|
|
1. d4
|
This game is from my appearance at the 2007 Alabama State Championship. I played in the Reserve (U1600) section, and by some miracle broke even with a score of 3/6. The chess is not brilliant by any means, but I did have a fun time hanging out with other chess heads. Game #1 was the lengthy one of the bunch, going 57 moves and about 4 hours. It was a tiring, but satisfying start to my first state championship. My opponent is a total stranger to me. He opens with 1. d4. |
1 comment
|
|
|
1... Nf6
|
My preferred response. |

|
|
|
2. Nf3
|
This guy opens just like I do with white. I wonder if he will go for QG? |

|
|
|
2... d5
|
Ok, come on.....throw me a gambit pawn......... |

|
|
|
3. e3
|
hmmm......White opts to activate his LSB. Truth be told, this is not a line that I am familiar with as I generally play 3. c4 as white. |
1 comment
|
|
|
3... c5
|
Feeling that I had been given a little time, I choose to spread open the queenside. Nc6 and Bg4 seem to hold some promise. |
1 comment
|
|
|
4. c3
|
Bolstering d4. |
1 comment
|
|
|
4... c4
|
Claiming yet more space, locking in white's LSB, and locking up the pawn structure. |
2 comments
|
|
|
5. b3
|
Attempting to unlock the pawn structure and gain more scope for his LSB. |
1 comment
|
|
|
5... b5
|
Consistent with my pawn structure ideas, but perhaps neglecting development. Maybe 4...Ba6? |

|
|
|
6. bxc4
|
Starting some conflict while attempting to gain some range for his LSB. |
1 comment
|
|
|
6... bxc4
|
Maintaining a hammer lock on the center. |

|
|
|
7. Nbd2
|
?! White really has to get something going here. While this move does develop, where can this knight go next? Is he worried about my nice e4 post? I think 7. Be2 followed by 0-0 is better here. |

|
|
|
7... Nc6 8. Ba3
|
Ok, ok....the whole "freezing same colored bishops" thing. White makes this move to develop while hindering my castling plans. |

|
|
|
8... Qa5
|
Hitting the bishop and the weak c pawn. |

|
|
|
9. Qc1
|
9. Nb1 also holds promise I think. |
1 comment
|
|
|
9... Rb8
|
While perhaps a bit behind in development, I just gotta jump on the open file. |

|
|
|
10. Be2 Bg4
|
Developing with some tactical threats. If I can draw off his Nd2 I can play Ne4 which will win a pawn. |
1 comment
|
|
|
11. Bc5
|
hmmmmmmmmmm....................................... |
1 comment
|
|
|
11... e6
|
My opponents last was intriguing. 11...Nd7 defeats it, but I figure I should go ahead and answer the question of his control of the a3-f8 diagonal. I figure that since my pieces and pawns are better placed than his, I'll simply castle by hand and continue squeezing his already cramped position. |
1 comment
|
|
|