Round 2:
This is a classic Caro-Kann position, inserted here as a bit of a positional puzzle. I'm asking you to think of strong move for Black.
The answer is a very popular idea for Black to use, especially with the White pawn on c4. Hint: Don't be afraid of sacrificing a bit of material, especially since this is a position where the kings are on opposite sides of the board. The solution is down below:
Solution: 18..b5!! Sacrificing a pawn, but gaining the fantastic d5 square in return. White typically doesn't like to take on b5, since it opens up files on his king. Take note of how 19. b3, trying to keep a pawn on the d5 square, isn't an option because of the weaknesses it creates to the White king.
Just a mere five to six moves later, this position arrived on the board.
Right now, things have gotten a little wild. White has some intimidating looking pieces on the kingside, but it's not quite enough.
Black has multiple threats: f2 and the knight on e5 are both being attacked, and Nd3 is simply not an option due to bxc4. However, White had some resources to bring the position to near equality. Bf4, the best move, was what my opponent played, allowing some counterplay for White. After the complications cleared, this position emerged.
Here, White just has to put his king on c3, and rook on d2, and Black has no clear plan to win. Black's king isn't able to get in the game, as the pawn on g7 is restricting. Lucky for me though, my opponent blundered in the position below; can you find the win?
Solution: 34..Rxd1! After exchanging rooks, the king isn't close enough to protect the g2 pawn. 35. Kxd1 Rg6, and White is lost. The full game is inserted down below.
A few ChessKid videos that help show you my winning ideas would be "Opposite Sides Castling" and "Simplifying" -- make sure you watch those to understand better how I won this game!
I hope you've found this article instructive and enjoyable, and until next time, ChessKids!