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natetsang

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fishgpt

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[Event "FICS Online Chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2008.01.24"] [Round "-"] [White "SirNemo"] [Black "GKennedy"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "2131"] [TimeControl "G/120"] [WhiteElo "1708"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 { Going into the Scotch Gambit. Thisis my first time playing this opening. Haven't really had much preparationwith it as you can tell shortly. } 4... Nf6 5. Nxd4 Nxe4 6. Qe2 Nxd4 7. Qxe4+ Ne6 8. O-O { I gave a pawn I have enough lead in development for compensation.I quietly squeeze Black's position in the opening from here on. } 8... Bd6 9. Nc3 O-O 10. Bd3 g6 11. Bh6 Re8 12. Rfe1 c6 { I honestly don't know if thismove had a point. I kind of blinked and thought about 10 minutes as towhat his intentions were. } 13. h4 { Expanding on the Kingside where i havea pieces majority and a decisive attack. } 13... Bf8 14. Bxf8 Kxf8 15. h5 Ng5 16. Qb4+ Kg8 17. hxg6 hxg6 18. Ne4 Nxe4 19. Bxe4 d5 20. Rad1 { Developingmy last piece and making it very active! I was very proud of this seeminglyobvious move. } 20... Bf5 21. Bxf5 Rxe1+ 22. Rxe1 gxf5 23. g3 { This was exactlythe type of position I was dreaming of right out of the Opening stage.I know that I can totally dominate this position. } 23... b5 24. Kg2 { Preparingto brink the Rook to the h-file. } 24... a5 25. Qd4 { Crowning my entire strategyof my Kingside attack. } 25... Qd7 { Completely losing sight of what my intentionswere. Thus my next move was a pretty decisive blow. } 26. Rh1 f6 { Desperation.Black is lost here and defense would have been difficult. } 27. Qxf6 Qg7 28. Qe6+ Qf7 { A fatal mistake. Black completely missed White's tacticalthreats. } 29. Rh8+ { Now to deliver the fatal blow. Black resigned in viewof: 29...Kxh8 30. Qxf7 29...Kg7 30. Qh6# } 1-0

[Event "Chess Game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "???"] [Black "charleshiggie"] [Result "0-1"] { This was an interesting game between Charles and his opponent. I waslooking for a different chess puzzle that he posted in his last annotationwhich I found. But, before that, I came across this puzzle since it wasthe most recent one. Now, I don't usually see what happened before that,in terms of how the game was played before. In fact, that only happenedonce before with reversion in a blitz game. He posted a very short gamewhen I was studying chess puzzles. And, I commented upon solving the puzzle. Then, he responded and told me how the game was played out and what ledto that moment, and Charles did in this puzzle with mate in 2 which makesthis the second time. Because this game is short, combined with, me learninga lot from him, I decided to take the time to annotate this game. Well,Charles opponent wasn't well developed and brought his Q out before developinghis pieces, and similar to Erika's opponent, white just kept pushing pawnsin the opening. This enabled black to get tempo which led to a space advantage. And, as his space advantage increased, he was able to organize his pieceswhich led to mistakes from white that, ultimately, ended in quick mate. } 1. e3 { I am not crazy about this opening. As I noted, when I was in theKOH club and testing different openings to see what would happen, whichis ill advised at where I stand, someone told me that this was not a goodidea. I was, of course, thinking in terms of the French Defense but inreverse since that starts off with 1.e4 e6. That's when shamash said thatwhite shouldn't play as black, and black shouldn't play as white. ION,however, that this move is ok, but what I don't like is that it will comprisethe mobility of whites Bc1, unless he fianchetto's it. } 1... e5 { Having saidthat, this is how I would've responded. But, I would've done it just toinconvenience white and put him into unfamiliar territory. } 2. c3 { Idon't know why white played this or see the point. It would only makesense to me after the Spanish or Italian Opening, if black then played3...Bc5. But, by my books, it's the cornerstone of where he pushes pawn. Instead, I would've developed with 2.Bc4 with the idea of 3.e4 and then4.Nf3 which enables white to castle shortly afterward. } 2... d5 { I would'vedeveloped with 2...Nf6, but I like this move just as well since it opensup a line for Charles Bc1, as well as, claim a stake in the center. } 3. e4 { I don't like this move too much because of what Charles plays next. } 3... dxe4 4. Qa4+ { ?! Having said that, I would not be troubled with this check. Instead, I would respond with 4...Bd7 as after white retreats, I'd thenanswer with 5...Nf6 But, I like Charles next move just as well since he'scontinuing with his development, whereas white's Q will be prone to harrassmentsince he developed this before his other pieces. In return, that willgive black a space advantage. As far as, I'm concerned, this is wherewhite starts to go wrong, even though, it's not a losing move. } 4... Nc6 5. Qxe4 { ?! Preventing the loss of a pawn. But, white got greedy and willpay with Charles next move since this puts him further behind in development. Better for white was to continue with his development and pin with 5.Bb5attacking Charles Nc6 twice and threatening to win a pawn. elyhim wonmaterial in our second training session during reversion's open fire. I was in unfamiliar territory, and he was able to attack a piece twice,whereas, I only had it defended once. From that point on, I went downa piece, and my position became resignable soon after. Of course, Charleswould defend again with 5...Bd7 after which, white can stop what's comingwith 6.b4, and then, it would be safe to grab with this move. Having saidthat, 5.b4 or 5.h3 were also worth considering, but I would've pinned inan attempt to catch up in development. Thus, Charles space advantage isincreasing since he's about to further harass white's Q by continuing withdevelopment. And, that will enable black to target critical square, f7,with 6...Bc5 which is part of the, 'overall picture', as bhidragon putit in my game against him. } 5... Nf6 6. Qc2 Bc5 7. Ne2 { ? White suddenly becomesinterested in development, but I consider this to be a mistake. Althoughhe's not lost, white's in worse shape. Timing was important as 7.h3 wasessential here to stop what black's about to do. As now, white will haveto lose, at least, a pawn to prevent mate. } 7... Ng4 8. h3 { ?? Having said that,this loses right away. As noted above, this would've been ideal a moveearlier, but it's a blunder now. 8.d4 was critical, and after that, blackhas 8...exd4 and after 9.cxd4 Bxd4 10.Nxd4 Nxd4 and black has also liquidated. But, with this move, it's now mate in 2, and this is where the chess puzzlebegan. In other words, this blunder, led to this moment, and I saw somethingjust like this in a training game between penelope80 and her student, duke69. And, without Charles notation, this annotation would not have been possible,so I'd like to thank him for showing this game. } 8... Bxf2+ 9. Kd1 Ne3# 0-1

[Event "Challenge from wakefire"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "18-Oct-08"] [Round "-"] [White "humour"] [Black "wakefire"] [Result "*"] [BlackElo "1532"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1478"] 1. e4 { This is the second game I played against humour. In the first game,as white, I squandered an excellent position, accidentally got caught ina fork, and still would have salvaged a draw if I'd been just a tad moreprecise with my king. Anyway, I wanted revenge! So here's the secondgame. Good, e4. I'm most familiar with these systems. } 1... d5 { I usuallyplay the Sicilian or the King's Pawn game as a response to e4, but I figuredmy opponent is likely very familiar with those. So I decided to play thecenter-counter (Scandinavian) defense as a kind of psychological juke,to get him out of a comfort zone. } 2. e5 { ?! Definitely not what I expected--White's usual response is 2. exd5, which Black replies with either Qxd5or Nf6 (the Marshall Gambit, which I prefer). Maybe Black was also tryingfor a psychological ploy? } 2... c5 { A good follow-up to d5, fighting for thecenter. } 3. d4 Nc6 4. Bb5 Bf5 { My plan was to follow up Bf5 with e3, whichcreates a French Defense-esque setup, with the important difference ofhaving the light-squared bishop outside the pawn chain. As White, I <i>hate</i>playing against the French, and I would never consciously choose to playit as Black, but the position of the bishop definitely has potential... } 5. Ne2 { ?! White's line of thought is pretty easy to follow here, I'm surehe intended to follow up with Ng3, attacking the bishop, which I can simplyretreat to g6. Nf3 would probably have been better in the long run. } 5... e6 6. Nbc3 { Continued development. } 6... c4 { It was at this point that my strategyfor this game clicked into place. I would use the pawn chain on the lightsquares, coupled with my light-squared bishop, to control the middle ofthe board, and eventually either force open files, or perhaps create apassed pawn on the queenside. (As a bonus, I've trapped and forced theeventual exchange of White's own light-squared bishop!) } 7. Ng3 { As expected. } 7... Bg6 { I'll need this guy later. } 8. a3 { ? I don't know if this is to prepareb4, or to prevent Nb4... I can't do Nb4 anyway because of the pin. } 8... Qc7 { I would rather not have doubled pawns on the c-file. } 9. O-O a6 { Forcingthe exchange. } 10. Bxc6+ Qxc6 11. Bg5 { ?! Not sure what White was aimingat ... maybe hoping for f6? } 11... Be7 { While I do have the bishop-pair, thatdoesn't seem to be as big an advantage in this game as it might be in amore open game. Plus, my dark-squared bishop is the 'bad bishop' here,while White's DSB is his 'good bishop', so I think an exchange would begood. One problem... if White declines (with Bd2 or Be3, perhaps), myundeveloped knight would have no decent prospects, which could turn intoa weakness... } 12. Bxe7 { ? Lucky for me, White wants simplification, andI happily oblige. } 12... Nxe7 { Nf5 could get rid of that pesky knight. } 13. Qd2 Nf5 14. Nce2 Rc8 { I had an idea that this file might be opened very soon,though in hindsight, I'm not exactly sure how. More to the point wouldhave been Rb8, or perhaps b5. } 15. c3 { Not likely that the file will beopened now. } 15... Qb6 { ?! I think my main idea behind this move was to stopb3 and put pressure on d4. But... b3 becomes possible again after Rab1,and d4 is not currently weak. And now the advance of my b-pawn is blocked. } 16. Nf4 { ? White, however, misses the point, and lunges for the bishop. } 16... Nxg3 { ! White must recapture if he wants to stay even in material (17.Nxg6 Nxf8!, winning either a rook or the queen!) } 17. fxg3 { ? White wasjustifiably reluctant to open up the back door to an attack on his king,but fxg6 has problems too. White's d-pawn is now pinned, and he now hasno chance of putting any pressure whatsoever on the e-file. } 17... Be4 { White'spawn capture allowed this bishop move. He's going to have a hell of atime dislodging it without giving up material. } 18. Nh5 Rg8 { ... g6 wouldhave weakened the dark squares, and I don't want White's queen nosing aroundthere. Given my defense on the queenside, not being able to castle doesn'tbother me terribly. } 19. Qf2 { Aiming at f7. } 19... Rc7 { But the threat is easilymet. } 20. g4 { Controlling f5, but I sense the ulterior motive is to getthe knight back to g3 to harass my bishop. } 20... Qa5 { Gotta clear out for theb-pawn. b4 doesn't worry me, as I can simply play ... cxb4 e.p. } 21. Ng3 { This harassment doesn't have much of a point... } 21... Bd3 { ... when I haveuseful squares to move to. } 22. Rfe1 { I don't know if White should haveconsidered an exchange sacrifice at this point to get rid of the bishop...in any case, Rfd1 might have been better. } 22... b5 { One of these files WILLopen up. } 23. Ne2 { Aiming at f4? Perhaps inviting exchange? (yeah, right!). I'm tired of having my bishop harassed, so... } 23... g5 { !? I really likedthis move at the time, and I don't think White saw it coming. Yes, itdoes weaken my kingside, but it also prevents Nf4 and restricts the knight'smovement for the time being. In hindsight, White's knight could eventuallymaneuver around to f6, which would be quite problematic. } 24. Nc1 { ? ButONCE AGAIN, he lunges for the carrot-on-a-stick... I mean bishop. } 24... Be4 25. Re2 { Bolstering the guard along the second rank, but depriving White'sknight of a useful square. f1 was probably better, as was e3. } 25... Qb6 { Amuch better spot for the queen, should help control whatever files areopened. } 26. Qf6 { Damn, that f6 square is weak! Lucky for me, White can'tdo much with it, since the rook is misplaced, and the knight is essentiallyconfined to the back rank. } 26... a5 { The Jaws of Life start to get to work onthe a and b-files... } 27. Qh6 { A move that would be much more useful ifthe rook was on e3 (... Rh3 Rh8 Qxg5 and a fine game for White.) } 27... Ra7 { I'malmost certain it's going to be the a-file. } 28. Qh3 { And what now forher majesty? } 28... b4 { Ah, I get it, defending the c-pawn. Still, kinda clumsy. In any case, file opening is inevitable. } 29. axb4 { It IS the a-file! Yay! I can now force the exchange of rooks, and take control of the openfile with the queen! } 29... axb4 30. Rxa7 Qxa7 31. Qe3 { ? Not wanting isolated,doubled pawns (after cxb4) is understandable. But is the alternative reallybetter? } 31... b3 { 'And if you don't looove me nowww, you will neverr love meagain, I can STIILLL hear you say-ing, you would NEVER break the chain...' Whoops, sorry. But that was the first thing I thought of. } 32. h3 Qa1 { Pinning the knight. } 33. Rf2 Bc2 { ! And now, there's nothing White cando to prevent the loss of the b-pawn. } 34. Kh2 { Stepping out of the pin. } 34... Qxb2 { Not only do I win the b-pawn, I create a passed pawn a mere two ranksfrom queening! } 35. Qf3 { Again aiming at f7. } 35... Rf8 { I felt this was betterthan Rg7. } 36. Qe3 h6 { Guarding the g5 pawn while keeping the rook on f8. } 37. Qe1 Qa1 { ?! In hindsight, Qb1 was probably more accurate. My questionablemove allows White to do this... } 38. Rxc2 { ?! White finally gives up theexchange, but he does make gains... the passed pawn is now blocked fromqueening (which would not have been the case if I'd played Qb1), and theBlack queen is now effectively sealed off in the corner of the board, whileWhite's queen has a fair range of motion. My main concern is that Whitewill sacrifice the knight to score a check, and-- if I'm not careful--gobble my entire pawn chain. } 38... bxc2 39. Qd2 Qb2 40. Kg3 { ? Not sure ofthe point of this move. } 40... f6 { I wanted to add a defender to g5. } 41. h4 { If I don't capture, White will probably play 42. exf6 Rxf6 43. hxg5 hxg544. Qxg5, with good prospects for checking... } 41... gxh4+ { ... but thanks toWhite's earlier king move, I can capture with gain of time! } 42. Kxh4 fxe5 { With White having to waste a move with his king, I can capture and openthe file. } 43. dxe5 { ?? The nail in the coffin. Qxh6 was far better. } 43... Rf1 { ! Now Qxh6 is worthless. } 44. Qxh6 { But he plays it anyway, and promptlyresigns. Sweet revenge is mine! I hope you all enjoyed the game... thanksto humour for agreeing to 'humour' me (*groan*, I know) with a second game! } *

[Event "Sicilian Defence (Dragons Variation)"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "-"] [White "Skorpio"] [Black "GruppoK"] [Result "*"] { B76: Sicilian Dragon: Yugoslav Attack } 1. e4 { . } 1... c5 { . } 2. Nf3 { . } 2... d6 { Covers e5 } 3. d4 { . } 3... cxd4 { . } 4. Nxd4 { Black is behind in developement.Black's piece can't move: f8 Alternative variation: 4. Qxd4 Nc6 5. Bb5Bd7 6. Bxc6 Bxc6 } 4... Nf6 { Black threatens to win material: Nf6xe4 } 5. Nc3 g6 { Controls f5 } 6. Be3 { Black is behind in developement Alternative variation:6. f4 Nc6 7. Nxc6 bxc6 } 6... Bg7 7. f3 { Prevents intrusion on g4 } 7... a6 { Consolidatesb5 Alternative variation: 7... O-O 8. Qd2 } 8. Qd2 { . } 8... Nc6 { . } 9. O-O-O { . } 9... Nxd4 { Alternative variation: 9... Qa5 10. Kb1 } 10. Bxd4 { . } 10... Be6 { . } 11. Kb1 { . } 11... O-O { Alternative variation: 11... Rc8 12. Be2 } 12. g4 { . } 12... b5 { Alternative variation: 12... Rc8 13. Be2 } 13. h4 { . } 13... b4 { Alternativevariation: 13... h5 14. Nd5 hxg4 15. h5 Bxd5 16. h6 Nxe4 17. fxe4 Bxa2+18. Kxa2 Bxd4 19. Qxd4 } 14. Nd5 { . } 14... a5 { Alternative variation: 14... Bxd515. exd5 Qa5 } 15. h5 { . } *

[Event "Challenge from Japan1"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "02-Apr-07"] [Round "-"] [White "another_ken"] [Black "mleslie"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1900"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1816"] 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Ng3 { (White's knight findssafety without losing time) } 5... Bg6 6. Nf3 Nd7 7. Bf4 e6 8. Bd3 Bxd3 { Blackgives up his most active piece, and White trades with tempo } 9. Qxd3 Ngf6 10. O-O Be7 11. Rfe1 { Claiming a semi-open file } 11... O-O 12. Rad1 Qb6 13. c4 Rfd8 14. Qc2 Qa6 15. a3 Nf8 16. h4 { White's King is well protected, asBlack's Queen is badly out of position. White intends to disrupt the pawnsaround Black's king. } 16... Ng6 17. Bg5 h6 { ? Why help White in his plan? } 18. h5 { Seeing out the aim to disrupt Black's position } 18... Nf8 { Forced -- Blackfaced tripling pawns! } 19. Bf4 N8d7 { ? An awkward position for this Blackknight -- if White can establish himself on g6 he should win comfortably } 20. Bc7 Re8 21. Bf4 Rad8 22. Ne5 { Threatening Knxf7 immediately } 22... Nf8 { ?costing Black another tempo, but at least covering the vital g6 (and h7)squares. } 23. b4 { (Note ..Qxa3 is met with Ra1 Qxb4, Rb1 Qd6 and Whitecan win material back if he so wishes. The Black Queen now interferes withhis d-file and is vulnerable anytime White moves his knight on e5.) } 23... N8d7 { ?! A blunder -- White has been intending to sac his knight on f7, followingup with a check by the queen on g6. At best Black must have seen this andthen forgot, by placing his knight on f8 on his previous move. Black islost now... } 24. Nxf7 { White will win, even if Black plays accurately. The middlegame closes rapidly, with a sequence of exchanges. For this,White gains three pawns and a decisive endgame. } 24... Kxf7 25. Qg6+ Kg8 26. Bxh6 Bf8 27. Bxg7 Bxg7 28. h6 Re7 29. Nf5 Rf7 30. Rxe6 Nf8 31. h7+ Kh8 32. Qxf7 Nxe6 33. Qxe6 { Better might have been KnxBg7, stalling the Blackrook } 33... Rd7 34. Nxg7 Rxg7 35. Qxf6 Qxc4 36. Re1 Qf7 37. Qxf7 Rxf7 38. g4 { Black's rook will have to vacate the 7th rank, prompting an exchange ofrooks. More than good enough for White. } 38... Rf4 39. Re7 Rxg4+ 40. Kf1 Rg7 41. Rxg7 Kxg7 42. Ke2 Kxh7 43. Ke3 Kg6 44. Ke4 Kf6 45. f4 Ke6 46. a4 Kf6 47. f5 Ke7 48. Ke5 b6 49. a5 bxa5 50. bxa5 a6 51. f6+ { The Black king hasan unwelcome dilemma -- damned if I do, damned if I don't! } 1-0

[Event "Unexpected Finish"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.07.29"] [Round "-"] [White "blake84120"] [Black "sjr3t2"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1308"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "2037"] 1. e4 { A challenge to a co-worker of mine, at his request. Our first gamewent quite long, and involved me blundering away my queen in the openingthen slowly scratching my way back into the game and eventually winningit what was my second-longest game on GameKnot. This is our third gameand I begin with the Open Game. } 1... b6 2. d4 { Black plays the Queen's FianchettoDefense, also known as the Owen Defense. The experts recommend that whiteshould grab the strong classical center, and I agree. } 2... c5 3. Nf3 { Blackdiverges from the recommended lines (2. ... e6 or 2. ... Bb7 or even 2.... Ba6, the Guatemala Defense) and strikes at the white center. Whitedefends with development. } 3... Bb7 4. Nc3 { Black strikes at the center againand white defends again with development. } 4... Nf6 5. e5 { This time black'sstrike at the center is met with the pawn's advance, reminiscent of Alekhine'sDefense. } 5... Nh5 6. dxc5 { 5. Nh5? was inexact. It seems that white can immediatelywin this knight with 6. g4?, but that would be a mistake. The pawn on g2defends white's knight on f3 which in turn defends d4. If 6. g4?, blacksimply plays 6. ... cxd4 and now white cannot recapture as his knight ispinned and his queen is the only piece defending that pinned knight. Sure,white still has 7. gxa5? dxc3 which simply exchanges knights or, much better,7. Nb5 a6 8. Nbxd4 d6 9. e6 Nf6 and black's knight escapes. So, much simpleris to simply eliminate the concern first with 6. dxc5; black's knight isstill trapped on h5. } 6... bxc5 7. Bc4 { Again, 7. g4 looks very tempting, butit still fails to gain the trapped knight after 7. ... g5! and now if 8.gxh5, black replies with 8. ... g4 striking at white's pinned knight. Instead,white opts for developing a piece and preparing to castle. We'll see aboutgrabbing that knight after white's rook moves off of h1. } 7... Bxf3 8. Qxf3 { 7. ... Bxf3?? was a serious blunder that will cost black his rook. I justrecently annotated two games featuring the Orangutan (Polish) opening wherean early advance of white's b-pawn led to problems protecting his queen'srook, and now here in this game it's black's turn to have his queen's rookin danger due to his early advance of his b-pawn. I'm starting to see atheme to add to my opening theory: keep your b-pawn home until you havea dang good reason to move it. I jokingly asked my friend 'Whatever didyou do that for?', referring to the fact that white now has a three-wayfork against black's rook, knight, and checkmate on f7, and his reply wasthat he favors knights over bishops, so wanted to trade away my knight. } 8... Nc6 9. Bxf7# { After 8. Qxf3 I entered a handful of conditional moves.I expected 8. ... e6 or even 8. ... f6, but I threw in the wild ones justin case the unexpected happened. And it did. Black saved his rook and Igot an email notification that I had won a game by checkmate. As it wouldhappen, I just finished annotating a game where I, as black, won white'srook in the aforementioned Orangutan game and white resigned on move 9,making it my second fastest win on Gameknot. This game, which I won justtwo days later, ties for that second place honor, but, since this gameends in checkmate, it is my fastest checkmate on GameKnot. } 1-0

[Event "Kings Island, Mason OH"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2013.11.15"] [Round "-"] [White "WilliamPursel"] [Black "MWebber"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1767"] [WhiteElo "1800"] { Round one of the 2013 King's Island Open, playing in the U1900 section.This tournament was good and bad for me. The bad was that my first andlast round games were not that well played (and one game in the middlethat I was lucky to swindle), but the good was that I broke through the1800 barrier and that's nice :) I will put all my rounds up here. Round1! } 1. d4 { The opening I dislike facing and have yet to settle on a systemto use. Early in my career I played the Budapest Gambit but as I movedup in rating this does not work as well against the strong opponent whohas seen it before. I have dabbled with other responses and at this tournamentwas going to aim to play the Cambridge Springs against the queens gambit. } 1... d5 2. Nc3 { So much for that idea. A bit flummoxed I play an old standbyof a move. Alternative variation: 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 c6 5. Nf3Nbd7 6. e3 Qa5 [The position that I was hoping to see] } 2... g6 { Not surewhere to put your DSB? Why not g7! } 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Bg7 5. e3 c6 6. Bd3 Nbd7 7. e4 dxe4 8. Nxe4 O-O 9. Qd2 Nxe4 10. Bxe4 Nf6 11. Bd3 { I felthappy about the past few moves, gaining tempo on White's LSB and activatingmy knight, seems like I've come out of the opening just fine. } 11... Re8 12. c3 Qc7 13. Ne5 Nd5 14. Bf4 { I spent a long time here trying to look atall the lines } 14... Nxf4 { Alternative variation: 14. ... f6 15. Nxg6 e5 [!Again the saving move for Black, and the best way to play this position,eliminating the check on c4! However so confident I was that the textworked that I went ahead with it, even though I saw this line, I thoughtthat was stronger.] } 15. Qxf4 f6 16. Bc4+ { Focused on all the possiblesacrifices around the king, I missed even seeing that there was a check!= or possibly Alternative variation: 16. Bxg6 hxg6 17. Nxg6 e5 [! Themove that makes these sac lines not work.] 18. dxe5 (18. Qf3 exd4+ 19.Kd2 dxc3+ 20. bxc3 Qd7+ 21. Kc1 Qg4 ) Qf7 19. Nh4 Rxe5+ 20. Kf1 [And Black'sking is very safe, White definitely does not have enough for the piece.] Alternative variation: 16. Nxg6 e5 17. Bc4+ [Admittedly not the line Ilooked at OTB (otherwise I would have seen the check in the text line)but possibly White's strongest try, allows for the queen to come to f5with tempo on the rook, but still not strong.] (17. Qf3 exd4+ 18. Kd2dxc3+ 19. bxc3 hxg6 20. Bxg6 Re5 [The line I looked at OTB. Ensured thatneither sac on g6 worked, I played ahead, not seeing the check on c4.]) Be6 18. Bxe6+ Rxe6 19. Qf5 Rae8 20. O-O-O hxg6 21. Qxg6 exd4 22. Rxd4Re2 } 16... e6 17. Nd3 { Evens the position out again, as White could have openBlack's king even more. Alternative variation: 17. Nxg6 Qb6 18. Nh4 Qxb219. Rc1 [Probably a pretty easy position, but a little more uncomfortablefor Black perhaps if he does not find the correct plan of immediate queen-sideexpansion.] } 17... Qxf4 { Helps to alleviate much of the pressure in Black'sposition. } 18. Nxf4 b5 19. Bb3 Kf8 20. Nd3 e5 21. dxe5 Be6 { A bit of ablunder as I miscalculated, but my opponent does as well. } 22. O-O { Alternativevariation: 22. Bxe6 Rxe6 23. O-O-O fxe5 24. Nc5 Re7 25. Rd6 [And Whitehas a lot of pressure] } 22... Bxb3 { Again not a great evaluation, let's theWhite rook easily into the game. Better to keep the Bishops on for now.Alternative variation: 22. ... Bf5 } 23. axb3 fxe5 24. Ra6 { White startsto build up pressure now. } 24... Red8 { The other rook is better, to keep thee6 square covered after Nc5 and to keep a rook behind the pawn. Alternativevariation: 24. ... Rad8 25. Nc5 Rd2 26. Rxa7 Rxb2 } 25. Nc5 Rd6 { Givingin to White's plan and playing defensive chess. Better to create your own threats! } 26. Ne4 Rd3 27. Rxc6 b4 28. Nc5 Rd2 29. Ne6+ Kf7 30. f4 e4 { Some sloppy moves from Black (but White has plenty of pressure andfinding good moves is hard in the face of his good attack), and Whitehas almost a winning advantage now. But next his attacking spirit givesout and he gives Black a breath of hope! } 31. Ng5+ { Allows Black to mopup the queenside a little and for the attack to peter out. Alternativevariation: 31. f5 [! Bust open the Black king and bring the other rookinto the game. Has to be considered after f4. Black is basically defenslessto White's onslaught here.] } 31... Kg8 32. Nxe4 Rxb2 33. cxb4 Re8 { Yet anothermiscalculation! (Apparently I was not very sharp this game) Alternativevariation: 33. ... Rxb3 [Better to play this immediately, and now the b4-pawn must also fall.] 34. Rc4 Rb8 } 34. Rc4 Rxb3 35. Kf2 { White gives Blackone last chance to get back on an even field. Alternative variation: 35.f5 [Bust the position open!] gxf5 36. Rxf5 Rb8 37. Rg5 [And Black is startingto have bigger problems than the b-pawn.] } 35... Bf8 { But Black is determinedto throw the nice gesture aside! Alternative variation: 35. ... Rb8 [Againthe b-pawn must fall and the game will probably end in a draw.] } 36. Nf6+ { A bad blunder late in the game. My only excuse is that it was gettingto be late in the evening in the first round. } 36... Kf7 37. Nxe8 Kxe8 38. Rc8+ Kf7 39. Ra1 Rxb4 40. Rxa7+ Kg8 41. g3 Rb6 42. Kf3 h5 43. Raa8 Rf6 44. Rxf8+ Rxf8 45. Rxf8+ Kxf8 { Black tries but in the end he has no tricks. Whitesmartly recognizes a won pawn endgame and simplifies into it and executesit precisely. } 46. Ke4 Kf7 47. Ke5 Kg7 48. Ke6 Kh6 49. Kf6 h4 50. gxh4 Kh5 51. Kg7 { 1-0 } 1-0

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014.12.04"] [Round "-"] [White "theknightslayer"] [Black "wichita1967"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1165"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1267"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 { Philidor's defense. } 3. Bb5+ Bd7 4. a4 c6 5. Bc4 f5 6. exf5 Bxf5 7. d3 Nd7 8. Bg5 Be7 9. Qd2 h6 10. Bh4 g5 11. Bg3 d5 12. Bb3 Qc7 13. Qc3 d4 { This just pushes the queen. I like Pa5, personally. 14.BxPe5 NxB. 15. NxNe5 Bb4. This pins the white queen, with the bishop protectedby Pa5. } 14. Qd2 { Now white can interpose a pawn or knight on any pin. } 14... Ngf6 15. h4 g4 16. Nh2 O-O-O 17. f4 a5 18. Qe2 Nc5 19. Qxe5 Bg6 { Tradingqueens would most likely have been better. } 20. Be6+ Nfd7 21. f5 { Lookslike a blunder. NxBe6, 22. QxQ+, NxQc7 23. PxBg6. Seems pretty fair,with good positions for black. Alternatively, QxQe5+ 23. BxQ5 Bh5 doesnot seem quite as promising. } 21... Bf7 { This was kind of clever, BxBf7, NxQe5would be fun. My guess is white has other ideas. } 22. Bxd7+ Rxd7 { Absolutelywrong. KxB7 doesn't work because QxQ+. But NxBd7 lets Rd8 continue protectingRh8. Let QxBe7 (bonus!) R (either one) e8 then pins the white queen. While white still enjoys BxQc7, black ends up with it. } 23. Qxh8+ { Rd8would have worked better. } 23... Bd8 { Yikes! Here black should have absolutelyinterposed the queen. BxQ will prove extremely painful. Even } 24. Bxc7 1-0

[Event "Coaching Game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2016.03.02"] [Round "-"] [White "jkarp"] [Black "kenneth_fiore_3"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2175"] [TimeControl "7 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1355"] { I met Ken from an annotation based on how I coached Marriann at OTB chessclub. Of course, we spoke more after coaching more players and annotatinggames, and then, followed by, my first loss against dynamic_dv (in Chicoboy'sLegacy mini tourney.) He offered me a coaching session. At first, I wasunavaliable, due to having 6 games in progress which is my max. When Ibecame avaliable, he was not. But, he commented on more annotations. And, I showed him a lot of my games against Jack Stockel because, withthat commentary, it was, as though, we were playing each other. The dealis similar to a training session I had with bhidragon in the last unratedgame. That, we discuss each move before I play it, so that, he could overmy thought process. When Ken became avaliable he let me know, and I wentfor the gusto to reserve time for this coaching session with a lot of conversation. But, there was a lot to learn from this particular and the moral is whatthis coach outlined, at the end. } 1. d4 { Joe: Now that we discuss eachmove, first, I was torn between KP and QP opening. The reason why I'm inclinedto play 1.d4 is because I'd be inclined to follow up with the Colle's FranketortSystem, as recommended by GM Susan Polgar. But, as I saw in the Chicoboy'sLegacy Forum, black can prevent that. However, I'm most used to 1.e4 openings.So, I think that sticking to what I know is probably the best idea. Ken:I mean't NOT too often. Ken: Either is fine, sticking with what you knowbest is always good, but trying new things is more educational. I haveopened mostly 1.b3, but have also played 1.c4, 1.d4, 1.f4, 1.g3, 1.b4,1.Nf3, and even 1.e4, but not too often. Joe: That answers my question.I want the more educational approach. } 1... g6 { Ken: Any preference on my defense.My usual are King's Indian, Queen's IndiaN & the Dutch Defense? Joe: Ithink that the King's Indian is a good approach because archduke_piccolosuggested that I get practice, after annotating my loss against reversionwith the King's Gambit. Ken: Okay, King's Indian it is. I like to slideinto it by transposition. It gives my opponents more to think about, andto worry about. Joe: That makes sense. I like thinking about many things.Overtime, I've learned that it's a good way to improve. I had a littlebit of a difficult time deciding between 2.Nf3 and 2.e3 This would go intothe Colle System. With 2.e3, it transposes as the mainline starts with2.Nf3 My preference is to get my Ng1 into play for development. However,this will have to wait until tomorrow (when I come back from work) becauseI must log off for the rest of the night. Ken: If we're heading to a normalKID Nf3 is the move, the only other choices you should consider as whitein this position are Nc3, c4, or e4. e3 is far too passive at this stage Joe: I agree here. e3 should hold off, and possibly be prevented whichif so. Then, the Colle System would not work because the actual sequenceinvolves e3 being played. As far what move next, after discussion, it'lltake some more though now that there are other moves to consider. I coulddo a normal KID, if it's your recommendation, but I also like the looksof Nc3 and e4 which not only allow me to develop but help to control thecenter. It's hard to know if I should do it normal, or if it's better totransition into something else. Both are very educational since I haven'texplored through any variation of the KID, yet. Ken: take your time todecide, any of the moves I mrntioned will work, albeit slightly differently. } 2. Nf3 { After giving this a lot of thought, taking several hours and thinkingabout what he said, I played this due to being new at the King's IndianDefense. Ken: an excellent move, now after my move you need to think aboutpawn structure, namely what type of center you want. } 2... Bg7 { Joe: A new lesson.I always, until today, thought it was just about center control. Now, Iknow that there are different centers and it's hard to decide. If it'sno longer too passive, I was thinking of 3.e3, as now, it is the Colle'sSystem. But, if that's too passive, then I need a lot more time to think.This is where I really start comparing chess to a spin class, and it'slike being in a difficult level of gear. Ken: If you play e3 right now,you tell me that I don't have to fight the three pawn attack, and you blockyour DSB from coming to f4 or g5. Now maybe that's OK, maybe you neverintend either of these, but these Indian games are all about flexibilityand keeping options open. If I was white, I'd be thinking about playingg3, and fianchettoing the B on g2. This is a Viktor Korchnoi favorite,or my choice might be to delay decioding by playing c4 and adding to mycentral control. As black my next move will be d6, aiming at a future e5or c5, depending on what you do. Yes there are different centers, dependingon the pawn structure, so take your time thinking. If I can find the referencebook, I'll send you diagrams for each structure or model games showinghow to play each structure. Joe: I agree, and I need my Bc1. So, whatcomes to mind is what you mentioned about the fianchetto with b3. I'm alsoconsidering Nbd2 That's because in my recent game against Jack Stockel(which I annotated yesterday), I played the Colle's System. And, afterQueens Pawn Opening, c4, followed by Nc3 were played. But, they said thatbetter then advancing the c pawn is bringing the Nb1-d2 Of course, as youand a mentor mentioned, it all depends on the position. I'm not convincedthat it's such a good idea in the Nimzo Indian because I don't want tohave a cramped position. Come to think of it, as you mentioned, playingNbd2, at all, would also block in my DSB. I also like the looks of justbringing my Bc1 to f5. But, I like the Viktor Korchnoi because my bishopwould have a longer diagnol, and I also enjoy the longest diagnol. It alsodoesn't work out in every position. But, when they do, I like it, so I'mleaning towards 3.b3 Ken: b3 is playable, challenging me on the diagonal.Give some thought about what your response would be if after you play b3,I immediarely p[lay c5. If you like the resulting position, then play b3,if you don't like it think some more } 3. b3 { Joe: I don't mind. I lookedat other moves, most would've been the same thing. There's one that didn'tbeing 3.Nc3, which I think also would've resulted in 3...c5, followed bythe loss of a Knight and Rook, if I took. That would leave me in a veryuncomfortable and stressful situation. Then, I'd be thinking the same waythat Magnus thought which becomes impulsive. And, that's not a good wayto go. Before playing this, I looked at variations, and I like the waythis is going. And, with your next move, there's a lot that's going throughmy thought process as I think about the overall plan and how to fit thatsituation, as per advice by bhidragon. } 3... c5 { Joe: As noted, I was thinkingabout what to do before this was played. Now, here comes the thought process,as what went through my mind, at first, was so bad that you would've sosaid no. But, I quickly ruled it out as an option on the last move whileplanning. So, what came to mind, at first, was 4.dxc5?? because it appearedto win a pawn. But, then I saw that the goal is to deflect that away dueto my Ra1 being en-prise. I looked briefly at 4.Nc3, which loses a pieceafter you capture on c5. The other I looked at was 4.Na3, but in general,I don't like placing the Knight on the rim. Plus, you still win a pawnafter 4...cxd4 But, as per your advice, I analyzed all of this before Iplayed 3.b3. So, the next move that comes to mind, which I really likeis what I mentioned earlier of 4.Bb2 for a nice long diagonol. Plus, Ihave an extra defender, so that I don't lose material since your Bg7 isa threat. This is a good way to take care of it. I also like the looksof 4.c3 but not as well because it doesn't develop. So, I'm thinking of4.Bb2. Ken: sounds like you have thought it out fairly well } 4. Bb2 cxd4 { Joe: Ok, we've reached a tough think about. But, this is how far I planned,just before playing b3. I must take to avoid losing a pawn. I'm thinkingof how. I was, at first, interested in Bishop for N. So, taking with 5.Nxd4But, I studied more about open and closed positions. And, tactical-abyssgave me insights, in general about 1.d4 So, it applies here, that it'sbetter to exchange Bishop for N. That's because it's a closed positionbecause of how the opening started. He said that in 1.d4, a Knight is generallyworth more then a Bishop. So, I think that 5.Bxd4 is the way to go. Ken: It's an okay way to go because I have no intention, nor should I of playingBxd4 } 5. Bxd4 Nf6 { Joe: Only now am I starting to think about what to do.This is going to be difficult for me to decide. I know I'm not losing anything.What makes it difficult is that I'm on the fringe between playing 6.Nbd2,or 6.e3 Although it shouldn't have, 6.e4 came into consideration, exceptthat I'm losing a pawn if that happens. I also think that 6.e3 is worsenow then before. Not only is it passive but, having my Bd4 blocked wouldbe worse. I was also thinking about fianchettoing my other Bishop with6.Bg2, but that seems a little too slow. The idea would be to develop andcastle, at once. But, I think that developing sooner would be somethingthat I'd want to do. And, for that, I feel that 6.Nbd2 would be the wayto go. Ken: 6.e3 is a good choice. This position is the whole point ofthis type of defense. There are at least 6 plausible moves here. Is onevery much better than the others? My advice here is think some more, andthink about where you want your pawns to be. Examples: are you going topush the q-side pawns or the k-side? or none? Are you aiming at a pieceled attack? Does exchanging benefit you at this point? Castling k-side,q-side or not at all? How do you stand on the board? equality?? Joe: Yes,I'll take all the time I need, even if it's the last minute (which wouldmean being down to the last few hours.) Afterall, despite getting better,I still need some work on channeling the impulse to move. And, there'sa lot of Homework that I need to do here, as you point out. Ken: no problem,take your time and ask questions as needed. Joe: I've almost made up mymind but do have a question. The two candidate moves I have are 6.g3, and6.e3 I'm not not sure which one is better, though. If I fianchetto on g2,my only issue is the bishop being blocked by the Knight. But, I see thatit's happening with you, so my guess is that it's not too problematic,in this position. 6.e3, you said was a good move, but my Bd4 is semi blocked.So, I don't know if it's better to have a pawn blocked or a bishops diagonalblocked. Ken: 6.e3 is better. Experience Indian systems over the yearsshows that it is best to fianchetto only one of the B pair. Since you havealready fianchettoed the DSB the typical plan revolves around control ofthe dark squares. In practical play it is just too ambitious to try tocontrol all the squares, both light and dark. } 6. e3 Nc6 { Joe: I'm shortlyon, but only to look at possiblities. That means that I'll be using justabout as much time. And, it's due to the work schedule, tomorrow. Mondaynights and Tuesdays, in general, is where I have the least amount of timeto be on the computer, due to the work schedule. In this position, I considered7.Nbd2 to complete development, except that I don't want to exchange myBd4 since that seems more important, stronger, then your Nc6. The questionis where to retreat it. I'm thinking on c3. If I went back to b2, you couldbring your Nc6-b4 which I'm afraid might have threats. It's certainly notimmediate, but what I'm trying to work on is figuring out what the boardis telling me. What's indicated, to me, is that 7...Nb4 could get nasty.I think that to avoid complications, 7.Bc3 might be the way to go. Theonly thing I don't like is the same, as if Nc3 was played being that thec pawn is blocked which is why the General Guidelines says that in 1.d4,openings, white shouldn't play Nc3 before the c pawn's been advanced. But,I feel that Bc3 would do the same. While there are still questions andthings to think about, with the work schedule coming tomorrow, which istypical on Tuesdays, this is where I, especially, need more time. Ken:You definitely want to avoid exchanging the DSB. It's not wekk placed onc3 it is also unprotected there. Joe: I have given this a little morethought and realize that I don't have to let 7.Bb2 block in my Bishop sincethe plan is to get my Nb1-d2 at some point. This is tough to think aboutthe best move, but I've limited my candidate moves to 7.Bb2 or 7.Bc3 especiallywith what you noted about not wanting to exchange my Bd4 which was thelast thing I'd want, anyhow, due to what tactical-abyss has previouslyoutlined on the 1.d4 openings. Ken: my vote would be Bb2, leaving openthe possibility of playing c4 at a later time Joe: I agree. In fact,that move was the same as what I was coming to mind, anyhow. } 7. Bb2 d6 { Joe: I gave this some thought, but this time, came up with a move thatI like. I want to develop my Bf1 in order to castle. But, where to? I wasthinking of playing 8.Bb5 to pin your Nc6. Of course, I know you can breakwith 8...Bd7 (which is my anticipation), but that's when I usually castle,at once. Now, one other thing I like the pin is because I thought of 8.Bc4,but then, you can attack me at will with 8...d5 and then what? So, I like8.Bb5 the best, so far. Ken: Bb5 is a very reasonable choice, study thevariations after Qa5+ to make sure you have defenses before playing it Joe: I don't think I do. I only saw move after 8...Qa5+, being 9.Nc3,but after 9...Ne4, I'm in trouble. Therefore, I can't allow 8...Qa5+, soI believe that 8.Bc3 is a better move. Ken: before you commit to Bc3,exam,ine the positions you'd have after playing Bd2 or Be3, and then decide } 8. Bd3 O-O { Joe: I was worried that you'd play ...Qa5+ anyhow. I thinkthat castling makes things easier for me. Like before, there's not quiteenough time to calculate, but I'm the kind of person that enjoy's castlingearly. So, I think that 9.0-0 would be the way to go, especially, whenyou count the fact that in most QPO's, castling long is usually a bad idea. Ken: now is an appropriate time to castle. not too early or too late } 9. O-O d5 { Joe: With your d5 around, I can't play 10.Nc3, but I'm thinkingalong the line of 10.Nbd2 to complete my development. Ken: why can't youplay 10.Nc3?? Joe: The problem is that if 10.Nc3, you have 10...d4. Now,I can play 11.Nb5 to be chased again by 11...a6 But, if I'm to avoid this,I'm forced to cram my N with 11.Ne2, and I don't like being in that situation. Ken: okay, good answer } 10. Nbd2 Qd6 { Joe: I'm not sure what to do here.One move that I'm taking into consideration, though, is 11.Qe2 to mobilizemy Queen and connect my Rooks. Ken: There is nothing to attack at all.You need to play what the professional players call a 'high class waitingmove. Joe: I know about waiting moves, but what is High Class? Ken: verygood Joe: Then, I think that a High Class move, which just came to mind,is 11.Re1 It centralizes the Rook, but also adds a defender, should I decideto play e4. If I did that, it would mean the loss of a pawn, but the Rookthere, they just get exchanged. I'm not sure, but I'd say that it's thebest move, unless there's one that I'm missing which often happens to me. Ken: It's reasonably good choice. I don't see anything that stands outas very much better. } 11. Re1 Be6 { Joe: I am thinking, believe it ornot, 12.Qe2 to get the Rooks connected. The long term plan would be todouble up, but I'm not sure if it works here. Ken: sounds like anothergood waiting move slightly bettering your position until lines of attackbecome clearer. } 12. Qe2 Rfd8 { Joe: The Rook added to the center, I'm thinkingalong the lines of alleviating the pressure without leaving my Rook withoutthe Queen. So, it's about what Rook, and I think that the best move, inthis position, is 13.Rad1. Ken: those are good chess thoughts. } 13. Rad1 Nb4 { Joe: I am now thinking along the line of Ba3 to pin your N. Ken:a worthwhile thought, I've been trying to decide what I will do if youdo that Joe: Yes, I'm thinking along the same lines, of how you'd answerwhich is why I'm cautious. It's like I don't know but then try to do somedifficult math. I would like to also get my Nd2-g3, at some point. But,if I were to play Nf1, if I did that right away, I'd be worried about tyingdown the Knight. There is so much to think about that nothing is easy.But, I like positions that are difficult to figure out, like this. } 14. Ba3 Qb6 { Joe: I'm thinking of exchanging with 15.Bxb4 The idea is tryingto exchange N for B, but I'm not sure if this will work out or not. Infact, I think it's the way to go, for if I don't take, you're going toknab my c2 or a2 pawn which I don't want to happen, as I wind up a pawndown. Ken: you are right that I will take if you don't } 15. Bxb4 Qxb4 { Joe: This is a difficult position. As usual, I'm not completely sure whatto do here. So, I will go by a rule of thumb, in terms of strategy by SusanPolgar. I'm considering 16.Nd4, keeping in mind that it's safe. And, theplan behind this move is to enable my Nd2 to go to the f3, where it's ina better outpost due to strategic reasons since she mentioned that thisis an important part of strategy. Ken: sounds solid and quite safe } 16. Nd4 Bd7 { Joe: Don't if it's time with this move. But, I don't see it affectingmy decision too quickly as there's no immeidate danger. Kind of a bizzarrecomment, but that's because I'm thinking of 17.Nf3, for the reason outlinedon the move above as my Nd2 will be better placed. Ken: that's what chessis all about, getting your pieces to the right squares. You do that a lot,you win a lot. If you don't, you lose a lot. } 17. N2f3 Qd6 { Joe: I'm thinkingalong something unusual. As you might have seen in charleshiggies, mostrecent annotation, my thought process was wrong there. It started off witha Grunfeld Opening so I thought that a N was worth more. When, I said that,teardrop accurately pointed out that you need to decide when that adviceis right. I'm not sure if it's works, in this position, but I am considering18.Bb5 (to exchange that for my other N). The awkward part, however, isthat I've exchanged one Knight for Bishop, and question if I should dothe second one, or keep my LSB. I say that since an alternative would be18.Nb5. Ken: This is the correct question B or N. It is unclear to mewhich is better here. Sometimes it is a matter of taste. Which piece areyou more skilled at using and what's your comfort level. Joe: I'm moreskilled with the N. For after the exchange, it's not clear for me whatmy LSB can do and where I go from there. But, with the Knight, however,Queen is under attack. But, that's not even close for anything to be considered.But, what is considered is the N maneuvered. Most importantly, however,is the pressure against your e5 pawn. Right now, it is well defended. But,if and when your Bd7 comes off the board and I've got the N there is thethreat of pinning your Queen. It can be defended, but there's still thatadded pressure. One of the things I was taught was to keep the pressure.With that being said, although the second part is difficult to answer,I am also more comfortable with the Knight, in this particular position. } 18. Bb5 { Ken: Trading either the B or N eases you task, so at least fornow, I won't exchange pieces. A judgement of a type that all players facein almost every game } 18... Bc8 { Joe: Since they won't be exchanged, it's acase of not really knowing what to do. But, I'm thinking, for a similarreason along the line of Ba4 The only thing I don't like about this isthat it appears to be a waste of tempo, but my plan is to renew the threatof the pin since my plan involves bringing my Nd4 to where my Bb5 is. Notreally sure how to put it, but I guess you can say reconfiguring thosetwo pieces. Ken: clearly such a re-positioning will be vital Joe: Inthat case, I think that Ba4 is the way to go because, if I play Bd3, thereis an interference, as my Rd1 is blocked by own bishop. And, the Rook iswhere the pin threat is taking place. Ken: sounds like you've thoughtit out well } 19. Ba4 { Ken: things are getting more complicated. this isthe main reason I refused the trade of B's, to make things difficult. Whenthis possible, you don't exchange. } 19... a6 { Joe: I just learned something new.What I learned is that, when things become complicated, you don't wantto exchange because you need those pieces. For me, it's also difficultbecause the pin is gone. Not to my surprise, at all, you read my mind.Now, to calculate what to do. I think that I might be able to renew thatthreat, though with 20.c4 Sure, it can be prevented, but there would besome pressure then towards the center. Ken: It is a complicated path now,much more so since I did accept the possible exchange of B's. It does revolvearound c4, so take the time you need and think it through. Joe: Don'tneed much more time. Although the thinking was good to an extent, knowit's important for you to know this, as I was just starting to take thingstoo far which is why I liked the advice of taking time. I realized thatI had a similar impulsiveness with what you've seen, which would've resultedin the loss of material. My thought was originally, as noted, trading pawnson c4, so that my Nd4 could move to c2 and threaten the pin. But, whatI almost overlooked there was something similar to what stalhandske mademe do as Homework in the WTWLTR club during a vote game. As the problemhere would be 20...b5, which at the very least, loses a piece for a pawnsince my Ba4 would be locked in. The bad part, though, is that I'm losingpawn since the only way to protect this is 20.b4 Were the d pawn not ond5, I'd have another option with the Queen. Therefore, I'm still goingdown a pawn, but it's better then a piece. It's because, I feel that theonly way around this is 20.b4 Ken: make sure before you move. Like I saidearlier, this type of position is wh trading pieces down is the wrong ideasometimes. If you've got pressure on an opponent, trading eases thingsfor the opponent. Joe: You are right, and I see it can be defended thoughwith 20.c4 because if you play 20...b5, I can take with the c pawn. And,everything would still hold. By still hold, I mean that it remains level.In other words, I don't lose anything. Ken: I knew what you meant. } 20. c4 { Ken: I'm turning up the heat a bit more. Now it's even more complicatedafter ..e5 } 20... e5 { Joe: I can see why. I am under attack and will need tothink about how to prevent the loss of material. Difficult situation. Were it not for the loss of a pawn, I'd reattack your Queen with c5 sinceGM's and charleshiggie have done that. Of course, that's overgeneralizing.So, what else? I think that my only option is to cramp my Nd4 with Nc2. Ken: playing c5 doesn't actually cost you a pawn right away because ifyou play c5 and I capture, you can play Nxe5! Joe: Yes, that's true.The question is if it will work here or if I have a better move. I do likethat, as now, the Knight isn't cramped. But, I think there's more to thestory then meets the eye as my original goal was to pin the Queen. Thequestion is am I going to lose that goal. With Nc2, there's still potential,but the I ask myself what happens, if your answer with e4 As of now, there'smore questions for me then answers until I unravel the mystery, bits bybits. As you noted, it's a very difficult position. Ken: That's the wholepoint, the stronger players increase the complexity of the position, andchallenge their opponents to figure it out. Joe: So, I gave this a littlemore thought. Both Nc2 and c5 are optional. I think that playing c5 isa better option because if 21.Nc2, black has 21...e4, which forces me toanswer with 22.Nd2 And, now both of my N's are cramped. After a loss combinedwith a different game, I feel that this would give you a space advantage.But, c5 should stop that in it's track. } 21. c5 { Ken: I am not tradingmy e-pawn for your c-pawn. St least not at the moment. That would easethe tension in the position, and if anything, I want to increase tension,so... Qe7 } 21... Qe7 { Joe: And, my thought process was decreasing it. For allmoves, there's always something different. That does force me to cram myNd4, though. As much as, I hate being pesstimistic, it's about realitywhich only gives me one option. That is 22.Nc2. Ken: Certainly true thatthe N can't stay on d4 and c2 is the only available square. I'd call thatcompletely forced. Joe: I concur that it's forced. } 22. Nc2 { Ken: Thepressure stays on. } 22... Ne4 { Joe: Believe it or not, I don't feel so stressedanymore. I felt that the pressure was on before which would've led to somestress. My concern was 22...e4, after which, I'd be forced to pull back.But, the N moving there, I think it's easy for me. Shouldn't be, but that'show I feel. However, I know why you played this as there is a N fork againstmy Q+R. That can easily be defended against with 23.Rd3 Ken: there's moreto look at. Joe: I'm definitely going to spend more time. I'd do it tonightbut am going to have to log off because I need to get early tomorrow. But,come tomorrow, I'll spend, possibly, 2 hours trying to figure out what'sgoing on here. I don't know what happens ...Rd3 is played, but I sensethat it cannot be good. I agree actually, as it also leaves my Nf3 pinned,since black can play ...Bg4 And, Qd3 leads to a half pin with ...Bg4 So,that needs to be dealt with to. Despite that, I think it could be a nuicanse.I believe that there's still more to look at, but the main move I'm considering,as of now, is Rc1 so that if you play ...Nc3, I can still get out. But,my thought is what happens if you pin the N. My take, as of now, is that,there are more questions then answers here. Ken: there are more questionsthan answers. That my friend is what pressure on your opponent is all about. Joe: Ok, what I discovered with this pressure is that, I can't completelyavoid the pin, unless I give up my Queen or Rook to a Knight fork. But,there is only option that prevents the worst of the fork, as otherwise,my Nf3 would be pinned to the Queen. But, one move only leaves it pinnedto the Rook, which I guess you call a Half Pin. That move is Qd3. Ken:keep thinking, especially about what comes after your intended move Qd3. Joe: After Qd3, I'm going down a pawn. I did look at another move witha bunch of variations, but I'm not convinced that they work, either. Themove would be 23.Nb4, to allow the anticipated 23...Nc3 as a conditionalmove. For then, I'd play 24.Nxd5, and after 24...Nxd5, I'd play 25.Qc4to try and get something. The question is, if I sacked, would I be successfulin getting something back with that line. One of my main problems whichreversion PM's me, and then, cplusplus11 noted in an annotation is go throughthose lines and seeing if they can fail. Ken: Materially the two lineswill yield similar results. It then becomes a matter of judgement, whichdo you prefer. One may lead to more exchanges than the other, let's say.Is that good or bad? Joe: That is good advice. Yes, that's the question.I don't think it's quite as good. Jack Stockel once told me to exchangewhen possible against stronger players. I ruled that out. That's tactical-abysssaid that in most cases, you shouldn't. I guess it's preference. I don'tknow if more exchanges is good or not. Ken: After you've checked the varaiationsfor a while, look at the mobility you have left. If one variation appearspromising, but leaves yopur pieces unable to } 23. Rd3 Nxc5 { Ken: When youcan, and here i could you should always try to play duaL purpose attackingmoves. That's the reason I played Ne4 in the first place, I have a primarythreat on c3, and also a secondary threat on c5. Joe: Does dual mean multiple?I ask because I have not term used in this context. Ken: Yes it does meanmultiple purpose. As you can see here, my refusal to exchange pieces afew times is increasing the degree of difficulty. You are now facing fourseparate threats. I will let you analyse that a bit. You cansee now veryclearly ehy I refused exchanging pieces. The degree of difficulty has jumpedso high that you have to analyze 4 distinct threats: I can play 24...NxR24...NxB, 24..e4, or 24...b5. That is a lot for you to chew on since only3-4 moves ago the pressure was minimal. Joe: That means that I've hadto have made a mistake with that c pawn. Yes, and this will take time. What I know right now is that I can't prevent a total loss. Meaning: ThatI'm going to lose something. But, I can minimize the damage and preventyou from getting anything for free. It would be at the cost of a pawn.I think that 24.Nd2 is the way to go here. Ken: Consider what would happenafter 24.Nd2 b5 before you decide about this sequence And consider thatif I play 24....NxR I can still play b5 after you recapture on d3. Joe:You are right. There's more cons then pros. The only way to prevent thatis b4. In fact, that's the best move because say you play that, and I pullback, then you take the Rook, and I capture the N, then white has lostanother piece, yet. Though, the trouble's there. My thought is alleviatingthe problems. Ken: You will need to be your best at damage control here.I suggest you count the pieces carefully and assess each variation, writingit all down in a note to yourself before you decide. Joe: I will, butin starting to calculate variations, I think that Nb4 is probably the wayto minimize the damage. Ken: It is your decision, my advice is to be careful& methoidical. } 24. Rdd1 Ne4 { Joe: Believe it or not, I'm starting to feelmore comfortable about this position. I was worried about you playing ...Nxa4.But, I can defend here. The only problem now is this threat. But, I thinkthat it's not serious, as of the moment. Ken: well, be sure before youmove Joe: Not completely out of the woods, but I think I can save theposition with Qd3. Ken: you are right, the woods are still thick and mysterious.Qd3 is unclear if it's the best, but it is reasonable in a position wheremost choices are bad. } 25. Qd3 b5 { Joe: With my B blocked in, which isthe move that I anticpated, at some point. The only way to keep damageminimal is Bxb5 For, if I don't take, that Bishop is a freebie and I don'tlike giving anything without something, in return, which is already whathappened with the pawn. Ken: you will get some compensation, probablynot enough, but make the best you can out of it. Joe: I agree. Yes, it'snot enough, but I can get two pawns, though, with that move. } 26. Bxb5 axb5 { Joe: This is going to be a difficult one to analyze, as we're nottalking about pieces here. It's a question if 27.Qxb5 or 27.a3 are better.27.a3 protects the a pawn. But, if I capture on b5, it becomes an exchange.It's pawns, but the question is should I exchange or not, as it boils downto those 2 moves. Ken: there's more, you should also analyze whether amove such as Ba6 will bring harm to you Q after she takes on b5. I've beenlooking at that and trying to decide how well it actually works. Joe:That would cause a lot of harm, as at the very least, I'm forced to liquidateQueens. The only way to stop that is by giving up another pawn 27.b5 For,if you played 27...Ba6 that pawn won't be able to advance further and threatenthe Queen like that. Ken: I was thinking more in terms of trying to trapyour Q Joe: Yes, and I don't want that Queen trapped. I think that b4might be the only way to stop it. There might be other alternatives. But,I see a very limited amount of options, in this position. I'm also thinkingof 27.Qxb5 to prevent you from trapping my Queen. A possible continuationwould be 27...Ba6 28.Qb6, Rdb8 29.Qc6, Bb7 30.Qb5, Ba6 The only problemwith this line is that my Queen must constantly run back. I think thatb5 might be better to keep the Queen safe, without loss of tempo. Ken:I'm not surprised that you knew that about the comments. In this type ofattack there are multiple threats even now. That is what makes the attackparticularly effective. How you noticed that even withe threats revolvingaround b5 there are still other threats lurking, for example, what happensif I play Bf5? This is a type of attack you need to understand to advanceas a player. Single variation attacks are too easy to defend, but multiplevariation attacks are much more powerful. Joe: You are right, but no matterhow bad the situation is, ironically, I've learned, overtime, not to beafraid. As that has triggered the Fight or Flight syndrome which has causedme to rush. So, although I don't like exposing the K, as per what Jackhas outlined. I'm thinking of 27.g6 to that attack. And, now if 27...Ba6,I can stop Ba6, as well, with 28.Nb4 And, I feel much safer. The only issueis the exposed K, but I'd take it over losing my Queen. Ken: I thinkyou have mistyped here, you can't play g6 to stop my B from going to f5 Joe: It was because I reversed colors. In that case, it's going to haveto be 27.Qxb5, as they stop both threats. That's because if 27...Bf5 isno longer a threat against the Queen. And, if 27...Ba6 I run back withthe same moves. So, I thinking taking puts an end to what's coming. Forgotto mention, but if after 27.Qxb5, you played 27...Ba6, my answer wouldbe to attempt to exchange Queens with 28.Qb4 since it's not lost with myNc2, which is something that I overlooked when commenting, earlier. Ihope that I'm not missing anything, at this point. Ken: I always hopethat! } 27. Qxb5 Ba6 { Joe: As noted, yes, this move was anticipated. But,this is where I realize that Qb4 keeps me safe, for now. I absolutely don'tlike liquidating when behind. But, when you mentioned about the Q beforeand those variations, that's when I figured out that there weren't optionshere. There actually is a move that I missed, over what happens if oneof your Rooks is brought to b8 to attack my Queen. But, my answer wouldlater be Qa4 as keeps it safe. I meant Qa3 as that's where the N wouldprotect it. Ken: Now another decision, where doesthe Q go? I would sayyou be looking at b4, b6, and c6 mostly Joe: Yes. The move that I lookedat was b4. But, I thought I overlooked one of your Rooks going to b8. Except,that if it did that, I'd get a free Queen. Which I know you're not goingto do. If, however, I played I brought it to b6 or c6, however, then youcould attack it with your Rook. And, that is me trying to calculate manyvariations, with the way that you mentioned. So, I think that best Qa4here. Edit: I meant Qb4. Ken: I have not doubt that you meant Qb4. } 28. Qb4 { Ken: I am stubbornly sticking to my no exchanges plan. At least noequal exchanges. } 28... Qe6 { Joe: Which makes the threats worse then anticipated.With that being said, another problem I have, on top of not calculatingmultiple variations, is that I've been known to underestimate how bad thesituation is. A good example was in my most recent game against bhidragon.I was hyperfocused on center control and developing my Nb8-c6 in the SemiSlav QGD. Now, that hyperfocus is what led to me underestimating how badthe situation was with his attacking forces against my monarch. In doingso, my opponent gave me a B for pawn as he had a mating attack. The advicewas the overall seeing the overall picture of how the game is developingafter annotating that game. But, part of what hinders is thinking thatthe situation isn't, as bad as, it is. I'm afraid that's what might havehappened here. In theory, I might be able to change that, and force anexchange, by attacking your Queen with Ng5. I am afraid, though, of Qf6.This is a very interesting position. Ken: In aiming for g5 you are forgettingthat my N can move from e4 backwards to g5. This is quite a common error.I've done it myself a few times. You can get so locked in on pieces movingforward that you forget they can move backward to good effect as well. Joe: Yes, so I've ruled it out. I'll try to find a better move. Normally,I'd calculate right away and try to find something then. In fact, I don'twant to exchange now due to being behind, which is why I'm glad that youplayed ...Qe6. But, as you said, it's a difficult position. This is pressure,as I don't know what move to do here. And, you noted that this is what'sall about which I'm feeling here. Allright, as I have more time. I'vegiven this a little more thought. Believe, though quite terrible, 29.Rd3??came into considertation with the idea of trying to put pressure on yourNd3 as the plan would to be coordinate my Q and Rd1. With that being said,yes, I almost overlooked Bxd3 So, although I dislike exchanging when behind,the only move I can think of is 29.Nd2 And, if we exchange, I feel thatthe pressure would be off. As otherwise, I don't know what to play. Ken:If you ploay 29.Nd2, my response won't be an immediate capture, I willplay 29..Bf8, which will cause you some trouble. Joe: I don't want thatsince my Queen is badly attacked. That means that the overall picture ishow to prevent that. It doesn't help the pressure much, but I think that29.Qa3 would be the way to go. And, if you discovered attack by movingyour Ba6, I can quick play 30.Qc1 Ken: just make sure you understand allthis before you pick your move. Joe: Ok. Gave it more time, and realizedthat I'd lose a piece, though. But, I found one move that gets me out oftrouble. } 29. Na1 { Ken: I am still playing Bf8. I look forward to seeinghow you are going to handle this. } 29... Bf8 { Joe: Not exactly sure where tomove. But, what I know is that the Q will go to the a file to avoid losingit. Ken: Absolutely correct Q to a4 or a5 only choices, neither pleasant. Joe: I've got no idea which is better, however. Ken: Neither is good. } 30. Qa4 Bc4 { Joe: Didn't see this coming, as now, my Queen is a goner.I can take Bishop, but you get my Queen, either way. Ken: you will havesome compensation, but not enough. Joe: Yes, I can with bxc4, but it won'tdo much. I'll continue, unless you think I should resign. And, I say thatbecause of what you noted in one of my recent annotations. In that case,even though I said lasting as long as possible, it was to sastisfy theWTW rules in order to avoid being questioned by the mods, as it happenedin one case when I felt that there was nothing to learn. But, this is notone of those games. So, if you think I should, I will resign. If not, I'llstay in. Ken: If you consider that you are still learning, don't resignyet. Just don't regard the length of the games as particularly meaningful.I assume you will most likely play Qxa8 followed by bxc4 which would giveyou some experience with R and B for the queen. I will still be ahead Qfor R, but the change in material status will be educational for you. Joe: I was actually considering bxc4 with ...Rxa4 to follow. But, I madea similar mistake against easy19. Taking right away does limit the damagebecause, as you noted, I get a Rook, in return. } 31. Qxa8 Rxa8 { Joe: Now,I'm thinking of taking your Bc4 with my b pawn. Don't know if it's goodor not. But, when this far behind, I'll try just about anything. Ken:I don't think you have a better option } 32. bxc4 dxc4 { Joe: I was interestedin what you'd play. I don't know what to do here. I am, however, consideringNc2 as my N is a little more active. That's the best that I can think of,in this situation. The question is, what can I do here. One move thatI was considering was Nd2. Except, that I don't want to exchange when behind.I would've, however, played Rc1 in an attempt to win your c4, which youjust defend after ...c3 It really boils down to what to do. I'm consideringeither Nc2 or Nd2. Ken: At some point you will have to play Nc2, but itisn't required just yet Joe: I realized though, that, in this position,Re2 is required, as my a3 is en-prise. And, that's also due to the factthat Rd2?? doesn't work because of your Ne4. So, bringing the Re1 to thesecond rank, from how I see it, is a must. Ken: If you play Re2 my responsewill be Nc3 Joe: Then, the pawn cannot be protected. So, the move I'mnow considering is Rb1 with the idea being Rb7 on the next move to attemptto put pressure on your f7 pawn. Ken: You are right the pawn cannot besaved, but it does have one use. If you move it to a3 or a4, you slightlydelay my R going to a2, and that helps a little. The position is very difficultfor you at this point, nearly hopeless. At this point you defense is basedon the term I disliked many months ago, 'hope chess'. You will need a crudeblunder from me to get to equality.That might happen in blitz at times,but when I have several days to check out each move the chances of a crudeblunder are very small. I have made one such blunder here on gameknot.I misread my notes and moved a R to c4 when I meant c5, even then I didnot lose the game. I you still feel you are learning something, play onfurther, by all means. Don't think of the length of the game as important,though. What's important from this game is that you are learning to thinkabout your future moves in regards to multiple threats, and that you havelearned not to exchange pieces as readily as you sometimes have done inthe past. See if you can get Yuri Averbakh's 'Chess Endings Essential Knowledge'from your local library. You may never use some of the endgame knowledgein it, but it will help you to know which endgame positions are won, andwhich are not. This knowledge will help you make better decisions whenfaced with exchanges. } 33. a4 Rxa4 { Joe: Allright, I'll play on a littlelonger but am almost ready to resign. I'll move to a4. But, once the pawngoes, that's when I'll resign. In fact, I'll continue, until you feelthat there is nothing for me to learn, anymore. Since you took anyway,I'll play Rc1. It's hope chess, allright, as I'm I will attempt to complicatethe position. In fact, I'll continue, until you feel that there is nothingfor me to learn, anymore. Since you took anyway, I'll play Rc1. It's hopechess, allright, as I'm I will attempt to complicate the position. Ok,I misread the note. I don't think there is anything left to learn, unlesswe discuss other moves, and maybe I get something out of that, just likebefore. Otherwise, I'm probably going to resign. I wasn't going to, exceptthat taking on a4 wasn't delayed, so I think that, if anything, there'snot much to learn anymore from this game. I like this moral, and if youcheck out my most recent annotation, not only didn't I see multiple threats.But, I did not even attempt to consider more then one variation becauseI underestimated the position. And, he had pressure that I didn't realizeor feel since it's about not knowing what to do. But, I figured and wascondident that I did which is why variations weren't considered. But, thatultimately sealed my fate and got me mated very quickly. Ken: You areright that there is nothing left to be learned in this game. we can startanother after I take some time to think about lesson number 2. Joe: Ok.Resignation for me is imminent. I don't mind starting another one. } 0-1

[Event "A Knight in Black"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "8/9/10"] [Round "-"] [White "John"] [Black "Nook (Hard)"] [Result "1-0"] 1. e4 e6 2. d4 { Since his first move didn't challenge the center, I pushedahead to continue gaining a strong center. } 2... d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bd2 dxe4 5. Nxe4 { After Knight takes e4 I expect him to exchange dark square bishops,but instead... } 5... Qxd4 { Wins the hanging pawn but exposes Black's queenwith only one minor piece developed. } 6. Bd3 { I develop my Bishop, andavoid a potential Queen trade in the near future. } 6... Bxd2+ 7. Qxd2 Qxb2 { Black takes the unprotected b2 pawn. Honestly I missed that move, butI like my overall position here much better than Black's, and I want totake advantage of his over-extended queen and lack of development. } 8. Qd1 { Protecting both the rook and c2 pawn. } 8... Ne7 9. Nf3 Qb4+ 10. c3 { Thec3 push is protected by the knight on e4, and I'm preparing to castle kingside. } 10... Qa5 { A passive move on Black's part, and giving the queen little to dosince once I castle kingside she won't be threatening my king any longer. } 11. O-O O-O 12. Nfg5 { I mount my attack on Black's king. My knight ong5 is protected by my knight on e4. } 12... Nbc6 { He finally decides to continuedeveloping, but a little too late. } 13. Qh5 { I'm threatening queen takesh7 mate. } 13... h6 { An defensive move to the queen takes h7 threat. However,now the h7 square is opened up, and my bishop on d3 has a bead on it... } 14. Nf6+ { Continuing the attack and breaking open his kingside defense. } 14... gxf6 15. Qxh6 { Both the bishop on d3 and the knight on g5 protect theh7 square for queen to h7 checkmate. He can't deal with both in one move... } 15... Ne5 16. Qh7# { I gave up a bishop, knight, and three pawns and he onlylost a bishop and two pawns. But I was able to develop more pieces andhave a strong jump in tempo. } 1-0

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.04.11"] [Round "-"] [White "rolymo"] [Black "soleil24"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1536"] [TimeControl "14 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1537"] 1. e4 { OK, so here I go with some annotation for the first time! ok, soits 1. e4 - book if i'm not mistaken :-P } 1... d5 { ooo - don't see this veryoften! } 2. exd5 { oh go on then I'll take it then - must still be book!Oh yes it is -its the Scandinavian defence, Lasker variation! } 2... c6 3. dxc6 Nxc6 { .. so a pawn up and no real disadvantage in terms of position. } 4. Nf3 e5 5. Bb5 { according to the database, this opening has been seen beforea few times, so I'll plod on until something interesting happens. } 5... Bd7 6. O-O Bd6 { not sure about this, because after d4 and exchange of a fewpieces I can get to him with my Q. } 7. Re1 Nge7 8. d4 f6 9. Bxc6 Nxc6 10. dxe5 fxe5 { not really sure what's best here, but the B is now hanging there! } 11. Qxd6 { rude not to! } 11... Qa5 { mmm, fairly obvioulsy the pawn on e5 looksweak and vulnerable to me forking his Q with Rxe5+ after an exchange ofNs } 12. Bd2 Qb5 13. Nxe5 { setting up the fork - will he fall for it? surelynot! } 13... Nxe5 { oh, but he does! } 14. Rxe5+ { .... and he resigns as 14 ...Qxe5 15 Qxe5+ leaves me with a huge lead in material. } 14... Qxe5 15. Qxe5+ 1-0

[Event "Challenge from yoshark"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.05.08"] [Round "-"] [White "yoshark"] [Black "mizesa"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1681"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1406"] 1. d4 { This is a fun little game between my father and I. d4 is the strongestopen for each of us and usually leads to the King's Indian Defense (KID). Which it so happens this game does as well. } 1... Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 { KID main line. } 6... e5 7. O-O Nc6 8. d5 Ne7 { Stillall opening theory which we each know fairly well. } 9. Ne1 { The older mainline. White also has the bayonet attack b4. I prefer this line. } 9... Nd7 10. Nd3 { Book is 10. f3 f5 11. Bd3 f4 12. Bf2 I play this to make challengeto c5 sooner rather than later though gives up the bishops chance to takeup residence on the a7 g1 diagonal. } 10... f5 11. b4 { Planing c5 soon. } 11... c6 12. Qb3 { the a2-g8 diagonal is going to open up. } 12... fxe4 13. Nxe4 Nf6 { Clearse4 for e5e4. } 14. Nxf6+ Bxf6 15. dxc6 { Begins to open the diagonal I mentionedearlier. } 15... Nxc6 16. c5+ d5 { Blocks the diagonal and gives black a nice centerwith a passed pawn. } 17. Rb1 { Gets off the a1-h8 diagonal. } 17... e4 18. Nf4 Nd4 { (!) wins the two bishops in an opening position. } 19. Qd1 Nxe2+ 20. Qxe2 Be5 21. Nxd5 { Only thing I could think of to challenge blacks center. My plan will be to take control of the newly opened d-file. } 21... Qxd5 22. Bh6 { Connecting the rooks with tempo. } 22... Rf5 { Rf5? gives up control of thed-file. } 23. Rbd1 Bd4 { Bd4 Be3 wins the bishop. Allowing a possible drawnposition. } 24. Kh1 { I see that the bishop isn't going anywhere for a whileand can still be won if Qe5 Via Qc4+ } 24... Qe5 { Threatening Rh5. } 25. g4 { stopsrook h5 } 25... Rf7 { Rf3 was also possible. } 26. Qc4 { Pins the rook and wins thebishop. } 26... Bxc5 { ??? leads to mate. } 27. Rd8+ { and mate to follow. } 1-0

[Event "117th GK tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014.11.23"] [Round "-"] [White "aguiavermelha"] [Black "capa1"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1688"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1668"] 1. d4 g6 { Ive been experimenting with 1 g6 as a answer to 1 d4 recently. } 2. Bg5 Bg7 3. h3 d6 4. e3 Nf6 5. Be2 O-O 6. Bf4 Nc6 7. Nf3 Bf5 8. Nbd2 d5 9. c3 Ne4 10. O-O a6 11. Re1 b5 12. Nh4 Na5 13. Nxf5 gxf5 14. Nxe4 fxe4 15. f3 exf3 16. Bxf3 Nc4 17. b3 Nb6 18. Qd3 Qd7 19. Bd1 Kh8 20. Bc2 f5 21. Qe2 Rae8 22. Rf1 Nc8 23. Bd3 Nd6 24. Rac1 Ne4 25. Bxe4 fxe4 26. Qh5 e6 27. c4 bxc4 28. bxc4 c6 29. c5 Qf7 30. Qg4 Qg6 31. Qe2 Ra8 { Equal? Blackhas a doubled pawn on the e file. Material is level. } 32. Rb1 Rg8 33. Rf2 Ra7 34. Rb6 Qe8 35. Rxa6 Rb7 { White has won a pawn. I (black) was stillhopeful of a positive result. } 36. Qd1 Qd7 37. Qa4 Rc8 38. Ra8 Rb1+ 39. Rf1 Rxf1+ 40. Kxf1 Qb7 41. Rxc8+ Qxc8 { As the pieces come off the significanceof the passed pawn at a2 grows. } 42. Qa7 Qf8 43. Qb8 Kg8 44. Qb7 Bxd4 { Asaving tactic? } 45. Ke2 Bxc5 46. Qxc6 Kf7 47. Qb7+ Qe7 48. Qxe7+ Kxe7 { Istill had hopes of saving this ending though white has a passed pawn ona2 and a 2 to 1 majority on the other wing. } 49. g4 Ba3 50. Be5 Kf7 51. Kd1 Bc5 52. Ke2 Kg6 53. a4 Bb6 54. Bc3 Kg5 55. Be1 e5 56. a5 Ba7 57. Bg3 h5 58. gxh5 Kxh5 59. Bxe5 Kh4 60. Bd4 Bb8 61. a6 Kxh3 62. a7 Bxa7 63. Bxa7 { This is won for white. The king has always to give way in these situations.I could have resigned now but played on a few moves. } 63... Kg4 64. Kd2 Kf5 65. Kc3 Ke5 66. Bc5 Kf6 67. Kd4 Ke6 68. Bb4 { As i said the king has to giveway in these situations. White wins the last pawn in the same manner andqueens his pawn. VERY STRONG PLAY BY WHITE ESPECIALLY IN THE ENDING. WELLPLAYED. } 1-0

[Event "Great Endgames Series - Rook Endings"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "1937"] [Round "-"] [White "Vladimir Alatortsev"] [Black "Vitaly Chekhover"] [Result "1-0"] [TimeControl "Ibilis 1937"] { Main annotation taken from Steve Giddings excellent book 'Greatest EverChess Endgames' } 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 Bb4+ 4. Bd2 Qe7 5. Bg2 Nc6 6. Nf3 e5 7. dxe5 Nxe5 8. Nxe5 Bxd2+ 9. Qxd2 Qxe5 10. Nc3 O-O 11. O-O d6 12. Rfe1 Qc5 13. Nd5 Nxd5 14. cxd5 Qb6 15. Rac1 Bd7 16. Rc3 c5 17. dxc6 Bxc6 18. Bxc6 bxc6 19. Rec1 c5 20. Rb3 Qa6 21. Ra3 Qb6 22. Rb3 Qa6 23. Ra3 Qb6 24. Rd3 Rad8 25. b3 Qc6 26. Rd5 Rfe8 27. e3 h6 28. Qd3 Qc7 29. Rd1 Re6 30. e4 Rc8 31. Rxd6 Rxd6 32. Qxd6 Qxd6 33. Rxd6 c4 34. bxc4 Rxc4 35. Ra6 Rxe4 36. Rxa7 { This is an ending played by two players whose names willnot be found amongst the all-time greats. Despite this, White's play wassuperb, and although he had some help from his opponent, the final stagesof the ending make it worth its place in this book. The position shouldbe a draw, of course, as Black can transfer his rook behind the passedpawn. Initially, he does just that, but soon he is tempted from the pathof righteousness, and eventually pays the inevitable price for his sins. } 36... Re1+ { 36 ...Re2! (Sadler) is probably more accurate, when the attack onf2 slows down White's plan of bringing his king over to the queen side. } 37. Kg2 Ra1 38. h4 g6 39. Kf3 Re1 { Although this move does not lose, itmakes Black's life more difficult, by permitting White to transfer hisrook to the side of the passed pawn. The standard way to draw the positionwould be 39 ... h5 followed by ... Kg7-f6. However, even here, there area few subtleties that Black needs to be aware of. The theory of this endinghas recently been updated, following some detailed researches by a Swissplayer, Johannes Steckner, augmented by Grandmasters Muller, Dautov, Dvoretskyand others. I can recommend the section in the second edition of Dvoretsky'sEndgame Manual for a detailed summary of their findings. } 40. Rd7 { Whiteimmediately seizes the opportunity to transfer his rook to a better location,alongside the pawn. } 40... Kg7 41. Rd2 Kf6 42. Re2 { And now he also cuts offthe black king. } 42... Rd1 43. Ke3 { Now White's plan is clear. He will graduallybring his king over to the queenside, by sheltering the monarch behindthe rook. Black must meet this by preparing counterplay on the kingside,which White will necessarily have to abandon in order to carry out hisplan. } 43... Kf5 44. Rd2 Rc1 45. Kd3 Kg4 46. Rc2 Rd1+ 47. Ke2 { Biding his timefor the moment. After 47. Kc3 Black will start counterplay with 47. ...f5!.Fine then continues the variation 48. Kb3 Rb1+ (the immediate 48. ...f4allows 49. Rc4) 49. Rb2 Re1 50. a4 f4 51. gxf4 Kxh4 52. a5 Kg4 53. a6 Re8with a draw. This appears correct, although it is close, e.g. 54. Kc4 h555. Rb6 Kxf4 56. Rxg6 Re2 57. Kb5 Ra2 58. Rh6 Kg5 59. Rh8 h4 60. f4+ Kg461. f5 Rb2+ 62. Kc4 Rc2+ 63. Kd4 Rc7 64. f6 h3 65. Rg8+ Kf3 66. Rg7 Rc8etc. } 47... Ra1 48. Ke3 Re1+ 49. Kd2 Ra1 { Fine does not make clear whether hethinks this is the decisive error, but I believe it is. Fine analyses 49...Re5! as the clearest way to draw. It seems rather illogical to switchthe rook back in front of the enemy passed pawn, but with his king so faradvanced amongst White's kingside pawns, Black has just enough play todraw. Fine's analysis, in which neither I, nor my silicon assistants, havebeen able to find any flaws, runs as follows: 50. a4 f5 51. Ra2 Ra5 52.Bc3 f4 53. Bb4 Ra8 54. Ra3 Rb8+! Black's counterplay has hit a temporarybrick wall, so there is no time to lose. The rook switches roles yet again,returning to the counterattack 55. Kc5 Rb2 56. a5 Rxf2 57. gxf4 Rxf4 58.a6 Rf8 59. a7 Ra8 60. Kc6 61. hxg5 (Fritz initially thinks 61 h5 offersbetter winning chances, but after 61...Kxh5 62. Kb7l Rxa7+ the tablebaseconfirms that the position is a draw, whichever way White recaptures ona7) 61...hxg5 62. Bb7 Rxa7+ 63. Kxa7 Kf4 64. Kb6 g4 65. Kc5 g3, and theposition is a draw. Another try here is Sadler's 53. Ra3 (instead of 53.Kb4). The idea is to try to induce Black to exchange on g3, which stabilizesWhite's kingside. Even so, it seems that Black can hold, after 53. ...Ra854. Kd4 Rd8+! (not 54. ...Ra5 55. Ke4 h5 56. gxf4 Kxh4 57. Ra1 and Whitelooks to be winning) 55. Ke5 Rd2 56. gxf4 Rxf2 57. a5 Rxf4 58. a6 Rf8 59.a7 Ra8 60. Kf6 g5! 61. hxg5 hxg5 62. Ra4+ Kh5 and draws. } 50. Kc3 g5 { Thisis a further mistake, after which Black is definitely lost, although ittakes some study-like play by White to prove it. Clearly, Black shouldhave played so .. .fs. Fine merely writes that this 'was better', withoutanalysing further, or saying whether it is sufficient to draw. By comparisonwith the position examined in the note to White's 47th move, here Black'srook is on a1 rather than d1. This allows White to gain a tempo with 51.Kb2 (51 Kb3 Rb1+ is the line examined in the note to White's 47th) andit seems to me that White is now winning. Compared with the line afterWhite's 47th, here the white rook is excellently placed on c2, becausehe can always answer Black's .. .f5-f4 break with Rc4. This appears tohold up Black's counterplay enough for White to win, e.g. 51. ...Re1 52.a4 Re6 53. Kb3 Kf3 (53. ...Rb6+ 54. Ka3 f4 is still met by 55. Rc4, e.g.55. ..g5 56. a5 a6 57. Kb4 and Black has no real threats on the kingside)54. a5 f4 55. gxf4 Kxf4 56. Kb4 g5 57. hxg5 hxg5 58. Ra2 Re8 59. a6 Ra860. Kc5 with a simple win - Black has no counterplay. } 51. hxg5 hxg5 52. Kb2 Re1 53. a4 { Now Black's counterplay is a couple of tempi slower, andthere is also one less pawn each on the kingside, which enables White tosqueeze out a win. } 53... f5 54. Kb3 f4 55. gxf4 gxf4 { See the last note - comparedwith earlier variations, there is no white hpawn, about to drop, and noblack hpawn, about to become a dangerous passed pawn. } 56. a5 f3 57. a6 Kh3 { Obviously, Black's only hope is to give up his rook for the a-pawnand win the white f-pawn with his king. In order to do this, Black needsto sacrifice on a7, at a moment when White must recapture with the rook. } 58. a7 Re8 59. Ra2 Ra8 60. Kc4 Kg2 { Now we begin to see White's problem.If his king strays too far towards the a-pawn, Black will be able to sacrificeon a7 and draw the resulting king and rook vs king and pawn position. } 61. Kc5 { 61. Kb5? Rxa7 62. Rxa7 Kxf2 is a draw, whereas after the text,the white king is close enough to get back and stop the f-pawn, after 61....Rxa7 62. Rxa7 Kxf2 63. Kd4 Ke2 64. Ra2+ Ke1 65. Ke3. } 61... Rc8+ { This isobviously the only chance, else White simply marches his king to b7 andwins the enemy rook, whilst his own rook defends the f-pawn. } 62. Kb6 { Itlooks as though Black must resign, but now he reveals that he still hasanother shot in his locker. } 62... Re8 { Now Black is prepared for lateral checksafter 63. Kb7 Re7+ 64. Kb8 Re8+ etc., whilst his rook is also ready tocome to e2, in certain circumstances. } 63. Kc6 { A magnificent move, whichplaces Black in zugzwang. The obvious way for White to proceed is 63 Rc2,preparing to use the rook to shelter his king against the lateral checks.Thus, a waiting move such as 63. ...Kf1? would fail to 64. Kb7 Re7+ 65.Kb8 Re8+ 66. Rc8 and the a-pawn queens. After the further moves 66 ...Rxc8+67. Kxc8 Kxf2 68. a8Q White wins the resulting queen vs bishop's pawn position,because the pawn is only on the sixth rank rather than the seventh. Likewise,not the immediate 63 ...Re2? when 64. Rxe2 fxe2 65. a8Q+ is check - a crucialdetail. However, Black can instead defend after 63. Rc2 by 63 ...Re6+!64. Kb7 Re2!. Now this is playable, since the white king blocks the longdiagonal, so 65. Rxe2 fxe2 66. a8Q is not check, whilst 65. a8Q Rxc2 isalso a draw. After 63 Kc6!! Black has no choice but to wait with his king,whilst maintaining the attack on the f-pawn. } 63... Kf1 { At first sight, it maynot be obvious why this makes any difference to White's dilemma, but wewill see that it does. The rook checks 63. ..Re6+? 64. Kd7 and 63 ...Rc8+?64. Kb7 both lose at once. Similarly, 63 ...Re2? fails to 64. a8Q, sincethe rook on a2 is defended; the Re2 idea only works when White has broughthis rook to c2, where it is undefended. } 64. Kb7 Re7+ 65. Kb6 Re8 66. Rc2 { Now we see the difference. The threat is 67. Kb7 Re2 and now 68. Rc1+!which is why the king stands badly on the back rank. Consequently, Blackmust return his king to g2. } 66... Kg2 67. Kc7 { It is still too early for 67.Kb7? Re2 but after the text, Black once again finds himself in zugzwang. } 67... Re7+ { As we know, moving the king to the back rank loses after 67 ...Kf168. Kb7 Re2 69. Kcl+!, whilst 67. ...Re2? 68. Rxe2 fxe2 69. a8Q+ is againcheck. Moving the rook off the e-file, for example with 67. ...Rh8, deprivesBlack of the resource ..Re2, so now 68. Kb7 Rh7+ 69. Kb8 Rh8+ 70. Rc8 wins.The only other king move is 67. ...Kh2, but now the king does not attackthe f-pawn, and Black is a crucial tempo too slow after 68. Kb7 Re2 69.R6 Re8 70. a8Q Rxa8 71. Kxa8 Kg2 72. Rc2 etc. } 68. Kb8 Re8+ 69. Rc8 Rxc8+ 70. Kxc8 { And, as we know, this is a theoretical win. } 70... Kxf2 71. a8=Q { And,as we know, this is a theoretical win. } 71... Ke3 72. Qd5 Kf2 { After 72. ...Ke2White forces the king in front of the pawn by 73. Qe4+ Kf2 and then bringsup his king. } 73. Kd7 Kg3 74. Ke6 f2 75. Qh1 { A really magnificent endgameby Alatortsev. His conduct of the final stage, with rook and two pawnsagainst rook and one, is a model of precise calculation, and illustratesvery well the subtleties that can be concealed in an outwardly simple position. } 1-0

[Event "Ionadowman vs bigpeta students vote game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2013.12.07"] [Round "-"] [White "Ionadowman / archduke_piccolo"] [Black "bigpeta students"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "varied"] [WhiteElo "2082"] 1. e4 { Vote game taking place over 14 months, from October of 2012 throughDecember of 2013, played entirely by messages and diagrams on the bigpetastudents club forum. A very close game overall with neither side evergaining a significant edge, the game swung to white in the endgame, perhapsbeginning around move 34, and certainly between 34 and 42. } 1... e5 { 1...e5received the majority vote. Comments on 1...e5 vs 1...c5? } 2. Nf3 { 2.Nf3 } 2... Nc6 { 2...Nc6 } 3. Bc4 { 3. Bc4 } 3... Bc5 { 3...Bc5 } 4. O-O { 4. O-O } 4... Nf6 { 4...Nf6 } 5. d4 { 5. d4. setting up the open theme of the early part of the game. } 5... Bxd4 { 5...Bxd4. black goes a pawn up here. but white gains some runningroom. } 6. Nxd4 { 6. Nxd4 } 6... Nxd4 { 6...Nxd4 } 7. Be3 { 7. Be3. Knight attackedtwice. } 7... Nc6 { 7...Nc6. } 8. Nc3 { 8. Nc3. three developed pieces plus amobile queen for white to two and and a not so mobile queen for black. } 8... h6 { 8...h6. keeping the knight unharried but watch what happens atmove 12. } 9. f4 { 9. f4. placing a lot of value in open lanes, white opensthings up in advance of a bold B for P exchange he'll attempt at move 12. } 9... exf4 { 9...exf4 } 10. Bxf4 { 10. Bxf4. } 10... d6 { 10...d6. still only twopieces out in play, this gives the bishop a path into the game. } 11. Nd5 { 11. Nd5. Only move 11 and black is pushing for another exchange, fiveunits already off the board. Does he have his eyes on moving right toan endgame? Why this move instead of a rook or queen move? } 11... O-O { 11...O-O.and... } 12. Bxh6 { 12. Bxh6. chomp! a free pawn for white, ...equalizesblacks earlier capture at move 5. the black team agrees that white canbring too much power to bear too quickly to justify recapture. would thispawn have made THE difference in the endgame? Commenters, what is thelesson here? Difficult to know at move 8 that white would take such anaggressive line. Should black not have castled? Should they have played11...g5? Should they capture the bishop? } 12... Ng4 { 12...Ng4. The focus movesto the tactically interesting e3 square. When all is said and done, thatsquare amounts only to a place where significant resources on both sidesare expended. question: if white can probably outplay black in an endgame,then an even exchange at any point in the game actually favors white andis therefore not even. comments? } 13. Bf4 { 13. Bf4 } 13... Nce5 { 13...Nce5. Here,black has made SIX knight moves while three pieces remain unmoved. Nevertheless,black is not in awful shape and white does have an isolated pawn whileblack does not. Ion, Pete, analysts, any comments here about white's e-pawn? } 14. Bb3 { 14. Bb3. } 14... c6 { 14...c6. one less piece guarding e3. } 15. Ne3 { 15. Ne3 } 15... Qb6 { 15...Qb6, pinning the knight and attacking e3 twice. } 16. Qd2 { 16. Qd2 easily defends. White does not bite on the poisoned pawn ond6 (avoiding potential trouble including the possible loss of his queen,for example 16.Qxd6Nxe3 17.Qxe5Nc4+ 18.Be3Qxe3+ 19.Rf2Nxe5). } 16... Be6 { 16...Be6. frustration for black at not having a more interestingoption for the B. Is 16...Be6 a mistake? should black have played ...Bd7or toward ...Bb7, ...for the purpose of conserving some material? or wasit sensible to take this long diagonal away from white? } 17. h3 { 17. h3. forces black to decide the personality of the rest of the game. } 17... Nxe3 { 17...Nxe3. simplifying. fine IF black can match white's endgame. abig IF. Lengthy discussion leading to this move here http://gameknot.com/club-fm.pl?club=981&th=15558&pg=2and http://gameknot.com/club-fm.pl?club=981&th=15558&pg=3 } 18. Qxe3 { 18.Qxe3 } 18... Qxe3+ { 18...Qxe3+ the first of the game's two checks. } 19. Bxe3 { 19.Bxe3. and the queens are off the board. how was it Carlsen demolishedAnand? better endgame play? black is still fully in the game here. butIon/archduke_piccolo is probably happy to wait patiently for the endgame. would black may have been better off NOT initiating the exchange sequence? Comments? } 19... Bxb3 { 19...Bxb3. committing further to the game being decidedby kings and pawns. while black may have been right to avoid an islandof one pawn (on g7), white's pawns play perfectly well in the endgame despiteany slight weakening here. } 20. axb3 { 20. axb3. note that innocent pawnon b2 which turns out to be a key piece in the endgame, ...not by makinga dramatic capture or being promoted but by assuring white of criticalcontrol over whose move it is when the kings stand opposed. } 20... a6 { 20...a6. Freeing the rook. In the sequence to follow, black does well to avoidgetting into trouble, but at the same time gains no advantage. } 21. Rad1 { 21. Rad1 } 21... Rad8 { 20...Rad8. remaining rooks finally get into the game. } 22. Rd2 { 22. Rd2 } 22... f6 { 22...f6. maneuvers toward doubling rooks on bothsides. } 23. Rfd1 { 23. Rfd1 } 23... Nf7 { 23...Nf7. that pawn on e4 seems to haveworked out fine for white and makes black contort into this awkward position. } 24. Bb6 { 24. Bb6 } 24... Rd7 { 24...Rd7 } 25. Bc5 { 25. Bc5. d6 attacked 3x. } 25... Ng5 { 25...Ng5. counterattack relieves the cramped position. } 26. Rxd6 { 26.Rxd6 capturing black's d pawn. } 26... Rxd6 { 26...Rxd6 } 27. Bxd6 { 27. Bxd6 } 27... Rd8 { 27...Rd8. pinning the bishop. } 28. Rd4 { 28. Rd4 and black should re-equalizeby trading N for B+P or R for R+P. } 28... Nxe4 { 28...Nxe4 } 29. Bc5 { The rooks will be. } 29... Rxd4 { 29...Rxd4 } 30. Bxd4 { 30. Bxd4 } 30... f5 { 30...f5 } 31. g4 { 31. g4 } 31... fxg4 { 31...fxg4. a good decision? could black have donewell making passed pawn with 31...f4? discussion here http://gameknot.com/club-fm.pl?club=981&th=16595 } 32. hxg4 { 32. hxg4. } 32... Kf7 { 32...Kf7 } 33. Kg2 { 33. Kg2 } 33... Nf6 { 33...Nf6 } 34. Kf3 { 34. Kf3 } 34... g5 { 34...g5. this was a controversial move and may be thefirst nail in the coffin. better perhaps to have kept control of f5 andlive on a white (bishop-proof) square for a while. this move allows thewhite king access to f5 and requires that black guard the pawn more thanif it had moved to g6. } 35. Bb6 { 35. Bb6 } 35... Nd5 { 35. Nd5 } 36. Bd8 { 36. Bd8 } 36... Kg6 { 36...Kg6. king must protect the pawn. if black had played 34...g5instead of 34...g6..., could the king have played a stronger role, ...ableto move to the center and toward whites' pawns on the b and c files? } 37. Ke4 { 37. Ke4 further suppressing black's king and threatening Ke5. } 37... Nf6+ { 37....Nf6+ attempts to mitigate. The second of the game's two checks. } 38. Bxf6 { 38. Bxf6 } 38... Kxf6 { 38...Kxf6. gives the black K some freedom butnow white's lifetime of endgame experience can really come in to play. can black still win or draw at this point? } 39. b4 { 39. b4 } 39... b6 { 39...b6. a popular move at the time, discussion is here http://gameknot.com/club-fm.pl?club=981&th=16595&pg=4. But it may be that a K move was the better way to go. Perhaps Peteand Ion will help us understand how we might have approached these lastfew moves more correctly. } 40. Kd4 { 40. Kd4 } 40... Ke6 { 40...Ke6 } 41. c4 { 41.c4 and black is running low on moves. } 41... Kd6 { 41...Kd6. black aims for adraw. } 42. Ke4 { 42. Ke4 ...but white sees a path to a win. } 42... Ke6 { 42...Ke6stays with the draw theme but is fatal (if not post-fatal). } 43. b5 { 43.b5. white has calculated that this sequence is winning. black was ableto calculate after the fact but needed to be more proactive. speakingas one member of the black side, the idea that we may have had an easyroute to a draw contributed to too little concern toward figuring out thetruth of the position several moves ago! an important homework assignmenttherefore is working to understand what we should have known and when. } 43... cxb5 { 43...cxb5 } 44. cxb5 { 44. cxb5 } 44... a5 { 44...a5. } 45. b3 { 45. b3. allhaving analyzed and finding only long roads to a loss, black resigns. well played for most of the game by the black team. but the archduke'sperfectly calculated endgame play won out. comments and discussion shouldbe interesting, particularly as concerns the endgame. It is probable thatwith perfect play black could have engineered at least a draw. Hopefullywe will identify where things went off track. } 1-0

[Event "Attack on f7"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "07-Sep-08"] [Round "-"] [White "dmaestro"] [Black "nn"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1422"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1498"] 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Bb4 6. Nd5 Nxd5 7. Bxd5 d6 8. c3 Bc5 9. d4 Bb6 { White has a good position } 10. Bxf4 O-O 11. O-O Bg4 12. Qd3 Bxf3 { No particular need to exchange now } 13. Rxf3 { White decidesto retake with the rook and pile up on the f file } 13... Ne7 14. Bb3 h6 { Thismove weakens Black's king. } 15. Raf1 Ng6 16. Be3 { Now white threatens totake on f7 } 16... c5 { There is not enough time for c5?? } 17. Bxf7+ Rxf7 18. Rxf7 Qh4 19. e5 { Here e5! attacks the knight } 19... dxe5 { ...dxe?? loses outright,the only possibility for holding oon was nh8. } 20. Qxg6 Qg4 21. Rxg7+ { Rxg7! White wins by taking the queen, but this is faster } 21... Kh8 22. Rh7# 1-0

[Event "OTB Training Game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "07/25/15"] [Round "-"] [White "Joe"] [Black "Bernie"] [Result "0-1"] [WhiteElo "1268 ELO"] { I made a small mistake the last time. I thought his name was Bert, heis Bernie. However, after the good and interesting game between him andme, last week, well the next day, I checked him out, at work. Bernie saidthat I played so well that he wanted to play me again. It worked out,as he was at the chess club last Friday, and it just worked out that wegot a game against each other. Now, unlike before, there was only timefor one game, and this was it. That is because the game lasted, about,5 minutes longer then last time, and due to extenuating circumstances,this opponent had to leave a little earlier then usual which was fine sinceI had to leave, pretty soon after, due to my work schedule. In addition,where as the last time, Jack wasn't involved until the second game, thistime, given that this was our only game, the coach did get involved, towardsthe very end. There was no direct coaching, but what did he do. He gaveadvice and accurately pointed out where I went wrong, as I thought theblunder was earlier. But, the losing move happened in the very end. Withthat being said, there was a lot to learn which is why I'm calling it atraining, as there was certainly training. In fact, had he seen more ofit, I would've called it coaching because giving advice in the end, isbasically indirect coaching, just like what we once saw at WTWLTR club,where after a game against players of, about, your strength, the mentorgot involved and gave advice. Same thing could be said here, except ithappened in the very end, with a small lesson, but nontheless, there wastraining involved. In addition, I played even better then last time, evenduring the better game, which I annotated, until I went wrong in the end. So, how did it all unfold. } 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nd4 4. Nxd4 exd4 5. O-O c6 6. Ba4 { Unlike before, this opponent's style is, somewhat, wellknown to me. So, I anitcipated that this is where it would be end up. I calculated and knew what to do. Sure, it's not practice where you playthrough the variations. Instead, it's the real deal where the moves weremade during the last game. And, using memory techniques, like I did ina couple of endgames, homework assignments, and studies from unusual openings,I remembered what happened last time, and applied it for this. Therefore,I was well prepared. } 6... Bd6 { With that being said, I anticipated 6...b5,in which case, I would've played 7.Bb3 which is the most common place torun back. But, Bernie played this, which is also a good move as it develops. } 7. d3 { So, I develop with the plan being to develop my N and bring it toa better outpost, like I've done before. This also acheives a good pawnchain, which I didn't think was important, until the end game. But, Ilearned shortly afterwards, from a lecture by Susan Polgar. What she impliedis that a pawn chain is very important during the openings. } 7... Qh4 { ?! AsI also know, things can get in the way of your long term plans. When thingsintercede, you take care of threats, and find forcing moves. With thatbeing said, this is an inaccuracy by black because he stopped developingand brought his Q out way to early. I know the intention as it's similarto SM. But, he wants to mate, but this is what we call a cheapo tacticand unsound. } 8. g3 { I had a little difficulty between this and 8.h3,which also would've protected against the threat. But, after giving thistime and thought, I decided to play this. The reason being is to punishBernie for his last move. By doing this, not only do I refute the threat,but now I'm gaining a tempo needed for development, as the Q needs to protection. And, timing is important. } 8... Qe7 9. Nd2 { So, as noted, I used the time tocontinue my development. } 9... b5 { Now, he plays, what I anticipated on hissixth move. So, I respond the same way that I mentioned then. } 10. Bb3 Bb7 11. Qg4 { My goal is not to win the g pawn, as it appears. If it werejust that, I wouldn't play this as it would be unsound. I knew black woulddefend in the way he is, in which case, I knew that I could waist a littlemore of his time. By doing so, I'm able to find a better outpost for myN which was the real idea behind this move. I also could have done thathere, but my goal was doing in such a way where the mobility of my Q isn'tas limited. That's because it now has more places to manoeuvre, and aswe know, mobility is very important. In addition, when I also kept inmind that 11...h5 or 11...f5 won't help against the threat I have. Ifthey did, I also would not have played this. So, I really do gain tempo,and thus, find a good place for my Q } 11... g6 12. Nf3 O-O-O { ? After the game,Bernie told me that he prefers to castle short, just like me. But, withthe pressure on the K side, castling K side would be quite risky and would,likely, get him into trouble. So, he had to castle on opposite wings. However, castling could've waited a move later. Better was 12...c5, betterwas 12...Bc5 because this move loses a pawn. In fact, seeing that I wonthe same pawn last time, and in a similar position, I did not anticipatethis, at all. In other words, I thought that he would play these movesso that I could not take since I was able to do this, last time. Then,he would castle, on his next move. } 13. Nxd4 h5 { Getting aggressive andseeing, having defended his h R, and seeing now that my Q is in a bad spot,now he attacks. } 14. Qf3 { I was not going to play 14.Qh3 because blackwould threaten ...g4 which would lose tempo, as he'd likely, answer with14...g5, right away. I also considered 14.Qe2, but this, however, givesthe K better protection. More importantly is that black can play 14...c5,and if he did that, I would retreat with 15.Ne2. But, if I retreated myQ to e2, it would no longer be an option, so I'd have to play 15.Nf3 inwhich case, it's now safe to say that the N would be a little crammed. And, if not, I'd feel a little uncomfortable and overwhelmed which I wasnot going to allow. In addition, although this was not my main goal, Iam now threatening 15.Qxf7 However, it come to mind because of the inaccuracyI made by not playing Ng5 a move earlier which allowed him to defend muchmore easily. But, by retreating here, unlike before, it's not so easy,and black will still have to struggle, which is something, if I recallcorrectly, that ION noted, last time. The idea is that, when ahead, inaddition to liquidation of pieces, you also want to put pressure on youropponent and make it more difficult to defend his position since the ideabeing, as I also learned from Susan is improving your position. } 14... Rf8 { Blackalso could've advanced his f pawn. But, this is the most common to defendit, as it usually involves the R. } 15. Bf4 { Wanting to increase the pressure,liquidate, and eliminate my bad bishop, I play this. I also considered15.Bg5, but this time, when mentioning it, I did not overlook that it wouldbe blunder. That's because even without analyze the board, I accuratelysaw that it would a piece. With that being said, if 15.Bg5??, 15...f616.Bh4, g5 and the B is locked in, and thus, trapped. } 15... Bxf4 { ?! I am surprised,however, that he played this. And, I view it as an inaccuracy becausenot only do I liquidate B's while ahead, but this is his strong B becausethe other, for now, is confined to b7 and c6, so it has less mobility. But, my DSB is weaker then my LSB since the B on lightsquares is on along diagnol, that you'd typically see from a fianchetto and can, in thelong run, do some damage. Better was to attack my N as this would givehim the time needed to complete development, and at the very least, preventme from exchanging. In addition, I'm going to take back with my Q becauseif 15...gxf4 will leave my K too wide open, and I lost a game against Jackby making a mistake like that. Second, this strengthens my Q structure. However, it is, as we know, an interesting position, so anything can change. } 16. Qxf4 f6 { ?! I don't why he played this, but I view it as another inaccuracy. First, black could've completed his development, at once, with 16...Nf6 Second, I can liquidate further with that initiative, and in the process,it will no longer be possible for him to complete development. With thatbeing said, I'm confident that I have a win, yet, as I've mentioned, I'llbe careful, won't take risky chances, or underestimate what he's capableof doing. } 17. Bxg8 Rfxg8 18. Rfe1 { So, this is where I decide to, likebefore, attack the center. } 18... Qe5 { ?! He is probably trying to find a forcingmove, but in my opinion, this is another inaccuracy, as it will allow meto trade Q's, while I'm ahead. I think that best 18...g5 which would gaintempo for him, as now I have something to be weary of. BTW, unlike thelast game, I considered 19.Nf3? but the reason I didn't play it is thathe would win back a pawn and isolate my pawns 19...Qxb2, which was somethingthat I wasn't going to allow. } 19. Qxe5 fxe5 { Naturally attacking my pawn. } 20. Nf3 { So, I don't just retreat anymore. Instead, like with what you'dtypically see from a GM, I reattack, in the process. } 20... d6 { Achieving anotherpawn chain which strengthens his connected pawns, in the process. } 21. Ng5 { The idea here is applying what I've learned. So, the plan is, shouldthings stay like this, 22.Nf7 This time, however, I miscalculated becausewhen playing this, I thought it would be 22.Nf7+, since it appears to bea check which would also be a fork. Therefore, I thought that Bernie wouldbe forced to compromise his position and waste more tempo to prevent thethreat. I miscalculated because 22.Nf7 isn't a fork as it lands on thesame square as the K. Therefore, he'd still be able to get out of it,in which case, he might, for all I know get some initiative back, as now,I'm the one that would lose tempo. } 21... Kd7 { We are not in an endgame, yet,so I am not sure why he played this. Without getting overconfident, thisis where I start thinking that I could cause a lot of damage since theK appears exposed. Of course, you can sometimes survive. But, I was seeingif I could do something to force a win since there appears to be a potentialweakness. However, this isn't so, and black has ways. } 22. Re3 { So, Iplay this with a long term plan. The plan is organize my R, and N. Inthis case, leave the N where it was place black in check on the seventhrank with my R. Therefore, what I'm implying is an eventual Rf7+ whichwould cause further damage on black's damage. } 22... Rf8 { However, black seesmy plan and stops it with this move. } 23. Rae1 { I decide to double upsince it's known to be dangerous. But, better was 23.Rf3, with the ideaof liquidation since I'm still ahead. } 23... Bc8 { I anticipated 23...Rb8 whichadds a defender to his B. But, with this move, I now play what I could'vea move earlier, and therefore, am able to exchange. } 24. Rf3 { Of course,black doesn't have to take, but when he does, I take back. } 24... Rxf3 25. Nxf3 Ke7 { Now that we're in an endgame, it makes sense for black to bring hisK out. However, I'm not ready to do that, quite yet. } 26. Nh4 { Thinkingabout forced moves, the plan is to win the g pawn. Not surprised thatblack protects, but when he does, I have a plan. I also thought it'd bedifficult to defend g6, which would require the loss of tempo. However,the K can do even more then it might appear, which is where I also miscalculate. Nontheless, I knew that he was going to protect, and I have ideas forwhen he does. } 26... Kf6 27. Re3 { This is it, and now, I'm planning long term. The idea is that, eventually, I can reposition my N on f3, whilst, leavingmy R active on the f file. The plan behind is to be able to do damageon the sixth and seventh, if and when, I can deliver a dangerous check. } 27... Kg7 { But, once he plays this, however, I know that the feasibility is gone. Therefore, I will repost my N on f3, immediately and see if I can findanything else. } 28. Nf3 Be6 { I almost overlooked it and played the wrongmove. But, I figured it out before making the mistake. His plan is towin back a pawn and isolate my good pawns. } 29. b3 { I also considered 29.a3,but this move leaves with a better pawn structure, in my opinion, as nowit is easy to get a solid pawn chain, whereas, it's would be more difficultwith the other move. } 29... a5 { To connect his other two pawns. } 30. Ng5 { Noteven to win his B, as he easily has ways out. However, without any miscalculation,the plan works because retreating will lose tempo. And, once he does this,I come up with a different threat, so Rf3, which I will play right afterwas the idea behind this move. } 30... Bd7 31. Rf3 { The idea being that I'm nowthreatening 32.Rf7+ Of course, he can do something, especially with 31...Be8 But, there would be a lot of pressure on the seventh rank which wouldbe almost overwhelming to black. He can, however, do something about it,but the entire plan was to put him under pressure. The idea being is thatwhen under pressure, you tend to make mistakes which is what gives theopponent a bigger advantage. } 31... Rf8 { ?! I am surprised that he responds withthis move. I would've played 31...Be8, in this position. By playing this,however, I once again, liquidate. This time, our remaining R's, not tomention that he hasn't gotten anything back, yet. } 32. Rxf8 Kxf8 33. f4 { So, the plan is now to get rid of his remaining pawns with exchanges. I remembered from a couple of games, one or two against Jack, and oneagainst dmaestro that one pawn can make or break a game. Therefore, ifwe get rid of pawns, and I have one extra, I might be able to win. Ofcourse, however, Bernie is a very difficult opponent, and not to my surprise,will get out of this. } 33... Kg7 { Trying to put pressure on my N, but beforehe can do that, I will take. Now, I did consider 33.f5, but with an addeddefender, he would get back in pawn. In other words, if 34.f5, 34...gxf5,and if 35.exf5, black has 35...Bxf5 Then I looked to see if these variationswould lead to a passed pawn, afterwards, but they don't. If, however,I were to get a passer from that, then I would've played the latter move. Therefore, as a result of my decision not to give him back pawn, for now,I will exchange, right away. } 34. fxe5 dxe5 35. Nf3 { Still rememberingwhat happened last time where I didn't play Ng5 a move earlier, and atthe same time, applying what I learned about forcing moves, I decide toplay this. That's because I knew ahead of time that black must do somethingto protect e5. } 35... Kf6 { As anticipated. } 36. d4 { ? Knowing that I'm stilla pawn up, I, once again, decide to force an exchange and for the samereason. The idea is remaining up a pawn, whilst, getting rid of his pawns. I also thought that, when all was said and done, I'd have a passed pawnsince the e pawn will be there without other pawns in front of, or rightnext to it. However, I miscalculated because with this exchange, Berniewill win back a pawn. I think that best was 36.c4, and even if we don'texchange, I'm still remain ahead by a pawn. } 36... exd4 37. Nxd4 Ke5 { That'sbecause of this fork, as now, I have to give up my e pawn, in order tokeep my N alive. } 38. Ne2 Kxe4 39. c4 { Therefore, I'm now trying to geta draw. The goal here is for a dead position. So, what I'm trying todo is get rid of our pawns, and perhaps his N with my B. That isn't however,my real goal, but is to eliminate all pawns, and with it, the game shouldend in a dead position. } 39... bxc4 40. bxc4 Kd3 { Not surprised that he playedthis. At first, I thought that I was going to go from a pawn up to a pawndown. But, at the last minute, I find a way around it which is alwayswhat one should do, anyhow. } 41. Nf4+ { This is it. That's because blackcan and will take. When he does, capture on c4, I will recapture on g6. } 41... Kxc4 42. Nxg6 Kb4 { Going after my a pawn. } 43. Ne5 { So, I'll do what Ican to protect it. } 43... Be8 { This is what I'm alluding to. I'm not surewhy he moved there, but I would've played 43...Ka3! winning that pawn,at last. } 44. Kf2 { Best was 44.Nd3+ That's because black can now win thatpawn, with no way for white to stop it, should Bernie find the right move. } 44... a4 { Best was 44...Ka3! winning a pawn. But, he put a finger, with theinference based on gesture is wait a minute. And, then, he found a differentmove. The plan, was to promote, but it would be easier, had he taken. } 45. Nd3+ { At last, I played what I mentioned earlier. The idea beingis that everything remains even, for now. } 45... Ka3 { Still trying to win mypawn. So, I ask myself what can be done to protect a2. As it turns out,there is only one way to do so, for now. } 46. Nc1 { And, I find the move. But, what I miscalculated, however, was blacks next move. As it turnsout, he is going to win the pawn afterall, by forking my pawn and N. } 46... Kb2 { Consequently, there is no way around it. } 47. Ne2 Kxa2 48. Nf4 { This iswhere I thought I was lost. But, I am still going to do what I can forcounterplay. In other words, instead of thinking about resignation, I'mbeing, as brave as, possible. So, now it's about becoming aggressive andtrying to stay in, even if, it means hope chess. That's because, in reality,I'm hoping to get counterplay. } 48... c5 { The idea is that he has a passedpawn, and as we know, 'Passed pawns must be pushed.' } 49. h3 { ?? Seeinghow dangerous his pawns are, I was trying to prevent his h pawn from becominga passer. But, according to Jack, which he says after the game was over,this was the losing blunder. Best was 49.Nd3, and if 49...a3, white canrespond with 50.Nc2, preventing that pawn from promoting. In which case,despite being a pawn down, the game might have ended in a draw. But, byplaying this, black can and will be able to promote, and there's nothingI can do to stop it. } 49... a3 { With that being said, he starts advancing. } 50. g4 { But my plan, as it was, before is to exchange because afterwards, Iwill have a passed pawn. Well, he will exchange, but it doesn't matteras his passed pawn is more dangerous then my passer. } 50... hxg4 51. hxg4 Kb3 { That's because, as noted, black can Q. This is where I start thinkingabout resigning, but will wait, until he plays ...a2. } 52. g5 { With thatbeing said, I race and now try to promote, or at the least, win a piece. That's because I'm leaving my N there, intending to play g6, and if ...Bxg6,that's when I'd take the B. } 52... a2 { But, once he plays this, I resign. Thereason being is that black is going to promote before I'd be able to Q. As a result, he is going to win material and will be able to mate. Overall,I enjoyed this game, and Bert said that he enjoyed playing with me, again. But, this is what we learned, based on what Jack said right after my resignation. When you're opponent is up a pawn, has a passer, but both players havea piece, it is important to stop that passed pawn with your piece. Otherwise,he or she will promote, in which case, all hopes are lost. } 0-1

[Event "Anti-Meran gambit mini-tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2017.05.24"] [Round "-"] [White "last_archimedean"] [Black "grayn8"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1509"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1468"] { The Anti-Meran Gambit requires energetic play, so I thought it would makea fun mini-tournament. } 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c6 5. Bg5 dxc4 6. e4 Be7 7. Bxc4 O-O 8. O-O Nbd7 { The starting position. } 9. Qc2 Nb6 10. Bd3 Nfd7 11. Be3 Nf6 12. h3 Bd7 13. a3 Qc7 14. Ne5 { After a spateof development/maneuvering, the game really begins with this thrust. } 14... Bd6 15. Na4 Nxa4 16. Qxa4 { The first... } 16... Bxe5 17. dxe5 { ...and second pieceexchanges. } 17... c5 18. Qc4 b5 19. Qc2 Ne8 { Black overlooks the possibilityof 19... QxP. } 20. Qxc5 { I take advantage of the lapse. } 20... a6 21. Rac1 Rc8 22. Qxc7 { I swap down. } 22... Rxc7 23. Bc5 { This wins an Exchange. } 23... Rxc5 24. Rxc5 { Now it's just a matter of not blundering away my advantage. } 24... f6 25. exf6 Nxf6 26. f3 { This safe since Black no longer has a DSB. } 26... g6 27. Rfc1 { May as well double up. } 27... Rf7 28. Rc7 { The best rank for a Rook. } 28... Kg7 29. Ra7 Kh6 30. Rcc7 { If one on the 7th is good, two must be twiceas good. } 30... Kg5 31. g3 { Stopping the King in its tracks. } 31... e5 32. Kg2 Kh6 33. Rxa6 { Free material. } 33... Ne8 34. Rb7 { To simplify advantageously, ifBlack does what I think. } 34... Bc8 { Black does what I thought, allowing... } 35. Rxf7 { ....this. } 35... Bxa6 36. Re7 { Another Pawn falls. } 36... Nf6 37. Rxe5 Nd7 38. Rd5 Nb8 39. Bxb5 { Black graciously resigns. } 1-0

[Event "70th GK tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.06.13"] [Round "-"] [White "topofstack"] [Black "zstocka"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1307"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1307"] 1. e4 { A short game, mate with no captures. A good reminder that the pointof the game is checkmate not capturing pieces. } 1... e5 2. Nf3 d6 { Book opening,Philidor's Defense. } 3. Nc3 Nc6 { We move both our knights out. } 4. Bb5 { A move my knight to b5, pinning his knight on c6 for the moment. } 4... Bd7 { He moves up his bishop to unpin the knight. } 5. d3 { d3 to open up my queensidebishop. } 5... Nge7 { An interesting, though not unusual, move. Ne7 providesan alternative if I decide to swap pieces at c6. On the down side, a numberof his pieces are temporarily blocked. } 6. Bg5 { Moving my bishop to g5effectively pins his e7 knight until he can move the queen out of danger. } 6... a6 7. Ba4 { He presents an attack, and I move back. } 7... b5 8. Bb3 { He pushesthe attack and has me retreating a bit. } 8... g6 { Since his pieces are somewhatstuck, he moves his G pawn out to get his king bishop in play. } 9. Nh4 { A move my knight off of f3. My goal is to move my queen on to f3 fora possible mate. A bit obvious because... } 9... Nd4 { He answers by moving hisknight to block the move. } 10. Nd5 { Honestly, I could have done Nd5 onmy previous turn instead of moving the other knight. Perhaps the delaydistracted my opponent long enough so that he doesn't see my next move. } 10... c6 { My opponent doesn't see the mate I have next turn and decides to chasemy knight away by moving his C pawn. I was honestly expecting him to movehis bishop to C6, but ultimately, that wouldn't have prevented mate. Atthis point, he really needs to do Bg7, move his queen, or F5. Probablythe best move would have been Bg7, since he was probably trying to developthat way anyway. } 11. Nf6# { Checkmate with 1 piece. No captures. My opponenthas unwisely surrounded his king with his own pieces. } 1-0

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014.04.03"] [Round "-"] [White "reachforgoals"] [Black "lorenzana"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [BlackElo "914"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "812"] 1. e4 { normal opening } 1... e5 { same } 2. Nf3 { building minor pieces } 2... Qf6 { queenout } 3. Nc3 { both knights out } 3... Nc6 { knight out } 4. Bc4 { I am head in minorpieces development } 4... Nd4 { moves knight I am white } 5. d3 { pawn moves } 5... Nxf3+ { check } 6. Ke2 { safe } 6... Nh4 { retrects } 7. Ke1 { king back } 7... Bc5 { is way behindin development } 8. Be3 { all minor pieces out } 8... Bd6 { moves back } 9. Nd5 { isthis case should know the knight or castle } 9... Qg6 { queen moves } 10. Nxc7+ { check } 10... Kd8 { safe } 11. Nxa8 { +3 } 11... Nxg2+ { check } 12. Ke2 { safe } 12... Qh5+ { check } 13. f3 { safe } 13... Be7 { moves back } 14. Rg1 { rook moves } 14... Nxe3 { knight moves } 15. Kxe3 { +2 } 15... Bc5+ { check } 16. d4 { pawn moves } 16... exd4+ { check } 17. Kd3 { safe } 17... Qg5 { queen moves } 18. Rxg5 { took queen out of the game +10 } 18... g6 { pawn moves } 19. Rxc5 { 2 piece in 2 moves sweap . } 19... Ne7 { moves knight } 20. Bxf7 { +14 } 20... Rf8 { moves rook } 21. e5 { moves pawn } 21... Rxf7 { that knight up in the a8 isstuck } 22. e6 { moves pawn } 22... dxe6 { takes pawn } 23. c3 { moves pawn } 23... dxc3 { takespawn } 24. bxc3 { same } 24... Nc6 { moves knight } 25. Re5 { moves rook } 25... Nxe5+ { badmove on my part on moves the rook there } 26. Kd2 { safe } 26... Rd7+ { check } 27. Ke2 { there goes my queen } 27... Rxd1 { takes queen } 28. Kxd1 { now we even } 28... Nxf3 { takes pawn } 29. Rc1 { moves rook } 29... Nxh2 { -1 } 30. Rc2 { moves rook } 30... Nf3 { moveskinght } 31. Rf2 { moves rook } 31... Ng5 { moves knight } 32. Rd2+ { check } 32... Bd7 { safe } 33. c4 { pawn moves } 33... Ne4 { knight } 34. Re2 { rook } 34... Nc3+ { check } 35. Kd2 { Ishould moved my rook } 35... Nxa2 { -2 } 36. Rh2 { rook } 36... Nb4 { knight } 37. Rxh7 { rook } 37... b6 { pawn } 38. Rh6 { rook } 38... g5 { pawn } 39. Rh8+ { check } 39... Ke7 { safe } 40. Nc7 { knight } 40... e5 { pawn } 41. Rh7+ { check } 41... Kd6 { safe } 42. Nb5+ { could you checkmatewuiith a knight and a rook } 42... Ke6 { safe } 43. Nc7+ { check } 43... Kd6 { safe } 44. Nb5+ { same } 44... Bxb5 { lost knight } 45. cxb5 { have one rook left } 45... Kc5 { king } 46. Rc7+ { check } 46... Kxb5 { safe } 47. Rxa7 { looks like a draw game } 47... Kc4 { king } 48. Rc7+ { check } 48... Kd4 { safe } 49. Rd7+ { same } 49... Nd5 { same } 50. Rb7 { rook } 50... g4 { pawn } 51. Rg7 { rook } 51... e4 { pawn } 52. Rxg4 { 0 } 52... b5 { pawn } 53. Kc2 { king } 53... Ne3+ { check } 54. Kd2 { king } 54... Nxg4 { king left } 55. Ke2 { king } 55... e3 { pawn } 56. Ke1 { king } 56... Kd3 { same } 57. Kd1 { same } 57... e2+ { check } 58. Ke1 { king } 58... b4 { draw } 1/2-1/2

[Event "Always push a passed pawn!"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.10.26"] [Round "-"] [White "stylas"] [Black "blitzkov"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1862"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<3d"] [WhiteElo "1768"] { How did I win this game? I don't know. } 1. d4 { Standard. } 1... Nf6 { I likethis move best. } 2. c4 { Usual. } 2... g6 { I usually go e6. } 3. g3 { Hmm, stillnormal. } 3... d5 { Gruenfeld } 4. Bg2 { Normal. } 4... Bg7 { Nothing unusual, so far. } 5. cxd5 Nxd5 { Still best. So I wont be down a pawn. } 6. Nc3 { Attackingmy Knight twice. } 6... Nxc3 { I think this is OK. } 7. bxc3 { Best, of course! } 7... c5 { If dxc5? Bxc3+ Winning! } 8. Bb2 { Guarding his d4 pawn! } 8... cxd4 9. cxd4 { Hmm, I think it's about equal here. } 9... O-O { King safety. } 10. Nf3 Nc6 11. O-O Qb6 { Attacking his Bishop on b2. } 12. Qd2 { Guarding it. } 12... Rd8 { Planningto attack his centre. } 13. e3 Be6 { Developing. } 14. Ng5 Bc4 { Attackinghis Rook. But maybe not best. } 15. Rfc1 Ba6 { Now my Bishop is out of thegame. } 16. a4 Rac8 17. Ba3 e5 { ? And you will see why! } 18. Qa2 { ! Attackingmy f7-pawn! } 18... Rf8 { Practically forced :( } 19. Bxf8 Rxf8 20. Rab1 Qd8 { IfQc7? d5! } 21. Nxf7 { ! If Rxf7 Bd5! } 21... Rxf7 22. Bd5 { I'm in trouble.... } 22... Qe7 23. Bxf7+ Qxf7 24. Qxf7+ Kxf7 { I don't think I can win here....do you? } 25. d5 { ! Always push a pass pawn. } 25... Ne7 26. Rc7 { Threatening d6. } 26... Ke8 27. d6 Nf5 28. Rd1 { ? If g4/e4, I would have resigned! } 28... Kd8 29. d7 Ne7 { Nowmy Bishop is safe. } 30. Rd6 Bf8 31. f3 { ? I don't really understand thismove. Do you? } 31... h6 32. e4 g5 33. Rc5 { Attacking my e5 pawn. } 33... Nc6 { ! NowI can win one of his rooks... } 34. Rcxc6 bxc6 35. Rxc6 { 2 Bishops vs 1Rook. } 35... Bb7 36. Rf6 Be7 { I will win his d7 pawn! } 37. Rxh6 Kxd7 38. h3 { Iguess he will push on he kingside. } 38... Bc6 { Attacking his a4 pawn. } 39. h4 gxh4 40. gxh4 Bxa4 { YUM! } 41. h5 Ke8 { My king has to help, too. } 42. Ra6 Bc5+ { Check. } 43. Kg2 Bd7 { My bishops sure move FAST! } 44. h6 Kf7 45. Ra1 Kg6 { I'm coming.... } 46. Rh1 Kh7 { ! Blocking his pass pawn. } 47. Kg3 a5 { A run-away-train. } 48. Rh5 Bd6 49. Rh1 Be8 { He would have gone Rd1....! } 50. Rd1 Be7 51. Rd5 a4 { ! Always push a pass pawn! } 52. Ra5 Kxh6 { Yummy! } 53. Kf2 { Got to get his king over on the queenside to help. } 53... a3 54. Ke2 Bf7 { Now I can push to a2! } 55. Kd3 a2 56. Kc2 Bb4 57. Ra6+ { No big deal... } 57... Kg5 58. Kb2 Bc5 { Planning Bd4+ He resigned here. Please Rate it and Comment.Thanks. } 0-1

[Event "London, won on the queenside!"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.02.11"] [Round "-"] [White "damalfi"] [Black "doji"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1604"] [TimeControl "5d+2d<7d"] [WhiteElo "1702"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Bf4 Nc6 4. h3 Bf5 5. e3 e6 6. g4 Bg6 7. c3 Bxb1 8. Qxb1 { The idea of this move is to place the queen on the white diagonal.But it is questionable. } 8... Bd6 9. Ne5 Ne4 10. Bd3 Nf6 11. Bb5 Bxe5 12. dxe5 Ne4 13. h4 { Necessary in order to play f3. } 13... Qd7 14. f3 Nc5 15. b4 Na6 16. Ba4 Nab8 17. b5 Na5 18. Qb4 { My wsb becomes trapped, but my positionis superior. } 18... b6 19. O-O-O { I can even take this risk, since black iscramped. } 19... h6 { Too slow. } 20. e4 c6 21. Qd6 Qxd6 22. exd6 O-O 23. bxc6 Nbxc6 24. exd5 { Black's move here was e5. But, after the piece's exchange,my pawns will decide. } 24... Nd8 25. d7 Nab7 { Better was d6, but I wante totake the full advantage of my two bishops. } 26. Bc6 exd5 27. Bxd5 { Ne6is not possible because of BxNb7, NxBf4, BxRa8 and black cannot take thebishop because of d8=Q+. } 27... a6 28. Bc7 { The game is won, since the crampblack is in, is mortal. Nevertheless, it is interesting to see which isthe most certain win for white. A try is g5, threatening to open the column.But after Ne6, the position is really better than after 28. Bd6 or Rh-e1?All seem to be winning, but now, if I get a drawn here, I must shoot myself,so play with care, me baby... } 28... Kh7 29. Rhe1 { Well, of course Bxd8 winsa quality. But chess is a good game for sadistic personalities. } 29... Kg8 30. Re8 Ra7 31. Rde1 Nd6 32. Bxd6 Rxe8 33. dxe8=Q+ 1-0

[Event "Coaching game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.02.08"] [Round "-"] [White "bishopsings"] [Black "concordborn"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1531"] [TimeControl "7 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1239"] 1. e4 c5 { The Sicilian has many variations, sharp with tactics and repletewith positional strategies. It is important to be at least familiar withthis opening, especially if you play 1. e4 One way of tackling the Sicilianis to play a closed variation, 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 or 2. d6 These moves willnot allow your opponent to play their 'pet' Sicilian lines which they mayknow better than you. On the other hand the open variations have chancesfor White as well and can be more fun. } 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. g3 { An odd movehere, but not necessarily terrible. g3 is often played in the closed lineswhen f4 can be played but Nf3 is more typically played in open positions.3. d4 cd4 4. Nd4 would be an open game and allow black to chose his response. } 3... g6 { Looking to contest control of the center via the diagonals. } 4. Bg2 Bg7 { The obvious moves. } 5. O-O { Tucking the king away to safety.Time to finish development on the queenside. } 5... d6 { Strengthening the darksquares in the center and opening lines for the bishop. } 6. a4 { ?! Possiblylooking to bind the knight on the Queenside? Or start a queenside attack?Too early to try to force an attack, first the Queenside knight and bishopneed to be developed. } 6... Nf6 { Developing a piece, attacking e4, and preparingto castle. } 7. Ng5 { Defends e4 but leaves the knight exposed. There areno tactical attacks here for White who again needs to finish developmentfirst. 7. Nc3 or 7. Re1 protect the pawn and improve the position of White'spieces. } 7... O-O { Black's position is safe and solid. He can now turn hismind to breaking down White's undeveloped position. } 8. c3 { Restrictingthe black bishop and controlling some of the center but the e4 pawn isstill weak... } 8... h6 { Creating problems for the knight and gaining a pawn. } 9. Nf3 { 9. Nh3 Bh3 10. Bh3 Ne4 } 9... Nxe4 10. c4 { ? Making way for the knighton c3 but the pawn did have advantages there, controlling the center andprohibiting both the bishop on g7 and the knight on c6. A move like d3would allow the bishop and knight to be developed while attacking the knighton e4. } 10... Bf5 { Not an extremely strong square for the bishop but lookingto exert more pressure on the center after a possible d3 or d4. } 11. Nc3 Nxc3 { An earlier exchange on c3 with the black bishop would have been sillyas this piece is very powerful for black and would give white the bishoppair. Now however Black can exchange the knight which, while a powerfulcentralized piece, exchanges away one of the few developed white piecesand doubles up White's pawns. White's position is in trouble now. } 12. dxc3 Qd7 { Looking to exchange another powerful white piece, the bishopon g2. } 13. Nh4 { A good move, but a few too late. } 13... Bh3 14. Qf3 Bxg2 { Exchangingthe strong Light Squared Bishop and removing a defender around the King,but a more immediate ...Ne5 would be stronger. } 15. Nxg2 Ne5 { Attackingthe queen while centralizing the knight. } 16. Qd5 { A dangerous square forWhite as it allows black to constrict White while attacking the queen. } 16... e6 17. Qe4 Qc6 { Looking for a queen exchanging where the strong centralpawns and knight will help black, but stronger is 17... d5! continuingto pressure White and firmly grasping the center after 18. cd5 ed5. } 18. Qf4 { The Queen needed to go to e2 after the first attack with the knight.Keeping it in the center continues to allow black to improve his positionwhile attacking the queen. } 18... Rad8 { Looking to control a central file aftera d-pawn break. } 19. Be3 { ?? Losing. Finally looking to develop the bishop,but it's scope is extremely reduced here, it only controls three squares.More importantly it blocks the Queen's escape! } 19... g5 { ! The Queen is trapped. } 20. Qxg5 { Loses faster, White could instead have taken the knight one5. } 20... Nf3+ { ! A nice intermezzo. The Queen is still hanging, this moveputs the White king on a dangerous file which will be half-open after ...hg5and a dangerous diagonal with the Black Queen on c6. } 21. Kh1 hxg5 22. Rfd1 { After losing the Queen White's position is lost. The rest is techniquefrom Black to finish quickly. } 22... f6 { Looking to provide a square for theKing so that the rooks can come to the h-file. } 23. a5 Kf7 24. b4 Rh8 { Black need not worry about the Queenside as the fight is nearly over. } 25. h4 gxh4 26. Nxh4 Nxh4+ { The double-check allows black to set up themate. } 27. Kg1 Qg2# 0-1

[Event "Two Knights Defense - A great weapon for Black"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "25-Mar-07"] [Round "-"] [White "baghwan24"] [Black "afonsoz"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1232"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1200"] 1. e4 { This is a though game I played recently. I started with the commonand solid e4... } 1... e5 { This reply leads to open games. } 2. Nf3 { C40 KingKnight Opening. It leads to a great number of openings, such as the Scotch,The Ruy Lopez, the Giuco Piano, Philidor and so on. } 2... Nc6 3. Bc4 { This isthe Italian Game. It's a boring position, so I played... } 3... Nf6 { !? The TwoKnights Defense, considered nowadays risky, because White can launch aserious offensive with the Fried Liver Attack wich begins with 4. Ng5.White has an incredible pressure in the f7 square. } 4. Bd5 { ?! A strangeand dubious move, because Black can now equalise and make White lose tempi. } 4... Nb4 { I broke all the opening principles with this move. I intended to crushWhite's center, by adding pressure in the d5 central square. } 5. c3 Nbxd5 6. exd5 Nxd5 7. Nxe5 d6 { White loses a tempo. } 8. Nf3 { The position isequal at this point, but I could have played better in the opening. } 8... Be7 { Black prepares castling and develops one piece. } 9. c4 { ?? Better wouldhave been d4! . } 9... Nf4 10. O-O O-O 11. d4 { White bilds up an impressive center.At this point, Black's position is somewhat cramped. Notice that movingmy Knight is a must, because of the discovered attack. } 11... Ng6 12. d5 Bg4 { Black pins the White knight and develops his last piece. White is behindin development, and Black has a solid position. } 13. b3 { White has nowan impressive pawn chain and more space at the Queenside. But his positionhas weakened, and I reply... } 13... Bf6 { ! The Rook can't be saved. } 14. Bg5 { White sacrifices a Bishop to defend his Rook. } 14... Bxg5 15. Qd4 { ? this lookslike a bad move, because the natural reply is the skewer. } 15... Bf6 { ! The skeweris effective. White has only one move to try to compensate his loss, whichis... } 16. Qxg4 Bxa1 { At this point, White is a rook down, and his onlycompensation is more queenside espace, wich isn't useful in this position. } 17. Qh5 { White tries to weaken my rock and to lauch an offensive in theKingside. } 17... Bf6 { The Bishop is redeployed to defend my Kingside. } 18. Re1 { ? Black can't gain control of this open column, because Black replies... } 18... Re8 { Re8! White must now retreat and lose one tempo and the open column,or exchange pieces and lose the open column. Exchanging pieces is not anoption because Black has the material advantage. So White choses to... } 19. Rf1 { ...retreat his piece, losing two tempi. } 19... c5 { With the next moves,I tried to cause a pawn break in the Queenside, to gain space and to developmy extra Rook. GM Yasser Seirawan recommends to finish developping thepieces when in material advantage, in order to succesfully attack. } 20. g3 { White declines to lose space in the Queenside. However... } 20... a6 { I insiston the pawn break. } 21. Kg2 { ? White could have develloped his Knight onthe Queenside. Instead, he makes his King vulnerable and puts it inta aweak square. } 21... b5 { The pawn attack continues. } 22. Nbd2 { A late and unusefuldevelopment. } 22... bxc4 23. Nxc4 Re4 { At this point, I saw a great tactic thatcould win the game. I noticed that I could do a Royal Fork and win a Queen,but I had to take out the g-pawn. And so... } 24. h4 { ?? White's pawn structureis better than mine, but his Rock is seriously compromised, as I play... } 24... Bxh4 { !! And then I start the tactic. I hoped White would respond Nxh4,and then I would have replied Rxh4, leaving the Queen whit nowhere to runand forcing the g-pawn to capture my rook. } 25. gxh4 { White foolishly fallsinto my deadly trap. } 25... Nf4+ { The Royal Fork succeeds! I can't believe myoponent fell for that one. This combination gave me loads of hapiness. } 26. Kg3 Nxh5+ { White resigns, having lost his Queen and being down in twelvepoints. I was happy with this win because my opponent didn't even see itcoming. I'd like to thank GM Yasser Seirawan to teach me how to do thingslike this one in his book 'Winning Chess Tactics'. If you can, just getit, it's a great book. } 0-1

[Event "Smothered mate!"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "sometimesitry"] [Black "lake-bay"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1424"] [WhiteElo "1625"] { It is not often a chess player has a smothered mate. This has been myonly one so far. } 1. e4 e5 2. f4 { He plays the kings gambit. He was actuallythe person who inspired me to play it myself. I have won games with it. } 2... Bc5 { Classical variation. I have had too many defeats when I accept. } 3. Nf3 d6 4. fxe5 dxe5 5. Bc4 { Taking e5 is death for white who loses to Qh4+followed by winning the knight and the pawn. } 5... Bg4 6. Qe2 { Not sure whatthe point behind that move is. } 6... Nc6 7. c3 Nf6 8. d3 Qd7 { Preparing forcastleing queenside. } 9. Be3 Bxe3 10. Qxe3 O-O-O 11. O-O Kb8 { Freeing myknight from defense of a7. } 12. Ng5 Bh5 13. Na3 Na5 14. Qc5 Nxc4 15. Nxc4 Qxd3 { Here I out calculated myself. } 16. Nxe5 b6 { Serious blunder. } 17. Qb4 Qe3+ 18. Kh1 Qxg5 { At least I get two knights for my rook. } 19. Nc6+ { ouch! } 19... Kc8 20. Nxa7+ { Why would he do that? } 20... Kb7 21. Nb5 { His attack isgone. } 21... Be2 22. Rf5 { Ouch! } 22... Qd2 { I threaten mate. } 23. Nd4 { Clever defense. } 23... Nxe4 24. Rxf7 Bf3 { Some how I got it into my head I could mate but I overlookedthe rook on f7. } 25. Rxf3 { Now I am down in material. } 25... Nf2+ 26. Kg1 Nd3 { Attacking his queen. } 27. Qe7 Rhe8 28. Qxg7 { Here I could have playedRg8 and won his queen but I sniffed mate. } 28... Re1+ { He is dead. } 29. Rxe1 Qxe1+ 30. Rf1 Qe3+ 31. Kh1 { Rf2 falls to ...Qxf2, Kh1, Qf1 mate. } 31... Nf2+ 32. Kg1 Nh3+ { Double check! } 33. Kh1 Qg1+ { Queen sacrifice! } 34. Rxg1 { Onlylegal move! } 34... Nf2# { Smothered mate! } 0-1

[Event "Fierce Queen vs. Thinking Machine 6"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "fiercequeen"] [Black "TM6"] [Result "1-0"] { In my time, I played against a lot of chess machines (to be totally honest,also here on Gameknot), but this one has left the biggest impression onme. Not so much because of its strength - which is more than adequate -but mainly the graphic representation. This brilliant piece of softwaregraphically represents the thinking process, leading to each move, in atruly stunning way. A true piece of artificial intelligence and art. Unfortunately,I cannot upload any screen shots from this, so you'll have to take a lookfor yourself. The software can be found here: http://www.bewitched.com/chess.html } 1. e4 Nf6 { not surprisingly, this is evaluated as the strongest reply toe4, without thinking too much ahead; attack the pawn... the Alekhine defense... } 2. e5 { the idea behind the Alekhine defense, is to lure Whites' centerpawns forward in order to be able to attack them more easily... } 2... Nd5 3. d4 Nc6 { or straightaway d6... } 4. Nf3 { the Flohr approach... } 4... e6 { preparingBb4+ and a possible attack supported by both Knights; much sounder is d6,to open a diagonal for Bc8 and prepare Bg4... this will bury Bc8 for avery long time... } 5. c4 { also a3 would have been an option first, to ruleout Nb4 of Bb4; but this works much better... } 5... Bb4+ { after Nb6, d5, exd5,cxd5, Bb4+, Nc3, Ne7, d6, cxd6, exd6, Ned5, Qe2+, Kf8 is not nice; butbetter than this... } 6. Bd2 Bxd2+ { better is Nde7, d5, exd5, Bxb4, Nxb4,a3, Na6, cxd5, 0-0... } 7. Nbxd2 { objectively stronger is Qxd2, Nb6, d5,Ne7, d6, cxd6, exd6, Nc6, Nc3, 0-0, Bd3; but we have a better plan... itis always a good idea, to complicate matters against a chess machine... } 7... Nb6 { or Nde7, Bd3, d6, Qb3, 0-0... } 8. a3 { preparing b4 somewhere in thefuture, while preventing Nb4; as long as Black has not played d6, we canvirtualy play anything... } 8... O-O { d6, c5, dxc5, dxc5, Nd5 was still an optionhere... } 9. Bd3 d5 { the last chance to play d6 has gone by: Bc8 is a lostpiece; furthermore, this robs Black of the possibility to play Nd5... } 10. c5 Nd7 11. b4 { getting ready to harass the other Knight; we keep pilingup complications... } 11... Qe7 { the Thinking Machine works in mysterious ways;better a6, to prevent more mayhem... Black is preparing Nd8, after b5... } 12. Qc2 { I liked this better than b5, Nd8, 0-0, f5; this is practicallyforcing f5... } 12... g6 { after f5, b5, Nd8, 0-0, Qe8, a4, White has a strongedge; but not more than that... this will get Black into trouble... } 13. h4 { opening a full scale attack on Blacks' Kings wing; also preparing Ng5... } 13... Kh8 { never argue with a chess machine; but f5, b5, Nd8, a4, Nb8, 0-0, Bd7was much to be preferred over this... finally Bc8 would have had a purpose... } 14. Rb1 { maybe taking things too easy, in preparing a blunt a4, followedby b5 and c6, and crack open Blacks' Queens wing with something like Qxc7:straightaway h5, g5, b5, looks more promising; but Black has nothing... } 14... Rd8 { again, a move that probably only a chess machine would understand:most likely preparing Nf8, but prohibiting Nd8; this was the last callfor a6, a4, a5, b5, Nb4, to prevent more trouble... } 15. a4 { made possibleby the seemingly insignificant Rb1, a while ago: also here, h5 was verystrong; but we wait for the right moment... } 15... f5 { here is the moment: f5comes too late; after a5, b5, Nb4, Qc3, f6!, h5, g5, Black would have atleast had some control; now, White is unleashed... } 16. b5 Ncb8 { afterNa5, h5... } 17. Rg1 { maybe not the best - which is of course h5 - butsince Black is in an awkward position already - with virtually no piecesdeveloped - we can easily prepare g4 to crack open all defenses... } 17... f4 { not the best way to prevent g4; best here was probably a6, Kf1 (the WhiteKing has to leave the bottom row at some point, after g4, fxg3, Rxg3, andKg2), Rg8... } 18. g4 a5 { after fxg3, Rxg3, Rg8, Ng5, the plot thickens... } 19. Ng5 { also here, a direct h5 spells a lot of trouble for Black; butwe have time on our side, and Ndf3 looks pretty lethal... } 19... b6 { Kg7, Ndf3,h6, Nh3... } 20. Ndf3 { directly winning is Bxg6, Rg8 (hxg6, Qxg6 ends all),Nxh7, bxc5, h5!... but I was kept busy by just understanding this machine... } 20... bxc5 21. h5 cxd4 { the losing move: after c4, Bxg6, hxg6, Qxg6, Rf8 (toprevent Nf7+), Black might still have something to play for; this endsit rapidly... } 22. hxg6 hxg6 { after Kg7, Qxc7, threatening Qxd8+!, Qxd8,Nxe6+, recapturing the Queen... } 23. Rh1+ Kg8 { Kg7, Rh7+, loses the Queen... } 24. Rh7 { also Bxg6, d3, Qxc7, wins easily... } 24... Qa3 { not the way, to getout of this; the only realistic try was Qxh7, Nxh7, Kxh7, Ng5+, Kh8, andhope for complications... } 25. Ke2 { after Bxg6, to be followed by Nxe6,I feared Qxf3; of course totally unjust, because of Ng5 covering for Nf3(at the moment)... but the pieces are sometimes hard to recognize on thisboard; all this apart from the mesmerizing graphics I was experiencingat that moment: truly distracting... } 25... Bb7 { the lost Bishop finally emerges,but way too late: after Nf8, Qxc7, Rd7, Qxc8, Rxh7, Nxh7, Kxh7, Qb7+, Nbd7,Qxa8, Black can safely give up... } 26. Rbh1 { postponing the stronger Nxe6,with mate in all variations; but this works also... after this, the ThinkingMachine went in full Guru mode, to be never heard of again; obviously resigningwas not built into this algorithm... unfortunately, this great piece ofsoftware has one serious flaw: it castles under check; otherwise a truepiece of art... go check it out, because it plays a mean game of chessalso... } 1-0

[Event "Counterattack!"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.07.16"] [Round "-"] [White "archenon"] [Black "bwaa"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1764"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1633"] 1. e4 { Hi all! This is just a quick game showcasing a fun counterattackin the Fraser Variation (3.Nxe5 Nc6?!) of the Latvian Gambit. Enjoy! } 1... e5 2. Nf3 f5 { ?! } 3. Nxe5 { The main line. } 3... Nc6 { ?! Standard are 3...Nf6 or3...Qf6. I've been preferring this line recently because finding a timeto develop this Knight is somewhat difficult in the main lines. } 4. Qh5+ { This is standard; also possible is 4.d4! The text move wins an exchangefor White, at the cost of giving Black plenty of activity. } 4... g6 5. Nxg6 Nf6 6. Qh3 hxg6 { Also possible is 6...fxe4 7.Nxh8 d5. } 7. Qxh8 Qe7 8. d3 { This is the move that prevented 7...d5? and continues to prevent Blackfrom playing it, as he faces the more serious threat of 9.Bg5, winningthe Knight. } 8... fxe4 { 9.Bg5? exd3+ leaves Black in good shape. } 9. dxe4 Nxe4 10. Be2 d5 { Finally. } 11. Bh6 Bf5 { There's no way to defend the DSB further;Black must simply accept it if White chooses to trade. Therefore, Blackputs himself as far ahead in development as possible and prepares to castleif White doesn't force the exchange. } 12. Bxf8 Qxf8 13. Qh4 { ? White isahead, mostly in pawns--he should be looking to trade down to an advantageousendgame, even though Black's development is far superior at the moment.The text gives Black an opening for significant counterplay, and sets thetone for the rest of the game. } 13... Nd4 { ! This move is one of the advantagesto an early ...Nc6. White must either lose material from ...Nxc2+ or facethe ugly consequences of defending c2, with a terrific number of variationssprouting up right away, making calculation a nightmare. For example,defending with the Bishop may lead to something like 14.Bd3 Qb4+ 15.Nc3Qxb2 16.Qh8+ (16.Bxe4 Qxa1+ 17.Nd1 Bxe4 18.Qh8+ Kf7 19.Qxa8 Bxg2 20.Rg1Nf3+ 21.Ke2 Nxg1+) 16...Kf7 17.Qxd4 (17.Qxa8?? Qxc3+ with mate inevitable)17...Qxa1+ 18.Ke2 Kxc3+ and White is lost. Or, 14.Bd1 Qb4+ 15.Nc3 Nxc316.Qh8+ Kf7 17.Qxa8 Nxd1+ 18.Kxd1 Qxb2 19.Rc1 Bxc2+ etc. Of course thereare many more variations; I don't think I've missed anything decisive forWhite though; Black simply has too many options. } 14. Na3 Qb4+ { Black offersa chance for White to win yet more material, but at terrific cost: 15.c3Nxc3! 16.Qh8+ Kf7 17.Qxa8 Ncxe2+ 18.Kf1 Bd3, or else give up his materialedge in the hopes of diffusing Black's attack: 16.bxc3 Qxc3+ 17.Kd1 (17.Qf1??is mate in three) ...Qxa1+ 18.Kd2 Qxa2+ etc. } 15. Kf1 { ?? This is the worstof White's options. This misstep spells certain death, as now White mustpart with his Queen to avoid mate. } 15... Nd2+ 16. Kg1 { ?? White was alreadylost, but still. } 16... Nxe2# { That's it! I hope you enjoyed the swift counterattackand the game in general. Many thanks to archenon for the game! Commentsare appreciated; if you leave a rating please also tell me what I did wellor what I need to improve. Thanks for reading! } 0-1

[Event "Great Endgames Series - Rook and minor piece endings"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "1979.??.??"] [Round "-"] [White "Ulf Andersson"] [Black "Michael Francis Stean"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "2540"] [TimeControl "Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo"] [WhiteElo "2640"] { Main annotations taken from Steve Giddins excellent 'Greatest Ever ChessEndgames' } 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 c5 3. g3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. Bg2 Nc6 6. d4 cxd4 7. Nxd4 Ndb4 8. Nxc6 Qxd1+ 9. Kxd1 Nxc6 10. Bxc6+ bxc6 11. Nc3 e5 12. Be3 h5 13. h4 Bb4 14. Kd2 Ke7 15. Rhc1 Rd8+ 16. Ke1 Be6 17. a3 Bxc3+ 18. Rxc3 Bd5 { White's formal positional advantage is clear enough, and consistsof the split black queenside pawns. However, with opposite-coloured bishopson the board, it is hard to believe that this advantage should prove sufficientfor a win. In the absence of the rooks, there would of course be no winningchances at all, but with two pairs of rooks on the board, the drawing tendencyof the opposite bishops is greatly reduced. Andersson gives a veritabletour de force of technique. } 19. b4 { As always, fixing weaknesses is crucial. } 19... Rdb8 { A key tactical point of White's last move is that Black cannot getrid of the weak a-pawn by 19 ... a5? because of 20 bxa5 Rxa5? 21. Bb6.He will therefore have to remain with both queenside pawn weaknesses. } 20. Bd2 Ke6 { Once again, tactics prevent Black ridding himself of the a-pawn:20 ... a5? 21. bxa5 Rxas 22. Re3 winning a pawn. } 21. Rc5 Rb5 22. Rcc1 { This is an important moment. As stated above, the more pieces remain onthe board, the less great will be the drawing tendency of the oppositecoloured bishops. Andersson therefore keeps both rooks on. } 22... f6 23. a4 Rb7 24. Rc5 Rg8 25. f3 { Black is seeking to establish counterplay on the kingsideby ...g7-g5, so White takes prophylactic measures against this. The textthreatens to trap the enemy bishop after 26. e4, thus inducing the reply. } 25... f5 { At a stroke, Black's potential kingside counterplay has been eliminated. } 26. Kf2 Rd8 27. Bc3 e4 28. Rd1 Rdd7 29. Ke3 g6 30. f4 { An interesting choice.On the principle of 'two weaknesses', White would normally try to keepthe kingside open, so as to have the possibility of infiltrating with hisking. However, this would mean his pieces being tied to the defence ofthe pawn on f3. Instead, Andersson closes the kingside, but thereby freeshis hands to concentrate on the queenside weaknesses. His plan now is totransfer his king over to defend the b4-pawn, and then attack the a-pawnwith all his might, bringing his rooks to a6 and a5, and placing the bishopon the g1-a7 diagonal. } 30... Rd6 31. Rb1 Rdd7 32. Bd4 Kf7 33. Rb2 { As always,Andersson is in no hurry. Before the king can leave e3, he needs to ensurethat Black has no dangerous discoveries with his bishop from d5 (e.g. 33.Kd2? Ba2), so Andersson removes his last piece from a white square. } 33... Ke6 34. Kd2 Kf7 { Now 34 ..Bb3? just loses a pawn after 35. Rxc6+ Kf7 36. Rxb3Rxd4+ 37. Ke3, e.g. 37 ..Rdxb4 38. Rxb4 Rxb4 39. Rc7+ Ke6 40. Rxa7 etc. } 35. Kc3 Ke6 { Black has no counterplay and can only mark time. } 36. Ra5 Kf7 37. Ra6 Re7 38. Bc5 Red7 39. Rd2 { White now wishes to get his rookon d2 to a5, which involves playing the king to a3, moving the bishop toe3 or d4, and then playing Rc2-c5-a5. With Black devoid of counterplay,White has time to execute such a manoeuvre. } 39... Rbc7 40. Be3 Rb7 41. Bc5 { Againwe see the 'repetition trick'. White gains time on the clock and underlinesBlack's helplessness. } 41... Rbc7 42. Rc2 Rb7 43. Kb2 Rdc7 44. Ka3 Rd7 45. e3 { Getting another pawn off a light square and securing the post d4 for thebishop. } 45... Rdc7 46. Bd4 { Now it is clear that the a7-pawn is doomed. } 46... Rd7 47. Rc5 Rbc7 48. Kb2 { Once again, a typical Andersson touch. There is nothingwrong with the immediate 48 Rca5, but nor is there any hurry to play thismove. Consequently, Andersson just improves his king, by bringing it tothe more central square c3. It has done its job on a3, by clearing thec-file for the rook to come to c5; now the king returns to a more centralposition. } 48... Rb7 49. Kc3 Rb6 { Black finally wearies of shuffling his rookto and fro along the seventh rank, and instead forces the exchange of apair of rooks, but it is too late to make any difference. } 50. Rca5 Rxa6 51. Rxa6 Ba2 { Now he loses c6, but there was no defence anyway. White willjust capture on a7 with the bishop, maintain his grip, and gradually advancethe a-pawn. } 52. Rxc6 { A superb piece of patient, systematic techniqueby Andersson. It is difficult to believe that the starting position ofthis ending is lost for Black, but even harder to pinpoint a clear or decisiveerror on his part! } 1-0

[Event "Challenge from tk29560"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2016.08.04"] [Round "-"] [White "andycp"] [Black "tk29560"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "682"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "610"] 1. Nc3 { This game is a superb example of the Dunst (Sleipner, Heinrichsen)opening and all its subtleties. White will use constant pressure and ferocioustactics, forcing black to find narrow escapes time and again. It is trulya clash of the titans! Enjoy! } 1... c6 2. Nf3 g5 { Here black opts to go withthe seldom-used Gertrude's Gambit. } 3. Nxg5 { White accepts. } 3... f6 { the standardfollow-up... } 4. Nxh7 { But the crafty knight gets away! And steals anotherpawn to boot! Now black must find a way out of this predicament... } 4... d6 { Cleverly develops his d pawn... } 5. d4 { White breaks up his structurally-sound,pawn-wall-of-solitude. } 5... Rxh7 { And black strikes! But will bringing outhis rook too early come back to haunt him? } 6. e4 e5 7. Be3 b6 { Black'siron-pawn-curtain begins to creep up the board... } 8. d5 c5 9. Nb5 a6 { Andthe final pawn is out! Notice how black's rook is now in complete controlof the open rank! } 10. Nxd6+ { White swipes the pawn for check but blackis unconcerned... } 10... Kd7 { Casually develops his king into the open rank... } 11. Nxc8 Qxc8 12. Bc4 b5 { Now black has gained the offensive. It seemsthat white will be powerless to stop this encroaching pawn barrier, butmiraculously he finds a way! } 13. Bxb5+ { Smash! } 13... axb5 14. Bxc5 { Smash! } 14... Bxc5 15. O-O { Beautiful!! White has left the poor pawn brigade in tattersand castled his king to safety. And all he had to give up were his twouseless bishops! --Now we enter the middle game and both players realizethey must gain the utmost tempo out of their next moves... } 15... Ke8 { Nice... } 16. Kh1 { Breathtaking!!! They reposition their most powerful pieces toseemingly innocuous squares -- but black must be especially rattled here- fearing that white's king might move over one more square and disappearoff the board! } 16... Nh6 { Fortunately he knows that move #16 is precisely thebest time to bring your knights into the game. } 17. b3 f5 18. f3 f4 { It'sa stranglehold, no one backing down... } 19. Qe2 { White finds an attackon a hanging pawn plus the threat of check. How does black respond? } 19... Ba3 { With that... Clearly you can see the genius of it and I don't need toexplain it. } 20. Qxb5+ { Check! } 20... Kf7 { A deft side-step } 21. b4 Qxc2 { BAM!!!With one swift stroke we see the genius of black's plan come to full fruition.He just smashed that pawn up all to hell!! White is left reeling, withlittle to no good options... } 22. Qb7+ { Desperately, he finds a weak check+ fork on a defenseless rook. Clearly nowhere near as powerful as thatpawn smash on the previous move. } 22... Kg6 23. Qxa8 Qb2 { Protects his bishop,in full control... } 24. Rfb1 Qd4 { Runs away... Still supremely confidantfrom that previous pawn-smash... } 25. Rd1 Qb6 { Moves over here to protecthis knight - just daring white to take his bishop... } 26. Qa4 { But whiteresists!! Somehow, some way, he saw... something... that told him not totake that bishop! Incredible! } 26... Bxb4 { Now black is the one who's clearlyrattled as he takes the free pawn. } 27. Rdb1 { White pins... Is there away out of this? } 27... Bc3 { Yes!!! What a move! White is taken by complete surprise! } 28. Qe8+ { He tries to recover... } 28... Nf7 29. Qg8+ { Desperately throwing checksat black... Clearly nothing better to do... } 29... Kh5 30. g4+ { Surely blackconsidered the en passent here but eventually decided against it. } 30... Kh4 { And now we can clearly see that white is in serious trouble... With hopefading fast, he makes a desperate attempt to gain some material... } 31. Qxb8 Qg6 32. Rf1 { Provides much-needed protection of his f pawn, shouldit come under attack. } 32... Bd4 { Black maneuvers the bishop masterfully. Noneed to take that rook when in such a dominant position... } 33. Rab1 Ng5 34. Rb4 Nh3 35. Rxd4 { Black has set the trap brilliantly... White justplaying into his hands... } 35... Qh6 { And there it is!! The devastating queen-rook-combo-with-a-traffic-jam-in-between-the-king!White will be powerless to stop it unless he does something about it inthe next several moves. } 36. Qxe5 Qa6 { Wham!! A shocking move by blackwhich threatens mate-in-one, but ALSO threatens the isolated pawn on theside of the board. What will white do about this? } 37. Rd2 { Protects thepawn... Very wise. That rook can take care of himself. } 37... Rh6 { And... thenthere's that move... Okay!! How about that move?!! } 38. Qb2 { Here whitemakes DOUBLE-SURE that that pawn is guaranteed-damn-protected. There isabsolutely no way he is going to let this guy come in and smash anotherone of his pawns all up to hell! Absolutely no damn way. And I applaudhim for it. } 38... Qxf1# { But then he loses... } 0-1

[Event "59th GK tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.07.06"] [Round "-"] [White "rdevault"] [Black "niubo"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1808"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "2008"] 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 b6 { black chooses to play his pawn.Why noty his Knight to e7? rRule 1: play your knights first. Rule 2: Becareful about making pawn moves, especially at the bebginning of the game.This pawn move would latyer on in the game put Black King in a dangerousposition. } 5. a3 Bf8 { Bishop going back to f1, Black loses tempo. Blackshould have prepared to castle on that side instead. Bishop needed to takethe Knight } 6. Nf3 Qd7 7. Bd3 Nc6 8. O-O Bb7 9. Qe2 O-O-O { is this a goodmove? } 10. Ba6 { I think White is a bit too quick to start an attack here. } 10... Nh6 { Knight to h6!! I think Black knight needed to be on e7. } 11. Bg5 Be7 12. Bxb7+ Kxb7 13. Bxe7 Qxe7 14. b4 { Pawn to b4. At last! } 14... Nf5 15. Rfd1 h5 16. Na4 { Black didn't see the check here, or he just ignored thethreat. Ka8 would have been a better move. } 16... g5 17. Nc5+ bxc5 { why not Ka8?! } 18. Qb5+ Kc8 19. Qxc6 { Black lost a knight. Not looking good for black.... } 19... c4 20. Qa8+ Kd7 21. Qxa7 g4 { Good move but Rook to a8 would be a far dangerousthreat } 22. Qa4+ Kc8 23. Ne1 h4 24. Qa6+ Kd7 { white needs to keep the pressureon.... } 25. Qb5+ Kc8 26. a4 g3 27. Nf3 gxf2+ 28. Kxf2 Rdg8 29. a5 f6 30. a6 Qg7 31. a7 Qxg2+ 32. Ke1 Qh1+ 33. Kd2 Rg2+ 34. Kc3 Rxc2+ 35. Kxc2 Ne3+ 36. Kd2 1-0

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.11.19"] [Round "-"] [White "dcrofut"] [Black "demadone"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1534"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1582"] 1. e4 { A good game with an interesting end to it. } 1... e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 { This is my usual response to Spanish defence. } 4. d3 d6 5. h3 a6 6. Bxc6+ bxc6 7. Bg5 h6 8. Bh4 Be7 9. O-O g5 { My almost trademark move. Usuallydestabilizes the opponent's defense. } 10. Bg3 Be6 { The bishops have beenquite out of the game, black starts to bring them into play. } 11. c4 { Whiteperhaps tries to counter black's plans. } 11... Rb8 { Rook to open flange. } 12. b3 { Again white counters. This time white has a good pawn structure fordefense. However, black has more moving space while white is quite confinedto his side. } 12... Rg8 { The plan is to move pawn to g4. } 13. Nh2 h5 14. f3 Qd7 { Black's white bishop is now in action and is in a good position in frontof the queen. Black's attack on g4 is further consolidated. } 15. Bf2 g4 16. fxg4 hxg4 17. hxg4 Nxg4 18. Nd2 Bg5 { The black bishop is not reallyattacking the d2 knight. The intention is to move to f4. } 19. Ndf3 Bf4 { Black's attack now seems to be not coordinated as the Knight and bishop,are attacking on the black squares while the white bishop and queen onthe white diagonal. } 20. g3 Nxf2 { This move reorganizes black's attack. } 21. Rxf2 Bxg3 22. Rg2 Bh3 23. Rc2 Qe7 { The black queen starts it's ownattack. } 24. a4 { White's move is a poor choice. 1) He completely ignoreshis precarious defense, 2) He leaves the b pawn undefended. } 24... Qf6 25. Rb1 { White tries to salvage the weakened b flange but it costs him moves. } 25... Qf4 26. Kh1 Bxh2 27. Rxh2 Qg3 { The move plans for 28. ...Bg2 which wouldlead to a mate. } 28. Rbb2 Rxb3 { 24. a4 now costs white. } 29. Rbf2 Bg4 { Thepinning now starts. 1)The knight. } 30. Rhg2 Bxf3 { Pin 2 - Rook. } 31. Qxf3 { White makes a big mistake. The queen is lost. } 31... Rb1+ { White has only oneoption. } 32. Rf1 Qxf3 { White resigns. There are 2 pins here also. It'sa mate in 3 at max. } 0-1

[Event "Challenge from Josh"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.08.07"] [Round "-"] [White "marksman362"] [Black "free_checking"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1312"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1200"] 1. e4 { Traditional Opening } 1... e5 { Mirror } 2. Nf3 { Controlling the board withthe knight } 2... Nc6 { He protects his pawn } 3. Nc3 { Going for the four knightopening } 3... Nf6 { Accepting } 4. Bc4 { Opening up the bishop } 4... Bc5 { Also bringingout his bishop } 5. d4 { pressuring the bishop } 5... Bxd4 { Breaking the structure } 6. O-O { protecting the king } 6... O-O { He also castles } 7. Bg5 { pin } 7... d6 { reinforcinghis structure } 8. Qe2 { Opening up a line for my rook } 8... Bg4 { he also pins } 9. Rad1 { opening the rook } 9... h6 { pressures the bishop, mainly to bringhis queen out } 10. Bxf6 { I exchange my bad bishop for his knight, becauseit can't really be used } 10... Qxf6 { bringing his queen out, like anticipated } 11. Nd5 { knight outpost/pressuring queen } 11... Qd8 { retreats his queen } 12. c3 { I push his bishop back } 12... Bxf3 { exchanging bishop for a knight, smartbecause knights are useful in games like these } 13. Qxf3 { opening the queenup, not breaking the castle structure } 13... Bc5 { retreats his bishop } 14. b4 { forcing his bishop back farther } 14... Bb6 { retreating } 15. Ne3 { retreatingbishop to open up bishop's line of fire. Not a smart move, relatively badbishop can take it } 15... Bxe3 { exchange } 16. Qxe3 { taking } 16... Qf6 { pulling outhis queen } 17. f3 { fortifying } 17... Rfd8 { centralizing rook } 18. Rd5 { I don'treally know why I did that } 18... Ne7 { he pressures my rook } 19. Ra5 { movingrook to outer file } 19... b6 { pressure on the rook } 20. Ra6 { moving rook to safety.if I would have moved it in front of the pawn, he could have trapped it } 20... d5 { blocking bishop's line of fire } 21. exd5 { protecting the bishop } 21... Nxd5 { pressuring the queen and taking pawn } 22. Bxd5 { exchanging bishopfor more useful knight } 22... Rxd5 { moving his rook forward, but not such a goodidea } 23. Qe4 { see why? the skewer } 23... Rd2 { coming in for the kill } 24. Qxa8+ { checking his queen and taking a free rook } 24... Kh7 { fleeing to safety } 25. Rxa7 { pulling the rook up } 25... Qg6 { protecting king against possible attack } 26. Rf2 { pressuring the rook } 26... Rd1+ { free checking } 27. Rf1 { protectingthe king } 27... Rxf1+ { rook exchange/check } 28. Kxf1 { taking the rook } 28... Qd3+ { uselesscheck to buy time } 29. Kf2 { running } 29... Qxc3 { pawn munching } 30. Qe4+ { attemptingto checkmate (moving the rook up if king moved) } 30... g6 { pawn guard } 31. Ra8 { taking the eighth rank } 31... Qd2+ { useless check } 32. Kf1 { running } 32... Qd1+ { anotheruseless check } 33. Kf2 { running again } 33... Qd2+ { yet another useless check } 34. Qe2 { thinking he wants a queen exchange, I pull my queen in } 34... Qd4+ { but,no, just another useless check } 35. Qe3 { guarding with my queen } 35... Qxb4 { Morepawn munching } 36. Qxe5 { I give in to pawn munching } 36... g5 { Opening fleeingspace } 37. Rh8+ { check to try and drive him towards pawns where he hasless mobility } 37... Kg6 { running again } 38. Rg8+ { driving him towards my pawns } 38... Kh5 { runs to where pawn protects him } 39. g4+ { he only has to moves now:lose his queen or lose the game } 39... Kh4 { he realizes that he will not be ableto win even if he sacrifices his queen, but will just prolong the game,so he decides to end it } 40. Qg3# { CHECKMATE- the first ever time I havebeaten my brother in chess and my first win on Gameknot } 1-0

[Event "126th GK tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2015.02.21"] [Round "-"] [White "tennisplyr"] [Black "tamz29"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [BlackElo "1634"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1833"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 { After many years playing the Philidor's Defense, Idecided on the Petroff. } 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d3 Nf6 6. Nc3 d5 { Isaw this pawn push in an opening book and thought it was quite interesting } 7. Bg5 Bb4 { Black acts quickly to keep the tension on the board and notfalling to passivity } 8. a3 Bxc3+ 9. bxc3 { I sacrificed my Bishop pairhoping to get some attack going at the queenside later in the game } 9... O-O 10. Be2 h6 11. Be3 { If 11.Bxf6 Qxf6, White loses the initiative by havingto defend the c3 pawn } 11... b6 12. O-O c5 { Up to this point, most of the moveshad been the computer's first choice and the game is close to equal. } 13. Rb1 { 13. Rb1? After moves like Nc6 and Re8, Black would slowly gain somespace. } 13... Bb7 { 13...Bb7?? Careless mistake. I missed that the b6 pawn waspinned and proceeded to lose a pawn with no compensation whatsoever. } 14. Bxc5 bxc5 15. Rxb7 Qa5 { 15. ...Qa5?! I had second thoughts about this move.Maybe Nc6 should've been first followed by Qa5 but things are not so clear. } 16. Qa1 Re8 17. Re1 Nbd7 18. Rbb1 { Now this is close to equality despitea pawn down. White might have maintained some pressure with 18 c4. } 18... Re7 19. Bf1 Rae8 { Maybe the whole sequence with the idea of doubling the rooksdown the e-file is wrong, as after a series of exchanges White could penetratethe 7th rank with his rook. } 20. Rxe7 Rxe7 21. g3 { 21. Rb7 was also good } 21... Qa4 22. Qb2 { 22. Re1 Rxe1 and 23. Nxe1 would've been very solid } 22... Re8 23. Rc1 Rb8 24. Qa2 { Black gets come counterplay and pushes White's heavy piecesin the corner. } 24... Rb6 25. Bg2 { 25. Bg2? A little too passive, Bh3 or c4 wouldcause complications } 25... Qa5 26. Nh4 { I looked at 26...Qxc3 and thought thatafter 27.Bxd5 Ne5 things were unclear } 26... Ne5 { The prophylactic 26...Ne5 threwaway the initiative } 27. Bxd5 { 27. Nf5 with the idea of Ne7+ should winthe d-pawn with a tempo. (Nxh6? is met with Kh7) } 27... Qxc3 28. Bb3 { 28. Bb3??The computer finds a nice winning combination with 28...c4! 29. Bxc4 Ng4!With all sorts of ideas, but the evaluation is not so clear } 28... Nfg4 29. Qa1 Qd2 30. Rf1 Nxd3 31. Qd1 Qxd1 32. Rxd1 Ndxf2 { This endgame liquidationis slightly better for White but very close to equality } 33. Rd8+ Kh7 34. Bxf7 g5 35. Nf5 Rf6 36. Nd6 Ne3 { 36. ...Ne5 may have gave Black an advantage } 37. Bg8+ Kg6 38. Bf7+ Kh7 39. Bg8+ Kg6 40. Bf7+ Kh7 { Draw } 1/2-1/2

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "17-May-08"] [Round "-"] [White "fattouh"] [Black "-muumipappa-"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1257"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1208"] { This game is one of my biggest comebacks .. } 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c4 dxc4 4. e4 Bg4 5. d5 Nb4 6. Bxc4 Nf6 7. Nc3 c6 8. a3 b5 9. Bxb5 Bxf3 10. Qxf3 Nc2+ { A good use of the White's lack of concentration, the white shouldn'thave taken the pawn at b5 from the beginning .. } 11. Kd2 Nd4 12. Qd3 Nb3+ 13. Kc2 Nxa1+ 14. Kb1 cxb5 15. Kxa1 { This miss leaves the black with ahuge advantages material wise, but in development the situation is lessdesperate for the white than you think } 15... Rb8 16. Nxb5 Ra8 17. Be3 e5 18. Rc1 Bd6 { Preparing to castle } 19. Bg5 Qa5 { Huge mistake gives the whitea free piece } 20. Nxd6+ Ke7 21. Nf5+ Kf8 22. Qg3 Nh5 23. Qxe5 g6 { 23. ...- g6 ?, i expected 23. ... - f6, would have put the white in more trouble } 24. Qe7+ Kg8 25. Nh6+ Kg7 26. Nxf7 Rhf8 27. Nh6+ Kh8 28. Qe5+ Ng7 29. Bf6 { More and more pressure } 29... Rxf6 30. Qxf6 Qxd5 { Desperate black wants to endhis misery fast } 31. exd5 a5 32. Rc7 Rg8 33. Nf7# 1-0

[Event "- - The Traxler Variation - - Pressure!"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.11.10"] [Round "-"] [White "x-machine"] [Black "nuntar"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1652"] [TimeControl "3d+2d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1213"] 1. e4 { This annotation is going to be a little different from my otherones... Instead of waiting until the game is finished, I'll annotate asthe game is going on, so you can all get a better idea of my thoughts throughoutthe game :) ((alternate moves considered by me will be placed in doublebrackets, like what this sentence is in)) } 1... e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 Bc5 { Ok, the start of the Traxler variation.. } 5. Bxf7+ { nothing specialso far...I've been told that Nxf7 is playable, but I don't feel comfortablewith trying it } 5... Ke7 6. Bb3 { the usual move here is Bd5, but I can't seenany glaring changes with making this move } 6... Qe8 { again, this isn't mainline, but I'm not complaining - this could lead to an interesting game.Maybe nuntar's seen the Ion vs Freddy game... I'm assuming that the nextmove by Black would be Qh5... } 7. O-O { I'll defend my king for now... ifBlack plays Qh5 now, I'd be forced to trade because of the threat on theg5 knight - maybe Black wants to take advantage of my lack of development?((here, I considered Nc3, with the idea of Nd5 - it will either break upBlack's kingside structure of get my pawn on a good square)) } 7... d6 { Black'slooking at getting his bishop out... I'm seeing Bg4 here. } 8. h3 { I don'treally want the hassle, so I'll just stop the bishop getting there in thefirst place. This also has the benefit of stopping Ng4 - I like this move((Nc3 was still in consideration)) } 8... Rf8 { slowly building up pressure onWhite. I'm thinking nuntar's next move will be Nxe4 } 9. Nc3 { Why not? I'vebeen planning to move my knight for a couple of turns now, and now it willalso defend e4 } 9... Nd4 { I can only assume nuntar's considering Nxb3 on thenext turn ((it also gets me thinking about Nd5+ again - I realise I canretake with the bishop instead of the pawn. I see a disadvantage for bothmoves - the pawn recapture blocks in my bishop, but the bishop captureallows for c6, driving back my bishop)) } 10. Nd5+ { I'll go ahead with myplan. } 10... Nxd5 { nuntar recaptures, and now I have the choice of exd5 or Bxd5. } 11. Bxd5 { I chose Bxd5 when I realised that nuntar was still threateningNxb3 ((I guess these kinds of things I shouldn't overlook)) } 11... Qg6 { puttinga threat to the knight. I don't really want to move it though. ((I don'trealise it until a bit later, but nuntar actually threatens to capturethe knight - it's open season when it retreats to f3 because of the queen'spin on the g2 pawn)) ((I expected c6 here)) ((as I annotate this, the gameis already done - me and nuntar happened to be online at the same timeto play it through...I'll try to remember my thoughts as best as I can)) } 12. d3 { defending the knight. I'm also going to get a chance to developpieces, which doesn't usually seem to happen for White. ((after this move,I was considering a knight sac with Nxh7, which, after Qxh7, could leadto a powerful attack; 13.Nxh7 Qxh7 14.Bg5+ Ke8, and now it's Black who'sunder pressure...but what would be White's best move after that?)) } 12... h6 { Black really wants that knight to go.. I've now noticed the danger ofretreating the knight to f3. It took me a little while to find the nextmove... ((knight to h7 is now out of the question, because the bishop can'tmove to the g5 square)) } 13. c3 { as far as I can see, this is my only option.I can get out of this with just one pawn down instead of a whole piecedown } 13... Nc6 { I expected hxg5 here [14.cxd4 exd4], and I think it might havebeen better. } 14. Nf3 { now I have a chance to retreat my knight. Now Ihave some breathing space I'll go in for the attack ((well, at least Ithought I had some breathing space...)) } 14... Bxh3 { I did not see this. Becauseof the threat of Qxg2 mate, I went on a full-scale panic for awhile beforeI see that my knight can defend ((I begin to fully appreciate the powerthe rook and queen have in this game. Those two pieces never move againfor the rest of the game)) } 15. Ne1 { I almost play Nh4, but that leavesmy knight too exposed. This is probably the only option for White ((myplan for development for White doesn't seem like a possibility any more)) } 15... Bd7 { Personally I would have left the bishop there. Now the pressure issomewhat lifted from White } 16. b4 { I could start up a powerful pawn stormhere - puts pressure on Black as well. ((I tried this method twice before,and they both failed. This one failed as well - I guess the moral is 'don'ttry it!')) } 16... Bb6 { the only move. Now to continue the attack... } 17. b5 { chasingthe knight away, and there is really only one place for it to go...((Iconsidered a4 as well. I can't remember why I dismissed that idea)) } 17... Nd8 { shame...I would have liked to have played Bxb7 here. } 18. a4 { I had alreadyplanned to do this. I expected nuntar to move the a-pawn to provide anescape route for his bishop ((as has happened with my other two attempts)) } 18... a5 { I was actually hoping for this move. It allows me to continue my attack...((noit doesn't, but I thought I had one at the time.)) } 19. bxa6 { and nowthe pawn can't recapture because of Bxa1, and next move I can take theb-pawn to create a dangerous pawn ((again, no it doesn't. White would haveprobably been better off leaving the position closed)) } 19... Rxa6 { Damn, I shouldn'thave overlooked this move...well, I still have an attack... } 20. a5 { Ican still force the bishop back ((I must have been really panicking here!)) } 20... Bxa5 { oh, of course... well, maybe I can make something of that pin... } 21. Bd2 { looking at opening up a discovered attack on the bishop...maybefirst, I'll get rid of the b-pawn with Bxb7, } 21... h5 { woah! That passed pawncould become a real danger - technically it is a passed pawn, as the g-pawnis still pinned } 22. Nf3 { I really need to get my pieces in action, andthis halts the pawn advancement as well! ((after this move, my plan onthe queenside is forgotten)) } 22... Bb6 { hmm....offering to trade rooks... } 23. Rxa6 { might as well... I don't want to have to deal with pressure fromboth sides } 23... bxa6 { of course...I think I might have an attack which startsout with Bg5+, but I can't see a good way to pull it off } 24. Ba2 { I'llwait and see what Black does first } 24... Bg4 { my attack looks even more bleaknow! } 25. Qe1 { The pin is broken, and I now turn to another attack, thistime from the queenside... this move, then c4, then a knight sacrificewith Nxe5 followed by Bb4+...again, I can't really see a defining attack,though } 25... Bxf3 { the queen pin again! Doesn't look like I can stop checkmatenow... ((here I resign... so is this style of annotating good? :) )) } 0-1

[Event "The Toothy Jaws"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.11.22"] [Round "-"] [White "kitrich_omar"] [Black "hgad"] [Result "1-0"] [TimeControl "Blitz"] 1. d4 d5 { Many chess games against stronger player are unpleasant becauseyou are getting tactically outplayed. Often one gets the sinking sensationthat the game is going to be a loss; that he will 'take an L'. I haveoften counted it a principle to be sporting in such games. Ultimatelychess is about a search for perfection. One values his knowledge of thegame more than he clings to the spoils of any single victory. In thissense, since we stand to learn directly from our superiors in the game,we should be grateful, and even value the difficult positions that attendour encounters with our teachers... } 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bf4 { I don't know ifthere is a preferable square for the bishop, but I wanted to play e3... } 3... Bg7 4. e3 Nf6 5. h3 { I am not that concerned about Ng4, but I wanted toprovide a retreat square for the bishop if necessary. This move does slowwhite's development, however... } 5... Nh5 6. Bh2 b6 { I am much more concernedabout the threat of c5 than black's fianchettoed bishop... } 7. Bd3 Na6 { A crude an ineffective move... } 8. Nbd2 Nb4 { The point of Na6 is revealed. In my opinion, this knight maneuver is premature... } 9. Be2 Bf5 { Withthreats of Nxc2+, winning the exchange. I am forced to consider my Be2a blunder, and I should have prevented the knight from coming to b4. } 10. Rc1 Nxa2 11. Ne5 { I wanted to introduce some tactics into the position... } 11... Nxc1 12. Bb5+ Kf8 13. Qxc1 Bxe5 14. dxe5 { Perhaps bxe5 was better. Thiswas a blitz game, and my play could have been a lot better... } 14... d4 15. g4 Qd5 16. Rg1 { My position is falling apart, but I want to open the g-file,if possible. I am not yet resigned to defeat... } 16... Ng7 17. Bc4 { An intermediatemove that accomplished little beside the removal of a d4 defender... } 17... Qc6 18. gxf5 dxe3 { Here I assessed my position as totally critical. I am nowalmost certain that the game will be a loss. I have not recovered fromblack's Nb4, and my own attacking prospects appear to be too little, toolate... } 19. fxe3 Nxf5 20. Bxf7 { A desperate move to stave off Nxe3... } 20... Kxf7 21. Rf1 { My queen is my worst piece, having to recapture the knighton c1. It is totally out of the game. If possible, I want to arrangethe rousing Ne4 or Nf3... } 21... Qg2 22. e4 { The bishop could have been defendedwith Bf4, but then g5. I am desperate to get the queen out... } 22... Qxh2 23. exf5 gxf5 { Here black could've played more sharply with Qxe5... } 24. Nf3 { I had seen that h3 was immune, but black blunders massively, in a wonposition, and up 4 units of material. If nothing else, this game illustrateshow in blitz, it can be good to stick with a lost position. I think thatafter Nb4, black relaxed a bit and didn't play accurately enough to keepme out of the game... } 24... Qxh3 25. Ng5+ 1-0

[Event "Ferocious attack..."] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2017.06.13"] [Round "-"] [White "vokrusss"] [Black "damafi"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1462"] [TimeControl "300+5"] [WhiteElo "1504"] { It was a tactic win, surprising my opponen with a risky sac (one of those'not inmediate reward sacs' that so often go wrong. Finally, I got enoughself-control to keep into the game and win. Al always, I share the gamedue to some -maybe- interesting situations in the midgame. } 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 e6 4. dxe6 Bxe6 5. Bd3 { All theory till now, but this isnot on my personal database... :-) I guess Qxd5 gives some tempoes in returnto white, so the scope of my defence will be lost. } 5... c6 { Played almostauthomatically, though. } 6. Ne2 Nbd7 7. O-O Bd6 { I am a little late -as always - with my queenside ideal castling. } 8. Bg5 { This helps me inwinning the needed tempo. } 8... h6 9. Bh4 { True is that this B will block myattack on h2. } 9... Qc7 10. Bg3 O-O-O 11. Bxd6 Qxd6 { A different asset frommy usuals, which have both dsb, where mine is powerful. This is when Ireally start to think. } 12. Nd2 { White has a lot of attacking moves. Ihave to find mine, or he will just walk all over me (c4, b4...) } 12... Ng4 { Hehas to react, and probably open the white squares for my B. } 13. h3 { ??...and, as often in blitzes, I lose the mate in one! } 13... h5 { ...and playedthis sac!! } 14. hxg4 hxg4 15. Ng3 f5 16. Re1 f4 { This was what I was lookingfor. } 17. Nge4 Qxd4 { Now, g3 is deadly. } 18. Be2 { Not seen. } 18... g3 { OnlyNe4 stops the mate, but I have some other ideas... } 19. Bf3 gxf2+ 20. Nxf2 { This is the moment: now, I can play Rh1+, KxR, QxNf2 and the threat isRh8+. He has Bh5 as an in-extremis defence, so I have to be sure I'll haveanother resource, then I played... } 20... Bd5 { With the Q on f2, if this B movesQxg2#. White is +2, but he's suffering. } 21. c3 Rh1+ 22. Kxh1 Qxf2 23. Nf1 { The only move that can save him, but only for few moves: } 23... Rh8+ 24. Nh2 Qh4 { ...can he stop the mate? } 25. Kg1 { Yes. I'm still winning? Yes... } 25... Qxh2+ 26. Kf1 { Here there is a single 'killer move', and I missed it. Ofcourse you can see it, it's a 'quiet move'... } 26... Bc4+ { No, not this one,but there is little difference. } 27. Be2 Qg3 { White has no moves. My oppcould have thought I was sadistic by not mating him when I could... Itwas not so! } 28. Bxc4 Rh1+ 29. Ke2 Qe3# { Thanks for reading! } 0-1

[Event "concordborn's mini-tournament V - Comedy of Errors!"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.04.30"] [Round "-"] [White "jstevens1"] [Black "ismet_yilmaz"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1585"] [TimeControl "5d+1d<7d"] [WhiteElo "1862"] 1. e4 { Hi everyone! Here is another annotation in the themed SicilianPelikan MT. Although this is certainly not one of my best games, I thoughtI would annotate it to give you guys a bit of light relief. Life, is abouttaking the rough with the smooth, both on and off the chessboard. I certainlyended up doing this in this game. I will begin the commentary with my7th move as the first 6 moves are forced. You can also follow the gamewith gameknot analysis as follows:-http://gameknot.com/analyze-board.pl?bd=17599933&rnd=0.24172412757283301 } 1... c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Bg5 { 7. Bg5- again I play the move which is the most popular, and I note from my previousannotation that this is a very strong move because it puts pressure onboth f6 and d6 and not to mention a fork on c7 should the Wicked Witchof the West recapture on f6. } 7... a6 8. Na3 b5 9. Nd5 { 9. Nd5 - as in my previousannotation I end up putting a knight on d5. } 9... Be7 10. Nxe7 Nxe7 { 10. Nxe7- knight trade. } 11. Bxf6 gxf6 12. Qf3 f5 13. exf5 Nxf5 { 13. ...... Nxf5??- after a pawn trade black recaptures with the wrong unit. Bxf5 was thecorrect move. I overlooked this move - a rare oversight from yours trulyand I was stewing in my own juice for a good week or so. The reason forthis oversight was that I was focussed on the square d4 and I wanted toprevent the black knight from landing on it. I totally overlooked thefact that Glenda could safely take the rook on a8! Aaarrgh and trebleaaargh! } 14. c3 { 14. c3 ??? - the extra question mark is because I am absolutelyfurious with myself. } 14... Be6 15. g3 O-O { 15. ..... 0-0 - as the Nolan sistersused to sing 'Gotta pull myself together!'. How, I know not because theposition looks dead level and even though the BK is dangerously exposedI haven't a scooby as to how Glenda and Co. can exploit this. } 16. Bd3 Ng7 17. Nc2 { 17. Nc2 - I spend the next two moves improving my developmentand the placement of my knight - this, I feel, is the quickest way to recovermy composure after such a blunder. } 17... f5 18. Be2 d5 19. Nb4 { 19. Nb4 - creatingpressure on d5. } 19... e4 20. Qf4 { 20. Qf4 - keeping Glenda on an active square. } 20... Qd7 21. O-O { 21. 0-0 - Henry finally castles on move 21 and the white rooksare now connected. Maybe I can put more pressure on d5. I must nag awayat my opponent and hope he cracks again. } 21... a5 22. Nc2 { 22. Nc2 - headingfor d4 in order to put pressure on b5. } 22... Rf7 23. Nd4 { 23. Nd4 - this movealso threatens to trade off black's potentially strong bishop for my knight. However, my opponent made the following oversight ....... } 23... Rb8 { 23. .....Rb8?? - Black defends his b pawn with his rook. However, I spot that therook is hanging and this time Glenda makes no mistake and black instantlywaves the white flag ...... Whew and treble whew! } 24. Qxb8+ 1-0

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "06-Mar-09"] [Round "-"] [White "boksingero"] [Black "tocomocho"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1558"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1542"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. h3 Bxf2+ 5. Kxf2 Nxe4+ 6. Kf1 Ng3+ 7. Ke1 Nxh1 8. Qh5 Qf6 9. Nf3 d6 10. Nd5 Qd8 11. Ng5 g6 12. Qf3 f5 13. d3 f4 14. Ne4 c6 15. Ndf6+ Kf8 16. b3 { Anticipating a D5 move } 16... d5 17. Ba3+ Kg7 18. Nh5+ Kg8 19. Nef6+ Kf7 20. Nxd5 { The best move! } 20... Be6 21. Ndxf4 { I thought game will end here with his pawn at g3 taking my Knight at h5 } 21... Bxc4 22. Nd5+ { This knight is really what put my opponent on the worstposition } 22... Ke8 23. Ng7+ Kd7 24. Qg4# 1-0

[Event "team captain meeting 8"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2017.06.29"] [Round "-"] [White "claukonen"] [Black "ipsissimus"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2466"] [TimeControl "9d+4d<15d"] [WhiteElo "1906"] { C78: Ruy Lopez: Archangelsk and Möller Defenses which was developed bySoviet theoreticians in the city of Archangelsk where I once visited aRussian girl friend. Blacks counter thrust must be properly met or disasterensues. Note that Blacks Bishops will rake whites king side. Black wantsto pressure whites king. This game is a good example of what can be theresult of weak play by white. } 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 b5 5. Bb3 Nf6 6. O-O Bc5 7. a4 Bb7 8. d3 O-O 9. Nc3 Na5 10. Ba2 b4 11. Ne2 d5 12. Nxe5 { Last book move } 12... Bd6 13. d4 Nxe4 14. f3 { White threatens towin the Knight: f3xe4 } 14... Ng5 15. Bd2 { Whites game is collapsing better is15.c3c5= with equality } 15... Ne6 { =/+ 16.Qe1 16.f4 c5 =/+ } 16. Qe1 c5 17. c3 { 17.Kh1!?=/+ } 17... Re8 { ? This is a bad move better is 18.Qf2!? bxc3 19.bxc3 cxd4 20.cxd4Nxd4 21.Nxd4 Bxe5 22.Rab1-/+ but black is still better } 18. cxb4 Nxd4 19. Nxd4 Bxe5 { 19...Rxe5?! 20.Qf2 Rh5 21.f4-/+; 19...cxd4?! is much weaker20.bxa5 Rxe5 21.Qf2= } 20. Ne2 Nc6 21. Qd1 { ? 21.Kh1 c4 22.Qf2–+? 21.Kh1c4 22.Qf2–+ } 21... Nxb4 22. Bxb4 cxb4 23. Rb1 { 23.Qd2 a5 24.Kh1 Qf6–+ } 23... Qb6+ 24. Kh1 Rad8 25. Qb3 { 25.He could try f4 which is no good, but what else? 25...Bf626.Nc1–+ } 25... Bxh2 { A very simple combo which any good player spots immediately!Right? } 26. Nc3 { If 26.Kxh2 Qc7+ } 26... Bg3 27. Rfd1 { ? This is a blunder butwhite has a lost game 27.Qxd5 doesn't get the bull off the ice 27...Rxd528.Nxd5 Qh6+ 29.Kg1 Qh2# GKs computer recommends 26. Kxh2 Rxe2 27. Rbe1Rde8 28. Rxe2 Rxe2 29. f4 Qd4 30. Qf3 Rxb2 31. Re1 g5 32. Bb3 gxf4 33.Re8+ Kg7 34. Qg4+ Kh6 in the post game analysis but white still loses } 27... Qh6+ { + White resigns mate is eminent 27...Qh6+ 28.Kg1 Qh2+ 29.Kf1 Qh1#0–1 } 0-1

[Event "Challenge from djort"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "27-Aug-08"] [Round "-"] [White "djort"] [Black "jamestily"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1041"] [TimeControl "4 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1306"] 1. f4 { Bird opening, nothing says it's not a good opening (well, ok a bitless than 1.e4 but a good opening). Danielsen plays 1.f4 } 1... c5 { A good answer.For example, it's difficult for White to build a stonewall. With 1...c5,it's more a close opening. If Black prefers attack 1....e5 is powerful(gambit From) and Black takes the hand. } 2. Nf3 { A standard move (and protectQh4 ) } 2... Nc6 3. g3 { To stay in Bird opening (avoid Sicilian or Pirc for example).Polar bear system. } 3... Nf6 4. Bg2 { Standard move in polar bear system. } 4... d6 5. O-O e5 { A good idea. } 6. fxe5 { And not the good answer (d3 is good withthe idea to take with the bishop). } 6... dxe5 7. d3 e4 { Probably better to developpieces. } 8. dxe4 Nb4 9. Qxd8+ { No castle for Black } 9... Kxd8 10. Na3 { To protectthe rook. } 10... Nxe4 11. Ne5 { Ask a question to f7 (with a fork chess/rook)and to Ke4 } 11... Be6 { The good answer is Nd6. } 12. Bxe4 f5 { Often hazardousto open the pawn f } 13. Bg5+ Be7 14. Bxe7+ Kxe7 15. Bxb7 { Better was Fxf } 15... Rad8 { In this place a fork king / rook is possible } 16. c3 { Try to havethe place for Kc6 and a fork } 16... Nd5 17. Nc6+ Kd7 18. Nxd8 Kxd8 { The blackking can be chess by the white rook (and lost a piece in the d column),better to take with the rook } 19. Bxd5 Bxd5 20. Rad1 { Show move 14. ...Kxe7? } 20... Ke7 21. Rxd5 g6 22. Rfd1 Rb8 23. Rd7+ Kf6 24. R1d6+ Kg5 25. Nc4 Re8 26. Kf2 h5 27. Rg7 h4 28. Rgxg6+ Kh5 29. Ne3 { To avoid the king escapein f5 } 1-0

[Event "ICC 15 5, Internet Chess Club"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2017.11.25"] [Round "-"] [White "Mkueppers"] [Black "John2001plus"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1766"] [TimeControl "15+5"] [WhiteElo "1764"] 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 { French Advance Variation. Black to play. } 3... c5 4. Nf3 { If White doesn't play 4. c3 he loses his grip on the center andbecomes weaker on the dark squares. } 4... cxd4 5. Nxd4 Ne7 { Preferable to 5...Nc6 so as to be able to recapture on c6 with a knight hitting the center. } 6. c4 Nbc6 7. Nxc6 Nxc6 { White should try 8. Be2 and after 8... Nxe59. cxd5 exd5 and White has some compensation for the pawn because Black'scenter pawn is potentially weak. So instead Black should try 8... Bb4+9. Bd2 Bxd2+ 10. Nxd2 (or 10. Qxd2) Nxe5. } 8. f4 { This looks naturual,but it weakens the White kingside so much that White is going to have problemson the dark squares. } 8... Bc5 { This is a natural move controlling the darksquares. } 9. Nc3 O-O { White has three attackers on d5, but Black is notconcerned about the loss of pawn because he gets some good play for it. } 10. cxd5 { This is a loss of time for White. } 10... exd5 { After 11. Nxd5 computeranalysis gives 11... Nxe5 12. fxe5 Qh4+ 13. Kd2 (13. g3 Qe4+ 14. Qe2 Qxh1)13... Rd8 14. Kc3 Be6 15. Bc4 Rxd5 16. Bxd5 Qb4+ 17. Kd3 ( 17. Kc2 Bf5+)17... Bxd5 with an overwhelming position. } 11. Qxd5 { This is actually losing. } 11... Qb6 { If 12. Bd3 Nb4 13. Qe4 Nxd3+ 14. Qxd3 Bf2+ or 14... Be6 or 14...Rd8. If 12. Be2 Nd4 13. Na4 Qb4+ 14. Bd2 Nc2+ 15. Kd1 Ne3+. } 12. Na4 { This makes a bad situation even worse. } 12... Bf2+ 13. Ke2 Bg4+ 14. Kd2 { Playinga rook to d8 is nice with a pin, but Black can do better. } 14... Qe3+ 15. Kc2 Nb4+ 16. Kb1 { Although Black can take the queen, he is going for biggergame. } 16... Bf5+ { Checkmate is imminent. White resigns. } 0-1

[Event "bishop sacrifice wins the game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "15.11.2010"] [Round "-"] [White "me"] [Black "some guy"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1550"] [WhiteElo "1300"] { it starts with opening by the books } 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. e3 e5 4. Bb5 Bd7 5. Nf3 e4 { i make mistake and white takes control at centre, with nicemove with Ne5 } 6. Ne5 Nf6 { i decline to defend c6 despite it will makemy pawn structure weak } 7. Nxc6 { of course he attacks } 7... Bxc6 8. Bxc6+ bxc6 9. f3 Bb4 { i continue with development, thinking that Rb8 will win in future... } 10. Qd2 Rb8 11. a3 Ba5 12. b4 Bb6 13. fxe4 { white starts attack and gainscontrol in middle } 13... Nxe4 14. Nxe4 dxe4 15. Qf2 O-O 16. Qf5 { e4 is my bestpositioned pawn and i need it, so Qe7 is my best option } 16... Qe7 17. Rf1 g6 18. Qg4 { i was thinking about f5 followed by Qf6 and than a little trapon c5 aiming for the rook on a1... but } 18... f5 19. Qf4 c5 { this is where iknew my only chance is.... enable rook a b-line and queen c-line with goodmove on Qc3... but his Bb2 with queen on black would win the game, but... } 20. bxc5 Bxc5 21. dxc5 Qxc5 { he accepts sacrifice.... rest is history } 22. Kd1 { he tries tosave rook on a1 } 22... Qc3 23. Ra2 Rb1 { and he enables mebeautifull attack on Rb1 } 24. Qg5 { and than good chance on Qc4 attackingboth undefended rooks } 24... Qc4 25. Rxf5 { no comment needed } 25... Rxf5 26. Qd8+ Rf8 27. Qd4 Rf1+ { and than usual mate in 2.... could have played Qf1 but hewould Kd2 - Rf2; Kc3 and he would avoid mate and checked me on Qd8 - Kg7;Qd7 - Kh6, Qh3... it would be boring } 28. Kd2 Rf2+ 29. Kd1 Qf1# { i hopeu enyojed } 0-1

[Event "2016 CANDIDATES the Great Final"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Karjakin,S."] [Black "Caruana,F."] [Result "1-0"] 1. e4 { The game that decided the challenger of the World Chess Champion2015 Magnus Carlsen. } 1... c5 { Karjakin opens with e4,Caruana replies with Siciliandefense. } 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 { Black achieves two central pawnsagainst a single one of white,but white has more way to development } 4... Nf6 5. Nc3 { defends the e4 pawn } 5... d6 { opens the way to light square bishop } 6. Bg5 { Karjakin chooses the Richter-Rauzer Attack,a strong line } 6... e6 { ifwhite capture the knight in f6,black don't need to weaken pawns structure,byre-capturing by Queen } 7. Qd2 { White prepares to castle } 7... a6 { defends theb5 square,attacked by two knights and light square bishop } 8. O-O-O { white,castling,controlsvery well the d column } 8... Bd7 { develops the bishop } 9. f4 { press on the centre } 9... h6 { most played b5,but Caruana attacks the bishop to make white losinga tempo } 10. Bh4 { recedes,it's not advantageous here the change } 10... b5 11. Bxf6 { Now the change is suitable,and black castling is not very safe } 11... gxf6 { Caruana captures not by queen,to prevent 12.e5 dxe5 13.Ndb5 thatthreat mate by queen in d7 } 12. f5 { press again to open the centre } 12... Qb6 13. fxe6 fxe6 14. Nxc6 { White exchanging the Knights prevents queens exchange,sinceblack King would be strong and more safe without white queen } 14... Qxc6 { alsoplayable,I think,14.Bxc6 } 15. Bd3 { white develops } 15... h5 { threatens Bh6,thatpins the queen on the same diagonal of the King } 16. Kb1 { King preventsit } 16... b4 { black attacks the Knight } 17. Ne2 { it recedes } 17... Qc5 { black defendsb pawn by queen } 18. Rhf1 { develops the rook } 18... Bh6 { Black attacks the Queen } 19. Qe1 { it moves back } 19... a5 { defends the b pawn } 20. b3 { prepares Bc4 } 20... Rg8 { attacks the g pawn } 21. g3 { white defends } 21... Ke7 { black king acts now,defendingtwo pawns } 22. Bc4 { attacks e6 and open the d column for the rook } 22... Be3 { bishop occupies the same diagonal of his queen } 23. Rf3 { Here also goodNf4,I think } 23... Rg4 { black activates the rook } 24. Qf1 { attacks the f pawn } 24... Rf8 { black defends } 25. Nf4 { closes the way to black bishop } 25... Bxf4 { takesthe knight } 26. Rxf4 { takes back } 26... a4 { pushes to the king } 27. bxa4 { whitetakes } 27... Bxa4 { black takes back } 28. Qd3 { prepares an attack on d6 and putthe queen on the diagonal that includes h7 } 28... Bc6 29. Bb3 Rg5 { tries to prevente5 } 30. e5 { but Karjakin advances anyway with e pawn } 30... Rxe5 { black takes } 31. Rc4 { threat the queen } 31... Rd5 { black threat the queen too } 32. Qe2 { movesback } 32... Qb6 { And black do the same } 33. Rh4 { double attack on the rock andon the h pawn } 33... Re5 { attacks the queen } 34. Qd3 { press again on the d column } 34... Bg2 { black defends moving the bishop. Now it was possible a check in h7by the queen?Black would reply Rf7,white Qg6 that attacks the h pawn alreadyattacked by the rook in h4,but black could defends it by bishop in f3,alsoattacking the white rook. } 35. Rd4 { then white moves his rook in d column,pressingmore and more } 35... d5 { black cannot defend putting the other rock in d8,sincewhite would go in a dangerous check by queen in h7,so blocks the way advancingthe pawn } 36. Qd2 { attacks the bishop and the b pawn at once } 36... Re4 { blackcannot defend the pawn,so think to save the bishop.Here if the white queencaptures the bishop,black would capture the rook in d4.Caruana at thattime of the game had only 5 minutes time,and could not see next move ofwhite... } 37. Rxd5 { 37.Rxd5!!! A sacrifice that leads to win } 37... exd5 { blacktakes } 38. Qxd5 { and d column has been finally conquered by white. Whitethreat now mate in d7. If 38...Rd8 39.Qf7# If 38... Qe6 39.Qb7+ } 38... Qc7 { Caruana chooses Qc7.It seems good,but next move give no chances to black } 39. Qf5 { threat a check by queen in h7,followed by capture of the blackqueen } 39... Rf7 { defends by rook } 40. Bxf7 { white captures the rook } 40... Qe5 { Caruana,corneredby time and position,tried a last desperate defense } 41. Rd7+ { no problemto Karjakin finding this move } 41... Kf8 { forced move } 42. Rd8+ { if 42...Kxf743.Qh7+ Ke6 44.Qd7# 1-0 Caruana resigned } 1-0

[Event "- - The Stone Wall Project - -"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.06.24"] [Round "-"] [White "x-machine"] [Black "pawnstar2010"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1426"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<7d"] [WhiteElo "1502"] 1. d4 { Another game from the stonewall project. The game begins at turn9 } 1... d5 2. e3 Nf6 3. Bd3 e6 4. Nd2 Be7 5. f4 c5 6. c3 O-O 7. Ngf3 c4 8. Bc2 Nc6 9. O-O { White castles, tucking his king away and activating hisrook. A common move in this tournament. } 9... Ng4 { I plagerised this move fromanother game in this project. It threatens Nxe3, forking White's queenand rook, but it also allows f5 to inhibit whites control of the b1 -h7 diagonal. } 10. Qe1 f5 { White's light square bishop is less dangerous(for now) } 11. Ne5 Qc7 { Getting the queen off the back rank and protectingthe c3 knight. Ngxe5 would have been better. } 12. Nxg4 fxg4 { Black's rooknow has some room to move, but that g pawn doesn't look destined to lastlong. } 13. e4 { I think this move was made in order to free up White'sbishops. } 13... Rxf4 { I realised this was a risk opening up the kingside whileWhite has more influence there. My judgement was that Black wasn't reallyall that committed to the kingside and there might be more counterplayon the queenside. } 14. Rxf4 Qxf4 { Rook exchange. } 15. Nxc4 { White gainsa tempo on Black's queen, allowing him to reposition his knight. (And recoverhis pawn) } 15... Qf7 16. Ne3 e5 { This move seemed to do a quite a few things.it opens up the queenside to Black's light square bishop, protects g4,and sets up loads of tension in the central sqaures. I wasn't sure thatit was the best move, but it was too hard to resist - so many very differentoutcomes... } 17. exd5 exd4 18. dxc6 dxe3 { After the exchanges - White looksto have the upper hand, but black is not out of the game by a long shot.There is a lot of space available for both sides to try to take controlof. } 19. c7 { This pawn is out on its own, but any pawn in the 7th rankmust surely be treated as dangerous. } 19... Bd6 { Threatening to dispatch White'sadvanced pawn, also putting pressure on h2. } 20. Qh4 e2 { Black decidesto threaten to promote - if white's queen strays to far then it could becomea very sad end to the game. } 21. Qd8+ { This was not the move that wasanticipated - I was waiting for Qh7 } 21... Bf8 { Not wanting to exchange queens.It does however mean that both of Black's bishops and his rook are effectivelylocked away. There are also two mate threats available for Black if whitemakes a poor move. } 22. Bd2 { That takes care of both mate threats. } 22... b6 { This move was made after careful consideration, and a lot of analysing.Shame White didn't follow the plan quite the same way! The plan was to23 ... Ba6, 24. Qxa8 Qf1+, 25. Rxf1 exf1=Q# } 23. Be4 { Black's trap seemseven more convincing now - the rook is lost anyway so moving the bishopwould seem natural. } 23... Ba6 { The next step in Black's foolproof plan. Surelyone of the cleverest, most devious tricks ever to be played in the historyof this game, watch out Freddy, I'm gunning for you next! } 24. Bd5 { Blackcomes crashing back to Earth. } 24... Bb7 { Better than Qxd5. } 25. Bxf7+ Kxf7 { Some compensation. } 26. Qxa8 { White deals to black's rook and sets uphis promotion } 26... Bxa8 27. c8=Q { Not looking good for black at this point! } 27... Bc5+ { Forcing White's king into the corner, could there still be a fainthope for counterplay for Black? } 28. Kh1 Be4 { The only place for the bishopwhere there is no fork for White's queen. } 29. Qxg4 Bc6 { There is no chancefor black now, but if there were it would be on this diagonal. } 30. Qxe2 g6 { h3 seems white's only chance for a mate. It is too far away though } 31. Bh6 Kf6 32. Rf1+ Bf2 33. Rxf2+ Bf3 34. Rxf3# { The final blow } 1-0

[Event "Challenge from kissedbyfate"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.05.20"] [Round "-"] [White "kissedbyfate"] [Black "freefallife"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1212"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1200"] 1. d4 { Queen's pawn game. I prefer this move myself when playing white } 1... d5 2. c3 { A strange and slightly passive move by white here. Transposesthe game into the queens pawn variation of the Saragossa Opening, a ratheruncommon opening. } 2... c5 { Black attacks whites central d pawn. } 3. Nf3 { Defendingthe d pawn and developing. Good move. } 3... Nc6 { Black develops his knight aswell eqalizing the fight for the center } 4. Qa4 { White violates on of thebasic opening principles by moving her queen out early. There is no strategicor tactical benefit for this opening violation } 4... Bd7 { Black takes advantageof whites dubious queen advance and sets up a discovered attack on thewhite queen. White should now retreat the queen with a move like Qc2 } 5. e4 { e4 allows black to take advantage of the discovery on the queen... } 5... Nxd4 { Whites response here should be Qd1 } 6. Bb5 { Bb5?? Hangs the bishopby moving it right into the line of fire from both black's knight and Bishop. } 6... Nxb5 { Here, again, a possible discovered attack on the white queen. Whiteneeds to retreat her. Qc2 here is a good move } 7. g4 { Dont have a cluewhat this move was really for...ignores the discovered attack that looms... } 7... Nxc3 { Black's knight gets another 'free' move and takes another pawn. Thequeen now under a double attack has to find a safe place to run. Qc2, onceagain will accomplish this. } 8. Qa5 { Ouch...hangs the white queen... } 8... Qxa5 { white loses the queen. Black now has a discoverd check, and a threat onthe previously advanced pawn on g4 } 9. Nxc3 { White takes the knight, butpins her own. Black will be able to take advantage of this next move... } 9... d4 { d4...attacks the pinned knight on c3 } 10. h4 { hangs the pawn on g4 } 10... Bxg4 11. Ne5 { attacking the bishop } 11... Nf6 { Black defends the bishop, butis eyeing the undefended pawn on e4. The pawn on e4 looks defended, butit's defender is pinned... } 12. Bg5 { attacks the knight on f6, but hangsthe pawn on e4 } 12... Nxe4 { Leaves the bishop but black is a queen and 4 pawnsahead and can afford to give back a bit of material for positional play.Black now triple attacks the pinned knight on c3 } 13. O-O { White finalyunpins the knight, but is a little late... } 13... Nxc3 14. Nxg4 Ne2+ { Black needsto save his knight... } 15. Kg2 Qb6 { Really, Im just trying to get my queento the other side of the d and c pawns, but Im doing so with threats alongthe way. Qb6 fits into that plan and threatens the pawn on b2 as well asa check on c6 } 16. Rfe1 { attacks the knight.. } 16... Qc6+ { Black continueshis plan, with check this time... } 17. f3 { white blocks the check, butpins one of her few remaining pieces... } 17... d3 { defends the knight and makesroom for Nd4, going after that pinned pawn... } 18. Rad1 { attacks the dpawn... } 18... c4 { defends the passed d pawn. Blacks far advance connected pawnsare going to be a problem for white... } 19. b4 { Gives black another passedpawn..Thanks!! } 19... Nd4 { eyeing the f pawn... } 20. Re3 { white sees the threatand defends...good one! } 20... e6 { Black wants to get his last piece out. Thethreat now is Bxb4 } 21. Rd2 { whie misses the discovered attack and hangsthe pawn on b4 } 21... Bxb4 { Attacking the rook now... } 22. Rb2 Qd6 { defends thebishop and places the queen behind the passed pawn that is no unstoppablewithout further sacrifice from white... } 23. h5 { White is out of ideas?Nf2 can bring some help over to defend against the passer. Re4 would openthe bishops defence of the d2 square... } 23... d2 { Black takes advantage of hispassed pawn. whites limited responses include Rb1 and Nf2 to attempt astop... } 24. Re4 { gives black another queen...thanks! } 24... d1=Q 25. Kh3 { white,possibly giving up? Moves into a mate in 2... } 25... Qxf3+ 26. Kh4 Nf5# 0-1

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "01-Mar-09"] [Round "-"] [White "georgerusu79"] [Black "spontex"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1390"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1495"] 1. e4 { Lately I have watched dmisra with a few exciting games startingwith king's gambit. Although my impression is that the output of a gamelike this is often determined by mistakes, I have decided to try a fewmyself. I think this is the first I have succeded. } 1... e5 2. f4 exf4 { fewcan resist the temptation of a free pawn. } 3. Nf3 { the usual, protectingQh4 } 3... Bc5 4. Bc4 { Attacking f7 } 4... d6 5. d4 { preparing for the castle } 5... Bb4+ { I think this was his main mistake } 6. c3 Be6 { Good move. I thought atthis point that I would carry out with the usual 'kill all' game. } 7. Bxe6 fxe6 8. cxb4 { And so I did } 8... g5 { But than, instead of preparing a queenside castle, he wide opened his king's side. } 9. O-O { Preparing for thebishop's sacrifice } 9... Nf6 { Hope? Despair? I didn't understand this move. } 10. Nxg5 { Proceed with my plan, except that I didn't think at the sacrificeanymore. } 10... d5 { Another help from him. What would I have done if he wouldhave chosed to brink out his knight? } 11. e5 Nfd7 { Well, the knight isthere alright, but not the right one. } 12. Qh5+ { So, what do you think? } 1-0

[Event "Challenge from rtaylor7796"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.04.23"] [Round "-"] [White "rtaylor7796"] [Black "bobdoleeatsfood"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1543"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1534"] 1. e4 { I challenged bobdoleeatsfood in this game who I had previously lost2 times too. I have been playing chess for a almost a 1 year and 4 months,and I feel playing people who know the game of chess is the only way toimprove upon my play. King pawn opening for me. Feel free to comment, andlet me know if I make a mistake with my annotation or bad moves in my gameplay. } 1... e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 { Giuoco Piano straight out of the book. } 4. d3 Nf6 5. Bd2 { Bg5 is the text book move, but I wanted to developemy bishop to where I could use it to attack either side of the board. Iam fairly new to this sport, so I do not know if this is a strong move. } 5... O-O 6. Nc3 d6 7. Qe2 { I plan to push my g and h pawns to his king. Iwill be ready to attack after O-O-O. } 7... Bg4 8. h3 { I feel black Bg4 is awasted tempo move, but I'm sure he has motive for this I just do not seewhat it is. } 8... Be6 9. Bxe6 { I have to trade this piece I had no place toput my bishop. If 9.Bb5, a7, 10.Bxc6 where black would follow with withbxc6 opening the b file for an attack on my queen side which would be badfor a O-O-O. I think I annotated all of those moves right. } 9... fxe6 { cxe6weakens the pawn protection for his king but also opens the f file forrook. } 10. O-O-O Qd7 11. g4 { Now I will start to push my pawns. } 11... Rfb8 12. Rdg1 b5 { Just as I expected with my O-O-O. } 13. h4 a5 14. g5 Ne8 15. h5 a4 16. Qf1 { This may not have been the best move, but I need someplaceto put my knight when black plays b4. I am starting to feel the pressureof blacks attack and definitely feel he has the upper hand and I am nowin defense mode. } 16... b4 17. Ne2 b3 18. a3 bxc2 19. Kxc2 Rb3 20. Bc3 { My onlydefense for what is to come with a both rooks on the b file. Now I knowhe will start to push his pawns on the d and e files. } 20... d5 21. exd5 exd5 { I thought he would have taken this with his queen. I like this betterI can start to see where I might be able to work an attack now. I thinkthe queen would have been crippling on d5 challenging my knight on f3. } 22. Nxe5 { I have to break up these pawns before they challenge my bishopon c3. } 22... Nxe5 23. Bxe5 Bd6 24. Bc3 Qc6 25. Nd4 { Got him, I am starting tofeel the pressure relieve I know we will exchange some pieces here, butI intend on removing the pressure on my king. } 25... Rxc3+ { I did not expectthis move. I can see the light now. After 26.bxc3 I will start my attack. } 26. bxc3 Qb6 27. Qg2 Bxa3 { Exactly as I expected. I am not real threatenedby this though. He will be able to put me in check a few times and eatup a pawn or two if he wants, but I clearly have the advantage. I think??? } 28. Qxd5+ Kh8 { I don't know if he did not see this or did not think itto be very threatening, but now 29.Qxa8 and locking down the knight. } 29. Qxa8 { Black resigned at this point. I know black will comment on thisgame, and I would like to see what he says. Perspectives are always differentand I do not have that much experience. So I might not have seen the potentialcombination that he was setting up. I know I got the win though, and Ifeel it was against a better player that I. } 1-0

[Event "ICC game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Me"] [Black "Someone else"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1360"] [TimeControl "5 min blitz"] [WhiteElo "1378"] { Just a quick game played on ICC. There is an interesting opening followedby some fun. } 1. e4 { Always. Always 1. e4 } 1... c6 { Caro-Kann } 2. Ne2 { Myown personal favorite, having experimented with the advance variation,with the Panov-Botvinnik attack, and even 2. Nf3 d5 3. Nc3!? } 2... d5 3. e5 { Just like the standard advance variation. } 3... Bf5 { To stop e6, a pawn sacrificethat can powerfully shut down the queenside and open up the h5-e8 diagonalin many situations. This is the most common move. } 4. Ng3 { Ok. White'sidea is to keep the f-pawn open. One idea for white that I did not followis: 4. Nd4!? Bg6 5. f4 e6 6. g4 h7 (Be4? 7. Rg1 with d3 to come) and thequestion becomes whether the e6 breakthrough will be worth the troubleof the knight being kicked with a timely c5. Alternatively trying forthe pawn sacrifice with 5. e5!? is somewhat less convincing because thebishop controls the diagonal to the king and has moved out of the queenside. Furthermore, the knight on d4 hinders the often useful control of e5 forwhite, making the counter-sac or potentially supported push e5 desirableand freeing at some point. } 4... Bg6 { The only consistent response. } 5. f4 { 5.e4 puts us right back in more mainline channels. 5. e6 was possible, withd4 to follow. It seems far less convincing here because, again, the bishopis not hindered and covers the important kingside light-squares. } 5... e6 { Not5...h7?! 6. f5! Bh7 7. e6 fxe6? 8. Qh5+ (8. fxe6!?) Kd7 (8...g6 9. fxg6Nf6? 10. g7+!, winning a rook) 9. fxe6+, where black's King will find itselfin a good deal of trouble. } 6. d4 { Now, white sees that it is most correctto insist on classical lines of play. } 6... h6 { ? Black has already taken precautionsto safeguard his bishop (5...e6). This loses crucial time. Instead, 6...Nd7or 6...c5 look to be dynamically equal for black. } 7. Bd3 { White is happyto trade off black's 'bad' bishop for his good one, as this will win himtime. The DSB is outside the pawn chain anyway, and has moved twice already,not counting the h6 move that made more space for him. Thematic and good. } 7... Bxd3 8. Qxd3 Bb4+ { ? A very bad move. Black's idea was to get this bishopout with time, possibly finding some squares of activity on the queensidebefore c3 removes all of its options except e7. However, this move canstill be answered by... } 9. c3 { Obvious and good. This move stops blackfrom winning time and asks it where it's going. } 9... Ba5 { ?! Stubbornly consistentand bad. We shall see that black's bishop was sorely missed from the kingside. Relatively best was 9...Be7, but white's space and time advantages shouldgive him a good edge. } 10. O-O { It's certainly possible for white to keephis options open with a move like 10. Be3, preparing a queenside castle. Nevertheless, this move aims to quickly punish black for his sloth inthe opening. } 10... Ne7 { ? More mistakes. I think black was forced to play10...g6 here, with an obviously grim defensive task in store. White shouldprobably just mobilize his forces with Be3 and Nd2 after g6, hoping toexploit the weak dark squares later. } 11. f5 { White, ahead in king safety,space, and development, looks to bust things open. Obvious and good. } 11... exf5 { ?! The f-file is coming open no matter what, but maybe this was black'slast chance to castle. White should then refrain from fxe6, and insteaddevelop his back rank. Here, white just has too much play, and the blackking too few defenders. } 12. Nxf5 O-O { ? Black is probably losing on anymove, but this is convincingly crushed immediately. On 12...Nxf5 13. Nxf50-0, white has the strong rook lift with Rf3 or Qh5 and Bxh6 in store. If white stays in the center with his king, say 13...Qe7, White can justmarshall his pieces for a timely e6. Even Re1 immediately (not waitingto slide the a-rook over) looks strong. } 13. Bxh6 { Owch. } 13... gxh6 { Well,what else was there to try? 13...Nxf5 14. Rxf5 gxh6? 15. Qg3+ Followedby Rf6 and (if necessary) Qh4. And if not gxh6, white has comfortablywon a pawn that defends black's exposed king. } 14. Nxh6+ Kh8 { 14...Kg7is harder to crack, but with the black king so exposed, white has all thetime in the world and may even just consider Nf5+ followed by Rf3 (Nxf5?Rxf5!). } 15. Qh3 { Also convincing is Nf7+, not only winning the exchangebut also bringing White's rook to the powerful seventh rank. } 15... Ng6 { Whatelse can black try? This at least hopes to interpose Qh4. } 16. Rf6 { Highlightingblack's helplessness. Nxf7++ also wins; the queen cannot interpose asthe knight is also checking. The text stops black from entertaining anyhopes of f6, and also blocks the black queen's defense. } 16... Kg7 { On any queenmove (to avoid the fork), black falls on his sword by Nxf7++ and Qh8(6)mate. } 17. Nf5+ { Ruthless. } 17... Kg8 18. Qh6 { Black is helpless. 1-0. } 1-0

[Event "Puzzle-like tactics"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2016.01.04"] [Round "-"] [White "svsmani"] [Black "damafi"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1413"] [TimeControl "5|5"] [WhiteElo "1359"] { Hi, this is a curious blitz I played recently. My opponent resigned, butI felt I had a little 'genius-like' move. You may decide and say if itwas sound or not. } 1. d4 Nf6 2. e3 d6 { The idea is to play the Budapestanyway, with e5, and if dxe5, Ng4, exd6, Bxd6, with some developement forthe pawn. } 3. Nf3 e5 { I'll be able to throw in the Q's exchange... maybejust a plain mistake. } 4. Bd3 { But my opponent blundered like this! } 4... e4 5. O-O { Good. At least, I'll spend a tempo for the piece. } 5... exd3 6. Qxd3 g6 { ? d5 was necessary. Ne5 is less dangerous than c4, Nc3... } 7. b3 { Normally,if I plan to castle, my B will be defended, and his won't. So the oppositefianchettoes - as a general principle - are stronger when the K is castledand the B defended. Otherwise, they can be a weakness. } 7... Bg7 8. Bb2 d5 { Finally I 'saw' that this move was dued, but now maybe now. Anyway, whitewas too shy in not taking advantage of e4 at once, and I had to put somethingin the way. } 9. Nbd2 { It's true I'm not developing, but I have no hurrysince white's has to define his choices for me to react adequately. I didn'twant to compromise myself to some Nc6, Qb5 or things like that. } 9... Qe7 { Ifurther secured e4, confident in being able to castle the next move orso. } 10. Ne5 { It's ok, nothing to worry about - still. } 10... Nbd7 { If he exchanges,I free my lsb. If he doesn't, I'll have still time to castle. } 11. c4 { White got aggressive, finally. This is a nice move, intending to openthe c column... white is playing very well. } 11... c6 { The plan will be likethat: } 12. cxd5 Nxd5 { Now, my N has nices outposts on b5 (with care),or f4 - in case of e4. } 13. Nxd7 Bxd7 { White 'must' play e4 now... } 14. e4 { Ah! } 14... Nb4 { If Ba6, NxQ, BxQ, KxB. } 15. Qc4 { Difficult to see a a mistake.The Q has only f,g,h3 to go. } 15... Be6 { WQ is not trapped, but... } 16. Qc3 c5 { This is a very nasty move, in my view and if I am not omitting something. } 17. Ba3 { ? but it was not easy for white to untangle himself. Qc1 musthave been taken into consideration, despite the ugly look. } 17... Bxd4 18. Bxb4 { ?? Overwhelmed by surprise, white further blunders. } 18... Bxc3 19. Bxc3 O-O { Now, despite the material advantage, as usual, I just 'felt' I had a single,logical way to proceed. And maybe I was wrong. } 20. Rad1 b5 { ...a pawn'sstorm, supported by my Q and B, not to mention the Ra8 behind . A 'gimme'. } 21. Rfe1 { What else? } 21... a5 22. Nf3 { Still nothing dangerous. I can go on. } 22... b4 23. Bb2 { ? Be5, threatening Bd6 was much better. Not because on disadvantageyou shouldn't threat the most with your pieces, } 23... a4 { White's central powergets undermined on the flanks. White was probably very surprised not toseeing my heavy pieces standing still. } 24. Ne5 { Now, the threat is: ifI move Be6, Rd7 will be annoying. But I need my B for my attack on white'sb3. Don't I? } 24... axb3 25. axb3 Ra2 { Let's try like this. } 26. Ba1 Bxb3 { Itseems a mistake, because it allows the annoying Rd7, but Black (me) hada response that practically seals the game for him. } 27. Rd7 { As predicted.Now: what would have been black's 'master-like' move? If RxBha1, whiteis forced to retake RxR, after which QxNe5 seals white's fate. But I was'even farther' than that, with this '!?' move. } 27... Qf6 { Was it correct? Itadds to the before threats Qxf2+ and mate. } 28. f4 { Very well, almostthe only answer. } 28... Qxf4 { The threat persists. } 29. Rf1 { Now is temptingQe6+, Kh1, Qe2, Rg1, but then I had no more fork. } 29... Rxa1 { ...like this one.White has to take, or mate. } 30. Rxa1 Qxe5 { ...and black wins for freethe N, with overwhelming material advantage, that made white resign, honourably. } 0-1

[Event "?, New York"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "1963.??.??"] [Round "-"] [White "Fischer,Robert J"] [Black "Bisguier,Arthur"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1200"] [TimeControl "?"] [WhiteElo "1200"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Na5 6. Bb5+ c6 7. dxc6 bxc6 8. Be2 h6 9. Nh3 { Stienitz played this against Tchigorin in 1891 andlost, since then no one else tried it until this game. } 9... Bc5 10. O-O { FollowingSteinitz- Tchigorin , 1892, 6th game of their second match. 10 d3 is probablybetter } 10... O-O 11. d3 Bxh3 { Bisguier takes up the challenge. The Steinitz-Tchigoringame went 11...Nd5. } 12. gxh3 Qd7 13. Bf3 Qxh3 { Material is now even. Fischer believes his bishop pair gives him the advantage. } 14. Nd2 Rad8 { if 14...e4? 15 Nxe4 Nxe4 16 Bxe4 Bd6 17 f4 (Fischer) } 15. Bg2 { Forcingthe queen off the h file. } 15... Qf5 16. Qe1 Rfe8 17. Ne4 Bb6 18. Nxf6+ Qxf6 19. Kh1 c5 { Better according to Fischer would be 19 ... g5 preventing thef4 break. } 20. Qc3 { Supports f4 and stops ...g5. Fischer remarks thatthe Black bishop is no more than a big pawn for the rest of the game. } 20... Nc6 { If 20 ...g5?, then 21 f4! (Fischer) } 21. f4 Nd4 22. Qc4 { Making wayfor c3 to drive the Black knight away. } 22... Qg6 { With the idea, ...Qh5 followedby ...Nf5. } 23. c3 Nf5 24. fxe5 Rxe5 25. Bf4 Re2 26. Be4 Rxb2 { A mistake. Best was 26 ... Re8 threatening ...R8xe4 (Fischer) } 27. Be5 Re8 28. Rxf5 Rxe5 29. Rxe5 1-0

[Event "A very short (almost a) gem"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2017.08.07"] [Round "-"] [White "panjunxuan2008"] [Black "damafi"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1474"] [TimeControl "300+5"] [WhiteElo "1560"] { Chess is all about exploit advantages to attack... whenever your opponentlets you! Sometimes, the Caissa inspiration helps me against a strongeropponent. } 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. e3 c5 4. c4 { I have to confess that Iam at loss, since I nevery play this kind of game (very usual) with whitepieces. So I was improvising, trying not to fall in stupid tricks. } 4... cxd4 5. exd4 Bb4+ { This is much more I use to play! In my beloved Budapes, though,I have no central pawns, with lots of useful lines for attack. } 6. Nc3 Ne4 { Even better. I make pressure on white, and force him into my game. } 7. Bd2 { I can choose: NxB is ok if I want to save my own dsb, but I canalso exchange it for the N in order to clear some ways. } 7... d5 { This couldhave been a mistake. Now white can take NxN, and I almost lose a piece.dxN (if BxN+, NxB and I am a piece under!), BxB, exNe3, Qxe3. } 8. cxd5 { My opponent chooses to free the way for his lsb to b5. } 8... exd5 9. Ne5 { Wellplayed, since it makes Bb5+ more dangerous. } 9... Bxc3 { I saw a way to revertthe possible pressure. White could have tried Nxf7, with known and uncertainresults. I'll threat first. } 10. Bxc3 Qf6 { White is forced to care forf2, and if he does properly, the game will come out even enough to be longand drawn. } 11. f3 { ?? but if he helps me like this, he makes me thinkI know how to play this game, which is not true. } 11... Qh4+ 12. Ke2 { If g3,Nxg3, of course. Not necessarily winning, but nice to play. Now the obviousone was Ng3+, winning the exchange. But... what about... } 12... Qf2+ 13. Kd3 { Ok, now I knew I could have just trapped myself into a dead way, but Ijust needed one more attacker to get mate. Which is it, and which is theonly right way to bring it in? Please, stop the video... :-D } 13... b6 { I thinkthere is nothing white can do... it was a lucky move, but I am proud ofhave found it, and also its elegance. } 14. fxe4 Ba6+ 15. Nc4 Bxc4# { IfI wanted to create such a position for a tactic excercise, I could havelost half of my life! :-) Thanks to my opp! } 0-1

[Event "Saving the day"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.10.04"] [Round "-"] [White "fortsask"] [Black "elyhim"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [BlackElo "2233"] [TimeControl "3d+2d<5d"] [WhiteElo "2203"] 1. d4 { This was one of my favoraite games that I played in the tournament.It features solid play from both sides and ebbs and flows based upon typicalclosed catalain ideas. } 1... e6 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 d5 4. Nf3 Nbd7 5. O-O Be7 6. c4 c6 7. Nbd2 O-O 8. Qc2 { this is the beginning point of the tournament.Nowadays white does not play 8. Qc2 as this tournament bares out whitehas difficulty getting any real advantage from it. Matter of fact I feelthat black has the better chances. Black has strong play on the queensideand sometimes along the c-file if it ever opens up. This openning ischaracteristic of closed positions in that it features sutble manouversthat slowly build up over time. } 8... b5 { Black has other alternatives butthis one is by far the most active. I like it because the follow up a5-a4can create some serious problems for white if he does not meet it correctly. } 9. c5 { Cxb5 is also playable for white but 9. C5 has the advantage ofa slight plus in space and making black feel cramped in this position whiteenjoys a slight plus. With 9. Cxb5 cxb5 chances are equal. } 9... h6 { !? a bitoff tempo and not provoked. Better is 9. ...A5 with a double edged game. } 10. a3 { this is kind of a preventive move that discourages a b5-b4 thrustthat is a typical black sorte. } 10... a5 11. Re1 { supporting a e4 thrust. } 11... Re8 { ? not the best move for me as it deprives me of blacks main manouveragainst e4-e5 which is Ne8-Nc7. the best way to keep the whtie e4 thrustin check was 11...Bb7. } 12. e4 { I am running into a bit of a space issue.my problem is that I do not have any good developing squares for my peices.So the up coming 13. E5 is very good for white and sets me on my heelsa bit. In such positions where you are cramped it is easy to go array.The best way to handle the cramping feeling is to exchange peices withoutcreating pawn weaknesses. } 12... Qc7 { eek black is in a bit of trouble as whiteis going to have a huge central wedge. But having said that there is noopen lines for white to exploit. The key is that if your opponent has aspace advantage keep things closed because his pieces will not be ableto make use of the space. } 13. e5 Nh7 { looking for the exchange of pieceson g5 } 14. Nf1 { this knight is going to e3 and also adds influence on g5 } 14... Ng5 { I decide to go ahead with the plan to create some breathing room formy pieces at the cost of a minor pawn weakness. This has the plus of exchanginga weak knight for a stronger one. } 15. Nxg5 hxg5 { The pawn capture isa most because 15. ...Bxg5 is met with 16.Bxg5 hxg5 17.h3 f5 18.Nh2Qd8 19.Qd2 Nf8 20.Bf1 Nh7 21.Bd3 with a clear advantage for white. } 16. Be3 { ?? The knight clearly is better here. } 16... f6 { ?? an overly aggressivemove that gives white winning chances. Perhaps the quieter 16. ...Qd8is in order. } 17. Nd2 Qd8 { I played 16. ...f6 more out of instinct thanlooking at it. This causes me to loss my nerve and abandon my orgrinalidea of 16. ...f6 17. ...fxe5 with white's centre showing signs of fatigue.However, if I follow through with this plan it must work or I am dead.In the end, I decided to go for a draw and see if I can clog up the kingsideso white can not mate me. } 18. Qg6 { 17. ...f5 would have prevented 18.Qg6 but after 18. h3 white succeeds in breaking through anyway. } 18... Nf8 { Thisshores up some of the light square weaknesses around the king } 19. Qh5 f5 { this is the most stiff defence because it is easier for black to fighton the light squares of g6 and h7. Rather on the dark squares of g7 andh6. } 20. Nf3 { bring another piece into the attack. It looks as thoughg5 is going to fall but black has a unnerving defensive strategy } 20... g6 { !This is the only way to repel white's attack. Black effectively sets upa defensive pawn structure that can only broken by a piece sacrifice. } 21. Qh6 { Keeping the queen as close to the action as possible. } 21... g4 { Blackhas developed a pretty strong fortress on the kingside but it still hasmajor holes on the dark squares. } 22. Ng5 { a natural place to put theattacking knight but dispite it's annoying presence I think I can livewith it. During the game I was confident that I could hold for a draw becauseI have enough pieces on that side to counter any threat. Also to my advantageis the superior space on the king side due to my pawn structure. } 22... Qd7 { x-raying on the 7th rank. } 23. f3 { ? I am sure this is not the way forwhite to fight for a break through. 23. h3 is clearly a better alternativebecause the open h-file would work perfectly with the rooks. } 23... gxf3 24. Bxf3 Bd8 { I am going for the exchanges now to nulify the attack } 25. h4 { White thinks he has the breakthrough idea, but prehaps he himself wasnot totally convinced } 25... Qg7 { Forces the exchange of queens and ensures thedraw } 26. Qxg7+ Kxg7 27. h5 gxh5 { an agreed draw because after 28. Bxh5Ng6 there is no way white can get in } 1/2-1/2

[Event "Wirral Chess League, Division 4 Chester L v Malpas & Oswestry 2"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "19-10-2018"] [Round "-"] [White "Tony Rafferty "] [Black "Jonathan Smith"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [BlackElo "ECF92"] [TimeControl "28 in an hour + 15 mins"] [WhiteElo "ECF78"] 1. c4 { In this Division, player have to be rated ECF 100 or less or ungraded.White starts with an English opening. } 1... e5 { Black turns it into a ReversedSicilian } 2. g3 { A usual continuation. } 2... Nc6 { Black develops } 3. Bg2 { Whitecontinues the fianchetto } 3... f5 { Black seizes control of central squares.Also quite widely played, with good results. } 4. e3 { Slightly weakens thef3 square, but playable. } 4... Nf6 { Black wisely develops. } 5. Qf3 { A dreadfulblunder. White needs to continue developing knights and castling and developingBc1. It is a waste of time. The queen is very vulnerable on this square.Now 5...e5 6. Qf4 Nb4 is very strong, as is Nb4 immediately. } 5... d6 { But blackcontinues to develop. } 6. Ne2 { Suicidal! cutting of the queen's retreatis asking for trouble. } 6... h6 { Threatening 7...e4 8. Qf4 g5 winning the queen,but this is easily met. Again e5-e4 followed by Nb4 is strong, as is Nb4immediately. } 7. Nec3 { White spotted the threat and gives his queen a retreatpath. } 7... e4 { Black finally advances. } 8. Qe2 { The queen drops back. } 8... Ne7 { Again 8...Nb4 was still good, as was Ne5 eyeing the f3 and d3 squares. } 9. b3 { Protecting c4 and maybe preparing to develop Bc1. } 9... c5 { Black gainsspace in the centre. } 10. a4 { Not sure what the idea was here. } 10... d5 { Anothercentral advance. } 11. cxd5 { White takes. } 11... Nexd5 { Black find the correctway to recapture. } 12. O-O { White wisely castles. Black too, could havebeen advised to prepare castling with Be7. Nb4 is now a pssobility againtoo. } 12... b6 { But he decides to prepare to develop his Bc8. } 13. Rd1 { Whitecorrectly plans to open the centre with d2-d3, while the black king isstill in the centre - a good plan. Black could have cut across this planwith Nb4 . } 13... Bb7 { But black continues with his plan } 14. d3 { The break comes. } 14... exd3 { Black falls in with white's plans. This move can't be right. Maybe14...Qe7 is better? } 15. Rxd3 { White now has a very powerful pin on thed file. } 15... Qd7 { Black now has a lost position. 15,,,,Ba6 is probably best. } 16. e4 { White does the central break. This move is strong, but white couldhave also just picked up a piece by exploiting the pin on the d file bytaking on d5 - 16. Nxd5 Nxd5 17. Bxd5 Bxd5 18. Nc3 or 16. Nxd5 Bxd5 17.Nc3. } 16... fxe4 { White takes. } 17. Nxe4 { Black recaptures, threatening all sortsof discovered checks on the king. } 17... Qe7 { Better is 0-0-0 } 18. Nd6+ { Whitecomes in with the check. } 18... Kd8 { The king has to move. } 19. Qxe7+ { Whiteexchanges before taking the bishop. If 19. Nxb7+ Qxb7 and black is stillin the game. } 19... Bxe7 { Black finally develops his Bf8 } 20. Nxb7+ { The bishopgoes. } 20... Kc7 { The knight has no escape squares. } 21. Bxd5 { But a piece goeshere. } 21... Nxd5 { Black takes. } 22. Rxd5 { Rook takes. Now black can't capturethe knight immediately as 22....Kxb7? 23. Rd7+! and the Be7 goes, so... } 22... Bf6 { Black attacks the rook. } 23. Ra2 { Rook moves. } 23... Kxb7 { Knight goes. } 24. Re2 { Rook develops. } 24... Rad8 { Black challenges the rook. } 25. Nc3 { Whitethrows away all his hard work! } 25... Bxc3 { Knight goes. } 26. Rxd8 { Rook takes. } 26... Rxd8 { Rook takes back, with the threat of Rd1+ winning the Bc1. } 27. Kg2 { And draw agreed.... } 1/2-1/2

[Event "Top Mini Tournament Players Invitational"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "20-Dec-06"] [Round "-"] [White "tag1153"] [Black "dutch12"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1598"] [TimeControl "3d+1d, 5d max"] [WhiteElo "1490"] { Here's a game I recently completed vs dutch12. I believe that it showshow continued pressure against an enemy weakness can be exploited for along time, allowing a slow moving, but steady attack against the isolatedenemy king. Enjoy:) } 1. d4 { As usual, my standard. } 1... d5 { Nf6 is also veryplayable. } 2. Nf3 { Ive been playing around with this move, as it allowsa transposition into the QGA (one of my standards) while also preparing0-0 a little faster than the 'normal' response of 2. c4. } 2... f5 { Here, thefirst thought I had was that my opponent's name was very fitting. I cantell that he plans to dominate e4 and that Nf6 is coming very soon. I mustadmit, at this point I was a little concerned. My opponent is strongerthan I, and I am now out of my 'book'. } 3. Bf4 { Developing my dark squaredbishop in such a way that I can play e3. I really don't have a sense ofwhere this game is going yet, but realize that maintaining my lead in developmentshould be one of my priorities. } 3... e6 { ?! I really expected Nf6. While itis still very early, start keeping an eye on black's light squared bishop.It is very weak, and needs to be exploited. } 4. e3 { I also considered Nbd2,with the idea of playing Rc1 and then pushing my c pawn. I opted for e3,however, as it hastens castling. } 4... Bd6 { Black finally develops a piece,and begs me to exchange it off. As my own dark squared bishop is somewhatthreatened by an aggressive (yet risky) play of g5, I opt to oblige him.In doing so, black is faced with the decision of re-taking with his queenor c pawn, and either way his resulting position will be somewhat unbalanced. } 5. Bxd6 Qxd6 { He chooses to re-take with his queen. It is here that I realizethat the c5 square is potentially very weak, as he can play Nd7 followedby a very strong c5! } 6. a3 { This move accomplishes 2 things - it preventsQb4 (threatening b2) and also prepares the threat of playing b4. } 6... c6 { ?Not sure what he was planning here. I assumed he would develop a piece- either Nf6, Nd7, or Bd7. I see this move as accomplishing more for methan for him, as his Nb8 is restricted even further. } 7. c4 { Ok - timeto start forcing black into making some tough decisions. If he takes, thenI develop my light squared bishop with some aggressive tempo. If he doesn'ttake, I can play c5 (which locks the pawns up and gives me a space advantageon the queenside). } 7... Nf6 { Finally! The e4 square is a very aggressive post,and I know he wants to get this knight there. } 8. c5 { Hello space advantage:) } 8... Qe7 { I think a retreat to c7 was stronger, as Qa5 is a move that I wouldhave to deal with. By making this more passive move, black is allowingme to continue to be the aggressor. } 9. Nc3 { A developing move which hitshis destination square of e4. } 9... Nbd7 { I can see him wanting to get developed,but this move even further restricts his light squared bishop. Maybe heintends to play b6? I think 0-0 may have been a stronger play. } 10. Bd3 { Another developing move which hits e4. Now I envision 0-0 for myself withthe plan of starting an attack. Where? I have no idea, but I will havea strong lead in development which I can use aggressively. } 10... O-O { Blacksecures his king, and obviously wants to start raising Cain on the kingside. } 11. b4 { ? I guess I just wanted to secure my domination of the queenside.0-0 was probably a better play though. } 11... a6 { Black is apparently more concernedwith my potential queenside domination than he is with his own development.The weakness of his light squared bishop is now foremost in my mind. } 12. a4 { a5 is where this guy needs to be! If I can TOTALLY lock down the queenside,then I can play 0-0-0 to secure my own king and have counterplay againsthis kingside attack which I can just feel is coming. } 12... Ne4 { Black decidesit's time to post that knight. I have two options to take it if I like,but as it is not really threatening anything I can't handle, I feel thatit is better to just protect my Nc6 with Qc2 (which hits e4 again) andwill allow 0-0-0 as I mentioned. } 13. Qc2 Qf6 { Man, his light squared bishop(and by extension, his Ra8) sure are weak! } 14. Nd2 { I figure a fourthhit on e4 can't be all bad, and playing f4 if he allows it will be strong. } 14... g5 { Here comes the attack. While my intended f4 is now not feasible, Isee an even better option. Kick out his Ne4 and I can have a lot of ammopointed towards his king. } 15. f3 Nxc3 { Practically forced. } 16. Qxc3 Qg6 { While it is obvious this move was intended to create a square for hisknight to move to, it also creates a pin of his f pawn against his queen. } 17. e4 { ! Threatening e5! and also pressuring the pin I just mentioned.The risk, however, is that my kingside can be weakened. I really want toplay 0-0-0 SOON! } 17... fxe4 { He bites..... } 18. fxe4 Qh5 { Escaping the pin andpreventing my 0-0-0, but it allows............. } 19. e5 { ! Black's problemchild, his light squared bishop, is all but worthless. It will take foreverto develop it to a useful square now. } 19... Rf7 { Again, trying to find a placefor his knight. } 20. Be2 { Time to prepare for 0-0-0, while throwing ina nice little queen attack as well. } 20... Qh6 { Escaping the attack of the bishop,but walking into........... } 21. Qe3 { Another ugly pin that he must dealwith. } 21... Nf8 { Black now hopes to get his knight into play via g6. } 22. Nf3 { Threatening to win the g pawn after Qxg, QxQ, NxQ. } 22... Rf4 { ! Black findsan interesting interposition. If he can play Re4 he may have some seriousthreats. } 23. g3 { I took a while on this move. I realized after much thoughtthat I had no real fear of him playing Re4, as it could be easily sidestepped. } 23... Re4 24. Qd2 { Notice that the pin is still effective. } 24... Rg4 { A seeminglystrong move which protects his weakened 'isolated' pawn. } 25. O-O-O { Finally!Now I have some resources to get moving on the kingside. } 25... Qg7 { Solvingthe problem of the 'isolated' pawn. } 26. Rdg1 { ! Realizing a 5-3 pieceadvantage on the kingside, I prepare to launch an overwhelming attack.Notice that this was the correct rook to place on g1, as the other willbe need on the h file. } 26... h6 { ? This just weakens black's position. Betterwas Ng6. } 27. h4 { !! take a minute and look at the capturing possibilitiesin this position should he play gxh. } 27... Ng6 { Too little too late. No matterwhat, white will come out on top after the carnage of the next few moves. } 28. hxg5 hxg5 29. Nxg5 Rxg5 30. Qxg5 { Black is now seriously on the ropes. } 30... Ne7 { Following general theory, white starts eliminating pieces while hehas the advantage. } 31. Qxg7+ Kxg7 32. g4 { ! Preventing Nf5, which couldcause serious headaches for white. } 32... Bd7 { 32 moves into the game and blackfinally moves his light squared bishop. Notice that it still isn't doingmuch however. Black must get his Ra8 into the mix if he is to have anychance of achieving at least a draw. } 33. Bd3 { Still somewhat concernedabout blacks knight, white begs him to move to g6. } 33... Ng6 { Thank you! } 34. Bxg6 Kxg6 35. Rf1 { This move achieves almost total control of the areasaround the enemy king. } 35... Rg8 { I guess black wanted to try to get to my gpawn eventually, but he has no time to do so. } 36. Rf6+ Kg7 { Kg5 may havebought a little more time. Now it is just a matter of technique. } 37. Rhf1 Bc8 { Black is overly concerned with the protection of his e pawn. Be8 wasbetter. } 38. Rf7+ { The check is just gravy - my goal is to get the blackking away from f8. } 38... Kg6 39. Rf8 Kg7 40. R1f7+ { While I can't mate him rightthis instant, I can win the bishop. } 40... Kh8 41. Rxg8+ Kxg8 42. Rc7 { And adagger through the heart of the problem bishop. Fitting, as it caused somany problems for black this game. I feel this game shows how a singularweakness on the part of your opponent can be repeatedly attacked and reinforcedin such a way that strong mating attacks will eventually come to life.I hope you have enjoyed:) - Thomas } 1-0

[Event "Brilliant queen sacrifice(MUST SEE)"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014.06.22"] [Round "-"] [White "alexalma"] [Black "richardevans"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1336"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1541"] { A good game I just wanted to show everyone. Thank you for viewing thegame or commenting. Please comment observations, ideas, or mistakes. ComputerAnalysis if wanted: http://gameknot.com/analyze-board.pl?bd=21430090&rnd=0.5218313708901405 } 1. d4 g6 2. c4 { I like to open up d4 c4 during the majority of my gamesregardless of the response. } 2... Bg7 { developing his bishop } 3. Nc3 { knightdeveloped } 3... Nf6 { he develops knight } 4. Nf3 { i develop second knight } 4... O-O { he castles early on } 5. Bg5 { i threaten to pin his knight if he pushesthe e pawn } 5... c6 6. e3 { open up my bishop } 6... Na6 { interesting. Personally wouldnthave played c6 and would have played Nc6 last move } 7. Bd3 { develop mylast piece and prepare to castle } 7... d5 { trys to get some control of the center } 8. cxd5 Nxd5 { i take, he takes } 9. O-O { I finally castle } 9... f6 { he attacksmy bishop } 10. Bh4 { i move back } 10... Nac7 { he defends his knight? } 11. Qb3 { pin the knight } 11... Be6 { he unpins the knight } 12. Bc4 { should have takenb7 } 12... b5 { and he defends the free pawn } 13. Bxd5 cxd5 { ?? should have takenwith the bishop or knight. Now loses a pawn } 14. Nxb5 { I take the freepawn } 14... Rb8 { Oh no... Decision time. Allow for myself to lose the knightor should I play risky and go all out } 15. Nxc7 { ! His pieces are alignedfor me to somehow get a material advantage } 15... Rxb3 { Of course he takes thequeen } 16. Nxe6 { I take the bishop and now his queen and both rooks arebeing attacked } 16... Qb6 { Removes his queen from the attack but should haveplayed Qc8 which would have won my knight } 17. Nxf8 { I take this rook forthe maximum advantage. Taking the other rook he takes my knight and itsa drawn game in terms of points } 17... Rxb2 { He must move his rook out of danger } 18. Nd7 { Only safe spot } 18... Qb5 { He attacks my knight but.. } 19. Nc5 { im safeand +2 } 19... Qb8 20. Bg3 { I attack his queen and have all my pieces safe } 20... Qc8 { he moves } 21. h3 a5 { open a spot for my king } 22. Rfb1 { offer a trade } 22... Rxb1+ { he accepts } 23. Rxb1 { i like my chances now but i cant make anymistakes such as allowing the queen to fork two pieces } 23... e5 { He tries towin my knight } 24. Nd2 { I bring my knight into the action } 24... exd4 25. exd4 { I continue to trade down... But i somehow miss Rb8 which wins the queenand effectively ends the game } 25... Qf5 { I cant move my knight on d2 } 26. Ncb3 { i attack his a pawn } 26... a4 { he defends and attacks my knight } 27. Nc5 { Iattack again } 27... Bf8 { I'm fine with the trade if he choses to } 28. Rb4 { Iattack his pawn } 28... Bxc5 { he trades } 29. dxc5 { i take back } 29... Qc2 { he attacksmy knight and pawn } 30. Nf3 { safe move } 30... Qxc5 { he takes } 31. Rxa4 { I take } 31... Kg7 { Why? } 32. Ra8 { I begin the treacherous path of promoting } 32... d4 { He triesto promote as well } 33. Bf4 { Not so fast } 33... d3 { He moves again } 34. Bd2 { Noreason for that move by me } 34... h5 35. a4 { I push } 35... Qc6 { He attacks my rook } 36. Ra7+ { I check } 36... Kf8 { he must move } 37. a5 { I push again } 37... Qc5 { Heattacks } 38. Be3 { I defend both } 38... Qc2 { Does nothing? } 39. Ra8+ { I check } 39... Ke7 40. a6 { and push } 40... Qc6 { He attacks both } 41. Ra7+ { So I check } 41... Kd8 42. Nd4 { and attack his queen } 42... Qb6 { He attacks my rook. Hopefully I canmake use of a discovered attack in the future! It looks good } 43. Ra8+ { I check } 43... Ke7 { and he falls into the trap } 44. Nf5+ { game, set, match.I remember going through the variations and winning anyway but this wasthe easiest way } 44... gxf5 45. Bxb6 { Now i have won } 45... d2 { Ooph... I almost missedthat but I had calculated } 46. Rd8 { Saved. } 46... Ke6 47. Rxd2 { I take the pawn } 47... Ke5 48. a7 { and he rightfully resigns. Good game richardevans. Please rateand comment mistakes or any observations. Thank you for viewing my game.Computer Analysis: http://gameknot.com/analyze-board.pl?bd=21430090&rnd=0.5218313708901405 } 1-0

[Event "Chess game played on Facebook"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "May 24, 2018"] [Round "-"] [White "CharlesLHiggie"] [Black "snehagupta"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "About 1700"] [TimeControl "None"] [WhiteElo "About 2000"] 1. e4 { This is a really exciting game, with sides castling on oppositesides, and both throwing everything at the opposition king. I think withhindsight, I was far too optimistic, because of the success this openingvariation had achieved in the past, and my opponent, who combines beautywith brains, found good defensive moves and then good attacking moves whenthe initiative had passed to her. Enjoy dear reader! } 1... g6 { First, a noteon my opponent. I have played her 23 times on Gameknot, over the last twoyears. For some reason she has lost access to her Gameknot account, sowe played on Facebook, by sending each other messages of what move we wantedto play. } 2. d4 { So I set up the usual d4-e4 pawn centre against her ModernDefence. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Defense } 2... Bg7 { She completesthe fianchetto. } 3. Nc3 { I rule out any transposition to the King's IndianDefence. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King%27s_Indian_Defence } 3... d6 { Thisis normally played. } 4. Be3 { I develop. } 4... Nf6 { She attacks e4 and also threatensNf6-g4. } 5. f3 { I rule that out, and I now have a pawn structure similarto the King's Indian Defence, Sämisch Variation, except my c pawn is onc2 rather than c4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King%27s_Indian_Defence,_S%C3%A4misch_VariationFor this reason, it is called the Pseudo-Samisch centre by some authorities. } 5... O-O { Has this lady no fear? This is rather castling into the strong whiteattack. 5....c6 is more popular, and scores better from black on the openingdatabases, compared to 5...0-0 } 6. Qd2 { So I prepare 0-0-0 and launchinga king-side attack. } 6... c6 { She prepares Queen-side counter play. } 7. O-O-O { Off my king goes. } 7... Qa5 { And out her queen comes. } 8. Bh6 { While I immediatelyset about exchanging one her strongest pieces - the bishop on g7, as partof an attack on her king. } 8... b5 { And her attack comes too. } 9. h4 { Charge! } 9... b4 { She attacks my knight. } 10. Nb1 { Knight drops back. } 10... Nbd7 { She quietlydevelops rather than picking up my a pawn. } 11. h5 { Charge again! } 11... Nxh5 { She takes. Note how the black queen helps defend along the 5th rank. } 12. Bxg7 { At this point she asked for help. I told her how in the GameknotWorld Opening database there were two games with this position, both ofwhich black took back with the king and white won. } 12... Nxg7 { So she took backwith the knight, just to be different. It was the only time in the gameshe asked for help. } 13. Qh6 { This seemed the natural attacking move. Afterthe game, I found out that Fritz also likes g4, but eventually settleson Qh6 and assesses the position as slightly better for black. I was feelingvery confident, and thought that black would be lucky to survive the attack. } 13... Nf6 { The knight comes over to protect h7. Clearly this is the best move. } 14. Bc4 { I thought this was best, attacking and developing and also protectinga2. Fritz prefer g4 and still gives black the edge. } 14... d5 { Fritz at firstprefers Be6 or Rd8, but after a while also looks at d5 } 15. e5 { I thoughtthis was just winning. I missed her next move. Fritz likes Bb3 instead,with advantage to white. } 15... Nf5 { Fritz now puts black 1 pawn up } 16. Qh2 { I wanted to keep the pressure on the h file. } 16... dxc4 { Fritz prefers Nh5and thinks that this move hands the advantage back to white. } 17. exf6 { Naturally I take, renewing the threat to take on h7 with mate. } 17... h5 { Thisis the best defence. } 18. g4 { I attack again. } 18... Qxa2 { She calmly just takesthe a pawn. Fritz prefers exf6. Now - should I take knight or pawn? } 19. gxh5 { This is another mistake. I should have either taken the knight orplayed f6xe7. This hands the advantage back to her, Fritz put it at morethan plus 1 to black. } 19... g5 { We both thought this was forced as otherwisewhite is mating black down the h file. Fritz however points out the benefitsof 19....c3! and black has her own mating threats. } 20. fxe7 { The gameis more or less level again. } 20... Nxe7 { She takes back. Fritz also likes 20....Re8here. } 21. Qe5 { Fritz also considers 21. h6 and 21. Qd2 forking the pawnson g5 and b4. } 21... Nd5 { This is strong, the knight takes up a powerful centralposition. However Fritz likes the immediate c3. } 22. Qxg5+ { So I get mypawn back. } 22... Kh7 { Clearly the best square, avoiding checks on the long darkdiagonal. } 23. Ne2 { Developing my knight at last. Fritz agrees that thisis the best move for white. I was starting to think black had an advantageher. Fritz thinks so too, about plus 0.5 to black. } 23... Rg8 { She attacks myqueen. Again Fritz points out that c3 could have been played at once. } 24. Qe5 { My queen takes up a central position, but without much support,she is unable to achieve much. } 24... Bd7 { At last the bishop is developed. } 25. Rdg1 { I contest the open g file. Fritz doesn't think much of that moveand looks at Qe4+, Rh2 and h6. Black's advantage put at plus 3.59, afterwhat it considers the best move, h6. } 25... c3 { Fritz considers this best. } 26. bxc3 { I take. } 26... Rae8 { A sound move attacking my Queen. } 27. Qh2 { This seemedto me to be the logical move, although I feared I was about to be overwhelmedon the Queen-side. Fritz thinks that white should give up the queen insteadwith 27. Rxg8. The reality of the position is that white is lost now, andI chose to play this and live in hope that she would not spot the winningtechnique on the Queen-side. Certainly giving up the queen is almost equivalentto resignation. } 27... Bf5 { There are many ways to win now. This is one of them.The mate threat is 28....Qxc2 } 28. Ng3 { Virtually the only way to stopthe mate threat. The other move 28. Nf4 is met with 28....Nxf4 and I can'ttake back with my queen, as I get mated on c2. } 28... bxc3 { She takes, with somenasty threats on the Queen-side. Fritz agrees that this is best. } 29. Nxc3 { Probably best out of some dreadful options. } 29... Qa1+ { Interesting way tofinish off. } 30. Nb1 { I play this rather than letting my knight go withcheck. } 30... Rb8 { It is mate in 5 now. } 31. Nxf5 { Kd2 holds out slightly longer,but I decided to take the bishop. OK dear reader, although I played ontwo more moves, (but not quite to mate) I will leave the annotation here,and leave you to find the forced mate in three. Do not spoil it for others- send me a private message with the answer. Many thanks for reading, pleaserate it on the star system, and leave a message or two to let me know howI am doing with my annotations. Until next time dear reader! } 0-1

[Event "Challenge from doomclaw"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "02-Feb-08"] [Round "-"] [White "doomclaw"] [Black "caslo"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1366"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1283"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nxd4 { This is bad. Just count howmany pieces each side has developed before and after the exchange. Correctwas 4...Nf6. } 5. Qxd4 { The queen and pawn give White total dominance overthe centre. } 5... h6 { Unnecessary, but the obvious 5...Nf6 doesn't work eitherbecause of 6.e5. 5...d6 looks like the best option. } 6. Bc4 Qf6 { It's fineif he takes it, but if he doesn't it obstructs the knight. It's usuallyunwise to bring out your queen so early in the game. } 7. e5 Qf5 8. Qd5 c6 { 8...Ne7 developing a piece, looks better. Then after ...Ng6 (or ...Nc6)and ...Be7 you wll be able to castle. 8...c6 creates a hole on d6 whichWhite exploits later. } 9. Qd2 { A strange place to put the queen! } 9... Qe4+ 10. Qe2 Qxg2 11. Rf1 Qxh2 12. Nc3 Bb4 13. Bd2 Ne7 14. O-O-O Qh3 { I don'tsee the point of this. You really should be thinking about getting yourother bishop out and getting your king to safety. } 15. Rh1 Qf5 16. Rh5 g5 17. Ne4 { White could have played 17.Bxg5. } 17... Bxd2+ 18. Rxd2 { Althoughhe is two pawns down, White has a winning position. All his pieces areactive and he is on the verge of a breakthrough. } 18... O-O { I think there werebetter moves. 18...Qf4 or 18...Kd8. } 19. Rxh6 Ng6 20. Rd6 { 20.Nf6 forceshim to sacrifice his queen or he will be mated next move. } 20... Kg7 21. Qh5 { I think Nf6 was still the best move. } 21... Rh8 22. Rf6 { If you'd exchangedrooks first you would have won. } 22... Rxh6 23. Qe2 Qxe5 24. Rxf7+ Kh8 25. Qf3 d5 26. Rf8+ Nxf8 27. Qxf8+ Kh7 28. Bd3 dxe4 29. Bc4 Rh1+ 30. Kd2 Qd4+ 0-1

[Event "Where Does White Go Wrong?"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.06.20"] [Round "-"] [White "splott"] [Black "blake84120"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1985"] [TimeControl "5d+2d<7d"] [WhiteElo "1659"] 1. e4 e5 { A mini tournament within my team, the Cynical Cynics, for players1600 - 2000. I'm playing black. My opponent opens with 1. e4 and I'm feelingadventurous, so I give him the Open Game, my favorite as white, so todayI'll play against it instead - actually the second time on the same dayI made this choice to wear the other man's moccasins. } 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 { The Giuoco Piano. Quiet Game. Yuck. Not my style. I like active, aggressivegames. Still, seems a very strong option for black here, being the 2ndmost common and 1st most successful for black. } 4. Nc3 d6 { White optedfor the Four Knights variation, far less common than the main line 4. c3or the less appealing Evans Gambit 3. b4. In fact, out of the five movesin the DB with over 100 games played, 4. Nc3 is the best move for black.Black's far most common response is 4. ... Nf6 which the DB says is even.Not hard to believe since the position is exactly mirrored. But the moveplayed, 4. ... d6, while far less common, has positive results for black.I could play either, they both suit me just fine, but I went for the onewith the best results. } 5. d3 Bg4 { White is determined to mirror, and onceagain the DB says 5. ... Nf6 is black's most common response but very even,and once again the 2nd most common response favors black much more thanthe most common response, so I go for the better move. But not number 2.Nope, have to dig down to number 4 to find this one. Still favors black,but more importantly, I like being aggressive. Black has gone from theQuite Game to making aggressive moves. } 6. h3 Bh5 { Inevitable. But blackstill maintains the pin on the white knight. The threat is Nd4 which thenthreatens to ruin white's kingside. } 7. a3 a6 { 7. a3 is a waste of timeand not even in the DB. Black responds with 7. ... a6 which seems to mirrorwhite's waste of time, but there is one difference. Without 7. ... a6,white has 8. b4 Bb6 9. Na4 and white can exchange black's very useful bishop.So 7. ... a6 is played to open an escape hatch that lets black retain abishop on the a7-g1 diagonal. Even though white loses a little tempo here,her forces black to make a flank move too, and white's game still looksvery strong. } 8. Bg5 Nge7 9. Nd5 h6 { The pressure mounts. White is attackingthe pinned black knight on e7 with two pieces. Something will have to givesoon. Even so, there is no way for white to bring in a third threat, sothis attack may have been premature. White would probably be better servedgetting his king to a more defensible location. } 10. Bh4 O-O 11. g4 Bg6 { Inevitable again. } 12. Bxe7 Nxe7 { Much of the pressure eases. } 13. h4 Nxd5 14. Bxd5 c6 { To defend b7 and send the bishop packing, but betterstill, to prepare for 15. ... d5. } 15. Bb3 d5 { Time to strike at the center.Note that the black pawn on e5 is now hanging, but if white takes it, blackcan win the pawn on e4. This move, 15. ... d5 isn't game-winning, but itsets the stage for what is to come. } 16. h5 Bh7 { This poor bishop has beenharried by white pawns 3 times since he first joined the fight. White hasdestroyed his kingside by chasing this bishop, but black's bishop on h7is biting on granite, so the moves seem sound enough. On the other hand,there is an attack mounting on e4 and granite or no granite, this bishophas a strong influence on that attack. } 17. exd5 cxd5 { White saves hise4 pawn, but now black has gained the strong center and has much more mobilityfor his pieces. In addition, his strong bishop pair is a decent advantagein such an open position. The black pawn on e5 is still hanging, but nowwhite would lose his knight after 18. Nxe5? Re1. } 18. Qd2 Qf6 { Time toattack. Black's queen is very strong on the a1-h8 diagonal with only thatlittle pawn on e5 in the way. Further, the queen on f6 threatens the undefendedwhite knight on f3. 18. ... Qf6! surrenders the pawn on d5, but that isnow inconsequential. } 19. Bxd5 e4 { 19. Bxd5 looks safe, and it defendsthe en prise knight on f3, but it may be white's losing move. 19. e4! getsa big old exclamation point. Black now has Qxb2 any time he wants it. White'sknight is en prise and must move or be captured - white had thought hisbishop on d5 was defending the knight, but now black's pawn is in the way.20. Bxe4 loses a piece to 20. ... Bxe4 21. dxe4 Qxf3. And 20. dxf3? losesthe knight immediately. So the knight must move, but it has no good moves- everywhere it can safely move will leave it stranded on the edge of theboard. } 20. Nh4 exd3 { The coup-de-grace. The black pawn on d3 is defendedso the queen cannot capture it. White cannot allow 21. ... dxc2. So thepawn must be captured. } 21. cxd3 Rad8 { And now white's bishop on d5 mustfall. If 22. Bxb7? then 22. ... Rfe8+! 23. Kf1 Rxd3 and white's queen hasnowhere to go. All of her safe moves allow 24. ... Qxf2#, and all the movesthat prevent the checkmate allow the queen to be captured by black. 22.Bc4 seems to save the bishop and defend the d3 pawn, but loses to 22. ...Rfe8+ 23. Kd1 b5! and now the white bishop is lost and black has a realthread on d3 to skewer the white queen to her king. At this point, black'sbest option might be to sell the bishop dearly with 22. Bxf7+ Rxf7 23.Nf5+! which blocks the f-file and the b1-h7 diagonal. Sure, white willlose more material, but he may blunt all of black's attacks long enoughto save both his king and his queen. Faced with this, white resigned. Truthis, I'm not sure where white went wrong. 7. a3 wasted a tempo, but thatcouldn't have been the sole reason for white's downfall. White essentiallystranded his king in the center by wrecking his pawn structure chasingblack's bishop, but many kings survive being in the center. I truly don'tsee an evident game-losing flaw in white's play, but black's multiple threatshere are truly game-ending (or create enough of an advantage to securean easy win). I don't know where white went wrong. It must be the accumulationof little weaknesses and then 19. Bxd5 that really drives the nail intothe coffin. Still, white's game looked sound, and the danger in his 19thmove is not easily evident. } 0-1

[Event "Disregarding pawns"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2012.07.19"] [Round "-"] [White "MyOpponent"] [Black "komengrage"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1424"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1456"] { In this game, I think my opponent disregarding his pawns. Maybe that'snot his intention but it did cost him the game. Throughout this annotation,let's count how many free pawns he gave me... } 1. e4 { King pawn opening. } 1... e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bc4 Nc6 4. a3 Bc5 5. Qf3 d6 { I used to play d6 a lot.Recently I started to play d5. But on this occasion, I don't think it'sa good idea.. } 6. h3 Be6 { I don't know if this is the best move or not,but with his LSB targeting the f7 and his queen on f3 kinda freak me out. } 7. Nge2 Bxc4 { This one doesn't count but still it is a free bishop. } 8. b3 Bxe2 { I'm already up a piece so I don't mind exchanging materials. } 9. Qxe2 Nd4 10. Qd3 d5 11. exd5 Nxd5 12. Nxd5 { He also exchanging materialeventhough he is down a piece. } 12... Qxd5 13. O-O O-O-O { I chose to castle queenside to support the d-file and my queen if my opponent play c3. } 14. c4 { But he played c4. } 14... e4 { I don't mind exchanging queen. } 15. cxd5 exd3 { Healso doesn't mind. } 16. Bb2 Rxd5 { Start the count. One. The first freepawn that I get. } 17. b4 Bb6 18. Bxd4 { Another material exchanged. } 18... Rxd4 19. Rac1 { Controlling the half-open c-file but I think Rfe1 might be abetter choice for him. } 19... Re8 { He didn't want it so I take it. } 20. g4 Re2 { Attacking his pawn and hopefully to create a passed pawn on d3. } 21. Kg2 Rxd2 { Two. Onother free pawn. Passed pawn created and I don't know whyhe made that move. } 22. Rfe1 { Now taking control of the e-file which Ileft behind. } 22... Ra2 { Attacking another pawn and open the way for d3 pawn. } 23. Re8+ { My king will be out of check at a6. That's where he will go. } 23... Kd7 24. Rce1 d2 { Bad move from him. His rook can't stay on e1. Blockingmy pawn by playing d1 will lose the rook on e8. He has very little optionhere. He can't stop my pawn from queening unless sac his rook. } 25. R8e7+ Kc6 26. R1e2 { If I queen, I will lose the rook which is not a bad tradein my opinion. } 26... Rxa3 { Three. Another free pawn. Still want to keep therook for the time being. } 27. b5+ Kxb5 { Four. Two free pawns in a row. At this point, I'm up a bishop and four pawns! } 28. R2e5+ Ka6 { Successfullyreach the a6 square. Now he has no more check. } 29. Re3 { Offering to exchangematerial. } 29... Ra1 { It's time to queen and there is no way to stop it. } 30. Rxf7 { My turn to give him the free pawn. } 30... d1=Q { The queen is back on theboard. } 31. Rxg7 { I gave him two free pawns in a row but the sac is nothingas I already saw that both of his rooks will be out of the board. ThoughI have to give away both of my rooks and my bishop but the difference isstill huge with my queen around. } 31... Qh1+ 32. Kg3 { Forced. } 32... Rg1+ 33. Kh4 { Forced. } 33... Rdxg4+ 34. Rxg4 { Half-forced but Kh5 will lose the rook. } 34... Rxg4+ 35. Kxg4 { Half-forced again. } 35... Bxe3 { Eliminate the last rook from the board. } 36. fxe3 { And there goes my bishop. } 36... Qg2+ 37. Kf4 Qxh3 { Another free pawn.The count is five though there is no way to save both of the pawns. Myopponent resigned here. If count the last one, he gave away more than halfof his pawn for free and it really cost him the game. Thanks for the game. } 0-1

[Event "The making of a Sicilian counterattack"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "04.05.2000."] [Round "-"] [White "White player"] [Black "marinvukusic"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2062"] [TimeControl "2h/40 moves + 30 minutes"] [WhiteElo "2190"] 1. e4 { This is an old game I played when I was still a 1st category player,but it remains to this day one of my favourite (and best) games. I am postingit on Gameknot because it is a pretty typical Sicilian game, where Blackcounterattack is triggered basically by White's inactivity and lack ofconsistency. It is also a good representation of my playing style fromthat time - I was then a counterattacker, usually defending and waitingfor the opponent to weaken his position before I charged in for the 'kill'.The Sicilian is simply perfect for this style of play. } 1... c5 { Another importantthing to mention is that in this game I felt that I was completely overmatched,as the rating difference clearly shows. My opponent was a strong and experiencedmaster candidate in good form, while I started playing tournament chessin 1996., so I was still pretty inexperienced. My chances to 'survive'were objectively minimal, but I played with a sence of desperation, determinednot to go down without a fight. At that time I was literaly obsessed withdevelopment tempi (and still am I suppose), especially since I knew howimportant they are in such a sharp opening as the Sicilian. This factorwill play a very big role in this game. } 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 { This variation is what I exclusively play in rated games,although I am now considering branching out to the Paulsen variation (1.e4,c5; 2.Nf3, e6; 3.d4, cd4; 4.Nd4, a6). } 6. f3 { Not the best move, but nota bad one either. I never saw it before, so after some thought I decidedto 'take advantage from it' and remove the d4 Knight as I usually did,but without bringing the unpleasant Bd4 (after Be3) to the centre. Thisis actually not a bad decision, but today I would also consider playing6...e6 and allowing the English attack (Be3, Qd2, 0-0-0, g4 etc.). } 6... Nxd4 7. Qxd4 g6 { Usually I played e6 and developed the Bishop on e7, but I couldn'tresist the potential later tempi on Qd4. Also I knew that in the Dragonvariation the Queen has to be on d2 to support eventual Bh6, so I figuredif he wants to play this way I will again gain a few tempi while he setsit up. So everything looked rather rosy at the moment. Objectively, thegame is equal. } 8. Bg5 Bg7 9. O-O-O O-O 10. Qd2 { And here it is! Now Iknew I achieved a small victory in the opening, with smooth developmentand a clear plan (Be6, Rc8, Qa5). Correct moves are 10.e5 or 10.Bc4 withequal game (slightly more comfortable for White), but I guess White playedpretty relaxed due to his heavy favourite status. At this moment I hadspent 19 minutes from the clock, he spent 4. } 10... Be6 { Taking advantage fromthe fact that there is no opposition on the diagonal. } 11. Kb1 { A goodconsolidation move, but it also gives Black time to increase pressure againstWhite's position. } 11... Rc8 { The fact that the Bishop is on 'the wrong square'g5 and not e3 allowed me to play this immediately. Otherwise I would haveto prepare Rc8 with 11...a6. } 12. g4 { ?? This is a mistake, and I immediatelyknew it! Now why is it so? The answer is simple: every move Black madewas a straightforward and active developing move, except for 6...Nd4 -but that evened out with Qd4-Qd2 from White. On the other hand, White additionallyplayed defensive 11.Kb1, and his Bg5 Bishop is somewhat badly placed -it doesn't really pressure Black position (B:f6 would be a bad exchange),while it can't block Bg7 at all (if it was on e3 then Bd4 would be a possibility).All Black pieces are in aggressive positions and are ready to attack. Soobviously White has to neutralize the pressure on his position before hestarts to play actively. There were two ways to do this: 12.Be3 (anotherloss of tempi) or 12.Nb5, a6; 13.Nd4 - both variations with equal gameand a comfortable/happy Black player. The last straw is that 12.g4 actuallycreates another weakness on g4, as it will soon become apparent. } 12... Rxc3 { ! I played this move after only 5 minutes of thinking, but I was so excitedthat I couldn't make myself think any more :) actually this move is correctand the best available. The interesting thing is that after only 12 movesBlack has a brutal attack on White's position, without any obvious blunderon White's part. But a small loss of tempi (Qd4-Qd2), a misplaced piece(Bg5), a consolidating move (Kb1) and an untimely (unprepared) displayof activity (g4) together have tipped the scale in Black's favour. } 13. Qxc3 { 13.bc3, Ne4!; 14.fe4, Qa5 is even worse. Black is a Rook down butall remaining pieces are concentrating unopposed fire on the queenside.White now started to play seriously, but it is too late - the underdogBlack had nothing to lose, and has sensed the golden opportunity. The planis clear and everthing 'goes with music'. } 13... Nxe4 { Double attack on the Queen,and additionally Bg5 is in trouble. } 14. Qe3 { Another option was 14.Qa3,Ng5; 15.h4, Nf3; 16.Qf3, Qa5 with advantage for Black. } 14... Qa5 { Double attack,on a2 and Bg5. } 15. fxe4 { 15.Qe4?!, Qa2; 16.Kc1, Bb2; 17.Kd2,Qa5 and Bg5is history. But now g4 pawn is loose and can be picked up when needed (withtempi if possible, of course). } 15... Qxa2+ 16. Kc1 Qxb2+ 17. Kd2 Qb4+ { Startsanother series of forced checks which further strip the cover of the King. } 18. c3 { 18.Ke2?, Bg4; 19.Kf2, Bd1 and 18.Kc1?, Bb2; 19.Kb1, Bc3; 20.Kc1,Qb2# } 18... Qb2+ 19. Ke1 Bxc3+ 20. Rd2 Rc8 { My second obsession from that time(besides tempi): when attacking the King, always throw everything intothe fight. This is a simple and strong move. } 21. Be2 { 21.Qd3, Rc4; 22.Be2,Rd4 and 21.Qe2, Bb4; 22.Bg2, Rc2 also don't help. } 21... Qb1+ { The best move,with forced variation that reduces the material while keeping the initiative. } 22. Bd1 Bxg4 { I just couldn't resist this move, but the best move orderis in fact 22...Bd2. After that 23.Qd2, Qe4 gets Rh1, and 23.Kd2, Bg4 createshorrible threat 24...Qb4. This can be prevented by a Queen move but thenBg5 is lost after Qc1. If 24.Bg4 then 24...Rc2; 25.Kd3, Qb3; 26.Kd4, e5# } 23. Kf2 Bxd2 24. Qxd2 Qxe4 25. Re1 Qf5+ 26. Kg3 { 26.Qf4, Qf4; 27.Bf4, Bd1;28.Rd1 is similar to the game ending. Black has 6 (!) pawns for the Bishop. } 26... Bxd1 27. Rxd1 Rc4 { Again the simplest move I could find, bringing the Rookinto the fight. By this time I spent 1:53 of my time, leaving 7 minutesfor 13 moves - which is plenty considering the position. My opponent playedquickly most of his moves - they were more or less forced anyway. } 28. h3 f6 { Defending e7 with tempi. Now I only wanted to exchange Queens andplay out an easy ending. } 29. Be3 Rc2 { Now there is no Rg4, so this isthe only good place for the Rook. } 30. Qd5+ { This pretty much resigns thegame. 30.Qd4 is the only hope, however slim it may be. I would probablystart pushing the 2 queenside passers, while trying to create mating threatson the kingside. Since the only open line is in Black's hands, there isvirtually no danger of getting mated suddenly. } 30... Qxd5 31. Rxd5 a6 32. Rd3 Kf7 33. Bb6 Rb2 34. Bd8 Rb5 35. Rc3 Rc5 36. Re3 e5 37. Rb3 b5 38. Ra3 Rc6 { 1:57 on the clock, and everything is defended. White did not resign yetthough (and even managed to create a passed pawn!). } 39. Ba5 Ke6 40. h4 d5 { The time control. After this both players received additional 30 minuteson the clock. } 41. Bd2 d4 42. Kg4 Kd5 43. h5 e4 44. h6 e3 45. Bxe3 { Nothingelse is really possible. } 45... dxe3 46. Rxe3 Rc4+ 47. Kg3 Re4 48. Rd3+ Ke6 { Now I decided to go and take out the h6 pawn, before I do something reallystupid and lose :) } 49. Rd8 Kf5 50. Rd7 Re3+ 51. Kf2 { 51.Kg2 is slightlybetter, but the pawn is lost anyway after Kg5. } 51... Rh3 52. Rxh7 Kg5 53. Ra7 Kxh6 54. Rxa6 Kg5 55. Rb6 Rb3 { White finally resigned. I hope you had funwatching the game. Learning points (I hope) are: 1. Never underestimateyour opponent. This was really White's downfall. We played 2 more gameswithin 3 years from this one and he outplayed me both times, playing seriouslyand powerfully. 2. It is necessary to play with consistency, and accordingto the reality of the position. 3. Tempi are everything in tactical positions!--- Thank you for looking over this game, I can answer any questions onprivate. Regards, Marin Vukusic } 0-1

[Event "Grob's Attack"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2017.10.16"] [Round "-"] [White "krenovac"] [Black "jimspellman"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [BlackElo "1730"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1798"] { A most unusual opening, this turns into a rather finely balanced end whereboth Kings are a move away from mate. } 1. g4 { Grob's Attack! This sneakyand odd opening can catch the unwary out, and my opponent uses it a lot. } 1... d5 { Logical to claim the centre right away, and attack the pawn. } 2. Bg2 { Even though it's obvious the White Bishop is going here it is still alittle startling to find the g-pawn left undefended. } 2... c6 { Last time I metthis attack - against the same opponent - I snapped up the offered pawnand my game unravelled inside a dozen moves. This time I'm being more circumspect.Even so, 2...Bxg4 is probably fine after 3.c4 c3 4.Qb3 Qb6. But not 4...Qd7,as I played, after which 5.cxd5 cxd5 6.Bxd5 e6? 7.Bxb7 and my sharp exit! } 3. h3 { White ensures I don't change my mind and grab the pawn anyway. } 3... h5 { I need to challenge in the centre, but I doubt White will want to mess-uphis K-side pawns further by defending this pawn again - though the pawnsdon't look great as it is. } 4. g5 { No, he pushes the pawn forward. Probablythe idea in this opening is to constrain the Black K-side in this way. } 4... e5 { Now I lay my centre claim. } 5. d4 { White does need a centre presencetoo. } 5... e4 { Happily, I advance my pawn and form a nice chain against theBishop that so ruined my game in our last encounter. } 6. h4 { The move inthe database is 6.c4, hitting at the chain right away, though I had expected7.Nc3. Instead, White consolidates his wedge. } 6... Ne7 { My Knight isn't goingto f6, so here it must be, even though it blocks my Bishop. It's possibleWhite held back from 6.Nc3 to avoid 6...Bb4? } 7. Bh3 { We're well out ofthe database and in unknown territory. Without any analysis as I writeI have no idea whether this, to me suspicious-looking move is inaccurateor not. } 7... Bxh3 { At any rate, since most of my pawns are on light squaresit seems judicious to exchange my light-squared Bishop. Probably Blackis thinking his Bishop is now so hemmed in it's of no further use? } 8. Rxh3 { This surprised me, since it seemed the logical square for the Knight,and now White can't castle K-side - and his Q-side is undeveloped. } 8... Nf5 { Now the Rook is tied to the defense of the h-pawn, and my Bishop is free. } 9. Bf4 { White must develop his pieces, but again I expected 9.Nc3, Knightsbefore Bishops and all that. I can't help noticing that the b-pawn is undefended. } 9... Bd6 { It seems necessary to challenge along this diagonal; Black must retreatthe Bishop or defend it rather awkwardly... } 10. e3 { He chooses its defence. } 10... Bxf4 11. exf4 { And I am happy to double his pawns. } 11... Qb6 { As well as winninga pawn, since my Queen attacks both the b-pawn and the d-pawn twice. Butam I just falling in line with White's plan? } 12. c3 { He can't defend bothpawns. } 12... Qxb2 { The b-pawn falls. } 13. Nd2 Qb6 { I get my Queen out of there.I do have a tendency to pawn-pinch, but I can't see - yet - that this hascaused me any problems. } 14. Rb1 { Obviously he attacks my own b-pawn andQueen. } 14... Qc7 { I move to the side. } 15. Ne2 { He's not castling now; his King is stuckin the centre; this is the only square for the Knight, so here it lands. } 15... Nd7 { My idea was to go to b3 with this Knight, blocking off that half-openfile. } 16. c4 { It doesn't look such a good idea now, since 17.c5 just drivesit away. } 16... O-O { I start to panic a little. Just a little. Anyway, gettingmy King to relative safety seems the best idea. } 17. Qb3 { Now I see thatmy b-pawn, ulitmately, is going to fall; I've been lured into nabbing apawn once again and it might prove my undoing! } 17... Qb6 { I offer an exchangeto dilute the Q-side attack. } 18. cxd5 { Now, though, it's me who exchanges;I didn't fancy both Rooks on the b-file after 18...cxd5 19.Qxb6 Nxb6 20.Rhb3...completely missing that the h-Rook is tied to defending the h-pawn! } 18... Qxb3 19. Rbxb3 { I scratched my head at this recapture until I remembered I'dtied the h-Rook down. Not quite so bad as I thought! } 19... cxd5 { Now that isolatedd-pawn must prove a weakness for White sooner or later. } 20. Rxb7 { Eventhough he's won his pawn back and got his Rook to the 7th... } 20... Nb6 { I blockits retreat. } 21. Nb3 { The d-pawn may be isolated, but it's well defended. } 21... Rfb8 { I really don't like that Rook on the 7th rank. } 22. Nc5 Rxb7 23. Nxb7 Rb8 { I'd rather have a Knight there, even though Knights are trickylittle beasts! } 24. Na5 Nc4 { Maybe not the best plan; White's Knight isstuck at the side of the board, and this exchange splits my pawns and givesWhite a passed pawn. But I get a passed pawn too. And that Rook is stillguarding the White h-pawn. } 25. Nxc4 dxc4 26. Kd1 { White doesn't fancymy pawn advancing or allowing his King to be trapped } 26... Rd8 { For some reasonI chicken out of 26...Rb2, thinking that winning the central passed pawnis more important than chasing the a-pawn. } 27. Re3 { This is probably thecrux of the game - which pawn do I take? Do I take either, or do I supportthe threatened e-pawn? } 27... Nxd4 { I decide the h-pawn can wait. } 28. Rxe4 { Iwas sure White wouldn't take this, because of the threats from a discoveredcheck. But the discovered check doesn't seem to offer much now I can playit... } 28... Nf3+ { Other than winning the h-pawn as well. } 29. Kc1 Nxh4 30. Rxc4 { Even if it means giving up my c-pawn. Those doubled pawns give me hopeof an endgame win, but really giving up both my central pawns was ratherfoolish. } 30... Nf5 { I need my Knight back from the edge of the board. } 31. Ng3 Nd6 { Now White can't win my h-pawn. Not right now anyway! } 32. Rd4 Rc8+ { I check to get my Knight out from the pin. } 33. Kd2 Nc4+ { And again. ButI'm driving the King to the side of the board where my rather vulnerablepassed pawn is. I'm waiting for a moment to push it. } 34. Ke2 h4 { I justhaven't got time to push forward the g-pawn, advance the King, get my Rookto h8... } 35. Nf5 { Too late I see the pawn is lost; I can't advance itor defend it because of the horrible fork on e7, which I have quite missed. } 35... Re8+ { I can cover e7, but can't save the pawn. } 36. Kf3 Na5 { I can savethe Knight, but it's small comfort. } 37. Nxh4 { From now on I am ratherup against it, despite White's doubled pawns. } 37... Nc6 { I try a rather hopefultrap... } 38. Ra4 { The Rook attacks the pawn, and he can bring his Knightover too... } 38... Rd8 39. Kg4 { Again the King gets to where it needs to be. } 39... Rd4 { Offering an exchange when a pawn down is probably wrong, but Whitecontrols so much of the board... } 40. Ra6 { Attacking the Knight. I thoughtthe Rook would end up here. } 40... Rd6 { I defend it. I'd rather hoped for thisposition, hoping White misses the threat of 41...Ne5+, winning the Rook. } 41. Ra3 { Obviously that's not going to happen. } 41... Rd2 { Now I decide to doubleup an attack on the a-pawn, since it can't move forward. } 42. f3 { Whitemust save the f-pawn... } 42... Nb4 { Allowing me to win the a-pawn. I realise,in doing so, that I have to give up the a-pawn, but my pieces are neededover on the other side of the board where those pawns are slowly advancing. } 43. Rxa7 Rxa2 { There was also the chance White might go for the Rook exchange,when my Knight is better placed? } 44. Rb7 { No; he goes back to attackingit. } 44... Nd5 { It's a shame that g2 is covered my the Knight. Though it doesrather tie the Knight down to defence. } 45. f5 { The pawns are closing inon my King, and I smell a mating scenario. } 45... Ne3+ 46. Kh5 { Yes - White isslowly cutting off retreats for my King } 46... Kf8 { Otherwise 47.Rb8+ Kh7 48.g6+fxg6 49.fxg6# } 47. f6 { This is looking dark indeed. } 47... g6+ { 47...gxf6 48.gxf6doesn't look good for me. } 48. Kh6 { It strikes me that the White King isalso vulnerable to a mating attack, having crept forward to help mate me,even though I don't have time for 48...Rh2 because of 49.Rb8# However... } 48... Nf5+ { Probably the saving move. 49.Nxf5? ...Rh2+ wins. } 49. Kh7 { Stillno time for 49...Rh2. } 49... Nd6 { But I do get to block the mate with my Knight. } 50. Rb8+ Ne8 { Saved. } 51. Rb4 { White can't afford to move the Knight, sohe must defend it. } 51... Rh2 { Now his Rook has to remain on the 4th rank. TheWhite King is stuck. } 52. Rd4 { We shuffle about... } 52... Rh3 53. Ra4 Rh2 { AndI offered a draw, which was accepted. Clearly the onus is on me to changetack, though whether I had anything better I do not know...? } 1/2-1/2

[Event ""] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "30.01.1985"] [Round "-"] [White "Karpov,A"] [Black "Kasparov,G"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2715"] [WhiteElo "2705"] 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. d4 { claiming the center } 3... d5 { puts a pawn in thecenter as well } 4. Nc3 { attacking the d5 pawn } 4... c6 5. Bg5 Nbd7 6. e3 Qa5 7. cxd5 Nxd5 8. Qd2 N7b6 9. Nxd5 Qxd2+ 10. Nxd2 exd5 11. Bd3 { developing } 11... a5 12. a4 Bb4 13. Ke2 { Breaks the pin } 13... Bg4+ 14. f3 Bh5 15. h4 O-O 16. g4 Bg6 17. b3 Bxd3+ 18. Kxd3 Rfe8 19. Rac1 c5 20. Bf4 Rac8 21. dxc5 Nd7 { Nxc5is better } 22. c6 bxc6 23. Rhd1 Nc5+ 24. Kc2 f6 25. Nf1 Ne6 26. Bg3 Red8 27. Bf2 c5 28. Nd2 c4 29. bxc4 Nc5 { attacking a4 } 30. e4 d4 31. Nb1 d3+ 32. Kb2 d2 { White resigns } 0-1

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "20-Jul-07"] [Round "-"] [White "maksas"] [Black "dylam"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "2146"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1987"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 { I never liked the Italian style... } 3... Bc5 4. c3 { the closed Italian system. I think it gives no advantage to white. } 4... Nf6 5. d3 a6 6. O-O O-O 7. d4 { in my opinion, it weakeness the center.white will be left with the e5 pawn in the middle of the board with notso much defenders on it while black will concentrate his pressure towardsit. } 7... Ba7 8. dxe5 Nxe4 { black has 3 developed pieces while white only two.the e5 pawn is kinda weak. } 9. Bd5 Nc5 10. Bg5 { white try to push black.its not a real attack. black will manage soon. } 10... Ne7 11. Re1 Ne6 { and thecanter is closed... } 12. Bh4 Qe8 { the e7 knight can move now. } 13. Be4 { no choice. the white bishop is better than the black knight. also, h7seems a bit weak. } 13... Nc5 { still, want the exchange. } 14. Bc2 Ng6 { the h4bishop has to find a better place. also, e5 is now threatened twice. } 15. Bg3 Ne6 { now the g3 bishop is kind of stupid. it is really useless. blackonly needs to find a solution for the c8 bishop. } 16. Nbd2 Qe7 { wants d6... } 17. Ne4 f5 { !! strange but seems to be very strong. after white will takethe pawn (e.p.) and black will take with the g pawn, black's d pawn willbe a very strong one. also, the c8 bishop will be free and the g file willbe a big problem for white. } 18. exf6 { if not, 18...f4! and no bishop... } 18... gxf6 19. Ned2 f5 { wants f4! } 20. h3 { a must } 20... Qg7 { taking over the g file. } 21. Bb3 { white tries to find a better place for his bishop, apperantly,after Kh8 it is also useless there. } 21... Kh8 22. Bxe6 f4 { ! obviously blackhas the advantage. f4 was a fine move which makes the difference. } 23. Bh2 dxe6 24. Qe2 e5 { wants h3... } 25. h4 { 25. Nxe5 is no good because of25...Nh4! } 25... Bg4 26. Qe4 Rad8 { the second rook has arrived to the party. } 27. h5 Bxh5 28. Qxb7 { a non-important pawn. white, takes his queen outof the center and allows black to take over the king side. } 28... Bb6 29. Qe4 Rg8 30. Kh1 Bxf2 { what else? white falls apart } 31. Re2 Bh4 32. Nc4 Bf6 33. Qf5 Bxf3 { !! a great move. no moves left for white. the end is near... } 34. gxf3 Rd5 { the d file... white's king is in a poor position. } 35. Rg2 Rgd8 36. Qe6 Qe7 37. Qxa6 Nh4 { wants f3... } 38. Rf2 e4 39. Bxf4 Nxf3 { 40...Rd1 or Rh5 are unbearable... } 0-1

[Event "Chess Game"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "4/30/14"] [Round "-"] [White "Magnus Carlson"] [Black "Fabiano Caruana"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "2783"] [WhiteElo "2881"] { In the past, I have copied and pasted annotations, and later on, playedthrough the variations. What I like is that they're public, so you haveall the time in the world to play through and understand the lines. I'vecopied and pasted several. My favorite annotator is GM Davorin Kuljasevicwith more variations then other annotations that I've studied. This onewasn't by him, but I copied and pasted another. This particular game wasannotated by GM Naiditsch, and IM Natalia Pognina showed this to her viewers. So, it starts off with, We are in the last round of the Gashimov Memorial.Both Carlsen and Caruana had 5.5/9 at this moment, so this was the gamefor the first place. After a not very ambitious opening, White managedto complicate the game anyhow. First it looked like Magnus should be onthe right road to the tournament win, but I think that in the middle gameCaruana had good chances to be perfectly fine. After the mistake 20...f5?and the great 28.e3! and 29.Rd3! Magnus left no more chances for survivalto his opponent though. } 1. d4 { Carlsen also plays 1. e4 but somehow Ihave the feeling that when he is trying to win a game he is more likelyto pick 1.d4. } 1... Nf6 2. Nf3 { With this move order, White is maybe tryingto avoid the main lines of the Gruenfeld, which is the main opening ofCaruana. } 2... g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 c5 { Black has a wide range of options hereand the move order is very important. } 5. c3 { This move is of course notthe main one and Carlsen was probably trying to avoid the main theory.[5.c4 cxd4 6.Nxd4 would lead us to one of the very popular lines.] } 5... d5 { Maybe not the most exact way to continue for Black. [I am wondering whyCaruana did not go for 5...cxd4 6.cxd4 d5 7.0–0 0–0 8.Ne5 e6 as this symmetricalline is considered very harmless for Black.] } 6. dxc5 { ! Why not takea pawn if you can! Now the game is getting very complicated. White is goingto be a pawn up, but Black will dominate the center. } 6... O-O 7. O-O { Beforethe action, both players secure their kings' positions. } 7... a5 { Good andty pical play. Of course White's main idea could be to play b4 to securethe c5 pawn and also to develop strong play on the queenside. Now Whiteneeds to look for a plan to hold the c5 pawn and to develop his bishopon c1 and knight on b1. } 8. Be3 { White found a nice plan with Be3–Qc1.This is not only giving White the possibility of playing Bh6 at some moment,but also to bring the rook into the game with Rd1. } 8... Nc6 { After this moveWhite will definitely not have any trouble to keep the c5 pawn alive. [Aninteresting try could have been 8...Ng4!? 9.Bd4 (After 9.Bd2 Na6 Blackis perfectly fine.) 9...e5 Now the game is getting forced. 10.h3 exd4 11.hxg4dxc3 12.Nxc3 Bxg4 White is a pawn up, but the bishop pair should give Blackvery good chances to hold. 13.Qxd5 Qxd5 14.Nxd5 Na6 I think that maybeWhite is minimally better, but objectively the game should end in a draw.] } 9. Na3 { Black's main idea could be to play e5 and in that case Whiteis going to bring his knight over b5 to d6. } 9... a4 { Maybe Caruana was slightlyworried about White's Qa4–Qh4 maneuver. } 10. Qc1 { Here we see the mainidea of White's 8.Be3. } 10... e5 11. Rd1 Qe7 { The position is still very complicated,but White's chances are probably already better. } 12. Nb5 { Of course thewhite knight is going to d6. } 12... Be6 { Black tries to be solid. } 13. Ng5 { !A strong move. With this tactical idea, White is gaining a tempo. } 13... Bg4 14. Nd6 { The point is that Black cannot take the pawn on e2. } 14... h6 { [14...Bxe2?doesn't work because of 15.Rxd5! Nxd5 16.Bxd5 and White is winning becauseof the pressure on the f7 pawn.] } 15. Nf3 Kh7 { The position is still verycomplicated. White slowly needs to try and get some play on the queensideas Black is just too solid in the center. } 16. h3 { It is hard to say ifthis move was really needed. Maybe it was more simple to play 16.Qd2–Qe1,securing things even more on the kingside. } 16... Be6 17. b4 { ?! A very logicalmove, but I think it is too early as now Black is getting excellent chancesto get back into the game. [17.Ne1 with the idea of playing Nc2 and maybeNb4 could have stabilized White's advantage.] } 17... axb3 { Now the positionis getting very dynamic. } 18. axb3 Rxa1 19. Qxa1 Ne4 { ! An excellent move!Black is making his dream idea to play the f5 move come true! } 20. Nd2 { White didn't have a better move. [Of course Black is just doing greatafter 20.Nxe4? dxe4 21.Nd2 f5] } 20... f5 { ? Caruana is missing an excellentchance. [After 20...Nxd6 21.cxd6 Qd7 Black's position is looking solid,but maybe White could still be slightly better.; But after 20...d4! Whitecould already be the one who's in trouble! 21.N2xe4 dxe3 22.fxe3 Whiteis 2 pawns up, but Black's play is very direct and dangerous. 22...f5 23.Nd2Qg5 24.Nf1 e4 and I think Black has full compensation for the lost material.The control over the dark squares, an attack on the kingside as well asthe 'dead' white bishop on g2 give Black excellent chances.] } 21. N2xe4 dxe4 { White exchanged on e4 and managed to keep the monster knight on d6. } 22. Qb1 { ! I think this is a great move. White is not only preparingto push b4–b5 but also playing against the f4 move by putting extra pressureon e4. } 22... f4 { Black has nothing else left, Caruana needs to try his chancesin the attack. } 23. Bd2 { ! Another good defensive move by White, the bishopis going to be a great protector on e1. } 23... e3 24. Be1 Bf5 { ?! After thismove Black's chances to survive are becoming very small. [Maybe the bestmove was 24...exf2+ 25.Bxf2 fxg3 26.Bxg3 Qg5 27.Kh2 and now the tricky27...e4 trying to open the position as much as possible. Of course Whiteis better here, but Black would still keep practical chances.] } 25. Qc1 { [I think that after 25.Nxf5 gxf5 (25...Rxf5 26.g4 gives White a huge edge.)26.g4! White's position is looking close to winning.] } 25... h5 { Caruana wantsto activate the bishop from g7 over the h6 square, but he is just not intime. } 26. fxe3 { ! A strong move. White has a very nice positional ideain mind... } 26... fxg3 27. Bxg3 Qg5 { This is what Caruana was playing for, butWhite has an ace in his pocket... } 28. e4 { ! This is exactly the movethat refutes Black's 25...h5. } 28... Qxg3 29. Rd3 { ! Another excellent move.White stops Black fom getting any kind of play on the kingside. } 29... Qh4 30. exf5 gxf5 { After some exchanges, White is still a healthy pawn up. } 31. e4 { I guess this move ends all of Black's hopes. The bishop on g7is dead now and the black king is maybe even weaker than the white one.All White needs to do is to play b4–b5 and creat a passed pawn. } 31... fxe4 { 31...f4is not any better. } 32. Bxe4+ Kh8 33. Qe3 { Good and solid. } 33... Rf4 34. Bg2 { Everything is protected and White can start thinking about the b4–b5 push. } 34... Qe7 35. Qe2 { The pawn on h5 is under attack. } 35... Qh4 36. b4 { And the whitepawns start to roll. White's position is totally winning. } 36... e4 { A practicaldecision. In a lost position Caruana at least tries to activate his piecesto have some theoretical chances for some tricks. } 37. Nxe4 Ne5 38. Rd5 { Once again everything is protected and the white pieces are controlingthe board. } 38... Kg8 { This move already clearly shows that the game is over. } 39. b5 Rf5 40. c6 bxc6 41. bxc6 { So move 40 has been reached and Whiteis 2 pawns up, the black king could find himself under some serious attacksoon and another big problem is the c6 pawn, which just seems to be unstoppable. } 41... Qe7 42. Nd6 { White is bringing his knight to b5 to end what he started,to queen the c-pawn. } 42... Rg5 43. Nb5 { And the c7 move already cannot be stopped. } 43... Qe6 44. Rd8+ Kh7 45. Qe4+ { Another accurate move. } 45... Rg6 46. c7 Qa6 47. c8=Q Qa1+ 48. Kf2 Qb2+ 49. Ke1 { White is a full queen up and after 49...Qa1White has the simple 50.Rd1. We saw a very interesting and fighting gamewith a lot of different ideas. With this victory, Carlsen grabbed another1st place in one of the world's strongest tournaments. } 1-0

[Event "(1/100) Black pieces dominate dark squares "] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "3/31/15"] [Round "-"] [White "ludvik"] [Black "denstructo"] [Result "0-1"] [TimeControl "blitz"] { This blitz game, is one of my few successful experiences with defendingagainst the dreaded anti-Sicilian. } 1. e4 c5 2. c3 { The 'Anti-Sicilian',avoiding the open lines, has proven difficult for me to handle with blackpieces in many games. } 2... Nc6 3. Nf3 d5 { A thematic early d5 break, exploitingthe absence and inability of white's QN to occupy c3. } 4. e5 { Signalinga transposition into an e5-chain structure, more typical of the Frenchdefense or Caro-Kann openings. The more popular 4 ed, drawing out the blackQ early, is trickier for me to handle. } 4... Bg4 { Relieved of the burden ofhaving to solve the problem of premature Q development which 4 ed wouldhave caused, the black LSB is able to achieve a thematic e5-chain strategy:activating/exchanging off the 'bad' hemmed in LSB. } 5. d4 e6 { Reachingan e5-chain tabiya. } 6. Be2 Qb6 7. b3 { 7 b3?, The pressure against d4becomes terminal, 7 Be3 may be stronger. } 7... Bxf3 { The thematic exchange comeswith the added bonus of removing one of white's three defenders of d4. } 8. Bxf3 { ...cd must not be delayed, white threatens 9 Bb2. } 8... cxd4 9. cxd4 Nxd4 10. O-O Nxf3+ { The plan for black is to increase Q-side dark squarepressure while aiming for simplification into an endgame which favors hispassed protected d pawn. } 11. Qxf3 Bc5 { Keeping the heat on the dark squares,aiming to seize the h8-a1 long diagonal. } 12. Nc3 Bd4 13. Bb2 Bxe5 14. Na4 Qd6 { Gripping more Q side dark squares. } 15. Rfe1 Bxb2 16. Nxb2 Nf6 17. Rac1 O-O 18. Nc4 { 18 Nc4?, this time trouble blunder costs white apiece with no compensation. } 18... dxc4 19. Rxc4 Qd2 { More Q-side dark squarepressure, almost forcing simplification into a superior endgame for black,with his extra N. } 20. Rd1 Qxa2 21. Rc7 Rab8 22. Rxb7 Rxb7 23. Qxb7 Qc2 24. Rf1 Rd8 { Is 24...g6 worth consideration? } 25. g3 h6 26. b4 Nd5 27. b5 Qc5 28. Ra1 { Can the b pawn be stopped? } 28... Nc3 29. Rxa7 { Threatening 30Qxf7+ } 29... Rd1+ { An only move, if black wants to achieve the strategic goalof simplifying into a clear and simple endgame where the extra knight isdecisive. } 30. Kg2 Qd5+ 31. Qxd5 Nxd5 { The task is much easier for theblack pieces now. } 32. Rb7 Rb1 33. Rb8+ Kh7 34. Rb7 Kg6 35. h3 Rb2 36. Kf3 Rb3+ 37. Kg2 Kf6 { Centralizing a powerful attacking piece in the endgame } 38. h4 g6 39. g4 Kg7 40. Rb8 Nf4+ { Winning either the f or h pawn, or whitecan self-mate with 41 Kf1? Rb1# } 41. Kg1 Rb2 42. b6 Nh3+ 43. Kg2 Nxf2 44. b7 Nxg4+ 45. Kg3 Ne5 46. Kf4 Nc6 47. Rc8 Rxb7 48. Rxc6 { Initiating thetransition into the winning R ending, in which black's K-side majoritydecides the outcome. } 48... Kf6 49. Rc5 Rb4+ 50. Kg3 h5 51. Kh3 { 51 Kh3? makinglife easy for the fe chain. } 51... Rg4 52. Rb5 e5 { The concepts of 1) oppositionand 2) controlling the passed pawn's 'critical' squares with the K arethe ideas which guide black to victory in the final sequence } 53. Rb6+ Kf5 54. Rb1 f6 55. Rf1+ Rf4 56. Rc1 Rf3+ 57. Kg2 Kg4 58. Rc4+ Rf4 59. Rxf4+ Kxf4 60. Kh3 Kf3 0-1

[Event "KINGS GAMBIT with Qh4+ (game 4)"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "03-Jun-07"] [Round "-"] [White "grandm"] [Black "stef79"] [Result "*"] [BlackElo "1382"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1200"] 1. e4 e5 2. f4 Qh4+ { Qh4 is another way to decline the Gambit.Black givesup a tempo to confuse the position for white althought a correct play fromwhite gives him an exellent game. } 3. g3 Qf6 { Qe7 was much accurate.Nowwhite gets a good lead in development with no conflics. } 4. fxe5 Qxe5 5. Nc3 { Now white is simply and quietly begins to develop his pieces } 5... Nf6 6. Bg2 { g3 has gave an opportunity not to but the bishop on c4 attackingf7 but Bg2! taking the good diagonal and playing more positionatly. } 6... Bc5 { Blacks prevents white from castling and preparing to castle by his own. } 7. Nf3 Qe6 8. d3 { From this moment the position is much better for whiteto and the continuation is just improving that. } 8... Ng4 { I would considerthis move as a big blunder. 0-0 was an option. } 9. d4 { the move that blackmissed } 9... Bb4 10. O-O { white is finished his development and controls thecenter and is all good. } 10... b6 { too slow. and why not to castle? } 11. Nd5 { Nd5! is a big threat'o } 11... Bd6 12. Ng5 Qg6 13. Nxf7 { Qxg4 is also winningbut not winning a piece after something like h6 or f6 } 13... O-O { well man...Ihave to say it is too late now. } 14. Nxd6 Rxf1+ 15. Qxf1 Qh5 { Qxd6 followedby Bf4! and after Nxc7 winning the rook.The move Qh5 is hoping for nothing.nowblack gets mated. } 16. Ne7+ Kh8 17. Qf8# { In my oppinion Qh4 is not sobad option (only if your queen goes to e7!). But If white knows what heis doing he will be fine.just lead in development for the sacrificed pawnand dont make any 'tactical beginer' dubious moves. } *

[Event "Lepeska-Anonymous, GameKnot 2010"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "Friday, 6 August 2010"] [Round "-"] [White "Paul Lepeska"] [Black "Anonymous"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1158"] [TimeControl "3 days with 2 days added per move up to a maximum of 5 days"] [WhiteElo "1125"] { This game was played in jamiie's mini-tournament I on GameKnot in 2010.Playing White was a Belgian player, Paul Lepeska, and playing Black wasmyself. This game was played early on in the tournament, so there weren'tany high stakes as of yet. Mr Lepeska was the older player, with more experience,but the game had some impressive combinations and I managed to grab thewin. Thanks go to Michael in particular for analysing this game and deliveringsome useful comments. } 1. e4 e5 2. d4 { If 2. ... exd4 then 3. Qxd4 andWhite has good control of the center with his queen and pawn. Black canplay 3. ... Nc6 to attack the queen, but, it can retreat to e3 and thetwo players can start to develop pieces after that. White's queen willbe quite exposed, though, and Black has a development tempo. } 2... Nc6 { Thismove is a transposition into the Nimzowitsch Defence, and serves a dualpurpose. Black protects the pawn on e5 while attacking White's pawn ond4. White either has to protect it, take the pawn, or come up with somethingelse. } 3. d5 { Note that White also has the calmer possibility 3. dxe5 Nxe54. Nf3 which should promise a slight edge after 4 ... Bb4+ 5. c3, or 4... Qf6 5. Nc3 or 5. Be2. Usually, in this position, White plays 3. c3,the Danish Gambit. } 3... Nb8 { A mistake by Black. He should have played 3. ...Ne7, but, he was afraid of blocking the advance of his queen and dark-squaredbishop. White has a good advantage. } 4. Qf3 Qf6 { Black is hoping for Whiteto trade off queens. After 5. Qxf6 Nxf6 Black makes up for the loss ofdevelopment made with the earlier knight move, and also attacks the pawnon e4. However, White is not so keen to do so. } 5. Bc4 Bc5 { Note that Blackcould have captured the queen on f3 but didn't like that idea. After 5.... Qxf3 6. Nxf3 White has two pieces developed against Black's zero. } 6. Be3 Bxe3 { Black is eager to trade off, but after 7. Qxe3 White is leadingin development. Note that his bishop is serving a good purpose on c4, helpingthe pawn on e4 defend the pawn on d5, and can't be attacked very easily.Unfortunately for White, it doesn't threaten much. } 7. Qxe3 d6 { An interestingmove by Black. White has a relatively good bishop on c4 and can now checkBlack's king if he so wishes to. } 8. f3 { A good move by White. This stopsany future attacks by the Black queen, though 8. Nf3 would have been better,as it develops a piece. White needn't worry, though, as Black doesn't havea dark-squared bishop to back up his queen. } 8... c6 { Another interesting moveby Black. There is no great need for White to capture the pawn, althoughit would give the bishop good opportunities to attack the Black king lateron. Note that, if Black takes the d5 pawn with his own, White can takewith the bishop and will gain plenty of room to maneuver. } 9. Nc3 b5 { White'slack of action has resulted in an intimidating pawn structure for Black.However, White has a trick up his sleeve. } 10. dxc6 { An unexpected movefor Black. He can now capture White's bishop on c4 with ease. } 10... bxc4 11. c7 { White's plan is revealed. Although blocked by Black's bishop, he nowhas a pawn one square away from promotion, and threatens to capture theknight on b8. However, Black can easily defend. } 11... Na6 12. Nd5 { Clever. Whiteprotects the pawn while simultaneously attacking Black's queen. The knightis protected by the pawn on e4, and none of Black's pawns can attack theknight. } 12... Qe6 13. O-O-O Qd7 { Black now encircles the White pawn. White couldhave built up a defense with his queen, but instead chose to castle. } 14. Qg5 { White threatens to capture the pawn on g7 and trap the rook on h8. } 14... g6 15. Nf6+ { White forces Black to trade knights, otherwise his queen willbe lost. This move breaks all defense on Black's pawn on c7, but Whitehas little else to do. } 15... Nxf6 16. Qxf6 O-O { Black castles. What attack Whitemight have had with the queen is now lost, and his pawn on c7 will be gobbledup by the Black queen. White's bishop sacrifice earlier was in vain. Butall is not lost, as White has one very intimidating move possible. } 17. Rxd6 { White's rook joins in on the action, taking a pawn in the process.Though this game was played over the internet, it's not hard to imagineBlack's face showing fear of a counterattack as the rook rumbles down intohis territory. } 17... Qxc7 { White now loses his first pawn in the game. Thingsare looking good for Black, but his extra bishop is useless along the c8-h3diagonal as White has a strong pawn chain guarding half of it. Black'sknight and two rooks are doing little at the moment, whereas White's rookon d6 is menacing Black's neighbourhood. Black's king should be feelinga little stressed what with White's queen so close, even if it threatensnothing at the moment, while the White king is relaxing comfortably onthe first rank. } 18. Rc6 { White hassles Black's queen. Another move wouldbe to capture Black's knight. After 18. ... Bxa6 White can take with thequeen and end up with a queen, knight and rook against a queen and tworooks, but then White's king is in danger from Black's two rooks, and thepair can move more freely now that Black's bishop is out of the way. 18.Rc6 is probably the best option. } 18... Qd8 19. Rxa6 { White now makes his move.He has delayed the capture to place Black's queen in a less influentialposition, and to block movement of the two rooks. Note that Black couldhave placed his queen on b7 to stop the capture of the knight. After 19.Rxa6 Black can capture with the queen and is winning easily. } 19... Bxa6 20. Qxa6 Qd7 { Black sacrifices a pawn to mount an attack on the White king. } 21. Qxc4 Rad8 22. Ne2 Qd6 23. Nc3 { Black was preparing to move his tworooks behind his queen and sacrifice the queen on d1. 25. ... Qd1+ 26.Rxd1 Rxd1# is prevented after White moves his knight to c3. } 23... Rd7 24. Rd1 Qe7 25. Nd5 { Black has to be careful not to get forked by the knight movingto f6, winning a rook or perhaps even the queen. } 25... Qd6 26. Nf6+ { Amazing!Black has to take the knight with the queen, otherwise the queen can betaken by the rook on d1. } 26... Qxf6 27. Rxd7 { The situation is now great forWhite. After having turned the tables by moving the knight to f6, Whitehas taken Black's rook on d7, and is two pawns up. After having let Blacktake both a bishop and now a knight, White is winning. } 27... Qg5+ 28. Rd2 Rd8 29. Qe2 Rxd2 { Curiously, Black trades off. He is down two pawns, so exchangingmight not be the best idea here. } 30. Qxd2 Qf6 { Black is smart enough notto trade queens. Otherwise, he would be crushed by White's queenside pawns. } 31. Qa5 Qe6 { Black gives up a pawn, perhaps preparing to attack White'sstructure. Note that after 32. Qxa7 Black has no queenside pawns, and thusno defense against a pawn advance by White. } 32. Qxa7 Kg7 33. h3 Qc4 { Blacknow threatens to invade White's territory. } 34. Qa5 Qe2 35. Qxe5+ { Whiteclips the pawn on e5, knowing that Black can't play 35. ... Qe1# sinceit's check. } 35... Kh6 36. b4 { White could also play 36. Qg3 to save the pawnon g2 and defend against checkmate by the Black queen on e1. } 36... Qxg2 37. b5 Qxf3 38. b6 { A mistake by White. Black can now win the advancing pawn. } 38... Qe3+ 39. Kd1 Qf3+ { Black refuses to take the pawn, hoping that the Whiteking comes further over to the kingside so he can harass it some more.However, White doesn't fall for it. } 40. Kc1 Qe3+ 41. Kd1 Qxb6 42. Qe8 Qd4+ { Black's big attack against the White king now begins. } 43. Kc1 Qa1+ 44. Kd2 Qxa2 45. Kd3 Qa3+ 46. c3 Qd6+ 47. Kc2 Kg7 { Black doesn't want togive up any of his remaining pawns, as it will then be hard to make anyprogress in the game. Note that material is now equal. } 48. e5 Qd5 49. h4 Qe4+ 50. Kb3 Qxh4 { Things now start to slip back into Black's favor.The problem for White is that his pawns are spread out, whereas Black'spawns are untouchable thanks to his king. } 51. c4 Qh3+ 52. Kb4 h5 53. c5 Qg4+ 54. Kb5 { White is slowly making his way to promotion on b8. } 54... h4 55. c6 Qe2+ 56. Kb6 Qe3+ 57. Kb7 Qe4 { Black pins the pawn on c6 against theWhite king. Note that Black's pawn on h4 is near unstoppable. } 58. Kb8 Qb4+ 59. Kc8 h3 60. e6 { White now goes on the attack, threatening to takethe pawn on f7 with his queen to check Black's king. After that, Blackwill be in big trouble. } 60... fxe6 61. Qxe6 Qh4 62. Qe5+ Kh6 63. c7 h2 64. Qa1 h1=Q { Promotion spells the end for White. He has no hope for survival here. } 65. Qh8+ Kg5 66. Qxh4+ Kxh4 67. Kb8 Qb1+ 68. Kc8 Qc1 69. Kb8 Qxc7+ { Blacksacrifices his queen. His last remaining pawn is too far away for White. } 70. Kxc7 g5 71. Kd6 g4 72. Ke5 g3 73. Kf4 g2 { At this point, Lepeska resigned.Black will promote the pawn and probably win the game. This was a gooddisplay of tactics, with White making plenty of unexpected moves. Comingback from a disadvantage of being down a bishop for a pawn, he was eventuallyhelpless against Black's queen. If you wish to leave me a suggestion foran annotated game, or want to leave me feedback, please drop me a message.Your help is appreciated. } 0-1

[Event "Attack on the king side"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Bobby Fisher"] [Black "Pal Benko"] [Result "1-0"] { Hy everyone! I have a book which has many exciting matches annotated bythe writer himself:dr Gelenczei Emil. So I'm gonna quote his annotations.Hope you will have a good time while reading this,it's a great game fromthe great Bobby Fisher. His opponent was a hungarian grandmaster. } 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. f4 Nf6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Bd3 Bg4 7. h3 Bxf3 8. Qxf3 Nc6 9. Be3 e5 10. dxe5 dxe5 11. f5 gxf5 { This game was played in theUSA championship (1963-64) where Bobby Fischer-at the ago of 20-has wonby winning all of his matches,which is a unique performance in the historyof chess. The writer never annotates the opening-parts so the quote startshere:) 'The opening is Pirc defense. For black,this last move gave themost opportunities.' } 12. Qxf5 { '12.exf5 would give black chanses to fightback with 12...e4' } 12... Nd4 13. Qf2 { 'Fischer said that he was thinking about13.Qxe5 Hg4 14.Qxg7!? Kxg7 moves which where a lot promising.' } 13... Ne8 14. O-O Nd6 { 'Black is planning the move f5 which would free his position.' } 15. Qg3 { 'This blocks blacks planned move 15...f5 because 16.Bh6 startsa strong attack.' } 15... Kh8 16. Qg4 { 'Again,blocks f5 move.' } 16... c6 { '16...c5 wouldhave been a better defense.' } 17. Qh5 { 'Threatening 18.Bxd4 exd4 19.e5' } 17... Qe8 { 'Tricky move but not good. The best would have been 17...Ne6' } 18. Bxd4 exd4 19. Rf6 { '19.e5 wouldn't be good because of 19...f5. This iswhat black was waiting for but white's move was like lightning out of theblue. On the dinner held at the end of the competition a cake was servedhaving this position in it.' } 19... Kg8 { 'If 19...dxc3 than 20.e5 h6 20.Rxh6+Kg8 22.Rh8+ Bxh8 23.Qh7# } 20. e5 h6 21. Ne2 { 'Black resigned here,his positionis hopeless.' End of the quote. The annotation might be a bit boring butconsider it my weak translation:) In hungarian it would sound a bit betterbut there is no big difference I think The goal was to show you an nicematch,hope you like it. Feel free to rate and comment. :) } 1-0

[Event "Black games"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.11.14"] [Round "-"] [White "ionescu"] [Black "delboy391"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1156"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1107"] 1. d4 { I love to play d5 after d4, because I learnt this black openingdefence, from FM Charles Galofre via a video on chess.com, He calls ita universal system, } 1... d5 { After Playing d5 my next move is usually c6 orgKnight to f6 or cBishop to f5 what your trying to achieve with black isa triangle on the light squares, once the c Bishop is outside the pawnchain then shut the door with pawn to e6, making your triangle completeif your allowed to do so, I believe this opening defense for black is somesort of slav or semi slav, I have adapted it even further from learningit originally, by altering it after several times being attacked on b7or a7, got a little fed up so I bought a video on slavs and called it a6 } 2. Nf3 { My next move is as normal c6 } 2... c6 { Here on move 2 I am buildingmy triangle on the light squares, my 3rd move if allowed is puting my cbishop to f5 which is outside my pawn chain } 3. Nc3 { ionescu played Nc3,so I will play Nf6, covering the square e4 and also d5 also developingmy pieces } 3... Bf5 { I have thought about the move and played my c bishop outsidethe pawn chain, my next move will be as I was going to move Nf6 } 4. h3 { My opponent just played 4. h3, I am not sure why for definite he playedh3, I think he is trying to stop my bishop going onto g4, threatening theknight defender on f3 } 4... h6 { This my 4. h6 is to protect the bishop if attackedby the Knight on h4 from Nf3,I can hide the bishop, I call it a car parkjust put it here on h7 if attacked and is protected by Rook on h8 } 5. g4 { Here my opponent has attacked my bishop on f5 so I will park it in thecar park on h7, } 5... Bh7 6. Ne5 { His knight has just moved to e5 an ideal squareto course mayhem, but my move will be my b8 knight to d7 attacking hisknight on e5, } 6... Nd7 7. Nxd7 { He then took my knight on d7 so I remove itwith Queen to d7, } 7... Qxd7 8. Bg2 { Here he plays Bishop to g2, I will castlelong here giving me a rook behind my Queen on d8 giving me some power onthe d file } 8... O-O-O 9. e4 { He now played 9. e4 attacking my pawn on d5, Toback up my d5 pawn I can either close the door with pawn to e6 or My knightto f6 which also attacks e4 and also protects d5 remembering my bishopon h7 which is aiming at e4, so he has 3 attackers attacking my pawn ond5, but I will have 4 protecters so I will win that d5 argument. } 9... Nf6 10. e5 { He walks on by d5 pawn to e5, my problem here is I have my Queen ond7, where I should have put my Knight on d7 but with the queen on d7, Idont want to develop my knight onto g8 or e8, So I am forced to move myknight onto e4, which is being attacked by his bishop on g2 and his knighton c3, I have only 2 protecting the knight, so more of an even argument. } 10... Ne4 { I move my knight to e4 awaiting his next move, will he attack itor not the ball is in his court. } 11. Bxe4 { He attacks my knight on e4with his bishop on g2 } 11... Bxe4 { I exchange his bishop with the bishop inthe car park on h7, I don't know if he saw it, they can be a bit camouflagedin the corner, I have missed them before myself. } 12. Nxe4 { He removesmy bishop on e4 I will look at this, and make my mind up what to do..! } 12... dxe4 { I have decided to take the knight on e4, looking at the game at move12. so far seems equal. } 13. O-O { My opponent ionescu, has castled shortor king side, opposite to me long side or queen side } 13... Qd5 { I have movedmy Queen d7 to Qd5, which protects my e4 pawn and also could remove thepawn on e6 if he decides to push his pawn onto e6 in a forward direction,and also various other moves, and also if } 14. f3 { He now decides to attackme again with his pawn to f3 which attacks my pawn on e4 several thingsalways go through my mind which I learnt too take is a mistake, So I thoughtfor now I would close the door a bit late but better late than never, withmy e6 pawn, which also helps my development of my bishop on f8 can seedaylight } 14... e6 { I have now closed the door at e6 with my pawn I now awaithis next move, He now decides to take my pawn on e4 with his pawn on f3,giving me an easy take with my queen } 15. fxe4 { By him taking my e4 pawnleaving a semi open f file, my f7 pawn being unprotected as he has a rookon f1 scary... } 15... Qxe4 { I have decided to remove the pawn on e4 with myqueen, still equal black has kept equal up to move 15. } 16. Qf3 { He nowattacks my queen on f3, which I thought was a bit foolish knowing all Ihave to do is take his pawn on d4 which is unprotected, and I also havecheck as well as a bonus yippee.. } 16... Qxd4+ { I take his pawn on d4 and checkhis king in the process, he has got bishop to e3 stopping check } 17. Be3 { He now stops check with his bishop onto e3, which is covered by his queenon f3. my move hmmm... } 17... Qxe5 { My next move I have decided if he attacksmy pawn on f7 then I can check his king on g3 with my Queen. I await hisnext move...!!! } 18. Qxf7 { He took the pawn on f7, Now it's up to me Ihave the option of checking his king on g3 or e3 which I also can takehis bishop looks good, I don't see his queen on f7 as much of a dangereven though he has the rook on f1 as back up.. } 18... Qxe3+ { I thought I mightas well check him and also take his bishop on e3, which was quite goodI thought I am now +4 I think he has miss calculated his queen taking mypawn on f7, I hope unless he is more of a threat than I first thought,but don't think so.. anyway I am a pawn up and a bishop } 19. Qf2 { He nowreturns his queen to f2 to block my check I have got got several candidatemoves here for my queen, I can back off back up the board or keep the pressureon by attacking his pawn on h3 looks quite good } 19... Qxh3 { I have started togain an advantage on move 19. +5 now by taking his h3 pawn... awaitinghis move } 20. Qg2 { He blocks and attacks my queen on g2, I can't see amuch better move here on move 20. than } 20... Qe3+ { I said I could not see abetter move than than my queen to e3 check again going back and forth..let's see what his next move is. } 21. Qf2 { Well its cat and mouse now hego's f2 blocking my queens check on his king and attacking my queen onmove 21. what have I got now } 21... Qe5 { Here I came up with this move whichat first I thought I had made a mistake, if I analyzed it I might findI had made a mistake I await his move..!! } 22. Rae1 { I said previous Ithought I had made a mistake before I thought I should have moved directto g5, he now brings his other rook into it on e1 threatening my queenon e5, } 22... Qg5 { So I move out of danger onto g5 now I think I should havemoved there in the first place lol } 23. Qxa7 { He is going all out to attackmy king for the first time in this game by taking the pawn on a7 a problemarea in this defense, but I have adapted this area because of the weaknesson a and b 7 } 23... Bc5+ { He fell for that one checked his king and threateninghis queen which in turn is covered by my queen on level 5, if he moveshis king out of check, I can then take his queen or if he takes my bishopI can then take his queen on c5 with check again, He retires best thingto do I think } 0-1

[Event "Queens of the Stone Age"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "03-Apr-07"] [Round "-"] [White "kansaspatzer"] [Black "manhattan"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1515"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1550"] { This game saw me gain a large advantage in the opening, } 1. e4 { A stronglead in development does not win itself, especially after most of the piecesare traded off. This game culminates in an exciting race between two opposingpassed pawns after only the queens and pawns are left. } 1... e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Qf6 { This seems dubious, as it prevents Nf6. Black may lose some timewith the exposed king, but it doesn't lose on the spot. } 4. Nc3 Nge7 5. Bxc6 Nxc6 { dxc6!, which is thematic in the Exchange Ruy Lopez, would haveput a firm clamp on the important d5 square and threatened a strong Bg4.The move my opponent played is considerably inferior. } 6. Nd5 Qd8 { Perhapsmy opponent had thought about Qg6, which isn't as complicating as it mayseem at first. White can grab the rook an a8 and run. } 7. c3 { Preparingd4 to add to White's strong lead in development. } 7... a6 { I also like d6 here,which Black plays on the next move anyway. } 8. d4 d6 9. h3 { There is noreason to allow Bg4 here, as the knight keeps an eye on the tension inthe center. } 9... h6 10. O-O Be6 11. Ne3 { Threatening the pawn fork at d5. } 11... exd4 12. cxd4 d5 { A direct challenge to White's strong center, and no doubtthe best way to deal with the threatened d5. } 13. e5 { Trading on d5 wouldleave White with a very weak isolated d-pawn that would take up too muchtime to defend. } 13... Be7 14. a3 Bg5 { Under no circumstances should White allowthe h-file to be opened. After 15.Nxg5 hxg5, Black would have strong threats,including 16...g4. } 15. Nc2 Bxc1 16. Rxc1 O-O { Now, Black threatens toisolate White's d-pawn again by trading off White's e-pawn with ...f6. } 17. Re1 Qe7 { 17...f6 was also possible. } 18. Qd2 { I saw that the e-filewas about to be opened, and wanted to double my rooks there, and this movenot only cleared the way but prevented 18...Na5. } 18... f6 19. Re2 fxe5 20. Nxe5 Nxe5 21. Rxe5 { 21.dxe5? would make the pawn a lot harder to hold on toafter 21...Rf5. } 21... Qf6 22. Rf1 { Defending f1 so that the queen is free tomove elsewhere. } 22... Rae8 23. f3 { I'm not sure about this move. It weakensWhite's queenside a lot. } 23... Qg6 { Threatening 24...Bxg3, which would all butwin the game on the spot for Black. } 24. Kh2 Bf5 25. Ne3 Bd3 26. Rxe8 Rxe8 27. Re1 Bc4 28. Nxc4 dxc4 29. Re5 { This is one of the most important movesin the game for White. Capturing on e8 would hand Black the e-file. Blackwould have a strong advantage on the kingside, and White's queenside playmay not have been fast enough. Allowing Black to capture on e1 would displaceWhite's queen and allow a devastating ...Qc2 for black. } 29... Rxe5 { This givesWhite a strong passed pawn. If Black hadn't captured here, I probably wouldhave played Qe2 next. } 30. dxe5 { This papawn becomes very powerful. } 30... Qd3 31. Qb4 { Obviously, trading queens would give allow Black to queen. } 31... Qb3 { White has to let the b2 pawn go and trust that his e5 pawn can provideenough threats to compensate. } 32. Qe7 Qxb2 33. Qxc7 c3 { This pawn isn'tfast enough. White's queen is positioned too well. } 34. e6 c2 35. Qf7+ Kh7 36. Qf5+ { 36.d7?? would be a blunder in view of 36...Qe5 , which wouldlead to mate for Black. } 36... Kg8 37. e7 { Mate is now forced. } 37... Qf6 38. e8=Q+ 1-0

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2016.08.26"] [Round "-"] [White "kathya68"] [Black "thepreserver"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1080"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "937"] 1. e4 c5 { [All criticism is welcomed. If there is something I missed ordid wrong, let me know!] Cicilian Defence. } 2. Bc4 e6 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. b3 d5 { White employs Bowlder Attack. I respond accordingly with e6, then laterd5, clearing the center and giving me a tempo. Bc6 is played before d5to keep the king from being exposed to Bb5+. } 5. exd5 exd5 { I exchangepawns with him, clearing up the e-file and leaving his king somewhat exposed. } 6. Nxd5 { He eats my pawn, but I'm not too concerned with losing it... } 6... Bd6 { ...since his knight isn't putting any of my pieces in danger, I'mplanning on a kingside castle (O-O). The reason for this is because a checkcan possibly be made (Re8+) if white doesn't close up the hole. This alsomeans white can't castle until it leaves check, stalling a good defensiveposition for at least a turn. } 7. d3 Nf6 8. Nf3 O-O { I develop my knightand white mirrors, allowing me my kingside castle as planned. } 9. a4 { Whiteadvances his pawn, perhaps engaging the right as most of my pieces aredeveloped leftwards. White is still open to check however... } 9... Re8+ { ...assuch. White can't castle out of check, his only moves being Ne5, Ne3/Ne7+,Qe2, or Be3; most of which either wastes a piece, a turn, or both. Thebest choice here would be Be3, as it is the only move that wastes neither,and it develops his bishop. } 10. Be3 { White is almost forced to make Be3as it is the best decision. This allows me a turn to make a tactical play... } 10... Nb4 { ...by placing my knight in between his pieces, I can trade it forwhite's knight and possibly his bishop (such as in c3 Nbxd5, Bxd5, Nxd5).White must take at least the knight trade or it will happen for him. } 11. c3 Nbxd5 { As } 12. d4 { White takes the trade, but is reluctant to giveup more material... } 12... Nxc3 { ...I take more anyway. In its new position,my knight is now forcing his queen to develop or die. } 13. Qc2 Nce4 { Imove my knight to safety, protected by the bishop on f6 and the rook one8, while keeping within the king's reach. White can now be shoved intomainly defensive play with Qa5+. } 14. d5 Qa5+ { White is once again leftwith limited options: b4, Qc3/Qd2, Bd2, or Nd2. b4 would simply waste apawn, while Qc3/Qd2 would waste his queen. Bd2 isn't much better as thatundevelops the e-file blockade i made him carry out earlier. Nd2 is thebest move in this position. } 15. Nd2 b5 { I can no longer keep him fromcastling, as there are too many pieces in the way. However, Castling atthis point will only leave white trapped in his own defense. I set up toexchange more pieces to clear the way. } 16. b4 cxb4 { Queen may look trappedfrom b4 but I don't need her for the next few exchanges. } 17. Nxe4 Nxe4 { Knights are traded, though it favors my side because it gives me the moreclear playing field that I was looking for. } 18. O-O { White inevitablycastles, though it'll prove his downfall... } 18... bxc4 { ...his bishop is mine. } 19. Qxc4 { White moves his queen outward, though I don't see what he's tryingto accomplish. My remaining knight still has ampoule protection, as wellas any pieces he would hope to take on the 8-rank. His own pawn blocksaccess to the left side of the table, and my bishop on d6 keeps it thatway. } 19... Nc3 { My knight can now force white's king into the corner. PonderNe2+. White's only move in that case would be Kh1. This is a bad placefor the king to be in because it's smothered behind its own pieces; anypieces capturing on h2 or g2 will render a checkmate if backed up by asingle piece. } 20. Qc6 Ne2+ 21. Kh1 { The scenario previously mentionedhas been fulfilled. } 21... Qd8 { I chose Qd8 in this situation because I'm goingto focus my aggression on White's self-trapped king, and I need the queenin a decent position for the tactic to work properly. White has few choicesat this point, and movement of either rook to attack my knight will onlymake things worse, as Bg4 easily protects its position. White can't affordto lose any more material. Opening up his pawns might delay his downfall,but not for long. } 22. Rfe1 Bg4 { Though the bishop can be attacked by apawn, it's no longer a good move. h3 would only allow for Qh4, which putswhite in a very bad position, and an immediate mate is possible if whiteplays g3 right after (Qxh3#). f3/f4 isn't good either because it lets therook on the e-file take white's remaining bishop without consequence (Rxe3).Regardless, the bishop can be force-taken (Rxe3) resulting in some nastycheckmate possibilities. } 23. f3 Rxe3 { White chose f3, which was probablynot the best idea. Though white can take my bishop, The next few movesare downhill from here. } 24. fxg4 Qh4 { My queen moves into position tomate the king. I just need to get my rook in the right spot. } 25. h3 { Thoughwhite could have stayed in for a bit longer, this move sealed his fate.Ponder Rxh3+, gxh3 Qxh3#. } 25... Rxh3+ { White's only move is to take my rook. } 26. gxh3 Qxh3# { Taking his pawn makes the checkmate. [Thank you for reading!Please tell me how I did so that I may improve my technique!] } 0-1

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2011.01.31"] [Round "-"] [White "austinwkeller"] [Black "deepbreath54"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "750"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "539"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f6 { This is the damiano defence, in which I have neverencountered before. The purpose as most of you don't know, is that it canlull White into false security by 3.Nxe5 and then 4.Qh4+. } 3. Nc3 Ne7 4. Bc4 { I wanted to secure d5, not to expect something bad. } 4... d6 5. Nd5 Nec6 6. d3 a5 { This is not sincere to me. } 7. Qd2 b6 8. O-O Nd7 { Blackis building up a enclosement. At this stage, I was only aware what I cando about it. } 9. c3 a4 10. b3 Ra5 11. b4 Rxd5 12. Bxd5 { Soon, I realizedhow strong this really was. My only hope after these couple of moves, wasto attack that enclosement. } 12... Bb7 13. a3 g6 14. d4 h5 15. b5 Na5 { I wasoutraged by this move. My defence started a critical struggle... } 16. Qa2 { until this move. } 16... f5 17. exf5 gxf5 { This was it, I am finally breakingthrough. Though only now did I meet something better than 18. dxe5... } 18. Bf7+ { It was the briliant 18. Bd7+!!. This lead to the endgame by aforced mate, other than checking him several times. } 18... Ke7 19. Qe6# { So hereit is, the 19 move mate by me, giving my team the first team match winagainst another team. That is the end of my 2nd annotated game. } 1-0

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.06.22"] [Round "-"] [White "okat"] [Black "ollieo"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1732"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1734"] 1. d4 { This game shows the importance of queen at the end game againstcrowd of other pieces when opponents king is not protected well } 1... e6 2. e4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e5 { this variation of french defence yieldsan open game on general. white conqueres center temporarily. on this variationwhite should attack.. and if he fails black might enter into the end gamewith a better position in the center. } 5... Nfd7 { black is leaving his kingside to his opponent. although seems passive Ng8 then f6 would be better. } 6. Bxe7 Qxe7 7. a3 { white is preparing to locate his bishop to b5. butfirst should prevent Qb4. } 7... a6 { now white bishop's position should be atthe square d3. but c5-c6 seems to yield position advantage to black. blackshould be thinking to which direction he should castle. a short castlemight yield and unbearable attack of white, but black will conquer thequeen side of the board. a long castling might be safer for black, butthe initiative will still belong to white as the preparation of castlingwill take time. white on the other hand decides to initiate an early attackon blacks king side. } 8. Qg4 O-O { black accepts the challange. he is thinkingthat he has enough power to defence the king there. } 9. Bd3 c5 10. Nf3 { now whites development has been completed and the attack will start withBxh7. but black has a surprise. } 10... cxd4 { i was waiting 10...c4 and 11.Bxh7would give an early win in that case. but my opponent saw this and willstop the attack taking both of my knights and my bishop against his queen.his automatic movements started after my 11th move. } 11. Bxh7+ Kxh7 12. Qh5+ Kg8 13. Ng5 Qxg5 14. Qxg5 dxc3 15. bxc3 { now the water gets calm.Whites attack seems to be stopped. his queens side pawns were detoriated.and the existence of 2 knights and a bishop against a queen gives blackgood chance for a win in the long term. } 15... Nc6 16. f4 f6 17. exf6 Nxf6 { whitehas no obvious plan anymore. but the black has nothing as well. blacksqueen side equipments the rook, bishop, and the poorly developed knightstand on the board aimlessly. white decides to continue to attack.. otherwiseit is obvious that the black will take the initiative soon. } 18. h4 Ne4 { knight found herself a nice location. but 18...e5, 19.f5 (19.fxe5 Nxe520.Qxe5 Re8) Ne4 then Bxf5 would help black develop his bishop and takethe initiative } 19. Qg6 Rf6 20. Qe8+ { having no sound attack plan, whiteis playing for draw and black rejects it } 20... Rf8 21. Qg6 Rxf4 22. h5 Rf6 23. Qe8+ Kh7 { now the picture is clear. black has a material advantage afterNxc3, whites pawns are easy targets for the attacks, queen has not muchmovement capability. on the other hand, blacks underdevelopment on hisqueen side and his king being an easy target for the checks give whitesome chances. } 24. h6 gxh6 25. Rxh6+ { opposite to 11th move, this timesacriface was unexpected } 25... Kxh6 { this rook sacrifice gives the total initiativeto white. black has to lose time to develop his pieces. } 26. O-O-O Kg7 { good move to decrease the movement capability of whites queen. } 27. Rh1 Rh6 28. Rxh6 Kxh6 { there is one queen against 2 knights, bishop and a rook.but none of them is able to protect their king. } 29. Qf7 Na5 30. g4 Nc4 31. Qh5+ Kg7 32. g5 Bd7 { now black should have taken that pawn at g5, withhis knight. then should move his king outside the queens checking range. } 33. Qh6+ Kg8 34. Qg6+ { 34.g6? Nf6 35.g7 Nh7 } 34... Kf8 35. Qh7 { threating bothwith Qxd7 and Qh8 then Qxa8 } 35... Nb6 { protecting both rook and bishop } 36. g6 Ng5 { now blacks thinks that with giving the knight he could stop theattack. but as we will see in few moves, it was wrong. 36...Kf8 was thelast escaping chance of black. } 37. Qh6+ Kg8 38. Qxg5 Kg7 39. Qh5 Rh8 { blackwas planning this move while giving his knight on 36th move, hoping toget the initiative.but there is a surprise waiting for him. } 40. Qe5+ Kg8 41. Qf6 Rh1+ 42. Kb2 Nc4+ { nice manevour to defend f7 square. Queen's supporton c3 pawn is preventing blacks 42...Na4+ 43.Kb3 (Kb2 44...Nc3 45.Kb2 Rb1)Rb1 44.Ka2 Nc3 } 43. Ka2 Nd6 44. Qd8+ Be8 45. Qxd6 Bxg6 { now white shoulddecide on which of the two pawns of the black to take } 46. Qb8+ Kg7 47. Qxb7+ Kf6 48. c4 Rh2 49. cxd5 Rxc2+ 50. Kb3 exd5 51. Qxa6+ Kf7 52. a4 Be4 53. Qd6 Rc4 54. a5 Ke8 55. a6 Bc2+ 56. Kb2 Bd3 57. a7 Rc2+ 58. Ka3 { blackresigned here } 1-0

[Event "A Hard Win"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.06.25"] [Round "-"] [White "rjacobs"] [Black "jstevens1"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1780"] [TimeControl "5d+1d<7d"] [WhiteElo "1532"] 1. e4 { Hi everyone! In Master Freddy's annotation tournament I now have4 points out of 7 games and have chalked up my third win. I take the blackside of this Sicilian Grand Prix Mini Tournament. I get into my usualbind in the middle game but somehow get out of it into a won endgame. Anyhow. Let's start the action on move 8 where I play Kc6. } 1... c5 2. f4 d5 3. Nf3 dxe4 4. Ng5 Nf6 5. Bc4 Bg4 6. Qxg4 Nxg4 7. Bxf7+ Kd7 8. Be6+ Kc6 { 8. ....... Kc6 - this move is better than Kc7 so Master Freddy says, thereforeI play it. } 9. Bxg4 e6 { 9. ....... e6 - here I decide on e6 and see howthat pans out. } 10. Nc3 Na6 { 10. ...... Na6 - development and heading forb4. } 11. g3 Nb4 12. O-O Nxc2 { 12. ....... Nxc2 - Bob prevents the forkby castling kingside but I decide to whip off the c2 pawn anyway, especiallyas my e4 pawn is about to drop. } 13. Rb1 Qd4+ { 13. ....... Qd4+ - I thoughtlong and hard over this move, still Glenda has been far too passive formy liking, let her at least get a taste of aggro I say! } 14. Kh1 Re8 { 14...... Re8 - centralises rook and adds protection to my e6 pawn. } 15. Be2 a6 16. Ngxe4 { 16. Ngxe4 - the e4 pawn predictably drops. } 16... Nb4 17. Bf3 Kc7 { 17. ..... Kc7 - Henry steps out of the concealed line of Bob's lsb onf3. } 18. b3 Kb8 { 18. ...... Kb8 - you could say I have castled by handhere. } 19. Bb2 Qd7 20. Na4 Nd3 21. Bc3 { 21. Bc3 - avoiding a B for N trade. } 21... b5 22. Nb6 { 22. Nb6 - this looks nasty but somehow I wriggle out of themess. } 22... Qd8 23. Ba5 Nb4 { 23. ..... Nb4 - took 3 days before I took the plungewith this move. A series of trades will follow after Bob teases the knightwith a3. } 24. a3 Nc6 25. b4 cxb4 26. axb4 { 26. axb4 - first a pawn trade. } 26... Bxb4 27. Bxb4 Nxb4 { 27. ....... Nxb4 - now a bishop trade. } 28. Rxb4 Qxb6 { 28. ...... Qxb6 - now a knight trade. } 29. Ng5 Re7 { 29. ......... Re7- a prophylactic move here, defends the vulnerable e6 pawn and also preventsthat horsie from coming in to f7. Next move I play my pawn to h6 to kickBob's knight away. } 30. d4 h6 31. Ne4 Rc8 { 31. ..... Rc8 - my king rookmoves for the first time in the game. } 32. Nc5 Rxc5 33. dxc5 Qxc5 { 33........ Qxc5 - I decide to get rid of that white horsie at a cost of myrook, though I do get a pawn thrown in to the bargain too! } 34. Re4 { 34.Re4 - hmm, I think Bob is gonna pile up on that e6 pawn, what shall I do? I know, in the endgame I will follow the maxim, passed pawns must be pushed!! So b4 it is. } 34... b4 35. Rb1 a5 { 35. ...... a5 - I decide to give my b passersome reinforcement. } 36. Rbe1 Qb6 { 36. ....... Qb6 - Glenda does some morevaluable defensive duties here, but they are very valuable indeed! Oneof those pawns may well become her clone! } 37. Bg4 b3 { 37. ....... b3 -I ignore the attack on my e6 pawn, it will fall next move but never mind,my b pawn is only 2 squares away from Glendadom! } 38. Rxe6 Rxe6 39. Rxe6 Qb7+ { 39. .......... Qb7+ - after the e6 pawn has duly disappeared, Glendasteals a tempo-gaining check on b7. } 40. Kg1 b2 41. Re8+ { 41. Re8+ - aspite check but Henry cooly moves to a7. At least white has no dsb! } 41... Ka7 42. Bf5 b1=Q+ { 42. ........ b1/Q+ - Glenda 2 appears for just one moment,but Bob's lsb must give up his life for Glenda's clone. It's Q againstR + P now folks! } 43. Bxb1 Qxb1+ 44. Kf2 a4 { 44. ...... a4 - I now decideto push my a pawn towards Glendadom. } 45. Re5 Qb2+ 46. Re2 { 46. Re2 - Bobblocks Glenda's check with his rook but Glenda has a little spell up hersleeve here. } 46... Qxe2+ 47. Kxe2 { 47. Kxe2 - Glenda disappears for now, butwait, a few moves down the line ........ } 47... a3 48. Kd2 a2 49. Kc2 a1=Q { 49......... a1/Q - ......... but in a puff of smoke she reappears on a1! } 50. Kd3 { 50. Kd3 - Bob decides to play on so I must do some clean up workhere then proceed to force mate. } 50... Qb2 51. Ke4 Qxh2 { 51. ........ Qxh2 -stage 1 - one of the kingside pawns drops. } 52. g4 Qh4 { 52. ...... Qh4!- Bob cannot avoid losing his remaining pawns, you will see how in a minute! } 53. Kf5 g6+ { 53. ........ g6+! - a decoy! } 54. Kxg6 Qxg4+ { 54. ........Qxg4+ - fork. } 55. Kxh6 Qxf4+ { 55. ...... Qxf4+ - well, there is no wayI can lose this and now Bob waves the white flag. True he can bring hisking to the g column, but Henry will wend his way to the f column forcingthe WK to the edge. Glenda will then move to the g column as far awayas possible from the WK to avoid stalemate. Henry will then move oppositethe WK with 1 square separating the kings. After that, there is no wayBob can prevent Glenda from giving his king the Kiss of Death! Whew, whata game! } 0-1

[Event "Let's play chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2017.12.19"] [Round "-"] [White "arabsword"] [Black "mmoody95"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1878"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1550"] 1. d4 e6 2. g3 f5 { I've been trying to learn the Dutch. } 3. e4 { Someversion of the Staunton Gambit. } 3... fxe4 4. Qg4 d5 { With White's Q placement,Black can hold on to the pawn. } 5. c4 g6 6. Qd1 { Now White abandons theattempt to get the pawn back completely. } 6... Nf6 7. Bg2 Bg7 8. Nc3 c6 9. Nge2 O-O 10. O-O { As Black, I have an extra pawn that will be handy in the endgameperhaps. But I have to solve my development problems. } 10... Na6 11. a3 Nc7 { Now I need to get my bad Bishop activated somehow. } 12. Be3 Qe7 13. cxd5 exd5 { White's capture just creates better mobility for my light squareBishop. } 14. Qc1 Ne6 15. f3 exf3 16. Bxf3 Bd7 { Finally developing theBishop. } 17. Qd2 { White's Queen has moved four times. That gives Blacktempos to reposition. } 17... Rf7 18. Rae1 Raf8 19. Rf2 Ne8 20. Ref1 Nd6 { Nd6gives the N two potential good squares. } 21. b3 Nf5 22. b4 Nd6 { I optedto occupy c4 rather than capture the hemmed-in Be3. My opponent let timelapse here, effectively losing the game. I think Black has a positionaledge here, in addition to the extra pawn, but the game is not decided byany means. } 0-1

[Event "Gambito #318"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "April 28"] [Round "-"] [White "Baker"] [Black "Ricardo-Perez"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1911"] [TimeControl "G/40"] [WhiteElo "1985"] 1. e4 { Playing White is my friend Baker who likes to develop as fast aspossible to start a quick attack. 1.e4 is the move that promotes quickand easy development. If you prefer slower positions like me, then play1.Nf3. } 1... d5 { I believe the Sicilian (1...c5) is the best response to e4.Black opens up the position too quickly in this game and gives White alead in development, which my friend exploits nicely. } 2. exd5 { White cantry a risky gambit if he plays 2.d4, but a lot of players at Gambito tournamentshave prepared themselves against Baker's sacrifice openings. } 2... Qxd5 { Development-wise,2...Nf6 is the sharpest move since Qxd5 gives White a free developing tempo.If White tries to hold the pawn with 3.c4, then Black plays 3...c6 sacrificinga pawn for rapid development and superior control of the centre. The sameplayer playing White sometimes plays that sacrifice as Black. } 3. Nc3 { Naturallymost people welcome free moves } 3... Qa5 { In the Center-Counter Defense, Blackwants to get the queen to c7 after c6. Black usually gets a more solidposition in this opening, but White develops much quicker. } 4. d4 { Openinglines for more development while controlling the centre. } 4... c6 { Still book } 5. Nf3 Bg4 { Black usually wants to get his light bishop out in the openbefore playing e6 so that the bishop isn't cramped on c8 blocked in bypawns } 6. Bf4 { I'm not sure if this was the best move since b2 is weakened,but White certainly has more control of the centre despite his pinned knights. } 6... e6 7. h3 { The bishop is annoying } 7... Bxf3 { This is a mistake by Black. Bh5is better since it retains the pin and the chasing move g4 weakens White'sposition. Even after Be2 Black's bishop still has a purpose on h5 sinceif the f3-knight moves, Black can trade his bad bishop for White's goodone. } 8. Qxf3 { Clearly the more logical piece to recapture with } 8... Bb4 { Thisis Black's most active move, but his position is still horrible after helet White have the bishop pair. And if Black tries to fork White's pawnswith Qb6, White can play O-O-O } 9. Be2 { Qg3 looks interesting since itdoubleattacks b8 and g7. I don't really understand Be2 } 9... Nd7 10. a3 { Thismove doesn't appear to be dangerous since axb4 would result in Qxa1 butlooks can be deceiving. Black should simply move his bishop here, but heignored White's 'pointless' move and didn't think ahead. } 10... O-O-O { This isa big mistake because now Black's king's position is very weak. Takingthat into account, Black's king would be mated if a piece could check itsomehow. There is a well-known mating pattern against Black's king's position,where White sacrifices something to remove the b7-pawn so a bishop canget to a6 to deliver mate. Accomplishing that mating pattern doesn't appearto be possible, but it could be since Qxc6 bxc6 Ba6 would be mate if Black'squeen wasn't defending a6. } 11. axb4 { Black didn't think anything of a3,but didn't realize he was castling into a weak structure. This move appearslosing since Black picks up a rook with check, but material is nothingwhen your opponent's king is mateable } 11... Qxa1+ { Black was probably stunnedby White's bold move and didn't know what was going on. } 12. Kd2 { SuddenlyBlack is totally lost. His queen is far from the action and can no longerdefend a6. Black's position is weak and underdeveloped due to developinghis queen too early. And castling queenside was definitely the totallylosing move. } 12... Qxh1 { I'm not sure if Black even saw the mate, but if hetries to stop it, then White takes the queen and has a massive materialadvantage. } 13. Qxc6+ { Now that White's clever deflection of the queenhas driven it away from guarding a6, White can go on with the mating attackwhich didn't seem possible a few moves ago. } 13... bxc6 14. Ba6# { Next time Blackshould be careful what he's castling into! } 1-0

[Event "'The Immortal Game'"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "Anderson"] [Black "Kieseritzky"] [Result "1-0"] { I am not sure the exact day, but I know that this game took place in 1851. And, the title of this annotation is based on what the game was called. I also don't their ratings, but more important, their experience, so asfar as I'm concerned, they're not GM's and thus, will not be using thattitle in this annotation. But, it is instructive and interesting to watch. In fact, brigadecommander showed this game in the club, 'Chess ProblemsLover's.' I deemed this to be a very good Homework to study, and thus,annotate. For one thing, white played the KG which black accepted. Second,white gave up a lot of material. In fact, it's even more material thenTA sacs in his blitz Q sac, and white won in the process. Of even moresignificance is that, as we know, I used to get reckless by constantlychanging my openings, as opposed to sticking to one, which is how it'ssupposed to be. That problem has lasted for years. The last differentopening I played was the KG because Joe did that and won. I have lostmany games by playing it since I'm not used to that opening. But, I woundup getting a lucky draw against Jack Stockel. What stopped me from tryingmore different things was a course by Susan Polgar as she recommended thatwe stick with what we're most used to and not try different things. Withthat being said, white played black accepted with a nice win. That addsup to this opening being played professional which I think is good forlearning, and thus, important. So, how did Anderson do it? } 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Bc4 { For one thing, 3.Nf3 is the main follow up. But, Ibelieve that Anderson plays this, in an attempt to throw Kierseritzky offguard because, in my opinion, 3.Bc4 is not played by masters or GM's, inresponse to the KG. So, it's something different. } 3... Qh4+ { As with my mostrecent game against reversion, 3.Nf3 is played to prevent this. And, Iwouldn't know what to do here since castling isn't an option. But, white,however, has no problem giving up that right. This appears to be reversedpsychology, as black appears to have the intitative. My inference is thatAnderson wanted Kieseritzky to get this early initative, just like withJoe's sacs with the idea that if you don't know how to follow up or continuethe game you'll wind up in trouble. That happens by becoming overly confidentwhich I strongly believe is the case for Kieseritzky. So, even though,technically speaking, black has the advantage, I'm already starting tofavor white's position since it appears to only a matter of time beforeblack gets too comfortable. } 4. Kf1 b5 { With that being said, black attacksthe Bishop. Maybe, he wants to give the pawn back, before white can doharm. Aside from that, though, I've got no idea, so my inference is basedsolely on that. } 5. Bxb5 Nf6 { With that being said, Kieseritzky startswith his development. And, Anderson continues with his, as well. And,in the process white's going to harass the Queen which will gain some importanttempii. And, in professional games like this, tempo is important whichis another reason that I favor white's position, believe it or not. } 6. Nf3 Qh6 { This will enable white to open up the center, as well as, geta nice pawn chain. } 7. d3 Nh5 { I don't know why Kieseritzky played this,but as black, the only move that would've come into consideration wouldbe 7...Bb7 for a nice long diagnol which is why I wouldn't have hesitatedto play it. } 8. Nh4 { This move also took me by surprise because I would'vecontinued developing with Nc3. Aside from that, the only other move thatwould've come into consideration is 8.b2 to financhetto the Q side. } 8... Qg5 { But, unlike with what's noted above, I also would've played this. Notonly is the N attacked, but white's a file also appears to be under pressure. As after Anderson retreats, Kieseritzky reattacks. } 9. Nf5 c6 10. g4 { Insteadof retreating, however, Anderson prepares to exchange by reattacking. } 10... Nf6 { But, Kieseritzky, however, refuses that. } 11. Rg1 { And, instead ofexchanging, Anderson gives up a piece for a pawn. Usually, it would beconsidered a mistake, but here it's safe to infer that it isn't. Instead,I think it's a similar idea to when I gave up my Rook against Perry. Therefore,11...cxb5 is played, as one would anticipate, but I deem it to be a mistakethat will, at this point, give Anderson a definite advantage. It appearsto be an example of becoming overly confident. } 11... cxb5 12. h4 { As now, Andersongains more time. In this case, tempiik, as opposed to, tempo because ofwhat comes next. } 12... Qg6 13. h5 Qg5 14. Qf3 { That gain enables white to mobilizehis Queen which is also very important. } 14... Ng8 { As black, I would've played14...Bc5, as opposed to, undevelop the N. But, they see things that Idon't, and I guess that black was going to lose it, or maybe, lose thegame quickly, if he didn't. Now, it gets more interesting, as Andersonknabs f7 which is important. Although it didn't appear to be, this wasa passed pawn because there were no pawns in front of them. Although white'spawns are next to black, there was nothing to stop f4, except for white'snext move which is why it was critical. In the process, he gains moretime since black's Queen is attacked. } 15. Bxf4 Qf6 16. Nc3 { As now, Andersoncontinues with his development. } 16... Bc5 { Even more so then before, we nowget into uncharted territory, somewhat similar to Janet's game againstCharles in the second 4 Queens variation that I analyzed. But, this iseven more dramatic then both sides making a promotion with both Queenson the same board. It starts with Anderson's next move. That's becausehe intentionally gives things away. } 17. Nd5 Qxb2 { ?? I don't know if reallyis a two Queiry move, but in the English System, ...Qxb2 is, in most variations,considered to be a losing blunder. That's because Susan Polgar mentionedthat taking this is a huge mistake that allows black to win. Althoughthe variations are different with what follows, I'm applying the same concept,regardless despite a different position because going into thought process,I believe that Kieseritzky has just become overly confident. And, as hegets more and more comfortable, black's headed for disaster, big time,which does unfold later in the game. } 18. Bd6 { That becomes apparent withthis move when black takes since I strongly believe that this is what Andersonanticipated. } 18... Bxg1 19. e5 { The reason for that comment is because it'sgenerally most common to take back, in order to avoid the loss of morematerial. But, Anderson doesn't take back, and instead, allows black totake the other Rook with check. When you don't blunder, then it is a winningstrategy. And, on a professional that is the case since Jack Stockel hasshowed me games where towards the end, Bobby Fischer, and I believe Cauranaboth sacked a lot of material in the end and won swiftly. } 19... Qxa1+ 20. Ke2 Na6 { I'm not sure why black played, but I assume that Kieseritzky is planningto set up a mating with that piece, combined with his Bg1 and Qa1, butit's too little too late, especially with Anderson's next move. And, nowit is safe to conclude that the game is lost for black because of the matingattack. Of more significance is that black won all of those pieces andbeing way ahead, you'd think the opposite. But, Anderson, however, hadit all planned out which means that there is no way out of it. } 21. Nxg7+ Kd8 22. Qf6+ Nxf6 23. Be7# { From my perspective, the moral of the storyis the same as the advice that Jack Stockel gave me in our last game. Don't get too comfortable just because you're ahead. What's importantto remember here is what I've also learned from the blitz Q sacs. Justbecause you are getting a lot of material doesn't mean you're going towin. Not being overly confident and comfy means understanding theory andknowing how to continue. I think that Kieseritzky's failure to do so iswhat led to his downfall. } 1-0

[Event "Great Endgames Series - Queen Endings"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "1954.09.17"] [Round "-"] [White "Mikhail Botvinnik"] [Black "Nikolay Minev"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "2428"] [WhiteElo "2360"] { Main annotations taken from Steve Giddins excellent 'Greatest Ever ChessEndgames' } 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 c6 3. d4 d5 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Bd3 b4 9. Ne4 Bb7 10. Nxf6+ gxf6 11. e4 Bd6 12. O-O Rg8 13. Qe2 Qa5 14. Nd2 O-O-O 15. Nc4 Qc7 16. f4 c5 17. a3 f5 18. axb4 Nf6 19. Na5 c4 20. Nxb7 cxd3 21. Nxd6+ Rxd6 22. Qxd3 fxe4 23. Qe2 Qb7 24. f5 Nd5 25. Qxe4 Nxb4 26. Qxb7+ Kxb7 27. fxe6 fxe6 28. Rf7+ Kc6 29. Be3 Kd5 30. Rxh7 Nc6 31. Bf4 Rdd8 32. Bc7 Rh8 33. Rg7 Rhg8 34. Rh7 Rh8 35. Rg7 Rhg8 36. Rf7 Rgf8 37. Raf1 Rxf7 38. Rxf7 Rc8 39. Be5 Nxd4 40. Bxd4 Kxd4 41. Kf2 a5 42. g4 Rc2+ 43. Kg3 Rxb2 44. g5 a4 45. g6 Rb1 46. Kh4 Rg1 47. Kh5 Kc4 48. Rf4+ Kb5 49. Rf3 Kb4 50. Rf4+ Kb5 51. Rf3 Kb4 52. Rg3 Rxg3 53. hxg3 a3 54. g7 a2 55. g8=Q a1=Q 56. Qg4+ Ka5 57. Qxe6 { Relatively littlewas known about this type of endgame at the time this game was played,and despite a few inaccuracies in the play, Botvinnik first whole endgamehas now been 'tablebased', it is not always a simple matter to divine theunderlying point behind many of the computer's moves. Broadly, we can pointout the following rules of thumb: 1. One of White's main weapons in suchendings is the 'cross-check', i.e . answering a check by interposing hisqueen, so as himself to give check, and so force an exchange of queens.This idea lies behind several of the other principles of such endings. 2. Whilst there are no hard and fast rules as to which positions are wonand which are not, it is true to say that the stronger side generally hasmost winning chances with a centre pawn or bishop's pawn, fewer chanceswith a knight's pawn, and fewest of all with a rook's pawn. The tablebaseconfirms that the present position should be a draw with best play. 3.The stronger side's queen usually takes up a post in the centre of theboard, where its influence is at its greatest, and the chance of crosschecksis maximized. 4. The stronger side should usually try to place his ownking on the same or adjacent rank or file as the enemy king. This maximizesthe chance of cross-checks. 5. With a knight's pawn as here, the defender'sking should generally head for the corner diagonally opposite to the pawn'squeening square (in other words, the a1-corner in this position). This,too, is motivated by the defender's desire to reduce the chances of cross-checks. Armed with these basic principles, we will see how Botvinnik handled theending. It should be noted that he had the benefit of adjournment analysis,of course; and since this was an Olympiad, it can be assumed that his teammateswill have contributed. In my opinion, none of this diminishes the valueof Botvinnik's achievement in this game. } 57... Qh8+ 58. Kg6 Qc3 59. g4 { Itshould be noted that White cannot be prevented from advancing his pawnat least as far as the sixth rank in such positions. This does not meanthat the position is lost or that the defender has erred. The real technicalproblems for White starts once his pawn gets to the sixth rank. } 59... Qd2 { Thisis a typical example of the application of the principles enunciated above,especially principles (3) and (4). Thanks to the position of his king andqueen, White is in a position to meet checks such as 59 ...Qd3+?? withthe cross-check 60. Qf5+. } 60. g5 Qd4 { Thus far, the tablebase confirmsthat Black has defended well enough to keep the position within drawingbounds, but his last move is an inaccuracy, after which the position isa win for White, albeit in 65 moves. Black has five possible drawing moveshere, but the most logical of these, following principle (5) above, is60 ... Ka4. heading the black king towards the safety zone in the south-westcorner. } 61. Qf5+ { An inaccuracy in turn. The ruthless tablebase showsthat White has only one move to win here, and that is the rather illogical61 Kh7, which goes against the principle that the white king should seeka position o in the same or the adjacent file as its opposite number. However,I do not think either player can be reproached for such minor imprecisions,given the huge complexity of such endings. All any human player can hopefor is to understand the basic principles and apply them as far as possible;the tactical features of these positions are so great that they are alwaysgoing to be beyond a human player's capacity. } 61... Ka4 62. Kh5 Qh8+ 63. Kg4 Qh1 { Another imprecision, after which the assessment swings over to 'winning'once again. Of Black's three drawing moves, two involve following principle(5) above and heading his king towards the safe corner: 6. ...Ka3 or 63...Kb3. } 64. Qf4+ { White finds the most accurate move, underlining thedrawback of Black's last. Now his king is forced away from the safe corner,because 64 ..Ka3? runs into the cross-check 65. Qf3+ } 64... Ka5 65. Qe5+ { Thereis nothing wrong with the immediate 65 g6 (indeed, it even wins two movesquicker), but Botvinnik's move is more logical from the human viewpoint- he first puts his queen on a more centralized square, in accordance withprinciple (3). } 65... Ka4 66. g6 Qd1+ 67. Kg5 Qd8+ { Once again, the proximityof the opposing kings means that crosschecks are in the air, both after67 ...Qd2+? 68. Qf4+, and 67. ...Qg1+ 68. Kf5! when there are no safe checks.68. Kf5 Qc8+ 69. Kf4 Qcl+ 70. Qe3 Qc7+ 71. Qe5. In itself, this move doesnot spoil anything, but it is the start of a short phase during which Botvinnikloses his way. He should prefer 71. Kg4 or 71. Kg5. } 68. Kf5 Qc8+ 69. Kf4 Qc1+ 70. Qe3 Qc7+ 71. Qe5 Qc1+ 72. Kf5 Qc8+ 73. Kg5 Qd8+ 74. Qf6 { We haveactually reached the same position as after Black's 67th move. The firsttime round, Botvinnik found the most accurate move, 74 Kf5. It shouldalso be noted that the plan of placing the white king in front of his pawnwith 74. Kh6? Qh4+ 75. Kg7 is much weaker. This was a lesson that Botvinnikhad been forced to learn the hard way, as he had made exactly that mistakein the same ending, against the Soviet master Ravin sky, eight years earlier.The tablebase confirms that the ending is then a draw. } 74... Qd5+ 75. Qf5 Qd8+ 76. Kh5 Qe8 { Now there are no more profitable checks, since after 76. ...Qh8+77. Kg4, Black once again suffers from his king being on the same rankas its opposite number. One can see how much easier his defensive taskwould be if his king were now on a2 or a1, as it could have been, had hetaken his chances earlier in the endgame. However, even though he is outof checks, Black is not yet completely out of ammunition. Instead, Minevresorts to another typical defensive technique in such queen endings -pinning the pawn. } 77. Qf4+ { A fundamental error of principle, which againendangers the win. This move simply drives the black king closer towardsthe safe comer, and the tablebase confirms that the position should bedrawn after this. Instead, White can win with several continuations, themain one being 77. Kg4. However, the difficulty of such endings is attestedto by the fact that the win still takes 60 moves from this position! (However,this does not mean it is a draw - White will, of course, advance his g-pawnagain inside the so moves allowance). } 77... Ka5 { Returning the favour. It isclear that Minev did not understand the point about where his king wasbest placed, a forgivable error for his time, but one which makes Botvinnik'stask easier. Obviously, the black king should emulate the birds and gratefullymigrate to the kinder climate of the south, with 77 ...Ka3! . } 78. Qd2+ Ka4 79. Qd4+ { Botvinnik follows principle (3), and takes the chance tocentralize his queen with gain of tempo. In so doing, he maximizes itsinfluence, and so reduces the enemy queen's scope for checks. } 79... Ka5 80. Kg5 { Now we see the effect of Botvinnik's piece positioning. Black soonruns out of checks, whilst the superbly placed white queen also controlsthe next square of the pawn, g7. } 80... Qe7+ 81. Kf5 Qf8+ 82. Ke4 { Once again,the possibility of a cross-check means that Black is out of checks, andthis time he cannot prevent the pawn advancing further. } 82... Qh6 83. Qe5+ { Onceagain, the tablebase shows that the immediate 83 g7 wins slightly morequickly, but the human instinct is to improve the queen position first. } 83... Ka4 84. g7 Qh1+ 85. Kd4 { Another characteristic idea for such endings.With the pawn only one square from queening, the white king approachescloser towards its opposite number, to seek the elusive crosscheck. } 85... Qd1+ 86. Kc5 Qc1+ 87. Kd6 { Curiously, Mark Dvoretsky gives the note '87. Kd5?!Qc8!, but the tablebase shows that this wins for White in exactly the samenumber of moves as the text. } 87... Qd2+ 88. Ke6 Qa2+ { 88 ...Qh6+ 89 Kd5 is againthe end of the checks. } 89. Qd5 Qe2+ 90. Kd6 Qh2+ 91. Kc5 { The final positiondeserves a diagram, as it perfectly illustrates the elements of the winningmethod. The white que􀘖n occupies a dominating central square, also controllingthe queening square of the pawn, the two kings stand close together, andall the possible checks are defeated by a crosscheck. Despite a numberof inaccuracies, this is a classic endgame, and immensely instructive.Without the aid of either tablebases or any substantial heoretical practice,apart from his own game against Ravinsky years before, Botvinnik effectively'solved' this ending in his adjournment analysis, identifying all the keyelements of the winning method in such positions. } 1-0

[Event "An unusual but strong move in the Sicilian, Anderssen Variation!"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.08.28"] [Round "-"] [White "grey_sparrow"] [Black "faithfulltrav"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1786"] [TimeControl "14 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1440"] 1. e4 { This was a non rated, Sicilian Defense game for tutoring purposes,between my friend Ajay (grey_sparrow) and myself, Scott Miller (faithfulltrav). } 1... c5 { So 1. e4 c5 marks the Sicilian Defense, a very tactical defense filledwith potential for both sides. } 2. Bc4 { So Ajay, as you mentioned in oneof your comments (now deleted due to comments posted afterward), you noticedon the openings website I sent you to, that the bishop is seldom broughtout early in the Sicilian, and when it is, the results are not good forWhite. Here's why: In this early stage in the opening, you don't know whatsquares will be best for the bishops, and you know the knights are beston c3 & f3. The best squares for the bishops is determined by the pawnstructure and the other pieces (especially pawns). So it is best to movethe knights out, and see what develops in the pawns and pieces before movingthe bishops. It turns out this was not the best square for the bishop.The consequences are evidenced in 2 ways: 1. I forced you to move the bishopa 2nd time, gaining development for me and losing it for you. 2. More important,after your later Qe2, the bishop had very little space to move to, so Icornered and slayed him (poor guy). } 2... e6 { This is the Sicilian, AnderssenVariation. } 3. Nf3 Nf6 { After my knight move here, White has 4. e5, whichappears at a glance to be strong, but then 4. ...d5! 5. Bb5+ Nd7 laterfollowed by ...a6 and possibly ...b5. } 4. Nc3 d5 5. exd5 exd5 6. Qe2+ { (?)This is the move that blocked off your bishop, inviting an odd but strong7th move on my part. He (the bishop) needed access to the a6-f1 diagonal.I demonstrated that the b3 and a4 squares were unsafe. } 6... Be7 7. Bb5+ { (?)Although this move looks perfectly natural, I consider it to be a questionmark move, due to the reasons stated in my next move. The note above waspreviously input, but on reviewing again, I see you had no better choicehere, since 7. Bb3 c4 8. Ba4+ Kf8 leads to the same line we played. } 7... Kf8 { (!?) So conventional chess theory would say, 'Block the check with thebishop or knight. Don't relinquish the right and privilege of being ableto castle.' I've never been one to hold to conventional theory. I am aninnovator, always seeking out new ideas. In our previous game*, I stated'Every principle has some exceptions'. I gave the example of a natural,man made law - to stop at a red light - which most people would violateif given the right circumstance. I made an imaginary scenario of you havingan injured loved one in critical condition. There is no ambulance in yourtown, so you have to drive half an hour to the hospital. You may go througha red light or two. Similarly, chess principles are guidelines only - theyshould not be adhered to dogmatically. Ajay, you may remember, I tookseveral days to make this move, as I suggested to you at the beginning,'Analyze, Analyze, Analyze!'. So here are my thoughts that brought aboutthis strange move: I. The bishop on b5 is restricted. The only squarehe can go to which 'seems' safe is a4. I say seems because as we see, itis really deadly for the bishop. Moving to d3 is not safe as 8. ... c4traps the bishop. II. If I block the check with a knight or Bishop, thenwhen I harass the bishop you can get him out of trouble by trading. III.I can trap the bishop via: A. 8. ... a6 followed by 9. ... b5 and 10.c4. B. If 8. a3 a6 9. Ba4 c4 still traps him. This is the line that wasplayed. IV. Although White gets the 1st move, in this position, he onlyhas 4 development moves, while black has 5 development moves. So Ajay,do you know how to count development moves? If not, send me a note to sayyou need more info and I will explain. Until then, suffice to say thatBlack is ahead in development, while white has some compensation due tothe Black king's position. I was planning on manually castling via g6,... Kg7, ... Re8. On one hand. manually castling loses development becauseinstead of 1 move to castle, it takes 4 moves on king-side castling (2moves for the king, 1 pawn push and the rook move). On the other hand,I was already ahead in development and I was planning on forcing you tolose more development. (See point IV below.) So I felt manually castlingwas justified. I also had the prospect of winning your bishop (not yetforced). As it turned out I never did manually castle. I always saw a strongermove. V. White can move his queen to make space for the bishop. Then if8. ... a6, 9. Be2 (9. Bf1? would further impede his development). If hemoves his queen, the queen only has 3 safe squares to go to: d1, f1 & e5(8. Qe3? d4 forking the queen and knight). A. If 8. Qd1 a6 9. Be2, youwould be even further behind in development. You would only have 3 developmentmoves, while Black has 5, plus it's Black's move, making it 6. B. If8. Qf1 a6 9. Be2, you are even further behind than example A, since yourqueen blocks you from Kingside castling. C. If 8. Qe5, (See comment below) } 8. a3 { (?) You might have expected 8. ... a6 9. Ba4 b5 10. Bb3 c4 11. Ba2.While not winning the bishop, this would have seriously impeded your LSB.Yet the line I played was stronger: 8. a6 9. Ba4 c4, the move you statedwas a surprise! It's important in chess to look at what I call 'crazy moves'.It's the moves that are ridiculously outlandish, that are frequently thebest! For example, in this game: 7. ...Kf8! & 9. ... c4! (especially Kf8). For more on 'crazy moves' study the games of masters such as Bobby Fischerand José Raúl Capablanca. To make some of the moves they made, they definitelywould have seemed insane. But the analysis that followed proved they weresolid moves. } 8... a6 9. Ba4 c4 { There is the move! Your bishop is trapped (thoughnot yet attacked, you know it's coming and he has no escape)! } 10. d3 { Thismove somewhat opens the line up to your king so that if you choose to giveup the knight instead of the bishop, I can play Qa5+, winning both pieces,(actually what happened)! You will lose the bishop regardless, so you'dbe better off castling. I would not necessarily put a question mark by10. d3, since capturing with the knight is what really opened you up, (sinceI can't check you with the knight there). } 10... b5 11. Nxb5 { (???) Now thequestion mark. On every move, think, 'Can he attack me in any way? Canhe check me?' You may have thought that on your last move, I don't know.But scenarios change every move you make. Remember, as opposed to OTB Chess,you have days (or in the case of this game, 2 weeks!) to make each move.That's a lot of time, so take the time to think it through! } 11... axb5 12. Bxb5 Qa5+ 13. Bd2 Qxb5 { So now I have 2 minor pieces in exchange for 2 pawns!Definitely a won game for Black. } 14. O-O Nc6 { My goal now is to gain developmentas quickly as possible, instead of getting greedy with 14. ...Qxb2 15.Rfb1 Qxc2 16 Ne1 Qa4. } 15. Rfe1 Bg4 16. h3 Bxf3 { Removing your knight onf3 enables my knight to go to d4, forking the queen on f3 and the pawnon c2. You can't afford to sacrifice the c2 pawn because the knight wouldbe forking your rooks. Thus your queen has to retreat to the passive d1,leaving the d3 pawn undefended. } 17. Qxf3 Nd4 18. Qd1 cxd3 19. cxd3 Nb3 { I could have taken the d-pawn here but I felt the Knight move was stronger.It attacks the rook and, more importantly, prevents the rook from movingto the opened c file. } 20. Rb1 Qxd3 21. Re2 Nxd2 { It is only to my advantageto trade, as once everything is traded off, then I bring my king and latenth8 rook into the game. } 22. Rxd2 Qf5 23. Rc1 Ne4 24. Re2 Bc5 25. Rcc2 Ra6 26. Rxe4 Bxf2+ 27. Rxf2 Qxe4 28. Re2 Qf5 29. Qc1 Ra8 30. b4 d4 31. Qc4 d3 32. Rf2 Rc8 { Again, with this move, I'm trying to trade stuff off, butyou resigned. Ajay, once again, it's been my pleasure. } 0-1

[Event "Team match"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "14-Nov-04"] [Round "-"] [White "apastpawn"] [Black "ccmcacollister"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1779"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1813"] 1. e4 { Titled 'An Inane Conception' ('The French Connection' 'The ImmortalGame' and 'The Iger Sanction' were all taken) my annotations may also betaken as refective of the title. Best by test RJF } 1... e6 { Better than therest, Watson? } 2. d4 { 'More options than 2.Nc3' , CAC } 2... d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 { AWinawer, yea ! I like this variation. } 4. e5 { Best by test ... me again,Metro Chess 1987?! } 4... c5 { Most common, even Beujuez . Did I spell that right?!I am only 1/16 French tho. (But enough to keep my hair in ) } 5. Bd2 { No!No, no no no no. This is very Boring line! Okay, so lets just play whatRoss plays against me in blitz ... } 5... a6 6. Qg4 { Okay, so now I know whatto do to Ross... that was quick! } 6... g6 { This is a great blitz move, it'lllwork here too. No one under 1812 ever refutes it ... } 7. a3 h5 { Zwishenzug!(and we all know, 'Zwishenzugs win games!' CAC GK Forums 2004) and, Continuingmy plan of weakening BL's dark squares. (chasing queens with pieces Good,chasing Queens with pawns Bad. CAC 2006) } 8. Qf4 { Still we battle for controlof f5. I cant get rid of that queen! } 8... Bxc3 9. Bxc3 cxd4 10. Bxd4 Qc7 11. Nf3 Nd7 { All routine developments, yawn. } 12. Bd3 { Uh, oh. Threateningf5 } 12... f5 { You will not have f5 !! Bite on that... } 13. O-O Nf8 14. Rac1 { Goingafter my weakened Kingside ... } 14... b5 { To distract him from my weakened kingside... clever eh? } 15. c4 { c4! Clearing c2, Now WT can play Ne1,Nc2,Ne3 addingpressure to f5! } 15... dxc4 16. b3 Qe7 17. bxc4 bxc4 18. Rxc4 { I hate woodpushing,sigh } 18... Qxa3 { Remembering that old adage 'When in doubt, move a Rook pawn' ... so I moved his } 19. Qd2 { Finally! There is an Admission. He givesup and I have Won the battle for f5. As per Nimzo or Steino, I forget,but anyway ... 'establish a strong point and overprotect it'. I hope theyare proud :) Now I've only to clean up, and its over... } 19... Qe7 20. Rfc1 Bd7 { Note how even now, the Bishops exertion on f5 is not diminished. So Bd7is OK } 21. Rc7 { More Nimzovich, Put your Rooks on the 7th rank } 21... Qd8 22. Bb6 { hmmm Cleaning up is starting to display techinical difficulties forBL . } 22... Rh7 { Since it cant reach My 7th rank, this will have to do ... } 23. Ng5 Rg7 24. Bxa6 Rxa6 25. Rc8 { He Told Me that Rook was going to stayon the seventh rank forever, so I feel Very Betrayed here. ]B-(( } 25... Rxb6 26. Rxd8+ { Not surprising, when all my analysis was based on having a WTrook on the 7th! } 26... Kxd8 27. Qa5 Ne7 { I know, I know. If I had had thisknight here, protecting f5, earlier I would not be having these troubles.But I thought it important to be sure this was better than Nh6 for coveringthe key square, f5. I did consider Nh6 at many points. Yet , ObviouslyI've chosen e7 wrongly, and now my game deteriorates. } 28. Qxb6+ { Check } 28... Ke8 29. Qb8+ { Check And here I resigned, when it becomes apparent thatthe BL King will not ever reach f5 now. Usually I allow a combinativewin to play thru to conclusion. I must've passed out on the keyboard } 1-0

[Event "blackknight077's mini-tournament V"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2011.01.29"] [Round "-"] [White "wazzu85"] [Black "riceant"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1730"] [TimeControl "3d+2d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1671"] { One of my most accurate games - my opponent was just as accurate, butunfortunately made one (just ONE) bad mistake and the game was over. Itshows how focused one must be at every move. My focus has certainly beenpaying off recently. Once my own mistakes are cut down in frequency, itis so much easier to wait for my opponents to make one. But recently Ihave been winning games positionally rather than through opponent blunders,which is why my rating has shot up. Or maybe perhaps it is due to my betterknowledge of chess openings, namely perfecting my Sicilian as black andlearning countertactics to other gambit openings, so that I will neveragain fall prey to opening traps, as I have done many, many, many, manytimes before. Or maybe because of all the above. } 1. e4 c5 { Hooray, myfavourite opening! } 2. g3 { Dang I've never played this variation before. So now I have to improvise. } 2... Nc6 3. Bg2 d6 4. Nc3 g6 { Trying to mirrorhis kingside position. } 5. d3 Bg7 6. f4 { I don't understand why everyonewants to play a closed game where the pawns just pile on. I much preferopen games where the primary point is coordinating your pieces. Althoughin the past I have suffered due to insufficient space for my pieces tooperate on, recently I have gotten rid of this weakness and my opponentshave paid for attempting to lock me up with pawns. } 6... Nf6 7. Nf3 Bg4 { I justlove these pins. They are so effective at preventing my opponent fromattacking! It is highly unlikely now that white can do anything more withthose pawns, as white risks shattering his pawn structure. Anyhow, my developmentis complete before white's! } 8. O-O O-O 9. h3 { Forcing a trade, but costswhite a move. } 9... Bxf3 10. Bxf3 { I would have taken with the queen. } 10... Qd7 11. Kh2 Nd4 { This does so many things - attacks the bishop, prevents f5, attacksthe c2 pawn, and opens up stace for my queen! } 12. Bg2 { Quite unnecessary. He should be glad to trade his bishop for my strong knight. } 12... Qe6 { I wasn'tquite sure what to do, but I really wanted to break up those pawns, perhapswith d5, and make white suffer because his king would be exposed. } 13. Ne2 Nd7 { This also does so many things: opens up my bishop's view, reinforcingmy d4 knight, making my d7 knight more useful, and preventing e5. It doeslimit my queen's abilities though, but since neither of the f or e pawnscan advance without loss of material, my queen is safe. However, f5 couldbe an idea for white, as it breaks up my king's protective dome and whitegets a strong kingside attack. } 14. c3 Nxe2 { Forced move. Look at my opponent'spawn structure! Isn't it funny? } 15. Qxe2 f5 { Now my queen cannot be trapped,and white's pawn structure is inevitably broken. } 16. Bd2 fxe4 17. dxe4 Nb6 18. b3 Rac8 19. Rae1 c4 20. b4 Qf7 21. Be3 { ? Mistake. Apparentlyhe forgot about his c3 pawn. } 21... Bxc3 22. Rb1 Bg7 23. Qc2 { He should takemy knight since it creates doubled pawns. But in this case they're notso bad. } 23... e6 24. Rfd1 Qc7 25. a4 Nd7 { This was an intentional 'mistake'. I realized that I had no chance of queening my passed pawn, so I wantedto get my knight to the kingside to head off an attack on white's king,and coax out mistakes from white. So basically I gave up the pawn. } 26. Qd2 { Wasted move. I would have played 26. Bf1, winning the passed pawn. } 26... c3 27. Qc2 a6 28. Rbc1 e5 { Now his king is starting to become naked. } 29. Qb3+ { Pointless check. This should have been saved for a future moment. } 29... Kh8 30. Rc2 exf4 31. gxf4 Nf6 { Preparing Nh5. Yes this is another intentional'mistake', sacrificing a pawn. All I wanted was to get rid of the f4 pawn,so his king would be wide open. } 32. Bd4 { Expected move! Despite computersclaiming white to have a slight advantage here, I believe psychologicallyI have the advantage because of more possibilities of an assault on white'sking. This is now a completely open game and requires acute accuracy fromwhite to maintain the advantage. } 32... Nh5 33. Rxc3 { 33. Bxg7+ does nothingfor white. } 33... Qe7 { Already planning ahead. } 34. Bxg7+ Qxg7 35. Rxc8 Rxc8 36. Rxd6 Nxf4 { Now black has a gazillion threats and white must deal withthem accurately. This position is now quite complicated. I'm not goingto analyze all the variations because that is too difficult. } 37. Qd1 Qe5 38. Rd8+ Rxd8 39. Qxd8+ Kg7 40. Qd7+ Kh6 { At this point the game shouldbe at least a draw for white. After Qxb7, white is a pawn up and all ofwhite's pawns are safe and the discovered check won't really do anythingharmful, although it won't be difficult for black to force a draw by perpetualcheck. } 41. h4 { ?? The turning point of the game. Not only does whitelose the pawn advantage, white will be two pawns down after 41. Nxg2+ Kxg242. Qxe4+ Kg3 43. Qxb4, and unable to force perpetual. What was white thinking? Perhaps white didn't want a draw? } 41... Nxg2+ 42. Kxg2 Qxe4+ 43. Kh3 { ? Whiteloses here 100%. Black's queening process is now unstoppable. } 43... Qf5+ 44. Qxf5 gxf5 45. Kg3 Kh5 46. b5 axb5 47. axb5 b6 48. Kf4 Kxh4 49. Kxf5 Kg3 { There is no way for white to live. } 50. Kg5 0-1

[Event "Only one move"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2007.10.17"] [Round "-"] [White "vbotond"] [Black "mormel"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1614"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "2063"] 1. e4 { Though both my opponent and I had a rating of about 1600 that time,I think the level of the game was higher than that and the final resultwas decided by only one move, one slight miscalculation. } 1... e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 { Spanish (Ruy Lopez), Berlin defence. Rarely played at higherlevel due to it being deeply analyzed and White has extremely good chancesto hold a draw or even to go for a win. However, never underestimate youropponent.. a novelty can be winning only by being new even if it is notneccessarily ground braking. As they say the result of the World TltleMatches usually depends on such novelties. } 4. O-O { This move practicallycommunicates 'I fear you not, Mate!'. It casually ignores the fact Blackis attacking a centre pawn and goes on with the normal Spanish plan. 4.Nc3or 4.d3 would have defended the pawn, though both has drawbacks as well.4.Nc3 develops a piece to a good position for it but seriously decresesthe manouvering area of the b5 bishop and 4.d3 is slow and passive, hencelooses tempo. } 4... Be7 5. Re1 d6 6. d4 { An aggressive move to put more andmore pressure on Black. 6.c3 might have been better or equally good butdefinitely a lot slower. } 6... exd4 7. Nxd4 Bd7 8. Nxc6 { A bold, aggressiveand pretty careless move. Black is relatively well developed and his defenceis solid after castling while White is behind in development so it wasworth considering some more to do on that area rather than rushing ahead.The only achievment White can come up with is that he has already castled.8.Nc3 was more mature and careful here with developing a piece (no moreneed to take care about the b5 bishop). What can I say, I got excited andignored the basic opening principals.. } 8... bxc6 { Good for forcing White towithdraw that bishop. Taking back with the bishop: 8... Bxc6 9.Nc3 0-010.Qe2 Qd7 11.Bf4 Bxb5 12.Nxb5 would have helped White in eliminating hisonly clash.. being underdeveloped. Too much complication without a clearadventage, better to avoid it. } 9. Bc4 { Keeping an eye on f7. Obviouslyin case nothing changes dramatically the queen-knight will be going tof3 through d2 to defend His Majesty and to create the opportunity of anoverall king-side attack. } 9... c5 { Most natural move to give way to the d7bishop and to create something useful out of the double c-pawns. Possiblealternatives are 9... Rb8 to occupy the half-open b-file of 9... 0-0 toput the king into safety. Lasker wrote that whenever you see no way toimprove your game, do what is there to do anyway.. mostly this principalis used for castling. } 10. Nd2 O-O 11. Nf3 h6 { Cannot stop thinking that11...Bc6 was better here. Would have doubled the attack on e4 and by thatwould have forced White to withdraw his bishop to e4. In practice thiswould have meant tieing up White a bit while placing the bishop exactlywhere it belongs to, to the long diagonal and making White leave f7 alone.Not even mentioning that it is always easier to calculate with forced moves. } 12. e5 { King is safe White is ahed in development considering the inactiveblack bishops, centre is occupied so it is time to try and break through. } 12... Ng4 { No flawless choice presents itself. 12.... Ne8 is a firm option though,it is passive and even if it opens up the f-file the c4 bishop preventsBlack to use it. This also means that the f-rook gets closed up.. so Blackwould have set up a defence giving White a chance for a full-scale attack.More or less the same holds to 12... Nh7 13.Qd3 Rb8 14.Qg6! where Blackis struggling heavily. Taking back: 12... dxe5 did not work due to 13.Nxe5!threatening with a breakthrough on f7. } 13. Qd3 Be6 { The only real mistakeBlack has ever made! I would like to state that this move is easy to critisizebut it is just as easy to overlook next to the board. Its major point isto block the white bishop's way to f7 while attacking it so White eitheraccepts the exchange that might make Black's life a bit (and just a bit)easier: 14.Bxe6 fxe6 15.exd6!! or defends it that really favours for Black.13... Rb8 or 13... Bc6 were more fortunate options. All those that blamemy opponent here for this mistake I would like to ask if they would reallyhave made it better? I have to admin that I would most probably have madethe very same move he did. } 14. exd6 cxd6 15. Rxe6 { And here comes theonly little tiny pitfall of 13... Be6. This sacrifice wins material bytaking back on e6 with check. } 15... fxe6 16. Bxe6+ Kh8 17. Bxg4 { 15... Nxf216.Kxf2 fxe6 17.Bxe6+ Kh8 18.Kg1 would have been slightly better but Whiteis clearly better.. } 1-0

[Event "D3 Sounds Fine to Me"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.05.18"] [Round "-"] [White "cyko"] [Black "prinz1weisspferd"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1494"] [TimeControl "3 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1573"] 1. e4 { I'm white and use my standard open game e4! } 1... Nf6 2. Nc3 d6 3. Bc4 c6 4. Nf3 g6 5. Ng5 e6 { His position is already a bit cramped, and I'vegot 2 more minor pieces developed then he does. } 6. d4 Bg7 7. O-O O-O 8. Qf3 { At this point I have decided a brute force assault on the kingsideis my best option. } 8... b5 9. Bd3 { He forced me to move, and given his moves,the d3 square is where I wanted this bishop anyways. } 9... Bb7 { This move gavemy Queen free reign on the kingside. } 10. Qh3 Bc8 { He realizes this andloses position and a tempo. } 11. e5 dxe5 12. dxe5 h6 13. Nge4 Nxe4 14. Nxe4 g5 15. Qh5 Bxe5 { He doesn't know it yet but black just lost with thatmove. } 16. Bxg5 Qc7 17. Nf6+ Bxf6 18. Qxh6 { In this position there's nothinghe can do to save the game. He can prolong it 1 move by Qxh2+, but i takeQxQ then zip up to h7#. Game over. } 18... Bxg5 19. Qh7# { And that's the game,thanks to the trusty clergyman on d3. } 1-0

[Event "GameKnot Blitz, http://gameknot.com/"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2013.11.02"] [Round "-"] [White "smlrnoff"] [Black "coolistdude"] [Result "0-1"] { This is an interesting Blitz game involving many sacrifices by white tryingto smash open the black position. Ultimately, the black kingside does getopened up by white, but white does not have enough material to finish thejob and slowly loses. I played black and did not make deep calculations(I was simply calculating a few moves ahead to see if it looked okay).My opponent made for a very exciting game. This game had 5 minute timecontrols. Enjoy. } 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. Nd2 g6 4. e3 Bg7 { So far, nothingtoo crazy. Neither player is doing much besides developing. } 5. Bd3 { Thisis the first move that suggests my kingside will become under fire. I didnot see it and continued with my development. } 5... O-O 6. h4 { !? This lookspretty sound, but the important thing is that white needs to support thepawn. } 6... c5 { I realized that white will probably try to castle queensideor keep the king in the center. With this in mind I need to open up thequeenside and center. } 7. h5 Nxh5 { !? I take the bait. White should havehad more pieces lined up to attack and supported the pawn. } 8. Rxh5 { ?This looks scary for black but is not sound, even in blitz. The counterplaylooks good, but it can be shut down. This is sac #1. } 8... gxh5 9. Qxh5 { Thislooks bad for black. Try to find his best defense. } 9... f5 { ! White's attackjust fizzed. Even though as black you are not really supposed to move yourkingside pawns, the defense was necessary. White could have continued withg4, but that pawn may just get in the way if it captures f5. } 10. O-O-O { I know white is trying to swing his rook in, but this gives me time toconsolidate and counter attack. } 10... Qe8 { My queen is better placed on e8. } 11. Qh2 Nc6 { White was threatening to capture my knight on g8. Bd7 wasalso an option. } 12. Ngf3 c4 { I decide to push white's bishop back. } 13. Ng5 { Threatening Qxh7# } 13... Qg6 { The seeming best defense. } 14. Nxc4 { ? Eventhough black is up material, I don't think that this is best. It againlooks scary but lacks some soundness. Sacrifice #2. } 14... dxc4 15. Bxc4+ { Kh8is bad since Bf7 threatens the queen. If Rxf7 than Nxf7 wins the exchangeback since the black queen must defend h7. } 15... e6 { My bishop is now passiveand bad. However, white has almost run out of pieces to attack black with!As weird and passive as black is, white's attack is about to be curbed. } 16. Rh1 { Overpowering h7. } 16... h6 { This is not a difficult move to spot butis very strong. With the f7 square no longer attacked, black's king canescape to the queenside if necessary since black has enough pieces to defendhis king. } 17. Nxe6 { Sacrifice #3. I think this is where the position isgiven to black. } 17... Bxe6 { This exchange is great for black. The white squaredblack bishop was not very useful. } 18. Bxe6+ Qxe6 19. Bxh6 { Sacrifice#4. It is at this point black starts to see that white's attack lacks power.Even with passive pieces, black can activate his a8 rook. } 19... Bxh6 { Qxh6 isbad since after the queen trade white is toast. } 20. Qg3+ Kh7 { White nowhas no way to attack. Black can now develop as slow as he pleases and starthis attack on white. } 21. Qf4 { This is more of an irritation for blackrather than anything useful. } 21... Ne7 22. Kd1 { Keep in mind that Qxa2 is ahorrible mistake that leads to black's checkmate. } 22... Nd5 { Ng6 is also a mistake. } 23. Qf3 Rac8 { f4 fails to e4 } 24. c3 b5 { If black can open the positionup then white will lose. } 25. a3 a5 26. Rh5 b4 27. g4 { Black cannot ignorethe g pawn since g5 wins the bishop. Either way though, white will mostlikely lose due to material. } 27... fxg4 28. Qxd5 { White goes for the knight.This is where the position falls apart for white. } 28... Qxd5 29. Rxd5 Rxf2 { Crucial. } 30. axb4 axb4 31. Rd7+ Kg8 { ? Kh8 is better so I can play Rg8. } 32. e4 bxc3 33. bxc3 Rxc3 { White has no way of defending Rc1# } 34. Rd8+ Kh7 35. e5 Rc1# { Good game buddy. That was exciting. } 0-1

[Event "English Defense"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "25-Jan-09"] [Round "-"] [White "mtnmike"] [Black "peace123"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1569"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1516"] 1. c4 { This game introduces me to the English Defense, a response thatKosten seems to imply is underrated (esp considering it's only used in1 out of 80 English openings!) and chessgames.com bears him out with blackwinning as often as white for games in their database. } 1... b6 { The idea hereis to fianchetto the QB the same as in a Queen's Indian Defense, this ofcourse would tend to counter the KB fianchetto of White's. } 2. Nc3 { Unusualsecond move out of Kosten's book, not the usual 2. g3. } 2... Bb7 { Develops theQB. } 3. e4 { This was the idea behind the second move, to establish theKP at e4, this allows for the KB to develop without incident as well asreinforcing control of d5. } 3... e5 { A reply not covered in Chapter 16 of Kosten'sbook. His favored line for Black uses a 'hedgehog setup' with 3...c5. Possibly this is a 'tit for tat' response to my 3. e4. } 4. Nge2 { Developsthe KN earlier than the text does, now if Black plays 4...Bb4 then 5. a3refutes. } 4... Be7 { Prepares to castle K-side. } 5. g3 { Fianchettoes the KB. } 5... Nf6 6. Bg2 O-O 7. O-O { White has very strong control of d5 at this point,also has shared control of d4 due to Black's c-pawn hanging back. } 7... Nc6 { This vies for control of d4, had I moved 7. d3 instead of castling couldnow counter with 8. Be3.... } 8. d4 { ....instead I get my Q into the mixby playing 8. d4, counter to Kosten's strategy of securing the center withd3 then pawn-storming the K-side. } 8... exd4 { This of course invites an exchangeof pawns... } 9. Nxd4 Nxd4 { ....followed by an exchange of N's.... } 10. Qxd4 Bc5 { ....with an ensuing conquest of the entire diagonal containingd4 by Black's KB! This is a rather disappointing turn of events considering.... } 11. Qd3 { ....my f-pawn is now pinned to my K and my pawn-storm must beput off for now! } 11... Re8 { Put off indefinitely is more like it as my insecurecenter appears to have attracted some notice by the opposition. } 12. h3 { Makes way for the K as well as keeping Black away from f2. } 12... Rb8 { Thisallows for the QB holding its own versus White's KB should White decideto advance his KP. } 13. Bd2 { A bit of a problem this QB, would prefer tomove QR to e1 before moving B any further out. } 13... Qe7 { Oh lord, this is beginningto look dangerous.... } 14. Rae1 { ....but if my figures are right it shouldhold (maybe). } 14... d6 { Was expecting something worse than this, think he wasworried about his undefended c-pawn..... } 15. a3 { .....unfortunately hisKB has been boxed in! } 15... a5 { Fair enough! Will have to find further resources..... } 16. Nd5 { .....in fact have managed to make good use of the awkward QB,how serendipitous can it get? Meanwhile the QN attacks Black's Q! } 16... Qe5 { Expected an exchange, but Black means to maintain pressure on the e-pawnas well as to threaten White's Q-side AND K-side! In fact, there is quitea lot going on at this point, would be forgivable to miss something I wouldthink! } 17. Bc3 { This chases the Q away from the Q-side..... } 17... Qg5 { .....shedecides to go K-side! } 18. b4 { Now, about that KB.... } 18... axb4 { ....firstthe exchange.... } 19. axb4 { ....now what?..... } 19... Nxd5 { ......why, a bigtrade of course!.... } 20. exd5 { ....first the N's..... } 20... Bxf2+ { ....followedby a kamikaze attack!.... } 21. Kxf2 { ....(here I needed to be careful lestmy g-pawn fall prey to the black Q).... } 21... Rxe1 { ....and now for the R's.... } 22. Rxe1 { ....and White is a piece to the good! Strangely, there are somerecurring themes from my previous English opening, in particular the blackQ at g5 potentially threatening my rear. } 22... h6 { No doubt an escape valve(only the white Q has it covered!) } 23. h4 { This was to encourage the blackQ to retreat.... } 23... Qd8 { .....which she does! (sigh of relief) } 24. Qe4 { Nice spot for my Q, occupies the open e-file in front of the R, hope toget the KB behind her on the light-squared diagonal, with the QB's dark-squareddiagonal to be held in reserve. } 24... Ra8 { Now the QR threatens my rear.... } 25. Ra1 { ....this seems the easiest way if not the best. } 25... Rxa1 26. Bxa1 { Still have my B's at least. } 26... g6 { This seems like an invitation.... } 27. Qd4 { ....switch over to the QB's diagonal.... } 27... f6 { ....Black's only savingmove.... } 28. Qxf6 { ....decide to trade down.... } 28... Qxf6+ 29. Bxf6 { Downto our B's. } 29... Kf7 30. Bd8 { More serendipity, certainly I never planned anyof this (did I?) } 30... c5 31. dxc6 { Was maybe hoping I would forget about enpassant, no I don't think so, and look at where my KB is placed, wonderhow that happened? (pure luck I tell you!) } 31... Bc8 32. Bxb6 { What luck! (Black wishes I would trip and fall into a fumarole) } 32... Ke8 33. b5 { My planhere is to block out the black K and make an end run with my b-pawn. } 33... Ke7 34. Ke3 { This is just some insurance, in case he advances his d-pawn andI advance my rear c-pawn, might need to protect it. } 34... Bg4 { Might have thoughtI would advance my forward pawn. } 35. Bc7 { This dispelled that notion. Black resigned. } 1-0

[Event "Latvian Gambit #2 !"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2009.11.01"] [Round "-"] [White "villiers"] [Black "marillion"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1608"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1460"] { Hi all, I'll present today an attack game with a relatively strong player.This match was played in a thematic mini-tournament (the Latvian Gambitwith 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f5). } 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f5 { The thematic position. } 3. d4 { The theory prefers 3. exf5 or 3. Bc4 } 3... fxe4 4. Nxe5 Nf6 5. Be2 { ?!Not very active. 5. Bc4 sounds better. } 5... d6 6. Nc4 Be7 7. Bg5 d5 { ? A positionalblunder. Now, my knight can go on e5 with safety. White has a positionaladvantage here. += } 8. Ne5 O-O 9. O-O { ?! 9. c4 !? could be interestingtoo... } 9... Nbd7 { ! Now Black are suppressing my splendid knight. The positionis equal now. After 10. c4 dxc4 == == } 10. Nxd7 { ?! Not the better. 10.f4 keeps the control of e5. } 10... Bxd7 11. f4 { !? Curious. I think it's notbad, but the control of e5 don't help White, the knight will take too muchtime to go to. This move 'condemns' a bit the bishop too, he must losetwo-three tempis for repositionning correctly. } 11... h6 { Kicks the bishop outof g5. } 12. Bh4 c6 13. Nc3 { !? 13. Nbd2 ! followed by 14. c4 appears better. } 13... Qc8 { ?! Doesn't attack anything. The threat 14... c5 15. dxc5 Q or Bxc5+doesn't give any advantage for black. White gains a tempi. += } 14. Rb1 { ? And loses it immediately. Maybe 14. h3 followed by g4 and f5 would beinteresting. } 14... Bb4 { ? Frees a piece from the attack. 14... Rf7 !? followedby Bg4 leaves a small advantage to black. ' } 15. a3 Bxc3 16. bxc3 Ng4 17. Bxg4 { ?! 17. h3! could be better : 17... Nf6 18. Bxf6 Rxf6 19. Bg4 ! += } 17... Bxg4 18. Qe1 Qd7 19. h3 Bf5 20. Qe3 { !? Maybe 20. g4 !!? is better. } 20... Rae8 21. g4 Be6 { ? Poor bishop ! 21... Bh7 is better. } 22. f5 Bf7 23. f6 { !!The attack begins. } 23... g6 { ? If 23... gxf6? 24. Bxf6 ! Attacking and threatening25. Qxh6 with mate. The only move was 23 ... Be6 += } 24. Qxh6 Be6 25. Qxg6+ { +- } 25... Kh8 26. f7 { !! The end of the white attack. Black loses material. } 26... Rxf7 { Leaves at least a piece for white. But, if 26... Bxf7 27. Bg6# } 27. Rxf7 { ! } 27... Qxf7 28. Bf6+ { Black must give his queen for stop the mate. Marillionresigned here. I hope you enjoyed this game ! Villiers } 1-0

[Event "Live Chess, Chess.com"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2017.12.17"] [Round "-"] [White "Slonodav"] [Black "damafi"] [Result "0-1"] [BlackElo "1578"] [TimeControl "300+5"] [WhiteElo "1600"] { This win was a little lucky, given a blunder that left me with a piecefor pawns, but with a strong attack. } 1. a3 { My opp thinks I'll be dislodgedby such a first move, but it was not the case. } 1... d5 2. c3 c5 3. d4 c4 4. Bf4 Nc6 5. e3 { As white, I'd play Nd2 to try to break inmediately withe4, but he likes the London with a lost tempo on a6. The London is my favouriteas white, so I know a little about it. } 5... Bf5 6. Nd2 Nf6 { I have to avoide4 wihtout my d4 pawn. } 7. Ngf3 e6 8. Be2 { This is the move I always tryNOT to play. It is just passive developement, with no target nor scope,aside from castling... and let me play what I want. } 8... h6 { My pawns neededthis tempo. Again, my style is not Be7, 0-0. } 9. O-O Nh5 { I wanted toget rid of his dsb, so to make my own much stronger. He cand play the Nf3to e5, right, but this is not such a great danger. I'll just leave it there. } 10. Be5 { Here, I was pretty much tempted to play NxB, or f6. But I sensedsome danger in it. I want my Nc6 to stay there, controlling the e5 square,and f6 leaves my Nh5 without squares, and after fxBe5, BxN check is coming.No way. } 10... Nf6 { So it's now his turn to push his Kside pawns up. But hecastled this side, so... } 11. Bxf6 { He playd this, instead. Now I can takewith the g pawn, opening a column on his K, and then Rg8 and Bh3. But hewill have Re1 and Nh4, with no harm. So... } 11... Qxf6 { Another good square formy Q is b6, but frankly, it's again a balanced attack, he can defend. Now,this move has a downside I didn't consider during the game: it allows e4. } 12. Qa4 { ...but he goes for this, instead. a6 can be good, then b5. Butthis means Ne5 from his side, with strong attack due to the pinned N. Ihad to play a6, and if Ne5, Rc8. Then Rc7, so to be able to kick the Qwith b5. Too long. He can also push b4. } 12... Bd6 { Now I do plan to castle asap.If Ne5, BxN and I win a pawn. } 13. b4 { Here it comes. } 13... O-O 14. b5 Ne7 { The 'zen' defence: what is his attack on this side, now? The only wayfor him to progress is by saccing the pawn in b6, but I'll take it andif Qd7, Bxa3. } 15. Ne1 { Maybe planning f4, maybe to try to get the N intomy Qside via Nc2. If I exchange my lsb for it, my chances of attackinghis K are fewer. } 15... Qg6 { I threat now to win the exchange after the knownBh3 threat. True is that Qg5 instead allowed my Ne7 a square to ge, now,white do has b6, then Qd7, and I'm forced to play Nc8, after which Qxb7.This also stops his N to go to c2. } 16. f4 { This allows Rf2 if I playBh3 right now, and my attack freezes. I can play Be4 here, since if NxB,QxN and I threaten e3. But he can interpose whatever he wants on f3, sothere is no point in it. } 16... Nc8 { Finding no useful way to attack, I feltI had to push his Q out of there, and maybe think about Be7 and Nd6, toNe4. } 17. Nef3 { He can set a N on e5, and I'll have to take it with mydsb, which leaves him with a strong central pawn chain... but it will behard for him to break in. } 17... Nb6 18. Qa5 { Where do you want to go with thisQ? It is doing nothing, there! Qd1 was much better. I can chase it withBc2, but Qe1 and I just help him making it more useful. } 18... Bd3 { Now I hada plan. If he takes, I'll make room for my N, which will become active. } 19. Nh4 { Ok, be welcomed. } 19... Qf6 20. Bxd3 { If I had played Qh7, he couldnthave taken this, true, or QxB and e3 and the N can be taken. } 20... cxd3 21. Nhf3 Nc4 { But now I am threatening the Q AND e3! } 22. Qa4 { If he takesthe N, I'll build a strong pawn chain with one passed pawn on the 3rd rankin it, and nothing that can seriously threat his base (c4). } 22... Nxe3 23. Rfe1 Nc2 { Wunderbar! I was getting a serious advantage, here! } 24. Ne5 { He threats Nd7. I was so foolish... } 24... Qxf4 { Getting rid of the counterfork,without realizing... } 25. Nxd3 { OUCH! From winning the exchange to losea piece! For nothing? } 25... Qh4 { Its not mate, but it's a serious check. } 26. Qxc2 { Nf3 was enough to win. But he got greedy, underestimating my attack. } 26... Qxh2+ { Bxh2+, Kf1, and I can't see a real progress after it. } 27. Kf1 Bg3 { NOw I'm threatening g2, and he can't play Re2 or Qh1#. } 28. Reb1 { Nf2was the move, but he wants to keep his attack on the Qside at all costs...so it will be! } 28... Qh1+ 29. Ke2 Qxg2+ 30. Ke3 { Kd1 was better. Now, I haveto get another piece into the attack. g5, for Bg5+, is not enough. Buta Rook is another story! } 30... f5 31. Ne5 { He still thinks he can attack meor what? } 31... f4+ 32. Kd3 { He was making room for his K. Nice, but... } 32... f3 { Now, if Nxpawn, I'll exchange my R for the two N, and then the other willcome in. } 33. Rg1 { ...but he fails to see the obvious. It doesn't happento me only! } 33... Qe2# { Thank you for reading! } 0-1

[Event "Q- Chess"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "9/10/06"] [Round "-"] [White "Grant N."] [Black "Issac G."] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1930"] [TimeControl "G - 30"] [WhiteElo "1700"] { This game starts out as a Winawer French where black can't castle on eitherside of the board. When white sacrifices a pawn black is put into a bindand finally castles, which leads to material loss. This game is a goodgame showing how a pawn sacrifice is worth it. } 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 { This move initiates the Winawer , and pratically forces 4.e5 } 4. e5 c5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 { Black has managed to give white doubled pawns butat the cost of a strong center and an attack. } 6... b6 { This move prepares7.Ba6 which exchanges off black's bad bishop which is a good idea in almostany version of the french. } 7. Qg4 { An important idea in the Winawer.As Black either has to demolish his kingside with g6, or play Kf8 , givingup the right to castle. } 7... g6 8. Bg5 Ne7 9. Bd3 { It's unclear where theBishop should go so maybe the immediate h4 was better. } 9... Ba6 10. h4 { Threateningh5 which destroys the black kingside. The next move is pratically forced. } 10... h5 { This move stops to h5 invasion but has the downside of making white'sdark squared bishop incrediblly powerful, as any attempt to castle kingsidecan be quickly met by Bf6. } 11. Qf3 Bxd3 12. Qxd3 Qd7 { Releasing the pinand preparing Qa4 which would lock up the entire white queenside. In generalin the Winawer you want to prevent the queen from getting to the a4 square. } 13. Ne2 { White decides that moving the black queen again so soon willgive white a big attack . White decides on Ne2 because once the black knightgoes to f5 white will quickly play Ng3. } 13... Nbc6 14. O-O { White doesn't fearan opposite sides castling as black can make no progress on the white kingdue to the strong g5 Bishop. } 14... Nf5 15. Ng3 { Trying to eliminate the powerfulknight. } 15... Rc8 { ?! I think this a slight mistake as the f5 outpost is uselessafter Nxf5. Better was Nce7 when black's queen is threatening Qa4 and thee7 knight adds extra support to his f5 knight. } 16. Nxf5 gxf5 17. Kh2 { This move is a sort of waiting move as white wants to see what black willdo before deciding on a plan. } 17... Ne7 { ?? This move is a serious positionalmistake as on e7 the knight can go nowhere useful. The only threat, Qa4,can be easily blocked by A4 and white should have the superior game. Muchbetter was Na5 intending Qa4 or Nc4. } 18. a4 Qc6 { Black trys to win apawn after cxd4, cxd4, Qxc2. } 19. Ra3 { !? An interesting pawn sacrificewhich leaves black bound up. } 19... cxd4 20. cxd4 Qxc2 { ?! A slight mistakeas now white keeps black tied up for the rest of the game. Better was Qc4when it is hard to see anything better than accepting the ending when theposition is about level. } 21. Qa6 { A tricky move as the a7 pawn is threatenedalong with the skewer Rc1. Finally the point of Kh2 is seen as the checkalong the back rank after as after Rc1, Qxc1, Bxc1, Rxc1 saves black material. } 21... Qc7 { Defending agianst both threats. } 22. Rc1 Qd7 23. Rxc8+ Nxc8 { Forced. As Qxc8 Qxa7 loses a pawn. } 24. Rc3 { Another interesting idea is 24.Qb5 as after Qxb5 axb5 leaves all of the black pieces are tied down. } 24... O-O { ?? A huge mistake as now the attack can finally come. Forced was Ne7when white has blacked tied up but white still has to work. } 25. Bf6 { !Now the bishop comes into the attack with descisive effect. Probably bestfor black is Kh7 and Kh6 , trying to hold back the white queen , thougheventually white will break through. } 25... Ne7 { ? This last blunder now leadsto forced mate due to the weak black king. } 26. Qe2 { ! The key move asnow h5 can't be defended and the threats of Qh8 mate, Qg7 mate, and evenRg3 are imposssible to defend. } 26... Rc8 { Trying to trade pieces and distractwhite from the mating threats. } 27. Qxh5 { Now black is in serious troubleas mate is threatened on h8 along with Rg3 check. } 27... Kf8 { Black's move isa last ditch effort to survive though even after Qh8 Ng8 Rg3 mate can'tbe avoided } 28. Qh6+ { Black resigns as after Kg8 , Qg7 mate and after Ke8Qh8 Ng8 Qxg8 mate. This game is a good game showing how sometimes the bestway to refute a gambit is to decline it. If black declined the c2 pawnin this game the endgame would of been about equal but instead he got snaredin the attack. Also remember if you have a big attack look for mate beforeaccepting material. } 1-0

[Event "Birds From Gambit"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2011.12.08"] [Round "-"] [White "mentaaa"] [Black "chesspernik580"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1994"] [TimeControl "3d+1d<5d"] [WhiteElo "1958"] 1. f4 e5 2. fxe5 d6 3. exd6 Bxd6 4. Nf3 { The weird and wonderful BirdsFrom Gambit...the position is meant to allow black the opportunity of mobilisinghis pieces quickly in return for the pawn, which can be equalized quicklyanyway....in theory! In practice, I had alot of trouble with black buthad some good successes with the white pieces....this game being one ofthem. } 4... Nf6 { both 4...Nc6 and 4...g5 immediately laucnhing an offensive,are both playable here. } 5. d4 { 5 g3 is also an option but here I am immediatelystaking a claim for the centre } 5... O-O 6. g3 c5 7. c3 Nc6 8. Bg2 Bg4 { blacknow has all his minor pieces mobilised and he has castled, so far then,the theory behind the gambit for black is coming through } 9. O-O Qc7 { Amistake by black....best was Re8 10d5 Ne5 leading to only a slight advantagefor white } 10. d5 { this pawn is now crucial to the whole game and everymove I make now is geared toward advancing this pawn } 10... Ne5 11. Nxe5 Bxe5 12. Qc2 { preparing for e4 } 12... Bh5 13. e4 Bg6 14. Qd3 Rad8 15. Qc4 Rfe8 16. Bg5 b5 17. Qxb5 Rb8 18. Qc4 Rxb2 19. Nd2 Nd7 20. Qd3 h6 21. Bf4 Nf6 22. Bxe5 Rxe5 23. c4 Qa5 24. Rf2 Re8 25. Bf3 Rxa2 26. Rxa2 Qxa2 { so whilstI'm busy trying to push my d pawn, black is creating his own passed pawnon the a file } 27. Qe3 Nd7 28. Bg2 a5 { the race begins! } 29. Qc3 a4 30. Bh3 Ne5 { Nf6 was a better move here followed by 31 e5 Ne4 32 Nxe4 Qb1+ 33 Rf1 Qxe4 } 31. d6 f6 32. d7 Rb8 33. Kg2 Nc6 34. Be6+ Kh7 35. e5 { Ishould have played Qe3 here followed by 35...Nd4 36 Bf5 Qb2 37 Nf3 Qb3 38 Qf4 Rd8 and a good advantage for white } 35... Qc2 36. Qe3 { however I spotmy error and now white has a good position } 36... fxe5 { this is a mistake byblack who should have taken with his knight putting it on a good squareprotected by his f pawn. Instead, now he has 3 isolated pawns and althougha pawn down I am able to launch an attack } 37. Bd5 Nb4 38. Qxe5 { and blackloses his rook } 38... Nxd5 39. Qxb8 Ne3+ 40. Kf3 Bh5+ 41. g4 Bxg4+ 42. Kxe3 Qc3+ 43. Kf4 Qd4+ 44. Ne4 Bxd7 45. Qd6 g5+ 46. Kf3 Bg4+ 47. Kxg4 Qxe4+ { blackfought on looking for a draw perhaps from perpetual check } 48. Kg3 Qe3+ 49. Kg2 { but once I was able to get my king around the rook, black wouldsoon run out of options } 49... Qe4+ 50. Rf3 Qe2+ 51. Kg3 Qe1+ 52. Kh3 Qh4+ 53. Kg2 Qg4+ 54. Qg3 { and black has no option but to hand the move back tome } 54... Qe6 55. Qc7+ Kg6 56. Qxc5 Qe2+ 57. Kg3 Qe1+ 58. Rf2 Qe6 59. Qd5 Qe8 60. c5 a3 61. c6 a2 62. Rxa2 { and black resigned } 1-0

[Event "Happy New Year (Mis-calculation in Late Middlegame)"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "01-Feb-06"] [Round "-"] [White "dreamstomper"] [Black "deejie"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1492"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1217"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c4 Bc5 4. Nc3 d6 5. Nd5 Bg4 6. Be2 h6 7. h3 Bxf3 8. Bxf3 Nf6 9. O-O Nd4 10. Nc3 c6 11. d3 O-O 12. Be3 Re8 13. Na4 Nxf3+ 14. Qxf3 Bxe3 15. Qxe3 b5 16. cxb5 cxb5 17. Nc3 b4 18. Nd5 Nxd5 19. exd5 a5 { ...wio pwan advance } 20. Qe4 Qb6 21. Rac1 b3 { ... hmm easy reponse,better to activate both rooks } 22. a3 Rac8 23. Rc6 Qd8 { ?? better to playRc7;Re-c8? because of threat of... } 24. Rfc1 { exactly... } 24... Qg5 { ?? So what'sthis? } 25. f4 Qxf4 { oh dear - mis-calculation - game over } 26. Rxc8 1-0

[Event "66th GK tournament"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2010.02.15"] [Round "-"] [White "shambobala"] [Black "fradec"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1725"] [TimeControl "2 days per move"] [WhiteElo "1744"] 1. e4 { ...this is one of those games that shows a willingness to give upmaterial for development..part of the learning process and on this occasionit worked out ...but its not always the case... I took an offbeat approachto the Sicilian and I am getting a lot of interesting positions with it... } 1... c5 2. Na3 { What the ..? Yes...Na3 is a slightly differing way to stickit to the book worm early.. } 2... Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. d4 { ..pure development inmind...both bishops are loose ... } 4... e6 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. c4 { ..white is aheadon development but grabbing space.. } 6... Ndb4 7. d5 { ..aiming for d6 clampon the dark bishop..or open up the centre owing to development advantage } 7... Nd4 8. Nxd4 cxd4 9. d6 f6 10. f4 { ..trying to support d6..here black getsthe run of things with the queen but... } 10... a6 11. Nc2 Nxc2+ 12. Qxc2 fxe5 13. fxe5 Qa5+ 14. Bd2 Qxe5+ 15. Be2 Bxd6 16. Rf1 { ..blacks king is stuckin the centre..he is 2 pieces down in development... } 16... Qxh2 { ..3 pawns up..?Should white panic...? } 17. c5 Qh4+ 18. Kd1 Be7 { ..not yet..Ra8 and Bc8are asleep and need 2-3 moves to have any influence..Rh8 can only challengeRf1 } 19. Qc4 { centralise her majesty... } 19... Rf8 20. Kc2 { ...RxR favours white } 20... Rxf1 21. Rxf1 Qe4+ 22. Bd3 { ..I think black should look at maybe 21..b522 cb Rb8 to get some counter play } 22... Qxg2 { ..4 pawns up..?! } 23. Qxd4 { ..ok3... } 23... Bf6 { ..so whites king is in the middle..I have a strong pawn on c5...and2 dangerous bishops...ok..what to do.. } 24. Rxf6 gxf6 25. Qxf6 { ..an exchangeand pawns down...gone mad? Nope..Blacks only active piece is the queen.. } 25... d6 26. Qh8+ { ..her majesty goes in for some fun } 26... Kd7 27. Qxh7+ { ..3 pawnsnow.. } 27... Kd8 28. Be4 { ..wait a minute ...oh look black is in trouble if Iget to play cxd6...where does the queen go...? } 28... Qf2 29. cxd6 Qc5+ 30. Kb1 { ...wait a second..black is lost..he cant take the pawn..the bishops willpick up the queen by force or mate..eg 30..Qxd6 31. Bg5+ 32.Bg6+ 33. Bh6# } 30... Qg1+ 31. Bc1 { ..black has to give up the queen to stay in the game ! Myopponent send a message mocking his queenside development... So on thisoccassion is shows that giving up material for development worked..butI think you need to ensure the tempii you gain is sufficient to seriouslywound the opponents position.... } 1-0

[Event "For Zhanna"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2014.07.23"] [Round "-"] [White "zhannetka-84"] [Black "tricky1981"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [BlackElo "1006"] [TimeControl "7 days per move"] [WhiteElo "922"] 1. d4 { I am annotating this game for Zhanna - Zhannetka-84. This openingmove, 1. d4 is fine. I usually play it myself! } 1... d5 2. e3 { 2. e3 is a bitpassive. I would play 2. c4, and enter the Queen's Gambit. There are openingdatabases on Gameknot which can help you play the openings without makingany major mistake. } 2... e6 3. c3 { 3. c3 is often played in this system, althoughI prefer to play Bd3 or Nf3, to develop a piece, or 3. f4 is more aggressive. } 3... c6 { Black seems to be playing follow my leader! } 4. Nf3 { 4. Nf3 is good,developing a piece. However it does block the f pawn. I quite like theidea of playing f2-f4, Nf3, Bd3, 0-0 and then the Bc1 can come into playBc1-d2-e1-h4. If black wasn't careful white would build up a good attackingposition. In this game white's bishop on c1 is not very well placed. } 4... Bd6 { Black breaks the symmetry! } 5. Nbd2 { 5. Nb1-d2 is another sound developingmove, but doesn't help the problem of what to do about this bishop on c1.b3 followed by Bc1-a3 was another option, but by moving the knight fromb1 this is no longer an option as the knight defended a3. } 5... f6 6. Nh4 { Nh4is a bad move, just wasting time. Bd3 or Be2 was better. } 6... g5 7. Nhf3 { 7.Nhf3 is a good move. It was the only square the knight could move to. } 7... g4 8. Nh4 { It is better to put the knight here than retreat it. } 8... Ne7 9. b3 { b3 is a good move, if followed up by Bc1-b2 and c3-c4 } 9... b6 10. f3 { Butwhite's attention switches back to the king's side. Bb2 was better, orcontinuing development with moving Bf1. Generally it is better to openup the position after developing pieces and castling. f3 allows black toopen up the position. } 10... gxf3 11. Qxf3 { Nothing wrong with this move. I thinkit is best followed up with Bd3, 0-0 and e3-e4, if possible, to free theBc1. } 11... O-O 12. Qg4+ { This check shouldn't achieve anything. Black shouldretreat the king to h8 and then play Rf8-g8. It is not a good move by white. } 12... Kf7 13. Qh5+ { But this is a good check, as it is hard to attack the whitequeen while it is on h5 } 13... Kg8 14. Bd3 { bd3 is an excellent move, it developsa piece which needs developing and threatens Qh7 mate! } 14... Rf7 15. g4 { g4is an interesting attacking move, but I prefer 0-0 perhaps followed bye3-e4 } 15... b5 16. Bxh7+ { This is a very weak move. White gives up a bishop,worth 3 points, for a pawn, worth one point. } 16... Rxh7 17. Qxh7+ { And thismove is very weak too. White gives up her most valuable piece, the queen,worth 9 points, for a rook, worth 5 points. White is clearly losing here. } 17... Kxh7 18. Ndf3 { This is a good move, advancing the knight to a better square. } 18... Nd7 19. Rg1 { This is a good move too, moving the rook to a better square. } 19... f5 20. gxf5 { This is good, as it opens up the g file for white to attackdown. } 20... Nxf5 21. Ng5+ { This is an excellent move, as no matter where theblack king moves to, white will be able to check to win the black queen.If the black king goes to the g file then white can play Ng5xe6 and givea discovered check to the black king from the white rook on g1, while simultaneouslythreatening Ne6xd8. Black can't save the queen. } 21... Kh6 { Because if the blackking moves here or to h8 then white plays.... } 22. Nf7+ { this wonderfulmove, attacking the king and the queen together! } 22... Kh5 { Black moakes themost of it and attacks the white knight. } 23. Nxd8 { White takes the queen,an excellent move! } 23... Kxh4 { Black takes the rook. } 24. Nxe6 { White brieflygoes a pawn up, another good move. } 24... Bxh2 25. Rf1 { This is a good move too,the rook had to move. } 25... Ng3 26. Rf4+ { The rook was attacked again, thisseems the best solution. } 26... Kh3 27. Ng5+ { This is a good move attacking theking. } 27... Kg2 28. Rf6 { This is a terrible move! Black could just take therook with the knight on d7. I think the best move was Rf4-f2 check. Thereare only two squares the black king can go to. If the black king goes tog1 then white wins with Ng5-f3 check, forcing the king to h1 and then whitecan play rook takes Bishop mate. If black plays Kh1 immediately, I thinkblack is still mated. It takes a bit longer, but basically white movesher bishop to b2 or a3, plays Nf3 and Ke2 to discover an attack by theRook on a1 and white eventually plays Ra1xBg1 in most variations. } 28... Bg1 29. c4 { This another bad move. Oh Zhanna, I hope your opponent does notsee he can take your rook! } 29... dxc4 30. bxc4 { He has given you another chance,and you have given him another chance too! } 30... bxc4 31. Rxc6 { Thank goodnessyou move the rook at last! } 31... Bf2+ 32. Kd1 { I don't think it makes much differenceif the king goes to d1 or d2 } 32... Nf1 33. Rxc4 { This is good, picking up apawn. } 33... Ba6 34. Rc7 { This is good, attacking the knight. } 34... Rc8 35. Rxc8 { Thisis a bad move. White should simply have taken the knight. } 35... Bxc8 36. e4 { This move saves the e pawn. } 36... Nb6 37. d5 { and this move saves the d pawn. } 37... Bg4+ 38. Kc2 { This was the only square the king could move to. } 38... a5 39. Rb1 { White at last gets the rook into play. This is a good move. } 39... Nd7 40. Bf4 { This is a good move. If white can queen one of these pawns, she shouldwin. } 40... Ne3+ 41. Kd2 { Kd2 is not a bad move, but I prefer Kd3 immediately. } 41... Nc4+ 42. Kd3 { Probably best under the circumstances. } 42... Na3 43. Rb3 { Thisis a reasonable plan, but there is a drawback. } 43... Nc5+ 44. Kd2 { I tend toprefer Kc3 so if black takes the rook on b3, white can take back with theking, attacking the other knight on a3. This then gives white time to advanceone of her pawns. } 44... Nxb3+ 45. Kc3 { Another terrible move. White should justtake the knight on b3 with the pawn on a2. } 45... Nc1 46. Bxc1 { This is a greatmove, reducing White's material deficit. } 46... Nb5+ 47. Kd3 { Kd3 is as goodas anything, as Kc4 is met with Be2 check. } 47... Bh4 48. Bd2 { Bd2 is a goodmove, attacking the pawn on a5. } 48... Nd6 49. e5 { This is good too, attackingthe knight and advancing the pawns. } 49... Nb5 50. Bxa5 { This is a mistake, asthe bishop was guarding the knight on g5. She has to move the knight beforetaking the pawn. Kc4 to support the advancing pawns was another good move. } 50... Bxg5 51. a4 { It is a good idea to advance pawns in an endgame like this. } 51... Na3 52. Bb4 { and good to keep attacking ht eknight. } 52... Bd8 53. Bxa3 { Whitehas played well to get back to being equal on material, and her pawns shouldeven give her winning chances. } 53... Kf3 54. d6 { so these pawns have to be pushed... } 54... Kf4 55. Bc1+ { But know white just throws one of them away. bb2 or Kd4would have protected it. } 55... Kxe5 56. d7 { and now white throws away anotherone. Ba3, protecting the pawn was called for. } 56... Bxd7 57. Bb2+ { It is nota bad idea to check black. The last white pawn is doomed. However the positionshould be drawn. } 57... Kd5 58. Bc3 { Keeping the king and bishop together isa good idea. } 58... Bxa4 59. Bg7 { so moving it away is not a good idea. } 59... Bb5+ 60. Ke3 { It doesn't matter what white does, the position should be drawn. } 60... Bb6+ 61. Kf4 { Any king move is ok. } 61... Bd7 62. Kg5 { Any king move will doagain. } 62... Bd8+ 63. Kh6 { Position should be drawn. } 63... Ke4 64. Bh8 { It is stilla drawn position. I can say that with certainty, as there are free endgamechess databases which which you can analyse endgames with 6 or less pieces.I am using one for these annotations. } 64... Kf5 65. Kh5 { This should be a losingmove! Black should play Bg5 and then Be8 is mate. See http://gameknot.com/chess-puzzle.pl?pz=127358 } 65... Be8+ { But black plays the moves in the wrong order! } 66. Kh6 { Kh6 is ofcourse forced. } 66... Bg5+ 67. Kh7 { It doesn't matter if the king goes to h7or g7, this position should be drawn again. } 67... Bg6+ 68. Kg7 { This is a deaddraw. } 68... Bf6+ { Now white comes up with a clever way of showing how drawnit is! } 69. Kh6 { This moves looks silly, allowing black to take the bishopon h8, but... } 69... Bxh8 { But white had cleverly spotted that if he takes thebishop, the final position is a stalemate. many thanks for reading this.I hope you enjoyed it. Please leave a comment or two and rate it on thestar system. } 1/2-1/2

[Event "Winning with the Albin counter gambit. "] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "-"] [White "NN"] [Black "superlalulalu"] [Result "0-1"] [TimeControl "90 minutes each"] { Hello there! I would like to show you one of my games which was playedat my local chess club. My opponent is not particularly strong, he hasa ECF rating of 129 (around 1667 ELO's rating), but nonetheless, he foughtvaliantly, and made this game very interesting. } 1. d4 { My opponenthad white pieces and he started with d4. } 1... d5 2. c4 { After d5, c4 we havequeen's gambit. } 2... e5 { I decided to play something less common - e5, wenow have queen's gambit declined, albin counter gambit, a very aggressivereply. Frankly speaking, this gambit is pretty risky for black, if whiteknows the right continuation, he could neutralize all the threats and havea very good game. } 3. dxe5 { Challenge accepted! dxe5 was played. } 3... d4 { d4, black's d pawn advances further into white's territory, it takes awaythe natural developing square from white's queen knight, it can be verytroublesome for white. } 4. e3 { e3 appears to be a very sensible move,challenging black's strong d pawn. However, this move is a mistake, thebest move would be Nf3, putting pressure on black's d pawn. } 4... Bb4+ { Bb4+,Black now goes for the Lasker's trap line, only because white played e3last move. } 5. Bd2 { Bd2, again, it looks sensible, blocking the checkand with the intention to trade off dark square bishops. } 5... dxe3 { To white'ssurprise, dxe3, black totally ignores the tension between the dark squarebishops. } 6. fxe3 { After some calculation, my opponent decided not tocapture my bishop and barely managed to side step the Lasker's trap. } 6... Qh4+ { Qh4+ was play, if white plays g3, then Qe4 would be played. } 7. g3 { White did play g3. } 7... Qe4 { Qe4, forking white's rook and pawn on e5. } 8. Qf3 { Qf3, white wants to exchange queens. } 8... Bxd2+ { The tension between thedsb was resolved. } 9. Nxd2 Qxe5 { Of course I did not trade queens, it wouldonly help white. } 10. Qe4 { Qe4 white is quite persistent. } 10... Nc6 { Nc6, developingthe knight and protects the queen. } 11. Qxe5+ Nxe5 12. Ngf3 Ng4 { Afterthe smoke is clear, white is ahead in development, but the weak isolatede pawn quickly becomes a target for black. } 13. Ke2 { I was expecting whiteto play e4, but Ke2 was played. This move indicates that white wants tocentralize his king and play Bg2 at some point, so that he can have playon the queen side. } 13... Ne7 { h3 is definitely coming, but I wanted to addmore pressure on his e pawn, then I saw this move Ne7. } 14. h3 { This wasexpected. } 14... Nf5 { Nf5, totally ignores the threat of hxg4! The idea is,if white plays hxg4, black would play Nxg3+, forking white's king and rook,and black would eventually capture the pawn on g4 with Bxg4. } 15. hxg4 { White did play hxg4. } 15... Nxg3+ { Everything went according to plan. } 16. Kf2 Nxh1+ 17. Kg2 Bxg4 18. Kxh1 { I used two knights to trade for my opponent'srook and two pawns, most importantly, I now have three to one majoritywith two connected passed pawns on the king side. White would have a verytough game from now on. } 18... f6 { f6, stopping white's knight from coming toe5, also vacating f7 for the king. } 19. Bg2 { white finally gets his bishopdeveloped. } 19... h5 20. Nh4 { Nh4, discovered attack on black's b pawn, butthis move is a mistake, white now leaves his knight on d2 unprotected,additionally, his knight on h4 is susceptible to g5. The best move forwhite would be Nd4. } 20... Rd8 { Rd8, exploiting the unprotected knight. Thiswould not be possible If white played Nd4... } 21. Nb3 g5 { g5, gainingmore tempi. } 22. Nf3 Rd3 { Rd3, attacking white's e pawn and x-rays theknight on f3. } 23. Nfd4 Rxe3 24. Bxb7 O-O { I decided to castle king side,so that my king can assist the pawn push, also i can double my rooks one file. The downside of this move is that white now has some counter play. } 25. Bd5+ { and there it is.... } 25... Kg7 26. Rf1 Rfe8 { Doubling the rooks,with the intention to Re1 } 27. Nc5 { Nc5, white brings the other knightinto the attack, black has to be very careful in this position. It is reallytricky to look out for both knights! } 27... Re1 { Re1, I wanted to simplify thegame. } 28. Rxe1 Rxe1+ 29. Kg2 Rb1 30. Nde6+ Kh6 { Note that Kg6 and Kh7would fall for Be4+, which would be a devastating blunder! } 31. b3 Rb2+ { Rb2+ forking white's king and a pawn. } 32. Kg3 { Kg3, and this is a blunder,better move would be Kg1. } 32... f5 { f5, threatening f6+! If white plays Nxc7,f6 would be checkmate. Additionally white's king can not go back becausethe rook is guarding the second rank! This is the reason that he shouldhave played Kg1. } 33. Nxg5 { Out of desperation, Nxg5 was played. } 33... Kxg5 34. Ne6+ { White wanted to get some counter play, but it was just not enough. } 34... Kf6 35. Nd4 Rxa2 36. b4 Ke5 37. Nf3+ Bxf3 { After Nf3+ I simply snatchedthe knight with Bxf3, the position got simplified even more. } 38. Bxf3 Ra4 39. Bxh5 Rxb4 40. Bf7 f4+ 41. Kf3 Rb3+ 42. Kf2 a5 { Myopponent played the best move after a5, he resigned. I hope you enjoyedthis game, good luck with your games and see you next time. } 0-1

[Event "Challenge from jhfit"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2011.02.26"] [Round "-"] [White "jhfit"] [Black "bozzoh"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1869"] [TimeControl "5 days per move"] [WhiteElo "2016"] 1. e4 c5 2. d4 { Smith-Morra Gambit--something I like to try to open thegame up right away. White gives up a pawn to get very active pieces ongood squares. } 2... cxd4 3. c3 e6 { But Black isn't having it! } 4. cxd4 { cxd4?Nf3 was probably best to keep the gambit alive. } 4... d5 { Striking back at thecenter for equality, although taking the pawn before is better just tomake me prove I know what I'm doing. } 5. exd5 exd5 6. Nf3 Nf6 { I'll playwith this isolated pawn as White. e5 is my set-up point and the e fileis the avenue for attack. } 7. Nc3 Bb4 8. Bd3 Qe7+ { Qe7?! Not good--probablylooking to trade queens. } 9. Ne5 { Ne5! } 9... Nc6 10. O-O O-O { Black couldn'tafford to keep the king out in the open any longer, and now his bishopat b4 is doing nothing. } 11. Re1 { Now his misplacement of key pieces willbe a problem. } 11... Nxe5 12. Rxe5 Be6 13. Bg5 { Bg5! and now Black is completelytied up and pinned. } 13... Bxc3 14. bxc3 { This to stay active, I suppose, butthe king-side is the probem. } 14... h6 15. Bh4 Rac8 16. Qd2 a6 17. Rae1 Rfe8 18. f4 { The kind of position I always try to get: action on one side ofthe board, quiet on the other and a safe king. } 18... Qa3 { Qa3? Still movingin the wrong areas. } 19. Bxf6 gxf6 20. R5e3 Qf8 21. Rg3+ Kh8 22. f5 { Andas a result, the wasted move by the queen and the smashed king positionshould decide things. } 22... Bd7 23. Rf1 Kh7 24. Rh3 Qg7 25. Rf4 Qg5 26. Rg3 Qh5 27. Rfg4 Ba4 { Ba4? } 28. Rh3 { Rh3! Qxg4 leads to mate. The early queenmove to e7 and the resulting pins led to a quick loss by Black in an equalposition early in the opening. } 1-0

[Event "GameKnot 3 minute Blitz"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2018.01.22"] [Round "-"] [White "miperralaica"] [Black "e4newman"] [Result "1-0"] [BlackElo "1628"] [TimeControl "3 minute"] [WhiteElo "1459"] { 3min Blitz vs miperralaica 1459 Argentina 64 http://www.eljurista.net/ } 1. e4 c5 2. c4 Nc6 3. d3 d6 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. Nf3 e6 { Now that I have timeto think I'm reviewing certain moves from this blitz game. Possible 5...Bg4what did I ever do with that LSB? Took until move 19 to get it going andthen it played an important role on the e6-b3 diagonal. Better than ...Bg4would have done. } 6. Be2 Be7 7. Bg5 O-O 8. O-O Nd7 { Computer doesn't likethis move but it's blitz and I'm looking at that N on the Q-side anyway. } 9. Bxe7 Qxe7 10. Qd2 Nb6 11. b3 Rd8 { I keep preparing the central break. He should do the same. Actually, b4 or a4 would have also been good ideasfor him I believe. } 12. Qe3 h6 13. Rad1 d5 { I'm ready but computer doesn'tlike it. I was thinking his last 2 moves were pretty defensive. } 14. exd5 exd5 15. cxd5 Qxe3 16. fxe3 Nxd5 17. Nxd5 Rxd5 18. e4 { The positionopened up as I thought but the moves were played very quick. I'm surehe played 18.e4 for tempo but d4 would be better. And really I shouldhave responded ...Rd6 but my head started spinning so the simple ...Rd8was played. } 18... Rd8 19. Ne1 { Can only re-deploy to c2 but then where? Inthe game he just returns it to f3 lol } 19... Be6 { So that’s where my LSB endedup. I was preparing for mobilization of my Q-side pawns. } 20. Nf3 b6 21. d4 Nxd4 22. Nxd4 Rxd4 23. Rxd4 cxd4 24. Bd3 { Objectively better toactivate pieces along open lines. } 24... Rc8 25. h3 { He’s allowing me lots oftime. } 25... Bd7 { Wanted to move my b-pawn but can’t remember why? ...Rc3 isgreat but no rush to play it. } 26. Rf2 b5 27. a4 { He’s challenging mebut I’m pretty strong over there. } 27... a6 28. axb5 axb5 29. Kh2 { His poorR is just sitting there. } 29... Rc3 { Now my R has strong purpose. } 30. Bc2 Be6 { Or d3 because it gets captured on move 33 and it's a valuable passed pawn. } 31. Rd2 Bxb3 32. Bxb3 Rxb3 33. Rxd4 Ra3 { Wrong. Keep the R on the b-file. } 34. Rb4 Ra5 { Or ...Ra4. } 35. e5 Kf8 { Good. } 36. Kg3 Ke7 37. Kf4 Ke6 { ...Ra4is much better...almost winning. Pins the R! } 38. Ke4 f6 { ...Ra4 just neverdawned on me. } 39. exf6 gxf6 40. Kd4 Kd6 41. Kc3 Kc5 42. Rh4 f5 { Too quick. Requires deep analysis though. Computer really likes ...Ra3+ but the obviousKb2 needs a lot of thought to refute. } 43. Rxh6 b4+ 44. Kb3 Ra3+ { That’sbetter. } 45. Kb2 Kc4 { Better is ...Rg3...Rxg2+ } 46. Rf6 Ra5 { No need. Plushis K-side pawns are strong. } 47. Rc6+ Kd3 { Not bad. Check out ...Kd4 andthen what? } 48. Rd6+ Kc4 49. h4 b3 50. h5 { Nope. Allows the next move. } 50... Ra2+ 51. Kb1 Kc3 { ...Rxg2 was needed but I see what I was thinking...tryingto promote the b-pawn. } 52. Rc6+ Kb4 { I timed out. He played well especiallywith almost 200 ELO difference. He had 9 seconds left. } 1-0

[Event "As you like it... wild!, http://gameknot.com/"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "2015.06.23"] [Round "-"] [White "damalfi"] [Black "level medium player"] [Result "1-0"] [TimeControl "3/10"] 1. d4 { A simple blitz showing a powerful attack. } 1... d5 2. Bf4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. h3 { My 'time wasting favourite'. } 4... Bb4+ 5. c3 Ba5 { Black managedto let his dsb out, but it will have no action against solid white pawns. } 6. Nbd2 Nc6 { Better was c5, by far. } 7. g4 { This is the reason of h3. } 7... O-O 8. e3 { Opening the way for the Q. } 8... Ne4 9. h4 { Necessary to free theNf3 from the duty of guarding h4 from a BQ's incursion. } 9... f5 { Understandable,but it just opens for me the g column. } 10. gxf5 exf5 11. Ng5 h6 { Obviously,the idea never was NxN from my part. } 12. Qh5 { Sac the N for the h column.Not a gimme, but... } 12... hxg5 13. hxg5 Nxg5 { g6 would have been deadly forblack. } 14. Bxg5 Qd6 15. c4 { I already have the check, but it is not enoughto crush black, so I look for other ways. } 15... Bxd2+ { Riding off of the inactiveB for a inactive N. } 16. Kxd2 { This seems dangerous, because of... } 16... Qb4+ { but... } 17. Kc2 { ...saves the day. } 17... dxc4 { I have to accept black's counterattack,and try to go faster. } 18. b3 Be6 { Right and strong. } 19. Qh7+ Kf7 20. Qh5+ Kg8 21. Qh7+ Kf7 22. Bh6 Rg8 23. Be2 { Looking for Bh5+, at the costof... } 23... cxb3+ 24. Kd1 { !? No check on the next move, that's all I need... } 24... bxa2 { much better was b2, Rb1, Bxa2, but again, it gives me the neededtempo. } 25. Bh5+ Ke7 26. Bg5+ Kd7 27. Ke2 { A risky plan, based on this:White's attack would be unstoppable if f5 falls. In order to provoke it,I need to get Be3 out of there. I just must be sure I won't be fried inthe process. On the other side, I have to connect the Rooks or Qb1+ willcrush me. In the following moves, my King will run as a rat, leaving aR en prise as a Trojan Gift... } 27... Bc4+ 28. Kf3 Bd5+ 29. Kg3 { f4+, Bxf4 andnothing changes so much. } 29... Bxh1 { If Qd6+, B or pawn f4. } 30. Qxf5+ { Toomuch pressure and too uncordinated pieces, with a naked K. Mind: I'm -7. } 30... Kd6 { Forced. } 31. Qg6+ { I saw this line. It is not the first that cameto mind, but it forces mate. The longer line is the following. } 31... Kd5 32. Qf7+ Kd6 33. Bf4+ Ne5 34. Bxe5+ Kc6 35. Rc1+ Kb6 36. Bxc7+ Ka6 37. Qxa2+ Kb5 38. Be2+ Qc4 39. Qxc4# { Do I miss something? :-) } 1-0

[Event "New York, ?"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "1922.??.??"] [Round "-"] [White "Janowski, D."] [Black "Reshevsky, Samuel Herman"] [Result "0-1"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. c4 e6 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. Bg5 Be7 6. e3 c6 7. Bd3 a6 8. O-O dxc4 9. Bxc4 Nb6 10. Bd3 Nfd5 11. Bxe7 Qxe7 12. Qd2 Nxc3 13. bxc3 c5 14. Rab1 Nd7 15. a4 O-O 16. Qc2 h6 17. Rfe1 b6 18. Rb2 Rb8 19. Reb1 Qd6 20. Qe2 a5 21. Bb5 Rd8 22. h3 Qc7 23. e4 Nf8 24. Qe3 Bd7 25. Ne5 Be8 26. Bxe8 Rxe8 27. f4 f6 28. Nf3 { White prepares e5 } 28... Nd7 29. e5 f5 30. g4 g6 { Alternative variation: 30... fxg4 31. hxg4 cxd4 32. cxd4 Qc6 $11 } 31. gxf5 gxf5 32. d5 Nf8 33. Rg2+ Kh7 34. c4 Qf7 35. Kh2 Ng6 36. Rbg1 Rg8 37. d6 { White have strategicaly winning position } 37... Qb7 38. h4 Qc6 39. h5 Nh8 40. Ng5+ hxg5 41. fxg5 { Threatening mate... how? } 41... Ng6 42. Rg3 Kg7 43. Rh3 Rh8 44. hxg6 Rxh3+ 45. Kxh3 Rh8+ 46. Kg3 Qxa4 47. Qf3 f4+ 48. Kg4 Qc2 49. Qxf4 Qe2+ 50. Kg3 Qd3+ 51. Kg2 Qe2+ 52. Kg3 Qh2+ { Alternativevariation: 52... Rf8 53. Qf6+ Rxf6 54. gxf6+ Kf8 55. g7+ Kg8 56. Kh3 Qh5+57. Kg2 Qxe5 58. Rf1 Qxd6 59. Rf2 $19 } 53. Kf3 Rf8 54. Qf6+ Kg8 55. d7 Rxf6+ 56. gxf6 Qd2 57. Rh1 { Alternative variation: 57. g7 Qxd7 58.Ke2 $19 } 57... Qd3+ 58. Kg2 Qxg6+ 59. Kf2 Qf5+ 60. Kg2 Qg4+ 61. Kh2 Qe2+ 62. Kh3 Qd3+ 63. Kh4 Qxd7 64. Rg1+ Kf8 65. Kg5 Qd4 0-1

[Event "Zuerich, Zürich"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date "1959.??.??"] [Round "-"] [White "Gligoric, Svetozar"] [Black "Fischer, Robert James"] [Result "1-0"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Be7 8. Qf3 Nbd7 { Alternative variation: 8... h6 9. Bh4 g5 10. fxg5 Nfd7 11.Nxe6 fxe6 12. Qh5+ Kf8 13. Bb5 Rh7 14. Qg6 [Gligoric-Fischer/Portoroz izt/1958](14. O-O+ Kg8 15. g6 $1 Rg7 16. Rf7 Bxh4 17. Qxh6 Rxf7 18. gxf7+ Kxf7 19.Qh7+ Kf8 20. e5 $3 dxe5 21. Qh8+ Kf7 22. Rf1+ $16) } 9. O-O-O Qc7 10. g4 b5 11. Bxf6 gxf6 { Alternative variation: 11... Nxf6 12. g5 Nd7 13. f5 Nc514. Rg1 b4 15. Nce2 e5 16. f6 exd4 17. fxe7 d3 18. cxd3 b3 19. axb3 Nxd3+20. Kb1 Ne5 21. Qc3 Qxe7 [ 1/4-1/4/Boleslavsky-Aronin/UdSSR-ch/1957] } 12. Bg2 { Alternative variation: 12. a3 Bb7 13. f5 Ne5 ( 13... e5 $142)14. Qe2 Qd7 15. g5 fxg5 16. fxe6 fxe6 17. Bh3 $16 } 12... Bb7 13. Rhe1 { Alternativevariation: 13. f5 e5 } 13... O-O-O 14. a3 Nb6 15. Rd3 Kb8 16. Red1 d5 17. exd5 Nxd5 18. Nxd5 Bxd5 19. Qf1 { Alternative variation: 19. Qf2 Bc5 $10 } 19... Bc5 { Alternative variation: 19... Bxg2 20. Qxg2 Qxf4+ $2 21. Kb1 $18 [>< c6] } 20. Bxd5 Rxd5 21. Ne2 Rxd3 22. Rxd3 h5 { Alternative variation: 22...Qb7 [/\ 23... Rc8 24... Qe4! =] } 23. gxh5 { Alternative variation: 23.Rh3 Rc8 $17 } 23... Rxh5 24. Qg2 Rh8 25. Rc3 Rc8 26. b4 Be3+ 27. Kb1 Qb6 28. Rxc8+ Kxc8 29. Qf3 { Alternative variation: 29. Qa8+ Kc7 30. Qf8 Qd6 31.Qxf7+ Qd7 32. Qxd7+ Kxd7 $14 } 29... Kd8 30. h4 Ke7 31. h5 f5 { Alternative variation:31... Kf8 32. h6 Kg8 33. Qg3+ } 32. h6 Bd4 33. Nxd4 Qxd4 34. Qh1 { Alternativevariation: 34. h7 Qg1+ 35. Kb2 Qh2 36. Qb7+ Kf6 } 34... Qh8 35. h7 Kf8 36. Qa8+ Kg7 37. Qxh8+ Kxh8 38. c4 Kxh7 39. c5 1-0

[Event "A failed attack"] [Site "http://gameknot.com/"] [Date ""] [Round "-"] [White "anon"] [Black "Pearson"] [Result "1-0"] [TimeControl "1.5 hours"] 1. d4 { This is a game I played at my chess club in the internal tournament.Unfortunately I lost, but there was an interesting selection of attacksand tactics. } 1... Nf6 2. Bf4 { Unusual, but solid. } 2... d5 { Attempting to closeup the centre. } 3. e3 Bf5 4. c4 e6 { Both players are aiming to controlthe centre. } 5. Qb3 { Both players are aiming for central pressure. } 5... b6 6. Nc3 Nc6 { This is a mistake, although black turns out not to be terriblyaffected. } 7. cxd5 exd5 8. Bb5 { Black must be very creful about 9.Qa4. } 8... Bd7 9. Nxd5 { White wins a pawn, but must sidestep a tactical trap. } 9... Nxd5 10. Qxd5 Bb4+ { Now if 11.Ke2?? or Kd1??, 11...Bg4+ wins the queen, andwhite is permanently prevented from castling. } 11. Kf1 Nb8 { While whitecan win the exchange here, he reaches a difficult position, in which blackhas dangerous counterplay. } 12. Bxd7+ Nxd7 13. Rc1 { Again, there is thethreat of material loss for black; however, he judges the benefits to outwieghthe pawn. } 13... O-O 14. Rxc7 Nf6 15. Qxd8 Rfxd8 { White has two extra pawns,but black has a short-term advantage in view of his superior development.While the rook on the 7th rank is effective, for a rookon the 7th it isrelatively weak, due to the ease with which its targets can be removedand itself kicked away. } 16. a3 Bxa3 { An unusual sacrifice, but since blackwill be dragged down by attrition if he allows white to complete his developmentwithout gaining new advantages, he might as well sacrifice a bishop unlikelyto be of major use. } 17. bxa3 Nd5 { White has a considerable material advantage,but his peices are misplaced; the game will depend on how well he can recoverhis position. } 18. Rc4 b5 19. Rc5 Nxf4 { If the knight is taken, the rooksbecome higly dangerous due to the open d and e files, but I beleive nonethelessthat taking was his best option here. } 20. Rxb5 Nd5 { The queenside hasbeen opened up, allowing the black rooks into the attack. } 21. Nf3 Rac8 { Black has potential to take control of white's 1st rank - If the kinggoes to e2, then Nc3+. } 22. g3 { This is a very goodmove, since it allowswhite to bring his king (eventually) to safety, giving him a solid advantage. } 22... Rc2 { Preventing the king from escaping to g2 due to ...Nxe3+, and allowingdoubling of the rooks. } 23. Ra5 Nc3 { Planning to attack f2. } 24. Kg2 Nd5 { With the aforementioned threat to e3. } 25. Re1 Nf6 { Again going for f2. } 26. Rxa7 { Three pawns now. } 26... Ng4 { However, black will recover at least one,since there is no way to preserve f2: 27.Rf1? Nxe3+ wins the exchange. } 27. Ne5 { Perhaps the only move in the position. This allows a white counterattack,albeit not a very potent one. } 27... Nxf2 28. Kf1 Ne4 { 28...Nh3 ends in retreatto g5 after 29.Re2 } 29. Re2 Rc1+ 30. Kg2 { It may be worth mentioning thatmy opponent was running short of time, but would gain an extra 15 minutesat move 35; thus, neither of us was thinking much at this point, asI wantedto deny white the chance to think during my time. } 30... Nc3 31. Rb2 Nd1 32. Rb3 f6 { This not only drives away the knight, but also prevents back-rankmate, allowing the second rook in. } 33. Nd3 Rc2+ 34. Kf3 Re8 { At this point,black has an excellent position in terms of his peices working together,but I cannot see any actual mating attack, or any way of recovering morethan a pawn. } 35. e4 Nc3 36. Rc7 { I hadn't anticipated this, and spentsome time trying to find a defence. } 36... f5 { In hindsight, this was probablywhat cost me the game: it acheives nothing positive following the response,and gives white a passed pawn. It was made out of desperation, before Ifound my next move. } 37. e5 Nb5 { An excellent move! If only I had seenit the previous move! This wins a pawn, and isolates the e-pawn - had Iplayed 36...Nb5!, I suspect that I would have at least drawn. Unfortunately,this was too late, although it was pleasing to surprise both my opponentand an observer who had moved away, thinking that was the knight 'trapped'I was lost. Of course, I lost anyway. } 38. Rxc2 Nxd4+ 39. Kf4 Nxb3 { Perhaps39...Nxc2 would have been better, perhaps not. I tink it probably was,but there isn't much in itThe f5 pawn is protected by the threatr of ...Nd4+. } 40. Rc3 Nd4 41. Rc4 Rd8 { The position was starting to run out of the tacticsthat had held me through the late opening, middlegame and early endgame. } 42. Ke3 Ne6 43. Nf4 { There did not seem to be any realistic alternativeto exchanging, unfortunately. } 43... Nxf4 44. Kxf4 g6 45. h4 Rd7 { I planned tobring my king to e6 and play for a draw. Unfortunately there were stilltactics, and in my opponent's favour. } 46. e6 Ra7 47. a4 Kf8 48. Rd4 { Now,I could not allow the rooks to be exchanged off, whatever the gain, dueto the a-pawn providing a decoy for my king. This prevented ...Ke7, andgave the threat of 49.Rd8+ and 50.Rd7+. } 48... Ke8 49. Kg5 { And so the whiteking became unstoppable. } 49... Ra6 { To prevent Kh6. } 50. Kf6 Ra7 51. Rb4 { Threateningmate. } 51... Ra8 52. Rb7 Kf8 53. Rxh7 { Again threatening mate. } 53... Kg8 54. Rd7 { Andthe e-pawn is insanely powerful. } 54... Rxa4 { Removing this to do at least whatI could. } 55. Rd8+ Kh7 { At this point I lose track of exactly what happened,but it's clear that white will win (though still up only a pawn) and winhe did. } 1-0