31 Re2+ Kc1
32 Ra1#
How could I have pinned the King?
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Oh wow - THANK YOU SO MUCH! I had to move the rook far away first! I got so frustrated (obviously) and just threw up my hands. I also need to work on my frustration; I notice that GMs don't get frustrated! Much appreciated!!!
The other thing I noticed is that I had over six minutes left when I blundered at the end and threw up my hands. If I'd have SLOWED DOWN and thought it through, I might have figured it out without the blunder. My other way of losing is running out of time or draw. I'm fairly new and I have a long (wonderful) way to go!
Jul 1, 2025
0
#6
sawdof wrote:
It's ok, it happens. The most important thing is to learn from it
Yeah. I agree with you @sawdof
Doomed_Noob wrote:
You could have moved your bishop to c4, put him in check and forced him to a3, and then checkmated him by moving your b1 rook to a1.
Thank you so much for the idea and I see what you mean! With six minutes left, I should have slowed down and THOUGHT about different options instead of being frustrated and blundering my rook! Thank you for responding!
Jul 1, 2025
0
#10
DavidWills99 wrote:
The other thing I noticed is that I had over six minutes left when I blundered at the end and threw up my hands. If I'd have SLOWED DOWN and thought it through, I might have figured it out without the blunder. My other way of losing is running out of time or draw. I'm fairly new and I have a long (not wonderful) way to go!
AGC-Gambit_YT wrote:
ok are there any other problems
In this game? Or in general? I only played a handful of games growing up then decided to try chess.com few months back so, in general, I have a TON to learn. On this game, two things struck me: 1) I had my black square bishop stop in a spot where what it could see diagonally was limited to just a few squares making it almost worthless; think it should have been behind the pawns and 2) understanding how to use two rooks both in line on a file AND in line on a rank. I know they are powerful when working together but I (obviously) was sloppy with it.
I appreciate your attention to my game. I'm starting to blunder less and roughly understand a few gambits and openings but get lost quickly in the complexity of the game ... not that I need to tell any of YOU that, haha! I also get cocky after I've won a game and proceed to lose the next five! 
Jul 1, 2025
0
#12
Isn't 21 Bd1 mate?
The idea is to follow it with 22. R4b2+ Ka3 23. Bb3 and Black cannot stop Ra2 mate.
blueemu wrote:
The idea is to follow it with 22. R4b2+ Ka3 23. Bb3 and Black cannot stop Ra2 mate.
BRILLIANT!!! Thank you so much! I adore this game of chess and especially the folks here on chess.com!!!
blueemu wrote:
Isn't 21 Bd1 mate?
No because king can move to A3. But you were spot on as to how to finally nail the king!!!
Here Is A Pinned King.
Jul 1, 2025
0
#16
DavidWills99 wrote:
blueemu wrote:
Isn't 21 Bd1 mate?
No because king can move to A3. But you were spot on as to how to finally nail the king!!!
When I said "Isn't Bd1 mate?" I meant "Doesn't this move lead to mate?"
Nice illustration! Thank you! These all are helping me understand the issue far more clearly!
blueemu wrote:
DavidWills99 wrote:
blueemu wrote:
When I said "Isn't Bd1 mate?" I meant "Doesn't this move lead to mate?"
Ah yes, you were right!
Jul 1, 2025
0
#19
DavidWills99 wrote:
AGC-Gambit_YT wrote:
ok are there any other problems
In this game? Or in general? I only played a handful of games growing up then decided to try chess.com few months back so, in general, I have a TON to learn. On this game, two things struck me: 1) I had my black square bishop stop in a spot where what it could see diagonally was limited to just a few squares making it almost worthless; think it should have been behind the pawns and 2) understanding how to use two rooks both in line on a file AND in line on a rank. I know they are powerful when working together but I (obviously) was sloppy with it.
I appreciate your attention to my game. I'm starting to blunder less and roughly understand a few gambits and openings but get lost quickly in the complexity of the game ... not that I need to tell any of YOU that, haha! I also get cocky after I've won a game and proceed to lose the next five!
Nah bro I meant in general
I meant *more problems you have lol
gambits lol funny pun
AGC-Gambit_YT wrote:
DavidWills99 wrote:
The other thing I noticed is that I had over six minutes left when I blundered at the end and threw up my hands. If I'd have SLOWED DOWN and thought it through, I might have figured it out without the blunder. My other way of losing is running out of time or draw. I'm fairly new and I have a long (not wonderful) way to go!
I wondered why you quoted me without responding at all but now, after sleep, I see it. You added the word NOT (not wonderful). hahahaha!!! I dunno, even games I lose tickle me beyond belief. I hope that enjoyment NEVER wears off.
ps I didn't know what TILTED meant and had to Google it. Ohhhhh, THAT is what I do all the time - frustration and then screw up! Like with coding, the most important thing is attitude! I posted a sign on my laptop 'NO TILTING'. 
starting at move 17, I had forced the King down into my territory could not Mate. I am so frustrated. This keeps happening to me - can someone show me how i could have finished off the King here?