I wanted to check on g4 to pop off the queens, but saw that after we trade, he can play h3 and my poor horsey is trapped. I thus retreat the knight to be able to redeploy to c5 or maybe e5 if the pawn moves.

I think he should have played 21. Nd2, looking to come out to e4.

Piling on is a penalty in American football, but in chess, is usually a great thing. Now, of course, he must flee or play Kg2.

?? Dropping the knight! While White is lost anyway, this would take me a while to win. Not now, though, as once I take the piece, my forces are concentrated enough to break through.

I considered moving the knight here, but still would like to trade queens. When he refuses again, I have my forces in position for an assault that he will have huge difficulties withstanding.

I go after this poor little weak pawn. The forces we amass to try to attack and defend it are enormous!

He decides to get the rook back to the battleground. I could have returned to f3, but elected to go elsewhere as I had the feeling he would play Rg4.

! Double attack on the f- and g-pawns. If he lets me take the f-pawn, I should be able to crash through his defenses.

I thought f4 would come here, though that lets me pick off weak pawns. The text is played to threaten mate after gh, but I see a series that mates him first!

! With the attack on the rook and the threat of check on h3, this move is decisive. I thought he would give up his rook for the knight, but was pleasantly surprised when he did not.