Memorable Miniatures of the Month: July 2015

Well, July seems to be a plateau month for me. I entered this month as 1750, and I leave as 1748. So not a lot of improvement, if any.

One of the biggest reason for my drop in playing strength is simply playing too fast. Whether I'm just on tilt after losing a game, or just in auto-pilot mode and unable to notice the nuances of the position in what looks like a familiar opening positions, I just make way too many mistakes that I know I wouldn't make if I take some time (I know this is an excuse ANYBODY can make).

With that, I am seriously reducing my playing time in August. I feel like this past few months, I have been playing way too many games without putting any efforts to review any of them. Constantly playing without knowing what you are doing wrong is a recipe for stagnation. 

This blog also influenced my decision as well. 

 http://www.chess.com/blog/PATOMARK/why-am-i-playing-so-well

Anyway, with that out of the way, it's time for some miniatures reviews!

One Can Never Be Too Good to Miss a Basic Tactic

Punishing a Time Waster in the Opening

Mating Net in the Tarrasch

Decoy and Mate