This game proves that although it seems like there ought to be loads of tactical chances, on closer inspection after move 14. ..Qc6 it is difficult for White to actually gain any advantage! In fact, I think after move 18. ..dxe5, White potentially had this game lost! The idea in chess (for the unacquainted) is to think 'Checks' 'Captures', 'Threats' in any given position. You must of course put yourself in your opponent's shoes and look for their opportunities as if you were playing for them ... i.e. What would you do if you had the opposing colour? This technique became a habit for me over the years, having played many club games and thrown them away by missing my opponent's threats! Fortunately, in this particular club game, my opponent was not thinking of what I could do tactically and succumbed to playing '* routine moves', hoping to play the game out with a one pawn advantage. The tactic employed after 20. ..Bbd7 is glaringly obvious to those that study tactics ... White gives up the exchange temporarily to gain a piece, namely the Black Bishop.
* routine moves are normally played without really thinking! (but we are all occasionally guilty of this 'chess sin')
Scotch Game
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