Early Queen Development
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Jul 24, 2007
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#2
Your opponent was actually very bad... starting from that a4 until that queen gift... this is more a game to show how being much inferior to your opponent makes you lose, than getting your queen out early puts you in trouble.
Well... true. The title's misleading. But if you're going to get it out early you better do something with it. He seemed to get it out there and wait for it to be trapped.
A dominant performance! But you asked for comments so...
I think the Queen being the most mobile piece offers the greatest scope for brilliant usage. Amateurs really don't know how to use the piece very well and in my experience bring it out far before it is warranted. I have noticed that amateurs hate trading Queens, especially against stronger opposition. This is in fact opposite of what they should do, given the chances of draw increase as material decreases. While we're on the topic, I would have advised playing 11...Qxe3 to give your opponent the disadvantage of an isolated pawn. I guess a small detail like this would be more warranted if you felt the opposition was equal strength or better, but an isolated pawn spells trouble in the endgame and not least an isolated King's pawn. Also, all the suffering you inflicted on him at the end could have been avoided simply by white trading off the Queen's on move 14 or before. Beware of playing moves simply because you seem to remember that they worked well. The littlest change in position or move order can change circumstances entirely. Try to understand what makes a move good before getting in the habit of playing it. 2...Nf6 is a good move because it develops, controls central squares, and attacks white's pawn all at the same time. In an extremely simplified example: 1 e4 e5; 2 Qh5 Nc6; 3 Bc4. Now 3...Nc6 accomplishes all the things listed above while forking the Queen and pawn; a great move... except that it loses on the spot!
P.S. Don't get too hung up on trading to get the bishop pair. Remember, a knight is much stronger than a bishop in the endgame. (it is not confined to one color)
Thanks a lot for the comments. I often look to trade Queens early because it stops me making big blunders later. That's only if I'm playing someone I know I can outplay in the middlegame and if it's not to my disadvantage though.
Great analysis for your first time!
I also commend your opponent for playing. I'm sure they will learn a lot from this analysis, I know I did.
Yeah. I really am not in a position to comment on GM games. The example is no good to show conclusively that it's a bad idea. But as you say, for the beginner, which this player evidently was, it's likely to get you in trouble.
'twas a great game on your behalf, can't say the same for your sorry oponent though. Hope he took something from the game - in that a4 isn't neccessarily the best opening move. That said, it can be brilliant if playing a game you don't mind losing - as your opponent will usually take you for an absolute beginner and will assume that you will miss certain aspects of his game plan. I wouldn't, however, reccomend it if you wish to play a strong player, as they will usually capitalise on the position.
Anyways, cool analysis RockBadger, be sure to incude our own game in your blogs :) once it's finished i mean//
One of the common laws of opening theory is that you get your minor pieces out before you get your Queen out in the open. Of course, there are exceptions but here's a game that isn't. My opponent was no Grandmaster and made many mistakes but I think this goes to show the problems it can cause a beginner.
Note, this is my first attempt at analysis, and I'd love suggestions for better moves for myself (at what point is mate forced, and how could I have sped it up?) and so on...