Annotated chess game

This used to be considered a very good defense, but is now considered risky.

But in king of the hill, it may be fine as the queen will occupy the centre.

?! Agreed. The right move was 2.e5. Don't forget that diagram in your previous annotation, as after 2.e5 white gets a small advantage. I'm not sure the reason behind it, but this is what Jack Stockel emphasized at chess club.

I think even for 'King of the Hill' (a new concept for me!) this king move must be bad.

For the pawn.

Not threatening to win, as he's threatening to get it back. But, this further exposes his King.

To get his king to the centre!

Just as easy, and what I would've done was 3...Nf6. As 4.Nc3 is how I'd answer. But, it's slightly more then just gaining tempo because using that N continues with development. And, after retreating, from I'd continue with something like 5.Bc4

I don't think this is the best way to stop the King. I'd prefer ...Nf6 or ...f5 here.

This doesn't help white at all.

It’s bait: Qxb5 Kxe4 wins

Probably better was 4.Nc3 or even 4.d4.

I would've answered with 4...c6, but this time, it would just be tempo gain. Having said that, I like your move better as you're trying to exchange your Bad B for his Good B.

4...Q x b5. Black Q can take B on b5 without any problem.

4...Qxb5 loses to 5.Kxe4:KOTH (King Of The Hill). But I would suggest 5...c6 as the more effective defence.

Which works. I would've played 5.Be2 to avoid exchanging because as GM Susan Polgar mentioned, you don't want to exchange your Good for Bad B. The idea is how many squares they cover, and his covered a lot more then yours. Having said that, I now say that you've got more then just a small advantage.

The Black King can wait. I'd be developing fast and going for checkmate: 5...Nxd7.

Slightly better was, believe it or not, 6...f5. I generally avoid advancing the f pawn, but in a small sequence of moves, white can win back a pawn here.

I'm not sure about 6...f5; Maybe White could take on f5? 6...f5 7.Qxf5+!? Kd6 (7...Qxf5 8.Kd4 1-0)(7...e6 8.Qxd5+ 1-0) 8.Nc3! Qe5! (8...e5 9.Qxe4 Qc5+ 10.d4!) 9.d4!! exd3e.p.+ 10.Kxe3 with ideas of 11.Bf4 or Nf3. EDIT: I just realised 9.d4 doesn't work, as Black can simply play 9...Qxf5 instead of 9...exd4e.p.+. Drat!

I'm inclined top agree with Joe. It would offer additional protection for the e4-pawn and, potentially a further barrier to the White King. ++++++++++ In view of a_random_guy's remarks, I now think 6...e6 might be the best defence, with ...Bc5ch; Kf3 Nf6 threatened.

Having said that above, better was 7.Qxe4, and if 7...Qxe4, white has 8.Kxe4 Ironically, I didn't see this, until just now.

7.Qxe4 f5 (threatens 8...Qxe4#) 8.Qf4ch?? Qe5ch wins, as the BK gets to d5 or e5.

I would've played 7...e5. Unlike before, I'm not sure if it's better then the move played or not.

I agree, 7...e5 is probably better, 7...e5 8.Qxe4 Nf6 seems totally winning for black.

As you note, this wins back a pawn. So, I would've played 8...Nf6 here.

Which I like a lot. Sometimes, discovered checks could be nasty. For a different reason, I would've played 9...Nf6, but I like this move even better.

I think 9...Bg7 can be answered by 10.Qxg7, as the black queen is currently overloaded by covering e4 and d4. 9...Nc6, however, is completely winning, as 10...Qd4+ is virtually unstoppable. 9...Bg7 10.Qxg7 Nc6 is still winning for black though.

I reckon 9...Bg7 and 9....Nc6 would have been good options, too. Both threaten a quick win. (+++++ Response to a_random_guy: 9...Bg7 10.Qxg7 Nf6 11.Qxg4 Nd5ch wins for Black (12.Ke2 Qxg5; 12.cxd5 Kxd5koh)).

This has to be a mistake...