7th OTB Tournament Game

Another draw. One of my more interesting games I think. Spent more time thinking in this one.

By the end time was running really low as we were playing a 15 minute blitz finish and so notation went out of the window. I was under pressure, this being the first time playing under such conditions.

I was happy with the draw, although there was a point I thought a win was possible. I don't know, it was a strange, interesting game.

Comments and criticism appreciated.

Comments and Critisim:

5...b6? too slow.   you need to develop your pieces more quickly

if 6...Qf6!? 7.Bg5 looks strong

9...Bg7? again...too slow.  Your king is still in the center of the board.  Notice how he traps it there and gets close to getting at your king.

You probably should have lost the endgame.  If he had pushed his pawns instead of moving his knight a million times, you would have had a lot more problems. 

Notice how the bishop is better than the knight when there is pawn races on opposite sides of the board.

You played a resourcefull middle and endgame.  Good job securing a draw.

I understand the issue with development and I know I generally should seek to develop pieces first. However, with 5...b6 I couldn't see any means of developing in an efficient way, therefore I sought to open up the white bishop. Maybe the issue therefore was my opening play.

6...Qf6 then 7. Qxa8. No?

I agree, I felt my king was horribly exposed all game. Again maybe my opening play needed to be sounder and strive to assure the safety of my king.

Here is a suggestion for another development scheme instead of 5...b6 :

4... Nxd4 is a mistake. You don't take his knight because white's queen will be very dangerous in the center. The queen is not developed too early because you can't chase her easily away. White has a pleasant position and possibilities for strong attacks.