What Game Plan... 

The following game is one of the better results for me playing here @ chess.com, especially after trying something new against a tough opponent.

I can describe my game plan in this one as defensive with lots of pawn action and, waiting for an opportunity to strike... Interestingly, only after reviewing this game did I realize that this style is similar, or at least close, to playing a 'boa constrictor'.

I often think I get lucky when winning a big game like this one and I often ask myself: WHAT IF my opponent had played more aggressive. But... on the other hand, there is no WHAT IF in chess!!! Maybe it is the psychological aspect of this game that makes it more dramatic, or alive.

This is the beauty of chess: Like a piece of art, not one game is identical. And, simply said, some games are worth a bigger 'slice of the pie'.

KP

Nice game and nice introduction. I didn't realize the last position was in fact a mate in 2 for a few seconds.

Wow, great game and an awesome ending!!!

Hello KP, interesting game this one. This is the kind of play that suits you best, I think. I had trouble against you in this kind of closed-positional game too.

Can you explain a bit what is the idea behind Qc2? It's just a development move or it has some long term purpose?

Hi Alex, and thanks for your comments also to snprook and philidor_position.

I am one of those players who beleives in chess psychology... 4.Qc2 simply followed 3.c3, protecting the e4 pawn and getting off the 1st rank, also giving my opponent something different to think about including the possibility of a queen side castle. 

The most important aspect of this opening (I will try searching to see if this is a book opening) was to see how my opponent would react. The risk for me was that I would be sitting back instead of playing more aggressive, but things got more interesting later with pawn advances.

By the way, these closed positions emphasize more the importance  of pawns!