<1> Black’s response was 3…Pe6. Having an opportunity to grab space in the middle via 3…Pe5 or just continue normal development via 3…Nf6, my student played this ‘slow’ move that also blocked his Bc8.  Why?

Because his favorite opening for Black against 1.d4 is a Semi-Slav where, no matter what White does, Black plays d5-c6-e6-Nf6..

So, facing an unfamiliar setup, Black played a move that would lead to a familiar pawn structure. Unfortunately, in this position (without the White Pd4) this was a waste of time and 5 moves later Black played the Pe5 anyway.

<2>  (Same game as #1) In one of the prior lessons with this student, we have discussed a possible problem with advancing the P to f5. Specifically – the fork after Pg4. Unfortunately, Black realized that he is facing a similar predicament only after he already had played 16…Pf5.

 So, what to do now?  The direct 17…Rxf5 runs into 18.Pg4.  Other moves leave Black down a pawn and his position in ruins.  Well, Black played the irrational 17…Nef4 and lost very quickly. Instead, he should’ve picked the least damaging option – 17…Rxf5 (anyway!). After 18.Pg4 Rxf3 19.Bxf3 Nhf4, Black has a decent compensation for the lost exchange. White pieces are disorganized, the rooks have no open files and the K is weak.  If you are interested, practice this position against a friend or a computer.

<3> Notice how outnumbered White is on the K-side.  In situations like this seek ways to remove the last defenders even via a sacrifice.

Black played the excellent 17…Nf3+! 18.Kh1 (18.Pxf3 Bxf3 and 19…Qg4+ or 19…Qh3 with mate.)

Now what to do?

I hope you already had the best move prepared!

Unfortunately, Black nearly spoiled his excellent play by rushing with 18…Qh5. White could have played a calm 19.Bf4 maintaining a defendable position. Instead White played 19.Ph3? and resigned after 19…Bxh3.

To avoid all the unnecessary excitement, Black should have started with 18…Qe5 forcing 19.Pg3, and then 19…Qh5. The mate is unavoidable – 20.Ph4 Nxh4 …

<4> Black is threatening fork after 15…Nc2. By playing 15.Re2, White addressed the immediate threat. However, not only he wasted a move for that, he also placed his R in the awkward position, subject to future harassment of Black Bs.

 Instead, White should have continued his development – 15.Bg5 or 15.Bf4. These moves indirectly address Black’s threat. In case of 15…Nc2? White has 16.Rc1 and the N is pinned and will be lost after 16…Rc8 17.Re2.

<5>  Black played weak 11…Qc6 and reasoned it by the need to over protect the Nc5.  Well, this is not a strong reason as the N is sufficiently protected and has squares available in case it needs to retreat.

Having the P on c6 would enable Black to strengthen the center, eventually gain control of the d4 square, get pressure on the b-file, develop the B to a6 etc…

<6> Same game as #5.  White correctly declined the offer of trading Qs and asked the Black Q to leave.  Black had to pull the Queen back to d7, but instead he continued his ‘active’ Q moves:

13…Qa3

Unfortunately, after 14.Bc1 Qa5 (what else?) 15.b4, the adventures of the Black Q cost Black the N.