I’m starting to have more success in my games. I switched from Chess.com to Lichess, for a change of pace and I’m having more victories. I’m doing something different, which is basically this. Instead of just playing the opening sequence, looking for tactics, and hoping for a break in the position, I’m thinking of two things for each move. 1. Can I attack or cause a threat to my opponent? 2. How can I improve my worst placed piece? Sometimes both questions work together to build a plan. This game I just played is a perfect example. My opponent attacked my Knight. Instead of retreating, I moved in with a sacrificial check. Once he captured my knight, the position opened up, and I was able to move in with my queen (supported by my bishop) to check, threaten checkmate, and win material. The attack was so devastating, my opponent resigned. This makes me incredibly happy! But the breakthrough for me is that if there is a move that immediately attacks or threatens my opponent, even if it is different than the opening I’m playing, like the stonewall, or whatever, I make sure I’m not blundering or making any obvious mistakes and then go for it. This leads me down a dynamic unrehearsed path. This makes playing more fun and keeps my games interesting. No more rote routines for me. Always responding dynamically to play what’s best for the position.

https://lichess.org/jn4nTdu1/white#45

lichess.org

Rapid Chess • NerveStrike24 vs rafcat

NerveStrike24 (1310) played rafcat (1365) in a rated Rapid (10+5) game of chess. rafcat resigned after 23 moves. Click to replay, analyse, and discuss the game!