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| White has just captured on e5 |
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Both players have three pieces in play, but White has also castled and so has a slight lead in development.
However it is Black to move, and the simple and safe 11...0-0 gives Black at least equality, according to Stockifsh15.1 and Komodo14.1.
Instead I played the greedy-ish 11...Qc7?!, putting pressure on e5 and c4.
Even if White were obliged to play the retreat 12.Nf3?!, it is far from clear that Black can afford to grab a pawn with 12...Qxc4?!, after which the black queen will be harassed and Black still has to spend a tempo on castling.
My opponent played 12.a3, which is enough for at least a slight edge, while 12.Qa4+ may be even better.
The game continued 12...Nc6 13.Nxc6 bxc6 14.d3, after which I really should have castled.
Instead I grabbed an open file with 14...Rb8?, after which 15.Nd2 put White in position to take advantage of the unfortunate line-up of black pieces on the h2-b8 diagonal.
LESSON: delaying castling in fairly open positions is a risky business. One must be sure the potential gain from another manoeuvre, or from a combination, outweighs the possible tactical disadvantages.
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