Is 4...Nd8 a known idea in the Italian? It seems extremely passive to me and gave you a big lead in development.
I'm not sure what the engine says but I would probably prefer white even after black takes your knight. Black's king just isn't safe especially if white gets the extra rook into play.
I would have attacked just like you did there. I don't think there is much that black can do to defend.
Is 4...Nd8 a known idea in the Italian? It seems extremely passive to me and gave you a big lead in development.
I'm not sure what the engine says but I would probably prefer white even after black takes your knight. Black's king just isn't safe especially if white gets the extra rook into play.
I would have attacked just like you did there. I don't think there is much that black can do to defend.
@KevinOSh
I don't believe so. I think that was just a creative liberty he took for the game. It was definitely odd to me and I felt good about trying to open things up after that one.
I'm curious to know what you are doing to improve so fast? Usually, people are stagnant for the first 3 or so months from starting to play and they get frustrated. You, on the other hand, are improving. I gave you a thoughtful response. It's time you share what you are doing so others can improve as well.
I'm curious to know what you are doing to improve so fast? Usually, people are stagnant for the first 3 or so months from starting to play and they get frustrated. You, on the other hand, are improving. I gave you a thoughtful response. It's time you share what you are doing so others can improve as well.
@Fizzleputts
The main things I've started doing are solidifying and sticking to opening principles. Before I play, I'll do puzzles or play bots or watch YouTube videos. I just try to get my mind going. I also review previous games all the time. I have a preferred opening that I try to stick to as black and white. Though I will be starting to learn other openings in the near future. Also, having a coach has been instrumental to any success I've had. That's really all it comes down to.
4...Nd8 is actually an interesting idea. After 7...c6 (instead of 7...Bg4) black isn't too bad and has a future ...Ne6 hitting d4 and f4. Not saying it's the best line, but it isn't terrible.
The sequence ...Qe7 and ...Nd8 is similar to the structure I like to use against the Stafford Gambit.
4...Nd8 is actually an interesting idea.
@knights_of_Doom oh definitely definitely. It may have been a way of restricting certain mating ideas, I honestly couldn't say. I was trying to think up certain ideas at points and that knight was definitely an issue but overall I felt it to be maybe a little too passive. But it is certainly interesting. I may have to ask that gentleman what the idea of that move was. I'm definitely curious.
4...Nd8 is actually an interesting idea.
@knights_of_Doom oh definitely definitely. It may have been a way of restricting certain mating ideas, I honestly couldn't say. I was trying to think up certain ideas at points and that knight was definitely an issue but overall I felt it to be maybe a little too passive. But it is certainly interesting. I may have to ask that gentleman what the idea of that move was. I'm definitely curious.
I added some more remarks about it, above.
Did you notice that 16. Rd5 Qc6 17. Bg5 threatens Qxe5+! (and mate on d8)?
@blueemu
I did not see that. Nice find. I have to think he might have found some refutation between those moves, but if the set up for that mate is allowed, then yes, absolutely lovely mate there.
@blueemu
I did not see that. Nice find. I have to think he might have found some refutation between those moves, but if the set up for that mate is allowed, then yes, absolutely lovely mate there.
Yeah, it isn't forced because Black gets to make a move after Bg5. But while he's parrying the Qxe5+ threat, you'll gain time to swing the other Rook across.
It's a variation of Morphy's Opera Game theme.
@blueemu
I'll need to look that one up. Haven't seen it yet. Thanks for that reference. I'll keep that in mind. Great find once again.
Seems like your steadily gaining rating, keep at it
@chaotikitat
I don't know how, but after 1000 I've been pretty much just winning. I had such a tough time getting to 1000 and then I've just kinda quickly climbed to 1200. Something clicked. I guess all that's left is to keep playing until I hit that next plateau and just push past it and keep learning.
Well it wasn't exactly a good game, but an interesting one with a lot of interesting ideas and tactical opportunities. I know I missed a few of them. I miscalculated an idea completely forgetting his Queen could take my knight and went down a piece, but something in me wanted to keep fighting. I still had ideas and fortunately they played out in my favor. I hope those of you who see it find this game interesting and if any critiques or advice comes to mind, I am ALWAYS open to it.
Good vibes, my friends. 🙏🙏