Fine: I'll take nine

Hennie Schaper - AR111222 (India)

Ruy Lopez

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Bc5 4. 0-0 d6 5. c3 Bd7 6. d4 exd4 7. cxd4 Bb6 8. Nc3 Nge7 9. Be3 0-0

So far so good, a pretty normal set of opening moves in one of the many sub-variations of the Ruy Lopez. I was contemplating retreating my bishop to d3 (preferably after a6) and launch a kingside attack. For that plan, I did not like Nb4 after Bd3, so I played 10. a3. The computer in after-game analysis does not particularly like that, clearly preferring 10. h3.

10. a3 Bg4 11. Ne2 Bxf3 12. gxf3 d5 13. Kh1

I like this kind of position. White has opened up a file to the black king, and has the bishops pair - imo ample compensation for the pawn structure. While black was thinking about his next move, he clicked a draw proposal. I was not intending to accept it, and anyway I wanted to see his move first. To my surprise about half a minute later he resigned. One can only assume that he had to abandon the game for personal reasons. Too bad of course - but nine rating points in the bag. 

Black resigns. 1-0.