Strange Opening, Stranger Sacrifices

This game involves some dubious, but defendable moves. Most of all, however, I think it is my most exciting game that has been notated (which is a relief, because my most exciting game ever was a loss against the board 1 of my highschool). Remember to check the move list! Please check my analysis!

An excelent game I must say. I usually don't bother going through even Master games but yours was well anotated, very enjoyable. WELL DONE!

Just a quick point: isn't it strange that you first call 5.e3 dubious because it cuts off the bishop, and then you immediately play 5...Bxd4 6.exd4 freeing the bishop?

Scarblac, you're right. The reason that I did that was becauseWhite couldn't protect the d-pawn without cutting off the Bishop's diagonal from d2 to a5. Also, I notated it with BxN!? which I thought implied a move that, though strong, may be a bit of a double-edged sword in how the opponent decides to handle it.

But you're right, and it took me awhile to decide whether or not to play that move. I decided on it because, at the time, my Scheveningen was weak and if white decided to ever play e3-e4, I would have been in murky water, even with the gained tempo. 

Nonetheless, good point! I probably could have gained a much better spatial advantage had I not done the trade.

well that was one game. almost an "immortal"

up to move 23 you played brilliantly. but I am confused why you played 23... Qe4 when white miraculously escapes with equality. wouldn't 23... Rc1+! be more accurate?

 possible line:    check move list for some variations.

You're right shuttlechess! Thanks for showing me that! I'm considering posting more games on this forum, if it gets me critiques like that! I was so worried about ...Qe8# that I missed this sacrifice and forced mate. That's a nine move forced mate, something I still doubt I have the foresight for, but your continuations showed me how to really take advantage of the initiative!

I wouldn't fear the Staunton, if you really want to learn the Dutch.  Many White players don't really understand the Staunton anyway...after 1. d4 f5 2. e4 fxe 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5, play Nc6 and head for f7.  If they play f3, it's your call, but I think it is a more dangerous line for Black to handle - it is my choice when I play the White side of the Staunton.  Honestly, many times I like to pressure Black's kingside excessively, and they begin to blunder.  The "weakened" pawn structure affects them psychologically. 

As far as your opponent's "strange" opening moves - when you see a "weird" opening, observe what you can do in your opening to gain good initiative.  Here, you play 1. d4 e6 2. Bd2...you mentioned the Staunton, so why not play ...f5 on move 2?  All Bd2 does is block Bb4+ lines...so he doesn't like the Nimzo!  But then, you can also play into development lines where you pressure the b2 pawn, but really are activating your pieces...and then apply more pressure with ...a5, ...a4, etc. 

Of course, 2...c5 isn't bad either, and 2. Bd2 does not help converting into any of the lines he could have chosen at move 3. 

Good win BTW!

Thanks BirdBrain! BTW, shuttlechess proved it was a flawed game! I missed a forced mate.

I like the "My fork is better" comment, made me laugh

Thanks StonedEmoKid.