Datasets:

natetsang

/

fishgpt

like 1

[Event "Challenge from pj0s3"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "17-Dec-06"] [Round "-"] [White "afrohlich"] [Black "pj0s3"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1200"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1390"] 1. e4 e6 2. Nc3 d5 { Defesa Francesa } 3. e5 { Este avan�o enfraquece o centrobranco, e permite as negras atacar o centro imediatamente com c5... } 3... c5 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Bb5 Bd7 6. Bxc6 Bxc6 { Par de bispo para as negras... } 7. Ne2 { Para permitir d4 seguido de c3... } 7... Ne7 8. d4 Nf5 { Pressiona d4... } 9. c3 cxd4 10. Nfxd4 Nxd4 11. Nxd4 Bc5 12. Nxc6 bxc6 { Os problemas de aberturadas negras praticamente se resolveram, e o pe�o branco em e5 � dif�cilde defender a longo prazo... } 13. b4 { This advance, despite taking a pawn, further weakens the white pieces... } 13... Bb6 14. O-O O-O 15. Ba3 Qh4 16. b5 c5 { Now the black pieces have a virtual passed pawn (column)... } 17. Qc2 Rfd8 18. g3 Qh5 { Ataca e5... } 19. Rae1 { Defende... } 19... Rac8 20. Kg2 Qg6 { Propose a swap of queens, seeking a favorable end... } 21. Qxg6 fxg6 { Abre a coluna f, visando colocar as torres em jogo... } 22. Bb2 g5 { Evita f4, ou permite, j� que nesse caso o pe�o poderia ser desdobrado... } 23. f3 h6 { Fixa a estrutura de pe�es... } 24. Rh1 Rf8 { Take the semi-open column... } 25. h4 { Searching for a way to open the h-file and bring the black pieces into play. } 25... gxh4 26. Rxh4 Rf7 { Prepara a dobradura das torres... } 27. a4 Rcf8 { Dobra astorres, atacando o ponto f3... } 28. Rf1 { Defende... } 28... Kh7 { Prepara��o parag5, reduzindo o espa�o das brancas... } 29. Bc1 Bc7 { Ataca o pe�o e5, quen�o poder� ser defendido com f4 devido a Txf1! } 30. Be3 { Contra-ataca... } 30... Bxe5 31. Bxc5 Rc8 { White pawns on the c-file alone can win, forcing Black to open that file... } 32. Bd4 Bxd4 33. cxd4 Rc4 34. Ra1 { Para n�o perder o pe�o... } 34... Rc2+ 35. Kh3 Rxf3 { When the black pieces win a pawn, the white king is exposed, and the white tower on h4 is inactive... } 36. a5 { ??? } 36... g5 { Ataca a torre branca, e amea�a Kg6, seguido de h5 ganhandoa torre... } 37. Kg4 { Contra-ataca a torre negra, �nica sa�da... } 37... Rcc3 { Amea�amate em g3... } 38. Rh3 { Salva a torre e defende o mate... } 38... Kg6 { Amea�aganhar com h4 seguido de Txg3 mate... } 39. Rg1 { Defende g3... } 39... Rfd3 { Agoraas negras amea�am Txd4 mate... } 40. Rh2 { �nica defesa... } 40... Rxd4+ 41. Kh3 Rh4+ { The tower cannot be taken... } 42. Kg2 Rc2+ { As negras ganham atorre branca e a partida... } 43. Kf3 Rhxh2 44. Re1 e5 { Se as brancas fazemTxe5, segue 45. ... Tf2 46. Ke3 T(f2)e2 47. Kd4 T(c2)d2 48. Kc3 d4 e as negras ganham a torre branca... } 45. Rxe5 { P�ssima id�ia... } 45... Rhf2+ 46. Kg4 { That was a bad idea... } 46... h5+ 47. Kh3 Rh2# { Mate! } 0-1

[Event "Challenge from nataxia"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "02-Jun-08"] [Round "-"] [White "nataxia"] [Black "nogaro"] [Result "*"] [BlackElo "1632"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1200"] 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. g3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. Bg2 Nf6 6. Nf3 Bg7 7. O-O O-O 8. d4 { blacks knight adventure has given me some time. would like tostart putting a little pressure on the centre. also limits eventual ideasbased on ...nc6 ...bg4 ...e5 } 8... e6 { This moves stops any ideas for the blackqueen's bishop on g4, h3 -- pressure to trade my kb, or support for a h7-h5push. As such it is a certainty that black intends to challenge d5 witha qb fianchetto. i will look for opportunities to pin hi kb (c1-g5), preventblack qb fianchetto by opening the h1-a8 diagonal by repositioning my king'sknight (f3-e1-c2..e3), and increase control of d5 } 9. e4 { increasing controlof d5, threats playing off a pin on black king's knight with c1-g5, openinge2 for c3 knight should protecting d4 become an issue (also supportingan eventual f4 push), removing f6-d5 as an option (furthering power ofg5 pin). also supports a d5 push, which could be supported by d1-b3 (encouragingfianchetto of black bishop, but too late, as i would then immediately pushd5, forcing either an exchange, or making it impossible for black bishopto complete fianchetto (bb7? d5xe6). } 9... Nc6 { normal development. also beginsto attack d4. black is falling behind in development, so this move, andi expect a fianchetto of qb to follow. as d4 seems to be blacks earlytarget, i don't expect a c8-d7 move from the bishop, which would be muchtoo cramping and very passive. } 10. Bg5 { continuing with plan to controld5, pinning knight, encouraging black queen to either leave dfile, or trysome sort of d8-d7, rd8, fianchetto, etc. and of course, there is thethreat of e5, which if allowed cannot be defended with h7...g5 pushingback of my bishop, as i will simply trade knight for those two pawns, tearingopen black kingside when half his army is undeveloped, and taking on f6. d5 deserves consideration. however, i don't think there is a rush, i'dlike to take some advantage of my lead in development by developing further,strongly, and i would like to give black another move or so, so as to geta sense of how he is planning to develop before opening up and possiblygiving black counterchances. } 10... b6 { black ignores the threat of e5, noticinghis lack of activity perhaps too late. i will win a piece } 11. e5 Bb7 { thismay be best. black is going to lose a piece. further weakening his kingsidewith attacks on the g5 bishop would likely make things worse. How canblack use this 'tempo' to his advantage? After 12. exf6 can black retreatto h8? it is unlikely that white can hold the f6 pawn, and perhaps it servesas a sort of blocker? desperate times... However, expect 12 ... bxf6 13.bxf6 qxf6 and then work against the weak d4 pawn. My best move then mightbe 14 d5 , before black gets in ...ne7, and even ...nf5 } 12. exf6 Bxf6 13. Bxf6 Qxf6 14. Ne5 { i had originally considered d5 to be best here. however, i think this is stronger. the immediate threat is nxc6, winningthe knight. as the black bishop is pinned, and there is no way for theknight to be protected or my knight to be attacked, the only move blackhas is 14. ... nb4 (14. ... nxn? 15 bxb7). at which point i can decidewhether to trade bishops, or play nd7, forking queen and rook (which seemsbetter, since the bishop trade looks like it is inevitable, so i'll letblack use the tempo) } 14... Rad8 { black misses the threat. } 15. Bxc6 { I cancapture with either knight or bishop. I'd like to keep my bishop on theboard, but leaving black with his neutralizes that somewhat, and leavesblack with a still dangerous piece. there is also the weakness at d4. i'd like to have the bishops off the board and a knight on c6, protectingd4, attacking a7, attacking the rook, and threatening nd7. the knightmaintains an escape square at e6, giving it further options. should whiteblack avoid the trade, his only option is 15 ...ba6, which after 16 re1only strengthens my position, and removes any initiatiative the black qbhad. } *

[Event "Another 2 Rook's v.'s Queen (Sicilian; Kalashnikov"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2013.11.30"] [Round "-"] [White "Iohannes7"] [Black "puiw"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1613"] [TimeControl "5 min + 10 sec"] [WhiteElo "1391"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 { A general Sicilian defense } 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 e5 { The Kalashnikov variation } 5. Nb5 d6 6. N1c3 a6 7. Na3 Nf6 8. Bg5 { Itis thematic for White to play b5 with the threat of b4 and so it is necessaryto protect the e4 pawn with this Bishop move } 8... Be7 9. Bxf6 { 8. ... Be7 brokethe pin and so Black gives up the bishop for the knight. A favourableexchange for Black in this position as the Black knight was excerting pressureon the e4 square. Furthermore, Black's bishop on f6 is looking into itsown pawn chain } 9... Bxf6 10. Be2 b5 11. Nd5 { A good outpost square for theknight } 11... Nd4 12. O-O Nxe2+ { I'm not sure how this exchange helps Blacksposition. The bishop was doing very little. } 13. Qxe2 O-O 14. c3 { Preparingto re-position the a3 knight to a better square } 14... Bg5 15. Rad1 { Developinga piece and strengthening the d5 square } 15... f5 16. exf5 { The most principledmove } 16... Bxf5 17. Nc2 Qa5 { Seemingly going after the a3 pawn - surely thereis something better for Black } 18. a3 Be6 19. Nce3 Bxe3 20. Qxe3 Bxd5 21. Rxd5 { Black exchanges off the remaining minor pieces. Black's main weaknessis the backward d6 pawn. He also has 3 pawn islands to White's two butwith all major pieces still on the board a draw is likely } 21... Rad8 22. Rfd1 Rf6 23. h3 { Using a lull in the game to create a luft for the King } 23... Qa4 24. Qb6 { Although at first glance it looks like White will win the d6 pawn,the drawback of this move is that it allows Black to generate his own counter-play } 24... Rdf8 25. R1d2 { ? - A better move would have been 25. Rxd6 } 25... Qe4 26. Rd1 Rxf2 27. Qxf2 Rxf2 28. Kxf2 { And so the game enters to new phase with amaterial inbalance of two Rook's v.'s a Queen. White is also a pawn down } 28... Qc2+ 29. Kg1 Qxb2 30. Rxd6 Qxa3 { White is now two pawns down. This positionmay be theoretically lost for White although as the game played out a drawdid look the most likely outcome. } 31. Rc6 a5 32. Rc7 { With the simplethreat of 33. Rd8# } 32... h6 33. Rdd7 { Black must generate counter-play againstthe White King so as to stall the advance of the Black pawns } 33... Qc1+ 34. Kh2 Qf4+ 35. Kg1 { Black could have forced a draw by repetition here butchose to play on } 35... Qf6 36. Ra7 { ? - Better was 36. Rb7 } 36... a4 37. Rdb7 e4 { Nota particularly good move but then the position is such it's difficult tosee the best plan for Black } 38. Rxb5 Qxc3 39. Rxa4 { A draw still seemsthe most likely outcome - the two Rook's can easily stop Black's passedpawn } 39... e3 40. Ra8+ Kh7 41. Re8 Qe1+ 42. Kh2 e2 43. Rbe5 Qb4 44. Rxe2 { Theremainder of the game is Black playing for on only to blunder and losehis Queen for a Rook } 44... h5 45. R8e7 h4 46. R7e4 Qd6+ 47. Kh1 Qf6 48. Re6 Qf1+ 49. Kh2 g5 50. Re1 Qf4+ 51. Kh1 g4 52. hxg4 Qxg4 53. R6e4 Qg3 54. R1e3 Qg5 55. Re5 Qg4 56. R5e4 Qg5 57. Re7+ Kg6 { ?? } 58. R3e6+ Kf5 { Or58. ... Kh5 with the same end } 59. Re5+ Kf6 60. Rxg5 Kxg5 { Black resigns } 1-0

[Event "My first game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "19-Jun-12"] [Round "-"] [White "krevix"] [Black "vslavov"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1200"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1185"] 1. e4 { My first game here at GameKnot against a stranger that left me wethe opinion that there are people out there who really can't work withtheir queen and king.He created an opening for me and left me execute aplan I never had thoughts about.I wanted all my games here to be a lessonfor me.I guess this is the first one.Thank you for having me.For post gameanalysis see http://gameknot.com/analyze-board.pl?bd=17962790&fb=1&rnd=0.4623998647473022 } 1... e5 { These are one of the few opening responses I know that work for me.:D } 2. Qh5 { His First violation of the principles. } 2... Nc6 { I wanted to keepmy central pawn and develop a good knight. } 3. Bb5 { And Here starts catand mouse chain mistakes. Next move Nf6. } 3... Nf6 { Getting rid of his queen. } 4. Qf3 { That wasn't a bad way to run. } 4... Nd4 { Creating one of my favoritetools in chess - the fork. } 5. Qc3 { Big blunder that I dint even counton.Second mistake after the BishopB5. } 5... Nxe4 { There we have two centralknights. Lol! :D } 6. Qc4 { Third Mistake and here I become overconfident.I played Qg5. } 6... Qg5 { Going for the G pawn. My first Mistake that I foundto be one after the game analysis. My opponent dint turn it into profit.I guess he dint see it or just ignored it. } 7. Nf3 { Kf1 was better... } 7... Qxg2 { I took the pawn. } 8. Rg1 { Here something flashed. My advanced Knightswith the upcoming fork Nf3. I looked deeper for a chance. :D I jumpedto the analyze tool and it was there. All of whites turns become forcedfor the next 11 moves or so. Mate in 11. See the post game analysis. } 8... Nxf3+ { Check } 9. Ke2 { His best move at the time. :D } 9... Nxg1+ { I talked to him aboutit and he seem to have give up on the next move. } 10. Ke3 { Mate in 1. } 10... Qf3# { Checkmate. Lesson learned. } 0-1

[Event "A really strong game...I love it! Check it out!"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2011.04.06"] [Round "-"] [White "mariodag"] [Black "mtsp1975"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1313"] [TimeControl "5d+1d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1616"] 1. e4 { This is a great game that i played few weeks....I started with e4. } 1... e5 { He played e5... } 2. Nf3 { Typical. } 2... Nc6 3. Bc4 { I like to play the bishopin that square.. } 3... f6 { f6? A weak move i think....Better would be Nf6.. } 4. O-O { I castled.... } 4... g5 { And then g5? I don't think that's a great move...Itmakes king's side weaker... } 5. b3 { b3? I don't know what i was thinkingreally...I usually play d3 or c3... } 5... g4 { g4? He continues to play withpawns and attack.... } 6. Nh4 { I moved it in that square...I usually playwith more defensive players... } 6... Nh6 { Awkard move i guess....What do youthink? } 7. d3 { To open the line for my bishop... } 7... d6 { He does the same... } 8. Bxh6 Bxh6 { I decided to exchange our pieces to weaken more his king'sside... } 9. Nf5 { This is the best place for my knight... } 9... Bxf5 10. exf5 { So we exchanged them... } 10... d5 { To push my bishop...b3 was a bad move inthe beginning... } 11. Bb5 { Only place to go... } 11... Rg8 { For pawn protection... } 12. Re1 { I guess that was a fine move but know i'm thinking of f3 as abetter one....What is your opinion? } 12... Qd7 { A fine move i think... } 13. d4 { Now d4 is coming...I was quite confused with that game, and didn't havea clear plan in my mind...But so far i believe i'm doing quite good... } 13... e4 { e4 then...He has a nice centre but his defence is not the greatest... } 14. c4 { Time to attack to that pawn... } 14... Qxf5 { That was a logical move causethe pawn was exposed...But i found a nice plan in my mind! } 15. cxd5 { Itook the pawn hoping to take it back... } 15... Qxd5 { And he did that!!! } 16. Bc4 { Bc4! A nice move tha will give me advantage! } 16... Qxd4 { The best thinkto do! } 17. Qxd4 Nxd4 { We exchanged our queens... } 18. Rxe4+ { But now therook will do a great job! } 18... Kd8 { Better would be Kf8... } 19. Rxd4+ { Nicemove! Check and take a piece too! } 19... Ke7 { He moved there... } 20. Bxg8 { Iexchange my bishop for his rook...What do you think of that? } 20... Rxg8 21. Nc3 { Now i open the knight releasing the other rook as well! } 21... c5 { c5 willnot help much! } 22. Re1+ { Check with the other rook! } 22... Kf7 { That's betterthan Kf8... } 23. Rd7+ { Another check to push his king in the corner... } 23... Kg6 { Nice! } 24. Re4 { I move my rook....His bishop is totally outplayedhere.... } 24... f5 { For protection... } 25. Re6+ { Not a very nice move... } 25... Kg5 { Better than Kh5... } 26. h4+ { Oups silly move! } 26... gxh3 { I lost that pawn! } 27. g3 { g3 is better than gxh3 i guess! } 27... Bg7 { Just a move... } 28. Nd1 { Nowi have a plan for checkmate... } 28... h6 { h6... } 29. Ne3 { Nice square for myknight...He blocks the g4 square... } 29... f4 { f4??? i was expecting that movedesperately! } 30. Rd5+ { Check and the game is over!!! I hope you likedit! It was a strange game for me but i think i responded and played prettywell... What do you think? Wait for comments and rating! } 1-0

[Event "The Brisbane Bombshell"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Anatoly Karpov"] [Black "Garry Kasparov"] [Result "0-1"] { 1985 World Championship Match } 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nb5 d6 6. c4 Nf6 7. N1c3 a6 8. Na3 d5 9. cxd5 exd5 10. exd5 Nb4 11. Be2 Bc5 12. O-O O-O 13. Bf3 Bf5 14. Bg5 Re8 15. Qd2 b5 16. Rad1 Nd3 { Thearrival of the octopus. } 17. Nab1 h6 18. Bh4 b4 19. Na4 Bd6 20. Bg3 Rc8 21. b3 g5 22. Bxd6 Qxd6 23. g3 Nd7 24. Bg2 Qf6 25. a3 a5 26. axb4 axb4 27. Qa2 { White bids for an escape without a loss of material. } 27... Bg6 28. d6 g4 29. Qd2 Kg7 { The white queen is inside an unbreakable prison of black'sbuilding. Upon securing h6, black has locked her in. } 30. f3 Qxd6 31. fxg4 Qd4+ 32. Kh1 Nf6 33. Rf4 Ne4 34. Qxd3 Nf2+ 35. Rxf2 Bxd3 36. Rfd2 Qe3 37. Rxd3 Rc1 38. Nb2 Qf2 { If 39. Rxc1 then 39. ... Re1 40. Rxe1 Qxe141. Bf1 Qxf1#; if 39. R3d2 , then 39. ... Rxd1 40. Rxd1 Re1 and same asabove; etc. White's knights are trapped, his rooks are outclassed, hisKing is cornered, his position is compromised, and his defence is hopeless. } 39. Nd2 Rxd1+ 40. Nxd1 Re1+ 0-1

[Event "World Robot Chess Champion Match, Moscow?"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.05.19"] [Round "-"] [White "KUKA Monstr"] [Black "CHESSka"] [Result "0-1"] 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. e4 e5 4. Bc4 Bc5 5. O-O O-O 6. d3 h6 7. h3 a6 8. a4 d6 9. Bd2 Nd4 10. a5 Bd7 11. Nxd4 Bxd4 { Alternative variation: 11...exd4 12. Nd5 Nxd5 13. Bxd5 c6 14. Ba2 } 12. Ne2 Ba7 { Alternative variation:12... Bxb2 13. Rb1 Ba3 14. Rxb7 } 13. Ng3 Be6 14. Re1 c6 15. Bxe6 fxe6 16. Be3 Bxe3 17. Rxe3 Qc7 18. Nf1 d5 19. Nd2 Rad8 { Alternative variation:19... d4 20. Re1 Rf7 21. c3 etc } 20. Qe2 Rfe8 21. Rg3 { Alternative variation:21. c4 d4 22. Rg3 c5 } 21... Kh8 22. Ra3 Rd7 23. Re3 Rdd8 { Alternative variation:23... d4 24. Rg3 Rf8 25. Nc4 +/= } 24. Qd1 Kg8 25. Re1 Qd6 26. Rb3 Qc7 27. Qa1 c5 28. Nf3 Rc8 29. Qa4 Kh7 30. Ra3 Re7 31. Qb3 Kg8 32. Qc3 Nd7 33. Raa1 Rce8 34. Re2 Qd6 35. Rb1 Rf7 36. Qa3 Qc7 37. Rd1 Nf8 38. exd5 exd5 39. Rde1 { Black to play! } 39... Rxf3 { 39...,Rxf3! The strongest! } 40. gxf3 Ng6 41. Qa4 Re6 42. Re3 Nf4 43. Qxf4 { 43...,Qxf4 Forced; Black was threateningnate! } 43... exf4 44. Rxe6 Qxa5 45. R1e5 Qa1+ 46. Kg2 Qxb2 47. Rxd5 a5 48. Rxc5 a4 49. c4 a3 50. Rb5 Qc3 51. Re8+ { Black lost on time. But the game iseven: If 51...,Rh8, 52.Ra8= } 0-1

[Event "Analyzed Games"] [Site "ChessDoctor.com"] [Date "?.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Deep Fritz 7.0"] [Black "Kramnik, Vladimir"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "?"] {Analyzed by ?. Hi Everyone. Because the Kramnik-Deep Fritz. 7.0 match was postponed I felt it necessary to analyze a game that Vladimir Kramnik played against Deep Fritz 7.0 in his practice with the engine in preparation for his match.} 1. c4 {The English Opening.} 1...e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Nf3 f5!? {The 3 Knights Variation of the English Opening is a good system to use against Fritz. The positions are closed in nature and there are very few forcing lines allowing Kramnik to adjust his play to take advantage of the computer's weaknesses.} 4. d4 e4 5. Ng5 Bb4!? {This continues to develop while not committing himself to a specific line of play. For instance Fritz might play a known sac after 5...Nf6 6. e3 h6 7. Nh3 g5 8. f3 exf3 9. Qxf3!? when play is very sharp, something not to Kramnik's advantage. 9...g4?! is suicide in that line so after 9...d6 10. Nf2 Qe7 11. Nd5 (sacrificing a pawn) Nxd5 12. cxd5 Nb4 13. Bb5+ Kd8 14. 0-0 g4 15. Qe2 Nxd5 16. Nh1 and Fritz would have good compensation in a highly tactical position. The text is much quieter and better suited to a human vs. machine match.} 6. Nh3 Nf6 7. e3 Bxc3 8. bxc3 {Now white has two bishops. The problem is the position is very closed in nature, so the bishops will have little effect if the position isn't opened up. Kramnik should be very happy after this exchange as his knights could become very active.} 8...d6 9. Nf4 0-0 10. h4 {Kramnik mentioned that all the moves up to here were played by the program very quickly, meaning most of this is probably theory in the Fritz opening book. Here we should take stock. Fritz just played a good move (10. h4) securing his f4 knight by preventing the natural g5 advance by black. However, the f4 knight seems like white's only trump. The pawns on c3 an c4 are weak, black has the two knights in a closed position, and white's king is in the center while black's is in safety. However, the c4 pawn has the useful function of keeping the knight out of d5 while the c3 fellow solidifies d4. White has a solid position, but unless the bishops can be unleashed, black will have a slight advantage.} 10...Qe7?! {Kramnik should leave e7 for the knight. I suggest 10...Qe8 or 10...Ne7. The Qe8-f7 maneuver is very useful as it eyes h5 and c4. 10...Ne7 allows black to play the prophylactic c5 to prevent the freeing c5 move for white. For instance 10...Ne7 11. h5 c5! 12. Ba3 Qa5 etc. and black has a "very" comfortable game though both Ng6 and Nh5 exchanging off f4 is prevented. Or if 10...Qe8!? 11. Ba3 Qf7 12. h5 b6 and if white plays the dubious 13. c5?! anyway, then 13...bxc5 14. dxc5 d5! and the black bishop is shut in and black has the superior center and now the e5 square. After Kramnik's 10...Qe7 move Fritz can free himself.} 11. c5! {One might think 11. h5 to be enough to secure the knight at f4 and thus the game in general, but Fritz wants to trade off one of its weak pawns while trying to open the position for his two bishops. The a2-g8 diagonal is now open for the bishop or queen.} 11...Nd8!? {Very nice! Let's examine the alternatives. The greedy, 11...dxc5? (opening the position willingly!) 12. Bc4+ Kh8 13. h5! and white can open the h-file decisively for instance if the natural 13...cxd4?? then 14. Ng6+! hxg6 15. hxg6+ Nh7 16. Rxh7 Checkmate! If 11...d5 then 12. c4 simply and white has the better of it. 11...Kh8 was a reasonable alternative too, but the sacrifice with the text is probably the best defense against a computer who can't resist accepting!} 12. Qb3+ Ne6!? {Possibly it's odd that black wants to get rid of his knight in a situation favorable to knights. But he's willing to get rid of one of his knights for the only active white bishop, the (soon to be) c4 bishop.} 13. Bc4 Re8 14. Ba3 Kh8 {Ignoring threats on the b-pawn. After the upcoming exchange, white's only active bishop is gone and black has good counterplay.} 15. Bxe6 Bxe6 16. Qxb7 d5! {The only move, but it still deserves an exclamation mark. This ignores the threat on the c7 pawn as well. Positionally speaking, this move is very effective at closing in the a3 bishop.} 17. Rb1! {Wow. The first time I've ever seen Fritz decline a pawn. If Fritz doesn't see a mate in the line or decisive material advantage then he usually grabs material without second thought. However, here he didn't see decisive material advantage or mate and he DID declind the c7 pawn. Perhaps Fritz is starting to understand the position more with the new version? The other good alternative was 17. Qa6 with h5 to follow and white's comfortable all around the board. If the greedy and bad 17. Nxe6? Qxe6 18. Qxc7 Qa6! 19. Bb4 Rec8 20. Qa5 Qd3! 21. Rd1 Qc2 22. Qa6 Ng4 23. Qe2 Qa4 24. Qb2 f4 25. exf4 (25. Qb3 Qa6 is also wonderful for black) e3! 26. fxe3 Nxe3 and the proof is in the pudding.} 17...Bf7 18. Rb3? {It's a completely understandable mistake. Fritz is striving for bishop activity. 18. c6? can't be played because the a3 bishop would be hanging. Therefore Fritz logically defends it which allows him to play c6. Fritz is forgetting about his more important minor piece! The f4 knight. It was imperitive to play 18. h5 to prevent any exchange of the f4 knight by Nh5 for instance. Once the knight goes the kingside belongs to black and Kramnik will haven no trouble redirecting his forces.} 18...Rec8 {Threatening 19...c6! to prevent white's freeing move c6.} 19. c6 {Natural.} 19...Qd8 20. Qa6 Nh5! {From this point on, Black has good counterplay on the kingside. What's the strategy called? Development! After the f4 knight leaves the kingside black has a lead in development over on the kingside. Black can build an initiative. All black's forces are out to pasture on the queenside. While white attempts to win the a-pawn Black will be attempting to win the white king!} 21. Nxh5 Bxh5 22. Rb7?! {This has the greedy motive behind it against the a7 pawn. The a7 pawn is worthless though, more important is undermining the key pawn at d5! I believe 22. c4!? would be much to Fritz's advantage. Once the center opens, Fritz will have a raw calculating advantage as the position would be very tacitcal despite white giving back some material. For instance, 22. c4!? Bf7 23. cxd5 Bxd5 24. Rb7 Qe8 25. 0-0 if 25...Bxc6 then simply 26. Rb2 Bd5 27. Rc1 Qf7 28. Rbc2 f4 29. Qd6! and white has solved the potential kingside initiative while retaining the better of the two pawn structures. After all the trades for instance 29...fxe3 30. fxe3 cxd6 31. Rxc8+ Rxc8 32. Rxc8+ Qg8 33. Rxg8+ Kxg8 34. Bxd6 Bxa2 35. Kf2 and it should be draw as Fritz's bishop controls the a-pawn's queening square. A draw would be much better than the game result!} 22...Qf6! {With the white knight gone, black starts his redeployment of forces on the kingside. No white pieces are in position to defend the white king! The more passive 22...Be8?! sucuumbs to 23. c4! The idea of Be8 of course is to work with Qf6 against the c-pawn. I like the text. The bishop is nicely placed at h5 and there's no real reason to retreat it. For instance after 22...Be8?! 23. c4! dxc4 24. Qxc4 Qf6 then 25. d5! and c6 is granite anyway.} 23. 0-0 {For once Fritz is worried more about king safety!} 23...h6!? {This makes a place for the king at h7 so as to not get mated on the 1st or second rank. This was very important, of course. For instance if Kramnik immediately plays 23...Bf3!? which is reasonable even here, then a line might occur like 23...Bf3! 24. gxf3 exf3 25. Rfb1 Qxh4, but 26. Qd3! Qh3 27. Qf1 Qg4+ 28. Kh2 Qh4+ 29. Qh3 30. Kh1 Re8 31. Rxc7 and if the natural rook lift 31...Re6 (idea e6-g6) then 32. Rxg7! h6 33. Qxf5 Qh4+ 34. Kg1 f2+ 35. Kf1 Qh1+ 36. Kxf2 Qh2+ 37. Kf3 Rxe3+ 38. Kxe3 Re8+ and black can only delay mate on the back rank or second rank by checks. This is a very important move from that standpoint.} 24. Bc5 {Greedy, Greedy. Much better is 24. g3!? where Bf3 has no threat because the h4 pawn is solid and white could simply continue with 25. Rfb1 etc. with advantage. Therefore a line might be 24. g3!? Kh7 25. Rfb1 Qe6 (eyeing c4) 26. c4 dxc4 27. Qa5 if black tries to hold on to the c4-pawn with 27...Bf7 then 28. Rxc7 Rxc7 29. Qxc7 Rc8 30. Qxa7 Rxc6 31. Rb7 Ra6 32. Qc5 Ra8 33. Bb4!? Qg6 34. a3 Qh5 35. Be1 Kg8 36. a4! Rf8 37. Bb4 Ra8 38. a5 Qd1+ 39. Kh2 Qf3 40. Be1 and white has the d-pawn and a-pawn and not even the f4 break is enough for black.} 24...Kh7 25. Bxa7 Qxh4 {This is the beginning of the end. Now that the h4 pawn is gone, black has a very strong sac Bf3! to effectively end the game.} 26. Rfb1 Bf3! {Very strong. This natural sac probably wasn't found by the computer, else it would've done something about it earlier.} 27. Qf1 {Of course if 27. gxf3 exf3 28. Qd3 Rf8! 29. Qd1 (only move) Qh5 30. Bb8 (intending use of b8-h2 diagonal to defend) Raxb8 and the game's simply over.} 27...Re8 28. Bb8!? {Fritz finds the only way to defend. The idea is to take c7 with the bishop and use the diagonal to help defend.} 28...Raxb8! 29. Rxb8 Re6! {Coming to g6 decisively.} 30. Rf8 Rg6 31. Rxf5 Rxg2+ 32. Qxg2 Bxg2 33. Kxg2 Qg4+ {And that's the point of the combination. The rook on f5 is now black's. This was a stunning and gorgeous win by the world champ against the flagship chessbase chess engine. This proves that some humans can still excel over computers in tactics!} 0-1

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.04.20"] [Round "-"] [White "chuckbo"] [Black "wwwdotcom"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1867"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1904"] 1. Nf3 { This game shows lots of principles in action I've been teachingmy students recently. No real mating threats or strong combinations --but a game decided by who controls the initiative. } 1... Nf6 2. g3 d5 3. Bg2 c6 4. d3 Bg4 5. Nbd2 Nbd7 6. O-O e6 7. e4 { This is all standard stuff sofar. } 7... dxe4 { This is just my impression, but it seems like the strongerplayers I face like to trade here and convert this to an open game. Itused to be that I was playing e5 more often and seeing a closed game whenI was lower rated, and doing better. But maybe it's just me; maybe I dobetter in closed games. } 8. dxe4 Bc5 9. Re1 Qb6 { A simple threat to playBxf2+, but it's still effective and has to be dealt with. Fortunate, Qe2is a common move here anyway. } 10. Qe2 Ne5 11. h3 { I need to get rid ofthat pin. } 11... Nxf3+ 12. Bxf3 { I've never recaptured with the bishop before.Usually, I take with the knight so it can just take the place of the capturedpiece. Plus, that lets the QB into the game. So why did I use the bishop?I got tired of dealing with the pin. And I was wondering how I could getsome initiative if I used the knight. - My queen would still need tostay on e2 or f1 to guard the pawn on f2. - If the queen's on e2, thenthe knight's still pinned. - My queen and rook are guarding another pawnon e4. - I can't play Be3 to block his threats without losing the pawnon e4 (and opening up difficulties with Qxb2). So I decided to use thebishop. I wondered if he would play Bxh3. I'll play g4 and end up tradingtwo pawns for the bishop, but my king would be wide open. Fortunately,his queen's on the other side of the board. } 12... Bxf3 13. Qxf3 Nd7 { I figurehis knight's going for a good spot on e5. I feel like I'm reacting to himinstead of having any initiative, and I've got to turn that around. I'mtempted to play Nc4. It protects e5 and the pawn on b2 and attacks thequeen, but after Qb4 attacks the knight and rook, I've got to play Qc3,and a trade would give me real bad pawns. So I decided to let him havee5 and, instead, protect my b-pawn a different way and maybe trade offthat bishop that's giving me problems. } 14. Nb3 Ne5 15. Qe2 { He's got waytoo many threats. The queen has to keep his knight off of f3. I can't moveover to c3 because he gets to play Bb4 and win the rook. } 15... O-O 16. Rd1 { I thought hard about taking that bishop. When you're under attack, youwant to trade off pieces. But I decided it was more important to grab theopen file. Also, now my rook can't get caught in a fork on f3. } 16... Rfd8 17. Bf4 { No way will I just trade and let him control the d-file. With my knightblocking his queen, I can get my bishop out and get his knight off of thatgood square. } 17... Ng6 { I'd prefer to hold on to a bishop. } 18. Bg5 Be7 { I jokedthat he got impatient, waiting for me to take his bishop with my knight,so he finally moved away. Now I'm feeling better; his last two moves havebeen retreats, and I know how to make it three in a row. } 19. Be3 Qc7 { Ican finally start to attack, now. } 20. Rxd8+ Rxd8 21. Bxa7 b6 { I'm notplanning to get my bishop trapped down there. } 22. Qa6 b5 23. Bb6 { I'ma pawn ahead. When you're ahead, it's a good idea to trade off pieces (unlessyou're busy attacking). } 23... Qc8 24. Qxc8 Rxc8 25. a4 { This looks like thebest way to get my rook into the game. I just taught my students last nightthat you want to move the unopposed pawn to create a breakthrough. In thiscase, I figured that he couldn't afford to let it become a passed pawn. } 25... bxa4 26. Rxa4 Rb8 27. Ra6 { I like that. I guards the bishop, of course.It also will let my knight move without risking Rxb2. And, when the bishopmoves, I'll have a discovered attack on his pawn with the rook (if my knightisn't able to take it first). } 27... h5 28. Na5 Rc8 29. Be3 { I also thought ofmoving it to d4 to keep his knight from coming to e5. But that would'vegiven him a free move by attacking the bishop with a pawn, and I'd haveto move it to e3 anyway. } 29... Ne5 { Maybe the pawn's better off on c5. Thismove's just going to lose another pawn. } 30. f4 { I didn't expect his lastmove, but this is what I was planning to do to keep his knight off of e5. } 30... Ng6 { He doesn't have a good place for that knight. After Nf3+, I can trapit after Kf2. But it's going to be several moves before that knight's afactor again. } 31. Nxc6 { I thought about trading with the rook, but I wasworried that he would play Ra8 and get my open file. What I like aboutthis is his rook can't go to a8, b8, c8, or d8 -- and he can't chase awaymy knight with his bishop! } 31... f5 32. e5 { I don't want to open up any newlines that he might be able to use. } 32... h4 { That's a challenging move. } 33. g4 { I knew that I didn't want to take the pawn. I end up with an isolatedrook's pawn on the same side of the board as his king, so I didn't seeany value in that. And I really didn't want to let him recapture with hisknight (or bishop that goes to g3). And I figure that I can block his h-pawnwith my king, so it doesn't feel like a bad threat yet. And I made thismove the same night that I taught a lesson about passed pawns and how especiallystrong connected passed pawns are. So it's an easy decision to play g4here. } 33... fxg4 34. hxg4 Bf8 35. c3 { I'm thinking of moving my knight to d4soon, so I plan to play b4 and Bd2 before I do. } 35... Kf7 36. b4 Ne7 37. Nd4 { Bad, bad, bad move. This is the second time in a team game where I'vehad my moves planned out and then I made a move out-of-order. The lasttime I did it, I had to immediately ask for a draw (and I think he pitiedme and gave it to me). This time, maybe I'm far enough ahead that I canstill win ... but it'll take lots more work. } 37... Rxc3 { Time to regroup. Allof the plans I had are kind of shot. } 38. Bf2 { Suddenly, that pawn feelsmore dangerous. I don't think I can keep my b-pawn, so I want this in atrade. } 38... Nd5 { That's another strong move. As I said, I've already writtenoff the b-pawn mentally, so I want to hold on to the others. } 39. Nxe6 Be7 { He saw my threat. After Nxb4, I play 40. Ng5+. He has to retreat theking, and I play Ra8+ to get the rook away from the knight and then Bxh4,leaving me with 3 pawns to his 1. } 40. Ng5+ { But then I realized that hedidn't stop Ng5+ -- there are some other threats in there. } 40... Bxg5 41. fxg5 Ne3 { I'm not sure why he didn't play Nxb4. Maybe he's hoping he can checkme on c1 and eventually win my bishop. I plotted out the course after 45. Bxe3 Rxe3 46. e6+ Rxe6 47 Rxe6 Kxe6 several times. It lookslike I can get his last two kingside pawns while he chases down the b-pawn,and I can queen a pawn, but maybe he plays 46. ... Ke7 to just block thatpawn instead of capturing it. I think I can do it, but then I found aneasier way. } 42. g6+ { That's the key move. It opens up the h4-d8 line. } 42... Kf8 { I imagine he didn't want to play Ke2 so he wouldn't be in check onthe next move, but his king's in more trouble now. } 43. Bxh4 { ThreateningRa8# } 43... Rc1+ 44. Kh2 Nxg4+ 45. Kh3 { And now Black realizes that he has noway to stop the checkmate. } 1-0

[Event "elbrando's mini-tournament IX"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2013.05.03"] [Round "-"] [White "rocket76"] [Black "porcho"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1020"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1221"] 1. e4 { I thought I'd annotate my loss against this opponent since I annotatedthe win I think it's pretty interesting, for a while I had the advantagebut I blundered it away Actually, for most of the game I was materiallyahead, but I took a rook with my queen early on and lost the use of itfor the rest of the game. } 1... e5 2. Qh5 { Trying to get Scholar's mate. It'sbeen used against me so many times I've memorized the responses. } 2... Nc6 3. Bc4 { Yup, he's threatening mate in one } 3... g6 { Stops the mate and chases thequeen } 4. Qf3 { Tries again } 4... Nf6 { Stops the threat and develops a piece } 5. c3 { Prevents Nd4 but takes away the knights favorite square. } 5... Bc5 6. d3 d6 7. Bg5 { pins the knight, and adds another attacker } 7... Bg4 { I thoughit dealt with it, but I didn't notice Qf6! winning a knight. Luckily, neitherdid my opponent. } 8. Qg3 O-O { Looks like it blunders away a bishop butif my opponent plays Bxf6 then I play Qxf6 Qxg4 Qxf2+ Kd1 Qf2b2 } 9. Bxf6 Qxf6 10. Qxg4 Qxf2+ 11. Kd1 Qxb2 12. Nf3 Qxa1 { And I end up ahead by arook and two pawns for a knight } 13. Kc2 { Boxing in my queen. } 13... h5 { Probablynot great, blows away more of my pawn cover } 14. Qg3 Kg7 { ?????? } 15. Ng5 f6 { Weakening it even more and allowing ... } 16. Ne6+ { Arrg a fork! } 16... Kf7 { At least I get the knight } 17. Nxf8+ Kxf8 18. Qxg6 Nd8 19. Qxf6+ { Thegame is in white's favor now } 19... Ke8 20. Qh8+ Kd7 21. Qxh5 Ba3 { If he takesthe bishop I take the rook and if not then I can get my queen out } 22. Qh7+ { But everything stops for check } 22... Kc8 23. Qf5+ Kb8 24. Nxa3 { Well Iget the rook } 24... Qxh1 25. Qf8 { At this point, I think I might have done bestto abandon the knight and move the a pawn forward so my king can escape } 25... Kc8 { But now, I try to keep the knight } 26. Be6+ { And I pay the price } 26... Kb8 27. Qxd8# { ...And mate. Still, a fun game and I learned from it, becareful taking rooks with you queen because your queen can be boxed in.Again, please comment. } 1-0

[Event "Challenge from irokatchs"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "08-Jan-08"] [Round "-"] [White "irokatchs"] [Black "bog15"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1275"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1200"] 1. e4 { im quite proud of the way i handled this match (being the amateurthat i am) } 1... d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 c6 4. g3 Ng4 5. d5 Qa5 6. a3 Nf6 7. b4 Qd8 8. Be2 h6 9. Bb2 h5 10. Nf3 Qb6 11. e5 Ng4 12. O-O dxe5 13. Ne4 Nf6 14. Bd3 cxd5 15. Nc5 e4 { the next chain of moves was meant to free my horseand bishop from the pawn attack... } 16. Na4 Qd8 17. Bb5+ Bd7 18. Nd4 { -andit worked..... } 18... e5 { -till this happened } 19. Nb3 Bxb5 { and i had to saygoodbye to my rook } 20. Nc3 Bxf1 { at this point, i dont think anyone wouldhave believed that i could pull off a win. (2 pawns, 1 bishop n 1 rookdown with nothing to show for it) } 21. Qxf1 a6 { but this is where mylast-ditch plan begins.... } 22. b5 d4 { i was expecting that.... } 23. bxa6 dxc3 { and that } 24. axb7 Ra7 { and that.... } 25. Qb5+ { :-) } 25... Qd7 26. Qxe5+ Be7 27. Qxb8+ Bd8 28. Qxa7 Bc7 { -trying to nullify my pawn promotion.... } 29. b8=Q+ Bxb8 30. Qxb8+ Qd8 31. Qe5+ Qe7 32. Bxc3 Ng4 { i can see he wantsmy queen out of the way.... } 33. Qxg7 { -as she alone seems to have causedhim a lot of trouble } 33... Qf8 34. Qd4 Rh6 { now the queen no longer has to protecther rook, which is now guarded by the horse } 35. Bb4 Qg8 36. Rd1 { preparingthe chekmate.... } 36... Qg5 { last ditch defence- guarding d8 } 37. Qxe4+ Ne5 38. Qa8+ Qd8 39. Rxd8# { :-) } 1-0

[Event "Zugzwang"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2017.04.06"] [Round "-"] [White "damafi"] [Black "Marham"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1551"] [TimeControl "300+5"] [WhiteElo "1486"] 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 e6 3. Nf3 Bd6 { This is the first sign of aggressivity frommy opponent. Now, the planned Ne5 is just disastrous to f6, e5 etc. } 4. Bg3 { It seems a loss of tempo, but if BxB, my open column will be an edge,compensating the bad bishop I'll have left. } 4... f5 5. e3 { Definitely aggressive.I like that! } 5... Nf6 6. Ne5 { The BN on f6 is the ticket to Ne5. } 6... Nbd7 7. Nd2 { My N is inmune, and if BxN, black loses a B for nothing. } 7... O-O { Castlinginto the fire. But now I have the B on g3, and my plan is to remove theNf6 in order to get the Q up there. Still, I sensed not h3 or h4 will beof real help, and tried the other way instead: } 8. c4 c6 9. c5 Bc7 10. b4 { I dared to close the center, now I have to keep some possibility oflife for my lsb on b5. I've not compromised my kingside, yet, so no realreason to keep the Qside static. I'm grabbing space, for sure. } 10... Ne4 11. Qh5 { Yes, my Q can be harassed. But his lsb is trapped in for a coupleof moves, and the dsb is also far from my Q. } 11... Nxd2 12. Kxd2 { I thoughabout this: no problem: my R are connected. My K is in the center, butsafe... no no, it is not, since I have an echange going on on my d pawn... } 12... Nxe5 { Ouch! My fault. A full exchange set, and I would have been safe.But I overlooked it. Now: Bh4 is not really working after Qd7 - the least.But do I want to keep the lsb or not? Sure, it will help him to break inon a5. But without the Bpair, I feel a little unarmed. } 13. dxe5 { Now,if d4, Rd1 seems possible (dxe6+, Ke2, Q defends, fxe6...) } 13... a5 { This instead.I want to play a4, in order to prevent black from get his B to a5, butI have no time. No choice: } 14. b5 { He can't play a4 or b6. } 14... cxb5 15. Bxb5 { My lsb out and with tempo! Wow! I got something. Still, a4 here wasdeadly for me. } 15... Bd7 { If a4 now, BxB, axB, threatening b6 again was thebest. But I overlooked the threat on b6, and I had 'an idea'. } 16. Rhb1 { ...like swearing the danger in the center was gone. Big mistake. The otherrook, maybe, but this one must keep the eye on d8, just in case of... didI forget? } 16... d4 { Very embarassing. BxB+ is looming... how can I neutralizeit? the answer was given by my opponent when he played Bd7. } 17. Bh4 { Whocares about the central pawn? Quitting the Q from the d column reducesthe pressure on my position. } 17... dxe3+ { Thank you, dearest. } 18. Kxe3 Qe8 { Now he wants to exchange Q. Otherwise, I lose my dsb. It seems he founda good way to defend! Now I saw a shadow of a combination, based on sacrifyingthe e5 pawn. A dangerous play. } 19. Qxe8 Bxe8 20. Bxe8 Rfxe8 21. Rxb7 Bxe5 22. Rd1 { ...the idea was to keep forever one or two R on the 7th.Maybe Rc1, intending to push th pawn, would have been more accurate. It'stechnique matter, I'm no expert. } 22... h6 { Noak's ark on my lsb. Of course. } 23. f4 { Counter noak's. But Black had a very nice tactic I overlooked. } 23... Bxf4+ 24. Kxf4 g5+ { Of course. Well, they are still a lot of pawns! } 25. Bxg5 hxg5+ 26. Kxg5 Rad8 { My advantage factor is the closed positionof the BK, while mine is protected by the enemy's pawns. } 27. Rxd8 { Iallos his left R to go grabbing my rear pawns in order to set some nastynet up there. } 27... Rxd8 28. c6 { Re7 grants me the two black pawns and thegame. But this is... well, a mistake. } 28... Rc8 29. c7 Kf7 { THIS is the reason.Having my K been in g6, now I'll win. But he can escape. Well... almost.He can get my c pawn, but in the meantime... } 30. h4 Kg7 31. h5 Kf7 32. h6 a4 33. a3 { Zugzwang... but h7 will win quickly. } 33... f4 34. h7 Kg7 35. h8=Q+ { KxQ, Rb8 wins. RxQ, c8=Q+ too. I'm glad to have seen it, this kind ofposition is always tricky. Thank you for reading, and I hope you get someamusement. Would you have fallen like black did? } 1-0

[Event "A very long game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "???"] [Black "???"] [Result "*"] { This is a game I had observed in which I reckon the oppenents were eithermessing about or rather just rubbish! } 1. e4 { That's normal } 1... e5 { okay } 2. f4 { Makes white look wise } 2... d5 { Black doesn't fall for the bait } 3. d4 { Either does white } 3... c5 { What is going on? } 4. c4 { Something very peculiar!! } 4... f5 { This I'm sure you will notice that this game is going to be very strange. } 5. b4 { I give up trying to understand the logic in this } 5... b5 6. g4 g5 { Thisis now getting stupid!!!!!!!!!!! } 7. h4 { Uh? } 7... h5 { Uh? exaggerated } 8. a4 { I now wonder what black is going to do next } 8... a5 { That was what I thought! } 9. Qd3 { Um? } 9... Qd6 { Copy cat } 10. Nf3 { Pretty good;not really } 10... Ke7 { Kingon the attack } 11. Kd2 { Same here } 11... Nf6 { Keep this game going } 12. Nc3 { Itis going } 12... Nc6 { Attack } 13. Be2 { What is white up to? } 13... Bg7 { Same with black } 14. Ba3 Be6 15. Rhe1 Rad8 16. Rad1 Rhe8 { Now i wonder what is going tohappen??? } 17. Bf1 { ?? } 17... Bf8 { ?? } 18. Be2 { ???? } 18... Bg7 { ??? } 19. Bf1 { ??? } 19... Bf8 { Stop this okay!! } 20. Be2 { Oh?? } 20... Bg7 21. Bf1 Bf8 22. Be2 Bg7 23. Bf1 Bf8 24. Be2 Bg7 25. Bf1 Bf8 26. Be2 Bg7 27. Bf1 Bf8 28. Be2 Bg7 29. Bf1 Bf8 30. Be2 Bg7 31. Bf1 Bf8 32. Be2 Bg7 33. Bf1 Bf8 { I'm now tired } 34. Be2 Bg7 35. Bf1 Bf8 36. Be2 Bg7 37. Bf1 Bf8 38. Be2 Bg7 39. Bf1 Bf8 40. Be2 Bg7 41. Bf1 Bf8 42. Be2 Bg7 43. Bf1 Bf8 44. Be2 Bg7 45. Bf1 Bf8 46. Be2 Bg7 47. Bf1 Bf8 48. Be2 Bg7 49. Bf1 Bf8 50. Be2 Bg7 { Give up already } 51. Bf1 Bf8 52. Be2 Bg7 53. Bf1 Bf8 54. Be2 Bg7 55. Bf1 Bf8 56. Be2 Bg7 57. Bf1 { Only the brave people are left watching } 57... Bf8 58. Be2 Bg7 59. Bf1 Bf8 { Come on! This is a draw!! } 60. Be2 Bg7 61. Bf1 Bf8 62. Be2 Bg7 63. Bf1 Bf8 64. Be2 Bg7 65. Bf1 Bf8 66. Be2 Bg7 67. Bf1 { Imagine; I watchedthis game!! } 67... Bf8 68. Be2 Bg7 69. Bf1 Bf8 70. Be2 Bg7 71. Bf1 Bf8 72. Be2 Bg7 73. Bf1 Bf8 74. Be2 Bg7 75. Bf1 Bf8 76. Be2 Bg7 77. Bf1 Bf8 78. Be2 Bg7 79. Bf1 Bf8 80. Be2 Bg7 81. Bf1 Bf8 82. Be2 Bg7 83. Bf1 Bf8 84. Be2 Bg7 85. Bf1 Bf8 86. Be2 Bg7 87. Bf1 Bf8 88. Be2 Bg7 89. Bf1 Bf8 90. Be2 Bg7 91. Bf1 Bf8 92. Be2 Bg7 93. Bf1 Bf8 94. Be2 Bg7 95. Bf1 Bf8 96. Be2 Bg7 97. Bf1 Bf8 98. Be2 Bg7 99. Bf1 Bf8 100. Be2 { A century } 100... Bg7 { Guesswhat? } 101. Bf1 { White offered a draw!!!!!!!! (about time) } 101... Bf8 { Blackdeclined } 102. Be2 { White offered again } 102... Bg7 { Black made its move and decidedto accept. I'm sorry but I just wanted to share my torture with you aswell!! } *

[Event "Challenge from patzerman"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "12-Apr-08"] [Round "-"] [White "fatbrit"] [Black "patzerman"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1842"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1638"] 1. d4 { My first attempt at annotating! A friendly game in which an exchangesac brings about a position that I would play from either side. Here wego.... A computer will help out with analysis,but I will do most ofthe work,as I need the study time! I will not have many 'lines' of analysis-Iperfer to talk generally about my thoughts during the game. Comments aremost welcome! } 1... Nf6 2. g3 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. c3 { A little passive,in my opinion.I like Bg2 or c4. } 4... Nc6 5. Bg2 d5 { One of my favorite formations for Black } 6. Ne5 { Moving a developed piece again (?). Why not 0-0 orBf4. } 6... cxd4 { Notthe best,as the pawn recapture repairs White's pawns,giving C3 back tothe N. Better is Be7 or d6,or even Nxe5, 7 dxe5;Nd7 hitting the e5 p andforcing white into either f4 or bf4 } 7. cxd4 Bd6 8. Nxc6 { 3 moves withthe same piece by move 8 is not to be recommended but something had tobe done. } 8... bxc6 9. Nc3 O-O 10. O-O Rb8 { Off the long diagonal,even thoughit's 'clogged' for now. } 11. a3 c5 12. dxc5 Bxc5 { Interesting. A semi-openposition,where White has a majority of pawns on the Q side verses morepawns in the cenre for Black. White for choice here,due to a slightly worse black Q bishop } 13. b4 Be7 { Bd6 is better,protecting the R on the b8-h2diagonal } 14. Bb2 { This strike me as passive. I prefer Bg5 or f4,chasingaway the R. The computer likes Qd4 and keeping the B on the c1-h6 diagonal. } 14... Ba6 { Only game in town. } 15. Rc1 Bc4 16. Na4 a5 { I likes this move. Gettingrid of an isolani,and getting a good result back. } 17. Bxf6 { I was surprisedby this. The necessary recapture really strengthens my B square B. e5 isa weak square in my camp,and the Bishop there ( for White) would forceme to make a decision about my R } 17... Bxf6 18. Qd2 { Best } 18... axb4 19. axb4 Be7 { Not the best! Bg5 would force f4,weakening White's K side. I could thengo to the plan I use now. Amazing the things I miss! } 20. Nc5 Rb5 { Justpiling up....the white bishop needs to get to work somehow! } 21. Na6 { Anerrant mission! Better is 21 Nd3. Then ...Bxd3 22 Qxd3; Rxb4 does losea pawn,but White certainly can defend. The bishops are of opposite color,apotential end game factor. } 21... Qb6 { Slam } 22. Nc5 Rxb4 { Now I decide to experiment.Of course there is an easier way to get the pawn,and I saw the N fork....butI wanted to play... } 23. Nd7 { Why not? I would! } 23... Qb5 24. Nxf8 Bxf8 { OK,time to asses. This is a position that I would like for either side. Butin my opinion,I like Black better because of the potential of a passedd pawn. White has slightly less active pieces....the K rook needs to getinto the game and use the open lines. The computer like White to the tuneof 1/2 pawn advantage. For some REALLY instructive games with this typeof material imbalance,check out Fischer-Larsen, match game 5 1971, andSpassky-Tal, Tallin 1973. Incredible games! } 25. Bf3 { At first I thoughtthis an ugly move,but it provides air for the King and protection for the p. } 25... g6 { My original plan was to move Rb2,but after Rc2 I thought thatI would have to trade rooks. In my opinion,this type on position requiresBlack to keep the heavy pieces on. Q R B verses Q B B makes it easierfor the side with the R. Comments? } 26. Rfe1 Bg7 27. e4 { ?! This allowsa monster passed pawn. I think better is e3,guarding the d4 square andallowing the B to roam around and offset the Blk B on c4 } 27... Bb2 28. Rc2 d4 { Board up the windows,the zombies are coming! } 29. Rb1 { Pretty much theonly move } 29... Bc3 { Things are kind of forced around here. } 30. Rxb4 Qxb4 31. Qc1 { Qg5 does not help much. Everything that follows flows from gettinga passer on d4. Maybe 27 e4 was the decisive mistake. } 31... e5 { No rush.... } 32. Be2 Bb3 33. Rxc3 { Really bad. The computer 'thinks' a move like Kg2is better. I would of course take the R,but then there are opposite coloredB's,and white covers the d3 square 2x.....very hard,if not impossible towin. } 33... Qxc3 { A blunder by me! p takes is MUCH better. } 34. Qg5 { The finalmistake. Qb1 would allow me to force a Q exchange,but the resulting B Pending is tough! 34. Qb1 Qc2 35.Bd3 Qxb1 36.Bxb1 Bc4 37. Kg2 g5 38.g4 (Analysis by Crafty) is a little better for Black } 34... Qe1+ 35. Bf1 Bc4 { White resigns. My first attempt at annotating. Again,comments are welcome. } 0-1

[Event "Gone but not Forgotten Part 2"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2018.03.14"] [Round "-"] [White "kenneth_fiore_3"] [Black "scionescire"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "2176"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "2113"] { In my previous annotation Ken played a short against Charles and got adraw in my mini tournament. But, I also mentioned that I'd annotate alonger game, where Ken plays an opening that I'm not familiar and winsagainst Roland. BTW, I looked in his past game history for something likethis but had a very difficult time doing so. I didn't know this, but aftera certain period, past games, after a year, are deleted. So, I, instead,looked at Ken's teams games, and then which ones he won and came acrossthis one. And, by not familiar with, I also mean take me off guard andmake it easy for me to go wrong, as this is what he'd want from me. Inour first two games, it was like that where he played defenses, since Iwas white, against him that I wasn't used to. And, I lost my way quicklywhich led to mistakes later on that, eventually, costed me the game. Infact, the reason for our second training game was because I was overlycritical of one of my students for playing an opening that I wasn't usedto and thought it was inaccurate, but he played it pretty well. If I recallcorrectly, he won, regardless. With Ken gone, I'm also annotating thisgame in his honor. } 1. b3 { I'm not used to this opening, but it's theNimzovich_Larsen Attack. In fact, I've only seen it three times, includingan annotation that he showed me which is seen in the comment right below. However, I did not pay nearly as much attention to that opening sinceI was focused on the variations where he sacked the Q and won. And, Iforgot about the first time which charleshiggie annotated with Ken playingit. So, the only time I remember was between one of my students and heropponent, I'd say about 1.5 years ago since it was shortly before Ken becameterminally ill. I remember, as he was no longer commenting on annotations,at that point. Her opponent also played the Nimzovich_Larsen Attack andI was just as critical for that, and ION rightly pointed out that it'sa perfectly playable opening, in that annotation. And, this was, aftermy second training game with Kenneth_fiore_3. So, I talked to Ken aboutthis since it was the same factor that led to our training game. And,he put it in a nicer way then how I'm going to explain it. I told himwhat had happened and what ION said. And he said that, first, the LarsenAttack is a well respected opening. Second, Ken said that he played itagainst GM Larsen himself. I presume that it was in a training sessionor two, and although Ken lost he played extremely well. And, the GM wasimpressed and proud of his play. Third, other players close to Ken's strengthplayed against it and criticized him for doing it. But, after the games,he told them that it can't be so bad, if he won. And, it's a reminderof what TA deals with when Joe says that he plays what others call, 'garbageopenings', and the senior master made the same point. The moral to that,the point that Ken wanted to make, was for me to study these kind of openingsthat I haven't seen before or think is not good at professional level tosee how the experts do it. Otherwise, it would continue to be a problemfor me. Thus, since I only remembered seeing this opening once and wascritical, it aligns with Ken's recommendation which is how I'd know thatthis is the kind of thing that he would want me to study as HW. } 1... e5 { Now,with this annotations, it is, going to be, as if we played another trainingbut with me as black which was another reason that I chose this game toannotate since Ken was white. I'm going to do this by seeing what blackand then letting you know how I would've handled things to bring out mythought process. The reason being is that, in our training games, I hadto discuss every move with Ken before I played it so that he could seehow I was thinking. This way he could review my thought process whichhe'd use to coach me. That's where I became superpicky before exchangingpieces, as you'll see in my first training game with me. Having said that,I like this move and is also what I would've played. Unless the opponentopens with 1.d4 or 1.Nf3, 1...e5 is how I answer because I have a lot ofexperience with it. So, it's sticking with what you know, as was the annotationwith my training game against elyhim. } 2. Bb2 { Of course, as Ken askedme the question, when he's done making a move, especially what I'm notused to, then it's about what to do. I would've anticipated based on mythought process which is why not the complete fianchetto, once and forall. } 2... Nc6 { But, as black I'd be wondering what to do. I would've taken2...Nf6? into consideration because my idea is to develop on the K sidewhere I can castle short sooner. But, upon realizing that this loses apawn, thinking about other options, I would've also played this, myself. } 3. e3 { I wouldn't have seen this move coming. Instead, I would've anticipated1.e4 which also opens up the center, but Ken has his ways. And, it's areminder that things aren't always the way that they appear. I know Ken'splaying style, and he likes taking opponents off guard, especially, whenhe's training someone. } 3... Nf6 { And, this is also what I would've played forthe same reason mentioned on Roland's previous move. } 4. c4 { Ken playssomething a little different then what I expected, which is also why it'sgood to study. As I would've expected and been ready for 4.Nf3. But,I understand why he played this, as the c pawn is advancing to allow Kento play 4.Nc3. It goes with the idea of not blocking your c pawn in 1.d4d5 openings. There's something else to be said about this move which isthat white has a pawn chain which could be useful later on. } 4... b6 { But, thisis where things different from what I would've played. Having said that,I would've played 4...Bb4 to enable castling on the next move. The ideabeing that I like to castle ASAP, although Morgan in the WTWLTR said thatwhile I'm usually correct, one should be a little cautious. As with Joann'sthread on when to where to castle in the KOH club, Morgan informed me thatsometimes, castling needs to wait. In other cases, it's safer to castlelong, and there are even times when it's not safe to castle. So, knowing,if, when, and where are extremely important. With that being said, I understandwhy Roland would play this instead, as he's fianchettoing and preparingto bring his Bc8 on a nice long diagonal. } 5. Nc3 { As noted before, thiswas the whole idea behind 4.c4. } 5... Bb7 { Having said what I posted on Roland'sprevious, as to why he'd fianchetto'd, this is the move that I also would'veplayed. My attitude is that when you fianchetto, you might as well completeit right away. Having said that, I guess there are times where it's necessaryto delay completing your fianchetto. In fact, I might have even seen oneexample since after someone, possibly, a student fianchetto'd, the opponentattacked a piece which forced him or her to protect right away. But, besidesthe obvious of an attacked piece or immediate mate threat, I think thatthere's other times where it's necessary to delay. I just don't when. But, this was, certainly, not one of those times. } 6. Nf3 { Continuingwith his development. } 6... e4 { For the same reason that I noted when Rolandfianchetto'd, I would've played 6...Bc5. On the other hand, I like thismove even better because this attacks Ken's Nf3. I often have a hard timefiguring out when to attack something, and the problem is that my instinctsoften tell me just to do it. But, I have learned that attacking somethingisn't always good and as with exchanging, you shouldn't attack just becauseit's possible to do so. And, in fact, I once corrected one of my studentsfor attacking just because it was possible, and not just in her annotation. But, I did this in 2 training games with Erika when I mated her. So,it's about figuring out when. Having said that, I agree that now was thetime to do that because of where this will take black. } 7. Ng5 Qe7 { Forthe same reason as previously mentioned, I still would've played 7...Bc5. However, I like what Roland is doing with his Q better since it's nowon the same diagonal as his Bf8. And, in comparison I've been a littlecritical of this move when it was a student since it blocks in his Bf8. But, as with what Ken noted with openings that I'm not familiar with,I just learned something and realize that it's not always bad to do that. And, I like where it's going here since black is threatening a discoveredattack with something like 8...Ng8 Of course, I'm pretty sure that hewon't undevelop, but I like this move because it defends e4 a second time. Having said that, I would've been upset with myself for not even consideringthis move, as I concur with Roland that this is the best move here. } 8. Qb1 { Attacking e4 a third time, very similar to what I saw with Ken inour second training game. In fact, something like this is where I startedto go wrong. As I wasn't prepare for a second or third attack which costedme a piece. Not too long after that, the position became resignable forme. } 8... Ne5 { With Ken attacking the third, Roland played something that Iwould've had a difficult finding. This is where the training part startsbecause it's about, what I'd do now, as Ken has stressed to. But, aftergiving it very long and careful consideration, this is also what I would'veplayed. The reason being is that it blocks one of Ken's attackers on e4,his Q. Similar to how it was with me, what, I believe that Roland is notprepared for is what Ken's about to do which is start a series of exchanges. } 9. Ngxe4 { I would've expected a nasty fork threat from Ken with 9.Nb5. But, I see why Ken didn't play it since Roland would easily get out bycastling long. By deciding to go into a series of exchanges, I figuredout that this really helps Ken. I only know this since, as we know, Iwas criticized by Ken for exchanging unnecessarily during our first trainingsession. So, given that Ken started doing it, as Roland's now forced togo with the flow. One thing is for sure, White's position will be moremobile after forcing black to exchange his more active piece. } 9... Nxe4 10. Nxe4 Nxc4 { This is an interesting move by Roland. Unfortunately for me,it's not something that I would've considered since, in general, I don'tlike to grab a pawn with a piece when it's defended by a pawn. As then,we'd be talking about giving up a piece for a pawn. However, Ken has backup,in case, black were to take with either the Q or B. I think that if Kenwere to play 11.bxc4, Roland would recapture with his Bb7, as opposed to,his Q to prevent further exchanges. } 11. Nf6+ { But, similar to what I'veseen and was told, Ken plays something that I didn't expect. For sure,it would've, at the very least, taken me off guard right here, if it didn'tbefore. With this exchange, Roland is now forced to exchange his moreactive N for white's less active piece. On the other hand, black willwin a pawn. My guess is that Ken didn't blunder the pawn, but rather,gave it to Roland. I believe that white has some variations that can overwhelmblack, nonetheless. } 11... gxf6 12. Bxc4 Bxg2 13. Rg1 { Unlike other moves,I also would've anticipated this from Ken. Similar to our discussion,I'd be thinking very hard about where to go with my B. } 13... Be4 { But, I would'vepicked this spot since Ken's Q is under siege. However, this enables Kento further exchange and recapture a pawn which is to his benefit as it'sproof of how much more mobile his position becomes. If it didn't whitewould've played 14.Qc1 or 14.Qd1. } 14. Bxf6 Bxb1 15. Bxe7 Bxe7 16. Rxb1 c6 { I would've played 16...Bh4 to pin the pawn on the critical square f2. But, Ken would've had an easy answer to this with 17.Rg4, so I think thatRoland made the right choice especially since this is an endgame wherethe monarch soon comes into play. As there's something else to be saidabout this move which is that it prepares black to play 17...b5 or 17...d5 And, in this case, attacking a piece becomes very useful as I saw a similarexample to the Ruy Lopez, 3...Bc5, as then comes 4.c3, in preparation for5.d4 also attacks the B. } 17. Ke2 { This is where it happens, as Ken isshowing how dangerous a monarch becomes. If I recall how powerful he saidit was, a very long while back, a mentor told me that in an endgame, aK is as powerful as a R+B combined. Not only that, but his R's are wellconnected which make them dangerous. } 17... d5 { Given what I posted above, thisis also what I would've played. 17...b5 would've come into consideration,but with this move, Roland is advancing his center pawn which is very useful. Up until about 3 or 4 years ago, I thought that center control only matteredin the opening. But, elyhim noted that maintaining control in the centeris also important during the mid and endgames. } 18. Bd3 Bf6 { I would'vehad a hard time figuring out what to do. But, I would've played 18...Rd8to centralize one of the R's for center control. However, I like the movethat Ken played since the B now covers more squares, and therefore, hasmore mobility then earlier. } 19. Rbc1 { I'm not surprised to see Ken goingafter c6. } 19... Kd7 { With that being said, I would've, believe it or not, blundereda pawn with 19...Rc8?, as I've done things like this. It's not super easy,but it would've discovered what really happens after 20.Bb5. Having saidthat, 19...c5 would've come into serious consideration, but not this move. I, however, like what Roland played better for the same reason as I liked17.Ke2. Therefore, I had more to learn about assessing the position alittle more carefully, as Ken emphasized in our second training game. Afterall, it's easy to think that a move is good since wins a pawn or doesprotects in a stronger way. But, then, you find out later on that it wasa blunder because of things like winning material with another attacker,as I saw with Ken. And, it also would've happened in this position. } 20. Rg4 { At first, I thought that Ken was only trying to Roland's Bf6 on thenext move. But, I realized that Ken wants much more since he'll be ableto do it on the next move, anyway. I'm not sure what else he intends todo, but upon learning from him, I also know that it can't be good. } 20... h5 { Not wanting to take chances, Roland goes on the offense. I would've attackedwith 20...Rb2, but it's useless since I believe that Ken would answer with21.Rb1. } 21. Rf4 { Similarly, Ken counterattacks, which I would've expected. In fact, I didn't see it right away, but white now has a fork on black'sB+P With that being said, I'd be scrambling to figure out what to do hereto get out of it.. } 21... Rh6 { But, I after looking at my options and tryingto figure what to do, this is also what I would've played. } 22. Ba6 { But,I'd be surprised to see this and would try to work my way from there. However, I'm more surprised when stronger players make the move then whenI see it from others, like someone of my strength. As someone like meknows how easy it is to overlook variations or miss something in them. And, the opponent can play something that you didn't expect. How I rememberthat is in some of my annotations where I anticipated the opponent makingthe move. So, I was ready to act on it, and sometimes, got a winning advantage. But, Ken asked something like, 'Joe what would you have done if...' And,that blank is a different move, and one that would've taken me off guard. It also, in some cases, would've given the opponent a winning advantage,instead. This is what keeping in mind since I am and was imagining thatother move being played against me, instead. } 22... Rf8 { With that being said,I would've played 22...Rd8 or 22...Re8. In fact, I forgot something thatnuntar recently said in one of my annotations which is that it's not alwaysa good idea to centralize your R. So, with that, I figured out that itwouldn't have been here. Having said that, I like Roland's move here sinceit adds another defender to his Bf6+f7 pawn. } 23. d4 { I also like whereKen's going with this move since it limits the mobility of Roland's Bf6. } 23... Be7 { Having said that, I would've responded with 23...Bg5 here. But, Iquickly figured out that it's meaningless because of 24.Rf5 which is whatKen plays, regardless. } 24. Rf5 { With that combined with what I noted earlier,it's about where I'd go from here. } 24... Bd6 { But, I would've considered 24...Bb4(as I like where the B's placed better.) On the other hand, I would'veplayed 24...Ba3 in an attempt to swarm Ken's K side. For one thing, theattack wouldn't be as easy for Ken to drive off. Even so, I'd then betrying to figure out what else I could do with my DSB and R's. Keepingthat in mind, I like Roland's choice even better since h2 is attacked. And, Ken's next move is to be expected. } 25. h3 Ke6 { This, however, isalso what I also would've played. In fact, done things like this in endgamewhere you have a R, and I'd then use my K to attack it. With other pawns,I'd then switch my focus on trying to advance one of those with the monarchadjacent to it. } 26. Bd3 { The difference is that rather then retreating,Ken has and uses a piece, (the B) to protect. It's an example of why Idon't exchange, unless I see a very good reason to do so. } 26... c5 { Similarto before, I would've played 26...Rc8 But, I still like what Roland playedbetter. As after 26...Rc8, at the very least, Ken could play 27.Rg5 withthe idea of 28.Rc1 followed by 29.Rg8 where the R is attacked again. However,with his coaching, something tells me that he would've done something muchworse, but I'm not sure what. With this move, however, Roland is threateningto break through with his pawn, starting with 27...Rc8 or play with either27...cxd4, which doesn't do much, or 27...c4 with a pawn. He might evenbe threatening to combine the R on c8 with advancing his c pawn even more. } 27. Rg1 { I see the idea behind this move, though, as Ken is threatening28.R1g5 with 2 attackers against h5. This blends right into things thatI've overlooked since h5 pawn is only defended once. } 27... Rg6 { With that inmind, I would've seen it but later on. Instead, I would've played 27...c4in an attempt to get a passed pawn. I know that it wouldn't work becauseof 28.bxc5 bxc5 and after the B retreats, then I would play this move. However, I understand why Roland didn't play that because exchanging breaksup the pawn structure. From that I figured out that now wouldn't havebeen the time to do so. } 28. Rxg6+ { I would've been surprised to seeKen wanting to exchange R's. From that, I figured out that Roland's Rg6was going to cause some real problems for white. In addition, once theyexchange one of black's pawn will be under siege. } 28... fxg6 29. Rg5 Rg8 { Withthat being said, I would've protected and counterattacked with 29...Kf6 But, I like Roland's choice more because he has a passed pawn that Kenis trying to stop. By playing this, his R supports the passer which is,generally, what you want to do. However, black forgot something that Ialso would've forgot which is that g6 is attacked twice. And, with that,Roland is about to lose a pawn. I also believe that this will cost himthe game. What's important to remember is that at a higher level game,it doesn't usually boil down to pieces since they don't just blunder apiece. Instead, it usually comes down to a pawn or two. And, just thatis what generally affects the outcome, as elyhim emphasized. That's alsowhy, as Coach Stockel puts it, as for his general advise, 'Don't give thingsaway.' } 30. Bxg6 Ke7 { I would've attacked here with 30...Kf6, and after31.Rg2 or 31.Rg1, my next move would be 31...h4 to protect the pawn. Ithink that Roland played this to maintain the opposition and allow 32...Kf8. I could be wrong, but I think that this is the losing move by black becauseof what Ken does next. } 31. h4 { Meanwhile, Ken tries to prevent Rolandfrom protecting h5 by blocking it in. } 31... cxd4 { I still would've played 31...Kf6for the same reason that I would've done so on Roland's last move. But,I like this move a lot since he is trying to break through and get a passedpawn. } 32. Bxh5 { ! I thought that Ken would do this which is going to forceanother series of exchanges which I know for certain will benefit white,again since Ken will no longer have to worry about Roland's R. As that'swhat was hindering one of white's passers. In fact, this is going to givewhite a winning advantage now, whereas, it was unclear before. } 32... Rxg5 33. hxg5 dxe3 34. Kxe3 Bc5+ { And, with that, knowing that Ken is clearly betternow, this is also what I would've played to try and stay in. It's notjust a check, but the monarch is on the same diagonal as the pawn. Now,Ken didn't like that word but would use it in, absolute, situations likethis. Hope Chess. As my Hope would be that white plays something 35.Kd2?or 35.Kd3? allowing Roland to win back a pawn. } 35. Kf3 { But, I would'veexpected something like this which keeps the pawn safe. That's becausewhen you're up against a strong opponent like Ken you can Hope that heor she blunders. However, there's very little, and in most cases, no chancethat this will happen. They calculate all the things that can create blundersor what they have to do. And, they do so to prevent counterplay. Thisis something that Ken emphasized at the end of either our first or secondtraining game together. } 35... Ke6 { I would've played 35...Kf7 to get the opposition. But, Roland is still hoping that Ken goes wrong which is why he playedthis. As now, his passed pawn is guarded by the monarch. The real questionis how long this will last because Ken knows what's going on. And, I seeway to stop it with something like Ke2-d1, at some point. In fact, Kenwill stop it on the next move in a different way then what I would thinkof. } 36. Bg6 { As Ken played this to cover the h7-b1 diagonal which waswhere Roland was planning to advance his d pawn, sooner or later. And,I think sooner. } 36... Ke5 { With that being said, I also would've played. But,it would be to prevent Ken from playing 37.Kf4. However, I think I knowwhy Roland played this, and I like his reason better as he's still tryingto do what he can with this d pawn. } 37. Kg3 { And, Ken tries even moreto stop it since this threatens 37...f4 with a quick win which is why heplayed this. I'm familiar with where playing a pawn check with the monarchright behind this would win. I won a similar game against Carl or TomWalsh in the same manner during the endgame. I learned how to do so bystudying a game just like that with Coach Stockel. } 37... Kd4 { Not only is thatwhy Roland played, but I would've played the same thing and for the samereason. In addition, I'd be thinking about what else to do with d5. } 38. f4 { That's why I would've tried to continue with 38...Kc3, and after 39.f5,I'd answer with 39...d4. The problem is that no matter how you toss thedice, Ken will promote first which is why Roland resigned here. In fact,after 38...Kc3 39.f5 d4, I'd follow up with 40...d3 But, Ken would answerby saccing the B with 41.Bxd3, and after 41...Kxd3, his f and g pawns arefree to move about and promote. The reason being is due to white's solidpawn chain on f4 and g5, whereas, Roland doesn't have a pawn chain exceptfor on b6 and a7 which aren't going to help since they're not passed. I would've continued a little longer. But, once one of white's pawns reachesthe 7th rank, and the other reaches the 6th, that's when I'd throw in thetowel and for the same reason. } 1-0

[Event "Poisoned Pawns"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014.12.21"] [Round "-"] [White "jagroop52"] [Black "oodle3"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1200"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1275"] { This game was the first game I played (rated game) on gameknot - I playedthis against jagroop52. Enjoy. } 1. d4 { I play this a lot - I play 1. d4against players >1300 and 1. e4 against players <1300 as you may have seenagainst my previous annotations. } 1... d5 { 1. ... d5. } 2. e3 { e3 - rather seenwith stronger players that don't mind blocking their DSB. } 2... Bf5 { My bishopsurges into the game. } 3. Bd3 { This is a really annoying move - if Bxe3then Qxd3 and white has developed more than I had, and if my bishop moves,then I lose a tempo - white's bishop is perfect on d3. } 3... Bxd3 { Not muchof a choice, but I choose to exchange. } 4. Qxd3 { He takes with the queen- the best move to avoid doubled pawns. } 4... Nf6 { Knight surges into centre- I am preparing Ne4 perhaps. } 5. Qb5+ { Seeing this, this early queen checkalso forks the b-pawn. } 5... Nc6 { Though this develops a piece, I actually thinkthat c6 would have been better and if Qxb7 then Nbd7. } 6. Qxb7 { He greedilynabs the pawn. } 6... Na5 { Probably not that great - I try to force him back. } 7. Qb5+ { Looking like a deadly queen fork - even when I looked at this,first-sight, a bead of sweat came towards me, but I can wriggle. } 7... c6 { Thepawn blocks the check and the queen protects the knight - perfect! } 8. Qd3 { The queen heads home. } 8... e6 { Trying to give my DSB a path. } 9. Bd2 { Developing,and targeting my knight. } 9... Bd6 { I develop my bishop. } 10. Nh3 { Flanky knight- as I call it. It has two other perfectly fine squares to go to, so whynot go to them? } 10... O-O 11. O-O { Castling from both sides. } 11... Rb8 { My rook controlsthe half-open b-file. } 12. b3 { I don't see why this move was played. } 12... Re8 { I develop my other rook. } 13. f4 { My opponent is getting aggressive. } 13... Ne4 { Seeing that 14. f3 can no longer be played, I hop into the outpostof e4. } 14. Qa6 { Targeting my knight. } 14... Bb4 { Of course, I didn't like Nb7as it looked rather odd - so I opted for an exchange of B's. } 15. Bxb4 { He accepts - well, there was nothing else to do, really. } 15... Rxb4 { I takeback. } 16. a3 { Pawn v rook - my rook has no active square to go to. } 16... Rb8 { Not Rb6? as the knight would have been under attack. } 17. Qxa7 { ?? Thisoccurred previously in one of my annotations - Why not to go to Scandinavia1. This is a truly poisoned pawn, though rather this is less crude thanthe one that occurred in the Scandinavian annotation. Not Rb7?! but ... } 17... Ra8 { Ra8! which traps the queen of the flight square a6 and leaves thequeen with no good move. Let's sum up - it's rather pretty actually. a6and a5 is controlled by the a8-rook. a8, b8, c7, d7 and e7 are controlledby the d8 queen. b7 is controlled by the a5 knight. c5 is controlled bythe e4 knight. } 18. Qxa8 { The only move to gain the maximum material. } 18... Qxa8 { Who could resist such an offer? } 19. f5 { My opponent tries to opensome lines against my king. } 19... e5 { Unfortunately not. } 20. Ng5 { ?? What aboutNxg5. } 20... Nxg5 { So I do so. } 21. f6 { Still trying to open lines - but as Idid in my game vs tk29650 - } 21... g6 { I decline the offer. } 22. Nd2 { Developingand attacking the rooks. } 22... exd4 { Opening the e-file. } 23. exd4 Qc8 { Tryingto centralize my queen. } 24. Rac1 { Developing still. } 24... Qg4 { And black resignshere, thinking that after Re2 or Nf4/h4 he is doomed. But, other than thepoisoned pawn, well played jagroop52. And I hope you enjoyed the game to.@oodle3. EDIT (30/12/14): archduke_piccolo is right - white resigned,not black. } 0-1

[Event "Sacrificing for Positional Advantage"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "08-Feb-07"] [Round "-"] [White "Abinadi1"] [Black "Anon."] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1482"] [TimeControl "7 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1278"] { Being a chess novice, I have tried to improve my skills and understandingof the game by studying games by GM's and other annotated games on GK.Recently I discovered a game which has also been annotated on GK - AdolphAnderssen vs. Lionel Kieseritzky circa 1851 and was amazed by the playingstyle of Anderssen with his apparent lack of concern for material and morefocussing on positional advantage via sacrificing. This game I decidedto give Anderssen style a go. The game sees me going down -8 by the 12thbut finish 11 due to sacrificing and gaining positional advantage. } 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Nc3 { Basic Rule: Getting my Knights out before my bishops } 3... Nf6 4. d4 { sacrifice 1: aiming at getting my knights into the centre } 4... exd4 5. Nd5 c5 { Black supporting the d4 pawn } 6. e5 { Hoping for 6.dxe5 } 6... Nxd5 { Now i'm struggling to hold onto the centre, not looking like a good openinggame } 7. Bc4 { threatening d5 and aiming at f7 } 7... Nb6 { Hoping for eventualf7, and realise i need to try and support c4, but I decide to pressurethe queen and hope to further push my centre pawn } 8. Bg5 f6 9. Qe2 { coveringc4 but also hoping for a revealed check and further push my centre pawn } 9... Nxc4 { sacrifice 2 and -7 down in material, but I'm armed with artilleryon the King side ready to strike } 10. exf6+ { Revealed check to once againfurther push my pawn towards h8 } 10... Kd7 { Why stop the push now 11.exf7 seeingthe threat to blacks queen with my white bishop } 11. fxg7 { Threatens h8and advancement, black cannot take my advancing pawn as his queen is underthreat } 11... Qa5+ { Applying pressure and trying to slow my development } 12. Bd2 { Threatening blacks queen and hopefully taking his concentration offmy advancing g pawn } 12... Nxd2 { -8 down and now lets see if my sacraficing forpositional advantage will pay off. } 13. gxh8=Q { Seeing that blacks kingis vulnerable on the 7th I decide to advance my pawn and hope to keep thepressure on his king with my two queen, but 1st dealing with the revealedcheck I'm about to recieve... } 13... Ne4+ { -8 to 5, I think my sacrificing ispaying off and now I have opportunity to take control with my two queens...assoon as I adequately protect my king } 14. c3 dxc3 { Threatening revelaedcheck number 2, but hopefully I wont give him the chance } 15. Qxh7+ { Gainingsome tempo to get my king safe before I really start opening up my bigguns } 15... Be7 16. O-O { Protecting my king before the strike } 16... cxb2 { Threateningto blacks pawn, but hopefully I can keep the pressure on } 17. Ne5+ { Sacrafice3 to open the d file and the start of a 7 straight checking combination } 17... dxe5 18. Rad1+ { I once heard when deciding which rook to move, look atthe one in the best position and move the other one. I think I moved theright one? } 18... Nd6 { Now a pinned knight } 19. Qg4+ Ke8 20. Qh8+ Bf8 21. Qxe5+ Kd8 22. Rxd6+ Bd7 23. Qgg5+ Kc8 24. Qef6 { sacraficing the rook to enablemy Queens to sqeeze blacks king further into a corner } 24... Bxd6 25. Qxd6 Nc6 26. Qg7 { I wanted to try and keep Blacks queen out of the action but seeingthis was going to happen I needed a bit more fire power to combat the inevitablequeen trade } 26... Qd8 27. Rd1 b1=Q { 4 queens, but mine are alot better placed,also aiming to remove my rook from the d file, but thats easy to rectify } 28. Qgxd7+ { Forcing the exchange of his well positioned queen } 28... Qxd7 29. Qxd7+ Kb8 30. Rxb1 { Getting rid of the competition } 30... b6 31. Qxc6 c4 32. Rd1 { Getting the rook back onto the d file ready to mate on the back row } 32... a5 { trying to get his rook out, but I ve got the tempo } 33. Qxb6+ Kc8 { Forced } 34. Rd8# { 11 and that's game. Thanks to my opponent and to Anderssenfor the new light into the power of sacrificing for positional advantage.All respect to my opponent who I leave anonymous. I must have caught himon a bad day. } 1-0

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2019.12.09"] [Round "-"] [White "szech"] [Black "risenrigel"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1200"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1176"] 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 Nf6 4. dxc6 Nxc6 5. c3 Bf5 6. h3 e5 7. dxe5 { Ok,let’s start the end game... on move 7. } 7... Qxd1+ 8. Kxd1 O-O-O+ 9. Bd2 Ne4 { When you pin a piece, attack it again. } 10. Ke1 Bc5 11. f3 Ng3 12. Rh2 { Leaves the knight and rook hanging. } 12... Bxg1 13. Bb5 Bxh2 14. Bf4 h6 { Lookingto play g5 soon and kick the bishop } 15. Nd2 g5 16. Bxg3 { A trade? Sure=) } 16... Bxg3+ 17. Kd1 Bf4 { Pinned pieces should be attacked again. } 18. Bxc6 { I need to take this bishop back, but I have time to harvest the d2 knight } 18... Rxd2+ 19. Ke1 bxc6 20. b4 Rxg2 21. a4 { Leaves the a1 rook vulnerable toa skewer } 21... Rg1+ 22. Kf2 Rxa1 23. a5 { The queenside pawns will never queen(king and two pawns are there guarding), but lets clear some space formy rooks to mate. } 23... Bd2 24. Ke2 Bxc3 25. Ke3 Bxe5 { Build a wall that thewhite king can’t cross } 26. Ke2 Rd8 27. Kf2 Ra3 { Trap king on the 1st and2nd ranks } 28. Ke2 Rdd3 29. Kf2 Ra2+ { Trap king on 1st rank } 30. Ke1 Bg3+ { Forces king away from defense of d1. } 31. Kf1 { Only move } 31... Rd1# 0-1

[Event "fiercequeen dealing out justice (part 2 and final)..."] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "12-jul-18"] [Round "-"] [White "fiercequeen"] [Black "akim90"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "UR"] [TimeControl "3+10 blitz..."] [WhiteElo "2059"] { as was to be expected, my opponent wanted another shot at me: he felt,that he had been cheated... } 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 c5 5. Nf3 { by this time, my opponent got abusive: he was going to learn me astrong lesson; that is the friendly translation... } 5... a6 6. Be2 f5 7. e5 { Augh... } 7... b5 { in denial... } 8. Bg5 Ne7 9. exd6 { Augh again... } 9... Qa5+ 10. Bd2 { of course: Ne7 is lost... } 10... b4 11. dxe7 Bxe7 12. Bc4 { prohibiting castling... } 12... h6 13. O-O { time to castle... } 13... Nc6 14. c3 { preventing Nd4... } 14... bxc3 15. Bxc3 Qc7 { losing more tempo: White is a full light piece ahead... } 16. Re1 Bd7 { preparing castling long: right into trouble... } 17. Ne5 O-O-O { hoping for an attack, on the White Queen... } 18. Ng6 Rhe8 19. Bxa6+ { alost pawn... } 19... Kb8 20. Be5 { pinning the Black Queen unto the King: Be5 hasto be taken... } 20... Nxe5 21. Nxe5 { White is still winning the trade: the realthreat is Qb3+, whatever happens... } 21... Qb6 22. Qb3 { the winning move... } 22... Qxb3 23. axb3 Bf6 24. f4 { also Nxe7+, Rxe7, Rxe8+, was an option: thiscloses the deal... } 24... Ka7 25. Bc4+ { in this position, Black timed out: heis running mate... } 1-0

[Event "Challenge from kse6710"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2011.05.24"] [Round "-"] [White "wingshooter"] [Black "kse6710"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1328"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1302"] 1. d4 { I have been asked to annotate this game by kse6710 to see wherehe could improve his game } 1... d5 2. c4 c6 3. f4 { !? I have never seen thismove however I see it as a move to create an attack similar to that ofthe 4-pawns attack of the KID(King's Indian Defence) } 3... Bf5 { Black has notargets to hit so this is fine especially if he plans to play Nd7 and e6he needs his bishop outside the pawn chain. Nf6 is also fine } 4. cxd5 Qxd5 { I prefer cxd5 which means after Nc6 and Rc8 black has control of the openc-file. Black's queen can be attacked with tempo and so his edge in developmentwhile be neutralised } 5. Nc3 { White has the right idea attack with tempo } 5... Qd6 { I like Qd8 better which although seems strange black admits he madea mistake and he can then continue. At the moment the the queen gets wayin the smooth development of the DSB (Dark Squared Bishop) after e6 andso Black may need to play g6 and Bg7 to develop the bishop. The Queen can'tdo to d7 because it blocks Nd7 } 6. Nf3 e6 7. e4 Bg4 8. Be2 Bxf3 { I don'tknow why black exchanged because after white play BxB and then e5 he hasgood central control and is better developed. Also black gives up his mostuseful piece. He wasted a tempo playing Bg4 and also his queen at the momentis more of a nuance than a help because it blocks the development of hisDSB. Black needs to hit the center with f5 after Something like Qc7,Bb4 Ne7 and then f5 } 9. Bxf3 Qc7 10. O-O Bb4 11. f5 { Black's pawn break istaken away from him } 11... Bxc3 12. bxc3 { Again black trade bishops for knightand at the moment white is winning comfortably. Better developed, morespace, safer king and of course he has a big center which could be seenas a target but Black has to develop to attack it and then white will havetime to protect it. White will also win the endgame if he can keep hisbishops because his two bishops will put preform black's knights. } 12... e5 13. dxe5 Qxe5 14. Qd2 { Protecting the pawn and gaining a tempo because he hasdeveloped his queen and the threat of doubling on the d-file with Rd1 andthreatening mate on d8 } 14... Nf6 { Good by black developing and preparing toexport his king from the center } 15. Bb2 { I prefer Rd8 forcind black tocastle or play Nd7 } 15... Qc5+ { I think maybe Nbd7 first was better } 16. Kh1 Nbd7 17. a4 { White has two isolated pawns I think black should attack themmaybe b5 and if axb then cxb or if a5 a6 and then it will be ripe for thetaking at a later date } 17... Ne5 { Makes use of a nice outpost. and black stillhas time to attack the isolated a-pawn } 18. Ba3 Qc4 19. Bb4 { Maybe Bd6kicking the black Knight from it's outpost } 19... Nxf3 20. Qd6 { An nice intermezzobefore recapturing the knight that should win a rook } 20... Ng8 21. Qf8+ Kd7 22. Rfd1+ { Rather then capture the rook white plays another intermezzoand blackls king is a bit of trouble } 22... Kc7 23. Qd6+ { White continues hisvicious attack } 23... Kb6 24. Rdb1 { preparing a discovered check } 24... a5 25. Bc5+ Ka6 26. Rb6+ Ka7 27. Rb4+ Qxc5 28. Qxc5+ Kb8 { Good tactical combinationwhich wins white 6 points if he plays gxf3 } 29. gxf3 Nf6 30. Rab1 { PreparingrXB7+ } 30... Nd7 31. Rxb7+ Kc8 32. Qxc6+ Kd8 33. Qxd7# { Nice mating combo thatcould have been avoided if 1.) Black hadn't wasted tempos so early withqueen moves and moving the same piece multiple times in the opening 2.)Castling if black had have castled earlier he could have had a chance towin I hope you can get some good ideas to use in your game } 1-0

[Event "Pure Queen Sac"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2013.07.16"] [Round "-"] [White "robenoni"] [Black "pdfiadp"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1843"] [WhiteElo "1796"] 1. Nf3 { White opens with the Reti. } 1... Nf6 { Black copies White's move. } 2. c4 { Transposing into an English Opening } 2... c5 { Black plays symmetrically,trying to aggravate White by simply copying his moves. } 3. Nc3 Nc6 { Blackcontinues with his strategy. } 4. d4 { Even here, Black could play 4. ...d5!? after which 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. dxc5 e6 is okay for Black. } 4... cxd4 5. Nxd4 g6 { Black invites the Open Sicilian, Maroczy Bind Variation. } 6. e4 d6 { Preventing 7. e5 } 7. Be2 Bg7 8. Be3 O-O 9. Nc2 { White should castle orplay Qd2, preparing 0-0-0. } 9... Nd7 10. Qd2 Re8 { so that Bh6 can be met byBh8 } 11. Rc1 Qa5 12. Na3 Nc5 { Threatening to win the e4-pawn } 13. f3 a6 14. O-O Nb4 15. Nd5 { Apparently this looks winning for White, but Blackhas a surprise sacrifice. } 15... Nxd5 16. Qxa5 Nxe3 17. Rfe1 Bd4 { Black has twopieces and lots of play for the Queen. } 18. Kh1 Bd7 { preventing Nb5 } 19. Qd2 e5 20. Nc2 Nxc2 21. Rxc2 { Now the Black bishop will be very hard toremove. } 21... Ba4 { Provoking b3, which further weakens the dark squares. } 22. b3 Bc6 23. Rcc1 Ne6 { heading for f4 } 24. g3 Kg7 { Preventing Qh6 } 25. Rcd1 Rf8 26. Bd3 h6 { Black should have played ... f5 immediately. } 27. Bc2 Ng5 28. f4 { Now White loses the exchange. } 28... Nf3 29. Qg2 Nxe1 30. Rxe1 f5 31. Qh3 exf4 32. gxf4 Rae8 33. Qg3 Re6 34. h4 h5 { White has no counter-play. } 35. Kh2 fxe4 36. f5 { A blunder } 36... Rxf5 37. b4 Be5 { White resigns. } 0-1

[Event "97th GK tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.09.10"] [Round "-"] [White "ianuk"] [Black "gilles1964"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1228"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1159"] { I never start any game with even half a clue as to what I might do towin. As the game progressed I began to lag behind and nothing really lookedpromising until move 28 where I began to formulate a plan. } 1. e4 e6 2. f4 a6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bc4 Bb4 5. Nge2 Nc6 6. e5 Nh5 7. d4 Qe7 8. a3 Ba5 9. g3 Bb6 10. Ne4 h6 11. g4 Nxf4 12. Bxf4 g5 13. Bg3 d5 14. Qd3 dxe4 15. Qxe4 Na5 16. d5 Qc5 17. b4 Qe7 18. Nd4 Nxc4 19. O-O Nd2 20. d6 cxd6 21. exd6 Qd7 22. Qe5 Rg8 23. Kg2 Nxf1 24. Rxf1 Qa4 25. Nf5 Qxc2+ 26. Rf2 Bxf2 27. Bxf2 b5 28. Qf6 { With various exchanges of pieces I had ended up with just3 pieces to defend my honour, one of which, the bishop, was stuck in position. } 28... Ra7 { In order to release the bishop back into play I needed to get my kingout of harms way. } 29. Kg3 { With the bishop now clear, but still coveredby the king the focus resumes on attacking with the queen/knight combination. } 29... Rd7 30. Nxh6 { At this point there was no absolute plan other than threatenthe rook at G8. The rook at D7 would remain a problem for a few turns more. } 30... Rf8 { At this point I heavily analysed the situation and decided that Ineeded to get the pawn at E6 out of the game. } 31. Nf5 { This requiredthe sacrifice of my knight. } 31... exf5 { Fortunately the bait was taken. } 32. Qe5+ { Fate had now been sealed. Three conditional moves were set up, allresulting in checkmate. } 32... Kd8 { King on the retreat } 33. Bb6+ { Bishop isnow able to come into play } 33... Rc7 { Only move possible which allows game conclusion. } 34. Qe7# 1-0

[Event "Challenge from grobot"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014.05.15"] [Round "-"] [White "derekthomp"] [Black "grobot"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1118"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1141"] 1. e4 { Gotta love king pawn opening, it opens up two positional promotionroutes for the queen and bishop. } 1... e5 { Copycat... } 2. Nf3 { Maintainingthe tempo, and making the opponent respond to my move } 2... f6 { Classic blackdefence. } 3. d4 { Queen pawn follow up allows for the removal of the e5pawn, via a pawn for pawn trade } 3... Bd6 { Bishop maintains the tension in themiddle four squares } 4. Nc3 { Classic attack, the knight allows for a widevariation of attacks } 4... c5 { Black is directly challenging the centre foursquares but is at a disadvantage, the pawns only attack the black squaresand there are limited follow on options with blacks setup } 5. dxc5 { Pawntakes pawn to attack the bishop with both the pawn and the queen. } 5... Bxc5 { Bishop makes only obvious move. Opens black up to a structural weaknessas no pawns can threaten d5 } 6. Nd5 { Knight promotion to d5 results ina long term structural problem for black. } 6... Qa5+ { A wasted move, that allowsfor the promotion of my bishop to directly threaten the queen, causinga temporal advantage } 7. Bd2 { Black is now completely reactive } 7... Qa4 { Thismove surprised me. As a result the d5 knight has a choice, push forwardfor the fork or withdraw to c3 to threaten the queen and protect the e4pawn and king. } 8. Nc3 { DEFENCE DEFENCE DEFENCE... Structural defence toprotect my centre and left side (a side) } 8... Qc6 { Queen withdraws, maintainingattack on e4, but with the pawn on e6 this is a non event threat, if black'snext move was pawn to f5 it would change the tempo of the game. It wouldcause the re-direction of effort from aiming at the A side to aiming atthe more vulnerable H side, kings weak side. } 9. Bd3 { Bishop promotioncombines the queen thru to bishop synergies. Allows for king side castleand protect f2 with the king and rook. } 9... b5 { I don't see the point of thismove.... It doesn't allow for new lines of attack or threaten me to requirea response. This in context with the ability to castle king side meansminimal effect } 10. Nd5 { Returning knight to d5, limits movement of blackand reopens the c7 fork. Need to wait for pawn push to d6, this enablesqueen to e2. To drive a pin from b5 through the queen onto the king. } 10... a6 { The possible pin is mitigated by the pawn to a6, bishop to b4 threatensthe black c5 bishop, while being covered by the d5 knight. Three obviousmoves 1- black Bishop takes the b4 bishop 2- the a pawn is moved forwardto move the white bishop 3 - d pawn move to support the black bishop } 11. Bb4 { Wait for the response. :) } 11... d6 { Opportunity to setup the queen-kingpin, promote my queen, and also protect from the attack on f2, or setupknight to get behind the h-side pawn line } 12. Nh4 { Push knight forwardto increase the complexity of the attack.... } 12... a5 { A pawn to move my bishop....Promote queen to enable the pin, sacrifice bishop for the queen. } 13. Qe2 { Execute!!!! } 13... axb4 { Trap sprung!! } 14. Bxb5 { SURPRISE!!! } 14... Bg4 { Temporaladvantage, take queen then take bishop } 15. Bxc6+ { Bazinga! Expected moveknight takes my bishop. Then my queen will take the g4 bishop. } 15... Nxc6 16. Qxg4 { Queen takes knight, blocks possible castle to a side. Expected movepawn f6 to f5 to attack the queen and open up the knight. } 16... Rd8 { Block inh side, also enables the queen to attack the g7 pawn. } 17. Nf5 h5 { Queento g6 or to g7 G6- check, k to d7, q to g7 check either knight to e7 orking to c8. G7- allows for Q to press h8 then h7 } 18. Qxg7 Bxf2+ 19. Kxf2 Rd7 20. Qxh8 Kd8 21. Qxg8# 1-0

[Event "queen blunder"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.07.06"] [Round "-"] [White "kamshaft"] [Black "timea"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1028"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1255"] 1. Nf3 { as allwayws } 1... Nc6 2. e4 e6 3. h4 f5 { aiming to smash my centre } 4. exf5 Nf6 { ? } 5. fxe6 dxe6 6. Ng5 h6 7. Nf3 Bc5 8. c4 Ne4 9. d4 { i blundereda pawn } 9... Nxd4 10. Be3 Nxf3+ 11. Qxf3 Bb4+ { if knight blocks then her knighttakes my pawn takes bishop takes and i lose my rook } 12. Ke2 { she is onthe attack } 12... Nf6 13. a3 Bd6 { smashing the bishop back } 14. Nc3 e5 15. Qg3 Rg8 16. Rd1 Be6 17. c5 { counter attack } 17... Bg4+ { possibly hoping i would movemy king } 18. f3 { not a chance } 18... Bf5 19. cxd6 cxd6 20. Nb5 Bc2 21. Rxd6 Qe7 22. Qg6+ { a complete blunder this is bad } 22... Bxg6 { but i figueed out a wayof wining her queen } 23. Re6 { looks like a rook blunder } 23... Qxe6 24. Nc7+ { but isn't } 24... Kf7 25. Nxe6 Kxe6 { i gained a point and removed the highestvalue peice on the board } 26. Kf2 { freeing bishop ready for a rook towin a rook } 26... Rac8 { stopped } 27. b3 Rc2+ 28. Kg1 Rc3 { ?? } 29. Bc4+ Kd6 30. Bxg8 Rxe3 { had the knight on f6 taken my bishop on g8 my opponent wouldhave only lost one point not two } 31. Bc4 Re1+ 32. Kh2 Re3 { a rook exchangewould have advantaged my opponent } 33. Rd1+ Kc5 34. Rc1 { lining up fora discovered check } 34... b5 { ? } 35. Bf7+ Kd4 36. Bxg6 e4 { didn't take free pawn } 37. Bxe4 Rxb3 { well now she did and i am losing another pawn } 38. Ra1 Nxe4 39. fxe4 Kxe4 { tight end game rook 4 pawns vs rook 3 pawns i have blunderedmy queen and have alomost won it back } 40. a4 b4 { trade refused } 41. Re1+ Kf4 42. Rf1+ Kg4 43. Rf7 { aim for a pawn } 43... Rb1 { hopeful on promoting } 44. Rxa7 Kxh4 45. Rxg7 { no more disadvantage } 45... b3 46. Rb7 b2 { rook stuck } 47. a5 Ra1 { pawn trade } 48. Rxb2 Rxa5 49. Rb6 h5 50. Rg6 { going for g3 # } 50... Ra2 { stoped } 51. Rg7 Ra3 { very tempeted to move g3+ but that would end in stalemate } 52. Rg8 Ra5 { ??? } 53. g3# { clawed back from a queen blunder to find thismate } 1-0

[Event "Oxford Frank Wood Shield Didcot v Cowley 2"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009/10/12"] [Round "-"] [White "Geoff Rasell"] [Black "Bob Jacobs"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1776"] [TimeControl "All in 90 mins each"] [WhiteElo "1856"] 1. d4 { As before, the grades shown are converted from our ECF OTB grades. This was quite a hairy game for me but ultimately very satisfying. Unfortunatelyour team lost, again outgraded on most, if not all, boards. White startedwith his d-pawn, which immediately had me planning my favourite King'sIndian Defence, though given my recent trouble in a thematic mini-tournamenthere on Gameknot, I may have to change my habit. } 1... Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O { All standard stuff to here, though White often retainsthe option of an early f4 with 5. Be2 or goes for the Saemisch with 5.f3 } 6. Bg5 { ?! but this was a surprise. It struck me as premature. Bg5 isfrequently played to provoke Black into playing ...h6 so that after theB retreats to e3 and the Q lines up behind it, the pawn becomes a targetfor White's attack. But I worked out that without a preparatory 6. h3,to prevent ...Ng4, White could be prevented from pursuing this line ofattack, so I immediately prodded the B away with ... } 6... h6 { !? The soundnessof this move depends on the overall soundness of Black's idea. } 7. Be3 Ng4 { !? As in the early stages of an attempted English Attack againstthe Najdorf, this early second move with the knight, which defies openingprinciples, is justified, I think, by practical, tactical considerations. I think that the way I was thinking owes a lot to playing here againstFreddy (id=easy19) } 8. Bd2 e5 { ! A standard advance in the King's Indian,even more powerful than usual because of the unimpeded support of the fianchettoedbishop and the Ng4. } 9. d5 { ?! Played without any apparent thought byWhite, who thought much longer over most of his other moves. It is oftnea knee-jerk reaction to Black's pawn advance but White often does betterto delay closing the centre. Instead he could have pushed at my Ng4 with9. h3, causing the N to retreat and preventing Black's next. } 9... f5 { ! Normally,Black has to use several tempi, often manoeuvring his N to sub-optimalsquares like e8, h7 or d7 (where it gets in the way of his other pieces)to get this move in. Now I get it in nice and early and have the luxuryof considering how to prosecute my attack quickly, before White has evencastled. } 10. h3 { Too late. The N is happy to retreat behind the pawnnow. } 10... Nf6 11. exf5 { !? An interesting choice which puts a question toBlack: how to take back? I don't think it is White's strongest move herethough, which is probably either 11. Qc2 or 11. Bd3. } 11... gxf5 { !? Books onthe King's Indian have statements like 'Always take back with the pawn'but of course there are exceptions based on concrete considerations oftactics. Unable to find a strong justification for breaking the 'rule'(ie some tactical triumph after playing 11...Bxf5), I went along with it. The advantage of this is that the pawn retains a strong hold on e4 andBlack has the options of advancing either pawn when it suits. As usual,the QB stays at home as long as possible, ready to leap into action whenthe board clears a bit. The disadvantage of this recapture is that itleaves the king feeling somewhat draughty. You have to be brave to playth King's Indian! } 12. Be2 { White develops his Bishop as if he is planningto castle kingside. With Black's pawns poised on e5 and f5, he daren'tpost the B on d3 because of the fork on e4. } 12... a5 { !? Another thematic King'sIndian move, played to discourage White expansion on the Queenside. It'sdisadvantage is that the pawn can become loose when Black completes hisQueenside development and that it leaves a nice square at b5 for White'sNc3 to occupy and harass Black's c7 and d6 pawns. I planned at this stageto follow this up with ...Na6 and ...Nc4 } 13. Qc2 { but now I thought itwould be useful to create an open file on which to attack this queen, soI played ... } 13... c6 { ?! This, and its follow-up make Black's position veryloose, which gave me a lot of heartache for most of the rest of the game. I think it was unwise to change plans in mid-course. } 14. dxc6 Nxc6 { ?!Finally I decided where to put this N, having spent several minutes onseveral moves pondering its future deployment. It looks a strong squarefor the N but my pawn structure is poor. The pawn on d6 becomes very vulnerableand gets no support for a future advance to d5. } 15. O-O-O { !? An interestingchoice with Black's lines already opening for the attack and Black's fianchettoedbishop aimed at the king's position. The advantage is that it leaves Whitefree to develop a kingside attack if he can. } 15... Be6 { Taking aim at White'sc4 pawn and through it at the a2 pawn. Also blocking White's Queen's potentialattack along the diagonal to my King. The main purpose was to make wayfor a rook to come to c8 though. } 16. Be3 { ! White opens up the file toattack the weak pawn on d6, tying Black's Queen to its defence } 16... Qe7 { Preparingto reinforce the defence of the pawn on d6 with a rook on d8. I rememberthinking long about which square to post the Queen on but I can't rememberwhy I deemed c7 unsuitable... Sorry! Getting the Q off the d-file alsofrees the Nc6 from defending the e-pawn (the d6 pawn gave no protectionwhile pinned against the Q). } 17. Kb1 { Getting the King off the dangerousc-file and making room for the Be3 to retreat to c1 if attacked by Black'sf-pawn. } 17... Nb4 { !? Played after a lot of thought. It encourages White'sQueen to move to d2, whence it finally supports the QB's attack on h6 andsimultaneously attacks d6. I hoped that I could get my attack in beforethese threats mattered but was by no means sure I could. } 18. Qd2 f4 { !?This cuts off the attack on h6 and defers White's attack on d6 by threateningthe B, which can only safely go to b6, which isn't a bad square for it,since it controls d8. } 19. Bb6 Bf5+ { ! and suddenly I realised the fullpower of my previous move. The Bishop on f5 wields devastating power,supporting the N's incursion on c2. I hadn't planned this when playing18....f4, so I see this as an example of luck in chess, rather than myown brilliance. } 20. Kc1 { White avoids the Nc2+ followed by discoveredcheck scenario. Now, if I can divert White's N from c3 and keep everyother White piece where it is, ...Nxa2 will be mate! } 20... Ne4 { ! Not only doesthis divert the N from c3 but it also defends d6 from any embarrassingcounter-attack. Furthermore, if White doesn't swap knights, it can takef2, forking White's rooks. } 21. Nxe4 Bxe4 { Now mate is threatened but easilyavoided. } 22. b3 { White creates space for his King and guards a2. } 22... Rf6 { Defending d6 and preparing a discovered attack on b6 } 23. a3 { Trying topush the N away but Yelena Dembo's words ring in my ear: 'Never retreat!' } 23... d5 { ! Great shock value! } 24. Bxa5 { ? After the game, Geoff and I analysed24. c5 to a draw: whether correctly? I don't know. } 24... Rxa5 25. Qxb4 Qxb4 26. axb4 Ra2 { !! This is the winning move. In playing the preceding exchanges,I hadn't yet decided whether to play the rook to a1, a2 or a3 but thiswas the right square. } 27. Rhe1 { This appears to defend the Be2 but doesn'treally. } 27... Rc2+ 28. Kb1 Rxe2+ 29. Kc1 Rc2+ 30. Kb1 Rxc4+ { and White resignedas mate follows by 31. Ka1 or Ka2...Ra6+ 32. Kb2 Rc2# or 31. Kd2 Rc2# } 0-1

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "21-May-07"] [Round "-"] [White "gocall01"] [Black "sirmohammad"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1836"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1846"] { In this game I had black pieces, so my first goal was to seize the initiativeas soon as possible and then attack my opponent's king. Only when you havethe initiative can you play actively and develop an attack on your opponent. [There are two lessons in this game: First, seize and hold the initiative.By the tenth move, black equalized and gained the initiative quickly. Oncethe initiative was in hand, he attacked relentlessly. Remember: Only theplayer with the initiative can attack successfully! First two goals forBlack: 1) seize the initiative. 2) attack. Second, queen and knight area powerful attacking force. The play of the queen and knights in this gameis worth studying. The deflection of the white queen is a lesson in tactics.Take a look, You'll enjoy the game. Al (alfredjwood)] } 1. d4 { 1.d4 is usuallyslower than 1.e4 but it gives white much more opportunity for a lastinginitiative and it is suitable for players who like to play slow positionalgames with semi closed pawn structure in the center. If I play with whitepieces I always play with 1.e4 and try to open up the center by pawn exchangesin order to make the game explode tactically. I usually avoid a closedcenter because it is boring to me and I don't feel quite comfortable with it. In this game I'll try to open up the center as soon as possibleand seize the initiative in the right moment. } 1... d5 { I usually prefer thismove to 1...Nf6 which leads to Indian lines of defense. 1...d5 is the immediatechallenge of the center which usually leads to the Queen's Gambit, Slav-defenseor Catalan opening } 2. Nf3 { this move usually leads to the Colle systemwhich is a slow and boring game, or a transposition to the queen's gambit.White is trying to develop his kingside as soon as possible and to castleon the kingside. } 2... e6 { This is a very flexible move. It protects my veryimportant d-pawn and opens a3-f8 diagonal for my dark square bishop. Althoughit shuts the h3-c8 diagonal for my light square bishop, but as you willsee black usually doesn't need this diagonal for the bishop in this structure. } 3. Bg5 { This move has been pioneered by Emanuel Lasker. White's idea isto play e3 and to have no problems with developing his dark square bishop.The bishop could be tickled immediately by playing f6, but f6 is not avery good idea because my knight will lose his best square and h4-d8 diagonalwill be closed to my queen. Also after playing f6 white will be in a greatlead in development and will maintain the initiative for a long time. } 3... Nf6 { This is the most preferred move by opening books. Although it is aself pin, but black's queen won't stay on d8 for long. The most importantthing is that my knight cannot be attacked by any other white piece fora long time, so this is not a really painful pin. } 4. Nc3 { This movewas a surprise to me. Obviously white's best move here was to play c4 andchallenge my strong central pawn. If White had played 4.c4 then, after4...c6 4.Nc3 dxc4!? 5.e4 b5 6.e5 h6 the game would be transposed to a formof queen's gambit called the Botvinnik System; which is one of the sharpestmodern openings and leads to an unbalanced and very dynamic game. } 4... c5 { Avery important move! Now I can exchange my side pawn with white's centralpawn. Also my queen now is free and can come into the game in the rightmoment. Now, I'm planning to put my queen on a5 and exploiting the pinby playing Ne4. This plan is similar to black's plan in the Cambridge SpringsVariation of the Queen%u2019s Gambit Declined. If black can execute thisplan, he will equalize in an early stage of the game and will seize theinitiative from white very soon. } 5. e3 { This is the most reasonable reply.White protects his d-pawn and opens a diagonal for his light square bishop. } 5... cxd4 { Black exchanges his flank pawn with white's central one, a good positionalachievement! } 6. Bb5+ { An in-between move. I don't like this move for whitebecause it forces exchange of light square bishops and this is completelyfavorable for black. So I can put a question mark to this move and considerit a strategic mistake. I think it was better for white to take on d4 withhis e-pawn and develop his bishop on e2 or d3. } 6... Bd7 { White is forcedto exchange bishops. otherwise he will lose a knight. } 7. exd4 { hmmm...Not the best move I think! When you play with white pieces it is very importantto play actively and to retain the initiative. White's initiative isfading by this move and black is almost equalized. It was much betterfor white to first take the bishop on d7 and then take on d4. These slightdifferences may not look very important in the first view; but thesedifferences in fact can play a huge role in the nature of the game'scontinuation. Now I am out of opening book and I should plan for themiddlegame. My first objective is to seize white's initiative. If I takeWhite's bishop he has to retake with the knight and then I consider playingQa5 forcing white to play the reactive Nc3. Then I can put a huge pressureon e1-a5 diagonal by playing Bb4 and white is now has to make just a defensivemoves. Also I want to bring my king into a safe home, then try to openup the center and deny white's king from castling. If I succeed in keepingmy opponent's king in the center then I can attack him relentlessly! } 7... Bxb5 8. Nxb5 { White also had the option to play Bxf6, when I would continuewith my plan and play Qa5! which leads to 9.Bg5 Bd4 10.Bd2 Ba6! and white'sking is denied from castling and black has the upper hand. } 8... Qa5+ { as planned! } 9. Nc3 Bb4 10. Bd2 { Now I am attacking white. I could continue my attackaggressively by playing Ne4?!, but I first have to consider the fact thatI have problems with my development. My king is still sitting in the middleof the board and my pieces haven't fully developed yet. If I had played10...Ne4 then after 11.Nxe4 dxe4 12.Ne5! Bxd2 13.Qxd2 Qxd2 14.Kxd2 Ican claim that white is much better. Black can't attack any longer andhis pawn on e4 is so vulnerable. Also White has got a fantastic outpostfor his knight on e5. So I had to play a little patiently! [White's bishopexchange has cost tempo, and the initiative has passed to Black. 'Onlythe player with the initiative can successfully attack'. Al] } 10... O-O 11. a3 { This move proves that white is in a deep problem. I think this momentwas white's best chance to castle and to improve his game a little. } 11... Bxc3 { The best way to retain the initiative! } 12. Bxc3 Qa6 { Now white'sking is denied from castling. My game is improving with every move andnow I have to complete my development and to go after my opponent's king! } 13. Ne5 { I think white's best try was to play 13.Bd2 and then after 13...Nbd714.c3 Ne4 15.Qe2 Qb6 16.Bf4 white stands well. White may think of playingNd3 in order to close a7-f1 diagonal to my queen but after 13...Rc8 14.Nd3Ne4 15.Bd2 Qc4! 16.Rc1 Nxd2 17.Qxd2 Qxd4 black is up a pawn with a greatposition and will win the game very quickly. } 13... Rc8 { developing my rook toa semi open file. Remember Alfred's advise: Don't make a single move, improvethe board by your move! } 14. f3 { Black is denying my knight from goingto e4, but he is weakening his kingside. } 14... Nfd7 { This move may look bizarreto you! By playing 14.f3 white makes my knight meaningless on f6, so Ithought to reposition it and to make better use of it. Now white's knightis in a great danger on e5 and can't stay there any longer. If white takesmy knight I take it back with a tempo. } 15. Nd3 { White retreats his knightto keep it on the board but he is yielding the center and I can considerplaying e5 in the near future to open up the position. } 15... Nc6 { Again, improvingmy game and preparing e5 } 16. Qd2 { A normal developing move. White mayconsider castling on the queenside, but it is very risky because allof my pieces are now sitting on the queenside too. You may argue thatblack's set up is not pretty here because all of his pieces are sittingin one corner of the board! Yes, you are right. So I need a blow to openup the position and to mobilize my pieces. } 16... e5 { This move will leave mewith an isolated central pawn structure. But if you look deeply to theposition you will recognize that this pawn is never considered a weaknessbecause it can't be blocked by white's pieces. When you have a structurewith an isolated pawn, usually the best strategy is to push this weak pawn.Remember Victor Kortschnoj advised: Weaknesses must be pushed in orderto changed into strengths } 17. dxe5 { not a good move! I think white's positionis critical after this positional blunder. White should've castled onthe kingside: 17.0-0 Qb6(pinning white's pawn) 18.Rf2 (removing the pin)exd4 19.Bb4 Nxb4 20.Qxb4 Qxb4 21.Nxb4 Nf6 22.Rd1 and white would have goodchances to survive. } 17... d4 { Another in-between move, destroying black's position. [If this pawn is not removed, Black will have a dangerous knight outposton e3. Knights work best with queens, and black has both knights left.White's immediate need is to prevent, if possible, the incursion of a knightto e3. Al] } 18. Bb4 Ndxe5 { Now you can feel that white is in a real trouble!Let's see how: if white takes my knight on e5 then after 19.Nxe5 Nxb4!20.c3 (White can't take my d4 pawn because of Nxc2 a family fork!) 20...dxc321.bxc3 Re8 22.cxb4 Rxe5 23.Kf2 Qb6 24.Kf1 Rae8, and white is much better. You may think of defending white's knight by playing 22.f4 instead oftaking black's knight. this is a total blunder because after 22.f4 Nd3! 23.Kd1 Nxe5 24.fxe5 Rad8 knifing the queen! If white castles on thekingside instead of taking my knight then after: 19.0-0 Nc4 20.Qf4 Ne3(see how strong my knight is) 21.Rfc1(forced) Re8 22.Bd2 Nxc2 23.Rxc2Qxd3 24.Rac1 Re2! and white is in big trouble. And finally if white castleson the queenside he will lose very quickly: 19.0-0-0 Nc4 20.Qf4 Ne3 21.Rdg1Qa4 22.Ne1 Nxb4 and white's king is attacked by all of my pieces. Whitecan't take my knight because of the queen's check on a1 and mate in thenext move. He also can't take my d4 pawn with his queen because of Na2 winning the queen. } 19. Kf2 { I failed to find the logic behind this move!White hasn't solved any of his problems by this desparate move. } 19... Nc4 { this precious knight now is attacking white's queen and heading to hisfantastic outpost on e3. } 20. Qc1 Ne3 { my knight on e3 now is a devastatingforce. Black is ready to launch the final attack! } 21. Bd2 { white isrealizing how dangerous my knight is on e3 and he is going to eliminateit. } 21... Ne5 { There is a nasty trap lying behind this move!! If white takesthis knight then: 22...Rxc2! 23.Qe1 Qa5 24.b4 Qxe5 and black get back hismaterial with a high interest! And if white takes the e4 knight by thebishop then: 22...dxe3 23.Qxe3 Rxc2 24.Kg1 Nxd3 and white is doomed! } 22. Nb4 { Attacking my queen and preventing my rook from penetrating intowhite's game on c2. } 22... Qf6 { My queen has harmoniously joined the attack .Now I have the option of N5g4 a poisonous check! You may think thatblack is going to lose his d-pawn after 23.Bxe3 dxe3 24.Kxe3. Yes, youare right but black will have more than enough compensation for that! Theking is coming up the board and I can attack it relentlessly with all ofmy pieces. } 23. Bxe3 dxe3+ 24. Kxe3 { Yes he is coming! You see that myqueen and knight are very close to white's king and usually a queen canwork very harmoniously with a knight against an enemy king. [The attackis an instructive example of the way queen and knight work together. Al] } 24... a5 { Right after this move I realized that Re8 was stronger, but this moveis fine too. Actually this move was a result of a long calculations.If white plays 25.Nd5 then after 25...Qg5 26.f4 Nc4 27.Kd4 Qxg2 28.b3Qf2 29.Kc3 Qf3 30.Kd4 Nd6 white is going to be mated in a few moves! If white plays 5.Nd3 this is even worse! because after 25...Nxd3 26.Kxd3Qf5 27.Ke3 Rxc2 28.Qd1 Re8 29.Kd4 Qd7# a sad destiny for white! } 25. c3 { This obvious blunder made the game even easier to win! } 25... axb4 { Beginningthe deflection of the White Queen. } 26. axb4 Rxa1 { Preparation for thefinal blow! } 27. Qxa1 Qg5+ { Just take a look at this position! White'sboth pieces are out of the game and all of my pieces are ready to matethis poor naked king! } 28. f4 { Not much of a fork! } 28... Nc4+ 29. Kf3 Nd2+ { Attackand attack and attack...!! } 30. Kf2 Qxf4+ { It is very pleasant to calculatemate in these kind of positions! If the king goes to g1 then Qe3 is justmate! If he goes to e1 then after 31...Nc4 32.Qd1 Re8 33.Qe2 Rxe2 34.Kxe2Qe3 35.Kd1 Qd2# So the best try is to go to e2... } 31. Ke2 Nc4 { In thismoment I saw and announced mate in 5. Look: 32.Qc1 Re8 33.Kd1 Qf2 34.Qg5Nxb2 35.Kc1 Nd3 36.Kd1 Qe2# My opponent Resigned. } 0-1

[Event "How to lose after a crushing opening."] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2011.06.21"] [Round "-"] [White "damalfi"] [Black "bluebirdone"] [Result "1-0"] 1. d4 e6 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. h3 { A not recommeded move. } 3... d5 4. Bf4 { But I justwant to protect this bishop. } 4... Bd6 5. Ne5 O-O 6. Nd2 { But this is a mistake,better was c3 right now. } 6... c5 { Better than Nc6, it opens the way for thequeen. } 7. e3 { Better again was c3, even at a cost of cxd, cxd. It leavesmy king without the queenside castling, but I will lose it anyway, ando-o-o is not a 'must', anyway... } 7... Qb6 { b3 seems suspect, but probably itwas right. } 8. Rb1 { A half-blunder, but my unfortunate Nd2 move has tobe paid. } 8... cxd4 9. Nb3 { exd4 means Qxd4, but this is not good either. } 9... Bb4+ { It seemed an ok attacking move for black, but he should have betterplayed dxe3, since I had to recapture with fxe3, creating a weakness one3 (BxN, BxB, Qxe3, Qe2, and I am in big trouble. } 10. c3 { I welcome tolose another pawn to get rid of the d4 menace. } 10... dxc3 11. bxc3 Bxc3+ 12. Nd2 Qc7 { Bad square for the queen. I had Rc1, but I choosed for the riskyone. } 13. Ng6 { e5, NxR, exB, and I was lost. } 13... Bxd2+ { Thank you. } 14. Qxd2 { The black queen is still under attack. } 14... Qd8 { For some reason, black didn'twant to play e5! } 15. Nxf8 Qxf8 16. f3 { Whew! Better to control the knight,the rest is routine. } 16... Nc6 17. Qc3 { Again, better to control the pawnsadvance first. } 17... e5 { er... now? } 18. Bxe5 Nxe5 19. Qxe5 { Ok, but at costof my good bishop. Oh, well... } 19... Be6 { Gives me another pawn. } 20. Rxb7 Nd7 21. Qd4 Rb8 22. Ba6 { If Nc5, RxR first and everything's ok. } 22... Nb6 { Trappingmy rook, but no problem, since I can exchange it. } 23. O-O { At last! NowI am relieved... } 23... Qd6 24. Rxb8+ { Overlooking Rxa7. Anyway, I don't knowif it is good. } 24... Qxb8 25. f4 { I don't want to open the way for the bishopwith e4. } 25... Qd6 26. Rf3 { To cover Qa3, or counter it with Rg3 with matethreat, then we'll see. } 26... h6 27. f5 { Why not? } 27... Bd7 28. e4 { The pawn ispinned... } 28... Qc7 29. e5 { I felt it better than exd4, separating the pawns,since the bishop cannot defend it easily. } 29... Bc6 30. e6 { Just plain advance. } 30... f6 31. Re3 Nc4 { Qe7 was the right move. } 32. Bxc4 dxc4 { I can take it,but more sadistic was... } 33. e7 { Setting Qd8+ threat. } 33... Kf7 { It seems adefence, but it isn't - this is the nice part. } 34. Qd8 { Qf8#, and thereis no defence... } 34... Be8 35. Qxc7 1-0

[Event "chaz5's Journey Tourney XLII"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2013.07.18"] [Round "-"] [White "porcho"] [Black "starnrise"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1251"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1254"] { This was a game I played, it shows what happens when you get greedy andgo pawn grabbing. } 1. d4 d5 2. c4 { Nothing special } 2... Nf6 { ?! This is aninaccuracy, as if he recaptures with his knight I can chase it and geta strong center. } 3. cxd5 Nxd5 4. e4 { As I mentioned earlier } 4... Nb4 5. Bd2 e6 { He discovers a defense } 6. a3 N4c6 { And look at the position now. Hisknight s blocking in his other knight. } 7. Bc3 f5 { While it *does* strikeout at my center, I think it's too weakening. } 8. exf5 exf5 9. Qh5+ { Itdoesn't really accomplish anything, but it forces him to cause mega weaknesses. } 9... g6 { Owwww Look at his king. Completely uncovered. He has both light squareand dark square weaknesses. } 10. Qh3 Nxd4 { ?? This loses material. } 11. Qe3+ { ! If he blocks with his knight I win his rook, otherwise I win hisknight. } 11... Ne6 12. Bxh8 Nc6 13. Bc3 { I extricate my bishop. } 13... Bc5 14. Qd2 Qe7 15. Be2 f4 16. Nf3 Ng5 { I start thinking about a pin } 17. O-O Nxf3+ { Oh thank you, now there's nothing blocking the pin. } 18. Bxf3 Bf5 { Allowsthe pin, but the bishop can block it. } 19. Re1 Be6 20. Bd5 { I add morepressure to the bishop. } 20... O-O-O { He counterpins } 21. Rxe6 { ! If he capturesI recapture with my bishop and he takes my queen leaving me up a piece. } 21... Qg5 { ! This avoids the trade but allows a fork, so this looks bad. Butif I fall into the trap(I do) he can play Bf6 Qxd5 winning his piece back. } 22. Bf6 { ?? I fall for it } 22... Qh5 { ?? And he misses it. } 23. Bxd8 Nxd8 { Muchbetter than the king recapture, as it would walk into a discovered attack. } 24. Bxb7+ { ! Wins a pawn if he captures with his king, if he captures withhis knight then Re8+ Nd8 Rxd8+ } 24... Kxb7 { He sees the line and chooses hisking. } 25. Qxd8 f3 26. g3 { Much better than capturing as then he'd be ableto do some annoying checks. } 26... Qh3 { ! I'm going to give him this for eventhreatening mate when he's this far behind. In fact, I was kind of worriedhere as I didn't see a way to stop it. I found a mate though. } 27. Qd5+ { Even if there weren't a mate I could take his pawn. } 27... Kc8 28. Re8# { Mate.I felt this was a fun game, even if I didn't play great. Please commentand rate. } 1-0

[Event "Queen's Indian"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "07-Jan-07"] [Round "-"] [White "poak"] [Black "a_train_5"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1566"] [TimeControl "14 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1624"] 1. d4 { I am BL. Fairly standard Queen's Pawn Game. I usually try to playa Queen's Indian Defense. } 1... Nf6 2. Bf4 e6 3. c4 b6 4. Nc3 Bb4 5. Rc1 { Ifeel this was a mistake. The pressure on the knight isn't relieved becauseI am still allowed Ne4, adding more pressure. } 5... Ne4 6. Qd3 { I thought hewould put my bishop to the question :) with a3, I didn't want to tradejust yet, thinking I still had options to strengthen my attack. } 6... Bb7 7. a3 { he now moves a3 which finally forces me to make a decision. Retreatingthe bishop looked bad to me, and I assumed he would recapture the bishopwith bxc3 (not wanting to trade his rook for a knight this early), resultingin stacked pawns, and in my opinion, a very weakened queenside. } 7... Bxc3+ 8. bxc3 Qf6 { I continue to attack. I'm usually not one to bring my queenout early but I felt no immediate threat from WT and wanted to keep himon defense. } 9. Nh3 { Now WT has alleviated the threat at f2 and protectedhis bishop, but I'm not sure if this was the best move. knights on theborders are usually targets of mine. } 9... d6 { making room for my b knight todevelop } 10. d5 { taking the pawn was not an option, c5 seemed a more idealsquare for my knight. } 10... Nc5 11. Qd1 O-O { BL has already castled and WT'schances of castling are looking pretty slim. WT was never able to sustainany sort of offense. } 12. f3 Bc8 { my bishop prepares for bxNh3, makingcastling near impossible for white and creating more doubled pawns. } 13. Bg5 { maybe a wasted move by BL, perhaps moving bishop to g3 would havebeen better, allowing the knight on h3 to move to a more productive positioninstead of stuck protecting the bishop. } 13... Qg6 14. e4 exd5 { The knight isnow mine for the taking! And he must protect the black squared bishop beforethe knight is captured. } 15. Qxd5 { WT queen grabs a pawn, and momentarilyprotects the bishop. } 15... c6 { his queen is forced to move knowing the bishopstill needs back-up. } 16. Qd2 { the placement of his queen allows a forkon b3, but the h3 knight is still in my bishop's sights. } 16... Bxh3 17. gxh3 Nb3 { Now the fork. I think after this move my opponent made a comment.Something like,'uh oh.' } 18. Qf4 Nxc1 19. Qxc1 Nd7 { finally my other knightgets closer to the action :) } 20. Rg1 { During the game I thought for surethis move would give me his bishop, but I didn't see the escape at 21.be3 } 20... f6 21. Be3 Qe8 22. Bh6 Rf7 23. Qf4 { Big mistake, the WT queen hasblocked all safe squares for the bishop on h6 } 23... Kh8 24. Bxg7+ { pretty muchforced } 24... Rxg7 25. Rxg7 { already down a rook, I don't think trading piecesis best here, not sure if WT had many choices at this point. } 25... Kxg7 26. Qxd6 Ne5 { going pawn hunting, but WT makes a fatal error. } 27. c5 { Nowthe queen is captured, pawn on c5 blocks only escape route } 27... Rd8 28. Qc7+ Rd7 { WT resigns! } 0-1

[Event "OTB Chess Game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "1/13/17"] [Round "-"] [White "Perry"] [Black "Joe"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1316"] [TimeControl "98 min"] { As my last game against Ted, we're in a new week, already. Now, Jackis out, so his students are playing each other. It's worth noting thatthe tournament will resume when Jack comes back, so either this week ornext week. With that being said, this might be the last OTB game thatI annotate for 2.5 months. That's because the tournament rules is that10 games must be played. And, you play one game per week. When the gameis done, there usually is not enough time to start a game that doesn'tcount for the tournament. If it's not the last, it is certainly one ofthe last ones. I wasn't my normal myself after getting out of unfamiliarterritory. But, I used the endgame to defeat my opponent. So, how didall go down? } 1. e4 { Like me, this is also how Perry opens. So, I stickto my usual. } 1... c5 2. Bc4 { Until he plays this. But, I felt that Perry'sgoal was to 3.Nf3, and then followed by 4.Bb5 or 4.Nb5 } 2... a6 { So, I put astop to that. } 3. Nf3 { Continuing with his development. } 3... d6 { And, I playit, as though, it were a transposition of the mainlines. } 4. Nc3 { Meanwhile,Perry develops another piece. } 4... Bg4 { And, I start developing by pinninghis Nf3. } 5. d4 { I was a little surprised to see this played. As white,I would've broken the pin with 5.Be2. By playing this, I've got no problemexchanging here because his Queen is forced to come out early. After which,I can cause damage. } 5... cxd4 6. Qxd4 Bxf3 { So, why did I exchange here? Thatis the question. Normally, I would not and am usually not ready. But,the reason I did it here was to make it unsafe for Perry to castle immediately. Castling short means that his King will become exposed since he must bedouble up his pawns near where one castles. In addition, after he takesback, I will use the opportunity to harass his Queen. } 7. gxf3 Nc6 8. Qd5 { As anticipated, he is targeting my f pawn. Although 9.Qxf7+ is not mate,black would wind up in rough shape because the weakest pawn is removedfrom the board. In the process, my K would wind up vulnerable to exposure. So, I asked myself what to do here. I wanted to continue to punish hisQueen with 8...Nf6, but it won't cut the mustard this time. However, Ifound another way to harass it. } 8... e6 { And, it's with this move. } 9. Qh5 Nb4 { As now, I threaten the N fork. Of course, I'm not surprised thathe stops it. I knew that the Rook can easily by protected, but his c2pawn is trouble. } 10. Rb1 { ? But, this is the wrong way to protect it. Best for white would've been 10.Bb3 By playing this, I will harass hisQueen again, before taking on c2 with check, as planned. } 10... Nf6 11. Qh3 Nxc2+ 12. Kd1 { I anticipated this move. } 12... Qc7 { Instead of retreating, I hit hisBishop. This is a time where my aim is to exchange pieces since, at thetime, I thought it was liquidation due to being a pawn up. Now, if itwere completely even, I would've just retreated. But, in this case, itis the wrong decision because I overlooked a move which gets the pawn back. Therefore, thinking about the liquidation was the wrong approach, andas with my second game against Ted last week, combined with previous games,this is not the right choice since I could have used my Nc2 later on. What it means is that I have to give things more thought before I decidethat it's liquidation. That's especially because my resignation againstteardrop34 was premature as I thought that my Queen was trapped. But,there is one move that would've saved it. Which means that even thoughI've improved on it, there's a still lot more room for improvement withbeing patient. } 13. Bxe6 fxe6 14. Kxc2 g6 { ? Knowing that this wasn't theright choice, I fianchetto because I like those nice long diagonal's formy Bishop. However, this is a blunder. That pawn was protecting my Nf6. By playing this I should've lost a pawn Afterwhich, I'd be in trouble. However, he will get the opportunity to win my pawn, anyhow. } 15. Bg5 { Trying to put pressure on my Nf6. But, best was 15.Qxe6. Of course,that opportunity remains, and Perry is going to play that. } 15... Bg7 { And, theidea behind was more then just completing the fianchetto. Taking on e6no longer wins a piece. } 16. Qxe6+ Qe7 { The reason for interposing withmy Queen is because if I was to use my King, it would not be possible forme to castle. So, I'd like to keep that option open. } 17. Qc4 { Not surprisingly,Perry refuses the exchanges which is not what I had in mind. Instead Iaccomplished my goal which is that in order to decline, Perry must runback. Afterwhich, I reattack. } 17... b5 18. Qc6+ { But, I had overlooked this. As now, I must get out with the K in order to avoid losing my Rook. } 18... Kf7 { Perry: hmm, that's pretty good. Joe: I was in a lot of trouble and tryingto figure out what to do. Perry: Let's see what happens here. } 19. Nd5 { Which is when Perry decides to harass my Queen. But, I am not botheredby this. However, I am not ready to exchange yet, but realize that thereis no way out of it. In the process, I feel that I'm in a little bit oftrouble since I could use my Nf6 later on. } 19... Qe5 { Rather then take, I tryto delay what's coming, but it's no use. It is now that I just being whatto do to get out of the situation. But, I don't have to wait too long,though. } 20. Nxf6 Qxg5 21. Qd7+ { I don't like this situation because exchangingbenefits white, as noted, earlier. And, there is no way to avoid it. } 21... Kxf6 22. Qxd6+ Kf7 23. Rhd1 { Perry centralizes his Rook behind the Queenwhich is generally a good strategy. } 23... Rac8+ { Since I'm trying the man, asopposed to, the board as ION puts it, I decide to throw in a check, inwhich, the next move was anticipated. } 24. Kb3 Qf6 { The only thing thatI don't mind exchanging is Perry's Queen because that's what's making hispieces stronger then my pieces. If I can do that, all of the problemsthat I had after being forced exchange before will end. So, I am seeingwhat can be done to take off his Queen. } 25. Qd7+ { Of course, he declineswith this check. } 25... Qe7 { So, I offer the exchange of Queens again. } 26. Qd5+ { And, Perry tries to decline again. } 26... Qe6 { But, this time, I got the luckybreak by tricking Perry since his Queen is pinned. Now, he will be forcedto exchanged, after which, I can strengthen my Bg7. } 27. Kb4 Qxd5 28. exd5 Rc4+ { After which, I use my pawns and Rook to deliver this check. And,when he gets out, I deliver another check with my Rook. As now, I feelconfident that I might be able to win the game. Of course, I am not goingto underestimate him because, if you do that, it can turn a won game intoa loss. } 29. Ka5 Ra4+ 30. Kb6 Bd4+ { As now, I use my Bishop to check him. And, the more this happens, the happier I feel about my position. That'salso because I'm keeping in mind that he can't take my B without losingthe R. } 31. Kc6 Rd8 { As now, I target his pawn. } 32. Rbc1 { ? Going fora nasty check since he can move the K and then check with Rc7+. But, Perryoverlooks what's coming next, as now, I'm going to even out the game bytaking his pawn on b2. } 32... Bxb2 33. Kb6 { ?? I'm not sure why Perry playedthis, but much better was to get the Rook out of harm's way. And, withit, not earlier, but right now is where I know for a fact that I can winthis game. And, that starts with my next move when I take on c1. } 33... Bxc1 { Perry: Oops, I made a mistake. Joe: Yes, you did. Perry: After havinghad played 32.Kb7, I knew that this was going to come. } 34. Rxc1 Rxd5 35. Rc7+ { Doing what he can for counterplay, Perry checks here. } 35... Ke6 { ? I miscalculatedand had Ghost Vision here. I thought that this was white's Rook on d5,in which, he would not have been able to take on h7. With that being said,best was 35...Kg8. } 36. Rxh7 Rd2 { But, after taking, I go after one ofhis pawns, knowing that one will fall since one of them is confined tof2, and one is lost because of my Ra4 due the high level of mobility withmy position. } 37. Rh6 { Doing what he can, Perry, ties to stop my pawn. } 37... Kf5 { And, I get my King into action. } 38. h4 { Doing what he can to stopthat pawn from advancing, Perry plays this. But, I grab his a pawn first. } 38... Rdxa2 39. h5 { Still trying to stop me. I could exchange it with the Rook. But, I thought why exchange, if there's a possibility of getting thisfor free. } 39... Kg5 { So, I attacked his Rook. } 40. Rh7 gxh5 { This is where Idecide to take, though since my K stops him from taking back. And, hisother pawns are of no concern to me because I can and will stop them, aswell. } 41. f4+ { Doing what he can for counterplay, Perry throws in thischeck. } 41... Kg6 { And, I attack his Rook. Once he retreats, I'll take anotherpawn. } 42. Rd7 Rxf4 43. Rd6+ { Still does what he can. So, I get out, byadding a defender to one of my passed pawns. } 43... Kg5 44. Rd7 { Perry plansto deliver check. It'll happen, but not before I push another passed pawn. } 44... b4 45. Rg7+ Kf5 { So, I move right behind the Rook. } 46. Rh7 { And, he attacks,so I exchange again. } 46... Rfxf2 47. Rxh5+ Kg4 { As in the process, his Rookis attacked. } 48. Rh6 b3 { This is where I finally realized that evenif Perry can get his down, there's no way to stop a promotion, as the pawnis too dangerous. But, I just wanted to be careful because if I kept pushingwith his Rook, there was a possibility of him getting all of my passedpawns which the idea is avoiding. But, now that he doesn't have pawnsleft over, I'm confident about promoting, at the very least. However,that is not before it takes a different turn for the better. } 49. Rg6+ Kf5 { As I attack his Rook again. } 50. Ka7 { Up until this move, it was exactlyhow this game was played. But, in the game, Perry moved his Rook somewhere. What I had recorded was 50.Rxa6 which isn't playable. Right after thevariation, white resigned for the same reason. } 50... Kxg6 { That's because inthe unplayable variation, after 50.Rxa6 came 50...Rxa6 and then 51.Kxa6 In this line, I had exchanged a pawn and a Rook for his remaining Rook. Right after which, he resigned because there was nothing left. So, insteadof trying to get it exact I decided to make it look like he blundered theother Rook, as that, more or less, results in the same thing. As blackdoes get the remaining Rook leaving white with nothing. Perry: I thinkI should resign. Joe: I agree. The idea being is that in the game justlike with the diagram, my next move would be the same which is 51...b2. After which, I'd promote the b pawn with no way for Perry to stop it. } 0-1

[Event "Malpas & Oswestry 1 v Wrexham 1"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "9-10-18"] [Round "-"] [White "Piotr Swiech"] [Black "Charles L Higgie"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [BlackElo "ECF173"] [TimeControl "35 in 1h15 +15 mins"] [WhiteElo "ECF177"] 1. d4 { Before this game, I had played him once before and lost. https://gameknot.com/annotation.pl/just-one-slight-mistake?gm=57599 } 1... Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 { I reply with a Grunfeld Defence again. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%BCnfeld_Defence } 4. cxd5 { He played the exchange variation again. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%BCnfeld_Defence#Exchange_Variation:_4.cxd5_Nxd5_5.e4 } 4... Nxd5 { I take back. } 5. e4 { He takes the centre. } 5... Nxc3 { I take. } 6. bxc3 { He takes. } 6... Bg7 { I develop. } 7. Bc4 { He plays the old main line. For decades,theory held that the correct method of development was with Bc4 and Ne2,often followed by 0-0 and f4–f5, playing for a central breakthrough orkingside attack. It was generally thought that an early Nf3 was weak inthe Exchange Variation because it allowed Black too much pressure on thecentre with ...Bg4. In the late 1970s, however, Karpov, Kasparov and othersfound different methods to play the Exchange Variation with White, ofteninvolving an early Rb1 to remove the rook from the sensitive a1–h8 diagonal,as well as attempting to hinder the development of Black's queenside. Another,relatively recently developed system involves quickly playing Be3, Qd2,and Rc1 or Rd1 to fortify White's centre, remove White's rook from thediagonal, and possibly enable an early d5 push by White. } 7... c5 { I strikeat the centre. } 8. Ne2 { He protects the centre again. } 8... Nc6 { I attack d4again. } 9. Be3 { He protects it. In our last game we continued with theold main line - 0-0 10.0-0 Bg4 11.f3 Na5 12.Bxf7+ Rxf7 13. fxg4 Rxf1+14. Kxf1 and I got a reasonable position, but eventually lost. I decidedto try something else. } 9... cxd4 { I took } 10. cxd4 { He took back. } 10... Qa5+ { Ithrew in a check. } 11. Kf1 { And this was the real surprise! 11. Bd2 orQd2 is normal. One possible continuation is the old trap 13. Bd2 Qa3 14.Rb1 O-O 15. d5 Ne5 16. Bb4 Qf3! and white can't take the queen as matein 2 follows. } 11... O-O { I decide to castle. Clearly the best and most playedmove here. } 12. f3 { White decides to move his king out of the way to allowthe Rh1 to enter the game along the back rank. I was rather more worriedabout plans involving h2-h4-h5 maybe combined with Qd8-c1 and Be3-h6. Howeverblack should be OK if he or she counters aggressively. } 12... Rd8 { Logical development.Vershinin, Igor (2229) vs. Rakhmanov, Alexander (2110) ended in a drawafter 13.Qb3Nxd4 14.Bxd4Bxd4 15.Rd1Bf6 16.Bxf7+Kg7 17.Rxd8Qxd818.Kf2Qb6+ 19.Qxb6axb6 20.Bb3Bd7 21.Nf4Bd4+ 22.Ke2e5 23.Ne6+Bxe6 24.Bxe6Kf6 25.Bc4 } 13. Kf2 { White continues with his plan. } 13... b5 { Gaining space on the queen-side. Fritz likes this move. } 14. Bd5 { Attacksthe knight. } 14... Bd7 { Fritz prefers Bb7, but I think it is much the same. } 15. Rc1 { Attacks the bishop again. } 15... Rac8 { I complete my mobilisation -all my main pieces have moved to logical squares. White is actually behindin development, as he has wasted time with his king. } 16. Qb3 { Attackingf7 } 16... e6 { Defending against that threat and attacking his bishop. } 17. Bxc6 { He takes. Now which way would you take back dear reader? } 17... Bxc6 { Of course!this is better. If I take with the rook, he simply exchanges rooks on c6and then brings his remaining rook to c1 with a gain of tempo, as it wouldbe attacking my Bc6. } 18. Rhd1 { He completes his mobilisation. } 18... b4 { Withthe nasty threat of Ba4. } 19. Rd2 { Which he defends against of course. } 19... Ba4 { Bishop comes in anyway. } 20. Qb1 { Queen retreats. } 20... Qb5 { I thoughtthis was good, but Fritz seems to prefer Rxc1 or Bb5 or a6. } 21. d5 { Fritzhere likes 21.....Rxc8 22. Qxc8 exd5 23. exd5 Rxd5 24. Bxa7 with an edgeto black. I tried something else. } 21... Bc3 { This! } 22. Rd3 { Fritz prefers 22.Nxc3 with equality. } 22... exd5 { I take. } 23. Nxc3 { He now takes. } 23... bxc3 { I take. } 24. Qxb5 { He takes. } 24... Bxb5 { I take. His rook on d3 is attacked and if 25.Rd3xc3? Rxc3 26 Rxc3 d4 wins for black. } 25. Rxd5 { So this is more or lessforced. } 25... Rxd5 { I take } 26. exd5 { He takes. } 26... a6 { I move the a pawn to asafer square. Black has a very slight edge. } 27. Bd4 { He attacks the pawn } 27... c2 { Forced. } 28. Bf6 { He tries to restrict my king. } 28... Kf8 { So the king comesround here. } 29. g4 { I am not sure if he was trying to gain space or justexchange pawns. } 29... Ke8 { I continue my king march. } 30. Ke3 { and he centraliseshis. } 30... Kd7 { Mine also. } 31. Be5 { I wasn't sure why he played this, perhapsto stop my king march up the board. } 31... Rc5 { This move is considered by Fritz,but Fritz thinks that even stronger is 31. f6 and if 36. Bxf6 Kd6 and white'sd pawn goes. Black's advantage has increased. } 32. f4 { Protecting his bishopso if I take on d5 he takes on c2 } 32... Ba4 { Protecting the pawn, so I reallyam threatening to take on d5 now. } 33. Kd4 { So king comes up to protect. } 33... Rb5 { With a threat of 34....Rb1 winning. } 34. f5 { So that 34...Rb1 canbe met with Bf4 protecting his rook. But now he loses a pawn. } 34... Rb4+ 35. Kc5 { His king strolls up. } 35... Rxg4 { and the pawn goes. } 36. fxg6 { He takes- now which way would you take back dear reader? } 36... Rxg6 { I took this way,so that my f pawn is passed. Fritz actually prefers taking back with thef pawn, when Fritz thinks black is over a pawn and a half ahead. } 37. Bf4 { Bishop eyes the vital queening square on c1. Fritz thinks it is a mistake. } 37... Rg4 { I attack the bishop. } 38. Be5 { Bishop moves. } 38... f5 { Charge! } 39. Bf6 { I thought he was aiming for Rc1-e1 followed by Rd7+ and a few checks.I decided to stop that, although Fritz likes f4 here. } 39... Re4 { But I playedthis. } 40. Rg1 { And now he 'threatens' a rook check on g7. Fritz thinksthis is a mistake. } 40... f4 { So my pawns advances again. } 41. Bb2 { His bishopagain eyes the c1 square. } 41... Bb5 { I decided to take control of the queeningsquare of my f pawn. Fritz prefers 41...f3 } 42. Rg7+ { He throws in a check,another mistake according to Fritz. } 42... Ke8 { King drops back. } 43. Rg4 { Preventingmy f pawn from advancing. Fritz again doesn't like it! } 43... Rc4+ { Of course! } 44. Kd6 { Staying near his advanced pawn. } 44... f3 { Fritz puts black more than3 points up now. } 45. Rg8+ { Another check } 45... Kf7 { Forced! } 46. Rg7+ { Checkagain. } 46... Kf8 { Ending the checks. } 47. Rg3 { Threatening to take the pawnwith check. } 47... Rf4 { The obvious move, and very good. Fritz puts black asnearly plus 8 now. } 48. Bc1 { He attacks the rook. What would you do dearreader? } 48... Rf7 { I manage to find a dreadful move, turning a completely wongame to a completely lost game! Fritz says 48...Rf6+ and black is plus12.63 } 49. Bh6+ { Of course! Now Ke8 50. Rg1 leads to mate, so there isonly one other move. } 49... Rg7 { Now 50. Bxg7+ and white is 7.03 up. } 50. Rxf3+ { But thankfully he didn't take it. } 50... Kg8 { Now, unbelievably Fritz givesthe position as completely level! That's what the players thought anyway,as white played 51. Rg3 and offered a draw, which I immediately accepted. } 1/2-1/2

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "31-Aug-06"] [Round "-"] [White "sicilian_monster"] [Black "vargbroder"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1675"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1802"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Bg7 7. f3 O-O 8. Qd2 Nc6 9. O-O-O d5 10. exd5 Nxd5 11. Nxc6 bxc6 12. Bd4 Be6 { The gamestarted in a sharp Dragon Sicilian, which is very rich in tactical opportunitiesfor both sides. With this move, black evades the main lines (starting with12...e5), leaving him with the strongest centre, but broken pawns. } 13. Bxg7 Kxg7 14. Bc4 Qc7 15. h4 { White is operating on the flanks, while blackon the other hand is playing for central control. } 15... Rad8 16. Bxd5 cxd5 17. h5 Rh8 { Black defends against the exchange and Qh6 threat. Now white should'veplayed h6 , making the black king block the rook from play. } 18. Qd4+ f6 19. f4 Bf5 { threatening e5, black has the advantege } 20. Rde1 Rhe8 21. hxg6 Bxg6 { a strange move. After the natural hxg6, e5 will come next withpressure for black } 22. Re6 Bf5 { On Bf7, the sacrifice f5!? seems to yieldwhite at least a draw } 23. Re3 e5 24. fxe5 fxe5 25. Qh4 Qe7 26. Rg3+ Kh8 27. Rg5 { Black played e5 when the white rook was on e3, so now white gotnice pressure. 27...Rf8? 28.Rxf5!, 27...Bg6 28.Rxg6 and 27...Bc8 28.Rxe5!illustrates black's problems } 27... d4 28. Rxf5 Qxh4 29. Rxh4 dxc3 30. bxc3 { Aninteresting rook endgame arises. White is a pawn up, so he'll most probablynot lose, but can he win? } 30... Rd7 { a bad move, allowing white to blockadethe passed pawn. 30...e4 31. Rf2 e3 32. Re2 Rd6 33. Rh3 Rde6 34. c4 Kg735. c5 should still be better for white, but there's still a lot of drawingchances. Note that Kf6 will always be answered by Rf3 , so white mightmanage to exchange the c-pawn for the e-pawn with a good pawn up. } 31. Re4 Rd5 32. Rf7 { The rook on the 7th rank is a dangerous attacking weapon.White is winning. } 32... Rg8 33. Rb4 { Preparing Rbb7 } 33... Rxg2 34. Rb8+ Rg8 35. Rbb7 Rg1+ 36. Kb2 Rd6 37. Rxh7+ Kg8 38. Rhe7 Kf8 39. Rxe5 Rd2 40. Rc5 Rd8 41. Ra5 Rc8 42. Raxa7 { White has managed to pick up all the black pawns, butblack keep on fighting } 42... Rg3 43. Rc7 Rb8+ 44. Rab7 Ra8 45. c4 Rga3 46. Rc8+ Rxc8 47. Kxa3 Rxc4 { For the cost of a pawn, white has managed to exchangethe rooks, but still the task isn't a piece of cake. } 48. Kb3 Rc6 49. a4 Ke8 { The king joins the battle, giving black drawing chances. } 50. a5 Kd8 51. Rb6 { 51. c4 with the idea of 51...Kc8 52. Rb6 Rc5 53. Kb4 was probablystronger } 51... Rc5 52. a6 Kc7 53. Rh6 Rb5+ 54. Kc4 Rb2 55. Rh7+ Kb8 { The decivemistake. After Kc6, I am not sure white can win! Kc8 loses to a7 Ra2 a8:Q Rxa8 Rh8 with a rook exchange. } 56. Rb7+ Rxb7 57. axb7 Kxb7 58. Kb5 { Withthe king in front of the pawn with the opposition, the win is elementary } 58... Kc7 59. Kc5 1-0

[Event "A memorable game."] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "???"] [Round "-"] [White "Bobby Fischer"] [Black "Jacek Bednarski"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "???"] [TimeControl "???"] [WhiteElo "???"] { This is Bobby Fischer against Jacek Bednarski, played in 1966. It's beenconsidered one of 60 memorable games by Bobby Fischer himself. Robertplays white and Jacek plays black. } 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bc4 { Bobby plays Lipnitzky attack. } 6... e6 { It's the mostcommon answer to Lipnitzky attack. } 7. Bb3 { ...Can everyone help me tounderstand this move? } 7... Nbd7 8. f4 { I think white wanna crush black in hiskingside. } 8... Nc5 { Nc5 is good, but what about Qb6? } 9. f5 { White is for exchangingpawns in this way, but, also, he frees g5 square for his black bishop. } 9... Nfxe4 { I believe white was prepared for something like this. } 10. fxe6 { fxe6! In fact if 10...fxe6 11.Nxe6 Bxe6 12.Bxe6 and black can't moveNxe6 cause 13. Nxe4. } 10... Qh4+ { And the game is gonna be very funny! } 11. g3 { White was forced to move g3 to avoid #. } 11... Nxg3 12. Nf3 Qh5 13. exf7+ Kd8 { White has survived for this time! } 14. Rg1 { And now he tries to take awayblack pieces to avoid every kind of risk. } 14... Nf5 15. Nd5 { In the meanwhileBobby tries to attack the opponent. Great! } 15... Qxf7 { Qxf7? I see this movevery badly... } 16. Bg5+ { It's white's turn to attack!! } 16... Ke8 17. Qe2+ Be6 { Black's answers seem to be...not so great but effective for the moment... } 18. Nf4 { Or not?! } 18... Kd7 { The only way to defend bishop with another piece. } 19. O-O-O { Long castle! } 19... Qe8 20. Bxe6+ { White finally comes out! } 20... Nxe6 21. Qe4 { Qe4! Great move by Bobby. } 21... g6 { ....... } 22. Nxe6 { But black'sposition is very awful and Jacek resigned. What about this game? } 1-0

[Event "monster pins"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "13-04-16"] [Round "-"] [White "blackrook11"] [Black "unknown"] [Result "1-0"] 1. e4 { My favourite opening } 1... e5 { I get relieved when my opponent dosentreply me with the sicilian defence } 2. Nf3 d6 { Hmmm it looks like I wouldbe facing the philidor defence today } 3. Bc4 { I just prefer this moveto the immediate d4.. I hope to mount a quick attack on f7 } 3... h6 4. Nc3 { While my opponent makes passive defensive moves, I continue to develop...I'm also hoping for a legal-like mate if my opponent plays Bg4 next andgoes greedy capturing my queen after I play Nxe5 } 4... Nc6 5. d4 { Ok no moremessing around, let's open this game up } 5... exd4 6. Nxd4 Nxd4 7. Qxd4 { Aftersome exchanges, my queen becomes centralized.. I'm loving my position now } 7... Bd7 8. O-O { I must say, the Bd7 dosent do my opponent any good. He shouldhave played Be7 in preparation for castling.... } 8... Nf6 9. e5 { A good movewhich threatens to open up the e-file completely } 9... dxe5 10. Qxe5+ { Check!Personally I don't think black should have played dxe5... } 10... Be7 { .... Anerror I think. This moves ensures I clamp down his position even more } 11. Re1 { !! Excellent... Now the bind becomes stronger as now my opponentcan't castle and his queen is tied to the defence of the bishop on e7 } 11... a6 12. Bf4 { Probably not the best continuation from me but for the meantime, I threaten to win a pawn } 12... c6 13. Rad1 { ... And with this move, Ipin a 3rd piece (both bishops and the f6 knight)... The f6 knight isn'tpinned but it is tied to the defence of g7 } 13... b5 { My opponent should bethinking about how to break one of the pins in his territory instead ofkicking my bishop... He should try something like 13. Kf8 releasing bothknight and bishop at once } 14. Bb3 Ra7 { I expected a5 from my opponentbut instead he played this.. I must say that we had just 60seconds to makea move each and he had about 7seconds left before he played this.. Thecool thing is this move helped me form a tactic..... } 15. Be3 Rb7 { Myopponent wanted to avoid the loss of the rook but in the process, he allowedme to play......... } 16. Bc5 { !!!! This ensures my opponent losses a pieceby force... Notice how my rook on d1 ensures the Bd7 dosent move in orderfor the rook to defend Be7 } 16... O-O { ???? And another error from my opponent...This wasn't the best way to accept the loss of a piece } 17. Bxe7 { ... Becausenow, he is forced to also lose the exchange.. At this point, he resigned.Many thanks for reading... } 1-0

[Event "Atticus (Liverpool) v Malpas & Whitchurch"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "26/04/2016"] [Round "-"] [White "Charles L Higgie"] [Black "Mike Williams"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "ECF141"] [TimeControl "35in1H15mins then 15 extra"] [WhiteElo "ECF177"] { With this win, I became 'Player of the Season' for Division 2 of the WirralChess League. Strictly speaking neither Malpas or Liverpool are on theWirral! } 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 { So it starts as a Nimzo-Indian.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nimzo-Indian_Defence } 4. e3 { I enter theRubinstein system. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nimzo-Indian_Defence#Rubinstein_System:_4.e3 } 4... O-O { He continues with the Main Line. } 5. Bd3 { Preparing to bring my Ng1to e2. } 5... c5 { He strikes at my centre. } 6. Ne2 { I continue with my plan. } 6... d5 { He makes another central advance. This is similar to another recentgame I played, against the lovely penelope80, but in that game she playedd5 earlier, so I didn't have to worry about black doubling my c pawns withBxNc3 as I could always undouble the pawns by exchanging on d5, and soI was able to develop my Ng1 to the more active square of f3. For thisreason, I think the move order played by Mike Williams is better. http://gameknot.com/annotation.pl/real-time-game?gm=61234 } 7. a3 { So I hit his bishop. } 7... Bxc3+ { He takes with check. I thought longand hard about which piece to recapture with here. Eventually I played...... } 8. Nxc3 { This seemed better as to not have doubled pawns. In fact I foundout later that taking back with the b pawn is more popular. I may welltry that if I reach this position again. } 8... Nc6 { He is now threatening exchangesending up with him winning a pawn on d4. This seems to me to be a strongdeveloping move, but in fact in the opening databases I have, black hasplayed 8....cxd4 here. } 9. dxc5 { So I take. } 9... dxc4 { He exchanges. } 10. Bxc4 { I take back. } 10... Qa5 { I did now consider an exchange sacrifice. 11. b4 Nxb412. axb4 Qxa1 13. Qc2 and I am threatening to trap his queen with 0-0 andBb2. Unfortunately he has 13.....Nd5! with advantage to black. So insteadI played a more obvious move.... } 11. O-O { This of course! } 11... Qxc5 { He takesback. } 12. Qe2 { I protect the bishop. } 12... Ne5 { He attacks it again. } 13. Ba2 { Bishop drops back. Although white is now confined to the back three ranks,white can now develop with tempo, attacking the black queen, and black'sadvanced knight can also be driven back with gain of time, if necessary.I think white has a small edge. } 13... Rd8 { This looks good, but doesn't leadto much. } 14. e4 { Preparing to develop Bc1. If now 14....Nd3? 15. Rd1 andthe Nd3 is pinned and lost (I have Bb1 attacking the knight again if necessary). } 14... Bd7 { So he develops his bishop. } 15. Be3 { I attack the queen, as per myplan. } 15... Qc7 { Queen drops back. } 16. Bf4 { I pin the knight. } 16... Bc6 { Bishopmoves to a more active square. } 17. Rac1 { With a half-pin on the c file. } 17... Rac8 { He also completes his development. OK stop. Bearing in mind whitewants to win this game, what do you think is the best move for white? } 18. Nd5 { Did you consider this move? I don't think it leads to advantagefor white, but it causes black problems, which thankfully my opponent didnot meet in the best way. I also considered 18. Nb5, but realised it iseasily met by Bxb5 19. Qxb5 Nf3+ 20. gxf3 Qxf4 with advantage to Black.Computer seems to prefer 18. b4. } 18... exd5 { So he takes. } 19. exd5 { I takeback, threatening the Ne5 and the Bc6. } 19... Nxd5 { He takes the pawn. OK, Ican take the Ne5 with Bishop or Queen. Which would you chose and why? } 20. Bxe5 { Of course! Qxe5 loses to Nxf4! At the time, and during the postmatch post mortem, I liked Re8 here - I thought it drew for black after,say Re8 21.Bxc7Rxe2 22. Bxd5 Bxd5 23. Be5 and black can't take the Be5as his own back rank is weak, and this seems a very drawish opposite colouredbishop ending. However, computer prefers the move Black actually played,and prefers White after 20.....Re8 21. Re1! } 20... Qe7 { So, as I said, this maybe the best move for Black. } 21. Rfe1 { I support my bishop, preparinga queen move. } 21... Nb6 { I think this is a terrible move, decentralising hisknight. } 22. Qg4 { Threatening both the queen, but also a discovered attackon the queen, for instance if g6 then 23. Bb8 wins the a pawn. } 22... Qf8 { Sothis is more or less forced. } 23. Bb1 { With the threat of 24. Qf5, forcingg6, when 25. Qf6 mates. } 23... g6 { Stopping that threat. } 24. h4 { Played to weakenup the Black king side. For instance if I can play h4-h5 I am threateningto exchange on g6 and then play a winning bishop sacrifice on g6. If now24.....h5 then 25. Qg5 and again, I am threatening a winning bishop sacrificeon g6. I think his best defence now is Qh6, but thankfully for me, thatwas not forthcoming. } 24... Bd7 { He attacked my queen. This is probably a losingmistake. } 25. Qg5 { Now I am also threatening Qf6 and mates. Qf3 was alsostrong. Nd5 had to be played, but white is much better. } 25... f5 { And this isa major error. What should white play now? } 26. Ba2+ { Did you find it? } 26... Nc4 { What is best now? } 27. Rxc4 { Bxc4 also wins of course, but this isquicker. } 27... Be6 { What else? } 28. Rxc8 { And Black resigns. Many thanks forreading, please rate the annotation on the star system, and leave a commentor two, to let me know how I am doing with my annotations! Until next timedear reader! } 1-0

[Event "Matting Attack!"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.04.18"] [Round "-"] [White "yoshark"] [Black "caa108"] [Result "1-0"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 { Vienna Game. } 2... Bc5 { Black steps out of opening book targetingthe week f7 square. } 3. Nf3 { Point being Nc6 4. Nxe5 Nxe5 5. d4. } 3... d6 { Blacksolidifies his position with his bad bishop outside of his pawn structure. } 4. d4 { d3 seemed week due to blacks bishop. d4 may not be possible laterso I challenge the center right away. } 4... exd4 5. Nxd4 Nf6 6. Bc4 { Bg5 wasconsidered. } 6... O-O 7. O-O d5 8. exd5 { locking the bishop in for the time. Nxd5 is met with caution. 8. Nxd5 c6!? } 8... c6 { !? white can't take on dxc6Qxd4 losing a knight. } 9. Bg5 Qb6 10. Bxf6 { I almost considered not playingthis move. But it does break up black structure which is a key to my attacklater on. } 10... gxf6 11. Na4 { Na4!? Qb4 Nxc5 } 11... Qb4 12. Nxc5 { Now the queen hasa choice Qxc4 Ne4 or Qxc5 Bb3. I believe the correct move though it fuelsa bit of an attack for white is Qxc4. } 12... Qxc5 13. Bb3 cxd5 { keeping the bishopunder lock and key. } 14. Qd3 { Connecting the rooks and allowing a possiblecheck Qg3. } 14... Bg4 { Prevents Rd1. } 15. f3 Bh5 16. Kh1 { unpins the knight. } 16... Bg6 17. Qd2 Nc6 18. Nxc6 bxc6 { Trade of knights Giving the bishop littleto no life but its still a good bishop and the endgame should we reachit could be quite good for white. } 19. f4 Rae8 20. f5 Bh5 21. Rae1 { Criticalpoint what can black do? a5 is met by a4 Bg4 is met by Qf4. } 21... Rxe1 { Blackmakes a choice though not a good one. White will have full control ofthe e-file. } 22. Rxe1 Bg4 23. Qf4 { Give the bishop chase. } 23... Bh5 24. Qg3+ Kh8 25. Qh4 Bf3 { Black had no where to go so decides to sac the bishopfor structure. Though I have a very good attack going in which mate issoon. Best was probably Bg6. I believe it is force mate from here stopand see if you can find it. } 26. Qxf6+ { only move is Kg8 } 26... Kg8 27. Qg5+ { Forcing Kh8 } 27... Kh8 28. f6 { f6! this is the critical move for the forcedmate. } 28... Rg8 29. Re8 { Black is done Rxe8 Qg7#. Black cannot loosen the kinggood enough to do continuous-checking Bxg2+ Kxg2 and blacks out of Checksafter Q+ KxQ. Black can't do anything that doesn't protect g7 due to Qg7#what a beautiful pinning mate that would be. Blacks last option doesn'tchange anything Qf8 Rxf8 and its back to the same position just with therook on f8 and no black queen. } 29... Bxg2+ 30. Kxg2 Rxe8 31. Qg7# 1-0

[Event "League division C1"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2016.07.19"] [Round "-"] [White "teardrop34"] [Black "matheotwo"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [BlackElo "1967"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "2102"] 1. d4 { I am annotating this on behalf of my good friend Jeremy (Teardrop34). } 1... Nf6 2. c4 { So it starts conventionally enough. } 2... g6 3. Nc3 { With possibilitiesof the Gruenfeld or the King's Indian. } 3... d5 4. Nf3 { So it is a Gruenfeld... } 4... Bg7 5. Qb3 { This is The Russian Variation - a well respected variation.It was possible to go back into the exchange variation with 5. cxd5 Nxd56. e4 Nxc3 7. bxc3 c5 8. Rb1 O-O 9. Be2. I tend to think both are goodanswers to the Gruenfeld. } 5... dxc4 6. Qxc4 { This exchange is normal - blackgives up the centre and hopes to then counter-attack it. } 6... O-O 7. e4 { Allstandard so far. } 7... a6 8. Be2 { I think it looks strange, because it givesup the d5 square but in this position, e5 is the most commonly played move,not Be2 (which looks very natural to me). e5 often leads to the famousqueen sacrifice line Be6 9. exf6Bxc4 10. fxg7 Kxg7 11.Bxc4where whitehas given up a pawn and queen for two bishops and a knight. The verdictis out on this position - but it is considered roughly equal. This is nowthe Alekhine (Hungarian) variation of the Russian Gruenfeld! } 8... b5 9. Qd3 { The queen retreat to b3 is far more common than to d3. } 9... Bb7 10. d5 { TheGameknot Post Game Computer Analysis (PGCA) gives this as white's firstmistake and I tend to agree. (and so does Fritz!) } 10... c6 11. O-O { Fritz seemsto think it was time for white to bail out with d5xc6. } 11... cxd5 12. Rd1 { Fritzhere likes e4-e5 as well as Rd1. } 12... Nc6 13. Nxd5 { Fritz likes this move. } 13... Nxd5 14. exd5 { and this one... } 14... Nb4 { This fork of the Qd3 and d5 wins backthe extra pawn for black. I think without this both white is better. } 15. Qb3 { Fritz thinks this is the best square for the queen. } 15... Nxd5 16. a4 { thisseems quite logical, undermining black's queen side. } 16... b4 17. a5 { This too,preventing the black queen-side pawn connecting. } 17... e6 18. Ne1 { Looks a littleodd, but quite sensible - the knight is coming to c2 or d3 to attack b4. } 18... Qe7 { Protecting b4 again. } 19. Bd2 { and attacking b4 again. } 19... Rfd8 { as thec and d files are open, they seem the obvious files to put the rooks. } 20. Rac1 { and white has similar thoughts... } 20... Rac8 21. Nd3 { attacking b4for the 3rd time. } 21... Rb8 { Indirectly protecting b4 but it does make his previousmove look a little odd... } 22. Rc4 { Piling up the pressure on b4 } 22... Ba8 { Openingup rook protection of b4 } 23. Qc2 { Fritz prefers Qa4, maintaining the pressureon b4. } 23... b3 { Giving white queen the choice of two safe squares. } 24. Qb1 { and white picks the wrong square - c1 was better... } 24... Rdc8 { Contestingthe c file. } 25. Rdc1 { White white correctly refuses to concede. } 25... Rxc4 { When a pawn ahead, it is normally a good idea to exchange pieces but notpawns. } 26. Rxc4 { White takes back. } 26... Qd6 { Black re-adjusts his queen. } 27. Qc1 { White corrects the earlier mistake, and takes a firm grip of thec file. Unfortunately his rook hasn't any decent entry squares. } 27... Ne7 { Thisgives white an entry square on c7 } 28. Bf4 { White is fighting back. } 28... e5 { But black is fighting too! } 29. Be3 { The bishop is driven back. } 29... Nc6 { andblack blocks the c file. } 30. Bb6 { White blocks the protection of b3 bythe black rook. } 30... Qd5 { black now only has to move his Nc6 and he threatensmate on g2. } 31. Bf1 { So white puts paid to that! } 31... e4 { Black advances again. } 32. Nb4 { Attacking queen and knight, virtually forcing the following exchange. } 32... Nxb4 { Black takes. } 33. Rxb4 { White recaptures. } 33... Bb7 { Not sure of the pointof this move. } 34. Bc4 { White is working to capture on b3. } 34... Rc8 { But blackpins the bishop. } 35. Be3 { Protecting the queen, so threatening Bc4xQd5again. } 35... Qd7 { So the queen retreats. } 36. Qd2 { White offers an exchangeof queens. If accepted b3 is falling, restoring material equality. Hereit was agreed a draw, on black's suggestion. } 1/2-1/2

[Event "Chess game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "August 18 2018"] [Round "-"] [White "fedcba"] [Black "eric2jin"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "Black"] [TimeControl "5+10 blitz"] [WhiteElo "White"] 1. e4 { I am black. } 1... e6 { French defence... } 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 { Usual so far... } 6. Qb3 Nge7 { Why not? } 7. Qxb6 axb6 { Rookfile open! } 8. Be3 c4 9. Nbd2 Nf5 10. Bf4 g6 11. h3 Bh6 { Exchanging bishops } 12. Bxh6 Nxh6 13. Ng5 O-O 14. f4 Nf5 15. g4 Ng3 { Forked } 16. Rg1 Nxf1 { Whynot? } 17. Nxf1 { I was expecting Rxf1 } 17... h6 18. Nf3 f6 { Huge pawn wall } 19. h4 fxe5 20. Nxe5 { !? } 20... Nxe5 21. fxe5 g5 22. h5 Bd7 23. Ke2 Be8 24. Ne3 b5 25. a3 b6 26. Raf1 Rxf1 27. Rxf1 b4 28. Nd1 bxa3 29. bxa3 Rxa3 { Ahead by1! } 30. Ke3 Ba4 31. Kd2 Bxd1 { I don’t like my bishop, or his knight, sowhy not? } 32. Rxd1 Ra2+ 33. Ke3 Rc2 34. Rb1 Rxc3+ { I don’t think so! } 35. Ke2 Rb3 { Final exchange } 36. Rxb3 cxb3 37. Kd3 Kf8 38. Kc3 Ke7 39. Kxb3 Kd7 40. Kb4 Kc6 { Just on time... } 41. Ka4 b5+ 42. Kb4 Kb6 43. Kb3 Ka5 44. Ka3 b4+ 45. Kb3 Kb5 46. Kb2 Kc4 { White resigns... } 0-1

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "30-Apr-08"] [Round "-"] [White "hjbo"] [Black "sutty"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1432"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1448"] 1. d4 { Standard queen opening. } 1... d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. c4 { still standard opening } 3... Nc6 4. Nc3 dxc4 { taking the d pawn } 5. e3 { defending the d-pawn and attackingtthe black c-pawn. } 5... Bf5 { not defending the c-pawn! } 6. Bxc4 { taking thepawn } 6... Nb4 7. Qa4+ { check to take the horse on b 4 } 7... Nc6 { the big mistake } 8. Ne5 { attacking f 7 } 8... Bd7 { not defending f 7 } 9. Bxf7# { the end } 1-0

[Event "32nd GK tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "21-Mar-07"] [Round "-"] [White "bly_garcia"] [Black "tag1153"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [BlackElo "1464"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1543"] 1. e4 { Here is a really exciting game from the second round of the GameKnot#32 Advanced section. I have been playing in these site-wide tourneys forthree years, and always in the Intermediate section. After the first roundwas completed, I was bumped up to the Advanced section because my ratinghad increased past the 1500 mark. I knew that I was going to be in a worldof hurt, and was just hoping not to get shut out. My dilemma was best characterizedby a simple question - Play it safe? Or go for the gold? I opted to getaggressive and slug it out, and was rewarded by a very satisfying attackearly on. My opponent and new friend bly_garcia defended extremely welland was able to launch a deadly counter-attack that threatened mate inshort order. The endgame was very exciting, with some really cool tacticalpossibilities for both sides. Down in material, my opponent proved whyhe is the stronger player, and salvaged a very nice draw. I hope you enjoythe game! } 1... d5 { As white has opted for the most popular first move of 1.e4, I of course respond with my favorite - the Scandinavian. I know, Iknow....I just can't get away from the Scandi - it's an addiction! } 2. e5 { Advance variation, where white declines the 'gambit' pawn and playsto establish a big center. } 2... c5 { Claiming space on the queenside and clampingdown on d4. } 3. f4 { ?! White announces his intentions of a kingside pushvery early. This is a risky endeavor if not played correctly, as black'slight squared bishop has now become more powerful and the real estate surroundingthe white king has been weakened. } 3... Bf5 { With the intentions keeping thelight squared bishop outside of the pawn chain after black plays e6. } 4. Qe2 { ?! This move confused me a little. I was expecting 4. g4 with tempoas white has already signaled his intention of kingside play. This playdoes threaten the weak b5 square with check, but it also restricts whiteslight squared bishop. } 4... a6 { Probably not worthy of an exclamation, but verysolid none the less. Black's lowly a pawn now successfully defends theb5 square against whites queen and bishop battery. } 5. d3 { ? I consideredthis move a mistake. While it does open up a line for whites dark squaredbishop, it further restricts the queen/bishop line that white just established.Perhaps Nf3 or Nc3 was better. } 5... e6 { As planned. Black can now develop thedark squared bishop while reinforcing the pawn chain on the white squares. } 6. h4 { ? White lashes out on the kingside, but with the wrong pawn. Again,6. g4 with tempo was much stronger. It could then be followed by playingh4. White has now opened up some juicy lines of attack for black on thekingside. At this point, the beginning of some attacking themes startedcrossing my mind. I felt that the white pawns on the kingside may be vulnerableto attack if I could only develop my pieces in that direction. } 6... Be7 { Adeveloping move which hits the h pawn twice. Notice that from the h4 squareblack can deliver a check with either the dark squared bishop or the queen. } 7. g3 { White simply defends his weak h pawn. I felt pretty good here, asI had a lead in development and space was roughly equal. As white has openedup space around his king, my plan was to exploit that fact quickly. } 7... h5 { A counter thrust on the kingside which negates the pesky tempo gainingmove white would have if allowed to play g4. This play will also supportan attack on the enemy queen by putting the light squared bishop on g4. } 8. Bd2 { White hurries to catch up in development. He probably sees thedangers of 0-0, and wants to play 0-0-0. } 8... Bg4 { Posting the bishop nicelyand attacking the queen. White must now move her and use time better spentdeveloping. } 9. Qf2 { Best, as this move allows the light squared bishopsome developing room. } 9... Nh6 { !? While developing to the edge is not alwayswise, in this case black sees two potential posts for this knight on eitherf5 or g4. } 10. Be2 { White correctly assesses that his light squared bishopis weak, and offers it up for exchange. } 10... Bxe2 { Black accepts the deal,as space on g4 will be created for a righteous posting of the knight currentlyresiding on h6. } 11. Qxe2 { White re-takes with the queen, as he wants todevelop his Ng1 to the f3 square. } 11... Ng4 { As planned - black claims the strongg4 post. It is worthy noting at this point that while black has the leadin development, BOTH sides are unusually under-developed for a game 11moves old. I don't see this kind of thing too often, as was a little paranoid.The initial question of 'Play it safe? Or get aggressive?' returned tomy thoughts. As blacks position is currently stable, I figured gettingbetter developed was probably the smart play. I didn't realize at the timethat a very nice attack was about to play out. } 12. Nf3 { As planned. Whitenow has 0-0 available if needed, and a strong piece comes to the defenseof the weakened kingside. I'm sure my opponent was working out variationsinvolving the g5 square, as he is hitting it three times now to my two. } 12... Nc6 { Black simply develops, and hopes that white does not force the issueon g5. } 13. c3 { ?! This move tortured me. White obviously intends to reinforcehis center, but at the expense of a developing square for his Nb8 and somemobility of his Bd2. What's up his sleeve? } 13... b5 { This was actually a 'waiting'move, but it does claim some nice space on the queenside and supports thec4 square. } 14. Nh2 { ? This was the telling move of the game so far. Whitehopes to eliminate the solid Ng4, but in doing so opens himself up to....... } 14... Bxh4 { ! If 15. NxN then 15...Bxg . If 15. gxB then 15...Qxh . Either way,black can bring some pain to whites weakened position and still come outOK. One of the main reasons of making this play was to prevent white frombeing able to castle, therefor keeping his king in the middle of the board.Black is hoping for the continuation of 15. gxB Qxh 16. Kf1 Qh3 17. Qg2Qxd3 with the compensation of three pawns for a bishop and white not beingable to castle. } 15. gxh4 { It appears that white is going play along:) } 15... Qxh4+ { As planned. } 16. Kf1 { Obviously 16. Kd1 fails to the strength of16...Nf2 ! (a nasty fork that loses a rook for white). } 16... Qh3+ { Still partof the plan. } 17. Qg2 { Here was the telling point of my plan. 17. Kg1 couldbe better defended, but I was hoping white would opt to try to eliminatethe dangerous threat of my queen roaming around with impugnity in his backyard. White offers up a queen exchange to extinguish the immediate threats. } 17... Qxd3+ { Obviously declined to maintain material equality, and the attackcontinues. } 18. Ke1 { I had incorrectly assumed that white would once againoffer to exchange queens. He chooses, however, to evade the check and maintainhis own threats on my Ng4. I failed to see how dangerous these threatsare however, and play..... } 18... O-O-O { ....to secure my own king. } 19. Qf3 { ? White misses [ 19.NxN hxN 20. RxR RxR 21. Qxg winning a pawn] and onceagain offers up a queen exchange. } 19... Qxf3 { Black sees the opportunity whitejust missed, and opts to end this particular skirmish satisfied with achievingthe initial goal of preventing white from castling and keeping his kingin the center of the board - hopefully vulnerable to a future attack. } 20. Nxf3 { Naturally. } 20... f6 { As the smoke clears from that last skirmish,I opt to instigate another. Realizing that I have basically exchanged abishop for three pawns, I intend to use this pawn advantage to remove hise and f pawns, which will clear files for my rooks to attack on. } 21. exf6 { As black is hitting e5 three times to whites two, white must take to maintainmaterial. } 21... gxf6 { Not 21...Nxf, as the pressure on e5 must be maintained. } 22. b4 { White lashes out on the queenside, hoping for 22...cxb 23. cxbwhich will open up c3 for his knight and also clear some room for his Bd2to operate on, as well as opening up a clear avenue on blacks exposed king. } 22... c4 { Closing off the c3 square for white to develop on, and creating a nicepawn wedge on the white squares. } 23. a4 { ! Good move. white intends tobring his Ra1 into play down the a file. Black must shift his forces tothe queenside to defend, and white hopes to pick up the h pawn in the process. } 23... Kb7 { Clearing the 8th rank for rook mobility. } 24. axb5 { ! Another goodmove. White achieves his goal of owning the a file by forcing black toopen it up for him by re-taking to maintain equality. } 24... axb5 { Practicallyforced. Black is still solid, but now must contend with the new found mobilityof whites Ra1. } 25. Na3 { ! That's three strong moves in row for white -he is getting back into the game. White threatens to take out the blackpawn on b5. If black protects it by 25...Kb6, then white can simply re-developthe knight to c2. If black chooses the more aggressive 25...Ra8 pinningthe knight, he still just re-develops to c2 to protect his Ra1. } 25... Kb6 { Ichoose to simply protect the b pawn. } 26. Ke2 { ! Interesting. White leaveshis knight on the edge, and opens up the 1st rank for his rooks to operateon. I was figuring on Nc2 at the time, but failed to see how this was amuch more passive move. } 26... e5 { As my opponent has made several strong movesin a row, I opt to press the issue in the area that I feel I have the advantage,which is with my pawn advantage. I'm hitting e5 three times to his two,so I know he will have to re-take. I'm still planning to center my rooksfor an attack down the middle now that the threat of action down the afile is at least temporarily stalled. } 27. fxe5 { Practically forced. } 27... fxe5 { Correct, as I do not want to lose my nice post on g4. Attack on d4 ismy next goal. } 28. Be3+ { ! Nice move! White throws a mean check that alsosupports the d4 square. Black must eliminate this bishop, and in the processlose the nice knight posting on g4. White has signalled his intention toeliminate pieces (as he has three to my two) and hopes to use whateverpiece he has remaining to pick off my central pawns. } 28... Nxe3 { I hate to keepsaying 'Practically forced' but I feel that this last move was. It doeshave the added benefit for black of being a knight-for-bishop exchange.This is going to a very exciting endgame! } 29. Kxe3 { White naturally equalizes,while bringing his king to the support of d4. } 29... d4+ { ! Here black puts whiteto the test. Both sides are hitting d4 three times, so white will comeout even should exchanges occur. The problem with that is, however, thatwhites king will be left extremely vulnerable in the middle of the board,as black will surely start attacking with his rooks. } 30. Kd2 { White seesthe dangers just mentioned, and wisely retreats. } 30... dxc3+ { Black opens upthe d file with a double check. Note that white cannot re-take. If he does,the very nasty 31...Rd3 wins whites Nf3. } 31. Kc2 { Again, white sees theobvious tactic and evades the check. I'm betting he hoped to exchange rooksvia the d file, and head into an endgame of my pawns vs. his pieces. } 31... Nxb4+ { I really liked this move. Since I am a pawn up, I offer to exchange aknight and a pawn for a knight - getting back to even material. I envision32. Kxc Rd3 33. KxN RxN 34. Nxb c3! with hopes of making him defend againstpromotion. } 32. Kc1 { Once again, my friend bly_garcia sees this, and sidestepsit nicely. He has, however, broken the connection between his two rooks.I'm wondering how to best take advantage of this fact. } 32... e4 { As I feel thatmy 2 is only temporary, I opt to start my isolated pawn down the lonelyroad towards promotion with a tempo move. I have no illusions of it actuallypromoting, but its threat of doing so will keep my opponent on the defensive. } 33. Ne5 { ! Nice. The threat of forking my two rooks must be dealt withimmediately. } 33... Rde8 { What better way to defend than to attack. Any checkthe Ne5 throws my way can simply be evaded, and this rook move to e8 supportsthe isolani. } 34. Nd7+ { Of course I saw this coming. } 34... Kc7 { Threateningthe attacker, but leaving the b pawn vulnerable. } 35. Nf6 { This lone wolfknight is causing all kinds of problems. The pawn on e4 must still be protected,so.... } 35... Re5 { ! Evading the threat on the rook and reinforcing the weakb and h pawns. } 36. Rb1 { Threatening the Nb4 and putting a wicked X rayon the weak b pawn. } 36... Nd3+ { A time gaining check that will allow the blackking the chance to get back to the defense of the b pawn. } 37. Kc2 { Whiteevades the check, and threatens to gobble up the c pawn. } 37... Kc6 { The blackking now assumes his role of protector from a square that cannot be checked.Once again, it is decision time for white....... } 38. Rbg1 { ! White choosescorrectly, and does not take the 'free' pawn on c3 as it does not threatenanything and is going nowhere. White intends to wreak havoc on the extremelyweak 6th and 7th ranks. } 38... e3 { As protecting the weak 6th and 7th ranks willsimply take too much time, I opt to press the one big advantage that Ihave, which is the supported passed pawn. } 39. Kxc3 { White goes ahead andtakes the freebie, and I got a little confused. Was he intending to sachis weak Na3 for my b and c pawns? Or perhaps slide his king to d4 andthreaten my Re5? I wasn't going to give him time to decide, so I kept pushingfor a new queen. } 39... e2 { White MUST play correctly and prevent my promotion- not only will the scales of material be tipped my way, but also becausea new queen will created with a check as well. } 40. Nc2 { White over-protectsthe queening square while getting this knight back into the fray. } 40... Rf8 { ! Giving up hope of the h pawn ever meaning anything and attacking theknight that is camped out in my back yard. The real strength of this move,however, is that it targets f1, where a favorable exchange may be possible. } 41. Rg6 { !! Excellent move! White protects the vulnerable Nf6 while threateninga brutal discovered check. (Note that 41. Nd4 would have been a wasteof time, as black could simply evade while maintaing all current threats,and the Nc2 is needed to cover e1). } 41... Kc7 { The only move. White is threateningchecks and forks aplenty. I must now find a square for my king that willbe safe from any check if I am to have any chance of initiating any offenseof my own. } 42. Rg7+ { White keeps up the pressure, and slowly starts cuttingoff life saving defensive resources for the black king. } 42... Kc8 { Whew....safefor the moment at least. White cannot safely check with his next move. } 43. Nd7 { He can take my rooks with his strong move! } 43... Rf1 { ! So I respondwith a strong move of my own! Whites Rh1 is now attacked, but more importantlythe e1 square is now being hit by black three times to whites two. 44.RxR is awful, as black will simply queen on f1 instead. White must protecthis Rh1 and come out of any e1 queening scenario with the raw end of thedeal. } 44. Rh2 { White wisely gets out of the way, and I'm sure he hopesto double his rooks on the g file if he can. } 44... e1=Q+ { Game on! Black nowwins material, but still has big defensive problems. } 45. Nxe1 { Practicallyforced. } 45... Rexe1 { Forced on my part to preserve that rook from the threatis was receiving on e5. } 46. Nb6+ { White frees up his attacking positionwith a tempo check. } 46... Kd8 { Once again, the black king is alone and underfire. I attempt to get him over to the e file where he will have some coverfrom the Re1. } 47. Rxh5 { ! And white threatens mate in 1. } 47... Rc1+ { The questionhere was whether to play 47...Rf8 to prevent the mate, or to try to findsome mating nets of my own. Since I could play Rf8 anyway if my attackingideas failed, I opted to go on a little king hunt of my own. } 48. Kd4 { Whiteruns for the cover of his pieces. } 48... Rf4+ { It was at this point that I thoughta draw my three-fold repetition was possible. I analyzed lines involvingthe white king making circles around my Nd3. I wasn't sure if I could defendwell enough after I played Rf8 and my opponent followed with R5h7, so Ikept on checking - hoping that my material advantage would come into play. } 49. Kd5 { Finding a temporarily safe home for his king. 49...Nb4 loses,as his mate in 1 threat is just too great. } 49... Rf8 { Alleviating the immediatemate in 1 threat. White now has time to make the move that I feared most. } 50. Rhh7 { !! White delivers a massive blow! Coupled with the assistanceof his Nb6 and his king, white threatens a brutal mate on the 8th rank. } 50... Nf4+ { !! Very strong move for a couple of reasons - It obviously deliversa life saving check that white must address, but much importantly it willclear the d file for blacks Rc1 to assist in the defense of his monarch. } 51. Kc6 { White evades, and puts more heat on d7. } 51... Rd1 { ! Black now hasa defensive resource. If rooks are exchanged, the black king will havea little breathing room along the 8th rank. } 52. Rc7 { ! My friend bly_garciasees this, and creates another mate in 1 threat on c8! } 52... Rd6+ { !! If 53.KxR, then 53...Rf6 loses the white knight AND draws the king away fromhis protection of the Rc7. } 53. Kxb5 { White regains some material whilemaintaing all threats. } 53... Rxb6+ { ! Another strong move. If 54. KxR then 54...Nd5 forking the king and the Rc7 } 54. Kxb6 { Black eliminates the kamakazirook and is rewarded by...... } 54... Nd5+ { Per the plan. Black now threatensto exchange his knight for the Rc7 and head into the final stages of thegame up a full pawn. } 55. Kb7 { White stubbornly hangs on to his mate threaton c8. } 55... Nxc7 { Of course. } 56. Rxc7 { Of course. At this point, white probablyrealizes that his attack has failed, but a draw is well in hand. } 56... Rf4 { Beingthe much weaker player, I don't realize the draw quite yet, and cling tothe hopes of my pawn advantage being enough to win. } 57. Rc5 { Getting offof the c7 square which must be protected by king, white effectively cutsoff all access to the pawn by the black king. He has two moves to get tob5 and force its demise, and I just can't get to the pawn at all. } 57... Kd7 { Praying for a miracle:) } 58. Kb6 { 'No miracles allowed:)' } 58... Kd6 { If whitehas a brain spasm and checks me I might have a chance! } 59. Kb5 { 'No brainspasms either fella:)' } 59... Rd4 { And my draw offer was accepted. In my threeyears and 1000's of games played here on GameKnot, I put this one in myTop 3 of all time. I'm not sure that I have played a more exciting gameon this site. Many thanks to my new friend bly_garcia for giving me sucha great battle! I can't say that I will voluntarily move up to the AdvancedSection of these GameKnot tournaments, as my nerves will not allow it,but I sure do appreciate the beauty of this jewel, and will remember itfor a long, long time! Cheers - Thomas } 1/2-1/2

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "11-Jan-07"] [Round "-"] [White "luckylarry"] [Black "ocean11"] [Result "*"] [BlackElo "1569"] [TimeControl "7 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1538"] { Elementary annotation, I am just a Rookie Intresting ending } 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 { Russian defence. This is not my preferred opening } 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 { take back the pawn and gain center } 4... Nxe4 { Black Gains a pawn butlose a tempo } 5. Bd3 Nf6 6. O-O Be7 7. Re1 { obviously pinning the bishop } 7... O-O { castling removes pinning } 8. Nc3 Bb4 { weak pin on the knight } 9. Bd2 d5 { Black tries to gain center } 10. a3 Ba5 11. b4 Bb6 12. Nf5 Bxf5 { Tradingwork for black removing a dangerous Knight } 13. Bxf5 h6 14. Qf3 c6 15. Qg3 a5 { on 15 ... Nh5? 16 Qg4 } 16. Na4 Ba7 17. Bxh6 { regain pawn and ThreatQg7 } 17... Nh5 { Forced! } 18. Qg4 { Threathing Knight } 18... Qf6 19. Qxh5 { trade abishop for a knith destroying black castle } 19... Qxh6 20. Qxh6 gxh6 { Black castleis destroyed } 21. bxa5 Bd4 22. c3 Rxa5 23. cxd4 Rxa4 24. Red1 Kh8 25. Rd3 Na6 26. Rb1 b5 27. Bd7 Rc4 28. g3 { emergency exit! } 28... Nc7 29. Rb4 Rc1+ 30. Kg2 Rd8 31. Bf5 Ne8 32. a4 Ng7 33. Bg4 f5 34. Bf3 Ne6 35. axb5 cxb5 36. Rxb5 Nc7 37. Rc5 Rxc5 38. dxc5 d4 39. Kh3 Kg7 40. Kh4 Ne6 41. c6 h5 42. Bxh5 Kf6 43. Bf3 Ke5 44. Kh3 f4 45. g4 { watch out!!! Two passed pawn } 45... Ng5+ 46. Kg2 Rc8 47. h4 Nxf3 { ?? here is all the game! an hopless trade } 48. Kxf3 Rxc6 49. h5 Rc3 50. Ke2 Rc2+ 51. Rd2 f3+ 52. Kd1 Rc8 53. Rb2 Ke4 54. Rb5 Rh8 55. Rf5 Rh6 56. Kd2 d3 57. Rf8 { ?? very weak move! gives blackthe chance to get the f white pawn, but i can't see a reasonable move } 57... Rc6 58. g5 Rc2+ 59. Kd1 Rxf2 60. h6 Rh2 61. Rf7 { !!this move guarantieswhite pawn promotion } 61... f2 62. h7 Ke3 { Niace try for a check mate 63 ...Rh1 } 63. Re7+ { Forced To avoid Rh1 } 63... Kf3 64. Rf7+ { Black renounces toa draw for forced third repetition } 64... Kg3 65. g6 Kg2 { ? In my own opinionthis is a terrible mistake, because frees the white king } 66. Kd2 Kg1 67. Kxd3 { No way to promote black pawn...... if black leaves h columns whiteget a queen! } 67... Rh3+ 68. Ke4 Kg2 { ?? again a mistake white will trade therook for a pawn to gain a tempo and promote } 69. Rxf2+ Kxf2 70. g7 Rh4+ 71. Kf5 Rxh7 72. g8=Q { Thats all! } *

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2015.01.09"] [Round "-"] [White "jasonhalabi"] [Black "nevhelp"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1058"] [TimeControl "7 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1022"] 1. e4 d5 { Scandinavian Defense. } 2. Nc3 d4 3. Nb5 h5 { Not in the database. Black usually does quite well here with a6, pushing the white knight again. } 4. Nf3 c5 5. Ne5 Qa5 6. a4 Qb6 7. Qf3 Qe6 { Oh no. Pf6 maybe, but thismove trades the queen for a knight. White is strongly encouraged to forkking, queen, and rook (and take the queen) with Nc7+. } 8. Nc7+ { Just likethat. } 8... Kd8 9. Nxe6+ { Black does not have to move the queen. BxNe6 protectsPf7, so white won't commit the same knight fork crime again on the otherside. } 9... Ke8 { Disaster! QxPf7+ (the knight protects it)... Actually thatis game over. QxPf7#. Done. } 10. Nc7+ { White is just toying with blacknow. No move beats checkmate. } 10... Kd8 11. Nxa8 f6 { Nope. Be6. Be6 preventswhite from taking the other rook for free. } 12. Nf7+ Ke8 13. Nxh8 b6 14. e5 { White is 19 points ahead, and encouraged to trade down. Ng6 followedby NxBf8 looks good. But white may be looking for a quicker end. Bb5+is also recommended. Kd8, Nf7#. Or } 14... Bg4 15. Qb7 Nd7 { Uh, no. The knighthere blocks black's white bishop (Bg4) from protecting against Qc8#. Kd8is recommended instead, though that pretty much only delays the inevitableat this point. Kd8, Nf7+, and the king must return to e8 where the queencheckmates. Black lost the queen and both rooks to knight forks. Thelesson here is to watch out for knight forks. How best to prevent these? } 16. Qc8# 1-0

[Event "Helter-Skelter"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "8 Feb 2017"] [Round "-"] [White "jkarp"] [Black "tombulous"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1882"] [TimeControl "3d+2d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1293"] { When you look at the 600 GK rating points difference between the players,and the end result, you might be forgiven for saying 'ho hum' and passingon. But you'd be missing a treat: a real stand up fight. Don't expectperfection here, but along with the mistakes there are some very good andcourageous moves. A battle royal, or a helter-skelter ride: take yourpick. } 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 { Ruy Lopez a.k.a. Spanish Opening;Morphy Defence. } 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Nc3 { So far, pretty standard. However, this knight development is a little off the modern beaten track. I knew a correspondence player in this country who used to play this withthe express purpose of continuing to d5 and exchanging on e7. OtherwiseI don't really know what theory lies behind this move. } 6... b5 7. Bb3 O-O 8. d4 { [?! - in future notes I'll be adding this type of punctuation]. Dubious,in view of what follows. More circumspect were 8.d3 or 8.Re1. } 8... exd4 { Now:ask yourself this question. Is it safe for White to recapture on d4? Has he a better option? } 9. Nxd4 { [?] This recapture might look safe, butin fact is quite unplayable, as the sequel will show. Better would havebeen 9.Nd5. } 9... Nxd4 10. Qxd4 { No real choice, but... } 10... c5 { Now White is inthe toils of a Noah's Ark Trap. I happen to know that Joe is aware ofthe notion of the N.A.T. so I'm a little surprised to see him walk intothis one! } 11. Qe3 c4 { Trapping the bishop. This 'trap' is a well knownfeature of the Ruy Lopez. } 12. e5 { [!] I give it this mark of approbation,as showing a determination to make the best of the disastrous situationfacing White so early in the game. } 12... Ng4 { [!?] This move is not withoutrisks, ...Ne8 being safer. } 13. Qf4 { [?] Rather better was 13.Qe4 ormaybe 13.Qf3, attacking knight and rook both. Black would have had tofind 13...d5! to avoid the loss of either. E.g.: 14.Qe4 d5! 15.exd6 e.p.Qxd6 (threatening mate on h2) 16.Bf4 Qd7. This would have led to a complicatedtactical melee, favouring Black, for sure, but in the circumstances verywelcome to White. } 13... d6 14. Qe4 { Less effective than it would have beena move ago, as the knight now has protection. } 14... dxe5 { [?] Oversight ...or a sacrifice for attack? } 15. Qxa8 { [!] Best. If Black has anythingfor the slight material sacrifices, the onus is on him to show it! Infact, objectively speaking White has the edge right now. All the samethe situation is complicated and combative - and the slugfest is just beginning! } 15... cxb3 16. axb3 { Natural and good. But 16.cxb3 was also worth considering. } 16... Qc7 { Setting up an 'X-ray' attack against h2. White had better beware! } 17. Nd5 { [!] Fine response! } 17... Qd7 18. Nxe7+ { [?!] Obviously what Whitehad in mind from his previous move, but Black would have had more to worryabout after 18.Qc6!! The idea is, of course, 18...Qxc6 19.Nxe7ch Kh8 20.Nxc6. If instead 18...Qd8, then 19.Qxc8! Qxc8 [19...Qxd5 20.Qxg4] 20.Nxe7ch Kh8 21.Nxc8 Rxc8 21,Rxa6 with a fine game for White. } 18... Qxe7 19. c4 { [!?] OK, but now would not have been a bad time to chase off theg4-knight (19.h3). } 19... Qh4 { Now h2 comes under a closer assault. } 20. h3 { Drives off the knight. Black's second wave of attack has been handilyrepulsed. } 20... Nf6 21. cxb5 { [!?] Difficult to assess this move. It is veryrisky, as what follows will show. Much safer would have been 21.Qf3, toprevent Black's attacking continuation. } 21... Bxh3 { [!] Excellent attackingmove! Now it's all on. } 22. Rxa6 { [!!/?] Two exclams for courage; thequery because, sadly, it is not the best or safest. Instead, 22.Qf3 wouldhave stopped Black's K-side attack. But you just have to admire this move! (And what a position!) } 22... Bc8 { [!] Of course 22...Rxa8?? led to a very swiftquietus! } 23. Ra7 { [??] A terrible mistake, after which Black is once moreat White's throat. Best was 23.Rd1 with the idea 23...Bxa6 24.Rd8 Qb425.Rxf8ch Qxf8 26.Qxf8ch Kxf8 27.bxa6 Nd7 28.Be3 ... winning. } 23... Ng4 24. Rd1 { How else to stop the mate? There is nothing. White is now in serioustrouble once more. } 24... Qxf2+ { [!] } 25. Kh1 Qe2 { A slight reprieve for White! Black could have closed out the game with this: 25...e4! This move closes off several escape routes for the King, and threatens 26...Qh4ch 27.Kg1 Qh2ch 28.Kf1 Qh1ch 29.Ke2 Qxg2ch 30.Ke1 Qf2#. If White snaps of the pawn by 26.Qxe4, then this would have happened: 26...Qh4ch 27.Kg1 Qh2ch28.Kf1 Qh1ch 29.Ke2 Qxd1ch!! 30.Kxd1 Nf2ch 31...Nxe4. Having said all that, and in view of the threat associated with the text move, 25...e4! would not have been easy to find. } 26. Rg1 { [?] This looks very dangerous- one feels there ought to be a mate in here somewhere, so confined isthe White king. Much safer was 26.Qf3, protecting the rook. } 26... Nf2+ { Good;but ...e4 would still have been effective. } 27. Kh2 Qg4 { [?!] Threatensmate in one, but White can still wriggle clear. Best was still 27...e4!,but very nearly as strong would have been 27...Qh5! (I think I would havegone for this line, actually) 28.Kg3 Ng4! 29.Rf1 g5! with the idea 30...Qh4chand 31...Nh2ch, winning the f1-rook; or, if the rook vacates f1, possibly...Qf2ch. } 28. Re1 Qh4+ 29. Kg1 Nh3+ { [!] Trying a different tack. } 30. Kh2 { [?] this ought to have led to a quick loss. White simply had to takethe knight, whatever else happened, e.g.: 30.gxh3! Qxe1ch 31.Kh2 Qxc1 andWhite is busted, but he is not yet checkmated. } 30... Nf4+ 31. Kg1 Qxe1+ 32. Kh2 Qxc1 { [?!] Should a move that wins be counted as a bad move becausethere existed a move that won more quickly? Black is still winning fromhere, naturally, but he could have closed the game out at once by 32...Ne2!and mates in 5. } 33. b6 Bd7 { [!?] 33...Ne2! } 34. b7 Ne2 { [!] Threat: ...Qh6#. } 35. Qxf8+ { [!] Desperation, of course, but still fighting hard. Thisis an excellent defence in an almost hopeless position, offering Blacksome attractive ways of going wrong. } 35... Kxf8 36. b8=Q+ { Material parity isrestored, but is White back on level terms? } 36... Ke7 { [??] He is now! Betterthan level terms in fact! Black still had a winning advantage after thecheck, but had to find this exciting line: 36...Be8! 37.Qd6ch! Kg8 38.Rxf7!Qg1ch! (The rook can not be taken, on account of 38...Bxf7 39.Qd8ch andWhite wins!) 39.Kh3 Qh1ch 40.Kg4 Qxg2ch 41.Kf5 Nd4ch! 42.Kxe5 Nc6ch 43.Kf5Qg6ch 44.Qxg6 hxg6ch 45.Kxg6 Bxf7ch and wins. What a way to finish agame! } 37. Qxe5+ { Now White is on top... ish. } 37... Kd8 { Forced. The alternativewould have lost. I'll leave it to the reader to figure out how. Clue:White can force checkmate after 37...Kf8. } 38. Qxe2 { [?!] The game nowreverts to equality, which, in many respects would have been a very satisfactoryresult from a spectator's point of view. But White ought to have offeredone more check before snaffling the knight: 38.Ra8ch Bc8 39.Qxe2. Thiswould have taken the rook off the vulnerable dark-square diagonals, and,the exchange ahead, with passed pawns on the Q-side, White could have madeBlack work hard just to survive. But White is by no means behind, evenhere, provided he stays alert... Incidentally, even 38.Rxd7ch Kxd7 39.Qxe2would have led to no disadvantage for White. } 38... Qh6+ 39. Kg3 { Again, saferis Kg1, but the game is still even... } 39... Qg5+ 40. Kf2 Qf4+ 41. Ke1 Qc1+ { Lookslike we're heading for a perpetual... } 42. Qd1 { [??] Disaster. You cansee what White was about, can't you: the threat against d7. But he hasoverlooked one vital consideration. Such a shame, for the draw was inhis hand after 42.Kf2 Qc5ch 43.Qe3. } 42... Qe3+ 43. Kf1 Qxa7 { 0-1 Joe tossedin the sponge at this point, as well he might. But this was a terrificgame, I thought, full of incident. It shows what can happen with playersof widely different strengths and experience, when one plays a little belowpar, and the other rather above. A fast-paced helter-skelter ride likethis! } 0-1

[Event "A safe pawn grab?"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.08.13"] [Round "-"] [White "nyctalop"] [Black "rushnpawn"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1792"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1845"] 1. e4 { Don't mind the conflicting title with the result, I think Black'spawn grab was pretty good and if he had played a little more cautious,he could have held on to the pawn with a good position. Instead he playeda little passively and got himself in real trouble very fast. } 1... c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ { The only anti-Sicilian I consider worth playing. Ivanchuckused this line to end a non-losing streak of Kasparov's. The point of thismove is to delay the central break and either exchange a pair of Bishopsor force Black to develop his pieces on slightly awkward squares. } 3... Bd7 { The most solid line. 3...Nd7 is more risky but offers more winning chancesfor Black, provided he survives the middlegame. } 4. Bxd7+ Qxd7 { Again themost solid recapture. Black wants to develop the Nb8 to c6 to control d4.Capturing with the Queen has another point in case White tries the followingsetup. } 5. c4 { Aiming for an improved Maroczy bind. Since White has exchangedhis light squared Bishop, he should be a little better if Black allowsWhite to play d4. } 5... Qg4 { A more radical approach against White's plan is5...e5, which is solid albeit slightly passive. This Queen sortie winsa pawn but at a significant risk. White will get a lead in development,open the central lines and exert quite a bit of pressure. I'd also liketo mention that Black gets adequate play in the main lines, so I thinkthis will be my last outing with this line. } 6. O-O { The e-pawn is thepawn that must be sacrificed, since the e-file will provide good tacticalchances against the uncastled King. } 6... Qxe4 7. d4 { Another pawn was underattack so this was the only move to keep the initiative going. } 7... cxd4 8. Re1 Qg4 9. h3 Qd7 10. Nxd4 { For his pawn, White gained a lead in developmentand a semi-open file bearing on the black monarch. But like in all gambits,he has to play actively or else he'll end up just a pawn short. } 10... Nc6 { Contestingthe centralized Knight. An interesting line here would have been 10...e511.Nc3 Be7 12.Ndb5 a6 13.Qa4 Nc6 14.Nd5 Rb8 15.Nb6 axb5 16.cxb5 Qc7 17.Be3,with a very complicated position. } 11. Nb5 { Avoiding any piece exchangesand threatening Nxd6+. } 11... Rd8 { Slightly better was 11...e6, but after 12.Bf4e5 13.Qd3 Nf6 14.Bg5 a6 15.N5c3 Be7 16.Na4! (the only move to keep theinitiative going) Qe6 17.Nbc3 0-0 18.Nd5 Rab8 19.Nab6 and White has somepressure for the minus pawn. } 12. Bf4 { Attacking d6 once more. } 12... e5 { IfBlack had played 12...e6 here, I would have replied with 13.c5 dxc5 14.Nc7+Qxc7 15.Bxc7 Rxd1 16.Rxd1. } 13. Be3 { Now a7 is threatened. } 13... b6 { Safer was13...a6, now the Nb5 cannot be removed in good conditions because the Q-sidepawns will be left very weak. } 14. N1c3 Nf6 { Since White didn't threatenanything, Black continues development hoping he will be able to castleto safety. } 15. Nd5 { Threatening Nc7+. } 15... Nxd5 { Removing the over-activecentralized Knight immediately but now after... } 16. cxd5 { Where does theKnight go? } 16... Nb4 { I think 16...Ne7 was safer, even if it tangles the K-sidepieces temporarily. Now White gets a tempo to bring the Queen into play. } 17. Qa4 { Protecting the Nb5 and tempting Black to grab another pawn. } 17... Nxd5 { Virtually forced, the Knight doesn't have any other good retreat square. } 18. Rad1 { The pawn was saced to reopen the d-file and get more tempos intothe attack. It also forces Black to exchange his only developed piece. } 18... Nxe3 19. Rxe3 { The e5 pawn is again under attack. } 19... f6 { A losing move. Buteven after the best move, White gets an edge. Here is a long winded butalmost forced line 17...Nxd5 19... Be7 20.Nc7+ Kf8 21.Qxa7 (winning backsome material but with tempo) Rc8 22.Rc3 Bd8 23.Rdc1 Kg8 (trying to connectthe Rooks) 24.Qxb6 (winning back the second pawn) h5 (creating a breatherfor the King) 25.a4 (simply trying to Queen the passed pawn) d5 (Blacktries the same) 26.Qb5 (now that material is even but White has positionaladvantage, he offers a Queen swap) Qxb5 (the only alternative is Rxc7,giving up the exchange since after...) 27.Nxb5 Rxc3 28.Rxc3 d4 29.Rc8 Blackis in a miserable position. } 20. Rc3 { Now not only Nc7+ is threatened butRc7 as well. } 20... a6 21. Nc7+ Ke7 { 21...Kf7 was better but after 22.Qc4+ Kg623.Rg3+ Kh5 24.Nd5, White's attack is crushing. } 22. Nd5+ Ke8 23. Qxa6 { Black resigned since there is no defense against Rc7. } 1-0

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.07.02"] [Round "-"] [White "goingdown"] [Black "g_wellington"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1663"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1689"] 1. d4 { This was a team game I played recently. I lost my game as blackdue to misplaying the opening, combined with blundering a bishop, but Imanaged to recover with this attack. (I have realised that the vast majorityof my annotated games are wins - I apologise for this, but bcause of myreckless style my wins tend to be rather more interesting than my losses). } 1... e5 { The Englund (yes, that is meant to be a u) defence. } 2. dxe5 Nc6 3. Nf3 Qe7 { Here I decided to return the pawn, and immediately, rather thanhanging onto it via 4.Qd5 or giving up a different pawn via 4.Bf4. } 4. Nc3 f6 { This seems inferior to simply taking - while black has a slightdevelopment advantage, there does not seem to be much possibility of animmediate attack, and in the long term the pawn should be more useful.Besides, the development advantage will not last long as a tempo must bespent letting the f8 Bishop out. } 5. exf6 Nxf6 6. Bg5 { With ideas of Nd5. } 6... Qf7 { Removing the pin, but leaving black a pawn down for no good reason. } 7. Nb5 Bb4+ { ...d6 was also possible, but black prefers his bishop on thea7-g1 diagonal than merely backing up the f6 knight. } 8. c3 Ba5 9. e3 { Establishinga stranglehold on d4. 9.b4? is horrible in view of ...Nxb4 10.cxb4 Bxb4+11.Ke2 (11.Nd2? Ne4). } 9... O-O 10. Bd3 a6 { Fortunately for white, he has alreadyprepared a retreat for the knight, and this simply wastes a tempo forcingit to take up a central position. } 11. Nbd4 b5 { This gives Nxc6 a lot ofpunch, for example if black plays 12...Rd8?? then 13.Nxc6 dxc6 14.Bxh7+and white is easily winning. } 12. Qc2 { Gunning for h7. } 12... h6 13. Bf4 Bb7 { This allows a dangerous tactic that establishes a fearsome attack. } 14. Nxc6 dxc6 15. Ne5 { White establishes an outpost on g6, and black must bevery careful to avoid dropping the exchange. } 15... Qd5 { A good counterattackingresponse. } 16. e4 Qe6 17. Ng6 Rfe8 18. e5 { The black peices are being runout of squares. } 18... Nd5 19. Bf5 Qf7 { The only place left. } 20. e6 Qf6 21. Be5 { Now, if 21...Qd8 22.e7 reaches a similar position to the one thatappears in the game a few moves on. } 21... Qg5 22. g4 { Now, with the queen unableto do anything except stay where she is without dropping the exchage, whiteplans to force her to move with h4, then open up the h-file. } 22... c5 { Again,a good counterattacking move, opening up the long diagonal. } 23. h4 Qd8 24. e7 { Now, if 24...Nxe7?, 25.Be6+ Kh7 26.Nf8++ Kh8 27.Qh7#. } 24... Rxe7 { Avery good move - after 25.Nxe7 Qxe7 black has excellent drawing and evenwinning chances due to the open positionand the pin on the e-file. } 25. O-O-O { This ties the d5 knight to d5, brings in another attacking peice,and brings the king to safety - white now properly threatens Nxe7 becausethe e5 bishop is no longer pinned. } 25... Re8 { Retreating to safety. Materialis now level, but white stands far better due to his initiative. } 26. g5 Qb8 { This removes the pin on the knight, but this was the wrong time tobe worrying about that with a pawn storm about to hit. } 27. gxh6 { If 27...gxh628.Rhg1 removes blacks biggest targetand creates a route for the rook toreach g7, when mate cannot be more than three or four moves away. } 27... Nf6 { Attacking the h1 rook and adding to the defense, but the rook is irrelaventwhile it is on h1, and white could play 28.Bxf6 gxf6 29.Rd7!, where blackcan only delay mate for a couple of moves via 29...Re7 30.Rxe7 Qf8 31.h7# } 28. Bxf6 Bxh1 29. Bxg7 { 29.Rd7! was more accurate, but this also forcesa quick mate. } 29... Bc6 { Covering d7. } 30. Ne7+ { 30...Rxd7 31.Bh7+ Kf7 32.Qg6# } 30... Kf7 31. Bg6+ Ke6 32. Qe2+ { Or 32.Qf5+ Kxe7 33.Qf7#/Qe5#/Qf6# } 32... Be4 33. Qxe4# { Note that the king's defenses have been completely destroyed, and theeffectiveness of the bishops working as a pair. } 1-0

[Event "Traxler with 5.Nxf7 - A Big Win!"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.12.30"] [Round "-"] [White "jstevens1"] [Black "charlie06"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1910"] [TimeControl "7d+2d<7d"] [WhiteElo "1775"] 1. e4 { Hi everyone! Just to let you know that I failed to get my firstever Expert Victory - by 90 rating points! I had to settle for only mysecond ever victory against 1900+ oppo. in a non-timeout game. With theblack pieces I managed a High Draw against him. Matt gave me a hard gamefrom the Opening to Middlegame but in the latter part, a strong move fromGlenda forced an exchange of queens that led to my advantage in the endgamein which I was a piece for a pawn up. Gameknot analysis of this game isprovided as follows:- http://gameknot.com/analyze-board.pl?bd=14963275&rnd=0.11080572229711893 } 1... e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 Bc5 5. Nxf7 Bxf2+ 6. Kf1 Qe7 7. Nxh8 d5 8. exd5 { 8. exd5 - the first 8 moves have been fairly standard. I sacrificemy d pawn to try and interfere with black's counter-attack. } 8... Nd4 9. d6 cxd6 10. Kxf2 { 10. Kxf2 - Henry dares to snare Matt's dark square bishop,but is he dancing into the fire?! } 10... d5 11. c3 Bg4 12. Qf1 Nc2 { 12. .......Nc2 - Nasty, nasty, my QR is trapped. Can I sell him as dearly as possible? We shall see. } 13. Bb5+ Bd7 14. d4 O-O-O 15. Kg1 { 15. Kg1 - after blackcastled queenside, Henry must find some sancturary on the kingside. Alas,my KR is well and truly boxed in. } 15... exd4 16. Bxd7+ Nxd7 { 16. ...... Nxd7- thought I had better rid myself of black's lsb at the cost of Fou Leblancas that prelate could be lethal to Henry. } 17. Na3 Nxa1 18. Bd2 { 18. Bd2- my knight is coralled on h8 but Matt's is also coralled on a1. DareI imagine I could end up with a piece advantage out of this? } 18... Rf8 19. Qxa1 Qf6 20. Qe1 { 20. Qe1 - Glenda gets as close to her other half as she can,aaah! Reason, Henry is in Old Matey's shadow (Qf2#). } 20... dxc3 21. bxc3 Rxh8 22. Qf2 Qa6 { 22. ..... Qa6 - this looks like a very strong move. It attacksthe knight on a3 which is blocking an undefended pawn on a2. Luckily FouLenoir can safely defend the a3 knight. } 23. Bc1 Rf8 24. Qe1 Ne5 25. h3 { 25. h3 - this knight prevents Ng4 and also opens up some luft for Henryand ultimately my KR! } 25... Nd3 26. Qe7 { 26. Qe7 - spent a lot of time analysingthis move. Glenda and I are gals of a like mind - we absolutely hate beingpinned down - so Glenda hops on her broomstick and menaces the rook onf8. Should the BR move off the f file, Glenda can either hassle the BRfurther or the BK. } 26... Qf6 27. Qxf6 { 27. Qxf6 - Glenda gladly gives up herlife for the Wicked Witch of the West as the pressure on a3 is greatlyeased. After the trade, Fou Lenoir moves to e3 to prevent a rook incursionon f2. } 27... Rxf6 28. Be3 Ra6 29. Nb5 { 29. Nb5 - counter-attack on the a2 pawn. } 29... b6 30. Kh2 { 30. Kh2 - at last Henry makes way for his rook. } 30... Ra5 31. Rd1 { 31. Rd1 - Jo The Beginner (my OTB rating is 1200!) has a tendency to suffergreatly from the afliction passivitis. Here she tries to erase that wordright out of her vocabulary with more counter-attack! This gets my KRright into the fray. Notice the weak d5 pawn behind the d3 knight?! } 31... Rxb5 32. Rxd3 { 32. Rxd3 - it is good to trade pieces when a piece up and plentyof pawns still on the board. I wish I could trade rooks .... } 32... Kd7 33. c4 { 33. c4 - my opponent grants me that wish. I now exploit the pin onthe weak d5 pawn to either win another pawn making me a full piece up,or to force an exchange of rooks giving me a won endgame. My a pawn andFou Lenoir can hold fast on the queenside. If the BK tries to make useof the queenside pawn majority by moving towards the queenside pawns thenHenry will move towards the black kingside p(r)awns for a fine supper lateron - he fancies prawn vindaloo tonight. If Henry eats those pawns thenmy kingside pawns will march on to Glendadom. My opponent saw all thisand decided to wave the white flag to end a lovely evening for me. Hopeyou have had a good read. Bye for now - Joanne } 1-0

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.03.15"] [Round "-"] [White "glenn5454"] [Black "charmedones"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1782"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1837"] 1. e4 { With 3 d4 this unfold to be the Scotch game, which I really enjoy. It's a dynamic, fighting game. These moves are all pretty common. } 1... e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nxd4 5. Qxd4 Nf6 { The computer analysis showsthis move, Nf6, as not as precise as d6. The gameknot database for theScotch shows only d6 as the book move here. In 365chess.com, they showWhite winning ~79% of the time with the response of e5. Black cannot finda good place for his Knight. Note how this one imprecise move by Blackcauses it to lose time, while White develops nicely. This correspondsto the advice I give to look for a mistake or lack of precision or sharpnessin the opening, seize on it and relentlessly put pressure on your opponent.The opening book does show Black's Bf6 as possible. } 6. e5 { The computeranalysis shows this continuation (rather than e5): 6. Nc3 d6 7. Bg5 Be78. O-O-O O-O 9. e5 Ng4 10. Bxe7 Qxe7 11. exd6 Qxd6 12. Qxd6 cxd6 13. Rxd6Nxf2 I like the immediate pressure that e5 creates. } 6... Qe7 { Th computeranalysis liked c5 rather than Qe7: c5 7. Qe3 Nd5 8. Qe4 Nb4 9. Nc3 Be710. Bc4 O-O 11. Be3 Qb6 12. O-O-O Kh8 13. Nd5 Nxd5 14. Bxd5 } 7. Be2 { Freeingthe e pawn to threaten Black's Knight, and developing. But the computeranalysis calls this a mistake on my part. It liked Be3, with this continuation: 7. Be3 Ng8 8. Nc3 Qb4 9. O-O-O Qxd4 10. Bxd4 Nh6 11. Nd5 Kd8 12. Be3Nf5 13. Bg5+ Ne7 14. Bc4 h6 15. Nxe7 Bxe7 } 7... Ng8 { Black has lost a lot oftime. Look at the development of White's and Black's positions. The computeranalysis preferred c5: c5 8. exf6 Qxe2+ 9. Kxe2 cxd4 10. Na3 b6 11.Re1 gxf6 12. Nb5 Ba6 13. Kd1+ Kd8 14. Nxd4 Bc5 15. Be3 Re8 16. Nf5 Bb417. c3 } 8. O-O { White is far better developed. } 8... Qc5 9. Qe4 { White is notready to exchange its Queen, nicely in the center, and not so easily scaredaway. } 9... g6 { So this is Black's plan: to develop and put pressure on e5,and claim the long diagonal. } 10. Nc3 Bg7 11. Nd5 { Threatening the c7 squarewith a fork on the King and Queen's Rook. Or possibly checking the Kinglater at f6 (if supported by White, say with its Queen Bishop). Centralized,the Knight is commanding and widely threatening. Too bad that Black'sQueen is guarding c7. What can White do? } 11... a6 { The computer analysis callsa6 a blunder, preferring Ne7: Ne7 12. Nf6+ Kd8 13. Rd1 Bxf6 14. exf6 Nf515. Bc4 Re8 16. Qd5 Qb6 17. Qxf7 Nd6 18. Qd5 Nxc4 19. Qxc4 Qxf6 Blackis behind in development and needs to get its pieces deployed. White isin it face with Nd5 and Black needs to counter that. a6 falls far short. } 12. b4 { White sees an opportunity to get the Black Queen off the c fileand maybe to trap the Black Queen. } 12... Qc6 { Black needs to protect the c7pawn. } 13. b5 { White continues to harass the Queen. } 13... axb5 14. Bxb5 { NowWhite has its King's Bishop in the game! If Qxb5??, then Nxc7+ forkingnot just the King and Rook, but the Queen, too! } 14... Qc5 { Nowhere else to go! Black's Queen is where it was six moves ago, but meanwhile White's piecescontinue to develop and attack. } 15. Be3 { Now the Queen Bishop is developedand attacking. Where can the Black Queen go to escape? } 15... Qa3 { The computeranalysis calls Qa3 a mistake. It prefers accepting this loss of material,the Queen for the Knight and Bishop: Qxd5 16. Qxd5 c6 17. Qc5 cxb5 18.Rfe1 h6 19. Bd4 Rh7 20. Qxb5 Ne7 21. Bc5 Nd5 22. Bd6 Nc3 23. Qc5 Nxa2. The computer is right about Qxd5 being the better approach. I was thinkingQxd5, 16. Qxd5 c6 17. Qc5 cxb5 18. Bg5 Bf8 19. Qxb5 Ra6 20. Rfd1 Rc6 21.h4 h6 } 16. Nxc7+ { Black is going to lose the exchange with his Rook. But, worse, look at White's pieces amazingly coming to the fore to attackthe uncastled King. Black's lag in development has cost it big time. } 16... Kf8 { If Black's King went to d8, then White might respond 17 Bb6, Ne7;18. Rfb1, Nf5; 19 Rb3, Qe7 and 20 Nxa8+ and the Black King is back at e8. } 17. Nxa8 { White doesn't find anything better to do than take the Rook. } 17... Qxa8 { Black recaptures with it Queen. At the time of the game, I thoughtthat Black needed to do something else, but the computer does not showthis as an error. How about . . .d6 18 Nb6 Qa5 19. Nxc8 Qxb5 20. Nxd6Ne7 21. Rfd1 Nc6 } 18. Bc5+ Ke8 { The computer analysis calls Black's movea blunder, preferring d6. It's mate in 5 the analysis says: . . . Ke8 19. e6 Be5 20. exd7+ Bxd7 21. Qxe5+ Kd8 22. Bb6+ Kc8 23. Qct# The d6continuation goes this way per the computer: ... d6 19. Rfd1 Bh6 20. exd6Bd7 21. Bxd7 Bg5 22. Be8 Bd8 23. d7+ Ne7 24. Bxe7+ Bxe7 25. Re1 Bd8 26.Qb4+ Kg7 } 19. e6 { Black resigns as he sees mate on the horizon. Moralsof the story: 1) The Scotch game is fun (for White) 2) Develop, Develop,Develop 3) Jump on early move inaccuracies, here Black's Nf6 at move 5. } 1-0

[Event "A Day of Ups and Downs - Part 2"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.02.07"] [Round "-"] [White "cornishman"] [Black "jstevens1"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1772"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1757"] 1. e4 { Hi everyone! After I waved the white flag on my buddy Steve Ifound myself entering some conditional moves after finding myself in aK & P ending against a bare king. Luckily it was Hilary who found himselfwith the bare king - as he beat me in our first match - I was playing whitein that game I was sure chuffed to get my revenge on him! This, I am sure,will be of some benefit to members of the Coaching Club who may well encounterthis type of ending, so maybe some useful guidelines here. Anyhow, inthe early stages of it I found myself on the black side of a Ruy Lopez. } 1... e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 { 4. Bxc6 - of which he gave me the ExchangeVariation. } 4... dxc6 5. h3 Qd6 { 5. ..... Qd6 - Glenda makes tentative stepsinto the outside world. } 6. O-O Be6 7. b3 f6 8. Ba3 c5 { 8. ...... c5 -I decided to screen out that dsb's attack on Glenda. } 9. c3 Qd7 10. Nxe5 { 10. Nxe5?! - Hilary surprises me with a speculative sac. Subsequent play,however, proves this to be unsound. At the time he did get two pawns forhis piece though. } 10... fxe5 11. Qh5+ { 11. Qh5+ - aha, here comes the WickedWitch of the West on her broomstick and she immediately fixes her glareonto Henry. Glenda bravely steps out in front of her other half, aaah! } 11... Qf7 12. Qxe5 Bd6 { 12. ....... Bd6 - Fou Lenoir develops with a threat -he tries to eject the Witch out of my position but that white besom doesnot go far! } 13. Qg5 b6 { 13. ....... b6 - I now back up my advanced c pawn. } 14. d4 cxd4 15. Bxd6 cxd6 16. cxd4 { 16. cxd4 - so, after one pawn tradeand the disappearance of the two dsb's I am still a piece for two pawnsup, but that wretched Witch is still in my face. I still wish to castlekingside so I decided to move my queen rook to the d column and back upmy isolani on d6. } 16... Rd8 17. d5 Bc8 { 17. ..... Bc8 - forced to retreat FouLeblanc I still have no time to develop my king knight and get castled. } 18. Nc3 Nf6 19. e5 dxe5 20. Qxe5+ Qe7 21. Qd4 { 21. Qd4 - avoiding anotherinvitation to trade queens. I am still a piece for two pawns up and Ihave my eye on that dangerous looking white passer on the d column. Mynext plan is to round it up. } 21... Qd6 22. Rfe1+ Kf7 { 22. ...... Kf7 - oooh,I forgot to mention in my last note, I finally developed that horsie tof6 on move 18 to pave the way for castling. However, white had other ideaswith his last move - still, with the absence of white's lsb I can starta castling by hand manoeuvre by putting Henry on f7. } 23. Rad1 Rhe8 { 23...... Rhe8 - mission accomplished - although Henry is not on g8 I havebeen able to get my king rook on e8 so I am as good as castled by hand. That king rook now challenges white's king rook on the e column. } 24. Re3 Bb7 { 24. ...... Bb7 - Fou Leblanc redeploys himself on the a8-h1 diagonal. Let the round up begin! } 25. Red3 Re7 26. Na4 b5 { 26. ..... b5 - I musttake a little evasive action first though! } 27. Nc5 Bxd5 28. Qb4 { 28. Qb4- Fou Leblanc is now dangerously pinned - so how does Houdini Jo get outof that one? } 28... Qc6 { 28. ..... Qc6 - answer ..... move Glenda to c6, outof the pin and still defending (story of her life!) Fou Leblanc. Mindyou, white's g2 pawn now comes under fire. } 29. Qa3 Ra8 { 29. ...... Ra8 - to defend my a6 pawn. } 30. f3 Rc7 { 30. ..... Rc7 - suddenly the whitehorsie finds himself under fire from my heavies on the c column. } 31. Ne4 Bxe4 32. fxe4 { 32. fxe4 - I manage to trade under fire Fou Leblanc forwhite's knight. I now isolate white's f pawn once it moves onto the ecolumn. First, now that I am a piece for a pawn up I decided to forcea trade of queens thanks to the open a7-g1 diagonal. } 32... Qc5+ 33. Qxc5 Rxc5 34. Rd4 { 34. Rd4 - defending his isolani, but I will not take no for ananswer here! } 34... Re5 35. a4 bxa4 36. Rxa4 { 36. Rxa4 - a pawn trade. } 36... Rxe4 { 36. ...... Rxe4 - However, I am now in a position to nab the pawn on e5making me a clear piece up. } 37. b4 Re5 38. Rd6 Re6 39. Rd4 { 39. Rd4 -Hilary now makes pretty sure though that I have to work bally hard to earnthose 9 rating points. } 39... Rb8 40. Kf2 Rb5 41. g4 Rbe5 { 41. ..... Rbe5 - tryingto attack down the e column but it does not come off. } 42. Rf4 Ke7 { 42..... Ke7 - Henry sidestepps a pin. } 43. Rc4 Ne4+ 44. Kg2 { 44. Kg2 - pity- wouldn't it be nice (for me anyway) if white had played Nf3? Can youthe jury see why? } 44... Rb5 45. h4 h6 { 45. ..... h6 - this move is played tocreate a bolt hole for Henry while the two rooks are on the board - itwould help greatly if Henry was not subjected to annoying tempo-stealingchecks from the enemy rooks. } 46. Rc7+ Kf8 47. Ra7 Nf6 { 47. ..... Nf6 -this knight move triggers off some action on the queenside....... } 48. Kf3 Reb6 49. R4xa6 Rxa6 50. Rxa6 Rxb4 { 50. ...... Rxb4 - namely one pairof rooks and the two queenside pawns have disappeared from the board. Now the action is focussed solely on the kingside. How on earth can Iforce a win from here though? } 51. g5 hxg5 52. hxg5 { 52. hxg5 - hmm, runningout of pawns here, only one pawn left. Can I ensure this precious footmanstays on the board? I just hope I will not have to play out the 50 moverule with K + R + N v K + R. We shall see. I decided the safest courseof action was to place my attacked horsie on e8. } 52... Ne8 53. g6 Rd4 { 53. ....Rd4 - heading for d6. } 54. Ra7 Rd6 55. Rf7+ { 55. Rf7+ - fortunately thischeck turns out to be little more than a spite check. The pawn on g6 isdoomed. } 55... Kg8 56. Re7 Rf6+ { 56. ... Rf6+ - this rook move provides a spaceclearance for my knight to take his place on d6........ } 57. Ke4 Nd6+ { 57...... Nd6+ - ....... with check. } 58. Ke5 Rxg6 { 58. ..... Rxg6 - pawn ong6 duly drops, eureka! Now can I get my one and only precious pawn tothe place of Glendadom!? } 59. Rd7 Kh7 { 59. ...... Kh7 - hmm, so he is aftermy knight is he, well he is welcome to it because with my rook and knightdropping off in exchange for his rook I am left with K & P v bare king. At least I know I cannot lose the game, but can I win it? } 60. Rxd6 Rxd6 61. Kxd6 g5 { 61. ..... g5 - quick - march! } 62. Ke5 Kh6 63. Ke4 Kh5 { 63...... Kh5 - Henry must support the g5 pawn onwards and upwards. } 64. Kf3 Kh4 65. Kg2 Kg4 { 65. ..... Kg4 - Henry stays in front of my passer, nowthe white king cannot go forwards, only sideways and backwards. } 66. Kh2 Kf3 { 66. ..... Kf3 - ooops - I have just realised, Henry is the wrong sideof my passer. If I try and walk my pawn up to Glendadom I risk stalematingthe WK when my pawn reaches g3. I must therefore get Henry back onto theh file and try and get the WK off it. Luckily my opponent is very obliginghere! } 67. Kg1 Kg3 { 67. ...... Kg3 - I think this move is the clincherhere! } 68. Kh1 Kh3 { 68. ..... Kh3 - after going over the analysis boardat least two or three times I now set up some conditional moves. } 69. Kg1 g4 70. Kh1 g3 71. Kg1 g2 { 71. ..... g2 - and Hilary waves the white flag. He is in Zugzwang. Can you the jury see how? Anyhow, hope you have hada good read - bye for now - Joanne } 0-1

[Event "Strange Game Ends in Draw"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014.01.04"] [Round "-"] [White "klacsanzky"] [Black "1talalekin"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [BlackElo "1658"] [TimeControl "7 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1689"] 1. Nf3 b6 { Not a common response. Usually, black vies for the center with2.d5 or plays 2.Nf6. Here black wants to compete with my fianchetto setupwith one of his own. } 2. g3 Bb7 3. Bg2 Nc6 { I was a bit surprised at thismove. I mean, what about your kingside? But maybe black wanted to castlequeenside. But still, I think it would have been better to leave the diagonalopen and put the knight on d7 later. } 4. O-O f6 { Another odd move to me.Maybe black was thinking of preparing an early pawn storm against my king,but in that case, maybe f5 was better. } 5. d3 e5 6. Nbd2 h5 { Black madea lot of pawn moves and did not develop pieces. Well anyways. it definitelylooked like a pawn storm. } 7. e4 g5 { The pawn storm in full swing, butwas I afraid? Not in the slightest - because black had not really developedany pieces on the kingside. } 8. Nc4 { My plan was to open up my dark-squaredbishop and relocate my knight by Ne3-Nf5 with a nifty outpost. } 8... Bh6 { Well,black finally develops another piece, but just to defend. } 9. d4 { Sinceblack's king had not castled, I was trying to break open the center toget a few punches in his direction. And if that didn't work, I would applypressure on e5 and the center in general. } 9... Qe7 10. d5 { Misplacing theknight and blocking the diagonal for the bishop. } 10... Nb4 11. a3 Na6 12. Be3 d6 13. Nfd2 { A sneaky move. I discover an attack on h5 and plan to makean f4 advance to break up his position. } 13... Nb8 { Wants to relocate the knightwith good reason, but completely misses my discovery attack. } 14. Qxh5+ Kd8 { Black has no castling capacity, his pieces are dismal, and he doesnot have much in the way of counterplay. I got really confident at thispoint and believed the game to be set in stone as a win for me. Lesson:don't play ego games with yourself - just play your best until its over. } 15. Qe2 a5 { A really good move. Its his best way to counteract my position.Before he could try to scare away the knight with b5, but I have a sweetspot on a5. But now, with this move, my sweet spot is gone. At this point,I should have secured a place for the knight. But.... instead I thoughthe was merely gaining space and doing nothing. In other words, I got lazyand didn't thoroughly analyze as I should have. } 16. Rae1 { Preparing foran attack starting with f4 - it covers the e4 pawn after multple exchanges.But, as I mentioned, I completely forgot about my knight hanging.... overconfidencekills, my friends. } 16... b5 17. Nxd6 { I decide to take down something beforeI see the grave. } 17... cxd6 18. Bb6+ Ke8 19. Qxb5+ { Well, you might say thatit isn't all that bad for me. I got equal material and decent enough pieces.But really my position is awkward now, and black's situation is gettingbetter. } 19... Qd7 20. Qxd7+ { I exchange in light that I have three pawns fora piece, which can come in handy in the endgame, so I try to exchange piecesquickly. } 20... Nxd7 21. Be3 Ba6 22. c4 Rc8 23. Rc1 a4 24. Bh3 g4 { An interestingdecision. Black gives up a pawn to worsen my pawn structure and make mycircumstance a bit worse. I don't know if it is the most sound move, butit was reasonably effective against me. I am a bit of a pawn muncher andlove to secure slight advantages with extra pawns, so I was happy. } 25. Bxg4 Bxe3 26. fxe3 Rc7 27. Bd1 Nc5 28. Bc2 Rf7 29. Rf2 Nh6 30. h3 Ke7 31. Kg2 Rfh7 32. Rcf1 Ng8 { My attack does not have much merit - it is easilydefended, though it looks slightly pretty. } 33. h4 Rf7 34. Kh3 { A wasteof a move because.... } 34... Bc8+ 35. Kg2 Nh6 36. Nb1 Rhf8 { I don't have manyoptions at this point. I decide to see if my knight is better somewhereelse. } 37. Nc3 Bd7 38. Ne2 Nb3 39. Nc1 Ng4 40. Re2 Nxc1 41. Rxc1 { I wasglad that knight was gone, because it looked menacing. Black could haveplayed Rb8 instead of exchanging, but there is wasn't much reason for thepawn being on b3 anyways - it would probably become a target for attack. } 41... Rc8 42. Bd1 Rc5 { At this point, I definitely have a losing position.Black's knight on g4 is glorious, his c-file attack is annoying, and Ireally don't have much to counteract it all. } 43. Rc3 Nh6 44. Rf2 f5 { Iwanted to get rid of my doubled pawn, but exchanging on f5 would mean moreactivity for Black. } 45. Bc2 fxe4 46. Bxe4 Rxf2+ 47. Kxf2 Rc8 48. Ke2 Rb8 49. Rc2 Bf5 { A prudent move by black. This secures a great positionfor him and seeks to gain material. } 50. Kd3 { Another fault of mine. ClearlyKf3 would have been better, despite the pin on the rook, because I forgotabout this move.... } 50... Rb3+ { When black played this, I got a little depressed.I was up a pawn in a bad position, which had some chances for me. Now itlooked like I would be even in material with simply a poor position. Somehow,it completely slipped my mind that black could play this. } 51. Rc3 Rxb2 52. c5 { The only way I could create counterplay. } 52... Rb3 { But I got lucky.Black played an inaccurate move. Much better was pawn takes pawn, blackhaving tactics if I took on Rc5, i.e. 53. Rxc5 Rb3+ 54. Rc3 RxR winningthe bishop. If Black would have taken the pawn, I would not take it backimmediately. } 53. Rxb3 axb3 54. Bxf5 Nxf5 55. c6 b2 56. Kc2 Nxe3+ 57. Kxb2 Nxd5 58. h5 { Now the game is simplified, which is to my taste. I havethreats to promote a pawn on both sides of the board. Theoretically, itis either win or a draw for me at this point, so I got my confidence back. } 58... Kf6 59. a4 Nc7 60. Kc3 d5 61. a5 Kf5 62. g4+ { It would be nice to takethe pawn, but that would mean I would promote, as the King would lose therace and the knight can't compete in it. } 62... Kg5 63. Kd3 Na6 64. Ke3 Nc7 65. Kd3 { I tried for a while to see Black would make an inaccuracy, buthe did not. I offered a draw at this point, as I saw through analysis thatwe would be shuffling pieces for another 20 moves completing nothing. Astrange draw for sure - blunders, inaccuracies, and theoretically unsoundideas made for an odd game that somehow ended in a friendly way. } 1/2-1/2

[Event "nikolaos's mini-tournament "] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2011.10.07"] [Round "-"] [White "irvinlee85"] [Black "aditya_s017"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1646"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1655"] 1. e4 { Good thing I watched this guy's other games before we played. Ithelped me prepare for his unorthodox style of play. } 1... e6 { One would expectFrench opening here... } 2. d4 c6 { An unusual position here.. I actuallyexpected this since he did it in one of his previous games in the Mini-tournament. } 3. f4 { He didn't make his move to take the center, so I went on with it. } 3... h6 4. Nf3 { Preparing to castle king-side... } 4... Nf6 5. Nc3 Na6 { Bad move byblack... He gave me the perfect opportunity to take out his knight withoutlosing tempo, and weaken his pawn structure... } 6. Bxa6 bxa6 7. O-O Nh7 { Black here aims to take out my F pawn, and leave the G file semi-openso that he can place his rook @ G8 (which could give me a headache) } 8. a3 { This move was a preparation for b4. I wanted to have my black squaredbishop take the long diagonal, and move my knight on c3 all the way tog3 in preparation for a king side attack... } 8... g5 { dangerous move by black...now his king will have to stay in the middle of the board... } 9. Ne5 { NowI'm aiming for his f pawn. Things would grim for him if I am able to movemy queen to h5... } 9... Bg7 { Here, I actually thought about sacrificing my knightwith Nxf7 then Qh5+, followed by fxg5 which could look promising. But Idecided it was too risky since he can easily defend his king with Qe7,and placing his king @ g8. I know I would have had a much stronger positionat that point, but I thought it wasn't worth the risk. So I decided tobreak his center instead so that I can have my a rook help with the attacklater on. } 10. d5 Bxe5 11. fxe5 { black's f pawn (and thus his king) isin big trouble at this point. he certainly can't move it forward becauseQh5+ would give him a big problem. } 11... cxd5 12. exd5 Nf8 13. Qf3 { Black'sbest defense here would be Rh7, IMO... } 13... f5 { game over.. :) } 14. Qh5+ Ke7 15. d6# 1-0

[Event "Queen Sac"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "10-May-05"] [Round "-"] [White "feiqin"] [Black "dmaestro"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1562"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1557"] { This is an older game, with some interesting tactical points. } 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. d5 Ngf6 5. Nc3 c6 6. dxc6 bxc6 { Unusual line forwhite, black is fully defended. } 7. Bc4 Be7 8. O-O O-O 9. b3 Nb6 10. Qe2 Qc7 11. Rd1 Bb7 12. Bb2 Nfd7 13. Rd2 Nxc4 { The capture now gives blacka valuable tempo, black will shore up e5 and then push for d5! } 14. Qxc4 Nb6 15. Qe2 f6 16. Nh4 g6 17. Rad1 f5 { More solid is 17...Rd1 followedby d5..., here black hopes to get a central pawn majority rolling whiledefending the kingside. } 18. g3 Rad8 19. exf5 gxf5 20. Qh5 Bc8 21. Qh6 { This move only looks dangerous... } 21... Rf6 22. Qe3 Rf7 23. Nf3 Rg7 24. a4 Nd7 25. Ne2 Nf6 { Black is under pressure, wants to transfer the knightto the kingside to attack since white can play c4, but this plan opensBlack up to a tactical shot... } 26. Nxe5 { An interesting tactical shotwhich Black did not expect. Is is sound? It sure looks bad for black, butwe shall see... } 26... dxe5 27. Bxe5 { The plan is to remove the defending queen.It looks like White's combo has worked, but... } 27... Rxd2 { Necessary, and asurprise for White. If the rook recaptures, 28 ...Qb6 holds, since BxNis not met by BxB, but QxQ. } 28. Bxc7 { Takes the queen but this tradesthe queen and a couple pawns for two rooks and a piece, not promising. } 28... Rxd1+ 29. Kg2 c5 { Black wants to open up the diagonal and keep the whiteN off d4 } 30. Qf3 Ne4 { Keeps up the pressure. } 31. Ba5 Bd8 { Black triesto simplify to improve the rook's effectiveness. } 32. Nf4 { Hopes the discoveredattack on the Rook will turn the game around, but... } 32... Bb7 { The threat is33 ... Nd6, and neither 33 Kh3? Ng5 or 33 Qe2 Nc3 work, so white grabsthe rook. } 33. Qxd1 Nc3+ 34. Kg1 Nxd1 { Now b } 35. Bxd8 { Black has increasedthe advantage. } 35... Rd7 36. Ba5 Be4 37. c3 Kf7 38. h4 Bc2 39. b4 cxb4 40. cxb4 Bxa4 { The probing for weaknesses has netted another pawn } 41. Ne2 Bb5 42. Nc1 Nc3 43. Nb3 Bc6 { Black is after the king } 44. Nc5 { Loses quickly,f4 was necessary, but there is no hope left. } 44... Rd1+ 45. Kh2 Rh1# { A fittingend to a hard fought, tactical game. } 0-1

[Event "Challenge from keptov"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "03-Nov-06"] [Round "-"] [White "keptov"] [Black "guy04"] [Result "*"] [BlackElo "1790"] [TimeControl "6 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1628"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 Bg4 7. h3 Bxf3 8. Bxf3 e5 9. d5 Nbd7 10. Be3 Nb6 11. Qe2 Qd7 12. h4 h5 13. Bg5 Nh7 14. g4 Nxg5 15. hxg5 hxg4 16. Bxg4 Qe7 17. O-O-O Qxg5+ 18. Kb1 Nxc4 { Experience. Otherwise, the h and g columns opened are a good compensation for the loss of the white pawn. } 19. Qxc4 Qxg4 20. Qxc7 Rac8 21. Qxd6 Rxc3 { The whites had an 18th move in their head. This change of initiative camp. Is it enough for the exchange loss? } 22. bxc3 Qxe4+ 23. Ka1 { I believe that King in c1 was better. The king places himself in full on the diagonale of the black knight and even if for the moment it seems to be closed, it will open in grand soon. } 23... Qc2 24. Qc5 e4 25. Rc1 Qa4 26. Kb2 b6 27. Qa3 Qd7 28. Qb3 Rc8 { Alerte maximale pour le pion c. } 29. Rhe1 Qf5 30. Rc2 Rc5 31. Rd1 a6 { After this move, the white position becomes increasingly uncomfortable. } 32. a4 { Would it have been better to play 1. Rook? The white position remains difficult even after this move. } 32... b5 33. a5 { Here, King in a1 was probably the only move possible (or Queen ena3?). } 33... b4 { The king will now uncover everything. } 34. Kc1 { Tentatived�sesp�r�e du roi. } 34... Bh6+ 35. Kb1 bxc3 36. d6 { Good reflexes. I was wondering if the whites would have done better by trying this push more deeply. It would have been another game. } 36... Rb5 37. d7 Rxb3+ 38. Ka2 Qxa5+ 39. Kxb3 Bg5 40. Rxc3 { The time to evaluate the position. Blacks have a winning position but must be very attentive to the pawn of white. It must be under high surveillance as it can still flip the board completely. } 40... Qb6+ 41. Kc2 Qxf2+ { A pawn is a pawn. The blacks have now three passed pawns and this will greatly facilitate the win. } 42. Kb3 Qb6+ 43. Kc2 Bd8 { A critical move. You must prevent any attempt to push this pawn possibly. } 44. Rc8 Kg7 45. Rd2 f5 { The whites have abandoned their position a bit prematurely in my opinion. It would take only a moment of inattention and the game could still be lost. But it is clear that with the least bit of attention, the blacks will win. } *

[Event "Lesson: Don't take the 'cheater' troll bait."] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014.03.31"] [Round "-"] [White "[Redacted]"] [Black "kapak44"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1852"] [WhiteElo "1902"] 1. Nc3 c5 { So today I let my sensitive nature get in my way after I gotfired by a cheating accusation in the midgame. Basically, at around the45th move, my opponent (who've I've redacted the name in order to avoidthe 'naming and shaming game', though I'm happy to edit it back if theaccuser continues on) accused me of using a computer. I don't have theexact logs, which were deleted by him, but the conversation went somethinglike this: xxx: Your computer is very fast. xxx: That's right, no response.me: Wait what? me: You think I'm cheating? me: Why? xxx: Don't lie, onlyweak players use computers. me: I'm not cheating. xxx: Liar. me: Can youexplain to me why you think I'm cheating. At this point, my opponent deletedthe chat even after I asked him for an explanation, as I wanted to sortit out with him. So there was nothing left to do but block him. Anyway,I'm commenting this game, and I want to know from people whether my gamelooks like a computer, cause I sure as hell don't see it. } 2. e4 Nc6 { Firsttwo moves resembles the Dunst opening. } 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Nf3 e6 5. Qe2 d6 6. O-O Be7 7. d3 O-O { Basic development on my part... don't see any redflags. } 8. Bg5 a6 9. a3 h6 10. Bf4 Nd4 11. Nxd4 cxd4 12. Na2 Re8 13. e5 dxe5 14. Bxe5 b5 { Some exchanges go on, but I have a slight hold in thecenter. } 15. Qf3 Ra7 16. Bb3 Bd6 17. Rae1 Bxe5 18. Rxe5 Rc7 19. Qg3 Bb7 20. Rfe1 Bd5 21. Bxd5 Nxd5 22. Qf3 Qd7 23. Qxd5 exd5 { Here, my opponenttrades his queen for a rook and a knight. This is a high risk exchange,but I could be in quite a bit of trouble if he plays the extra pieces right.So, keeping my cool is imperative here. } 24. Rxe8+ Kh7 25. R8e2 Kg6 26. Nc1 b4 { I attempt to push forward here. If white takes my pawn, I believeI can return the favor soon enough. I basically want to weaken the defensehere. } 27. Nb3 bxa3 28. bxa3 Qa4 29. Ra1 Qc6 30. Rb1 { Nxd4 would have givenhim a free pawn. } 30... Qc3 { Getting in towards white's left. } 31. f4 Rb7 32. a4 a5 33. Rf1 Rb4 { Keeping the pressure on, trying not to let the extrarook and knight overwhelm the queen's advantage. } 34. f5+ { He could alsoget a free pawn by doing Nxf5. } 34... Kf6 35. Nxa5 Rb2 36. Nb3 Rxc2 37. Rxc2 Qxc2 38. Nc1 Qxa4 { Begin to gain more ground. } 39. Ne2 Qc2 40. Nf4 Kxf5 41. Nxd5+ Ke5 { I think it was around here, that I got accused by cheating,but I'm not sure. Anyway, I try to brush it off and move on, but the accusationbroke my concentration due to the flustering. Lesson: Don't take the 'cheater'troll bait. } 42. Nb4 Qb3 43. Nc6+ Kd6 44. Nxd4 Qb6 45. Rf4 Qc5 46. h3 g5 47. Rxf7 Qxd4+ { At this point, the game should be in the bag for me, butI begin to slip up from the growing weariness. } 48. Kh2 Qxd3 49. Rf6+ Kd5 50. Rxh6 Qd2 51. Rf6 Ke5 52. Rf1 Ke6 53. Kh1 Kd5 54. Kh2 Ke4 55. Rf6 Qc2 { I somehow grew the idea from my stressed mind to isolate the pawns toensure my victory, but I begin to overlook things. } 56. Rf3 Qc7+ 57. Kg1 Qc5+ 58. Kh1 g4 59. hxg4 Qg5 60. Rb3 Qxg4 { Here is where I made the fatalmistake. I should have just kept checking the king in order to promoteisolation. } 61. Rb4+ Kf5 62. Rxg4 Kxg4 63. Kh2 Kh4 64. g3+ Kg4 65. Kg2 Kg5 66. Kf3 Kh5 67. Kf4 Kg6 68. Kg4 Kh6 69. Kf5 Kg7 70. Kg5 Kh7 71. Kf6 Kh6 72. g4 Kh7 73. g5 Kg8 74. Kg6 Kh8 75. Kf7 Kh7 76. g6+ Kh8 77. g7+ { Atthis point, I vainly try to drag it out before I concede due to the inevitablequeen promotion. Lesson: Don't take the 'cheater' troll bait. I know thatcheater accusations are made to the great players in order to sometimesexploit their sensitive nature, but I let it get to me, which cost me thegame. I know this might sound pedantic, but I forgot the two basic rulesin correspondence chess: One, never play when you're stressed, and two,it's just a game in the end. Anyway, what would you have done if you wereaccused like I was? Should I have ignored him straightaway? Or tried torespond to defuse the situation? I'm open to ideas. } 1-0

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "31-Aug-07"] [Round "-"] [White "eddlad"] [Black "topazg"] [Result "*"] [BlackElo "1489"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1490"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 { Never really playedthe Najdorf before, but I need to have more of a repertoire than just theDragon on my black Sicilian play. } 6. Be2 e5 7. Nb3 Be7 8. O-O O-O { I'mnot overly keen on this for black. It's quite highly played in the database,and seems fairly even, but the d6 pawn seems to be a long term weaknessand development if anything slightly favours white. } 9. Be3 Be6 10. Qd2 Nbd7 11. a4 Rc8 12. a5 Qc7 13. Rfd1 { The d6 pawn is proving to be a realthorn in my side, and I am very restricted here... this does not seem agood choice of opening. } 13... Nc5 14. Nxc5 dxc5 15. Nd5 Bxd5 16. exd5 { Now whitehas a full passed pawn, and black has little compensation for it. Tornbetween Rd8 to threaten the d5 pawn, Bd6 to hold rank and improve queenmobility, and c4 to prevent white playing c4 first. I don't like c4 asI cannot easily defend it and it gives white the threat of Bb6. Bd6 allowsme to follow with Qe7 and Nd7 will allow me to start pushing back on thekingside. Rc-d8 lessens the defence on the c5 pawn, which cannot now havea pawn for support. Rf-d8 makes a later f5 pawn push less effective, andleaves the c8 rook with nowhere to go. In each of these cases white canjust play c4 and I have no threats. Bd6 with the intent of Qe7 and Nd7seems the only option, with hopefully an f4 push to follow. With the knightand bishop defending c5 and e5 the rooks should be free to get some actionagain. } 16... Bd6 17. c4 Qe7 18. Ra3 Nd7 { Desired development complete, it willbe interesting to see white's new plan. } 19. Bh6 { Seems odd - gxh6 is temptingwere it not for Qxh6 and Rg3 threats -- I'll play this one safe. } 19... f6 20. Rg3 { Ah, this is becoming clearer now. 21... Rf7 is intended, but 22. Bh5g6 23. Bxg6 hxg6 24. Rxg6 is not pleasant - I think it should be ok after24... Kh8 as the c8 rook and the f7 rook can activate very easily. } 20... Rf7 21. Bh5 g6 22. Bxg6 hxg6 23. Rxg6+ Kh8 24. Qe2 { 25. Qh5 seems the logicalprogression here, giving a nasty check with Bg7 . 24... Rh7 25. Qh5 Rg8seems to prevent 26. Bh7 , 26. Rg7, or 26. Rxg8 from bearing fruit, sothis is my aim for the defence of my corner. } 24... Rh7 25. Qg4 Qf7 26. Rd3 Rg8 27. Rxg8+ Qxg8 { The main mating problems are removed, but the danger isstill very great. 28. Qe6 looks like a big risk. 28... Qxe6 29. dxe6 isa huge risk, with the bishop and knight both hanging, and 28... Rxh6 29.Qxd6 seems full of threats against the black pawns and knight. } 28. Qh5 { This is a relief. Qf7 appears to relieve the big pressure on my piecesas the exchange just doesn't do white any favours. I still need to recoupthe pawn loss, as d5 and h2 are now both fully passed pawns, and the extraknight is going to have its work cut out if it gets that far, but thingsare looking better than they were. } 28... Qf7 29. Qh4 { Curious, white clearlydoesn't want the trade, but after Qg6 the risks are simply huge. the rookand bishop are hanging, and if the rook moves anywhere other than d1 thenQb1 is mate. This looks very good for back now. } 29... Qg6 30. Qh3 { Nice idea... if 30... Rxh6 then 31. Qxd7 is not nice.. However, 30... Qxh6 gainsmaterial and threatens mate - Exchange of Queens is now guaranteed. } 30... Qxh6 31. Qf3 { Protects the mate threat, but loses a pawn and the Queen exchangeis still guaranteed. } 31... Qxh2+ 32. Kf1 Qh1+ 33. Ke2 Qh5 { Game annotation forteam benefit -- } *

[Event "Gameknot Quick-play"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "22-1-2017"] [Round "-"] [White "Charles L Higgie"] [Black "mrfuddington "] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1926"] [TimeControl "5 Mins plus 10 seconds"] [WhiteElo "2064"] 1. d4 { This was only a quick play game, but leads to an interesting kingside attack. } 1... Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 { So it starts as a Nimzo-Indian Defence. } 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd3 c5 6. Ne2 d5 7. a3 Bxc3+ 8. bxc3 { This is all prettystandard. } 8... Na6 { But this is a bit unusual. As the knight doesn't have prospectsof going to b4 or c5 it doesn't look like a good square to me. } 9. O-O { I castle. } 9... b6 { He prepares to fianchetto his bishop. } 10. f3 { I prepareto advance in the centre. } 10... Bb7 { He completes the fianchetto and put anotherpiece attacking e4. } 11. Ng3 { and I put another piece attacking e4 too. } 11... Qc7 { He develops the queen. } 12. Qe2 { With the threat of taking on d5 andthen on a6. } 12... Nb8 { So his knight is more or less forced to retreat. } 13. cxd5 { I get rid of my doubled pawns. } 13... exd5 { He takes back. } 14. e4 { I advancein the centre. } 14... dxe4 { He takes. } 15. fxe4 { I take back. } 15... cxd4 { He takesagain. } 16. cxd4 { I take back. We now have a classic position - white hasthe good pawn centre, but black is attacking it. } 16... Rd8 { Black attacks itagain. } 17. Bb2 { I protect it again. } 17... Nc6 { He develops his knight - reallyhe has lost 2 moves playing it to a6 and back. } 18. Rac1 { I pin his knight. } 18... Qd7 { So he breaks that pin. } 19. d5 { I attack the knight. } 19... Na5 { The knightruns. OK so what would you play now dear reader? } 20. Rxf6 { I was so proudof this exchange sacrifice at the time. Fritz tells me however, it wasunnecessary and taking on f6 with the bishop is plus 12.94 to white, andsecond best move is Nf5. Fritz is wonderful at bringing you back to ground! } 20... gxf6 { The natural recapture, although Fritz doesn't think this is the bestmove. } 21. Bxf6 { This seems natural too, but Fritz prefers Nf5 or Nh5. } 21... Rdc8 { Moving his rook away from the attack and trying to exchange piecesdown the c file. I don't think I would have taken the rook though - I thinkmy bishop is better than a rook and should contribute to a winning attack.Fritz says whatever black does there is a forced mate from here. } 22. Qe3 { Again, a natural move, defending the rook and eyeing h6 but Fritz prefersQh5, just allowing the rook to go, but mating. Nf5 is Fritz's second favouritemove. } 22... Rxc1+ { He takes. } 23. Qxc1 { I take back. } 23... Qg4 { The best defence. } 24. Nf5 { Fritz says this is the best move. A knight fork on h6 is threatened,and if the black queen drops back to g6, there is another knight fork one7. } 24... Qh5 { Fritz prefers Rc8. } 25. Qf4 { Fritz gives this as best move, andmate in 8. } 25... Re8 { Black is mated soon whatever he plays. } 26. Nh6+ { So Iplayed this. } 26... Qxh6 { He took. } 27. Qxh6 { and with it being mate next move,he resigned. Many thanks for reading! Please rate the annotation on thestar system and leave a comment or two to let me know how I am doing. Untilnext time dear reader! } 1-0

[Event "Cool Knight Checkmate"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.03.22"] [Round "-"] [White "fatcat2"] [Black "roperage"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1422"] [TimeControl "7 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1424"] 1. d4 { Here is a very exciting sacrificial game I won recently. I playmy usual Queen Pawn. } 1... d5 2. c4 { My favourite opening for White, the Queen'sGambit. } 2... Nf6 { Black plays the Marshall Defence, as after 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.e4or 3.cxd5 Qxd5 4.Nc3 then 5.e4 White has superior central control. } 3. cxd5 Qxd5 4. Nc3 Qa5 5. Bd2 { Preparing a cheap discovered attack on Black'squeen. I am hoping that this may gain me an extra tempo later in the opening. } 5... e6 6. e4 Bb4 { OK, no more cheap discovered attack threats. } 7. Bd3 { Atthe moment, I have hopes for e5 to scare the knight away and then a niceGreek Gift Bxh7+!...provided Black castles kingside. } 7... O-O { Excellent <evillaugh> } 8. Nf3 { Preparing the classic Greek Gift checkmating sequence. } 8... c5 9. e5 { Mission accomplished. No way to prevent Bxh7+. } 9... Nh5 10. Bxh7+ { BOOM } 10... Kh8 { !?!?! Snubbed!! I almost consider it bad form to decline sucha stylish sacrifice, into which a player has put so much thought! It'stime to punish Black for this temerity. } 11. Ng5 g6 { The bishop can't escape...butit's doing a perfectly good job there anyway. } 12. g4 { PAWN STORM!! Timeto call in the endless legions...with tempo. } 12... Ng7 13. h4 { The second legionnairejoins the tortoise formation. } 13... cxd4 14. Nce4 { Another unit is coming tohelp with the attack. The only problem with this is that it allows Blackto exchange bishops and queens, thereby weakening White's assault, butI decided that White's powerfully placed minor pieces and pawns, with rookscoming in soon to help, could still win the day. } 14... Bxd2+ 15. Qxd2 Qxe5 { Apawn grab...giving rise to a beautiful forced tactic. } 16. Qb4 { Attackingthe rook. If the rook moves, 17.Nxf7+ wins Black's queen. If Black defendsit... } 16... Nd7 17. Qxf8+ Nxf8 18. Nxf7+ { ...White wins rook for bishop. } 18... Kxh7 19. Nxe5 b6 { Ooops! After all he has been through, Black falls victim toa stylish forced checkmate: } 20. Nf6+ Kh8 21. Nf7# { Cavalry power winsthe day. 20...Kh6 21.g5# is equally stylish. } 1-0

[Event "neilskye's 1st thematic (Sicilian)"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "09-Oct-07"] [Round "-"] [White "mybookrunsdeep"] [Black "mrhazizi"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1634"] [TimeControl "3d+1d, 5d max"] [WhiteElo "2106"] 1. e4 { I am not an e4 player, but as this is a thematic Sicilian, and Iam a Sicilian devotee for life, I jumped in feet first. This game featuresa Shveshnikov Sicilian, which my opponent plays well in the beginning,however, loses the thread and his game quickly falls apart. The matingattack at the end is quite amazing. } 1... c5 2. Nf3 { Just your typical openSicilian. } 2... d6 { Not your typical approach to the Shvesh! 2...Nc6 is seenmore. We will transpose, however, as neither of us apparently were concernedwith any advantage that the move order might have conveyed. } 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 { More typical is 4...Nf6 followed by ...g6 or...e6, with a Dragon or Sheveningen respectively. } 5. Nc3 { I didn't wantto commit the dark-squared bishop just yet, as Black still has the optionof playing the Classical set up with ...Nf6, and I wanted to be able toenter the Rauzer with Bg5. } 5... e5 { A hypermodern choice! This anti-positional'looking' move has become a great favorite of mine. Named after its discoverer,Evgeny Shveshnikov, this move weakens the d6-pawn, creates an outpost forWhite on d5 and keeps the Black dark-squared bishop hemmed in. So whyplay it? Because of the imbalance of dynamic chances versus structualdisadvantage. Black will typically have the initiative. Black will alsotypically have the two bishops. These two factors go a long way in therespectability of this opening. Some of the top level players who haveemployed this system: Topalov, Kramnik, Leko, Carlsen, Shirov and Radjabov. } 6. Ndb5 { Although, the Black knight is on f6, rather than the black pawnon d6, we slide right back into the main lines. } 6... a6 { This shouldn't needexplanation. } 7. Na3 Nf6 8. Bg5 { Beginning play against the d5-square. In many lines White will give up the two bishops to gain control overd5. If Black is ever allowed to play ...d5, then White has problems equalizing. } 8... Be7 { This is the first positional mistake. Although, we can still getback to the main lines after 9. Nd5 b5, I decide to cash in on my opponentsstrategic inaccuracy. More typical and best is 8...b5; 9. d5 Be7, whenWhite's best move is 10. Bxf6. } 9. Bxf6 Bxf6 10. Nd5 { It's stillnot too late to get to the main line after 10...b5. This keeps the Whiteknight on a3 out of c4. White will then have the option of c3 (the betterof the two) and c4, intending to play Nc2 and Nce3 to cement control ofd5. Black can then attempt an ...f5 break. } 10... O-O { Leaving the c4 squareopen, however, I played a little too automatically, and again allowed myopponent to get back to the main lines. } 11. c3 { A slight inaccuracy onmy part. The immediate Nc4 is better. } 11... Bg5 { This was the last chance toplay ...b5 under favorable circumstances. This move is typical of theShvesh as it activates the bishop and gets out of the way of a possible...f5. If Black had a pawn on ...b5, he would be golden! } 12. h4 { A veryweakening move, which is probably not as good as the simple 12. Nc4. Iwas getting a little ambitious here and got lucky that I didn't get punishedlater on. If ...b5 were in, there would be no way I would play this move. } 12... Bh6 { I wasn't really planning g4, as I have seen in other Shvesh's, andit's not even really a threat, as Black will often play ...g6 before ...f5. On h6 the bishop can scoot back to g7 if necessary. Since Black can beatany attack, I decided to improve my position in other ways. By gettingmy problem knight into the game via c4 and b6. } 13. Nc4 { This knight alsopressures d6. } 13... f5 { Black gets his play underway without hesitation. Anadmirable plan, but now I win the d6-pawn. } 14. Ndb6 { Preparing to exchangeoff one of Black's bishops and uncovering a double attack against the backwardd6-pawn. } 14... Rb8 { ...Be6 was desperate, but maybe it's a bit better. } 15. Nxc8 Rxc8 { Now the c4 knight has its day in the sun! } 16. Nxd6 Rc7 17. Nxf5 { Two pawns up, but my development is really bad and myking doesn't look like it will be safe anywhere. I have to evaluate thisas a clear plus for White though. Black really has no way to get at theWhite king and my pieces will come out quickly. That knight on f5 is abeast too. } 17... Qf6 18. Bc4+ { Development with tempo. } 18... Kh8 19. Qd6 { The exchange of queens only favors White here. Not only does it makemy king safer by eliminating a potentially dangerous attacker, but it alsomakes the material imbalance more decisive in any endgame that might arise. } 19... Qxd6 20. Nxd6 { Black's pieces are really uncoordinated. } 20... Rd7 { He cantry to occupy the d-file, however, after my next move followed by Ke2,I should be able to liquiate the rooks and transpose into a won ending. } 21. Rd1 g6 { This looks like an attempt to reroute the bishop. } 22. h5 { Italso gives me a chance to open the h-file against the king. } 22... g5 { Prettymuch forced. Just a few moves ago, White was almost completely undeveloped,now even the h1-rook can be considered developed. It can also seek greenerpastures via h3 if necessary. } 23. Be6 { Trying to force the rook off ofthe d-file. } 23... Re7 24. Bb3 Rf6 { If 24...Rd7; 25. Nf5 Rxd1; 26. Kxd1 Rd8 ;27. Ke2 Bf8; 28. Rd1 liqudates the rooks and the Knight of f5 dominatesthe bishop. } 25. Nf5 { The plan is to play Rd5, Ke2 and Rhd1 and Rd8 willlead to mate, if Black doesnt make room for the king or guard the backrank. The rook will then penetrate to the 7th rank in any case. } 25... Rxf5 { A little extreme, but that knight was worth close to a rook. } 26. exf5 Bg7 { This is the final mistake, which unleashes a fatal attack. } 27. h6 Bf8 28. Rh5 { Threatening to play Rxg5, when mate is looming on g8. } 28... Re8 { Now capturing the g-pawn can be met with Bxh6. } 29. f6 { Again the ideais to play f7 and Rxg5, followed by Rg8. } 29... Nd8 30. Rd7 b5 { Black is completelyhelpless. } 31. Rg7 { The rook can't be taken because of hg#. } 31... Ne6 32. f7 { Here Black resigns. He is mated by force after 32...Nxg7; 33. hxg7 Kxg7;34. fe=Q and it's mate in a couple of moves. Thanks to my opponent. } 1-0

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014.01.25"] [Round "-"] [White "mikegene"] [Black "reachforgoals"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1200"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1227"] 1. Nc3 { I am trying a new opeaing } 1... Nc6 { 4 knight opening } 2. Nf3 { same } 2... Nf6 { same } 3. e4 { moves pawn } 3... e5 { same } 4. Bb5 { bishop } 4... Bb4 { same } 5. Qe2 { queen moves } 5... O-O { castle queen side } 6. Nd5 { moves knight } 6... b6 { moves pawn } 7. Ng5 { moves knight } 7... Nxe4 { same } 8. Nxe4 { same } 8... Nd4 { same } 9. Qd3 { movesqueen } 9... Nxb5 { moves knight } 10. Qg3 { moves queen } 10... Nd4 { moves knight } 11. Nxb4 { same } 11... Nxc2+ { same } 12. Nxc2 { same } 12... Ba6 { moves bishop } 13. Nb4 { knight } 13... c5 { pawn } 14. Nxa6 { takes bishop } 14... c4 { pawn moves } 15. d3 { same } 15... cxd3 { same } 16. Qxd3 { +7 } 16... b5 { pawn moves } 17. Ng5 { knight moves } 17... e4 { pawn moves } 18. Qh3 { queen moves } 18... b4 { pawn moves } 19. Qxh7# { checkmate i lost I am black } 1-0

[Event "Challenge from just_some_guy"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "09-Apr-08"] [Round "-"] [White "chilzwilz"] [Black "just_some_guy"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1285"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1196"] { this game will teach you never to resign if you have a chance still. } 1. Nc3 { a very slow opening in my book } 1... e5 { if white does not want thecenter i will take it. } 2. a3 { still kinda slow } 2... Nf6 3. h3 { my knight wasnot going to g4, but you do not have time for this. } 3... d5 4. f3 { black islitery asleep } 4... Bd7 5. e3 { zzzz } 5... Qe7 6. d4 { finally a fight for the center,but so many pawn moves, they do not go back. } 6... e4 7. f4 { closed center,is fine with me i am way ahead in developement } 7... Nc6 8. g4 h6 9. f5 { i wantedto have a back door for the knight } 9... h5 { trying to break the rook out } 10. g5 Ng8 11. Nxd5 Qd6 12. c4 { damn these pawns are actually becoming a burden } 12... Bxf5 13. Qa4 Rc8 14. Nc3 { i see the check but want to secure things first } 14... Ne7 15. c5 Qg3+ { now its time. } 16. Kd1 Ng6 17. Bd2 h4 18. Nge2 Qf3 { myqueen is in paradise. } 19. Rg1 Be7 { attacking the pawn and making roomif i need to casle } 20. Bg2 Qh5 { gotta keep the pin } 21. Bxe4 Bxh3 22. Kc2 Bxg5 23. d5 Bd7 24. d6 O-O { goot run for my life here this is lookingvery bad } 25. Nd5 { *please note i see the discoverd check but i know itis futuile at this point, the queen only takes my knight and i gain nothing* } 25... Qxe2 { thx for the knight } 26. Rae1 Nd4+ { i have no choice but to this checknow. } 27. Qxd4 Qf2 28. Rxg5 Be6 29. Ne7+ Kh8 { knight takes knight leadsto mate } 30. Bxg6 cxd6 31. Nxc8 Rxc8 { now i am way behind but i still havemy queen. } 32. Qxd6 b5 33. Rh5+ { oh my this is bad. } 33... Kg8 34. Bh7+ { wellhe gets a free discoverd. } 34... Kh8 35. Bd3+ { i am so glad my queen is on black } 35... Kg8 36. Bxb5 { he got a pwn for his discovery. whew } 36... g6 { push the rook outi hope } 37. Rh6 Qf5+ 38. e4 Rxc5+ { i am gonna go for broke } 39. Kd1 Qg4+ 40. Be2 Bb3# { i got lucky and fell into a pile of shit, i came out witha leather coat. } 0-1

[Event "The Draw that was a WIN!! No more draw offers!!!"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.06.25"] [Round "-"] [White "??????AJ"] [Black "nieh"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1493"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1500"] 1. e4 { I had many names for this game. The Double Queened Pawn endgame,Why never to offer a Draw, Good endgame, the importance of planning inthe end game..... Normal openings etc, I accept there might have beenmistakes but the important part starts at move 36. Josh Waitzkin is anavid believer not to always trust what a stronger player sees when he offersa draw. In this case I offered the draw to a stronger player and he rejectedit. The draw would cost him 0.1Points - the loss cost him 10.1!!!! } 1... e5 2. f4 Nc6 3. Nf3 f5 4. Nc3 fxe4 5. Nxe4 d5 6. Nf2 e4 7. Ne5 Nf6 8. Bb5 Bd7 9. d4 exd3 10. Nfxd3 Nxe5 11. fxe5 Bxb5 12. exf6 Qxf6 13. Rf1 Qh4+ 14. g3 Qe7+ 15. Qe2 O-O-O 16. Bf4 Qe4 17. Be3 Bb4+ 18. Kd1 Rde8 19. Rf4 Qxe3 20. Qxe3 Rxe3 21. Nxb4 c6 22. Rf2 Rhe8 23. Kd2 a5 24. Nd3 Bxd3 25. cxd3 R8e7 26. Raf1 Kd7 27. Kc3 b5 28. b4 a4 29. a3 Re2 30. h4 Rxf2 31. Rxf2 h5 32. Kd4 Kd6 33. Rf5 g6 34. Rf6+ Re6 35. Rxe6+ Kxe6 { Here I offeredthe draw to my opponent, even being a pawn up I though this would end ina draw, I possibly did not calculate far enough or missed something. Atbest I could only see him getting out with a draw - I saw my oponent couldplay 36. Kc5 Kd7 37. Kb6 Kd6 38. d4 (waisting a move, defendingc5 and forcing my king away) Kd7 39. Kc5 Kc7 - Which would be stalemateor Kb7 which he played followed by Kd6 40 Kb6 and it would end in 3 folddraw as c5 Quickly loses the game. } 36. Kc5 { My oponent rejected the offerand proceeded as planned - but I was worried what I had missed...... Ke3Kd6 d4 might have been better for white? } 36... Kd7 { Planned } 37. Kb6 { Planned } 37... Kd6 { Planned } 38. d4 { Planned } 38... Kd7 { Planned } 39. Kb7 { Planned } 39... Kd6 { Planned } 40. Kc8 { ????? This was the losing move - he had the draw!! Suddenly withhis king on c8, there is not enough defence on c5, so like the GPS systemsays - RE-Calculating!!!! I saw he handed me the win on a platter eventhough he possibly thought he would run over and queen on the g or h file. } 40... c5 { So I pushed the pawn to open the way } 41. bxc5+ { Still under controlas he forces me to block his king away from the action } 41... Kc6 { No way backinto the action } 42. Kd8 { He only has Kd8 or Kb8 -With G4 I could chooseto take or let him take } 42... b4 { Opening the way } 43. axb4 { He takes and opensthe runway for the A pawn } 43... a3 { Pushing to get the Queen - I saw the nextmoves and new It was all winning for me } 44. b5+ { Expected } 44... Kxb5 { planned } 45. Kd7 { His way back in, but it is to late } 45... a2 { Pushing } 46. c6 { expected } 46... a1=Q { No he has trouble } 47. c7 { now i have trouble } 47... Qa7 { saw this comming } 48. Kd8 { planned } 48... Qa8+ { planned } 49. c8=Q { planned - to simplify the gamewhen calculating } 49... Qxc8+ { planned } 50. Kxc8 { Now we are at the start againequel pawns - I am closer to the action though as he has to run Georgeover to g6 - he cant stop the d pawn falling } 50... Kc4 { Planned } 51. Kd7 { Planned } 51... Kxd4 { Planned } 52. Ke6 { Planned - Ke7 would be a mistake here as it wouldleave Ke 5 } 52... Ke4 { Planned } 53. Kf6 { Planned } 53... d4 { Planned - here I couldalso play 53. Kf3 Kxg6 54. Kxg3 Kxh5 then push the pawn and he has to waisteKg5 for instance to open the way - I chose not to waiste the time as hehad to take both pawns before moving } 54. Kxg6 { Planned } 54... d3 { Planned } 55. Kxh5 { Planned } 55... d2 { Planned } 56. g4 { Possibly blocking the resulting checkfrom the Queening move - this could also work with Kg5 } 56... d1=Q { Planned andhere I knew it was mine to through away - it is hard to queen 2 pawns withconstant checks, I knew there would be a way to get his king away fromthe pawns and I had 4 ranks to do so } 57. Kg5 { Only move - but if 56. Kg5then he could now play either g4 or h5 } 57... Qf3 { Preparing for the end - Iknew he would not leave the pawn and had only Kh5 or h5 Kh5 would leadto Qf7+ and would also drive the king away from the pawns eventually } 58. h5 { Planned } 58... Qf4+ { He will still not leave the pawn } 59. Kh4 { Planned } 59... Qf6+ { Planned - here he had Kg3 or g5 - 60. g5 Qf4 loses both pawns whenthe king vacates the 4th rank } 60. Kg3 { the end is near } 60... Qg5 { Here my oponentresigned - He only had h3 to defend the pawn - the end would be 61. Kh3Kf4 62. Kh2/g2 Qxg4 and it is all lost. Just goes to show even whenthere is no way out but the draw your opponent can always still give youthe game!!! } 61. Kh3 Kf4 62. Kh2 Qxg4 0-1

[Event "Bring it..."] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "02-Aug-07"] [Round "-"] [White "derjoker"] [Black "shambobala"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1498"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1541"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 { ...looking for a typical Najdorf...pet opening i'mtrying to absorb...Can you ever learn it all ??!!! } 3. Bc4 e6 4. Nc3 g6 5. d4 cxd4 6. Qxd4 { ...white is distinctly ahead in development...and mystructure is going to get a bit loose.... } 6... f6 7. O-O Nc6 { ...at last somepiece into play...but white is well ahead still... } 8. Qd3 Bg7 9. Re1 a6 { ...alot of pawn moves early but this one is going to gain a temp laterwith b5. need to scoot to 0-0 asap !! } 10. a3 { ..this wastes a tempo ithought. Be3 might have been better and connect the rooks, also preventingQb6 } 10... Nh6 { ...aiming for f7 and 0-0, white should chop here and i expectedthis...but... } 11. h3 { ..another wasted tempo...black is now edging toa solid position...not good for white in a Sicilian...(to my limited knowledge! ) } 11... Nf7 12. b4 b5 13. Bb3 Qe7 { ..get out of the firing line...expectinga rook to come to d1 in the very near future.... } 14. a4 { ..mistake i thought...i'lltake the pawn though..! } 14... Nxb4 15. Qd4 Nc6 16. Qb6 Nfd8 17. axb5 { ..whitehas threats but its bye bye Queen for the mo.. } 17... Rb8 18. Qe3 axb5 19. Bb2 O-O { ..at last... } 20. Rad1 { ..now i did say something about Rd1... } 20... b4 21. Na4 Nf7 { ...need to shore up d6 first... } 22. Nb6 { ...a neat littletrap is being set here if not spotted...could be a Queen for 2 bishopsif Ra1 after this move... } 22... Ba6 23. c3 { ...and white did not spot the sneakylittle move....Bh6 ! Winning a piece and pawn for nothing... } 23... Bh6 { ...somissus....is that your Nb6 hanging...? } 24. Ng5 Bxg5 25. f4 { ...earlierwhite had to get the Nf3 to d2, to avoid this trap... } 25... Bxf4 { ...so whitesQueen, Knight and pawn & then 2 bishops(Rxb6 & bxc3) are now under realthreat within 2 moves...nicely done... } 26. Qxf4 Rxb6 27. cxb4 Rxb4 { ...blackis about to win another piece should white think of Bxf6..... } 28. Bxf6 Qa7+ { ..check it out ....! Now winning the piece with Qe3 (forced) andRxc3 } 29. Qe3 Rxb3 30. Qxa7 Nxa7 31. Be7 { ...i can let black take the rookand have less pieces to deal with...also, if Bxd6, Rd8 follows. } 31... Nc6 32. Bxf8 Kxf8 { ..thanks... } 33. h4 Nce5 34. Ra1 Rb6 { ..keep it solid for themoment until.... } 35. Kf2 { ..an unexpected gaff...probably rushed...asnow....its curtains.... } 35... Nd3+ { ...white is 2 pieces and a pawn down...sotis time to go...!! A good game, white started very well...and might havepressed home a better advantage (a3 & h3 were costly in giving me a tempoor 2...) } 0-1

[Event "Blitz and blunder"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "anonymous"] [Black "Pierre99"] [Result "*"] [BlackElo "1200"] [TimeControl "Blitz 3 min +3"] [WhiteElo "2150ish"] { This game should have been a far easier win for one of us than it was.it's not terribly complicated; I hope you enjoy this 68 move game. } 1. e4 { Kramnik once said only a fool annotates Blitz games... I guess I'ma fool! But I do learn from them. I suppose the really strong players don'tlearn much from them, hence his comments. } 1... c6 { Kramnik is right about onething: unless your mind is like a computer, analyzing long variations inBlitz is useless in the sense that blitz is inherently inaccurate to beginwith, and thinking time during play limited. But I privately bet that Kramnikhas analyzed at least some of his own Blitz games he's lost, just to seewhere he went wrong - provided it wasn't immediately apparent. It's somuch fun to watch those great players play! } 2. d4 d5 { Caro-Kann. Whichis what I usually play as black as I do here. } 3. Nc3 dxe4 { I always takeif white doesn't advance the pawn. It makes for a boring game often enough,but as black, boring is easier to equalize... isn't it? ;) } 4. Nxe4 Bf5 { All book so far... } 5. Bd3 { This move is one I hadn't seen before, forwhatever reason; normally I see Ng3 in this position. } 5... e6 6. Nf3 Nf6 { Fritzthinks this is the best move... I made it. Later, I didn't like it. } 7. Nxf6+ Qxf6 { I don't like this position. I don't like my queen being outso early, even though it appears to be perfectly safe. it just seems awkwardlyplaced. } 8. O-O Bg4 9. Be2 Qd8 { Fritz says that this is a mistake, butdo I really want my queen out without my other pieces leading the way?No. No. No! I don't. Did I say no enough times?? } 10. c4 { White has a dominatingcenter right now, and there will be good pressure on the queenside in amoment. } 10... Be7 11. Qb3 Qb6 { I think black is pretty solid here; but whitehas more space and is putting pressure on black in a couple ways. So hereI am acknowledging this by offering a queen trade with the disruption ofmy queenside pawns as a result in order to alleviate that pressure whichI don't like. c5 is not likely because of the weak pawn it would createon d4, but I still don't like the queenside. } 12. h3 Bh5 13. Bf4 { Tradingfor black's knight is not white's main intent here; I believe it is simplywhite completing his development. His other choice was Be3. It may be that...g5 could induce white to take the knight. But disrupting my kingsidepawns in this fashion seemed dubious when the only compensation would bewhite losing the bishop pair. } 13... Qxb3 { This is actually a bit of a mistakeon my part now; but I was really worried about all of white's pieces pointingat the queenside. Nevertheless, it gives white opportunities on the half-opena file that could be really useful for white. } 14. axb3 Nd7 { With a largelead in development, white begins attacking. } 15. Ra5 { With tempo, even.My bishop is hanging... rather easy to see isn't it. With Rfa1, after movingthe bishop, I'm not sure what progress white will make on the queenside,but I don't like it. During the game, I was fixated so much on that queensidethat guess what... } 15... b6 { ...I neglect to notice my hanging bishop. I ammoving very quickly, and am too focused on that queenside! I played inmy first tournament of over-the-board chess for 'National Chess day', andended up playing someone who had a fide rating close to 2200... the tournamentwasn't fide official, but his rating was and he is very well known in myarea. Anyways, well into a complicated midgame I had at least a draw withwinning chances had I seen a certain bishop move, but in that game tooI got too focused on one part of the board. This is something I'll workon. I believe it's why many at that level get up from the board and walkaround; they're not all thinking on combinations I'd bet. I'd bet they'redoing it to clear their mind and when they sit back down, they see theboard how it is since they have to notice the move that was made. Oh, Imay annotate that game here; I think it would be fun for some of you toanalyze! } 16. Rxh5 { So there you have it; a colossal blunder on my partto a good opponent. Most would resign here I imagine, but the game is yetyoung; I decide to play on... besides... } 16... c5 17. dxc5 Nxc5 { ...that onerook is now cut off from the queenside and white never gets anything goingover on the queenside the rest of the game. Interestingly enough, black'sposition is rather solid despite being a piece down. Notice I took on c5with the knight and not the bishop, inviting the next few moves. } 18. b4 { I had hopefully anticipated all of these upcoming moves, because I wantedto create a weakness on b4. I get my wish. It's interesting that whitechose to worry about that one pawn, instead of immediately pushing hardsince he was a piece up. But because he did worry about that pawn, it enabledme to reposition my pieces advantageously, because his pieces are not yetworking together well. } 18... Na4 19. b3 Nc3 20. Be5 { My opponent returns thefavor of a 'colossal blunder'. He must not have noticed I would take thebishop with tempo, and had his own tunnel vision going on. Perhaps he waswilling to win the two pawns for the bishop. Perhaps he was thinking I'dnaturally castle here. } 20... Nxe2+ { But taking with tempo saves my kingsidepawns, and from this point, white never recovers. } 21. Kh1 f6 22. Bb2 { Fortuitoushow things sometimes work out. I had not planned this position out; whiteshould not have allowed it. } 22... Bxb4 { Fritz thinks 22. Re1 would have beenmuch better for white. 22 ...Nf4 would have been more accurate for black.Instead, these two moves are what we do. I grab the pawn, intending Nc3at some point soon. } 23. Rh4 Rd8 24. Re4 Nc3 { Nc3 it is then. Now Fritzthinks white should take the knight, but white likes that diagonal toomuch to part with it. } 25. Rxe6+ Kf7 26. Rfe1 { I could force some rooktrades, but wouldn't that be rather boring. White could try to see if I'daccept a draw here, but instead... } 26... Rd7 27. R1e3 { ... he tries to makesomething of his seemingly superior position. But he goes about it thewrong way! 27. Re3?? } 27... Nd1 { ...Nd1! Well no exclamation, but the ?? on white'smove belongs; it is a losing move that white could resign with so few piecesleft on the board. } 28. Re2 { Wanting to keep the rook rather than justtake the loss on the exchange, white worsens the situation because... } 28... Nxb2 { ...the knight is immune. Black has an insurmountable advantage now,err.. umm... providing I don't blunder again. I don't. ;) } 29. R6e4 Nd3 30. Nd4 a5 { Solidifying the black position. I am conscious that my opponenthas had a lot of success in rated games. So before pushing forward, I decidefirst to limit any counterplay, as much as I could anyways. } 31. Nf3 Bc5 32. Kh2 { White would have had to deal with Nxf2 had the king stayed onh1. Kg1 may have been better here, despite subjecting the pawn to a pin,if nothing else but to safeguard that pawn. } 32... Bxf2 { A pawn's a pawn. Sincethis one was left for the grabbing, why not. I'm sure I had better here,and Fritz indicates that to be the case. But, as Kramnik alludes too, Blitzis inherently inaccurate. } 33. Rc2 Bc5 34. Ree2 { It would appear whiteis trying to position for defense and hoping to find tactical possibilitiestoo, but rather out of the midgame and a piece down, it's very difficultfor white. } 34... Nb4 35. Rc1 Rhd8 36. Rb1 Bd6+ { This is an attempt to get theking on the back row and my bishop to g3. Rather transparent, white preventsthat... but... } 37. g3 { ...now the white king is more exposed. Either way,I am happy with how that turned out; whether I can take advantage of itor not, white's king will have to be careful with so many pieces stillon the board. } 37... Bc5 { I get the bishop back out of the way for the time being.My knight is not in a rush to get to a more useful square just yet. I'dlike to get rid of one of the white rooks. } 38. Rf1 { Threatening Ne5+,winning the exchange. Sometimes in Blitz things like that are not so easyto spot... but this time I prevent the fork. } 38... Rd1 { All I need to do asblack to win is simply trade pieces; a basic premise when one is aheadespecially against a good opponent. } 39. Ng5+ { White checks me anyways,but without a fork on the rook. hence Ng5 instead of Ne5. } 39... Kg6 { And becauseof my rook on the first rank, and white's knight enprise as well, I getanother wish: simplifying further. } 40. Rxd1 Rxd1 41. Ne4 { I wouldn't mindparting with the bishop, but not just yet! Here's why, obviously enoughto most of you: it would be at the expense of my queenside pawn structureAND the bishop is still useful for limiting the white knight, until I repositiona few things. So I decline to trade it here. } 41... Be7 42. Nf2 Rd7 { That wasforced. } 43. Rb2 { For the last several moves, white has been strugglingto find meaningful counterplay. With my extra piece, I have been able tothwart his efforts. I've been careful; remember, he's played a lot of ratedgames with a lot of success. So I carefully maneuver until my king canjoin more in the action. I mean, things on the queenside are static; soI have to get my king into the game, so nothing is ceded. } 43... Bc5 44. Ne4 Be7 45. Nf2 Kf7 { I am now willing to trade that dark-squared bishop forthe knight. } 46. h4 Nd3 47. Rd2 Nc5 { I wanted my knight here, and thoughtwhite would move his rook back to b2. But to my surprise, he traded whiledown a piece. This is not advisable, even though Fritz would have donethe same thing. } 48. Rxd7 { But white decides this helps him. I don't thinkso, because now the 'percentage' I'm ahead has gone up, even if the pointdifference remains the same. } 48... Nxd7 49. Nd3 Bd6 { Limiting the knight again.From here, it's academic. If you're really bored you can watch this tothe end, but there's nothing really interesting to see, except for twothings, an inaccuracy by me on move 59, and my choice of strategies tocomplete the win. Otherwise the play is rather :ahem: ...boring. But, thanksfor checking this out, to whatever degree! ;) } 50. Kh3 Ke6 { My plan isto lock up the kingside, force concessions/material advantages on the queensidewith my extra pieces, advance my king in the center and force white todefend both flanks until his position is so untenable that even he resigns.It's a pretty easy plan at this point. There may be other strategies towinning this endgame, but just looking at the board, this is what seemsgood to me. } 51. Kg2 g5 52. hxg5 fxg5 { This sequence of pawn trades wasnot recommended by Fritz. But it's part of my plan, and will make winningmore simple. I believe white now has zero drawing chances. I like simple,when one will retain one's winning chances. } 53. Nc1 Nc5 54. Kf3 h5 { Nowwith the white knight on the back rank, it is time to push forward. } 55. Kf2 Ke5 56. Kf3 g4+ { Kingside locked up, until I unlock it... } 57. Ke3 Be7 { Now I force concessions on the queenside. There is no saving the b3pawn. Perhaps white could have tried Ne2, Nf4, and Ng6, but it's far tooslow, and white couldn't retreat quickly enough to defend. } 58. Ne2 Nxb3 { Here I make an inaccuracy. Another lesson for me: just because I havea good plan, it's a good idea to see if there's something better. Betterwas 58. ...Bg5+!, cutting off the white king from the queenside unlesswhite wastes extra tempos to get back over there. After ...Bg5+, I couldthen pick off the pawn and white's king would be positioned really poorly. } 59. Kd3 h4 { Time to make reality the threats that white can't possiblycover. } 60. gxh4 Bxh4 61. Ke3 a4 62. Nc3 a3 63. Na2 Nd4 64. Nb4 g3 { Andnow both of these threats cannot be stopped. } 65. Nd3+ { Black now has aforced mate. But it's a ways out. Fritz says it will happen in 21 moves.I think a little sooner. } 65... Kf5 66. Nb4 { I'm no longer really pondering things;the game is over. As an aside, the black knight was immune again due to66. KxN followed by either ...a2 or ...g2. } 66... g2 67. Kxd4 { White realizeshe has nothing better, so grabs the knight. } 67... g1=Q+ { Mate in 9, and thisseems about right to me. } 68. Kc3 { From here, I admit to not looking forthat quickest way to mate. White plays just a little longer. } 68... Be1+ { A queencheck was Fritz's choice here, but it hardly matters. } 69. Kb3 Qe3+ 70. Ka4 Bxb4 { And white finally resigns, as his obvious hopes I'd blunder somethingaway to a knight fork is no longer a possibility. I don't blame him fornot resigning sooner, considering the terrible blunder of mine on move15. Laters, everyone. ;) } *

[Event "Chess.com game 1"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Natsumi0204"] [Black "JoseCappablanca"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1294"] [WhiteElo "1411"] 1. Nf3 { Playing for the King's Indian Attack } 1... d5 2. g3 e6 3. Bg2 Nf6 4. O-O Nc6 5. d3 Bd6 6. Nbd2 O-O 7. Re1 Bd7 8. e4 { Theoretical position, thegame is pretty even at this point. } 8... dxe4 9. Nxe4 Be7 { 9..Nxe4 is also solidresponse } 10. Bf4 { Development move to bring out the bishop to play butnot good due to 10..Nd5 is best response here for black to kick bishopto 11.Bd2 and now Black Knight has more aggressive position now on d5 square. } 10... Qc8 { Not sure about this move, it doesn't contribute anything in this positionfor black. Now white has a slight edge in the current position. } 11. Qd2 { Connecting rooks and developing queen is pretty good, but again Nd5 ispretty strong in this position too for now my bishop can't retreat on D2square. } 11... e5 { Bad Mistake by Black giving me free pawn with no compensationfor black to get it back. } 12. Nxe5 Nxe5 13. Bxe5 Bh3 { So now the Qc8 hada purpose in the position but is it really worth a pawn to exchange whitecolored bishop for a healthy attack on the king now. } 14. Qg5 h6 { h6 isthe best and only good response. If we go 14..Bxg2, 15.Nxf6,Bxf6 16.Bxf6and now black loses a whole piece and white threatens mate he can delayit one move with 16..g6 but then 17.Qh6 wins next move with Qg7. Nextmove to look at is 14..Qg4 15.Nxf6,Bxf6 16.Bxf6,Qxg5 17.Bxg5,Bxg2 18.Kxg2,Rfe8White is up Bishop and pawn in the position not as tactical as a littlewhile ago but the endgame is very simple you want to move bishop to d2exchange a rook then rook e1 if you then exchange the other pair of rooksif he denies capture then Re7 is coming and white will have a overwhelmingposition but he captures then its 6 pawns vs 7 pawns and Bishop I don'tmind playing that any day of the week. On to the next move 14..Kh8 thismove make sense to get out of the pin of his pieces 15.Bxf6 (if Nxf6 thenblack has a annoying pin to my queen),Bxf6 16.Nxf6,Bxg2 is also a optionhere then 17.Kxg2 the position gives white a very strong because of powerfulknight full control E E E-file with Re7 and Rae1 soon to follow(if blackcaptures knight on f6 it leads to overwhelming attack after moves Qf6 checkthen Re5 is coming)(h6 is also possible here but it helps white get outof the pin) now 14..h6 15.Qh4,Nxe4! 16.Qxh3(16.Qxe4,Bxg2 17.Kxg2,Rfe8possible line but gives black more chances to hold the position),Qxh3 17.Bxh3,Ng518.Bg2,c6 leading to a position where white is only up by one pawn ratherthan a whole piece. } 15. Qh4 Bxg2 16. Kxg2 c6 { Very bad move because itdoesn't contribute at all to the current problem in this position for blackis under attack and it is a scary one indeed. } 17. Bxf6 Bxf6 18. Nxf6+ gxf6 19. Qxh6 { both Queen captures get the job done in the end but I prefer19.Qh6 capture due to no moves the king can make at the moment. } 19... Qf5 20. Re4 { Adding another attacker to the one Queen that is defending for him.The idea of an attack is you need more pieces attacking than defending giving you the phrase 'overloading the their pieces' making it more difficultfor him to protect until the inevitable end in which the position collapses. } 20... Qg5 21. Qh3 { 21.Qxg5 is also good but keeping the material on the boardcan lead to a much hard time for him to defend and easier time for me toattack. } 21... Qg7 { Final mistake in this position leading to his Resignation. } 22. Rg4 { Nail in the coffin. It is more of that he is psychological defeatedand the psychical position is unpleasant for him to deal with. } 1-0

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2019.10.01"] [Round "-"] [White "gamegold10"] [Black "hrixli11"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1151"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "702"] 1. e4 { Normal opening } 1... e5 { Same } 2. Bc4 { I am white } 2... d6 { Pawn wall } 3. Nf3 { Kight } 3... h6 { What is black doing here } 4. O-O { Castle } 4... Qf6 { Queen howcan I stop freaking g out with the queen comes out? } 5. Bb5+ { Check } 5... c6 { Pawn } 6. Nc3 { Setting up an attack } 6... a6 { Is this a fork or a pin } 7. Bc4 { Moves black } 7... b5 { Is there a reason of moving all the pawns o the oneside? } 8. Bb3 { Bishop } 8... c5 { I guess this is some type of attack } 9. a4 { Pawn } 9... c4 { Pawn } 10. Nxb5 { Knight } 10... axb5 { Pawn } 11. Bxc4 { Bishop } 11... bxc4 { Pawn } 12. c3 { Pawn } 12... Bg4 { Bishop } 13. a5 { Pawn } 13... d5 { Pawn } 14. exd5 { Pawn } 14... Bd6 { Bishop } 15. Qe1 { Queen } 15... Bxf3 { Bisop } 16. Qe3 { Queen } 16... Bxg2 { Bishop } 17. Kxg2 { King } 17... Ne7 { Kight } 18. d3 { Pawn } 18... Qg6+ { Check } 19. Kh3 { King } 19... Qh5+ { Check } 20. Kg2 { King } 20... Nf5 { Knight } 21. Qe2 { I lost } 0-1

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "29-Oct-08"] [Round "-"] [White "dmisra"] [Black "tomoa"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1686"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1616"] { Queen sacrifice- my first I think. Cracking game where we both castledon opposite sides and tried to attack the other's king. Can you spot hisbrilliant trap on move 25 and if I say so myself, my nice move on #36 whichallowed me to wrap it up. Pl comment freely, I am sure you will enjoy thishigh octane ride. Thanks also to tomoa who sent a nice message on defeat.PLEASE RATE } 1. e4 { Queen sacrifice- my first I think. Cracking game wherewe both castled on opposite sides and tried to attack the other's king.Can you spot his brilliant trap on move 25 and if I say so myself, my nicemove on #36 which allowed me to wrap it up. Pl comment freely, I am sureyou will enjoy this high octane ride. Thanks also to tomoa who sent a nicemessage on defeat. PLEASE RATE } 1... c5 2. f4 { expand kingside } 2... Nc6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e5 { harass his knight, although it leaves this e pawn too much in frontwith no development of pieces. what do you think? } 4... Nd5 5. d3 { protect f4 } 5... d6 6. c4 { continue pushing his knight about } 6... Nc7 7. Nc3 { want to developmy pieces } 7... Bg4 8. h3 { dont like pins on my q } 8... Bxf3 9. Qxf3 { now I thinkthat exchange of an active bishop for a Knight is meaningless?! } 9... Nd4 10. Qd1 { rush back- prevent Nc2 } 10... dxe5 { there goes my presence in the center } 11. fxe5 g6 12. Bf4 { need to protect e5 } 12... a6 13. Qd2 { plan 0-0-0 quicklyas my kingside is looking exposed } 13... Bg7 14. O-O-O { phew } 14... Nde6 15. Be2 { ignoreexchange of b/knight as I want to develop and take my lsb to f3 } 15... Qd4 { welle5 pawn is lost, could I have done better? } 16. g3 Bxe5 17. Bxe5 Qxe5 18. g4 Rd8 19. Bf3 O-O 20. Bxb7 { now why did he let me take this b7 pawn, wasit to open up the b file for an attack on my king? } 20... Nf4 21. Be4 Nce6 22. Nd5 { love my knight sitting on this forward perch } 22... Rd7 23. h4 { pawn storm } 23... f5 { now this was his biggest mistake for in the ensuing exchange he opensup the g file. watch } 24. gxf5 gxf5 25. Bf3 { see } 25... Rb8 { suddenly he attacksand sets up a brilliant trap. CAN YOU SPOT MY NEXT MOVE } 26. Kb1 { yes,if my king was still sitting on c1, then 26...Nxd3 would have been curtainsfor me. normally I do not spot such traps for I am the king of dozinessoften playing chess in one window and watching you tube on another } 26... Kh8 { now he gets his K off the open g file } 27. Rhe1 { no plan right now, justharass his Q } 27... Qd6 28. Rf1 { eye his f5 pawn in the future } 28... Nxd5 29. Bxd5 Nd4 { so much so for eyeing his f5 pawn } 30. Rg1 { control open file, gamehas stalled somewhat } 30... e6 31. Bh1 { need to make sure he does not put rookor q on b7. but my q is quite passive here } 31... Qc7 32. Qg5 { now I attack,f6 would be a good square for my q } 32... Rf7 { he defends f6 } 33. Rde1 f4 { hecounterattacks, surprises me } 34. Be4 { never mind, I can now attack h7 } 34... f3 { do not like this at all, not going according to my script } 35. Ref1 Qh2 { what the bloody hell!! should I bring my q back to c1, but then hisknight will go e2- disaster. should I go b3 but then Nxb3, ax N, Rx b3 and I may as well go minesweeping in Bosnia. Spend 15 mins analysing.Can you spot a BRILLIANT move that I can play?? } 36. Rf2 { he takes f2 andmy q checks him at e5 } 36... Qc7 { luck } 37. Rgf1 { hate this f pawn } 37... Rbf8 38. Qh5 Qd6 { should he have brought his q to g3? } 39. a3 { escape hatch formy k } 39... a5 40. Bxf3 Rf5 { CAN YOU SPOT WHAT I PLAY NEXT?? learnt in the 'Idiot'sguide to chess' - a real book actually- that one should always defend byattacking } 41. Be4 { queen sacrifice, my first, I think } 41... Rxh5 42. Rxf8+ { wham } 42... Kg7 { he should have retaken with his q for I go-- } 43. R1f7+ { heresigns. pl comment freely. hope you enjoyed. game swung perilously attimes, we started and finished on same day. thanks to tomoa, he sent agracious message in defeat. PLEASE RATE } 1-0

[Event "Sit on your hands!"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "24-Sep-07"] [Round "-"] [White "jfxleigh"] [Black "hsidnevac"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1594"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1658"] 1. c4 { When I was learning to play chess, my father used to say 'Sit onyour hands during the endgame.' to prevent the kind of thoughtless blunderI made in this one...I still do sit on my hands OTB (time permitting!).Now, if only I could sit on my mouse! } 1... c6 { Transposing to Slav after 2.d4d5, which I'm happy with. I seem to transpose to QGD or Slav whenever Iplay 1.c4. I actually like to play all the wierd english symmetrical lines,but I usually mess them up. } 2. d4 d5 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 g6 { I'm not familiarwith this, and I expected 4...e6. The trade off 4...g6 involves seems tobe a weakening of king defence in exchange for more pressure on d4, I guess... } 5. cxd5 cxd5 6. Bf4 a6 { I didn't think this combined well with 4...g6 either- I'm unlikely to play Nb5 at any stage now...although I may be missingthe main aim of it. } 7. e3 Bg7 8. Bd3 O-O 9. O-O Nc6 10. Qb3 b5 { Did 6...a6prepare for this? I thought it overextended him a little, and created someQS weakness. } 11. Rac1 Bb7 12. Rfd1 Rc8 13. h3 Qb6 14. Nxb5 { I thoughtthe knight would be worth these two pawns in the long run. I now thinkthat 14. Na4 Qa5 15. Nc5 is better. At least the sac looks tough, though,right? In my defence, my opponent, cavendish, seems to play slow, long-termgames worse than fast shootouts...but I think this is probably a case of14. Nxb5? rather than the 14. Nxb5?! I was aiming at. } 14... axb5 15. Qxb5 Qxb5 16. Bxb5 Na5 { A piece up, I thought he'd want to exchange more pieces.I wasn't unhappy, though, because I thought the a and b pawns were goingto prove very difficult to stop , and therefore the more QS play, the better. } 17. b4 { 17. Rxc1 simplified the position on the QS more than I wanted... } 17... Nc4 18. Bxc4 { I thought I'd be able to expunge the passed pawn pretty quickly...wrong! } 18... dxc4 19. Ne5 Bd5 20. b5 Ne4 21. f3 { By now, I was a bit worried about thec-pawn...so I thought I'd better chase off the cover for c3. } 21... Bxe5 22. Bxe5 { I thought long and hard about 22.fxe4, but I couldn't see it endingwell - 22. fxe4 Bxf4 23. exf4 Bxe4 being the likely result... } 22... Nd6 23. e4 Be6 24. Bxd6 exd6 25. a4 d5 26. a5 Ra8 27. Ra1 Rfb8 28. Rdb1 c3 29. b6 dxe4 30. fxe4 Bc4 31. Kf2 { I did consider 31. Rc1, but I didn't muchlike 31. Rc1 Bd3 32. Rxc3 Bxe4 } 31... Bd3 32. Re1 c2 33. Ke3 Ba6 34. Rec1 Rc8 35. Ra3 { 35. Ra2 is probably better, with hindsight. I was worried about35...Bd3, but it's not a serious problem because 36.b7 has the rooks forked. } 35... Rc4 36. Ra2 Rac8 37. Rb2 Bb7 38. Ra2 Ba6 39. Rb2 Rc3+ 40. Kf4 { Because40. Kd2 Rd3 41. Ke4 Rxd4 } 40... Bb7 41. Ra2 Re8 42. d5 Rc4 43. Kg3 Ba6 44. Raxc2 Rxc2 { Finally, something goes in my favour! I'm pretty sure 44...Rcxe4is better here. He's still a piece ahead, so any piece swap is a good onefor him, but a lot of the pressure comes off with this swap. } 45. Rxc2 Rxe4 46. Rc7 Re5 { The central pawns hadn't ever been my threat here. Ithink he'd have been better playing 46...Ra4 or 46...Kf8 } 47. Ra7 { I wasrather pleased to spot this. I'd planned for 47. b7 and gaining the bishop- then I saw 47. Ra7 Bc4 48. b7 or 47. Ra7 Rxd5 Rxa6 (with or without Rg5 Kh2) I patted myself on the back. Mentally, I added ! to my notation. } 47... Bc8 { Not what I'd expected...but not a problem, right? } 48. b7 { ??. It'sfrightful. Sorry. Clearly, 48. Ra8, pinning the bishop and gaining a queen,had to come here...I've no excuse...I think my thought process went 'Hemoves bishop, play b7'...so I saw a bishop move, and played b7. Sit onthose hands! } 48... Bxb7 49. Rxb7 Rxd5 50. a6 Kg7 51. a7 Ra5 52. Kf4 { Thanksto luck I don't deserve, I still have just enough time to get over thereand finish it. } 52... Kf6 53. Ke4 Ke6 54. Kd4 h5 55. Kc4 f5 56. Kb4 Ra1 57. Kc5 g5 58. Kb6 Rb1+ 59. Kc7 Ra1 60. Rb6+ Ke5 61. Kb7 g4 62. Ra6 Rb1+ 63. Rb6 Ra1 64. a8=Q Rxa8 65. Kxa8 gxh3 66. gxh3 f4 67. Rb5+ Ke4 68. Rxh5 f3 69. Rh8 f2 70. Rf8 Ke3 71. h4 Ke2 72. h5 f1=Q 73. Rxf1 { So there you have it.I'm not proud...but many thanks to Cavendish for this and other very goodgames! } 1-0

[Event "Rook Sac - Team match, http://gameknot.com/"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.02.04"] [Round "-"] [White "donf2"] [Black "chessknave"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1504"] [TimeControl "?"] [WhiteElo "1390"] 1. e4 { Tactical opening. } 1... e5 { I feel classical. } 2. Nf3 Nc6 { ThinkingSpanish. } 3. a3 { A miscue. Better is Bb5 or Bc4, Spanish or Italian. Thetext move strives to limit black bishop counterplay, which it does at theprice of giving black the initiative. } 3... Nf6 { Attacking e4 and developingwith 0-0 in mind. } 4. Nc3 { White is playing on the defensive. } 4... d6 { Nota bold move, but it does open a bishop line without commiting to pawn andpiece exchanges. } 5. Bb5 { White plays the belated bishop move, but thegame is now out of the standard character of the Spanish. } 5... Be7 { Developinga piece and almost daring white to play BxN. } 6. d3 { White plays a symetricalpawn move which opens a bishop line and frees the c3 knight for operations. } 6... O-O { Black plays for rapid development. } 7. Bxc6 { The text move offersthe advantage of a flawed pawn structure for black, but it yields the bishoppair in the process, and no other gains are apparent due to the capturedsteed not being particularly dangerous. } 7... bxc6 8. Be3 { A unassuming movethat overlooks a certain knight reprisal by black. } 8... Ng4 9. h3 { Not thebest move, Bd7 is better. Perhaps white has a strategy to play NN vs BB. } 9... Nxe3 10. fxe3 { White is still uncastled and reaching an uncomfortableposition due to the lack of support for the king. It is not an immediateproblem, but the cookie will begin to crumble. } 10... Rb8 { Like a Lasker move,attacking a weakness while developing a piece to a useful line. } 11. b4 f5 { Playing like Lasker who would play on both flanks. The text move seeksto break up the pawns in the centre if ignored by white, or develop a bishopif white exchanges. } 12. exf5 Bxf5 { The bishop sits on a centralized position,but it could be pushed back by the move g4 - which would cost white byopening up more space around the king. The bishop is bad for the momentdue to the pawn structure. } 13. Qd2 { White seems to want 0-0-0, but isthere time now? } 13... Bg5 { The text move may not be the best. 13...Bh4 looksbetter due to 14. Nxh4 Qxh4 and white is out castling rights with a slightadvantage for black. There is a slow controlling positional aspect to thetext move that prevents the e pawn from moving at the moment. } 14. Nxg5 { Makes sense to exchange a knight for the dangerous bishop. } 14... Qxg5 15. e4 { A blunder, perhaps the losing move of the game. Better was 0-0-0 whilethere was time. This move fails due to the checking move available by black. } 15... Qg3+ { A forcing move which allows the bishop to escape. } 16. Kd1 { Betterthan 16.Qf2 Qxf2 17.Kxf2 Bxe4 revealed check allowing black to gain apawn. } 16... Bg6 17. Kc1 { Avoiding 17...Bh5 } 17... Rf2 { Putting some pressure onwhite. } 18. Qe1 { Better than 18.Ne2 blocking, but then losing to ...Bh5and the knight is lost. } 18... Qxg2 { Taking strong hold of the seventh rank. } 19. Kb2 { Its hard to recommend alternatives at this point. 19.Rg1 failsto ...Rxc2 and 20.Kb1 Rb2 21.Kc1 Qc2# } 19... Rxc2+ { Beginning a small setof forced moves. } 20. Kb3 Rb2+ 21. Ka4 Qc2+ 22. Ka5 Rb3 { A double attackon the knight. Bad for white is 23.Rc1 Rxa3 24.Na4 Qxa4# } 23. Na4 Rb5+ { A forcing move which will set the king up for a revealed check. } 24. Ka6 Qxd3 { A dual check can be obtained by 25...Rb6 } 25. Kxa7 { Escapingthe dual check. } 25... Qd4+ 26. Ka6 { The alternative does not work either 26.Ka8 Bxe4 27. Rd1 c5 28. Ka7 Rb7 29. Ka6 Qc4 30. Ka5 Qb5# } 26... Bxe4 { Creatingthe threat at h1 while making a line available to a8 after a pawn move.This is to give black the time to make a nice sacrifice next move. } 27. Rg1 Ra5+ { The text move forces a response from white of which all moveslead to mate. } 28. Kxa5 { Or 28.bxa5 Bd3# Or more fighting is 28. Kb7 c5 29. Kxc7 cxb4 30. axb4 Qa7 31. Kd8 Rb5 32. Nc5 Rb8# } 28... Qa7# { An interestingmate pattern of QPP with unsupported queen. A fun game providing chancesto try some strategies. } 0-1

[Event "marv7's mini-tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "18-Dec-07"] [Round "-"] [White "kingstuart"] [Black "sirman"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1680"] [TimeControl "3d+2d, 7d max"] [WhiteElo "1519"] { I've not properly analyzed this game yet so feel free to post commentsand correct my mistakes. } 1. Nf3 { My current favourite as white, a flexiblemove that allows me to reach many of my favourite openings whilst aviodingthose I'm not so keen on. For example i can still reach the sicilian ifBlack plays 1...c5 and i avoid the possibility of the symetrical kingspawn openings. } 1... Nf6 { A common and flexible responce. From here the gameusually transposes to one of many Queens pawn openings. } 2. d4 { White isfirst to commit in the centre, and this does infer a slight disadvantageas black can aim for the Grunfeld where white has already committed hisKings Knight to f3 where it is susceptible to a nasty pin by Blacks WhiteSquared Bishop. } 2... e6 3. c4 c5 { Black appears to be aiming for a Modern Benonitype position. } 4. d5 a6 { ?! an unusual move so early on in this set up,Black does usually try to expand on the queenside but not at such an earlystage! } 5. Nc3 { Simply developing, this also meets the threat of ...b5although I'm not sure how strong that move would be it's always frustratingwhen your opponent stops you from achieving your aims. } 5... Qa5 { !? Black isquite obsessed with forcing the ...b5 advance but it cannot be achieved,at least not by this move. } 6. Bd2 { Preventing the advance with a threaton the Black Queen. } 6... Qc7 { !? Preventing the Dark Squared Bishop takingup its natural post on f4, but at the cost of allowing white to play e4before black has exchanged on d5, although after the earlier Queen detourBlack must allow the e4 advance anyway. } 7. e4 e5 { ?! Black chooses toblock the centre up entirely, however his Queen in now somewhat misplacedas Black obviously intends to play ...d6. } 8. Bd3 { ?! I think the Bishopis better placed on e2 but i played it here as i had some vague ideas aboutforcing the centre open when the bishop would sit nicely on the b1-h7 diagonal. } 8... d6 9. O-O Bg4 { The pin may look annoying but the bishop only provides tempifor a kingside pawn storm... } 10. h3 Bh5 { obviously with the desire tomaintain the apparently awkward pin but with such a closed centre and Blacklow level of development white can afford to push on kingside inspite ofhis king being there } 11. g4 { !? pressing on with my plan of kingside expansion... } 11... Bg6 12. Nh4 { getting out of the f pawns way } 12... Be7 13. f4 { Exposing the whiteking but as Capablanca said a weakness is only weak if it can be attacked.The central pawns cover the diagonals nicely and stop the Black forcesfrom crossing to the kingside quickly. } 13... exf4 { pretty much forced as theBishop would be trapped and 13...h6 14.Nxg6 followed by capturing on e5concedes the open f file and wrecks blacks kingside pawns. } 14. Bxf4 Nbd7 { aiming at e5. } 15. Nf3 Ne5 16. Nxe5 dxe5 17. Bg3 { Keeping pressure onthe Black centre. } 17... Nd7 { preparing to block the f file with ...f6 and defendingthe centre. } 18. Qf3 { Building a major piece battery along the f file. } 18... O-O { I might have been tempted to castle queenside and then try and exposethe weaknesses around the white king. } 19. Rf2 f6 { Solidifying the centre,weakening the kingside. It's normally best not to move pawns in areas underattack. } 20. Raf1 { apparently biting on granite but the g pawn will soonloosen the kingside } 20... Rfb8 { Black now attempts to generate counterplay onthe queenside, however he is removing a vital defender from the kingside. } 21. a4 { Attempting to slow Blacks queenside play } 21... Qa5 { The queen lendsa hand in preparing the ...b5 push at the cost of further distancing herselffrom her King. } 22. h4 { Preparing the g5 push and creating the option ofh5 when the bishop will get in the way on both f7 and e8. } 22... Be8 { ?! blockingthe the Rooks defence of the kingside which could be costly should Blacknot be careful. } 23. Bc2 { defending the a4 pawn. 23.g5 is another possibilitythat is worth looking at. } 23... b5 { !? A pawn sac to try and get the counterplaygoing, probably not good but black needs space. } 24. cxb5 axb5 25. Nxb5 c4 { The point, c5 is freed for the Black pieces. } 26. Kh1 Nc5 { ?? A mistake,loses a whole pawn and gives white a massive attack. } 27. Bxe5 { The f pawnis pinned to mate on f8, the b8 Rook is attacked and the Dark Squared Bishophas taken up a very offencive square on the long diagonal. } 27... Rb7 28. Bc3 { The perfect square for the DS Bishop, it holds the queenside togetherapplies pressure to the kingside and is protected by Blacks c4 pawn! } 28... Qa6 { 28.Qd8 is another try that should be looked at. } 29. g5 { ! } 29... Nxa4 { ? Blackexchanges his best piece to gain a worthless wing pawn. } 30. Bxa4 { Obviouslynot letting the DS Bishop be exchanged. } 30... Bxb5 { Getting the awkward LS Bishopout of the way of the Rooks. } 31. Bxb5 Rxb5 { 31...Qxb5 is similar. } 32. gxf6 { threatening fxg7 which is fatal, the pawn must be removed. } 32... gxf6 { 32...Bxf6 33.e5 and the Bishop can't be saved and so White will get anotherpawn on f6 which will cost Black yet more material, the move played looksmore dangerous as it opens the g file for whites major pieces. } 33. e5 { Once again allowing a Black pawn on f6 would be fatal. } 33... Rf8 { ?? Allowsa simple mate in 3 } 34. Rg2+ { 1-0 34...Kh8 35.Qg3 and mate next move. } 1-0

[Event "35th GK tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "23-Mar-07"] [Round "-"] [White "scottley"] [Black "esampaio"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1389"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1459"] 1. d4 d5 { I responded thus to open my game center. } 2. c4 { He offered a pawn to regain the queen with a checkmate in A4. } 2... Qd6 { Abri a dame para protegermeu pe�o. } 3. Nc3 { I brought the horse to protect my people from harm. } 3... e6 { My pe�o was protected so my pe�o was brought to me. } 4. Nf3 { He said that he was glad to use the other pieces...that horse could bother me. } 4... dxc4 { Tomeio pe�o dele. } 5. e4 { My opponent is threatening me with his bishop, by placing his pawn in the way (and later warning the queen with that pawn protected by the horse). } 5... Qb4 { Trouxe a dama para 'brincar'. } 6. Ne5 { Avan�ou o cavalo para tomarmeu pe�o ??!! } 6... b5 { Protegi meu pe�o pois como diz Mestre Yoda: 'Nada maisimporta, s� os pe�es.' } 7. a3 { My queen...what am I supposed to do now? } 7... Qa5 { Recuei para trazer o pe�o abrindo a coluna da torre. } 8. Bd2 { The knight comes with the bishop...... } 8... Qa6 { I want the column...hehehehe } 9. d5 { Tentandoganhar o centro ou entregando seus pe�es ??? } 9... Nd7 { Vamos trocar ??? } 10. Nc6 { Opa....boa jogada... } 10... Ne7 { Are you going to exchange? (sense of leave) } 11. Nb4 { Ai ai ai .....dama dama...onde ir�s ??? } 11... Qb6 { Ent�o � s� isso ?? } 12. dxe6 { N�o entendi....ele me fez um favor abrindo o meio.... } 12... fxe6 { Agradeci.... } 13. Be3 { The knight is coming to take the bishop.... } 13... c5 { Joseph is now playing. } 14. Nc2 { The queen has returned to her original position. } 14... Ne5 { It is my turn to advance... } 15. h3 b4 16. axb4 N7g6 17. Na4 Qc6 18. Nxc5 Bxc5 19. Bxc5 a5 20. Bd6 Qxe4+ 21. Qe2 Nd3+ 22. Kd1 Qxe2+ 23. Kxe2 Ngf4+ 24. Bxf4 Nxf4+ 25. Kd2 Ba6 26. Rxa5 O-O 27. Ne3 c3+ 28. bxc3 Rad8+ 29. Kc2 Bd3+ 30. Bxd3 Nxd3 31. f3 Nf4 32. c4 Ne2 33. Re1 Nd4+ 34. Kc3 Rf4 35. Ng4 Nc6 36. Rae5 Nxe5 37. Rxe5 Kf7 38. b5 Rb8 39. Rc5 Rf5 40. Rc6 h5 41. Ne3 Re5 42. Kd2 Rd8+ 43. Ke2 Ke7 44. Kf2 Rd2+ 45. Kg3 h4+ 46. Kxh4 Rxe3 47. Kg3 Ree2 48. b6 Rxg2+ 49. Kh4 Rb2 50. c5 Rb4+ 51. Kh5 g6+ 52. Kh6 Kf6 53. Rc7 Rh4# 0-1

[Event "19th GK tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "20-Jan-08"] [Round "-"] [White "anakin66"] [Black "high"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2453"] [TimeControl "4 days per move"] [WhiteElo "2462"] { This is a game in the final round of the 19th GK tournament, with everythingto gain or to lose! } 1. e4 c5 { The Sicilian Defence. Some people's favouriteopening, and statistically the most common reply to 1.e4. I just happento never play it, as I usually prefer the French Defence. } 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 { Main line Sicilian. } 3... cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 { This move initiatesthe Sicilian Najdorf, a variation of the Sicilian with numerous lines.My favourite of these is the sharp Poisoned Pawn Variation but that isbeside the point. } 6. Be2 e5 7. O-O { !?!?!? This move surprises me. Eitheran immensely cunning sacrifice or a blunder. Taking the players' ratingsinto consideration this is probably an immensely cunning sacrifice. } 7... exd4 8. Qxd4 Nc6 9. Qd1 Be6 { As yet, White appears to have gained nothing fromthe apparent sacrifice. } 10. f4 Be7 11. Be3 Rc8 12. Bf3 Na5 13. Bd4 O-O 14. Qd2 Nc4 { Both sides are developing as quickly as possible and tryingto find and gain footholds. } 15. Qf2 b5 16. b3 Na3 17. Rac1 Bg4 18. Kh1 Bxf3 19. gxf3 { I wonder what was wrong with 19.Qxf3. White has now exposedhis king. And by now I think we must assume that the knight sacrifice WASa blunder. } 19... b4 20. Na4 Nb5 21. c4 bxc3 22. Nxc3 Nxd4 23. Qxd4 { Black justneeds to exchange all White's pieces off to consolidate his lead. } 23... Qa5 24. Rg1 g6 25. f5 Rc7 26. fxg6 hxg6 27. Na4 Rxc1 28. Rxc1 { White is beingforced into passivity, which increases his ever-growing disadvantage. } 28... Qh5 29. Qf2 d5 30. exd5 Nxd5 { And White resigns. } 0-1

[Event "Cerrado, Jaque 64"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Rivera, Ignacio"] [Black "Sanhueza, Felipe"] [Result "0-1"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Be3 Qf6 6. c3 Nge7 { Típicalinea escocesa } 7. g3 d5 { Interesting idea from Ignacio, g3 is a strong move but not as usual in this type of positions, the good thing about g3 is that black must play very precisely due to the pressure white maintains on the e4-d5 point and any error by the black side means instantaneously losing the advantage to the whites. The blacks with d5 are trying to get out of the scheme by a strong hit, 7...h5, 7.....Cxd4, 7....0-0 } 8. Bg2 dxe4 9. O-O Nxd4 10. Bxd4 Bxd4 { Here Ignatius is lacking both opening and logic, as he should take 10.- cxd4 - Ab6 since the Ae3 covers the d4 pawn well and highlights the weakness of the island that has at that point. } 11. cxd4 Bf5 12. Qa4+ Qc6 { The black's logic is simple, if the queens are exchanged at the end, it would lead to a less dangerous and much simpler win due to the weakness on d4. } 13. Qxc6+ Nxc6 { White's bad move caused complications, it was necessary to avoid the change by playing Da3. } 14. d5 Nb4 15. Nc3 O-O-O { Ya se nota la falta de apoyo dela dama blanca } 16. Rfd1 e3 { Me pareció un golpe interesante debido a quesi las blancas toman 17.-fxe3- Cc2 18.- Tac1 - Cxe3 19.- Td4-Cxg2 20.-Rxg2-The8 y al eliminar el alfil de g2 se explota aun más la debilidad en d4, aquíhay ventaja negra } 17. a3 exf2+ { En mi opinión la jugada a3 deja en posicióncritica a las blancas, Ignacio debió entrar en la linea ya mencionada,con a3 dejan de oponer resistencia. } 18. Kxf2 Nd3+ 19. Kg1 Nxb2 20. Rf1 Bg6 21. d6 Rxd6 { The move d6 is bad, but it has its charm, Ignatius had to sacrifice the point b7 with X-rays because the horse was on b2 but he failed to calculate 4 or 5 moves to realize that it was completely defenseless, it was an unjustified gift. Although I admit that I was thinking for about 15 minutes. } 22. Ne4 Bxe4 23. Bxe4 f6 24. Rab1 Rb6 25. Bf5+ Kb8 26. Rf4 g6 27. Bc2 c5 { There is a decisive advantage for the black side. } 28. g4 Rd8 29. a4 a5 30. Rf3 Nxa4 31. Rfb3 { The white move does not help, even though it is losing. If they want to keep playing, maybe an attempt at a better move would have been Ta1. } 31... Rxb3 32. Rxb3 Rd4 33. Ra3 Rxg4+ 34. Kf2 b5 35. h3 Rc4 36. Bd3 Rc3 37. Rxc3 Nxc3 { I believe that in this game he would recover the level he should have shown in the tournament, but with so few rounds (4) taken into account that it was the third one was already too late. } 0-1

[Event "92nd GK tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.04.04"] [Round "-"] [White "dwardman"] [Black "speediecees"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1717"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1769"] 1. d4 { D4 as per usual, let's see where it takes us. } 1... d5 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bf4 Bg7 4. Nbd2 Nc6 5. e3 a6 { Black stops the bishop to B5, I just carry onwith my London plan } 6. c3 Nf6 7. h3 { Preparing an escape square for thebishop } 7... O-O { I think bishop to f5 is better here } 8. Bd3 Re8 { Black wantto push the e pawn } 9. Qc2 b5 { Decision time, I am tempted to castle longbut black is well positioned for a pawn storm, so a little caution } 10. O-O Nh5 { This doesn't really do anything } 11. Bg5 f6 { I am tempted to takethe pawn } 12. Bh4 f5 13. Nb3 { Now to switch play, black has opened up hisKingside and his pieces are passive } 13... Nf6 14. Nc5 Ne4 15. Bxe4 dxe4 { blackfurther exposes his king and the e6 square is going to be important } 16. Qb3+ Kh8 17. Ng5 { White is threatening mate, so r-f1 is forced } 17... Na5 { Blackhas missed it the queen sac is on, i am really pleased with this finishas i've seen it several times but never in one of my own games :) } 18. Nf7+ Kg8 19. Nh6+ Kh8 20. Qg8+ Rxg8 21. Nf7# { The knight reigns supreme!!! } 1-0

[Event "106th GK tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2013.06.13"] [Round "-"] [White "grey_panda"] [Black "buildinghead"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1266"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1368"] 1. e4 g6 2. Nf3 c6 3. Bc4 { Another one where I develop as I want. Not sureabout the opening but from looking at the other games in the section thisfellow likes his early pawn charges. } 3... b5 4. Bb3 a5 5. a4 b4 6. Ne5 e6 7. Qf3 f6 8. Nd3 h5 9. c3 bxc3 10. dxc3 g5 11. e5 f5 12. Nd2 g4 13. Qe3 Bh6 14. Qc5 Na6 15. Qd4 d5 { And thats the move where it all goes wrong formy opponent. I'm not convinced with his pawn moves. His piece developmentseems very outward rather than focusing on the middle 16. And he's justoffered an opportunity to tie him in knots. } 16. exd6 { Who am I to refuse;-) } 16... Nf6 { Thats about as good as it gets. I might have considered thequeen exchange, but the knight is an acceptable block for black. } 17. Ne5 Nd5 { But then this move.... offers me back the chance to force an advantage. } 18. Nxc6 Qxd6 19. Qxh8+ Qf8 20. Qxf8+ { I took the queen exchange as, witha rook and a pawn advantage together with better development, I fanciedmy chances. } 20... Bxf8 21. Bxd5 { Happy to swap bishop for knight and furtherdamage his cohesion. } 21... exd5 22. Nxa5 Nc5 23. Ndb3 Nd3+ 24. Kd2 Ba6 25. Nc6 Rc8 26. Nbd4 Nxf2 27. Re1+ Ne4+ 28. Kc2 Bc5 29. b4 { That was a mistake. } 29... Bxd4 30. Nxd4 Rxc3+ { And thats why. Didn't see that one coming. } 31. Kb2 Rc4 32. Nc2 Rc3 { But that enables me to forge further ahead by therook sacrifice. } 33. Rxe4+ dxe4 34. Kxc3 h4 35. Bf4 { Just trying to makesure 4vs2 didn't become queen! } 35... Kd7 36. Ne3 Ke6 37. Rd1 Be2 { Optimisticand I wasn't planning on staying there. } 38. Rd6+ Kf7 { By forcing the kingaway with an unchallengable rook, the pawns are now isolated and hopefullycan be killed. } 39. Nxf5 Bf1 40. Ne3 { I probably could have got away withkxp there, but chose to wuss on that one. } 40... h3 41. g3 Be2 42. b5 Ke7 43. b6 Ba6 44. Nxg4 Bb7 45. a5 Ba6 46. Kd4 Bb7 47. Nf6 { Looking at r-d7 ifhe stood still for it. Quite happy to sac the knight. } 47... Ba8 48. a6 e3 { Hmmm... } 49. Kxe3 Kf7 { Not sure why he did those last two moves rather than extricatethe bishop. With the material advantage it should be whites game, but evenso... } 50. b7 Kg6 51. bxa8=Q Kf5 52. Qd5+ Kg6 53. Qg5+ Kf7 54. Nd5 Ke8 55. Qe7# { And a nice finish... } 1-0

[Event "Bury Congress U1400, Round 4"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "1.12.96"] [Round "-"] [White "Joanne Stevens"] [Black "David Young"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1296"] [TimeControl "40 moves in 1.5 hrs then + 15 min"] [WhiteElo "1240"] 1. e4 { Hi everyone, I return for the penultimate game. After this game,which starts at 11 am there will be a break for lunch and then back attwo o' clock for the final game. After that there will be the presentationand then time to go home. } 1... c5 2. f4 { 2. f4 - another Grand Prix! } 2... Nc6 3. Nf3 g6 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 Bg7 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. Bd3 { 7. Bd3? - this naturaldeveloping move turns out to be a bleating mistake - I think c3 was a bettermove here and on the next turn where I castle into it. } 7... e6 8. O-O Bxb2 9. Bxb2 Qb6+ 10. Kh1 Qxb2 11. Qd2 Nf6 { 11. ...............Nf6 - if Qxa1then Nc3 traps her! } 12. Nc3 { 12. Nc3 - develops a piece but I am now apawn down. I try to counter-attack but it all goes pear shape. } 12... Qa3 13. Rfb1 O-O 14. Rb3 Qa5 { 14. .......... Qa5 - the Wicked Witch is driven back,but she can swing over to the kingside. } 15. f5 Ba6 16. Bxa6 Qxa6 17. Rab1 Qa5 18. Qg5 Qe5 19. h4 Kg7 20. g4 h6 { 20. ................ h6 - Glendamust retreat but she leaves the g5 pawn hanging. } 21. Qd2 Nxg4 { 21. .................Nxg4 - with disastrous results! } 22. Qe2 Qg3 23. f6+ Kh7 24. Na4 { 24. Na4??- discovering an attack on the Wicked Witch but her steed can come in onf2 with check. } 24... Nf2+ { 24. .................. Nf2 - here I threw in thesponge because Qxf2 is white's only legal move and that drops the queen. It was after this game that Glenda went into her shell and from this dayonwards she was either exchanged off early or if on the board, seen defendingthings. Hence she is known to me as Glenda The Defender. However, writehere off at your peril my friends as every once in a while she can becomeGlenda The Offender! Thankfully this was to be my only defeat in the tournament. } 0-1

[Event "Law breakers shall be punished"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.01.18"] [Round "-"] [White "runner55"] [Black "elyhim"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2257"] [TimeControl "3d+2d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1140"] { In this game white is guilty of breaking the caro-kann laws. I reallydo not blame him since he more than likely did not know that he was breakingany laws. Anyhow, this game is a very instructive game on the ins and outsof the caro-kann. It illustrates perfectly what forthe outcomes are ifone play follow the rules and the other does not. The main stratagems forboth colours are clearly highlighted with their pros and cons. Finally,for those wishing to played thought flashy games this one will disappointbecause the caro-kann is designed to punish the wreckless law breakerslike you. } 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 { The caro-kann is centrally a battle forthe middle. For white the winning ideas always involve controlling d4 ande5. The chief advantage obtained from controlling d4 and e5 is space anda usually superior endgame. Strategically, white wants to cement his centralpawn advantage-->exchange pieces--> and finally head into a slightly betterrook pawn ending. For black the winning ideas involve controlling d5 ande4. The strategic ideas for black are to 1. exchange LSB eliminating thebishop pair advantage 2. undermine whites control of e5 with ...c5, ...f6or fighting for direct control of e5 with nd7, Qc7 and Bd6. If black canwin the e-pawn then white is nothing better than a draw. In the end whatblack hopes white will do is attack without adequent preparation and breakhimself against the rock solid black defence. } 3. e5 { White pushes hispawn to e5 and therefore has guaranteed himself an enduring space advantage.The drawback of e5 is that white can no longer put knight on there, whichis the most flexible option. Also in my opinion, 3. e5 poses no real threatto black since he can easily equalize by undermining white's center with...c5 or ...f6. It is better to allow black to take on e4 and then recapturewith Nxe4 putting a knight in the centre. } 3... Bf5 { The real advantage ofthe caro-kann is that black's LSB actually has a destiny to fullfill. } 4. Bd3 { Not so good for white since 4. ...BxB 5. Qxd3 Nd7 works out wellfor black. In general white should avoid the exchange of the LSB becausethe exchange of the LSB without a positional concession by black is oneof his major strategic goals. } 4... Qd7 { ?? just plain stupid as d7 belongsto the knight. Because white has played e5 it is impossible for black tosetup his dream position of Nd7,Qc7 and Bd6. However, the next best thingis Nd7, Qc7 and Be7 } 5. Qf3 { I can understand the idea of attacking f5twice but after 5. ...Bxd3 6. Qxd3 black is just slight worse. Better was5. Ne2 or Nf3 which prepares for castling and develops the knight. I likeNe2 because of it's flexiblity i.e defending d4 and still allowing forf4 } 5... Bxd3 6. Qxd3 { black stands slightly worse but he has gained an importanttempo after the exchange. All things considered the bishop exchange ond3 is a strategic victory for black since he has traded his bad bishopfor whites good one without having to play the concessional weakness of...h6 } 6... e6 { closing the center and threatening the freeing ...c5 } 7. Nf3 { It is possible that 7. Be3 is better since ...c5 8.dxc5 Nc6 9. Nf3 looksgood for white } 7... c5 { undermining e5 black's most principled counterattack. } 8. dxc5 { ?? not good the most important theme in whites caro-kann plansis the control of e5. This move is counter caro-kann since it weakens e5and allows black to easily play against e5. Better was 8.Be3 } 8... Nc6 { deferringBxc5 since 9.BE3 can gain a tempo off of black since he is obligated toretreat the bishop to e7. Black does not want to play 9...BxB since theDSB usaully is missed more by black then white. Also the DSB plays an importantrole in the fight for e5 and counterattacking chances on the king side. } 9. Nc3 { if white tries to keep the pawn via Be3 then 9. ...Ne7 threatening...Nf5 is good for black. It was GM Kornchoni who demonstrated very wellhow black should use his knights to harass white's DSB if he decides todevelop it to f4 or e3 } 9... Bxc5 { Regaining the pawn } 10. O-O { the openingphase is just about complete and black can be happy with what he has achievedhe has managed to increase his control for the important d5 square whileat the same time denying white the immediate use of e5 and white has nothingto attack and his big center has been weakened considerably. From hereblack's tactical ideas are fight for control of d5 and d4 with ...d4 andNe7-Nf5. Also black has opportunities on the c-file with ...Rc8. White'splan should be to support e5 and exchange pieces in order to increase hisfleeting space advantage. } 10... Nge7 { a very flexible move that is heading tothe nice outpost of f5 or g6 attacking e5. } 11. Ng5 { ?? This is exactlywhat black was hoping white would do and it is white's first real blunderof the game. I am thinking that he played Ng5 to attack h7 but e5 is nowhanging. To be frank the real mistake was beginning a flank attack whilethe center is unstable. Better is Re1, Bd2 or Be3 } 11... Nxe5 { ! a great movefor two reasons. #1. gains tempo by forcing white to move his queen forthe third time and #2. It completely eliminates whites center. FYI usaullyif black manages to capture the e pawn it means that white's winning chancesare over. } 12. Qg3 { keeping the queen active but not free from harassment.Better most likely is 12. Qe2. when 12. ...h6 is met with 13. Nf3 fightingfor e5. } 12... Bd6 { also good is 12. ...Nf5 with a massive attack. But thisis much better because it ensures that e5 never can fall back into enemyhands. } 13. Bf4 { defending against the discover check attack on the queenand developing a piece. However, 13. f4 would have been a more solid defense. } 13... h6 { playing the immedaite ...Nf5 only allows white to walking out ofthe frying pan since h3 is still available to the queen } 14. Nh3 { ?? losesthe queen. The only way was 14. Nf3 Nf5 15. Qh3 } 14... Nf5 15. Bxe5 Nxg3 16. Bxg3 Bxg3 { with the material advantage now secure simplifying and headingstraight into a won endgame. } 17. hxg3 d4 { kick starting the pawn roll.Actually from here white defends really well } 18. Ne4 e5 { ?! prehaps 18....Qc6 would have been more accurate } 19. Nc5 Qc6 20. Nd3 f6 { even thoughit does not matter much the consquence of 18. ...e5 is that it has allowedwhite to improve the position of one of his knights } 21. Nb4 Qc4 22. c3 { and excellent move that both defends and attacks } 22... a5 23. Nc2 g5 { threateningto win the poor knight on h3 with ...g4 } 24. f4 dxc3 25. b3 { ?? it is nevera good idea to allow your opponent to have such a powerful passed pawn.Better is 25.bxc6 Qxc6 26. Rac1 } 25... Qc5+ 26. Kh2 { if 26. Nf2 interposing then26. ...e4! is winning } 26... exf4 27. gxf4 { If 27. Re1 then ...Kf7 28. gxf4 g429. Nf2 Qxf2 is misery for white } 27... g4 28. Rae1+ Kf7 29. Nf2 g3+ { the fastestway to win I believe since ...h5 allows white to keep lines to his kingclosed for much longer than the game line } 30. Kxg3 Rhg8+ { Rag8+ makesmore sense doesn't it? } 31. Ng4 h5 32. Ne3 c2 33. Kh4 hxg4 34. Re2 Rae8 { threatening 35. ...Rxd3 36. Rxd3 Qxd3 37. Rf3 c1(queen) with mate in 1 } 35. Nxg4 Rg6 36. Rxe8 Kxe8 37. f5 Rxg4+ { Last exchange of the game wherethe last of white's pieces are gone. } 38. Kxg4 Qd4+ 39. Kf3 Qd1+ { Whiteresigns from a good fight. } 0-1

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2015.10.13"] [Round "-"] [White "reachforgoals"] [Black "milly64"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "912"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "730"] 1. e4 { normal } 1... e5 { same } 2. Nf3 { building my knights } 2... d6 { pawn wall } 3. Bb5+ { check } 3... Bd7 { block } 4. Bxd7+ { check. how could someone stop checkingat the start at the game. } 4... Nxd7 { evan } 5. O-O { castle } 5... Qe7 { queen } 6. Nc3 { knights both out } 6... Nc5 { same knight } 7. b3 { pawn } 7... O-O-O { castle } 8. Ba3 { all minor pieces out. } 8... g5 { pawn } 9. Nxg5 { minor } 9... Bh6 { same } 10. Nxf7 { same } 10... Qxf7 { -1 } 11. b4 { pawn } 11... Nf6 { minor } 12. bxc5 { +2 } 12... Rdg8 { rook } 13. cxd6 { +3 } 13... Qg7 { dead meat } 14. dxc7 { +4 } 14... Qxg2# { I lost I being having troblewith queens. } 0-1

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2017.09.11"] [Round "-"] [White "e4newman"] [Black "blacktrojan"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1405"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1530"] 1. e4 { Hung on in the opening to get a rare chance for a rook sacrificein the end. } 1... Nc6 2. d4 a6 { A wasted tempo really. } 3. Nf3 e6 4. Bg5 f6 5. Bh4 Qe7 6. c3 b5 7. Bd3 g5 8. Bg3 Nh6 9. O-O { 9.O-O I totally missedBxc7 although the computer doesn't like it. } 9... d6 10. Nbd2 Bg7 11. h3 { 11.h3computer puts me about +1.4 +/- already. I control 6 squares he 4 maybe5 if he moves 17...Nb7, but wait, 17...Nc4?? that makes it 5 for me and3 for him } 11... g4 12. hxg4 Nxg4 13. Nh2 Nxh2 14. Bxh2 h5 15. Qf3 e5 16. d5 Na5 17. b4 Nc4 18. Nxc4 bxc4 19. Bxc4 Bg4 20. Qe3 Rg8 21. Qe1 Bh6 22. f3 { 22.f3 if I can get my Q back to the diagonal to attack the helpless a6pawn. But first he's bringing some pressure 23...Qg7. Luckily I havethe resources to defend. } 22... Bh3 23. Rf2 Qg7 24. Qe2 Bd7 { 24...Bc8 maybe. } 25. a4 Qg5 26. Kh1 h4 { 26...h4?! so 27.Bxa6 why not. } 27. Bxa6 Ke7 { 27...Ke7?! re-position LSB? Connect rooks? } 28. a5 Qe3 29. Bd3 Rg7 30. Re1 Qa7 31. f4 exf4 32. Bxf4 Bg4 33. Qd2 Bg5 34. Bxg5 { 34.Bxg5 simplifies to myadvantage but still some tactics to watch for. 34...Rxg5 hmmm now hisk-side R needs protection. 35.e5 might mix it up. } 34... Rxg5 35. e5 Rxe5 36. Rxe5+ dxe5 { 36...dxe5 I'm at +1 so here goes my R sac } 37. Rxf6 Kxf6 38. Qh6+ Ke7 39. Qg7+ Kd6 40. Qxg4 Kxd5 41. Qd7# 1-0

[Event "Let's Play Chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.02.16"] [Round "-"] [White "gamb"] [Black "thedessertfox"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1513"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1377"] 1. e4 { In this game I was happy with my patient build up of an attack ina closed position. However I was looking for to an interesting ending whenmy opponent blundered. Enjoy. } 1... c6 { I don't normally play the Caro but Iam trying different openings } 2. Nf3 { !? I haven't faced this before } 2... d5 3. Nc3 Bg4 { Referring to the db for some theory. } 4. h3 Bxf3 5. Qxf3 e6 { A solid pawn structure like the Semi Slav } 6. d3 Nf6 7. Bg5 Be7 8. O-O-O { The first indication of what white is planning. Looking to start a K-Sidepawn storm after O-O however I won't commit myself this early } 8... Nbd7 9. a3 { Protecting b4 but Bb4 isn't that great after e5 when h6 Bxf6 gxf6 exf6Nxf6 black has an isolated h-pawn which can be pressured. } 9... Qc7 10. Bf4 Bd6 11. g3 { !? Expected d4 threatening e5 forcing the exchange } 11... Bxf4+ 12. gxf4 O-O-O { Now black will look to close the position and use his knights.Note how all the pawns are still on the board after 12 moves. very rarein a Caro } 13. e5 { White starts closing it for black. Not that d6 is ahole for a white knight but he can never reach it! While it creates a holeof f5 which can't be defended by a pawn unless he pushes it! } 13... Ng8 14. d4 { Allowing the bishop to move and makes the center stronger however theBishop can only go to d3 which is a defense role (For the time being) andthat removes the defender of the d-pawn. However the Bishop really needsto move as it has no prospects on g2 where it is blocked by black's centerand cuts of the half-open g file } 14... Nh6 { Looking to penetrate f5 } 15. Bd3 f5 { Shutting up shop unless exf6 e.p. is played. Which must be the moveotherwise he has no proscpects as black can build up his kingside playwith. Nf7, Rdg1 } 16. Qe2 { I don't what this is trying to achieve maybeBb5 cxb5 Nxb5 but this doesn't achieve much } 16... Nf7 { Preparing a g5 push } 17. Rhg1 Rdg8 18. h4 { Stopping g5 but I can prepare it } 18... g6 19. h5 { Willwhite open the h-file for me? } 19... Qb6 { I played this to remove the queen fromdefence of h5 } 20. Qe3 Qd8 21. hxg6 { Thank you white } 21... hxg6 { Now black hasthe ability to push to g5 but also has the h-file } 22. Rh1 g5 23. fxg5 Nxg5 { Now I control the open g-file } 24. f4 { Kicks the knight but I don'tmind because I want to get my rook to g4 } 24... Nf7 25. Rxh8 Rxh8 26. b3 { !? } 26... Nh6 27. Be2 Qh4 28. Qf3 Ng4 { Now here is where the game dies } 29. Rh1 { ?? } 29... Qxh1+ 30. Qxh1 Rxh1+ 31. Kb2 Re1 { Black resigns due to Bf3/d1 Rf1 } 0-1

[Event "Kings side attack"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.02.13"] [Round "-"] [White "eduard352"] [Black "newline"] [Result "*"] [BlackElo "1777"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1745"] 1. d4 { After black is a little slow in development, white opens up theposition.board. Then after black does not find the correct defense, hegets is blown from the board. White is able to launch a king-side attackin which he succeedes using a few nice sacrifices. } 1... Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 g6 6. Nc3 Bg7 7. Bg5 { So far nothing remarkable, butblack next move is a little too slow. } 7... Qc8 8. d5 { This may be a prematureattempt to punish black for his indiscretion. Still black will need totread a little carefull, or things could go bad for him. } 8... exd5 { Openingup lines may not be the best response, because it should favor white. } 9. cxd5 d6 { Castling with 0-0 seems better, black is be ok after that.After this move white tries to profit, by looking for complications. Inreality black position is solid, and he should be able to stand the storm. } 10. Qd4 Nbd7 { Nh5 is followed by Qe3+, and Qf5 would have been followedby e4. Black follows my motto: when in doubt, allows develop another piece! } 11. Bh3 { Black his pieces are being pinned down everywhere. Howeverthis is unneeded for, and 0-0-0 would have been better. Things might seemthreatening, but if black had played 0-0 all danger would have been gone. White position seems strong, but it can be undermined with a simple c7-c6;It is unclear to me who has the better chances here. } 11... Nh5 { But his isa big mistake, which will cost him a piece. Being aggressive has payedof for white. } 12. Qe3+ { Off course } 12... Kf8 13. Qe7+ Kg8 14. Bxd7 Qb8 { Thatshould be the end of it, black could have resigned here. The game has afew interesting moves left however. } 15. O-O-O Bf8 16. Qe3 h6 17. h4 { Noneed to withdraw the Bisshop, its to dangerous for black to open the h-line. } 17... hxg5 { I would not have played that, but you cannot blame black for tryingto get back into the game. } 18. hxg5 Qd8 19. Ne4 { Indiretly protectingthe Bisshop } 19... Qxd7 20. Rxh5 { This rook cannot be taken. Also the h-lineis now open. If we count material, then we can see black is being overwhelmedon the kings side already. } 20... Bg7 21. Rxh8+ Bxh8 22. Rh1 { White doesnt evencare about d5, and just goes all-out against blacks king. } 22... Re8 { f7-f5might have been the last resort. White was threatening both Nf6+ and Rxh8. For example 22..., Bg7; 23.Nf6+,Bxf6; 24.gxf6; Qf5; 25.Rh8+!, and checkmatefollows } 23. Rxh8+ { Of course } 23... Kxh8 24. Qd4+ { After Re5 follows 24.Nxe5,dxe5; 25.Qxe5+, f6; 26.gxf6+ and whites f-pawn is unstoppable } 24... f6 25. Nxf6 { The game is over, there is no more defense. } 25... Qg7 26. Qh4+ { Black resigned } *

[Event "What would you do?"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "15-May-08"] [Round "-"] [White "Player A"] [Black "Player B"] [Result "0-1"] [TimeControl "3d+1d, 5d max"] 1. e4 { This game is included because of a possibility which came up. WhatI want you to do is to play through this and tell me what you would havedone if White had played a differently on move 14. } 1... c5 { My usual Sicilian } 2. d3 { This is not too bad, although not very common, as it is not veryaggressive. } 2... Nc6 3. Na3 { And this is bad, developing the knight to a badsquare. The knight belongs on c3 or d2 where it has move influence on thecentre. } 3... d5 { I would not normally play this, as normally Black can justexchange pawns and play Nc3, but with the knight on a3 this is good. } 4. f3 { I don't like this move either, Bd2 perhaps is better? } 4... e5 { Black nowhas a strong centre. } 5. exd5 { This is inconsistent with the previous move. } 5... Qxd5 6. Nb5 { A good move, threatening Nc7 check. } 6... Qd8 7. f4 a6 8. Na3 { Theknight should drop back to c3 } 8... Bd6 9. Ne2 Bg4 10. Nc4 Bc7 11. fxe5 Nxe5 12. Ne3 Bh5 { White is going to find it hard to castle and complete development. } 13. Rb1 Ba5+ { Now what would you do if Bd2? I wonder who will be thefirst to answer correctly, in a message to me please. } 14. c3 { After thisit becomes a massacre. } 14... Nxd3+ 15. Kd2 Nf2+ 16. Ke1 Nxd1 17. Nxd1 Qd3 18. Nf2 Qxb1 0-1

[Event "A fun blitz game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "19/2/10"] [Round "-"] [White "nickf001"] [Black "Anon"] [Result "1-0"] [TimeControl "10 mins for all moves"] [WhiteElo "1882"] { A quick game which had some nice moments in (for me at least) which, foronce, I didn't even throw away in time trouble! } 1. d4 d6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 g6 { Looks like we're heading for a benoni/benko... } 4. Nc3 Bg7 5. e4 Bxc3+ { A mistake. This leaves the black squares of g7/h6/f6 very weak - all themoreso given that it is there that the black monarch will probably endup residing. } 6. bxc3 Qa5 7. Qb3 { A bit unecessary. The queen would havebeen better placed on c2 or d3. I wanted to avoid Bd2, as there are manyother tempting squares for him. } 7... Nf6 8. Bd3 Qc7 { Admitting perhaps that6...Qa5 was an error, but black would have been better developing. } 9. h3 { Another inaccuracy, this time on my part. I was wondering where blackwould put his pieces, so played this to limit the scope of black's ls bishop.Bh6 was more precise, and black immediately seizes his reprieve. } 9... O-O 10. Bh6 Re8 { Whilst planning is more a strategic concept, black now has variousmating patterns on the dark squares to think about. Given that there isn'tmuch scope for the rooks in this position, I would have been inclined tolet the exchange go for that monster on h6. } 11. Nf3 Nbd7 12. O-O a6 { Tryingto kick start queenside counterplay, but this has less bite thanks to thelack of blacks ds bishop glaring ominously down the diagonal. } 13. Rab1 { Again unnecessary. Black's queenside expansion could have been more effectivelylimited by 13. a4 (which I eventually play anyway). Rae1 was better, playingin my own theatre of action on the kingside and in the centre. } 13... e6 { A standardpawn break, but black's only chances are on the queenside, and openingthe e-file doesn't help. } 14. Nd2 { Preparing f4, and trying to relocatethe knight. } 14... exd5 15. cxd5 b6 { Not good. ...b5 at some point is black'sonly real active option, thus Rb8 or Nf8 followed by Bd7 was preferable.If the idea is to develop the ls bishop on b7, then it will be a very unhappybishop, blocked by the strongpoint on d5. } 16. c4 { Further clamping downon the queenside. I almost played Nc4 (targeting d6) before realising thatafter 16...b5; 17.Nd2 c4 white loses a piece. } 16... Ne5 { A nice spot, but itcan be kicked away easily. } 17. Bc2 { The bishop is important in holdingmy pawn wedge together. I didn't want to block the e-file for my rook whichis headed that way. } 17... Rb8 { Finally! } 18. f4 { Back you go! } 18... Ned7 19. a4 { Nomore pawn breaks here! } 19... Rb7 { There isn't much else for black, other thanto wait for the axe to fall. On the bright side, I was using up far moretime than necessary trying to work out a plan to break through! } 20. Rbe1 { Eyeing the e5 break, a key strategic goal for white in these sorts ofpositions. } 20... Kh8 { Waiting... } 21. Qc3 { Unneeded - and if I wanted my queenon the long diagonal, Qb2 would have been better, as it still keeps aneye on black's q-side pawns. } 21... Kg8 22. g4 { Given that the centre is solid,I can get away with advancing the kingside pawns. It has the added benefiton pushing black back on the back rank. There is of course the tacticalthreat that has lingered from move 10 - g5 followed by Bd1 (after Nh5)makes g7 look extremely vulnerable. } 22... Re7 { Making room for the knight. } 23. Rf2 { Preparing to double rooks on the only open file to force throughe5. } 23... b5 { Black makes his bid for freedom. } 24. Rfe2 { I ignore it, as openingup the queenside by 24. axb5 axb5; 25. cxb5 Rxb5 does nothing for white. } 24... b4 { I wouldn't have thought closing the position would do any good, giventhat I can simply blockade the pawn, but bxa/c4 doesn't look great either. } 25. Qb2 { Keeping my queen on the dark squares. } 25... Ne8 { Black pre-empts g5. } 26. e5 { At last! Now the attack (should) come crashing through. } 26... dxe5 { Not much else, but this does lose a piece. If black does nothing, thenI will just push on with e6, followed by f5 blowing open the kingside. } 27. fxe5 Nxe5 { Preventing the pawn fork d6 at a cost. } 28. Rxe5 Qd6 { Right.Now 'all' I have to do is convert the extra piece. Well, as we all know,there's nothing harder than winning a won game - unfortunately I'm nowgoing to prove it. } 29. Rxe7 Rxe7 30. Rxe7 Qxe7 31. Nf3 { My original ideawas for this knight to go to e4, but that allows Qe1 allowing perpetual. } 31... f6 { Finally trying to put an end to the g7 problem. } 32. Qb3 { Time troublesets in. I'm not sure what I was trying to do here, but I think I was anglingfor a queen trade with Qe3 whilst attacking c5. } 32... Nd6 { Ouch. Knights arethe best blockaders, so I try to get rid of it. } 33. Bf4 Nf7 { Black ofcourse is just as eager to keep it, and certainly doesn't want to exchangepieces when a bishop down. } 34. Qd3 { Can't quite remember what this wasdoing. Adding weight to push d6 I think, but as seen previously, it isn'tthat hard to blockade it. } 34... Kg7 { Taking advantage of my clock problems.I had just under 2 mins, my opponent had 4. Here he waits for me to doall the work, as he should. } 35. d6 { Frantic. But it does have one majordrawback. } 35... Qd7 { Naturally. } 36. Qd5 { Wasting a tempo. I'm soon forcedto retreat. } 36... Bb7 { The point. The advance to d6 has finally allowed black'sbishop into the game. } 37. Qd3 Qc6 { I get that sinking feeling. Have Iblown it again? No...not yet. } 38. Bd1 g5 { Playing for a mistake. } 39. Bg3 { Moving off the diagonal would have lost the d6 pawn. } 39... Ne5 { Takingadvantage of the pin on the f3 knight to the mate on g2 or infiltrationon h1. At least I can get another pair of minor pieces off the board. } 40. Bxe5 { 40. Nxe5 Qg2# } 40... fxe5 41. d7 { Going for gold. } 41... e4 { Damn. After42. d8Q exd3; 43. Qxd3 it looks like a draw. } 42. Qd2 { My last throw ofthe dice with 40 seconds left. The idea is to try and force the black kingonto the back rank where d8Q will be check, or exchange off queens (afterQxg5+ Qg6 for example) negating the threat on the long diagonal. } 42... exf3 { 42...e3 was also possible, but then Qb2+ followed by d8Q rescues whiteas the knight on f3 still blocks the diagonal on which black's hope rests. } 43. Qxg5+ { As said previously, black wants to avoid a queen exchange ormoving onto his 1st rank. Which leaves only one option... } 43... Kf7 44. d8=N+ { ! The final flourish. d8Q allows 44...f2+; 45. Kxf2 Qg2+ etc with perpetual. All comments and analysis are welcome, and thanks for taking a look through! } 1-0

[Event "Philidor's defense"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Bardeleben"] [Black "Alekhine"] [Result "*"] [BlackElo "1"] { Alekhine was only 15 years old when he won this game against the wellknown international master. } 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 { Could have alsoplayed 3. ... Nf6 } 4. Bc4 c6 5. dxe5 dxe5 6. Be3 Be7 7. Nc3 Qc7 8. a4 Nc5 9. b4 { It is probably not the right time to attack. Should have played9. Ng5 to threathen the weak f7 pawn. It also forces 9. ... Nh6 10. h3to prevent 10. ... Bg4 } 9... Ne6 10. Rb1 Nf6 11. O-O O-O 12. Ne1 b5 13. Bd3 a5 14. axb5 axb4 15. b6 Qb7 16. Ne2 c5 17. c3 Bd7 18. cxb4 cxb4 19. Ng3 Nc5 { Black threatens the e4 and c6 pawns } 20. Bc4 Ncxe4 21. Nxe4 Nxe4 22. Bd5 Bc6 23. Bxc6 Qxc6 24. Qh5 Nc3 25. Rb2 Qb5 { Defending the e5 pawn } 26. Nf3 Ne2+ 27. Rxe2 Qxe2 28. Qxe5 Bf6 29. Qc5 b3 30. Bf4 Rfe8 { An astutemove seeing that White is trying his last desperate move, to move the whitepawn forward. } 31. b7 Qxf1+ 32. Kxf1 Ra1+ 33. Bc1 b2 { And white surrenders! } *

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "03-Mar-08"] [Round "-"] [White "davidstefic"] [Black "funkychess"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1200"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1200"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. e3 c5 3. dxc5 e6 4. Nf3 Bxc5 { Black has equalised alreadyhere. } 5. Bb5 Qa5+ 6. Nc3 Bb4 7. Bd3 d5 { 7..., Nd5 might be better. } 8. O-O Nc6 9. a3 { 9. Bd2 looks safer } 9... Be7 { 9..., Bxc3 followed by e5 was anice alternative. } 10. Bd2 e5 11. e4 { This strong move gives white theinitiative. } 11... dxe4 12. Nxe4 Qc7 13. Nxf6+ Bxf6 { Now white is a little betteragain. } 14. Bb5 { This is a weak move. 14. Ng5 was much better. 14. Bg5was also not bad. White has to create some play against the black king,who will castle kingside soon. } 14... O-O 15. Bxc6 { Giving up the bishop pair. } 15... Qxc6 16. Bb4 Rd8 17. Qe2 Bg4 18. h3 Bh5 19. g4 e4 { This intermediate movegives black a big advantage. } 20. Ne1 Bg6 21. Rd1 Rxd1 22. Qxd1 Rd8 { Blackcould have gone for the pawn on b2 here somewhere, but decides to playfor activity. } 23. Qc1 h5 24. g5 Bd4 25. Bc3 e3 { Just taking on c3 wasalso strong. } 26. Bxd4 { 26. fxe3 was necessary. Then after 26..., Bxc327. bxc3, Qe6! the white queen is shut off from the defence of the kingside. } 26... e2 { A nice 'Zwischenzug'. This kind of move is always hard to spot, sinceif you take a whole piece of the board, somehow your attention gets focusedon that piece exchange. My opponent told me he liked this move. I couldnot find out how to respond to his resignation note, so I decided to annotatethe game. The rest of the game is not important anymore. } 27. Qe3 Qc4 28. Qd3 0-1

[Event "78th GK tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2011.02.13"] [Round "-"] [White "tese69"] [Black "riceant"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1787"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1825"] 1. e4 { The best chess game I've played to date. A winning positional battleas black against a very strong opponent. I can also probably call thismy first 'perfect' game. As in essentially no mistakes from my point ofview. } 1... c5 { Another opening where I get to play my favourite stuff. } 2. c4 { Interesting. Apparently it's called the 'Gloria' variation. My firstcrack at this variation. } 2... Nc6 3. Nc3 g6 4. g3 Bg7 5. Bg2 e6 6. Nge2 d6 7. O-O Nge7 8. d3 O-O 9. f4 { This is turning into a closed game where pawnsare positioned like trench warfare. Neither side can safely advance theirpawns to any useful extent. I get this pawn formation played against mequite frequently when I play the Sicilian against an opponent of approximately1700+ rating. Fortunately I don't think I have ever lost when it comesto this position, due to a few reasons. 1) The moment the game breaksopen, white's king is in trouble. 2) This becomes a positional battlewhere each player maneuvers their pieces behind their pawn barrage as artillerysupport. I happen to be good at that. 3) While my opponent's position'looks' good and solid, 'impenetrable', they tend to let their guard downon defense and concentrate on formulating an attack plan. The thing aboutthese positions is that it's extremely difficult to predict what will happen(or what the opponent had planned in mind) once the position breaks open. Except maybe for masters and gms who see everything. } 9... a6 { The first stepin preparing a b5 pawn push. } 10. Be3 Nd4 { I love blocking my opponent'splans before they even start. } 11. Qd2 Nec6 { Reinforcing my strong d4 knight. } 12. h3 Bd7 { The second step in preparing b5. This protects my knight fromhis LSB in case white plays e5. } 13. Rad1 { Most players think massing piecesin the centre is awesome for an eventual attack, but in this game bishopsare the more important as they can get in between the pawns. White's bishopsare both oriented in the direction of the queenside, where there's notmuch important stuff to attack. My bishops are acting as guardians rightnow, but their roles will change VERY swiftly. While white's bishops lookmore aligned and powerful now, my bishops are the actual threats, as willbe seen in the end. } 13... Rb8 { The final step in preparing b5. White has donenothing to stop it. Rb7 prevents the g2 bishop from having any threats. While it may seem to have taken an awful lot of time to prepare b5, itis worth it as white has not prepared any counterdefenses to b5. } 14. Bf2 { I know white is trying to position his pieces to carry out his own plan,whatever it was. I haven't bothered to find out. However in light of whathappens in the future, it does nothing to help, and instead just impedeswhite's ability to defend against my eventual onslaught. It's a liabilitywhite had no way of predicting. } 14... b5 15. b3 { ? White invites me to attackthe c3 knight and render it useless for the remainder of the game. Whileall my pieces are perfectly coordinated in the eventual attack, white'sknight is the only thing missing from action. } 15... b4 16. Nb1 { ?! What a wayto make yourself useless! White was worried about Na4 in that after 16....Nxe2+!17. Qxe2 Nd4 18. Bxd4 Bxd4+ 19. Kh2 (Kh1) Bxa4 20. ba, leaving white withhorrible doubled pawns. The correct response was 16. Nxd4! bc 17. Nxc6!Bxc6 [if 17. ... cd then 18. Nxd8 Rbxd8 19. Rxd2 and white wins a pawn]18. Qc2, with a somewhat equal position. } 16... Qe7 { I am looking at the eventualpossibility of attacking white's e2 knight in the event the e pawns clearup. } 17. Nxd4 { White probably sees this and so prevents it. } 17... Nxd4 18. g4 { White prepares f5. } 18... a5 19. Rde1 { White thinks my queen may be susceptibleto attack after the pawns clear. } 19... a4 { White cannot take it or else be leftwith a shattered queenside pawn structure. } 20. Bxd4 { White gets rid ofa defender of f5. However this leaves him a move behind as he has to dealwith the check first. I see the reasons for this move, but according tothe computer analysis it's an inaccuracy. } 20... Bxd4+ 21. Kh1 { ? Kh2 is muchbetter since it prevents the eventual checkmate that was inevitable withKh1. } 21... Qh4 { ! This pins the white bishop to the pawn. White still doesn'tsuspect Bc6's threats. } 22. f5 { ? The results of this exchange allows Bc6to be disastrous for white, especially with my DSB where it is. } 22... exf5 23. exf5 Rbe8 { ! Essentially giving white the delusion that white must takethe e8 rook because of my rook +queen both attacking it. A clever trap. } 24. Rxe8 { ?? Now Bc6 is unstoppable and both my bishops, queen and rookare all pointed pretty much directly at white's king. White only has 3pieces to defend against my 4, because of the useless b1 knight. } 24... Rxe8 25. Qf4 { ?? Now instead of a large material loss, it's a checkmate. Theonly defense is Kh2. White still doesn't see the threat of Bc6, and triesto initiate its own attack. } 25... Bc6 { If 26. Bxc6 then Qxh3+ 27. Qh2 Qxf1 28.Qg1 Qxg1#. If white does anything else other than Kh2, black plays 26....Qxh3+ 27. Qh2 Bxg2#. } 26. Kh2 Re2 { You can calculate the remainingmoves. This is my best attack in terms of planning and execution to date! } 0-1

[Event "A lucky escape..."] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2018.02.26"] [Round "-"] [White "lake-bay"] [Black "2knightonyou"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1389"] [WhiteElo "1428"] { In this game I got myself into hot water, but manged to mate... } 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 { This move always has me on the fence. Should I play c4or go about my development? } 3. c4 { Pawns are my stumbling block. I holdonto them at all costs. } 3... e6 4. dxe6 { I trade my pawn off to free up myother pieces. } 4... Bxe6 5. d4 { Establishing a center... } 5... Bb4+ 6. Nc3 Ne4 { Ohno. } 7. Qd3 Bxc3+ 8. bxc3 Bf5 9. g4 Qe7 10. gxf5 { ? } 10... Nxf2+ 11. Qe2 Qxe2+ 12. Bxe2 Nxh1 13. Ba3 Nc6 14. Nf3 { I go after the trapped knight. } 14... O-O-O 15. Kf1 Rhe8 16. Re1 { ? Correct was Bc1. } 16... Re3 { I am in big trouble. } 17. Kg1 { I go after the knight. } 17... Rxc3 18. Bb2 Rc2 19. Kxh1 { I decide to trade. } 19... Rxb2 20. d5 Nb4 { Now a knight penetrates. } 21. Ne5 { I try and generatesome counterplay. } 21... Re8 22. Bg4 Kb8 { He doesn't miss a beat. But a betterdefense was Kd8 supporting the rook and eliminating the back rank threat. } 23. a3 Nc2 24. Re2 Rb1+ 25. Kg2 Nd4 26. Re4 Rb2+ { He starts chasing myking... } 27. Kh3 Rb3+ 28. Kh4 Rxa3 { ?? The big mistake! } 29. f6 { Ha! } 29... g6 { ?? Mate in two! Needed was g5+. } 30. Nd7+ Kc8 31. Rxe8# { Whew! That wasa close shave! } 1-0

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.08.06"] [Round "-"] [White "countalucard"] [Black "chriseyre2000"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1510"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1452"] 1. g3 { I used to play this opening so it is fairly familiar stuff. } 1... d5 { You don't play e5 here as it gives white the developing Nf3. } 2. d4 Nf6 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. Nf3 { This opening is quite disconcerting to most people sincewhite can mostly ignore black and use the same setup. } 4... g6 { I thought thatI'd mirror the financhetto structure. } 5. Bg5 { This is the first divergencefrom the book (the normal move is 0-0) } 5... Bg7 6. Nc3 O-O { I carried on withthe ignore the opponent trick. } 7. Ne5 h6 { Now I need to get the bishopout of the way to prevent the queen from backing it up. } 8. Bxf6 exf6 { Inow have a very strong pawn flank and a useful open file. } 9. Nxc6 bxc6 { Notice my use of doubled pawns. } 10. Na4 f5 11. Nc5 Qf6 12. c3 f4 { Thisis an attempt to break up the fianchetto structure } 13. O-O fxg3 14. fxg3 Qe7 15. Re1 Qe3+ 16. Kh1 f5 { GK recommends Rb8 here } 17. Qd3 Qxd3 18. exd3 a5 19. Re7 Rb8 20. b3 h5 21. Rae1 { Doubled rooks should be more intimidating. } 21... f4 22. gxf4 Bf5 23. Rxc7 Rbc8 24. Rxc8 Bxc8 25. a3 Rxf4 26. Re8+ Rf8 27. Rxf8+ Kxf8 28. h4 Ke7 29. Kh2 Kf6 30. Kg3 Bh6 31. Kf3 Bg4+ { Here I geta little carried away with the power of the paired bishops. } 32. Kf2 Bf4 33. Nb7 g5 34. hxg5+ Kxg5 { My plan here was to force through the h pawn.I did'nt expect it to take so long. } 35. Nxa5 Bd2 36. Nxc6 Be6 37. c4 dxc4 38. dxc4 { W has such a strong pawn wall that I should have been destroyedby it. } 38... Kf4 39. d5 Be3+ 40. Ke2 Bg4+ { W } 41. Kf1 h4 42. Ne7 { W's reluctanceto just push those 4 passed pawns was his undoing. } 42... h3 { Here I was takinga risk: if white was not so adverse to non-favorable exchanges he couldhave won the game by taking my last pawn. } 43. Ng6+ Kg5 { More wasted chancesto advance his pawns! } 44. Be4 h2 45. d6 Bh3+ 46. Ke2 Bc5 47. b4 Bxd6 48. c5 Bc7 49. Kf2 Bf5 { Now I start to get back into control. My passed pawnis so close to home the the bishop can't leave the h1-a8 diagonal. } 50. Bd5 Kxg6 { I win the knight (but probably should have used the bishop) } 51. a4 { Finally the pawn advance - just when it is too late. } 51... Kf6 52. a5 Ke5 53. Bg2 Bd3 { Now it is almost all over for white. His pawns can'tmake it to the 8th. } 54. Ke3 Bc4 55. Kf2 { The king attempts to assist inthe blocking of the pawn, allowing B's king to feast on the pawns. } 55... Kd4 { There is no saving the pawns. } 56. Bf3 Kc3 { I was expecting black to gethis king into h1. } 57. Bb7 Kxb4 { Black now has a dilemma: how to stop theh pawn from queening and keep the pawns. } 58. a6 Bxa6 { This is the trueuse of a sacrifice. } 59. c6 h1=Q { The pawn finally becomes a queen. } 60. Bxa6 { .. at the cost of a bishop. } 60... Qxc6 { GK informs me that this is notactually required as I had a forced mate in 7. I preferred the safety netof not having to worry about that last pawn. } 61. Be2 Kc3 62. Bf3 { A valiant,if pointless attack. } 62... Qf6 { Slowly reducing B's options. } 63. Kg2 Qg5+ { HereW is limited by a series of forced mates (64. Kh3 Qg3#, 64. Kh1 Qg3 65B moves Qh2#) } 64. Kf2 Kd2 { Here I chose to close in the box. W's kingwill never move outside of f1 or f2 } 65. Be2 Qg3+ 66. Kf1 Bb6 67. Bd1 { Avaliant attempt to get a draw should I capture the bishop. } 67... Qf2# { All inall a lucky escape from what I should have lost. } 0-1

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2011.02.27"] [Round "-"] [White "unohuim"] [Black "greek_gift"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1274"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1304"] 1. e4 e6 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 { I want my light squared bishop on c4, and eventuallyon b3. should i be moving my bishop now, or is Nc3 fine? i don't wantto delay development on protecting middle pieces, but i also don't wantto provide black the opportunity to keep my light-squared bishop off ofthat diagonal. } 3... f5 { not certain what this opening is, but I don't likehow black is already attacking my pawn. } 4. Bc4 { perhaps i should havedealt w/ the pawn threat first? } 4... Nf6 5. Qe2 { i had d3, exf5, and O-O } 5... fxe4 6. Nxe4 Nxe4 7. Qxe4 d5 { wow. } 8. Bxd5 { i figured that i'll lose a pieceif Qxd5, but it'll open up the e file for my post castle rook. either way,it's not looking good. } 8... Qxd5 9. Qxd5 Bd6 { amazing blunder. } 10. Qd3 { notused to having blunders like this. just want to get her to safety } 10... O-O 11. O-O Rd8 { discovered attack } 12. Qe4 Rf8 13. Ng5 { h7 is under seriousthreat. } 13... Rf4 { ?? } 14. Qxh7+ Kf8 15. Qh8+ Ke7 16. Qxg7+ Kd8 17. Re1 { e6is weak, if i can out number the attack } 17... Be5 18. Rxe5 { probably not thebest move, but i see an opportunity to go up one more in material. itwill leave all my pieces away from the attack, but thought i'd try it. } 18... Nxe5 19. Nxe6+ Bxe6 20. Qh8+ Kd7 21. Qxa8 { accomplished. as suspected,i have no pieces in the attack. } 21... Re4 22. Kf1 Bc4+ 23. d3 Nxd3 { if i movecxd3, it's mate with Bxd3..Kg1...Re1! } 24. Bd2 Nf4+ 25. Kg1 Ne2+ 26. Kh1 Rd4 27. Bg5 Rg4 28. Qd8+ Kc6 29. Qf6+ Kd7 30. Qe7+ Kc6 31. Qf6+ Kb5 32. Qf5+ { pretty bad game on both sides.. i'd be interested in hearing thoughtson the initial opening up until the queen got taken. } 1-0

[Event "- - The Traxler Variation - - A Draw Against Coach Ion!"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.12.17"] [Round "-"] [White "jstevens1"] [Black "ionadowman"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [BlackElo "2117"] [TimeControl "3d+2d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1787"] 1. e4 { Hi everyone! Two years ago, when my rating was in the 1500s Idreamed of getting at the very least an Expert Draw and possibly a winagainst an Expert. Ion was the first Expert I played against and boy howgreen I was! My very first game against him was Battle of the Wings inwhich we fought a close rook and pawn ending with Ion's kingside pawn majoritycloser to promotion than my queenside majority. I therefore lost thatgame. Since then it has been heartache, heartache and more heartache withme making some very silly mistakes in my games against him and there werea couple of games I could have drawn but I blew it big time. Soon Ionwas leading me by a mighty 13 points to ZILCH! I repeat ZILCH! Well,it is Zilch no longer and not even Ion can take that half point away fromme. This is happiness! This game was a brevity (terminated in less than20 moves but it was a forced draw by perpetual check). Anyhow, I willstart further commentary on move 7 when I played Nc3 in response to Ion'sRf8. } 1... e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 Bc5 5. Bxf7+ Ke7 6. Bb3 Rf8 7. Nc3 { 7. Nc3 - a developing move - in fact the Master Mater (Easy19) playedthis against me in the game At Each Other's Throats which I went on tolose. } 7... Nd4 { 7. ...... Nd4 - and I also played this against Freddy. } 8. d3 d6 9. Nd5+ Nxd5 { 9. ..... Nxd5 - and I also captured on d5 against Freddy. Note that in the Gameknot db Ke8 is suggested here. Hmm, if Ion had playedthat I had Nxh7 then if Nxh7 then Qh5+ pocketing the knight next move. A similar thing happened to me in my game against Nuntar, viz:- http://gameknot.com/analyze-board.pl?bd=12791594&fb=1&rnd=0.08891115575838959so I thought that would be a good way to learn my lesson - lump it on theCoach. But he crosses my plan with Nxd5. } 10. Bxd5 c6 { 10. ...... c6 -I think Freddy recommended this move to me after he recaptured on d5 withhis light squared bishop. I can see why he thought I might have a goodgame. I decide on Nxh7 after all because I can see Ion's King and theWicked Witch of the West lined up nicely on that h5-d8 diagonal for a possibleskewer. } 11. Nxh7 cxd5 12. Nxf8 { 12. Nxf8 - might as well help myself tothat rook. } 12... Kxf8 { 12 ....... Kxf8 - why not Qxf8? } 13. c3 { 13. c3 - anattempt to drive the knight off so I can put Glenda on f3 with check butIon has something up his sleeve. } 13... Bg4 14. Qxg4 { 14. Qxg4 - I think f3 failsto Qh5+. I can see that Ion has a fork on c2 but at least Glenda moveson to an aggressive square. Glenda is gadding about just that little bitmore on that broomstick - watch out! } 14... Nc2+ 15. Kd1 { 15. Kd1 - this wasput in as a conditional move. Henry makes room for me to get my KR intoplay and if Ion should swipe the rook on a1 with the knight then that horsiecould get itself trapped. } 15... Nxa1 16. Bg5 { 16. Bg5 - develops with a threatto the Wicked Witch. Now where is that witch going? I expected Qc7 preparinga block against Glenda's check on f5. } 16... Qa5 { 16. ...... Qa5 - This moveattacks the pawn on a2 and will defend that wretched horsie on a1. HoweverI now condemn Ion to a Low Draw by Perpetual Check as follows:- VariationA 17. Qf5+ Ke8 18. Qe6+ Kf8 19. Qf5+ Kg8 20. Qe6+ Kh7 21. Qf5+ Kh8 22.Qh3+ Kg8 23. Qe6+ If he tries to duck it here is:- Variation B 17. Qf5+Kg8 18. Qe6+ Kh7 19. Qf5+ g6 20. Qf7+ Kh8 21. Bf6#. Commiserations andbad luck Ion. Do you the Inquest Jury suggest a better alternative toQa5 - I suggested Qc7 - do you the Jury agree? I now play Ion as blackand I think I will need to play out of my skin to avoid a backlash! Anyhow,time for some sweet dreams. Bye for now - Joanne } 17. Qf5+ 1/2-1/2

[Event "Bishop sacrifice leads to beautiful checkmate"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "deepblue17"] [Black "Ulla"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1633"] [WhiteElo "1407"] 1. e4 e6 2. Nf3 d5 { Questionable opening move (e6) by black. } 3. Nc3 { Developing knight and getting ready to defend if he takes my pawn } 3... dxe4 4. Nxe4 { he takes pawn and I recapture. I now have strong control of centerwith knights and a big lead in development, i like how this game is goingthus far. d4 or developing a knight probably would have been a better movefor him. } 4... Be7 5. d4 Nf6 6. Ng3 { Push d4 to control center and repositionknight on kingside as he develops his knight . He will have a hard timedealing with those knights if he castles kingside which is what it seemslike he will do. } 6... O-O 7. Bd3 Nc6 8. c3 { He castles kingside which i thinkwas a mistake at this point. I like my position at this point, light squaredbishop is in good position, pawn chain on queen side is really limitedsquares for his knight and dark squared bishop } 8... Re8 9. O-O { Questionablemove of rook by him, not an open file and won't be anytime soon, a pointlessmove if you ask me. I castle kingside, kind looks very safe and now canmove rook to semi-open e file. } 9... Nd5 10. Re1 Bf6 11. Nh5 { not really worriedabout his knight on d5 or bishop on f6, they both really have no good squaresto move to. I move rook to open e file and knight to h5. Usually knighton the rim is brim but in this case I it gave me a good attacking squarewith possibility of bishop trade which he should definitely avoid. Nxf6..gxf6wrecks kingside defense and Nxf6...Qxf6 followed by Bg5! wins his queen } 11... Be7 12. Qc2 { He smartly moves his bishop and I reposition my queen behindlight squared bishop to ready for kingside attack. Bishops on long opendiagonals bearing down on his king will prove very hard to defend i think.Really outplaying him up until this point } 12... g6 13. Ne5 Bg5 { he defends againstlight squared bishop with g6, I allow him to take knight on h5 if he wants,would prove very bad for him eventually I think and he knows this. I bringmy other knight to e5 putting a lot of pressure on g5, possible sacrificecoming? Bishop to g5 for him accomplishes nothing for him, I have no reasonto trade. Should have traded knight on e5 } 14. Nxg6 hxg6 { I see it! Knightsacrifice will lead to very good mating chances. Attempted bishop sacrificecoming next, if he bites mate will follow } 15. Bxg6 Bxc1 { he sees my planand doesnt bite on the bishop, ....fxg6 would have been followed by Qxg6+then mate next move. He decides to pointlessly trade bishops. No need forme to take bishop with such a strong attack, I opt to continue attacking. } 16. Bxf7+ Kf8 17. Qh7 { Will he squirm away? Was the knight sacrificea blunder. He smartly decides not take bishop which would have led to mate.Now the question is do i trade off pieces and retake a material lead orcontinue the attack and attempt to mate? } 17... Ke7 18. Bxe6+ { Continue takingpawns with bishop and putting him in check. He now has no king side defenseat all, but can I mate him? } 18... Kd6 { if i move bishop he mates with Rxe1#so it seems bishop is a goner. Should I cease attack and grab his darksquared bishop? He has no defense on king but his material advantage willstill prove hard to overcome if i let him slip away....and then I see themate! } 19. Ng7 Rxe6 { He finally bites on one of my attempted sacrifices.Mate next move for him if I don't take rook on e6. I have something upmy sleeve though.... } 20. Nf5# { Nf5#! Beautiful mate involving three pieces.One of my best games and first times I successfully sacrificed a piecethat lead to a mate. Hope you enjoyed my annotation. } 1-0

[Event "Challenge from saschaantipin"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2011.01.04"] [Round "-"] [White "saschaantipin"] [Black "pasha582"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [BlackElo "1571"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1423"] 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 e6 4. Bxc4 Nc6 5. Nf3 Bb4+ 6. Nc3 f6 7. a3 Bd6 8. O-O a6 9. b4 e5 10. d5 b5 { This was not such a great exchange--whitegets a pawn and a knight in exchange for a bishop. } 11. Bxb5 axb5 12. Nxb5 Nxb4 13. Be3 Ba6 14. Nxd6+ cxd6 15. axb4 { Now I'm thinking, bishop forrook? Sounds great! } 15... Bxf1 16. Rxa8 Qxa8 17. Qxf1 { Here I'm only up onepoint, but I have a queen and a rook against a queen. I should swap queensand increase my material advantage. But my left side is not well developed,and white has that one passed pawn. } 17... Ne7 18. b5 O-O 19. b6 Rb8 20. g4 { Ishould move the knight to C6 to threaten the pawn. Why don't I do this? } 20... Nc8 { Oh, I did. Well that was good thinking! } 21. g5 Nxb6 22. gxf6 gxf6 23. Bh6 Kf7 24. Qh3 Qa1+ { This was kind of stupid. I hoped he would interposehis queen, but why would he when I'm forcing his king into a better position,while burying my queen in a useless far flung corner of the board. Notone of my better ideas. } 25. Kg2 Rg8+ 26. Ng5+ { Suddenly I realize thatKe7 or Ke8 will be followed by Qe6+. Not pretty. Kg6 exchanges the rookfor white's knight--also unpleasant. I decide to trade the rook (and apawn) for the bishop and knight. I actually conditional moved the entiresequence. } 26... Rxg5+ 27. Bxg5 fxg5 28. Qf5+ { Except I had expected QxP7+. I'm not sure what white thought his advantage would be with this move. } 28... Ke8 29. Qe6+ { Kf8 sacrifices the knight. } 29... Kd8 30. Qxd6+ Nd7 31. Qh6 Qc1 32. d6 Nc5 33. Qf6+ Kd7 34. Qe7+ Kc6 35. Qc7+ Kb5 36. d7 { NxPd7 would befollowed by QxQ, a disappointing result for black. I opt for a seriesof checks. If I can get my queen out of the way, Ne6 would fork white'squeens. but this would be easily avoided by Qb6+ and the white queens frogmarch the black king up against the a wall. Ugh! } 36... Qc2 37. d8=Q { Two girlsfor every boy. Black may be able to snag a few pawns, but his king isparalyzed behind the white queens. } 37... Qxe4+ 38. f3 Qe2+ 39. Kg3 Qe1+ 40. Kg4 Qb4+ 41. Kg3 Qf4+ 42. Kf2 Qxh2+ 43. Ke3 Qf4+ 44. Ke2 Qc4+ 45. Kd1 Qf1+ 46. Kd2 { Here I examined what happens if black pushes the h passed pawninstead of checking the white king. White forces mate in less than tenmoves, deftly working around the black knight with a series of checks,beginning with Qa5+. } 46... Qf2+ 47. Kc1 Qe1+ 48. Qd1 Qc3+ 49. Kb1 { My goal isto badger white into a draw. } 49... Qb4+ 50. Kc2 Qb3+ { White accepts. Thoughwere I playing white, I might have fought longer. After examining theposition from white's point of view, however, there doesn't appear to beany way to force a queen exchange. Provided black makes no error, it reallydoes look like a draw. } 1/2-1/2

[Event "the_golfer vs obee_ton 28/5/09 - 30/5/09"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.05.30"] [Round "-"] [White "the_golfer"] [Black "obee_ton"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1232"] [TimeControl "14 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1234"] 1. e4 { This is my first annotation of a chess match. This match shows thateven if you are winning and about to checkmate, everything can turn aroundlast minute. The final checkmate was pretty obvious, but I was quite oblivious.I always like to open with the king's pawn advancing two spaces } 1... b6 { Thismove appears commonly, but I don't really understand the purpose of it. } 2. Qf3 { Opening with a queen is not always a smart idea, but if the opponentis not careful, checkmate can be easy. } 2... g6 { Another strange move I wasn'treally sure about. The opponent must have been planning something. } 3. Bc4 { Now if the opponent makes a silly move, the game is over. } 3... e6 { However,this is not the case. The pawn blocks the bishop's attack, so I have tocome up with another plan. } 4. d4 { Releasing that pawn opens up my blacksquare bishop. } 4... Nf6 { That knight gets in my way, so I really need to changetactics. } 5. e5 { I attack the knight with my pawn, hoping for it to goaway. } 5... Nh5 { It does. But what is he planning now? } 6. d5 { Didn't reallypay attention to it. My other pawn attack's my opponent's king pawn. } 6... Bb7 { The bishop lines up an attack. I guess I can't take that pawn after all. } 7. g4 { So I decide to attack the knight. He is getting pretty close andI'm beginning to get cautious. } 7... Ng7 { He finally retreats. I feel safer. } 8. h4 { So I move my pawn up so it reduces the chance of my opponent wantingto move his knight back, not that he would want to anyway. } 8... Bxd5 { The firstpiece of the game is taken. It was my queen pawn. } 9. Bxd5 { I take hisbishop, but I won't stay ahead for long. } 9... exd5 { Of course, he would takeme back. } 10. Qxd5 { So I take him, opening the attack on his rook. } 10... c6 { He blocks me with a pawn forcing me to retreat. } 11. Qb3 { I return tomy pawns where I am safe. } 11... Bc5 { His bishop comes to attack me. } 12. Bh6 { So I attack him. } 12... Ne6 { The knight comes back into play. We are still tiedin points, because we are both playing defensively. } 13. Nf3 { I go to protecttwo pawns with my knight. } 13... Nd4 { He attacks my knight and queen. I don'treally have a choice now. } 14. Nxd4 { So I take him. } 14... Bxd4 { Back to squarepoints. He is now attacking my pawn, so I should defend it. } 15. Bg5 { Idon't, but I attack his queen. } 15... f6 { Blocks me with a pawn. } 16. Bxf6 { Itake him. I am now ahead. } 16... Qc7 { He moves his queen, so I am free to takehis rook. } 17. Bxh8 Bxe5 { He takes my pawn, but I am still five pointsup. Not that really mattered in the outcome of the finale. } 18. Bxe5 { SoI take him, waiting for him to take me. } 18... Qxe5+ { I am now in check. I alwaysfind it disadvantageous to move your king out of check, so I prefer toblock with the piece worth the least amount of points. } 19. Qe3 { My queenwas my only choice if I wanted to play the way I usually play. } 19... Qxe3+ { Hetakes me, so I should really take him. } 20. fxe3 { The game becomes moreinteresting now both of the queens have been taken. } 20... Kf7 { He moves hisking. } 21. Rf1+ { I instantly put him into check. It's just what I liketo do. } 21... Kg7 { He has nothing to block with, so he moves, but he is startingto corner himself. } 22. h5 { I move in on the attack. I have a piece advantagewhich I can hopefully use later. } 22... g5 { He moves so I can't take him. Probablya good idea at this stage. } 23. e4 { I try and promote my pawns to giveme a bigger advantage. } 23... c5 { He opens up his knight which will play a keyrole later to force checkmate. He was probably already planning the finishat this point. } 24. e5 { I keep going. } 24... Nc6 { The knight has now come out.The game is about to take a turn. } 25. Rf5 { I go to protect my own pawnand go attack his. } 25... h6 { Of course, he defends. } 26. Nc3 { I bring my knightout. I was going to use my knight to force checkmate. } 26... Re8 { His rook comesout to attack my pawn. } 27. O-O-O { I castle queen side, attacking the pawnon d7. This later proved to be a bad decision. } 27... Re7 { obee_ton goes to defendhis pawn with his rook. Smart idea. } 28. Nd5 { I attack his rook, hopingfor obee_ton to lower the attack on my pawn. } 28... Rxe5 { He takes it anywayand is now defended by his knight. I am still four points up as the numberof pieces becomes less and less. } 29. Nc7 { I move my knight away to moveinto a more attacking position. } 29... Re7 { obee_ton now sensing that checkmatecould be coming decides to not lose any more pieces. } 30. Rd6 { I am eagerto attack moving my castling rook up. } 30... a5 { He is attacking from the side.Not much point really. } 31. Rg6+ { So I go put the king in check. I am becomingvery close to ending the game... and so is obee_ton. } 31... Kh7 { He puts hisking on h7. Playing defensive and attacking at the same time. } 32. Rf8 { The game is nearly over and I place my rook on f8. } 32... Ne5 { This is whereobee_ton starts the checkmate plan. The knight moves to e5 and he is aboutto trap me. I never suspected. To create a diversion, obee_ton made itlook like he was actually attacking my rook. Very smart play. } 33. Rgg8 { I in defence, move my rook away and closer to checkmate. } 33... Nc4 { The knightis coming in for the final blow. I didn't even see this coming, as I wastoo focused checkmating myself. } 34. Nd5 { My knight was now in place forcheckmate. } 34... Re1# { At the last minute, obee_ton checkmated me. This showedme how much being ahead in points isn't always the best thing. You shouldalways be checking what your opponent is going to do next. Thank you forwatching this annotation. I have to admit it wasn't very good, but that'swhat you get reading a thirteen year old's play! Congratulations to obee_tonfor such a great game and a great lesson! } 0-1

[Event "a50tango's mini-tournament XVII RuyMarshall Gambit"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2016.04.04"] [Round "-"] [White "piskuntal"] [Black "a50tango"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1814"] [TimeControl "5d+2d<7d"] [WhiteElo "1881"] 1. e4 { C89, The Marshall Attack with 13.d3 (or 12.d3 as the two moves oftenprove interchangeable) is considered to be a good option for White to theusual 12.d4 Bd6 main lines. } 1... e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 O-O 8. c3 d5 { Black can 'chicken' out here with 8...d6and avoid the very tactical Marshall Attack. } 9. exd5 Nxd5 10. Nxe5 Nxe5 11. Rxe5 c6 12. Re1 Bd6 13. d3 { A standard position. } 13... Bf5 { This is probablya good try against 13.d3. } 14. Qf3 { Two options for White would be 14.Nd2and 14.Bxd5. } 14... Qf6 { Note that 14...Qh4 was chosen by Carlsen at Wijk aanZee 2016 versus Wei and ended in a draw after White's 44th move. The gamemove 14...Qf6 was not well regarded by my opponent in our post game discussions. Nevertheless, despite Jan's protestations to the contrary, I think themove is playable and not very damaging to Black's position. There is coverageof 14...Qf6 in Victor Bologan's on page 282 of the New in Chess publication'Bologan's Ruy Lopez', which is a Black side repertoire book. Howeverthere is noner in David Vigorito's somewhat older 'Understanding the MarshallAttack' (2010). If you ever wonder who needs a good database you havean answer. My guess for a good alternative to 14...Qf6 would lead to 14...Rfe8which John Nunn and Tim Harding analyze to a 'drawn' ending in their seminal'The Marshall Attack' (Batsford, 1990) on page 108. Again no coverageof 14...Qf6. Nunn-Harding state 14..Qd7 is bad based on Smagin - Geller,Moscow GMA 1989. I did no research to see if their assessment has beenoverturned. A point ripe for home analysis! } 15. Bxd5 { 15.Nd2 is thealternative here. } 15... cxd5 16. Bf4 { Okay, this game is part of a thematictournament. I want to experiment a little WITHOUT using a chess engine. Usual is this move or 16.Be3, but next move.... } 16... Rfe8 { Appears to be untriedin this position. Bologan likes 16...Bxf4 and analyzes to an end gamewhich he considers slightly better for White. } 17. Nd2 Bxf4 { Stockfish7 in the post mortem suggests 17...Bf8 as best. Perhaps 17...d4 is interestingtoo? } 18. Qxf4 Bxd3 19. Qxf6 gxf6 { Black's compromised pawn structure willprobably be a long term liability. } 20. Nf3 Be4 21. Nd4 Re5 { Black stilldreams of the attack... } 22. Re2 Rae8 23. Rae1 Kh8 { Perhaps 22..Kh8 andthen 23...Rg8. Basically Black is a tempo too slow. } 24. f3 { White provesthe Black offensive is too slow. } 24... Bg6 25. Kf2 Rxe2+ { Maybe 25...Bd3 ismore hopeful. } 26. Rxe2 Rxe2+ 27. Kxe2 Bb1 28. a3 h5 29. Nc6 Bf5 30. Nb4 a5 31. Nxd5 Kg7 32. Ke3 { The White King appears fully able to penetratethe Queenside and capture the pawn island to force a victory rather quickly. The GK computer gives Black up for lost at 14...Qf6, but there is moreto the position. Analysis of the game with a better chess engine mightprove interesting. } 1-0

[Event "Refuting a Speculative Sacrifice"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.07.04"] [Round "-"] [White "zardok"] [Black "blake84120"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1999"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1730"] 1. e4 c5 { Another game from the 54th GK Tournament. Again I am black, andagain I am faced with my favorite move and reply with the Sicilian - Idon't like playing against the Sicilian, so it seems natural that I shouldreturn the favor to white. } 2. f4 g6 { This used to be known as the PhilidorVariation (2. f4), something of a reversed Dutch position. Way back in1834, Louse-Charles Mahe de La Bourdonnais played his greatest match ofhis career, hailed by many as a world championship match (though therewas no title back then) against Alexander McDonnell. In that match, LaBourdonnais demonstrated that this variation is not sound and allows blackto equialize efficiently. Today it's better known as the Grand Prix Attack,or the McDonnell attack. Me, I really know nothing about this attack, soI let the DB guide me through my next few moves. } 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. Nc3 Nc6 { Really all just seem like normal developing moves. We have altered themove order but arrived at the standard position for the Grand Prix Attackafter 4 moves. The more common move order is 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4g6 4. Nf3 Bg7. As played, black could have chosen 2. ... d5 which is astronger way to handle 2. f4. } 5. Bb5 Nd4 6. O-O a6 7. Bc4 b5 { In for apenny, in for a pound. Black gains a bunch of turf on the queenside chasingthe white bishop around, but the white bishop gains a strong position ond5. For now. } 8. Bd5 Rb8 9. e5 e6 { Time to chase away a bishop. } 10. Nxd4 exd5 { Or not. Black voluntarily doubles his pawns on the d-file, but thisis generally not very weak, and either way, it was going to happen, ond5 or d4. } 11. Nf3 d6 { Moving for a quick undoubling of those d-pawns,and opening lines for the queen's bishop. } 12. Qe1 Ne7 { 12. Qe1 seemeda bit unusual to me. The point is the discovered attack after exd6, butsince black has Be6 and Qxd6, discovered attack won't go far. Consequently,a rook on e1 instead of the queen seems more dangerous - rooks on openfiles and mobile queens for attacking all over the board. Maybe white plannedto push his d-pawn soon and wanted his queen to defend his knight on c3against black's fianchettoed bishop on g7. } 13. a3 Bg4 14. Qg3 Be6 { Theblack bishop overextended himself. White defended his knight avoiding apotentially ruinous doubling of pawns and exposure of the white king, andat the same time she threatens the black bishop who must retreat (defenseis not an option since black intends castling kingside and wants his queento remain mobile). } 15. d3 Nf5 16. Qf2 O-O { White opened a line for hisbishop and black advanced his knight with tempo, then castled. This positionlooks very much even right now. } 17. b4 dxe5 { White's attack on the queensideis met by black's attack into the center. Black would like to open thea1-h8 diagonal for his bishop. } 18. fxe5 f6 19. Qe1 fxe5 { White's queenhas made 4 moves and yet is standing on e1, only one square away from whereshe started. Of course, white wanted to be able to recapture on e5 andalso wanted to get his queen off the open f-file so black cannot get adiscovered attack or pin with his rook on f8. } 20. Nxe5 Qb6 { Black's bishopon g7 dearly wants a piece of white's rook on a1. All that stands in theway are a pair of white knights. With the queen on b6, black threatensa discovered check with 21. ... cxb5 which will win the white knight. Iwas hoping this move would invite white to move his knight off of c3, leavingthe other knight pinned on the long diagonal, but I was expecting either21. Kh1 or 21. Rf2 to prevent the discovered check. } 21. Nxd5 Bxd5 { Whitetook me by surprise with this move. Obviously, his plan is 21. ... Bxd522. Nd7, forking queen and rooks and winning the exchange. This speculativesacrifice, if it works, could trade evenly, two white knights for a blackrook + pawn, and has the added advantage of blunting black's attack. However,white miscalculated. 21. Nxd5? simply loses his knight for a pawn - ifwhite stops here to reconsider. } 22. Nd7 Bd4+ { White continues with hisplan, but black surprises white by refuting his speculative sacrifice with22. ... Bd4+!. Now if 23. Kh1, Black wins easily with 23. ... Qc6! (threatening24. Bxg2#) 24. Rf2 Rbe8 25. Be3 (Not 25. Qg1? Ng3+ 26. hxg3 Rxf2 27. Kh2Rxg2+ 28. Qxg2 Bxg2 and mate to follow) Nxe3 26. Ne5 Bxg2+ 27. Kg1 Nd1!28. Nxb6 Rxe1+ 29. Kxg2 Rxf2+ and mate to follow. White is much betteroff with 23. Rf2 Rbe8 24. Be3 (not 24. Qf1 Ng3 etc.) Qc6 25. Bxd4 Rxe1+26. Rxe1 Qxd7 27. Bxc5 and black has a clear material and positional advantage(Q+R+B+N vs. R+R+B). Faced with this inevitable loss of material, whiteresigned. } 0-1

[Event "tomak's mini-tournament VII"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.03.03"] [Round "-"] [White "talkchess_tr"] [Black "cameron12345"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1877"] [TimeControl "7d+3d<10d"] [WhiteElo "1785"] 1. e4 { I think i went wrong in the opening in this game and my opponentdeveloped a very strong position and had a positional bind which i wasfortunate enough to overcome and managed to win this game which was veryimportant in the tournament we are both in as with his score of 100% iconsidered him a serious rival for 1st place so knew i was going to haveto fight hard. The game was certainly very interesting and though a drawshould have been a fair result we were both clearly playing for the win. } 1... c5 { Currently my choice against e4 but i am itching to play d5 again. } 2. Nc3 { Indicating that perhaps the grand prix attack is on the cards witha quick f4. } 2... g6 { My standard response as the accelarated dragon is nottoo concerned about it. } 3. Bc4 { Standard stuff } 3... Nc6 { Bg7 is probably betterfollowed by e6 and the Knight finds a home on e7. The Knight move is abit premature here and leads to a problem for me as you will see. } 4. Nf3 { Giving up the opportunity of the grand prix attack but still a good moveas he has developed 3 pieces and is ready to castle whereas i have developedone and i am no where near ready to castle. } 4... Bg7 { Sensing the problem buta move too late. } 5. O-O { Because the pawn is not on c3 i could play Nf6but e5 is a problem to meet. Ng4 is met by Bxf7 winning a pawn so i neverfeel safe with a Knight on f6 so..... } 5... e6 { So i can slot my knight on e7but the problem is that he is all developed and ready to go and i need2 more moves that i have not got. } 6. d4 { Excellent move. It sacrificesa pawn but puts the question to me 'What are you going to do??' I had completelymissed this very strong idea. } 6... cxd4 { Of Course it has to be taken. } 7. Nb5 { Thats the point he can recover the pawn at will but is threateningNd6+ which may be very strong and at the same time Bf4 is not out of thequestion increasing the pressure. If i play d6 then he could play Bg5 ortake the pawn on d4 and i have a weakness and i am still no closer to castlingand his attacking potential increases and i am going to be in trouble veryquickly. } 7... Nge7 { I decided to live with the check and hope hye will grabthe pawn as i want to retain the possibility of playing d7-d5 in one goand the flexibility of my pawn chain. } 8. Nd6+ { Understandable and thisknight is going to be a problem for a few moves. } 8... Kf8 { The easiest choiceof the game since it is forced. } 9. Bf4 { Got to be a reasonable continuationfor white. He now just needs to get the files open and his rooks activewhilst my pieces are in disarray. } 9... Qb6 { Since i have allowed the checki have to keep hold of the material to justify my existence as if he everregains the pawn i am simply lost. } 10. Qd3 { Connecting the rooks got tobe good. } 10... e5 { Treading a tightrope with this move. My only developed bishopis now rubbish but i must keep the material and try to sure up the positionto survive and i figured if i can get f6 in as well his attacking chanceswill be stopped for a while. } 11. Bg3 { Natural } 11... Nb4 { Putting the questionto the queen and attacking the Knight on d6 and finally leaving room formy other Knight to move to } 12. Nxc8 { Pretty much forced and i was gladto see exchanges. } 12... Nxc8 { I can get away with this since his queen is attacked. } 13. Qb3 { Keeping the pressure } 13... f6 { I had to judge that Nxe5 does not workhere as i can move to f6 with my queen covering the check if he followedup with Qf3+. I had both fingers crossed in case i missed something though. } 14. c3 { Trying to pry open the lines } 14... Nc6 { Pretty much forced. dxc is outof the question while the queens are on. } 15. Qxb6 { I did not expect himto take me here. He has all the play and should have retreated. By takingall his attacking chances for a knock out checkmate have evaporated. Hestill has a very good chance of the win but i can't believe that takingthe Queen was correct. } 15... Nxb6 { Naturally i do not want to double my pawns. } 16. Nd2 { This i believe was also a serious error because of what happened.I think Bb3 was fine and in keeping with his plans but this led to complicationsthat slightly favour me. } 16... dxc3 { Now because the queens are off i can grabit. } 17. bxc3 { Natural capture } 17... Bh6 { Now the problem of Nd2 is revealed.My useless bishop has been brought back from the dead and my King may findrefuge on g7 connecting my rooks. } 18. f4 { Forced } 18... exf4 { I was startingto like my chances here. My position is by no means safe but it is startingto look like a position that has potential unlike 9 moves ago when i waswaiting for the fireworks and expecting to get crushed in short order formy greed. } 19. Bxf4 { natural } 19... Bxf4 { Normally in Dragons you shrive to keepthe dark squared bishop but here every tempo counts and exchanges are helpingme free my position so i exchange it off to give me time to make my kingsafe. } 20. Rxf4 { Kg7 was my first thought but then i am willingly goinginto an endgame where he has a bishop against my knights so thought takethe Bishop. } 20... Nxc4 { So i did as he can't take on f6 really as after Kg7both pieces are attacked and Rxc6 is met by dxR and my pawn structure isbetter and i am the exchange up. } 21. Nxc4 { This is best i feel for White } 21... Kg7 { Hurrah. Now whilst this might not be a picture perfect scene i amsure that many of you never thought black could survive including me andnow if i keep my head i am a pawn up and have winning chances for the firsttime in the game. } 22. Raf1 { Natural } 22... Rhf8 { Happily i move to f8 and myconfidence grows. } 23. Nd6 { This Knight move is very good. I did not realisehow annoying it was going to be. The piece is a monster and controls alot of key squares. My joy last turn was replaced with a gasp as i struggledto find a plan against it. } 23... b6 { obviously i have to keep the pawn but howam i planning on getting out of this mess. } 24. Rg4 { White too clearlyhas problems and can't see a clear plan as looking for cheap checks isnot going to win you the game. I think after 23.Nd6 this game is drawnbut i was happy to see this. } 24... Ne5 { Activating my knight } 25. Rg3 { Naturallyhe moves it } 25... h5 { Since i have nothing to do with my rooks as they haveno where to go and my Knight is happy where he is i figured try to pawnstorm him to gain space. } 26. Nf5+ { This was the other reason since i knewthat this was coming but it is really pointless as it does not do anything } 26... Kh7 { My king is safe on h7. } 27. Ne7 { Attacking the g6 pawn which is defendedtwice. Can someone tell me the benefit but i was happy to see it. } 27... Rf7 { Getting ready to double my rooks and play f5 if allowed } 28. Nd5 { As expected } 28... Raf8 { Happily defending and now i might be threatening to play f5 } 29. Nc7 { After this i was not convinced. Exchanging his weakness on e4 formy pawn on f6 did not appeal as if you take all the pieces off bar thekings my pawn structure is much better. } 29... h4 { I want to know what he plansto do and want to solidify my structure with my other pawn on g5. } 30. Rh3 { Natural } 30... g5 { Defending and planning to meet g3 with Knight g6 andg4 } 31. Re3 { Avoiding my plan } 31... Kg6 { Giving my pawn structure extra defense } 32. Re2 { Re2 shows me that he is struggling to find a plan. } 32... Nd3 { My knightwants to touch base with the e4 pawn and defend d7 } 33. Rd1 { Trying todouble on the d file } 33... Nc5 { Now he can't yet. } 34. Nb5 { Good move. But ifeel he should have played this earlier. } 34... Re7 { this was a mistake. a6 isplayable though i convinced myself that it was not and he should have gonefor the drawing line. } 35. Nd6 { He did not take it and i had worked outthat he takes on a7 and i take on e4 and the position is very finely balancebut drawn. He wanted more and so played this move which again constrictsmy army totally. } 35... Re5 { Aggressive play with my rook but what else is therefor black. } 36. Kf2 { its a move but not sure what it is achieving } 36... Na4 { I am now starting to attack him for a change } 37. Re3 { natural } 37... Rc5 { herewe go } 38. c4 { Great move. Now my attack has come to a halt and Ra3 maybe threatened so what can black do?? } 38... a6 { Common theme IGNORE THE THREATmy plan is to give back the pawn with the break b5 to activate my otherrook. } 39. Ra3 { in keeping with his plan } 39... b5 { In keeping with mine } 40. Rb1 { Here i deviated. I do not believe that Rook b1 was best for him. Ithought cxb followed by Rb1 was best. } 40... Rc6 { Now i get to get rid of thatannoying Knight. } 41. cxb5 { Natural } 41... Rxd6 { It felt good to take that beast. } 42. Rxa4 { Natural } 42... axb5 { Keeping the pawn up. } 43. Rab4 { I was at firstsurprised that he did not take the pawn but then i saw why. If he doesafter rd2+ he has problems as after the Natural Kf1 Rc8 threatens mateand my rooks are going to be all over his second rank. } 43... Rd2+ { Got to beplayed. } 44. Kf3 { I thought Kf1 was best. } 44... Ra8 { Threatening to take thepawn with tempo. } 45. R1b2 { He wants to get the rooks off so he can survive. } 45... Ra3+ { First time to give another check. } 46. Kg4 { This is definately wrong.His best chance was Rook b4-b3 stopping the check but i understand whyhe did not as after i take with check i pick up the a2 pawn and have agreat chance of converting with him having little counterplay. } 46... Rxb2 { Thisseems very strong now } 47. Rxb2 { Natural } 47... d5 { Kapow. The pawn can't betaken it is very much poisoned. } 48. exd5 { But he takes it. } 48... f5# { Sothe killer blow comes. A very exciting battle and i can't wait for therematch in the 2nd game of the tournament we play!!! } 0-1

[Event "Alekhine defence"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "14-Jan-09"] [Round "-"] [White "luni4av"] [Black "bopesky"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1603"] [TimeControl "4 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1570"] 1. e4 Nf6 { Hi all again. This game shows how not to play Alekhine defence.I'm not good in it but my opponent makes some mistakes which help me tobeat him for 10 moves only } 2. e5 Nd5 3. Bc4 { More popular continuationsI think are 2.c4 or 2.d4 } 3... Nb6 4. Bb3 { The bishop threaten on f7 is oneof my favourites } 4... Nc6 { Already mistake I think. ...d6 is better } 5. Nf3 d6 6. Bxf7+ { Maybe the most popular sacrifice in the openings } 6... Kxf7 7. Ng5+ Ke8 { are g6 or g8 better? } 8. e6 { On that pole the pawn is very strong.Actually Black has not useful move already. If Ne5 then d4 } 8... Nd5 9. Nf7 Bxe6 10. Nxd8 { Black did many mistakes in this game. } 1-0

[Event "Challenge from bakerbaker"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "29-Oct-06"] [Round "-"] [White "bakerbaker"] [Black "miromcduck"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1675"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1632"] 1. e4 { I was White in this game where I pawnstormed my opponent. } 1... e5 { Thisis the most logical response, but symmetry is usually favorable to theside with the tempo. The Sicilian Defense (1...c5) is the best way to tryfor an advantage as Black. } 2. Nf3 { The most logical move. I develop akingside piece while attacking a pawn in the centre. } 2... Nc6 3. Bb5 { Thisis the Ruy Lopez, or Spanish Opening. I develop my bishop to the most activesquare. } 3... Nd4 { Supposedly this is advantageous to White, but this move avoidsthe well analyzed main lines of the Ruy Lopez. Instead, Black accepts doubledpawns and a kingside pawn minority, in order to leave my bishop on an unimportantdiagonal, and Black will usually have more experience in this opening thana normal Ruy-Lopez Player. } 4. Nxd4 exd4 { Now there are a lot of imbalancesin the position. I am ahead in development and have a kingside pawn majority,but Black may be able to gain tempo chasing my bishop. There are a fewcommon plan choices here. One is to ignore my bishop and play O-O and c3,taking advantage of Black's weak pawn by trying to trade it for a flankpawn, strengthening my pawn centre. A more passive, but safer plan is toplay c4 and Qe2, which greatly increases my control of the light squaresand makes Black's development more difficult. The plan I chose was theonly one I thought would bring me an advantage. } 5. f4 { My plan was totake advantage of my kingside pawn majority, and storm Black's kingsidebefore he has a chance to finish developing. Although my plan probablycould've been more promising if I'd played c4 first, keeping my bishopon the a4-e8 diagonal. } 5... Bc5 { It's hard for Black to find active moves inthis position. I thought Nf6 was his best try. } 6. Qf3 { Since my knightno longer needs f3, it is free for my queen. } 6... a6 { Black questions my oddlyplaced bishop. } 7. Be2 { If I'd played c4 earlier, I wouldn't have to retreatlike this. } 7... d6 8. d3 { I stop annoying d3 threats if I castle. } 8... c6 { Blackis playing passively, while I already have plans of storming the kingside. } 9. O-O Nf6 10. h3 { Intending a g4 boost. } 10... O-O { This is definitely 'castlinginto it.' } 11. g4 h6 { Black can't do much in this position. A common resultof playing the opening too passively. } 12. Qg2 { I reposition my forcesbefore attacking. } 12... Nh7 { Black's defense is too late. } 13. g5 { My attackcomes just in time. } 13... hxg5 14. fxg5 { Now I have an open f-file and a strongg-pawn. Even though I only have my queen and rook in the attack, I shouldbe able to crush his position once I get the h-pawn rolling. } 14... Be6 15. h4 Qd7 { A cheap threat of Bh3. } 16. Rf2 { I calmly stop his threat. } 16... b5 17. h5 { Black will be lost in a few moves, because he isn't defending or counterattacking. } 17... a5 { Black's queenside attack attempt is nothing. } 18. Rf4 { I should'veplayed this earlier, because I need my rook on the h-file to complete myattack. } 18... Bb6 { Clearly Black has no idea what to do and is making randommoves. Either he underestimates my strong attack, or he can't find suitabledefensive moves and is waiting to lose. } 19. Rh4 c5 { Another passive moveis all it takes to lose. Now Black probably can't recover. } 20. g6 { Thispawn cannot be captured, because after I recapture, Black is in big troubleon the wide open h-file after Qh2. } 20... Nf6 21. h6 { Now my attack is too much.One way or another, I will open the h-file and pile it with my heavy pieces. } 21... gxh6 { A better chance is fxg6, but Black is still lost because afterhxg7, an array of tactical threats will beat Black to a pulp. } 22. Bxh6 { There are probably many ways to win here. I thought about playing g7,and Rxh6, but once I knew I had a winning position, I didn't really carehow I finished it. } 22... Rfc8 { This move loses immediately, although Black can'treally do anything else. If he leaves his rook hanging, I will still havea lot of tactical threats, and Black doesn't have any possibilities fora counterattack, since my king is perfectly safe, despite having no pawncover. Although my king may become weak if Black survives my attack. } 23. gxf7+ { Black can resign now. He is going to be mated soon, but in casehe didn't resign, the last moves are conditional moves. } 23... Kxf7 { Kh8 andKh7 get mated by Qg7#. } 24. Qg7+ { But Black is still going to be mated. } 24... Ke8 25. Qf8# { Even if Black wasn't blocked in my his own queen, I'd stillbe forking his knight. } 1-0

[Event "Malpas & Oswestry 1 v Chester 3"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "15/11/2016"] [Round "-"] [White "Ben Roberts"] [Black "Charles L Higgie"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [BlackElo "166"] [TimeControl "35 in 1Hour15 + 15"] [WhiteElo "est172"] { My opponent told me that I had taught him as a supply teacher! } 1. c4 { So he plays The English. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Opening } 1... e5 { 1...e5 White has Black's position in the Sicilian but with an extratempo. This is often called the Reversed Sicilian, though others call itthe King's English. Bruce Leverett, writing the English chapter in MCO14,stated, 'It is natural to treat the English as a Sicilian reversed, butthe results are often surprising—main lines in the Sicilian Defense correspondto obscure side variations in the English, and vice versa.' } 2. Nc3 { NaturalDevelopment. } 2... Nc6 { I too keep options open. } 3. Nf3 { He offers the fourknights variation. } 3... f5 { This is actually less popular and less successfulthat Nf6, but I thought it was more aggressive, hopefully leading to aKing-side attack. } 4. d3 { He prevents 4.....e5 } 4... Nf6 { I develop. } 5. g3 { And this is the most common reply. It is now a reversed Levenfish Variation:1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6.f4 } 5... Bc5 { So I continueto develop. It is not bad, but the fourth most popular move according tomy databases! } 6. Bg2 { He completes his fianchetto. In chess the fianchetto(Italian: [fiaŋˈkɛtto] 'little flank') is a pattern of development whereina bishop is developed to the second rank of the adjacent knight file, theknight pawn having been moved one or two squares forward. } 6... d6 { I continuewith my development. } 7. O-O { He completes his development. } 7... a5 { I didn'twant him playing Na4 winning the two bishops, although I see now that 7....0-0is more common. } 8. e3 { I'm getting out of my opening databases now. Ican only see one game with this position, Pupols, Viktors (2223) vs. Charbonneau,Pascal (2405) 2002.05.18 } 8... Ba7 { In that game black castled instead of retreatingthe bishop. } 9. d4 { He advances in the centre. } 9... e4 { I advance. } 10. Ne1 { Knight drops back, covering d3, reducing the power of Nb4-d3 which wouldjust drop a pawn now. } 10... O-O { I finally castle. } 11. a3 { He prepares Queen-sideexpansion. } 11... Ne7 { I am dreaming of securing my centre with c6 and d5. } 12. b4 { He continues with his plan. } 12... c6 { And me with mine. } 13. b5 { He advancesagain. } 13... cxb5 { I take. } 14. Nxb5 { He takes back. } 14... Be6 { More development. } 15. Qb3 { Not quite sure what he is planning. } 15... Qd7 { I am planning Rf-c8to gang up on c4. } 16. a4 { Securing his knight at b5. } 16... Rfc8 { As per myplan. } 17. d5 { He attacks my bishop } 17... Bf7 { The only square for the bishop. } 18. Nxa7 { He takes my bishop. } 18... Rxa7 { I take back. } 19. Bb2 { And now hisbishop has a lovely unopposed long diagonal. } 19... Bh5 { With the threat of Be2.I was rather expecting 20. f3 or maybe 20. f4 now, preventing the lossof material, but leaving his e pawn very weak after I take on f3. e4 becomesa lovely square for my Nf6 to move to in due course. } 20. Nc2 { But he allowsme to play it. } 20... Be2 { So I jump in. } 21. Na3 { This again was a bit of asurprise - I am not sure whether it is better to lose the exchange or acouple of pawns with 21. Re1 allowing 21....Bxc4 followed by Bxd5. Whatdo you think dear reader? } 21... Bxf1 { I took the offered material. } 22. Bxf1 { he takes back. } 22... Ng6 { With ideas of going to e5. } 23. Bd4 { He hits my rook. } 23... Raa8 { Rook retreats - I didn't fancy Ra6 where it may be hit with c4-c5opening up a discovered attack from his Bf1. } 24. Rb1 { Attacking b7, althoughif he takes on their immediately I can take on a4. } 24... Ne5 { I threaten Nf3+followed by Nd2 forking his Qb3 and rook b1. } 25. Bxe5 { So he takes itoff. } 25... dxe5 { I take back. } 26. Nb5 { I think he was planning on advancingd5-d4 } 26... Ne8 { So I block that. I now have a plan to blockade his pawns ond5 and c4 so that his Bf1 remains with very limited scope. } 27. Rc1 { Perhapspreparing to advance his c pawn. } 27... Rc5 { So I block it. } 28. Qb2 { Attackinge5. } 28... Qe7 { Which is easily protected. } 29. Rb1 { Perhaps dreaming again ofattacks down the b file. } 29... b6 { I want to secure things, fixing his pawnson white squares. } 30. Be2 { Not sure what he was planning. } 30... Rb8 { I protectb6. } 31. Qd2 { Perhaps with ideas of trying for d5-d6 again. } 31... Nd6 { I block. } 32. Nxd6 { He takes. } 32... Qxd6 { I take back. } 33. Rb3 { I am not sure what heis trying to do. I think I have neutralised any counter-play he may havehad for the exchange. I know decide to march my king to the Queen-sidebefore opening a file or files on the King-side to deliver the coup degrâce - or so I thought! } 33... Kf7 { So off I go! } 34. Qb2 { Not sure what heis trying to do. } 34... Ke7 { Another step. } 35. h4 { This again rather surprisedme. I now rather wanted to stop h4-h5, although I am not sure if it isreally any good for him. } 35... g6 { So I played this. } 36. Kg2 { This struck meas a rather random king move. } 36... Kd7 { So I continue my King-march to theQueen-side. } 37. f4 { This rather surprised me too. Rather than wait forthe coup de grâce he blasts open the position. But is straightens out mypawn formation. } 37... exf3+ { So I take. } 38. Kxf3 { He takes back with the king- his c pawn drops if he takes back with the bishop. } 38... Kc7 { I continue myKing-march. } 39. e4 { Maybe played on the basis of exchanging pawns butnot pieces if you are materially down? } 39... Kb7 { I want my king tucked awayon a7. } 40. Bd3 { He is now threatening to take on f5. } 40... Rf8 { So I protectf5. } 41. exf5 { He takes. } 41... gxf5 { I take back, threatening e5-e4 forkingking and bishop. } 42. Be2 { So the bishop runs. } 42... Ka7 { Maybe this final kingmove was not needed, but I wanted to avoid any tricks with a pin alongthe b file. Any views dear reader? } 43. Re3 { Not sure of the point of Re3. } 43... e4+ { I throw in a check. } 44. Kg2 { King retreats. } 44... Rc7 { My rook preparesto scurry across to the King-side. } 45. Qd4 { He centralises his queen. } 45... Rg8 { Preparing f5-f4. } 46. Rb3 { Rook comes back across. } 46... Rcg7 { I doubleup on the g file. } 47. g4 { With the idea, if I play f5xg4 then he can takemy pawn on e4. } 47... Re7 { So I protect the pawn on e4. } 48. Rb5 { Threateningmy a pawn. We were both getting short of time here. I thought 'well whatof it? If I play f5-f4 and he plays 49. Rxa5+ after Kb7 I am threateningboth bxRa5 and f4-f3+ winning his bishop. He can't cope with both threatssurely?' } 48... f4 { So I plough on. } 49. Rxa5+ { He takes. } 49... Kb7 { According toplan. } 50. c5 { This was the move I missed. } 50... f3+ { I throw in the check. } 51. Kh3 { King moves. } 51... Qf4 { My queen advances, threatening mate. } 52. c6+ { And, with only seconds left on his clock, my opponent offers a draw, whichI accepted. It is now a very complicated position, and I am not sure whatis going on here. Obviously I can't play Kb8 which loses to 53.Qxb6+ Kc854. Ra8+mating. What do you think dear reader? Many thanks for reading.Please rate my annotation on the star system, and leave a comment or two.Until next time dear reader! } 1/2-1/2

[Event "Training"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "04-Apr-07"] [Round "-"] [White "carnap"] [Black "rayman"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2124"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1469"] 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 Bf5 { The pinning move5. .. Bg4 would put the question to the center indirectly. Continuing with6. h3 Bh5 7. g4 prepares for a full scale King side assault. The Mainlines of the Mieses Variation follows 5 .. c6 6.Bc4 Bf5 7.Ne5 e6 8.g4 Bg69.h4 Nbd7 ... 1-0 (Viswanathan Anand - Joel Lautier, 1997), and 6.Ne5 Be67.Bd3 Nbd7 8.f4 g6 9.O-O Bg7 10.Kh1 Bf5 11.Bc4 e6 ... 1-0 (Kasparov - Anand,1995). } 6. Bc4 e6 7. O-O Nbd7 { This move leaves open the opening of thecenter with 8. .. c5. } 8. Bf4 { Establishing control over the center andconnecting the back row. } 8... c6 { This move establishes firm control overthe center with the minimum amount of force. This move suggests that Blackis not going for the queenside castling. } 9. Bb3 { This move protects theb-pawn while protecting the Bishop. } 9... Be7 10. h3 O-O 11. g4 Bg6 12. Re1 { Moves the rook to the half open e file while minimizing the threat ofexchanging off the knights. } 12... Nd5 13. Nxd5 cxd5 14. c3 { The purpose of thismove was to protect d4. However, c4 would have attacked the strengthenedcenter at the cost of a isolated d pawn. The move seemed to be the lesserof a few evils. } 14... Rfe8 15. Bc2 { Trying to weaken the area in front of thekingside while protecting the unprotected b pawn. } 15... Bxc2 16. Qxc2 b5 17. Ne5 Nxe5 18. Bxe5 { Still keeping an eye on the kingside. } 18... b4 19. cxb4 { Thismove isolates the d pawn in addition to opening up the file. The presenceof a rook on c1 is in order. } 19... Qxb4 20. b3 { This move allows for the queento hide while protecting the d and a pawns. This overworking of a pieceis perfect for a Zugzwang. Placing a rook on c1 was called for, even atthe cost of the a pawn following the inevitable rook exchange. } 20... Rec8 21. Qb2 Qc3 22. Qxc3 Rxc3 { Black is established in the open file. The whiteking is forced into a passive role in the endgame. Notice that the kingsideattack was never established. } 23. Kg2 Rac8 { Doubling up on the open file.Notice that white's Bishop is totally out of action on the a1-h8 diagonal. } 24. Re3 { Hoping to exchange the rooks and protect the isolated d-pawn withe3. } 24... Rc2 25. a4 { Perhaps a3 followed by b4 would have been in order. } 25... Rd2 { Preparing for Rcc2, attacking the weak f-pawn. } 26. Kf3 { A series oferrors begins at this point. The only thing keeping me from resigning isstubbornness. } 26... Bg5 27. Bf4 Bxf4 28. Kxf4 Rxf2+ 29. Rf3 g5+ 30. Kg3 Rxf3+ 31. Kxf3 Rc3+ 32. Kg2 Rxb3 33. Ra2 a5 0-1

[Event "Club's first Mini.... :)"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2013.09.27"] [Round "-"] [White "jkarp"] [Black "chicoboy"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1322"] [TimeControl "7d+2d<7d"] [WhiteElo "1230"] { This was a very interesting game between me and chicoboy. I feel thatdespite forgetting some of the basics, in this particular game, I did unusuallywell. I mean, I did make some mistakes that were south of my rating, butthen I made other moves north of it. The problem is that I was lackingin consistency and that kind of led to my downfall. } 1. e4 { So, as usualI kick things off with the King's Pawn Opening. } 1... e5 { While I know all aboutthis move and am certainly ok with handling it, I thought that black wouldrespond with the Siclian. But, in this case, it really doesn't matternor should it since I know what to do here. } 2. Nf3 f6 { I don't why blackplayed this. It's not a developing and does not help to control the center. Therefore, as far as I know, this move is out of book. } 3. Bc4 { So, Ijust continue with development in such a way that I will eventually castleKingside. Although really, I should just do this by my fourth move, ifpossible. } 3... d6 { This time, I know what he wants. In this position, my opponentis attempting to force an exchange and cause problems with the idea of4...Ne7, followed by ...d5. Those are his intentions, but I am not goingto allow that. } 4. d4 { Therefore, although I stated that white should castle,this is an exception. And, in fact, that's why this move is better. Inaddition, now there are two occasions where he has only advanced his pawnone space, so this how I decided to respond. I actually should have doneit earlier, the entire opening transposed into a philidors defense. } 4... Nc6 { At this point, black is intending to win a free pawn because of this move,but I won't allow that. Instead, I will force several exchanges, in achain of events here. BTW, a chain of events is an occasion where onething leads to another, or where just one road leads to rome. That's thecase here, because white and I are going to exchange like crazy, so thatin the next two moves, four exchanges will be made. } 5. dxe5 Nxe5 6. Nxe5 fxe5 7. Qf3 { This where what should have been aggression with a purposeinadvertently became unsound, due to lack of concentration, actually. While it may seem like it, which was the case in past games as most ofyou know, I was not intending to mate in one. But, that's simply whatit looks. Better was what I actually had in mind and had wanted to playwhich was 7.Qd5. Yes, it also poses a mate threat, but the idea was thatno matter what I would be to play Qf7+. The idea being is to expose black'sK in a very unusual way. 7...Qd7 (indirectly forced), 8.Qf7+, Qxf7 9.Bxf7. Edit: But, now I miscalculated as well, and that would have been bad. That's because it would have lost material because after 9.Bxf7??, whilethe K gets exposed, black plays 9...Kxf7, I essentially lose a piece, inexchange. That's even worse because losing material is actually worseexposing your K. So, I would wind up making the exact same mistake duringthe misstep against blitzkov. Something that didn't even come into consideration. At least, I now learned that there is more then meets when what you thinkis good is actually bad. This is something that a mentor and I have goneover, but is the only thing that I am still forgetting. The good thingis that this is the way for me to remember once and for all. } 7... Nf6 { Of course,white is just going to continue developing in a non chalant manner, andwhy wouldn't he. Eventually, chicoboy is going to punish me for my lastmove. } 8. Bg5 { However, unlike before, when I've made cheapo's this time,I'm just going to continue developing. And, I'll start by pinning hisN, with my DSB. } 8... Be7 { And, this is the move that I had anticipated in response. But, that's also what I wanted. } 9. O-O { That's because, as noted on move4, I finally take advantage of my opportunity to castle. So, in this case,one road did not lead to Rome, yet. But, I have to be carefully not tojinx it because that will eventually change when I make another recklessmove due to miscalculation. } 9... Bg4 { Now, this is where black punishes whitefor 7.Qf3!? This time, I have no choice but to accept the consequencesfor my actions. At first, I considered taking with 10.Qxg4, but I ruledthat out almost immediately as then he retakes with ...NXQ. A move thatback some time ago, I actually could have missed, believe it or not. Atleast, I spotted it very quickly. } 10. Qe3 { I had several outposts, butI feel that this is the best one as I'm now putting pressure on the e file. I care more about the e and d files then any other files because I believethat pressuring it also puts pressure on black's center. After this gameand analyzing it, I realize that it was never going to be the case, butit's always worth a try because that's how I usually pressure the center,like that. My goal is to always make it difficult for my opponent to controlthe center since central control is extremely important. Sometimes, Iget too much confidence from one move and feel that it automatically givesme an advantage, which isn't always the case. } 10... h6 { But, he counterattackswith this move. This time, however, black is not punishing white. I canescape but since I'm ahead and to delay and hopefully prevent anythingworse, I will force an exchange. At this point, the stress has ended andit's the next day. But, don't let your guard down. I am going to makea different mistake, that will seal my fate. Before, any of that happens,there will be a few more moves free of any inaccuracies, including an exchange. } 11. Bxf6 Bxf6 12. Nc3 { At this point, I'm only interested in completingmy development since a main goal in chess is to, 'develop, develop, develop'as schakertjie would say. In addition, this is excellent timing becauseit does not give away material. It's just that I did a little differentlythen should have due to the sudden changes, as noted earlier. But, atleast for now, my head is back in the game, and I'm back to my normal self. Let's see how long this lasts. } 12... Bg5 { I see that upon completing development,he decides to drive after my Q. But, aside from that, what does he reallywant? That's the question. } 13. Qg3 { Well, I do not know what it is, butI won't allow it. Instead, I decide to punish black by reattacking him. Because if your opponent goes after your piece, then, 'two can play thatgame.' One certainly has the right to fight back, and that's the casehere. It's the saying that someone once said which is, 'You attacked me,and I fought back.' } 13... Qd7 { At first, I wasn't sure, but I was just goingto keep on studying the position until I found out why. And, that's becauseyour opponent always has a reason for making a move, if that reason isbad. Well, as it turns out, black had a very good reason for moving here. In this position, his goal is to do something very unusual, which I'vedone in a couple games. The idea is to complete development by castling,and actually that's a very good idea. I actually saw how that was, byGM Judit Polgar in her video on how she surpassed Bobby Fischer's Record,in her game against Anand. Normally, I would have castled much earlier,but there's nothing wrong with move, at all. In fact, I did somethinglike this in two of my past games. } 14. Rfd1 { ?? At this point, I'm justtrying to even more pressure on black's center while bringing my R overfor additional. But, there's really nothing to worry. It's just thatJack Stockel has advised me to count how many pieces you have vs how manythe opponent has for coverage. And, if it's about equal or your opponenthas another piece there, it's a good idea to bring something else to thetable. However, this move is actually a blunder, and not just an inaccuracy,because it's going to lose a R for his B. I should have thought aboutthat before moving here, but then again, I'm beginning to feel differentaffects from the sudden changes. That's just when I thought that it wasall over and had completely recovered, but then this happens. } 14... Bf4 { But,black is still punishing me for bringing out the Q too early. I did notrealize that a punishment could last this long, until now. } 15. Qd3 { Forcedbecause if, instead, 15.Qh4?? white loses his Q, after 15...g5. I tookthat right into calculation. Otherwise, I would have made that blunder,believe it or not, since it was my first instinct. Proof that your firstinstinct is not always correct. } 15... Bxd1 16. Rxd1 a6 { I don't why black playedthis. His Q wasn't in danger because had he not played, so I decided toplay 17.Bb5, he can defend with 17...c6. } 17. g3 { Because I'm behind, Idecide to become very aggressive, and not in an unsound manner at all. While I know that is not just going let me win his DSB, sooner or laterI will force it since I'm behind. That's because when you're behind orin a losing position, you can afford to make the most aggressive movessince there's nothing else to lose. At least, you're doing what you canto catch up on material or even pull a swindle. While that usually doesn'twork, occasionally it does, and it's worth trying, as opposed to just givingup. I mean, that was my main weakness, when I was still a beginner. } 17... Bg5 { So, after this retreat I am going to wait until the right moment for meto win his B for one of my P, and then catch up. But, this requires patience,otherwise he can just pull back again, and white would lose rather quickly. Why? It would become a different form of unsound aggression which wouldn'tachieve anything, except nearly open up my K and leave it vulnerable. And, that is something that I won't allow. } 18. Qf3 { While it might seemlike a ?! move with a different form of unsound aggression that can easilybe driven off, it can't. Yes, he can easily defend against this mating,but that's what I actually wanted and had expected. That's because ofwhat I have in plan after he drives my Q off, this time. So, it's actuallyanything but obvious. However, I wanted to start it off as obvious becausethis pretty much forces the plan to work. } 18... Rf8 { As expected. } 19. Qh5+ { And, this is exactly why. Now in order to get out of check, he eitherhas to play 19...g6?, which loses a pawn after 17.Qxg6, or he does whatI anticipated since move 18. } 19... Kd8 { But, this accomplishes my goal, andthe reason being is that black now loses castling rights. And, even betterfor me was that I did it now, as opposed to, later which was actually agood mistake and miscalculation. The reason being is that I left his Kvulnerable, without blundering away any more material. } 20. Qg6 { So, nowthat I see a weakness, I try to take advantage of it with this move. Ofcourse, what good is it really going to do. But, my goal was to, ironically,put pressure on the f file. Instead, white just shot himself in the foot,in one respect. And, that's because he's going to do that, himself. } 20... Rf6 21. Qh7 { So, instead, I put pressure on the h file. Once again, withoutsuccess, but at least, this time, the plan did not backfire. } 21... Rf8 { Of course,he is trying to prevent a mate threat. But, I would not be able to matebecause if 22.Qh8+, Ke7, 23.Qf7+ is not feasible due to his R. } 22. b4 { At this point, I'm now interested in getting a passed pawn, but I don'tthink that this should be main focus right now because there are a lotof other things going on here that need the attention to. } 22... c6 { His goal,however, is to create room to move the K. If his intention is ...Kc7,...Rad8, and ...Kd8, then I would understand as it's basically the equivalentto castle. Let's what he'll do here. } 23. Na4 { Knights should not be placedon the rim, but when you have a plan that requires it, and you're behindlike this, then I say go for it and don't even worry about cheapos or thebasics, for that matter. That's because falling behind like this is usuallya sign of bad omen, so one should do just about anything to pull a swindle. Going for a family fork is a way to do things, but this, as expected issomething that black will not allow. BTW, a family fork is actually a3 way fork, or better is to say a piece or pawn that attacks three piecesor pawns. But, it specifically involves the Q, K, and a R. } 23... Kc7 { ! Notsurprisingly, he sees my intention, and decides use his K as a weapon. Normally, that should wait until the endgame, but this is an exception. Because if he played, say, ...Kb8, it would prevent a family fork. But,there would certainly be a fork, at the very completely making up for thematerial, as that would win a R, for my N. Now, my opponent is not goingto allow, so this was best. } 24. a3 { Even though we're not at that phase,I decided to treat this as though it were an endgame, and the reason beingis because played a move that you usually see in an endgame. Now, in anendgame, it's usually a good idea to connect your pawns like this as itgives them extra protection and helps them to promote. So, this was apower of influence. Although, the timing of it is bad. Black only didthat because he was at risk of losing material. But, I am just tryingto figure out how to get something back by playing unusual lines. } 24... Rh8 { But, chicoboy is having none of that, and instead, decides to attack myQ. } 25. Qg6 { Of course, a wasted move is not much of a factor in this gamedue to the fact that I'm completely developed. } 25... Raf8 { At this point, Ifeel that black is trying to come with a way to mate with his Q, f R, andDSB. } 26. Be6 { But, I won't allow that. Instead, I move here just to givemy opponent something else to think about. } 26... Qe7 { On the other hand, hecounterattacks. Knowing that he cannot take my LSB, due to my Q. Instead,I decide to give him another challenge. } 27. c4 { ??A pawn push. However,this is a serious blunder because of what my opponent will play next. For that very reason, 'almost anything was better then this move'. } 27... Rf6 { That's because, he decides to fork my LSB and Q in the worst way. And,at the very least he is going to win a free piece, and there's nothingI can do about it. } 28. Qh5 { I am obviously not going to give him my Q. } 28... Qxe6 29. c5 { So, after he takes, I decide to put pressure on his d pawn,by connecting my pawns. I surely thought that this move was enough towin something back, but that is not the case. } 29... g6 { Instead, he respondsby hitting on my Q. } 30. Qe2 { Forced, as anything else loses this piece. } 30... d5 { So, he decides to attack my pawn. And, even if I don't take, he'llstill force an exchange after ...exd4. So, I had two choices. Either,be passive and allow him to take first. Or, be aggressive and take rightaway. I decide to be aggressive, as that should and will shortly giveme an opportunity to win something back. By doing this, I explore my mindand stretch my imagination so that I have more options later on. And,this, believe it or not, will increase my concentration even more. } 31. exd5 cxd5 32. h4 { Guess what? As alluded to in my last comment, this movecertainly wins something back. In this case, his DSB+a pawn for one ofmy pawns. A good example of how to make comeback. So, knowing this fact,is why I played this move. And, had I not been aggressive by being thefirst to take, I certainly would have overlooked this. The reason thatI now have compensation is because his DSB has no where to go, as thisis a half pin. In other words, it's not a pin the way you'd think of apin where something is, 'pinned down'. But, his DSB is just in a naturalposition where it can't move. } 32... b5 { So, after my last move, he decides toattack my N, especially given that it's on the rim. But, that's not aproblem, this time because I can easily get out of this. Losing tempiiis not a big deal, when you know that you're about to win something. } 33. Nc3 d4 { Like before, he attacks my piece. } 34. Ne4 { But, I just retreat,with a vengeance. This time, I counterattack by kicking his R. That way,he can no longer delay the exchange that will win a B for a P, given thathe will spend the time to retreat his Rook. } 34... Rff8 35. hxg5 hxg5 36. Nxg5 Qf5 { After getting something, black decides to attack my N. } 37. Ne4 { ??But, I don't mind. In fact, 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger',as I proved when getting something back. The only problem is that thismove is the losing blunder, as we're about to see. But, in reality, ifthis is the move that costs me the game, I don't mind. The reason beingis that in order then to stay in the game, white would have to give upa N, so I would fall just as far behind. At first, however, I did notrealize that this loses quickly, until I really studied the position. But, let's say it did, at least I'm standing my ground by keeping materialsafe, this time, after giving things away earlier. } 37... Qh3 { The reason thatthis game is lost is because black now has a mate in one, after 38...Qh2#. On this ground, I resigned. Now, it might not have led to the lost immediately,but what affected this game was the sudden change in my schedule. Thatproduced a lot of stress, in this game, you saw the aftermath of that. By the time I calmed down and everything settled down (so all said anddone), I was already two points behind. But, still I never gave up untilnow. And, that confidence helped me to get something back and compensatefor lost material. That's because I did not resign earlier. So, the ideais always remain strong, no matter what life throws at you. Or, as thesaying goes, 'When life throws a lemon at you, make lemonade.' } 0-1

[Event "Fierce Queen breaking open a closed Sicilian..."] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2017.10.22"] [Round "-"] [White "atytyot"] [Black "fiercequeen"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2014"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "2081"] { Without being overly arrogant, every once in a while a game comes alongthat makes you very proud of yourself. A game, in which you always endup better. Of course, you will always need a stronger opponent, whom yououtsmart at some point in the game. This is one of my recent games, whichnot only gives a good example of my style of playing, but it also showsthe attacking strength of a well handled Sicilian defense... } 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 { steering at the closed Sicilian rightaway: in time, I learned torespect this move; the only option, seems to be d6... } 2... d6 3. f4 { at thispoint, I was already sensing that White was mixing up two different systems:obviously preparing Nf3, but Blacks' next set of moves will neutralizeWhites' play... } 3... Nc6 4. Nf3 a6 { I practice this more often: after Nf6,Bb5, a6; so we play a6, and reverse reality... } 5. a4 { for some reason,White wants to prevent b5: but we just want Nf6, without Bb5; tempo won... } 5... Nf6 6. Bc4 e6 7. d3 d5 { just natural development for Black: but somehow,White observed an elephant in the room; after Ba2, dxe4, Nxe4, Nxe4, dxe4,Qxd1+, Kxd1, b5 (of course not axb5, axb5: Ba2 is in the way), Ke2! (preparingc3), Black has only a slight advantage, or maybe none... } 8. e5 { alreadyunderestimating the gravity of the situation... } 8... dxc4 9. exf6 cxd3 10. fxg7 Bxg7 11. cxd3 { so far, so good: Black has reached the ideal outcomein this Sicilian: but White produces another mistake; after Qxd3, Qxd3,cxd3, b6 (Nb4, Ke2, is useless), Ne4, Ke7, White can just hope to holdthis... } 11... Nb4 { simple, yet very effective... } 12. Be3 { although Be3 is athematic move in Whites' opening play in the Sicilian after f4, any gameneeds a losing move somewhere: this is the one in this game; whatever Whiteis planning, 0-0, Qxd3, a5, was the least White had to do... } 12... Nxd3+ { nosecond thoughts: this will tear up Whites' position... } 13. Ke2 { saferis Kf1, Bd7, Qc2 (Qxd3, Bb5!)... } 13... c4 { relentless... } 14. Qc2 { somewhatcountering the threat Nxb2, to be followed by Qd3+; Ne1, e5 (opening upthe diagonal for Bc8), Qd2, was better... } 14... Rg8 { way stronger than Nxb2(Qxb2, Qd3+, Kf2, Bxc3)... } 15. g3 { understandably: Rxg2 is not somethingwe want, after an eventual Bxc3; but this weakens Whites' position further:this move was needed at move 3... } 15... e5 { an inspired - albeit temporary -pawn sacrifice, but not too hard to find: we can now develop Bc8 to dangerousplaces, and also Bg7 comes into action; a good example of the strengthof the combined Bishop pair... } 16. fxe5 { of course, exf4 is not much ofan option, and also Bf5 is becoming a problem followed by Nf4+, losingthe Queen: also very unpleasant is Nxe5, Bxe5, fxe5, Bg4+, Kf1, Qd7... } 16... Bg4 { main threat being of course Bxf3, Kxf3, Qd7, and maybe even castlinglong in a not too distant future; another threat is recapturing e5: witha nasty vengeance... } 17. Rad1 { or Rhf1, upon which I had contemplatedQa5 and put even more pressure on e5: e5 is going nowhere... } 17... Bxf3+ { Iliked this better than Bxe5, Rhf1, Bxc3, Qxc3, Qd5, Rxd3, cxd3, Qxd3; thiswill bring Whites' King out of protection... } 18. Kxf3 Qd7 { also here,Bxe5 can wait: White has work to do on defending; Black is threateningQc6+: best for now is Kg2, Qc6+, Kg1, Bxe5, Qg2, Qxg2+, Kxg2, Nxb2, Rc1,Nd3, Rc2... } 19. Ne4 { creating new complications, after Blacks' next move... } 19... Bxe5 { suddenly, Qg4+ is a very dangerous threat... } 20. Nf2 { so this ispretty much forced: i.e. after Qxc4??, Qg4+, Kg2, Qe2+, Nf2, Ne1+, andWhite loses the Queen; also Qf5+, again to be followed by Nf4+, needs tobe countered... } 20... Qc6+ { I liked this better, than Qd5+: now, Nd3 is unpinnedalso; next to covering for c4... } 21. Ke2 Nxb2 { snatching off, a secondpawn: Whites' position is about to fall apart... } 22. Qf5 { probably theonly one, in preventing Black from castling long anymore, even after Nxd1:Black is piling up too many threats; this forces trading Queens... } 22... Qe6 23. Qxe6+ fxe6 24. Ra1 { practically forced... } 24... Rd8 { developing the lastpiece, and taking over the open d-file: there is not much point in castlinglong anymore; the Black King is better prepared for this endgame, in thecenter... } 25. Ne4 Rg4 26. Nf2 Rg7 27. Ne4 Rd5 28. Rhf1 { Black is relocatingpieces: at this point, White might have considered Ra2, Rc7, Bb6!, Rc6,a5, or directly a5... } 28... Nd3 { winning a tempo: White has to play Ra2, Rc7,Bb6, Rc6, a5, or Ra3, Rc7, a5... } 29. Rab1 { this is not good: this willconnect Blacks' extra and soon passed pawns... } 29... b5 { for the record: aftera5, this would have never been possible, due to axb6 en passant; maybeBlack would still be winning, but it had been much harder: now, after axb5,axb5, White has some tough decisions to make... } 30. axb5 axb5 31. Bd2 { probably, the toughest defense... } 31... Ra7 { of course, heading for a2, preparingb4; best now, is Rf6, Ra2 (Bxf6?, Nxf6+, Ke7, Nxd5+, exd5, Rxb5), Rxe6+,Kd7, Rb6, b4 (or Rd4, Kf3), Kf3... } 32. Rf7 { I have to assume, that Whitemeant to play Rf6 here: of course, this loses everything after Kxf7; soWhite resigned on the spot... } 0-1