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1. e4
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Katzlbt and I have been playing each other for years, well before we discovered game knot. |
 
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1... e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5
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It's very rare that he lets me get a Ruy Lopez out. |
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3... a6 4. Ba4 b5
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He always does this diversion from the main Ruy Lopez line. |
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5. Bb3 Bc5
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This one is new, though. |
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6. a4
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a4 threatens to either bring out my rook or steal the black b pawn. |
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6... Rb8 7. axb5 axb5
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I am now left with a strong advantage in the open a file. |
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8. O-O d6 9. c3
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Preparing for d4. |
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9... Bg4 10. Bd5
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Attacking the black knight and claiming the center. So far, we're still perfectly textbook. |
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10... Nge7
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The first non-textbook move. Black prepares to castle while attacking my bishop and defending his knight. |
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11. d4
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The best defense is a good offense. Nxd5 begets exd5, leaving black with both his knight and bishop attacked by pawns. |
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11... exd4
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Black tries to turn up the pressure. |
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12. Bxf7+
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But I noticed something. With my king's knight positioned where he is, getting the black king to f7 would be disasterous for black. As an added bonus, I reclaim the pawn. I only wish I'd seen this 3 moves earlier. |
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12... Kf8
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Black recognises the problem and doesn't take the bait. That's OK, though, because black has just moved his king onto a half-open file, trapped his rook in the corner, and gave up his ability to castle. Mission accomplished. |
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13. Bd5
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I withdraw the bishop to safety. |
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13... dxc3
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Black decides that collecting pawns is more important than gaining position. It's a trade I'm willing to make. |
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14. h3
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I need the pin broken so I can go after the black king. |
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14... cxb2
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Black is still collecting pawns. |
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15. Bxb2
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No choice but to take the pawn. |
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15... Bd7
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Black doesn't have many options for retreating the bishop. |
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16. Nd4
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I bring the knight to bear and open up the queen for Qf3 . |
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