Swiss Tourney #2 annotated game

I was very, very nervous for this.  My opponent was far higher ranked than me (yes, I KNOW that shouldn't matter!!!).  Nevertheless, I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about that just a wee bit...   In any event, I WAS nervous.  I don't know if the other player is going to be insulted at having to play someone like me (a beginner).   My opponent put me at ease right off the bat and that helped a lot.

I don't want to come into this with a negative attitude -- but I did not expect to win.  THAT SAID, not winning is not necessarily a negative thing in my mind.  I recall the words of Dan Heisman who advised me "Don't be afraid of losing, be afraid of not learning anything".  

With that in mind, I had two goals.  It took me a bit of time to accomplish them but it did happen.  This was therefore an exceptional game for me.  My goals included:

1.    Focus as much as possible, feel that I'm concentrating and playing 100% up to my capabilities.

2.    Do NOT give the opponent an easy win.  Make him fight for the win.  Don't make it an easy win. 

I think I DID accomplish both.  : )  

With that in mind, presenting my game: