FM TANI ADEWUMI, Rook Sacrifices, and Time Trouble! Games #1-4

Goodbye Connecticut and hello Brooklyn!

One of the best things about living in New York City is being able to play chess anytime, anywhere. Whether it is casual play at the Chess Forum, blitz and trash talking in Washington Square Park, or playing at the Marshall Chess Club, there is never a shortage of competition. I was excited to be back at the board, but not at all prepared to be matched up against one of the strongest chess prodigies in the nation!

Well without further ado, here is my game with the FM Tani Adewumi!

ROUND 1

Overall, I was very happy with my play. I held my own for most of the game and even found a winning sacrifice to get a significant lead. In the end, I need to work on my speed chess as I was easily humbled in the final seconds of the game!

ROUND 2

I overcompensated for my poor time management in the 1st round by playing quickly in a familiar opening. However, dancing my queen around was an obvious mistake. I was lucky to pull a win out of thin air in that endgame.

ROUND 3

Finally! A game I can be proud of. Tactically I played well, even if I did move my bishop twice in the opening. Overall, it was a game that came down to one mistake that I was able to convert into a win.

ROUND 4

The Catalan is a scary opening that will always favor White unless Black has some deep preparation. The last two games I had against the Catalan ended in disaster, so it was nice to finally score a draw. I’m looking forward to working more on this line and start getting some counterplay in the center as Black.