This was a good game... I think is good to know that the fight for the center is not in vain after all, but I am sure I missed something... suggestions welcomed.

You were playing a beautiful game... and then you blew it. 33...dxe5! and you lose your extra piece. It's anybody's game again. But he missed it. And you played well the rest of the game, so you deserve the win.

15. Nc7+ saves the complications

 Black could play 21 ... Bc6 and collect your N but you are still better I think

likesforests wrote:

You were playing a beautiful game... and then you blew it. 33...dxe5! and you lose your extra piece. It's anybody's game again. But he missed it. And you played well the rest of the game, so you deserve the win.

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33...dxe5 and I take the rook! Am I missing something??

you're missing the bishop on f6.. it protects the rook on d8.

lubo wrote: you're missing the bishop on f6.. it protects the rook on d8.

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duh!! am  I dumb?? You guys are so right!!! I would have still been in a good position, but he would have taken my extra piece back!

I’m no expert, but I like 17. Qxa7, which penetrates into Bl’s back rank with threat of 18. Qb8+, where 18…Bc8 is met by 19.Nc7, threatening mate.  This line also helps you extricate your N better.  The best is to try this and then exchange Q’s quickly so that your extra piece is more important.  Chessmaster likes my 17^th move as well and has 17. Qxa7 Kg8 (to avoid mate) 18. O-O Qxe4 with White then centralizing Q and offering trade at 19. Qe3.