Lucky, again!

Last year, I played a match in the Kent League (average under 171 ECF/ approx 2015 FIDE), in which I felt I had a somewhat fortuitous result. Here's that game:

http://blog.chess.com/PrawnEatsPrawn/match-vs-rainham

Well, one year on and the same match, same board (4 out of 6) and the same opponent. In the intervening time, I'd dropped a few points and he'd put on a few points.

Venue: Hastings and St. Leonards Chess Club

Time control: 36 moves in 90 minutes, followed by a 15 minute quick-play finish. This gives a three and a half hour game.

Playing conditions: Excellent: wooden boards and sets, digital clocks, refreshments served by the housekeeper.

So, I beat the same guy, two in a row, entirely on his blunders.

Feel free to comment, improve my play or celebrate my good luck (again!).

Refreshments served!

How long did you think about move six?  What other moves did you consider?  Any?

In a tournament game, I probably would have played this:  6. Qe2 Nf2 7. Qe3 Nxg2+.

What is a double pawn break?  A diagram would be awesome if you’ve the time.

11.  0-0 was aesthetically pleasing.

That ending is just brutal!  He should have sat on his hands.

Thanks for the post, ‘Prawn.  Your annotated games are a fun read.  You’re an intelligent and engaging writer.

Refreshments served!

The Hastings club employs the services of a live-in housekeeper. Proper old school.

How long did you think about move six?  What other moves did you consider?  Any? 

Just a couple of minutes thinking, Nf3 looked to be safe (playing a new opening on no knowledge and didn't want to make a chump of myself). e5 looked attacking but ultimately over-ambitious IMO. I didn't consider any other sixth moves.... have you seen something?

I enjoy reading you game reviews as well, Mr. Prawn. They are both analytical and humorous.

In a tournament game, I probably would have played this:  6. Qe2 Nf2 7. Qe3 Nxg2+.

I don't understand this, can you check your notation? Posting a diagram would be better.

What is a double pawn break?

What I mean by this is somewhat nebulous, just an idea, nothing concrete. What I'm saying is that, at some unspecified juncture, I might be able to play the c3 pawn to c4. Assuming my opponent plays c6, then cxd5 cxd5 c4 (again).... this would leave me with a d-pawn that has potential to go to d5, really stirring up trouble. 

Obviously there would be other pieces on the board, just for illustration of the idea.

I meant 8. Qe2.  I'm not sure why it seems to screw up the numbering when you cut and paste from the analysis board.

Qe2 Nf4?? Bxf4

But maybe I should have looked at Qe2 more seriously, just seemed like something I didn't need to get involved with. You know, the old King and Queen on the same half-open file and Black able to castle immediately.

p.s. Oh! you mean *YOU* in a tournament... damn! I'm slow sometimes!

I've had a look at a few databases and let Houdini take a look. The upshot is that my opening play wasn't too bad, given that I was on new ground and had to "discover" the moves for myself.

However, I missed a trick when I played 6. Nf3 and not 6. e5:

In your variation with 13.Bxf3 I think it gives an interesting position after 14.gxf4 (but not rook takes as you said).

By interesting I mean white has some pretty clear ideas (attack or c4 break) while black seems passive to me... well I guess he'd just take the bishop and then it's white who's a little worse so nevermind :p

Same set up as last year huh?  It's almost too bad it ended so abruptly... good thing you didn't offer a draw :)

I think, as Chris said in post #3, after 17. Qf4 it's all White. The Queen-side is meaningless, White has the Centre wrapped up, just leaving the King-side.... White having the half-open file and an f-pawn that seems destined to run. The more I look at it, the more I like White.

Oh definitely, I'd much rather have white, black is just stuck defending there.