[Event "Continental op"] [Site "USA"] [Date "1993.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Strauss, David J"] [Black "Sales, Jesse Noel"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "A30"] [WhiteElo "2420"] [PlyCount "80"] [EventDate "1993.??.??"] [EventType "swiss"] [EventRounds "9"] [EventCountry "USA"] [SourceTitle "EXT 2001"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceDate "2000.11.22"] [SourceVersion "1"] [SourceVersionDate "2000.11.22"] [SourceQuality "1"] {This was my ultimate match in the tournament. Last evening, before settling down, I sought fortitude and calm through prayer to stabilize my nerves. The prospect of facing a formidable International Master as black was intimidating. Nevertheless, the excitement of possibly clinching a tie for first place with a draw was tangible. I played cautiously, prompting IM David Strauss to overextend his pieces and his confidence."} 1. Nf3 {I have conducted an analysis of IM Strauss's prior chess matches using Chessbase to develop strategies that effectively counter his preferred English Opening} Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. Nc3 e6 4. g3 b6 5. Bg2 Bb7 6. O-O d6 7. Re1 Be7 8. e4 a6 9. d4 cxd4 10. Nxd4 Qc7 11. Be3 O-O 12. Rc1 Nbd7 {'The Hedgehog versus White's Maroczy Bind setup. White's strategy here is to control the center with pawns on e4 and c4. My plan was to achieve an impenetrable position by placing the pieces in coordination.'} 13. f4 Rac8 14. Bf2 {Indeed, it is a tense moment; White holds the advantage, hoping that my opponent will overextend."} Qb8 {Safety first} 15. e5 {It is imperative that I control my emotions and avoid taking any action without thorough analysis."} Ne8 16. Bh3 {Yes, I anticipated the sacrifice of this piece, but I must formulate a counterattack which he likely overlooked."} Nc5 17. b4 dxe5 18. fxe5 Rd8 {In devising a counterattack, my aim was to confront the imminent threat. While white's threat remains formidable, it constitutes the lesser of two undesirable scenarios."} 19. Qe2 Nd7 20. a3 Ba8 {I aim to align my queen with the bishop at a8 diagonally, should the situation warrant it."} 21. Nxe6 fxe6 22. Bxe6+ Kh8 {This situation resembles Miley Cyrus' song "Wrecking Ball." My core was shattered, yet I must think constructively to devise the appropriate response.} 23. Nd5 Nc7 {Thanks to this timely move... it is a life saver} 24. Nxc7 Qxc7 25. Bd5 a5 {At that moment, the central pressure had subsided, and hoped for the best outcome. Maintaining a positive mindset is a significant psychological factor in situations such as these.} 26. Qb2 axb4 27. axb4 Bc6 28. Bd4 {It's fortunate that my knight is positioned at d7 to guard my king once the pawn advances to e5.} Qb7 29. Rcd1 b5 {The move is exhilarating; I am overflowing with excitement and look forward to a substantial victory for myself."} 30. e6 Nf6 31. Bxc6 Qxc6 32. c5 Rfe8 {I played with steadfast resolve, allowing no opportunities for white.} 33. Qe2 Kg8 34. Rf1 Qe4 {The twist of fate that is key to Black's success has now become apparent, leading to an unequivocally advantageous position.} 35. Qxe4 Nxe4 36. c6 Rc8 37. Rf7 Nf6 38. c7 Rxc7 {In that instant, IM Strauss posed the question, "Is this position winnable?" To which I responded with a smile.} 39. Bxf6 gxf6 40. Kg2 Rf8 {International Master David Strauss extended his hand and congratulated me on winning first place. He offered his services to train and coach me, expressing belief in my potential to become a grandmaster someday. I felt humbled by his offer. I thank God for this victory, as well as the organizers and participants for making it a significant achievement.} 0-1