The Best Games of a Chess Coach: A Source of Power

In my new article of the series “Inside the Master Mind: The Best Games of a Chess Coach”, I would like to present to you one of my best games in my chess career. That game was played at one of the most important tournaments in Bulgaria – The semifinals for Bulgarian Championship for Mans. The year was 2004 and I was only thirteen then. As first, I should mention that I went to that tournament, not by having the goal to win it (considering all the famous FIDE and International masters participating) but with the wish to give everything from myself, to make good games and gain experience. Because my rating that time was considerably small (2098), in the first round the lot draw me to play with black pieces against one of the top players on the first three tables - the experienced Bulgarian International Master Nanko Dobrev (ELO rating 2402). In that game I had to play with the black pieces and honestly, I didn’t have many hopes to success. In fact, I knew very well that my opponent was not only strong, but also he was very good in outplaying young and still ‘green’ players like me J. In addition, I had not enough time to prepare before the game and it would of complicate my tasks a lot. Fortunately, my father was with me, and for about half an hour before the games starts, we sited in our hotel room and decided that it will be best for me if I choose to play the Dutch Defence (my opponent was 1.d4 player), since I have more experience with it and definitely it would have been a surprise for my opponent. So, I think that no matter we didn’t have much time to prepare; the time spent was really valuable for me to understand all that I need. We didn’t discuss too much opening theory or variations, no, but he explained me everything that I should know how to fight against an experienced player; how to use his strengths and weaknesses to my favor; how to stabilize my position and choose a plan. The one advice that made me strong impression and remembered for long is the following: When we play against a strong player, we shouldn’t weaken our position. All we have to do is remain stable and little by little to improve our positional and go forward. Many players do a common mistake: When they play against stronger opponent, they say: “I am going to risk because that is my only chance” and you know what, they only help of the stronger opponent to use the weaknesses they have created and outplay them with ease. So, my advice for all of you is: When you are playing against an experienced player, don’t limit yourself in playing in a way that you normally don’t use. Be yourself. Play in the positions where your strength is; Keep up your position and slowly improve it, without being afraid that your opponent will see a lot more than you; Encourage yourself that you can win, because the chess is so deep and beautiful game, and then you will see how the new resources will appear and you will find how the ‘impossible’ thing has become ‘possible’ for you. Let me show you how I used these tips over the board and managed to win my first game against an International Master:

As you can see, the game was good but the truth is that in the beginning, when my opponent chose a deviation from the main scheme, I felt very disappointed knowing that I wouldn’t hold for a long. But then I told myself that if I continue playing with that vision and understanding, I will definitely lose the game quickly. So, I decided: I will fight. In every new position, I will give my best to find the strongest move, the best continuation and see if he can beat me that way. So, by encouraging myself like this, I managed to find the best resources of my position and when I chose the right plan, my position became better and I won successfully. Finally, I must tell that from that game I learned a very important lesson and it can be summed up with this – No matter who your opponent is, the dedication, efforts and the positive feeling you have during the game until the very end can give you the desired victory!