T'Var scans the board, then moves 11. Nc3
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T'Var scans the board, then moves 11. Nc3
Johnson considers his options and moves 11. ...c5
12. Qb3
12. ...cxd4
13. Bxe6
14. ...Qe7
Lt. Guillaume Vaudreuil checks the chrono on the bulkhead and sighs a little to himself. He'd love to keep watching, but duty calls. Just five more minutes, he thinks. Or maybe ten. He takes another sip of his mineral water.
T'Var takes the last sip of her mineral water. Perhaps she'll try a flavored water next time.
After looking over the board briefly, she moves 14. Nd5.
14. ...Qd6
15. e4
15. ...Nbd7
16. Bf4
16. ...Ne5
17. Rc1
Johnson looks at the board wondering where he might get any respite from the oncoming attacks. He knows he is missing something, but if he doesn't do something, it may as well be all over.
17. ...Nxd5
T'Var smiles at Johnson. "You are a worthy opponent," she tells him. "I am finding this game quite challenging."
The doctor ponders her next move a moment, then 18. exd5.
"My thanks Doctor, I must admit I am finding it quite the mental workout."
18. ...Nd3+
"Check"
The French lieutenant looks over the board and nods.
Can we see a graphic of the current state of play?
Thanks! Do each of you have boards set up at home?
Yes, I do have a board set up for all my games. It's a great tool for trying out different moves and possible outcomes. :)
19. Qxd3
I have a copy of Chesspad - which also does all the images as well.
19. ...Qxf4
20. Qb5+
Johnson smiles, picks up his king and swings it through d8 before settling it on 20. ...Ke7
21. Qd7+
21. ...Kf6
22. Kf7+
22. Qf7+
So sorry for the typing error -- and thanks to CIAS for pointing it out to me!
22. ...Ke5
23. Qc7+
23. ...Bd6
24. Qxg7+
Johnson looks at the board, nods his head a couple of times and resigns.
"It was only a few moves away regardless of what I did.", he comments offering a hand to Dr T'Var.
Lt. Vaudreuil quietly claps. "It must've been the mineral water," he joked. "Would you each care to give a short analysis of the game?"
T'Var shakes Johnson's hand with a smile. "Well done," she tells him. "Well played."
Vaudreuil's joke about the mineral water goes right over T'Var's head.
The doctor's expression turns serious as she looks over the board and mentally replays the game. After a moment, she says,
"It was quite obvious to me after the first few moves that Mr. Johnson's game had improved significantly. Therefore, I decided to move ahead with more caution than I usually do."
T'Var allows herself a slight sigh. "My attempt at checkmate several times was met with intelligent blockage from my opponent. I had to consider other options at that point."
After a moment, T'Var continues. "I strived to create a strong offensive position on the board -- forcing Johnson to protect his king and focus on little else."
The doctor's smile returns. "Apparently, I succeeded."
Johnson smiles at the doctor's comments. "That doesn't sound like the game we just played. I think I spent most of time reacting to Dr T'var's strong attacking moves, although I did make a few mistakes, which were telling."
He thinks back over it. "On Move 5, I should never have sent that Knight out. I lost valuable setup time to recovering from that. I also wonder if there was a better move 18 than to put the white king in check because from that point on, it was pretty much sealed."
He looks back across, "Another game?"
T'Var smiles and resets the board, placing the white pieces in front of Johnson.
"If no one else is interested in playing a game at this time, I would enjoy another challenge."
The doctor leans forward. "Your move, Mr. Johnson."
"Thank you Doctor." Johnson looks over the board and settles for his usual.
1. e4
T'Var makes this first move because of the interesting variations that may come from it. This is her standard opening move as Black.
1...c5
Vaudreuil says, "This has been fascinating, but I really ought to get back to the Bridge. Best of luck to you both!"
Johnson sticks with 2. Nf3
T'Var smiles at Vaudreuil, then returns her attention to the board.
2...d6
3. d4
3...Nf6
4. Nc3
T'Var briefly scans the board, then moves 4...cxd4.
5. Nxd4. Johnson waits for the riposte.
5...a6
"Looks familiar" mutters Johnson.
6. Be3