Annotated Game #357: The Leningrad Dutch is different

In this last-round tournament game, it is evident that I have little experience as Black in the Leningrad variation of the Dutch Defense. Analysis shows a series of mis-placed pieces and long-missed ideas (...Nh5) that would have given me a better game. This was based on lack of familiarity with positional characteristics and common ideas specific to the Leningrad (including not blocking the bishop on g7). My opponent shows a similar lack of familiarity with the opening, but manages to create a weakness to target, establishing a strong passed d-pawn and a strategically winning position. While my calculation was not very accurate in picking up my opponent's threats, I did at least show good judgment in some cases by deliberately complicating the situation, which (luckily) led to my opponent missing some winning opportunities. I was pleased enough to be able to legitimately clinch a draw at the end, after fighting to come back.

[Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Class C"] [Black "ChessAdmin"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [Annotator "ChessAdmin/Dragon 3.2"] [ECO "A85"] [WhiteFideId "-1"] [BlackFideId "-1"] [PlyCount "55"] [GameId "2323483478960776"] 1. d4 f5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. c4 g6 4. Nc3 Bg7 5. Bf4 d6 6. e3 O-O 7. Bd3 Nbd7 $6 {in other Dutch variations this is more normal, but here the knight belongs on c6, not blocking the Bc8.} (7... Nh5 $5 {is also an interesting idea, taking advantage of the Bf4's lack of squares.}) 8. O-O Qe8 {again, not a great idea in this particular position. The intent is to prepare an e-pawn push. However, the queen's absence now leaves c7 vulnerable to the idea of Nb5.} (8... Nh5) (8... e5 $5 {is actually playable here without preparation.} 9. dxe5 dxe5 10. Nxe5 Nh5 {is a pawn sac in exchange for piece activity, notably the Bg7.}) 9. d5 $6 {luckily my opponent also plays a standard idea that is not appropriate here, allowing me to immediately equalize.} (9. c5 $16) 9... Nc5 $11 10. Bc2 e5 11. dxe6 Bxe6 {Black has a comfortable game here, although I am not really familiar with the position.} 12. Qe2 h6 {this is too slow, and/or premature.} (12... Nh5 $1 $17 {pressures the Bf4 and unleashes the Bg7.}) 13. Nd4 Nfe4 {I thought for a while here. This move is unnecessarily fancy.} (13... Bf7 $11 {preserving the bishop. White has no particular follow-up.}) 14. Nxe4 {obvious and best} Nxe4 15. f3 Nf6 {it's probably better to simply return the knight to its previous square, rather than obstruct the Bg7.} (15... Nc5 $11) 16. Nxe6 Qxe6 17. Bb3 {with the obvious threat of c4-c5, pinning my queen and king.} Kh7 (17... Qe7 $5 {removing the queen first from the diagonal and placing it on a better one. This also prevents White from targeting d6.} 18. c5+ d5 $11) 18. c5 Qd7 {long think, correct think (for once!) - however, I spoil it with my next move.} 19. cxd6 c6 $2 {it is correct to do an intermediate move rather than immediately recapture, but unfortunately this is the wrong one.} (19... Nh5 $1 $11 20. dxc7 Nxf4 21. exf4 Qxc7 $11 {even if Black stays a pawn down - both f4 and b2 are threatened - the structure and piece activity are such that there is still equality.}) (19... cxd6 $2 $16 {I correctly evaluated as good for White, who can pile up on the d-pawn.}) 20. Rad1 $16 {unfortunately White can easily reinforce his advanced d-pawn.} Rae8 (20... Nh5 $16) 21. Bg3 $1 $18 {the bishop decides to retreat and preserve itself, which is best, although during the game I resolutely ignored the idea of trading it off. White will have two very good bishops and an advanced passed pawn, which is enough to be strategically winning.} Nh5 {this comes far too late in the game.} 22. Bf2 Be5 {played after a long think. I thought best for inducing complications in which my opponent might go wrong.} 23. e4 $6 {this both gives up the f4 square and allows me to exchange the f-pawn and open up the file. However, I do neither of these beneficial things.} Bxd6 $2 {and we're back to a strategic win for White with this desperate grab back at the d-pawn, which lands my pieces in trouble.} (23... fxe4 24. Bxa7 Bxd6 25. Qd2 b5 $1 $14 {taking advantage of the hanging Ba7.}) (23... Nf4 $5) 24. Qd3 Rf6 {after another long think, I decide this is my best chance.} 25. Bxa7 $6 (25. e5 {is what I was expecting and would have shortly lead to resignation.} Rxe5 26. Bd4 $18) 25... Qc7 $2 {a reasonable move, but Black would do better by counterattacking.} (25... Nf4) (25... b5) 26. Bf2 $6 {concerned about evacuating his bishop, again my opponent misses} (26. e5 $1 Rxe5 27. Bd4 $18) 26... Bxh2+ $11 27. Kh1 Rd6 28. Qc4 {we are now back to complete equality and with not a lot of time on my clock, I accept my opponent's draw offer.} 1/2-1/2