Game of the Week: One-Two Punch

No matter what your play style, there is one thing that can always be a game-changer: tactics. When used properly, one or two tactics can be all you need to deliver a crushing blow.

The game below was not the easiest game for me. Early on, I achieved a good position, but I let it devolve into a semi-closed position where I had no clear advantage. I generally don't do particularly well when I don't have much room to maneuver my pieces, and this game was no exception. I was daunted by the complexity and was even guilty of playing some stalling moves.

But in the late middlegame, an amazing opportunity fell right into my lap. One tactic, immediately followed by another, and I suddenly found myself up a knight and a bishop. I went on to win an easy endgame.

That is the power of tactics. When things are tough, or even looking bleak, keep your eyes peeled for opportunities. If I hadn't seen the tactics, I could easily have lost, but the most complex positions often have the most tactical possibilities, and I'm very glad I was looking out for them.

Here's the game:

I hope you liked today's game. Please feel free to leave a comment below! I would love to hear from you. And just a reminder, if you have a game you would like analyzed, you can send it to me anytime! I'd love to help out in any way I can, and I'll even feature the analysis in my blog!