1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 e6
In the opening, below master level, I just follow general principles.
Black has locked in his Bc8, while I can develop my Bc1 to a great diagonal.
3.Bf4 Nf6 4.e3 b6
In this type of position weakening the queenside light squares can lead to
trouble.
5.c4
Now, I have the better development and pressure on Black's center.
5...Bb7 6.Nc3 dxc4
Black surrenders the center and allows my Bf1 to develop without loss of
time.
7.Bxc4 Bd6 8.Bg5 h6 9.Bh4
My opponent offered me a draw here. Why would a stronger player accept
a draw in a balanced or better position?
9...g5 10.Bg3 Bxg3 11.hxg3 g4
Going after a flank pawn when you are behind in development is not a good
strategy.
12.Ne5 Bxg2 13.Rh2 Bh3
After the text move, Black's light squares on the queenside are vulnerable.
14.Qa4+ Kf8
14...Nbd7?? 15.Nc6 Qc8 16.Ba6+- This is a typical way of exploiting
the weaken light queenside squares.
15.0–0–0 Kg7 16.d5
Now, I want an open the position to take advantage of my superior
development.
16...Qe7
16...Qd6? 17.Nxf7 Kxf7 18.dxe6+
17.f3?
I made this move much too quickly. After I let go of the pawn I felt
that I had made a mistake. I needed to exchange on e6 first.
Better was 17.dxe6 fxe6 18.Qc2 Qe8 19.Rd8 Qxd8 20.Qg6+ Kf8 21.Qf7#
17...exd5
The text move brought my opponent back to life and he started to play with
optimism. He lacked positional understanding but now immersed himself
in the tactical possibilities.
Black wins material because of the double attack but I felt that if I kept
my cool I still had good chances. I had some reasons to be happy about
my position. I was the stronger player (theoretically), I had a lead
in development, and my opponent has an exposed king.
18.Nxg4?
Better was 18.Bxd5 c6 19.Bxc6 Nxc6 20.Nxc6 Qxe3+ 21.Kb1=
18...Bxg4 19.Nxd5 Nxd5 20.Bxd5 Qxe3+ 21.Kb1 Bf5+ 22.Ka1 c6 23.g4
Because I am behind in material I must play for counterattack.
23...Bg6 24.Be4 Bxe4 25.fxe4 b5 26.Qc2 Re8
Better was 26...Na6. Once the Nb8 gets in the game black is winning.
27.Re2 Qf4 28.a3
The text move was played to stop any back rank mates.
28...Qg5 29.Rf2
He again offered a draw after my move and I informed him that he should
offer a draw after he has made his move. With three pieces in play to
his two, and his exposed king, why would I take a draw?
29...f6 30.Rf5 Qxg4
I am willing to sacrifice a pawn to further expose Black's king. Here
I miscalculated and intended to play Qf2 but ...Qxd1+ refutes that.
31.Rdf1 Rxe4?
This is the break I was looking for, allowing counterplay.
Better was 31...Nd7 Another opportunity to develop his knight. 32.Qxc6 Ne5
33.Qxf6+ Kg8 34.Qxh6
32.Rxf6
Now the black king is naked with heavy pieces throwing punches.
32...Re1+
I didn't even look at this move. Since it is a poor move, it is OK I missed
it.
33.Rxe1
33.Ka2 This allows ...Qc4 forcing the queens off when the Kg7 is
feeling much safer. 33...Rxf1 34.Rxf1 Qc4+
33...Kxf6
With the black king without shelter I felt I was now winning.
34.Qf2+ Qf5 35.Qd4+ Kf7 36.Qd8
White has too many threats to defend.
36...Qd7 37.Rf1+ Kg6
37...Ke6 38.Qf6+ Kd5 39.Rd1+ Ke4 40.Re1+ Kd5 41.Qe5+ Kc4 42.Rc1+ Kd3 43.Rc3+
Kd2 44.Qe3+ Kd1 45.Rc1#
38.Qg8+ Qg7 39.Rg1+
Winning the queen and the game.
1–0
