Annotated Games From My 15th Tournament (Marshall U2300)
This past weekend I played an U2300 tournament at the Marshall Chess Club. The time controls were 2 hours for the first 40 moves, and half an hour sudden death. I started out the tournament very strongly, but ended with 3 losses. My second loss was particularly disappointing. Anyways, the tournament was quite strong so, despite my low score, my rating went from 1694 (USCF has yet to update my rating) to 1721! Let me know what you think about the games. Comments and thoughts are appreciated.
On review I have to take much longer to think at the critical moments, such as permanant changes in the position: especially piece exchanges and changes in the pawn strucure. Not realizing the knight's value over the bishop's really hurt me my smith-morra game and pawn structure ideas in the english game.
I am playing in the Liberty Bell Open in Philladelphia this next weekend so Ill post results after the tournament. After that its a short break then back to school to study.
Until then take care,
Elias
