Mate Threats

I lost yesterday. My participation in the Eastern Washington Open is cut short this year to facilitate a college visit to my alma mater for two high school seniors--son and nephew. Yesterday, I played only round two. Today, I'm playing the last two rounds, but will not be paired against the strong players I long to play in these events. And this year's Eastern Washington Open is among the strongest in recent memory.

My pairings will be against weaker players because yesterday I lost to a C player--an improving middle-aged friend who has given me plenty of scares the past few years, and finally achieved a deserved win.

As my position was in its final stages of deterioration, I gave up another piece to expose his king. Had he panicked, I might have gotten a string of checks--though I didn't think I had a perpetual or any other chance of repeating the position. I had nothing else. My sacrifice gave him a powerful passed pawn. So, we reached this position.

White to move


I was prepared to resign if my opponent played 36.Rxf8 in light of the checkmate threats. Instead, Ted played 36.b8Q and I played on a couple moves more.

This morning, I sought solace in a few online blitz games. Again I am losing badly.

White to move


My opponent played 32.Qxc8??

This move threw away the win. Why?