The Chess Mind

One of the most eventful games I've played in the last month or two was the battle with Aleksander Stamnov from the 11th North American FIDE Invitational in Chicago about three weeks ago. I was faced with an unfamiliar opening but played very well and achieved a significant, probably decisive advantage in the early middlegame. Soon afterwards, however, I slipped up and let him escape, after which I had to scramble to stay alive. Eventually I reached an ending where I had very good drawing chances, then a guaranteed draw, then the better half of the draw...and then won! Crazy chess - but that's how it goes with mere mortals, this side of eternity. My preference, both for myself and as a fan, is for clean victories featuring beautiful combinations or logically consistent positional play, but there's something to be said for a good scrap, too.

So have a look here - it's free, requires no software and is available on demand - and you'll find an exciting game with some very well played moments, a little interesting opening analysis, and some psychological comments that may prove helpful to some of you. My hope is that you'll find it instructive, but even if you don't you're bound to find it entertaining. See for yourselves.