Dr. DropQueen is my name!

ToddVSalbnot20080722.pgn


So, there I was, playing my daily game on FICS and having a good time. I really enjoyed the position that was developing between my opponent and myself; I had some good ideas involving an open file, space advantage, having my opponent's position in lockdown. Basically, I was having the type of game that made me feel like I finally had some idea how to play chess.

Then what happened? Yeah, you read the title, you know! I dropped my Queen! AGAIN! I have gotten a lot better at taking my time and looking for threats...what pieces I am attacking and what pieces are attacking me. I don't seem to leave my pieces hanging as much anymore. BUT this is the second time in the last few games where I have moved my Queen to a square controlled by my opponent and lost her (and the game).

The problem seems to be one of patience (or lackthereof). I looked at where one of his knights could move as a response, I looked at where his Queen could move as a response. Yet, I didn't see that his other Knight was attacking the square I planned on moving to. I didn't see that his Bishop could move to foil my attack. I saw a tactic, a mating pattern, I looked at a few responses my opponent had, and then I made my move. If only I would simply slow down, sit on my hands, relax. I can see that's going to be one of my main problems.