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Crazy sicilian I played in OTB tournament, where could I have won?

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abiogenesis23

Here is the game from a recent USCF tournament.  My rating for this tourny was 1007, which was from 7 years ago, so it is not representative of my current strength, as I think you can tell from this game.  Anyway, where did I go wrong?  



AndyClifton

Doesn't 22 Qd7 win a piece?

Bill_C

22. Qd7 does win the piece and still alows the kingside attack but it would be a nail biter for sure. Opposite wings castling games can rest entirely on a single move either being played or not played. Good fight though.

AndyClifton

I think my manicure is safe. Smile  I don't see how Black is going to whip up any sort of real attack out of that position.

Bill_C

True after Black decides how he wants to fall on his sword, the game should be pretty much in White's favor.

abiogenesis23

Good catch on the 22.Qd7, really upset I didn't find that.  2-3 moves prior to that point I had calculated my bishop going to b3 so that sequence was stuck in my head I guess, just one of those things where you are too focused on one move/plan and don't really examine the position I guess.  

Anyone have any input on my 15.Kb1?  Was that move needed or should I have went with the plan of f5 one move sooner?  

Bill_C

15. Kb1 gives the King a safe spot in the ensing battle with 2 pawns buffeted by a Rook and Bishop. 15. f5? just lets Black take the Knight with Bxb3 and after either axb3 or cxb3, White will have to protect the King with Kb1 anyway. White essentially is forced to play on 15. f5? Bxb3 16. axb3 (16. cxb3?? Qc8+ 17. Kb1 a4 is very bad.) a4 17. Kb1 and I'm not happy with the position at that point.

King safety come first in opposite wings castling, especially if there is no tactical or positional advantage to be gained from the pawn advance. Why let Black decide how to roam here?

I think you did right on moves 15 and 16 here.

chess_karma

What do you think of 19 f6?

The Black bishop is overwoked and can't defend f6 and d6 at the same time.  The pawn can't be captured as an attack or mate on G7 will follow. If the bishop retreats to d8, then 20. fxg7, kxg7, 21. qxd6, threatens 22. Q-h6 and the knight on C5. If20...r-e8, 21. Qxd6 now forces the C5 knight back, and B-c4 looms.

abiogenesis23

Actually I'm more upset I didn't play 19.f6.....not quite sure why I didn't play it, I was constantly looking for the opportunity to play f6 or g6 and just couldn't calculate the best opportunity.  This game is definitely a learning experience for me in the open sicilian.  

 

Thanks for the input everyone.