Masters Err Too

After some dubious choices in the late opening and early middle game, I was being punished. White has a decisive advantage and is preparing the knockout blow. It was a ten minute game and we both had plenty of time remaining.

White to move

FM Roar Elseth -- Stripes,J [C03]
Live Chess Chess.com, 09.05.2025

33.Rg8+

Good enough, but not best.

33.Ba7+! Ka8  34.Qxe4 Rxe4 35.Bb6 Rc4 36.Rg7 Be8+-
33.Qxe4 dxe4 34.Bb6 Rc6 35.Rg7!+-

33...Rc8 34.Ba7+

34.Qxe4 dxe4 35.Rg7 Be8 36.Bb6 h4+-

34...Ka8+- 35.Rxc8+?

From a decisive advantage to slightly better. This error solves some of Black's problems.

35.Rg7 Qxe3 36.Bxe3 Be8 37.Kg3+-

35...Bxc8+/-

White to move

36.Qc5?

Did my opponent overlook the check or underestimate it?

Better was 36.Bd4 Kb8 37.Qxe4 could lead to an interesting position (37.Qc3 offers winning chances). 37...dxe4 38.Kg3 Kc7 39.Kh4 Bd7 40.Kxh5 Bb5 41.Be3 Be2+ 42.Kg5 Bf3 43.h4

Black to move

Analysis diagram

43... Bg2 44.h5 Bh3=

36...Qxe5+= 37.Kh1 Qe4+ 38.Kg1 Qg6+ 39.Kh2 Qxf6 40.Bb6

White threatens checkmate.

Black to move

40...Qf4+ 41.Kg1 Bd7 42.Bc7

White used 40 seconds on this move, which renews a mate threat.

42...Qg5+ 43.Kf1 

If there is a refuge from checks, it may be in the center.

43...Bb5+ 44.Ke1 Qg1+ 45.Kd2 Qg5+

White to move

46.Ke1

Another 40 seconds were used here by my opponent.

46.f4 does not escape from my relentless queen. 46...Qg2+ 47.Kc1 Qf1+ 48.Kb2 Qe2+ 49.Kb3 Qc4+ forces the queens off the board.

46...Qg1+ 47.Kd2 Qg5+ 48.Ke1 Game drawn by repetition ½-½

I should have lost, but my opponent fell short and gave me a chance to force a draw.