I lost with a bad move move on 33

Sort:
stampguy

What should I (playing white) have done for move 33? I played well until that point.  Any other pointers would be appreciated.

Keldorn

Well, it wasn't your 33rd move that lost the game. However, after Bxe5, the position is more difficult to win for black than it might seem. White threatens 2 different mates (Qxg7# and if the rook moves, Qf8#). Unfortunately, black can land a few checks (like in the actual game, however 34. Ke2 would have lasted longer) after which the queens are traded, or the bishop is won with check, eliminating the mate threats and leaving you a rook down.

On move 28 you could have tried Qc4+, preventing Qh4+ and forcing the black king to expose himself to a check by the bishop (Bxg7+!) which unleashes a discovered attack against black's rook.

Not sure whether this is the best, I only had time to analyse only for 10 minutes.

Shivsky

First of all, it is considered good etiquette to omit your opponent's name from posted games. 

Both 33.Bc1 and 33.h6 are tries that play for tricks, but the position is lost even prior to move 33.  

  • You dropped a pawn on move 7. Can't see why?
  • You should have taken the pawn on d4 with the bishop on move 21. You let him back in to the game.
  • 24. Bc1 would have been nice and wins you material.
  • 28 was a very critical position that required accurate play. Qc4+ with Bxg7 like ideas were necessary.  Your Qd3 move was too passive and you're only going to keep reacting to him.  If you're going to lose material, look for ways to counter-punch, especially when the position is this tactical.
bluehorn

What's wrong with 24.Qc4+? variations:

24...Kg8 26. Bxg7+ and you win the exchange,

24...Ne6 26. Rae1 and you win the knight, and

24...Qe6 26. Qxc5 and you win a piece. some other moves work too:

24.Bd4, Rae1, Bc1 and Qxf5. All of them create a piece advantage.

stampguy

Thank you all, especially Tonydal.  I do see how I missed things.  I considered those first few steps but didn't take it.  I didn't see how it would fully end up.

mottsauce

"You should have taken the pawn on d4 with the bishop on move 21. You let him back in to the game."

wholeheartedly agree with this.

bluehorn

sorry. wrong numbering