In this continuation of the “Climbing the Rating Ladder” series I take on players of various ratings levels while pointing out typical mistakes and spots for improvement along the way (possibly my own!? :)). Here I commentate a 10+5 game against a player rated 1808 on Chess.com. In the 3…Qa5 variation of the Scandinavian Defense, Black has two principle setups involving placing the pawn on c6 (the traditional “light-square restriction” structure) or developing the queenside knight on this square instead. In this game I opt for the former, seeking to poke and prod White’s setup in the middlegame with my knight pair and pressure on d4. Though many positions are equal in such middlegames, it’s easy for White to go wrong if they become overambitious – especially in loosening their pawn structure!
Review this game on Chess.com: https://www.chess.com/game/live/76277628967
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1950 Dubrovnik reproduction set (Bobby Fischer’s favorite!) on Chess Bazaar: https://www.chessbazaar.com/the-repro… You can use coupon code JOHN30 for 30% off!
Wood board: https://amzn.to/2H9iATl
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