I'll try to do some engine analysis later for you.
Analysis Requested :) :) :)
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Yay, thanks, Thomas! I'll be out today but I'll check back tonight. (my time) :)
Not for nothing, but giving endless lines of computer analysis doesn't do anything to help this man or his son to help him see what he did wrong in this game. It does nothing to teach or help him improve his game.
the best way for your son to improve is to go over his own games and try to find his mistakes. Its even better to have a stronger player go over his games. Tell him to keep working on tactics. He lost this game ultimately because he failed to see the potential pressure on his f2 pawn. I hope this helps. Please do not look at the other posts as looking at endless computer analysis is a complete waste of your time.
Thank you, Crown, Matty, Zod, Mark and CimG for taking the time to go over my son's games and giving your input. I do appreciate it.
No need to worry about my son's passion for chess... He found chess on his own and loved playing all the time, everywhere. Then, he decided that he didn't feel like playing anymore and stopped for almost two years. About 7 months ago he decided to start playing again and rediscovered his love for the game. As his Mom, I support his interests and since I'm not capable of analysing his games, every now and then I'll post a couple in this forum thread. I feel it can give him some fresh insight and help him pinpoint his mistakes and see opportunities he missed. Btw, I have some very good books available for him to read.
So, chill people, he's really a very lucky, well-adjusted, well-loved kid. :D
The kitten with glasses is a great pic :-)
Thank you, OldChessDog. :) I like your doggie, too. How's he doing in that game?
He's doing great, since the game hasn't started yet. Probably will be a different story after a few moves though ;-)
I'm on a tablet and didn't notice, lol! Tell him good luck. ;)
Buy your son a copy of Paul Littlewood, Chess Tactics (1984). A small, 150 page book of tactical exercises. All bite-sized, easy to do, but with increasing difficulty. Only costs about $15.
In the game above, he's clueless after 4 or 5 rote opening moves. He's essentially lost at sea. After finishing the Littlewood book, he will compete with the 1500 rated folks on equal footing.
Good Luck With It.
Thanks for the book recommendation. :)
Hello, first I would like to say your son played a good game. Although there is room for improvement. I think Crown-Royal 1 's computer analysis is probably spot on, but it may need more explanation for your son to glean anything from it.There are two fundamental ideas he needs to look at in this game. 1) The idea of taking on c6 with his Knight & 2) The development of his dark-squared Queen's bishop.
1) When white takes blacks knight on c6 with his own knight he has to deal with three specific problems for the rest of the game:
a) Black only needs one move to get to c6. White must spend 3 moves to get there including the capture itself. In essence white has already returned the first move advantage. There are exceptions of course but in general the idea is correct.
b) In the exchange, the b7 pawn moves to c6 creating support in controling the center. White has two choises once this happens, he can leave well enough alone & let black have his "area" of control or he can spend time AND material liquidating it. Wich usually leads to black simply undoubling his pawns & black is not worse.
c) With the pawn capture on c6 the b-file is partially opened creating creating a "potential" avenue for blacks rook in this case as needed, as the game continues.
Even retreating to Nc3 instead of takes may have been playable.
2) The dark-squared bishop- Because it was not developed properly & quickly it created other problems. Lke protecting against the mate threat as well as exagerating a backrank problem.
a) Its okay to develope a minor piece that will be traded as long as it nullifies an attack or it helps to further your overall development or if it releases you from an artificially cramped position. examples: 8. Be3,... 11. Be3,... or 17. Bb2,... developing the bishop, protecting the knight from the tactic by black's queen, alieviating some of your backrank problems, & applying some indirect pressure to the g7 pawn in the castled position.
I hope this helps, chessterd5
chessterd5, thank you, for taking the time to write all that, that was very helpful! :) :) :)
LesuhAn great game your son played! Mattyf9 and Chessterd give some great chess advice so I will not add more to that topic. The important thing for me is that your son remember that when you play aggresive tactical games you can win but sometimes you can go down very fast too. I mean watching the game I see that he tried to attack in a very fast and raw manner but sometimes you have to step aside for a moment and ask yourself "whats my opponent treath" I guess he didnt ask that question until it was too late (when he started defending an almost lost position). Thats important when you are playing for an attack sometimes you forget that your opponent have resources too :). Anyhow he is only 12 so he has a lot time to improve, and improvement isnt easy (ederly players as myself can confirm that :)) so dont give up,and have fun.
Max
Since when we are wise?
It's all relative. I am severely lacking in chess skill and knowledge so ...
Max, I'm sorry, I missed your very nice post! Thank you for your insight and your kind words. I will pass them along. :)
My 12 year-old played this game and could really use some advice from the wise members of chess.com. Thanks so much in advance! :)