Hello chess enthusiasts!

Today, chess history was made in the World Chess Championship final, showcasing determination, preparation, and precise calculation at the highest level. As I followed the final moves with excitement, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own recently completed game in the RoW Championship 2024 Semi-Finals.

Though not played under the same spotlight and far far away from this level, my game against International Master James R. Ellis felt like my own world championship moment. After weeks of calculation and analysis, the game ended in a hard-fought draw—a result I’m proud of against such a formidable opponent.

James is a well-known player in the world of correspondence chess. He holds the title of International Correspondence Chess Master (IM) as of 2024. Over his career, he has participated in 140 tournaments and completed 1080 games, winning 125 of them.

Game Overview

Event: ICCF Rest of World Championship (RoW Championship) 2024 Semi-Final 4
White: Egbert Schroeer
Black: James R. Ellis
Result: 1/2-1/2
ECO: A16

Opening Phase (1. Nf3 - 9…Nxc3)

The game opened with the English Opening: 1…Nf6 with …d5 (A16). After 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 g6, White built a flexible structure aiming for control of the center. Black opted for a Grunfeld-style setup with …d5.

Key Moments:

• 5. h4: An aggressive thrust indicating dynamic intentions. It sets up a kingside space grab but also weakens White’s structure.
• 6. h5 Nc6 7. g3 e5 8. h6: White establishes space on the kingside but locks pawns, making it harder to attack.
• 9…Nxc3: Black clarifies the central tension, accepting a slight structural imbalance.

Evaluation:
The position remains balanced. White has more space but lacks immediate attacking chances, while Black’s position is solid yet somewhat passive.

Middlegame Phase (10. bxc3 - 28. e5)

Both sides played standard maneuvers, preparing for central action and piece activity.

Key Moments:

• 13…Qd6: A rare move, diverging from known games. This indicates that both players were out of book.
• 16. Rd2: An unusual choice, avoiding castling early. This creates long-term dynamic potential, though the plan seems unclear.
• 17. d4: A thematic break. White gains central space, but Black remains well-coordinated.
• 18…Na5: Black repositions the knight for activity, preparing …Nc4 or support for …b5.
• 28. e5: A critical thrust, opening the position. White seizes central squares but also exposes weaknesses.

Evaluation:
The game was sharp and dynamically balanced, with active play for both sides.

Endgame Phase (29. Bxg5 - 44. Kg2)

The endgame featured sharp tactical play, with both players demonstrating precise calculations.

Key Moments:

• 29…Rxe5: A correct deflection sacrifice by Black.
• 33. Kg2: White’s king finds safety while maintaining attacking chances.
• 39. Qd5: An active move threatening Be3, maintaining pressure.
• 40…Ne4+ 43…Nf2+ 44. Kg2: A classic threefold repetition occurred as neither side could improve their position without risking a loss.

Evaluation:
This was a highly tactical and precise endgame where both players navigated complexities flawlessly.

Annotated Game

Here is my annotated game with some additional thoughts:

Summary

Opening: Dynamic play with early aggression from White.
Middlegame: Balanced with mutual chances. Black played …Na5 and …b5 effectively.
Endgame: Sharp and double-edged. Both players avoided mistakes, leading to a justified draw.

Overall, it was a well-fought and accurate correspondence game against a strong opponent! I had ambitious goals to achieve more, but holding a draw against an IM feels like a victory. I thank my opponent for a very sharp and exciting game!

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