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Chad Lieberman

This column very frequently contains current events, history, or other such related information about chess. Scarcely does it provide its dedicated reader with an in-depth analysis of a game, one of the main purposes for the creation of the column.

The purpose of this column is for Princeton area readers to develop their chess strength. Analyzing games is an effective way of reaching that goal. Therefore, this week's column contains a game I observed on USChessLive as well as a full length article of comments and annotations about the game.

The first comment is derived from the second move of the game: 2.a3?! This move is dubious because it shows no effort for central control. In fact, it is a prophylactic move aimed at preventing a Nimzo-Indian structure in which black prefers to play ...Bb4(+).

Actually, it seems as though Ofticosu has even lead himself astray by 4.b4. This move seems like a logical follow up to 2.a3, but in fact wastes more time. A better move would be developing 4.Nf3, bringing out the knight, and also guarding the e5-square against black annexation. Black correctly utilizes his lead in development by opening the center with 4...e5! Although white's attempt to strike back at the center from the wings is noble, it behooved him to continue with 5.dxe5 Nxe5 6.Bb2 (developing with time) Bd6 7.Nf3 Bg4 8.Be2 when white has an inferior position but still has chances.

After 12.Nbd5, black correctly dominates the square in front of the isolated d-pawn, generally a great strategy in such pawn structures. From here, the goals for both sides are clear. The expansion of the d-pawn is white's only hope of creating attacking chances. As long as black can continue to control the d5-square and exchange pieces along the way, his endgame advantage should bring him the victory.

Black makes a terrible positional blunder with 15...b5? This pawn thrust does nothing to assist the black pieces and simply creates a weakened c-pawn. When white's only plan was to seek the expansion of the d-pawn, there is no reason to provide him with another possible scheme. Don't provide your opponents with obviously good plans.

Unfortunately, white didn't get the message and instead returned the favor with a positional error of his own with 16.g3? This move shows a total lack of planning. Instead, he might have tried a line like 16.Nc3 Nxc3 17.Bxc3 Nd5 18.Rac1 f6 19.Bd2 Re8 20.Rxe8+ Qxe8 in which he accepts the impossibility of d-pawn expansion and instead focuses on black's backward c-pawn. Black makes another mistake on move 17 with ...Bxe5. This knight may seem threatening on e5, but it actually does nothing. It attacks no weak points and controls no vital maneuvering squares. Capturing on e5 is a devastating positional error. It frees the d-pawn for advancement and suddenly releases the power of the dark-squared bishop.

Unfortunately for Ofticosu, he ran into some serious time trouble down the stretch and was unable to convert his positional advantage into a material one. The time finally sealed the deal after he dropped a piece with 27.Kf2?? This truly was a game of missed opportunities.

White to mate in two moves.