Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation, Yerevan System as White with rating 1500

e4 c5 Nc3 a6 Nf3 Nf6 Bc4 b5 Bb3 c4 Bxc4 bxc4 Nd5 Nxe4 O-O d6 d3 e6 dxe4 Bb7 Nc3 Be7 h3 O-O g4 h6 h4 Bf6 g5 Be7 gxh6 e5 hxg7 Nd7 gxf8=Q+ Qxf8 Ng5 Nf6 Nd5 Bxd5 b3 Be6 bxc4 a5 Rb1 a4 a3 Bd7 Qf3 Qg7 Kh1 Bg4 Rg1 Bd7 Nxf7 Kxf7 Rxg7+ Ke6 Rxe7+ Kxe7 Qg4 Be6 Kh2 Bxg4

Game Analysis

Summary

Playing as white in this Sicilian Defense match was a frustrating experience that ended in a disappointing loss on time. I started with a decent opening but things became complicated after I lost my bishop early on the fifth move. I managed to create some pressure by advancing my pawns on the kingside and eventually captured the queen of the opponent. This should have secured the victory for me yet I struggled to find the clinical finish required to close out the game. My tactical awareness was sharp enough to find a strong sequence involving a rook sacrifice but the clock became my greatest enemy. In the final position I had a material advantage despite losing my queen back to the opponent. It is quite annoying to lose a winning position simply because the timer ran out before I could deliver the final blow.

Brilliant Move

The most brilliant moment in my game occurred when I played Nxf7 on move twenty eight. This tactical strike was critical because it successfully exploited the pin on the g file to remove a key defender and expose the king of the opponent. By sacrificing the knight I forced a sequence that led to the capture of the queen shortly after. This manoeuvre completely shifted the material balance in my favour and neutralised the defensive setup. It was a sharp sequence that showcased my ability to find winning tactics under pressure.

Blunder Move

My most glaring blunder occurred early in the game when I played Bb3 on the fifth move. This was a significant tactical oversight because it allowed the opponent to trap my light squared bishop immediately with the pawn push to c4. Losing such a valuable piece so early for just a single pawn was a massive mistake that ruined my opening structure and forced me to play from behind. I should have been more mindful of the pawn tension and the restricted space for my minor pieces on that flank.