0005.6.22 Analyzed
by Candidate Master Daniel Waite
1.
Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3
d5 4. cd5 Nd5
5. g3
[While
this is an English Opening, it has many characteristics of the Grunfeld
Defense. This moves avoids d4 inviting the Grunfeld.]
5…Bg7 6. Qb3
Nc3
[…Nb6
is more natural in these English positions.
One thing the exchange does is weaken Black's grip of the center.]
7.
bc3 c5 8. Bg2 0-0 9. Ba3
[An old
Russian idea. This works in the
Grunfeld but not here.]
9…Qa5 10. 0-0 Nc6 11. Bb2 Rb8
[Black is suffering from an optical illusion. The illusion is that the b pawn is free if you move the Queen
Bishop. Here is the “truth” 11..Be6 12. Qxb7?? Rfc1 13.Ng5
Rab8 and the White Queen leaves the board.
Keep alert to tactical possibilities.]
12.
d4 Be6 13. Qd1 Rfd8
[Passing
on the creation of the isolated d-pawn (…cxd4) is good here. It shows mature thought, even if it was not
intentional. We all learn to
automatically filter some things by instinct.
This is a time saver but must be deliberately challenged. In this filtering process we develop bias
such as “labels.” (e.g. ethnic and
religious affiliations) These tend to
put blinders on us. In chess, the basic
teacher develops
a set
of rules and presents them in lessons.
This system of indoctrinating the student is good because they must be
understood since violating them means terrible consequences. Having come to understand the basic filters
and biases we then learn to develop “exceptions” and deeper
understandings. It is the difference
between following the Law and living by the Spirit. One such 'law' in chess is that the isolated pawn is a “bad”
thing. Typically, if you know how
to handle the position, the isolated
pawn can be difficult from either perspective.
The
fact that you either intentionally passed on this idea or unintentionally
filtered the idea shows good potential.
If it was an unintentional filter then you must focus energy on
questioning these filters.]
14. e3
Bd5 15. Qe2 b5
16. Rfd1 Bc4 17. Qc2
Qb6 18. Ng5 cd4
19. cd4 Nb4 20. Qe4
a5
[Lack
of judgment. There is a time to become
materialistic. Material is one of the
most permanent and decisive imbalances.
Taking the pawn with …Nxa2 should have given you the game. At least this move does not lose.]
21. h4
h6 22. Nf3 Nd5
[This
is your “losing move.” There is a fine
line between a “great” player and a
“good” player. Several distinguishing
characteristics are important to note at this point. For instance the “great” player has in reserve a larger number of recognized positions (and the
tricks that go with them). A “great” player
also has the sense of when the position is critical. This is such a moment.
Normally, I'd rail on this move but you had the courage to send in the
game and learn something useful.
Getting back to the idea of material, I like taking at a2. An interesting idea is …Bd3. Once again, protecting the pawn is an
illusion. Notice 23…Bxa2 23.Qxe7 Rb7
24.Qe4 f5 and once again
the
Queen gets to watch from the side of the board. This Knight, in this position, loses effective influence on the
center.]
23.
Ne5 Nf6 24. Qf4 Rbc8 25.
g4 Qe6 26. Rd2 Nd7
[Lesson
number four: play with a plan!]
27.
d5 Qf6
[White
chokes and gives Black the game (again) but this follow up mistake to 22…Nd5
returns the favor. White gains a Rook,
a Knight, a Bishop, and spare change for the Queen with 22…Qxe5. Remember the “law” we talked about
earlier? One of the lesson/laws we
preach is “protect the Queen at all costs.”
The trouble is that it is more important to protect the King! If you count material, you will find that
Black gains material on the exchange.]
28.
Nc6 Qf4 29. Ne7 Kh7 30. ef4
Bb2 31. Rb2 Rc5
32. Nc6 Re8 33. Rd2
Nf6
[Try
33…Re2. If you are going to fight at
least don't make it easy for your opponent.]
34.
d6 [White's pawn = space +
possibilities!] Be6 35. g5
Nd7
36.
Na5 Rec8 37. Nb3 1x0
Coach's
advice: For courage in allowing me to examine a lost game A+!
This
shows a desire to actually correct faulty thinking processes. (If only I could have your thoughts as you were thinking them…..) So some ideas……
Challenge
your filters. You seem to be unwilling
to grab the pawn when it was available but unwilling to give up the pawn for a
greater good (winning the Queen). Start
paying attention to these filters and force yourself to look beyond these
“laws” you have learned. The truth is
on the board, not on a set of learned rules.
You
show good positional judgment but do not seem to have good attacking
skills. The problem with good positional judgment is
that if you focus here, it is not enough to win! Somewhere you must attack, even if it is “pawn picking.” I'd suggest that you develop a “catalogue of
positions.” To do this get some cards
or a notebook where you will record positions for games you play or see. Somewhere keep a “key” on the correct moves
by category. Keep it as simple as
possible. Maybe topics would include
“sacrifice”, “pawns”, “king safety.” Don't buy a book! You must
do the work yourself, if a position strikes you
enough
for you to take the time to record it then you are more likely to learn it for
yourself.
I see
that you are a “club” player. Clubs are
fun and often good chess but….. The
tendency is to play “cat and mouse” games with the other players minds. I'd suggest that you settle into three
systems (two with Black and one with White) and play them regardless of who you
play and what your opponent played last time.
Here is the trick. You opponents
will prepare for you, since you will be predictable, and will find the most
difficult lines for you. That is good,
they will test you and force you to grow and develop good lines. It will also force you to be precise in your
opening moves. The idea is that you
will have three openings that you know as well as anyone in the world and can
play in any circumstance.