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19... Qc8
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(?!) Surely 19... Qe8, supporting c6 and defending h5, was the better queen move here? True, it loses a pawn, since after 20. f3 Black must take evasive action with the king and queen lined up on the file, but it still seems preferable compared with the game continuation. |
 
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20. Nxc6+
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Now White is willing to exchange off his strong knight, since it further reduces material, wins a pawn, and, most importantly, if Black takes, the rook has a strong grip on the squares around Black's exposed king. |
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20... Kd6
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Black decides not to take but instead to threaten winning a piece. An unexpected move, but I think it was a good attempt to defend in a very difficult position. |
1 comment
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21. Qh5
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Now that d4 is defended is the time to attack! If Black takes the knight, Qh6+ regains the piece, and the rook and queen create numerous mating threats (unless Black blocks the check with Qe6, in which case White exchanges, still regains the piece on c6, and has the strong advantage of R+R against R+B in the endgame). |
1 comment
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21... Qg8
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Black has overlooked something, but I feel that White is winning now anyway. |
2 comments
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22. Qe5#
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Thanks to my opponent for the game, and to Freddy for this mini-tournament! |
1 comment
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