Oh a mere 3 months back, I remember the helplessness I'd feel when a 1600 or 1700 rated player would be my opponent.  Even if I was winning by the middle game, they'd somehow snag the victory from betwixt my teeth and make it their own. Like taking candy from a baby.

 Well, fear be gone. Here are my two latest 1800's!  

Feel free to point out any tactics we missed!

Good games Afaf

Good job on both games! One thing: In the first game, did you see that he could play 33... Ra5? That prepares 34...Qb5 where I think the a-pawn is lost.

Oh goodness, you're right.  Ouch.  I wouldn't have been able to protect the b5 square with the rook because the King needs a loft.  

I'm not sure about theory (I play 1.d4 :D) but in your first game 13.h4 looks like a good try. 16.b4 weakens that c-pawn and it's on an open file too so it would be an easy target later. 16.Qe2 looks better keeping that bishop off of h6. And now if 16...a5 you have 17.b4 preparing to meet ...Ba6 with b4-b5. If 17...ab 18.ab Rxa1 19.Rxa1 followed by f2-f3 at some point and you have a good-knight vs a not so good bishop. 28.Ra2 may have been better keeping on the a-file. After that it was smooth sailing.

In the second game that was great how you snuffed out that attack. Both games were of kick-butt value! Great job.

thanks for looking over it Anthony.  computer also had a problem with my move 13.  

Nice job in that first game handling those connected passed pawns black had after you won the rook. They looked menacing but you keep it cool.   Your rook endgame technique was great.

Thanks richie and oprah.  Most of the thanks goes to Girolamo who directed me to likesforests awesome blog about Square of the Pawn.  That small article relieved a lot of my pawn endings anxiety.