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Queen's Gambit Accepted

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White: John P. Pratt
Black: Ron Fenimore
Date: 23 Feb 1976
Location: Tucson, Arizona









This game teaches Black at least three lessons. First, do not to accept a Queen Gambit because you will probably lose the whole center. Secondly, moving the queen out early can allow the opponent to develop and attack while your queen rushes to safety. And finally, when you are surprised by a sacrifice that breaks up your precious castle, don't panic. At the end Black does not take the time to see that he has another move which might have made the sacrifice fail.

1. d2-d4, d7-d5. 
2. c2-c4, e7-e6. 
3. Nb1-c3, d5xc4. 
4. e2-e4, Bf8-d6. Many players don't notice White's bishop attacking the pawn.
5. Bf1xc4, Ng8-f6. White has entirely won the center, looking to push either pawn.
6. e4-e5, Bd6-b4. Pawn forks are powerful.
7. e5xf6, Qd8xf6. White will try to attack Black's premature queen development.
8. Ng1-f3, 0-0. White now begins to focus on destroying the castle.
9. Bc1-g5, Qf6-f5. White is developing position while Black moves queen around.
10. 0-0, e6-e5. 
11. Bc4-d3, e5-e4. White not only attacks queen but is aiming at the castle.
12. Bd3xe4, Qf5-d7. White is fully developed, Black's queen side is stifled.
13. Nc3-d5, Bb4-d6. Time for White to move in for the kill.
14. Qd1-d3, Nb8-c6. Finally Black develops his knight, while White aims at the castle.
15. Nd5-f6+, g7xf6. The knight fork sacrifice forces Black to open up his castle.
16. Be4xh7+, Kg8-h8. If Black had seen the mate he would have moved the king forward.
17. Bg5xf6 mate. Because he didn't develop well, Black is destroyed by two bishops.