Sitting at the board preparing for this round and putting the previous game out of my mind was a difficult task. I knew roughly what was coming and had prepared accordingly, but really just wanted to stay positive and play better chess. Shrinking into a play safe mode was not going to do me any favours, it's not my style. It was important that I put him on the backfoot for a bit and demonstrate some plans and ideas for my own peace of mind.
Spoiler alert - I lose the game - but I was happy with how played (to a point, still the same weaknesses, tactical vision and endgames) because I was in the running for long parts of it, which was the main thing today's game was about. With a bit more work on the above areas I think at least a draw was in reach and was hugely heartened by that. Can you tell I'm as tired as writing about these losses as I was at having to go through them at this stage?!
At the end of this game, Round 7, I was on 3/7, and wanted to get to 4.5/9 so there was some work to do in the next 2 rounds. See you on the other side for the next thrilling instalments ;)
