Finally a won battle!

I haven't gotten much Go practice the last two days because of work and anti-social computer games. I did however find some time for a game on KGS tonight (correction: I didn't actually find some time, but I stole some valuable time from what could have been a good night's sleep). I have missed Go the last couple of days but I found a worthy opponent at my skill level which would join for an even game of 13x13 (I'm 21k and my opponent was 18k). This was the first time I won in an even fight against another player in 13x13 (and to tell you the truth: it was my first time playing 13x13)! Sure, it might not have been an epic battle, but I won nontheless. And we all know that wins equals growth. Hopefully I'll get some good 19x19 games together soon.

What I learned from previous games was to secure the corners. I also tried to retaliate as often as I could. If I did any bad moves, I'd appreciate if someone would write a comment to this article and tell me how I could have played differently. All tips are helpful.

I think my worst mistake during the part on the second picture is to fall for the rookie mistake in the upper left corner. I thought I could secure some territory in the corner but got surrounded and captured by White. The next picture will show the rest of that battle. Is there a way for Black to escape such conditions if you go back a few moves and replay it differently?

I believe I've done well securing the bottom right corner as well as taken control of the center. A more skilled opponent could probably beat my defenses there though. If you know how, please write a comment.

The third picture shows the complete game where I win with 11.5 points. I believe White still had chances to gain territory by assaulting my stones in the bottom right corner. I'm sure you can find ways for White to win the game. If you do, please respond in a comment.

To further review the game: I made plenty of mistakes in the endgame. I got captured in the upper left corner as well as in the center (can you find ways for Black to survive in the center?). I thought those mistakes would make me lose the game, but my opponent wanted to end the game after I played in F10. I accepted and won the game. I still can't read points though. I think it's time for me to learn.

Hopefully I'll get a 19x19 game done soon. I'll also recieve the books I've ordered either today or tomorrow. Many of you are familiar with Go literature, but I might write a piece about them anyway after I've read and learned from them.