Spring is coming, it’s still cold where I live but the sun is already shining in the morning when I get up. This makes a huge difference.
Chess training is going steady:
- Regular Chesstempo puzzle solving, maintaining a rating above 1910.
- Opening preparation as Black. I looked at the Sicilian Kan and gained more insight into the variations. The drawback of playing a flexible system is…its flexibility. Depending on White’s plans the pieces will go to different squares to provide the best defense.
- More chapters in the Chessbase Strategy course. Interesting stuff about the different center types.
- A draw in my OTB game against a young 1664 rated player (see below).
- A loss in the Team4545League. I feel so bad, this season doesn’t go well for me. I made different mistakes than in the games before so there is still hope.
This week I will have White in my OTB tournament against another young (14yo) player rated 1798. I don’t expect the Petroff but will prepare for the French and the Najdorf, just in case. Usually the youngsters play the Ruy Lopez, however, I was able to find one game where my opponent played the French.
The game last Friday was an interesting test for my Sicilian Kan. I made a small inaccuracy, wasting a precious tempo, and we reached the following position:
Position after 16...Nd7
My opponent used a lot of time for the first 15 moves, almost 45 minutes. I expected Bf4 here and was thinking about Nb4 or a way to get another attack at e5. White is slightly better but Black is doing fine.
Instead of something calm, White played the stunning 17. Bxh7! What a blow and suddenly 6 other players were standing around our table.
Position after 17. Bxh7
I couldn’t believe that Black is suddenly lost after the bishop sacrifice and the study of wild combinations à la Tal has taught me one thing: the defender can often save the game if he plays precisely.
This is the moment of truth – chess player or patzer. Well, dear readers, what is the right move? Ignore the sacrifice or accept it? It’s your turn. 
