Above is one of my draws from the Chicago Open.  I felt like I had equalized at the very least, as White didn't do much in the opening.  However, my problem was converting it into some kind of advantage. 

I'm wondering if playing 13. ... Rfd8 would have been better, preparing for the major pawn break on c5.  I'd love to hear some strong players' opinions, as I'm a bit new to the Qd6 Scandinavian and am trying to learn how to plan (opening-middlegame transition).  The rest of the game isn't of much interest; probably should have offered the draw much earlier!

Thanks!

51. ... h5! looks good to me. Mate threats lead to concessions.

Indeed, Fritz caught that one!  Not surprised I didn't see that at the board, after four hours or so... :)  Missed one of few chances in that game.

Interesting game. I know nothing about this opening variation, but it seems as if 7.Ne5 was quite a bit stronger than 7.a6. In fact, it looks quite good to me.

13...Rfd8 looks fine, but how about 14...Rfd8? That looks better than cxd4. You look quite solid there. As noted, you missed a shot with 51...h5! (I probably would have missed it too), but other than that, this ending is another example of how incredibly hard it is to win a pawn-up rook ending with pawns on one side of the board

I'm not terribly strong and I can't comment about that exact move (though I would ask whether it's a good idea to open up the file that has his queen and rook lined up), but note what happens between the position you selected and the position at move 24. Your opponent has rooks on the only open files and a queenside pawn majority. The massive simplification has led to an improvement in White's position and a neutering of Black's. White was trading indiscriminately, but it was often a less active piece for more active piece.

Thanks Paul; indeed, an early Ne5 for White is a major plan for White in this opening - my opponent didn't really achieve much in the opening, which is why I believe I had much better than the outcome: exhanges and then probably a slight initiative for White.  I like you suggestion of Rfd8 after the c5, that would've kept the pressure up...

Exactly gzthompson - go from a good opening position for Black to that; not what I wanted :(

Maybe before c5 or after Ne5, Rfd8 is possible to maintain more tension. Releasing the tension with so many exchanges just allows white to have a slightly better endgame with a majority on the queenside. In these types of positions, it is important to release the tension only when it is most beneficial to you. I think a rook on d8 would greatly increase the threat of cxd4. Also, nice result in Chicago Open I also played there! 

Zach

Yeah releasing the tension eliminated any chance of an advantage; definitely like the Rfd8 ideas.  Thanks for the help!