The Fishing Pole Tactic, also known as the fishing pole attack or trap, is one of my favourite tactical patterns at the beginner-intermediate level. Once above a certain level of experience, it doesn’t “work” anymore, insofar that your opponent won’t immediately crumble to its deviousness, but it nonetheless might be a structure that forms part of your attack. The pattern can occur from many openings, and more typically for the player with the black pieces. From the perspective of accuracy, the attack can be dodgy, or it can be good – it very much depends on the specific position. However, from the perspective of playing in the romantic style in casual low-stakes chess, it can be a very effective attack and even when it fails, it’s a lot of fun!
This article will include four of my games against Random Noob where I used the Fishing Pole Tactic to good effect. But for beginner players who might not be so familiar with this tactic, let’s start with looking how it works.
Background
The following is a position used only for demonstration purposes – I’ve removed extraneous pieces for clarity. The tactic is more commonly available for the player with the black pieces, where White has castled kingside, and where Black has yet to castle or has castled queenside. The background tactic idea is that we want to attack White’s king down the h-file, and to do this, we’re going to use a tricky ruse to fully open that file.
Step 1: Baiting the hook and castling the line🪝🪱
The first step is that we leap the knight forward to g4. We cast our fishing line into our opponent’s territory and our knight, which seems a bit offside, but can also feel threatening to White’s king, is our bait!
Step 2: White probes the bait 🪝🪱🐟
A common response is that White will threaten the knight with their h-pawn, and they are probably expecting that this will kick Black’s knight back. In fishing terms (😅), this is equivalent to White probing the bait, and perhaps, having a bit of a nibble…
Step 3: We keep the bait in place, waiting for a bite! 😁
Just like in fishing, feeling a few little nibbles and little tugs on the line is an indication that there is interest! We keep our bait in place and “defend” the knight with our own h-pawn to h5!
Step 4: White takes a bite! 🪝🐟
Especially for beginner players, hanging material can almost be irresistible – just like a worm dangling in the water for a fish! White bites!
Step 5: And we “set” the hook with a tug! 🎣😃
We snap capture back the pawn with our own h-pawn – we sharply tug on the rod – and just like that, we’ve set our hook in the fish’s mouth! Notice that White’s knight is under attack from our g4-pawn, and the h-file is now fully open!
Step 6: White tries to struggle against the line ➰🐟
White’s knight leaps out of the attack, but in doing so, is no longer defending the h4 square… This is a mistake, and White cannot escape from checkmate!
Step 7: We start to reel in the fish! 🧵⬅️🐟
With the h-file fully open and the h4 square undefended, our queen now forms a battery with our h8-rook down the h-file! We start reeling in the fish!
Step 8: White might continue to fight and struggle… but it’s to no avail ➰🐟↩️
White can attempt to delay checkmate – here White attempts to open the f2 square for the king to run away, but it doesn’t work in this position as the escape is closed after the g-pawn walks to g3.
Step 9: Land the fish, release, and fight another day! 🎣🤩👍
Checkmate!
Game 1: Simple example from the Italian Game: Two Knights Defense
https://www.chess.com/analysis/library/2VJfHKM2t6
The first game follows the above schema closely! It starts initially as the Bishop’s Opening, but as is often the case, it transposed back into the Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Modern Bishop’s Opening.
White plays this in a completely standard and solid manner, castling on move 6. On move 7, I bait my hook and cast my line with (7… Ng4!?) 😏. Black blunders with (10. Nh2??) trying to move their f3-knight out of the attack of the pawn, realises the following turn, and resigns, GG!
Game 2: Less simple example from the Center Game
https://www.chess.com/analysis/library/5Wk55beJHC
This game is not quite as simple in the opening as there is some to-ing and fro-ing in the opening. White ignores at our bait (8… Ng4!?) initially. Sometimes, you must be patient and wait after you’ve cast! However, White couldn’t resist for long (11. h3) and after this, the tactic follows the above examples!
Game 3: Variation on the motif in the Van ’t Kruijs Opening
https://www.chess.com/analysis/library/59Exnj7b6W
The third game is a variation on the theme. White eventually castles kingside, and in the game, a light square bishop is the bait rather than the knight! White strikes (14. Bxg4?? hxg4), and this creates a semi-open f-file controlled by my h8-rook! White moves their h4-knight off the file, ostensibly with an attack on my queen on d6 and in doing so, hangs immediate checkmate with Qxh2#!
Game 4: More complicated but brilliant example out from the Four Knights Italian!
https://www.chess.com/analysis/library/3sgkEC37Wn
Like game 3, this example has the light square bishop as the bait, and in the position, the fishing pole tactic to open the h-file was evaluated as a brilliancy by the chess.com analytic engine (11. h3 h5!!). The consequence after the h-file opens is that White’s king is critically exposed, even if there wasn’t an immediate mating attack. White attempts to run their king, with some success, but loses material in the process. White resigns, psychologically defeated, as it becomes clear that their queen will soon also be lost!
[Event "Fishing Pole Tactic Demo"]
[White "White"]
[Black "Black"]
[Result "0-1"]
[SetUp "1"]
[FEN "2bqk2r/pp3ppp/2pp1n2/4p3/4P3/2PP1N2/PP3PPP/3Q1RK1 b k - 0 2"]
2... Ng4 $5 {[%c_arrow
f6g4;keyPressed;none;from;f6;opacity;0.8;to;g4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
g4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g4;persistent;false][%c_effect
g4;square;g4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Presenting the bait $1 😏🪝} 3. h3
{[%c_arrow
h3g4;keyPressed;none;from;h3;opacity;0.8;to;g4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
g4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g4;persistent;false] White probes the
bait... 🤤} 3... h5 {[%c_arrow
h3g4;keyPressed;none;from;h3;opacity;0.8;to;g4;persistent;false,h5g4;keyPressed;none;from;h5;opacity;0.8;to;g4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
g4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g4;persistent;false] We keep the knight on
g4, tempting White to bite...} 4. hxg4 {... and they bite... 🐟} 4... hxg4
{[%c_arrow
g4f3;keyPressed;none;from;g4;opacity;0.8;to;f3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
f3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f3;persistent;false] ... and we set the
hook $1 🎣} 5. Nd2 $4 {[%c_effect
d2;square;d2;type;Blunder;persistent;true][%c_highlight
d2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d2;persistent;false] White leaps their
knight out of the attack, and blunders forced checkmate $1} 5... Qh4
{[%c_highlight
h8;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h8;persistent;false,h4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h4;persistent;false][%c_arrow
h8h1;keyPressed;none;from;h8;opacity;0.8;to;h1;persistent;false,d8h4;keyPressed;none;from;d8;opacity;0.8;to;h4;persistent;false]
Queen and rook form a battery on the h-file, and it's time to reel in the win $1}
6. f3 {[%c_arrow
g1f2;keyPressed;none;from;g1;opacity;0.8;to;f2;persistent;false][%c_highlight
f2;keyPressed;shift;opacity;0.8;square;f2;persistent;false] White can attempt to
give the king an escape square...} 6... g3 {[%c_arrow
g3f2;keyPressed;none;from;g3;opacity;0.8;to;f2;persistent;false,h8h1;keyPressed;none;from;h8;opacity;0.8;to;h1;persistent;false][%c_highlight
f2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f2;persistent;false,h8;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h8;persistent;false,h4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h4;persistent;false]
... but in this demonstration position, it's hopeless.} 7. a4 Qh2# {[%c_effect
e8;square;e8;type;Winner,g1;square;g1;type;CheckmateWhite][%c_arrow
h8h2;keyPressed;none;from;h8;opacity;0.8;to;h2;persistent;false,h2g1;keyPressed;none;from;h2;opacity;0.8;to;g1;persistent;false,h2h1;keyPressed;none;from;h2;opacity;0.8;to;h1;persistent;false,g3f2;keyPressed;none;from;g3;opacity;0.8;to;f2;persistent;false][%c_highlight
h2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h2;persistent;false,g1;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g1;persistent;false,h1;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h1;persistent;false,f2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f2;persistent;false]
GG $1} 0-1
[Event "Live Chess"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2024.07.17"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Random Noob"]
[Black "vitualis"]
[Result "0-1"]
[TimeControl "600"]
[WhiteElo ""]
[BlackElo ""]
[Termination "vitualis won by resignation"]
[BlackUrl "https://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/v1/user/3711094.f52a0759.100x100o.671ef4f371ed@3x.png"]
[BlackCountry "17"]
[BlackTitle ""]
[WhiteUrl ""]
[WhiteCountry "225"]
[WhiteTitle ""]
[Link "https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/3KTVeLCbAW?tab=analysis"]
1. e4 {[%clk 0:09:57.5][%timestamp 25]} 1... e5 {[%clk 0:09:59.1][%timestamp 9]}
2. Bc4 {[%clk 0:09:55.5][%timestamp 20] Bishop's Opening} 2... Nc6 {[%clk
0:09:57.2][%timestamp 19]} 3. d3 {[%clk 0:09:52.8][%timestamp 27]} 3... Nf6
{[%clk 0:09:53][%timestamp 42]} 4. Nf3 {[%clk 0:09:50.7][%timestamp 21]
Transpose: Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Modern Bishop's Opening} 4... h6
{[%clk 0:09:48.3][%timestamp 47]} 5. Bd2 {[%clk 0:09:45.4][%timestamp 53]} 5...
Bc5 {[%clk 0:09:44.5][%timestamp 38]} 6. O-O {[%clk 0:09:43.1][%timestamp 23]}
6... d6 {[%clk 0:09:43.6][%timestamp 9]} 7. a3 {[%clk 0:09:39.8][%timestamp 33]}
7... Ng4 $5 {[%clk 0:09:32.2][%timestamp 114][%c_effect
g4;square;g4;type;Interesting;path;null;size;100%2525;animated;false;persistent;true]
Setting the bait for the Fishing Pole Tactic $1 🪝🪱} 8. h3 {[%clk
0:09:35][%timestamp 48] A nibble $1} 8... h5 $5 {[%clk 0:09:29.2][%timestamp
30][%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A little tug on the
line to entice...} 9. hxg4 $2 {[%clk 0:09:29.5][%timestamp 55][%c_effect
g4;square;g4;type;Mistake;persistent;true] A strike $1 🐟 Now, this isn't
technically a mistake yet as White's f3-knight can escape to g5, defended by
White's d2-bishop.} 9... hxg4 {[%clk 0:09:28.2][%timestamp 10][%c_arrow
g4f3;keyPressed;none;from;g4;opacity;0.8;to;f3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
f3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f3;persistent;false]} 10. Nh2 $4 {[%clk
0:09:27.2][%timestamp 23][%c_effect
h2;square;h2;type;Blunder;persistent;true][%c_arrow
f3g5;keyPressed;none;from;f3;opacity;0.8;to;g5;persistent;false,f3h2;keyPressed;none;from;f3;opacity;0.8;to;h2;persistent;false][%c_highlight
g5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g5;persistent;false,h2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h2;persistent;false]
However, they don't see this and hang forced checkmate $1 [-M6]} 10... Qh4 $1 {[%clk
0:09:26.5][%timestamp 17][%c_effect
h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true][%c_highlight
h4;keyPressed;alt;opacity;0.8;square;h4;persistent;false,h8;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h8;persistent;false][%c_arrow
h8h2;keyPressed;none;from;h8;opacity;0.8;to;h2;persistent;false] Time to reel it
in $1} 11. Bxf7+ {[%clk 0:09:06.8][%timestamp 204] White can give spite checks...
but it just delays the inevitable $1} 11... Kxf7 {[%clk 0:09:19.5][%timestamp
70][%c_effect f7;square;f7;type;Winner,g1;square;g1;type;ResignWhite] They
resign, good game, GG $1} 0-1
[Event "Live Chess"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2024.09.07"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Random Noob"]
[Black "vitualis"]
[Result "0-1"]
[TimeControl "600"]
[WhiteElo ""]
[BlackElo ""]
[Termination "vitualis won by checkmate"]
[WhiteUrl ""]
[WhiteCountry "225"]
[WhiteTitle ""]
[BlackUrl "https://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/v1/user/3711094.f52a0759.100x100o.671ef4f371ed@3x.png"]
[BlackCountry "17"]
[BlackTitle ""]
[Link "https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/231hyWMRxr?tab=analysis"]
1. e4 {[%clk 0:09:56.6][%timestamp 34]} 1... e5 {[%clk 0:09:58.7][%timestamp
13]} 2. d4 {[%clk 0:09:54.3][%timestamp 23]} 2... exd4 {[%clk
0:09:57.1][%timestamp 16] Center Game Accepted $1} 3. Qxd4 {[%clk
0:09:53.3][%timestamp 10]} 3... Nc6 {[%clk 0:09:56.7][%timestamp 4][%c_arrow
c6d4;keyPressed;none;from;c6;opacity;0.8;to;d4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d4;persistent;false]} 4. Qd1 {[%clk
0:09:51.4][%timestamp 19]} 4... Nf6 {[%clk 0:09:48.2][%timestamp 85]} 5. Nc3
{[%clk 0:09:50.4][%timestamp 10]} 5... Bc5 {[%clk 0:09:45.6][%timestamp 26]} 6.
Bc4 {[%clk 0:09:44.4][%timestamp 60]} 6... d6 {[%clk 0:09:34.5][%timestamp 111]}
7. Nf3 {[%clk 0:09:39.2][%timestamp 52]} 7... Qe7 {[%clk 0:09:00.9][%timestamp
336]} 8. O-O {[%clk 0:09:32.6][%timestamp 66]} 8... Ng4 $5 {[%clk
0:08:53.6][%timestamp 73][%c_effect
g4;square;g4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Putting out the lure $1} 9. Be3 $2
{[%clk 0:09:09.5][%timestamp 231][%c_effect
e3;square;e3;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 9... Bxe3 $1 {[%clk
0:08:46.7][%timestamp 69][%c_effect
e3;square;e3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true][%c_highlight
e3;keyPressed;alt;opacity;0.8;square;e3;persistent;false]} 10. Qe2 $6 {[%clk
0:08:40][%timestamp 295][%c_effect
e2;square;e2;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
f2e3;keyPressed;none;from;f2;opacity;0.8;to;e3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
e3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e3;persistent;false] Odd choice for
White $2} 10... Bc5 {[%clk 0:08:31.4][%timestamp 153]} 11. h3 {[%clk
0:08:36.7][%timestamp 33] Is there going to be a bite $2 🐟} 11... h5 $5 {[%clk
0:08:28.9][%timestamp 25][%c_effect
h5;square;h5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Double-down on the fishing pole
tactic...} 12. hxg4 $4 {[%clk 0:08:35.3][%timestamp 14][%c_effect
g4;square;g4;type;Blunder;persistent;true][%c_highlight
g4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g4;persistent;false] And we have a strike $1
🎣} 12... hxg4 {[%clk 0:08:27.6][%timestamp 13][%c_arrow
g4f3;keyPressed;none;from;g4;opacity;0.8;to;f3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
f3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f3;persistent;false]} 13. Nd2 $4 {[%clk
0:08:29.9][%timestamp 54][%c_effect
d2;square;d2;type;Blunder;persistent;true][%c_highlight
d2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d2;persistent;false] White had to accept
that their knight was lost. Moving their knight out of the attack hangs
checkmate $1 [-M4]. Time to reel it in $1} 13... Qh4 $1 {[%clk 0:08:26.6][%timestamp
10][%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true][%c_highlight
h4;keyPressed;alt;opacity;0.8;square;h4;persistent;false,h8;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h8;persistent;false][%c_arrow
h8h1;keyPressed;none;from;h8;opacity;0.8;to;h1;persistent;false]} 14. g3 {[%clk
0:08:27.1][%timestamp 28]} 14... Qh2# {[%clk 0:08:22.7][%timestamp 39][%c_effect
e8;square;e8;type;Winner,g1;square;g1;type;CheckmateWhite][%c_arrow
h8h2;keyPressed;none;from;h8;opacity;0.8;to;h2;persistent;false,h2h1;keyPressed;none;from;h2;opacity;0.8;to;h1;persistent;false,h2g1;keyPressed;none;from;h2;opacity;0.8;to;g1;persistent;false,h2g2;keyPressed;none;from;h2;opacity;0.8;to;g2;persistent;false][%c_highlight
h2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h2;persistent;false,h1;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h1;persistent;false,g1;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g1;persistent;false,g2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g2;persistent;false]
Good game, GG $1} 0-1
[Event "Live Chess"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2024.08.21"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Random Noob"]
[Black "vitualis"]
[Result "0-1"]
[TimeControl "600"]
[WhiteElo ""]
[BlackElo ""]
[Termination "vitualis won by checkmate"]
[BlackUrl "https://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/v1/user/3711094.f52a0759.100x100o.671ef4f371ed@3x.png"]
[BlackCountry "17"]
[BlackTitle ""]
[WhiteUrl ""]
[WhiteCountry "225"]
[WhiteTitle ""]
[Link "https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/22R8fvD5HQ?tab=analysis"]
1. e3 {[%clk 0:09:36.5][%timestamp 235] Van 't Kruijs Opening} 1... e5 {[%clk
0:09:58.3][%timestamp 17]} 2. c3 $6 {[%clk 0:09:34.3][%timestamp 22][%c_effect
c3;square;c3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 2... d5 {[%clk
0:09:57.8][%timestamp 5]} 3. d4 {[%clk 0:09:30.2][%timestamp 41]} 3... Nc6
{[%clk 0:09:54.1][%timestamp 37]} 4. dxe5 {[%clk 0:09:24.5][%timestamp 57]} 4...
Nxe5 {[%clk 0:09:50.7][%timestamp 34]} 5. Qd4 {[%clk 0:09:20.5][%timestamp 40]}
5... Nc6 {[%clk 0:09:40.3][%timestamp 104]} 6. Qd1 {[%clk 0:09:10.3][%timestamp
102]} 6... Nf6 {[%clk 0:09:32.1][%timestamp 82]} 7. Bb5 $6 {[%clk
0:09:03.3][%timestamp 70][%c_effect
b5;square;b5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 7... Qd6 $6 {[%clk
0:09:14.6][%timestamp 175][%c_effect
d6;square;d6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
f8d6;keyPressed;none;from;f8;opacity;0.8;to;d6;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d6;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d6;persistent;false] Bd6 is more accurate}
8. Nf3 $6 {[%clk 0:08:56.2][%timestamp 71][%c_effect
f3;square;f3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 8... h6 $2 {[%clk
0:09:03.3][%timestamp 113][%c_effect
h6;square;h6;type;Mistake;persistent;true][%c_arrow
a7a6;keyPressed;none;from;a7;opacity;0.8;to;a6;persistent;false][%c_highlight
a6;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;a6;persistent;false] I wanted to prevent
Ng5, but Stockfish thinks that kicking back White's b5-bishop is better} 9. a3 $6
{[%clk 0:08:49][%timestamp 72][%c_effect
a3;square;a3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 9... a6 {[%clk
0:09:00.2][%timestamp 31]} 10. Bd3 {[%clk 0:08:39][%timestamp 100]} 10... Bg4 $5
{[%clk 0:08:49.5][%timestamp 107][%c_effect
g4;square;g4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Pinning the knight to the Queen,
but notice that we might be able to sacrifice the bishop via the fishing pole
tactic $1 This is surreptitiously setting the bait on the hook $1 🪝} 11. O-O $2
{[%clk 0:08:27.5][%timestamp 115][%c_effect
g1;square;g1;type;Mistake;persistent;true][%c_arrow
b1d2;keyPressed;none;from;b1;opacity;0.8;to;d2;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d2;persistent;false]} 11... O-O-O $6
{[%clk 0:08:38.9][%timestamp 106][%c_arrow
c6e5;keyPressed;none;from;c6;opacity;0.8;to;e5;persistent;false][%c_highlight
e5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e5;persistent;false][%c_effect
c8;square;c8;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Ne5 forks White's pieces} 12.
Be2 $6 {[%clk 0:08:25.7][%timestamp 18][%c_effect
e2;square;e2;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
b1d2;keyPressed;none;from;b1;opacity;0.8;to;d2;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d2;persistent;false] White has the right
idea defend their knight. Stockfish prefers Nbd2.} 12... h5 $5 {[%clk
0:08:30][%timestamp 89][%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;Interesting;persistent;true]
Wiggling the bait $1} 13. Nh4 $2 {[%clk 0:08:16.3][%timestamp 94][%c_effect
h4;square;h4;type;Mistake;persistent;true][%c_arrow
b1d2;keyPressed;none;from;b1;opacity;0.8;to;d2;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d2;persistent;false] White threatens an
attack, not realising that they are being baited $1} 13... Be7 $6 {[%clk
0:07:42.4][%timestamp 476][%c_effect
e7;square;e7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
g7g5;keyPressed;none;from;g7;opacity;0.8;to;g5;persistent;false][%c_highlight
g5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g5;persistent;false] This was mostly just
a waiting move for me... I want White to go through their plan for Bxg4 $1} 14.
Bxg4+ $4 {[%clk 0:08:05.6][%timestamp 107][%c_effect
g4;square;g4;type;Blunder;persistent;true][%c_highlight
g4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g4;persistent;false] A strike $1 🐟} 14...
hxg4 {[%clk 0:07:41][%timestamp 14]} 15. Nf5 $4 {[%clk 0:08:00.5][%timestamp
51][%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;Blunder;persistent;true][%c_highlight
f5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f5;persistent;false,d6;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d6;persistent;false][%c_arrow
f5d6;keyPressed;none;from;f5;opacity;0.8;to;d6;persistent;false] White had
probably planned out this attack... but didn't recognise the tactic $1 This
blunders mate as the knight reveals access to h2 for my rook $1} 15... Qxh2#
{[%clk 0:07:39.4][%timestamp 16][%c_effect
c8;square;c8;type;Winner,g1;square;g1;type;CheckmateWhite][%c_arrow
h8h2;keyPressed;none;from;h8;opacity;0.8;to;h2;persistent;false,h2g1;keyPressed;none;from;h2;opacity;0.8;to;g1;persistent;false,h2h1;keyPressed;none;from;h2;opacity;0.8;to;h1;persistent;false][%c_highlight
h2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h2;persistent;false,g1;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g1;persistent;false,h1;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h1;persistent;false]
Good game, GG $1} 0-1
[Event "Live Chess"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2024.09.10"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Random Noob"]
[Black "vitualis"]
[Result "0-1"]
[TimeControl "600"]
[WhiteElo ""]
[BlackElo ""]
[Termination "Guest2203099043 won by resignation"]
[WhiteUrl ""]
[WhiteCountry "225"]
[WhiteTitle ""]
[BlackUrl "https://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/v1/user/3711094.f52a0759.100x100o.671ef4f371ed@3x.png"]
[BlackCountry "17"]
[BlackTitle ""]
[Link "https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/4QYZDjtcBp?tab=analysis"]
1. e4 {[%clk 0:09:59.1][%timestamp 9]} 1... e5 {[%clk 0:09:59.3][%timestamp 7]}
2. Nf3 {[%clk 0:09:57][%timestamp 21]} 2... Nc6 {[%clk 0:09:58.5][%timestamp 8]}
3. Bc4 {[%clk 0:09:55.9][%timestamp 11]} 3... Nf6 {[%clk 0:09:57.7][%timestamp
8]} 4. Nc3 {[%clk 0:09:54.5][%timestamp 14] Four Knights Game: Italian
Variation} 4... Nxe4 {[%clk 0:09:55.4][%timestamp 23]} 5. Nxe4 {[%clk
0:09:53][%timestamp 15]} 5... d5 {[%clk 0:09:55][%timestamp 4]} 6. Bxd5 $6 {[%clk
0:09:52][%timestamp 10][%c_effect
d5;square;d5;type;Inaccuracy;path;null;size;100%25;animated;false;persistent;true]}
6... Qxd5 {[%clk 0:09:53.6][%timestamp 14]} 7. d3 {[%clk 0:09:51.2][%timestamp
8]} 7... Bg4 {[%clk 0:09:47.9][%timestamp 57] Pins the knight, but also,
potentially putting bait on the hook $1 😏} 8. Be3 $6 {[%clk 0:09:47.1][%timestamp
41][%c_effect
e3;square;e3;type;Inaccuracy;path;null;size;100%25;animated;false;persistent;true][%c_arrow
h2h3;keyPressed;none;from;h2;opacity;0.8;to;h3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
h3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h3;persistent;false]} 8... O-O-O {[%clk
0:09:11.7][%timestamp 362]} 9. O-O $6 {[%clk 0:09:41.6][%timestamp 55][%c_effect
g1;square;g1;type;Inaccuracy;path;null;size;100%25;animated;false;persistent;true][%c_arrow
h2h3;keyPressed;none;from;h2;opacity;0.8;to;h3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
h3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h3;persistent;false] It makes sense, but
castling into an attack can be unwise...} 9... f5 {[%clk 0:08:54.5][%timestamp
172]} 10. Nc3 {[%clk 0:09:36.9][%timestamp 47]} 10... Qd7 {[%clk
0:08:23.4][%timestamp 311]} 11. h3 {[%clk 0:09:34.4][%timestamp 25]} 11... h5 $3
{[%clk 0:07:58.9][%timestamp 245][%c_effect
h5;square;h5;type;Brilliant;path;null;size;100%25;animated;false;persistent;true][%c_highlight
h5;keyPressed;alt;opacity;0.8;square;h5;persistent;false] White takes a nibble,
and we now double-down on the fishing pole tactic $1} 12. hxg4 {[%clk
0:09:26][%timestamp 84] We have a strike $1 🐟} 12... hxg4 {[%clk
0:07:58.1][%timestamp 8]} 13. Nh2 {[%clk 0:08:29.9][%timestamp 561]} 13... Bd6
{[%clk 0:07:48.5][%timestamp 96]} 14. f4 $2 {[%clk 0:08:01.4][%timestamp
285][%c_effect
f4;square;f4;type;Mistake;path;null;size;100%25;animated;false;persistent;true][%c_arrow
c3e4;keyPressed;none;from;c3;opacity;0.8;to;e4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
e4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e4;persistent;false] White is trying to
block the dark square diagonal to h2. The engine thinks that Ne4, potentially
sacrificing the knight to prevent the e-pawn stepping forward is better $1 That's
difficult to see.} 14... Qe8 $6 {[%clk 0:07:06.1][%timestamp 424][%c_arrow
e5f4;keyPressed;none;from;e5;opacity;0.8;to;f4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
f4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f4;persistent;false][%c_effect
e8;square;e8;type;Inaccuracy;path;null;size;100%2525;animated;false;persistent;true]
Reeling it in... I'm thinking Qh5 and then the attack down the h-file} 15. Kf2 $2
{[%clk 0:07:47.4][%timestamp 140][%c_effect
f2;square;f2;type;Mistake;path;null;size;100%25;animated;false;persistent;true][%c_arrow
h2g4;keyPressed;none;from;h2;opacity;0.8;to;g4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
g4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g4;persistent;false] White sees the risk
and tries to run their king $1 The fish is fighting $1 Apparently this was a mistake
and another knight sacrifice (Nxg4) was White's best move $1} 15... Qg6 {[%clk
0:06:35.6][%timestamp 305]} 16. Nxg4 {[%clk 0:07:35.2][%timestamp 122]} 16...
fxg4 $2 {[%clk 0:06:28.7][%timestamp 69][%c_effect
g4;square;g4;type;Mistake;path;null;size;100%25;animated;false;persistent;true][%c_arrow
e5f4;keyPressed;none;from;e5;opacity;0.8;to;f4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
f4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f4;persistent;false] exf4 is apparently
better} 17. Rh1 $4 {[%clk 0:07:30.7][%timestamp 45][%c_effect
h1;square;h1;type;Blunder;path;null;size;100%25;animated;false;persistent;true][%c_highlight
h1;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h1;persistent;false,f5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f5;persistent;false][%c_arrow
f4f5;keyPressed;none;from;f4;opacity;0.8;to;f5;persistent;false] This is a
blunder - apparently f5 is best, despite Qxf5+ $1 Hard to see.} 17... exf4 $1 {[%clk
0:05:57.8][%timestamp 309][%c_effect
f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;path;null;size;100%25;animated;false;persistent;true][%c_highlight
f4;keyPressed;alt;opacity;0.8;square;f4;persistent;false]} 18. Ne4 $6 {[%clk
0:06:50.4][%timestamp 403][%c_effect
e4;square;e4;type;Inaccuracy;path;null;size;100%25;animated;false;persistent;true]}
18... g3+ {[%clk 0:05:47.4][%timestamp 104] Reeling it in $1} 19. Ke2 {[%clk
0:06:33.6][%timestamp 168]} 19... fxe3 {[%clk 0:05:23][%timestamp 244]} 20. Rxh8
{[%clk 0:05:34.8][%timestamp 588]} 20... Rxh8 {[%clk 0:05:12.7][%timestamp 103]}
21. Qf1 {[%clk 0:05:30.3][%timestamp 45]} 21... Rf8 {[%clk 0:04:19][%timestamp
537][%c_arrow
c6d4;keyPressed;none;from;c6;opacity;0.8;to;d4;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d4;keyPressed;shift;opacity;0.8;square;d4;persistent;false]} 22. Nxd6+ $6 {[%clk
0:05:27.7][%timestamp 26][%c_effect
d6;square;d6;type;Inaccuracy;path;null;size;100%25;animated;false;persistent;true]}
22... Qxd6 {[%clk 0:04:13.1][%timestamp 59] Reeling it in... 🤩} 23. Qe1 $6
{[%clk 0:04:47.2][%timestamp 405][%c_effect
e1;square;e1;type;Inaccuracy;path;null;size;100%25;animated;false;persistent;true]}
23... Nd4+ {[%clk 0:04:05.1][%timestamp 80]} 24. Kd1 {[%clk
0:04:45.3][%timestamp 19]} 24... e2+ {[%clk 0:03:37.4][%timestamp 277][%c_effect
c8;square;c8;type;Winner,d1;square;d1;type;ResignWhite][%c_arrow
d6c6;keyPressed;none;from;d6;opacity;0.8;to;c6;persistent;false][%c_highlight
c6;keyPressed;shift;opacity;0.8;square;c6;persistent;false] White resigns,
psychologically defeated. GG $1} 0-1
Adventures of a Chess Noob 