Ramirez vs Churchill

I think the game Ramirez vs Churchill was no doubt the most intense game of the night--perhaps one of the more intense games I've ever witnessed.



I approached the board on move 21.  It looked like the postion was critical.  I only saw one move for Jose and it was 21. Nh6!.  However, after the game Jose said 21. Nh6 was bad because of 24...Qxe4 and his knight is lost.  But after 25. Re1 Qg6 26. Re7 I think White will soon be "mopping" up.
Juan and I did not understand 30..Bxa2, taking a pawn in a position where you have the initiative and such a big advantage.  Juan and I both liked 30...Rg8, keeping the pressure on White.  It turns out there is nothing wrong with Walter's move, 30...Bxa2.  I analyzed it with Rybka and Rybka saw nothing wrong with it.  I have to say again, I would certainly not play that move even if it isn't bad.  I believe it game Jose counterplay.

After 42. f3, I thought Jose lost the game.  White had to defend with 42. Qe3.  It took about one second for 42...Bxf3! to flash in my head.  42...Bxf3 would have ended all of White's hopes.  I told the kibitzers following the game that Jose missed this move.  You usually don't get second chances like this and shortly afterwards it was over.

It was a good game and I can't fault the players for missing these moves because it was an intense position and both players were short of time.  It's a different matter playing over the board against the clock.  Just because I saw these moves by no means makes me a better player.  It's a lot easier when you're not playing.

I posted this on Facebook: 

"That was intense. Special High Intensity Tactics also known as S.H.I.T. (but it was good S.H.I.T.) exploded all over the board. An awesome game--well fought!"


Great play by both players!