My First Club Game (vs USCF 2084!)

Here's my first real club game. I'm unrated (of course) and if I had to make a wild guess I'd say I'm somthing like USCF 1500 ish. So of course my first opponent was USCF rated 2084 and has a decade of tournament play under his belt. I didn't mind at all because I want to get better. Perhaps he was too far over my head, but I'll get to play a range of players at the club, so no biggie.

Here's the game. I was Black.

10... Ne7 is a bit passive.. Nd4 would be much more active.

13... a5 might not be best :) b6 would be a better plan to keep your pawns intact.

15... Bc8?! Nc8 to d6 might be a better idea. In position like this getting a Knight to d6 not only blocks his pawn but also attacks both c4 and e4.

The person you played is likely a very good player, so do not worry about the rest of your game just keep working on your game and trying to improve. Welcome to the best chess club in IL! :)

Thanks for the analysis, Depressnyak! I'm encouraged by the fact that my Sunday morning analysis of this game over coffee (and before I subjected my game to engine analysis) yielded one of your improvements (10 ... Nd4). I saw 13 ... a5? durning the game, but getting the knight to d6 is one I missed.

Do you play in St Charles? If so, I'll see you there sometime.

Thanks again, I always appreciate when better players share their knowledge.