I was up against Peter Rankin in the semi-final of the quickplay knockout plate competition. I managed to prevail after a couple of tough games.
In the first game, I gained some pressure on the White side of a Queen’s Gambit. My opponent defended solidly for a while, but eventually slipped up and I was able to break through.
In the second game, I missed an early chance to win a pawn, after which play slipped into an equal queenless middlegame. I later did take the opportunity to win a pawn, after which my opponent was unable to hold the endgame, despite the presence of bishops of opposite colour.
I give the games below with some notes.