I drew a couple of games this week that I really should have won. In the first, I was a pawn down and facing likely defeat. I spotted a way of getting the pawn back, and was so elated after doing so that I missed winning a piece the next move.
The second game was against a stronger opponent. I was black defending mating threats in a fiery Chinese Dragon. With about ten minutes to go in a quickplay finish, I found myself chasing the opponent’s King into the middle of the board, and had to keep checking him or would be checkmated myself. I missed a pawn check that would have facilitated this and had to agree a draw with 2 minutes left.
Conclusions?
1) If your circumstances in a poor position suddenly improve, don’t get over euphoric – they may be able to improve even more
2) If you have at least a draw by perpetual check after a tough game, and a few minutes to spare, keep calm and look at the wider picture to see if you have something better.
AK
Borehamwood Chess club 