Photo by Henry Schroeer on Digital Detox Photography

Hello, chess enthusiasts! It has been a while, but be assured that I played some interesting matches. I will update you on my results and learnings. In my latest correspondence chess adventure, I faced Peter Gladis in the Electronic Knights 25EN03 tournament. Now hosted on the ICCF server, this tournament holds a special place in my chess journey.

It’s an engine-free event that challenges players to rely solely on their skills, patience, and strategic planning. Check out the game highlights, mistakes, and lessons learned.

The Sokolsky Opening my opponent played has an intriguing history. One of the earliest recorded games featuring the move 1.b4 was between Bernhard Fleissig and Carl Schlechter in 1893, though Fleissig was decisively defeated in just 18 moves. The opening gained further attention in a famous game between Savielly Tartakower and Géza Maróczy during the New York 1924 chess tournament, played on March 21, 1924 - the Orangutan Opening. I leave it up to you to find out where the name comes from.

Game Overview with Annotations

You can explore the full annotated game below:

Highlights and Key Moments

Opening Phase:

1. 1.b4 (Sokolsky Opening): A rare and creative choice, but it seems my opponent was not well-prepared for it.
2. My early …c5 and …c4 moves effectively seized control of the center, punishing White’s passive and chaotic moves like 6.Ne5.

Decisive Errors by White:

1. 8.O-O? weakened White significantly, allowing …cxd3 with tempo, leading to a commanding position for Black.
2. 15.d4? allowed the brilliant tactical shot 15…Nxd4!, which effectively sealed White’s fate.

Killer Tactics:

• 19…Qxf2+! followed by a clean mate demonstrates my ability to capitalize on an already won position.

Mistakes and Blunders

White’s Missteps:

• Several inaccuracies in the opening (e.g., 6.Ne5, 8.O-O, 15.d4) and a lack of positional understanding put White in trouble early.
• Poor time management in correspondence chess, as indicated by rushed moves.

Missed Opportunities for Black:

• While my play was largely accurate, exploring alternatives like 7…O-O or a quicker e5 thrust after 10.h3 could have led to an even more dominant position sooner.

Lessons Learned

1. Time Management in Correspondence Chess

My opponent played unusually quickly for correspondence chess, leading to several inaccuracies. Proper time management is crucial to avoid blunders in engine-free games.

2. Control and Patience

The game demonstrated the importance of consolidating an advantage and striking at the right moment. My cautious approach ensured a smooth path to victory.

Conclusion

This game reflects the challenges and rewards of engine-free correspondence chess. While my opponent struggled with the pace and complexity, it was a valuable learning experience for both sides.

As I await the pairings for the 2024 semifinals, this game reinforces the importance of preparation, discipline, and resilience in correspondence tournaments.

What are your thoughts on this game? Share your comments and insights below!

Amici Sumus – We are friends!

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