Here are my notes on the game; you can also see them while going through the game itself. Thanks.
My thoughts during the game:
1) f4 & 2) e4
Bird’s Opening. Looking for a head-start on a King-side assault; looking to control the center.
4) d4
Was thinking also about g3, however I did not want to fianchetto my [ls]Bishop. Chose d4 over g3, controlling more center squares.
5) Bd3
Developing a piece; to aim the Bishop at the King-side which hopefully will coincide with my plan of an early King-side attack.
7) 0-0
King-side castle; protection of f-pawn (via x-ray) and possible control of f-file later on when it opens. If fxe5, fxe5 opens the f-file, which is what I am looking for.
9) exf6
What changed that now I am willing to exchange the pawns where before I was waiting for him to initiate the exchange? If Ndxf6 (Ngxf6); fxg5 (forking N & B) wins a minor-piece for a pawn. Qxf6 will be met with fxg5 still; after Bxg5, Nxg5 wins, and opens the f-file attacking the Q on f6, forcing her to move again.
10) f7+
Made this move quickly, although I should of taken my time and figure it out better; I did see Nd5+ and the exchange of N which I could then play dxe5. However I decided to go for a little more complication; does this move deserve a “?”. I did not in the short time spent on the move see anything better.
[It did work out in the end].
12) Bxf4
I have an extra move here since any move by the [ds] Bishop will put the enemy King in check. My opponent did not see/feel this danger. My thoughts were “free Bishop”. My opponent could of trade Bishops. Bxf4, Rxf4+, and King must move, if Nf6, dxe5 wins.
12)…Nxd3
A mistake (or maybe even a blunder) since the Queen will be loss.
14) Rxf6+
Made another quick move here. With this move I get the Queen. If I thought about it, I could have played Bxf6. Black would move the Queen to safety and Bxh8+ (discovered check) and the King must move. Then the N on d3 is loss as well, however the Queen lives.
15)…Be3+
A trap. I took a moment to make my move. Kh1 loses to Nf2+ forking the Q on d1. So I moved the only option.
19) g3
Made the 18th move with the idea of this follow-up move. I moved too quickly and could have considered dxe5+!; if Kxe5, Re1+!
21) Qxd4
Might not have been the best move although I was ahead and could get away with a mediocre move. Why do I say “might not have been the best move”? Because the Queen is not really at an optimal square; I did see Bh3+, virtually a free move and now the Rooks are connected anyway.
22) Ke2
Why not Kg1? I did not want to get into complications. A Rook on f1 will mate. What do they say, “when ahead, simplify”.
24) Re1
Simplifying some more; trade of Rooks works for me.
25)…Rf2+
I was absolutely expecting this after my 24th move. I saw that I can play Re2 and protect the King and h-pawn.
After the exchange I was playing easy; not too much to worry about as far as being mated so I go for trades.
30) Qf6+
Not sure if this is the best move although the trade, Rook for Knight, works for me; I cannot be mated by a lone Bishop. Queen vs Bishop ending favors the Q.
31) Bxc2???
My opponent is resigned to the outcome of the game. Could he have continued the fight, absolutely. However, it would have been an uphill battle the size of Mt. Everest (I think).
Another game that I played the Bird's Opening as white; did not have the computer analyze the moves so I do not know how well it was played. How many inaccuracies, mistakes, and blunders did I make? I am hoping someone of strong skill will see this and maybe offer up some advice on how I could of played better; although a win, I need more help to (continue to) get better.
If you have any comments of recommendation about how I could of played better please leave a post.