7/25/16 (Denker, Day -4)

Monday is here, and it's time for another post.

Well, I did indeed go to that 45|10 tournament a couple of days ago. And I did play that player rated 2261P4. Here is a brief recap:

First Round: It was a somewhat simple/quick draw with a 1400-something, I think.

Second Round: This was my big game — the one with the new strong player. I was slightly intimidated, maybe, but I was excited too — I wanted to forget how strong he was and just play my hardest, doing everything I could in an effort to win. I approached the game differently from how I usually do. I was able to gain the initiative soon, and it felt like I was winning! However, I was low on time, and I misevaluated a good move, deciding not to play it. So it slipped away, and he eventually beat me.

Third Round: 'Twas a strange opening that developed into a tough middlegame for me. Eventually, I worked into a sort of 'two knight against a rook' position, and I offered a draw. He accepted.

Fourth Round: This game featured a closed position with a lot of maneuvering. I probably had chances to break out, but for whatever reason, I didn't get it done. I missed a pin late in the middlegame, and I eventually lost.

Final Analysis: So it was another one of those "stepping-stone tournaments." All that means is that my performance was neither great nor terrible. It's another set of four games to take home and learn from. I'm not at the next milestone yet, but I'm one step closer.

Aside from that, preparations for the Denker are heating up. Plans are coming together, my studying is crescendoing, and I've got just one meeting left with my coach.

Last night I was emailed an instruction sheet, so I got a little more information about the event, such as the fact that FIDE rules will be used.

88.96666 hours,

—Dartmouth