It is a 4 knight kinda game, what do you think?

Sort:
NoBelchingAllowed

This game had some central knight stuff and outpost questions. Technically, I see it is not labeled 4 knights but it felt like it. I think there was misplacement with knights, at least for black. I highlighted a few moves. Additional comments welcome. Thanks for looking.

5...d5

I know this is the better move. If you know of any "tricks" I should try feel free to share. I want to focus more on d6 continuations otherwise.

9...Nb4

Is the main reason for this move based on the earlier a4 by white? Apparently, it poses a threat because Stockfish wants to trade for it with c4 c6, Bd2 a5. What if white doesn't trade here? What can black do? I get the general idea of outposts, but I don't see an obvious advantage like I do when the N is more centrally located.

14...Re8

Stockfish also showed this for earlier moves. Is the whole intent to anticipate Ra3 and then trade? (Ra3 d5, Re3 Rxe3).

20...h5

In hindsight, I see this as a better move. If there is anything else after that, I understand the better moves showed on Stockfish.