Material loss. Rd8 loses the Queen for a Rook, while Qxb7 wins a pawn and maintains a significant material advantage with the Queen.
3 Key Takeaways
The recurring theme seems to be Tactical Awareness and Material Valuation. You need to better assess the immediate consequences of your moves, particularly regarding material exchanges.
Here's what you can focus on in your next game:
Calculate Material Trades: Before making a move, count the material being offered/taken and ensure you're coming out ahead (or at least not behind). Practice simple exchanges like Queen for Rook vs Queen for Pawn.
Queen Safety: Be extra cautious when moving your Queen. Always double-check if it's under attack or vulnerable to tactical combinations. Ask yourself, "Is my Queen safe here?".
Prioritize Piece Activity: Look for moves that improve the activity of your pieces (especially your Queen!) while simultaneously protecting them from danger.
Keep practicing and focusing on these areas – you'll see improvement in no time!