I am not doing this to mirror him, and bearing in mind that I am short a pawn, I have to play more cautiously. Playing black, a player is often forced to dance to the tempo set by white initially. Even if he had not played his knights where he did, I believe I likely would have brought mine out. The only difference might have been a pawn move instead.

The opening might be the part of the game where I am weakest. I should study more opening theory. But right now I am not trying to gain the upper hand just yet. Rather I am trying to ensure equal footing. I will play for upper hand if it comes along, but at the moment I haven't seen a bold move that would grant me significant advantage.