Annotated chess game

I also would've played this for the same reason. Of course, I also would've considered 11...Nc6??, but would've seen that it loses the N, though.

I doubt if ...Rb8 move would ever have crossed my mind, but ...Rc8, though best, is still insufficient.

This move would've crossed my mind since the Q is attacked. I don't know what would've happened after 12...Rc8, but this move is also what I would've played, as I wouldn't know what to do after the other.

That is what I think Tartakower had in mind when saying sometimes the second best move is better than the best move. Losing the queen loses the game. Keeping the material level at least offers the hope that the attacker will himself play a less than optimal move.

I concur with ION, but this move is also would've played. I'm thinking about what else to do, after black's next move.

I think that white's actually aiming to win the Q with a family, starting with 15.Nc6+

First of all, this is what I also would've played to prevent 15.Nd4, so I'm glad you pointed that out, as I would've lost from that. With that being said, I also see where it's mate, starting with 15.Nf5+, as now, 15...Kd7 16.Bb5+ Nc6 17.Bxc6# I am so flattered by this note, that I'm thinking of creating a chess puzzle since this is a very good HW question for more viewers.

I also saw it.

I don't see how this mates. I like the other way better.

I see it, 18.Na6+ Qc7 19.Qxc7#

That's an even better way to put it.

19.Bxb7+ Kb8 20.Na6#

Aesthetics in chess does in my view include the time element. I'm not the most accurate finisher myself, but I still think that the immediate 16.Bxc6# was the most aesthetically pleasing finish. But this game just goes to show that in tactical openings, a single misjudgment can bring on a ferocious attack.

I completely agree with ION.