07 Dec 08
Here is a really exciting game that I just played.
This is the first really exciting game that I have played in a while.
This one actually got the juices flowing.
The opening was inspired by Duncan Suttles.
I have never played a game quite like this in postal.
Don't get me wrong, with clocks ticking, I would play it at a faster time control (especially blitz).
After the opening and early middlegame, I think my path was pretty much set. I had to open the kingside and get an attack.
The center is closed and my queenside looks like swiss cheese.
30. ... Qf8 was my first sheepish attempt to open it up. The idea was (possibly) 31. ... Ng4+ and Qh6.
I don't really know what inspired me to play 32. ... Rf4. I needed to open the kingside and couldn't find a way. 32. ... g4 33.h4 is obviously no good.
Rf4 opens two possibilities. Rh4 (and then g4) and Ng4+ (and Qh6).
The only question is, is it sound?
The main idea is 33.gxf4 Qxf4+ 34.Kg1 Qh4 (followed by Qxh3 and Ng4). Up to this point, we were playing rather quickly, and I didn't spend as much time as I should have on this one. The sacrifice was mostly instinctual. I HAD to open the kingside (or lose slowly).
Necessity is the mother of invention ... that sort of thing. hehe
I played 33. ... bxc5 to keep the c file closed.
37.Rxc5 looked great.
White really stayed on his toes, so to speak.
The idea is
37. ... Qxh3 ? 38.Rxc7 Ng4 39.Rxh7+ wins
Believe it or not, I spent an hour or more on my 39th move. That may be a record for me. (I always move fast.)
39. ... Nxf5 40.exf5 g4 41.Qxe5+
39. ... g4 40.Nxh6 gxh3+ 41.Kh1 Qxh6 (41. ... Qg5 42.Nf7+) 42.Qxe5+
39. ... Ng4 really is the only try. I offered a draw here.
39. ... Ng4 40.hxg4 Qxg4+ 41.Ng3 Qh3 42.Qxe5+ looks like a draw by perpetual.
39. ... Ng4 40.Ng3
The first move I saw was 40. ... Nxf2. Whether it actually works or not is another question. I really hadn't analysed it all that much because I felt 39. ... Ng4 was the only move. I figured I would get to this position soon enough. 40. ... Nf6 and 40. ... h5 are alternatives.
I just thought I should share this interesting and really fun game.
It brought both of us much pleasure.
Not all draws are boring !!!
Comments welcome