2025 Pt 1
Not realizing I’m ahead.
Test
End Games
Recognizing advantages
Unusual White Openings
When c6 first is best
Nov 2017
Recent Games
White: All Out Attack w/3 Blunders, 94 CAPS Score
When all his pieces are locked up, I can take more than I think +2.5 +3.7 +5.7 Back to +2.75
Black: He sacs a piece to dismantle Kingside pawns
Don't get attached to pushing f-pawn. The Knight needs rerouting Find the best squares for pieces Prep pieces, don't trade with non-optimized piece position Trade a side pawn for a center pawn via Knight attack Create a rook we...
Missed Puzzles
Mostly 1600+
White Middle Games
Don't get attached to pawn support Knight if Knight doesn't need it. Take free pawns! Remember to keep Queen as active as possible, not to tie up a piece with already limited scope. Again, don't overestimate his threats. I need to think ...
Are you a Gemini Player? (Consistent Opening Heuristics)
**In psychology, heuristics are simple, efficient rules which are generally applicable but have some exceptions My 2017 New Year's resolution was to develop a near-universal opening for Black and White. My reasoning was this: Even if my equal...
White against double fianchetto
After Queen Exchange: Counter intuitive pawn push Alternative Black response Pawn strategy with Queens off board. Still -0.6 but this is the best continuation.
White: Most confusing openings
d5 Triangle + 2 pinning Bishop 2 pinning Bishops + d5 triangle + Nf6 Rapid Bishop Pin + Nc3 d5 triangle + Nf6 Bf5
White: First 12 moves
Actual game to study later Example of why ruining King pawn structure is not always bad if you're a pawn up and if he hasn't castled. At the end of this Black has no good moves but to exchange Queens and I'm up +1.7 Another example from...
Sept Mistakes
A recent game
White Opening with Reasons
Against the Modern Defense, it's important to note that Black can push on Kingside with indiscretion so the traditional idea of holding on to Bishops at all costs is no longer key. Also moving Bishop twice is not bad when he decides not to castle...
When White gets super aggressive
When he takes my Knight early and pushes h4. Strike back ASAP Defense Unusual way to take back. Looks risky but it's the best 1 opportunity for huge advantage
Just +0.7 Mistakes
Save the Bishop later. My right side is empty so I need to open up the center now. Don't get overwhelmed by his pawn. You've got 2 passers Reposition Queen and go on the attack Dismantle his attack while I can Another attack d...
Correspondence Games
Normally it's good to trade a c-pawn for a d-pawn. When your King is exposed like this, covering a future f4 push is key. Play on Queen side and center, when there is no immediate threat. And if he wants to block the diagonal, let hi...
Mistakes as Black
Re8, Qe7, Qe5, Qd4, Qxd2 1) Find the pocket in the position, The hole in develpment 2) I'm 3pts up so the dumb thing here is to overthink it and play a5 allowing his Knight to fork me. Instead go ...
White Mistakes: Rapid Games
Protect against mate then own the file One chance to trade a c pawn for d w/o replacement. And push/take space while threatening. Then develop naturally. When torn between 2 pawns to push. 75% of the time it's the left...
