I was convinced W would go for Rb1 intending a5... in which case I would have gone for a rook ending with b4. Instead Rf1+.

Ok I over simplified perhaps, it was half in jest clearly.  I still think white "should" win, I can see practical difficulties but if webg pulls this off without a clear error on l's part I will be well impressed.  This kibbitzing, when can we comment on moves or ideas, only after the moves or ideas  or as we go along. 

The game is indeed not over yet. Black is about to setup a strong blockade on the black squares to contain white's pawn majority that makes winning difficult, perhaps impossible. However, I believe I have a surprise up my sleeve. Well, maybe not a surprise to W, but hopefully he can do nothing about it!

Yes, I did look at every single thing. I left no stone unturned in the attempt to steal material. The best attempt at taking the rook is returning the N to b4. Then just play to hold and more likely to give back the exchange. Previous real games revealed that it was the best course of action but I was left feeling that the resault was more due to the time limits of otb. In study I kept finding was for white to take advantage of the greedy capture. I want to explore Nb4 more before I shelve this side variation and return to the main treatment of Be2. The idea of 7...Nf6 including Nc6 as opposed to c6 structures is the main line for now.  

Did you ever consider 13...c5 as an alternative? I think I refuted it, but it took me quite a while:

 

13...c5 14.g5 Nd4 15.gxf6 Qxf6 16.Bd6
  16...Rd8 17.Nxd4 cxd4 18.Nb5 a6 19.Nc7 Rxd6 20.Rc1!
  16...Bc2 17.Qd2 Bxb1 18.Nxd4 cxd4 19.Nxb1 Rd8 20.Qf4!

thanks webg, haven't read up on everything (no time) I'll keep an eye on the finish though. 

Our game is not over yet. I expected tougher moves and had a plan for those too. I have to admit that Nd4 just doesn't work as planned but I also know Nb4 has its difficulties. The test was to see if there was any way to grab the material (a.k.a. bait). I'm certain it can't be grabbed in either variation.  

well guys I think the same comment black is definitely under the cosh and should lose could be applied the that game as well ahem.  It seems you both refuted each others lines.  Top players both (I haven't got a couch to hide behind so I won'y give the obvious corollary, joke)

Hi MM. I think you answered your own question. black is defintely under the cosh and should lose Since this is a theory match and he had clearly refuted my Bb4 with Bd3 (a new move), there was no point in playing on trying to save the game hoping for a weak move. There wouldn't have been one anyway.

Good luck with your Scandinavian! I'm hopeful to win one for the whites vs W

sorry guys have joined rather late, didn't know this was here, was just watching the games.  The english defence why did black resign?  I can see white will have c4 and d5 coming and black is defintely under the cosh and should lose but is it really at the stage of stopping the clocks.  I would have played on, would that have led to a thread of me being a pain in the **** for not showing respect?  Or is there a quick win I messed.  I haven't obviously looked very deeply into it. 

P.s. I'm trying a Scandinavian in one of my games.....wonders will never cease.

Yes Bg4.

War is hell

15.g5 of course

If I play Qc8 I can reply Nd7 to your Ng4

Do you mean Bg4? Believe me, I have been there and I am not going there again.

No, you will face the pawn roller. Your next 5 moves are forced. 

15. ?

I'm going to cut across your plans now that I got you to over extend you center thus fixing the pawns more ridgedly. I like the prospects I have now. I think by swapping off a few minors I can make the sac exchange a real threat. You'll hopefully be in a worse position to exploit your pawn roller. If g5 I should be able to counter an eventual d6 with Bd8. If I play Qc8 I can reply Nd7 to your Ng4. I can see an eventual pawn lever that frees my rooks. I think you'll find that hard to stop.

In all variations after 9.Nc3 I am constantly trying to sacrifice the exchange. I think the coming moves will be no exception.

There's no simple options left!

The game is looking very complicated.  It's making my brain hurt just watching.

Why didn't I play Bc4? Because I believe white should strive for a pawn centre with c4-d4. But this may be a matter of personal taste.

I forgot to check the blog!

My intented line was: 13...Nb4 14.g5 Bxb1 15.Qxb1 Be7 16.Rd1 

with overwhelming play.

But now on 13...Nd4 I have several extremely complicated options. But I might go for a simple one.

Webgogs

Thanks for the free theory.  I'll try the options out later.

Regards

Rabid Dog