Marathon Struggle Spoiled in One Move!
Vigilance is a key skill or mindset that all chess players must practice to be successful in the long run. It is a habit that can be developed, I believe, but unfortunately, it has to be practiced constantly to maintain it.
The following game told a few stories:
- A middlegame where several decisions regarding exchanges gave me some interesting threats on the kingside and center.
- The piece activity and initiative gained by the changes in pawn structure from above exchanges helped me gain a material advantage tactically.
- A transition from middlegame to endgame, where my opponent creates a set up that is hard to crack.
- Having failed to find a win, we simplify into a drawn ending.
A script of many amateur games no doubt - peppered with both hope for the future and marred by the inadequacies of the present. However, instead of ending there, there is a cruel surprise twist as I let my guard down for a single move and fall into a simple tactic after which I must resign.
Here is the game, with some light notes of my thoughts and post-mortem analysis. Some of the variations I double checked with the engine, and some I didn't and of course any comments and feedback are welcome!
