Blunder

Losing is part of the game. We cannot savor the glory of victory if we do not know the pain of defeat.

What is important is to learn from our setbacks. Then come back wiser and stronger next time around.

But with kids, losing means a lot. I can still remember vividly the picture of a crying boy after a painful loss against an aged opponent during the 1st Mayor Lim Rapid Chess Tournament last summer vacation.

The victorious adult did not know how to comfort his kiddie opponent (perhaps only 7 years of age). The man could not help scratching his head while watching his youthful opponent in rich tears.

Ahh, defeat.

GM Wesley So (2577) suffered his first (hopefully last!) loss in the 11th Round of the ongoing World Junior Chess Championship 2008 in the hands of IM Arik Braun (2533).

Let's see how Wesley committed the fatal mistake:

It was Wesley's (Black) turn to execute his 38th move. He executed 38. . . Ne6??

Can you spot how White capitalized on Wesley's blunder?