I have been at an OTB tourney today and did fairly well as I am a 1323 uscf rated player it is pretty accurate with rhp. A game came across where I was playing black against a 1649 rated player and I was beating him all over the board. We will start from the following position. I am of course black
White: K=a3 P=a5
Black: K=g8 R=c8 R=d2 Q=c4 N=e5 P=h6 g7 f7 b7 a7
white to move
1. a6? I look at this move in triumph now his king will be all by himself so what is my irresistable move bxa6? leaving his king all alone and my opponent quickly reaches across the board and says good game and shakes my hand. I then look down at the board to bask on my triumph only to discover true horror. Stalemate my opponent called. With this move i forfieted a huge advantage to a draw. Truly everyone can see why I would be frustrated with myself, should I be happy in the fact that I had a draw against a much better player or should i stick my head in the blender for making such a mistake...go on laugh it up its quite ok. just wanted everyones opinion.
DBP
OUCH!Especially since you had Ra2 checkmate,I'd say this qualifies as a 'stick head in blender' moment.Missed mate in one and stalemated instead,that HURTS!Why the heck did you bother to take that pawn?This is half a point lost,not gained,regardless of ratings difference.
I've been in your situation all too often.Sucks huh....On the bright side,maybe next month you'll forget about the blunder and only remember you drew a guy rated 300 above you 😀
Use this experience as a lesson.Never bother with material when you have such a superiour advantage.Go in for the kill,QUICK!
Sir Lot.