Yes. He did throw away that chance at mate with a smother. He just didn't know the pattern so he missed it. I have never had the pleasure to smother mate someone and it has happened to me. Tactics are the best way to learn these patterns. You can play endless tactics with realistic ratings on lichess.org. Their tactics trainer is quite nice since you get rewarded for your efforts.
Smothered mate smothered (Two epic blunders)
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The thing is it looked like he knew the tactic except he couldn't tell the difference between g8 and f7
That's very likely yes. What a blunder now! lol.
How do you feel when you blunder so badly that you allow a smothered mate?
And how do you feel when your opponent blunders away the opportunity?
Here we have our top 2 candidate for the 'Biggest Blunders of 2015' award.
Have a laugh, will you.