Just some Positional Play

Hello,

I normally go for 1.e4, but I decided to try 1.d4, because in my recent games, I've been getting promising and some downright winning positions, but haven't converted them. I know that 1.d4 always leading to positional play is pretty much a myth, but I realize that, it often leads to it if I look for it. I hate to think in terms of style, but recently, I've been thinking about playing a bit more intuitively and more simply. I think of chess as an art, and so, stylistic considerations cannot be ignored. I like this game from an artistic standpoint because it's rare for me to maneuver into a winning position with equal material.  Some of my decisions are questionable and probably are not strongest. Please help me analyze.

Thanks,

chessman1504

I agree with your summary of the position after your 13th move when Black plays the losing 13.....N-b8 ??   Rather than moving his knight back to its original square to quickly set up for the next game, much better appears 13....N-e8 with the idea of ....Bd6.   The  N from d7  may be best redeployed to f6.

Seems your 12 d5 !  is a very strong move leading to edge for you.

Yes 17 Ra-d1 looks best to sit on top -- with frustrating position for Black -- which Black lets you do when we look at position after White's 20th !

White's 25th move is crushing !!!!!    Well done.

The possible follow ups you suggest on move 26 instead of what you played are immense.   26 Rxf7 is what I would have played because you advance the attack to the King  AND  he must worry about discovered check.    your other move 26 N-e6 is beautiful !!!!  something I would never have considered.   wow, you certainly have a bright chess future.

Excellent game.   White had all the chances -- what a luxury.   Black never equalised.    Keep playing 1 d4 !!

Thanks for the comment! :) It seems you are more active than others around this forum... or my posts aren't that interesting to others 

Anyways, to your specific game comments:

You think Black is losing around move 13? I'm certainly not disagreeing, since it looks just bad, but, I would think me achieving a winning position by move 13 would be too good to be true! I also agree with 13..Ne8 being better, though after something like 14. Ne4, I think Black has some soul-searching to do!

Regarding 12.d5, yes, I figured it would lead to a strong advantage as it did in this game:http://www.chess.com/forum/view/game-analysis/a-game-i-just-played4

Yes, I suspect 17.Rad1 is a more patient approach rather than pushing immediately. 

The 25th move I had wanted to play for some time during the game. Thanks for the compliment :)

Regarding move 26, I suggested a few moves, but I think Ne6 is best, but I'll have to analyze further.

I would say on a Master Level, White has a won game on move 14 -- not 13, as Black played the very weak 13.....N-b8

If you are into "on-line chess" I would be willing to play you a few.   You seem to be an up-and-coming player that could gain Rating points quickly.  I do not mind, as I enjoy competitive chess, rather than the result.

good luck in your journeys !

Well, I've kind of been hitting my head against a wall for the last two years. I have modest goals with chess. I'm sure it should be fun to play a few!