M. Bacetic (2106 ELO) vs S. Tomic (1856 ELO), D11 Slav, Modern Variation
Split Chess Open 2018, Round 8, 08/18/18
This is one of my worse games and probably the one I can learn the most from. I played a 250 points higher rated opponent and I had plenty of time to prepare for the game. I knew what he played and I prepared for almost any variation. He ended up playing something different though. I still knew the line and I knew which positions I’m comfortable with in the system he chose.
I also knew what was probably the best way to approach the position. I thought that going for my favorite semi-slav pawn triangle would probably lead to some issues, but, after a long thought, I went for it anyway. What happened afterwards was a complete disaster.
From move 10 onward, my opponent kept increasing his advantage, both positional and strategical, until I had no room to breathe and my pieces were inferior to his in every possible way.
I struggled to survive but it was all in vain. Each and every one of my pieces were misplaced, he had a space advantage in the center and on both sides on the board. I resigned soon afterwards. A great game by my opponent and I congratulate him for crushing me so convincingly. I will use this game as a textbook on how not to play closed positions. I will study it to learn how not to trap my own pieces and give my opponent a winning edge in every aspect of play. Learn from my mistakes!