So Saturday my first USCF rated event since last July. A scalp of a class A player, a not-too-embarrassing loss versus an Expert, and exhibiting surprising tactical superiority over a feared YAK (young Asian kid) are reasons for an optimistic future.
Also won $14+, covering much the $20 entry fee. And after everything’s calculated, I’ll gain about 50 rating points, moving me from “borderline class B” to “definitely class B”. Woot.
Three positions from over the weekend; all with Black to play. Answers will be in the comments.
Congrats with your “definitely class B” spot. Didn’t have a chance to look at the positions. Will try given the chance.
**************** Filler so the moves don’t show up in the recent comments widget.
(EDIT: Thanks, CMoB! And that was fast, commenting before I had a chance to post the answers!)
1. White blundered the move prior, permitting Black to defend with 1. … Bf5, neutralizing much of White’s advantage. (Fortunately for me, Black did not find this resource!)
2. It looks shaky, since the c7 pawn’s is only defended by a Rook, which is about to be driven away by the Bishop. But 1. … Rcd8 is perfectly OK, as 2. Nxc7?? Qc5+ 3. Rf2 Bxe4 crushes White.
3. Black had been eyeing a good opportunity for a sacrifice to break up the center for about the last 10 moves. White finally obliges, allowing 1. … Nbxd5! 2. exd5 Nxd5. There are too many possible White responses to cover here, but Black’s minor pieces dominating in an easily winning position for him.
Nice work sir!