“Choices are the hinges of destiny”
Pythagoras
Last week we saw how a bad opening setup has put White in a lost position. Black obliged but his attack came with hesitation and missed a couple of clear wins. Have another look at the position we stopped at with Black up an exchange. This should also be a winning position that requires some care to convert it. Ba3 is atrocious, while Be7 is a bit more helpful from a defensive point of view.
What follows next can be explained only by playing under the pressure of the time. Black was not running out of time by any means. However, playing with about 5+ minutes and 30 seconds increment requires fast, good thinking. From a won position, Black reached a lost one voluntarily.
The endgame was interesting too. By the time they reached this position, the other games were finished and we were all watching it. It is obvious the h2-passer has become extremely important. Will White be able to convert the advantage into a win? He was playing fast and rather correct. There was only one hiccup where Black could have saved the game. However, it is hard to snap out of a number of questionable decisions during a game. There is a sensation of being lost that takes over you like a fog and stops you from seeing the way out. Hope you liked this game.
Eugen Demian
