Game of the Week: Race to the Finish
For my first Game of the Week, I am featuring a recent tournament game. It is from a chess.com thematic tournament, featuring my favorite opening as black: the Schliemann Defense, Jaenisch Gambit.
The gambit (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5?!) is a response to the Ruy Lopez, and it seems to be debated as to whether or not it is valid. I have never personally seen it played in a master game, and I have met very few players who actually use it. I believe it has been used by masters though. The only concrete thing I can tell you about it is that in my own experience, it works out in my advantage almost every time. I rarely lose a game in which I use this gambit.
I came on strong early in this game, shoving pawns down my opponent's throat, and pulling a couple tactics which won me large amounts of material. Near the middle of the game, I made a blunder which cost me some material, but I was far enough ahead that I still had a winning endgame. In a risky endeavor, I intentionally let my opponent come dangerously close to promotion, hoping to checkmate before that could happen. It paid off in the end.
Enjoy! And please feel free to share your thoughts below!