Draw against a Much-higher ranked Player

Hi, I'd love to see this game analysed. I drew this game against a much higher ranked opponent. It was a pretty hard-fought game, but naturally with neither of us being particularly high-ranked it could only be so well played.

Analysis much appreciated.

#2,pxp,qxp,nc3,q move...... your q/k pawns can control center. After black moves his q. you can bring out nf3-either way your more under control and can proceed w/ your opening.

A few comments:

1. ... d5 is probably not the best way to play against the English Opening, unless you are a big fan of the Gruenfeld Defense and know how to transpose into it after 2. cxd5 Nf6. A more typical first-move response would be 1. ... Nf6, or 1. ... e5, or 1. ... c5.

White's reply 2. c5 was very bad; releasing the central tension prematurely and lumbering himself with an exposed Pawn on c5 which would need constant protection.

After 2. ... e5 3. b4, you would have been better off attacking the enemy Pawn-chain at its base (by 3. ... a5) rather than at its head (by 3. ... b6). Naturally, White could not have protected the b-Pawn by 4. a3 because of the pin on the a-file after 4. ... axb4.

16. ... Ng4 didn't seem to accomplish anything if White had replied with the obvious 17. h3.

After 37. Ke2, a much more efficient win would be Rc1!  White is either forced to retreat his rook or capture black's rook leading to d1=Q next move or play Kxd2 after which RxR leads to a win for black.

1252 vs 1137 is not an example of one player being ranked much higher than the other.  Those rankings would indicate a reasonably evenly matched pairing, as the game result would also indicate.  If you upgrade your membership you have access to computer analysis of your games (at least some number of games depending on the level of membership that you choose).  You also get other benefits like Tactics Trainer, Chess Mentor, etc. which should really help you improve your game.  

Also look up basic openings on Wikipedia (just type 'd4 d5' into your search engine, as an example) and you will find loads of pages explaining some of the basic concepts behind common opening moves, sometimes with variations 5 or 6 deep into the opening.  Helps you understand why one move is better than another when you understand what you are trying to achieve.

37.Ke2?? loses.  White had to play 37.Rd1 and draw after 37...Rxa3 38.Rxd2.

Black misses the forced win after 37...Rc1! instead of 37...Rc4?  If White takes the rook with 38.Rxd1, then 38...exd1=Q wins.  If 38.Kxd2, then 38...Rxa1 wins teh rook.  This is fundamental and both players need to recognize this position with a pawn on the 7th rank and a rook on the open file next to it.

39.f3?! is too slow and the rook gets in a better position.  White should play 39.Rb1 or Rc1 to take the open file, or try to trade rooks with Re1.

40.Ke3 is probably the wrong way.  White should stay on the Q-side and try Kc2 or Kc3.  He can then use the king to defend the a-pawn if he has to and free up the rook.

40...a5?! may be too slow.  Black should try 40...Ra4, pinning down White's rook to protect the a-pawn.

41.a4?! gives Black a target and locks in the White rook.  White should place his rook on an open file such as Rb1 or Rc1.

42.Ra3 looks like a loss in tempo.  White may have a better plan with 42.g4, Kf2, Kg3.

42...f5 may be too slow and allows White to trade the center pawn.  Perhaps 42...h5, then ...Kf7 and ...Ke6.  The f5 square might be better occupied with the Black king after ...Kg7, ...Kg6, ...Kf5.

43.h4 looks weak.  White should try to bust up the center with 43.f4 exf4+ (43...e4 44.g4) 44.gxf4 and a drawish position.

43...Ke7 is a little bit better than 43...Kf7 as it is closer to the center, trying to play ...Kd6.

The king was fine where it was at, so why play 44.Kf2.  White should activate the rook with 44.Rc3, and if 44...Rxa4 45.Rc7+ may lead to perpetual check.

44...e4 allows the exchangbe of pawns if White is smart, leading to a draw.  Black should play 44...Ke6 or 44...h5, then 45...Ke6.  Black center's his king and has a better rook with more mobility.

45.f4?! looks weak as it gives White a passed pawn.  White should simply play 45.fxe4 fxe4 46.Ke3 or 45.fxe4 Rxe4 46.Kf3, and White should be able to draw this.

46.Ke3? looks bad.  46.Ke2 looks better or move the rook to a1 or a2.

46...Kf6?! is a loss of tempo.  Black may be winning after 46...Ke6! (closer to the center).  If 47.Kd2, then 47...Kd5, then penetrate with the rook on the 7th or play Kc4.

Black looks better in the final position since he has the passed pawn and more active rook.  I would continue 47...Ke6 and 48...Kd5, then try to penetrate with my rook on the 7th rank.

Hey, I just want you guys to know I learned a lot from your analysis, specifically move 37 Rc4. That maneuver (putting your rook on the final rank when your pawn is on the 7th/2nd rank). It's won me at least three games. An example:

I'm very glad I had my game analyzed, it's a great resource! So thanks!