Understanding analysis help - screenshot attached

Hi everyone,

The screenshot attached is from a game of mine.

It suggests that my next best move would be to take the rook on H8 - it would put the King in check but then the King would simply take my Queen so the best I can get from that is a queen trade.

I'm still trying to learn the analysis system and I'm sure it was thinking ahead of me but could someone explain how my move was worse than recommended?

Thanks,

Aaron

It's not a big mistake by you as you are still doing very well either way. However, your choice makes things potentially more awkward than they need to be. The recommended line Qxh8+ wins an exchange Kxh8 Nxa5 Nxa5 and you have swapped queens and got a rook for a knight. Additionally clearing this material from the board should simplify your task of winning. You are up a full rook + several pawns and only have to get all your pieces into the game from the 1st rank to consolidate your advantage. Your only danger is that black can generate some counterplay and attack you, but this will be a lot more difficult for him if you exchange queens and get his rook. If you are way ahead in material exchanging is a good idea to make things simpler. It's also a good idea to focus all your efforts on stopping the opponent from finding counterplay because that is where the risk of losing your advantage lies. 

Thanks very much for the detailed explanation. I need to learn to think more moves ahead!

👍