White won by 10.5.

I added my reasoning throughout the game. I don't play on a 19x19 board that often, but i'm training for an upcoming real-life tournament, so I was hoping if my strategies were adequate. Any thoughts are appreciated. Also, are there any sites online that help with managing byo-yomi? I usually play with Simple timing. This was 60 min with 5x30s, same as my upcoming tournament.

Hi pocket,

This drop to the second line is strange feeling.
Why is your eye drawn to there, when you can take Q5 ( 5-4 ) ?

Right idea, but slow. Jump to Q14 ( or R14 ).

Not good for W.

Bad habit. Just connect at D18.

Also bad habit. The exchange ( - ) helps W.
Just extend to C15.

Bad. Is there a cut at B17 ? To get out is a good idea, but this shape isn't very good.
Just take E5 ( 5-5 ).

Bad shape. Wedge at C3 is better.
Hane at G3 is even better.

Big mistake by W. W needs to fix his shape at E3.
Example: extend to G3. Good, very big; punish W's mistake.

Big mistake, big miss. You must push through;
example: E2.

Don't get me wrong: Go is a hobby and you should do whatever you like.

BUT, from an improvement perspective, I would now play on smaller boards to get more feedback on technique and tactics.

The mere fact that at White just does not see the atari but still wins the game after the capture, is a sign that neither player has any idea what to do on a 19c19 board.

We can give a lot of feedback on this game, but I think it would get lost in the overall lack of purpose.

So

1. read more about the purpose of the game and basic strategy, like cut, connect, surround, escape
2. play on smaller boards for the time being, for faster feedback loops

I'd say at the time, if I'd place Q5, he'd hane at Q2, or at least I would think that. I just didn't want him taking the corner. But seeing it now, I think placing at Q5 would give me more territory. I don't know how to count unfortunately, but would placing Q2 give me 3 points?

Right idea, but slow. Jump to Q14 ( or R14 ).

Because it gives him a cut, right?

Bad habit. Just connect at D18.

Also bad habit. The exchange ( - ) helps W.
Just extend to C15.

For move 26, would placing at C4 be better than E4? Seems so to me.

Hi pocket,

Good that you had a reason for your .
If W hanes at Q2, what's your reply ?Can W take the corner ?

Hi pocket,

Not good for W.Is there a cut at D18 ?This second line is bad for similar ( but different ) reasons as .

Joseki: hane at the head of B -- in front of B, not behind B:

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Hi pocket,

Your notes at are a good teaching moment. Some (perhaps many) people tell beginners:
- to "connect their stones" (stay connected); and
- to "separate enemy stones".
Mr. Kageyama gave this advice in his book.

What they fail to mention (from what I've seen, including in Mr. Kageyama's paragraph) is why on earth would you do that ?

The missing caveat:About your three reasons for :

Hi pocket,

Your notes here: no, not P14. The turn at P11 is big.

Good.

Edlee, I just want to thank you for all the help you're giving me.

I'm unfortunately a product of that proverbial mentality. I mean, proverbs are proverbs for a reason though, so I follow them because I feel there's a greater probability of success if I blindly follow them rather than blindly following my own feelings.

Regardless, I actually had a reason for doing this! I once had a game where I got a great deal of the board, but my opponent conquered the upper left, mid, and right sections, and it scored him tons of points, enough to win. I just feel controlling an entire side, the two corners included, of the board sneakily gives you the win. Any thoughts?

You're welcome.Yes. Baby steps.