Answers.Body: <p>This was an interesting game, but the opening was played fairly poorly by both colors.</p>
  <p>White erred with <code>5. Qb3?</code>, the main line is definitely <code>5. a3</code>.  The point of a3 is to force black to part with the bishop pair and prepare e4.  If black retreats the bishop, then <code>6. e4</code> gives white a good game.</p>
  <p>After <code>5. Qb3?</code>, black should reply <code>5... c5!</code> with a large edge.  In the line that you gave in your analysis, black improves with <code>5... c5 6. dxc5 Nc6! 7. cxd5 Nxd5</code>.</p>
  <p>Moving on from the opening, the key idea for white is to play e4 at some moment.  The knight on c3 and the pawn on f3 both exist only to support this push.  After black allowed the queenside expansion with a3, b4, and c5 (white is clearly better after this expansion, black should even consider sacing the knight with <code>...Nxc5</code> to prevent the dark square domination), white should try to play e4 at all costs.  <code>19. Bxe7!</code> allows e4 to be played after a preparatory <code>20. O-O</code>.  As you correctly point out, in the game continuation, <code>e4</code> instead of <code>Qf2</code> would again allow white a large edge, but black has better with <code>19... f5</code> or <code>19... Nxg3</code>, both working to prevent e4.  (Consider for example <code>19... Nxg3 20. hxg3 h6 21. e4 b6!</code> when black's queenside play gives him sufficient compensation for white's center)</p>
  <p>At any rate, your analysis is very good, and you did a good job finding most of the key moments for both colors.</p>
  <p>It is too bad that the game ended when it did as white would have had a nice edge, but trying to convert the endgame would have been highly instructive.</p>
  <pre><code>[FEN &quot;&quot;]
  [Result &quot;*&quot;]
  [PlyCount &quot;71&quot;]
  
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. f3 d5 5. Qb3 (5. a3 Bxc3+ (5... Be7 6. e4) 6.
  bxc3 O-O 7. cxd5 exd5 8. e3 c5 9. Bd3 b6 10. Ne2 Ba6 11. O-O Bxd3 12. Qxd3 $13)
  5... Be7 (5... c5 $1 6. a3 (6. dxc5 Nc6 7. cxd5 Nxd5 8. e4 Nxc3 9. bxc3 Bxc5
  10. Ba3 Qh4+ 11. g3 Qe7 12. Bxc5 Qxc5 13. Rd1 O-O) 6... Ba5 7. cxd5 cxd4 8.
  Qa4+ Bd7 9. Qxd4 exd5 10. b4 Bb6 $17) 6. Nh3 O-O 7. Bg5 c6 (7... dxc4 $5 8.
  Qxc4 Nc6 9. Rd1 Nd5 10. Bxe7 Ncxe7 11. Kf2 Nxc3 12. bxc3 e5 13. e4) (7... c5 $1
  8. dxc5 (8. cxd5 cxd4) 8... d4) 8. Nf2 Na6 9. e3 Re8 10. a3 Qa5 11. Bh4 c5 12.
  dxc5 Nxc5 13. Qc2 Qb6 14. b4 Ncd7 15. c5 Qd8 16. Rd1 a5 17. Bb5 axb4 18. axb4
  Nh5 19. Bg3 (19. Bxe7 $1 Rxe7 20. O-O Nhf6 21. e4) 19... Bg5 (19... Nxg3 20.
  hxg3 h6 21. e4 b6 22. O-O (22. cxb6) (22. exd5 exd5 23. O-O bxc5 24. Nxd5 Bf8)
  22... bxc5 23. bxc5) 20. Qe2 Qf6 21. Nb1 Nxg3 22. hxg3 Qe7 23. f4 Bf6 24. Qh5
  h6 25. g4 g6 26. Qxh6 Bg7 27. Qh7+ Kf8 28. g5 e5 29. Nc3 exf4 30. Nxd5 Qxg5 31.
  O-O f3 32. Qh2 Be5 33. Qh3 Qxg2+ 34. Qxg2 fxg2 35. Kxg2 Kg7 36. Ng4 *
  </code></pre>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2020-01-30T03:25:16.233Z
Answers.Text: true but worse by white.
Answers.UserDisplayName: edwina oliver
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-02-24T04:12:18.040Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2020-08-16T16:36:35.947Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2020-08-16T16:36:35.947Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Andrew
Answers.Body: <p>I did not analyze with a computer and am just giving general strategic comments as a 2100 player.</p>
  <p>I would consider 13.Qb5. There may be tactical reasons why Qc2 is preferable, but from a strategic point of view, you want to challenge Black's queen. Your arcane idea of playing Nh5 is tangential. In this position, what is important is the resolution of the tension in the center, not kingside attacks.</p>
  <p>13...Qb6? was terrible because it allowed White to get a large space advantage on the queenside.</p>
  <p>From a strategic standpoint 20.Qe2 was a wishy washy move. The obvious move was 20.Ng4 improving the position of the knight, White's worst piece. If 20...f5 21.f4 looks powerful.</p>
  <p>23.f4 seems committal to me. Usually you want to save moves like that. Improve the position of your pieces before moving pawns. From that standpoint 23.Nd2 was logical.</p>
  <p>Your whole sequence starting with Qh5 was premature. John Curdo used to say &quot;You need three pieces to attack.&quot; As you saw Black can defend against the attack and has counterplay in the center. Sure, winning the pawn was good, but to my mind moves like 24.e4 would be much preferable. The problem is that you are going off on an adventure with your queen while your knights are on terrible squares. You need to improve those knights, that is the priority.</p>
  <p>33...Nb6 34.g4 Nxd5 35.Rxd5 Qxe3 36.Bxe8 Be6 and every Black piece is activated. Sure, White wins the exchange, but in a game with 5 minutes left on the clock I would definitely want to be playing Black. Black's plan is to gang up on the pinned knight (Bd4, Ra2).</p>
  <p>The problem I see on both sides is failing to focus on the center and moving the same pieces over and over again to squares that are no better while leaving other pieces on bad squares.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2020-08-16T23:44:44.057Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2020-08-16T23:44:44.057Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Cecil De Vere
Body: <p>After checking that it was <a href="https://chess.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/130/can-we-post-questions-that-seek-analysis-for-our-own-games">okay to seek analysis on this site</a>, I decided to post this recent game against a 1950 (I was white, 1650) with post-game annotations (forgive my excess rambling). I think it was quite an interesting game, as it featured a very uncommon opening, and an attempt (successful) at playing solid, positional chess. I think the unconventional ideas used in this game will be helpful to those here who play 1.d4 or the Nimzo as black, or in general for people who don't like to study openings. <strong>I'm looking for criticism of the game: strategy, opening, etc. and/or my analysis</strong>. If this question is deemed not productive for the site, do let me know, so that I can delete it.</p>
  
  <p><strong>EDIT:</strong> Please refrain from posting computer analysis. As I've said, I'm looking for improvements in the strategy/opening/personal analysis. Its fine to use engines to go over the game, but if you find improvements, please explain why its an improvement (i.e. strategically; don't post a 10 move computer line to explain it).</p>
  
  <p><strong>The Opening (Nimzo-Indian, Kmoch variation):</strong>
  This was the first time I have played this opening ins a serious match.</p>
  
  <p><strong>1. d4 Nf6
  2. c4 e6
  3. Nc3 Bb4</strong></p>
  
  <p>The dreaded Nimzo-Indian. Since I have had terrible results playing classically against it in blitz, I decided to try something very unorthodox.</p>
  
  <p><strong>4. f3 d5</strong></p>
  
  <p>To make sure the pesky Bishop harassed my Knight no further.</p>
  
  <p><strong>5. Qb3 Be7</strong></p>
  
  <p>Perhaps a more aggressive approach by Black, which I would've gladly welcomed. (5. .. c5 6. dxc5 Bxc5 7. Bg5)</p>
  
  <p><strong>6. Nh3</strong></p>
  
  <p>For two reasons: I told a teammate (jokingly) that I would play Nh3 in my game, and because it supports the idea of controlling e4 via f2 along with the f3 Pawn</p>
  
  <p><strong>6. . .O-O
  7. Bg5 c6
  8. Nf2 Na6</strong></p>
  
  <p>Cheeky, but very logical. Most of Black's moves from here are geared to prepare c5, which was perhaps played later than it should have. Black already has a safe King and can afford to strike at the center with c5 in a move or two</p>
  
  <p><strong>9. e3</strong></p>
  
  <p>I realize that Black has the luxury to strike the center at will, and want my center (especially d4) to be well supported, considering my uncastled King.</p>
  
  <p><strong>9. . .Re8</strong></p>
  
  <p>This move was ridiculed by my teammates upon later analysis as "it did nothing" according to them. I disagree, and maintain that it is a patient and principled move that can allow Black to strike at d4 with both c5 and e5 with, say, the Queen on c7.</p>
  
  <p><strong>The Middlegame</strong></p>
  
  <p><strong>10. a3</strong></p>
  
  <p>Prophylaxis. Two of Black's pieces can occupy b4, which may amount to something if the Queen also gets on a5. As the rest of my position seemed fairly safe, I thought it was a necessary move to reduce potential counterplay from Black.</p>
  
  <p><strong>10. . . Qa5</strong></p>
  
  <p>Of course, eyeing my g5 Bishop and potentially allowing a safe Bb4 (due to the pin on the Rook.)</p>
  
  <p><strong>11. Bh4</strong></p>
  
  <p>I considered playing h4, but wanted to keep the tension in the position and sought to not allow easy trades, which would give Black's pieces breathing room.</p>
  
  <p><strong>11. . . c5
  12. dxc5</strong></p>
  
  <p>Two reasons: I did not want Black to play cxd4 and leave me with hanging center Pawns on c4 and d4 (easy targets for Black's pieces), and I wanted to lure the Black Knight to c5, where it can be a potential target for my b4 push.</p>
  
  <p><strong>12. . . Nxc5</strong></p>
  
  <p>Consider 12. .. Bxc5 13. Bxf6 gxf6 14. cxd5 Bxe3 (14. .. exd5 15. Bxa6 bxa6 16. O-O {The awful Pawn structure and King safety negates the activity of Black's pieces}) 15. Ng4 Bd4 16. O-O-O Bxc3 17. Qxc3 Qxc3+ 18. bxc3 Kg7 19. Bb5 Rd8 20. d6 (White has much better pieces and a space advantage, which would be hard to neutralize by Black)</p>
  
  <p><strong>13. Qc2</strong></p>
  
  <p>The most natural square for the Queen. Eyeing h2, I would now be happy with playing Bg3 to an eventual Nh5 and opening up my h-file for the Rook. Additionally, b4 is threatened, which forces a passive retreat of one of the two well placed pieces on a5 and c5.</p>
  
  <p><strong>13. . .Qb6</strong></p>
  
  <p>?! Not the most accurate, as it allows White to gain massive Queen side space and the initiative. Better was perhaps the passive looking Ncd7! which would allow the zinger Bxb4 in case White is not careful and plays b4 right away.</p>
  
  <p><strong>14. b4 Ncd7
  15. c5 Qd8
  16. Rd1</strong></p>
  
  <p>A very principled move, I believe, considering that there were many good moves to choose from, such as Bg3, Bd3, Nd3, and perhaps even Bb5. This move puts pressure on the center and freezes Black's d Pawn for the forseeable future, allowing no central activity.</p>
  
  <p><strong>16. . . a5</strong></p>
  
  <p>Black doesn't have many options here and must strive for activity by activating pieces, such as the a8 Rook</p>
  
  <p><strong>17. Bb5</strong></p>
  
  <p>Perfectly timed, as now there is no a6 to kick the Bishop. This move instantly paralyzes the Knight on d7, and hence suffocates the Bishop on d7.</p>
  
  <p><strong>17. . . axb4
  18. axb4 Nh5</strong></p>
  
  <p>Necessary, as Black needs to make space in order to activate his pieces, and trading is the best option that allows this.</p>
  
  <p><strong>19. Bg3 Bg5
  20. Qe2</strong></p>
  
  <p>A rash decision on my part, as I was too tempted to follow this move with f4, forcing Black to open my h-file for me. Better was e4, which was my whole reason behind playing f3 in the first place. It would've favorably allowed White to open the center with his well placed Rook, Queen and light squared Bishop.</p>
  
  <p><strong>20. . . Qf6
  21. Nb1</strong></p>
  
  <p>Very pretty, and very logical. I preferred it over Na4 (both stop the Rook from coming to a3 and pressuring my e3 Pawn) because this allows the Knight to get to the center or the Kingside more quickly, if necessary.</p>
  
  <p><strong>21. . . Nxg3</strong></p>
  
  <p>Necessary, as allowing Bd6 would crush Black's opportunities to activate his pieces</p>
  
  <p><strong>22. hxg3 Qe7
  23. f4 Bf6
  24. Qh5 h6
  25. g4</strong></p>
  
  <p>Better than Ng4 right away, as g4-g5 still allows Ng4, but with another piece in the attack. More importantly, it allows White to win the h-Pawn, as g6 is forced to avoid losing the Bishop due to the mate threat on h8.</p>
  
  <p><strong>25. . . g6
  26. Qxh6 Bg7
  27. Qh7+ Kf8</strong></p>
  
  <p>The ridiculed Re8 from earlier comes in handy.</p>
  
  <p><strong>28. g5 e5
  29. Nc3 exf4</strong></p>
  
  <p>The pony joins the battle with a vengeance!</p>
  
  <p><strong>30. Nxd5 Qxg5
  31. O-O f3
  32. Qh2 Be5
  33. Qh3 Qxg2+
  34. Qxg2 fxg2
  35. Kxg2 Kg7
  36. Ng4</strong></p>
  
  <p>Or Nb6. 1-0, because my opponent had less than 5 seconds on his clock, to my 10 minutes. However, I think my position is sufficiently strong at this point to win anyway with accurate play. What do you think?</p>
  
  <pre><code>[FEN ""]
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 {The dreaded Nimzo-Indian. Since I have had terrible results playing classically against it in blitz, I decided to try something very unorthodox.} 4. f3 d5 {To make sure the pesky Bishop harassed my Knight no further.} 5. Qb3 Be7 (5... c5 {Perhaps a more aggressive approach by Black, which I would've gladly welcomed.} 6. dxc5 Bxc5 7. Bg5) 6. Nh3 {For two reasons: I told a teammate (jokingly) that I would play Nh3 in my game, and because it supports the idea of controlling e4 via f2 along with the f3 Pawn} O-O 7. Bg5 c6 8. Nf2 Na6 {Cheeky, but very logical. Most of Black's moves from here are geared to prepare c5, which was perhaps played later than it should have. Black already has a safe King and can afford to strike at the center with c5 in a move or two} 9. e3 {I realize that Black has the luxury to strike the center at will, and want my center (especially d4) to be well supported, considering my uncastled King.} Re8 {This move was ridiculed by my teammates upon later analysis as "it did nothing" according to them. I disagree, and maintain that it is a patient and principled move that can allow Black to strike at d4 with both c5 and e5 with, say, the Queen on c7.} 10. a3 {Prophylaxis. Two of Black's pieces can occupy b4, which may amount to something if the Queen also gets on a5. As the rest of my position seemed fairly safe, I thought it was a necessary move to reduce potential counterplay from Black.} Qa5 {Of course, eyeing my g5 Bishop and potentially allowing a safe Bb4 (due to the pin on the Rook.)} 11. Bh4 {I considered playing h4, but wanted to keep the tension in the position and sought to not allow easy trades, which would give Black's pieces breathing room.} c5 12. dxc5 {Two reasons: I did not want Black to play cxd4 and leave me with hanging center Pawns on c4 and d4 (easy targets for Black's pieces), and I wanted to lure the Black Knight to c5, where it can be a potential target for my b4 push.} Nxc5 (12... Bxc5 13. Bxf6 gxf6 14. cxd5 Bxe3 (14... exd5 15. Bxa6 bxa6 16. O-O {The awful Pawn structure and King safety negates the activity of Black's pieces}) 15. Ng4 Bd4 16. O-O-O Bxc3 17. Qxc3 Qxc3+ 18. bxc3 Kg7 19. Bb5 Rd8 20. d6 {White has much better pieces and a space advantage, which would be hard to neutralize by Black}) 13. Qc2 {The most natural square for the Queen. Eyeing h2, I would now be happy with playing Bg3 to an eventual Nh5 and opening up my h-file for the Rook. Additionally, b4 is threatened, which forces a passive retreat of one of the two well placed pieces on a5 and c5.} Qb6?! {Not the most accurate, as it allows White to gain massive Queen side space and the initiative. Better was perhaps the passive looking Ncd7! which would allow the zinger Bxb4 in case White is not careful and plays b4 right away.} (13...Ncd7!) 14. b4 Ncd7 15. c5 Qd8 16. Rd1 {A very principled move, I believe, considering that there were many good moves to choose from, such as Bg3, Bd3, Nd3, and perhaps even Bb5. This move puts pressure on the center and freezes Black's d Pawn for the forseeable future, allowing no central activity.} a5 {Black doesn't have many options here and must strive for activity by activating pieces, such as the a8 Rook} 17. Bb5 {Perfectly timed, as now there is no a6 to kick the Bishop. This move instantly paralyzes the Knight on d7, and hence suffocates the Bishop on d7.} axb4 18. axb4 Nh5 {Necessary, as Black needs to make space in order to activate his pieces, and trading is the best option that allows this.} 19. Bg3 Bg5 20. Qe2 {A rash decision on my part, as I was too tempted to follow this move with f4, forcing Black to open my h-file for me. Better was e4, which was my whole reason behind playing f3 in the first place. It would've favorably allowed White to open the center with his well placed Rook, Queen and light squared Bishop.} Qf6 21. Nb1 {Very pretty, and very logical. I preferred it over Na4 (both stop the Rook from coming to a3 and pressuring my e3 Pawn) because this allows the Knight to get to the center or the Kingside more quickly, if necessary.} Nxg3 {Necessary, as allowing Bd6 would crush Black's opportunities to activate his pieces} 22. hxg3 Qe7 23. f4 Bf6 24. Qh5 h6 25. g4 {Better than Ng4 right away, as g4-g5 still allows Ng4, but with another piece in the attack. More importantly, it allows White to win the h-Pawn, as g6 is forced to avoid losing the Bishop due to the mate threat on h8.} g6 26. Qxh6 Bg7 27. Qh7+ Kf8 {The ridiculed Re8 from earlier comes in handy.} 28. g5 e5 29. Nc3?! exf4 {The pony joins the battle with a vengeance!} 30. Nxd5 Qxg5 31. O-O f3 32. Qh2 Be5 33. Qh3 Qxg2+ 34. Qxg2 fxg2 35. Kxg2 Kg7 36. Ng4 {Or Nb6. 1-0, because my opponent had less than 5 seconds on his clock, to my 10 minutes. However, I think my position is sufficiently strong at this point to win anyway with accurate play.}
  </code></pre>
  
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-12-10T17:06:01.570Z
Comments.Text: I've added all your annotations to the PGN viewer for inline reading (including alternate variations in a couple of places). Let me know if I messed anything up.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Henry Keiter
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2019-12-26T10:57:57.613Z
Comments.Text: Like Andrew said, you played poorly, but you say it was your first time at OTB. I’m not sure why your speed chess results influenced you so much. How good were the players you faced when your other results were not so good? Whatever opening you are going to play you need to master it. And only play one opening, do not try to learn lots of them as that just wastes your training time. If you are going to play the nimzo then play every game in the 1953 candidates match, which had a double RR of the 16 top GMs vying for the world championship. Then look for more modern games to see how things may
Comments.UserDisplayName: yobamamama
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-02-22T15:42:16.170Z
Comments.Text: The inline comments were slightly hard to read, so I restructured it to be closer to standard "book form". If it's not precisely what you had in mind, let me know so I can do better edits in future.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Jonathan Garber
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-02-22T16:28:34.883Z
Comments.Text: Did you mean 5.Qd3 and 8.Nf3?
Comments.UserDisplayName: xaisoft
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-02-22T17:26:13.253Z
Comments.Text: @xaisoft, it doesn't look that way to me when I plug it into the replayer. 5. Qd3 doesn't "drive away the Bishop", and 8. Nf3 is patently impossible, as it's occupied by the f-Pawn after 4. f3
Comments.UserDisplayName: Jonathan Garber
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-02-22T18:12:15.880Z
Comments.Text: Yeah, I know 8/Nf3 was impossible. 5.Bd3 makes more sense.
Comments.UserDisplayName: xaisoft
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-02-22T23:53:38.677Z
Comments.Text: Just looking at the screen so I might not seeing things well, but how about 33...Nxc5 34. Qxf3 Bd7 35. Bxd7 Nxd7
Comments.UserDisplayName: Nasser
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-02-23T00:55:51.267Z
Comments.Text: @xaisoft 5.Bd3 is also impossible.
Comments.UserDisplayName: chubbycantorset
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-02-23T02:50:59.850Z
Comments.Text: @Nasser: I think 35.Nh3 Qf5 36.Qe2 Qg4 37.bxN refutes the line, as a knight is lost outright (unless I'm missing something).
Comments.UserDisplayName: chubbycantorset
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-02-23T09:41:54.350Z
Comments.Text: Yes, Nh3 looks strong. But I think at the very end, instead of 35...kg7, if black played 35...Ra2 then it seems equal. But too much time pressure. any way, good game.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Nasser
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-02-23T20:22:36.743Z
Comments.Text: @JonathanGarber: Thanks for the restructuring. Some annotations don't match up exactly with the moves, but an attentive reader will regardless understand which moves they refer.
Comments.UserDisplayName: chubbycantorset
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-02-23T20:23:40.003Z
Comments.Text: @Nasser: Thanks. Also, I never suggested 35. ...Kg7, but 35. ...Qf5, as it is the only move that prevents mate AND saves the queen.
Comments.UserDisplayName: chubbycantorset
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-02-23T21:03:33.917Z
Comments.Text: No, I meant in the game itself, not in the variation we are talking about! I mean in the actual game, if black had played 35...Rh2 instead of 35...kg7, he is ok it seems. 36.Nc3 Rc2 seems ok.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Nasser
Tags: <analysis><nimzo-indian>
Title: Analysis of positional play by a very aggressive player
ThreadText: # Analysis of positional play by a very aggressive player
  
  (Asked by: username_0 on 2013-02-22)
  
  After checking that it was okay to seek analysis on this site, I decided to post this recent game against a 1950 (I was white, 1650) with post-game annotations (forgive my excess rambling). I think it was quite an interesting game, as it featured a very uncommon opening, and an attempt (successful) at playing solid, positional chess. I think the unconventional ideas used in this game will be helpful to those here who play 1.d4 or the Nimzo as black, or in general for people who don't like to study openings. I'm looking for criticism of the game: strategy, opening, etc. and/or my analysis. If this question is deemed not productive for the site, do let me know, so that I can delete it.
  EDIT: Please refrain from posting computer analysis. As I've said, I'm looking for improvements in the strategy/opening/personal analysis. Its fine to use engines to go over the game, but if you find improvements, please explain why its an improvement (i.e. strategically; don't post a 10 move computer line to explain it).
  The Opening (Nimzo-Indian, Kmoch variation):
  This was the first time I have played this opening ins a serious match.
  1. d4 Nf6
  2. c4 e6
  3. Nc3 Bb4
  The dreaded Nimzo-Indian. Since I have had terrible results playing classically against it in blitz, I decided to try something very unorthodox.
  4. f3 d5
  To make sure the pesky Bishop harassed my Knight no further.
  5. Qb3 Be7
  Perhaps a more aggressive approach by Black, which I would've gladly welcomed. (5. .. c5 6. dxc5 Bxc5 7. Bg5)
  6. Nh3
  For two reasons: I told a teammate (jokingly) that I would play Nh3 in my game, and because it supports the idea of controlling e4 via f2 along with the f3 Pawn
  6. . .O-O
  7. Bg5 c6
  8. Nf2 Na6
  Cheeky, but very logical. Most of Black's moves from here are geared to prepare c5, which was perhaps played later than it should have. Black already has a safe King and can afford to strike at the center with c5 in a move or two
  9. e3
  I realize that Black has the luxury to strike the center at will, and want my center (especially d4) to be well supported, considering my uncastled King.
  9. . .Re8
  This move was ridiculed by my teammates upon later analysis as "it did nothing" according to them. I disagree, and maintain that it is a patient and principled move that can allow Black to strike at d4 with both c5 and e5 with, say, the Queen on c7.
  The Middlegame
  10. a3
  Prophylaxis. Two of Black's pieces can occupy b4, which may amount to something if the Queen also gets on a5. As the rest of my position seemed fairly safe, I thought it was a necessary move to reduce potential counterplay from Black.
  10. . . Qa5
  Of course, eyeing my g5 Bishop and potentially allowing a safe Bb4 (due to the pin on the Rook.)
  11. Bh4
  I considered playing h4, but wanted to keep the tension in the position and sought to not allow easy trades, which would give Black's pieces breathing room.
  11. . . c5
  12. dxc5
  Two reasons: I did not want Black to play cxd4 and leave me with hanging center Pawns on c4 and d4 (easy targets for Black's pieces), and I wanted to lure the Black Knight to c5, where it can be a potential target for my b4 push.
  12. . . Nxc5
  Consider 12. .. Bxc5 13. Bxf6 gxf6 14. cxd5 Bxe3 (14. .. exd5 15. Bxa6 bxa6 16. O-O {The awful Pawn structure and King safety negates the activity of Black's pieces}) 15. Ng4 Bd4 16. O-O-O Bxc3 17. Qxc3 Qxc3+ 18. bxc3 Kg7 19. Bb5 Rd8 20. d6 (White has much better pieces and a space advantage, which would be hard to neutralize by Black)
  13. Qc2
  The most natural square for the Queen. Eyeing h2, I would now be happy with playing Bg3 to an eventual Nh5 and opening up my h-file for the Rook. Additionally, b4 is threatened, which forces a passive retreat of one of the two well placed pieces on a5 and c5.
  13. . .Qb6
  ?! Not the most accurate, as it allows White to gain massive Queen side space and the initiative. Better was perhaps the passive looking Ncd7! which would allow the zinger Bxb4 in case White is not careful and plays b4 right away.
  14. b4 Ncd7
  15. c5 Qd8
  16. Rd1
  A very principled move, I believe, considering that there were many good moves to choose from, such as Bg3, Bd3, Nd3, and perhaps even Bb5. This move puts pressure on the center and freezes Black's d Pawn for the forseeable future, allowing no central activity.
  16. . . a5
  Black doesn't have many options here and must strive for activity by activating pieces, such as the a8 Rook
  17. Bb5
  Perfectly timed, as now there is no a6 to kick the Bishop. This move instantly paralyzes the Knight on d7, and hence suffocates the Bishop on d7.
  17. . . axb4
  18. axb4 Nh5
  Necessary, as Black needs to make space in order to activate his pieces, and trading is the best option that allows this.
  19. Bg3 Bg5
  20. Qe2
  A rash decision on my part, as I was too tempted to follow this move with f4, forcing Black to open my h-file for me. Better was e4, which was my whole reason behind playing f3 in the first place. It would've favorably allowed White to open the center with his well placed Rook, Queen and light squared Bishop.
  20. . . Qf6
  21. Nb1
  Very pretty, and very logical. I preferred it over Na4 (both stop the Rook from coming to a3 and pressuring my e3 Pawn) because this allows the Knight to get to the center or the Kingside more quickly, if necessary.
  21. . . Nxg3
  Necessary, as allowing Bd6 would crush Black's opportunities to activate his pieces
  22. hxg3 Qe7
  23. f4 Bf6
  24. Qh5 h6
  25. g4
  Better than Ng4 right away, as g4-g5 still allows Ng4, but with another piece in the attack. More importantly, it allows White to win the h-Pawn, as g6 is forced to avoid losing the Bishop due to the mate threat on h8.
  25. . . g6
  26. Qxh6 Bg7
  27. Qh7+ Kf8
  The ridiculed Re8 from earlier comes in handy.
  28. g5 e5
  29. Nc3 exf4
  The pony joins the battle with a vengeance!
  30. Nxd5 Qxg5
  31. O-O f3
  32. Qh2 Be5
  33. Qh3 Qxg2+
  34. Qxg2 fxg2
  35. Kxg2 Kg7
  36. Ng4
  Or Nb6. 1-0, because my opponent had less than 5 seconds on his clock, to my 10 minutes. However, I think my position is sufficiently strong at this point to win anyway with accurate play. What do you think?
  [FEN ""]
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 {The dreaded Nimzo-Indian. Since I have had terrible results playing classically against it in blitz, I decided to try something very unorthodox.} 4. f3 d5 {To make sure the pesky Bishop harassed my Knight no further.} 5. Qb3 Be7 (5... c5 {Perhaps a more aggressive approach by Black, which I would've gladly welcomed.} 6. dxc5 Bxc5 7. Bg5) 6. Nh3 {For two reasons: I told a teammate (jokingly) that I would play Nh3 in my game, and because it supports the idea of controlling e4 via f2 along with the f3 Pawn} O-O 7. Bg5 c6 8. Nf2 Na6 {Cheeky, but very logical. Most of Black's moves from here are geared to prepare c5, which was perhaps played later than it should have. Black already has a safe King and can afford to strike at the center with c5 in a move or two} 9. e3 {I realize that Black has the luxury to strike the center at will, and want my center (especially d4) to be well supported, considering my uncastled King.} Re8 {This move was ridiculed by my teammates upon later analysis as "it did nothing" according to them. I disagree, and maintain that it is a patient and principled move that can allow Black to strike at d4 with both c5 and e5 with, say, the Queen on c7.} 10. a3 {Prophylaxis. Two of Black's pieces can occupy b4, which may amount to something if the Queen also gets on a5. As the rest of my position seemed fairly safe, I thought it was a necessary move to reduce potential counterplay from Black.} Qa5 {Of course, eyeing my g5 Bishop and potentially allowing a safe Bb4 (due to the pin on the Rook.)} 11. Bh4 {I considered playing h4, but wanted to keep the tension in the position and sought to not allow easy trades, which would give Black's pieces breathing room.} c5 12. dxc5 {Two reasons: I did not want Black to play cxd4 and leave me with hanging center Pawns on c4 and d4 (easy targets for Black's pieces), and I wanted to lure the Black Knight to c5, where it can be a potential target for my b4 push.} Nxc5 (12... Bxc5 13. Bxf6 gxf6 14. cxd5 Bxe3 (14... exd5 15. Bxa6 bxa6 16. O-O {The awful Pawn structure and King safety negates the activity of Black's pieces}) 15. Ng4 Bd4 16. O-O-O Bxc3 17. Qxc3 Qxc3+ 18. bxc3 Kg7 19. Bb5 Rd8 20. d6 {White has much better pieces and a space advantage, which would be hard to neutralize by Black}) 13. Qc2 {The most natural square for the Queen. Eyeing h2, I would now be happy with playing Bg3 to an eventual Nh5 and opening up my h-file for the Rook. Additionally, b4 is threatened, which forces a passive retreat of one of the two well placed pieces on a5 and c5.} Qb6?! {Not the most accurate, as it allows White to gain massive Queen side space and the initiative. Better was perhaps the passive looking Ncd7! which would allow the zinger Bxb4 in case White is not careful and plays b4 right away.} (13...Ncd7!) 14. b4 Ncd7 15. c5 Qd8 16. Rd1 {A very principled move, I believe, considering that there were many good moves to choose from, such as Bg3, Bd3, Nd3, and perhaps even Bb5. This move puts pressure on the center and freezes Black's d Pawn for the forseeable future, allowing no central activity.} a5 {Black doesn't have many options here and must strive for activity by activating pieces, such as the a8 Rook} 17. Bb5 {Perfectly timed, as now there is no a6 to kick the Bishop. This move instantly paralyzes the Knight on d7, and hence suffocates the Bishop on d7.} axb4 18. axb4 Nh5 {Necessary, as Black needs to make space in order to activate his pieces, and trading is the best option that allows this.} 19. Bg3 Bg5 20. Qe2 {A rash decision on my part, as I was too tempted to follow this move with f4, forcing Black to open my h-file for me. Better was e4, which was my whole reason behind playing f3 in the first place. It would've favorably allowed White to open the center with his well placed Rook, Queen and light squared Bishop.} Qf6 21. Nb1 {Very pretty, and very logical. I preferred it over Na4 (both stop the Rook from coming to a3 and pressuring my e3 Pawn) because this allows the Knight to get to the center or the Kingside more quickly, if necessary.} Nxg3 {Necessary, as allowing Bd6 would crush Black's opportunities to activate his pieces} 22. hxg3 Qe7 23. f4 Bf6 24. Qh5 h6 25. g4 {Better than Ng4 right away, as g4-g5 still allows Ng4, but with another piece in the attack. More importantly, it allows White to win the h-Pawn, as g6 is forced to avoid losing the Bishop due to the mate threat on h8.} g6 26. Qxh6 Bg7 27. Qh7+ Kf8 {The ridiculed Re8 from earlier comes in handy.} 28. g5 e5 29. Nc3?! exf4 {The pony joins the battle with a vengeance!} 30. Nxd5 Qxg5 31. O-O f3 32. Qh2 Be5 33. Qh3 Qxg2+ 34. Qxg2 fxg2 35. Kxg2 Kg7 36. Ng4 {Or Nb6. 1-0, because my opponent had less than 5 seconds on his clock, to my 10 minutes. However, I think my position is sufficiently strong at this point to win anyway with accurate play.}
  
  **Tags:** analysis, nimzo-indian
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_3**: The inline comments were slightly hard to read, so I restructured it to be closer to standard "book form". If it's not precisely what you had in mind, let me know so I can do better edits in future.  
  > **username_4**: Did you mean 5.Qd3 and 8.Nf3?  
  > **username_3**: @username_4, it doesn't look that way to me when I plug it into the replayer. 5. Qd3 doesn't "drive away the Bishop", and 8. Nf3 is patently impossible, as it's occupied by the f-Pawn after 4. f3  
  > **username_4**: Yeah, I know 8/Nf3 was impossible. 5.Bd3 makes more sense.  
  > **username_5**: Just looking at the screen so I might not seeing things well, but how about 33...Nxc5 34. Qxf3 Bd7 35. Bxd7 Nxd7  
  > **username_0**: @username_4 5.Bd3 is also impossible.  
  > **username_0**: @username_5: I think 35.Nh3 Qf5 36.Qe2 Qg4 37.bxN refutes the line, as a knight is lost outright (unless I'm missing something).  
  > **username_5**: Yes, Nh3 looks strong. But I think at the very end, instead of 35...kg7, if black played 35...Ra2 then it seems equal. But too much time pressure. any way, good game.  
  > **username_0**: @JonathanGarber: Thanks for the restructuring. Some annotations don't match up exactly with the moves, but an attentive reader will regardless understand which moves they refer.  
  > **username_0**: @username_5: Thanks. Also, I never suggested 35. ...Kg7, but 35. ...Qf5, as it is the only move that prevents mate AND saves the queen.  
  > **username_5**: No, I meant in the game itself, not in the variation we are talking about! I mean in the actual game, if black had played 35...Rh2 instead of 35...kg7, he is ok it seems. 36.Nc3 Rc2 seems ok.  
  > **username_1**: I've added all your annotations to the PGN viewer for inline reading (including alternate variations in a couple of places). Let me know if I messed anything up.  
  > **username_2**: Like username_6 said, you played poorly, but you say it was your first time at OTB. I’m not sure why your speed chess results influenced you so much. How good were the players you faced when your other results were not so good? Whatever opening you are going to play you need to master it. And only play one opening, do not try to learn lots of them as that just wastes your training time. If you are going to play the nimzo then play every game in the 1953 candidates match, which had a double RR of the 16 top GMs vying for the world championship. Then look for more modern games to see how things may  
  
  ---
  
  ## 2 answers
  
  ### Answer by username_6 on 2013-02-24. Score: 17
  
  This was an interesting game, but the opening was played fairly poorly by both colors.
  White erred with 5. Qb3?, the main line is definitely 5. a3.  The point of a3 is to force black to part with the bishop pair and prepare e4.  If black retreats the bishop, then 6. e4 gives white a good game.
  After 5. Qb3?, black should reply 5... c5! with a large edge.  In the line that you gave in your analysis, black improves with 5... c5 6. dxc5 Nc6! 7. cxd5 Nxd5.
  Moving on from the opening, the key idea for white is to play e4 at some moment.  The knight on c3 and the pawn on f3 both exist only to support this push.  After black allowed the queenside expansion with a3, b4, and c5 (white is clearly better after this expansion, black should even consider sacing the knight with ...Nxc5 to prevent the dark square domination), white should try to play e4 at all costs.  19. Bxe7! allows e4 to be played after a preparatory 20. O-O.  As you correctly point out, in the game continuation, e4 instead of Qf2 would again allow white a large edge, but black has better with 19... f5 or 19... Nxg3, both working to prevent e4.  (Consider for example 19... Nxg3 20. hxg3 h6 21. e4 b6! when black's queenside play gives him sufficient compensation for white's center)
  At any rate, your analysis is very good, and you did a good job finding most of the key moments for both colors.
  It is too bad that the game ended when it did as white would have had a nice edge, but trying to convert the endgame would have been highly instructive.
  [FEN ""]
  [Result "*"]
  [PlyCount "71"]
  
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. f3 d5 5. Qb3 (5. a3 Bxc3+ (5... Be7 6. e4) 6.
  bxc3 O-O 7. cxd5 exd5 8. e3 c5 9. Bd3 b6 10. Ne2 Ba6 11. O-O Bxd3 12. Qxd3 $13)
  5... Be7 (5... c5 $1 6. a3 (6. dxc5 Nc6 7. cxd5 Nxd5 8. e4 Nxc3 9. bxc3 Bxc5
  10. Ba3 Qh4+ 11. g3 Qe7 12. Bxc5 Qxc5 13. Rd1 O-O) 6... Ba5 7. cxd5 cxd4 8.
  Qa4+ Bd7 9. Qxd4 exd5 10. b4 Bb6 $17) 6. Nh3 O-O 7. Bg5 c6 (7... dxc4 $5 8.
  Qxc4 Nc6 9. Rd1 Nd5 10. Bxe7 Ncxe7 11. Kf2 Nxc3 12. bxc3 e5 13. e4) (7... c5 $1
  8. dxc5 (8. cxd5 cxd4) 8... d4) 8. Nf2 Na6 9. e3 Re8 10. a3 Qa5 11. Bh4 c5 12.
  dxc5 Nxc5 13. Qc2 Qb6 14. b4 Ncd7 15. c5 Qd8 16. Rd1 a5 17. Bb5 axb4 18. axb4
  Nh5 19. Bg3 (19. Bxe7 $1 Rxe7 20. O-O Nhf6 21. e4) 19... Bg5 (19... Nxg3 20.
  hxg3 h6 21. e4 b6 22. O-O (22. cxb6) (22. exd5 exd5 23. O-O bxc5 24. Nxd5 Bf8)
  22... bxc5 23. bxc5) 20. Qe2 Qf6 21. Nb1 Nxg3 22. hxg3 Qe7 23. f4 Bf6 24. Qh5
  h6 25. g4 g6 26. Qxh6 Bg7 27. Qh7+ Kf8 28. g5 e5 29. Nc3 exf4 30. Nxd5 Qxg5 31.
  O-O f3 32. Qh2 Be5 33. Qh3 Qxg2+ 34. Qxg2 fxg2 35. Kxg2 Kg7 36. Ng4 *
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_7**: true but worse by white.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_8 on 2020-08-16. Score: 2
  
  I did not analyze with a computer and am just giving general strategic comments as a 2100 player.
  
  I would consider 13.Qb5. There may be tactical reasons why Qc2 is preferable, but from a strategic point of view, you want to challenge Black's queen. Your arcane idea of playing Nh5 is tangential. In this position, what is important is the resolution of the tension in the center, not kingside attacks.
  
  13...Qb6? was terrible because it allowed White to get a large space advantage on the queenside.
  
  From a strategic standpoint 20.Qe2 was a wishy washy move. The obvious move was 20.Ng4 improving the position of the knight, White's worst piece. If 20...f5 21.f4 looks powerful.
  
  23.f4 seems committal to me. Usually you want to save moves like that. Improve the position of your pieces before moving pawns. From that standpoint 23.Nd2 was logical.
  
  Your whole sequence starting with Qh5 was premature. John Curdo used to say "You need three pieces to attack." As you saw Black can defend against the attack and has counterplay in the center. Sure, winning the pawn was good, but to my mind moves like 24.e4 would be much preferable. The problem is that you are going off on an adventure with your queen while your knights are on terrible squares. You need to improve those knights, that is the priority.
  
  33...Nb6 34.g4 Nxd5 35.Rxd5 Qxe3 36.Bxe8 Be6 and every Black piece is activated. Sure, White wins the exchange, but in a game with 5 minutes left on the clock I would definitely want to be playing Black. Black's plan is to gang up on the pinned knight (Bd4, Ra2).
  
  The problem I see on both sides is failing to focus on the center and moving the same pieces over and over again to squares that are no better while leaving other pieces on bad squares.
  
  
  ---
  
  