Kid's Night (111317) and NPP Action Tournament Starts Next Week

Chess is fun for all.

We had eight players tonight for our Kid's Night.
We welcome two new players to the LCCC family - Olivia and her dad Jacob.

Our Action (30 minute games) start next Monday. Not sure if we will play one or two rounds, but our TD Ken will let us know. Join us for this free tournament. It is a great way to play some semi-serious chess and practice your tournament chops.

LCCC opens at 6pm and the tournament will probably start at 6:30 or 7pm. Get there before 6:30 to be sure to get a seat.

Meanwhile, Don M. gave us another game to review. Don is playing Black and his notes will be in [brackets]. The computer Igor3000 will make comments without brackets.

 Opening: Open Catalan
1. d4          d5
2. Nf3        Nf6
3. c4          e6
4. g3          dxc4
5. Qa4+      Bd7
6. Qxc4      Bc6
7. Bg2        Nbd7
8. O-O        Nb6?
Don threatens to win material with Nb6xc4, but 8. ....Bd6 was better for him. White has a (+.6) lead.

9. Qc2        Be7
10. Nc3      Nbd5
11. a3         Nxc3
12. bxc3     O-O
13. Ne5      Bxg2
14. Kxg2    c5
15. e3?       .........
The first serious error of the game and White makes it. Needed was 15. Qd3, Qd5+ 16. f3, Rfd8 and it is an even game. Instead Black has a (-.4) lead.
[Not the best move for Black. I liked that all of his pawns were on the same color as his bishop.]

15. .......       Rc8
16. Qb2       Qc7
[I don't like his knight and want to exchange it or dislodge it. Plus I was looking at getting on his white squares on his king-side.]

17. a4          b6
18. h3?        .......

Position after White's 18th move. A slight blunder.

Diagram here:

18. .......       Rfd8?
[White's move really weakens his king-side, and his bishop is still bad.]

Correct Don. After White's move Black leads by (-1.2). But Don's response was not the best either. 18. .....Bd6 keeps the full advantage. Instead Black's lead drops to (-.8).
 
19. Rd1?       Nd7?
[Another piece leaves the king side.] Correct Don (-1.5). Better was 19. a5, Bd6 20. Nf3
But your follow up was not good. Needed was 19. .....Bd6, 20. Nf3, cxd4 21. exd4, Ne4. Instead the lead is only (-.5).

20. Nxd7     Rxd7
21. Bd2       Rcd8
22. Qb5       h6
[I notice his Queen is leaving his king-side]. White intends to play a5.

23. a5          bxa5?
Don falls for it. He needed 23. ....Qb7+. The game is even now.

24. Qxa5      Qc6+
25. Kg1        Qf3
26. Be1        Rd5
27. Qxa7??  ........     
White throws away a close game and Don finishes him off easily.

27.  .......       Rh5
28. h4          Bxh4
29. Qc7        Be7
White resigns
Nice game and thank you Don!