Game reviewed at the Dayton Chess Club on May 8th, 2013.  G/15, names removed.  Game commentary and analysis by:  M. Kellie

1.  d4                    d6

2.  Nf3                  Nd7        (my “Grape” system; also called the “Rat”)

3.  Bf4                  g6

4.  e3                    Bg7

5.  c3

White signals intention of a ‘London’ set-up with 3.  Bf4 followed by 4. e3.  Why then play 5.  c3, which denies the knight on b1 this ‘good’ square …and, does not strike for control of d5 but rather goes for a defensive set-up (supporting d4).  In chess, playing ‘style’ is a big part of the game and in my opinion, White signals Black that he is content to create a fortress (play defense with the White pieces in the opening stages of the game) with a ‘let’s wait-and-see’ what you’re (Black) up to perspective.

5.                           …e5       Black strikes at the center ‘contest’ first!

6.  dxe5                dxe5

7.  Bg3

Retreat in opening stages of game by an already developed piece gives opponent (Black) a full move.  Also, Black’s e5 pawn is now powerfully placed for the center battle (better).

7.                           …Ne7

8.  Nbd2               O-O

9.  Be2?

White’s King Bishop is much better on c4 here (more active), by placing it at e2 in this position, once again White plays defensively (cautious).

9.                           …h6

10.  O-O               f5?

11.  h3                  f4!?

12.  exf4              exf4

13.  Bh4!

With this move, White’s playing passively no longer and is willing to get scrappy!

13.                        …g5

14.  Bxg5

Also to be considered here is Nxg5

14.                        …hxg5

15.  Nxg5             Nf5

16.  Qb3+?

Bc4+ here seems crushing (16.  Bc4+… Kh8, 17.  Qh5+ and if Nh6, then 18.  Qg6! or if 17. …Bh6, then Ne6!)  Definitely a missed ‘win’ by the White player…

16.                        …Kh8

17.  Nf7+             Rxf7

18.  Qxf7

White, despite missing the winning lines earlier, still has a very comfortable position and Black development is lacking…

18.                        …Qf6

19.  Qxf6?            Bxf6

20.  Nf3                Nc5

21.  Rfd1              Be6

22.  Nd4               Nxd4

23.  cxd4              Nd7

24.  Bf3                c6

25.  d5                  cxd5

26.  Bxd5             Bf5

27.  Rac1             Ne5

28.  Bxb7             Rg8

29.  Kf1?              Bd3+

30.  Ke1?              Re8

31.  Rc8??            Nf3++

An ironic and beautiful finish in this game which, should have gone the other way.  Notice how the three Black pieces are all under attack, but it is the White King that has no recourse and is mated!