S. Tomic vs IM V. Bukal Jr., French Defense C05, Tarrasch
Split Open 2018, Round 1, 08/12/18
This is my round 1 game from the Split Open Tournament. Because of the Swiss pairing system, players of my rating usually start just below the middle of the list and you get paired with a very strong opponent.
I faced a very strong IM and had absolutely no preparation. To make matters worse, after going into my standard Tarrasch French, he played 3…h6 and completelly confused me. I couldn’t see the point of the move, other than to confuse a lower rated opponent.
I survived the opening somehow, but got crushed in the (very short) middlegame. He outclassed me completely. Lot to learn!