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natetsang

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fishgpt

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[Event "Chess game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2013.10.12"] [Round "-"] [White "tal4000"] [Black "justsomescot"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1900"] [WhiteElo "1853"] { [Event 'Team match'] [Site 'http://gameknot.com/chess.pl?bd=20217716'][Date '2013.10.17'] [Round '-'] [White 'tal4000'] [Black 'justsomescot'][Result '1-0'] [WhiteElo '1900'] [BlackElo '1853'] [TimeControl '1/259200'][Mode 'ICS'] [Termination 'normal'] 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Bd3 Nbd7 4.f4 e5 5. c3 Be7 6. fxe5 dxe5 7. Nf3 exd4 8. cxd4 O-O 9. O-O c6 10. Nc3Qc7 11. e5 Nd5 12. Bxh7+ Kxh7 13. Qc2+ Kg8 14. Nxd5 Qd8 15. Nxe7+ Qxe716. Ng5 g6 17. e6 Nf6 18. exf7+ Kg7 19. Bf4 Bf5 20. Qb3 c5 21. Rae1 Qd722. Be5 cxd4 23. g4 Bxg4 24. Bxf6+ Kh6 25. Re7 Qd6 26. Re4 Bh5 27. Ne6d3 28. Qc3 g5 29. Bxg5+ Kg6 30. Qg7# 1-0 } 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Bd3 Nbd7 4. f4 e5 5. c3 Be7 6. fxe5 dxe5 7. Nf3 exd4 8. cxd4 O-O 9. O-O c6 10. Nc3 Qc7 { Qc7 seems normal but white has a Lot hidden in this possition } 11. e5 { from this point the endless attack } 11... Nd5 { this seems fine move if thequeen not in C7 } 12. Bxh7+ { the well known sacrfice } 12... Kxh7 13. Qc2+ { but it is not a sacrifice here because the Qc7 move } 13... Kg8 14. Nxd5 { queenhas to lose tempo and must move to d8 } 14... Qd8 15. Nxe7+ { this move is neededso the other knight get to g5 and continue the attack } 15... Qxe7 16. Ng5 g6 17. e6 { normal move black cant take the pawn } 17... Nf6 18. exf7+ Kg7 19. Bf4 { getting another piece out and make room for the other rook to attack } 19... Bf5 { that move seems normal but it gives the white queen another betterplace to go to } 20. Qb3 { by protecting pawn in f7 also can to go tog3 based on the coming moves } 20... c5 { trying to open the black diagonal } 21. Rae1 { getting the last piece out to the center } 21... Qd7 { g } 22. Be5 { protectingthe pawn and pin the knight } 22... cxd4 23. g4 { g4 force the bishop to moveand lose the pinned knight } 23... Bxg4 24. Bxf6+ Kh6 25. Re7 { attack the queen } 25... Qd6 26. Re4 { if the bishop moves any where except h4 Rh4# } 26... Bh5 27. Ne6 { black can't take the pawn R x P Bg5+ Kh7 R x R+ and mate soon } 27... d3 { movingthe pawn forward for pressure and balance the attack } 28. Qc3 g5 29. Bxg5+ Kg6 30. Qg7# 1-0

[Event "Sometimes you even win."] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2018.01.04"] [Round "-"] [White "damafi"] [Black "SherardCox"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1534"] [TimeControl "300+5"] [WhiteElo "1541"] { This opponent won a lot of games against me, but at least I could havemy revenge... just once. } 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nc6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nbd2 Bf5 5. c3 { This is a very necessary move (or a3). White can't allow the blackN to jump to b5, or it will be almost game over. } 5... e6 6. h3 { ...e3 is moreto the point, but I want to play my favourite... } 6... a6 7. g4 Be4 { First timeI face this move. In theory, black is not advised to exchange his stronglsb. } 8. Nxe4 Nxe4 { ...and less than to expose his N over there. } 9. h4 { Cutting his way back, or a future incursion of the BQ on h4. } 9... f6 { Interesting,I won't say it's good. } 10. e3 e5 11. dxe5 fxe5 12. Nxe5 Nxe5 13. Bxe5 { Black has some activity for the pawn, let's see... } 13... Qe7 { I think thisis the best move. If I take in d5, Rd8 seem very strong, as I am committedto the defence of the bishop. I can take the N, true, and then he can'tmove the Q from the column or I'll check him removing the dsb. } 14. Qxd5 Nf6 { Now the fun begins. } 15. Qxb7 { He has to move the R, and Rd8 is certainlya nice square for it. } 15... Rd8 16. Bxc7 { I feared Qd7, but after Bg2, Qd2+,Kf1, I think I'll have the best of it. } 16... Rd7 17. Qc8+ Kf7 18. Bc4+ Kg6 { Here, I think better was Bf4, threatening h5#. But he can hold playingh5 himself. Maybe. Anyway, black seems lost. Still, I am able to screwthe game all the same... } 19. h5+ Kh6 20. Bf4+ g5 21. hxg6+ Kxg6 { How tocontinue? Rh3+, NxR, QxR seems playable, but is kind of a waste of theattack. } 22. Qxa6 { ...pinning the N and getting an overwhelming endgameas a minimum. } 22... Qe4 23. Rh5 { Threatening Rg5+. } 23... h6 24. Be6 { Allowing blackto take the R. } 24... Nxh5 25. Bf5+ { ...but winning the Q in return. } 25... Kg7 { Wouldyou take the Q, dear reader? Of course not... } 26. Qg6# { This time I didn'tfail to convert a win! Thanks for reading. } 1-0

[Event "DE's Winter Classic 2008/2009"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.03.05"] [Round "-"] [White "normski"] [Black "glenngilbert"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1232"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1087"] 1. e4 e5 { Very common } 2. Qh5 { This is good and bad- it gets your queenexposed, but it's ready for g6, QxE5, getting the rook } 2... Nc6 { Protectingthe unprotected pawn } 3. Bc4 { He's not goona fall for scollars mate } 3... g6 4. Qd1 { Retreating that far was unnecisary- F3 would be better } 4... Nf6 5. Nf3 { He disn't see Nxe4 } 5... d5 { That was an even better plan } 6. exd5 Nxd5 7. O-O { Now that I look at it, O-O WAS better than BxD5 } 7... Be6 8. Bxd5 Bxd5 { That surprised me. A discovery attack could be made, but Getting withthe queen would start some action } 9. d3 Qf6 10. Bg5 { If only black hadcastled, this would be an even better move } 10... Qf5 11. Nbd2 { Getting out atC3 would have been better, but I think his point is to put another attackon f3, to not get his king exposed } 11... Bxf3 12. Nxf3 f6 13. Be3 O-O-O 14. Nh4 Qe6 15. Qf3 Kb8 16. c4 { All these past 4 moves have been junk } 16... Rxd3 { glenngilbert soulda not taken on d3, because of the possoble bxa7+, nxa7,qxd3. } 17. b3 { Normski didn't see that } 17... Bc5 18. Rae1 Bxe3 19. fxe3 f5 20. Rd1 e4 21. Qf4 Rxd1 22. Rxd1 a6 { Just in case of back rank mate } 23. Qh6 Ne5 24. Nxf5 Qxf5 25. Rd5 Qf8 26. Qxf8+ Rxf8 27. Rxe5 Rd8 0-1

[Event "55th GK tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.10.26"] [Round "-"] [White "mendez"] [Black "nuntar"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1662"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1704"] 1. e4 { Quite an interesting game from the tournament I most recently participatedin, ending in my first victory against a 1700+ rated player. In this gameI had the Black pieces. } 1... e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nc6 { Four Knights Opening(so named for fairly obvious reasons). This tends to lead to fairly quietplay. } 4. Bb5 { The most common move at higher levels. Beginners often play4. Bc4 but this can be answered by 4... Nxe4! leading to a good positionfor Black. } 4... Nd4 { This is Rubinstein's Variation, more aggressive than thesymmetrical 4... Bb4. Note that White cannot win a pawn by 5. Nxe5 as Blackregains it after 5... Qe7. } 5. Bc4 { Less common than 5. Ba4 or 5. Nxd4.Note that 5... Nxe4 is less good now with e5 undefended; one possible continuationis the wild 6. Bxf7+ Kxf7 7. Nxe5+ and now watch what happens if Blackgets too greedy: 7... Ke6 8. Nxe4 Kxe5 9. Qh5+ Kxe4 10. d3#!! } 5... Bc5 { Tryingto head back into quieter waters. Black is a tempo up after White's Bb5-c4. } 6. d3 { The database gives 6. Nxe5 as the most common here; this leads to6... Qe7 7. Nxf7 Rf8 8. Ng5 d5 9. Be2 dxe4 with an unclear position. } 6... d6 7. h3 { A sensible precaution to stop Bg4, which would be very good forBlack with the knight on d4. } 7... O-O 8. Be3 c6 { The database gives this asthe first unique move; 8... Nxf3+ was played in raedwald vs. ronaldwilson(0-1 in only 16 moves, but White blundered allowing a knight fork, so thewin does not say much about 8... Nxf3+ in particular). I suppose I wasjust consolidating my centre, but it turns out to be a mistake, since... } 9. Bxd4 Bxd4 10. Nxd4 exd4 11. Ne2 c5 { ...I have to advance the pawn again,losing a tempo. Even if I didn't want to play 8... Nxf3+, I could havespent my eighth move on a developing move such as Bd7 or Be6. } 12. c3 { Whitedecides to exchange one of my doubled pawns. On paper that sounds likea good deal, but it's likely to be followed by a further exchange on d4,leaving my d6 pawn isolated and vulnerable. Still, I have no choice butto accept. } 12... dxc3 13. bxc3 a6 { Preparing to support the advance of the pawnsto b5 and c4. If White responds with d4, the d-file remains blocked. } 14. a4 Be6 { Challenging one defender of b5 and also opening the line for myqueen to guard the rook, so that if White exchanges bishops I can play16... b5 without the a-pawn being pinned. } 15. Qb3 Qd7 { We both defendour bishops, each waiting to see who's going to exchange first. } 16. Bxe6 fxe6 17. O-O b5 { White exchanged. It's time to advance, and see if I canget something out of my queenside majority. } 18. axb5 axb5 19. g3 { Preparingto advance on the side where White has the majority, I assume. } 19... Kh8 { Thismove, unpinning the e6 pawn, is necessary before I can advance further. } 20. Nf4 d5 21. exd5 exd5 22. Rab1 { White challenges my inadequately defendedb5 pawn. The response is obvious. } 22... Rfb8 23. Kh2 { Freeing the knight fromhaving to defend the h3 pawn. } 23... b4 24. c4 { If instead 24. cxb4 I was planningto take with the rook. At some point very close to this – I don't rememberexactly which move – I offered a draw, having accidentally timed out twogames (my first ever) that meant I couldn't progress in the tournament,and wanting to limit the damage. I thought the position was fairly drawish,too, with material level and White's active pieces consistently limitingmy plans, but White decided to play on. } 24... dxc4 25. Qxc4 { I had expected25. dxc4, getting White's pawn off a file my heavy pieces can use. Of course,it would also block the file for White to attack my d-pawn, and perhapsWhite felt that was more important. } 25... Rc8 26. Rfe1 { The rook has no obvioustargets on the e-file. Perhaps 26. Rfc1 was better. } 26... Ra3 27. Rb3 Rxb3 { Isee nothing better than exchanging, since the rook cannot stay put, andno other rank offers an active position. The draw offer has changed thegame psychologically, since I feel White's most likely reasoning for decliningwas that he felt he could win, and that automatically puts me on the defensive.I know that my position looks fairly good, with the passed pawn, but thedownside is that my pawn majority is under constant threat while White'sis still quietly at home. } 28. Qxb3 Qd4 29. Kg2 Re8 { My turn to offer anexchange: again with the motivation being whittling down whatever chancesWhite may have of converting this into a win. } 30. Rxe8+ Nxe8 31. Qf7 { Adangerous move, since it threatens immediate checkmate. For a moment Iwondered if 29... Re8 had been a blunder. } 31... Nf6 { Black does, however, havethis defence. Now 32. Qf8 is not mate because of Ng8. If White plays 32.Nh5 to threaten mate on g7, either 32... Qd7 or 32... Qd5+ defends, thelatter also forcing the exchange of queens. } 32. Ne6 { This move insteadcombines the threat on g7 with attacking c5. In addition, Qd5+ no longerforces the exchange of queens. Black must therefore use his other defence: } 32... Qd7 33. Qf8+ Ng8 34. Nxc5 { And now White is up a pawn. } 34... Qd5+ { A good counterattackingresponse. Black threatens to make something of his passed pawn, and White'squeen is temporarily immobilised through having to defend the knight. } 35. Kg1 b3 36. Nxb3 { White decides to sacrifice knight for pawn. I don'tknow if this was necessary, since 36. Na4 Qxd3 (Qb7 37. Qa3) 37. Qb8 seemsadequate to keep the pawn in check. Black would at least have regainedthe lost pawn, with a draw looking likely. } 36... Qxb3 37. Qd8 { Obvious; Whitemust hold onto his own passed pawn to retain winning chances. } 37... h6 { AndBlack must mobilise the knight. } 38. d4 Kh7 39. Qh4 { White can't continuepushing the pawn: 39. d5 Nf6 40. d6 Qd1+ 41. Kg2 Ne4 42. d7 Nf6. I'm notsure what White's specific plan was with the move played; perhaps tryingto get his queen behind the pawn. } 39... Nf6 40. Qf4 Qd3 { But Black can occupythe d-file first. White had no way of preventing this. } 41. Kg2 Qe4+ { Inhindsight, I think this was a blunder. I wanted the queens off so my kingcould play a more active role, but I could and should have played 41...Kg6 first since White has no immediate good checks. Exchanging with White'sking closer to the centre than mine is too risky, since the lone knightis not the best piece at defending against passed pawns. } 42. Qxe4+ Nxe4 43. f4 { And here White returns the favour; 43. Kf3 might even win. I'velooked at a couple of lines and it seems Black will have to give the knightfor the pawn, for instance 43. Kf3 Nd6 44. Kf4 Kg6 45. Ke5 Nc4+ 46. Ke6. } 43... Kg6 44. Kf3 { Now it's less good, both because Black's king is better-placedto hold White's back, and because White's own f-pawn takes up a vital square.Black must, however, be careful not to fall into the trap of 44... Kf5??45. g4+. } 44... Nf6 45. g4 Kf7 46. h4 { White isn't just marking time; he's preparingto knock my knight so his king can reach e4. } 46... Ke6 47. g5 hxg5 48. hxg5 Ng8 { (!) But this defence turns the tables. } 49. Ke4 Ne7 { Zugzwang. NoWhite pawn can advance, and any king move allows Kd5. } 50. g6 { White'sbest shot. Of course there's a trap, 50... Nxg6?? 51. f5+, but more tothe point is that taking with the king gives White time to advance thepawn further. } 50... Kf6 51. d5 Kxg6 52. Ke5 { Not best; 52. d6 would have setBlack more problems, but 52... Nc6 53. Kd5 Nd8 is adequate to stop thepawn. After the move played... } 52... Nxd5 { ...Black can just gobble the pawn,simplifying to a winning pawn endgame. } 53. f5+ { If 53. Kxd5 then 53...Kf5 and the pawn cannot be saved. } 53... Kg5 54. Kxd5 Kxf5 55. Kd4 Kf4 { Thisis the simplest winning procedure: White's king is kept away from the g-file. } 56. Kd3 Kf3 57. Kd2 Kf2 58. Kd3 { Now White wonders if Black will repeatthe position. } 58... g5 { No; White's king can come to the g-file now, the pawnwill cross the last danger square (g4) before White's king can challengeit there. } 59. Ke4 g4 60. Kf4 g3 61. Kg4 g2 { White resigned. Mendez isnow the highest-rated player I have won against, but he also beat me inour other game in the same tournament. } 0-1

[Event "Wroclaw 1974"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "1974"] [Round "-"] [White "Vaisman"] [Black "Grabczewski"] [Result "1-0"] { The black piece commits some apparently modest errors and finds itself exposed to the center, resulting in a harsh punishment. A chess game illustrates and exemplifies the dangers of development delay in an open position (or that can be opened). } 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. d4 c5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 { In the Semi-Tarrasch Defence, the black pieces capture on d5 with the horse, and then retreat with the knight, leaving behind a lone pawn on d4, which weakens the white pieces' centre. However, this allows the black pieces to obtain a mobile centre of pawns. } 6. e4 Nxc3 7. bxc3 cxd4 8. cxd4 Nc6 { La linea classica è 8... Ab4+ 9. Ad2 Axd2+ 10. Dxd2 O-O } 9. Bc4 b5 { This move became popular after Fischer adopted it in the ninth game of the famous match against Spassky in Reykjavik in 1972. Alternatively, 9...Ab4+ 10. Ad2 Axd2+ 11. Dxd2 O-O, obviously the knight on b5 cannot be captured due to the checkmate in a5. } 10. Be2 { Spassky had preferred 10.Ad3, but practice has shown that the retreat to e3 is more effective. } 10... a6 { Dubbia. The most common follow-up is still 10... Ab4+ } 11. O-O Bb7 { White overplays and this move (11... Ae7) is the best continuation. Now white has a powerful central breakthrough which proves to be overwhelmingly strong, causing the delay of black's development. } 12. a4 b4 13. d5 exd5 { Some commentators suggested that 13...Ca5, however, after 14.Ab2, black would have serious problems in completing development. White would gain a pawn after 14...exd5 15. exd5 Dxd5 16. Db1 (threatening 17.Te1) and see the king black too vulnerable at the center. } 14. exd5 Na5 15. Bb5+ { The sacrifice was necessary to clear the column in order to take advantage of the position of the black king. It was very strong also 15. Ab2 } 15... axb5 16. Re1+ Kd7 { Dispair. After 16... Ae7 17. d6, the black position would have been irremediably compromised anyway. } 17. Ne5+ Kc7 18. Qc2+ Nc4 { Se 18... Rb8 19. Cxf7 (oppure 19. Af4 Ad6 20. Cxf7) e se 19... Dxd520. Te8+ Ra7 21. Ae3+ Il nero prende matto rapidamente dopo 18... Rb6 19.Ae3+ Ra6 20. axb5+ } 19. Nxc4 { Certo non 19. Cxf7?? Dxd5 } 19... bxc4 20. Qxc4+ Kb8 { 20... Rd7 21. Db5+ oppure 20... Rd6 21. Af4+ non sono alternativevalide } 21. Re8 { Closing in beauty. The knight's checkmate on f4. } 21... Qxe8 22. Bf4+ Ka7 23. Qd4+ Ka6 24. Bc7 1-0

[Event "Chess Practice"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "???"] [Black "superandy"] [Result "0-1"] 1. d4 { Queens Pawn opening } 1... d5 2. c4 { Queen's pawn gambit! } 2... e6 { Gambitdenied } 3. Nc3 { Attacking the d5 pawn, putting more pressure } 3... Nc6 4. Bf4 Bb4 5. e3 { Protecting d4 pawn from Nc6 Knight } 5... e5 { Forking pawn and bishop,forcing bishop to move due to the Nc6 Knight protecting it. } 6. Bg3 exd4 7. exd4 { Traded pawns } 7... Nf6 8. cxd5 Nxd5 { Good Move! Nc3 knight is pinned,so Black gets a free pawn! } 9. Bc4 Nxc3 10. bxc3 { Good move. It's the bestyou can do in this situation. Although the bishop can fork the King andthe Rook, giving it 2 free points, the Knight attacked the Queen, losing6 points. } 10... Bxc3+ { And the Bishop forks the Rook and Knight } 11. Kf1 Bxa1 12. Qxa1 Nxd4 { Free pawn, due to the Black Queen protecting the Knight. } 13. Qe1+ Be6 14. Bxe6 Nxe6 { Traded Bishops } 15. Nf3 O-O { Castling forthe King's safely and helping the Rooks get out of their corner } 16. Bh4 Qd3+ 17. Kg1 { King is now stuck into the corner, can be a big weaknessfor White right now } 17... Rfd8 { Uh oh! The h4 Bishop is attacking the Rook!Bad move alert! } 18. g3 { Another bad move! White didn't see the Bishopattacking the king, and proceeded to give some space to the king, insteadof getting 2 points and probably ending Black's attacks. } 18... f6 { Black findsout, and protects the Rook } 19. a4 { Very bad move. Should have done 19.h3 20. Kh2 to give King more room } 19... Qxf3 20. Kf1 { Another bad move! Shouldhave done 20. h3 21. Kh2 } 20... Rd7 21. h3 { There is the h3 move I was talkingabout. But it might be too late! } 21... Rad8 22. a5 { Bad Move! Kg3 it the bestchoice, so in when 22... Rd1 23. Kg2, having the rook protecting the Queen,because the King's safety will be in jeopardy. } 22... Rd1 23. a6 { White is currentlynot thinking of his moves! But now, it's too late. The game is over, dueto the White's mistakes and failure to scan the board for good pieces tocapture. Even with 23. Qxd1 Rxd1# } 23... Rxe1+ 24. Kxe1 Rd1# { Good game! } 0-1

[Event "The Annotation Project"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.08.21"] [Round "-"] [White "graderguy"] [Black "dmaestro"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1519"] [TimeControl "5d+1d<7d"] [WhiteElo "1507"] { A failed experiment for Black. } 1. e4 c5 2. f4 d5 3. Nf3 dxe4 4. Ng5 Nf6 5. Bc4 Bg4 6. Qxg4 Nxg4 7. Bxf7+ Kd7 8. Be6+ Ke8 { Another experiment with...Ke8. } 9. Bxg4 Qd4 { An aggressive try. } 10. Ne6 Qf6 11. Nc7+ Kd8 12. Nxa8 { Black has actually fallen behind in material but hopes to harrassthe W king and then capture the N. } 12... Qxf4 13. h3 Qg3+ 14. Kf1 Na6 15. d3 { White needs to develop. } 15... exd3 16. cxd3 Qxd3+ 17. Be2 Qf5+ 18. Kg1 { Here,although material is even, I thought Black should have an edge since theN is trapped. } 18... Nb4 { Simply 18 ...e5 would have made the Q retreat and Ncapture effective. But I hoped to gain by harrassing the W rook. } 19. Nc3 { I expected Na3. } 19... Qc8 { ? Better was 19 ...Nc7 20 Rb1 Na3, winning therook. } 20. Bf4 Qxa8 21. Bg4 { Suddenly, I begin to realize Black is in realtrouble. } 21... e6 22. Bxe6 Be7 23. Nb5 { White's attack is very strong. } 23... b6 { ? ... Na6 is necessary } 24. Rd1+ { A nice move and an example of how quicklythe game can shift in this opening. Black resigns, since when the K moves,the Q is lost to a fork. } 1-0

[Event "Unrated French Defense Game for Tutoring Purposes"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "19-Aug-11"] [Round "-"] [White "iceclaw35"] [Black "faithfulltrav"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1771"] [TimeControl "5 days"] [WhiteElo "1184"] { This was a non rated game for tutoring purposes, between my new friendChase (iceclaw35) with white and myself, Scott Miller (faithfulltrav) withthe Black army. Here is the GK analysis version: http://gameknot.com/analyze-board.pl?bd=16393076&fb=1&rnd=0.6517560992307546**************************************************************************************************************So Chase , I want to start by letting you know a little about where I amcoming from when I tutor chess, my favorite game. First I want to say,there are varying ideologies and styles of play. I for one am a fairlyaggressive, very calculating player. Other equally strong players may havedifferent styles from mine, and thus their advise would be far differentfrom what I would have to say. **************************************************************************************************************So when taking advise, (from me or anyone else) take it all in from asmany sources as possible, then make a rational decision for yourself, basedon your own style and abilities, what is for you. } 1. e4 { As White, I'vealways preferred the closed and semi-closed openings. Closed openings startwith 1. d4 d5. Semi-closed ones start with 1.d4 and black responds withsome move other than 1. ... d5. The Open Game is 1.e4 e5, a Semi-Open Game(such as this one we played) is 1.e4 where black makes moves other than1...e5. Flank openings 1.c4, 1.Nf3, 1.f4 can easily transpose into closedor semi-closed (or sometimes open or semi-open). ***********************************************************************So I like closed and semi-closed. You on the other hand are playing forthe Open Game or Semi-Open Game. Which one depends on my response. *********************************************************************** None of these categories are better or worse for Black or White. Theyare more only a matter of preference. } 1... e6 { So when my opponent has Whiteand plays 1.e4, I prefer the Semi-Open game. I play the French Defense(1...e6), the Pirc Defense (pronounced 'peerts' not 'perk' 1...d6) or Alekhine'sDefense (1...Nf6). *********************************************************************** You should study one opening at a time for at least a year and get reallygood at it. Then move on to study another opening. Currently, for this12 month period (starting early July), I am studying through the Frenchso I only respond to 1.e4 with 1...e6. *********************************************************************** Key Principle: Study one opening at a time for at least a year, untilyou know it in and out. This does not mean you don't continue to learnother openings, but that your primary focus is on only one. } 2. d4 { SoChase, one reason I like the openings I mentioned (the French Defense,the Pirc Defense and Alekhine's Defense) is that in each one, Black willinglyallows White to establish an imposing pawn center, with intention of attackingand destroying that center! So it's an intense debate between the 2 sides,a debate won not with words, but in tactical chess moves. *********************************************************************** White says, 'My solid pawn center will restrict your pieces, giving mea superior position!' Black says, 'Your pawns are weak! I'll use my pawnsto destroy your weak pawn center! I will undermine those overly advancedpawns, and trade them off and gain a free open position!' *********************************************************************** If White succeeds in keeping this 'strong' pawn center, he will definitelyhave the better game. Yet, if black accomplishes his goal of underminingand / or trading off White's pawns, in my opinion, he will probably gainequality and if White is not careful, Black can gain a strong advantage. *********************************************************************** On the other hand, in the French Defense, Black willingly accepts a restrictedLSB and possibly a restricted King-side. The French is fairly popular though,so obviously many people agree with me that the tactical battle which ensuesmakes these 'minor inconveniences' worthwhile. } 2... d5 { With this move I beginto contend for the center and oppose your pawns. There are several primaryresponses frequently played: The main line is 3.Nc3. Black can continuewith the following variations: Rubinstein Variation 3...dxe4; WinawerVariation 3...Bb4; Classical Variation 3...Nf6; ***********************************************************************If White chooses not to play 3.Nc3 he can instead play the Exchange Variation:3.exd5 exd5; the Advance Variation 3.e5; the Tarrasch Variation 3.Nd2. The Advance Variation is the most aggressive, blocking in Black's LSB.Black then starts an assault on the pawns via c5 and possibly (after morepreparation), f6. } 3. exd5 { So you chose to play the Exchange Variation:3.exd5. Although it is sound, it lacks the intense battle or complicationsof some of the other variations mentioned above. Exchanging pawns on d5removes the tension that is frequently part of this defense. Therefore,it is usually avoided by most advanced players. For this same reason though,it's probably the best line for beginners playing White against the FrenchDefense. Until a player learns how to make in depth calculations, complicationsshould be avoided. An interesting note, after the pawns are exchanged,the pawn structure and overall position looks nothing like the French Defense,although it still is the French! } 3... exd5 { 3...Qxd5(?) would give White unwarrantedinitiative with moves like 4.Nc3 or 4.c4. It would also leave Black withouta pawn presence in the center. Thus 3...exd5. } 4. Nf3 { Good move developingtowards the center. The knights are usually best on c3 & f3 or for Black,c6 & f6. It's also good usually to bring the knights out before the bishops,as you are doing. } 4... Nf6 { Ditto for me. } 5. Nc3 Be7 { So, the reason theknights should be out first is that you usually don't know where the bishopsshould be placed. If your position is such that you know where they shouldgo, and you have a specific reason for bringing them out, then bring themout. In this case, I wanted to prevent you from pinning my king-knightwith Bg5. } 6. Bf4 { Since Bg5 would not be a pin, I agree this is the bettermove. Your bishop covers more squares on f4 than g5. } 6... O-O { The next stringof moves, I don't annotate, because I feel you were simply making gooddeveloping moves. For my next annotation, see 10.h3. } 7. Bd3 Nc6 8. O-O Bg4 9. Be5 Bd6 10. h3 { (?) You needed more protectionon the DSB. After 11...Bxf3 12.Qxf3 you only have a pawn defending. Youcould have played 10.Re1. *********************************************************************** So, you had one piece defending the d4 pawn (White Move 8). I pinned thatpiece,(Black Move 8) so you add extra defense to the pawn (White Move 9).So I redirect my attack to the Bishop which defends the pawn (Black Move9). *********************************************************************** Now you have a pawn defending the bishop and a knight defending, but theknight is pinned, so not really. So you play 10.h3(?). I need to do somethingwith the bishop, since you attack him. So I use him to remove the defendingknight. After your queen captures, your only defense to the bishop is thepawn, while I have my bishop and knight attacking him. So I exchange onthe e5 square, winning a pawn. } 10... Bxf3 { Remove the defender! } 11. Qxf3 Nxe5 { I normally prefer my bishops over knights. This is because whileknights are the stronger piece in cramped, closed positions, bishops arestronger in open positions. So, you have to consider each game individually,but generally, as pieces get traded off, closed positions become open positionsin the middle game and end game. As the position opens up, the bishopsbecome stronger and stronger. So, although both pieces are technicallythe same value, the bishops are my piece of choice. That may be just apersonal thing though, because while most strong chess players agree withme, I've met some who disagree. So here I take your bishop with my knightinstead of my bishop. } 12. dxe5 Bxe5 { So, I have won the battle ofthe pawns I was speaking of on your 2nd move. Your center pawns have beeneliminated and one of them was taken for free. Yet I am the one who stillhas a pawn in the center on d5! } 13. Rad1 { So my advantage is now my pawnon d5. You prepare to harass my pawn by putting your rook on the file.In addition, in doing this, you also brought your rook to the center, toa semi open file (which would be completely open if you win that pawn).Rooks are better in the center than they are on the edge on the board.They are best on open files, 2nd best on semi open files and least effectiveon closed files. } 13... c6 { So I solidify his stronghold! In addition, I am puttingmy pawns on light colored squares. This is because we have opposite colorbishops; you have a LSB, I have a DSB. So in putting my pawns on lightsquares, I give my bishop more freedom and restrict your bishop. This movealso opens another line of attack for my queen along the d8 a5 diagonal.At this point I am considering Qb6 to attack the Pawn on b2 or Qa5 to bolsterthe bishops attack on your knight. I am also considering Bc7, followedby Qd6, to attack your king. } 14. Rfe1 { Now you bring your other rook toa completely open file. Good for you. You now have both rooks on centralsquares, and one of them on a an open file! The fact that I have a Bishopon that file does not mean it is semi-open. Whether a file is open, semi-openor closed is determined by pawns. *********************************************************************** In addition you are attacking my bishop, so I must attend to that. } 14... Re8 { Defending the Bishop, while bringing a rook to the center, open file.I wanted to play Bc7 followed by Qd6. The problem with that is, you areahead in development with your 2 central rooks. My rooks are still on theiroriginal squares. I needed to develop also, before I attempt to developan attack. } 15. a4 { 15.a4(?) A valiant attempt at some queen-side action,but this makes it hard to defend your b-pawn. After 15...Qb6, if you choseto defend the pawn, you need to play 16.Rb1. Then I would play 16...Qb4,increasing my attack on your Knight. If you play 17.Nd1, your previouslycoordinated pieces become somewhat spastic. Your rooks are no longer connected,and you have a knight on the back rank. *********************************************************************** If instead, you play 16.Bf4 or 16.Bf1 to defend the knight with your queen,I can play 16...Bxc3 followed by Qxa4., winning a 2nd pawn. } 15... Qb6 { Attack! } 16. Ne2 { So you chose to give me the pawn. I was thinking you may havebeen planning 16...Bxb2 17.Rb1 then following up with a attack on the pinnedbishop. I would have played 17...Qb4. It will take some time to get yourother artillery over to the queen-side, this would give me time to playQa3, removing the pin, b6 to close your attack on the b-file and then movingmy bishop back. *********************************************************************** I would not play 16...Qxb2 as you get too much counter-play with 17.Rb1Qa6 18.Rxb7 Qxa4 19.Reb1. } 16... Bxb2 { My 2nd free pawn. } 17. Nf4 Qb4 { Threatening18...Rxe1, so you need to either move the rook off the open file or trade.With my material lead, trading is good for me, while if you move off thefile you weaken your position. } 18. Rxe8+ { And trade you did! } 18... Rxe8 { Againmy threat, 19...Re1+. } 19. Rb1 { 19.Rb1(!?). Of course this does nothingfor you since I am about to force the trade with the rook check. } 19... Re1+ 20. Rxe1 Qxe1+ { So the reason it is to my advantage to trade isthat if we trade off all equal material, it will leave me with a 2 pawnlead in the end game. } 21. Kh2 Ne4 { Now there is no way to defend thef-pawn, unless you want to play 22.Bxe4. I did not have mate formulatedin my mind yet, so I want to win pawns to get the greatest advantage inthe end-game. *********************************************************************** Be careful though when you go grabbing pawns, that you don't leave yourking or other pieces in a precarious position. Notice, each time I takea pawn, you have no means of retaliation. } 22. Nh5 { With this move of yours,I am starting to plan how to mate you. I am attempting to form a net aroundyour king. I just spoke of how I wanted to trade, and 2 moves ago, I wouldhave accepted a queen trade gladly. Yet now since I was seeing mate inthe near future, (though not yet worked out in detail), I did not wantto trade queens. I was sure she would be helpful in the mate process. Currently,your king has no squares he can move to. Yet, since I plan to capture thef-pawn with my knight, the king will have g3 as escape hatch. Soooo... } 22... Be5+ { 22...Be5+ cuts off the kings access to g3. } 23. Ng3 { You sent mea message to say you should have blocked the check with 23.g6. Well thatwould have stopped this particular mate, I would go into the end game witha 3 pawn lead. That is more than enough for a win. } 23... Nxf2 { Obviously yousaw the mate threat, 24...Qh1# (the knight is pinned), or you would nothave sacked your bishop. } 24. Bxh7+ { You are prolonging your agony! Justkidding, I actually always suggest people I mentor play the games out asstill there may be things I can teach. } 24... Kf8 { Taking the bishop would havethe same results, it would just take longer. 25...Kxh7 26.Qf5+ (not 26.Qh5Kg1 and no more checks for white) Kh6 (not 26...Kh8 or 26...Kg8 as whitewould have 27.Qc8+, delaying things further) and the white queen has nomore checks. } 25. Qxf2 Qxf2 { Now the mate threat is (as I'm sure youknow) 26....Bxg3 27.Kh1 Qf1#. It's been good Chase, thanks for the game! } 0-1

[Event "Challenge from alexalma"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2013.08.17"] [Round "-"] [White "russ20124"] [Black "alexalma"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1217"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1215"] { Thank you for watching please comment any mistakes or observations. Alsoplease rate. This is an amazing game I hope you like it. } 1. Nf3 { Interestingopening } 1... d5 { I take advantage of the center } 2. c4 { ? he sacrifices hispawn } 2... dxc4 3. g3 { plans to fianchetto his bishop } 3... Nc6 { developing } 4. Bg2 { developing } 4... Nf6 { continuing to develop } 5. O-O { castling early } 5... e5 { openingup by bishops diagonals } 6. Nc3 { he develops } 6... Bb4 { I develop } 7. a3 Bxc3 { I trade } 8. bxc3 O-O { castle kingside still with a pawn lead } 9. Qa4 { heattacks my pawn } 9... b5 { ?? I have no clue why I played this I was always planningto play Be6. I think I thought the pawn was defended and I could get hisqueen away } 10. Qxb5 { He takes of course and due to my blunder were tied,if anything hes in the lead due to my double pawns and an isolated one } 10... Qd5 { defend the pawn and offer a trade } 11. Qxd5 Nxd5 { puts my knight ina more dangerous position } 12. Ng5 { discovered attack on my knight } 12... Nde7 { defending both knights } 13. Be4 { attacking h7 } 13... f5 { getting his bishopaway } 14. Bg2 { he continues to attack my knight. I cannot move eitherknight because I will be down a rook or knight. He is probably winningbecause he has full mobility to his pieces. } 14... h6 { getting his pieces away } 15. Nh3 g5 { threatening to win his knight } 16. d3 { ?? loses a knight thisis probably where he loses the game but he still has a chance with hisbishop in a great position } 16... cxd3 { I take no need to lose a pawn I can alwaysplay g4 } 17. exd3 g4 { winning a knight and taking my first advantage sincethe opening } 18. Ng5 { I probably would have played Kf4 because then he'llalso win the c7 pawn } 18... hxg5 { I take } 19. Bxg5 { he takes } 19... Rb8 { Best moveby far. If I don't play this then Bxe7 Nxf7 Bxa8. If I dont play this Iat least lose a knight and probably more. } 20. Rab1 { offers a trade } 20... Rxb1 { Why not? } 21. Rxb1 Kh7 { trying to chase his bishop away } 22. h3 gxh3 { tradingdown for an endgame } 23. Bxh3 { Yes I can finally move my knight but notyet because e7 would be unprotected } 23... Nd5 { so I decide to move it threateningc3 } 24. Bd2 { he defends it } 24... f4 { I offer a trade } 25. g4 Rg8 { he doesn'taccept } 26. Rb5 { he threatens my knight } 26... Nf6 { so I move away threateninghis pawn } 27. Rc5 { I thought I had lost a pawn but } 27... Bd7 { I can defendthe knight } 28. c4 { interesting } 28... e4 { ! I trade pawns. If he takes e4 thenai take with Kxe4 forking his rook and bishop. So he must play Bxd4. } 29. Bxf4 exd3 { I trade pawns. It looks like I actually lost two pawns but ifBxc7 then d2 and he cant stop me from queening. } 30. Bg2 { Here I thoughtI was done because he would take my knight or at least win the pawn but... } 30... Rxg4 { ! Bam pinning his bishop and he resigns. Thank you for watching pleasecomment any of my mistakes or any observations. } 0-1

[Event "And sometimes Mooses get indigestion ;-)"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "16-Jan-09"] [Round "-"] [White "greyrabbit"] [Black "zep5686"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1365"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1522"] 1. f3 { Please remember if you comment on this one, to make mistakes inthe heat of battle is understandable. To make overly derogatory remarksis not about the play isn't. Feel free to make constructive criticismsor to make derogatory remarks on the annotating ;-) } 1... e6 { A cautious beginning,but I have summat in mind to try out this game. } 2. Kf2 { Yes its that oldabdi-catalan again, purists look away now. Zep has a way of finding holesin things so I wanted to see how he fared against this one... } 2... Bc5+ 3. e3 a6 4. d4 Bb4 { I think this move was dubious, it wastes half a tempowhilst being easily refuted. However...I'll leave it to others to explorebetter options... } 5. c4 c5 { I felt this move hamstrung the bishop andled essentially to a forced sequence on blacks part. } 6. a3 Ba5 7. dxc5 Nc6 8. b4 Bc7 { Now I'm happy with the pawn structure on that side. In additionI have the bonus that blacks development has been pushed back. } 9. Bb2 { I've been reading a book (yes I do on occasion) Greatest Games of TheMasters. I even understand a little. A couple of the points they make isabout holding things in reserve and fianchetting bishops (which I thinkI just did?) I'm not overly good at that, I tend to be way too direct! } 9... f6 10. f4 { Here I'd got it into my mind to try a Philidorean approach,chuck the pawns at 'em! } 10... Kf7 11. Nf3 h6 12. g4 b6 13. cxb6 Bxb6 14. c5 Bc7 { This turns out to be an important, but fortunately not critical move. } 15. h4 Nge7 16. Nc3 { No idea where he is going, just moving into the spacebehind the pawns.. } 16... g6 17. Bd3 e5 { That move disturbed me. I'd been makingpretty patterns and I could see my pawn screen disintegrating.. } 18. Bc4+ { When in doubt...prevaricate } 18... Kf8 19. Kg3 { And procrastinate. And thatmove nearly cost me the match } 19... h5 20. g5 exf4+ 21. exf4 fxg5 22. hxg5 Nf5+ { This is where I start to get nervous...The f pawn is gone... } 23. Kf2 Bxf4 24. Nd5 { And when under pressure counter attack. There was the vaguehope he'd forget about the rook. } 24... Bg3+ { Of course he may just try and upsetme :-( } 25. Kg2 Rg8 26. Nf6 { Protects the g pawn whilst still attacking } 26... Rg7 27. Nxh5 { Now this looked like ever such a clever move when I did it.Slight snag though.... } 27... Rh7 { ideally I'd like to return the knight to f6,but I've just become aware of a rather big hole at e3... } 28. Qd2 { Rathera knight than a queen.... } 28... Ra7 { Curious move, one that probably cost blackthe game... } 29. Nf6 Rxh1 30. Rxh1 { I'm quite happy with the exchange ofrooks cos I'm now thinking about h8 } 30... Kg7 { On reflection I could have repliedto this with r-h7, that also leads to an interesting little spell I havea feeling. Didn't see it at the time but as another once said the resultsthe same so 'better' is a moot point } 31. Nxd7+ Be5 { Blacks king is goingnowhere, so he has to resort to throwing pieces into harms way } 32. Nfxe5 Qc7 33. Nxc6+ { Now black has a choice. He can sac the knight...or he cansac the queen...neither of which prolongs it very far. As I said I tendto be way too direct most of the time so to finish off with the piecesso well co-ordinated was very pleasing ;-) } 1-0

[Event "Rematch"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "01-Nov-06"] [Round "-"] [White "rblock"] [Black "ashmal29"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1462"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1457"] { In this rematch from my last annotated game, I played black. I was alreadystarting out with a tempo disadvantage so I knew that I would have makesomething happen pretty early. I played pretty aggressive early on, tryingto throw my opponent off balance. } 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 { Thefour knights game. I was pretty sure what my opponent was going to doand I had a plan waiting for him.........my prediction was Bg5, then hewould take my knight. } 4. Bg5 { Just what I thought. } 4... Bf5 5. Bxf6 { It maynot look like it, but this move actually hampered his light-squared bishopfrom developing. } 5... gxf6 { I think you can see what I had in mind here. Rg8attacking his g2 pawn and preventing his light-squared bishop from developing. } 6. a3 Qd7 { In preparation for castling queenside. Usually as black I liketo castle queenside to bring my rook into the game with one less move. } 7. h3 O-O-O 8. b4 e5 { If he took my pawn here then I would recapture withmy f pawn so the doubled f pawns weren't really a concern of mine. Hewouldn't be able to take my pawn with his knight, then I would get a wholeknight for nothing. } 9. e3 { He thinks that he's protecting his d pawn. } 9... exd4 { I don't really care about the pawns, I just wanted his e file openfor my rook. Then I'll have two open files for my rooks. I know thathe's going kingside because castling queenside for him would just be horriblewith his pawns pushed so far up the board. } 10. exd4 Rg8 { Preventing hisbishop from developing. This is the move I saw with Bxf6. } 11. Nh4 { Protectinghis g2 pawn and attacking my bishop while at the same time allowing hisLS bishop to develop. } 11... Re8+ 12. Be2 Bxc2 { My plan here was to sacrificemy bishop to get a big attack and his king and queen. If he took heremy next move would have been Nxd4 attacking his LS bishop and his queen. } 13. Qd2 { He didn't go for it, so I just got a pawn for nothing. I'm notcomplaining. } 13... Bb3 14. O-O Qxh3 { And my attack on the kingside begins. I'm not really threating Qxg2 checkmate. I'm threating QxN, but he can'tsave the knight. If he moves the knight then Qxg2 will be checkmate. So his knight is lost and there's nothing he can do about it. } 15. g3 Qxh4 { He can't take my queen because the pawn is pinned to his king. This iswhy I didn't care if he doubled my pawns because it allowed me a big attackon the g-file. } 16. Kg2 Bh6 { I wasn't really sure what to do here, so Ijust developed my last piece and threatened his queen, keeping all of myattacking possibilities in the air for now. } 17. Qd3 Bc4 { His next fewmoves, I honestly didn't see and he had a real fighting chance. I'm justglad that I was able to come away with a win here. } 18. Qf5+ Kb8 19. Rh1 Nxd4 20. Qxh7 Qf4 21. Bxc4 dxc4 { Now my random moves were over, my nextmove was to play Qf3 , picking off the knight. } 22. Na4 { Moving the knightout of the way. } 22... Qf3+ { I wasn't really sure what I was going to do here. I was expecting something like Kh2 or Kg1 or something like that. Hismove surprised me. I didn't see what to do right away, but after I lookedat the position I realized that I had won. } 23. Kf1 { Do you see it? } 23... Qxh1# { Checkmate. There's nothing he can do. My knight and rook block his onlyescape square that my queen can't reach. His queen can't take me becausemy bishop cuts her off. I'm really glad that I was able to win this rematchgame. I thought that I had messed up in the middle game that gave hima chance to rebound because I wasn't sure what to do. Again all commentsare welcome. } 0-1

[Event "King's Indian April 2007"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "12-Jul-07"] [Round "-"] [White "negoflor"] [Black "brulla"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1616"] [TimeControl "5d+2d, 7d max"] [WhiteElo "1599"] 1. d4 { A game I lost in the mini-tournament 'King's Indian April 2007'.I also add annotations in Spanish by migchess20. } 1... Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f4 O-O 6. Nf3 c5 7. d5 Bg4 { This is a better position, with an equilibrated game. 8.Ae2 exd5 9.cxd5 Te8 10.e5 dxe5 11.fxe5 Cg4 12.Ag5 Db6 13.0-0-0-0 Cxe5 14.d6. } 8. Be2 a6 { It is better to have the horse at the position of a6. and to maintain an equivalent game9.0%–0.0% DB6 10.e5 Cd7 11.Ce1 Axe2 } 9. O-O Nbd7 10. h3 Bxf3 11. Bxf3 Nb6 12. Qb3 Qc7 13. Be2 Nfd7 14. Qc2 f5 15. exf5 Bd4+ 16. Kh1 Rxf5 17. Bg4 Rff8 18. Ne4 Nf6 19. Be6+ Kg7 20. f5 Nxe4 21. Qxe4 Nxc4 22. Bg5 gxf5 { migchess20: 22...h6 la continuacion del peon a h6 es mejor para ahuyentaral alfil 23.Ac1 Tf6 24.Tb1 Taf8. } 23. Bxf5 { migchess20: Observemos comoel poder del par de alfiles ejercen la posicion necesaria para ganar. } 23... Rxf5 { A sacrifice to weaken the attack no black's king. } 24. Qxf5 { The king is very weak, and it is advantageous for the whites to exercise suppression and achieve a win. } 24... Ne5 25. Rae1 Qd8 26. Rxe5 Bxe5 27. Qf7+ Kh8 28. Bxe7 Qg8 29. Bf6+ Bxf6 30. Qxf6+ Qg7 31. Qxd6 Qd4 { ? Leaves the squaref8 weak and loses the rook. } 32. Rf8+ Kg7 { Or 32...Rxf8 33.Qxf8# } 33. Rxa8 { migchess20: Una ventaja clara para imponer su dominio y lograr un puntodefinitivo. } 1-0

[Event "87th GK tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.04.02"] [Round "-"] [White "gagarin"] [Black "kaspanatola"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [BlackElo "2072"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "2218"] { In this game I allowed my opponent to build a strong center and have theinitiative for the bishop pair, but eventual managed to block all white'spawns and secure a draw... this tournament will be decided by the othergames as with this opponent I only scored 1/2 point... } 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 { to put white out of the more common tracks... } 4. c3 { curiousmove by white he went back to an old line... d4 is considered better forwhite since the 80's, and ever since this 3...g6 variation lost it's appeal(Smyslov played it a few dozen games with it) } 4... a6 5. Ba4 Nf6 { developsand still invites white to play Bxc6... if d4 I have Nxe4.. the c3 pawnhinders white development, and I'm not planing to exchange exd4 to solvehis problem for him! } 6. O-O Bg7 7. Re1 O-O 8. Bxc6 dxc6 { now I'll havea worst structure and be minus a pawn, but I'll have the bishop pair andbetter control over the light squares } 9. Nxe5 Re8 10. f4 { predictable,white aims to gain space } 10... Nd7 { he is underdeveloped is time to proposean exchange of his better placed piece } 11. Nxd7 Bxd7 12. d4 { again winshim some space... } 12... c5 { challenging the center } 13. e5 { yet another structuralweakening move... } 13... Bc6 { this controls the h1-a8, I can now proceed to blockthe position and wait for an easy draw, or expect for white to play fora win and risk a loss... } 14. Be3 { white's bishop is blocked by his ownpawns } 14... Qd7 { white's poor control over the light squares offers me somecounter-play, he can't progress any more than this } 15. Qc2 Rad8 { placinganother rook on a semi-open column can only be good for me } 16. Nd2 cxd4 { I exchange pawns to get a better control over the d5 square, after theexchange white doesn't have any pawn to push my bishop out of that square } 17. cxd4 Bf8 { to bring my bishop to a more active square e7 via f8... } 18. Ne4 { immediately white replied with a threat to play Nf6 with doubleattack on queen and king } 18... Be7 { as planed } 19. Nc3 { white makes the bestof his Ne4 move replacing the knight on c3 a more active square eyeingd5 } 19... b5 { Intending to play b4 to force the knight of c3 and gain some space } 20. Rac1 { ?! black didn't considered the threat to further block the positionwith b4 } 20... b4 { as planed } 21. Ne4 { expected Bd5 next move but I'll take mytime to play it to avoid having this game ended before others in this tournament...it seams we are headed for a draw } 21... Bd5 { now white has the chance to makea blunder Qxc7 meets Qxc7 Rxc7 Bxe4 and I'm a piece up for two pawns } 22. b3 a5 { with c5 secured against any sudden infiltration, I get to consolidatemy b pawn, also avoiding any tactics related to a double attack on thea pawn and queen by the knight with Nc5... } 23. Rf1 Qf5 { and the consequentexchange of queens will probably end in a draw, because although a pawnup white can't make use of his dark squares bishop nor dislodge my lightsquares bishop from any of the blocking central squares } 24. Nc5 Qxc2 25. Rxc2 c6 { again adding further consolidation to the queen's wing after theexchange of queens white needs to sacrifice a quality to infiltrate myposition } 26. Na4 Ra8 { offering the exchange to guarantee the draw } 27. Rd2 Bd8 { freeing the e column to threaten f5 } 28. g4 { white reacts on theking's wing... } 28... f5 { as planed now white doesn't have exf5 ep... } 29. g5 h6 { adding some tension to keep alive some chances to fight for a win,because the other game against this opponent has gone sour for me, andmeans a highly probable lost game... } 30. Kf2 { brings in the king, butit can't make any progress } 30... Ra7 { prepares to double rooks if needed } 31. h4 Rh7 32. Kg3 Kf7 { freeing the last rank to double rooks on the h columnand to get the king in the middle to aid in the defense of the passed epawn } 33. Rc1 Ke7 34. Ra1 Reh8 { as planed } 35. Rh2 { forced } 35... Bc7 36. Rc1 Bd8 37. Rf1 Bc7 { now I don't see any more to do rather than hope for somemistake by white... higly probable a draw as stated a few moves before } 1/2-1/2

[Event "A successful mating attack and a big win!"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014.03.29"] [Round "-"] [White "jstevens1"] [Black "glennobrien"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1908"] [TimeControl "5d+5d<10d"] [WhiteElo "1852"] 1. d4 { Hi everyone! This game was played in a themed MT with referenceto Brigadecommander's (Janet's) Stonewall Project which has thrown upsome very interesting results. For your's truly it was another milestone. I actually defeated a former Expert who is a Runner in our Walking theWalk and Learning to Run group who resigned on the grounds of UNAVIOIDABLEMATE! Glen lost a lot of rating points partly due to form and timeout issues. At the start of this game his rating was 1908 so I had to be content withonly my third near-Expert Victory and retain my current username ratherthan an Expert Victory and the username 'The Black Queen'. So, how didall this happen? Well, read on ....... } 1... d5 { 1. ..... d5 - here is a doublequeen pawn opening. However, the next move does not follow the standardc4 which is the Queen's Gambit. It is this move that is the start of theStonewall. } 2. e3 Nf6 3. Bd3 e6 4. Nd2 { 4. Nd2 - For now, all is calm. } 4... c5 5. c3 { 5. c3 - maintaining the Stonewall. } 5... Nc6 6. f4 Bd6 7. Ngf3 { 7.Ngf3 - looks as though there will be a mutual knight entrenchment on thesquares e4 and e5! } 7... O-O 8. Ne5 cxd4 9. exd4 { 9. exd4 - pawn trade. } 9... Bxe5 10. fxe5 { 10. fxe5 - B for N trade. } 10... Nd7 11. O-O Qb6 12. Kh1 { 12. Kh1 -still all is calm. Henry is evading the line of the Wicked Witch of theWest along the g1-a7 diagonal. That is what will make what comes nexteven more unbelievable. } 12... f6 13. Qh5 { 13. Qh5 - suddenly Glenda decidesto fly on her broomstick to the square h5 and put King Glenn in Old Matey'sshadow. Aggressive move no.1. } 13... f5 14. Nb3 { 14. Nb3 - this seemingly non-aggressivemove allows Fou Lenoir to get in on the action. I have the square g5 inmind for him. } 14... g6 15. Qh6 { 15. Qh6 - Glenda occupies this berth for therest of the game. If only I can get another unit in there. King Glennis now shivering! } 15... Rf7 16. Bg5 a5 17. Rab1 { 17. Rab1 - to release my knightto come back to the kingside. } 17... a4 18. Nd2 a3 19. b4 { 19. b4 - I now movemy pawn to a square where it can be defended by another pawn. Glenn isstarting to get tied up a bit on both sides of the board. } 19... Rf8 20. Rf3 { 20. Rf3 - rook lift preparing to go to h3. } 20... Rf7 21. Rh3 Ra4 22. Bc2 Ra7 23. Nf3 { 23. Nf3 - this knight is heading for g5. } 23... Qb5 24. Bf6 Nf8 { 24..... Nf8 - hmm, why not NxB? } 25. Ng5 { 25. Ng5 - and let the cavalry advance! } 25... Rd7 26. Bd3 Qa4 27. b5 Nb8 28. b6 Ra5 { 28. .... Ra5 - Glenn continues tobe bottled up on the queenside - although I will still have to keep myeye on his QR and the Witch. } 29. g4 { 29. g4?! - Nxe6 followed by Nxe630. Bxf5 was recommended by Gameknot Analysis. However, this move wasto prepare to blast open the files leading to King Glen and stick a rookon either the f or g column as appropriate. } 29... Qc6 30. gxf5 exf5 31. Bxf5 { 31. Bxf5 - here comes the bishop sac. If Fou Leblanc is taken then myrook will come to g1 (conditional move set) and threaten a nasty discoveredcheck (Nxh7+) with mate to follow in short order. } 31... Rb5 32. Rg1 { 32. Rg1- here Glenn waves the white flag. He is now a pawn down and Bxg6 is threatenednext move followed by what was said in my previous note. Gameknot Analysisindicated #in 8 from here. I am really chuffed that a mating attack ofmine against a former Expert has been so successful and I hope there willbe more of these to come! For now, read and enjoy - Kind regards - Joanne } 1-0

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.10.14"] [Round "-"] [White "chrisforbes21"] [Black "iamjustapawn2"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1330"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1230"] 1. e4 { king pawn opening } 1... d6 2. d4 { I will always take the centre whenpossible } 2... e6 3. b4 { I am developing my game a little so at this point Iwould have brought out a piece from the back row, at this stage I stillliked the pawn game to open with } 3... c6 4. b5 { this allows me to attack theking and put constrain bigger pieces } 4... cxb5 5. Bxb5+ { out comes the knight } 5... Bd7 { defended } 6. Qd3 { there might have been better options here than thequeen } 6... a6 { predictable pawn } 7. Bxd7+ { bishop takes bishop } 7... Qxd7 { thatevened things but I still prefer the two white pawns position in the middleof the board } 8. Nf3 Nc6 9. O-O { a little defensive when I could have keptup the pressure but nothing particularly wrong } 9... Nge7 { now his back rowis starting to open up with ke7 } 10. Re1 { I like to have the middle pawnsbacked up by rooks and/or queen in this type of position } 10... f6 { black playsa timid move } 11. Bb2 { Bb2 it looks prettier than it is effective } 11... Nb4 { bit of pressure applied by kb4 } 12. Qb3 { defensive move but still providesplenty of attacking options } 12... a5 { pawn to put pressure on the queen } 13. e5 { attack down the centre } 13... f5 14. Ba3 { not sure why he did not push pawnto a4 here? } 14... Nec6 15. exd6 Bxd6 16. Nc3 { kc3 applying pressure to d5 } 16... Ke7 { ? } 17. d5 { pawn moves to attack } 17... Nd8 { sensible defence covering he pressureon e6 } 18. dxe6 { sacrificial pawn } 18... Nxe6 19. Bxb4 { Bb4 this move is to openup his queen to attack by my rooks } 19... Bxb4 20. Rad1 { as planned } 20... Qc6 21. Rd3 { decided to re-enforce c3 } 21... Rhd8 22. Red1 { further reenforcement } 22... Rxd3 23. Rxd3 { rook trade } 23... Rd8 24. Nd5+ { this Kd5 move could have been madeearlier but is still a decent move } 24... Ke8 25. Nc7+ { what a knight sacrifice,why would I do that? } 25... Nxc7 26. Qg8+ { oh yeah that's why Qg8 } 26... Ke7 27. Qxd8+ { QxRd8 } 27... Ke6 { king left with little option here } 28. Ng5+ { I smell bloodkg5 forces king to e5 } 28... Ke5 29. Qd4# { mate, very pleased with this gamebut reviewing it there was several things I could have done sooner, stillgreat fun } 1-0

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "24-Sep-07"] [Round "-"] [White "topazg"] [Black "kleberkabg"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [BlackElo "1573"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1517"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 e5 { Hmmm, odd though this may be,this is almost a new line to me. I don't like Nf3 as it seems to be toopassive - database likes Nb5, and I like the threat of Nd6 afterwards,so I'll go with that. } 5. Nb5 Bc5 6. N1c3 { Still holding onto the optionof Nd6 , but trying to develop other queenside pieces for a possible queensidecastle. I'm expecting 6... Nf6 7. Bg5, meaning that the Nd6 exchange willallow a queenside castle straight afterwards. } 6... a6 { Ok, my hand is now forced. } 7. Nd6+ Bxd6 8. Qxd6 Qe7 9. Qd1 { This is in the database, but it does seemslow. On the other hand. It leaves an effective Nd5, threatening Nc7 .If Qd6 then Nb6 with a discovered attack on the queen is nice. If Qd8 thenblack has had to retreat the queen back out of the game for the time being. } 9... Nf6 { Attacking the pawn and protecting the d5 square. } 10. Bg5 { Seems anobvious move, clearing the queenside back rank and again threatening Nd5 } 10... Qe6 { Removing threats from the previous move. Tempted with b3 and Bc4,and then taking the Kingside castle instead. However, capturing seems togive me the previous threat of Nd5 that I liked so much, so it seems moreconsistent with my long term plan. } 11. Bxf6 Qxf6 12. Nd5 Qd6 13. Nb6 Qxd1+ 14. Rxd1 Rb8 { Sequence as expected from previous analysis. I absolutelylove the knight on b6 now. } 15. c3 { Removing b4 and d4 from the black knight. } 15... Nd8 16. Bc4 { Continuing development - Black is very cramped now. } 16... Ne6 17. O-O Nc5 { Threatening Nxe4 and allowing the kingside castle, as it providesthe extra defence for d7. } 18. Rfe1 O-O { Now d7 has two defenders again,and I should be able to chase the knight away and take the pawn. } 19. b4 { Knight can only retreat to e6 now. } 19... d5 { This just seems to drop the pawnanyway, so it seems a slightly strange move. } 20. Rxd5 Ne6 21. Nd7 Bxd7 22. Rxd7 { Pawn is now gained and the open file controlled :) } 22... Nf4 { Seemsstrange, it has nowhere to go if threatened, so I'm just going to chaseit away. } 23. g3 Nh3+ 24. Kg2 Ng5 25. h4 Ne6 { Now I have a bit more developmentand black is back to the position a few moves ago. Not only that, but thef pawn can now be taken I think after Bxe6 and Re7. } 26. Bxe6 fxe6 27. Re7 Rfc8 { Aha, cunning. Ok, I'll take two pawns for the one I lose at c3. } 28. Rxe6 Rxc3 29. Rxe5 Rc2 { Actually, with the risk of Rf8 this is slightlyawkward. Will try to hold on to the pawn. } 30. a4 Rf8 31. Rf5 Rxf5 32. exf5 Rc4 33. Rb1 Kf7 { Feels like I'm juggling plates now. Gained the solidtwo pawn advantage but absolutely no ability to return pressure to black.Need to sort the kingside pawn structure and get the king over to helpout on the other side. I think 27. Re-d1 would have been much stronger.This gamble has not worked out well. } 34. Kf3 Kf6 35. g4 h5 { No way todefend here. White's pawns are a mess. } 36. g5+ Kxf5 37. Kg3 Rg4+ 38. Kh3 b5 39. axb5 axb5 40. f3 Rd4 41. Kg3 g6 42. Rb3 { Position is now locked,and I cannot see any way out other than a draw, so offered and acceptedon move 42. Game annotation for team benefit -- } 1/2-1/2

[Event "grisha's mini-tournament XLIII"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.04.14"] [Round "-"] [White "bamboofrost"] [Black "hippoinamarsh"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1652"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1739"] 1. e4 a6 { The St. George. Famously, Tony Miles beat Karpov at the peakof his considerable powers with this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCW0TXH6e0g),but it's a bit much for a mere mortal like me to use as anything otherthan a surprise weapon. } 2. d4 b5 3. c4 { Most people prefer to developa piece here (Karpov chose 3.Nf3), but this aggressive choice is also fine. } 3... e6 { Black gambits a pawn in return for rapid development. } 4. cxb5 axb5 5. Bxb5 Bb7 6. Nc3 Bb4 7. Bd3 { It seems that 7.f3 or 7.Qe2 have been preferredhere, with reasonable success. } 7... f5 { This would be worth an exclamationmark if it were my own move, but not only has it been played before, butit is a standard idea in such positions. Black takes advantage of the weaknesson g2 to increase the pressure on White. Black has scored very well inthis position in practice. } 8. Qe2 Nf6 9. Bg5 fxe4 10. Bxe4 Nxe4 { Thisappears to lose a queen, but in fact White is so fragile at c3 and g2 thatBlack seems to be winning. Fritz is needed to confirm. } 11. Bxd8 Nxc3 12. bxc3 { The Spanish player Diego Piay Augusto preferred 12.Qh5+, but after12...Kxd8 13.Qg5+ Kc8 14.Qxg7 Ne4+ 15.Ke2 Rf8, Black had more than enoughfor the queen and went on to win. However, the text move is inferior. } 12... Bxc3+ 13. Kf1 { White resigns, possibly on seeing 13...Ba6. However, Blackmay be better advised to play 13...Bxa1. In either case, Black retainsa comfortable advantage, though resignation is maybe a little prematurehere. } 0-1

[Event "Game Number 11 -Too Early For The Queen Attack"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.10.04"] [Round "-"] [White "freddz123"] [Black "nuntar"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1648"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1654"] { For my eleventh match on gameknot, finally I received my first challenge. nuntar is currently the only player to give comments on the majority ofmy annotations offering up a new viewpoint, although I've not always agreedI am very grateful to him for these opinions which are helping me to understandthe game even better. This match was tightly contested until the 15thmove, where nuntar made his first error. } 1. c4 { As I've previously stated,I have been advised that while I'm learning to play I should concentrateon learning the English Opening due to there being less lines to learn. } 1... e5 { This move opens up the Reverse Sicilian, but as it is White's moveit keeps the advantage on White's side. } 2. g3 { Allows White to begin hisstrategy of light coloured square control. } 2... Nc6 { Karpov's preferred move. I prefer Nf6 here. } 3. Bg2 Nf6 4. Nc3 { Reversed move order, but positionnow is the same as Reversed Rossolimo (1.c4 e5 2.g3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg2),expecting Bb4 from Black to continue this. } 4... Bc5 { This move blocks White'spawn at c4 and enables the King-side castle for Black. Could still beconsidered the Reversed Rossolimo, there is a line where Black moves Bb4followed immediately by Bc5. } 5. e3 { White prepares to play d4. } 5... d5 { AttacksWhite's c4 Pawn and limits the fianchettoed White Bishop. } 6. cxd5 { AttacksBlack's Knight and wins a Pawn in material. However, White will now haveto deal with the potential doubled up Pawns on the d-file. } 6... Nb4 { Defendsthe Knight. } 7. d4 { Weak fork on Black's Bishop and Pawn. } 7... exd4 8. exd4 Be7 { After the exchange, White remains up in material. } 9. Nge2 O-O 10. O-O { Both sides castle. } 10... Nbxd5 11. Nxd5 Nxd5 { Evening up the material andblocks White's d4 Pawn. } 12. Nf4 Nf6 { Think Black should've looked at Nxf4and exchange the final two Knights. } 13. Qd3 c6 { Black releases the pinon his Pawn at b7. } 14. Bd2 Qb6 { Threatens White's b2 Pawn. } 15. Rfe1 Qxb2 { Too early for Black to take the b Pawn. 15...Qxb2 16.a3 g5 17.Reb1 Qxa118.Rxa1 puts Black in a lost position. I think the best move was Bd6,15...Bd6 16.b3 Bd7 17.Rac1 Rad8. } 16. a3 Rd8 { Black misses the danger evolvinghere, 16...Rd8 17.Bc3 Qb3 18.Rxe7 Bf5 19.Qxf5 Qxc3. As shown above, Ithink the better move was to sacrifice the Queen with g5. } 17. Bc3 { AttackingBlack's Queen. } 17... Qb6 { Not that either move would help by now, but I thinkthe best move was Qb3. With Qb6, after 18.Rxe7 Black will have to followup with Qb3. By moving to Qb3 earlier, 17...Qb3 18.Rxe7 Bf5 19.Qe3 Re8? } 18. Rxe7 { As expected, White wins a Bishop and goes in front in materialagain. } 18... g5 { There weren't many worse moves that could've been made here. Black is in too much of a rush to try and even out the material so weakenshis King defence at a time when White is aiming for the kill. 18...g519.Qe3 gxf4 20.Qxf4 punishes Black, making the game all but over. My preferredmove here? 18...Qb3 19.d5 Bf5 20.Qd2 Rd6 21.Rae1, which pretty much justattempts to buy some time for Black to try and get out of the mess he'sin. } 19. Qe3 gxf4 20. Qxf4 c5 { At the time of this move, I hadn't beenaware that this was Black moving into forced mate. During my analysis,I spotted 21.dxc5 Bf5 22.Qxf5 Rd6 23.cxd6 Qxd6 24.Bxf6 Kf8 25.Rae1 Qe626.R7xe6 fxe6 27.Qxe6 h5 28.Qe7+ Kg8 29.Qg7#. At the time, I was simplythinking after 21.dxc5, Black could either give up his Queen by playingBf5 which would give me a huge material advantage leading into the end-gameor Black could play Qxc5 and make it mate in 5 (22.Qxf6 Qxf2+ 23.Kxf2 Rd2+24.Ke1 Rd1+ 25.Rxd1 Be6 26.Qg7#). } 21. dxc5 { Instead, Black admits defeatand resigns. An interesting game which I thoroughly enjoyed. } 1-0

[Event "fiercequeen, back to what she does best..."] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "22-aug-18"] [Round "-"] [White "sadegh_chess"] [Black "fiercequeen"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2059"] [TimeControl "3+10 blitz..."] [WhiteElo "UR"] { crushing White in the Sicilian: in 3+10 blitz... } 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bc4 { some players, still try to get away with this fake threat: Ng5, threatenspawn f7; the fools' mate... } 3... Bg7 4. a3 { a bit beside the point: I wouldsay... } 4... e6 5. Nc3 a6 { time to include the Najdorf extension: Nb5 is notwhat we want... } 6. O-O Ne7 7. Qe2 { not sure, where she is going... } 7... O-O 8. Rd1 { another interesting move... } 8... d5 { trust me: in most cases, thisopening does not run so smooth: White just does not have a clue... } 9. Ba2 { not the best: at least, White has to play exd5, exd5: this will soonrun sour... } 9... d4 { no rocket science involved here: after Na4, most likelyQa5, and blow up Whites' Queens wing... } 10. Nb1 b5 { relentless... } 11. d3 { mostly against an upcoming c4... } 11... Nbc6 { controlling e5... } 12. c3 Bb7 { serving multiple tasks... } 13. Bf4 Na5 { attacking square c4... } 14. b4 cxb4 15. axb4 Nac6 { creating a weakness at a5... } 16. e5 { giving the circumstances,not very wise... } 16... a5 17. Na3 axb4 18. Nxb5 bxc3 { a costly mistake: Nb5has no future... } 19. Nd6 Qc7 20. Bc4 Nb4 { an important move... } 21. Nxd4 Bd5 { White has won back a pawn: Black is winning the middle game... } 22. N4b5 Qb6 23. Be3 Rxa1 { also Bxe5, is an important threat: White does nottake the risk, of accepting Blacks' Queen sacrifice... } 24. Rxa1 Qb8 25. Nxc3 Bxe5 { this must be painful... } 26. Nce4 { clearly lost, from the straightpath... } 26... Bxa1 27. Qf3 { clearly desperate: already, f5, will cost a fullpiece... } 27... Bg7 { but first things first... } 28. Nf6+ Bxf6 29. Qxf6 Qxd6 { piece,in the pocket... } 30. Bd4 { threatening mate... } 30... e5 { only solution... } 31. Bxe5 { pure stupidity: Qxd6, was an option... } 31... Qxf6 32. Bxf6 Nec6 { verysobering: this experience for White... } 33. Be7 { so he plays this: in onelast attempt... } 33... Nxe7 { so I had to kill him... } 0-1

[Event "51st GK tournament - a Surprise Ending"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "06-Mar-09"] [Round "-"] [White "panteo"] [Black "rjacobs"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1551"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1617"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 { Probably themost popular move against the Najdorf Sicilian, leading generally to theRichter-Rauzer Attack. } 6... e6 7. f4 Be7 8. Qf3 Qc7 9. O-O-O Nbd7 10. g4 h6 11. Bxf6 gxf6 { I'm pretty certain we're still in book so far. White probablyhas the better prospects. } 12. h4 { Looks logical. My book memory runsout here and I can't find my book on this variation... } 12... b5 { Thematic: Blacklooks to develop his wsb on b7 and to launch an attack on White's K downthe c-file with ...Rc8 and ...b4 among other moves. Black also has tobeware of White's sacrificial opportunities with Nc3-d5 or Bxb5 or Nxb5. When White's Q moved to f3, this inhibited ...b5 because of the potentialfor revealed attacks on the Ra8 and the ris of moving Black's B onto b7if unprotected, hence 8...Qc7, which I always play automatically againstQf3 in this and similar lines. } 13. Bg2 { refreshing the threat of e4-e5 } 13... Bb7 14. Qf2 Rc8 15. Rd3 Nc5 { Black's counter-attack gets going. I've decidedthat castling is more risky than leaving the K in its central position,surrounded by pawns and the central Be7 } 16. Rg3 b4 { hoping that the Nwon't come to d5 in the classic positional sac (one doesn't really needto work it out: it nearly always works!) but will instead interfere withWhite's defence of c2 } 17. Nce2 { as I hoped } 17... Nd3+ { Only after I had playedthis 'clever' move did I notice that although White can't take it withhis pinned pawn, he can with the R that only recently left this very square. I was ready to resign on resumption. Imagine my surprise when White beatme to it and resigned! Play might continue along one of these lines: (18.Rxd3 e5 19. fxe5 (19. Nc3 exd4 20. Qxd4 bxc3 21. Rxc3 Qd7 22. Rg1 Rg823. Rxc8 Bxc8 24. f5 Rxg4 25. Bh3 Rxg1 26. Qxg1) 19. .. fxe5 ( 19. ..Qxc2 20. Nxc2) 20. Nc3 [anything to block the mating attack on c2] exd421. Qxd4 O-O 22. Rd2 bxc3 23. bxc3 Qxc3 24. Qxc3 Rxc3 [when Black shouldbe able to make his extra piece count]) } 0-1

[Event "Fierce Queen winning clean..."] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "14-Apr-18"] [Round "-"] [White "fiercequeen"] [Black "lexx77"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1575"] [TimeControl "3+10 blitz..."] [WhiteElo "2059"] { It does not happen often, that you reach a clean win: there is alwayssomething wrong or you get in luck. I thought, this 3+10 blitz game turnedout pretty nice... } 1. e4 c5 2. f4 e6 3. Nf3 Ne7 4. c3 g6 5. g3 Bg7 6. Bg2 O-O 7. O-O { White chose to play along the lines of the Grand Prix Attack:Black is already running behind in tempo... } 7... Nbc6 8. d3 b5 9. Be3 d6 10. Qc2 a6 11. Nbd2 { White has finished the opening: at least two tempi ahead... } 11... Bb7 12. a4 { so we attack... } 12... Rb8 13. axb5 axb5 14. d4 { take over the center... } 14... cxd4 15. cxd4 e5 16. dxe5 dxe5 17. Nb3 Nb4 18. Qc5 { waiting for an oppurtunityto play Rd1... } 18... exf4 19. Bxf4 Nd3 20. Rfd1 { the sharpest: the Queen sacrificeis correct; after Qxb5?, Nxf4, gxf4, Bc6, Qc4, Bb5, spells a lot of troublefor White... } 20... Bxe4 21. Bxb8 Bxf3 22. Bxf3 Qxb8 23. Qxe7 Qb6+ 24. Kh1 { forcingNf2+: after Qf2, just Rxd3... should Black continue with Qxb2, Rad1, andall is finished for Black... } 24... Nf2+ 25. Kg2 Nxd1 26. Rxd1 Bf6 27. Qc5 { securinga better position: after Qxc5, Nxc5, Bxb2, Nd7, White is winning... } 27... Qa7 { a bit of a stain, on this otherwise flawless game: Black resigned on thespot... } 1-0

[Event "Giuoco Pianissimo"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2018.10.19"] [Round "-"] [White "bold49"] [Black "feathered_tiger"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1853"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<3d"] [WhiteElo "2317"] { In this game, against a very strong opponent, I play far too passivelyagainst what is supposedly a 'slow' opening, and am swiftly punished. Eventhough I don't make any outright errors until the very end, that end isnever in doubt! } 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. d3 { The very quiet game.Ha! } 4... a6 { Probably the root cause of all my problems - preparing a squarefor the Bishop in case of 5.Be3. But why should White play this? Sincehe hasn't played 4.c3 there's no real likelihood of 5.b4 This passive move,as opposed to the more active 4...Nf6, just allows White a developing move. } 5. Nc3 { Which he's happy to take. He could, I guess, have gone gung-howith 5.Ng5, but if you're playing the Pianissimo that's probably not yourstyle! } 5... d6 { I still pass up the chance to get my other Knight out, insteadallowing my light-squared Bishop to develop. } 6. Bg5 { Without the Knighton f6 this is a direct attack on my Queen, so now I have to develop myKnight, but not really where I want it! } 6... Nge7 { 6...f6 right away seemsunnecessarily hasty, since I can play that shortly anyway. } 7. Nd5 { Myearly passive play already coming home to roost! } 7... Be6 { Probably betterto try to drive away the Bishop with 7...h6, but I'm suddenly aware ofhow behind in development I am. } 8. c3 Bxd5 { Giving up my light-squaredBishop... } 9. exd5 { Just to allow a pawn to kick my Knight around was certainlynot the best plan. } 9... Na7 { And this, again is too passive; better on a5,perhaps, or to counter with 9...b5? } 10. d4 { White could probably havejust castled here, allowing me to castle also; he's already got a strongposition, though, and I suspect he senses blood... } 10... exd4 11. b4 { Now it'sthe Bishop's turn to be driven back. White doesn't really want a seriesof exchanges that will dilute his attack. } 11... Bb6 12. a4 { Threatening to winthe Bishop, but I can counter with 12...h6, which I perhaps should haveplayed long ago. } 12... a5 { Instead I offer rather feeble resistance to the a-pawn'sadvance. } 13. Nxd4 { And White takes my pawn. } 13... Bxd4 { Giving up the Bishopis not a good idea, but it wasn't doing much. However, this really handsWhite the initiative, when 13...O-O or 13...h6 would have offered a littleresistance. } 14. Qxd4 f6 { Castling should be my first aim here, but I decideto drive away the Bishop first. Probably not as good as 14...h6, somethingthat becomes clear later. } 15. Bd2 axb4 { I don't like that hanging pawnthough, so exchange first. } 16. cxb4 O-O { Finally! } 17. O-O { White hasacres of space. I don't like that diagonal to the King either, even thoughit's currently blocked by a pawn. } 17... Ng6 { Probably better to put the Rookon the open file, but I decide I need defenders! Another possibility wasbringing the other Knight back into play via c8. } 18. Bd3 { Now two Bishopsloom against my K-side. } 18... Ne5 { Having put my Knight on g6 as a defenderI now go on the attack with it, but no way is White going to allow me toexchange it for his Bishop. In my head I have closed up the open file fora moment too, but my position looks very fragile. I haven't yet, at thispoint, made an outright error though. } 19. Bf5 { Horrible, aiming at thathole on e6, which the advnace of my f-pawn has opened. } 19... Nc8 { He's goingto e6 and I can't stop it! At least I can, belatedly, get my other Knightback into the game. } 20. Ra3 { White is in no hurry to play a move I can'tstop. } 20... Ne7 { At least I have two knights covering g6... } 21. Be6+ { Eventhough that Bishop will surely be the end of me. } 21... Kh8 22. Rh3 { Very nasty.I'm like a rabbit lookingat a snake. } 22... N7g6 { My first innacuracy; this Knightis better placed on g8, but I suspect I'm finished anyway... } 23. Qe4 { I'mnot sure what point of this is - it seems to give me a moment to try tosave the position. } 23... c6 { Instead, I kill my chances altogether. I reallyhadn't seen the mate coming, expecting an attack on the Knight on g6 after24.f4. } 24. Qf5 { Only a move later do I see the point of this little shuffle. } 24... Qb6 { To prevent 25.f4. But it's over now. } 25. Rxh7+ { Of course - Whitecan't go to h4 with the Queen, hence the side-step. h5 is undefended. } 25... Kxh7 26. Qh5# { And that's where she goes... An object lesson in how justnot making errors isn't enough. } 1-0

[Event "Challenge from dongastonio"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.06.17"] [Round "-"] [White "dongastonio"] [Black "francisbaron08"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1551"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1138"] 1. e4 c5 2. b3 Nc6 3. Na3 Nf6 4. d3 d5 { an active approach } 5. Nb5 { handingblack a piece } 5... Qa5+ 6. Bd2 Qxb5 7. a4 Qb6 8. c4 dxe4 9. dxe4 Nxe4 10. f3 Nxd2 11. Qxd2 Qb4 { all business. a piece ahead and queens off the boardblack should win easily } 12. O-O-O Qa3+ { just a check to see if white willmake things easier } 13. Qb2 Qxb2+ 14. Kxb2 g6 { good old developement } 15. h3 Bg7+ 16. Ka3 O-O 17. g4 Be6 { getting them out } 18. Rd7 Bxd7 19. Ne2 Be6 20. f4 Rfd8 21. Bg2 Rd2 22. f5 Nb4 { a fine move which forces mate } 23. Nc1 Bb2# 0-1

[Event "Pattern Recognition"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Winz"] [Black "Czerniak"] [Result "0-1"] { When I reopened my club, Chess Coaches and Mentors, I continued pawntificatorsthread about Pattern Recognition. That started with my original club beforereopening it. When ION joined my club he posted in that thread. It datesback to a 1939 game in Tel Aviv. But, it represents some important examplesof Pattern Recognition. This is similar to what we've seen with a coupleof TA's annotations in his former club. With which, I turned into annotativeformat. The same thing could be said here, as I am turning his post intoannotative format. In other words, this is what he posted, which I'm copyingand pasting verbatim. Therefore, archduke_piccolo is the annotator ofthis game. } 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. f3 d5 { Rather an arcane opening, this,but that's not really the point of this posting } 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. e4 Nb6 6. Nc3 Bg7 { Some of you will discern a similarity with patterns associatedwith Alekhine's defence; White's big centre, and the Black king's knightway over on b6. } 7. Be3 O-O 8. f4 Nc6 9. d5 Nb8 { Why did Black develophis knight just to have it driven back home? Clearly he hoped that inducingthe d-pawn forward would be worth the two tempi expended to do so. } 10. a4 e5 11. a5 { Take a look at this. This hasn't to do with the 'pattern'I mentioned earlier - that will appear soon - but to examine a most peculiarposition. Black seems to have lost a heck of a lot of time, and is liketo lose more. But what had White achieved in the meantime? Not a wholeheck of a lot: an aggressive stance, but no real threats. } 11... exf4 { Blackdoesn't want to lose more time! } 12. axb6 fxe3 13. Rxa7 { ! Now, althoughthis again isn't the topic of this posting. take a note of this move. Thiscapture wins a rook. Taking with pawn instead would just be silly, achievingnothing. The Black a8-rook can not be defended, but if 14...Rxa7, 15.bxa7and the pawn will promote. I have had this very motif crop up once in oneof my own games. But here, Black has a counter-attack of his own, somethingvery familiar to us...... } 13... Qh4+ { ! And now, White dare not try 14.Ke2on account of 14...Qf2ch 15.Kd3 Nd7! 16.Rxa8 Ne5ch 17.Kd4 e2#! So Whiteplayed... } 14. g3 Bxc3+ 15. bxc3 Qxe4 { There you see it. A strange settingfor this attack by Black - especially in view of 15 moves having been played,and both sides having one wing undeveloped. } 16. Nf3 Bg4 { The dear oldknight pin pattern... } 17. Rxa8 Bxf3 { So Black doesn't lose a whole rookafter all. I'll append the rest of the game without much further comment. } 18. Qd3 Qe5 { Not 18...Bxh1 19.Qxe5 Bxe5 20.bxc7 wins. } 19. bxc7 { ?! } 19... Qxc7 20. Rg1 Qb6 21. g4 { ? } 21... Rd8 { ! } 22. Rg3 Rxd5 { Unconcerned about theknight. } 23. Rxb8+ Kg7 24. Rxf3 { The Queen is a goner (familiar matingpattern of back rank mate with rook defended by the bishop - here the Blacke-pawn supplies the bock to the f2-square), so White gathers what smallchange he can for it. } 24... Rxd3 25. Bxd3 Qc7 { ! Stronger than the immediateR-B fork by 25...Qd6, as this will pick up a pawn as well. } 26. Re8 Qxc3+ 27. Kf1 Qxd3+ 28. Kg2 Qd2+ 29. Kg3 e2 30. Rfe3 Qe1+ 31. Kh3 Qf1+ { Blackcan't save the e-pawn in the long run, but can make its capture fraughtwith danger. } 32. Kg3 Qg1+ 33. Kh3 Qf2 { ! Black dare not take the e-pawnon account of this well-known mating pattern: 34.Rxe2 Qf3ch 35.Kh4 g5ch[A] 36.Kxg5 Qf6ch 37.Kh5 Qh6#, or [B] 36.Kh5 Qf6 and Black has no defence. } 34. R8e5 b5 35. g5 h5 36. R5e4 b4 37. Rxe2 { Possible at last. But... } 37... Qf3+ 38. Kh4 b3 39. R2e3 Qf2+ 40. Kh3 b2 41. Re8 { The situation has becomeso desperate, White tries for a 'swindle' - a stalemate try. He hopes forthis: 41. Re8 b1=Q 42.Rg8ch Kxg8 43.Re8ch Kg7 44.Rg8ch Kxg8. There is noother way to escape the checks, but it's stalemate! I have had occasionmyself on GK to save the draw by a double rook sacrifice in the end game.Here it doesn't work, though, as Black need not promote immediately... } 41... Qxe3+ { ! This is a different kind of 'pattern' - 'sacrificing' materialto crystallize out a winning situation. Black, in effect, wins the majorexchange. White resigned at this point. } 0-1

[Event "Online 20-Minute Rapid Game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.06.09"] [Round "-"] [White "tzsyu"] [Black "Jalis999"] [Result "0-1"] [TimeControl "1200"] { An online Rapid game in which I produce a pretty sweet mating attack (ifi may so myself) after seemingly falling behind. If anybody wants to putthis through Fritz or something and let me know if and when i should havelost after a certain point, I would greatly appreciate it. } 1. Nf3 { Umm,I know this is a common opening, but I rarely ever play it. Also, in theannotation, if at any time i use [brackets], I'm asking for specific advice. } 1... c5 { I usually reply to 1. Nf3 with d5 or Nc6, so i decided to mix itup a bit. } 2. c3 { This confused me. Quite a passive play, aiming to setup a pawn at d4. Normally, people would respond with 2. c5, resulting inthe symettrical english position, that I hate oh so much. } 2... d5 { Gain controlof the center, also follows one of my other favorite openings, which iwould say, but people would just tell me its a crappy opening. } 3. d4 { Contesting the center, as expected. Taking on d4, to either post a knightwhich could be chased away with e5, or take with the pawn, resulting ina semi-what symmetrical position [would that be an even position for black,or advantageous for white?] } 3... Nc6 { Put pressure on the d4 pawn, developingthe knight, and if 4. dxc5 then 4. ... e5 [good idea?]. Kind of a flippedversion of QGD. Or something like that. } 4. Bf4 { Preventing e5, developsthe bishop, and prepares e3, to further fortify the d4 pawn and developthe LSB } 4... e6 { Protecting the c5 pawn, opening up my DSB, but sadly, blockingin the LSB. } 5. e3 { Expected. } 5... Nf6 { Developing, aiming for e4 if needed,but probably not. } 6. h3 { Preventing Ng4, which would have been usefullater on. [Is this too passive for white?] } 6... a6 { Preparing b5 with thehopes of Bb7, to actually make my bishop useful } 7. Qa4 { Threatening Bb5,which will end up wrecking my queenside, and probably losing material. } 7... Bd7 { Preventing Bb5, and threatening a discovered attack, which wouldn'tresult in much at the moment, maybe just a single pawn, which might beuseful. 7. ... b5 isn't an option due to Bxb5, and i can't take back becauseof the unprotected rook. } 8. Qb3 { Retreats to avoid the discovered attack,and attacking b7. [Poisoned pawn?] } 8... b5 { Preventing Qxb7, and gaining controlof a LOT of light squares. [Would Na5 be better here?] } 9. a3 { Preventing...?I don't really know. Maybe preparing a future b4, preventing me playingb4. But it blocks in the Knight on b1, which could use a3 to develop quitenicely. } 9... c4 { And now the light squares belong to me. However, he doescontrol a lot of dark squares, but he can't access them as well as I canaccess the Light Squares. } 10. Qc2 { Retreats, but aims at h7. Oh and didi mention i got quite a bit more space than he does? } 10... g6 { Preparing tofianchetto my bishop to g7. I viewed this as better than Be7 because itfortifies the kingside, and it is slightly more active than on e7. Plusit keeps the option of Ne7 followed by Nf5 or something like that. It alsokeeps the e7 square open for the queen, which can't use c7 due to whitesDSB. [Which is better?] } 11. Nbd2 { Developing the knight, though not verywell. It's hampered in. Too bad it can't get to c2 via a3, because thenit could post on b4 and threaten me/annoy the crap outta me. } 11... Na5 { Maybeaiming to post at b3, or redevelop through b7. At c6, the knight's onlypurpose was prevent Ne5. } 12. Be2 { A weak development, but necessary.[Or is there something better?] } 12... Bg7 13. Ne5 { I fianchetto to be ableto castle. White takes advantage of my momentary crampness, and threatensmy beautiful bishop pair. However, in a position such as this, with suchlong pawn chains, knights might be better than bishops. } 13... Bc8 { I retreatto the only square that doesn't result in me losing my LSB. [Should i havetraded?] } 14. b4 { Practically closes off the queenside, if i don't enpassant.However, the a3 pawn can still go a4 to break up that pawn chain a bit. } 14... Nb7 { Redevelop to the only square i could without losing material. } 15. a4 { Trying to break up my pawn chain, and gain more space. } 15... Nd6 { Makingmy knight much stronger, and if axb5, then i can take back with the Knight,and no major problems. Also threatening e4, though that doesn't do much. } 16. O-O { [Should white have been more aggressive?] } 16... Nd7 { Threateningto get rid of the knight. However, I did notice c6 is open, but that doesn'tdo much for him. } 17. Ndf3 { Now if i take on e5, he just retakes and myproblem remains the same. } 17... f6 { ! First off, it chases away the knight.Second, after further chasing away the knight, i can push my e6 pawn, andwin a lot of space, and an open f-file [Good move?] } 18. Nc6 { Expected } 18... Qc7 { Only safe move } 19. Na5 { Now the knight is a thorn in my side.However, a very tiny thorn, in my SIDE. It doesn't do much from there. } 19... e5 { Yay for pawn pushes! [Too agressive?] } 20. Bh2 { I think Bg3 mighthave been better. Keeps the bishop active. } 20... O-O { May as well castle, ifonly to be able to retreat to h8 and get my rook on a potentially-halfopen file } 21. axb5 Nxb5 { Taking with the pawn would just create an openfile, which would be quite annoying to defend with the knight on a5... } 22. dxe5 { Release central tension. } 22... fxe5 { A pretty strong center position,but slightly exposed king } 23. Nd4 { Taking advantage of the pinned pawn. } 23... Nb6 { Now i can just go Na4 to block up the a-file } 24. Nxb5 axb5 25. Rfd1 { Putting pressure on my slightly underdefended pawns, but also leavingf2 undefended. } 25... Bf5 { Finally get my bishop into play, gaining a tempo } 26. Qc1 Qd7 { Breaking the pin, but creating a new, but slightly lessdangerous, pin in the process. } 27. Ra2 { Preparing to double his rookson the d-file } 27... Rad8 { Guard the pawn even more, and activate my rook slightlymore } 28. Rad2 Qf7 { Break the pin and threaten Bxh3 (which may not bevery good) and threatens the f2 pawn } 29. Nc6 { Trying to activate hisknight with tempo } 29... Rde8 { I could chase off the knight, and probably shouldhave with Rc8 and then Re8. } 30. Qa1 { Making use of the open file? } 30... Na4 { Blocking any attempt at using the open file. } 31. f3 { 31. Rxd5?? failsdue to the overwhelming power of Be4. Either I'd win the rook for a pawn,or would have a very strong (and probably mating) attack. } 31... Bd7 { Chasingoff the knight so the a-file would be blocked even more, and just gettingrid of the annoying knight. } 32. Na5 Bh6 { Threatens Bxe3+ if the rookon d2 takes the d5 pawn. } 33. Rxd5 { Takes anyways } 33... Bxe3+ 34. Kh1 Nb6 { ? Misses the fact that e5 is under-defended. } 35. Rxe5 Rxe5 36. Bxe5 { Removed some pressure, and got rid of his rook which was partially defendingthe kingside, and displaced his bishop which is, at least for now, an easytarget } 36... Re8 { Aiming to attack the bishop of e2 } 37. Bg3 Bf2 { Now my attackstarts to show. With the bishop on d7 threatening Bxh3 which would movethe pawn on g2, his king is not very well defended. } 38. Bxf2 { ? allowsme to get a very strong attack, but there was not much else he could dowithout losing material. } 38... Rxe2 39. Bxb6 { Although i'm down material wise,I have a very strong attack, and white has a semi-decent counter whichcould or could not work out. } 39... Bxh3 { !! } 40. Rd8+ { Now the start of thefinal retaliation. } 40... Kg7 41. Bd4+ { Trying to mate my king, or take anotherpiece. Notice that the queen and knight are not very active as of thismoment. } 41... Kh6 42. Qc1+ { Getting the queen into play } 42... Kh5 { ! if 42. ...g5, then Rd6+ leads to a trade, in which i would come out on bottom. } 43. g4+ { Trying to corner my king enough to mate him } 43... Kh4 44. Kg1 { Qh6+doesn't help. This at least prolongs it } 44... Rg2+ { I probably should havegone Qxf3, but it doesn't make much of a difference. } 45. Kh1 Qxf3 46. Qe1+ { Last ditch effort... There are many other ways that white could geta seemingly strong attack, but the all seem to fail. [Is there a way topull it out of the bag for white?] } 46... Rf2+ { I've always wanted to checkmatesomeone while blocking check. Too bad it didn't happen here. Close though.This is where he resigned due to mate after 47. Kg1 Qg2#. Hope you enjoyedthis game and were able to point out places where I would have been screwedover. Peace! } 0-1

[Event "Quick Caro-Kann game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2011.08.24"] [Round "-"] [White "drchopper"] [Black "kaido"] [Result "1-0"] [TimeControl "5min+15"] 1. e4 c6 { Here playing white on a Caro-Kann game. It's a blitz game timedon 5min+15. } 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 { Following the book but Nc3 is nice too. } 3... dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 { Following the book again. } 5... Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. h5 Bh7 8. Nf3 { It's now reach the position where most of the Caro-Kann gamesgo. } 8... e6 9. Bd3 Bxd3 { Exchange of the bishop. } 10. Qxd3 Nd7 11. Bf4 { I couldhave castled right now but I wanted to castle on the queen side. } 11... Bb4+ { A logical continuation. } 12. c3 Ba5 { Nice positionned to attack my queenside later. } 13. O-O-O { Now I'm really well developped and ready to attack. } 13... Ngf6 { Ne7 would have been better here. Black don't know what is coming. } 14. Bd6 { Blocking his castling so I can attack quickly later. My bishopis very nice stationned. } 14... Bc7 { If black do Nb6. His bishop would have probablyproblems later with b4. } 15. Nf5 { !! If black take the bishop then Nxd6giving me a nice positionning advantage. If black take my knight, thenRe1+ and black must lose his queen or getting mated(exf5 17.Re1 Ne5 18.Rxe5Kd7 19.Qxf5#). } 15... g6 { Black picks another way. } 16. Ng7# { Mate! It's veryrare I got the chance to play the Caro-Kann on blitz. I didn't believeit was possible to mate so early in the game with this opening. Well withthe bishop hunt in the beginning, it give to white a lot of tempo and development. } 1-0

[Event "Challenge from jamesmulligan"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2022.08.23"] [Round "-"] [White "chesshobby12"] [Black "jamesmulligan"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "883"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "745"] 1. d4 { Queen opening I am white } 1... d5 { Same } 2. c4 { Pawn } 2... e6 { Pawn wall } 3. Nf3 { First knight out } 3... a6 { End pawn moved } 4. Nc3 { Both knights out. } 4... h6 { Both end pawn moves } 5. e3 { Pawn wall } 5... c6 { Double pawn wall } 6. b3 { Pawn wall } 6... h5 { Moves end pawn } 7. h4 { Blocks. Pawn } 7... a5 { End pawn } 8. a4 { Same } 8... g6 { Triple pawn wall } 9. Ng5 { Knight } 9... f6 { Pawn } 10. Nf3 { Knightback } 10... f5 { Pawn } 11. g3 { Pawn } 11... b6 { Pawn } 12. Ne5 { Knight } 12... Nf6 { Knight } 13. c5 { Pawn } 13... b5 { Pawn } 14. axb5 { Pawn } 14... cxb5 { Even now } 15. Ba3 { Bishop } 15... b4 { Pawn } 16. Bb2 { Moves bishop back } 16... Nc6 { Knight } 17. Nxc6 { Takes knight } 17... Qd7 { Queen } 18. Ne5 { Knight back } 18... Qd8 { Queen back } 19. Bb5+ { All minorpieces out } 19... Ke7 { King } 20. Nxg6+ { Check } 20... Kf7 { King } 21. Nxh8+ { Takes rook } 21... Kg8 { King } 22. c6 { Pawn } 22... Kxh8 { King } 23. f4 { Pawn } 23... Kg8 { King } 24. O-O { Castle } 24... Kh8 { King } 25. e4 { Pawn } 25... Bd6 { Bishop } 26. e5 { Pawn } 26... Bf8 { Bishop } 27. exf6 { Pawn } 27... Qxf6 { Queen } 28. Qxh5+ { Queen } 28... Bh6 { Bishop } 29. Na4 { Knight } 29... Ra7 { Rook } 30. Qe8+ { Queen } 30... Bf8 { Bishop } 31. Qxc8 { Queen } 31... Qf7 { Queen } 32. c7 { Pawn } 32... Rxc7 { Rook } 33. Qe8 { Queen } 33... Re7 { Rook } 34. Qxf7 { Takes queen } 34... Rxf7 { Same } 35. Nc5 { Knight } 35... Kh7 { King } 36. Nxe6 { Knight } 36... Bh6 { Bishop } 37. Ng5+ { Check } 37... Bxg5 { Bishop } 38. fxg5 { Takes bishop } 38... Kg6 { King } 39. Be8 { Bishop } 39... Kg7 { King } 40. Bxf7 { Bischop } 40... Kxf7 { King } 41. Rxf5+ { Check } 41... Ke6 { King } 42. Rf6+ { Check } 42... Kd7 { King } 43. Rf7+ { Check } 43... Kc6 { King } 44. Rxa5 { Check } 44... Kd6 { King } 45. Ra6# { I won } 1-0

[Event "porcho's mini-tournament X"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2013.10.06"] [Round "-"] [White "porcho"] [Black "glenatovic"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1276"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1187"] { This game I won by sacrificing my queen! I don't get to do that oftenso this was a fun game. } 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Bc4 cxb2 5. Bxb2 { Themed mini tournament's start. } 5... Nh6 { !? This is very strange. Morecommon, and my favorite is d5 giving back a pawn but helping to diffusethe attack. } 6. Nf3 f6 { ? And this is baaaaad, weakening the light squaresfor no reason. } 7. O-O c6 8. e5 Be7 9. exf6 gxf6 10. Re1 { In my opinionwhite has an advantage here despite the pawn deficit. } 10... Qc7 { ?? This allowsme to take his pawn, and fork his rook and pinned bishop. } 11. Bxf6 { Blackis in trouble now.... } 11... Rf8 { Not what I would have chosen, } 12. Qd4 { Betterwould have been Rxe7+ or Qe2. } 12... Nf5 13. Qg4 { Threatens something sneaky... } 13... Rxf6 { ?? And he fails to see it. } 14. Qg8+ { WHAM! Forced mate now. } 14... Rf8 { His only move. } 15. Bf7+ { Follow up. } 15... Kd8 { Again, his only move. I hadto think for a while to find the sacrifice, but in the end I did. } 16. Qxf8+ { And the queen sacrifice finishes him off. } 16... Bxf8 { Only move } 17. Re8# { Checkmate! Please drop a comment and rate. } 1-0

[Event "Berkshire V Hampshire "] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Daniel Sparkes"] [Black "James Chilton"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1893"] [TimeControl "2 hrs each for the whole game"] [WhiteElo "1915"] { This was my first over the board match since covid Began. Whilst i wasaway the English chess Federation had changed the grading system to bemore in line with FIDE. So have played very little my rating is currently1915 for this season. } 1. e4 c5 { Sicillian defense } 2. Nc3 { Grand prixbut can use to transpose } 2... e6 3. f4 d5 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Bb5 { The bishop ifallowed will hack off this knight and makes space for white to castle quickly } 5... d4 { Very aggressive from Black but white happy to oblige } 6. Bxc6+ bxc6 7. Ne2 { Now it is a fight. As i have crippled blacks pawns but he has controlover a number of squares in the centre, but i believe that allowing theBishop takes Knight doubling pawns is a positional mistake. Rather thand4 i was expecting Knight e7. } 7... Nf6 { Attacking the pawn on e4 } 8. d3 { soi defend it } 8... Ba6 { This is a somewhat sneaky move introducing Knight x e4ideas and also the threat on c4 as a possibility to remove his doubledpawn. } 9. b3 { I invest yet another move preventing c4 } 9... Qb6 { this move makescastling difficult as whilst it appears that castling is fine, c4 and Bishoptakes followed by d3 check could undermine my position } 10. Ne5 { This hada duel purpose, First i wanted to discourage him from castling queensideand secondly prevent any c4 move } 10... Rd8 { I think this was an error but ithink he had ideas of push that d pawn following a sac } 11. O-O { now icastle } 11... Be7 12. Kh1 { Getting out of the way of any tricks. } 12... O-O 13. Rf3 { this rook lift starts to bring to the kingside and makes way for the otherto potentially double on the f file. Additionally it removes the Knightxe4 ideas from being effective, If instead i played for instance Knightg1 and he took on e4 he would then be able to take the rook on f1 } 13... h5 { Blackis worried about my rook swinging over and the control my knight has } 14. Qe1 { Preparing to bring my queen to the party } 14... Ng4 { Black wants that knightgone but taking it would be good for him as after Knight takes pawn takesmy rook would have to retreat and my attack is over } 15. Bd2 { this is aimportant move. I am threatening Bishop a5 but that is not the real idea.The Queen and the Bishop without the Knight takes e4 idea are now completelymisplaced and have nothing to do. I have full control over the queen andi am now ready with control of the centre and queenside to prepare theattack } 15... Nxe5 { I think this was an error at least with it on g4 he heldhis kingside together } 16. fxe5 { natural and instating the threat of Bishopa5 } 16... Rd7 17. Qg3 { This signals that black is now in trouble. With no activecounterplay it is all about the kingside and i can flood pieces in whilstblack is unable to do so. } 17... Kh7 { He was concerned about Bishop h6 but thisgives me a chance to bring more firepower with tempo } 18. Raf1 { Now thethreats keep coming Rook takes f7 is coming } 18... Bd8 { he stops the threat butopens the opportunity to bring another piece to the front with tempo withdouble threat } 19. Nf4 { threatening the h5 and e6 pawns giving him no timeto reroute the queen and bishop from their exile } 19... h4 { hitting my queen } 20. Qg4 { Nudging menacingly forwards } 20... Re8 { now this indeed stops both Knightpawn threats but allows a more decisive threat to appear } 21. Nh5 { thisis ackward to meet. My opponent thought for nearly 30 minutes and played..... } 21... g6 { this is a blunder but the alternatives dont save black either } 22. Rxf7+ { all my pieces are involved in the attack and this check breaks blacksposition as he has no defense against this } 22... Rxf7 23. Rxf7+ { King can onlygo to g8 or h8 } 23... Kh8 24. Qxg6 { mate next move is forced } 24... Rg8 { he even allowedit rather resigning } 25. Qh7# { Hope you enjoyed the game } 1-0

[Event "Challenge from porcho"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2013.05.03"] [Round "-"] [White "calvinballrules"] [Black "porcho"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1045"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1268"] { Just thought I'd annotate this because this is my first win against thisopponent after several losses. } 1. Nf3 { The Reti... don't really know it,I guess I'll just wing it. } 1... Nf6 { Was this a good move? } 2. Nc3 Nc6 { Okaythis is a little weird } 3. d4 d5 4. Bg5 Bf5 5. e3 e6 6. Bd3 Bxd3 7. Qxd3 Bb4 8. a3 Bxc3+ 9. Qxc3 O-O 10. O-O { At this point I don't think eitherside has made any mistakes. I could be wrong however and if you noticesomething please tell me. } 10... h6 11. Bf4 Ne4 { Attacks the enemy queen andlets my queen go to f6 } 12. Qe1 { Probably not the best square. } 12... g5 { Itattacks the bishop but removes the kingside cover, so I don't think it'sgreat. } 13. Be5 g4 { Might as well } 14. Nd2 Qh4 { I've got some pieces lookingat the WK } 15. Nxe4 dxe4 { Now I have doubled pawns, but I don't think they'remuch of a liability. } 16. b4 f5 17. Bxc7 Rf6 18. f3 Qxe1 { I don't reallylike this trade now. I lose my active queen for my opponents inactive one. } 19. Raxe1 Rc8 20. Bg3 b6 21. f4 a5 22. b5 Na7 23. Rc1 Nxb5 { We're equalagain. } 24. a4 { Poking the knight. } 24... Nc3 25. Rfe1 Nxa4 { Now I'm up a pawn,and have a passed a pawn. } 26. c4 Nb2 27. Bh4 Rg6 28. Rb1 { Attacks me,but I can escape and take a pawn at the same time. } 28... Nxc4 29. Kf2 h5 30. Rec1 Nd6 31. Rxc8+ Nxc8 32. Rc1 Na7 33. Rc7 Nb5 34. Rb7 Rg7 35. Rxb6 { Rightnow I offered a draw. Now I don't think I should have. I expected whiteto soon take my a pawn, after which I would have had an advantage withmy knight over the bishop in the closed kingside. on the other hand myrook was blocked by pawns, while my opponent's rook was active. So, overallwas my draw offer justified? } 35... Na3 { It was declined. } 36. Rxe6 { materialequality } 36... Rb7 { Grabbing the open file. } 37. Ra6 { going for the a pawn } 37... Rb5 38. Kg3 Kg7 39. Bd8 Nc4 40. h3 Nxe3 { pawn trade. } 41. Bxa5 Rb2 42. Bc3 Rxg2+ { Ahead by a pawn again. } 43. Kh4 Nd5 44. Bb2 { Oops. } 44... Rxb2 45. Kxh5 gxh3 { Here my opponent will have to exchange the rook for the pawnafter it promotes. } 46. Kg5 h2 47. Rh6 { Trying to stop it. } 47... Ne3 { preparingto go to f1. Here my opponent resigned. Until the bishop blunder I thoughtit was a close game. As always, comments are appreciated. } 0-1

[Event "Landslide in Scandanavia"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.03.13"] [Round "-"] [White "dmaestro"] [Black "jstevens1"] [Result "1-0"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] 1. e4 { Here White uses unusual move orders to beat the Scandanavian Defense. } 1... d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. a3 { This begins a strategy of slowly constrictingBlack and limiting options with flexible moves that offer transpositionalpossibilities to favorable positions, according to the DB. } 4... c6 5. h3 { HereWhite prevents Bg4 but also lays the groundwork for an attack on the kingside. } 5... Nf6 6. b4 { Drives away the queen and prepares for an attack on the otherwing as well as possibly fianchettoing the bishop. } 6... Qc7 7. d4 { Conteststhe center. Note that although Black appears to be ahead in development,White is better prepared to use the open lines. } 7... Bf5 8. g4 { Drives thebishop away with tempo, and prepares a wing attack if Black castles kingside. } 8... Bg6 9. Bg2 h6 10. Nf3 Be4 { Be4?! loses a tempo and the bishop pair. } 11. Nxe4 Nxe4 12. Ne5 Nf6 13. c4 e6 { At this point White is in good shape.Wherever Black puts the king, White is prepared to attack with powerfulbishops. } 14. O-O Be7 15. f4 Nbd7 16. Nd3 { White decides to retreat theKnight. He wants to save it for the attack once Black decides which sideto castle on. } 16... O-O-O { ...0-0-0?! While 0-0 is risky and this is commonin the Scandanavian Defense main line, here White can rapidly bring everypiece and a pawn storm to bear on the Black king. } 17. Be3 Rdg8 18. Qa4 Qb8 19. b5 cxb5 20. Qxb5 Bd6 21. c5 Bc7 22. c6 bxc6 23. Qxc6 { White hasopened up the King. } 23... Nb6 24. a4 { To weaken the Knight. } 24... a5 25. Ne5 Rf8 26. Rab1 Qa7 27. d5 { Black resigns, the attack is too strong to defendagainst and a piece is lost. } 1-0

[Event "My First Gold- This is my best plan"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White ""] [Black ""] [Result "*"] { I hope you like this game.. this is the game where I became champion inthe school... I am just a grade school in this game... I play white here.. } 1. e4 { King Pawn Opening } 1... e5 { Black answer symetrically in the center } 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 { Three Knights Opening.... } 3... f5 { Black is playing theKing's gambit.. If I trade pawn, black next move maybe Nf6 or d6 to openthe bishop and preparing to take the f5 pawn } 4. Bc4 Nd4 { During the game,I got confuse in his move.. I dont know which I will take... but i thinkthe e5 pawn bcoz no one guarded it.. } 5. Nxe5 { I realize now that is amistake } 5... Qg5 { I found out this is a trap.. The blackburn gambit... A verydangerous move... I can be mate.. queen take g2 then my rook and checkmatebut during that time } 6. Nf7 { double fork } 6... Qxg2 7. Rf1 { I realize thatblackburn gambit is not effective bcoz of Nc3.. if there is no Nc3, themove will be Qg2xe4 then white bishop in e2 then move the horse in f3 andcheckmate } 7... fxe4 8. d3 { Youy're getting curious why I didn't yet take therook... Usually this is the final game in our competition and even I loseI am no 1 in the rank with 10 wins and no lose.. this is a round robin..taking the rook will broke my plan... } 8... exd3 { I think my plan almost 10minutes.. } 9. Bd5 Qh3 10. Bg5 { I am starting to develop my piece } 10... c6 { Blackwanted my bishop to move } 11. Bc4 b5 12. Qd2 { I will sacrifice my queen } 12... Nf3+ 13. Kd1 { Double Fork } 13... Nxd2 14. Nxb5 { My opponent can't believe inthis move } 14... Qxf1+ { He think that I already lost hope bcoz of my crazy move } 15. Kxd2 Qxa1 { I can't believe he don't know my plan } 16. Nc7# { Checkmate.. After the game, I won the competition.. } *

[Event "49th GK tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "19-Sep-08"] [Round "-"] [White "gazdvez"] [Black "jouons"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [BlackElo "1666"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1588"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 Bf5 4. Bd3 Bg6 5. Nbd2 e6 6. O-O Nc6 7. Re1 Bd6 8. Bxg6 { maybe a simple e4 would be better, but those bishop made me angry. } 8... hxg6 9. e4 dxe4 10. Nxe4 Nxe4 11. Rxe4 { white seems to be better, becausehe has the pieces in the center, but the bishop on d6 and the rook on h8targets the h2 pawn. So white fought for the center, while made some attackon his own king with the open of the h-file. } 11... Ne7 12. Bg5 Qd7 13. Ne5 Qb5 { I had a 'loosing-pawn' feeling. } 14. Bxe7 Bxe7 15. Rb1 Qd5 16. Qf3 Bf6 17. c4 { white seems to be better again, but black has no weak points. Iget tempos, but have no pieces to push into the fight. } 17... Qd6 18. Rd1 Rd8 19. g3 { i felt the h2-pawn weak still. } 19... Bxe5 20. Rxe5 c6 21. Qe4 Kf8 22. Qf3 Rd7 23. Re2 Rh5 24. Red2 Rf5 25. Qe3 Qe7 26. a3 { try to defend theterritory... I found no plan. So I try to prevent any attack from blackand get a draw. } 26... Qf6 27. Qb3 Rf3 28. Qb4+ Kg8 29. Qc5 a6 30. Qe5 Rxf2 31. Qb8+ Rd8 32. Qxb7 Rxd2 33. Rxd2 Rxd4 34. Rf2 Rd1+ 35. Kg2 Qd4 36. Qxc6 Rb1 37. Qf3 f6 38. Qe2 e5 39. Qc2 Re1 40. Qxg6 Qd8 41. Qg4 Qb6 42. Qc8+ { maybe I can push in the c-pawn, but I scared a little, so I made a perpetualcheck. } 1/2-1/2

[Event "Black ops"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2011.01.02"] [Round "-"] [White "graf76"] [Black "noorani_786"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1540"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1563"] { This game has served as a inspiration for me to never give up. I lostmy bishop early in the game against a player whose rating was ~100+ abovemine at the time. By trying to make the best moves I could come up with,I was able to trap the queen that took my bishop. Hope this game servesa reminder for you as well to: Never give up! The winning move may bejust around the corner! } 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. e3 Nc6 4. d4 Bb4 5. d5 Nb8 6. Bd2 d6 { A blunder! I am not too familiar with Queen-side openingsand didn't take the effort to carefully analyze the position before makingwhat seemed to me like a plausible move. } 7. Qa4+ c6 8. Qxb4 { Resigningat this point was very tempting. After all, I was down a bishop afteronly 7 moves, had nothing to compensate for it and that too against a playerwhose rating was around 100 points higher than mine. } 8... Qc7 { I hung on though. Simply because I figured it'd be interesting to put up a tough fight. } 9. Bd3 Na6 10. Qa3 Nc5 { Moving the knight to a strong square. } 11. Bc2 a5 { I knew his next move would be b4 to push my knight away. Hence I playeda5. } 12. b4 Na6 13. bxa5 Nc5 { And that was the idea. } 14. Nce2 cxd5 15. cxd5 Nxd5 16. Rc1 Bd7 17. Bd3 Bc6 18. e4 Nf6 { At this point, I was justtrying my best to hold on. } 19. f3 O-O 20. Bc4 b6 21. a6 b5 22. Bb3 { HereI saw that suddenly I had the game! Not because I won the pawn on a6 butbecause my opponent's Queen was in a tight spot. } 22... Rxa6 { The queen has onlytwo spots available - b2 and b4. Either one leads to Nd3+ and the queenis gone. My opponent decided to resign at this point rather than playwithout his Queen. } 0-1

[Event "mikeneal's mini-tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "28-Jun-06"] [Round "-"] [White "ccmcacollister"] [Black "sjakkmester"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1631"] [TimeControl "5d+2d, 7d max"] [WhiteElo "1740"] 1. e4 { This game begins with WT attaining the larger center and a spaceadvantage from the opening, plus an open e-file. Although BL does not neglectdevelopment nor lag significantly in it, Kingside attack with be initiatedafter he permits some weakening in that sector. From that point WT willstrive to open lines there and to bring all his pieces into the hunt aswell. Then despite good resistance presented, comes to use the weakenedwhite squares there; to occupy a hole upon g6; and finally bring home apoint by sacrificing upon h6. * * * * * I've always felt 1.e4 thehardest move to meet as Black, as do many, including GM RJ Fischer. } 1... d6 2. d4 e6 3. Bd3 Be7 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. O-O O-O { Assessing the position, it issomewhat deceptive in nature. It is easy to see WT enjoys a space advantage,with his 'ideal center' of e4 and d4 ... compared to the so-called 'small'or 'minor' center of BL on d6 & e6. But what is especially deceptive hereis WT's lead in development. (What?! Why both sides have o-o & developed2 minor pieces, yes?) WT's pieces could conceivably come to use where theystand, whereas blacks will be somewhat self-blocking. But this is a partof the natural WT advantage in many postions. The benefits of the firstmove. They dont come to natural use in this game and must be repositionedto increase scope later. } 6. c4 { Having the 'ideal' or 'Big' Center, WTwill not jeopardize it by pressing ahead foolishly, without a clear gainand goal from it. Nor by Locking the center so early and minimizing hiscentral advantage almost upon conception. Instead, WT adds to the breadth,security & influence of his center. Perhaps later it will become some formof wedge into BL's space further, but BL will have to Earn any concessionshe gets there, and such wedges have some advantages of their own, attendant. } 6... h6 { When I see such a pawn move in front of a King, my first thoughtis Always 'TARGET'. } 7. Qe2 { A useful waiting move that prepares d1 fora Rook and supports a potential e5 push. Based upon his next move or two,I'll decide whether I wish to play Nc3 & keep my B aimed at h6, or insteadplay Nbd2 and b3 with the Bb2. In the former setup there would still bean option of striking at h6/g6/h7 ... or playing on the Q-side with b4and the Be3 or Bf4. I felt a wait appropriate here since I do not havea enough development, nor lead in it, to initiate a successful attack now;but do have a significant space advantage that will not go away. Oftensuch factors favor taking time to buildup, with emphasis upon proper pieceplacement rather than rapidity. That is what I plan to do, unless he 'givesme something'. } 7... Nbd7 { Remember what was said about Development? If ...Nc6it would have blocked in his c-pawn which he will need free if he is toplay upon the Q-side. And the N might be subject to harrassment there. Now Nbd7 is nice, in that it will support a c5 push. There upon he wouldfinally get some center only to realize BL is on the hard side of a MaroczyBind. It also blocks in the Bc8. He might have considered Na6 instead,which also supports ...c5, and could then move to Nc7 and there supporta ...b5 push if WT were to answer ...c5 with d5. Ending up in a very Modern-Benoni-likeformation for BL. I'm just not sure if he would have time to preceedhis Na6 by ....a5 tho, as in the Petrosian KI system. } 8. Rd1 { I tooka Long-Hard Look at 8.e5 followed by Qe4, but felt it a bit premature.He can meet it by Ne8 followed by ...f5. With or without exchanging pawnson e5, at this time. Thus 8.Rd1 to prepare the e5 push. But he removesthe Nf6 as an object of attack first. } 8... Ne8 9. e5 c6 10. Nc3 d5 11. b3 a6 12. c5 { Before he played ...a6?! my c5 move could be met by ...b6 (thenif b4 ...a5!) and after cxb6 ...axb6 he has fluid Q-side pawns lustingto expand, and obviously WT's attempt to bind comes to worse than nothingsince it actually encourages BL's play there. But now after ...a6 it isa different matter. } 12... f6 13. exf6 Ndxf6 { If he tried 13...Nexf6 14.Qxe6 Kh8 then 15.Nh4 is too powerful. But allowing my Ne5 as in the game isalso very dangerous. BL might try to gambit off the e6 pawn with Bxf6 ordefending it by Rxf6. But in either case WT could still get to play Ne5if he leaves the e6 pawn alone, tho vs Bxf6 that does yield BL counterplay.So there I would have probably gone ahead and played Qxe6 ...Kh8, Qf5forcing ...g6, Qxg6 ...Qe7, intending Bxh6 & Re1. If 13...Bxf6 14Qe6 Rf7? 15.Bg6 and then something like 15...Nde5 attempting a Q-trap failsto 16.Bxf7 Kh8 17.Qxe8 } 14. Ne5 Nc7 15. Bc2 Bd7 16. Rd3 Be8 17. Rg3 Kh8 { Besides Qd3, I also looked at immediatly plugging the g6 hole with a minorpiece, ala Nimzovich, or Rg6. And looked at lines recapturing a minorthere with the Rook as well. To then gang-up on the Nf6. The ideas presentinclude Bxh6 then, and/or Bg5, all of which are discussed more in my noteto BL's move 19...Kg8 } 18. Qd3 Bf7 { 18...Bf7 is a good try since it freese8 for his N to go there and help support the Nf6. In that regard, Bh5also deserved a look. But note that the Bf7 can never safely retreat Bg8due to the terrible 'windmill' Ng6 would produce. Additionally, it preventsthe lift of ...Rf5 later to block WT's Bishop from the h7 square, whichwas a saving resource vs an 18.Bxh6 sac. Now 19.Bxh6 would work insofaras being an untakable Bishop. Still that is not WT's best here. } 19. Ng6+ { If 19...Bxg6 then Qxg6 wins most quickly. So he correctly tries to distractWT from the attack, offering to give up the Exchange. The trouble with19.Bxh6 was only that BL might have replied with ...g6 to try hinderingthe attack. So Ng6 is the more accurate. (If WT HAD played 19Bxh6 thenBL could not take it as 20.Qe3 mates shortly.) } 19... Kg8 { Although 20.Qxg6wins quickly vs 19...Bxg6, I also thought 20.Rxg6 quite strong. [a goodanalytical exercise here ... ] If the Q recapture were not available,it would pay to look at the Rook alternative and review the attacking ideastherein, which focus most importantly upon the idea of eliminating theNf6 , removing defense of the h7 mating square. In such lines, WT shouldrealize that important concepts to analyze involve seeing the move Bg5,both with or without Bxh6 preceding it, as well as just Bxh6. By Bg5WT could eliminate the Nf6 defender, even if backed-up by Nce8. And oncethe B is moved from c1 it would allow the final WT attacker, the Ra1, toenter the fray if needed. Thus in such position the attacker might evenconsider moves such as Bg5/Bh6 simply as a clearance sac, even if it hadno other purpose, so as to involve that Rook in the matter. To studentsof tactics, 'Take three points', as they say :) if you looked at the 2B moves and saw all three reasons for considering them. 1)Clearance (2)re-attackof Nf6 by Bg5, & (3)line opening by Bh6 ... important general conceptsof attack. ]8-) } 20. Bxh6 { The following is more explanation of a generalconcept, than being particularly applicable to this game. But somethingthat I feel worth knowing ... Last move I mentioned part of the reasonto look at a move like Bxh6 being line opening. This may cause one to ask'What? I thought that refers to opening My Own lines to attack upon.' Answer:Yes,it usually does. However, consider it a more advanced concept then, thatit can also include opening Opponent's Lines! ... in the field of attack.Why might you Want to do that>? Well, largely because in such positionas it is advantageous, you Gain scope upon the opponents line opened, ifyou can take control of it. For instance here, (disregard any other tacticsor consequences, this is just to make a case in point example, not explainthis position, especially) if gxh6 were played, note how that if WT couldcapture that pawn, or if the B is not taken, and if in either case WT couldgain control of that H-File ... he is no longer striking there at onlyh6 where the pawn was. With a R or Q there now, he would also be strikingclear thru the File to h7 and h8 as well.! In fact if that Ng6 were thento stay there, a Q could mate by Qh8, or if the Nf6 were to move, thena Q on the h-file could mate by Qh7. Thus by opening an Opponents Line,WT would have made the BL position possess greater exposure and more linesof entry into it as well. Do you see my point then? [One opening wherethis is more commonly illustrated would be in the h-file attack of theYugoslav, Dragon Sicilian. There are situations where BL will avoid respondingto h5xg6 there by h7xg6 for just the reason I've illustrated above, andinstead go f7xg6. Especially if he has played his B back to Bh8, sincethen it might be subject to capture or sac capture there, rather than helpingguard h8 as if it were still a Bg7 there. ] } 20... Bxg6 { And he resigns, as 21.Qxg6is quickly fatal, since 22. Xxg7 will follow. } 1-0

[Event "Scott Silverman Memorial, Skokie"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.04.15"] [Round "-"] [White "Ryan Murphy"] [Black "Slawomir Borkowski"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1495"] [WhiteElo "1379"] { Another look at a slump in my progress as a chess player. } 1. e4 c5 { Ihate the sicilian and have an aweful track record against it. } 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6 { A strange move order by my opponent. This is the Scheveningen Sicilian which is rarely seen nowadays becauseof the Keres attack with 6. g4!? and its popularity in accelerating theKS attack with g4-g5 push coming. This is certainly a way to play. Iwas not too good on the theory of the keres at this time and so opted fora more positional set up } 6. Be2 Qc7 7. O-O Nc6 8. f4 { The thematic structureagainst the small center set up of black. } 8... Nxd4 { ? Releasing the tensionin the center is almost always bad for the side doing so. It is clea thatmy opponent hopes for some blunder after Qxd4 d5 Bd2?? Bc5 winning, butI am no tactical fool. } 9. Qxd4 d5 10. Be3 { Defending against the skewer,and developing actively } 10... dxe4 { Another release of tension in the centerby black. White must certainly hold an edge here due to a lead in developmentand greater harmony and centralization afforded by black's antics. } 11. Nxe4 Be7 12. Nc3 { ?! I don't really care for this move in retrospect, butwas worried after say Rad1 some Nxe4 Qxe4 Bf6 garbage by black althoughconcretely c3 should be fine } 12... Bd7 13. Nb5 Bxb5 14. Bxb5+ { Gaining the bishoppair in an open center game. } 14... Kf8 { Disrupting the harmony of the blackrooks. White holds a solid positional lead now. } 15. Qc4 { When I see thatI have a better endgame, I simplify for it to try to grind out my edge. } 15... Qxc4 16. Bxc4 Ng4 17. Bd4 b6 { This is a weak move by black. } 18. h3 Nh6 19. g4 { gaining space on the ks and restricting the black knight. Blackis in disarray. I am disgusted looking at this position that I was unableto convert this to a win, moreso that I went on to lose... } 19... Rc8 20. Bd3 f6 21. a4 { I have been taught that the principle of second weakness iskey to winning endings where one player has an edge in some way. I havethe bishop pair, but they need targets so I look to go a5 and weaken theblack QS structure. Furthermore, my 3 on 2 on the qs suggests I shouldaim for a passed pawn there } 21... Bc5 { I saw this and allowed it because of... } 22. Bxc5+ Rxc5 23. b4 { This line allows me to speed up my pressure againstthe QS. The BR has little room on the 5th and so should retreat } 23... Rc7 24. a5 Ke7 25. axb6 axb6 26. Ra6 Rb8 27. b5 { Hammering the weak pawn in place. However, a winning plan was Bxh7!! which is hard to justify after ...f5seemingly trapping the bishop but it appears white gets out in time. Ithought for a good 15-20 minutes here and could not find a winning plan. Such a shame when my opponent's position looks passive and dreadful. No activity for any of his pieces! } 27... g6 28. Kg2 Nf7 29. h4 { Keeping the4-3 at bay on the KS. } 29... Nd6 { Centralizing the bad piece, which is now justas good as my bishop. A better plan for me was to double on the a fileperhaps at an earlier stage. I instead went for king centralization andsimplification which is the wrong plan because black can untie himselfand quickly strike back } 30. Ra4 Nb7 31. Ra7 { I miscalculated this lineas will be seen... } 31... Rd7 32. Be4 Nc5 33. Rxd7+ Nxd7 34. Kf3 { And I thoughtI was still a bit better. My edge has dropped substantially, if whiteis not careful he could quickly be lost. } 34... Nc5 35. Rd1 { ? } 35... Nxe4 36. Kxe4 f5+ { !And black is better. } 37. Kf3 fxg4+ 38. Kxg4 Rc8 39. Ra1 { I panickedhere and went for active looking counterplay against the black king } 39... Kf6 40. Ra6 Rc3 { Threatening h5# } 41. h5 gxh5+ 42. Kxh5 Rc5+ 43. Kh6 Rxb5 44. Kxh7 Kf5 45. Ra4 Rc5 { And it is all over. My king is boxed out and oneof the black pawns will promote. } 46. Rb4 Rxc2 47. Rxb6 Rc4 48. Rb1 Rxf4 49. Kg7 e5 50. Kf7 e4 51. Rb5+ { Simply desperation. At this point it isa matter of technique } 51... Kg4+ 52. Ke6 e3 53. Rb1 Kg3 54. Ke5 Ra4 55. Rh1 Kg2 56. Rb1 e2 57. Rb2 Kf1 { 0-1. An aweful game where I let slip a solidadvantage. } 0-1

[Event "darren6464's mini-tournament VIII"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014.12.11"] [Round "-"] [White "madscan"] [Black "evilgm"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1724"] [TimeControl "3d+2d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1331"] 1. e4 { I am annotating this game for the benefit of my teammates in theKingslayers. Welcome all comments so we can improve together. } 1... c5 { Siciliandefense, standard stuff. } 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 { Goodto stop any knight or bishop excursions on the b5 square. } 6. Bg5 e6 { Allpretty standard/book play thus far. } 7. f4 { White is getting a little aggressivehere, threatening to do some action on the center. } 7... Qb6 { Good responsefrom Black, threatening b2 and getting some good counterplay on the center. } 8. e5 { Threatening his knight, forcing the next play. Qd2 is a more bookplay. The other downside of this play is that it leaves a lone centerpawn with no other pawns to lend support. Lone center pawns can provetroublesome to protect, and can sometimes cost the game down the line. } 8... dxe5 9. fxe5 { Now comes a moment of decision for Black. There are a fewoptions worth considering, getting the knight to safety, but the Queenhas the best play. White will also now have some burden in attemptingto protect the e pawn. } 9... Qxb2 { Notice that the rook is not really threatened,but the even if exf6, Black can do some unpleasant things with some checkcombos. Black also gains a 1 pawn advantage. } 10. Bd2 { I think that Na4is a better response, forcing the Queen to the a3 square, but this moveprotects the knight and prepares for White to shoo away the Black queen. } 10... Nd5 { Moving the knight to safety and threatening a piece capture. Whitehas a few interesting options in response. } 11. Rb1 { This move will forceaction on Black's queen. A more interesting play is 11. Nxd5. If Blackdoesn't retake with exd5, and does something like Qxd4, Nc7+ wins. } 11... Nxc3 { An interesting exchange play that, if seen through, will rob white ofcastling. However, a retake is pretty much forced by this play, sinceif 12. Bxc3, Qxc3+ wins a piece outright. } 12. Rxb2 Nxd1 13. Kxd1 { Whitehas a fractured queenside pawn structure and has lost castle, but is onlydown 1 pawn, so still a competitive game. } 13... Ba3 { An interesting move byBlack. The original goal was to get the bishop out to the c5 square, butWhite could simply move the knight to b4 and cause the bishop to have tomove again. The anticipated move by White of Rb3 would block that pathand allow the bishop to go to where it would do the most good, c5. } 14. Rb3 Bc5 { Plan achieved. } 15. Be3 { White either has to defend or move theknight. I actually anticipated Nf3. } 15... O-O 16. Bd3 { Good placement for bishop. When in doubt of where to place a bishop, centralize. Another possiblegood spot would be c4, as it would prevent Black from moving the f pawn. } 16... Nd7 { Continuing on with the development of Black's pieces. } 17. Be4 { Niceway to add some pressure on the b pawn. This move gave Black some positionalchoices to make. Also it centralizes the LSB on the main diagonal, soit can affect the maximum amount of squares. I actually anticipated Whitemoving a bishop to protect the e pawn. } 17... Nxe5 { Unprotected pawn becomesa snack. Down 2 center pawns, White needs a move to get equalization orhe will have to sacrifice a piece to prevent promotion later on. } 18. Ke2 { Moving to get the King into the game to offer some protection to the DSBon e3. It also prevents a back row rook check down the line, threateningto lose another rook. More importantly, it will allow White to marry uphis rooks on the b file. } 18... Bxd4 { Black's final development is seriouslyhampered by the LSB on e4, so in order to uncomplicate things, I decidedto trade pieces, allowing more flexibility in maneuvering. } 19. Bxd4 { Whitenow has a 2 bishop to 1 advantage in a fairly open board. If White cankeep both bishops it will make things more challenging for Black. } 19... Nc6 { Another option considered here was f5 to chase away the LSB on e4, butultimately decided to offer White a trade, and a split of my a/b pawns. } 20. Bb6 { And White denied Black. A good rule of thumb when you're downin points is to trade pawns and not pieces (unless you're trading up!). With this move White further complicates Black's position and Black hasno easy way to extract the bishop. Nice move. } 20... e5 { Recognizing I'm notgetting much action for the bishop otherwise, time to open a diagonal andput that piece to work. Also threatening f5 once the LSB is on e6. } 21. a4 { Looking to make a permanent post for the DSB, and if Black wants totrade for it, will reconnect White's pawns in the process. Nice. } 21... Be6 { Tempo move and completed development of Black's pieces (only 21 movesin!) } 22. Rb2 Rac8 { Preventing a piece exchange that would break up thea/b pawn chain. } 23. c3 { Uncertain of the utility of this move. I wouldconnect the rooks on the b file and then try to eat Black's b pawn. } 23... f5 { Now that the LSB is on e6, no check counterplay is offered to White. } 24. Bxc6 { I would have probably have looked at Bd3 or Bc2 to preserve the2 bishop advantage. } 24... Rxc6 { Now there is a different color bishop end game. Black will need a pair of pawns to promote. } 25. Ba5 { Better to connectthe rooks on the b file. The bishop on b6 did not need to be moved yet. } 25... Bc4+ { Looking for some room to start marching the pawns down. Also lookingto get the LSB into the game more forcefully. Also looking for a perchfor the bishop with some follow on pawn action. There can be no betterperch for a bishop than bearing down on the diagonal to protect a pawnfor promotion. } 26. Kf2 b5 { Removing the threat of a rook battery goingafter the b7 pawn. } 27. Bb4 { Equally good post for White's bishop, complicatingBlack's life a bit as well. } 27... Rd8 { Rooks love open files. } 28. axb5 { Therewere a few choices to be made for Black at this point. I could take withthe pawn and completely block the c pawn, or take with the bishop. Mydecision point was that if I took with the pawn, I now have another openfile into my backside. To limit White's options at counterplay, I optedto take with the bishop. Later on this could cause me problems if Whiteput a rook behind the c pawn to start pushing down the board. } 28... Bxb5 29. Re1 e4 { White will need to get his bishop into play to stop those pawns. A 4 on 2 advantage will require a piece sacrifice to prevent a promotion,with proper play from Black. } 30. g3 { Good instincts. Hoping to breakup the e/f pawn chain. } 30... Rd3 { Besides blocking off the file, it also allowsfor more support to push pawns. } 31. Rc2 { Uncertain what White is goingfor here. I would consider getting your rooks connected to forced awaythat Black rook on d3. } 31... Rf3+ { The hope here is to get the other rook upon d3, but the White bishop on b4 is making that a multi-move endeavor. } 32. Kg2 Kf7 33. Rd1 { Rooks do love open files, but a dangerous move asit puts both rooks on a diagonal of the LSB of Black. However, Black'srook is totally in the way. } 33... Rd3 { Another move I considered for black wasRc7, to protect against the d7 check. Ultimately I decided against itsince it was too easy for Black to move the bishop around. } 34. Rf1 { Somany tantalizing 'almost' options for Black. Alas there was no obviousway I could see to trade a bishop for a rook. Rg3+ could be captured witha pawn, which would make it a poor trade. } 34... g6 { Protecting the f pawn froma rook incursion. } 35. Rfc1 { Finally, White has doubled the rooks, lookingto start a pawn push on c. } 35... Ke6 { Looking to get the king into the gamefor offense/defense. } 36. c4 { The long awaited pawn push. I have onlyone place to go. } 36... Ba4 37. Rc3 { Sadly White couldn't bring a rook to thea file. } 37... Rxc3 { Forcing the trade. } 38. Rxc3 { Now White is still down 2pawns with diminishing piece options for counterplay. } 38... Rb6 { Hoping totrade rooks and go into a fairly decisive endgame. } 39. Ba3 { White obliges. A better option was Bc5 and escape. } 39... Rb3 { No choice for White now. } 40. Rxb3 Bxb3 41. c5 Kd5 { Now White is stuck on the c pawn and has to defendagainst 2 pawns down the center. White needs a blunder from Black to survivethis one. } 42. Kf2 Ba4 { To allow the king to get into the game and stillguard the c6 square... } 43. Ke3 { A decent move to get the king involved,but regardless, coming 2 against 4 pawns is tough. } 43... Bc6 { An important moveto block the c pawn from advancing as well as provide support to the f/epawn march. } 44. Kd2 { Allowing my king to advance and get the square. It might be best to give up the c-pawn and get the DSB involved. } 44... Kd4 45. h3 g5 { in preparation for f4. } 46. Ke2 f4 47. gxf4 gxf4 { Now White is inserious trouble. His remaining pawns are blocked and two connected passedpawns spells doom. } 48. Kf2 e3+ { Notice how the earlier bishop placementto c6 allows for a smoother advancement, seriously blocking White's potentialresponses. } 49. Ke2 f3+ 50. Ke1 f2+ 51. Kf1 Bb5+ { And that, as they say,is the ballgame. Interestingly enough if the pawns on f/e were not connected,it would be very very hard to win this game, as opposite color bishopscan block all sorts of promotions without the connected pawns to forcethe issue. White should have given up the c pawn and instead brought hisbishop into play. The end likely would not have changed, but everyonemakes mistakes. A lone king against two connected pawns, a king, and abishop is impossible to beat. } 52. Kg2 f1=Q+ 0-1

[Event "Europe Cup , Slough 1997"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Chernin"] [Black "Van der Wiele"] [Result "1-0"] { I made a comment of the game between Chernin and van der Wiele, held in1997. I find the game very interesting and teaches us how to bring thepieces in a dominant position on the chessboard. } 1. Nf3 d6 { The firstwhite’s move prevents to black e5. If black wants to occupy e5 must firstprepare the drive (it’s ok also d5 or c5 } 2. g3 e5 { Natural follow-up ofthe English game } 3. Bg2 { The bishop on g2 exerts pressure on the squarese4 and d5 } 3... f5 { This is the third consecutive move of the black pawn. It'a bit' risky and not advised to move a lot of pawns at the beginning,better is to try to develop the pieces. In this case it is not an error,in fact, the pawn f5 increases the weight at the center and attacks c4 } 4. c4 { white seeking control of the central squares d5 and in particulard5 } 4... Nf6 { a natural response to capture the white’s } 5. b4 { ambitious movethat seeks to put pressure on the side of the black queen } 5... e4 { Be7 wouldhave been better. Black has moved twice the same piece just to annoy thewhite Knight, freeing up the diagonal for the white Bishop } 6. Nd4 d5 { isthe fifth move of the black pawn. At this point he should have realizedthe risk and prefer to release the side of King } 7. cxd5 Nxd5 { with ... Qxd5black allows to white the best variations } 8. b5 { This advance makes difficultto move Kb8 } 8... Nf4 { Black tries to dub the white pawns } 9. gxf4 { forced } 9... Qxd4 10. Nc3 { white contrasts the move on the Rook with a useful developingmove } 10... Bc5 { Black threatens mate in one move, but white can avoid it withgain of time } 11. e3 { White realizes the black’s plans } 11... Qc4 { normally isnot wise to play aggressive moves with the Queen in the first stage ofthe game because, when she is opposed, is squeezed and causes loss of time } 12. Bb2 { The Bishop occupies the weakened diagonal } 12... O-O 13. Rg1 { the pressureon g7 becomes dangerous. The white, playing Bf1, he discovers the towerand wins time } 13... Rf7 { a weak defense of g7 } 14. Rc1 { White starts the attack } 14... Qb4 15. Qc2 { White defends the bishop } 15... Bd6 16. Nd5 { The final attack begins } 16... Qxb5 17. Nf6+ { was also excellent Bf1 } 17... Kh8 18. Bf1 { This attack, long awaited,is decisive. After Bc4, the two Bishops, are aimed at parallel diagonalsand send the defenses of the black in panic } 18... Qxb2 { a desperation’s move?) } 19. Qxb2 Rxf6 { in exchange for the queen, black has got two minor piecesand a pawn that could help him to keep playing. But you remember my noteabout the developmental delay of the pieces? } 20. Qxf6 { the white lookfor the simplest solution to make a final with higher pieces quality } 20... gxf6 21. Bc4 { now black has to give a piece } 21... Be6 { after 21.... H6 22. Rg8+ Kh723. Rxc8, black, as well losing in quality, is nailed on the last line } 22. Bxe6 Na6 { Black avoids the checkmate on g8, but his situation is hopeless } 23. Ke2 { black can’t save f5 } 23... Nc5 { black tries to save e4 } 24. Bxf5 Rd8 25. Rg4 { (the white menace 26.Rh3, after 25...Rg8 26.Rxg8+ Kxg8 27.Rg1+Kh8, the game is over) 1-0 } 1-0

[Event "cellius63's gambit albin acettato"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2013.08.14"] [Round "-"] [White "nikolausi"] [Black "porcho"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1344"] [TimeControl "3d+2d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1431"] { This was my revenge against him for my last game which I should have drawn. } 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. e3 Bb4+ 5. Bd2 dxe3 { Themed mini tournamentstarted here. } 6. fxe3 { Best. } 6... Bxd2+ 7. Nxd2 { And this position leavesblack down a pawn...But white's pawn structure busted. } 7... Nc6 8. Ngf3 Be6 9. b3 Nge7 { Looking to jump to f5. } 10. Bd3 { ?? I suppose his didn't noticeit was attacked. } 10... Qxd3 11. Kf2 { Hm... I think I would have ejected theblack queen and then castled instead of just moving the king. } 11... Rd8 { Extrapressure down the d file. } 12. Rc1 Bg4 { ! Pins the knight defending theother knight. } 13. Rc2 { Defense. } 13... Nb4 { ! } 14. Rb2 Bxf3 15. gxf3 Nf5 { Bringinganother knight into the attack. } 16. Qe1 { ?? } 16... Nc2 { !! Forces him to takethe knight with the rook or else the d knight falls. } 17. Rxc2 Qxc2 { Heresigns. I felt it was a strong attack and am a little disappointed thatthe game didn't continue as it would have been interesting, but still itwas a nice win. Please drop a comment or two and rate. } 0-1

[Event "Fierce Queen interrupted..."] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2017.01.19"] [Round "-"] [White "myeriberto"] [Black "fiercequeen"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1941"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1771"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 g6 3. d4 Bg7 4. c3 { always the deal breaker in this typeof Sicilian; after dxc5, there is no Qa5+... } 4... cxd4 5. cxd4 Nf6 6. Nc3 O-O 7. Bc4 { the Fischer move for white... sadly enough, white is confusingplaying systems against the Sicilian... probably best is Bd3/Qb3, d6... } 7... Nxe4 8. Bxf7+ { after Nxe4, of course d5 winning the piece back; but thisis worse... after first Ng5, Bxf7+ might turn the tables; but not here... } 8... Rxf7 9. Nxe4 d5 { as always, d5 is the crown on how the Sicilian is done...white is already in trouble... } 10. Ned2 { at this stage, the awkward lookingNeg5, Rf5, 0-0, h6, Nh3, might be the only option... again, this is makingmatters worse... } 10... Nc6 11. O-O Qd6 12. h3 Nxd4 13. Nxd4 Bxd4 14. Nf3 Bg7 15. Qb3 e5 16. Bd2 h6 17. Rad1 e4 18. Ne1 d4 { the smoke is clearing; inexchange for the c-and f-pawn, black has it all... } 19. Bb4 Qb6 20. Qa3 e3 21. fxe3 dxe3 22. Rxf7 e2+ { the culmination of blacks' play; of course,after Bc5 - breaking the hidden check - there is always exd1Q... then mightfollow Rxg7+, Kxg7, Bxb6, Qxe1+, Kh2, and white is a rook behind... butjustice is feeble... } 23. Rd4 { you have to see this, to truly believe it;not only manages white to totally ruin blacks' planned Queen sac, he alsomanages to find the next best move... but to no avail... } 23... Bxd4+ { nottoo soon to give up; after Kh1/h2, Kxf7, white has no play left... andresigns... } 0-1

[Event "Chronical Game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "11/10/2002"] [Round "-"] [White "Von Bahr"] [Black "Karl Johan"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2354"] [WhiteElo "2320"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O { White just did not careabout the pawn in e4. In that instance 5...Ne4 6.Re1 d5 7.d3 Nc5 whitehas to decide his bishop's place. 8.Bb3 d6 will make Black a pawn up. Otheroption, which is considerable, will lead 8.Bxc6 dxc6 9.Ne5 Be6 will bealso better for black. } 5... b5 6. Bb3 Bc5 7. a4 Bb7 8. d3 d6 9. Nc3 b4 10. Nd5 { As I think, 10.Ne2 would be much better. It could be followed by 11.Ng3which will create it more space and as a defense wall to the castled king. } 10... Na5 11. Nxf6+ { He had understood that 'something is better than nothing'.What else will it do while on d5? } 11... Qxf6 12. Ba2 Bc8 { Good idea to obtainthe bishop's work on the king side rather than creating pressure on a singlepawn. It is an obvious advantage when compared with the bishop on a2. } 13. Ng5 { His main intention must be to capture f7, or alternatively to14.Qf3, which seems no bad. } 13... O-O { King into safety as well as f7 pawn.13...Be6 also an aggressive response,'It moves for the very first time'. } 14. Qh5 { Attacks over attacks!!! This time for a mate! } 14... h6 15. Nf3 Be6 { Following with 16...b3 will make a lot of black pieces quite active. } 16. Bd5 { 16.b3 will create a locked bishop restricted to b2 and a1. 16.Bb1also creates almost the same result. } 16... Bxd5 17. exd5 c6 { Two good targetsin one move. He simply hopes to swap a white center pawn and to make theknight more active. } 18. Bd2 { Taking the pawn would be much better. Ifhe tried to defend the pawn, nothing happens with, 18.c4 bxc3 19. bxc3cxd4 which is brilliant to black. } 18... cxd5 19. d4 exd4 20. b3 { 20.Qxd5 wouldbe obviously good. First, it takes a pawn. Secondly, it makes the queen'sarea slightly wider. Thirdly, it'll block all the available places of Na5. } 20... d3 21. Qxd5 { Too late!!! The black d4 pawn is finishing his work! } 21... dxc2 22. Rae1 { How about 22.Ra2 which will make the game more neutral? } 22... Rae8 23. Qd3 Qb2 { Threatening 24...Nxb3 which cannot be avoided. } 24. Rxe8 Rxe8 25. Rc1 Nxb3 26. Rxc2 { According to my view, I prefer 26.Qxc2. } 26... Qb1+ 27. Bc1 { A desperate move. All other alternatives lose quickly, other than27.Qf8, but it still makes a piece down with 27...Nd2 28.Qxb1 Nxb1. Here,if 28.Nxd2 happens, black will easily put 28...Rc1 and grab the horse.27.Rc1 is no hope. 27.Be8 continues as 27...Na1 28.Nd4 Bxd4 which losesthe white rook. But see what happens...... } 27... Nxc1 28. Qd1 { To have a shelterfrom the discovered backrank check and to save the rook!! Awesome boardto see, isn't it? Can you recognize the next move? } 28... Ne2+ { Black will havethe queen absolutely for free!!! What else? White proceeded with his resignation. } 0-1

[Event "Slow return to chess with a quick game comments appreciates"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "trixsterMTL"] [Black "???"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1588"] [TimeControl "3 days"] [WhiteElo "1604"] { Hey hey all been a while since I posted one. Lost my laptop 4 months ago.It was over 12 years old the screen just gave up on me. Can't say it didn'tserve me well while it lasted. I got myself an android tablet recentlyand downloaded a chess app to get back In the spirit. I still love thiswebsite I've known it since the 90's. } 1. e4 { I love getting feedbackfrom the community here and so I thought I'd share this game because Iwon it and only 1 exchange of pawns happened in it. } 1... d5 { Rare I that Iface d5 when I play e4 } 2. e5 { So this affords to spare you guys anotherof my bishops opening games. I always like to reply with e5. As a nimsoplayer as black I really hate the discomfort of this pawn and so I don'thold back to use it when I can as white hehe. } 2... c5 { Opponent replies withc5. First time I face this. } 3. d4 { I still reply with d4. } 3... e6 { PersonallyI think I would've done cxd4 to gain some time on queen retake with 4.Qxd4Nc6. But he opted with e6. } 4. c3 { I always love c3 as white and this willkeep middle solid. } 4... cxd4 { Opts for the exchange now. } 5. cxd4 Ne7 { Hmmblocks in dsb looks like my opponent is either cramping himself or lookingfor a Qside battle } 6. Bd3 { I love this spot for lsb set to attack on hisking side castle. Don't need to help him develop with a Bb5+ } 6... Nec6 { Hmmmoves same knight again I guess my assumption of him wanting to fight qsidewas right. } 7. Be3 { Defend d pawn + development. } 7... Bb4+ { My opponent likesthe bishop check contrary to me. } 8. Nc3 { I often choose to block withknight in hopes of forcing a bishop for knight exchange in a near future } 8... a6 { Passive move since my lsb is already developed and I plan on not budgingmy knight. } 9. a3 { Sorta passive reply on my part but in the hopes of gettingthe wanted exchange. } 9... Ba5 { Does not bite. } 10. Ne2 { Further developmentheading to castle. Is nf3 a preference call? Or is ne2 preferable keepinga possibility on moving the f pawn if wanted in a near future? } 10... Nd7 { Developshis other knight looking at my opponents position I find him really crampedand I'm almost ready to strike } 11. O-O O-O { Mutual castlings. } 12. Nf4 { Took a while to analyse some Bishop dives as I love sacrifices lol butopted for a tad slower attack including my knight. } 12... Bb6 { Pressure on myd pawn. } 13. Bc2 { Felt this was the appropriate reply keeping lsb on thatdiagonal } 13... Na5 { Hmm curious reply? As my lsb covers b3 I guess he's headingto the c4 outpost with that knight } 14. Qg4 { Let's get this show on theroad! } 14... Nb8 { ??? I believe this is a blunder. I think he's trying to createsome sort of blind attack on my queen with his lsb in the hopes of movinghis f pawn to attack but its too late after this move I think it's forcedmate! } 15. Nh5 { Forward charge! } 15... g6 { Forced } 16. Nf6+ { The end is inevitablenow I believe. } 16... Kg7 { Did Kh8 offer a possibility of survival? } 17. Qg5 { Opponent resigns here nothing to stop me even if he gives up his queen.All comments appreciated as always. A quick feel good win within 20 moves.With only 1 exchange in the entire game! } 1-0

[Event "Slockster's 100th win"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.06.02"] [Round "-"] [White "slockster"] [Black "hotshowers"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1147"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1265"] 1. e4 { April this year must have been a sad day for all annotators, Slocksterstopped annotating games and gradually the world of annotating lost itslow form of humour, but now he's back and he's not alone, for this annotationSLockster has required the help of his dear friend King Leonidas for his100th win on gameknot, a great celebration } 1... e5 { standard reply at my levelof chess } 2. Nf3 Bc5 { ahah so my chess friend believes I will fool forthe lowest kind of mate, he believes that he may have an easy win againstme as if to say to me, 'There will be no glory in your chess game.I will erase even the memory of Slockster from the histories! Every pieceof G(r)eek parchment shall be burned. Every annotator, and every chesspuzzler shall have their eyes pulled out, and their tongues cut from theirmouths. Why, uttering the very name of Slockster, or Leonidas, will bepunishable by death! The world will never know you existed at all! to wichI replied 'The world will know that free pawns stood against a tyrant bishop,that small ratings stood against bigger ones, and before this game over,even a god-GM can bleed } 3. Nxe5 { I'll have that if you don't mind, } 3... Bxf2+ 4. Kxf2 { bit of a bold sacrifice if you ask me, quite a lot of effort toprevent me from castling, I suppose the exposure is dangerous.... } 4... Qf6+ { oh no, he'll have my knight, bet he didn't expect this.... } 5. Nf3 d6 { A thousand nations of Hotshower's empire descend upon you, there bishopswill blot out the sun } 6. h3 { then we shall fight in the shade,' I didthis to prevent Bg4, it was already getting crowded..hang on.I'm sure Iknow a metaphor about this Oh yeah,' Hotshowers dispatches his monstersfrom half the world away. They're clumsy beasts, and the piled Persiandead are slippery' its abot to get 'slipprier' ,no 'slippier', no 'moreslippy' Oh forget it } 6... Nc6 { Knight to c6 intends to threaten knight on d4,'Youhave many pawns Xerxes, but fewer hardened warriors. It won't be long beforethey fear my knights more than your whips.' } 7. d3 Nd4 8. Nd2 { once againthis situation is again safely returned to normal, However I was worriedabout Hotshower's cramp on my king side } 8... Be6 { allows for castling } 9. c3 { his knight looks thirsty, well lets give him something to drink, to thecliffes } 9... Nxf3 10. Nxf3 h6 11. g4 { We did what we were trained to do, whatwe were bred to do, what we were born to do! i.e ATTACK } 11... g5 { ahh ImmortalPawns... we put their name to the test. } 12. d4 Ne7 { no retreat, no surrender,that is Slockster's law, and by Slockster law we shall fight and tradethrough mysterious yet brilliant gambits, a new age had begun and all willknow that 32 pieces on an 8x8 checkered board gave their last breath todefend it, oh yeah the movement ummm Knight to e7 allows for castling onboth sides and better access for rook } 13. e5 { This is the part where Ispotted the open line, dxe5, dxe5 and an open d file } 13... dxe5 14. dxe5 Qg7 15. Qa4+ { Offering of a draw. 'You are generous as you are divine, O kingof retreat. Such an offer only a madman would refuse. But the, uh, theidea of kneeling, it's- You see, slaughtering all those men of yours has,uh, well it's left a nasty cramp in my leg, so kneeling will be hard forme'. } 15... Nc6 { now I have allined myself, the bishop has easy access, } 16. Bb5 Bd5 { I have athought (suprisingly) this Bishop is a messanger and Iplay Leonidas for a famous scene Messenger: Choose your next words carefully,Leonidas. They may be your last as king. King Leonidas: [to himself: thinking]'pawns and respect'? [Leonidas unsheathes and points his sword at the Messenger'sthroat] Messenger: Madman! You're a madman! King Leonidas:pawns and respect?You'll find plenty of both down there. Messenger: No man, annotator orGreek, no man threatens a bishop! King Leonidas: You bring the pawns androoks of conquered kings to my walls. You insult my queen. You threatenmy people with knights and queen! Oh, I've chosen my words carefully, Persian.Perhaps you should have done the same! Messenger: This is blasphemy! Thisis madness! King Leonidas: Madness...? [shouting] King Leonidas: This isSparta! [Kicks the messenger down the well] } 17. Nd4 { 0.5 of a blunderI move my knight, forgetting my rook, but this allows me to complete myattack on the black king } 17... Bxh1 18. Nxc6 { Those behind cry, 'FORWARD!' Thosein front cry, 'BACK!' no real value, thought I'd slip it in for old time'ssake, I'll regain that rook while I'm at it } 18... Bxc6 19. Bxc6+ Kd8 { clever,hadn't thought of that } 20. Bxb7 { still, onwardsa nd upwards as they say,not in 300 though sadly } 20... Rb8 { this is effectively the final part of thegame, from now on its checks to checkmate all the way } 21. Qxa7 { Our ancestorsbuilt this wall using ancient stones from the bosom of Greece herself.And with a little Spartan help, your Persian scouts supplied the mortar. } 21... Ke7 22. Qc5+ { don't think your getting away that easily, you might thinkI do not have enough pieces for a checkmate, to which I use a scene toreply Daxos: I see I was wrong to expect Sparta's commitment to at leastmatch our own. King Leonidas: Doesn't it? [points to Arcadian soldier behindDaxos] King Leonidas: You there, what is your proffesion Free Greek-Potter:I am a secretary for low self esteemed pawns King Leonidas: [points toanother soldier] And you, Arcadian, what is your profession? Free Greek-Sculptor:banker who ruined the economy (hint hint, get out G Brown) King Leonidas:Idiot. [turns to a third soldier] King Leonidas: You? Free Greek-Blacksmith:bishop for foreign affairs. King Leonidas: [turns back shouting] Spartans!What is your profession? Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH! King Leonidas:[turning to Daxos] You see, old friend? I brought more soldiers than youdid. } 22... Kd8 { Immortals... they fail our king's test. And a man who fancieshimself a god feels a very human chill crawl up his spine. the hotshowersis beaten further and furthr back } 23. Bc6 { moving in for the kill, suitablequote for this point, ahh yes,'The old ones say we Slocksters are descendedfrom Hercules himself. Bold Leonidas gives testament to our bloodline.His roar is long and loud } 23... Qf8 { no, Hotshowers I am not going to exchangequeens that would be thick, take that.... } 24. Qd5+ Kc8 { We are with you,sire! For Sparta, for freedom, to the death! In coming death imminant } 25. Qd7# { and so i a turn around for the bookies Slockster/Leonidas defeatedthe Persian Xerxes/Hotshowers to win his 100th victory, thanks for listening,now go back and comment } 1-0

[Event "cmberman's mini-tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "08-Nov-07"] [Round "-"] [White "terribyte1"] [Black "tag1153"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1445"] [TimeControl "3d+1d, 5d max"] [WhiteElo "1296"] 1. e4 e5 2. f4 { The initial set up of a themed mini tournament. White hadbetter know what he's doing, as the KG often leads to quick action, andhe has a potentially weak kingside. } 2... exf4 { I feel this is the most aggressiveway to deal with the KG. Let's see if white is on his toes...... } 3. d3 { ?! 3. Nf3 is probably the better route. By trying to regain the pawn immediately,white hinders his LSB while allowing the brutally strong........ } 3... Qh4+ { .....which gives black all kinds of attacking chances. } 4. Kd2 { 4. g3loses two pawns and decimates white's kingside. White chooses to startrunning. } 4... Bc5 { Claiming more dark squares around the enemy king. } 5. Qe1 { White desperately attempts to repel the invaders at a cost of a pawn.White is attempting to ease the pressure by exchanging queens, which mayjust be a good idea in theory in this particular situation, even thoughhe is temporarily down in material. Black's c pawn is not totally immunefrom danger yet. However, black is not obliged to accept this offer, andresponds....... } 5... Bf2 { .....deflecting the white queen back to the lightsquares, which is a nice tempo gain in furtherance of bringing anotherpiece in to the fray. } 6. Qe2 { ?! The white queen is about to be in a worldof hurt. 6. Qd1 was better, as 6...d6 7. Be2 starts to get white untangled.Now she is two moves away from being a target. } 6... d6 { Threatening Bg4 trappingthe white queen. } 7. Nh3 { !? Very creative. White sees 7...Bg4 8. QxB QxQ9. NxQ. } 7... Bxh3 { I figured out that Bg4 wasn't quite as sexy now, and decideto just press forward in my attack. I'm looking to double up his pawnson the a file and get my knights into action. Unusual game.....black hasn'tmade a knight move yet....... } 8. gxh3 Nc6 9. Qg4 { White still has theidea of trading queens rapidly to simplify his position, but black, ofcourse...... } 9... Be3+ { ....wants to keep forcing tough decisions, and attemptsto drive the king away from defenders. } 10. Kc3 { ? Wrong choice. The apparentescape only seals white's fate. 9. Kd1 was the only play, and perhaps thensome clearance captures for white. By playing 10. Kc3, white has openedhimself up to an all-out assault. } 10... Qf6+ { This check simply serves the purposeof driving the black king closer to the edge. Notice how d2 is not available? } 11. Kb3 { It may be academic at this point, as I don't see any better movefor white. } 11... Nd4+ { Ouch....Once again, black is forced to evade. } 12. Kb4 { 12. Ka3 Nxc2 !, and 12. Kc3 Nc6 !, as well as 12. Ka4 b5 ! all lead topain for white as well. White has no good alternatives. } 12... a5+ 13. Kc4 { Walkinginto the pin would have lengthened the game a bit, and 14. Ka4 gets uglyalso - but just as well. Black now drives the point home. } 13... b5+ 14. Kd5 { White apparently has had enough...... } 14... Qe5# { .....and is euthanized. Notplaying 3. Nf3 in the King's Gambit is just too unsound IMHO. Thanks forthe game terribyte1! } 0-1

[Event "Punishing early aggression"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.07.28"] [Round "-"] [White "bracun"] [Black "nyctalop"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1868"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1654"] { This game features the Grunfeld defense in which White tries to do toomany things at once and gets punished badly for it. } 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 { My favorite defense against 1.d4. It's one of the most elasticopenings in chess with a lot of theory to learn and in which White hasa plethora of plans to chose from. I like it more than the KID becauseit's more dynamic and more fun to play. } 4. cxd5 { The most principled approachafter which White can build a strong pawn center and Black will gain counterplayby attacking it. } 4... Nxd5 5. e4 Nxc3 6. bxc3 Bg7 7. Rb1 { A strong prophylacticmove, removing the Rook from a sensitive diagonal and pressuring b7, hamperingthe development of the Bc8. } 7... O-O 8. Nf3 c5 { The modern main line, highlydisputed in the '90 and early 2000 years. So far Black is holding his own. } 9. Be3 { 9.Be2 was the main idea, sacrificing the a2 pawn in order the gaina lead in development and maintain a flexible center. } 9... Nc6 { Attacking thecenter with tempo. } 10. Bc4 { This active looking move is the first slip.10.Be2 was to be preferred. } 10... Bg4 { Now that the White Bishop is on c4, Rxb7is no longer a threat in view of Na5. } 11. e5 { White cracks under pressureand breaks the nice center pawn phalanx. 11.0-0 was possible since after11...Bxf3 12.Qxf3 cxd4 13.cxd4 Nxd4 14.Bxd4 Qxd4, White can recover thepawn with 15.Bd5 } 11... Qa5 { Bringing the Queen into the fray with tempo andclearing d8 for a Rook. } 12. Qd3 { This is a bigger mistake than the previoustwo and should have been punished at once with 12...Bf5. To be honest thatmove never even entered my mind once I saw I could gain a clear advantageby dismantling the center. } 12... Bxf3 13. gxf3 cxd4 14. Bxd4 Nxe5 15. Qe4 { 15.Bxe5Qxe5+ 16.Kf1 Rac8 17.Rxb7 Rfd8 would have left Black perfectly placed toexploit the uncastled White King. } 15... Nxc4 { After this White resigned. Thelong forced line in which Black wins a piece goes like this: 16.Bxg7 Nd617.Qe5 Qxa2 18.0-0 Nc4 19.Qd4 Nd2 20.Ra2 Qc2 21.Kg2 Nb3 22.Qe5 f6 23.Qc7Kxg7. The Knight's war dance is quite impressive and in the course of afew moves he manages to threaten every White piece. } 0-1

[Event "Alekhine's Gun - as posted by SonfPearl on Chess.com"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Alexander Alekhine"] [Black "Aaron Nimzowitsch"] [Result "*"] [WhiteElo "1"] 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. Bd2 { To potentially free up thepinned knight? } 5... Ne7 6. Nb5 Bxd2+ 7. Qxd2 O-O { Maybe cxd4 would be betterto weaken the pawn structure } 8. c3 b6 9. f4 Ba6 10. Nf3 Qd7 11. a4 Nbc6 12. b4 { Now the c6 knight is choked } 12... cxb4 13. cxb4 Bb7 14. Nd6 f5 15. a5 Nc8 16. Nxb7 Qxb7 17. a6 Qf7 18. Bb5 N8e7 19. O-O { Finally to arm the 'gun' } 19... h6 20. Rfc1 Rfc8 21. Rc2 Qe8 22. Rac1 Rab8 23. Qe3 Rc7 24. Rc3 Qd7 25. R1c2 Kf8 26. Qc1 { The gun is formed. Black's knight on c6 is under tremendouspressure. } 26... Rbc8 27. Ba4 { To potentially threaten with the b-file pawn } 27... b5 28. Bxb5 Ke8 29. Ba4 Kd8 30. h4 h5 31. Kh2 g6 32. g3 { And Black resigned.There are no good moves left; he will lose material. } *

[Event "A long way to the win..."] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2016.10.27"] [Round "-"] [White "Gunderful"] [Black "damafi"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1482"] [TimeControl "300+5"] [WhiteElo "1423"] { In this game I kind of 'smashed' my opponent with a series of 'tallish'moves (from Tal, with all my respects for the Master, of course!). } 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 { I know you know I'lll go for this one. I'm not facingopponents strong enough to play correctly against it, so it kind of works. } 3. d5 { The second choice, leading to a completely different game fromthe Budapest I usually face (dxe, Ng4). } 3... Bb4+ { Black must be careful notto be squeezed in, so I get the B into the game with tempo, prepared toexchange it, even for a N, for developement tempos. In my experience, Ikind of 'have to' play this way, giving my B pair for castling and d6,if don't want to go for a slow and squeezed game as black. Not my style(not on blitz, anyway!). } 4. Bd2 { Standard... } 4... Qe7 { Getting my pieces out.Now, if BxB, QxB+, white has to play Qe2, and black is fine after, say,a lot of possible moves including a5, QxQ+, or Qc5 (heading for Ng4) } 5. a3 { Ok, you want the exchange, and I know that is nothing better than... } 5... Bxd2+ 6. Nxd2 { He developed the N, I couldn't help it, but I am ahead indevelopement now, despite the nasty pawn chain. } 6... e4 { ! Sorry for the undeservedexclamation, but this is important. White can't attack trice the pawn,defenden twice. Black has it easy to play d6-Bf5. f3 is not playable, ore3. The Ng can't go to c3. Black is not any bad, isn't he? } 7. e3 { Whatelse? } 7... d6 8. Ne2 { White is not in zugzwang, either. He will develop slowly,and I have no quick attack to perform... do I? What would you say? } 8... c5 { Controlling d4 (if Nf4, g5). If dxc6ep, Nxc6 helps me in developing. Idon't fear Qa4+ or Qb3 while my lsb is ready to go to d7. White's supportingforces are too far. } 9. Ng3 { Controlling f5, right. Now, it is still abit delicate to develop the Q side for black, dued to Qa4/Qb3. Not a realdanger, but say Nd7, Qa4, o-o, b4, Nb6, Qa5... and maybe white has somethingto bother me for a while. } 9... Bg4 { I can manage Qa4+ now with no major problems,since on the worst, my B can still come back to d7. And I can castle, forsure. (secretely, I DON'T want to castle, here: I want to attack! My pawnin e5 has now the power to make f3 unthinkable for white, so a bit vulnerable.I have to exploit those weaknesses, this is all chess's about, after all!:-) } 10. Be2 h5 { This is a doubled edged move. The principle of attackis met: instead of retreating, I 'use' the exchange to bring another openline for my pieces, some kind of 'keeping white busy'. I foresaw Nxh5 wouldn'tsave white after BxB... } 11. Bxg4 { N or pawn? White has a Nf5 move thatis strong because it attacks g7. The h4 'threat' doesn't help me much. } 11... hxg4 { I can't avoid Nf5 (Qf8 is ugly, but the best). At least this keepsthe WQ far from the Kside. } 12. Qc2 { e5 is attacked now trice, and itwill fall. Too bad. I can live with it, and use the tempo in order to improvemy position. I spotted that if Ng3 was out, maybe my pawn could sac ing3. Nothing more... } 12... Nbd7 { Take e5, but now I'm developed, and you won'tgo for Qa5, since it is not his aim, obiously. If he does, I'll manage,I'm confident. He doesn't seem to have even though about that. } 13. Ndxe4 Nxe4 14. Qxe4 { Exchanging Q with a pawn less in such a position was a mistake,but I've spotted that.... } 14... Ne5 { ..., thanks to g4 pawn, was safe. Now Istill have to unravel myself, but I swear I can play it even after Nf5-Qf8.Maybe. Was I right? } 15. Nf5 Qf6 { Aha! Surprise! This moves sets a threatfor the near future, after say castling... can you see it? } 16. b4 { Correctly,white attacks my weak side, and it's only matter of time it will be defeated.If the game opens on the Qside, I feel I'll be lost. I have to use theh column for the R, or I'm doomed. } 16... g6 { This was my 'save the say' move. } 17. Ng3 { Too bad for the 'g3 plan', but hey, now I have a stunning andcrushing move to play, but for my damn K is on the way. But if I take itaway, I just allow the very, very dangerous bxc4, that threats cxd3, whichwill make my Ne5 a goner. I have a very short time to get out of this.Can you figure out how I did it? } 17... O-O-O { ...casting into the enemy's fire.But Kd7 left my K exposed to pawn's checks in a couple of moves, and thiswould have been very dangerous. Plus, I had a plan to slowen white's attackfor some more moves. I have plans for his K... } 18. O-O { OH, dearest, Ilove you!!!! You gave a purpose to my Life on this game! You's tiying yourselfjust into the fire, and you just 'follow principles'! (I'm not againstprinciples alltogether, just pretend to make beginners think in it as inany other move: good or bad, a waste or a needed one, depending on theboard, not to 'principles'... ;-) Said that: to castle is normally good,and it's still to be recommended many, many times. In order to see someonethat rarely castles, look into my games! :-D. Now: Black has a 'straightaway killer move' that seals white's fate in few moves. It's a 'tactic-problem-like'situation: what is THE move? I missed it in the game. } 18... Qh4 { No, it wasn'tthis one. It was Nf3+. White must take it with the pawn, then gxf3. Blackthreats Qh4, with Qxh2# to follow if, for example, Qxf3, Qh2#. Can whitesave himself? Rf-b1, for example, to make room for the K... So, I missedthe 'Tallish move No1'. I'm not Tal not even by far, just an admirer. Butnow, hey, Qxh2# is a threat, and white has only one move. } 19. h3 { Now,be careful: NOT gxh3, or QxQ and my attack vanishes. } 19... Qh6 { Think, dearbeginner, that g4 is safe: I threaten mate if the column is open. But Iwill be able to play gxh3 next move, opening up your K. } 20. bxc5 { Youprefer to attack. Ok. My clock is running, but I'm not resourceless. Here,is gxh3 the best way to contiue? Can you tell? } 20... Nf3+ { Ok. This was crushingbefore. Is it now? Can you tell me? Remember your answer for the very lastmove. I played it just out of instinct, or desperation (it was a blitz,unfortunately). I coudn't calculate everything. But I sensed that h2 wouldhave been mine sooner or later. Not TOO late, I hoped... } 21. gxf3 { Whitecan defend. If gxf3, Qxf3 and after Qxh3, Qg2 and white is saved. And if... } 21... Qxh3 { ? white has Qxg4+ (which I missed!), so the Q's will be exhanged,and my sac would have been in vain. I played an UNSOUND sacrifice. Butif I'm not Tal, my opponent isn't Fisher either! :-) } 22. Rfb1 { He maderoom for his K, and correctly saw that my Qh2+ just went into nothing.I saw it, too. Here, a much better move for black would have been f5, butstill it didn't go to anything concrete, as far as I saw, so I played... } 22... gxf3 23. Qxf3 f5 { I'm not doing anything, really. In fact I helped him,since his Q is much more powerful there than in its previous position.Anyway, after Qf4, d3 was doomed, and with it, the game. This is the reasonI played this one: I can't allow the white d5 pawn to move by ANY mean,or I'm lost. No Rd7 can help me against the coming c5 etc. } 24. c6 { I can'tplay bxc6 for the same reason I explained before. But I had (from the momentI castled long, in a way) that may strategy would have been to delay thisattack as long as I could. I played... } 24... b6 { He needs more moves now tobreak into my defences. It's up to me to find the way to win. Can I? Whatwould you say? } 25. Qg2 { White knows that I'm down, and if I exchange Q's,all my hopes are gone. } 25... Qh4 { I keep the threat on the h column, and Ilook to c4. } 26. Kf1 { ?? Happy to release himself from the 'h column latentthreat', white makes a fatal mistake, overlooking... } 26... Qxc4+ { I'm still-3, but now I feel the game is mine. Is it? What would you say? } 27. Ne2 { If Ke1 instead, Qc3+ keeps the checks game on. } 27... Rh6 { No, I'm NOT defendingthe g6 pawn. I'm doubling R's on the h column, since you can see I caneasily threat to make him sac his Q for a R, forcedly... of course youcan see how! } 28. Rc1 { 'please note how black is ignoring the power orthe two white pawns...' } 28... Qa6 { ...and drives his Q in an awakward place...but a R-safe one! d5 is still blocked, and if c7, Rd-h8 is my intentionanyway! } 29. e4 { ?? Ok, but... can white unravel himself and come out 'alive'from this position? I bet 'no', but I'm not sure. } 29... Rdh8 { Still allowinghis pawn's attack to proceed... but now the threat is concrete, and forceswhite into... } 30. Ke1 { only one, otherwise Rh1+ is crushing. } 30... Rh1+ { Anyway.I have to do something 'more' than Qa5+, or Nc3 could be the end of thestory for me. I still have to be accurate, and on pressure... you know. } 31. Kd2 { Which is my 'real' target? Which is the square that will decidethe game in my favour? Where the war will be won or lost? White's weakestspot? } 31... Qa5+ 32. Nc3 { Yes! Just what I wanted. Now... } 32... R1h2 33. Qf3 Qc5 { ...threatening Rxf2+, winning... } 34. Rf1 R8h3 { ...the 'winner'. Not easyto find, but probably more crushing that is seems at first sight untilyou note Nc3's weakness... } 35. Qe2 { What else? } 35... Qxc3+ 36. Kd1 Rd3+ { Another'slam' move. White must give material back, but it's not finished yet.From here on is a 'slaunt the rabbit' story. } 37. Qxd3 Qxd3+ 38. Ke1 { Fromnow, the correct way to follow was... } 38... Qxe4+ { Not this one. Qc3+ insteadis more precise: white's K is forced out of the 1st rank, then Qb2+ forcesis still farther, on 3rd, and from there my Rh7 could check... and so on.But I had no time left, and I went for him slowly but... mercisleely :-) } 39. Kd2 Qxd5+ 40. Ke3 { He helped himself out by himself, anyway... } 40... Rh3+ 41. Ke2 Qe4+ 42. Kd2 Rd3+ 43. Kc2 Qc4+ 44. Kb2 Qc3+ { Rd2+, Qc2# workedtoo... Now, please come back and answer: was, ultimately, Nxf3+ a soudnsac, or wasn't it? Answer: if white hadn't blundered c4, probably the answerwould have been 'no'. } 45. Ka2 Qc2# 0-1

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.03.24"] [Round "-"] [White "xiangzhi"] [Black "dsb13"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1923"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1774"] { Unlike many of my games, this one does not include the fireworks of adirect attack on the king, but rather a highly unusual balance of materialand then a series of puzzle like problems, none leading to a mate, buteach leading to the final victory. Time and again, White finds himselfin a mini-zugzwang, where he simply cannot move his pieces, and is leftto mark time, and I hope that people enjoy some of the themes. Findingthem during the game was quite tricky, and in a bid to make the readerthink, I'll give a time out whenever a new plan is required. If you readthe annotation, please give it a mark, as I am interested to see how manypeople actually read these games, David. } 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 e6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. g3 { If White is going to play a Closed Sicilian, I can't help thinkthat he's better playing 3. f4 or 3. g3 (with Nge2). } 4... d5 5. exd5 exd5 6. Bg2 d4 { White has the piece development, Black establishes a wedge in thecentre. The downside is the latent power of the Bg2. } 7. Ne2 g6 { Whereto put the bishop? Bd6 achieves very little, whilst Be7 is just a bitpassive for me. } 8. O-O Bg7 9. d3 Nf6 10. c3 { White has to try to breakthe centre I suppose, although I can see that 10. c4 and playing for areversed Benoni/Benko type position is interesting. } 10... dxc3 11. bxc3 O-O { Black's position is OK here, although if I'd thought about White's nextmove, I might have been tempted to shore up the c5 pawn somehow - perhapsI should be looking to play Bg4 or Bd7 at this stage. 11. ... Bg4 12.Ba3 b6 13. Nfd4 Nxd4 is interesting. By contrast with the game line,Black can develop his Q-side, but will his king get stuck in the centre? } 12. Ba3 { The advantage of 10. c3 - White attacks c5, completes his developmentand threatens to blow open the long diagonal. } 12... b6 { I was comfortable withthe idea of 13. Ne5 Nxe5 14. Bxa8. 14. ... Bh3/g4 or even Ba6 all emphasisethat White's white squares can be as drafty as mine and the Bg7 outperformsthe Ba3. } 13. Nfd4 { Variations on a theme, although I had been expecting13. Ne5 as per the last note. Material is going to have to be sacrificedfor positional gain. } 13... Nxd4 { Better than 13. ... cxd4 14. Bxc6, not leastbecause I manage to keep the c5 pawn for a couple of moves with a viewto preserving at least one of my rooks. } 14. cxd4 { There's no rush to playBxa8 - Black has made it quite clear that the rook isn't going anywhere. } 14... Bg4 15. Bxa8 Qxa8 { And so the first positional sacrifice is made. White'swhite squares are weak, his king is weaker than with the bishop still onthe board, and Black has control over both diagonals. In my view, there'sreasonable compensation there. } 16. dxc5 Re8 { There's no point in playing16. ... bxc5 - Black's idea is to be dynamic in this position and to utilisethe weak squares in the White camp to keep in the game. } 17. Re1 { Forced,not least because 17. f3 Bxf3 wins back a pawn, opens up the king and maintainsthe threats. TIMEOUT: Can you see Black's tactic to win back his piece? } 17... Nd5 18. d4 { 18. Rc1 meets with the same reply which is ... } 18... Nc3 { Black'scompensation bites. The Ne2 is indefensible, so White gives back his extrapiece in a slightly unusual way. } 19. Nxc3 Bxd1 20. Rxe8+ Qxe8 21. Rxd1 bxc5 22. Bxc5 { The dust settles. Material equality is re-established. It's hardly a queen sacrifice when you're a piece up and you're gettinganother rook and a passed pawn for it, but the position is still highlydynamic and difficult for both sides. For White, the obvious plan is totry to push the d-pawn, supporting it with his pieces which can chase Black'squeen away. For Black, the plan is less obvious. TIMEOUT. What is Black'splan in this position? } 22... Qc6 { My first plan is to tie up as many of White'spieces as possible with my queen. The knight worries me more than thebishop (as long as I can blockade the pawn before it gets to d7), so thismove is designed to stop the Bc5 from moving, and stop the d4 pawn fromadvancing. } 23. Re1 { TIMEOUT: Can Black tighten the zugzwang? } 23... Bf8 { Ilike this move. The idea is to meet 24. Bxf8 with 24. ... Qxc3 where 25.Re8 (threatening Bh6#) loses to 25. ... Qc1+ 26. Kg2 Qc6+ } 24. Re5 f6 { TheBf8 remains safe for similar reasons as before. White gets himself intoa bit of a pickle here, because of the threat of Bxc5. 24. Ne4 f5 lookspretty good for Black so maybe the move played is best, no matter how uglythe position gets. } 25. Rd5 { TIMEOUT. How does Black make the most ofthe zugzwang? The Nc3 defends the Rd5 which defends the Bc5, which blocksthe attack on the Nc3. } 25... Kf7 { Black brings his king into the game, mindful,always, of the possibility of Bxf8. } 26. f4 Ke6 27. h4 Be7 { Black completesthe zugzwang on White's pieces - now the Rd5 has no escape squares andWhite is left to push his pawns. I don't know if White fancies his chanceshere. Given the material balance, I thought that my starting point shouldbe to hold the draw rather than try to force a win. I think it's importantto realise that in the current position, simply removing all the K-sidepawns can only be to White's advantage. If White can get to a R+N+1 vQ endgame with all the pawns off the board, Black faces a long fight fora draw. } 28. h5 { TIMEOUT: What is Black going to do about the pawn position? Which is most important pawn? What benefit can he seize from White'sproblems with his pieces? } 28... a5 { Alfie the a-pawn is our hero. Having frozenWhite's position, it is imperative to play a5-a4-a3 if at all possible,so that if I can pick up the a2 pawn, there's only two small steps to addingto my material. } 29. g4 { Does White fail to appreciate Black's plan? 29. a4 could be met by 29. ... Bxc5 30. cxd5 (30. Rxc5 Qf3!) Qxd5 31. Nxd5Kxd5 and Black looks to have the winning chances in the K+Ps endgame. } 29... a4 30. f5+ Kf7 { Not 30. ... gf 31. gf+ Kf7 when the lack of K-side tensioncan only assist White. } 31. fxg6+ hxg6 32. hxg6+ Kxg6 { TIMEOUT: 4 pawnshave dropped off the board and it's worth considering whether White orBlack has managed to improve his position as a result. White is stillin zugzang but the less Black pawns are left on the board, the harder itis for me to achieve anything, and if White can activate his king, my queenis going to struggle to hold back the tide. } 33. Kf2 a3 { Completing myplan from move 28. What's next? } 34. Ne2 Kf7 { Not 34. ... Qxd5?? 35. Nf4+1-0 } 35. Nf4 { White has finally freed up the Bc5 by shifting his knightto f4, but has that left open the door? } 35... Qa4 36. Ke3 Bxc5 { If 36. ... Qd1,White plays Rd7 which is rather embarrassing. } 37. Rxc5 Qd1 38. Rc7+ { TIMEOUT. More material has gone and again it's worth taking stock. Can Black doanything with the a-pawn, or will White smash through with the d-pawn,supported by his rook and knight? What is Black's plan? } 38... Ke8 39. Nd5 { Black'sking is stuck on the back rank and one of his pawns is going to drop. Time to get active. } 39... Qg1+ { Feinting at the g4 pawn when in fact it's thea2 pawn that I'm targeting. If can pick up that pawn by checking withthe queen, perhaps we can do something with this position. } 40. Kd3 { 40.Ke4 (the only other move to defend d4) is met by Qg2+ picking up the Nd5(and then the a2 pawn) } 40... Qb1+ 41. Ke3 Kd8 { 41. ... Qxa2 42. Nxf6+ is justgiving White a tempo. I can attack the rook, because the Nd5 can't move. Can White find a decent move? } 42. Ra7 { Obvious, but nothing saves thea2 pawn. } 42... Qxa2 43. Ra8+ Kd7 44. Nxf6+ { TIMEOUT: Suddenly White has twopassed pawns, a5-a4-a3 is looking useful, my king is looking over-workedand the game is still unclear. First things first (as my Dad would say),let's see about stopping that g-pawn. } 44... Ke6 45. Ra6+ Kf7 46. Nd7 { Whitetries to get his knight back to take a3. If he can exchange his knightfor the pawn, I have problems. The king can look after one of the pawns,but the queen is going to struggle against the other one. } 46... Qb1 { A relativelysimple tactic. 47. Rxa3 Qc1+ means that White doesn't have time to gethis knight back. } 47. Ne5+ { even with checks. } 47... Ke7 48. Ra7+ { TIMEOUT:Having said that I want my king to stop his g-pawn, how do I make progress? } 48... Kd8 49. Ra8+ Kc7 50. Ra7+ { It's all very well bringing my king across tothe Q-side, but I'm going to have to dash back in a second. Where do Igo now? } 50... Kc8 { ! That's one of my best of the game. 50. ... Kb8? blowsit. 51. Nc6+ Kc8 52. Ne7+ and my king has to head back to the K-side. } 51. Ra8+ Kb7 { Now the king is safe from checks and White has to makea tough decision. } 52. Rxa3 Qc1+ 53. Ke4 Qxa3 { Black is now clear materialup, but one slip and he'll lose this. } 54. g5 { White, sensibly, pushesthe g-pawn. What's the point of luring my king to the b-file otherwise? } 54... Qf8 55. g6 Qf6 { The zugzwang theme reappears. That's g6 and e5 tied upwhilst I get my king back into play. } 56. Kd3 Kc7 57. Kc4 Kd6 58. Nf7+ Ke7 59. Ne5 { Now my king can cover the g-pawn, it's time to activate myqueen again. } 59... Qe6+ 60. Kb4 { Not good, although the response isn't obvious. TIMEOUT: 60. Kc5 Qd6+ 61. Kc4 Qe6+ 62. Kc5 Qc8+ 63. Nc6+ Kf6 64. d5 Qf5is another use of the zugzwang. 60. Kc3 Qd5 61. Kd3 Qb3+ 62. Ke4 Ke6 forcessomething to give. Interestingly in these lines, the g6 pawn has to sitand await its fate, as g7 leaves it too exposed. What's Black's nextmove after 60. Kb4? } 60... Qc8 { Separating the white king from the d4 pawn. } 61. Kb3 Kf6 { More zugzwang. White can't play g6-g7, or Ne5-anywhere, ord4-d5 } 62. Kb2 Qc7 { Another little waiting move. Hands up if you saw thatone. Be honest. } 63. Kb3 Qc1 { Because you all wanted to play that, didn'tyou? } 64. Kb4 Qc2 { Oh yes. White is squeeeezed. } 65. Nc4 { White's pipsburst, g6 drops and Black moves inexorably towards his goal. 65. Kb5 Qc3carries Black's plan to its end, d4 falls and the game is over. } 65... Kxg6 66. d5 Kf7 { The king keeps busy. } 67. Nd6+ Ke7 68. Nc4 Qd1 { Repositioning thequeen for one final invasion. } 69. Kc5 { White finally has enough and resigns. 0-1 I'm still not sure whether it's premature - the win isn't immediatelyobvious, although Qh5 (preventing d6) 70. Kc6 Qe8+ gets the queen backaround to the correct side of the pawn and allows the king to go on a forayafter the White knight, whereupon I should be able to pick up the pawn. After that, blunders aside, the knight will fall and the game will end. } 0-1

[Event "Bullet game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Bill Gates"] [Black "Magnus Carlsen"] [Result "*"] { This is a short game between two giants (in their own fields) } 1. e4 { Gatesopens with the classical 1. e4 } 1... Nc6 { Carlsen (who has only 3 sec on hisclock) chooses an asymmetric reply, the Nimzowitsch defense, although itcertainly won't be a defense this time! } 2. Nf3 { A perfectly normal andsolid move, even though 2. d4 would have been sharper } 2... d5 { This is thefirst attacking move that I suppose needs to be done if your'e going tobeat your opponent with only 30 sec on your clock. The only good replyhad been 3. exd (3. e5 also OK), but.... } 3. Bd3 { Gates is far too cautiousand defends the pawn with the LSB, blocking his d pawn } 3... Nf6 { an attackon the 'odd white LSB' by Nb4 had been good here (in a 'normal game'),but Carlsen goes for the jugular.....(the KING) } 4. exd5 { a perfectly goodmove! } 4... Qxd5 { Carlsen takes back - of course with the queen! } 5. Nc3 { Gatescounters with a good move, developing and attacking the queen at the sametime } 5... Qh5 { This, again, is in the spirit of 'having to win fast', a moreconservative position for the queen had been preferred in a normal game } 6. O-O { a natural good move! } 6... Bg4 { 6.....Bg4! This is ingenious, and wouldhave been just that also in a normal match } 7. h3 { This is hasty, Gatesshould have kept his cool with 7. Be2 amending the position of his LSBand defending } 7... Ne5 { Now, in a normal match 7....Ne5 would have been a trueBLUNDER (7....Bxf3 etc was of course the best continuation with black havingthe better position) because of the devastating and simple 8. hxg4! afterwhich white would be winning (in a 'normal' game). } 8. hxg4 { And indeed,that is the move Gates makes! So, is white winning now.....? } 8... Nfxg4 { Carlsentakes with the f-knight, I think because he sets up a trap to get rid ofthe all-important white knight at f3 } 9. Nxe5 { Gates fall into the trap,takes the offered knight, and that's the end } 9... Qh2# { THE END :) } *

[Event "Slow Ladder"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014.02.06"] [Round "-"] [White "joveyboy1"] [Black "claudioa"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1197"] [TimeControl "5d+2d<10d"] [WhiteElo "1001"] { (The ratings of the two players were their current ratings when the gamestarted) } 1. e4 { I figured this would be another random game that I wouldlose since my opponent had more experience than me, but once again, I waswrong. Here is my opening I always start with. } 1... e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d3 { Ibuild up my defenses. } 3... Bc5 { Not totally sure what this accomplishes, unlesshe wants my bishop... } 4. Be3 { Because I'll gladly give it to him. } 4... h6 { Not what I expected. I guess he didn't realize his bishop was completelyunprotected. He should of taken mine. } 5. Bxc5 { Now I have a slight earlyadvantage. } 5... d6 6. Be3 Nf6 { I already knew he was preparing to castle. } 7. g3 O-O 8. h4 Bg4 { He goes for my knight. } 9. Be2 { Not ready to get myqueen involved just yet. } 9... d5 { Would be better for me to attack than towait for him to attack. } 10. exd5 Nxd5 11. Qd2 { Now I want my queen toget involved. } 11... Qd7 { Apparently so does he. } 12. c4 { I want to drive backthe knight, but this move didn't help. } 12... Ndb4 13. Nh2 { I decide to savemy knight and attack his bishop. } 13... Bf5 { I can tell he doesn't just giveup his pieces, which there's nothing wrong with that, but he'll have nochoice as this game continues. } 14. a3 { I again go for the knight. } 14... Bxd3 { ??? His knight is wide open for a attack! This move really doesn't accomplishanything. 15. axb4 Bxe2 16. Qxe2, or better yet Qxd7 will result in a biggeradvantage for me than what I currently have. } 15. axb4 { So the knightgoes. } 15... e4 { He gives his bishop some protection. I didn't expect that. } 16. Bxd3 exd3 17. b5 { I give my b and c pawns some structure. } 17... Ne5 18. b3 Rae8 19. O-O { I finally castle king-side. } 19... c6 { He had no idea whatwas coming next. } 20. Bc5 { His f8 rook is gone. } 20... Qh3 { If he is going formy rook, why??? If he takes my rook, his most powerful piece, the queen,will be gone. Along with that, the d3 pawn is now more vulnerable to attack. } 21. Bxf8 { So I take the rook. } 21... Kxf8 { The bishop goes of course. } 22. Rxa7 { I finally realized how vulnerable the a7 and b7 pawns were. } 22... Qc8 { A reasonablemove. } 23. f4 { I line up to take the d3 pawn. } 23... Nd7 24. Qxd3 { My plan worksperfectly. } 24... Nc5 { Not the best move. } 25. Qd6+ { Now his knight is lost. } 25... Kg8 26. Qxc5 Kh7 27. bxc6 { I was hoping for 27. bxc6 28. Rxf7 } 27... Re2 { Buthe does this instead. Maybe he was trying to immobilize my king? } 28. Nc3 { I attack the intruder. } 28... Rd2 29. Rxb7 { The b7 pawn is gone and thec6 pawn protects the rook. } 29... f6 { He leaves the door open for a attack. } 30. Qe7 { I go for checkmate. } 30... Kg6 { But he sees it. } 31. g4 { I greatly limitblack's options here. } 31... Qg8 { He just moved his queen in a space that won'thelp him out at all, thus his fate was sealed. } 32. Qe4+ { The only moveblack could make was 32. f5, which ultimately would of led to 33. Qxf5#With checkmate inevitable, white resigns and this wonderful game was over.After the game, claudioa wanted to know how I kept my rating so low. Iwas still fairly new at Gameknot at the time, but this game showed thehidden skills I can sometimes muster up. I hope you enjoyed this annotation! } 1-0

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014.08.04"] [Round "-"] [White "phoag53"] [Black "branneke"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1283"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1325"] 1. e4 e5 2. Qh5 { Patzer opening. When I'm playing amateurs I usually gowith Qf3 instead, but Pg6 QxP+ gives white a free rook--always a nice wayto start the day. } 2... Qf6 { Everybody bringing out the big guns. } 3. Nf3 g6 4. Qxe5+ Qxe5 5. Nxe5 d6 6. Nc4 { Kurosawa vs. Vvrt. } 6... Bg7 { Vvrt had respondedwith Be6. } 7. Bd3 Nf6 8. Nc3 O-O 9. b3 Nc6 10. Ne2 Ng4 11. h3 Nge5 12. Nxe5 Bxe5 13. Rb1 Nb4 14. f4 Bg7 15. Ba3 Nxd3+ { At first blush NxPa2 lookslike a free pawn, but Pc3 lets white barbecue the knight from the parapetof the rook. } 16. cxd3 Bd7 17. O-O Bb5 18. Rf3 c6 19. Bxd6 { The thing tobe wary of here is that black's BxPd3 forks the knight and rook. I guessRe1 protects the knight, but black picks up Pe4, another free pawn. } 19... Rfd8 20. e5 Bf8 21. Nd4 { Nc1 might have been better. Black gets the white pawnat d6 (after trading bishops), and Nc1 also blocks white's b rook--anotherdisadvantage. Here (Nd4) black makes back one pawn. It was probably notworth trying to defend the doubled pawns anyway. } 21... Bxd6 22. Nxb5 cxb5 23. exd6 Rxd6 24. Rc1 Rd7 { Rad8 seems like the better choice. } 25. Rc2 Rad8 26. Rc5 Rxd3 27. Rxb5 Rxd2 28. a4 Rb2 29. Rxb7 Rdd2 30. Rg3 Rb1+ 31. Kh2 Rdd1 32. Rf3 h5 33. h4 a5 34. Kg3 Rb2 35. f5 Rdd2 36. fxg6 Rxg2+ 37. Kf4 Rg4+ 38. Ke5 Re2+ 39. Kd5 fxg6 40. Rc3 Re8 41. Rc4 g5 42. hxg5 Rxg5+ 43. Kc6 Rg4 44. Kb6 Rxc4 45. bxc4 h4 46. Kxa5 h3 47. Rb1 Ra8+ 0-1

[Event "Fiat Lux First Invitational"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2019.08.11"] [Round "-"] [White "5imon"] [Black "lord_shiva"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1782"] [TimeControl "3d+2d<7d"] [WhiteElo "1978"] 1. e4 { 5imon is the highest rated player I've managed to beat so far. So I admit being pleased how this game turned out. } 1... d5 2. exd5 { Scandinaviandefense. I think I examined the player's game history to see which openinghe was weakest against--I don't remember. And I'm certainly no expertat any of them--this seems like a waste of a good pawn but I figured Ididn't really have much to lose. } 2... Qxd5 { Made the pawn back. } 3. Nc3 Qd6 { This apparently is the 'Pytel-Wade' variation of the Scandinavian Defense. } 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 c6 6. Ne5 Nbd7 7. f4 Qc7 { This, I think, is off book. Part of the reason I chose it--time to explore new frontiers. } 8. Bc4 { White now has vexing power on f7. } 8... Nxe5 { Countered. The bad news is whiteis well developed, while black ends up with a knight and queen barely outin the field. } 9. fxe5 { White also has nice strong pawns, and dominatesthe center of the board. } 9... Bg4 { This lets black develop one piece, givenwhite must withdraw to interpose, or move the queen. } 10. Qd2 Nd5 { Blackshould drop a pawn with this exchange, AND have to move the queen. } 11. Nxd5 cxd5 12. Bxd5 { Again black is poorly developed, at a big disadvantagepositionally, and down a pawn. } 12... e6 13. Be4 O-O-O 14. O-O Rd7 { This letsblack move the queen off the second rank without losing the f pawn. Butreally this was a wasted move. White's d pawn is vulnerable. } 15. b3 { Andblack suddenly realizes it. } 15... Rxd4 16. Rxf7 { Turnabout is fair play. Hadwhite snatched QxRd4, Bc5 would pin the queen. } 16... Qb6 { Black is thinkingthere has to be a free piece around here somewhere. } 17. Qc3+ Rc4+ { Discoveredcheck, but white can interpose a bishop } 18. Be3 { Now it's queen for queen,but black gets white's black bishop. The cost is doubled pawns, and ewithout any support. But that bishop--totally worth it. } 18... Rxc3 19. Bxb6 axb6 20. h3 { I kept thinking b7 was lost. } 20... Bh5 { Even more encouragementfor white to snag b7. } 21. Rff1 Re3 { White has to move a rook to the efile to save e5. } 22. Rae1 Rxe1 23. Rxe1 Bg6 { Black is ahead two points--alleven trades count in his favor. If white doesn't trade the c pawn doesn'tactually fall because Rc1 pins BxPc2. Very bad for black. } 24. Bf3 { Whitethinks black is going to fall for the baited pawn. Actually, black couldtake it and interpose Bc5+ to wiggle out of the trap. I don't rememberwhy I did that first, and lost my opportunity. } 24... Bc5+ 25. Kh1 Rd8 { Why didn'tI take the pawn? I wanted to take e5 off the board. And I realized thatwith Bc5, white pins the black bishop with b4. Really painful. White'sc pawn remains toxic bait. I had to keep reminding myself not to seizeit. } 26. Be4 Bf2 27. Rf1 Bg3 { With these bishop moves I get to attack e5while keeping the white king in the corner. Pe5 is dead. } 28. Bxg6 hxg6 29. Kg1 Bxe5 30. Re1 { Now I'm in white's bishop/pawn predicament. Exceptthe bishop can still count coup on the white king, and then bishop/pawnbond in the middle of the board. } 30... Bd4+ 31. Kh2 e5 { So that pawn is safe. All white's pawns are invisible to black's black bishop. } 32. Kg3 { Whiteannounces he will send his king out into the fray. (He really messagedme about this--it was an amusing exchange). Black decides to protect theonly open file from naked white aggression. } 32... Rf8 33. Kg4 Kb8 { There wasa good reason to scurry the black king out of the way. So I thought. In hindsight, this was probably a wasted move and I should have sent myking into the center of the board too. } 34. Kg5 Rf6 35. c4 { All potentialpressure is off the bishop now. I played out dozens of scenarios, worriedwhite had some trick up his sleeve to snatch victory from black's jaws. Black realizes that to push the pawn the rook must get behind it. } 35... Re6 36. Re4 { White realizes that to keep black from pushing the pawn, the rookshould move in front of it. Black now has to coax the rook back, or offthe file. All the white pawns remain invisible to the black bishop, andthe black rook is tied down defending the lead g pawn. With the pawn behindit the white king cannot advance any further. } 36... Kc7 { Time to follow white'slead, and send out the king. } 37. g4 Kc6 38. h4 { White's moves are scarybut black has played this out many times--those pawns aren't going to getthrough. } 38... b5 { To move the king any further the c pawn must move. } 39. cxb5+ Kxb5 { The black king can now lean on the white rook (once he staggers overthere). } 40. a3 { The a & b pawns are scary, but they must pass a rook andpawn, as well as the black king. It seems an empty threat, barring reallybad black blunders. } 40... Kc5 41. h5 { Black will have to trade, but can leanon the rook first. } 41... Kd5 42. Re2 gxh5 43. gxh5 e4 { Black gets two pawn moves. } 44. Kf5 e3 45. Kf4 Rf6+ { Black instructs the white king to step away fromthe pawn. } 46. Kg3 { Rf2 will move the white rook. } 46... Rf2 47. Re1 { Here thebishop fans the king out of the black rook's corner. } 47... Be5+ 48. Kg4 e2 0-1

[Event "Bad enough to annotate"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "Sept 20 2018"] [Round "-"] [White "ecobarbarus"] [Black "eric2jin"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "black"] [TimeControl "5+0 blitz"] [WhiteElo "white"] 1. d4 { I am black in quick blitz!,!!!!!!!!!! } 1... d5 2. e3 Nf6 3. c4 { ! Queens“gambit” } 3... Bf5 { Bishop } 4. h3 { Oooooooooooooooooof } 4... e6 5. a3 Bd6 { Oops } 6. Nc3 { Um. } 6... Nc6 7. c5 { Ah! } 7... Be7 8. b4 O-O 9. b5 Na5 10. Qa4 b6 11. c6 Ne4 12. Bb2 Nxc3 13. Bxc3 Qd6 14. Nf3 { Why not Bxa5? } 14... a6 15. Bb4 axb5 { !? } 16. Qc2 { !? } 16... Qd8 { Better was 16...Qxb4 17. axb4 Bxc2 } 17. Bxe7 Qxe7 18. Bxb5 { ??? } 18... Nxc6 { ? } 19. Bxc6 { ? } 19... Rxa3 { ? } 20. O-O { ? } 20... Bxc2 { !!! Whew! } 21. Rac1 Rc3 22. Ne5 Qd6 23. Rfe1 Rxc6 24. Nxc6 Qxc6 { Me is stupido } 25. Re2 { Oh. } 25... Qd6 { Ah! } 26. Rexc2 { Ah! } 26... Ra8 { Oops } 27. Rxc7 { Oof } 27... h6 { Stoppingqueen sacrifice(28.Rc8+ Rxc8 29. Rxc8+ Qf8.) } 28. R7c6 Qb8 29. Rb1 Ra6 30. Rbc1 Ra8 31. Rb1 Ra6 32. g3 { Ooh } 32... b5 { ?? Should have went 32... Qb7 } 33. Kg2 { ???? } 33... Rxc6 { White resigns. } 0-1

[Event "Challenge from meer81"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2011.11.26"] [Round "-"] [White "zman87"] [Black "meer81"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1582"] [TimeControl "7 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1215"] 1. e4 { I know this game is not an impressive one, but I'm showing someonewho is new at the game what NOT TO DO in the opening. Said that, I proceed. He starts with Kings pawn. } 1... e5 { I reply with kings pawn too. } 2. d4 { He wants to offer a pawns exchange or to have a strong center after d5if I ignore his pawn. Personally, I think this is a bad idea, since, he'llhave to play immediate queen capture or will have to fight tougher to recapturethe pawn later. And for those who don't know why queen can't be broughtout before other pieces have developed, just continue viewing the game. } 2... exd4 { So, I take it... } 3. Qxd4 { Queen capture, the guy doesn't believein delayed recaptures with minor pieces, or in the troubles his queen couldget into by developing too early... } 3... Nc6 { Development of knight and attackingthe queen. } 4. Qd5 { Keeps the queen near, guess he is planning an attack. } 4... Nf6 { Okay, let's keep the development and forcing him to play defensive. } 5. Bg5 { Nice pinning. } 5... Be7 { Now my knight is pinned... But developing mybishop while also opening way for castling looks the best here for me.It also counterpins my knight, so now he has his queen en-prise again. } 6. Bxf6 { He takes it, of course. He would have regretted not doing so. } 6... Bxf6 { I recapture, my bishop ends up challenging his b-pawn, so, again,he's got to lose tempo in defense. } 7. Bc4 { Looks like he's determinedto put me in trouble. He's menacing mate in f7. } 7... O-O { Ah, I just castle,my king is safe. Now, where were we? Ah yes, threatening his b-pawn...You'll defend it? } 8. Nf3 { No! He totally forgot his b pawn... this isbad for him... maybe he'll bring up more power against my f7 square, butI can neutralize it and after I do, he'll be in so much trouble. } 8... Bxb2 { Well, b-pawn is gone, and nothing can help that rock now. } 9. Ng5 { Tryingto gang up on f7... Now there's 3 attackers and 2 defenders... I'm losingthere... } 9... Qf6 { Well, that's it, now I'm good. 3 defenders... If exchangestake place, I'll lose my queen and rock against his queen, bishop and knight,so, pretty welcome. He can't push the e-pawn. I'd immediately capture itwith Queen giving him a check. He either moves his king or exchanges queens,and this will be over much faster. } 10. h4 { I guess he wants to keep hisgrip on my castle there. } 10... h6 { I try to encourage him to start exchangingor to back off completely. } 11. g3 { He ignored it! Of course he would.If I capture his knight with the pawn, he recaptures puting my queen en-prise,and leaving a totally open h-file where he could add all his remainingforces to trap my king in a castled position where I have not much wayto escape. My own defending pieces would be my tomb. So no, not worth the'free knight'. } 11... d6 { I'd rather open up way for my c-bishop so he can cometo defend the g8-a2 diagonal when the time comes. } 12. f4 { He definitelywants to secure his grip, while also trying to limit my pieces movility. } 12... Nb4 { I see a nice combination, I'm getting rid of that queen once and forall. My knight here is puting his queen en prise and also menacing a forkat c2. } 13. e5 { He's going for the queen exchanges. } 13... dxe5 { I take it tokeep the initiative of the attack. His queen is en-prise, not mine. } 14. fxe5 { He captures, now again there is both queens en-prise. At this position,I could easily win the pawn with the Bishop, but then he would lift upc pawn to protect his rock. I would capture it with bishop, check. He captureswith knight, I could capture with queen check, but then he just would liftup his king and his rocks would be connected. My queen couldn't go forthe rock anymore and I'd have to cope up with 3 pieces of his still overmy f7 weak position... so no. Exchanges would happen now and still I wouldwin the pawn. } 14... Nxd5 { I capture with knight. This way, he's forced to capturemy queen first, or be in serious disadvantage. And he only can captureit with the pawn. And after he does, my knight will both come off his bishoprange and capture the pawn. } 15. exf6 { His only good choice. } 15... Nxf6 { Andthe only one I had to keep the material advantage... at this point, I'm2 pawns ahead, but my bishop is still having his rock, so, I'll have aneasy endgame once I start exchanging all I can. } 16. O-O { He castles, tryingto give his king a little safety that has come a bit too late. Besides,he's aiming to keep his grip in f7. I have to balance it. } 16... hxg5 { So, Iget rid of the future menace over f7. If he captures the pawn, I send myknight to e4 for a pawns fork. I bet he's more worried about losing a wholerock with nothing in return, so my guesses at this point is he'll movehis knight. } 17. Nd2 { My guesses correct. He connects his rocks. } 17... Bxa1 { I finally do what I prepared since 10 moves ago. Not for free, but stilla material advantage. } 18. Rxa1 { He recaps. } 18... gxh4 { I go for the pawn. } 19. gxh4 { He recaps. } 19... Bf5 { I threaten another pawn. } 20. c3 { He saves it. } 20... c6 { I prepare for stoping his remaining pawns and pushing back his remainingpieces. } 21. Rf1 { Aims for my unguarded bishop. } 21... Be6 { I try to force exchanges. } 22. Bxe6 { He takes it. } 22... fxe6 { Recapture. } 23. Kg2 { He needs to get hisking to a better position, for it has turned practically into an endgame. } 23... Nd5 { I do 3 things in this movement. 1. I menace rocks exchange, thatwould leave his king practically alone against my rock. 2. If he doesn'texchanges, his king will be confined to h and g files. 3. My knightforks his c-bishop and e3, which is dangerous for him, coz my knght wouldfork his king and rock, a rock already attacked, so he'd lose his rockfor nothing. } 24. Rxf8+ { He could have better tried to protect c pawn fromc1 with his rock, but he exchanges to avoid my rocks to line-up in thef-file. } 24... Rxf8 { I recapture with the rock, his king is confined to h andg files. } 25. c4 { Tries to menace my knight. } 25... Ne3+ { A fork over his kingand pawn.This will inmovilize his knight while I add pressure on the pawnwith my rock also. } 26. Kg3 { Not there! That will let me play knight tof1, forking his king and knight. He'll have to exchange knights, his onlychance to defend. } 26... Nf1+ { Check! } 27. Nxf1 { Capture. } 27... Rxf1 { Capture, andthis has now turned into a Rock + King vs King mating sequence. } 28. Kg4 { Tries to make some oposition. } 28... Kh7 { I bring my king into action. } 29. a4 { Losing tempo. } 29... Kh6 { I bring my king closer. } 30. c5 { Losing tempo. } 30... e5 { preparing to play Rf4 } 31. a5 { He knew what was coming, he puts hispawn off danger. } 31... Rf4+ { Check! } 32. Kg3 { Backs off. } 32... Kh5 { Gang up againsthis pawn. } 33. a6 { Desperate effort. } 33... bxa6 { No more to move but king forhim after this capture. } 34. Kh3 { King thinks he can defend the pawn. } 34... Rxh4+ { Rock proves him wrong. } 35. Kg3 { King trying to escape now. } 35... Rf4 { Rock won't allow it. } 36. Kh3 { King ready to be sent back. } 36... Rf3+ { Check! } 37. Kg2 { King wants my rock. } 37... Kg4 { I guard it. } 38. Kh1 { Desperate movesnot to be mated. } 38... Rf2 { Rock secures the king to g1 and h1. } 39. Kg1 { King'salmost last try. } 39... Kg3 { Mate in 1. } 40. Kh1 { Nowhere else to go... Therewas also a resign button, you know? } 40... Rf1# { Mate. The moral? If you'regoing to bring out all you can to mate your enemy, make sure you DO matethe enemy and you don't leave holes in ur position in the meantime, cozif you don't mate the enemy, he'll turn the game on you faster than you'llbe able to castle. } 0-1

[Event "Challenge from darkrob"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2018.08.13"] [Round "-"] [White "goldmedal10"] [Black "darkrob"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "782"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "647"] 1. d3 { Is this still a queen opening } 1... e5 { king opening } 2. e4 { blockspawn } 2... Bb4+ { check } 3. c3 { blocks the check } 3... Ba5 { makes black move back } 4. b4 { putting pressure on that bishop } 4... Bb6 { at least i got that bishopoff me } 5. Nf3 { knight } 5... d6 { pawn wall } 6. Bg5 { puts pressure on the queen } 6... f6 { double pawn wall } 7. Be3 { moves back } 7... Bxe3 { bishop } 8. fxe3 { deadeven } 8... c6 { not sure what black is doing } 9. Na3 { knight } 9... Bg4 { bishop } 10. h3 { pawn } 10... Bh5 { makes black to retreat } 11. g4 { pawn } 11... Bf7 { moves back keeping that bishop in check } 12. Be2 { minor piece check } 12... a5 { pawn } 13. bxa5 { pawn } 13... Rxa5 { dead even } 14. Nc4 { knight } 14... Bxc4 { bishop } 15. dxc4 { gotboth bishops out of the game } 15... Ra3 { blocks my pawn } 16. Bd3 { bishop } 16... Rxc3 { rook } 17. g5 { pawn } 17... Qa5 { moves queen } 18. a4 { pawn } 18... Qd8 { makes black moveback } 19. gxf6 { pawn } 19... gxf6 { pawn } 20. a5 { pawn } 20... Na6 { knight } 21. h4 { pawn } 21... Nc5 { knight } 22. Ng5 { same\ } 22... Rxd3 { rook } 23. Qc1 { saves queen } 23... Rxe3+ { check } 24. Qxe3 { takes rook } 24... h6 { pawn } 25. Nf7 { knight } 25... Qe7 { queen } 26. Nxh8 { rook } 26... Qg7 { queen } 27. a6 { pawn } 27... bxa6 { takes } 28. Rh3 { rook } 28... Qxh8 { queen } 29. Rxa6 { rook } 29... Nxa6 { knight } 30. Qa7 { queen } 30... Nb4 { knight } 31. Qb8+ { check } 31... Ke7 { king } 32. Qxb4 { back to 0 } 32... c5 { pawn } 33. Qb7+ { check } 33... Ke6 { king } 34. h5 { pawn } 34... f5 { pawn } 35. Qc8+ { check } 35... Kf6 { king } 36. Qd8+ { check } 36... Kg7 { king } 37. Rg3+ { check } 37... Kf7 { king } 38. Qd7+ { check } 38... Kf8 { king } 39. Qc8+ { check } 39... Ke7 { king } 40. Qc7+ { check } 40... Kf8 { king } 41. Qc8+ { check } 41... Kf7 { king } 42. Qc7+ { check } 42... Kf8 { king } 43. Qd8+ { check } 43... Kf7 { king } 44. Qd7+ { check } 44... Kf8 { king } 45. Qxd6+ { check } 45... Kf7 { king } 46. Qd7+ { check } 46... Kf8 { king } 47. exf5 { pawn } 47... Nf6 { knight } 48. Qc8+ { check } 48... Kf7 { king } 49. Qxh8 { I win black resigned } 1-0

[Event "Fast Ladder"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.04.26"] [Round "-"] [White "c13urly"] [Black "romarychkov"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1602"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<3d"] [WhiteElo "1247"] 1. d4 { ok move by white } 1... d5 2. Qd3 { not a very good move by white } 2... Nf6 { i play normally } 3. c4 { white should have done this move before Qd3 } 3... e6 4. cxd5 Nxd5 { don't know if this is right } 5. e4 Nb6 { this move was notas good as Nb4 } 6. e5 { not an accurate move by white } 6... Bb4+ 7. Nc3 { wasnot the best move, better was Bd2 } 7... O-O 8. Nf3 h6 9. Qe4 Na4 { a better moveby me would be Nd5, but same general idea } 10. d5 { mistake by white } 10... Bxc3+ 11. Nd2 { blunder by white } 11... Bxd2+ 12. Bxd2 Nc5 { if i took the pawn on b2,it would get trapped by Qb4 } 13. Qc2 Qxd5 14. Be2 { another bad mistake } 14... Qxg2 15. Rf1 Ne4 { a good move by me } 16. f3 { mistake by white } 16... Nxd2 17. Qxd2 Qxh2 18. O-O-O Qxe5 19. Qc2 Nc6 20. Ba6 { a very bad blunder by white,you see what he tries to do, find a way to get a piece } 20... Nb4 21. Rfe1 Qf4+ 22. Qd2 Qxd2+ 23. Rxd2 Nxa6 { now black is clearly winning } 24. Red1 Kh7 25. Rd8 Rxd8 26. Rxd8 c6 27. Kc2 Nc5 28. Kc3 Nd7 29. Kd4 Nb6 30. Rf8 Kg6 31. f4 Bd7 32. f5+ exf5 33. Rxa8 { and black resigned, thank you for readingthis annotate } 0-1

[Event "Chess game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "white"] [Black "abdalmoneem"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1200"] [TimeControl "5minutes per move"] [WhiteElo "1200"] { This game happened in another website.At that time,i know nothing aboutopenings. } 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. h3 Nc6 4. Nf3 e6 5. e3 Bd6 6. a3 Ne7 7. Bd3 c6 8. O-O Qc7 9. Qe2 Bd7 10. Bd2 O-O-O 11. Rae1 Rdg8 12. e4 dxe4 13. Bxe4 h6 { to be followed by 14....g5. } 14. Qe3 g5 15. Na4 g4 16. Bc3 { 16.Bc3??I don't know the aim of that move. } 16... gxf3 17. Bxf3 Ned5 18. Bxd5 exd5 { 18....exd5?!!! i wanted to open file for my bishop on d7 and olsobe ready to play Re8. } 19. Nc5 Rg6 20. Kh1 { may be better 20.Nxd7. } 20... Rhg8 21. Rg1 Bh2 22. Nxd7 Bxg1 { Now if 23.Nxf6 then 23....Qh2# } 23. Rxg1 Qxd7 24. f3 { very big mistake. now it is mate in 5. } 24... Rxg2 25. Rxg2 { this madethe mate faster.Better was 25.f4 but it will be mate in 4. } 25... Qxh3+ 26. Rh2 { forced as if 26.Kg1 then 26....Qxg2# } 26... Qf1+ 27. Qg1 { Again forced. } 27... Rxg1# { or 27....Qxg1#. } 0-1

[Event "One Worthy Winner!"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.10.21"] [Round "-"] [White "dmaestro"] [Black "jstevens1"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1953"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1572"] 1. e4 { Hi everyone! I was playing an unrated game with my buddy dmaestroand chose a passive line of the French Defense. Mike punished this inferiorplay and I ended up in a lost endgame. How did this happen? Well, hereis the analysis: http://gameknot.com/analyze-board.pl?bd=18392913&fb=1&rnd=0.987399748558625 } 1... e6 2. d4 a6 { 2. ..... a6?! - here I play an unusual line of the FrenchDefense. It gains me no prizes in this game, however. } 3. Bd3 d6 4. c3 c5 { 4. ...... c5 - a pawn moves to the 4th rank at last but I am alreadybehind in development. } 5. Ne2 Nc6 { 5. ..... Nc6 - now a piece finallyemerges. } 6. O-O Nge7 7. Be3 cxd4 8. cxd4 { 8. cxd4 - pawn trade. Mike'scentral pawns look very imposing indeed. } 8... Bd7 9. Nbc3 Ng6 { 9. ..... Ng6- now the other knight moves to the third rank, this is to free up FouLenoir. } 10. f4 Be7 11. Qe1 O-O { 11. ..... 0-0 - now Henry is tucked away. My development is almost complete but, as you can see, unless I can undermineMike's imposing pawn centre, passivitis is gonna appear in my positionlike dry rot! } 12. Rd1 Qc8 13. Na4 { 13. Na4 - threat - Nb6. } 13... Bd8 14. Nac3 Bb6 { 14. ..... Bb6 - trying to find decent squares for my pieces. } 15. Qf2 Ba7 16. g4 f5 { 16. ...... f5 - I try and bust up that imposing littlepawn wall on the kingside but this does not help, even though it does exposethe WK. } 17. gxf5 exf5 18. e5 dxe5 19. dxe5 Bxe3 20. Qxe3 { 20. Qxe3 - aftera plethora of pawn exchanges and the two dsbs my position hasn't improvedmuch. White has a solid passer which will be a real thorn in my derrierelater on. } 20... Be6 { 20. ..... Be6 - Fou Leblanc blockades. } 21. Na4 { 21. Na4- renews the threat of a fork on b6. } 21... Qe8 22. Nb6 Rd8 23. Bc4 Rxd1 24. Rxd1 { 24. Rxd1 - rook trade. } 24... Na5 25. Bxe6+ Qxe6 { 26. ..... Qxe6 - Glendais now forced to take over the blockading role. This is not good. } 26. Nc3 Nc4 27. Nxc4 Qxc4 { 27. ...... Qxc4 - I do manage to trade off thatdominant knight on b6 but white still has a clear/winning advantage. } 28. Rd4 Qc7 29. Qd2 Nh4 { 29. ..... Nh4 - I threaten a family fork of my own,but the threat is easily dealt with. } 30. Qf2 Ng6 31. Qd2 Nh4 32. Rd3 { 32.Rd3 - avoiding a draw by threefold repetition. } 32... Qb6+ 33. Qf2 Qxf2+ 34. Kxf2 { 34. Kxf2 - the queens come off the board but little has changed inthe status quo. } 34... Ng6 35. Ke3 Re8 36. Rd7 Re7 { 36. ..... Re7 - what else? } 37. Rxe7 Nxe7 38. Kd4 { 38. Kd4 - white's active king is gonna prove decisivein this knight endgame. } 38... Kf7 39. Kc5 Nc8 40. Kd5 Ke7 { 40. ..... Ke7 - Henrytries to centralise himself but cannot get very far. } 41. Na4 h6 42. Nc5 { 42. Nc5 - the loss of a pawn is unavoidable but I attempt some counterplayon the kingside. } 42... g5 43. fxg5 hxg5 44. Nxb7 f4 { 44. ...... f4 - I pushmy own passer as far as I can, but this does not wash. } 45. Nc5 Nb6+ 46. Ke4 { 46. Ke4 - Mike's king goes towards my kingside pawns. Henry is stillbeing pegged back in his own half. } 46... Nc4 47. h4 gxh4 { 47. ...... gxh4 -pawn trade. } 48. Kxf4 h3 49. Kg3 h2 50. Kxh2 Nxb2 { 50. ..... Nxb2 - Myh pawn is traded for white's b pawn. I am still a pawn minus and I don'tthink my a pawn can be held. Henry is still tied down to that passer one5. } 51. Kg3 Nc4 52. Kf4 a5 53. Ke4 Nb6 54. Kd4 { 54. Kd4 - now the WK comesacross to my knight and a pawn. } 54... a4 55. a3 Kf7 56. Kc3 Kg6 57. Kb4 Kf5 { 57. .... Kf5 - Henry trebuchets round to the e pawn but it will be toolate. } 58. e6 Kf6 59. Kb5 Nd5 60. Kxa4 { 60. Kxa4 - now my a pawn does fall. } 60... Nc7 61. Ka5 Nxe6 62. Nxe6 Kxe6 { 62. ..... Kxe6 - the e pawn finally fallsbut Henry will not get to b8 in time. Four moves later I resigned thegame on the grounds of Unavoidable Mate. Gameknot Analysis showed thatMike had a mate in 13. Well played, Mike - you are one worthy winner! } 63. Kb6 Kd7 64. Kb7 Kd6 65. a4 Kc5 66. a5 1-0

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.04.20"] [Round "-"] [White "ancientart5"] [Black "thitho"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1766"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1672"] 1. e4 { a game with some mistakes from both parts, but I thought very interesting,mostly because of the 'central dance' of the Knight } 1... e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Bc4 Nxe4 4. O-O d5 5. Bb5+ { not quite sure this is correct. Until this move,i think it is theory and the pawn lost on move 3 is not essential } 5... c6 6. Be2 { I expected Ba4 followed by d3 to regain development } 6... Bd6 7. h3 O-O 8. d3 Nf6 9. Bg5 h6 10. Bh4 Be6 11. Nbd2 Nbd7 12. Bg3 { i liked this moveand the idea after. } 12... Nh7 { well, i hoped that ancientart let me time toapply f5. } 13. d4 { but he didn't... I must admit i spent a lot of timeon next move, even thinking of abandon my pawn... But I decided to thinkabout Fisher (for once) and saying: every pawn gain is a good pawn... } 13... Qc7 14. dxe5 Nxe5 15. Nxe5 Bxe5 16. Bxe5 Qxe5 { that's where i didn't wantto be } 17. Rb1 Qd4 18. Nf3 Qxd1 { yes, I know: too soon to exchange, butI didn't feel confident... Actually I was thinking about offering the draw,because the next 10 moves were totally in my mind. } 19. Rbxd1 Bf5 20. Bd3 Bxd3 21. Rxd3 Rfe8 22. Rfd1 { except this one, i did not expect... } 22... Re7 23. Kf1 Nf6 { ouf! Finally the horse comes back } 24. Re1 Rxe1+ 25. Kxe1 Re8+ 26. Kf1 c5 { Let's go to work... At least I have to force him to offerdraw... And then we see... } 27. Rd2 b6 28. Re2 Kf8 29. Rxe8+ { This reallysurprised me! My pawn is beginning to gain more value! } 29... Kxe8 30. Ne5 Ne4 31. Ke2 f6 32. Ng6 Kf7 { I think this was a mistake } 33. Nf4 d4 { becauseit forced this too soon. My king is really far. } 34. Nd5 { and now startthis very tense Knight dance... Congratulation to ancientart: he made medance, and dance here... } 34... Ke6 35. Nc7+ Ke5 36. Nb5 a6 { every move was aproblem... } 37. Nc7 a5 38. Ne8 g6 39. f3 Nd6 40. Nc7 { gosh, i wished hetook it... } 40... Nc4 41. Na8 { expected b3... another surprise... } 41... b5 42. Nc7 Nd6 { i have hesitated: did my b-pawn worth his? I have analyzed this forsome time... My wife was not very happy... } 43. b3 Kf4 44. Kf2 { that wasmy will by Kf4 } 44... c4 45. g3+ Ke5 46. Ke2 f5 47. Na6 { another surprise fromthis devil... } 47... g5 48. Nc5 h5 49. Nd7+ Ke6 50. Nc5+ Kd5 { avoid the draw,this time: i don't want it anymore... Why didn't you propose sooner? } 51. Nd7 h4 { maybe not the cleverest thing i made } 52. gxh4 gxh4 53. Nf8 cxb3 { maybe not the cleverest thing... } 54. cxb3 f4 55. Ng6 { and here beginsthe plot... } 55... Kc5 56. Nxh4 { ??? and here is the final surprise, and probablythe loss!!! } 56... Kb4 57. Ng6 Ka3 58. Nxf4 { who cares about these pawns??? whydon't you approach to b3? } 58... Kxa2 59. Kd3 Kxb3 60. Kxd4 { and this is decisiveand makes it easier to me. } 60... a4 61. Nd5 a3 62. Nc3 b4 63. Ne2 Kb2 64. Nf4 a2 { thank you for the brilliant counter-game until move 56. After that,you made my luck: i don't deserve the win. } 0-1

[Event "Amazing Sacrifice"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.07.24"] [Round "-"] [White "irwannapitupulu"] [Black "blake84120"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "2033"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1983"] 1. e4 e5 { Team Match. Having played an awful lot of Sicilian Defense lately,I decide to take a break and try the Open Game, letting my opponent pickthe opening. Probably unwise, but I felt like I needed a break from Sicily. } 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 { My Ruy Lopez. The opening I prefer when I'm white,but now the shoe's on the other foot. I fear I'm about to find out thehard way why I like this opening so much as white. I respond with the MorphyDefense. } 4. Bxc6 dxc6 { The Exchange Variation. I don't favor this myself,so let's see where it will lead. } 5. O-O Qd6 { 5. 0-0 is sometimes calledthe Barendregt Variation (what is it called the rest of the time?). 5.... Qd6 is considered the sharpest line and prepares to castle queenside. } 6. Na3 b5 { The best move for black in the World DB, it prevents the whiteknight from playing to c4, forking queen and e5 pawn. } 7. c3 Bg4 { Whiteprepares to push his pawn to d4 and also makes a hole for his knight ona3. Black pins the other knight to its queen. } 8. Nc2 Qd3 { We're quicklyrunning out of DB games. This move was played once, by Ulrich Zenker (2282)as black vs. Stefan Pruefer (2202) and is the only one of the 3 moves inthe DB with a favorable outcome for black. It puts quite a bit of pressureon the knight on f3, threatening to ruin the white kingside pawn structurewithout trading queens. However, 8. ... Qf3 threatens the same pawn structureand is harder for white to thwart effectively. Other alternatives thatlook appealing were 8. ... c5 and 8. ... Nf6. Still, I like to be aggressive,and Mr. Zenker did all right with this move, so I went with it. } 9. Ne3 Bxf3 10. Qxf3 Nf6 { The black bishop was en prise, and black's plans ofpawn structure damage were thwarted by the knight on e3, so the bishopmust either retreat (losing tempo) or attack. And now black develops witha threat against e5. Actually, at the time, I thought this was quite clever,since white has no way to save the pawn. } 11. Qg3 Nd7 { White found a greatresponse. Initially, I considered 11. ... Qxe4 but I chickened out. Inretrospect, this may be where this game took a turn for the worse. After12. ... Bd6 the position looks secure enough and the queen looks safe enough,and black could castle to either side as he sees fit. And I would havebeen a pawn up. But that e4 pawn looks poisonous. I can't put my fingeron it. I don't like my king and queen on the same open file, even whenI have a pawn on the file. Further, if white could drive away the blackqueen, then black's e5 pawn would fall. Two reasons to be wary, thoughI couldn't see any way for white to exploit either of them. Still, my hacklesraised, I avoided the pawn for reasons unseen. } 12. a4 Qxe4 { A move ago,with my e5 pawn lacking support, Qxe4 looked dangerous. Now it looks muchmore appealing. White's threat on b5 is not yet worriesome; it offers blacka chance to undouble his c-pawns if white exchanges. } 13. axb5 cxb5 14. d4 Qg6 { I was feeling pretty good about this game right about now. A pawnahead and a solid position. Let's try to exchange the big guns and winthe endgame. } 15. Qf3 e4 { The black rook on a8 was en prise, and 15. ...e4 saves the rook and establishes a 4-3 kingside pawn majority. } 16. Qh3 Qe6 { 16. ... Qe6?! was a weak move by black. 17. Qxe6 fxe6 accomplishespart of my goal of exchanging the big guns, but at a horrible cost to black'spawn structure. Still, I think it would be worth it. In retrospect, I thinkI would do something differently next time. Maybe 0-0-0. } 17. Qg3 c5 { Attackingwhite's center. } 18. f3 cxd4 19. cxd4 Nf6 20. fxe4 Nxe4 { This seemed quiteequitable to me at the time. White's queenside pawns are ruined and blackstill has a 3-2 kingside pawn advantage. White does gain a passed pawnin the center, but it is easily attacked. } 21. Qf3 g6 { 21. Qf3! is powerful.It pins black's knight on e5 and it puts a lot of pressure on black's pawnon f7, tying black's queen to defend two different directions - alwaysa danger. Even worse, black's backward pawn on a6 is also in danger, thoughit is adequately defended, but black is defending it with a queen and arook, two pieces that should have better things to do. Black's plan isto play 22. ... f5 to defend the knight and eliminate most of white's threatdown the f-file. } 22. d5 Qe7 23. Re1 O-O-O { White gives black no time forhis own plans, first attacking the queen then then knight. However, withone attacker removed from f7, the king isn't needed to defend that pawnanymore. This was probably black's losing move, however. The idea was toget the king off of the open e-file before white's rook can skewer thequeen to the king. This frees up black's queen and knight to move again,rather than being stuck in defensive mode. It also puts pressure on white'sd-pawn. Unfortunately, these advantages are gained at the cost of the nowdefenseless a6 pawn, a cost I felt black could afford, since I was aheadby a pawn. But now I'm not so sure this was the right plan. I think blackwould have been better off sticking with 23. ... f5. } 24. Rxa6 Kb7 25. Ra5 Kb6 { White wants a second pawn, and black's queen is too busy defendingher knight to do much about it. 25. ... Nd6 might have worked out OK, asmight 25. ... Qe8. But I chose a plan that combined attack with defense.It turns out that 25. ... Kb6?? loses a deadly amount of material, butI never saw it coming. Kudos to white for finding the amazing combinationthat is to follow. } 26. Nc2 Kxa5 { 26. Nc2! is an amazing move. So quiet,yet so powerful. White leaves his rook on a5 hanging, free for black togobble it up. Sure, white gains black's knight on e4, so black only winsthe exchange, but there seems no other threat. So I looked deeper. No waymy opponent gave up the exchange for nothing. The knight on c2 attacksb4 and keeps the black king from using that as an escape route againstthe checks to come. I quickly realize that white is about to win black'squeen and knight for the cost of two rooks, and that I have no way outof it. Not taking the rook on a5 is worse than taking it. } 27. Be3 Ka6 { White threatened mate in 2 with Ra1+, so black's king must retreat inorder to escape to b7. } 28. Ra1+ Kb7 29. Ra7+ Kc8 { Nothing else for it,black's queen must die. } 30. Rxe7 Bxe7 31. Qxe4 Rd7 { And now the materialhas been exchanged and black's bishop was en prise. White doesn't haveenough material to force a won endgame. I'm hoping to stick it out fora draw, beginning with doubling the rooks on the d-file. Again, I missa killer response by white. } 32. d6 { Final position. White's pawn threatensthe black bishop. Black can capture that pawn in two different ways, orretreat the bishop. Any retreat is met with 33. Qa8#. 32. ... Rxd6? ismet with 33. Qa8+ and 34. Qxh8. And 32. Bxd6 is met with 33. Qa8+ Bb8 34.Qc6+ Rc7 35. Qa6+ Kd1 36. Qf6+ (any) 37. Qxh8. No matter what black does,he loses at least a rook. Time for black to resign. An excellent win forwhite. Well played. } 1-0

[Event "Revenge of a Forgotten Bishop"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.09.05"] [Round "-"] [White "ofiuco"] [Black "gooterz"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1115"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1226"] 1. Nf3 d5 2. d4 Nc6 3. c3 Nf6 4. Qc2 Ne4 5. c4 Bf5 { Searching for a SemiIndian Defense, black goes for all } 6. Qb3 Na5 7. Qa4+ Nc6 8. Ne5 dxc4 { Looking for a change but I decide pressure to King because it has no space } 9. Nxc6 Qd7 10. d5 bxc6 11. dxc6 { A paun near King and Queen in 10 movesit ́s always an excting position } 11... Qd4 12. e3 Qb6 13. Bxc4 { Bishop appearslonely, almost forgotten from the beggining } 13... Nc5 14. Qd1 Qxc6 { Discipline,no one strikes, quiet play } 15. O-O Rd8 16. Qe2 Be4 { Black Bishop feelsthe hit } 17. f3 Bxb1 { Ando goes for a cooling change } 18. Rxb1 Qg6 19. Ra1 e6 20. Rd1 { Who needs Towers!!?? } 20... Rxd1+ 21. Qxd1 Bd6 22. g3 O-O { BlackClosed position, King ́s paun feels bad, swets. White is not attacking } 23. b4 Be5 24. Bb2 { Awaeful mistake and punished } 24... Bxb2 25. bxc5 Bxa1 26. Qxa1 { Clearly advantage for Black. Note that lonely Bishop has not move,never since he get there } 26... f5 27. Qb2 f4 28. exf4 Rxf4 { Black attacks withtheir supperiority, but Kings has no defense } 29. Qb8+ Rf8 30. Qxc7 Qb1+ { White can ́t find a hole and liberates king, the persecution begins. LonelyBishop stills } 31. Kg2 Qc2+ 32. Kh3 Qf5+ 33. g4 Qxf3+ 34. Kh4 g5+ 35. Kxg5 Qe3+ 36. Kh4 h6 { King totally blasted, has not air } 37. Qg3 { Only chance,replegated the Queen ,this position requires Knight for the blacks, butja! } 37... Rf3 { Tower comes to help. If King escape loses his Queen, if Queensacrifice, black crowns and it over, so??? } 38. Bxe6+ { REVENGE OF A FORGOTTENBISHOP, more than 20 moves still, but he was there! CHEK. If queen takes,tower dies, queen to queen is going for tie, no one likes ties } 38... Kf8 { Somove King, imagination is required for the Queen living a dead positionfor White King } 39. Qd6+ Kg7 40. Qe7+ Kg6 { Queen managed to take kingsseeing each other, this is it, bad move loses } 41. Bf5+ { Revenge Bishopsacrifices and gets even giving an amazing check, Black Queen Caught itis over } 41... Rxf5 42. gxf5+ Kxf5 43. Qxe3 { Queen takes and then is just joy!Breeth } 43... h5 44. Kxh5 Kf6 45. c6 a5 46. c7 a4 47. c8=Q Kg7 48. Qee6 Kh7 49. Qh6# { Paun crowns and two queens blasted the Black King } 1-0

[Event "Southern Chess Winter Invitational 2007"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "02-Apr-07"] [Round "-"] [White "remybear"] [Black "ethansiegel"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1726"] [TimeControl "5d+1d, 6d max"] [WhiteElo "1506"] { Alright, folks, I know I haven't annotated a game in awhile, but I haven'thad one very illustrative of any particular themes lately. Here is a gameagainst my fellow Southern-Chess member Remybear, who always plays me tough. I bumble around and he gets a big advantage, but I throw everything intoa big counterattack. The result is worth watching. } 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 { Ruy Lopez -- little do I realize that my opponent has literallyhundreds of games playing the white side of the exchange in the ruy... } 3... a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 { Of course black recaptures with the d-pawn, otherwiseNxe5 cannot be met by Qd4! } 5. h3 { Preventing the common black responseof Bg4. } 5... Bd6 { Protecting e5. } 6. d3 { With the light-squared bishop offthe board, white has no problems making his dark-squared bishop the goodbishop, and making black's dark-squared bishop bad. } 6... h6 { Fearing a kingsidebuildup, but perhaps development was more necessary. } 7. O-O Nf6 8. Nbd2 O-O { This may not be the best decision. White is building up on the kingsidefor sure, which means black may want to shore up his king on the otherside of the board. } 9. Nc4 { Offering an exchange... } 9... Be6 { I decide developmentis more important than the dark squared bishop, and hey, it undoubles mypawns, right? } 10. Ncxe5 { Oops! Overlooked that, and now I'm down a pawn. This is doubly bad because that e5 pawn was black's major source of centralcontrol... now the white pieces are free to run rampant! } 10... Re8 { Trying tokick the pieces out before it's too late. } 11. Bf4 { And this move is avery good developmental move! Previously impossible because of the pawnon e5, white now has a strong central and kingside presence, plus he'sup a pawn. White is definitely winning here. } 11... Nh5 { ? Slow and ineffective. After the retreat of the bishop, what is black going to do when the Nf3moves and the queen threatens the knight? } 12. Bh2 f6 { Desperately tryingto get the knight out of the center! } 13. Ng6 { But this position is evenworse! And now, what to do about the Nh5? Look at it; it's got nowhereto run! } 13... Kh7 { Trying to kick the knight out, or at least get some runningroom! } 14. Nfh4 { ! A good move, cementing the knight's positions and hopingto win the Nh5. } 14... Bxh2+ { Stalling. } 15. Kxh2 { Of course. } 15... Qd6+ { Hoping forsomething foolish. Seriously, I'm rated 1700 and this is what my gamecomes down to -- a counterattack where I have to hope my opponent makesa huge mistake. This is the strategy I stick by, by the way -- if youmake it easy for your opponent he'll come and get you, but if you makeas many complications as you can and create pitfalls, he just may fallinto one! } 16. g3 { Alright, time to assess. White is going to win theknight, and there's nothing I can do about that. What's the most I canget in compensation? So I took a think and concocted a plan that wentsomething like: If I play Nxg3, he'll take with the f-pawn. He'll rushthe queen over to the kingside for a big attack, and then maybe I can playfor a counterattack on the 2nd rank, forcing a draw or a win if I'm lucky. } 16... Nxg3 { Might as well give it a shot! } 17. fxg3 Bf7 { This lures the queenover to the kingside, as the knight needs another defender, and a retreatto f4 is met by the fork g5! } 18. Qg4 { Now the kingside presence lookstruly menacing, but there's no obvious breakthrough, so it's time to centralizemy forces and try to counter. } 18... Qd4 { Maybe I'll pick up a couple of pawnsfor my troubles? } 19. b3 { ? I don't like this at all for white -- he'splaying into my hands, and focusing on my phantasmal threats. Much stronger,I thought, was Rf2 followed by Raf1, where the attack appears all but irresistable. } 19... Qb2 { Threatening Qxc2 , winning back some pawns. } 20. Rfc1 { ?! I'm prettysure that's the wrong rook: this takes attention away from the kingside. I also see something else in this position... } 20... Rad8 { The c2-pawn is pinned! } 21. Qf5 { Threatening a murderous discovered check -- white is still winninghere, and I must remember to be careful! } 21... Kg8 { Practically forced, buta good defensive move. } 22. Qf4 { ? Not sure what this was preparing for-- perhaps to defend the d2 square? Because if he's eyeing off the c7pawn, that's a bad plan for sure! } 22... Rxd3 { ?! Very risky, but it's the onlyway to play at this point. A check on d2 is out of the question... } 23. Qxc7 { ? This may bring down the house. This move is really bad in manyways -- it leaves the defense of black's counterattack, it abandons white's'attacking' force on the kingside (the knights look frozen right now),and it decentralizes the queen. Black's next move is obvious... } 23... Rd2+ { Now I expected white wouldn't play Ng2, giving up the Ng6, but I thoughtI'd see Kh1, the best flight square. } 24. Kg1 { ? Again -- very surprising! This makes black's next move easy... } 24... Qd4+ { Forcing the king to h1, wherehe should've been a move ago (otherwise Kf1 leads to Qf2#). When you'retrying to avoid a mating net, you *must* make every move and tempo count! } 25. Kh1 { Forced. } 25... Qf2 { And now the game is over. White can only delaythe inevitable, by trying to prevent mate on either g2 or h2. The bestattempt, g4 (allowing the queen to protect h2 while the knight protectsg2), is met by Bxg6!, where black threatens Bxe4 leading to mate, and theNh4 cannot recapture due to Qg2#. Still, white insists on fighting it out... } 26. g4 { The best try. } 26... Bxg6 { As promised. Now, Nxg6 loses to Qg2#. Blackthreatens Bxe4 leading to a forced mate, and, among other threats, thewhite Nh4 is hanging. Rce1 is an option, but is there a way to surviveRxe4 in response? } 27. Rf1 { This move does nothing to address the threatof Bxe4, and so the game is almost over... } 27... Bxe4+ { And white mercifullyresigns. The finish is either 28. Nf3 Bxf3# or 28. Ng2 Qxg2#. 0-1 Howlucky was I to pull this one out? Hopefully you've learned something aboutcounterattacking, and thanks to Remybear for a hard-fought game! } 0-1

[Event "My first GK's win"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.05.10"] [Round "-"] [White "olsson"] [Black "tsunkatse"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1200"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1211"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. Bc4 { Raremove: it's usual 7.f4 } 7... b5 8. Bb3 Bb7 { 8. ... Be7? is losing cause of 9.Bxe6!fxe6 10.Nxe6 Qd7 11.Nxg7+, and for the piece White has three PP and theunsafe position of Black King } 9. O-O h6 10. Bxf6 Qxf6 11. Qg4 { '??': d4-Knightis not defended. } 11... Qxd4 12. Rad1 Qf6 13. Rxd6 { '??': maybe White was thinkingto a Pawn fork ... } 13... Bxd6 14. Qh5 { 14.f4 (threatening to enable the forkwith e5) doesn't work cause of 14. ... Nc6!, and if 15.e5 Nxe5! 16.fxe5Bc5+ mating } 14... Nc6 15. Rd1 Rd8 16. Nxb5 { Desperate try to survive by tactics } 16... axb5 17. Qxb5 Bxh2+ { '!': d1-Rook is not defended } 18. Kxh2 Qf4+ 19. g3 { After 19.Kg1 Rxd1+ White has to lose the Queen } 19... Qxf2+ 20. Kh3 Rxd1 21. Qxb7 Rh1+ 22. Kg4 Ne5# 0-1

[Event "IC DOGS Team 1 Mini Tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "15-Dec-06"] [Round "-"] [White "yellowlab"] [Black "kradak"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1475"] [TimeControl "5d+2d, 7d max"] [WhiteElo "1922"] 1. e4 { 1. e4 gains space and opens lines for the king bishop and the queen. The strategic drawback is that d4 and f4 have been slightly weakened.Since pawns can never move backwards, the e-pawn can never help controlthose squares. The e-pawn may itself become an object of attack. } 1... c5 { TheSicilian defense. The idea is to create an imbalance in the position. Black will frequently trade a wing pawn for a center pawn, and try tocontrol the center witha 2 to 1 pawn majority. } 2. Nc3 { The closed Sicilianavoids an early d4. } 2... Nc6 { Black develops naturally by centralizing a knightand attacking d4 and e5. } 3. f4 { The so-called Grand Prix attack. Whiteis hoping to gain space in the center and on the kingside, and then launchan attack. } 3... e6 { 3. ...g6 and 3. ...d6 are frequently played alternatives. } 4. Nf3 { White will want to complete his kingside development and castlequickly in preperation for the attack. } 4... Nf6 { A normal looking move, butthe knight is better placed on e7. 4. ...d5 would be better and wouldkeep black in the game for spatial control. } 5. e5 { Gaining space withoutthe cost of a tempo, since the black knight must move again. } 5... Nd5 { Othermoves lose time as well as space. } 6. Nxd5 { The black knight was threateningthe f-pawn, so white plays to mangle black's pawn structure. } 6... exd5 { Forcedin order to restore material equality. } 7. d4 { White wishes to exchangethe d-pawn for black's c-pawn leaving black with doubled isolated pawns. } 7... Be7 { 7. ...d6 was a better move. } 8. c3 { I considered 8. dxc5 Bxc5 9. Qxd5Qb6 too risky for white. Quiet moves will leave black with a weakenedpawn structure with no risk to white's position. } 8... d6 { A good move. Blackwould like to complete his development and create some counterplay. } 9. Be3 { White wants to catch up in development before initiating exchangesin the center. } 9... Bf5 { 9. ...dxe5 would've forced white to tip his hand. I would've played 10. fxe5 and if 10. ...cxd4 11. cxd4 Bb4 12. Kf2. } 10. Bd3 { Once white castles he'll be ready to clarify the situation inthe center. } 10... Qd7 { 10. ...Bxd3 and 11. ...dxe5 was still the way to go. } 11. exd6 { Now, white is winning a pawn. } 11... Bf6 { Better would've been 11....Bxd6 12. dxc5 Bc7, but it is still much better for white. In chesssometimes you must take your medicine and choose the lesser of evils. } 12. dxc5 { Now, the advanced pawns are a serious problem for black. Blackcould've had essentially the same position minus white's pawn on d6. } 12... O-O-O { Blasck needs to counter attack, but how? If black would've eliminatedthe d6 pawn earlier, you can imagine ways of creating mischief, but nowit is very difficult. } 13. O-O { White finally secures his king. } 13... Rde8 { Playdown the e-file is ineffective, but it is better than nothing. } 14. Bd4 { White is two pawns to the good and willing to trade pieces. } 14... Nxd4 { 14....Bxd3 was the alternative, now or on the next move.. } 15. Nxd4 { Forcingblack's hand. 15. ...Bxd4 16. cxd4 secures the advanced pawns, and 15....Bxd3 16. Qxd3 is much better for white as well. } 15... Re3 { Over looking white'snext. } 16. Bxf5 { 1-0. 4. ...Nf6 put black behind the eight ball a littlebit, because white was able to grab some space for free. White then triedto saddle black with inferior pawn structure as well. Black tried to sacrificematerial in order to gain counter play, but white's positional advantagewas maintained. } 1-0

[Event "Gambito de Dama Negra"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Winterfell"] [Black "Txigorin"] [Result "0-1"] [TimeControl "5/0"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5 { Otra vez! El Gambito de Dama Negra, también conocidoen lengua inglesa como Elephant Gambit. } 3. exd5 Bd6 { We enter our favorite line with 3...Ad6. } 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. Bc4 { The whites develop their pieces rapidly without disturbing the blacks' development. } 5... O-O 6. d3 { If the black pieces want to create problems, they have to play d4. In case white pieces are already playing d4, black pieces are also fine. } 6... a6 { Evitando un posible Cb5 y preparando la expansiónb5 en el flanco dama con idea de fianchetar el alfil de casillas clarasy presionar sobre d5. } 7. a4 h6 8. O-O Nbd7 9. Ne4 Nxe4 { Maybe the most correct response to Cb6 is to recapture with the Ce4, but if White plays c3 instead, we can gain time by changing to f6. } 10. dxe4 f5 { The black pieces are looking towards the king's side, that's where you need to search for space. } 11. exf5 Rxf5 12. Re1 Qf6 13. Bd3 Rh5 14. Nd4 Rxh2 { Especulativa. Jugada de Café!! } 15. Kxh2 e4+ 16. Kg1 exd3 17. Qxd3 Ne5 18. Qe4 { After the fireworks, the whites are better but... } 18... Bd7 19. f4 { Bang! se les va la posiciónde las manos. } 19... Ng4 20. f5 Qh4 21. Nf3 Bc5+ { Bang! It's over. } 22. Be3 Bxe3+ 23. Rxe3 Qf2+ 24. Kh1 Nxe3 25. Rg1 Bxf5 0-1

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2011.03.30"] [Round "-"] [White "thedessertfox"] [Black "ryoma"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "931"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1159"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 { I played 3.Nf3 expecting ...Nc6 4.Bb5 Ruy Lopez } 2... f6 { Greetedwith 3. ...f6 Damiano's defence I was surprised and looked into the Gamedatabase to see what common replies were. } 3. Nxe5 fxe5 4. Qh5+ { This situationwas one I had been in as black before. I was black and my opponent playedKings gambit which I had never faced before and played it like I wouldplay Queens gambit by moving the bishops pawn forward d1. e4 e5 2. f4 f63.fxe5 fxe5 4.Qh5+ } 4... Ke7 { I had expected ... g6 so I could play 5. Qxe5+Ne7 6. Qxh8 but was greeted with 5. Ke7. } 5. Qxe5+ Kf7 6. Bc4+ Kg6 7. Qf5+ Kh6 8. d4+ g5 { This part of the game was forced and when I saw this moveI needed a plan. } 9. h4 { I realised that 9. h4 would mean I should beable to play 10.hxg5+ Kg7 11. Qf7# I saw no other move that could extendthe game } 9... Bb4+ { However I was wrong I didn't see 9.Bb4+ but this couldonly make the game last for a couple more moves } 10. c3 { I played 10.c3expecting10. ... Bxc3 to extend the game. } 10... Be7 { 10. ... Be7 adding moredefenders ti the g-pawn was what I had expected on move 9. This move didnothing but mean the game would end in two more moves because my opponenthad overlooked that 11. hxg5+ was actually a double check with both rookand pawn which. } 11. hxg5+ { Mate next move } 11... Kg7 12. Qf7# { What I learnedfrom this game 1. Damiano's defence is a weak opening. 2. (Combined withmy experience of 1.e4 e5 2. f4 f6 3. fxe5 fxe5 4. Qh5+ g6 5.Qxe5+) f6 isgenerally a weak move against kings pawn game } 1-0

[Event "Anand's Immortal"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014"] [Round "-"] [White "Levon Aronian"] [Black "Viswanathan Anand"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2772"] [WhiteElo "2825"] { Magnus Carlsen has described this game as 'A Game for the Ages'. Watchthe world champion sacrifice a rook and demolish World number 2 Levon Aronianin just 23 moves. My annotations begin where the action begins i.e. onMove 11. } 1. d4 { Magnus Carlsen has described this game as 'A Game forthe Ages'. Watch the world champion sacrifice a rook and demolish Worldnumber 2 Levon Aronian in just 23 moves. My annotations begin where theaction begins i.e. on Move 11. } 1... d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 { Capturing the white pawn before the white bishop hasbeen moved to d3 results in a loss of tempi for black. Now Aronian hasto capture on c4 with his Bishop. And Anand will, in his next move, promptlydrive it back to d3 again thereby gaining a tempo. } 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Bd3 Bd6 9. O-O O-O 10. Qc2 Bb7 11. a3 Rc8 { OK Folks! this is where the action begins. You see, while Anand’s rook move is not new in this position, it is lesscommon than the move 10. ... a6. This move is very natural. Black’s maingoal in these sorts of double queen pawn openings is to play his pawn toc5 under favorable circumstances. This move frees his position and getsrid of a weak, backward pawn. The problem with playing the pawn to c5 directlyis that the pawn on b5 is then left without protection. So moving the pawnto a6 first, to protect the pawn on b5, makes a lot of sense. } 12. Ng5 { This is where Anand's home preparation lasted till. From his home preparationhe knew the fundamental idea that 12. Ng5 is unsound for white when blackhas played 11.... Rc8 instead of playing 11.... a6 first. However, Anandstill had to see the game till the very end from here. He thought for afull one and a half hours before he made his next move. Usually in thissituation, after black's usual move of 11. ... a3, white’s knight movemakes a lot of sense. Of course, black can play the tactical shot 11. ...Bxh2+ 12. Kxh2 Ng4+, and after white gets out of check black will win backthe piece with 13. ... Qxg5. The general feeling, though, is that white’stwo bishops and better coordination give him a strong position. The significanceof this game is that Anand showed why white’s Ng5 idea is a bit dubiousafter Rc8. Black did not go for the tactical shot, nor did he worry aboutthe weak h-pawn, nor did he worry about a weakness on b5. He simply played12. ... c5 right away. The line-up of the black rook on c8 with the whitequeen on c2 gives black a lot of tactical possibilities. White repliedwith 13. Nxh7, grabbing a pawn and threatening the rook on f8. Anand thenplayed 13. ... Ng4, leading to this position: } 12... c5 13. Nxh7 Ng4 { Suddenlyblack has quite the attack. Both of his bishops are pointed ominously atwhite’s king, and black’s knight on g4 is soon to be joined by the queenarriving on h4. That’s a lot of firepower. } 14. f4 { White played 14.f4. This closes the black bishop’s path to h2. Sadly, white closes onediagonal only by opening another. Anand will later pounced on this newdiagonal as you will see. } 14... cxd4 15. exd4 { OK, you're playing black. Whatmove would you play here? } 15... Bc5 { !! It is for this move that the game hasbeen dubbed 'Anand's Immortal' by chess commentators. I wonder How manyplayers, even grandmasters, would have found this move over the board?! Notice how Anand's bishop now occupies the same diagonal that Aronianhad vacated when he had moved 14.f4 a move ago. } 16. Be2 { Can’t white justtake black’s bishop with his pawn? Well, yes. But it won’t go well forhim. Black will reply with Nxc5, and suddenly white has all sorts of problems.Black is threatening both to win back the piece by taking the white bishopon d3, and also to play Qd4+. taking advantage of the diagonal opened bywhite when he moved his pawn to f4. The tactics get very messy to calculate,but suffice it to say that black is doing very well indeed. So white tried16. Be2 here, with the idea of chasing back the black knight on g4. Ifblack were actually forced to retreat now, this would be a good move. Sadlyfor white, Anand has another trick up his sleeve. OK, again, you'replaying black. What would be your next move? } 16... Nde5 { !! Anand played 16.... Nde5!! (That’s right! Two double exclam moves in a row!!) Let’s takestock. Black’s bishop on c5, his knight on e5, and his rook on f8 are allunder attack. If the knight on e5 moves, then the knight on g4 will behanging. But white is the one in big trouble! Calculating all the variationswould lengthen this post beyond decency, so let’s just look at how thingswent. } 17. Bxg4 Bxd4+ 18. Kh1 Nxg4 19. Nxf8 { We have reached a criticalmoment. White is up a full rook, but he is still facing a strong attack.It looks like black could now play the crushing move Qh4. He must resistthe temptation to do so, however, since white would then get the last laughby playing Qh7+. Black would be forced to exchange queens, after whichhis attack is kaput and white will just be up an exchange. } 19... f5 { !! Thethird double exclam move in the same game ! Anand played 19. ... f5!!. Aquiet move this time. He simply shuts down the diagonal leading from c4to h7. Now he really is threatening to play Qh4, after which white willrun out of time before finding a reasonable defense. These quiet movesare always the hardest to find. After the game Anand remarked that he feltproud of himself for having found 19. ... f5 over the board. } 20. Ng6 Qf6 21. h3 Qxg6 22. Qe2 Qh5 23. Qd3 { Aronian played his Queen to d3 toprotect his pawn on h3. (The g2 pawn is pinned by the Black bishop onb7) } 23... Be3 { !! The fourth double exclam move in the same game. This movecuts off the Aronian's Queen from defending his pawn on h3. And Aronianresigned here.....What a finish by Anand ! A masterful game by Anand,one of the most underrated world champions ever. Actually he is probablyamong the top 8 chess players of all time. See this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_top_chess_players_throughout_history Thanks for watching the Game. I'd appreciate your comments.. } 0-1

[Event "Tournament Game, Norway 1928"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Christoffersen"] [Black "Loven"] [Result "1-0"] { White's sparkling tactical play leads to a brilliant win. } 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 { The game begins quietly, with a Three Knights' Game. } 3... d6 4. d4 { White exploits Black's passive third move to take command of thecenter. } 4... Bg4 5. dxe5 { Forcing Black to concede a minor exchange. } 5... Bxf3 6. Qxf3 { Now the White Queen has a relatively open board to roam on. Theconsequences will be disastrous for Black. } 6... dxe5 7. Bg5 { Developing aggressivelywith a pin. } 7... Bb4 8. Rd1 { Forcing Black's response if he wants to avoidlosing material. } 8... Qe7 9. Bc4 { Bringing another piece to bear on Black'sweakened position. } 9... Nbd7 10. O-O { Now White can attack en masse, with hisKing safely secure. } 10... Bxc3 { Forced, else 11 N-Q5 would rip open Black'sposition. Black anticipates 11 PxB in response, as QxB is obviously unsatisfactory-- right? } 11. Qxc3 { Difference of opinion makes horse races... and chessgames! } 11... Nxe4 { Anticipating 12 BxQ NxQ 13 PxN KxB 14 BxP, and Black wouldhave a strong game. } 12. Rxd7 { The move Black missed! If 12... NxQ, 13RxQ ch will be followed up with 14 RxBP ch and 15 PxN. If instead 12...QxR, 13 QxP ch K-B1 14 QxN. And 12 KxR? fails against 13 Q-R3 ch!!, winningBlack's Q! } 12... Qxg5 13. Qd3 { Black's position is crumbling fast. } 13... Nd6 { 13...N-B4 would fall to 14 BxP ch K-B1 15 Q-QR3 P-QN3 16 RxP! } 14. Rxc7 { Removingthe Knight's support. } 14... Rd8 15. f4 { Attacking the Q and gaining anothertempo for his attack on the K. } 15... exf4 16. Re1+ { Simple and strong. } 16... Kf8 17. Qxd6+ { Black resigns. If 17... RxQ, 18 RxPch K-N1 19 R-K8 mate. } 1-0

[Event "WtW Modern Benoni mini-tournament VIII, http://gameknot.com/"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2013.08.19"] [Round "-"] [White "elyhim"] [Black "another player"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "2101"] [WhiteElo "2352"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. d5 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. e4 g6 7. f4 Bg7 8. Bb5+ Nfd7 9. Be2 O-O { Alternative variation: 9... Qh4+ 10. g3 Qd8 11. Nf3O-O 12. O-O Re8 [=] Alternative variation: 9... a6 10. Nf3 b5 [⇄] } 10. Nf3 a6 { ?! Alternative variation: 10... Na6 [!?] 11. O-O Re8 12. Kh1 Nc7[=] } 11. a4 Qc7 { ?? Alternative variation: 11... Nf6 12. O-O Bg4 13. h3Bxf3 14. Bxf3 Re8 15. a5 Nbd7 16. Be3 b5 [=] } 12. O-O Re8 13. e5 { ! → } 13... dxe5 14. d6 { !! } 14... Qd8 15. Ng5 { attacking f7 } 15... exf4 { Alternative variation:15... Nf8 16. fxe5 Be6 17. Nxf7 Bxf7 18. Rxf7 Kxf7 19. Qd5+ Ne6 [+⁠−] } 16. Nxf7 Qa5 17. Nd5 Bd4+ 18. Kh1 Kxf7 19. Nc7 { forking the rooks } 19... Nf6 20. Bxf4 Kg7 21. Bg5 Bd7 22. Rxf6 { wins the two rooks for the exchange. } 22... Bxf6 { Alternative variation: 22... Nc6 23. Qf1 Rxe2 24. Rf7+ Kg8 25.Nxa8 Rf2 26. Rxf2 Bxf2 27. Qxf2 Bf5 [+⁠−] } 23. Bxf6+ Kxf6 24. b4 { winsthe queen } 24... Qxc7 25. dxc7 { black resigned } 1-0

[Event "Bobby Fischer Trap"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.03.12"] [Round "-"] [White "Bobby Fischer"] [Black "Anyone"] [Result "*"] [BlackElo "????"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "2785"] 1. e4 { Bobby Fischer loves to open up the game instead of just playingd4, he plays e4. } 1... c5 { Obviously the sicilian. Probably the best scoringdefenses black can play here. } 2. Nf3 { White continues with Nf3. Simpledevelopment move, trying to control the center with his minor pieces. Typically,you want to bring out Knights before bishops and thats exactly what BobbyFischer did. FYI, this is his highest rating achieved. } 2... Nc6 { Now black'sgonna play Nc6. Again, simple development move. This is getting ready forthe accelerated Dragon. } 3. d4 { Bobby Fischer plays d4. Both pawns willbe exchanged. } 3... cxd4 { Take. } 4. Nxd4 { And take(As expected). } 4... g6 { Blackcontinues with g6, which is continuing with the accelerated dragon. Intypical Dragon, pawn comes to d6 and is later pushed up to d5. Later onthe dpawn goes to d5 directly. } 5. Nc3 { Simple development move, tryingto control the center. } 5... Bg7 { Black controling that long diagonal and willsoon develop his other minor pieces. } 6. Be3 { Developing. } 6... Nf6 { Developingtoo. Getting ready to castle. } 7. Bc4 { Attacking the f-pawn. } 7... O-O { Safetyfor the King. } 8. Bb3 { Now Bobby Fischer plays Bb3. The reason for thisis that Bobby Fischer loves to sit back and eye down the f-pawn, puttingtons of pressure on black. This also sets up the trap. It attempts to lurethe Knight to a5. Black is looking to trade off pieces here. } 8... Na5 { Knightis lured. } 9. e5 { Pawn attacks Knight and the Knight really has no placeto go. Continuations are 9. e5, Nh4 10. g4 and the Knight is trapped. IfKnight goes to g4 it gets taken, same with Nd5, and the best move wouldbe Nxb3. Continuation would be 10. exf6, Nxa 11. fxg7, Nxc2 12. Qxc2, Kxg7and White is dominating in development. } 9... Ne8 { Only move. } 10. Bxf7+ { f-pawnneeds to be taken for trap to work. You'll see why. Continuations 10. Bxf7Kxf7 11. Ne6 dxe6 12. Qxd8 or 10. Bxf7 Rxf7 11. Ne6 dxe6 12. Qxd8 so nomatter what black loses his Queen. } 10... Rxf7 { Lets say he takes with rook. } 11. Ne6 { As expected. Here he can moove Queen or he can take with pawn.Best move would be Qc7 so he can win the Knight. } 11... Qc7 12. Nxc7 { Black losesQueen. } 12... Nxc7 { And Black takes back. This is a nice little trap that BobbyFischer has used many times and I will also try to use it as many timesas possible too. } *

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.07.17"] [Round "-"] [White "rolie1964"] [Black "thatbennyguy"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1200"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1194"] 1. e4 { Hey everybody this is my first game against my first opponent. As you can see, White plays e4. This is the King's Pawn Opening, themost popular first move for white with professionals and casual playersalike. I even play it sometimes. } 1... c5 { 1. ... c5 is the Sicilian Defense,the most popular move for black to play. However, even though it is themost popular chess opening, very few know how to play it with skill. Includingme. By the way, I don't really like playing this opening anymore. Changedmy mind since this game. But we play it differently anyway. And we'll seethat soon. } 2. Nf3 { 2. Nf3, white wants to promote his d-pawn to d4 withouthaving to bring his queen out after 2. d4 cxd4 3. Qxd4 Nc6. Instead whitetries playing 3. c3 dxc3 4. Nxc3, sacrificing a pawn for early developmentof the knight on b1. But I believe that this is not a huge advantage indevelopment compared to the pawn lost. } 2... d6 { Again, the most popular moveto play, I know, predictable, but hey, you learn. You might think thatthis would be the right time to play 3. Bb5+, and for some people it is,but Black has many choices with 3. ... Nd7, or 3. ... Bd7, or 3. ... Nc6.I'd play 3. ... Nd7 4. d4 Ngf6 5. Nc3 cxd4 6. Qxd4 e5 7. Qd3 h6 8. Be3Be7, but hey, you know, whatever. ^_^ But it looks good, you know. Butas white, you want more than that, you know? You know. } 3. Bc4 { This movepuzzles me. I almost cringe when I see this. Not because it's kinda noobish,well, yeah it's kinda noobish, but the part that frustrates me is thatI can't see how to capitalize on this person's 'mistake'. It seems likea perfectly good opening to me, but then again, how is it? Usually themasters say to play 3. d4, but this confuses me. I don't know. I reallydon't know. } 3... Nf6 { Looking at this again, I seem to think 3. ... Nc6 wouldbe better, simply because, I don't know, it feels better. } 4. Ng5 { Nowthis surprised me very muchly. I very don't like this opening if I waswhite. But since I was black, I'm good with it. White threatens 5. Bxf7+.Easily stopped. } 4... e6 { And suddenly white is completely disadvantaged. Ireally don't know, I just don't know. } 5. Nc3 { White develops his knightonto a nice square. } 5... h6 { Shunting N off its g5. Pretty unnecessary, I justwanted to feel safe. But I should have just kept developing. } 6. Nf3 { Theknight returns to his forces ashamed. His morale drops. } 6... Bd7 { The Monkgets ready for the Sunday service. } 7. h3 { Just an unnecessary pawn nudge.IMHO. } 7... Nc6 { Sir Lancelot is knighted, and marches into battle. } 8. a3 { Again,not really necessary. } 8... Be7 { Pastor John calling for duty. } 9. d3 { Onlynow does White realise he has to start developing his pieces more. } 9... O-O { The King must be safe! } 10. O-O { White is prudent. } 10... Qc7 { I ready my queen,looking to capitalize on the b8-h2 diagonal by placing my bishop on d6. } 11. Bf4 { White pins my d6 pawn on its spot. Darn! That close! } 11... e5 { I justwant to move my bishop, OK? Oh, wait. Bad mistake. Now I can't. } 12. Bh2 { White retreats. ALL THE WAY! } 12... Be6 { I feel like my bishop isn't doing much,so I want to trade it off with that other one. That one over there. No,not that one. THAT one. Really, I could have put my queen on c8 and triedsomething fancy by sacrificing on h3, but I just wanted the game to besimpler. Quite frankly. I admit. } 13. Bd5 { d5 is a very good square totake. He wants to use it to his advantage. } 13... Bxd5 { I'm not taking any chances.I am taking the bishop, though. } 14. Nxd5 { He decides to take with hisKnight. } 14... Nxd5 { So I take back, simply because any piece on that squarecreeps me out. } 15. exd5 { He threatens my Knight on c6. I'm quite scared. } 15... Nd4 { I move it to a calm place. } 16. Nxd4 { He captures. } 16... cxd4 { I capture.Note the semi-open c-file. I want to capitalize on that. Rc8, anyone? } 17. Rc1 { He anticipates this. } 17... Rac8 { By now White should be worrying aboutmy Rook and Queen on the semi-open c-file. } 18. Re1 { But he takes littlenotice. } 18... Bg5 { I threaten his Rook on c1. I reckon that 19. f4 would havebeen better, with 19. ... Bxf4 Bxf4 exf4, or 19. ... exf4. Even thoughhe would have lost a pawn, he would have the open e-file, and it's betterthan what comes after. } 19. Rb1 Qxc2 20. Qxc2 Rxc2 21. Kf1 { Threatens 22.Re2, trying to oust my Rook off the 7th rank. } 21... Rfc8 { I back my other rookup. } 22. g3 { I think this is preparing for either 22. h4 or 22. f4, bothof which were not my concern. } 22... Rd2 { I threaten the d3 pawn, but also makeway for my Rook on c8. 2 rooks on the 7th rank are very powerful, nearlyunstoppable. } 23. h4 { Threatening my bishop. } 23... Rcc2 { I double up rooks onthe 7th rank, so that 24. hxg5 Rxf2+ and White is in trouble. } 24. Bg1 { Defending f2. } 24... Bf6 { I move my bishop out of threat. Better is 24. ...Bd1, so that I can maneuvre to Bb6 or Ba5, but I didn't want my bishopto get pinned on the back rank. } 25. Red1 { Trying to minimise the threatof my rooks on the 7th rank, and also covering the d-pawn. } 25... Rxb2 { I capturea pawn. } 26. Ke1 { He should have played 26. Rxd2 or 26. Rxb2, in orderto minimise the threat of my rooks. } 26... Rxd1+ { I trade in my rook for somestrange reason. O right, I'm two pawns up. } 27. Kxd1 { And he takes my rookand resigns. I'm sorry, I thought this game would be a lot more interesting.But it seemed so in my head, before I started typing. Ah well, I'll justpost it anyway. But I hope you liked my openings analysis :) Cyaall next fall! } 0-1

[Event "'World Chess Championship Game 3 LIVE!'"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Caruana"] [Black "Carlsen"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] { I copied and pasted Susan Polgar's annotation of the World ChampionshipTournament. The previous one was the 2nd game, but this is the 3rd. Thereason for me copying and pasting is that it's more then just me beinga fan of Susan. But, I'm also into this championship since, for the firsttime since Bobby Fischer, you have someone from the US in this tournament. Having said that, Susan starts off with, 'It was clear that Caruana surprisedCarlsen in game 2 with 10...Rd8 with possible very sharp continuation.White managed to draw but the momentum was changed. I think Caruana willbe much calmer now. How will Carlsen handle this game?' } 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 { Here we go, we have a repeat of game 1. Thequestion is who will uncork the first novelty? Very interesting psychologicalplay by both players! Game on! ​The first deviation is } 5. d3 Bg7 6. O-O { instead of 6. h3. Surprise! It is nothing special chesswise, but clearlyCaruana did not want to repeat the potential problems of game 1. } 6... Qc7 { It is interesting that Carlsen played this right away. Immediately, itis putting doubt in his opponent's head. Carlsen wants to show that heexpected 6. 0-0 and is fully prepared for it. So Caruana now must thinkhow to avoid possible home prep. A complete mind game! More common movesare 6...Nf6 or 6...e5. } 7. Re1 e5 { After 7 Re1 e5 the game is back to similarterritory as with 6...e5. Transposition of moves. Caruana seems to havereturned to his childhood favorite... Back in 2004 he has played this sameline, but there his opponent played 6...e5 [Event 'Budapest FS06 IM'] [Date'2004.06.08'] [Round '4'] [White 'Caruana, Fabiano'] [Black 'Martini, Balazs'][Result '1-0'] [ECO 'B31'] [WhiteElo '2140'] [BlackElo '2289'] 1 e4 c52. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. O-O Bg7 6. d3 e5 7. Be3 Qe7 8. h3Nf6 9. Nc3 O-O 10. a4 b6 11. Nd2 Nh5 12. a5 Rb8 13. axb6 axb6 14. Ne2 Qc715. c3 Nf4 16. Bxf4 exf4 17. d4 Rd8 18. Nf3 Qe7 19. Qc2 g5 20. e5 Be6 21.c4 h6 22. Rad1 Rd7 23. Rd2 b5 24. cxb5 Rxb5 25. Nc3 Rb4 26. dxc5 Rxd2 27.Qxd2 Qxc5 28. Re1 Qb6 29. Ra1 Qb8 30. Nd4 Rxb2 31. Qd3 Qxe5 32. Nxc6 Qc533. Ra8+ Bf8 34. Ne4 Qxc6 35. Qd8 Qxa8 36. Qxa8 Rb1+ 37. Kh2 Rb4 38. Nf6+Kg7 39. Qa1 Kg6 40. Ne8 Rb8 41. Nc7 Rb6 42. Qa8 Bg7 43. Qg8 Bd7 44. h4gxh4 45. Nd5 Rf6 46. Ne7+ 1-0 } 8. a3 { World Championship play versus tournamentplay is so different. The preparation level for a 12-game match, or 14in my match in 1996, is so much deeper and intense. There are a lot ofguess work by both teams. The team with better guesses and better prephas big advantage! The 8. a3 the idea is to prepare b2-b4 and after theexchange on b4, opening the a-file More common is first 8. Be3 b6 andthen 9. a3. Carlsen needs to make a decision: allow b2-b4 and just continuedeveloping on the Kingside or try to prevent it with a7-a5 } 8... Nf6 { Now thelogical follow up is 9. b4 It is too late to play 9. Be3 as then Blackhas 9...c4 and if 10. dxc4 Nxe4. } 9. b4 { Now we will see a completely differentdynamic as in game 1. } 9... O-O { Sacrificing (temporarily) the pawn on c5. Interestinglyeven though we are out of official theory, but so far both sides are playingrather fast. If White captures the pawn with 10. bxc5, Black will win thepawn back soon enough after 10...Nd7 11. Be3 and f5! followed by chasingthe Bishop away with f5-f4. } 10. Nbd2 { I prefer the white side here. Itis a little easier to play, but of course far from anything decisive. Carlsenspent quite a bit of time here. What to do? 10...cxb4, 10...Nd7, 10...Be6or even 10...Bg4. Choices, choices! } 10... Bg4 { The idea is to take some pressureoff the e5 pawn. If 11. h3 then Bxf3. The c8 Bishop has very little play,so to exchange it for the Knight on f3 is not a bad idea. White is slightlybetter in this position. Perhaps Carlsen will change his opening choicein game 5? This is certainly a much better white game for Caruana thangame 1. It clearly seems to me that he got a hold of his footing aftera strong game 2. Even though there is no decisive result so far, the momentumhas swung quite a bit. } 11. h3 Bxf3 12. Nxf3 { As expected, Carlsen exchangedhis Bishop for the Knight. One of the things I do not understand sometimesin World Championship play is why some players insist of repeating thesame opening choices? This is another underwhelm opening choice for Carlsen. } 12... cxb4 13. axb4 a5 { This is basically survival mode. Carlsen hopes to tradea lot of pieces off to hold the endgame. He needs to mix things up drasticallyin the next few games. The missed opportunity in game 1 now looms larger.Having said that, Caruana needs to find a way to convert while Carlsenis still wobbling. Otherwise, the momentum will shift back. Sometimes,1 move in 1 game can change the entire outcome of a match this important! } 14. bxa5 Rxa5 { Unless one has played in long Classical World Championshipmatches, it is hard for most chess players to understand the importanceof psychology, home preparation, momentum, and other rarely seen off theboard factors. Carlsen has a big edge in match experience, but Caruanahas adjusted very well after a shaky game 1. Big kudos to his team forpreparing him nicely. This now has become a really interesting psychologicalbattle. } 15. Bd2 Raa8 { Caruana will try to put his Bishop on c3 and Queenon b2 to put pressure on both e5 and b7 pawns. } 16. Qb1 Nd7 17. Qb4 { Whiteis slightly better and has a more comfortable position, it should be hold-ablefor Carlsen. } 17... Rfe8 { What to do? White is better. White has space advantage.White has better pawn structure. But how to take advantage of it? Thisis what Carlsen is counting on. Black can sit back and defend. } 18. Bc3 { Black can play almost anything and still is OK. 18...h5, 18...Bf8, 18...b5One thing Caruana must keep in mind is Carlsen is very resourceful. Hehas no problem playing slightly inferior positions. Therefore, Caruanamust develop strong patience and not wears himself out like Foreman vsAli 'Rumble in the Jungle'. } 18... b5 19. Rxa8 Rxa8 20. Ra1 Rxa1+ 21. Bxa1 { Now,it seems that white got nothing out of the slight advantage. This is nowpractically equal. But Caruana must not fall asleep here as Carlsen canbe very dangerous in this type of 'boring' positions. He became a WorldChampion because of his ability to grind. } 21... Qa7 { It is a big sigh of relieffor Carlsen as he is no longer in any danger. He can just relax and grind.As I said in my pre-match assessment, Caruana is superior in opening prepbut Carlsen is better positionally. Objectively, the position is equalnow. } 22. Bc3 { Carlsen can force the trade of Queens if he wants to 22...Qa2 23. Qb2 Qxb2 24. Bxb2 f6 = } 22... Qa2 { Look at that! Carlsen is followingthe suggestion. Maybe I should type quieter so Carlsen won't hear? :) } 23. Qb2 { This is a quiet signal that they are OK with a draw in peace } 23... Qxb2 24. Bxb2 f6 25. Kf1 Kf7 26. Ke2 Nc5 { This is now 99.99% draw, unlesssomeone falls asleep and loses on time. } 27. Bc3 Ne6 { The position shouldresult in a draw. But I am afraid Carlsen will play on a while to burnoff some anger that he got outplayed in the opening again. } 28. g3 Bf8 { Carlsen has nothing. All he is doing is trying to grind hoping that Caruanawill get careless. Seriously, neither side has anything here. } 29. Nd2 Ng5 { While most grandmasters would take a draw here, look at what Carlsenis doing. He is slowly provoking Caruana. He has no problem doing littlepoking for hours and hours. The problem is many will fall asleep mentallyand lose to him. It is like some sort of hypnotism. } 30. h4 Ne6 31. Nb3 h5 { You may see something like Bd6 then g5. He wants to create either apassed pawn, or creating a stand alone pawn for white on a dark square.This is why white has to be alert. These little moves can prove to be apain down the line. To be clear, Caruana is not losing. But this doesnot stop Carlsen from trying to win.I personally believe Caruana made asmall psychological mistake by agreeing to a draw too early in game 2.He should have played out that drawn endgame to send a message to Carlsenthat 2 can play same game. } 32. Bd2 { Black has to consider the following:Is it better for him to trade off Knights, Bishops, both, or keep everything,Each scenario can change the dynamic of the game. This is a difficult decisionfor most amateur or club players. } 32... Bd6 33. c3 c5 34. Be3 { Even thoughthe game should still end in a draw, the momentum of the game has shifted.Now it is Carlsen who is the one to do the pushing and Caruana the onewho is defending. Even within a game, you can see the momentum going upand down. } 34... Ke7 35. Kd1 Kd7 { Look at that! The lazy Kings now want to getinto the action. Black can try to make a play on the Queenside or Kingside.It is he who is dictating the pace now. } 36. Kc2 f5 { You are witnessingthe beauty of chess (if you like this type of chess). Black faked it onthe Queenside. As soon as the White King shifted to the Queenside, Blackmade a play on the Kingside. Still draw but this is a good lesson for clubplayers. Some were asking me if Caruana should offer a draw. The answeris no. He knows Carlsen will not accept and it shows sign of weakness.You do not want to do that against Carlsen. } 37. Kd1 fxe4 38. dxe4 c4 39. Nd2 { Look at what happened? In just a few moves, Carlsen managed todo this. White now has 4 pawns on dark squares while Black has only 1.Even though in this position it may not mean much, in some others, thatcan be lethal. Endgame lesson for club players. } 39... Nc5 40. Bxc5 Bxc5 41. Ke2 { Remember what I said before? Carlsen was thinking about what to tradeoff. Now he sees that white has 4 pawns on dark squares, he traded hisKnight for Bishop so he can exploit them, then bring his King in on theQueenside. This is a master at work folks! ​This is a very good endgamelesson for the average club players. Even it may not be enough to win,you can see the deliberate effort from Carlsen to slowly change the dynamicof this game. He is working to shift every little possible advantage tohis side. } 41... Kc6 { White now must bite back by creating some counter playnot to allow the Black King to freely roam down the Queenside. This isthe blueprint to draw. White cannot afford to play defensively. Speakingfrom personal experience in World Championship matches, this is where Caruanaand his team must find a solution. He got excellent positions out of theopenings in the last 2 games with nothing to show for it. What went wrong?How to improve. This is why you have a team of seconds. } 42. Nf1 { Thisis the right plan. Caruana wants his Knight on the more flexible e3 square.This game is still heading to a draw. But Carlsen enjoys this type of maneuvering.So I expect another long game. And this is why I said fitness is so important.Long games is expected. } 42... b4 43. cxb4 Bxb4 44. Ne3 Kc5 { Another shift inthe position. Now Carlsen has just created a passed pawn for himself. ButCaruana is fine as long as he is making plays on the Kingside. } 45. f4 exf4 46. gxf4 Ba5 { This is the correct play by Caruana. This is why heis #2 in the world and the rightful challenger to Carlsen. } 47. f5 gxf5 48. Nxc4 Kxc4 49. exf5 { Excellent defense by Caruana. Game 4 tomorrow! In case if you are wondering, Black's Bishop in on the wrong corner. Soall white has to do is put his King on h1 and draw. Black cannot make progressso draw. I really try not to go into the detail computer lines. Anyonecan read those things off their engines. I am trying to give you more frommy personal world championship experience, and the thinking and maneuveringfrom both players. Hope you do not mind! That's my coaching side! } 1/2-1/2

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2013.09.04"] [Round "-"] [White "toplady"] [Black "tybalt39"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1200"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1073"] 1. f4 d5 { White camp is attacking on the King side. I answer by 1. ...d5, right in the center, because that is what is important in early game. } 2. h3 { 2. h3? Playing Nf3 is better. h3 is totally a bet, because I canplay Bg4 or Ng4, but not before a long time. More important, it loses time,and Black camp can attack by 2. c5! which controls the center. In thisgame, that's the plan. } 2... c5 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. a3 { 4. a3? Same as 2. h3. It isa bet, and, my knight has nothing to do there. Its place is more in thecenter. } 4... g6 5. g4 Bg7 6. a4 { 6. a4 ? White are making a lot of mistakes.After 5. g5?! I thought that the would push against my castle and controlf6, which would have forced my knight to go to e7, which is not reallya good place. } 6... Nf6 7. d3 O-O 8. e3 { 8. g5! to continue the plan. Controlthe center is not the plan for White here. And their bishops don't play.Black definitely have the initiative. } 8... Re8 { e3 is weak, and I need to openthe game by e5, after playing 9. ... Qc7 } 9. c3 Qc7 10. Bg2 e5 11. b3 { Whitehave a great pawn structure here. But in fact, that does not serve theirgame: it definitely breaks their Knights and Bishops. 11. ... exf4 is verydangerous too. } 11... exf4 12. Qe2 fxe3 { 12. ... Rxe3 is not possible (even verytempting) because of the Bishop in c1. } 13. Bxe3 Qg3+ { Black want to gainsomething. As all the White pieces are on the King, it is time to attack. } 14. Kd1 d4 15. Qf2 Qxf2 16. Bxf2 { With the opening of the center, I preferthe exchange of the queens. Next step, continue to exchange and maybe winsome material. } 16... Nd5 17. Nfd2 Nxc3+ 18. Kc2 Nxb1 19. Raxb1 Be6 20. g5 Bf5 21. Bxc6 bxc6 22. Bg3 Re3 23. Bf4 Rxd3 { With a very dangerous rook in d3,the b column wide open, I concentrate my forces on the queen size wherethe white king hides. } 24. Kd1 f6 25. Kc1 fxg5 26. Bxg5 Be6 27. h4 Rb8 28. Kc2 { Looking to obtain the b pawn. 28. Kc2 remebered me that it isnot a pawn, it is the king that I want. } 28... Rc3+ 29. Kb2 d3 { 29. ... d3 preparesRc2. Bxb3 is interesting too, but the Bishops pair is too precious. } 30. Ka3 { Even better! I need just to play c4, and then, the white positionis crushing itself. } 30... c4 31. Ka2 cxb3+ { There is only one square wherethe king is safe. I did not found a checkmate for this continuation, butthe advantage of the Black camp is too strong to do something great. After 31. Kb2, we have: 31. Kb2 Rc2+ 32. Ka3 Bf8+ 33. Be7 Bxe7# If theyplay 32. Ka1, 32. ... b2+ may give you everything white camp has. } 32. Ka3 b2+ 33. Nb3 Rbxb3+ 34. Ka2 Rb4# { Thanks for reading this annotation(sorry for the bad English, I'm french and it's late :)) and see you laterfor another analysis. } 0-1

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "04-Jun-07"] [Round "-"] [White "xzam"] [Black "berlin89"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1200"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1219"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 { I felt like playing the Berlin Defense,and see what happened. } 4. b3 { I was not expecting this. Normally the movewould be to capture the black pawn on e5. } 4... Bc5 5. Bb2 O-O { Position isnow at equilibrium. White is not yet done with development. I expectedfrom here to have White castle, and then develop his night. } 6. Bxe5 { Amajor mistake, as the white king is not yet adequately protected. } 6... Nxe5 { Just a trick to start my combination. White might have expected this,but if he did, then he didn't deeply explore move. Or he didn't thing thatI would sacrifice the Bishop. The best move now in my opinion is now D4.You can't let the Bishop get access to F2 if you still haven't castled. } 7. Nxe5 Bxf2+ { Start of the blitzkrieg that would give Black a decisiveadvantage. best move for white is now Kf1. This would limit the damage,and gain time to defend. } 8. Kxf2 Nxe4+ { clearing the way for the blackqueen to dance. } 9. Kf3 { This was not all that great. It just exposes theking further, and pulls white to defeat. } 9... Qf6+ { What else?! black now hasto attack to keep white off balance. } 10. Kxe4 { the capture practicallybegs not to be played, though I doubt that the position can be saved. } 10... d5+ { Allowing another piece into the blitz. } 11. Kd4 { The capture of thepawn would only have lead to early defeat. if 11. Kxd5 then c6! and thecapture of the knight. } 11... Qf4+ { only move } 12. Kxd5 { Wrong way! the kingshould be heading towards safety! } 12... Be6+ { gaining even more time! the nightnow has to be abandoned. } 13. Kc5 { only move... the King can't head tothe hills. } 13... Qxe5+ 14. Kb4 a5+ { the only logical way to follow up the attack,and gains the bishop, though if white was concerned, he would've resignedby now. } 15. Ka3 { only move, and incidentally, sets up a trap. if 15. ...Qxa1??then 16. c3! and the queen is trapped! } 15... c6 { Capturing the bishop onlyloses time, and the white king is then safe. } 16. c3 { Setting up shelter.Finally, White can breath slightly easier, or can he... } 16... cxb5 { bringingeven more pressure, if that is possible. This would be an absolute nightmareto defend against. } 17. Kb2 { Some shelter is better than none! } 17... a4 { anattempt to break open the shelter (17. ... a4 18. bxa4? bxa4 19. Re1 Qb5! 20. Kc1 a3. though white can escape by 21. Nxa3 Rxa3 22. Qc2Rf-a8 23.d3Rxa2 24.Rxa2Rxa225.Qb1Qxb1 26. Kxb1and black has the advantage,but the attack has ran out of steam, but has an extra piece. Best movenow is 17. b4, which seals the position right up, and allows white to escape. } 18. bxa4 bxa4 19. Re1 Qb5+ { best way to prosecute the attack } 20. Kc1 { Interesting would be 20. Kc2!? with a sharp position, and some safety. } 20... a3 { aiming for mate. white has to take the pawn or move his queen. ifhe moves his queen, then eventually, he has to lose it or trade it in check.even then, it only prolongs the agony. Black will win no matter what. } 21. h4 Qb2# { And Check Mate! White failed to antisipate this. } 0-1

[Event "Chess Game-'For Real This Time'"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "01/30/16"] [Round "-"] [White "brettbevans"] [Black "tactical-abyss"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2372"] [TimeControl "5 minute blitz"] [WhiteElo "2411"] { This was an interesting game between brettbecans and Joe. In TA's pastblitz games, Joe has played irregular openings and sacced his Queen earlyand won. In fact, that happened against this opponent, before. But, inthis game, he does not do that. Instead, he stays in book. When thishappens, you're dealing with Joe's full strength. In fact, one of thefirst things he said in this lecture was, 'When you play me in blitz andI do NOT sacrifice any material in the opening,you are THEN playing meat my personal full rating strength....which is approx 2530+ as I am ratedin another blitz site right now,as I write this.Blitz is not for everyone,includingplayers north of 2400,like Brett.His rating is excellent and is very commendablein CORRESPONDENCE play.But some players strategies and tactics are basedupon long term play,like Brett has earned.When they play blitz their averagerating abilities can drop considerably.Average,without special blitz trainingis around 200-300 points below their long corresp rating.Others can dropas much as 500 points below their corresp rating.In order for most(notall,but most)players to equal or even exceed their long corresp rating,ittakes very specialized study in fast visual concepts,pattern recognition,memorizedtraps,pawn pushing,lightning dark/light square control,pinwheeling conceptsfrom central pawn posts,drawing techniques and much more.This becomes evenmore apparent when ratings exceed 2100,for the competition to gain points,especiallyon rated blitz sites,can be fierce.' And, that is what happened, for afterbrettbevans made a blunder or two, Joe had a forced win which he took advantageof. } 1. Nf3 { As Joe mentioned, brettbevans favorite first move is the RetiOpening. In fact, Joe said, 'Brett here loves the Reti opening.Hypermodernis ok in long corresp games and so is fianchetto's,but I would not suggestthat style of play in fast 5 minute games.Why?Because the concepts of delayand proper buildup is 'engineered' for long corresp games or 40/2 OTB games.Butin 3 to 5 minute blitz games,it is much better to play more aggressivelywith immediate central control,fast dark/light square control and movingout your major pieces without delay,especially if your playing a 2500+monster.....like me!Fianchetto and hypermodern play makes me STRONGER,notweaker and should be avoided in senior master blitz play.This is simplyone secret revealed that most players will not fathom.Experience and statisticswill bear out what I am saying here,but very few blitz players have the'stats' I do. } 1... Nf6 2. g3 d5 3. Bg2 c6 4. O-O Bf5 5. d3 e6 6. Nbd2 h6 7. b3 Be7 8. Bb2 O-O 9. Qe1 { Normally, I'd annotate more because my beliefis that the more you annotate, the better. But, because of what Joe outlined,it's not needed as there's no thought process that goes into this. Anotherreason was for chess terms, when I didn't understand. Slowly but surely,I'm doing less of that since the idea is seeing the big picture and whatthe board is telling me. Well, what's mentioned shows that there's nobig story, yet. The other reason for annotating more is once I feel thatwe've moved passed book and now going by what I'm thinking and trying toaccess the opponents thought process. But, at a much stronger given thatthere hasn't been any deviation, there's nothing to keep about. The ideais staying in book against a Senior Master. Therefore, I'm basing thingson what Joe said for this annotation. Therefore, it continues with, 'Moves1 through 9 are in book.My central dominance is already apparent at thisjuncture,white sq control,my Bishops have much more open control than white,especiallywith his blocked in g2 Bishop.' } 9... Nbd7 { This, however, is where I startannotating more because Joe doesn't mention anything else until a mistake. I like this move because, not only is Joe continuing with his development,but he can bring his Nd7 into a better spot. } 10. e4 { Gaining tempo because,after brettbevans exchanges pawns, he'll gain tempo since Joe is forcedto protect his Bf5. Sure, I'm thinking of chess bits and wisdoms, butthere's no big story, yet. In other words, the board does not indicateanything major, yet. } 10... dxe4 11. dxe4 Bh7 12. Qe2 { Mobilizing his Queen. } 12... Qc7 { And, Joe has the same idea in mind. } 13. Rfe1 { Centralizing his Rookwhich is generally considered a good idea. Not only that, but it's directlybehind the Queen which plays a more powerful role. } 13... Rfd8 { Joe also centralizeshis Rook. } 14. Nc4 { ?? This is where everything with a big story and alot of what the board tells us. That's because Joe implied that this isthe losing blunder. In it, he said, 'Move #14 begins Brett's downfall.Removalof his central post e pawn by capture and no return on his side,is 'pre'fatal.' Therefore, I would've answered with 14.Ne5 to prevent that becausewhite does not lose a pawn 15.Nxe5. } 14... Nxe4 15. Nce5 { Centralizing his Knightwith the idea of compensating for the lost pawn. } 15... Bf6 { But, Joe answerswith counterattack against brettbevans Ne5. } 16. Nxd7 { But, white takes,anyway. You might as well because Joe would liquidate, one way or another. In fact, no matter what white does he cannot get himself out of troublebecause of what's coming. } 16... Bxb2 17. Rab1 Nc3 { That's because I was thinkingof 17.Rd1, but the next move would be the same. And, now, white is, officially,busted. In it, Joe said, 'Move #17 is the 'fork of death'(Q-R fork).Atthis point,the game is definitely over and brett knows it but plays ona few more moves to hope for a miracle.That 'miracle'will never surface.....well,notagainst me....unless the internet disconnects me!Not this time!' } 18. Nf6+ gxf6 19. Qc4 Nxb1 20. Rxb1 Ba3 21. b4 a5 22. Qb3 axb4 { When annotatinggames like this, I go by what Joe outlines which is the reason for doinganymore. And, what he outlined is the moral of this story. In it, TAsaid, 'Reinforced pawn capture on the a and b edgefile(B+P),clenches thewin.No mate necessary!Game over!Opponent resigns and quickly leaves thearena,voluntarily disconnecting. Again brett is a fine player,but myconstructive opinon(not destructive opinion)is that brett enjoys blitzand probably defeats many blitz opponents south of 2100(like I do)but needsadditional blitz training that he lacks when confronted by a hyper severeelectrical storm like me....and he has no proper grounding in blitz theory,whichis 'different'than long corresp. game play theory.No brag on my part,justfact....FYI.' } 0-1

[Event "sirhenry's mini-tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2018.09.25"] [Round "-"] [White "eric2jin"] [Black "foresttree"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1258"] [TimeControl "3d+2d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1300"] 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 { Bishop } 2... h5 { ? } 3. d3 { D pawn } 3... Nf6 4. Bg5 { Pinned } 4... d6 { Oof } 5. h3 { Oh well } 5... Be7 6. Nc3 Be6 7. Nf3 Nc6 8. O-O { Castling } 8... Bxc4 9. dxc4 { Trade } 9... Qd7 10. Bxf6 Bxf6 { Why not? } 11. Nd5 O-O-O { Queenside castling } 12. Qe2 Nd4 13. Nxd4 exd4 14. Nxf6 { N for B } 14... gxf6 { Minor pieces gone } 15. Rad1 { Get outta here } 15... c5 { Aw snap } 16. b4 { Mmm } 16... b6 { Hmph } 17. bxc5 { B x c 5 } 17... dxc5 { Well } 18. e5 { Maybe better was 18. c3. } 18... fxe5 { Ooh } 19. Qxe5 { Trades } 19... Rde8 { Die } 20. Qf6 { Well } 20... Rhg8 { Pinning } 21. Rde1 { !? } 21... Qxh3 { !? Very risky, as of my next move } 22. Rxe8+ { Black resigns. If 22...Rxe8?? 23. gxh3. If not then 23. Rxg8 or if 22... Kd7 23. Qe7+ Kc6 Rxg8threatening Rc8# if the queen moves out of the h3-c8 diagonal. } 1-0

[Event "Chess game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "me"] [Black "don't know username"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1200"] [WhiteElo "914"] 1. Nc3 { My favorite opening } 1... e5 2. Nf3 { Pawn in trouble } 2... d6 3. e4 d5 { You'llnotice that in this game, black makes lots of little mistakes that costhim pieces. This is the first. } 4. exd5 { Well, when you threaten my pawnlike that, I'm going to take yours. } 4... Qxd5 { And this is what changed thetone of the game entirely. } 5. Nxd5 Be6 6. Nxc7+ { Another mistake by Blackallows me to take a pawn and make this move. A better move might have beenBd6 to protect that space until he could move the other pieces (mostlythe knight that blocks the rook) to prevent this move. } 6... Kd7 7. Nxa8 Kc6 { It's anybody's guess as to what the king is doing here. } 8. Ng1 { At thispoint, I'm just making a random move to see what my opponent will do. } 8... Nd7 9. d3 b5 { I still don't know what my opponent is doing. } 10. Be3 { Myobjective: The pawn on a7. } 10... a6 { My opponent saw right through it. } 11. Nb6 { Time to get my knight back into play. } 11... Nxb6 { Here is where I makea crucial mistake and forget that the king can also take pieces as longas he is not in trouble himself. } 12. Bxb6 Kxb6 13. Nf3 { Since my firstknight did great things upon the field of battle, so shall my second. } 13... g5 { What is he doing with that pawn? (I could have easily taken that pawnwith my knight, but I ended up finding a better set of moves.) } 14. Be2 g4 15. Nd2 Bb4 { I think my opponent is trying to regain control of theboard, but at this point, I'm not sure of anything anymore. } 16. h3 { Gettinghis pawn out of my way. } 16... Nh6 { Not the best move for his knight to make;a better one would have been Nf6. } 17. hxg4 { Good-bye pesky pawn! } 17... Nxg4 18. Bxg4 { At this point, there is no harm in trading my pieces for his. } 18... Bxg4 19. Qxg4 { And I gain back the three-point advantage I lost earlier. } 19... Rc8 20. Qxc8 { He resigned after this. } 1-0

[Event "regular chess game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "26-Nov-07"] [Round "-"] [White "bonster"] [Black "stasiok"] [Result "*"] [BlackElo "1283"] [TimeControl "6 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1291"] 1. d4 { The start of a queens pawn game } 1... d5 2. Nc3 { I was planning to gofor a giuco piano it this point. But it turned out differently } 2... c6 { anunexpected counter for me } 3. e4 { I try to gain more control over the center } 3... e6 { stasiok plays defensively. The start of a long manoevering } 4. Qe2 { I take the line of his king. to attack d5 more } 4... Bb4 { To releave some pressurestasiok attacks my knight(that attacks d5). } 5. Bd2 { I counter by doublecovering my knight } 5... Bxc3 { he's not impressed. after this does take pressureof off d5 } 6. Bxc3 { normal exchange } 6... Na6 { not sure what is happening here.Diversion from the center game I would say } 7. exd5 { I go for his queenpawn } 7... cxd5 { He takes it leaving a hole on his queen side } 8. Nf3 { reinforcingthe center } 8... Ne7 9. Qb5+ { first attack on the king. trying to lure him into Bd7 so I can attack his knight and rook in the a row } 9... Qd7 { stasiok isnot daft ;) } 10. Qd3 { I hastly retreat my daring queen } 10... f6 { more pressureon the center from king side } 11. g3 { I start building a house for theking... } 11... g5 { Taking up my manoeverability but not my strength } 12. Bg2 { more construction work on the house and secretly preparing to take overthe diagonal } 12... Nc6 { blocking the diagonal and putting some control on myqueens pawn } 13. a3 { making some space for myself } 13... Qd6 { stasiok is tryingto get some control of the queen side (which is mine off course) } 14. b4 { I emphasize my who's boss here } 14... Ne7 { stasiok is already changing the centerof focus } 15. Bb2 { I start opening up line c for queen and rook } 15... b6 16. O-O { a the house of the king is finished } 16... Nc7 { totally taking a defensivehold on d5 while im not even attacking... } 17. c4 { Ok now I im. Im readyto take the center now } 17... Qc6 { what is happening? } 18. Nd2 a6 19. Rac1 { threateningthe queen } 19... Qa4 { Queen sidelined now... Bad move Stasiok my baseline iswell protected as oppossed to yours } 20. Rfe1 { taking the kings line again } 20... Ra7 { While protectting the knight(s) stasiok is even further weakeninghis baseline. } 21. cxd5 { I decide to break center open knowing I got thee line pinned down and a nice combination on c8. } 21... Nexd5 { stasiok triesto avoid the combination but I still have the diagonal to force him } 22. Bxd5 { theres the force . He had better taken his loss but no } 22... Nxd5 { c8is open with theat of a combination } 23. Rxc8+ { taking the baseline andhis rook. possible changes of getting check mate with Qh7 } 23... Kf7 { fleeingin not necessarily the right direction. but leaving the rook open } 24. Rxh8 { taking the rook. and the threat of Qh7 gets bigger. } 24... f5 { so big stasiokdecides to remedy it... } 25. Rxh7+ { leaving another deadly combinationopen for my killer rook. Stasiok decided to throw in the towel. } *

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.04.15"] [Round "-"] [White "elipsky"] [Black "skipbifferty"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1271"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1336"] 1. d4 { WATCH ME PLAY STUPIDLY! I play this about half the time } 1... d5 2. c4 h6 { bg5 is not something I usually play anyway } 3. Nf3 { more centercontrol } 3... Nf6 4. cxd5 { I figure i can push his knight around while developing } 4... Nxd5 5. e4 Nf6 6. e5 Nd5 7. Bc4 { and it works fairly well. I have my pieceestablished and he is busy moving his knight } 7... Nb6 8. Qb3 { possibly a mistakebut also threatens bf7+ which leads to kd7 and hten maybe e6+ putting thepawn in a powerful well-protected position } 8... e6 { defended against that } 9. Be3 { wanted more backup on d4 pawn, better than bf4 i think becaused4 pawn make move while e5 pawn wont. Maybe bd2 would have been betteror nc3 } 9... a6 10. O-O Nc6 11. a3 { I though he was going to b4 but I missedthe trap that followed } 11... Na5 { threatens queen which stops me from bringingan additional defender to bishop } 12. Bb5+ { Knowing that the bishop isdoomed I figure that I can atleast get a pawn out of it } 12... c6 { Chooses notto take. A mistake I think because instead of losing the a pawn black losesthe b pawn } 13. Bxc6+ bxc6 14. Qc2 Nd5 15. b4 { pushing the knight awayfrom protecting c6 } 15... Nb7 16. Qxc6+ Bd7 17. Qc2 Be7 18. Nbd2 Rc8 19. Qd3 { an error } 19... Bb5 20. Qb3 Bxf1 21. Kxf1 O-O 22. Ne4 Rc3 23. Qa4 { WHY NOT nxc3!? } 23... Nxe3+ 24. fxe3 Rxe3 25. Ng3 f6 26. Qxa6 Qc7 27. Qxe6+ Rf7 28. Nf5 Rd3 29. d5 Qc4 30. Nxe7+ Kh7 31. Qxf7 { White has mate if black gives me a turn... } 31... Rxf3+ 32. Kg1 Qd4+ 33. Kh1 Qxa1# { but alas no } 0-1

[Event "Opening Peril"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.04.29"] [Round "-"] [White "x-machine"] [Black "mad_mannn"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1474"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1504"] { This is a short and sweet game, where Black goes horribly wrong beforethe tenth move and pays the price! It game is also the one that propelledme, for the first time, above the 1500 rating benchmark! :) [whether Ican keep it or not remains to be seen.... yup, down to 1485 - but still,over 1500! :P ] } 1. c4 { The English opening - one I haven't played inquite awhile, but I thought I'd give it a try } 1... Nf6 { I expected a pawnmove, but of course this is perfectly playable } 2. Nc3 { going throughwith the normal set of moves that I usually play with the English opening } 2... e6 { Preparing a d5 push, perhaps? } 3. g3 { preparing an obvious fianchetto... } 3... c6 { ? I don't like this move - Black is putting a lot of support behinda pawn push to d5, but he could have played that now! I'm seeing somethinglike 3...d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bf7 with reasonable chances for both sides. Themore pressing concern with that pawn is that it blocks the natural squarefor Black's knight [though to be fair, that problem is sorted out quicklyenough...] } 4. Bg2 d5 { I don't know whether I'm right or not here, butthe general idea of the English opening is the d5 square. With this aggressivemove, Black pretty much declares that the d5 square is his! } 5. cxd5 { Ididn't see much alternative here... } 5... cxd5 { the right pawn recapture -Black keeps centre pawns on the d and e file } 6. d4 { White decides tomake a thrust in the centre with his pawn... six moves into the game! } 6... Qb6 { A temporary pin on the bishop, who has to defend the b2 pawn } 7. Qc2 { I remember choosing this move over b3 because I wanted White to keepahead in the development race [at this point, I actually considered Blacka little better... though to be honest, there really isn't any attackingchances for either side right now] } 7... Qb4 { ? never move a piece twice inthe opening... and I saw an opportunity for a discovered attack here... } 8. Bd2 { ! as far as I can see, the only way in which Black can stop afork at c7 is 8...Kd8 [losing castling rights] 9.Nxd5 Qd3 10.Nxf6 gxf6,which gives White an advantage material wise and positionally! Howver... } 8... Qxd4 { ? I guess Black wanted to follow through with his plan to takethe pawn, and I had missed this move, but I easily found a refutation tpBlack's plans... } 9. Nb5 { crushing! all of a sudden, White has threethreats - the knight threatens the queen on d4, the queen threatens thebishop on c8 and the knight threatens to win the rook with Nc7+ } 9... Qb6 { ??Black sees two threats (though Nc7+ can still be played) but misses Qxc8+.Now, Black is in for a world of hurt... I think best for Black would havebeen 9...Qc4 10.Qxc4 dxc4 11.Nc7+ Kd8 12.Nxa8 } 10. Qxc8+ { (!) } 10... Qd8 { anothervariation is 10...Ke7 11.Bb4+ Qd6 12.Bxd6#, so this variation is...um....'better'... } 11. Nc7+ Ke7 12. Bb4+ Qd6 13. Bxd6+ Kxd6 14. Nxa8 { ...but still leadsto a heavy loss in material - Black resigns. I't slways pleasing to getquick wins like this sometimes :) } 1-0

[Event "13loody-5unday's First Mini [FAST PLAYERS]"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.06.12"] [Round "-"] [White "romarychkov"] [Black "blokhin2"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1770"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1686"] { A perfect example why you should not play blitz and a real game at thesame time. } 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Be7 6. Be2 Nbd7 7. O-O O-O { Now lets finally talk, black has his bishop blockadedby his knight. } 8. h3 { Just waiting to see what my oponent is going todo. By the way, oponent is a good friend of mine. } 8... Nc5 9. f3 Ne6 { Wouldbe pretty dumb for taking the knight because it would either give him atempo, or a strong center. } 10. Be3 a6 11. a3 b5 12. Nc6 { He missed thismove. By the way, we started to play blitz about now. } 12... Qd7 13. Nxe7+ Qxe7 14. Nd5 { I wanted a queen in the center. } 14... Nxd5 15. Qxd5 { Just what i wanted! } 15... Bd7 16. Rfd1 Qf6 17. e5 { good move by me } 17... Qg6 18. Bd3 { better was exd6 } 18... Qg3 19. exd6 Qxd6 20. Qxd6 cxd6 21. Be4 Rae8 22. Rxd6 Bc8 23. Rad1 { Nowi got an open file all to me, and an extra pawn. } 23... Kh8 24. Bd5 Nc7 25. Bc5 Nxd5 26. R6xd5 Rg8 27. Rd6 h6 28. Bd4 Re2 { A quick m... BAD move! } 29. Rxh6# { That's why i think you should not play blitz while a game. Ain'tthat right blokhin2? } 1-0

[Event "Life near the top of the Tree Part 1"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.04.20"] [Round "-"] [White "easy19"] [Black "albertwall"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2346"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "2220"] 1. e4 { Hi everyone! As part of a drive to do some further homework onMaster Freddy, I thought I would look up some closely fought battles betweenhim and players near his own rating. I thought I would start with thisone, which sadly was a loss for Freddy and try and see the purpose behindthe moves and to spot any possible tactics and potential tactics in theposition as the game progresses. Hope you have a good read. Freddy kicksoff with e4 and his opponent responds with the Sicilian, c5. } 1... c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 { 4. Nxd4 - all standard Sicilian moves. Black nowmoves his knight to f6 and Freddy leads the development race by movinghis knight to c3. } 4... Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 { 5. ....... a6 - the Naijdorf - this littlepawn push prepares another pawn push to b5. } 6. f3 e5 { 6. ......... e5- the pawn push comes down the centre though, and Freddy now chooses toretreat the d4 knight to b3. } 7. Nb3 Be6 { 7. ....... Be6 - the potentialfor taking the knight on b3 and doubling up white's queenside pawns. Hisopponent eschews this for the movement and gets on with his developmentwith Be7 after Freddy continues with his development by putting his dsbon e3. } 8. Be3 Be7 9. Qd2 { 9. Qd2 - Freddy clears the decks to preparefor queenside castling. Hmm, what do we have here? Castling on oppositesides? That seems to be standard practice in the Naijdorf and Dragon Sicilian. This usually leads to pawn storms on both sides. Who will cop Old Mateyfirst I wonder? } 9... O-O 10. O-O-O b5 11. g4 b4 { 11. ....... b4 - here comethe mutual pawn storms. Freddy must now move his knight. He chooses d5as it is the most aggressive square and at least there are no pawns todrive it away. This will trigger off an exchange though. } 12. Nd5 Bxd5 13. exd5 { 13. exd5 - Freddy's pawn looks a little vulnerable on this square. In my game Six Feet Under, my former IM opponent took advantage of thisweakness. I think Freddy is rather glad to see the back of black's lsbthough. It is very instructive to see how Freddy covers this weaknesson d5. } 13... a5 { 13. ...... a5 - oh, oh, Master Albertwall now sends the a pawndown to plague Freddy's other knight. } 14. Kb1 { 14. Kb1 - this king moveis also pretty standard. It gives Freddy the option of moving his soonto be attacked horsie to c1 rather than completely on the rim on a1. Inthe Sicilian Dragon or Naijdorf the c pawn is vulnerable to a pin by black'sheavies on that open column so it is a good idea for Freddy to move hisking off that line! } 14... a4 15. Nc1 { 15. Nc1 - see my previous note. As theknight is on c3 rather than a1 there are possibilities of it jumping tod3 and then moving towards the kingside to help in a possible attack. } 15... Qa5 { 15. ....... Qa5 - Master Albertwall's queen comes into a4 for a potentialdeadly line up on the a column should black force an exchange of queensidepawns. Nasty, nasty. } 16. g5 { 16. g5 - Freddy continues with his own pawnstorm. } 16... Nfd7 17. h4 { 17. h4 - the pawn storm continues but his opponentpacks a punch with f5. } 17... f5 18. f4 Na6 { 18. ....... Na6 - Master Albertwallnow moves his knight to the rim, possibilities of a move to c4, hmm. IfFreddy doesn't watch out things could get a little, grim! } 19. h5 Nac5 20. Bg2 { 20. Bg2 - Freddy connects his rooks and now black retreats hisbishop to d8, ah maybe that prelate is moving to the queenside to giveblack's attack a little back-up. } 20... Bd8 21. fxe5 Nxe5 22. Bf4 { 22. Bf4 -Freddy takes advantage of black's d pawn isolani. If the knight on e5moves then Freddy will snaffle it with his bishop. That pawn must be defendedby pieces, so black could be a little restrained here. Master Albertwallnow siezes upon the e column with his rook and Freddy moves his h rookto try to neutralise the power of that black cannon. } 22... Re8 23. Rhe1 { 23.Rhe1 - the downside of Freddy doing this is that it pulls a rook away fromthe file where he wants to pursue his attack on the black king. } 23... b3 24. a3 { 24. a3 - Freddy wisely keeps the a column closed. There is a potentiallethal pawn fork on c2 that Freddy must watch out for. } 24... Qxd2 25. Bxd2 { 25.Bxd2 - a queen trade, now comes the pawn fork. } 25... bxc2+ 26. Kxc2 Ba5 27. Bxa5 Rxa5 { 27. ....... Rxa5 - Freddy looks OK here but appearances canbe deceptive. } 28. Na2 { 28. Na2 - Freddy tries to get his knight into play. Ah, but on the other wing, Freddy watch out! Black has a passer on thef file. Will this pawn be a pain in the wotsit? We shall see. } 28... f4 29. Nb4 Raa8 30. Nc6 { 30. Nc6 - I think Freddy is hoping for a knight tradeon this square and to get himself a supported passer on c6. Note thatlsb on g2. Will Master Albert cut that line off though? } 30... Ng4 31. Ne7+ { 31. Ne7+? I am wondering if this is the losing move. Maybe it wouldhave been better if Freddy had moved his king or his d1 rook. Right nowthey are perfectly lined up for a knight fork, not to mention the bishopon g2. Would Rd2 have been the answer? You the jury decide. } 31... Kf8 { 31...... Kf8 - black sidestepps the knight check and moves his king towardsthe centre for the endgame. } 32. Nf5 g6 33. Nxd6 { 33. Nxd6 - The isolanion d6 does drop off but there is a nasty knight fork from black on e3. Ouch and double ouch! } 33... Ne3+ 34. Rxe3 Rxe3 35. hxg6 hxg6 36. Nc4 Rg3 37. Bh1 { 37. ..... Bh1 - Freddy gets his passer, but that clever little in-betweenmove from his opponent means that he is the exchange for a pawn down. Worse, that black pawn on f4 looks really menacing. } 37... Re8 38. d6 { 38. d6- Freddy pushes his passer. Black now lands a nasty check on e2 though. With a black rook on the third rank things are starting to look a littleominous for Freddy's king. At least with one white rook near his king,Old Matey will be kept at bay for a little while yet. } 38... Re2+ 39. Rd2 Rxd2+ 40. Kxd2 { 40. Kxd2 - Freddy exchanges off his remaining rook to cut downthe possibility of a visit from that chessic Grim Reaper. Now what canhis lsb do against a rook? } 40... Rxg5 { 40. ...... Rxg5 - the loose white pawnon g5 drops off and now black has two passers which will soon be connected. } 41. Bc6 { 41. Bc6 - well, that prelate tries to help the advanced d pawnget to the 8th rank. If it was my pawn I would say Glendadom! } 41... Rg3 42. Ke2 { 42. Ke2 - Freddy gets his king closer to that monster f pawn. Hethen advances his pawn to d7. Alas, that is as far as it gets. } 42... Rd3 43. d7 Ke7 44. Nb6 { 44. Nb6 - to give added protection to the d7 pawn. } 44... Rd4 45. Nd5+ { 45. Nd5+ - Freddy tries to drive off the black king and screensoff a file attack from the black rook. } 45... Kd8 { 45. ...... Kd8 - the blackking is driven back all right, but he blocks off the d8 square for Freddy'sd7 passer. I think that Freddy is in zugzwang here, if he moves his kingto f2 then Rd2. If he moves his king to e1 then the black pawn advancesto f3. So Freddy moves his knight. This will result in the loss of hisd7 pawn. } 46. Nb4 g5 { 46. ....... g5- as I thought, Master Albertwall hasconnected his passers. Freddy will have the devil's job to stop both ofthem, especially without a rook. He tries to do this with his king however. } 47. Kf3 Nxd7 { 47. ...... Nxd7 - Sadly, Master Albertwall can now snafflethe pawn on d7. With it goes any hope for Freddy of salvation. Alreadythe exchange + pawn down, he now has the two black kingside passers todeal with. Freddy has had enough and waves the white flag on the groundsof ruinous loss of material. Freddy has better fortune in his otherGK tournament game against the same opponent, he draws it. I will be writingabout that game later. For now, I hope this is a useful lesson in howand how not to play against the Sicilian Naijdorf. } 0-1

[Event "Casual Game, http://www.itsyourturn.com"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2015.12.15"] [Round "-"] [White "John Coffey, Recovering from sho"] [Black "Mr.E"] [Result "*"] 1. d4 d5 2. c4 { Queen's gambit opening. } 2... dxc4 { Queen's gambit accepted. } 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Ne4 { Moving the knight twice in the opening is weak. Seems like a novice mistake. } 5. Bxc4 Qd6 { It doesn't make sense to bringthe queen out so early. Now White wants to attack many juicy targets,but before he does that, it makes the most sense to .... } 6. O-O Bg4 { Inmy chess lessons, I have repeatedly shown examples of how this move canrun into problems after white plays moves like Ne5 and Qb3. The problemis that in queen pawn openings, moving the c8 biship leaves the b7 squarevulnerable where white can at least gain a tempo by playing Qb3. } 7. Qb3 { I don't see black recovering from this. } 7... Qg6 { 7... Qb6 8. Bxf7+ Looksgood for white. Now maybe ... Kd8 9. Ne5 } 8. Ne5 { I seem to be attackingeverything. } 8... Qg5 { Now white could play Nxg4, Bxf7+, or ... } 9. Qxb7 { Attackingthe rook and the knight at the same time, thinking 9. ... Bf3 10. Qc8#,or after 9. ... Bh3, then both 10. Qxe4 and 10. Bb5+ look strong. } 9... Bh3 { Black wants to checkmate me. } 10. Bb5+ { Now if 10. ... Kd8 11. Nxf7#. I was hoping for 10. ... Bd7 11. Qc8#. } 10... Nd7 11. Qxa8# *

[Event "babalue's mini-tournament XXXI"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2017.07.21"] [Round "-"] [White "milly64"] [Black "kirby76"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1208"] [TimeControl "3d+2d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1030"] 1. f4 { This was a good game. A lot of moves made to allow for me to disguisemy next move and then a capture may be on the cards. - } 1... d5 { White wentwith f4 Bird's Opening and black chose d5. } 2. h3 { White continued to moveon the kingside with h3. } 2... f5 { Black now decided to lock white's f4 pawnin place with f5. } 3. Nf3 { White's next move was Nf6 staking claims tosquares e5 and g5. } 3... Nc6 { Black went with Nc6. } 4. e3 { White pushed pawnto e3 protecting his pawn at f4. } 4... e6 { Black also protected his centre pawnswith e6. } 5. Bb5 { Now white pins the knight at c3 with Bb5. } 5... Bd7 { Blackbrings his bishop to d7 ready to capture white's LB if it captures theknight. } 6. Nc3 { White develops his knight to c3. } 6... a6 { White pushes a pawnto a6 and is attacking white's LB. } 7. Bxc6 { White captures the knightat c3. } 7... Bxc6 { Black recaptures the LB with his LB. } 8. Ne5 { White now attacksthe LB with Ne5 whilst protected by the pawn at f4. This is a great squarein the centre of the board and is attacking f7. } 8... Bd7 9. O-O { Black retreatshis LB back to d7 and the knight on e5 is still able to capture but wouldbe recaptured so decides to sit in wait. White decides to castle instead. } 9... Bc5 { Black brings his DB to c5 and is looking at the diagonal to theking on g1. There is a pawn on the diagonal and not much else. } 10. d4 { White decides to attack the DB with pawn to d4. } 10... Be7 { So black retreatshis DB back to e7. } 11. a4 { White decides to move pawn to a4 taking controlof the b5 square whilst protected by the knight at c3 and the rook at a1. } 11... Nf6 { Black now develops his knight to f6 and is preparing to castle. } 12. b3 { White pushes pawn to b3 and is allowing his DB some air. Black's DBis ready for action. } 12... b6 { Black is now pushing down the b file with pawnto b6. } 13. Ba3 { White decides to exchange DB's with the move Ba3 oppositeblack's DB at e6. } 13... Bxa3 14. Rxa3 { Black captures the DB and white recaptureswith his a1 rook. } 14... Qe7 15. Ra1 { Black moves his queen to e6 and is attackingthe rook which retreats to a1. } 15... h6 { Black is now pushing a pawn to stakea claim to the g5 square which is also protected by white's f4 pawn. Blackmay be preparing to push his g pawn to g5. } 16. Ng6 { White decides to blockthe g7 pawn with Ng6. This move also attacks the queen at e7. } 16... Qd8 { Blackretreats his queen to d8 and it looks like black will not be castling!! At least not short castling anyway. } 17. b4 Rg8 18. Rb1 { White moves pawnto b4 followed by black moving his h8 rook to g8. White also moves hisa1 rook over to b1 to protect his b4 pawn. } 18... b5 19. a5 { The queenside becomeslocked up by black pawn to b5 and white moves pawn to a5. It looks likethe action will be happening on the kingside. } 19... Kf7 20. Ne5+ { Black decidesthe knight has been at g6 for too long as moves his king to f7 and whitemoves his knight to e5 and is now checking the king. } 20... Ke7 21. Nd3 { Theknight moved down to d3 and was looking to relocate. It seemed there weresome choices of squares as white's pawns were nicely placed on b4, d4,f4 obligingly. } 21... g5 22. Nc5 { However as white had moved his knight fromg6 black was able to move his pawn down to g5. White relocated his knightto c5 now attacking the pawn at d7. } 22... Bc6 23. Ne2 gxf4 24. Nxf4 { Black movedhis LB to c6. White moved his c3 knight to e2 to protect the f4 pawn. As expected the g5 pawn captured the f4 pawn and was recaptured by thee2 knight. } 24... Bd7 { White now moves his LB to d7 to protect the pawn at e6which is now under threat by both knights. } 25. Qe1 { White moves queento e1 and is looking to access the h4 square and pin the knight at f6. } 25... Be8 { Black now moves his LB again to e8 and is looking at the h5 square. But this is protected by the knight at f4. } 26. Qc3 { But instead of movingqueen to h4 white decides to move the queen to c3. This is useful as shouldthe c5 knight find another square to occupy this would leave the queenwith access to the king on c5. } 26... c6 { Black pushes pawn to c6. } 27. Ncxe6 { White moves his c5 knight to e6 and this is being protected by the knightat f4. } 27... Qd7 { Black moves his queen to d7. } 28. Nc5 { White now decides toattack the queen with Nc5. } 28... Qd8 { White retreats the queen to d8. } 29. Rbe1 { White now moves rook to e1 opposite the king on e7. } 29... Ne4 { Black moveshis knight to e4 and is attacking the queen at c3. } 30. Qd3 { White movesqueen to d3 and should the knight move would be able to capture the pawnat f5. However the knight cannot be captured as there are two pawns protectingit. } 30... Rg3 31. Rf3 { Black moves his g8 took to g3 and white reciprocateswith f1 rook to f3. } 31... Rg5 32. h4 { Black retreats his rook to g5 and whitemoves pawn to h4 and is attacking the rook at g5. } 32... Rg4 33. Re2 Kd6 34. Nb7+ { After white moves e1 rook to e2 to protect the g2 pawn, black moveshis king to d6 to allow the queen access to the pawn on h4. However nowwhite checks the king with Nb7 and has the black queen in a fork. } 34... Kd7 35. Nxd8 Rxd8 { The king moves out of check, black captures the queen andthe knight is recaptured by the rook. It looks like white should be inthe driving seat from hereon. Lets see if white can finish the game andnot lose the advantage. } 36. Re1 { White moves his rook down to e1 possiblylooking to allow the queen access to e2 and f1 to get in on the attackon black. Or help to protect the king as needed. } 36... Rxh4 { Black takes thepawn at h4 with the rook. } 37. Nh3 { White restricts the rook with Nh3 andhas the rook at f3 protecting it. } 37... Bg6 { Black brings LB to g6 trying toprevent white from getting his pieces out to create an attack on the king. } 38. Rf4 Rg4 { White moves his rook to f4 attacking the rook at h4 protectedby the pawn at e3, and nlack moves rook to g4. } 39. Qd1 { White moves queento d1 and is now attacking the rook at g4. } 39... Bh5 40. Qd3 { Black moves LBto h5 protecting the rook again and white moves queen to d3. A bettermove might have been rook to e2 as if black had decided to capture thepawn at g2 black's rook could have been recaptured. However black wouldhave captured white's queen with the bishop at h5. } 40... Ke6 41. Re2 { Blackmoves king to e6 and white brings rook to e2. } 41... Rdg8 { Now black brings hisother rook to g8 and the rooks are doubled on the g file. } 42. Rf3 { Whitemoves rook to f3. } 42... R4g7 { Black moves his g4 rook up to g7 to allow theLB to capture the rook at f3. } 43. Nf4+ { White moves his knight to f4 andchecks the king with a fork on the LB. } 43... Kd6 44. Nxh5 { The king moves outof check and black's LB is captured. } 44... Rg5 45. Rh3 { The game continues withblack moving his rook to g5 now attacking the knight at h5. White moveshis rook over to h3 to protect the knight. } 45... Ke6 46. Nf4+ Kf6 47. Rxh6+ { The king moves to e6 and the knight again checks the king. The king movesout of check and white captures the pawn at h6 and is checking the kingagain. } 47... Kf7 48. Rxc6 { The king moves out of check and white now capturespawn at c6. } 48... Ra8 49. Qb3 { Black wishes to protect his pawn at a6 and moveshis rook over to a8. White moves his queen to b3 and is attacking thepawn at d5 which is all that stands between the black king. } 49... Ng3 50. Rc7+ { Black moves his knight to g3 and is attacking the rook at e2. White checksthe king with rook to c8. } 50... Kf6 51. Qd3 { The black king moves to f6 andwhite moves queen to d3 to protect the rook at e2 which is under threatof capture by the knight at g3. } 51... Nxe2+ 52. Qxe2 Rg3 53. Nh5+ { The knightcaptures and the queen recaptures on e2. Black moves rook to g3 and whitemoves knight to h5 and is now checking the king and forking the rook. } 53... Ke6 54. Nxg3 Rg8 55. Qh5 Kf6 56. Qxf5# { Following the capture of the rookwhite's queen moves to h5 and king moves to f6 (the king had to move somewhere)as this is the only piece that could be moved. White's queen checkmatesthe king with capture of the pawn at f5 assisted by the knight at g3. } 1-0

[Event "Nice guys only tournament ! "] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.03.04"] [Round "-"] [White "epimedes"] [Black "chrisobee"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2218"] [TimeControl "7d+3d<15d"] [WhiteElo "1527"] 1. e4 { Ok straight from the off I know I'm going to lose. Fact. That isnever a good way to enter into a game, but you can hardly blame me. SoI've set myself a target of lasting 50 moves. This, unfortunately putsme immediately into a defensive mode, again not ideal, but there you are.I open safely with e4. } 1... c5 { ...c5. I haven't a clue as to his intentionshere. The problem is twofold: firstly, my own inexperience, and secondly,his vast experience. He knows a huge range of long combinations, whichappear to me as almost clairvoyant! He can already read this game likea dime novel, and he also knows the ending! But I'm going to go down fighting! } 2. Nf3 { Nf3. Again safe, textbook stuff. } 2... d6 { ...d6. There is a name forthis defence I'm sure, but I don't know it - I'd have to look it up. Now,if I had played this defence I would be worried about that a4 diagonal,but it is, of course, easily defended if threatened, with ...Bd7 or evenNd7. At this stage however, I'm only concentrating on developing my pieces;attack hasn't even entered my head as yet. } 3. d4 { d4. Again, textbook,based on the very simple theory that I would win in an exchange. That'snot the whole reason why I played it though. I want to maintain my tempoand stop him from taking it from me. } 3... cxd4 { cxd4 I'm going to win thatexchange - so why is he going for it??!! } 4. Nxd4 { Nxd4. Bring it on! } 4... Nf6 { ...Nf6. I see this purely as a piece-developing move. I still controlthe tempo. } 5. Nc3 { Nc3. Textbook stuff again. It develops my other knight. } 5... g6 { ...g6. Now I'm familiar with this - it's the Dragon. Fair enough, Idon't feel remotely threatened. I'm just keen to get my king castled sothat I can move into the middle-game and, instead of textbook moves, usemy own instinct. That's when I enjoy chess most of all! } 6. Be3 { Be3. However,before I castle, I want to continue to develop my pieces. I'm scared stiffof losing the momentum. If he gains the initiative, then all is lost andI can kiss my 50 moves goodbye! } 6... Bg7 { ...Bg7. The Sicilian. (At least ITHINK it is!) } 7. a4 { 7/ a4. I saw Chris do this once, and I wondered why.He explained and it made a lot of sense, so that's why I've done it. Itstops his queen or white bishop from sniping from the right at long distance. } 7... O-O { ...0-0. Darn it! He's castled before me! All of a sudden I feel vulnerable.I don't like my pawn on e4 - it's just hanging. On the plus side, I'vepostponed early castling in favour of developing my pieces, and I can stillcastle safely, so I figure things arn't too bad at the moment. } 8. h3 { 8/h3. A purely defensive move, defending the g4 square. } 8... Nc6 { ...Nc6. A developmentmove, from my point of view. I'm not bothered about it taking my knighton d4, that is well-defended. ...Nb4 could pose a future problem. however,and one to which I must remain alert. On its own it is no problem; butwith the support of that black bishop on g7 } 9. Bc4 Nxe4 10. Qd3 Nxc3 11. Qxc3 Nxd4 12. Bxd4 e5 13. Be3 d5 14. Bc5 e4 15. Qa3 dxc4 16. Bxf8 Qxf8 17. Qxf8+ Bxf8 18. O-O Be6 19. c3 Rd8 20. Rfd1 Rd3 21. Re1 Rd2 22. Rab1 Bc5 23. Rf1 e3 24. fxe3 Bxe3+ 25. Kh1 Bd5 26. Rf3 Bxf3 27. gxf3 Rc2 28. a5 Rc1+ 29. Rxc1 Bxc1 30. Kg2 Bxb2 31. Kf1 Bxc3 32. Ke2 Bxa5 33. Kd1 Kg7 34. Kc2 Kf6 35. Kb2 Kf5 0-1

[Event "ALEPS X PJ0S3, http://gameknot.com/chess.pl?b"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2007.03.23"] [Round "-"] [White "aleps"] [Black "pj0s3"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1744"] [TimeControl "?"] [WhiteElo "1200"] 1. e4 { C45: Scotch Game ** Fritz annotated and Aleps comments } 1... e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Nxc6 bxc6 6. Bc4 { last book move } 6... Qe7 7. O-O Nf6 { Alternative variation: 7... Qxe4 [ the pawn is safe and cannotbe captured without dire consequences] 8. Re1 Qxe1 9. Qxe1 Ne7 10. Be3 } 8. Bg5 h6 { Alternative variation: 8... Qxe4 [is no good because of] 9.Bxf6 Kf8 10. Bd3 } 9. Bh4 d6 { Alternative variation: 9... Qxe4 [the pawnmust remain untouched] 10. Re1 O-O 11. Rxe4 Nxe4 12. Nd2 Nxd2 13. Qxd2 } 10. Nc3 O-O 11. h3 { Consolidates g4 } 11... Qe5 12. Qf3 Nh5 13. Na4 Bb6 14. Nxb6 { Alternative variation: 14. Rad1 Ba5 $11 } 14... cxb6 { Alternative variation:14... axb6 15. a3 } 15. Rad1 b5 16. Be2 Nf4 17. Bg3 { Alternative variation:17. Rfe1 [must be considered] } 17... Nxe2+ 18. Qxe2 Qxb2 19. Bxd6 Re8 20. a3 Be6 21. Bc5 { Alternative variation: 21. Rfe1 [is worth looking at] Thisbishop move was a crucial move in the game... This gave to white the initiativeand good attack } 21... Bc4 { The black bishop treaths the rook... But this rookwill not be captured... } 22. Qg4 Qxc2 { Alternative variation: 22... h523. Qg3 Qxc2 24. Bd4 } 23. Bd4 { Threatening mate... how? } 23... g5 24. Qh5 { Threatening mate: Qxh6 } 24... Kh7 { Alternative variation: 24... Bxf1 [a horribleslip] 25. Qxh6 Re5 26. Bxe5 Qxf2 27. Kxf2 f6 28. Qg6 Kf8 29. Bd6# } 25. Rc1 { The queen and the bishop are under attack... The queen must protectthe bishop, because of the f7 square. } 25... Qb3 { Black is ruining his positionAlternative variation: 25... Qd3 26. Rfd1 Qe2 $17 (26... Qxe4 $2 [is nogood] 27. Rxc4 Re7 28. Rc5 $18) } 26. Rc3 Qa4 { but even a better move wouldnot have saved the game Alternative variation: 26... Qa2 27. Rf3 f5 ( 27...Rxe4 [the pawn contains a lethal dose of poison] 28. Rf6 Kg8 29. Rxh6 $18)28. Rxf5 Rf8 (28... Rxe4 [taking that pawn is still a mistake] 29. Rf6Qxf2 30. R1xf2 Re1 31. Kh2 Rh1 32. Kxh1 Re8 33. Qxh6 Kg8 34. Rg6#)29. Rxg5 Rg8 $18 } 27. Rf3 { Thanks to the black Queen, white had time tobring its rook to the mating attack! } 27... f5 { If Black now only could playBa2... } 28. Rxf5 Rf8 { Plans Be6 } 29. Rxg5 Rg8 { Alternative variation:29... Rf6 [doesn't improve anything] 30. Bxf6 Rg8 31. Rxg8 Kxg8 32. Qg6 Kf8 33. Qg7 Ke8 34. Qe7# } 30. Rxg8 Rxg8 31. Qf5+ { Now it is checkmate:31. Qf5 Rg6 32. Qd7 Kg8 33. Qe8 Kh7 34. Qh8# } 1-0

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2019.12.09"] [Round "-"] [White "clobal"] [Black "risenrigel"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1200"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1131"] 1. e3 { This is an unusual opening: doesn't claim any center, but does releasethe queen and light square bishop. } 1... d5 { Ok, I'll take some center. } 2. d4 Bf5 { Pressure on c2 pawn, develop bishop outside pawn chain } 3. Bd3 e6 { support bishop (...Bxd3 4. Qxd3 activates white queen) } 4. Nf3 Bg6 5. c3 Nf6 { I'd like, perhaps to get the knight to e4. } 6. Bxg6 hxg6 { fxg6works, too. My idea here is to use the fact that the rook is released andpossibly castle queenside later. } 7. Qb3 b6 { Nbd7 looks interesting totrap (but not capture) white queen e.g. 7...Nbd7 8 Qxb7 Nb6 it fails to9 a4 ... 10 a5, though } 8. Qb5+ Qd7 9. Qb3 Nc6 10. Ng5 Na5 11. Qc2 Be7 12. b4 Nc4 13. Na3 Nxa3 14. Bxa3 a5 { I can win the pinned pawn on b4 (mydark square bishop is X-ray attacking his dark square bishop) } 15. bxa5 { Blunder. } 15... Bxa3 16. Qb3 Rxa5 { Win the pawn, protect the bishop } 17. Nf3 Ne4 { Attack the pawn on c3. My idea is to try to trade queens on c3 orc4 after ...Qc6 (I’m a piece up). I need to pay attention to my king safety(no threats right now) } 18. Ne5 { This stops my Qc6 plan; can we trade onb5? } 18... Qb5 19. Qxb5+ Rxb5 { Ok, piece up endgame. c3 pawn is hanging. Whatto do about possible c4? } 20. g4 Nxc3 21. Kd2 Ne4+ 22. Ke2 Bd6 { I don’tmind trading pieces } 23. a4 Rb2+ { My original idea here was to snap upthe f-pawn after king moves to back rank } 24. Kf3 { The f-pawn is lost after Kd8, Ke8, and Kf8. } 24... Rxf2# { Now I get the pawn -and- checkmate } 0-1

[Event "Casual Game, https://itsyourturn.com"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2018.01.05"] [Round "-"] [White "Analysis of John Coffey"] [Black "Dave"] [Result "1-0"] 1. Nf3 d6 { White to move. } 2. e4 { The computer prefers 2. d4. } 2... e5 3. d4 { Now I find myself in unfamiliar territory. } 3... Bg4 4. Be3 { There is somethingto be said for 4. dxe5 Bxf3 (4... Nd7 5. exd6) 5. Qxf3 dxe5 6. Qb3 [AndWhite is doing fine.] Nd7 7. Bc4 Qf6 8. Qxb7. } 4... exd4 5. Qxd4 Nc6 6. Qd2 Qf6 { A weak choice. } 7. Nd4 Nxd4 8. Bxd4 Qe6 { Losing. Better is 8...Qd8. } 9. Nc3 { Better is 9. f3 } 9... c6 10. f3 Bh5 11. O-O-O b5 { This moveis a diaster. } 12. Nxb5 { I didn't have to think hardly at all before makingthis move. Now Black should play Qd7. } 12... cxb5 13. Bxb5+ { If 13... Kd8 14.Qa5+ Kc8 15. Rd3 and it is over. } 13... Ke7 { Now it should be possible to attackthe weak king. } 14. Qg5+ { Missing 14. e5 f5 (14... h6 with the threatof 15. exd6+ Qxd6 (15... Kxd6 16. Qf4+ Ke7 (16... Kd5 17. c4#) 17. Bc5+)16. Rhe1+ Kd8 17. Qa5+ Kc8 18. Ba6+ (18. Re8+ Kb7 19. Rxa8) 18... Kd7 19.Qb5+ Kc7 20. Qb7+ Kd8 21. Qxa8+ Qb8 22. Bb6#) (14... dxe5 15. Bxe5 f6 16.Bc4 Qc6 (16... Qxc4 17. Qd7#) 17. Rhe1 fxe5 18. Rxe5+ Kf6 19. Qg5#) (14...dxe5 15. Bxe5) 15. exf6+ Kf7 (15... Nxf6 16. Rhe1) 16. Rhe1 Qxa2 17. Qc3Qa1+ (17... Nxf6 18. Bc4+) 18. Kd2 Qa2 19. Qc7+ Kg6 20. Bd3+ Kg5 (20...Kh6 21. Qxg7+ Bxg7 22. Be3#) 21. Re5+ dxe5 22. Qxe5+ Kh6 (22... Kh4 23.Bf2#) 23. Be3+. } 14... Nf6 { Black survives longer with 14... f6 15. Qxh5. } 15. Bxf6+ { Again missing 15. e5 Kd8 (15... dxe5 16. Bc5+ Qd6 17. Rxd6)16. exf6 g6 17. Bc6 Rb8 (17... Qf5 18. Qxf5 gxf5 19. Bxa8) 18. Qa5+ Kc819. Qc3 Kd8 20. Rhe1 Qf5 21. Re8+ Kc7 22. Bd5+. } 15... gxf6 16. Qxh5 Qxa2 { Thereis where White screwed up in a really big way with 17. Qd5 Bh6+ 18. f4Bxf4+ 19. Rd2 Qa1# So strongest for White is ... } 17. Rxd6 { Or 17. c4. } 17... Kxd6 18. Rd1+ Kc7 19. c4 Ba3 20. Qxf7+ Kb8 { Now 21. bxa3 leads to nobetter than a draw. Qxa3+ 22. Kc2 Qa2+ 23. Kc1 Qa3+ 24. Kd2 Rd8+ 25. Bd7(25. Kc2 Qa2+ 26. Kc3 Qa3+ 27. Kc2) (25. Ke2 loses to Qb2+ 26. Ke1 Qc3+27. Kf2 (27. Ke2 Qc2+ 28. Ke3 Qxd1) 27... Qc2+ 28. Kg3 Qxd1). } 21. Qxf6 Bxb2+ 22. Qxb2 Qxb2+ 23. Kxb2 Kc7 24. Rd7+ Kb6 25. e5 { If 25... Rhe826. Rd6+. } 25... Rad8 26. f4 Rxd7 27. Bxd7 Kc7 { If 28. e6 Rg8 (28... Rf829. e7) 29. g3. } 28. Bb5 Rf8 29. g3 Kd8 30. c5 Ke7 31. Kc3 a5 32. Kc4 Ra8 33. Bc6 Ra7 34. Ba4 Rb7 35. Bb5 Ra7 36. Kb3 Ke6 37. Bc4+ Kd7 38. f5 { If 38... Rc7 39. Bb5+ Ke7 40. c6. } 38... Rb7+ 39. Kc3 { If 39... a4 40. f6. } 39... Kc6 40. e6 Kxc5 41. f6 { If 41... Rb4 42. e7 Rxc4+ 43. Kd3 Rd4+ 44.Ke3. } 41... Kd6 42. e7 { If 42... Kd7 43. Bf7 Rb8 44. e8=Q+ Rxe8 45. Bxe8+Kxe8 46. g4 h6 47. h4. } 42... Rb8 43. g4 Rc8 44. h4 Kd7 45. g5 Ke8 46. Kd4 Rb8 47. h5 Rb6 48. Kc5 Rb4 49. g6 hxg6 50. hxg6 { If 50... Rb7 51. Bf7+. } 50... Kd7 51. g7 Rb8 52. g8=Q Rxg8 53. Bxg8 1-0

[Event "King's Indian"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.07.09"] [Round "-"] [White "myaayesg"] [Black "dribbler"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1570"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1611"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. e3 { Non-commital, but solid } 2... g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. c4 O-O 5. Be2 d6 6. O-O Nc6 7. Nc3 Bg4 8. h3 { Not a great move, and the one that Blackwas trying to induce with his slightly dubious Bishop sortie. It weakensthe Kingside pawn structure and gives Black's light-squared Bishop a targetat which to aim itself. } 8... Bd7 9. Nh2 { ? A move with no solid positionalpoint. } 9... e5 10. d5 Ne7 11. e4 { Now we have a fairly standard King's Indianpawn structure, and as such White should be trying to attack Black's Queenside,while Black will aim at White's King. } 11... Ne8 12. f4 { ?? An awful move. Whitehas no good possibilities on the K-side, and taking the e-pawn will onlygive Black a monster square on e5 instead of a blocked and passive Bishop. } 12... f5 { ! The refutation. } 13. Bd3 fxe4 { !? Trying to open up the positionand make his pieces more active. Also, this is pretty much the only wayof convincingly demonstrating the wrongness of White's f4 push. } 14. Bxe4 exf4 15. Bxf4 Nf6 16. Bc2 Nf5 17. Bxf5 { ? Waste of tempo. } 17... Bxf5 18. a3 Re8 19. Nf3 { White, once again, has to redevelop his pieces to aim at thecenter. However, challenging the e-file with 19. Re1! was the only wayfor White to hold on. } 19... Ne4 20. Nxe4 Rxe4 21. Qc1 { Forced. } 21... Re2 { Once again,ganging up on the b-pawn, which White will have to go through some contortionsto save. } 22. Nd2 Qe7 { Doubling on the e-file and for the moment stoppingthe c5 push. } 23. Ra2 { Kind of a pointless move, but it is hard to suggestanything to White at this point. } 23... Re8 24. b4 { Too little, too late. Whitehits upon the correct idea of advancing his Q-side pawns, but Black dominatesin the center far too much for this to end any way but painfully. } 24... Bd4+ 25. Kh2 { ? 25. Kh1! would have prevented the Black Queen from joining theattack with tempo. } 25... Qh4 26. Nf3 { ?? A blunder, but White was lost anyway.After 26. Rf3 Black had prepared 26...Rxg2+ 27. Kxg2 Re2+ 28. Kf1 Rf2+29. Kg1 Rxf3+ with mate soon after. } 26... Qxh3# { This game illustrates the factthat, although you may have a pawn center in a closed or semi-closed position,often the best course of action is not to attempt an attack on the K-side.Also, when the character of a position changes and becomes more open, centralizationoften leads to an unstoppable attack when ignored. } 0-1

[Event "Challenge from snehagupta"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2016.09.20"] [Round "-"] [White "snehagupta"] [Black "charleshiggie"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2039"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1490"] 1. Nf3 { This was a Gameknot game I played. } 1... d5 2. g3 c5 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. d4 { She turns it into a reversed Grünfeld Defence https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%BCnfeld_DefenceI would have preferred a reversed King's Indian Defence https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King%27s_Indian_Defence } 4... Nf6 5. O-O e6 { I am playing one of the quieter ways of handling it. } 6. c4 { I suspect we are both using opening databases. } 6... dxc4 7. dxc5 Qa5 { I thought I may give her more problems with the queens on. } 8. Qc2 Bxc5 9. Qxc4 { so we both have recaptured the pawns. } 9... O-O { We are coming to theend of the opening databases, and Gameknot post-match computer seems tothink we both start making mistakes... } 10. e4 { This seems a reasonablemove, seizing territory, but Gameknot computer prefers 10. Bd2 } 10... e5 { andthis seems reasonable, stopping the pawn from advancing again, but Gameknotcomputer prefers ... b6 } 11. Nc3 { And here the Gameknot computer likes 11.Bd2 } 11... Be6 { I didn't think I had any advantage here, and the Gameknot computeragrees. } 12. Qe2 Rfd8 13. Bg5 Bg4 14. Bxf6 { I wasn't too afraid of my pawnsbeing doubled - I felt on an open board like this, the bishops are betterthan knights and the doubled pawns give an element of central control.In particular e5 is protected by a pawn now. } 14... gxf6 15. Nd5 { This is a goodmove, forcing me to defend. } 15... Kg7 { Like so. I now have a threat of Nd4. } 16. Qe1 { Which she neatly side-steps. } 16... Qxe1 { So I take the queens off. } 17. Rfxe1 { She takes back. } 17... Rac8 { I centralise the other rook, wonderinghow on earth I'm going to win this.... } 18. Rec1 Nd4 { I advance my knight. } 19. Nxd4 { She takes. } 19... Bxd4 { I take back. } 20. Nc3 { And this retreat isthe start of her problems, after the exchange she is left with weak isolatedpawns on the queen-side and my rook can penetrate to the second rank. Clearadvantage to black now. I would guess she was afraid that 20. Rab1 wouldlose a pawn, as I could exchange rooks and take on b2, but then her rookgoes to the 7th rank and is very active - she would have had enough compensationfor the pawn. } 20... Bxc3 { So I take. } 21. bxc3 { She takes back. } 21... Rd2 { I invade. } 22. Rab1 { She counter-attacks b7 } 22... b6 { So I deal with that threat. } 23. a4 { Presumably trying to exchange off weak queen-side pawns. } 23... Ra2 { So Iattack it. } 24. f3 { She hits my bishop. } 24... Bd7 { I attack the pawn again. } 25. a5 { She pushes again. } 25... Rxa5 { I take. I am a clear pawn up, but notonly that my pieces are in dominating positions. } 26. f4 { Trying to exchangepawns, or close down the king side - restrict my bishop in some way. } 26... Kf8 { I decide to centralise my king. } 27. Rd1 { She attacks my rook. } 27... Ke7 { Gameknotcomputer doesn't like move and prefers Bg4 attacking his rook. Fritz likesBg4 or Rc7. } 28. Rbc1 { And it doesn't like this move either. The reasonwas white could now do some exchanging - rook takes bishop, king takesback, then bishop check on h3 and white wins the exchange back. Normallywhen material down, a side wants to exchange pawns but not pieces, butthis position is an exception. White's bishop is a bad bishop, blockedin by the pawn on e4. We will see later exactly how bad it becomes.. } 28... Rac5 { Black piles up on c3. } 29. Rd3 { White defends. } 29... b5 { Threat - b4 winninganother pawn. } 30. Rcd1 { Threatening the bishop. } 30... Bg4 { White counter-attacks. } 31. Ra1 R8c7 32. h3 Bc8 33. Ra3 a6 { White is still in the game. the Bc8has limited scope. } 34. f5 { And even less now. } 34... Rd7 35. Re3 Rd1+ 36. Bf1 Bb7 37. Kf2 Rc8 38. h4 Rcd8 39. Kg1 { This is a dreadful move, allowingblack to obtain an overwhelming position. } 39... R8d2 { No neither white kingnor white bishop can move. } 40. g4 { This is a slight error. better c4 immediately. } 40... h6 { To stop any more advances of the king side pawns. } 41. Rb3 { Again,c4 immediately was called for. } 41... Kd6 { This is a mistake. Better was Rc1or Rc2 to prevent c4. } 42. c4 { so the break comes. } 42... Bc6 { I break the pinon the b file. } 43. Ra3 Kc5 44. Rxa6 bxc4 45. Ra7 { This is another mistake.White hasn't got the time to be chasing after the king side pawns. Bestwas Rc3. } 45... Kd4 46. Rg3 c3 { This pawn is coming! } 47. Rc7 { Computer thinksRxc3 is better, but it is academic, this position is lost. I am not surethere is any need to comment on the rest. } 47... c2 48. Rxc6 c1=Q 49. Rxc1 Rxc1 50. Rg2 Rdd1 51. Rf2 Kxe4 52. Kg2 Rxf1 53. Rxf1 Rxf1 54. Kxf1 Kf3 55. Kg1 Kxg4 56. Kg2 Kxh4 57. Kf3 Kg5 58. Ke4 Kg4 { and white, about to lose thelast pawn throws in the sponge. Many thanks for reading. Please leavea comment or two and rate the annotation on the star system. Until nexttime dear reader! } 0-1

[Event "Casual Game, http://www.itsyourturn.com"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014.10.18"] [Round "-"] [White "Analysis of John Coffey"] [Black "wwhawkeye"] [Result "1-0"] 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 { Tarrasch Defense } 4. cxd5 cxd4 { Either a blunderor an odd gambit } 5. dxe6 Bxe6 6. Qxd4 Nc6 7. Qxd8+ Rxd8 8. e3 { a3, Bg5and Bd2 are also good. } 8... Nf6 9. Nc3 { Bb5 is also good. } 9... Bb4 10. Bd2 { Thebest. } 10... O-O 11. Bb5 Bxc3 12. Bxc3 Ne4 13. Bd4 { Nd4, Bxc6 and O-O are alsogood. } 13... Nxd4 14. Nxd4 a6 15. Be2 { With the goal of going to f3. } 15... Bd5 16. f3 { Bf3, O-O, and b3 are also good. } 16... Nf6 17. Kf2 { It is likely that theking will come here eventually anyway. Castling or playing h3, b3 or b4is also good. } 17... Rfe8 18. Rhd1 { a4, h4, b3 and Rhc1 are also good. } 18... Rd7 19. e4 Be6 20. Nxe6 Rxd1 21. Rxd1 fxe6 { 21... Rxe6 is a better choice.Here white exceeded the time control and lost. What should happen is ... } 22. Bc4 { The strongest move because e5 is coming. Black has to makeroom for his knight to retreat. If he doesn't then play might go likethe following ... } 22... h6 23. e5 Nh5 24. g3 g5 25. Rd7 b5 26. Bd3 Ng7 27. g4 { Prevents Nf5. } 27... Rb8 { 27... Ra8 28. Be4 } 28. Ra7 Rb6 { ? } 29. Bg6 Rb8 30. Rxa6 1-0

[Event "Well and truly ................ Freddied!!!!"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "24-Jan-09"] [Round "-"] [White "easy19"] [Black "jstevens1"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1755"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "2246"] 1. d4 { Hi everyone! Another session with Master Freddy which ended ina trouncing. Behold, Master Freddy gives me another lesson in how to executea checkmating sequence, so it all ends with me copping Old Matey from himyet again! He starts off with d4 and I respond with an unusual reply c5which is called The Old Benoni. } 1... c5 2. d5 Nf6 3. Nc3 d6 4. Nf3 { 4. Nf3- Freddy steers the opening into the Woozle Defense, whatever that is ...it's one of his fav's ..... sigh and double sigh! } 4... e6 5. e4 exd5 6. exd5 a6 { 6. ......... a6 - to prevent an enemy knight or bishop settling ond5 and preparing a possible b5. Freddy puts the blockers on this ideaby playing his pawn to a4 next turn. } 7. a4 Be7 8. Be2 Bf5 { 8. .........Bf5 - I trusted the World DB and Freddy exposed this as a weak, time wastingmove. Freddy moved his knight to h4 and I had to either back up or movethe bishop. I chose to move Fou Leblanc to d7. In retrospect would Qc1have been a better choice. Jury please advise. } 9. Nh4 Bd7 10. O-O O-O 11. a5 Ne8 { 11. ....... Ne8 - a Sneaky Knight move here (I am a memberof that team and Gothicgirl is my skipper!), but (a test for the jury)what does it threaten? } 12. Nf3 Bg4 13. Re1 Bxf3 14. Bxf3 Bg5 15. Bxg5 Qxg5 16. Ne4 Qd8 { 16. ......... Qd8 - after a plethora of exchanges, Glendareturns to d8 and Nf6 is prepared for my next turn. } 17. Qd2 Nf6 18. Qf4 Nxe4 19. Bxe4 Qc7 { 19. .......... Qc7. Next move I will play Nd7 and myrooks will be connected. The knight will then hop on to f6. But wait......Freddy has other ideas! } 20. Bxh7+ { 20. Bxh7 - ............. A SACRIFICEON H7! Yup, it turns out to be the bog standard Greek Gift (Trojan Horse)sacrifice. I accept it because if I don't I will be a pawn down withoutsufficient play for it, but a post match pm from Freddy stated that thiswould have been the lesser of the two evils! } 20... Kxh7 21. Qh4+ Kg8 22. Re7 Nd7 { 22. .......... Nd7 - finally I manage to develop that horse, but Iend up in deep horse dung! } 23. Ra3 { 23. Ra3 - let's begin with a rookswinger. This rook is heading for h3 with a deadly line up of the WickedWitch of the West and her castle. That is a sure recipie for copping OldMatey. } 23... Rfd8 24. Rh3 Kf8 { 24. ....... Henry tries to escape but to no avail. Freddy plays his queen to g5 and tells me that I am going to be checkmated(Oh No, not that again!). } 25. Qg5 g6 26. Rxf7+ { 26. Rxf7 .......... butOh Yes! Freddy now announces #3 (he did tell me he had a # in 13 beforeI played g6). Could you the jury spot this mate in 13? } 26... Kxf7 27. Rh7+ Ke8 { 27. .......... Ke8 - I am 6 points up in material but that is SFAwhen Henry is about to get the kiss of death! Just before I played Ke8,Freddy asked me to spot the mate in 3. Here are the other two variationsthat lead to the mate in 3:- Variation A 27. Rh7 Kg8 28. Qxg6 Kf8 29. Qf7# Variation B 27. Rh7 Kf8 28. Qf4 Kg8 29. Qf7# Variation B1 27. Rh7 Kf8 28. Qf4 Ke8 29. Qf7# } 28. Qe7# { 28. Qe7# - it's all over folks! } 1-0

[Event "The lone sentinel"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014.09.08"] [Round "-"] [White "player"] [Black "damalfi"] [Result "0-1"] [TimeControl "3/10"] { An interesting midgame for the Ielandic. Few inaccuracies by white andhe gets in troubles. The game gets a blunder, but nevertheless black camesout well placed from the storm. The endgame is optional. I'll explain itlater. } 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. Nf3 { One of the many other choices fromwhite. All have their good and downsides. This one is 'just mainline' forthe Icelandic. } 3... e6 4. dxe6 Bxe6 { Don't do this at home. Just for fun.Black has a slight advance in developement, but no central pawns, and hisprogress will be delicate and full of dangers. } 5. Nc3 { Still uncompromisingthe center with d4, in the believing that 'this was just what I expectedhim to do'. Like 'wait and see'. But not 'really' bad. But think: the moveinvolves the decision to let c2 where it is, and this doesn't help whiteto make black feel painfully his central power with d4 and c4. } 5... Qe7 { Thisis thematic, and white is not really in any dangers, but it makes whiteplay 'at my pace'. In this scheme, I plan to develop the dsb through fianchetto,in closed lines, or I accept to lose a tempo later relocating my queen.I won't win the fight for the e column, that will be left to white. } 6. a4 { A total loss of tempo, since I have no piece to put on b5. Of course,white here decides not to worry about the discovered check, and he wasright. But why not d3 instead? Or Bb5+ at once, leaving the bishop thepossibility to relocate on b3, undermining black's crucial point e6. } 6... Bc4+ { Another way for black to play this could have been Nd5 first, whereNxN, BxN+, Qe2, BxN, forcing white to double its pawn - a doubtfully desirableobjective, but something to work on. } 7. Be2 Bxe2 { I played simple here.I just wanted to test the opening in its purest state (a pity for a4). } 8. Nxe2 c5 { !? The mainline suggests g6 instead, but I wanted to try thisone. I bet I'll find time to castle short asap. } 9. O-O Nc6 { Grabbingthe last tempo. I still think on a long casting here, since it throws myrook just where it hurts, in front of white's queen. This factor, thatmay be seem so remote, did actually pay a strong role in the game, andit is the main reason I am annontating this game. } 10. Re1 { Here it comes,of course. } 10... O-O-O { Just as a ballet. Now let's see where will go thatknight... } 11. Nc3 { A pity. Nd4 would have been much more funny. } 11... Qd7 { Not Qc7, Nb5... } 12. d3 { Finally. Of course d4 just loses the pawn, andthis is a kind of defeat for white in the opening. Let's me explain. Here,as black, I want to prepare a battery on h2. This is my most likely planwhile developing. My enemy is the Nc3 (not all that bad move, after all),but I don't want to lose a tempo playing a6. So, I plan to let him putthe knight there to kick my bishop, that will go to b8. After it, I'llkick the kinght with a6, and he would have to retreat the knight, and Iam not losing a tempo. Moreover, I'll have the queen in front of the battery,and this implies a different way to attack (probably Ng4, that must besupported by h5 against the queen... a nice tactic play). The participationof white's dsb, which this moves abilitates, will help in stopping thenasty plan only if g3 is played, to support Bf4, and accepting a weak kingside. } 12... Bd6 { Here it goes step number one. The bishops is supposed to be kickedback to b8. } 13. a5 { White tries another plan, I didn't see before. Verysmart, but with an incredible side-effect. } 13... a6 { Now I've got the tempoto block his knight out of b5, but... } 14. Na4 { ...not from b6! Still,I thought a little, and I found that this was not a problem at all. } 14... Qc7 { If white goes Nb6+, I'll go Kb8, and that's it... for the moment! } 15. Be3 { White attacks c4, a good idea. Now, take into account black coud playc4, since white cannot take dxc4 or loses the queen to the rook after Bxh2+.Unfortunately, black can't play c4 because of Bb6). But for a similar reason,white can't play d4. Still, I felt in trouble. How to get out of it? } 15... Nd4 { I sac a pawn, but this will imply white's Nf3 to leave h2 unguarded, andafter Bxh2+, Kh1, RxN, black has a good position for an attack. } 16. Nb6+ { White throws in the useless check. } 16... Kb8 17. Bxd4 { It begins the party. } 17... cxd4 18. Nd2 { Being very wise, white subtracts from the previous linethe RxN part, making it much less attractive... or not? } 18... Bxh2+ { The downsidethat white must keep in mind when doing such checks is the very nasty possibilityto simply lose the bishop after g3. You have to keep in mind at any movewhat will be the result of such a move by white, and be sure you can eitherretire the bishop or sac it for g3 'only if black wins as a result'. } 19. Kf1 Bf4 { I decided to retire it. I've lost too many games for riskingtoo much. True is that Qc6 was very interesting, since if after it whiteplays g3, Qh1+, followed by Re8#. But white could have other moves... Ithought about Re7, as a 'last hope sac' for later. } 20. Ndc4 { Wow, whiteis ignoring me, and driving an impressive knight's power chain. His realscope at the moment is to preclude me the dark squares after g3, forcingme to exchange or retire on h6 my bishop. I can't allow that. A good wayto counter this plan was Qc6, but I played... } 20... h5 { ...since I saw the winon behalf of the knight joining the fry. Maybe I lost a chance, here. } 21. Qf3 { Trying to unravel his pieces and correctly prevents Qc6. } 21... Ng4 { I threat Nh2+, of course. } 22. Kg1 { Not that simple, 'joe'... :-) } 22... Bd2 { By this, I open the way for my queen to h2+, then h1+, Re8+, that willbe lethal. White can avoid that, but must lose the exchange, and will mergewith an inferior position. } 23. Qg3 { Well, I'll cash it. I'm not reallysure I can get much more from the position. } 23... Bxe1 { The ball continues.It's amazing to observe how the two white kingths are almost useless forwhite! } 24. Rxe1 Qxg3 25. fxg3 { Here the interesting part of the game ends.Black has came out from the opening with a more than decent position, despitethe isolated pawn in d4 he can even afford to lose. } 25... Rhe8 { Forcing therook's exchange. I'll have a hard fight against the kinght, and the morepieces are on the board, specially 'easily forkable ones' as the rooks,the more white's knights will be dangerous and tricky. Be aware, exchangeas much as you can and you'll win. White is almost forced to exchange,or Re2. } 26. Rxe8 Rxe8 27. Kf1 { Whte of course have to meet Re1#. HereI blundered very heavily. } 27... Re3 28. Nxe3 Nxe3+ 29. Ke2 Nxc2 { I explainedit was just a blunder, and I thought the game was interesting enough togo on. } 30. Nd7+ { My knigh'ts hunt won't succeed. Can you see why? } 30... Kc7 31. Ne5 f6 32. Nf3 { I was helping him to drive the kinght exactly in itsbest place. } 32... Kd6 { Here, white would recover the pawn by kicking my knight.I can try to reveng on white's a and b pawns, with doubtful result. Myopponent blundered here and the game loses interest. I'll make a possibleline. } 33. Kd2 Nb4 34. Nxd4 Kd5 35. Kc3 { Black's only hope here is totrap the white king in a fool's ball. } 35... Na2+ 36. Kb3 Nc1+ 37. Kc2 Na2 38. Kb3 { ...and so on. } 38... Kxd4 39. Kxa2 Kxd3 { If white breaks the ball, thiswill be more or less the result, and I think black has serious chancesto win the game. } 0-1

[Event "Petrov memorial, 2012"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "19.02.2012"] [Round "-"] [White "Alexander Morozevich"] [Black "Daniel Fridman"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "2660"] [TimeControl "15min; 6secs"] [WhiteElo "2763"] { Petrov memorial is held between Feb 15th and 20th; 2012 in Latvia. } 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 { French defence. } 3. Nc3 Nf6 { French classical system. 3...Bb4would lead to the Winawer/Nimzowitsch variation. } 4. e5 Nfd7 5. Nce2 c5 { Black has equalized the opening. } 6. c3 Nc6 7. Nf3 Qa5 { (probably expecting8. Bd2 when 8...Qb6 leads to the normal position with attack on b2 andd4 squares) A developing move like 7...Be7 was better. } 8. a3 cxd4 9. b4 Qc7 10. cxd4 b5 11. Bd2 Qb6 { Too many queen moves by Black. It now blocksthe b6 square from the knight on d7 and also moves away from the open c-file.11...Nb6 was better when the knight heads for the c4 outpost. } 12. Rb1 Be7 13. Bc3 { White over-protects d4 and allows Black to launch a queenside attack with 13...a5 } 13... f6 { This routine move opens the king side andallows White to launch a vicious attack } 14. Nf4 fxe5 15. dxe5 Nf8 16. Nd4 { White's pieces are aggressively placed. So Black tries to exchangepieces to weaken the attack } 16... Nxd4 17. Bxd4 Qb7 { White's pieces are becomingmore active with every move and Black is being driven back whose piecesare mostly on the back rank. } 18. Bd3 g6 19. O-O Bd7 20. Qg4 a5 { This pawnthrust by Black is 7 moves late!! } 21. Rfc1 { White has activated all hispieces and look at Black's pieces. 21. Nh5 gxh5 22. Qg7 and black's rookis lost. } 21... axb4 22. axb4 Ra4 23. Bc5 { 23. Nh5 is still in the air } 23... Bxc5 24. Rxc5 Qb6 25. Rcc1 { 25. Nxg6! looks promising } 25... Qd4 26. Qg5 Rxb4 27. Nxg6 { At last the knight is sacrificed which opens the king side } 27... hxg6 28. Bxg6+ Nxg6 29. Qxg6+ Kf8 30. Qf6+ Kg8 31. Qd8+ Kf7 32. Qxd7+ { Blackresigns. Mate follows. } 1-0

[Event "Blunders and Recoveries Rd. 2"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "11/11/17"] [Round "-"] [White "Myself"] [Black "Opponent"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1200 USCF"] [TimeControl "G45/D5"] [WhiteElo "1550 USCF"] { Let's see what I can come up with in round 2 of the 10th SCC Extravaganza. } 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 d6 5. Nc3 Bg4 6. Bg5 a6 7. Bxc6+ bxc6 8. h3 Be6 9. d4 { The opening was blitzed, and is very boring. Some perksfor my side are his doubled pawn, and my center development. } 9... exd4 10. Nxd4 c5 11. Nxe6 fxe6 12. O-O { So far I have been playing pretty correctmoves, and my position is favorable over black's currently. } 12... Be7 13. Re1 e5 { His first mistake. This allows me to take control of the board afterthe minor exchange on f6 with the move Qd5. A very strong square for myqueen, which infiltrates enemy territory. } 14. Bxf6 Bxf6 15. Qd5 Rb8 16. b3 Rb6 { This is a move which seems to stop Qc6+ followed by capturing afree pawn on a6. However, this move is useless due to Na4! Slightly betteris Qc4 followed by putting the knight into the center on d5. } 17. Na4 Rb8 18. Qc6+ Qd7 19. Qxa6 O-O { I follow through with my plan, and I snatchup the first free piece of the game. My opponent wisely runs his kingto safety. } 20. Rad1 Bh4 21. Re2 Qf7 22. Rf1 { I got really scared of hisattack here, and so I just played it safe and moved Rf1. I knew that therehad to be a better method of defense, but my psychologically I needed toplay Rf1 to make myself at ease. } 22... Ra8 23. Qc6 Rae8 { Better here was 23...Kh8which prevents my next move Qd5, pinning the queen to the king and happilysquelching any counter play he has. Again, Qd5 is not the best move, butI needed to play it to be comfortable in my winning position. } 24. Qd5 Re6 25. Nc3 c6 { I get my knight closer to the battle zone, and this iswhere my opponents time trouble starts to show. He plays 25...c6 I haveno idea what prompted this move, except that he might be trying to freeup his rook and queen. This fails, because I can just return the queento her pin duty after taking the pawn. } 26. Qxc6 Rg6 27. Qd5 Qxd5 28. Nxd5 Rf3 29. Ne7+ { And here we go! This is my first of two major blunders inthis game. I was keeping my opponent under time pressure, and so I didn'ttake the time to see if this square was protected by anything. My opponentprobably kept his bishop inactive for this very reason, because as soonas I had played 29.Ne7+ he blitzed Bxe7 as if he had expected it. } 29... Bxe7 { At this point I had a hard think. I knew my position was bad now, andI needed to make the position as complicated as possible so my opponentwould not have the time to calculate. I also took stock that his rooksare well away from my passed pawn on a2, and I might be able to swing myrooks over and shove my queenside pawns up the board! } 30. Kh2 Rf7 31. a4 Bg5 32. Ra1 Ra7 33. c3 { Forward the pawns! I didn't like pushing thelone a-pawn up the board, so I brought him some company. } 33... Bd8 34. b4 Bb6 { This is a mistake, since after 35.a5, my opponent is forced to withdrawagain, essentially wasting his move. } 35. a5 cxb4 36. cxb4 { I feel so ashamedof myself right now! At the time I thought that xb4 was a great move sinceI could not take on b6 due to Rxa1. But what I missed here was after 36...Rxa1I have a7! and black has no pieces on promotion prevention! As it is, Iwill have an extremely hard time pushing those pawns up the board sincereinforcements arrived to blockade me. } 36... Bd4 37. Ra3 Re6 38. b5 Re8 39. Rea2 Rea8 { I can no longer push my pawns forward. b6 results in Bxb6! anda6 results in something to the effect of Bb6, stopping all future progressof the pawns together. a6 is the best move here, but I want to give mytime pressured opponent something to worry about. Right how he had under2 minutes left on his clock, and I had over 25! } 40. Kg3 Rb8 41. b6 Bxb6 42. axb6 Rxa3+ 43. Rxa3 Rxb6 44. Ra7 { Now I have evened the position, andpinned his king to the back rank, unless h6 then Kh7. } 44... Rb4 45. f3 { HereI decided not to notate further, since I wanted to apply even more timepressure, and I was sure that I was winning even though it is really adraw still. I will do my best to recall the moves he might have played,and get to a later endgame position. } 45... g6 46. Kg4 Rb8 47. Kg5 Rd8 48. Kf6 Rf8+ 49. Ke6 { It was in a position roughly the same as this that my opponentflagged, but in this kind of position there can only be one outcome. Whitewill win this, it's just a matter of time. So, I got my second flag inmy USCF career, and my second win in the 10th SCC Extravaganza! After thesetwo shorter games come the longer 90 minute games with more time to think,so stay tuned for Rd. 3, and a thrilling attack on a castled king! } 1-0

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.01.08"] [Round "-"] [White "obuta55"] [Black "michael333"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1239"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1212"] 1. e4 { This is another requested annotation by team-mate Michael333 } 1... c5 { Nice to see him copying my openings! } 2. Bc4 Nf6 { But this is unusual.If he had only used the Gameknot opening databases, he would have seenthat e6 is more popular and scores better } 3. d3 h6 { Mutual blunders! 3.e5 is much better than d3 and h6 is just a waste of time. 1. e4 c5 2.Bc4 Nf6 3. d3 e6 4. Nf3 d5 5. exd5 exd5 was eventually won for Black inDuminica Mariana (2084) vs. Hasznosi Lorand (2062) } 4. h3 e5 { White copiesthe mistake and Black at last plays a sensible move, although it leavesthe d5 square weak } 5. Be3 Be7 { Both sides develop } 6. Nf3 O-O { Black justleaves his e pawn hanging } 7. Nc3 Nc6 { Which White misses also.... } 8. a3 a6 { White is coming up with a bad plan.... } 9. b4 cxb4 { Which losesa pawn } 10. axb4 Bxb4 { Black takes } 11. Bd2 Qe7 { Interesting position,White has some compensation for the lost pawn in open a and b files, andperhaps more central control. I would prefer 12. 0-0 here } 12. Nd5 Nxd5 { It is not a good idea to exchange pieces when materially down } 13. Bxd5 Bxd2+ { Black exchanges again } 14. Qxd2 Nb4 { and hits the strong bishopon d5 } 15. c3 Nxd5 { Black correctly takes it } 16. exd5 d6 { good idea toput pawns on Black sqaures to enhance the powers of the white squared bishopon c8 } 17. O-O Bd7 { Both sides develop } 18. d4 exd4 { I prefer 18....e5- although it may be strategically poor to put a pawn on a white squareand restrict the movement of the bishop, I think this is more than compensatedfor by driving the knight back and not undoubling the white d pawns. Bycapturing back with the knight now, the knight would have a lovely centralsquare. } 19. Qxd4 Rfc8 { I would prefer to put the rook on e1 and contestthe only open file, the e file. } 20. Rac1 Bb5 { I prefer b5 and if Whiteplays c4, then exchange pawns and then play Bb5. White could play c4 now,but what he plays is reasonable too } 21. Rfe1 Qf6 { Black prefers to haveweak king side pawns instead of an inactive queen against an active queen.I prefer Qc7 } 22. Qxf6 gxf6 { So black takes back } 23. Re7 Rab8 { White hasgood compensation for the pawn now, in his active rook and play againstthe broken black king side pawns. } 24. Nd4 Re8 { Black correctly seeks arook exchange } 25. Rce1 Bd3 { A terrible mistake! White could have justtaken on e1 and been a rook up with a winning position, but..... } 26. Rd7 Rxe1+ { Now it is Black who is a rook up } 27. Kh2 Rc8 { and, the positionis hopeless for white, who resigns. Thanks for reading this, please leavea comment and rate the annotation } 0-1

[Event "dave1973's mini-tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "16-Sep-08"] [Round "-"] [White "fatcat2"] [Black "evster"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1359"] [TimeControl "3d+1d, 5d max"] [WhiteElo "1417"] { Another game from dave1973's mini-tournament...you may know that I haveannotated quite a few of these. } 1. d4 d5 2. c4 { My favourite opening,the Queen's Gambit. (Come on, take the pawn...) } 2... dxc4 { If I no longer wantthe c-pawn, at least my opponent does. } 3. e4 { I take advantage of theabsence of my opponent's central pawn by grabbing as big a share of thecentre as I can, as well as opening up an attack line on the c4-pawn withmy bishop. } 3... b5 { My opponent is fighting for that pawn! In the Queen's GambitAccepted, it is important for Black to compensate for White's control ofthe centre by grabbing a big share of the queenside. And if this happensto defend the pawn too... } 4. Nc3 c6 5. e5 { I can't resist shoving my unimpededcentral pawns into my opponent's territory, squeezing him as far back aspossible and trying to use this to recapture my pawn. } 5... e6 6. g3 Bb7 7. Bg2 { The pressure builds up on the backward, weak and for the moment pinnedpawn on c6. If I can somehow remove this pawn, all of Black's control onthe queenside will collapse. } 7... Ne7 8. Bg5 { Removing a defender of the c6-pawn,but this pawn shows no sign of falling. My main fear is that my opponentwill be able to hold his pawn advantage and get into an endgame still holdingit. } 8... h6 9. Bxe7 Bxe7 10. b3 { I want to deal with those advanced queensidepawns of Black's; I am planning a4 next and Black's whole pawn formationis under fire. } 10... Bb4 11. Ne2 Qc7 12. a4 Nd7 { Obviously, my opponent hasdecided not to take the pawns. So now after, say, 13.axb5 cxb5 14.bxc4bxc4 Black's pawn on c4 is isolated and consequently weak. } 13. O-O Bxc3 14. Nxc3 cxb3 { Now he takes the bait. In fact, this was probably the bestway of avoiding the loss of his extra pawn, but he still has no positionalcompensation for my advanced e-pawn. } 15. Qxb3 Ba6 16. axb5 cxb5 { Aha!A blunder. My opponent doesn't notice the discovered attack on his bishop. } 17. Rxa6 { No more bishop. } 17... Rb8 18. Nxb5 { And the pawn vanishes as well. } 18... Qd8 19. Rb1 { My opponent is behind by a bishop, has lost his extra pawnand is cramped by my central pawns and, to cap it all, my forces are massingon the queenside. } 19... O-O { Getting the king out of danger, but losing thepawn on a7. } 20. Rxa7 g6 21. Qc4 { Getting out of that potentially harmfulpin of the knight. } 21... Nb6 22. Qc7 { My queen comes in to seek more material. } 22... Qxc7 23. Nxc7 Nd5 { This allows me to consolidate my material advantagewith a double exchange. } 24. Rxb8 Rxb8 25. Nxd5 exd5 26. Bxd5 { When thedust has cleared, I suddenly have a passed pawn! This is too much. Blackresigns. } 1-0

[Event "Team match - Klasična školska završnica"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2015.12.04"] [Round "-"] [White "igor_stanojevic"] [Black "white_noise"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1726"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1655"] 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bf5 4. c3 e6 5. Be2 c5 6. Nf3 Nc6 7. O-O cxd4 8. cxd4 Nge7 9. Nc3 Bg4 10. h3 Bxf3 11. Bxf3 Nf5 12. Be3 Be7 13. Bg4 Nxe3 14. fxe3 O-O 15. a3 a6 16. Qd2 Rc8 { Dovde je sve knjiški, ništa novo } 17. Bd1 { This move GCA does not report as a mistake, but it was my first non-respectful, after I had only heard of this knight... In fact, the idea was to connect Bc2 and Qd3, but even if it had not introduced a horse in the game, it would have lasted a long time, a total non-respectful plan, losing tempo and position, and giving time to the opponent to build up his top guns on the c line... } 17... Na5 18. b4 { He has defeated his opponent practically by himself, having found success despite the fact that his opponent was one of those who knows how to win. } 18... Nc4 19. Qd3 Nb2 20. Qc2 Nxd1 { He helped me to avoid being captured by the hunter. } 21. Raxd1 Rc4 22. Qd3 Qd7 23. Rc1 Rfc8 24. Rf2 Bg5 25. Rfc2 Qd8 26. Nd1 b5 27. Rxc4 bxc4 28. Qe2 Qd7 29. Rc3 f5 30. g4 fxg4 31. Qxg4 Bh6 32. Nf2 Rf8 33. Kg2 Qf7 34. Qg3 { Because of my blunder with Bd1 and b4 (though my opponent had not yet discovered it), I am gradually losing the game, which is apparently what I have been thinking - I am looking at the position, but it is too late - my beautiful queen's wing has been reduced to a single pawn, my king is stranded at the very end of the table, and my top piece is captured, so there is nothing I can do - my opponent has all the pieces and I am doomed to lose 2.16 points, which is a pure positional judgement, so I must resign... } 34... Qh5 { My opponent is apparently uninterested in the waves on the chessboard, but wraps the first gift. } 35. Ng4 Kh8 { He offered me a draw... and immediately he offered me a rematch. I was thinking, should I accept? Maybe I should refuse this Bg5, but maybe I can sneak a draw. I can see that the position still isn't good (GCA calculated -1.30), but I also see that the left wing isn't blocked, so I might have a chance, maybe. But if I move the king, he can capture his c-pawn and block. So we had already played two games, so I decided to take a risk and refused the draw. } 36. Rc2 Qg6 37. Rf2 Kg8 38. Rxf8+ { He was about to checkmate the king, probably also losing, but this was the main part of his plan: to eliminate the knights from the board, move the queen to the left wing, double the rooks and neutralize the bishops on the right so that he could give the horse to the hunter, then really have an open space to torture the king with the queen, and finally force a draw with the skillful play of the pieces... Of course, the main goal was to force a checkmate on the king, because he had all the time in the world to think of two knights, two fields of distance between them, which the king couldn't stop. } 38... Kxf8 39. Qf3+ Ke7 40. Kf2 { Krećem da prebacujem kralja } 40... Qc2+ { The opponent was checking, it seemed like they had taken an extra pawn, covering two squares of the chessboard, my two knights are named. } 41. Qe2 { Sledek's move was to exchange queens, but after that he would be in trouble after Bg5, so we had to find a way to avoid it... } 41... Qb3 { However, he believes that it does not justify, since it would spoil my two which already sees the... } 42. Nxh6 { Drugi deo plana, razmenauspešna } 42... gxh6 { There are no loose pieces around, but according to me, there are many interesting moves to completely ignore my king and play Qxa3, but it's comfortable enough to just move this piece, and actually this move is the best way to save the piece on f6. } 43. Qf3 { Sam sad ispunio sve što je hteo. Propuštao je da uzme 3, propuštao je Bg5, propuštao je i da krene c linijom kad je bilovremena. Do sada je igrao poniženu pobjedonosnu partiju, ali sad mu nije svejedno, ako mu se uvali kraljicom gore, ovako s kraljem levo, izgubiti partiju... } 43... Qc2+ { i zato nema više c3, nema Qxa3, mora pod hitno da vraća kraljicu } 44. Qe2 { After the exchange, I still have two knights on two different files with a distance between them, facing the king. } 44... Qe4 { Dali sees or does not see, I don't know, in any case, he does not like the exchange (however, I am overwhelmed that he is so persistent in pursuing the princess under the nose). } 45. Qf3 Qh4+ { The computer does not consider this move to be precise (I do not believe in computers), and here it has lost the game. } 46. Ke2 { dao mi je potez viška, sad ne može da mi da šah, i od sledećegpoteza može samo da igra kako ja sviram, a sve vreme na umu imam ona dvapešaka sa dva polja razmaka } 46... Ke8 { I don't know why this move was played, but I would change the queens to f6, since I would lose a pawn. } 47. a4 { I used the knight move. } 47... Qe7 { He has finally managed to checkmate me, although I had the chance to escape with Qh5+... Qxh6, but he leaves a pawn on b5, so I lose. However, he has finally achieved a draw with +0.74. } 48. Qh5+ Kd7 49. Qxh6 { Uzimampoklon, što da ne, opet, ako uzme vrućeg b4 pijuna, izgubiće, toliko vidii sam } 49... Kc6 { He expected, but not this. I don't know what he wanted, but he was standing on the king's side of the line 7. } 50. Qf6 { E sad može razmena, jer dobijam dvapijuna sa tri prazna polja razmaka!!! } 50... Kd7 { You and I saw that neither of us could capture the king, so we both resigned. I had planned everything up to 20 moves ahead, and it all happened smoothly. I was sure that after the exchange of pieces, he would have two pieces free to capture, which was the only way to win. } 51. Qxe7+ { Konačno se i CGA otvorio da mi oda priznanje:+3.26 } 51... Kxe7 52. Kd2 Kd7 53. Kc3 { He made a mistake by moving his knight to e4, but he quickly recovered by moving his pawn to h4. He should have played 53. b5 axb5 54. axb5 Kc7 55. e4 Kb6 56. exd5 Kxb5 57. dxe6 Kc6 58. Kc3 Kc7 59. Kxc4 Kd8 60. d5 h5 61. Kc5 h4 62. Kc6 Ke8 63. Kc7 and the game would have been a draw. } 53... Kc6 54. h4 { I played a self-check to be able to control his moves as a king. } 54... h5 { After the only figure he can play is a king, so that our lakšeda is placed where he thinks it is the highest response to us. } 55. e4 Kd7 { Blunder: +14.23 »... Kd7 56. exd5 exd5 57. b5 axb5 58. axb5 Kc7 59. e6 Kd6 60. b6 Kxe6 61.b7 Kf5 62. b8=Q Kg4 63. Qg8+ Kxh4 64. Qg6 Kh3 65. Qxh5+ Kg3 Best: +5.13» ... dxe4 56. Kxc4 Kb7 57. Kc3 Kc6 58. Kd2 e3+ 59. Kxe3 Kb6 60. Kd3 Kc761. Ke4 Kd7 62. d5 exd5+ 63. Kxd5 Ke7 64. e6 Kf6 65. Kd6 Kf5 } 56. b5 axb5 57. axb5 Kc7 { Blunder: +26.87 » ... Kc7 58. exd5 exd5 59. e6 Kd6 60. b6 Kxe661. b7 Kf5 62. b8=Q Kg4 63. Qg8+ Kf3 64. Qxd5+ Kg4 65. Qg5+ Kh3 66. d5Kh2 67. d6 Kh1 Best: +13.24 » ... dxe4 58. Kxc4 Kc8 59. d5 exd5+ 60. Kd4e3 61. Kxe3 Kc7 62. e6 d4+ 63. Kxd4 Kd6 64. b6 Kxe6 65. b7 Kf5 66. b8=QKg4 67. Qg8+ Kxh4 Nikad nisam video ovoliki blunder :) On se u svakomslučaju ne predaje } 58. exd5 exd5 59. e6 Kd6 60. b6 { Evo ih, preslikanokao iz udžbenika, dva pijuna sa dva prazna polja između u 6. redu - kraljne može da ih uhvati na liniji šest (mogao bi na liniji pet, ali ovde višene može) } 60... Kxe6 61. b7 Kd7 62. b8=Q { The opponent finally surrendered. Therefore, the game is probably not interesting to many, full of blunders, but the real reason he was blind to chess fundamentals. The only explanation is that he had lost, completely sure that he had two free kings in the endgame against the king, while I had a goal of 34th move and played (as I could) baš this slepi ugao (and it's not like me to make mistakes often, I succeeded in implementing the idea to the end). Therefore, I publish this game, which is of great importance for small players below 1700: always have to keep in mind that the game will eventually end in a draw, both yours and theirs, because it eventually... } 1-0

[Event "Club Game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "thedessertfox"] [Black "Club Player"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1829"] [WhiteElo "1200"] { I still haven't got my provisional rating in OTB. This was a good gamewith a nice combination but despite winning for most of the game one blunderin the endgame meant I lost } 1. e4 { My usual } 1... d6 { Pirc } 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 { Still mainline } 4. f4 { Austrian attack } 4... Bg7 5. Bd3 { Book says Nf3 thenBe3 but I forgot that but I can still transpose back } 5... c5 { !? I had neverseen this before } 6. dxc5 dxc5 7. Be3 { Attacking the c-pawn } 7... Qc7 8. Qd2 { Preparing f5 and then Bh6 trading of the Black DSB and weakening the blackk-side } 8... Ng4 { Threatening to capture my bishop } 9. Nd5 Qd6 { Not the horribleQc6 which falls to Bb5 pinning the Queen } 10. O-O-O { I castle to doubleup on the d-file } 10... O-O { I saw 12. e5 a couple of moves ago but needed toget it into a good position } 11. Bc4 Rd8 { I think he was thinking of protectinghis queen from a discovered attack but I had other plans } 12. e5 { !(!)I have the second exclamation in brackets because some may disagree } 12... Qd7 { Not: Qc7 loses the queen, Qc6 forked by Nxe7+, Qb6 and Qa6 loses the queen,Qe6 follows the same line as the game and Qf6 loses the queen } 13. Nxe7+ Qxe7 14. Qxd8+ Bf8 { Not Qxd8 because Rxd8+ then Bf8 Rxc8 wins material } 15. Qxe7 Bxe7 16. Bxc5 { I played this before thinking through whether ornot it was sound } 16... Bxc5 17. Rd8+ Kg7 { ? Better was Bf8 because I have toplay Nh3 and he can then develop his LSB and protect it } 18. Rxc8 { I don'tcare about Nf2 because I still get the bishop } 18... Be3+ 19. Kd1 { I used tothink Kb1 was better but if Nf2 then Ke2 I only lose the exchange } 19... Bxf4 { ? Better was Nf2+ forking the King and rook } 20. Nh3 { I want to protectthe fork } 20... Bxe5 21. Re1 { Wanting to plan Re7 attacking the the f-pawn andthen I also get the b-pawn as well } 21... Bxh2 22. Re7 Ne5 23. Bd5 { Threateningto capture the b-pawn and win the rook } 23... Nbc6 24. Rxa8 Nxe7 { I agree toexchange rooks } 25. Bxb7 N7c6 26. Ng5 { Threatening Nf3 and if Bg3 thenNxe5 Nxe5(Bxe5 drops the c6 knight) winning the a-pawn } 26... Bg1 27. Nf3 Nxf3 28. gxf3 { Was Bxc6 better } 28... Ne5 29. Re8 f6 30. Bd5 { Threatening Rg8+ } 30... h5 31. c4 { I start my own pawn advance } 31... h4 32. f4 Nd3 33. Ke2 { Should I haveplayed Rg8 + threatening Rh8# if Kh6 } 33... Nxf4+ 34. Kf1 Bd4 35. Re4 { I forkthe Bishop and knight } 35... Be5 36. b4 { Maybe c5 was better } 36... h3 37. Kg1 g5 38. b5 { I continue my push } 38... g4 39. Re3 { ?? This is the blunder that costs me } 39... Bd4 { ! pins the rook } 40. Kh2 { I lok to remove the threat of queening butI am now lost } 40... Bxe3 41. Kg3 Nxd5 42. cxd5 Bb6 43. a4 { I might as well keepon pushing my pawns } 43... Kf7 { He moves toward my d-pawn } 44. d6 Ke6 45. d7 Kxd7 { I kept on pushing looking for a stalemate } 46. Kxg4 h2 47. Kf5 Bd4 48. a5 h1=Q { I hope I can stale mate } 49. b6 axb6 50. a6 b5 51. a7 Bxa7 52. Kxf6 Qe4 53. Kg5 Qf3 { I resign here. All comments welcome } 0-1

[Event "Tournament game, Ostend 1906"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Jacques Mieses"] [Black "Jean Taubenhaus"] [Result "1-0"] { Mieses' attacking skills are put to good use, as he dispatches Taubenhausquite quickly. } 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3 d5 { Taubenhaus declines Mieses'offer of a tasty Danish. } 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. cxd4 Nc6 { After the initialflurry, development begins. } 6. Nf3 { Protecting the QP... } 6... Bg4 { Pinningthe Knight and preparing to castle. } 7. Be2 O-O-O { Still focusing on theQP. } 8. Nc3 { Looking to drive off the Queen. } 8... Qh5 { Targeting the K-side,where he thinks Mieses might castle. } 9. a3 { To prevent ...N-N5. } 9... Bd6 { Lockingin on the KRP. } 10. Be3 { Clearing the last minor piece. } 10... Nf6 { Taubenhausclears *his* first rank and connects his Rooks. } 11. Rc1 { Moving into positionon the half-open QB file and targeting Black's King. } 11... Rhe8 { Seizing thefully open K file and targeting *White's* King. } 12. Nb5 { Locking in onQB7. } 12... Nd5 { Taubenhaus presses his own attack. } 13. Rxc6 { Mieses' sacrificeof the Exchange ensures his attack gets there first. } 13... bxc6 { Forced. } 14. Nxa7+ { Opening a line for the KB to join the attack. If Taubenhaus moveshis King to the QN file, it will be cut off from pieces that can defendit. So... } 14... Kd7 { ...he moves here, seeking shelter among his cluster ofpieces. } 15. Ne5+ { The winning stroke. If Taubenhaus gives back the Exchangewith 15... RxN 16 PxR, he is behind a Pawn and Mieses' passed QRP giveshim a winning advantage in an end game. If Taubenhaus moves his K to theKing file, 16 NxB wins a piece. So Taubenhaus resigns at once. } 1-0