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Those of you who follow my channel will know that I love the romantic style of chess – aggressive attacks, piece sacrifices, and not all of them sound! I get a bit of a buzz when the chess.com analytic engine rates my sacrifices as brilliant moves, and I do tend to chase these a bit! This hasn’t been good for my ELO rating and today, it dipped below 1300 for the first time in quite a while! After this win, I just scraped back in at 1300 in rapid.

I’m proud of this game, even though it was relatively low accuracy for both my opponent and me. When analysing the game, it’s always useful to interpret computer moves in context, as we’ll see. I sacrificed several pieces and pawns, with two of them being brilliancies! I missed a third brilliant sacrifice that I couldn’t bring myself to play in game!

I had the Black pieces, and the game begins with one of my least favourite openings to play against, the Italian Game, Two Knights, Modern Bishop’s Opening (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf4 4. d3). There is nothing wrong with this opening – it’s just that it’s super solid for White and can easily dip into a slow and positional game.

On the following move, however, White plays a slight inaccuracy with (5. Be3). This isn’t the best position for the bishop and one of the opening principles is to develop knights before bishops. This slight inaccuracy allows me to immediately direct the game down a more tactical path with (5… d5). Another opening principle: if you can take the full centre, it’s often good to do so!

On move 10, White castles kingside, and I set my strategic outlook for the game. I’m going to try to move my pieces to the kingside to launch an attack and probably aim to castle queenside. This will allow me to launch the kingside pawns into the attack as well.

On move 12, White blunders with (12. d4) though I didn’t see the tactical pattern that would have allowed me to win a piece. There’s a lesson here – calculate things carefully! However, I was trying to prioritise every move to launching an attack on White’s king, and this ends up being effective in the game.

The interesting here is that Stockfish now rates many of the moves in this part of the middlegame as inaccurate. The reason is that the engine can calculate that my attack can be full defended against with accurate play. Hence, it recommends that I attack in the centre and into the queenside. Humans, however, are not computers. The asymmetry in the position meant that White needed to play very accurately against my attack to maintain the theoretical equality, while I had more latitude. Psychologically, it is better for me to keep up the pressure with the attack, rather than to start playing on the other side of the board. Stockfish evaluations of moves and lines need to be understood in context.

Move 16, I offer to sacrifice a bishop (on h3) with (16… Bg5), a brilliancy! The tactical idea here is to smash open the white king’s defensive pawns by potentially sacrificing pieces. White, wary of doing so, opts to capture my other bishop (17. Bxg5) but this now allows me to open the h-file with (17. hxg5)! This tactic is available with opposite-side castling and now I have a lethal looking attack with my queen and rook in an h-file battery!

White still refuses to capture my sacrificial bishop, so a force the issue with (18… Bxg2+), another brilliancy! On move 20, White plays a logical looking move to buttress their h-file with (20. h4), and here, I miss a delightful third brilliancy by sacrificing my queen (20… Qxh4+), which would be a [-M3] (21. Nxh4 Rxh4+ 22. Kg2 Rg4+ 23. Rh3 Rh8#) taking advantage of the full open h-file.

Instead, I bring over my knight to place more pressure on the pinned piece (the pawn on h4). This was technically a mistake with White gaining an advantage of over [+3]. However, they eventually blunder against the complicated attack, hang their queen, and resign on move 25 having suffered emotional damage. GG!

The big takeaway from this game is to look for sacrifices. Most of them won’t be good, but if you never calculate the lines, you’ll never find the nuggets of gold.

Game on chess.com: https://www.chess.com/game/live/91245568769

[Event "Live Chess"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.10.17"]
[Round "-"]
[White "EthanG03"]
[Black "vitualis"]
[Result "0-1"]
[Timezone "UTC"]
[ECO "C55"]
[ECOUrl "https://www.chess.com/openings/Italian-Game-Two-Knights-Modern-Bishops-Opening-4...h6"]
[UTCDate "2023.10.17"]
[UTCTime "01:38:19"]
[WhiteElo "1204"]
[BlackElo "1300"]
[TimeControl "900+10"]
[Termination "vitualis won by resignation"]
[StartTime "01:38:19"]
[EndDate "2023.10.17"]
[EndTime "02:07:51"]
[Link "https://www.chess.com/game/live/91245568769"]
[WhiteUrl "https://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/v1/user/190560935.5eac182d.50x50o.48d9a91871b9.jpg"]
[WhiteCountry "3"]
[WhiteTitle ""]
[BlackUrl "https://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/v1/user/3711094.f52a0759.50x50o.ab18600a8723.png"]
[BlackCountry "17"]
[BlackTitle ""]

1. e4 {[%clk 0:15:10]} 1... e5 {[%clk 0:15:04.4]} 2. Nf3 {[%clk 0:15:18.5]} 2...
Nc6 {[%clk 0:15:11]} 3. Bc4 {[%clk 0:15:26.6]} 3... Nf6 {[%clk 0:15:19.4]} 4. d3
{[%clk 0:15:11.6] Italian Game: Two Knights, Modern Bishop's Opening} 4... h6
{[%clk 0:15:24.9]} 5. Be3 {[%clk 0:15:12.1][%c_arrow
c2c3;keyPressed;none;from;c2;opacity;0.8;to;c3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
c3;keyPressed;shift;opacity;0.8;square;c3;persistent;false] Okay, but a bit
inaccurate [-0.2]} 5... d5 {[%clk 0:15:11.7] Opening principle: if you can take
the full centre, it's often good to do so} 6. exd5 {[%clk 0:14:07.7]} 6... Nxd5
{[%clk 0:15:18.6]} 7. Bxd5 {[%clk 0:13:23.6]} 7... Qxd5 {[%clk 0:15:25.3] And we
finish the opening trades with an advantage to Black [-0.7]} 8. Nc3 {[%clk
0:13:22.1]} 8... Qe6 $6 {[%clk 0:14:25.2][%c_arrow
f8b4;keyPressed;none;from;f8;opacity;0.8;to;b4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
b4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;b4;persistent;false][%c_effect
e6;square;e6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Although this was safe, it was
inaccurate [0.00]} 9. Ne4 $2 {[%clk 0:12:47.2][%c_arrow
d3d4;keyPressed;none;from;d3;opacity;0.8;to;d4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d4;persistent;false][%c_effect
e4;square;e4;type;Mistake;persistent;true] But this forward step was a mistake
[-2.1]} 9... Be7 $6 {[%clk 0:14:06.8][%c_arrow
b7b6;keyPressed;none;from;b7;opacity;0.8;to;b6;persistent;false][%c_highlight
b6;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;b6;persistent;false][%c_effect
e7;square;e7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Complicated position. Stockfish
identifies b6 as the best move [-1.4]} 10. O-O {[%clk 0:12:30]} 10... Bd7 $6
{[%clk 0:13:44.6][%c_arrow
b7b6;keyPressed;none;from;b7;opacity;0.8;to;b6;persistent;false][%c_highlight
b6;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;b6;persistent;false][%c_effect
d7;square;d7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] b6 is still best [-1]} 11. c3
{[%clk 0:12:15]} 11... O-O-O {[%clk 0:13:52.4]} 12. d4 $4 {[%clk
0:12:17.5][%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;Blunder;persistent;true][%c_arrow
b2b4;keyPressed;none;from;b2;opacity;0.8;to;b4;persistent;false,e3c5;keyPressed;none;from;e3;opacity;0.8;to;c5;persistent;false][%c_highlight
b4;keyPressed;shift;opacity;0.8;square;b4;persistent;false,c5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;c5;persistent;false]
A blunder in a complicated position [-5.5]} 12... Qg6 $2 {[%clk
0:13:37.2][%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;Mistake;persistent;true][%c_arrow
e5d4;keyPressed;none;from;e5;opacity;0.8;to;d4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d4;persistent;false] But I miss the tactic
that wins a piece. However, this immediate attack on White's king is a winning
strategy [-1.7]} (12... exd4 {[%c_arrow
d4e3;keyPressed;none;from;d4;opacity;0.8;to;e3;persistent;false,e6e4;keyPressed;none;from;e6;opacity;0.8;to;e4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
e3;keyPressed;alt;opacity;0.8;square;e3;persistent;false,e4;keyPressed;alt;opacity;0.8;square;e4;persistent;false]
This is the winning tactic - the pawn capture opens a discovered attack on the
knight on e4 by my queen}) 13. Qd3 $2 {[%clk 0:12:04.3][%c_arrow
e4g3;keyPressed;none;from;e4;opacity;0.8;to;g3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
g3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g3;persistent;false][%c_effect
d3;square;d3;type;Mistake;persistent;true] White underestimates the threat of my
attack on their king with the queen and two bishops [-5]} 13... Bh3 $2 {[%clk
0:13:39.4][%c_arrow
d7f5;keyPressed;none;from;d7;opacity;0.8;to;f5;persistent;false][%c_highlight
f5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f5;persistent;false][%c_effect
h3;square;h3;type;Mistake;persistent;true] A very direct attack which is a bit
of a mistake [-3]. Bf5 first is better, as it forces White's knight on f3 to
d2.} 14. Ne1 {[%clk 0:09:25.1] White finds the best move, and their defences are
largely find as long as they play accurately.} 14... f5 $5 {[%clk
0:12:29.3][%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;Interesting;persistent;true][%c_arrow
e5d4;keyPressed;none;from;e5;opacity;0.8;to;d4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d4;persistent;false] The engine believes
that White's defences on the kingside are sound, so recommends an attack on the
queenside, hence exd4. It rates f5 a mistake that gives up the advantage [0.00],
but that's only if White finds the correct move Ng3 to defend their king. All
other moves gives Black an advantage.} 15. Nd2 $2 {[%clk 0:07:47.5][%c_effect
d2;square;d2;type;Mistake;persistent;true][%c_arrow
e4g3;keyPressed;none;from;e4;opacity;0.8;to;g3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
g3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g3;persistent;false] White doesn't find
the move and so my attack still has life in it $1 [-1.6]} 15... e4 $2 {[%clk
0:12:26.7][%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;Mistake;persistent;true][%c_arrow
h8e8;keyPressed;none;from;h8;opacity;0.8;to;e8;persistent;false][%c_highlight
e8;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e8;persistent;false] Stockfish doesn't
believe in it though, thus the recommendations with attacking the centre [-0.1]}
16. Qc4 $6 {[%clk 0:07:24.2][%c_arrow
d3c2;keyPressed;none;from;d3;opacity;0.8;to;c2;persistent;false][%c_highlight
c2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;c2;persistent;false][%c_effect
c4;square;c4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] An inaccuracy [-1.3]} 16... Bg5 $3
{[%clk 0:10:37.1][%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;Brilliant;persistent;true]
Brilliant move no. 1 $1 I \"sacrifice\" the bishop on h3 $1} 17. Bxg5 {[%clk
0:07:05.3]} ({However, if White captured the bishop...} 17. gxh3 $4 {[%c_effect
h3;square;h3;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} 17... Bxe3+ {Discovered check} 18.
Kh1 Bxd2 {And Black is very comfortable... [-5.5]}) 17... hxg5 {[%clk 0:10:32.5]
And now the h-file is opened $1 [-2.3]} 18. Kh1 $4 {[%clk 0:06:56.6][%c_effect
h1;square;h1;type;Blunder;persistent;true][%c_arrow
f2f3;keyPressed;none;from;f2;opacity;0.8;to;f3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
f3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f3;persistent;false] A blunder, but
admittedly, a very difficult position for White to play} 18... Bxg2+ $3 {[%clk
0:09:24.1][%c_effect g2;square;g2;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] Brilliant move
no. 2 $1 This smashes open White's kingside defences $1 [-10]} 19. Nxg2 {[%clk
0:07:00.7]} 19... Qh6 {[%clk 0:09:28.8]} 20. h4 $4 {[%clk 0:04:38.4][%c_effect
h4;square;h4;type;Blunder;persistent;true][%c_arrow
c4e6;keyPressed;none;from;c4;opacity;0.8;to;e6;persistent;false][%c_highlight
e6;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e6;persistent;false] A logical looking
move but a blunder [-M4]} 20... f4 $4 {[%clk 0:09:17.8][%c_effect
f4;square;f4;type;Blunder;persistent;true][%c_arrow
h6h4;keyPressed;none;from;h6;opacity;0.8;to;h4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
h4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h4;persistent;false] And at the crucial
moment, I didn't see a beautiful third brilliant move with queen sacrifice $1 😂}
({Brilliant move no. 3 $1 (But only found after the game...)} 20... Qxh4+ $3
{[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;Brilliant;persistent;true]} 21. Nxh4 Rxh4+ 22. Kg2
Rg4+ 23. Kh3 Rh8# {And a beautiful checkmate $1}) 21. f3 $1 {[%clk
0:04:06.1][%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 21... Ne7 $5
{[%clk 0:07:41.1][%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A
mistake, but I opted to sacrifice material for tempo - I want to bring my knight
into the attack on the h-pawn [+3.1]} 22. fxe4 {[%clk 0:03:50.6]} 22... Ng6
{[%clk 0:07:41.1]} 23. Qe6+ {[%clk 0:03:06.2]} 23... Kb8 {[%clk 0:07:49.3]} 24.
Nf3 {[%clk 0:03:06.1]} 24... Nxh4 $1 {[%clk 0:06:52.9][%c_arrow
g5h4;keyPressed;none;from;g5;opacity;0.8;to;h4;persistent;false,h4f3;keyPressed;none;from;h4;opacity;0.8;to;f3;persistent;false,h4g2;keyPressed;none;from;h4;opacity;0.8;to;g2;persistent;false,h6e6;keyPressed;none;from;h6;opacity;0.8;to;e6;persistent;false][%c_highlight
h4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h4;persistent;false,g2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g2;persistent;false,f3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f3;persistent;false,e6;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e6;persistent;false][%c_effect
h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;keyPressed;undefined;persistent;true] A complicated
multifaceted attack $1} 25. Nfxh4 $4 {[%clk 0:03:01.7][%c_effect
h4;square;h4;type;Blunder;keyPressed;undefined;persistent;true] White, spooked
by the pressure down the h-file made a snap judgement thinking that I would be
forced to recapture the knight with my pawn on g5, and thus closing the h-file.
However, they hang their queen [-18]...} 25... Qxe6 {[%clk 0:07:01.4][%c_effect
b8;square;b8;type;Winner,h1;square;h1;type;ResignWhite] Emotional damage, GG $1}
0-1