I finally had some time to act like a real chess player and conduct an "opening preparation" against an opponent. The results were phenomenal. I owe this win to my preparation. I knew I was up against a stronger player, but my preparation settled me down to seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. What a rewarding day in chess. I feel like I just hit my second shot on 18 and put it next to the hole!
However, I thought to include my complete preparation here including the final game. I hope you will add any thoughts to help me and others find the best rewards in preparations.
The Modern Defense, justified!
My ICC opponent, parrot9, is rated higher and I had time to do some game preparation. I finally found a game with the Modern and some with the KID. Mostly King's Gambit, Sicilians, Ruy Lopez and even Center Counter. While looking through, I asked "why did he lose, Why did he win and how might he play against the Modern". First game is an example of his MiddleGame shortcomings where he often misses a tactic or combination. 22.Rad1??
And a KID, where his common f3 thrust followed by an eventual g4! This is his trademark line in the Indians. Once he gets the initiative his is relentless as you can see in this bashing. However, I studied how "passive" Black's play seemed as in 6...c6? Ceding the Center to White is anti-hypermodernist! lol Trading pieces to put the Knight on the rim and missing the strategic h6 or ignoring the Kingside was all White needed.
Here was my game model. This is the line I intended to play, with several variations. For my opponent, his opening moves are pretty consistent. I will incorporate h6 and e6 in the game, striiving for a hippo setup. My plan is to be even throughout the opening applying good Modern Defense theories while refuting his advances. Strategically, based on other games I have seen, I should be able to find a tactic to win material or position. Either one will deflate this opponent. So, I intend to play for a draw which, based on his playing behavior may lead to a win! He plays very strong when he is ahead in position or material and makes mistakes when the chips are heading down.
Now for our completed game. I spent most of the day going through this game and putting it in ChessBase. I did not put it to an engine and frankly have not done that in a long time. I know it is important to get my own thoughts down first. Comments welcomed!
I finally had some time to act like a real chess player and conduct an "opening preparation" against an opponent. The results were phenomenal. I owe this win to my preparation. I knew I was up against a stronger player, but my preparation settled me down to seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. What a rewarding day in chess. I feel like I just hit my second shot on 18 and put it next to the hole!
However, I thought to include my complete preparation here including the final game. I hope you will add any thoughts to help me and others find the best rewards in preparations.
The Modern Defense, justified!
My ICC opponent, parrot9, is rated higher and I had time to do some game preparation. I finally found a game with the Modern and some with the KID. Mostly King's Gambit, Sicilians, Ruy Lopez and even Center Counter. While looking through, I asked "why did he lose, Why did he win and how might he play against the Modern". First game is an example of his MiddleGame shortcomings where he often misses a tactic or combination. 22.Rad1??
Next Game is linked, but the Middlegame went so awry after missing many opening principles. Surprisingly, his Ruy Lopez is often strong or a win. - http://team4545league.org/pgnplayer/pgnplayer.php?ID=8914
Another weak MiddleGame
And a KID, where his common f3 thrust followed by an eventual g4! This is his trademark line in the Indians. Once he gets the initiative his is relentless as you can see in this bashing. However, I studied how "passive" Black's play seemed as in 6...c6? Ceding the Center to White is anti-hypermodernist! lol Trading pieces to put the Knight on the rim and missing the strategic h6 or ignoring the Kingside was all White needed.
Here was my game model. This is the line I intended to play, with several variations. For my opponent, his opening moves are pretty consistent. I will incorporate h6 and e6 in the game, striiving for a hippo setup. My plan is to be even throughout the opening applying good Modern Defense theories while refuting his advances. Strategically, based on other games I have seen, I should be able to find a tactic to win material or position. Either one will deflate this opponent. So, I intend to play for a draw which, based on his playing behavior may lead to a win! He plays very strong when he is ahead in position or material and makes mistakes when the chips are heading down.
Now for our completed game. I spent most of the day going through this game and putting it in ChessBase. I did not put it to an engine and frankly have not done that in a long time. I know it is important to get my own thoughts down first. Comments welcomed!