf2 Bf5 24. Rd1) 22... Qxe1 23. Rxe1 Rxe1+ 24. Bf1 gxf4 { B: I think it's all over now. RT: Yes, in addition to winning all this material Black has some serious mate threats.} 25. Qd2 Rbe8 26. f3 { B: This is lost position. I was thinking of queen capturing the pawn on f4, and do some sort of perpectual check but I saw it wouldn't work. RT: correct that it wouldn't work, a good thing to notice though.} Bh3 27. Qf2 Rxf1+ 28. Qxf1 Bxf1 29. Kxf1 fxg3 { B: After the game, my opponent said that I played very well. thanks. RT: As I said I don't like to be too harsh in my appraisal of a game like this but I cannot bring myself to agree with your opponent. If you are still at the level where you regularly hang pieces, you are to be congratulated for spending 21 moves without a blunder of this sort. However if you have moved past this level, you played this game very poorly almost from the beginning, with occasional flashes of competence. You played passively in the opening, worried about non-existent threats from Black, opened the game too late and ultimately to your disadvantage. Although you were able to speak knowingly of moves as "too passive", "prophylactic play" and "open diagonals" you showed in your moves little understanding of these concepts or willing to put them into practice. Perhaps the best advice I can give you is to ignore all these "advanced" concepts you have learnt and focus on playing actively from move one, getting all your pieces to work and always striving for an active plan. Don't be too discouraged by this review, and I hope you continue to play chess and to review your own games -- this is one of the surest ways to improve. If you would like to speak to me about any aspect of this game or my commentary, or any other matter, you can email me or contact me on FICS.} 0-1