---

This was the first random match up game of 30 min rapid that I won, playing through the Chessnut PRO! As I have previously played rapid through chess.com on a browser window on a computer, or through the Chessnut Air, I did have a slight sense of disorientation using the large tournament size board. However, it was brilliant being able to use the large pieces! However, neither my opponent nor I played especially accurately during this game!

My opponent played the Pirc Defense (1. e4 d6), something that I don’t necessarily enjoy playing against, but also, don’t encounter frequently enough to have learnt much theory. Usually, I just try to play conservatively using opening principles against the Pirc, and this has largely worked “okay”.

By Move 4, we had transposed into the “Small Centre Defense” and Black made a mistake [+2.2] by pushing another pawn (4… a6). This opening effectively meant that Black was down on development, and I could capture their pawn on c5 for free. A few moves later, we had a serious of captures and trade of pieces in the centre, with (9. Qxd8+ Kxd8), a queen trade at the end. Apparently, this wasn’t the most optimal transformation for me, but I nonetheless thought that it was fine. I was slightly ahead on development and Black had lost the right to castle.

Into the early middle game on move 17, Black catches me out that I had hung my g2 pawn [-2] and takes the lead both in evaluation and in a point of material. Scrambling to find a path forward, I put my rooks into a battery on the e-file on move 21. Batteries are a powerful tactic, and the interesting thing is that their full powerful is not always recognised by the opponent. This means that the opponent might underestimate what a battery can do, and hence, blunder. Stockfish wanted me to break the battery on a couple of turns, believing that the position would be better if one of my rooks also controlled the d-file and on move 25, the evaluation was [-4], very winning for Black.

However, Black failed to see that their pawn on e6 was potentially pinned to their rook on e8, and thus, not necessarily defending their bishop on d5. “Potentially”, as there wasn’t a pin as long as the rook on e8 had a defender. However, with (25… Rc4), Black’s sensible looking move to attack my f4 pawn took away the rook on d8’s defence, meaning that the pin was now active! So, (26. Rxd5) – my rook does the seemingly impossible and captures the bishop – and the chess.com analytic engine rated this a brilliant move, and I am winning with [+2.8].

Effectively up a piece, my goal was clear. Try to trade into an endgame up a piece. Interestingly, we go through some rather complex positions where we each make mistake after mistake and the evaluation fluctuates from [+10] to near equality. However, when Black trades off their rook for my bishop and a pawn, we’re left with an endgame where I have a rook and 2 pawns, and they have 4 pawns. Stockfish sees inevitable mate (in around 20 moves) and it wasn’t difficult to play to win. Use the rook to capture the remaining pawns, and/or block off promotion lines for Black’s pawns, and to push my passed b-pawn to promote. On move 49, it because crystal clear that it was hopeless as I was about to capture Black’s second lass pawn with no concessions, and they opted to resign. GG!

Game on chess.com: https://www.chess.com/game/live/75795139709

[Event "Live Chess"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.04.21"]
[Round "-"]
[White "vitualis"]
[Black "jacobmv2023"]
[Result "1-0"]
[Timezone "UTC"]
[ECO "C00"]
[ECOUrl "https://www.chess.com/openings/Pirc-Defense-Small-Center-Defense"]
[UTCDate "2023.04.21"]
[UTCTime "05:51:43"]
[WhiteElo "1431"]
[BlackElo "1368"]
[TimeControl "1800"]
[Termination "vitualis won by resignation"]
[StartTime "05:51:43"]
[EndDate "2023.04.21"]
[EndTime "06:27:14"]
[Link "https://www.chess.com/game/live/75795139709"]
[WhiteUrl "https://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/v1/user/3711094.82046355.50x50o.c8c8e6b7296c.jpg"]
[WhiteCountry "17"]
[WhiteTitle ""]
[BlackUrl "https://www.chess.com/bundles/web/images/noavatar_l.84a92436.gif"]
[BlackCountry "69"]
[BlackTitle ""]

{This is not a high accuracy game - it's the first game I played and won with
the new Chessnut PRO, and I had a slight sense of disorientation playing on a
tournament size board (which I almost never do).} 1. e4 {[%clk 0:29:57.8]} 1...
d6 {[%clk 0:29:57]} 2. d4 {[%clk 0:29:42.1] Pirc Defense [+0.7]. I have to admit
to not enjoying playing against the Pirc, but generally doing okay.} 2... e6
{[%clk 0:29:54.8]} 3. Nf3 {[%clk 0:29:24.6]} 3... c5 $6 {[%clk
0:29:45.4][%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This is an
inaccuracy [+2] with White's best next move of dxc5} 4. Nc3 {[%clk 0:27:37.8]
However, I opted to play more conservatively and developed my other knight,
which transposes into the Small Center Defense [+0.5]} 4... a6 $6 {[%clk
0:29:41.5][%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
c5d4;keyPressed;none;from;c5;opacity;0.8;to;d4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d4;persistent;false] This is an error
[+2.2]. The d6 pawn remains pinned to the queen after dxc5 which remains
available.} 5. dxc5 $1 {[%clk 0:26:06.6][%c_effect
c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 5... Nc6 {[%clk 0:28:50.1]} 6.
cxd6 $6 {[%clk 0:24:23.5][%c_effect
d6;square;d6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
c1f4;keyPressed;none;from;c1;opacity;0.8;to;f4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
f4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f4;persistent;false] An inaccuracy, but
the position is still good for White [+1.3]} 6... Bxd6 {[%clk 0:28:44.7]} 7.
e5 $6 {[%clk 0:24:07][%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] I
decided to play aggressively, and Stockfish disapproves [+0.6]} 7... Nxe5 {[%clk
0:28:02.1]} 8. Nxe5 {[%clk 0:23:09]} 8... Bxe5 {[%clk 0:27:54.5]} 9. Qxd8+
{[%clk 0:23:03] I saw this sequence, and my rationale was that a queenless
middle game with Black's king losing the right to castle was good for me} 9...
Kxd8 {[%clk 0:27:50.7]} 10. f4 {[%clk 0:22:43.2]} 10... Bd4 {[%clk 0:27:39.8]}
11. Ne4 {[%clk 0:21:56]} 11... Ke7 {[%clk 0:27:27.3]} 12. c3 {[%clk 0:21:33]}
12... Bb6 $6 {[%clk 0:27:10.8][%c_effect
b6;square;b6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Some complicated positioning.
Black moving their bishop repeatedly was considered an inaccuracy [+0.6]} 13.
Bd2 $2 {[%clk 0:20:44.4][%c_arrow
b2b3;keyPressed;none;from;b2;opacity;0.8;to;b3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
b3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;b3;persistent;false][%c_effect
d2;square;d2;type;Mistake;persistent;true] A mistake [-0.4] as the knight on e4
will be kicked, losing tempo with f5} 13... Nf6 {[%clk 0:27:02.4]} 14. Nxf6
{[%clk 0:20:29.1] And we return to equality [0.00]} 14... Kxf6 {[%clk
0:26:52.9]} 15. O-O-O {[%clk 0:20:19.7]} 15... Bd7 {[%clk 0:26:41.1]} 16. Bc4 $2
{[%clk 0:19:31.4][%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Mistake;persistent;true] A mistake
[-2] as with Bc6, the pawn on g2 is lost} 16... Rac8 $6 {[%clk
0:26:25.6][%c_arrow
d7c6;keyPressed;none;from;d7;opacity;0.8;to;c6;persistent;false][%c_highlight
c6;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;c6;persistent;false][%c_effect
c8;square;c8;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 17. Bb3 $2 {[%clk
0:19:22][%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;Mistake;persistent;true][%c_arrow
d2e1;keyPressed;none;from;d2;opacity;0.8;to;e1;persistent;false][%c_highlight
e1;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e1;persistent;false] A mistake [-2.7] for
the same reason as before, the pawn on g2 is hanging} 17... Bc6 $1 {[%clk
0:26:22.9][%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 18. Rhe1
{[%clk 0:18:36.3]} 18... Bxg2 {[%clk 0:25:50.8]} 19. Be3 {[%clk 0:17:39.7]}
19... Bxe3+ {[%clk 0:25:03.2]} 20. Rxe3 {[%clk 0:17:35]} 20... Bc6 $6 {[%clk
0:24:29][%c_arrow
h8d8;keyPressed;none;from;h8;opacity;0.8;to;d8;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d8;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d8;persistent;false][%c_effect
c6;square;c6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Black's withdrawal of the bishop
is a loss of tempo as it was not realistically at risk of being trapped} 21.
Rde1 {[%clk 0:16:20.6]} 21... Rhe8 {[%clk 0:24:17.9]} 22. Bc2 {[%clk 0:15:35.3]}
22... g6 {[%clk 0:24:12.3]} 23. h4 {[%clk 0:15:23.1]} 23... h5 $2 {[%clk
0:23:55.5][%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;Mistake;persistent;true] Stockfish
considers this a mistake, but Black is still winning [-2.2]. Taking control of
the d-file with Red8 is best.} 24. Re5 $6 {[%clk 0:14:38][%c_effect
e5;square;e5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
e3d3;keyPressed;none;from;e3;opacity;0.8;to;d3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d3;persistent;false] A complicated
position. Stockfish thinks this is an inaccuracy [-3.5] and that taking control
of the d-file with Rd3 was best. My logic was to cut off the Black king from
further advancement.} 24... Bd5 $6 {[%clk 0:23:23.1][%c_effect
d5;square;d5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
d5f3;keyPressed;none;from;d5;opacity;0.8;to;f3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
f3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f3;persistent;false] Stockfish doesn't
think this works [-2.1]. Note that the e7 pawn is potentially pinned to the rook
on e8 and potentially not actually defending the bishop.} 25. Kb1 $2 {[%clk
0:14:26.4][%c_arrow
e1e3;keyPressed;none;from;e1;opacity;0.8;to;e3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
e3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e3;persistent;false][%c_effect
b1;square;b1;type;Mistake;persistent;true] A complex position and this was a
mistake according to Stockfish [-4]. R1e3 to prevent Bf3 was considered
important by the engine.} 25... Rc4 $4 {[%clk 0:23:13.9][%c_effect
c4;square;c4;type;Blunder;persistent;true] However, my seeing the potential
pinned pawn has had dividends. Black doesn't see it, and advances their rook to
attack my pawns. However, they don't realise that this was a major blunder
[+2.8]} 26. Rxd5 $3 {[%clk 0:13:45.5][%c_effect
d5;square;d5;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] Brilliant move $1 Black can't capture
back and I'm now up a piece, moving into the later middle game and endgame}
26... Rxf4 {[%clk 0:23:10.7]} 27. Rd4 {[%clk 0:13:16.2]} 27... Rxd4 {[%clk
0:22:13.4]} 28. cxd4 {[%clk 0:13:12.3]} 28... Rd8 {[%clk 0:21:50]} 29. Rf1+
{[%clk 0:12:41.5]} 29... Ke7 {[%clk 0:21:37]} 30. Rf4 {[%clk 0:12:24.6]} 30...
f5 {[%clk 0:21:01.4]} 31. b3 $2 {[%clk 0:11:58.3][%c_effect
b3;square;b3;type;Mistake;persistent;true][%c_arrow
c2b3;keyPressed;none;from;c2;opacity;0.8;to;b3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
b3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;b3;persistent;false] This wasn't obvious
to me, but this was a mistake and we're apparently back to equality [0.00]}
31... b5 $6 {[%clk 0:20:47.1][%c_effect
b5;square;b5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
e7f6;keyPressed;none;from;e7;opacity;0.8;to;f6;persistent;false][%c_highlight
f6;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f6;persistent;false] An inaccuracy [+0.4]}
32. a3 $2 {[%clk 0:11:47.8][%c_arrow
b1b2;keyPressed;none;from;b1;opacity;0.8;to;b2;persistent;false][%c_highlight
b2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;b2;persistent;false][%c_effect
a3;square;a3;type;Mistake;persistent;true] A mistake [-0.7]} 32... Rc8 $2 {[%clk
0:20:34.3][%c_arrow
e7f6;keyPressed;none;from;e7;opacity;0.8;to;f6;persistent;false][%c_highlight
f6;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f6;persistent;false][%c_effect
c8;square;c8;type;Mistake;persistent;true] A mistake [+2.5]} 33. Kb2 {[%clk
0:11:25.4]} 33... a5 $2 {[%clk 0:20:09][%c_arrow
e7f6;keyPressed;none;from;e7;opacity;0.8;to;f6;persistent;false][%c_highlight
f6;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f6;persistent;false][%c_effect
a5;square;a5;type;Mistake;persistent;true] A mistake [+4]} 34. Bd3 {[%clk
0:11:01.3]} 34... b4 {[%clk 0:19:47.4]} 35. axb4 $1 {[%clk 0:10:48.1][%c_effect
b4;square;b4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 35... axb4 {[%clk 0:19:43.2]} 36.
Bc4 $2 {[%clk 0:10:20.8][%c_arrow
d4d5;keyPressed;none;from;d4;opacity;0.8;to;d5;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d5;persistent;false][%c_effect
c4;square;c4;type;Mistake;persistent;true] It's difficult to see the best moves
[+0.6]} 36... Kf6 $2 {[%clk 0:19:25.7][%c_effect
f6;square;f6;type;Mistake;persistent;true][%c_arrow
c8d8;keyPressed;none;from;c8;opacity;0.8;to;d8;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d8;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d8;persistent;false] A mistake [+3.8]} 37.
Rf1 {[%clk 0:09:47]} 37... Rb8 $6 {[%clk 0:19:14.3][%c_effect
b8;square;b8;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
c8d8;keyPressed;none;from;c8;opacity;0.8;to;d8;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d8;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d8;persistent;false] An inaccuracy [+7]}
38. d5 $2 {[%clk 0:09:24][%c_effect
d5;square;d5;type;Mistake;persistent;true][%c_arrow
f1e1;keyPressed;none;from;f1;opacity;0.8;to;e1;persistent;false][%c_highlight
e1;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e1;persistent;false] A mistake [+0.3]}
38... Rb6 $4 {[%clk 0:18:35.6][%c_effect
b6;square;b6;type;Blunder;persistent;true] A game ending blunder [+10] as after
Black trades their final piece, the rook for my bishop, the endgame where I'm up
a rook is completely winning} 39. dxe6 {[%clk 0:09:04.9]} 39... Rxe6 {[%clk
0:18:30.9][%c_arrow
b6b8;keyPressed;none;from;b6;opacity;0.8;to;b8;persistent;false][%c_highlight
b8;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;b8;persistent;false] [+M21]} 40. Bxe6
{[%clk 0:09:00.4]} 40... Kxe6 {[%clk 0:18:25]} 41. Rf4 {[%clk 0:08:45]} 41...
Ke5 {[%clk 0:18:13.1]} 42. Rxb4 {[%clk 0:08:41.3]} 42... f4 {[%clk 0:18:11]} 43.
Rb6 {[%clk 0:08:32.3]} 43... Kf5 {[%clk 0:18:06.2]} 44. Kc2 {[%clk 0:08:15.1]}
44... f3 {[%clk 0:18:02.4]} 45. Kd2 {[%clk 0:08:05]} 45... Kf4 {[%clk
0:17:58.8]} 46. Ke1 {[%clk 0:07:53]} 46... g5 {[%clk 0:17:45]} 47. hxg5 {[%clk
0:07:43.1]} 47... Kxg5 {[%clk 0:17:42.2]} 48. Kf2 {[%clk 0:07:35.6]} 48... Kf4
{[%clk 0:17:29.2]} 49. Rf6+ {[%clk 0:07:30.4][%c_effect
f2;square;f2;type;Winner,f4;square;f4;type;ResignBlack] Black resigns as I'll
capture the f-pawn, and it will be trivial to block the h-pawn from promoting,
while it's not possible for Black to prevent the b-pawn from promoting. GG $1} 1-0