First Game of the New Year

I came across a new opening on YouTube, which the Tuber called 'The Rat'. It caught my attention and now that my visualization skills have opened the inner eyes, I've been watching more chess vids. Anyway, I enjoyed the simplicity, and the flexibility of the opening. Trying it out a few times I discovered the positions to be a good fit for my play.  

The Rat - Black moves ( d6...Nd7... e5...Ngf6...Be7...c6) White can do what they want, mostly. If they over extend to mess with that setup, It is not a System, like the London, for example, there are plenty of places to find trouble. 

1. h4 .. d6 2. d3 .. Nd7 3. c4 .. e5 4. Bg5 .. Ngf6 5. Be3 .. Be7 6. Qb3∓ .. c6 7. Rh3 ..

The Rat after position 6. Qb3∓ .. c6

I appreciate the adaptability of the sequence. It is even touted as usable for Black opening  and White without modification. 

This month I plan on learning more about the Rat, and what can be done with the setup. 

For the first game of the year, I won, somehow, but after that I've experienced the dip that comes from not playing for a significant period. In my case two months. For Nov. and Dec. I rarely even saw a board, let alone, had the ability to get a game in. Having had only 1.5 years in before that happened, it is not surprising that I feel a bit lost and confused about the game. Or that I'm in the middle of a loosing streak.

Right now, however, that is hardly a consideration, because it is how I play the game which is of primary concern. As I mentioned, my visualization has reached a level where it is quite nearly useful -- yes, I'm a bit surprised by it as well -- understand that I have discovered, with solid and repeated demonstration, that I am not a natural player. I am no stranger to visualization -- in fact I make use of the skill frequently.

Most keenly I find the visualization popping to mind with puzzles. I feel this is because at the onset of each puzzle, it is known that there is a stunning move waiting to be found -- which is not the case with normal play. 

Now then, let's get this year started... Happy New Year to you, and let's play...