The National Age Group Championships in Singapore is currently held over 4 days with 2 games per day. In my category, time control is at 2 hours per player.

I played 2 games today. One was with someone much stronger than me and the second was with someone much weaker. I hope to hear your comments on my game and how to improve it.

I was devastated by this loss, thinking that I matched him till the very end.

However, things perked up for the second round. Playing a Caro-Kann as black, I take advantage of a flawed piece sacrifice to win it before winning the game.

Please comment on them, especially the first one, on how I can improve my play. Thanks to all in advance. I will be posting my next two games tomorrow for analysis.

in the first game i dont like your 18th move Bg3. Instead i would go for 18.Bd4 , forcing a bishop exchange and maybe a rook exchange. and i think you would have an equal game ( comparing the ratings draw would be good result for you :)

2nd game - you won, so no comment there :D

Hi There

I agree with 18.Bg3 sealed your fate. But after having played Bg3, I would have rather opted for 19.Bh4..instead of 19.Kh2....this would have allowed you a bit more room to move and other options.

I can't believe it. Bd4 NEVER occured to me. Incredible.

Thank you so much, dpakoh and Noidster.

What about 27 Qxc7? Would it have saved me?

27 Qxc7 saves the day for a while but i think there is  a better solution.

i would propose 27.Qe2 , and the bishop is pinned with the queen , later emphasize with Rd2 and win the bishop.

so , to generalize:

27. Qe2  Qc5

28.b4! (winning i think)

or

27. Qe2   g4

28. h5 or Re2 winning the bishop for 2 pawns and still winning

ofc, this is my opinion and i am not using chess engine now so i cant back up my propose :) u have to analyze it further.

In first game you have transposed to a line of four knights. 5...d6?! is not supposed to be too good after 6.d4 pxp 7.Nxp Bd7 8.Nf5. The main-ine is 5...0.0 6.Nxp NX N 7d4 etc. Don't like 6h3 too much.