July 11, 2024

White: LetangtheMan (1162) -10

Black: liumatthew2357 (1087) +10

In my first 60-minute game with the black pieces, I thought I had blundered a pawn on move 12. However, it turns out I was actually winning due to a stunning bishop sacrifice. And although I didn't see it, and the game was decided by a one-move blunder by my opponent, I was able to sacrifice my rook on move 21 to win my opponent's queen, as well as his resignation.

July 11, 2024

White: liumatthew2357 (1078) +9

Black: alexbv077 (1121) -9

The English Opening, initiated by 1. c4, is a highly strategic and complex opening. As an fan of the Catalan Opening, I have always been interested by the idea of incorporating a 1. c4 2. g3 setup. However, my extensive experience with 1. d4 left me with limited familiarity with 1. c4. Until now, I had never played the English Opening in a slow time control. While the game wasn't flawless, I was always the one in control.

July 6, 2024

White: liumatthew2357 (1078) +0

Black: keithnyc1 (1070) +0

Both sides had chances for an advantage, but the game was mostly equal. Although it was a balanced game, ultimately ending in a draw, it was a fighting game with the possibility for both sides to go wrong. I had a worse position for the last half of the game, but managed to hold onto the draw.