Move 29
 

It would seem that there are just two possible squares to which our attacked queen can move. And 29.Qc1 Re2+ 30.Kf1 Bd3, or 30.Kg1 Bg4 looks pretty dreadful.
So is 29.Qf2 practically the only reasonable move?

It certainly looks that way to me.

I think our position after 29.Qf2 Re3 is miserable: we can't play 30.Bxb5 Be4, so and we're just waiting to see how they invade. But I think the queen is better on f2 than c1.

Perhaps "miserable" is too negative. Let's say "challenging" instead. Salvaging a draw from this will be a great achievement if we can pull it off.:smile:

I was too hasty in my use of the word "blunder" last move. Mea culpa....

I think Qf2 is our best defensive move right now vs. Qc1. We still may be able to pull out a draw if we keep at it.

Does that mean that we have a majority for 29.Qf2 already? Or am I being too hasty in saying that?

I suspect so. I will post tomorrow if there are no new ideas.

Please give me another day or two to look further at Qc1. Thanks, guys!

[QUOTE=richs;340946]Please give me another day or two to look further at Qc1. Thanks, guys![/QUOTE]
Ok. If I forget please feel free to post when you are ready. I am in the middle of exam season which leaves me likely to forget things.

I looked further at Qc1 and it's much worse than Qf2, so I think we're ready to proceed with Qf2. I can post if you stay busy with finals, David.

With David probably under far too much exam pressure, I suggest we can just anticipate his actions and play the move. I'll post 29.Qf2.