As I sat down for my third spherical match of the 2023 Washington Senior Championship, recollections of final yr’s loss to Fritz flashed via my thoughts. I had made a horrible blunder early within the recreation, and it value me dearly. This time, I had the white items, and I used to be decided to play higher chess.

Recreation abstract

Fritz is a formidable participant with an aggressive attacking fashion. He had a powerful score of 1941 and has been enjoying chess many years longer than me. As we began the sport, I made my first transfer, e4, and Fritz responded with c5. The sport was underway.

Fritz performed a typical continuation, and I had a plan to fulfill it. Nevertheless, as an alternative of responding with c4, I made a decision to attempt one thing else. I performed Na3, – not the strongest continuation however I do know it stunned him. My plan was to increase on the queenside with the strikes Nc2, c3, and maybe d4.

My opponent continued to play aggressively, and I needed to be cautious. I made certain to safe my knight on c4 and hold my bishop from getting trapped. I used to be nervous about my bishop’s place, however I noticed that it was not an actual concern.

As the sport progressed, I may really feel the stress constructing. Scholz was making some highly effective strikes, however I remained calm and centered. I ready my items for an assault and waited for the proper second to strike.

Lastly, the second arrived. I made a transfer that secured my victory. I may see the acceptance on Fritz’s face as he realized that he had no means out. I had received the sport!

I used to be ecstatic. I had redeemed myself from final yr’s loss and had performed a stable recreation of chess. As I shook Fritz’s hand, I knew that we had a mutual respect for each other’s play. The sport might have been intense, nevertheless it was an excellent expertise, and I used to be thrilled to have received.