That's a good game. Tough for black. I don't like playing positions like the one that white had because when i have the upper hand I usually slip up and lose the game...

Did you notice that somewhere in the middle of the video the sound went wierd for a few seconds?

Yikes, I didn't notice that when I checked that everything was okay, do you know the approximate time?

I didn't notice any problems with the video, if there is some sound problem it's very small and unimportant.Oh and nice game, I always hate playing against such a system as white played, I try to avoid these symmetrical variations like the plague.

Thanks for the video Josh!

Indeed, I think the critical point in the game was where I played Qd8. I couldn't find a decent plan at that time, and since the threat was simply cxd5 cxd5 Nxd5, I thought I should just move the queen to the only safe square, d8 (at d7 it can be harassed with Ne5). Qf5 is more active indeed, and it's probably better. I didn't really look at Qf5, but at first sight it looks better, and it certainly looks more active.

After white's e4 you say dxc4 bxc4 e5 is ok for black, but then isn't white better after dxc4 bxc4 e5 d5, when white also has a strong center, with a passed pawn soon? I don't think that's equal.

And later on, you said that Bf6, exchanging bishops wasn't good either. You suggested Nf6, but after Rf4 isn't white just winning? Maybe black can play Nh5 Rh4 Nf6, but then white can just move his queen to f3 and maybe just win the exchange there.

And yes, Qe7 at the end was just a blunder. I shouldn't allow d5 for white, so Qe7 was maybe the worst move on the board for black

Ya I went over the video again and it skips at 2:52 and it lasts two seconds. It is very small and makes no difference.

Phobetor,

I'm glad you found my thoughts helpful. You're probably right about the position after dxc4 Bxc4 e5 d5. My thought was that black could play for a blockade on d6, but that probably isn't going to happen. But, after 19...Nf6 20.Rh4, I think 20...Nh5 is okay for black.

Anyways, very interesting game! Also, I didn't really look at Qf5 until I saw in the game that white gets in e4...so I had the advantage of seeing the entire game.

19... Nf6 is after white plays Bg5? Maybe it would be an idea for you to get a game reviewer that also shows the moves and move numbers? Like a board, with on the right the moves, and highlighted the move you're at. Now in replies I also don't know what move number to put there.

Anyway, if Nf6 after Bg5 instead of Bf6, then Rf4, and if Nh5, Rh4. Then if Nf6 again manouever the queen to f3.

Sorry about the confusion.

Here is my suggestion: after 19.Ng5 (in the game) I suggest 19...Nf6 when the following line could occur: 20.Rf4 Nh5 21.Rh4.

Here I would play 21...Rd7, not sure about evaluating this position but it looks okay for black. Also, I'll try to figure out a way so people can see what move we're talking about....