00053.6.24 Analyzed by Candidate Master Daniel Waite

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 h6

[This is a wasted move because the primary objective of the opening is get your pieces to useful squares as soon as possible. Time can be a decisive, depending on how you use it.]

4. c3

[The Giuoco Pianissimo. The idea is to play a quiet controlled game.

Unfortunately many underestimate the potential of quiet moves and quiet

games. This is fine if you understand the options and what you are choosing. For instance 4.0-0 is strongest and 4.d4 is interesting. Also playable is 4.Nc3 but this leads down some very sharp lines.]

4…Bc5

[I don't like this move. It certainly develops a piece but it does not stop the intended 5.d4. This gives White a target in the center, which means that time can be gained by attacking the Bishop.] 5. d4 [An interesting idea is 5.b4 but it is generally wise to play in the center unless there is a specific reason.]

5…exd4 6. cxd4 Bb6

[Again, Black does not help the cause in the center.

…Bb4+ is much stronger and because it puts pressure on the White center

(attacking a supporting pieces with a pin). Also notice that the Bishop has moved twice and is not necessarily useful at b6 in this position.]

7. b3

[Fasinating idea. The possibilities of playing Bb2 or Ba3 offer Black some potential headaches. I personally like 7.0-0 because another primary idea of the opening is King safety. Preparing to castle is one of those keys. Remember because you are ready to castle does not mean you have to castle but all things being equal, typically you will want to castle as soon as it is safely possible.]

7…d6 8. O-O

[Now let me confuse you. A move earlier castling was strong but now it is not. There is a specific concrete reason for judgment. Black now gets to threaten the center by …Bg4. This threatens the center because it posses the possibility of removing the defender on f3.]

8... Bg4 9. Bb2

Nf6 [Once again, let me confuse you. Yes, this does develop a piece but there is a move that is stronger based on a concrete idea. 9…Qf6 creates more threats in the center than White can answer after …Bxf3]

10. d5 Ne5 11. Bxe5

[So far the moves have been “natural” but it is time to make a decision.

This move gives up the Bishop pair (something I'm personally allergic too). Worse than giving up the Bishop pair is the lose of the pressure on the center. Lose the center, lose the game. Both Be2 and Bb5+ are stronger.]

11…dxe5 12. h3 Bxf3 13. Qxf3 Bd4 14. Nc3 O-O 15. Rad1

[As a general rule, Rooks belong on 'open' files. This allows 15…Bxc3

16.Qxc3 Nxe4 17.Qxe5 Re8 and now Black can chose between …Nf6 or

…Nd6 with the superior minor piece.]

15…a6 16. Ne2 Bc5 17. Ng3 g6 18. Qe2 b5 19. Bd3 Nh7

[Black saw this in a movie someplace. That's the only place a player can decentralize a Knight and survive. (There are some interesting exceptions but we'll discuss this after you crack the 2200 mark.) The idea that it looks like Black is trying for is …f5 after the King's Indian style of attack.]

20. Kh1

[Free targets everywhere. Attack something! 20.Rc1]

20…Qe7 21. f4?

[Charlie Brown always believed he could kick the football. This faith,

which ignored reality, gave him much grief and pain. It is interesting that you have passed on many sound attacking ideas and gone after an

unsound one. It's like you stopped believing in the truth to chase a

shadow. This allows Black to grab the initiative immediately. When

you are the cat and your opponent is the mouse - don't let him whistle

for the bull dog! Black is bottled up. This move frees Black's game and gives him considerable chances. ]

21…f6

[Blundering away the freeing …exf4 22.Rxf4 Bd6! White's Bishop is just a tall pawn and the N on g3 is awful.]

22. fxe5

[When it rains it pours. Blundering the chance to play 22.f5! Now if …gxf5 then 23.Nxf5 and the Knight is a beast. If …g5 then 23.Qh5 and you can hear Black taking the last gasp. On …Qe8 you get to play 23.fxg6 followed by planting your monster Knight on f5 the next move.]

22...fxe5 23. Rxf8 Rxf8 24. Rf1 Rxf1+ 25. Qxf1 Qg5 26. Qf3 Qc1+ 27. Qf1 Qe3 28. Kh2

[Nifty defense! It might be easy to lose track of Black's attacking ideas, but you don't. Good job.]

28...Kg7 29. h4 Nf6 30. Be2

[Winning in chess will be easier if you do not give away pieces.]

30…Nxe4 31. Nxe4 Qxe4 32. g3 Qxd5 33. Qf3

[It would not be out of line to resign at this point. Black has …e4! and …Qd2. Both are dangerous while …e4 wins almost immediately.]

33…Qd4 34. Qg2 Qe3 35. Bf3 Bd4 36. g4 c5

[Missing 36…e4! And now not 37.Bxe4 because …Be5+ 38.Kh1 Qe1+

39.Qg1 Qxe4+]

37. Bb7 a5 38. Ba6 b4

[The final Black blunder. This allows the draw in a completely won position. Next time you see your opponent, by him a hot fudge Sunday to say 'thanks'. You have learned some valuable lessons!]

39. Qb7+ Kf8 40. Qa8+ Ke7 41. Qb7+ 1/2-1/2

Coach's advice: I would push you to “open” your game up. You have a

good defensive feel but you don't trust yourself. It's like driving a Mustang 35 mph in a 55mph zone. Part of what you need to develop is a “feel for when.” When should you castle? When should you attack? This boils down to priorities and opportunities. For instance, if your opponent leaves a piece undefended your mind should think “target practice.” That is opportunity. If your priority is to run like “Chicken Little” then go for it, just make sure the center is secure at all costs. You lost your grip of the center on several occasions.

Your opponent's final blunder was to lose control of the center. It doesn't take much, just focus. Be careful what you believe. You were safe but believed you were not and did not attack. You were unsafe but believed you were and attacked. You must learn to read the board, it alone is truth in the game of chess, not what you want, or fear, or hope.