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Oregon Class Championships Round 3

Round 3, I had 2/2 and I was paired with the only other player with 2/2. Given it was a 4 round tournament, I knew that if I won this game, I would be well on my way to winning the class B section. I was paired against Patrick Gay, the brother of Daniel Gay (who recently has been storming up the charts in Oregon, and had a 34 game no-loss streak).

I had black again, but I didn't particularly mind. I had won my first 2 games as black, so I was feeling optimistic. I was psychologically really interested in winning this game, so I felt a lot of pressure to play well, and I think I did myself proud.

Now I was 3/3 and feeling pretty good. I like that victory because it feels like I slowly outplayed him rather than him making any terrible blunders and me capitalizing on them. I had the bishop pair, and attacked his kingside, forcing concessions. Only one round left in the day/tournament, and I was playing for first place. Very exciting for me.

Comments

  • 18 months ago

    mueller

    Again, spot on Bill. You're right, I was expecting fxg3 instead of Nf3. As for Rg3 instead of Qg5+, I think I was planning Rf4 and walking my king over to e8 or d8 and if they ever take on g4 Bxe4 or Rf2, or something similar.

    One thing I neglected to mention in the commentary of the game, when I got the bishop pair, I kept looking for an immediate reason to trade back. I think I just don't like playing long games. And I had to keep restraining myself from playing simplifying moves too early. It was an odd psychological/mechanical issue to recognize.

    I guess the tension of playing tournament chess is enough that I just want to rush in and finish it as quickly as possible, like jumping into an cold lake all at once rather than walking in slowly. This game I consciously put an effort into making the game take more moves rather than fewer moves, and just not trying to force things.

  • 18 months ago

    billwall

    Interesting endgame.  I think White's losing move was 30.Qg5+.  Better seems 30.Rg3 Rg7 31.Qc4 and 32.Qxa6.

    35.Nf3 has to be bad.  Perhaps 35.fxg3 Rxg3 36.Qh4 Rxe3 37.Ng4, threatening 38.Nf6 and forking queen and rook.

    38.Qxe7 exchantges queens.  When you are down in material, trade pawns but not pieces, which you need for counterplay.  White should have kept his queen and pay 38.Qh6 for more resistance.

    Instead of 40.Nc3, get the king moving and play 40.Ke3

    42.a4 does nothing.  White needs to trade pawns.  Play 42.f4 exf4 43.Kf3 and 44.Kxf4.  After that, Black easily wins.

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