Annotated Live game with Drak0dan
"Drako" is a friend of mine from the UK, the one who started me on this silly game in the first place. (darn it...) (just kidding!). Anyway, Drako started just a few months before I did and really took off running. He's FAR better than I am and seems to have a natural talent. I'm trying really hard though - he's been nice and helped me quite a bit. We discuss moves a lot, he shows me a lot of games and tries to teach me things in his games.... we have discussions. He is definitely a part of why I have gotten stronger.
Anyway, Drako challenged me to a live game! Now -- bear in mind -- this was during my lunch hour so I had to have a shorter time control, only 30 minutes. This, of course, means that I can't give all moves the full attention I'd like. I missed a tactical shot early (Drako kindly pointed it out afterwards). Whether or not I would have seen it had I been able to give more time to my moves remains to be seen. It's a groaner though - I hope to heck I see these things soon because it must really feel good when you see something like that.
In any event, despite the loss, it's still an excellent game for me. I put up a fight! I have some trouble in the end game -- I'm working on those skills. I think my beginnings have gotten stronger. Of course I have miles to go - don't we all? Aren't we all perpetual students?
Practice, practice, practice.
Not a bad game for a lunch hour, eh?