A4C Chess Group News

Off the Wall Chess - Didn't see the mate

Submitted by billwall on Fri, 10/12/2007 at 9:41pm.

It was round 1 of the first World Open, held in New York at the McAlapin Hotel in 1973. I was playing Black and was playing the Nimzo-Indian defense. I played the last few moves too quickly and was not defending my position. I allowed an f-pawn to get to f6, threatening Qg7 mate that I simply overlooked.

I had alternative moves, but had already formulated a plan, knew my moves, and was playing them without thinking about my opponent's threat. I thought he was going after my Bishop, not trying to checkmate me. I learned my lesson. Stop, check the position, don't play the first move that comes into your head, and defend your position before trying to win a pawn or go on the attack. Above all, don't miss a mate in one.

Added by admin October 29, 2007 (8:58AM)

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