(1) James (195),R - Escott (181),K [B22]
Birmingham League, 2003-4, 2004
[Russ]



1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.cxd4 b6
An unusual move. As black plays ..e6 in this variation, it is unclear that white can take advantage.

6.Nf3 Ba6?!
[6...e6 is more prudent , securing the center.]

7.Bxa6 Nxa6 8.e6!
Black's sixth move is probably a mistake due to this move.

8...fxe6
[8...dxe6 9.Qa4+ is the tactical justification]

9.Ne5
A good reason to move a piece twice, the knight is on a very powerful square and Qh5 is threatened.

9...Nf6 10.Bg5
Black's problems are not over. Due to the poor positioning of his pieces, ..d6 is impossible

10...Qc8
Black defends his knight, but the queen is on an open file and will be subject to further attack.

11.Nc3
simple development is the key. White activates his pieces as quickly as possible.

11...g6 12.d5!
along with 8 e6, this is the key move in the game. White does not give his opponent time to draw breath by routinely castling. Whites 3 minor pieces and queen are superbly placed to attack.

12...Nc5
[12...Nxd5 13.Nxd5 exd5 14.Qf3 and blacks position is in ruins]

13.b4 Nce4 14.Nxe4 Nxe4
Black tries to counterattack, by attacking white's loose pieces.

15.Rc1?!
[15.dxe6 Qc3+ 16.Kf1 Nd6 17.exd7+ Kd8 18.Qxd6 Qxa1+ 19.Ke2 Qxa2+ 20.Kf3 Qb3+ 21.Kg4 is more accurate.]

15...Qb8?
[15...Qb7! gives black some fighting chances, crucially defending the d7 square.]

16.dxe6
time to resign. Many games are lost by poor play in the opening, so stick to the basics, and dont break the rules without good reason! 1-0