This is the second training game arising out of this thread.
This time I am playing Black against Jordan (Merry Xmas Jordan!).
Once I know how experienced Jordan is, i will announce how often he can:
I will also supply comments.
Let battle commence…
Eagerly awaiting the terms of engagement; meanwhile, Jordan has nonetheless already decided on his opening move.
OK, let’s give Jordan the right to use all 3 options twice during the game…
(SCSimmons, if you would like to quote or copy the headings and moves below, spectators will be able to follow the game.)
As this is a training game, spectators are welcome to join in with questions or constructive comments. However please remember this is Jordan’s game!
White…Black
Jordan…Glee
The **Caro-Kann **defence. Solid and reliable.
Black wants to challenge in the centre with d7-d5, and also recapture with the pawn on c6, guaranteeing a Black presence in the centre.
White…Black
Jordan…Glee
White…Black
Jordan…Glee
White sensibly challenges for the centre and tries to foil Black’s plan.
N.B. If White plays either e4xd5 or c4xd5; Black replies c6xd5. This continuation offer can save time waiting for obvious recaptures. 
White…Black
Jordan…Glee
(Thanks anyway for the continuation . I’ve noticed that Jordan very rarely initiates exchanges, unless he can see an immediate tactical advantage–eg., the opponent’s retake leaves a piece unprotected. Also, so I don’t forget if we do some analysis at the end, the other moves he considered were d2-d3 and f2-f3. Basically, he is focused on defending his e-pawn.)
White…Black
Jordan…Glee
Jordan needed to do something about his attacked e-pawn and developing a piece towards the centre as well was a good idea.
However there’s no need to be afraid of exchanges. (Some beginners will move their queen away automatically if you offer an exchange of queens - this is not necessary!)
Exchanges happen all the time in chess. By capturing, you save time, since your opponent has to recapture.
Here I have established my d-pawn in the centre with gain of time (the c3 knight has to move). It’s only a small advantage … but several of these add up to a big advantage. 
Sorry - that last post was me. :o
White…Black
Jordan…Glee
White…Black
Jordan…Glee
I complete a space advantage in the centre.
Hint: Jordan should watch out for his knight on a4, which now has no safe retreat 
… Fischer said something like ‘a knight on the rim is dim’!
White…Black
Jordan…Glee
Defending the c4 pawn, freeing up the king’s bishop for other action, and opening the b2 square as a retreat for the knight–Jordan thanks you for the hint. 
White…Black
Jordan…Glee
This looks as if Black is wasting time, but it makes sense because:
He’s welcome - but there won’t be many more friendly hints!
White…Black
Jordan…Glee
White…Black
Jordan…Glee
This shows how difficult it is to give guidelines for chess - there are many exceptions. 
Here Black has only moved pawns, whereas White has brought out two pieces (and attacked the c5 pawn).
However the Black pawns form a ‘pawn chain’, which is almost impossible for enemy pieces to break.
Meanwhile the advanced Black pawns have left safe squares behind themselves for the Black pieces. For example, Black will play Nb8-c6 and Bf8-d6.
The White pieces on a3 and a4 have no prospects and will soon have to retreat, wasting time. :o
So already Black is better. :eek:
White…Black
Jordan…Glee
White…Black
Jordan…Glee
When either several (or long) pawn chains (like d3/e4, a2/b3/c4 and a7/b6/c5/d4) block each other, the position is closed.
This usually means:
Jordan wishes to use his first request for assistance: he would like to know what you are threatening on the current board.
Thanks!
There are two sorts of threats in chess - short term (tactical) and long term (strategical).
I’m not threatening anything at present (typical of blocked positions), but I do have a clear plan … get developed and open up the position. So my next seven moves are expected to be (not necessarily in this order):
Bf8-d6
Bc8-e6
Qd8-d7
g7-g6
f7-f5
Ng8-f6
OOO (or OO)
The key move in all that is f7-f5, which is the best way to open a blocked position by using a well-supported pawn.
Bartlett: Ahhhhh…the Evans’ Gambit.
Toby: I MOVED MY PAWN?!?!?!?!?
/Sorry
White…Black
Jordan…Glee