Lecture on Chess Match Analysis

Game 1: Don Draper vs. Tony Soprano

Opening Moves

• e4 e5
• Knight f3 d6 - quick question raised about ratings: No more than 200 rating points gap.
• Bishop e2, castles

Mid-Game Analysis

• d4 still fine; d3 seen as strange.
• c6: Thought to be a good move.
• a3, c6: Could be genius or a mistake.
• Takes everything: Okay play so far.
• Rook b8: White likely better.
• Bishop b5: Dangerous for Black; various strategies discussed.
• Queen e6: Potential mistake; complex series of exchanges demonstrated.

Errors and Observations

• Knight b8, knight e4
• Queen usage: Players underutilized potential for the queen, resulting in complex end-game scenarios.
• King movements: Accurate and aggressive but not high-level conversion.
• Checkmate setup: Fundamental errors noticed by the lecturer.

Guessing the Elo

• High and low ends: Guess ranges between 1200-700.
• Final guess: 975 from one participant.
• Actual rating revealed: 1460 - perceived as too high for the quality of play.

Game 2 Analysis

Opening Moves

• c4, knight f6, g6, knight c3
• Bishop g7, bishop e3, c5: Mainline Samisch, discussion on typical moves.

Mid-Game

• d4 structure: Highlights good understanding from both sides.
• Knight e6 and e4: Mistakes and high-level moves identified.
• Queen d5, Queen d6: Strategic play noted.

Guessing the Elo

• High-end estimates: 2300-2800
• Final guess: 2575
• Actual rating revealed: 2143

Another Game Analysis

Opening Moves

• e3, d5, g3, 97 continuously to puzzling bishop plays.

Late Game

• King f2, Rook b2, Rook d1: Intricate end-game notations, bit confusing..

General Observations on Elo

• Elo guessing is highly engaged, reflective of player styles and errors.