The English Rat Defense (1.d4 d6 2.c4 e5) often produces a queenless middlegame (3.dxe5 dxe5 4.Qxd8+ Kxd8) where Black has comfortable play. My 2120 rated opponent plays some solid albeit unspectacular moves, and though I gain the bishop pair, I lag in development. An ill-timed move then forces me to surrender my biggest asset, the bishop pair, after which I must adjust to the new circumstances on board.
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