Bradley Lidgard vs Khaiam Ali Game
Updated: May 14, 2021
The following game was played at the Armidale Chess Club's cross promotion with Boo Books in the mall on Saturday the 6th March, 2021.
A couple of interesting observations are readily made:
The young lads displayed good sportsmanship by gracefully losing and not gloating over the win.
They actively analysed the game without software looking for improvements for both sides.
They found errors, mistakes and blunders in various lines of analysis.
Both players had 15 minutes on the clock. They commenced this game after a series of blitz games (three minutes with two second increments). Neither player adapted to the slower time control. In fact White used just over 1 minute, whilst Black used 2 minutes. It was all over in 17 moves. That is an overall average of 5 seconds per move per player. (180 seconds divided by 34 half moves = 5.5)
What did we learn:
Play openings you have prepared in advance at home. Come to the board informed.
Get into a rhythm and habit when playing with clocks - record your games. Being good at blitz does help you when in time trouble.
When the situation on the board changes dramatically, for example after a series of tactical trades leading into an endgame, take stock of the situation on the board, take a deep breath and think before moving. The position has changed and so has the objective.
Psychology is a major factor in chess. When you play a bad move it is often the case that you will continue finding poor moves. This is the moment when you should look for swindles rather than give up. The swindle is a desperate act in an inferior position. You are giving your opponent a chance to go wrong. If your position is worse, it is important to try to confuse the opponent with complicated choices.
Remember there are TWO CLOCKS not one. You have your thinking time and also your opponent's thinking time. Use them BOTH wisely. There is no reason to save up time on your clock by moving too quickly in the opening in the hope of reaching an endgame that never arrives! Moving slowly and deliberately can have the effect of slowing your opponent down and consuming more time on his clock.
Their chess etiquette was impressive. They did not bash the clocks. Black was complimentary to his opponent over the win. White did not gloat. Both players remained relatively calm after their game.
A chessplayer has all the information to improve in their own games. Just analyse them and be critical. Firstly by going over the game with you opponent if time permits, then at home without the assistance of a chess computer, then after you have delved into the tactical and strategic nuances of the game then let the computer correct your thinking process.
Enjoy the game, particularly the analysis. Just for the record, I recorded the game and due to the speed of play I made several errors in my original recording of their moves! It was a pleasure to play in the warmth of the morning sunlight!
Rick
Lidgard v Ali 20210306
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