In this game I play white against the Philidor Defense: Lopez Countergambit. I can’t remember having played against this opening before and the opening explorer showed that white had high win statistics. It is a good example of the importance of developing your pieces and if the king is in the center how strong it can be to crash through when your pieces are ready for action.
Rating 1731
Puzzle Rush 37
Today I watched a video lesson on the Caro-Kann Exchange Variation. It was really instructive. Sam Shankland goes through at a very fast pace though, so I think I will have to revise his lessons and get used to the feel of playing them on the board. I have rarely played anything other than C5 (Sicilian Defense) and E5 against E4 and so adding another option to my repertoire would be nice. It is interesting looking at black’s perspective also as it has been giving me a greater understanding of what to play as white and what plans black is trying to achieve.
Below is an interesting exchange line with the crazy move 11… Ne7 taking advantage of the pin.
In this game I manage to frustrate my opponent by not allowing castling. When castling is accomplished my pieces are active and work together to attack, taking advantage of the weaknesses in the my opponent’s position. The checkmate at the end is a classic mating pattern with bishop and rook.
What a ride this game was! I give my opponent a mate in 1 chance and then turn the tables to win the game.