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A while ago, an international master (IM) decided to host a 50 board simul to the community. I decided to participate along with 4 friends. Of the five of us, I was the only one who got a win. Let’s see how I pulled it off |
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1. c4
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This move seizes control of the centre using a flank pawn. |
 
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1... b6
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Preparing to fianchetto the bishop to challenge for the e4 position. |
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2. Nc3
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Activates the knight and strengthens control of the center. |
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2... Bb7
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The beginning of an English game. The English Opening for White involves building a central stronghold to maximize space, cramp your opponent, and slowly, but surely organize your forces until your pieces crescendo into an unstoppable attacking force. It’s literally the best of attack and defense. |
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3. e4
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I played this to solidify control of d5, and allow for the development of my bishop. |
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3... e6
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Preparing for the bishop to join the action. Also challenges d5 |
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4. Nf3
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A natural development move that attacks the centre |
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4... Bb4
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Developing and threatening to win a pawn by eliminating a key defender |
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5. Bd3
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While I could have gone d3, I like the idea of developing while adding a piece for defense more. |
1 comment
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5... Ne7
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Develops a piece and continues to attack the centre |
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6. O-O
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The final book move. Follows the opening principle of castling early |
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6... Nbc6
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Develops the second knight increasing control of the centre. |
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7. Bc2
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The main reason I decided to go with Bd3 vs d3. Here, the bishop has more scope and can be deployed for attack and defense |
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7... f6
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A solid move that protects e5. This move is fine but I think Bxc3 is a bit better positionally |
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8. d4
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Continues to attack the center and prepares the dark square bishop for development |
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8... O-O
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A slight mistake the IM noticed after the game. He said if he could redo it, he’d take the knight on c3 |
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9. Ne2
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! - I actually had the vision to see this move. With this, I am threatening to win a bishop after: 9. Ne2 Bd6 10. a3 Ng6 11. b4 a5 12. b5 Nce7 13. h4 |
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9... Bd6 10. a3 a5
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Very precise! Stops 11. b4 outright. Though 10. Ng6 would be the conventional option, I’ve learned that masters see much farther ahead than your average player. |
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11. Re1 Qb8
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?! - While black does keep setting hidden threats, I feel this was ill-timed. I felt there is a better way to develop the queen with 11… Qe8. |
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12. Qd3
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Threatens to win a pawn through a discovered attack. |
1 comment
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