ICC 10 15 u |
ICC 10 15 u |
1. Nf3
People label the Reti "positional", or even worse "boring" etc. In fact in the Open variations that I play the variations are often Sicilian reversed type, and are extremely complex and open - more so than the Ruy Lopez, for example.
This has now transposed into the English Opening, Symetrical variation.
2... g6
This move is fine if you are familiar with the Sicilian Accelerated Dragon, Maroczy variation, into which it transposes.
Certainly best.
4. Nc3 is weak, and has only score 44 % 4... cxd4 5. Nxd4 Nc6 as now if White plays Be3, he blocks his own e pawn.
4. d5 is an old Benoni - a closed position.
4... e6??
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?? The Plonker mistake
Only played twice in 1485 games. This move is positionally horrendous. It is the "Plonker" mistake. Now Black has a hole on d6 , and a dark square disease c7, d6, e5, f4, g5, h6, e7, d8 are all problems to Black - and if he ever loses his dark squared Bishop this will be catastrophic for him. He has to be particulary careful to prevent a minor piece occupying d6 - and also f6 and h6 after castling. When you see the final position remember this commentary.
4... cxd4 is,of course,the normal move transposing into the Sicilan Accelerated Dragon, Maroczy variation.
5. dxc5!
I had studied this and similar positions where Black does not take the d4 pawn, and come to the conclusion that this move always gives White an advantage.
5... Qa5+
5... Na6 was the alternative, and is possibly better. 6. e5 Nxc5 7. Nc3 threat Nb5, White is better.
Now White's plan is simple. Castle as quickly as possibly and play Be3. Then Black will not be able to answer with Bxc3 check, or Qa5 renewing the pin.
7... Ne7
This brings a possible d5 by Black into play.
8... d5 is not yet possible as White plays... 9. cxd5 exd5 10. Nxd5 Nxd5 11. Rc1
Typical Kev prophylaxis, attempting to prevent Nb5. Prophylaxis generally works well in closed positions, but in open positions you very rarely have time for such luxuries. It's too slow here, and it creates another dark square weakness on b6.
9... d5 had to be played now, before White plays Be3. White comes out better, but it is not clear cut. 10. exd5 exd5 11. Be3 Qa5 12. Bg5 White is better e.g. 12... Bxc3 13. Bxe7 Re8 14. bxc3 Rxe7 15. cxd5 advantage White
10. Be3
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It's now probable that Black is already lost.
10... Qc6
Apparently threatening Bxc3 and Qxe4.
10... Qc7 attempting to cover the dark squares is the obvious move. 11. Na4! Nbc6 12. Nb6 What did I say about b6 weakness ? 12... Rb8 13. Bc5 is a dark square death for Black.
11. Qd2
This prevents the Bxc3 "threat" and the Queen joins the dark square fun.
11... d6
Black is suffering development problems. He was unable to develop any of his Q-side pieces. This pawn move gives the d7 square for Black's minor pieces, but the poor sickly pawn comes under immediate pressure.
11... Bxc3 12. Qxc3 Qxe4 13. Bd3 Qc6 14. Bh6 is awful for Black.
12. Rad1
I was undecided which Rook, as the a-Rook may be wanted on c1, but then I realised that I was wasting time in a rapid game on trifles.
12... Rd8
This self pins the d6 pawn,but what else was there ?
13. Bf4
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Dark square weakness f4,e5,d6.
Analysing this with a computer afterwards my computer prefers b3, but I don't see that at all.
13... Bxc3
This is positional dark square death, Black attempts to save the sick d6 pawn at the cost of a lost position.
This move loses. I was a little shocked by this move, as I thought Black must have seen a defence. But there isn't anything.
15. Qf6
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Now Black suffers dark square horror
f6, h6, e7, d8 ,d6, f4 are all dominated by White.
15... Nec6?
This is a quick death, but it is lost for Black.
15... Re8 16. Bh6 Nf5 17. Ng5 wins
15... Rf8 16. Bh6 Nf5 17. Ng5 Qe5 18. Qxe5 dxe5 19. Bxf8 Kxf8 wins 20. Rd8+
15... Nbc6 16. Bh6 Nf5 17. Ng5 wins
15... Nd7 16. Qxe7 Rf8 17. Be3 wins
15... Qf5 16. Qxe7 attacking the Rook wins
15... Rd7 16. Bd3 Qc6 17. Bh6 Nf5 18. Bxf5
15... Qxe2 16. Bh6 wins immediately.
16. Bh6
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Black cannot avoid mate on the weak dark square g7.
A cautionary tale. Black resigns
1-0
Geoff Peake
Game(s) in PGN