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VivianAndy v. Mahony – GMI Round 2, February 2021

February 20, 2021 By Mike Leave a Comment

In this game, I made a simple mistake in the opening, found myself defending some intense pressure on the Queenside, defended and then turned the tables, only to miss a win in the endgame.

Filed Under: Games, My Games

Mahony v. IM Arjun

February 20, 2021 By Mike Leave a Comment

I am playing in the February 2021 Gramdmasters Institute tournament. My first round opponent was IM Arjun. I missed a chance to gain an edge with my 12th move. Here you go!

Filed Under: Games, My Games

FIDE Arena Activity

July 31, 2020 By Mike Leave a Comment

I played a few games on the FIDE Arena last year that I thought I would share. I can see how much I’ve improved since these games. Simply click the elipses (…) above the board to see a list of the games.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Mahony v. Kobersky – FIDE Arena

July 31, 2020 By Mike Leave a Comment

I play often on the FIDE Arena. The players there are stronger. This is one example.

Filed Under: Games, My Games

Rapid Game – Scandinavian

July 25, 2020 By Mike Leave a Comment

One of my current focuses is building a bulletproof opening repertoire that fits my playing style. As a player who likes to play 1.e4, there are so many openings I need to know something about. This game was interesting.

Filed Under: Games, My Games

The Quest Gets Serious

July 9, 2020 By Mike Leave a Comment

A few months back I got serious and hired a coach, IM Luis Coelho. He and I are working on endgame technique, opening repertoire for white and black, and studying games together. My goal remains to achieve at least a FIDE Master rating.

I have not been following a particular study schedule as I want to “feel” what I am studying that day, but despite what coach says, I feel super disorganized this way, so I am likely going to plan on some basic tactics study daily along with a review of openings 2 times a week. The rest will be as it feels right. This means that if there is nothing specific scheduled ona day, I will study what feels right to me that day. It could be endgames, master games, etc.

I also plan to publish more of my games here on the site. I will probably annotate a fair amount and have just game scores on a fair amount. I hope you enjoy following my progress.

Filed Under: Thoughts

IECC Grunfeld Thematic: Michael Mahony and Michael Bertel

May 22, 2017 By Mike Leave a Comment

These are two games played in the IECC Grunfeld Thematic. I have been exploring playing this opening as Black. I’ve used it in some 15 minute games and done quite well. In this 2 game match I went 1.5-0.5, with the win coming with the White pieces.

Filed Under: Games, My Games

Michael Mahony v. Lucian Gavriletenau IECC CL3-2017.02.08

May 22, 2017 By Mike Leave a Comment

This game was a quiet draw. I don’t usually play the main line Sicilian opening at all. I tend to use an offbeat anti-Sicilian when playing against the Sicilian. This type of game exemplifies why. Black has too much theory backing him up and can simply play it safe.

Filed Under: Games, My Games

Matt Lewis v. Michael Mahony IECC Pyramid Challenge

May 22, 2017 By Mike Leave a Comment

This hard fought win brought me into the #2 spot on the IECC Pyramid. A draw was offered by white around move 28. I declined that offer and decided to play for a win. I was able to squeeze my opponent by using my two bishops and leveraging a passed h-pawn.

Filed Under: Games, My Games

Leon Blackman v. Michael Mahony IECC Swiss 581.1.04

May 22, 2017 By Mike Leave a Comment

This game took place via email. It is the 3rd time I’ve played this same opponent. He is an amazingly nice guy and plays a decent game, but I came out on top for the 3rd time.

Filed Under: Games, My Games

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The Quest Gets Serious

What Chess Means to Me

Recent Openings Posts

How a Beginner Learns the Opening

Recent Endgame Posts

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