How do you win when you’re down a queen?

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macer75

So recently I've been looking through my past losses to find ways to improve my game, and I noticed a startling correlation - in games where I am down a queen at any one point, I almost always end up losing. I'm talking about a losing percentage in the high 80s, and maybe even 90s. That is far higher than my losing percentage for any of the other variables I examined, including openings, pawn structures, castling kingside, queenside or not at all, etc. It has become clear to me, thanks to advanced statistical analysis, that playing without a queen is the biggest hole in my game, and that by improving in such situations to at least a 50% win rate, if not higher, I can significantly increase the number of games that I am capable of winning.

Now that I have identified this weakness in my game, it is time for me to address it. So, does anyone have an easy method for winning while down a queen, which they would like to share? Also, what do the masters of the game (the Laskers, Kasparovs, Carlsens...) do in such situations? I admittedly have not studied may of their games, but a lot of people on chess.com have, and I would like to hear some of your thoughts, or look at some sample games of world champions or other masters playing while down a queen.

Thank you for your help!

IcyAvaleigh
You can still win by checkmating your opponent
MarcoBR444

How do you win when you’re down a queen?

Just play better than your opponent and do not blunder again.

MarcoBR444

How about this game I won after blundered my queen?

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/more-puzzles/7302016---sometimes-2-bishops-are-better-than-queen--rook

Bilbo21
morethantwentycharac wrote:

It's purely psychological.  You don't actually need your queen for anything.

Not the case with macer75's analysis, as he only plays computers.

RobertPaulson13

Quality shitpost.

MarcoBR444

LOL, Macer75 profile:

 

macer75

macer75

 

 

zero_credibility

If a player is up an entire Queen early in the game they often find themselves unable to concentrate, as to a degree they have written the game off as won, and seem to make more tactical mistakes. I usually try to establish a solid defence, and keep a constant look out for tactics. If you can remain calm and hold, it is usually only a matter of time before your overconfident enemy blunders. And the longer you defend, the more impatient and frustrated they become. Of course, avoid exchanges. The enemy might become overprotective of their Queen, or utilize their advantage too violently, both should be exploited.

macer75
Ebih-il wrote:

If a player is up an entire Queen early in the game they often find themselves unable to concentrate, as to a degree they have written the game off as won, and seem to make more tactical mistakes. I usually try to establish a solid defence, and keep a constant look out for tactics. If you can remain calm and hold, it is usually only a matter of time before your overconfident enemy blunders. And the longer you defend, the more impatient and frustrated they become. Of course, avoid exchanges. The enemy might become overprotective of their Queen, or utilize their advantage too violently, both should be exploited.

Looks like this is your first post on chess.com! Welcome to the forums, and thank you for your informative comment!

MarcoBR444
Ebih-il wrote:

If a player is up an entire Queen early in the game they often find themselves unable to concentrate, as to a degree they have written the game off as won, and seem to make more tactical mistakes. I usually try to establish a solid defence, and keep a constant look out for tactics. If you can remain calm and hold, it is usually only a matter of time before your overconfident enemy blunders. And the longer you defend, the more impatient and frustrated they become. Of course, avoid exchanges. The enemy might become overprotective of their Queen, or utilize their advantage too violently, both should be exploited.

Congratulations!!

You got trolled by Macer75 !!!

Don't be sad, it is funny.

blueemu

The way to win when you are down a Queen is to have a forced mate already planned BEFORE you give up your Queen.

macer75
blueemu wrote:

The way to win when you are down a Queen is to have a forced mate already planned BEFORE you give up your Queen.

 

Hmm... I think I see what you mean. So like this?



blueemu

Exactly.

Joseph_Truelson

Lol

1stKnight619

you rely on your bitch too much

AutisticCath

 macer75, I, unlike blueemu, happen to be a grandmaster as you know. So take notes--

MarcoBR444

I do not understand why NewEngland7 just blocked me.

I think it is because of my post #13 in the thread below.

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-openings/most-games-are-decided-in-the-opening

Joseph_Truelson

Correct!

ArgoNavis

You bribe your opponent's queen so that she betrays him.

macer75
kingofshedinjas wrote:

You bribe your opponent's queen so that she betrays him.

Interesting that you should say that... I previously considered the possibility of betrayal by the queen in another thread:

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/rook-or-2-queens

However, that only pertains to situations where one side has two queens. When there's only one queen, I don't think it's as easy to get her to betray her own king. Queens aren't exactly known for committing treason for money.