Even Masters Blunder...

I played this game last night against a well known master in the area. I had played him once before and I spoiled a very nice advantage in that game. In fact, this game was my first win over such a highly rated player. I was able to manage a draw against IM Yedidia a few weeks ago, but I've never been able to manage a win over a master.

The point of this post is to show that even masters make critical mistakes, even as early as move 4 as 4. ... Be7 ? could be called the decisive mistake! After this move, White not only wins a pawn, but takes the initiative and never lets it go.

An enjoyable game from my side! Once I saw the blood in the water on move 4, I never let Black consolidate his position. This game is an instructive demonstration of making the initiative count. I hope you enjoy!

I'll post another exciting game played in the previous round from the same tourney with less annotations.