Annotated Chess Game 13944333

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6

Typical QGD. White wants a big d4-e4 center and offers up the c-pawn.

3. Nb1c3 c5

This move by Black is always interesting. Contests the center .

4. Ng1f3

I let the tension stay on the c-d files.

4... Ng8f6

Pieces come out to good squares. General advice: Knights before Bishops.

5. Bc1g5 Qd8b6

Start of a suspect plan by Black. The attack on the b-pawn, by either side, often has danger for the side playing it.

6. Nc3a4

Pawn to b3 would solve the problem, but it is always fun to snap at the enemy Queen.

6... Qb6b4

The second hint I get that this is a one piece attack (even if that piece is the mighty Q). Also notice the Black Q is running out of retreat spaces.

7. Bg5d2

And now the Q under attack and only one safe square to go to.

7... Qb4xc4 8. e3

And the trap closes. As powerful as the Q is, she can't do it all by herself on a crowded board.

8... Qc4xf1

Big lose of material, but Black got something back at least.

9. Rh1xf1 Nb8a6

White's Kt-a4 had a purpose, attack the enemy Q. Black's Kt might have been better at its usual c6.

10. dxc5

Far ahead in material, my method now is to exchange off everything possible. As the board empties, the White Q's power will make itself felt.

10... Bf8xc5

The c-file just opened up! Rooks are attracted to open files like fat to a mother-in-law.

11. Na4xc5

Swap all the pieces!

11... Na6xc5 12. Bd2b4

Another exchange?

12... Nc5e4

Sadly no. The Kt takes up an excellent outpost at e4. It is secured by a pawn, backed up by the fellow Kt, and White's e pawn shields the Kt from frontal attack.

13. Nf3e5

Had to decide between eliminating that nasty e4 Kt or getting my Q going against an uncastled King.

13... b6

Has to get his c Bishop out somehow.

14. Qd1a4

The Q enters with tempo by a check. Three White pieces are aiming at the enemy K. And that c file still calls.

14... Bc8d7 15. Ne5xd7

Another swap. The Kt on d7 will be pinned.

15... Nf6xd7 16. Ra1c1

Finally!

16... a5

Doesn't address White's attack in any meaningful way.

17. Bb4a3 f5

More pawn moves? The e4 Kt is Black's best piece, but bigger problems loom.

18. Rc1c7

The main function of open files: Get Rooks deep into enemy territory.

18... Ra8d8

Guards the Kt against the double attack, but Black's pieces are getting all tied up.

19. Qa4c6

Finally, I see the mate threat I have.

19... g5

Not another pawn move! The King is in danger.

20. Qc6xe6

rip