ANNOTATED GAME

Recent GM Blitz Heartbreaker
GM A. Ramierz (2670 USCF) vs. Myself (1986 USCF)
Annotated by: darknite13 (1200)
Chess opening: English opening (A13)
Interactive Show all comments All annotated games View chessboard as:
Pages: 12
The title says it all. GM Ramierz and I played a 5-min blitz match. I held my own and fell to an unfortunate blunder at the end. A friend of mine did the notation for me.
1. c4 e6 2. d4 d5
Transposing from an English game to a QGD game. Normally I accept gambits, but I kinda had no choice but to play on from here.

 
3. Nc3
White chooses to let Black capture the c4 square. In exchange, he develops a piece and weakens the d5 square. Plus if I choose to take, my pawn is isolated.

 
3... dxc4
In blitz I usually prefer to take an aggressive approach. So why not start it early?

 
4. e3 Nf6 5. Bxc4
White recaptures the pawn and develops another piece.

 
5... Bb4
An aggressive play. In a real game c5 or Nc6 would be considered here. I pin the knight and open the line to castle.

 
6. Nge2 O-O
My queen side is under developed at this point, but at least I can safely move to c6 without worrying about a pin.

 
7. O-O b6
!? - Planning to enter a flank war for white's kingside. No knight on f3 strengthens this play. a6 may have been better, but note that this is not an easy move to outright defend.
1 comment
 
8. a3
Delays my plan for one turn. But forces me to think quick on my feet. To trade or no trade?
1 comment
 
8... Be7
I decide it is best not to trade.

 
9. Qc2
White flanks my kingside with his queen. This file will become more important as the game proceeds.
1 comment
 
9... Bb7
May the war of the flanks commence! In hindsight, c5 is also a playable option here.

 
10. Bd2 Nbd7
At this point, I say I am holding my own. So far so good. Not to mention I am also holding a 1 minute lead.
1 comment
 
11. Rfe1
This move I did not understand. Perhaps someone with a broader understanding can help me out?
1 comment
 
11... c5
Remember what I said about the c-file! Patience is a virtue. I asked later why white did not advance b4 to which he responded: "Why did you not push c5 earlier? It's all about preparation."

 
12. Rad1
Whatever he is preparing, I can not see. But I'm not the GM.
1 comment
 
12... cxd4
This was a bit premature and foolish on my end. Qc7 is clearly the better play. My aggressiveness gets to me here.
2 comments
 
13. Nxd4 Qc7
This move does not have the same potency as before, but I did still want to connect my rooks as well. Also taking aim at white's king, who has nothing on that side.
1 comment
 
14. Bd3 h6
Decided not to give up a pawn should I decide to move the knight.
2 comments
 
15. Ndb5
Retreating is a viable option here...

 
15... Qe5
But I decide to press on with my queen and keep my rooks connected.
2 comments
 

Pages: 12