@J_Santiago Delivers Crucial Team Win for Let’s Castle in Queen’s Pawn Chigorin Variation

In an ongoing team match between Have Fun Chess Club and Let’s Castle on Chess.com, @J_Santiago, representing Let’s Castle, secured a vital victory against @Abbas-Samin on Board 1 in a daily game starting August 22 and ending September 10, 2025. This win in the Queen’s Pawn Opening: Chigorin Variation boosts @J_Santiago’s Player of the Week candidacy for September 7–13, 2025, and propels Let’s Castle to a commanding 3-1 lead with two games left, thanks to strong showings from @Moekillz and @MarathonMomma.

The game began with 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 e6,
entering the Chigorin Variation. @J_Santiago developed aggressively with 4. Bf4, trading bishops on move 5 to simplify and control the center. After castling and exchanging pieces, @J_Santiago’s knight on e5 pressured @Abbas-Samin’s position, leading to a rook trade on f6 by move 16.

The turning point arrived on move 36. @Abbas-Samin’s 36… Kf6 was a blunder, weakening the king
. @J_Santiago struck brilliantly with 37. Nxg4+,
 a Stockfish-highlighted excellent move, followed by 38. e5+
 and 39. exd6+,
capturing the knight and gaining a decisive material advantage. @J_Santiago’s precise king activity with 40. Ke4, 41. Kf4, and 43. h4 turned the endgame into a pawn race won by @J_Santiago’s h-pawn promoting on move 49, forcing @Abbas-Samin’s resignation.

This hard-fought win displayed @J_Santiago’s tactical sharpness and endgame prowess, edging Let’s Castle closer to match victory. With the 3-1 lead, @J_Santiago’s contribution could seal Player of the Week honors amid strong club competition.