2024 Maia Open - Round 4
Training Log
Classical Game - 3 hours
Post-mortem - 20 minutes
Played GM Nigel Davies as Black. A bit of drama with Dojo continued which certainly tilted me right before the round. We got into an equal endgame out of the opening, and for the most part I was happy with a draw, just to get the game over with.
While at my opponent’s recent games, I saw that he had been making a lot of draws, often with lots of pieces left on the board, and in general played a very cautious style with White.
I wanted to have a long battle to maximize my chances of winning, but for the first 90 minutes or so I ready to make a draw and call it a day, especially after getting an equal and rather dry endgame as Black.
Fortunately, there were no draw offers allowed before move 30. My opponent made a few too many trades and completely loosened up my position. My instincts kicked in and I decided to press, as I could play on without any risk. Although objectively I didn’t think I had huge chances, I knew that if I kept the pressure on, I might squeeze out a win.
Eventually I managed to get an edge in a double rook + bishop endgame, and found a nice trick to capitalize on my powerful outside passed pawn. My opponent then blundered on move 41, but it was already losing. Definitely one of my best ever endgames!
Reflecting on it, I was quite patient in the game mainly because I was content with a draw for the first half. This ended up working out in my favor, as my opponent made too many concessions trying to force equality.
1…Be6! 2.Bxe6 fxe6 =+ was best, trading light-squared bishops to achieve a clear edge. In the game I pushed 1…a4, allowing 2.Nd4= with equality.
4/4! Can’t remember the last time I had this score. Playing GM Viktor Mikhalevski tomorrow.