Giant Killer

Submitted by sam_musil on Tue, 05/12/2009 at 1:11am.

With this greatest win of my entire chess career, I defeated Sergio Panella, who was ranked #1 at Chess.com with a rating of 2785 at the time of my 23rd move! With that move, I concocted a beautiful combination that was forcing after the black slip 22. .. Be7?! and I won the exchange for a pawn. Sergio did not resign for six months in a totally lost position because I made a stupid move with 39. Re8?! that caused me severe psychological problems. After several weak moves, I found myself fighting my own private demons and Sergio continued to play brilliantly, constantly forcing me to fear a perpetual. I made some rude remarks to Sergio that rightly offended him and he asked me not to comment any more during the game. This settled me down as I overcame my own demons and figured out a clear winning strategy. Then on May 11, with all counter-play removed from possibility, he politely resigned to give me a birthday present. Despite my mistakes, this is my magnum opus and I want all of my friends to share this wonderful birthday present from Sergio! Enjoy!

» posted in sam_musil's Blog

| 1136 reads | 8 comments

Comments:

by sam_musil - 5 months ago
Marysville, Kansas United States

Member Since: Jan 2008
Member Points: 266

Amateur1971,

I am glad that you enjoyed the game and the beautiful winning combo that I had analyzed, but never expected to be able to play. This game shows that we should look at all possible opponent moves , especially the obvious ones that a player might quickly play!

Sincerely, Sam

by amateur1971 - 5 months ago
dhaka Bangladesh

Member Since: Apr 2009
Member Points: 43

well played dude:) despite of 39.Re8, over all balanced with some brilliant moves! i enjoyed your combo.

by sam_musil - 5 months ago
Marysville, Kansas United States

Member Since: Jan 2008
Member Points: 266

BirdBrain,

Thank you for your very helpful comments. I agree that it is important to recognize a mistake and admit it to yourself AND your opponent if repeating moves once is the strongest option. My ego and personal demons of fear and pride got in the way of making a logical decision. I like to be honest and open when I analyze one of my own games, like the great Tal! I am very proud of the win and do appreciate your compliments!

Sincerely, Sam

by BirdBrain - 5 months ago
KY United States

Member Since: Apr 2008
Member Points: 1805

It must be truly exciting to have won that game...As I read the comments, it reminded me of the Tal-Botvinnik 1960 book - Tal even told you "unrelated" thoughts that he was thinking while he was analyzing...a truly cool book for sure.

Congrats Sam! I am proud of you...don't worry about what you said, be proud that you were able to overcome your demons and continue on...and I hope you learned that it is okay to repeat your moves if it is the best option! :-)

by sam_musil - 5 months ago
Marysville, Kansas United States

Member Since: Jan 2008
Member Points: 266

Frosted Flames, I use the latest database technology to guide my play. If you are constantly trying to re-invent the wheel, you will never each your chess potential! I made the database comment at move 10 as irony since any c-player would take back with the queen here to avoid doubling the f-pawns. This move was a no-brainer! Obviously, all master games would feature the queen capture! I was trying to inject some humor into my comments!

Sincerely, Sam

by sam_musil - 5 months ago
Marysville, Kansas United States

Member Since: Jan 2008
Member Points: 266

Nibir,

I tried to criticize 9. .. B:f3 is a kind and gentle way, but it is definitely a mistake as it releases the pin and loses a tempo! Good for you to see this!

Sincerely, Sam

by nibir - 5 months ago
Dhaka Bangladesh

Member Since: Apr 2008
Member Points: 5286

excellent illustration Sam. but i didn't understand the move 9. ..Bxf3. if he had to take this Knight at f3 then why he retreat his Bishop at h5 earlier 7. ..Bh5. isn't it a waste move??

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