Excalibur vs. Vincey-poo

A match game on 10-19-06. Black was KA/Excalibur(1750 rated/mid-range); Sicillian Defense Opening.

V. Maniscalco KA/Excalibur

1. e4 c5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. d4 c:d
4. N:d Nf6
5. Nc3 d6
6. Be3 N:N
7. Q:N e5! (by theory, this frees up Black's game)
8. Qa4+ Bd7
9. Qb4 Qc7 (moves 1-9 standard opening moves)
10. 0-0-0 d5!? (Q threat)
11. Qb3 d:e? (opens d file, d4 is little better)
12. Nb5! Qa5
13. Bd2 Qb6
14. Be3 Be6?? (loses by force due to tempo edge)
15. B:Q!! Rc8 (15. ... B:Q? loses to mate in 2)
16. Qa4 Bd7 (16. ...a:B? loses to a different mate in 2)
17. Q:a Bg4
18. Q:b!! Bc5
19. B:B! R:B (white threatens mate in 1)
20. Nd6+ Kd8 (20. ...Kf8?? mate in 1)
21. N:f+ Ke8
22. Rd8#

The real key to winning this game was to exploit a small tempo advantage that made what seemed an ordinary Q tactical swap not so ordinary. Black had also made the mistake of leaving his K in the center of an open game. Black was also slightly behind in his development. All these little errors led to an explosive ending. Look for these opportunities in your own games.