Critical Errors

In the Eastern Washington Open last month, I profited from errors my opponents made while attempting to maintain an advantage. In the first round, it appeared that Black had seized the initiative.

Black to move

Black got caught up in his attack and missed a fork.

16...Nc4?? lost to 17.Qd3.

In round two, I was worse for most of the game against an old friend, but he fell short on time. With less than a minute left, he wagered all on promoting a pawn that had no chance.

White to move

67.Rxh7+??

67.Nd4 Rc1 68.Ne2 Rc2=

67...Kxh7 68.b7 Na5 69.Kb6 Nxb7 70.Kxb7

Black to move

Here, I went for the elementary pawn ending, which we played out until it was mate in four.

70...Rxc6

In the last round, I played the Benko Gambit and struggled for equality for most of the game. Things shifted my way when my opponent tried to retain the extra pawn.

White to move

36.Qb5??

36.Qd1 or 36.Qf1 gives up the a-pawn, but continues in an equal position.

36...Rc1+ 37.Kh2

Black to move

I spent a few minutes looking for the checkmate that I suspected was there on the board, but opted for exchanges that gave me overwhelming material superiority and required no effort.

My one loss stemmed from a risky and aggressive move that led to complications. My opponent played well and built up his advantage systematically.

White to move

I played 14.Ng5??

14.Nd4 was close to equal, but even here Black is better.