Attack fell flat, what did I do wrong?

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Avatar of QTen

I thought I had a good attack this game, but I couldn't break through my opponent's defense. Towards the end, I was also low on time. Any input/feedback is greatly appreciated! 

https://www.chess.com/live/game/2683793072

 

 

Avatar of eryxc

You traded too many pawns on the right side. That was your main problem, I think.

Avatar of nirmythewormy

PLEASE FORGIVE THE LENGTH OF THIS COMMENT AND PARDON ME IF I MAKE YOU FEEL BAD, I DO NOT WANT TO HURT YOUR FEELINGS. On move 13 you really had most of your powerful pieces in the same spot. When you tried to attack, it took a while for you to get your pieces to the site and the opponent anticipated it, blocking your moves or enforcing trades. For example, you had to move two pawns and a knight just to get your light-squared bishop into the attack. You traded WAY too much, too. Trading is good, but only if you are up in points. Trade too much and the game will become a race to see who can promote first. The main thing that will improve your game is to make a "web", as I call it. It's basically a network of pawns and other pieces that protect each other. It gives you good defense and attack because it also has your pieces developed. Lots of openings can end up in a web. There's not a specific structure, it happens naturally if you develop strategically. What you did is a "powerhouse", as I call it. It's where all your powerful pieces are in one spot, basically shooting laser beams across the board in every direction. The problem is, all the pawns in the powerhouse were blocking the beams. Either free up your powerhouse or make a web. I like your attacking style, though. I should try it sometime. Also, try batteries. Most of your attacks were made less deadly by the fact that the piece attacking was unprotected or it was only protected by one other piece, usually a knight. With batteries, you can make the attacks more deadly and gain material as well.