Played this yesterday otb. Time control was 100 10. Before the game, I was in second place with 3/4 to Bram's 3.5/4. A win would have put me in first place with 1 round to go. I have a feeling I was better throughout the game, but I could never really find a win. Any thoughts?
Did I miss a win near the end?
Sort:
Hard to say, but you get a pawn after Nxf8, don't you?
14. Bc3?! The bishop doesn't look like it belong on c3 (could be a tactical liability), and I don't think it has any ideas on a5 as that would usually be countered by b6. I think the natural 14. Rab1 and then pushing pawns (such as a4) is better here.
I think the move that costed the win was 25. Qxe3? because the bishop gained tempo on your pieces on dark squares. You missed the natural 25. Kh1! Qxd4 26. Nd3! holds everything together and counter attacks the rook, as well as the queen double attacking the f5 and h5 pawn. White should be up a pawn with advantage after that.
After 30. Kg1 yes I agree to the draw decision as it is drawn and actually somewhat tricky for white.
May 14, 2015
0
#4
Well, black's (3) islands [I live on a rock, I should know !] and opposite bishops is a draw-draw....not really tricky, JMO.
I agree with wrathss that 14. Bc3?? was a rather bad move.
I probably would play 14. d4! there.
Also your 18th move 18. Nc1 was a little slow.
18. Ba5 a better move. I think Black made a mistake with 0-0-0
also Black's 8th move 8. ...a6 was not needed and thus a bad move.
Also on your 17th move you missed a good continuation, one that looks bad at first but is really good.
17. Bxf6! gxf6 18. d4
Now you have done two good things
1. traded his good bishop for your bad bishop
2. after d4 by you --his remaining bishop on c6 is now a "bad bishop" and blocked by his own pawns. Also you then have a good knight vs a "bad bishop" which helps in any end game.
You do not have to worry about a king side attack, he cannot do anything with his bishop blocked.
as the game went your 23rd move was a big mistake. Really you should not use that bishop as you do in the game.
23. b4 looks very good for you.
with 23. b4 you should be playing for a win.
There are several moves better than Bb4?
May 14, 2015
0
#8
at Bb4 could have played Ba5..not any immd.benefits..
ur blunder was exd5,Nd3..Qe3+ QxQ..some consolation if exQ if BxQ+,
the R woud be saved..but then the e pawn pushing is stalled ..
