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Karpov officially announces his running for FIDE presidency
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
So it is official! Former World Champion Anatoly Karpov has announced his candidacy for the highest FIDE office. He held a press conference earlier today during the European Championships. This bold step has been anticipated for more than a week, when rumours first began circulating. No doubt the current FIDE President, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, will consider this nothing less than a declaration of war!
PRESS RELEASEhttp://www.eurorijeka2010.com/home/News?year=2010&yearActive=yes&month=3&newsId=33
Rijeka, March 12th
Anatoly Karpov announced his candidature for the FIDE president
Today a press conference was held during the visit of the Ex World Champion Anatoly Karpov at the 11th European Individual Men and Women's Chess Championship in Rijeka. The meeting was attended by grandmaster and journalist Vlado Kovacevic, the president of the Executive Committee Damir Vrhovnik and one of the best chess players of all times Anatoly Karpov. It is important to mention that this conference was transmitted live through the official Championship web site.
The introduction was given by Vlado Kovacevic who explained the importance of the arrival one of the most important chess figure in the history at this Championship in Rijeka. Karpov was welcomed by the president of the Executive Committe Damir Vrhovnik who pointed out that it is an exceptional honor and pleasure to host a worldwide famous chess player whose arrival represents a great recognition for the organizers and also for Rijeka and Croatia.
Grandmaster Karpov annonced his candidacy for the president of the World Chess Federation and pointed out that he is ready to use his chess fame around the world. He said that if he became the president, his first step will be the Federation' reorganization as well as finding a major sponsors that will allow accoure more efficient FIDE activities. Karpov considers that it is necessary to remove the current negative FIDE image in the world, and that the main thing is to respect our own rules.
He note that by now he founded numerous chess schools and clubs all over the world, and than he recalled the times when he was the world's leading chess player. On the question of how to restore the old glory of chess, Karpov said that the national federations must highlight the big names of world chess so they could obtain new sponsors.
"I was at Croatia 30 years ago, and the organization of this Championship in Rijeka delighted me. The organizers provided ideal conditions for a large number of players and so I congratulate them for the excellent organization“, Karpov said.___________________________________________________________________
MORE PHOTOS FROM RIJEKA
Photos courtesy of European Championship organizers
___________________________________________________________________
It was in Paris 1995 that Kalmykian President Kirsan Nikolayevich Ilyumzhinov was introduced to the FIDE delegates for the first time, and thanks to Karpov's support (and Kirsan's wealth) that a new FIDE President was elected. It was felt that FIDE was entering into a new and more prosperous period.
Since that time, even though Kirsan has injected millions of dollars of his personal (?) wealth into FIDE, introduced wide ranging changes to the rules of chess and re-structured the World Championship system, it is widely felt that FIDE has failed to keep up with the times.
Today FIDE is considered a laughing stock incapable of representing the game of chess. Though most hold a high opinion of Kirsan, it is felt that he has allowed himself to be surrounded and influenced by men only interested in their own personal interests. Stories of corruption and wrong doing abound.
But with the rumours of Karpov's impending candidacy for Kirsan's position (concretized earlier today) , a sense that historic change is about to happen in FIDE and an optimism that I have not seen for quite some time, has developed. The web has been abuzz with hundreds of stories related to Karpov.
But what are Karpov's chances?
During the past 15 years Kirsan has cleverly extended his web of political contacts and business interests thru-out Russia and beyond. Despite several scandals and hic-ups, Kirsan's position has never been stronger. His ties to the Kremlin are deep. Kirsan wields enormous wealth and power.
In the world of FIDE, Kirsan has not been shy to use his wealth to maintain his grip on power and control. At several Olympiads he has showered thousands of participants with gifts. On a zonal scale , it is thought that he has paid millions for votes from Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The last FIDE election (2006) only Bessel Kok (Belgium) dared run against him, and it was very easy for Kirsan to win because Kok was not willing to spend his own money. It is rumoured that the election was decided 5 months before it was actually held!
It is clear that if only Europe supports Karpov's candidacy then Kirsan will win the 2010 elections hands down.
However, several important factors are different this time around and may work against Kirsan. First, Karpov is now a very wealthy man (having struck it rich in oil), possibly even wealthier than Kirsan. Will Kirsan be so willing to spend millions on his campaign if he thinks that his opponent will spend more and win? And second, who will the Kremlin really support?
The recent failure of Russian sports in the winter games in Vancouver has created a tsunami in the Kremlin. With the winter games in Sochi just around the corner (2014) and the Russian government having already committed themselves to investing billions, the Kremlin has started a complete housecleaning of all sports organizations. Will this spirit of change mean that Kirsan will be viewed as someone whose time has come to leave?
Should the Kremlin give their support to Karpov (if it has not already been given!) instead of Kirsan, then in coming months it is possible that Kirsan will lose much of his 3rd world support.
Exciting times in world chess are just ahead!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
So it is official! Former World Champion Anatoly Karpov has announced his candidacy for the highest FIDE office. He held a press conference earlier today during the European Championships. This bold step has been anticipated for more than a week, when rumours first began circulating. No doubt the current FIDE President, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, will consider this nothing less than a declaration of war!
PRESS RELEASEhttp://www.eurorijeka2010.com/home/News?year=2010&yearActive=yes&month=3&newsId=33
Rijeka, March 12th
Anatoly Karpov announced his candidature for the FIDE president
Today a press conference was held during the visit of the Ex World Champion Anatoly Karpov at the 11th European Individual Men and Women's Chess Championship in Rijeka. The meeting was attended by grandmaster and journalist Vlado Kovacevic, the president of the Executive Committee Damir Vrhovnik and one of the best chess players of all times Anatoly Karpov. It is important to mention that this conference was transmitted live through the official Championship web site.
The introduction was given by Vlado Kovacevic who explained the importance of the arrival one of the most important chess figure in the history at this Championship in Rijeka. Karpov was welcomed by the president of the Executive Committe Damir Vrhovnik who pointed out that it is an exceptional honor and pleasure to host a worldwide famous chess player whose arrival represents a great recognition for the organizers and also for Rijeka and Croatia.
Grandmaster Karpov annonced his candidacy for the president of the World Chess Federation and pointed out that he is ready to use his chess fame around the world. He said that if he became the president, his first step will be the Federation' reorganization as well as finding a major sponsors that will allow accoure more efficient FIDE activities. Karpov considers that it is necessary to remove the current negative FIDE image in the world, and that the main thing is to respect our own rules.
He note that by now he founded numerous chess schools and clubs all over the world, and than he recalled the times when he was the world's leading chess player. On the question of how to restore the old glory of chess, Karpov said that the national federations must highlight the big names of world chess so they could obtain new sponsors.
"I was at Croatia 30 years ago, and the organization of this Championship in Rijeka delighted me. The organizers provided ideal conditions for a large number of players and so I congratulate them for the excellent organization“, Karpov said.___________________________________________________________________
MORE PHOTOS FROM RIJEKA
Photos courtesy of European Championship organizers
___________________________________________________________________
It was in Paris 1995 that Kalmykian President Kirsan Nikolayevich Ilyumzhinov was introduced to the FIDE delegates for the first time, and thanks to Karpov's support (and Kirsan's wealth) that a new FIDE President was elected. It was felt that FIDE was entering into a new and more prosperous period.
Since that time, even though Kirsan has injected millions of dollars of his personal (?) wealth into FIDE, introduced wide ranging changes to the rules of chess and re-structured the World Championship system, it is widely felt that FIDE has failed to keep up with the times.
Today FIDE is considered a laughing stock incapable of representing the game of chess. Though most hold a high opinion of Kirsan, it is felt that he has allowed himself to be surrounded and influenced by men only interested in their own personal interests. Stories of corruption and wrong doing abound.
But with the rumours of Karpov's impending candidacy for Kirsan's position (concretized earlier today) , a sense that historic change is about to happen in FIDE and an optimism that I have not seen for quite some time, has developed. The web has been abuzz with hundreds of stories related to Karpov.
But what are Karpov's chances?
During the past 15 years Kirsan has cleverly extended his web of political contacts and business interests thru-out Russia and beyond. Despite several scandals and hic-ups, Kirsan's position has never been stronger. His ties to the Kremlin are deep. Kirsan wields enormous wealth and power.
In the world of FIDE, Kirsan has not been shy to use his wealth to maintain his grip on power and control. At several Olympiads he has showered thousands of participants with gifts. On a zonal scale , it is thought that he has paid millions for votes from Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The last FIDE election (2006) only Bessel Kok (Belgium) dared run against him, and it was very easy for Kirsan to win because Kok was not willing to spend his own money. It is rumoured that the election was decided 5 months before it was actually held!
It is clear that if only Europe supports Karpov's candidacy then Kirsan will win the 2010 elections hands down.
However, several important factors are different this time around and may work against Kirsan. First, Karpov is now a very wealthy man (having struck it rich in oil), possibly even wealthier than Kirsan. Will Kirsan be so willing to spend millions on his campaign if he thinks that his opponent will spend more and win? And second, who will the Kremlin really support?
The recent failure of Russian sports in the winter games in Vancouver has created a tsunami in the Kremlin. With the winter games in Sochi just around the corner (2014) and the Russian government having already committed themselves to investing billions, the Kremlin has started a complete housecleaning of all sports organizations. Will this spirit of change mean that Kirsan will be viewed as someone whose time has come to leave?
Should the Kremlin give their support to Karpov (if it has not already been given!) instead of Kirsan, then in coming months it is possible that Kirsan will lose much of his 3rd world support.
Exciting times in world chess are just ahead!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Categories: Canadians blogs
European Individual Championship (part 3)
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
This tournament is what chess is all about! There has been some extraordinary chess played so far. Showcased today is Nisipeanu vs Reinderman from the 3rd round. Enjoy it! It is certainly one of the best attacking games played this year.
____________________________________________________________________
The Romanian star's 3rd round game against Grandmaster Reinderman was nothing less than magnificent! The student of Misha Tal has learned well not only how to attack (like his master!) but how to create excitement among the spectators and public. This pretty game has already been published in many magazines and on dozens of websites since it was played earlier this week, and I am certain that it will be included in many fine books, still to appear, on the artistic appeal of our noble game.
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 8th MOVE (8. Qf3)
I have never been a big fan of Alburt's line (4...Nb6), but who am I to judge chess tastes? All I can profer is my humble opinion that ...it is not to my taste! In anycase, we have before us one of the critical theoretical positions in Alburt's line.
Most often played hás been 8... Qe7 when after 9. Ne4 de 10. Bg5 Qb4 11. c3 Qa5 12. Bf6 O-O 13. Bxg7 Kxg7 14. Qf6 Kg8 15. Qxe5 Qxe5 16. de White hás a comfortable edge in an ending. In praxis White does better than one would think...
For this reason Reinderman played differently:
8... O-O
This is the modern way of playing, but still hás to be worked out
9. Qh3 h6 10. Nf3
Less good would be 10. Ne4 de 11. Bxh6 ed when Black is in good shape
10... de 11. de
This is the difference: White e pawn is defended with the Knight on f3, while maintaining the threat on h6
11... Nc6!? Black must respond quickly in the center or he will risk being run over
12. Bxh6 Nxe5
Now if 13. Nxe5 Bxe5 14. Nc3 Re8 15. Rd1 Qf6 the position would be unclear, as has been played in more than a handful of master games.
13. Ng5!? This move is very annoying for Black
There are only 3 games in my database with this move. In all of them Black has replied with 13... Qf6 but after 14. Bxg7 Qxg7 15. Nc3 Nd5 16. O-O-O White is better with simple development: 16.. c6 17. Rhe1 Nd7 18. Bxd5 ed 19. Qh4 Nc5 and now, instead of 20. Rxd5 which was played in Boudre vs Petit 1991 France, simply 20. Re7 when it is not clear how Black can defend.
Grandmaster Mikhail Marin (a friend of mine) , when annotating this game for chessbase.com proposed 13...Qd4!? as an option. But it has since been shown that after 14.Bxg7 Kxg7 15.Nc3! Rh8 (what else?) 16. Qg3! leaves Black struggling against a small but persistant initiative.
However, to be fair, I think the truth is that Black is gambling a bit in the Alburt variation, and that the best Black can hope for is a well-timed blunder by White! In such a case, the Alburt variation would be quite attractive...
13... Nd3!? This is new, and appears to be approved by chess engines.
But to us Homo Sapiens, it seems incredible that such a greedy policy can have any chances of success when all of White's pieces are on top of Black's King! Surely White's attack is worth more than an exchange!?
14. cd Bxb2 So if White takes Black's Rook, Black will capture the White Knight
White can force a draw now with 15. Nh7 Re8 16. Bg5 f6 17. Qh6 fg 18. Qxg6 Kh8 19. d4 Bxd4 20. Bc2 Nd5 21. Nxg5 Re7 22. Qh6 Kg8 23. Bh7 Kh8 (Diagram,right) But Nisipeanu clearly wants more. Moreover, White feels well within his right to EXPECT more!
15. Nd2!?
Despite the chaotic nature of the position, Nisipeanu pursues the logical course and completes his developement.
15... Bxa1 16. O-O
Forgive me for making the all too human observation that despite being an exchange up, Black's undeveloped Queen-side must be an important factor when evaluating the position objectively
Now Black can not hold with the immediate 16... Be5?! Because of 17. Nh7! (Not 17.Ndf3 because of 17...Bf4! when things would not be so clear)17... Re8 (17... Nd7 18. Bg5) 18. Bg5 f6 19. Qh6 fg 20. Qxg6 Bg7 21. Ne4! (diagram, right)
White has a really strong attack!
21... Nd7 22. f4! g4 23. f5 !(diagram, right) Now the attack is clearly winning!
INSTEAD BLACK PLAYED THE MOST REASONABLE MOVE
16... Bd4!? (16...Bb2 is similar)
White can still not take the Rook on f8 because Black takes the Knight on g5
17. Nde4!?
White now threatens to win immediately with Bg7! Note that 17. Ndf3 also looks promising, but is less energetic. Now Black should avoid 17... f6? because his problems become very serious after 18. Nxe6 Nd5 19. Qg3!
17... Re8
The critical moment of the game. None of the commentators had noticed that White can now win simply enough with the artistic 18. Nh7! Threatening Bg5, against which Black must soon bow his head:
After 18... e5?? 19. Nhf6 wins immediatly; Or if 18... Nd5 19. Bg5 f6 20. Qh6 fg 21. Bxd5 Re7 22. Qxg6 Rg7 23. Nef6 Bxf6 24. Nxf6 Kf8 25. Qh6 Kf7 26. Nh5 Rg8 27. Qh7 Kf8 28. f4 g4 29. f5 etc (diagram, right,below)
Black can resign. If 29...ed5 30.Nf4! (threatening Ng6 or sometimes Ne6) is more than a child's eyes can bear to watch!
Or if 18...f6 (stopping Bg5) then 19. Be3! Bb2 20. Qh6 (diagram,right) 20... Kf7 21. Nhg5 fg 22. Nxg5 and Black is totally lost. He must give up his Queen.
Finally, should Black try 18...Nd7 then 19.Bg5 f6 20. Qh6! fg5 21.Qg6ch Bg7 22.f4 wins as in the above variation.
INSTEAD, NISIPEANU CHOSE A MORE TAL-LIKE MANNER TO ATTACK:
18. Nxf7 !? A beautiful move in its own right!
This tempting move is good enough to give good chances to win, but is certainly more tedious than the above mentioned alternative. And besides, White must now play perfectly in order to win!
Now Black must continue 18... Kxf7 19. Qf3 (diagram,right) 19... Kg8 (19... Bf6 20. Re1! always a key move in this variation20... Nd5 21. Ng5 Kg8 22. Qe4 Nf4 23. Qxf4 Bxg5 24. Bxg5 Qxd3 25. Qxc7 Qf5 26. Be3) 20. Qg4! Kf7 21. Re1 (diagram, right below)
The entry of the White Rook creates serious problems for Black on e6
21... Bf6 22. Qf3 Qd4! (22... c6 23. Ng5 Kg8 24. Qe4) 23. g4 (23. Bg5 Nd7) 23... Rh8 (23... Ke7 24. Be3) 24. Bg5 (24. g5 Rxh6 25. Nxf6 Rh4) 24... Nd7 25. Bd2! (diagram, right below)
The threat of Bc3 is too much for the Black defence to bear. After 25... Kg7 26. Bc3 Qxc3 27. Nxc3 Bxc3 28. Rxe6 Black is left with a shattered position.
RETURNING TO THE GAME, INSTEAD OF TAKING THE KNIGHT ON F7, BLACK MAKES WHITE WINNING CHANCES MUCH SIMPLER WITH A HORRIBLE MOVE
18... Qd7?
After this,White's attack plays itself!
19. Be3 !
Black can not exchange on e3 because it would open the f-file for the attack!
19... Kxf7
From now on it is a massacre. White's attack plays itself.
20. Qh7 Bg7
21. Ng5
21... Kf6 (Ofcourse, going to f8 allow Bc5ch)
22. Ne4 White now repeats the position once for time 22... Kf7 23. Ng5 Kf6 , arriving at the above position
24. Nf3! There is no defence to Bg5
24... Qd6 only move
25. Bg5
25... Kf7 26. Bh6
26... Qf8
27. Ne5 Kf6
Now 28. f4 would be the most precise, and Black would probably have resigned. However, Nisipeanu's road to victory is just as sweat!
28. Qxg6 Ke7 29. Bxg7
29... Qf5
Ofcourse, there is no way that White will exchange Queens!
30. Qh6
The Black King is floating about in the centre, while Black's Queenside pieces are still in the same position as before White's attack began! That must say something...
30... Nd5
If instead 30... Nd7 then 31. Qh4 would follow
31. g4 ! Surprise!
Black loses his Queen . He resigns. An extraordinarily complex position to play over the board! Black never got the opportunity to develop his Queen Bishop!
[1:0]
After such a performance, a standing ovation! What else?
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
This tournament is what chess is all about! There has been some extraordinary chess played so far. Showcased today is Nisipeanu vs Reinderman from the 3rd round. Enjoy it! It is certainly one of the best attacking games played this year.
____________________________________________________________________
The Romanian star's 3rd round game against Grandmaster Reinderman was nothing less than magnificent! The student of Misha Tal has learned well not only how to attack (like his master!) but how to create excitement among the spectators and public. This pretty game has already been published in many magazines and on dozens of websites since it was played earlier this week, and I am certain that it will be included in many fine books, still to appear, on the artistic appeal of our noble game.
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 8th MOVE (8. Qf3)
I have never been a big fan of Alburt's line (4...Nb6), but who am I to judge chess tastes? All I can profer is my humble opinion that ...it is not to my taste! In anycase, we have before us one of the critical theoretical positions in Alburt's line.
Most often played hás been 8... Qe7 when after 9. Ne4 de 10. Bg5 Qb4 11. c3 Qa5 12. Bf6 O-O 13. Bxg7 Kxg7 14. Qf6 Kg8 15. Qxe5 Qxe5 16. de White hás a comfortable edge in an ending. In praxis White does better than one would think...
For this reason Reinderman played differently:
8... O-O
This is the modern way of playing, but still hás to be worked out
9. Qh3 h6 10. Nf3
Less good would be 10. Ne4 de 11. Bxh6 ed when Black is in good shape
10... de 11. de
This is the difference: White e pawn is defended with the Knight on f3, while maintaining the threat on h6
11... Nc6!? Black must respond quickly in the center or he will risk being run over
12. Bxh6 Nxe5
Now if 13. Nxe5 Bxe5 14. Nc3 Re8 15. Rd1 Qf6 the position would be unclear, as has been played in more than a handful of master games.
13. Ng5!? This move is very annoying for Black
There are only 3 games in my database with this move. In all of them Black has replied with 13... Qf6 but after 14. Bxg7 Qxg7 15. Nc3 Nd5 16. O-O-O White is better with simple development: 16.. c6 17. Rhe1 Nd7 18. Bxd5 ed 19. Qh4 Nc5 and now, instead of 20. Rxd5 which was played in Boudre vs Petit 1991 France, simply 20. Re7 when it is not clear how Black can defend.
Grandmaster Mikhail Marin (a friend of mine) , when annotating this game for chessbase.com proposed 13...Qd4!? as an option. But it has since been shown that after 14.Bxg7 Kxg7 15.Nc3! Rh8 (what else?) 16. Qg3! leaves Black struggling against a small but persistant initiative.
However, to be fair, I think the truth is that Black is gambling a bit in the Alburt variation, and that the best Black can hope for is a well-timed blunder by White! In such a case, the Alburt variation would be quite attractive...
13... Nd3!? This is new, and appears to be approved by chess engines.
But to us Homo Sapiens, it seems incredible that such a greedy policy can have any chances of success when all of White's pieces are on top of Black's King! Surely White's attack is worth more than an exchange!?
14. cd Bxb2 So if White takes Black's Rook, Black will capture the White Knight
White can force a draw now with 15. Nh7 Re8 16. Bg5 f6 17. Qh6 fg 18. Qxg6 Kh8 19. d4 Bxd4 20. Bc2 Nd5 21. Nxg5 Re7 22. Qh6 Kg8 23. Bh7 Kh8 (Diagram,right) But Nisipeanu clearly wants more. Moreover, White feels well within his right to EXPECT more!
15. Nd2!?
Despite the chaotic nature of the position, Nisipeanu pursues the logical course and completes his developement.
15... Bxa1 16. O-O
Forgive me for making the all too human observation that despite being an exchange up, Black's undeveloped Queen-side must be an important factor when evaluating the position objectively
Now Black can not hold with the immediate 16... Be5?! Because of 17. Nh7! (Not 17.Ndf3 because of 17...Bf4! when things would not be so clear)17... Re8 (17... Nd7 18. Bg5) 18. Bg5 f6 19. Qh6 fg 20. Qxg6 Bg7 21. Ne4! (diagram, right)
White has a really strong attack!
21... Nd7 22. f4! g4 23. f5 !(diagram, right) Now the attack is clearly winning!
INSTEAD BLACK PLAYED THE MOST REASONABLE MOVE
16... Bd4!? (16...Bb2 is similar)
White can still not take the Rook on f8 because Black takes the Knight on g5
17. Nde4!?
White now threatens to win immediately with Bg7! Note that 17. Ndf3 also looks promising, but is less energetic. Now Black should avoid 17... f6? because his problems become very serious after 18. Nxe6 Nd5 19. Qg3!
17... Re8
The critical moment of the game. None of the commentators had noticed that White can now win simply enough with the artistic 18. Nh7! Threatening Bg5, against which Black must soon bow his head:
After 18... e5?? 19. Nhf6 wins immediatly; Or if 18... Nd5 19. Bg5 f6 20. Qh6 fg 21. Bxd5 Re7 22. Qxg6 Rg7 23. Nef6 Bxf6 24. Nxf6 Kf8 25. Qh6 Kf7 26. Nh5 Rg8 27. Qh7 Kf8 28. f4 g4 29. f5 etc (diagram, right,below)
Black can resign. If 29...ed5 30.Nf4! (threatening Ng6 or sometimes Ne6) is more than a child's eyes can bear to watch!
Or if 18...f6 (stopping Bg5) then 19. Be3! Bb2 20. Qh6 (diagram,right) 20... Kf7 21. Nhg5 fg 22. Nxg5 and Black is totally lost. He must give up his Queen.
Finally, should Black try 18...Nd7 then 19.Bg5 f6 20. Qh6! fg5 21.Qg6ch Bg7 22.f4 wins as in the above variation.
INSTEAD, NISIPEANU CHOSE A MORE TAL-LIKE MANNER TO ATTACK:
18. Nxf7 !? A beautiful move in its own right!
This tempting move is good enough to give good chances to win, but is certainly more tedious than the above mentioned alternative. And besides, White must now play perfectly in order to win!
Now Black must continue 18... Kxf7 19. Qf3 (diagram,right) 19... Kg8 (19... Bf6 20. Re1! always a key move in this variation20... Nd5 21. Ng5 Kg8 22. Qe4 Nf4 23. Qxf4 Bxg5 24. Bxg5 Qxd3 25. Qxc7 Qf5 26. Be3) 20. Qg4! Kf7 21. Re1 (diagram, right below)
The entry of the White Rook creates serious problems for Black on e6
21... Bf6 22. Qf3 Qd4! (22... c6 23. Ng5 Kg8 24. Qe4) 23. g4 (23. Bg5 Nd7) 23... Rh8 (23... Ke7 24. Be3) 24. Bg5 (24. g5 Rxh6 25. Nxf6 Rh4) 24... Nd7 25. Bd2! (diagram, right below)
The threat of Bc3 is too much for the Black defence to bear. After 25... Kg7 26. Bc3 Qxc3 27. Nxc3 Bxc3 28. Rxe6 Black is left with a shattered position.
RETURNING TO THE GAME, INSTEAD OF TAKING THE KNIGHT ON F7, BLACK MAKES WHITE WINNING CHANCES MUCH SIMPLER WITH A HORRIBLE MOVE
18... Qd7?
After this,White's attack plays itself!
19. Be3 !
Black can not exchange on e3 because it would open the f-file for the attack!
19... Kxf7
From now on it is a massacre. White's attack plays itself.
20. Qh7 Bg7
21. Ng5
21... Kf6 (Ofcourse, going to f8 allow Bc5ch)
22. Ne4 White now repeats the position once for time 22... Kf7 23. Ng5 Kf6 , arriving at the above position
24. Nf3! There is no defence to Bg5
24... Qd6 only move
25. Bg5
25... Kf7 26. Bh6
26... Qf8
27. Ne5 Kf6
Now 28. f4 would be the most precise, and Black would probably have resigned. However, Nisipeanu's road to victory is just as sweat!
28. Qxg6 Ke7 29. Bxg7
29... Qf5
Ofcourse, there is no way that White will exchange Queens!
30. Qh6
The Black King is floating about in the centre, while Black's Queenside pieces are still in the same position as before White's attack began! That must say something...
30... Nd5
If instead 30... Nd7 then 31. Qh4 would follow
31. g4 ! Surprise!
Black loses his Queen . He resigns. An extraordinarily complex position to play over the board! Black never got the opportunity to develop his Queen Bishop!
[1:0]
After such a performance, a standing ovation! What else?
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Categories: Canadians blogs
Today's insight into the meaning of LIFE
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Anger management when over 70 years of age...
A husband asks his wife,'You never argue when I get mad at you. How do you always control your anger?'
'I clean the toilet,' she replies.
'How does that help?' he asks.
'I use your toothbrush.'
Anger management when over 70 years of age...
A husband asks his wife,'You never argue when I get mad at you. How do you always control your anger?'
'I clean the toilet,' she replies.
'How does that help?' he asks.
'I use your toothbrush.'
Categories: Canadians blogs
Today's naughty laugh: What Tiger really wanted to say...
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
WHAT TIGER REALLY WANTED TO SAY... BEFORE MOM HAD HER WAY
To my wife, I'm sorry. I fucked up but I'm not changing so you'll either need to put up with this shit or I'll stroke you the check you agreed to in the pre-nup....sorry.
To my fans, get over it. Where I stick my dick is none of your business. If you care....sorry. I don't need any of you in order to make 10 times in one year what you'll make in a life time. I promise to continue to hit 4 irons from 220 yards to within 10' of the hole and drop puts that you couldn't read in a million years. If that's not good enough for you, go watch tennis.
To the media. You cocksuckers are the only ones more two-faced than I am. Kissing my ass for all those years and then ripping me every chance you've had since Thanksgiving. Fuck all ya'll. I'm glad I don't have to take the time to sit and answer the same bullshit questions over and over again.
To the other tour golfers. Kiss my cablanasian ass! You motherfuckers come out ripping me when I've put more fucking money in your pockets than you could count. You think anyone's been paying to see Jesper-fucking-Parnavik? Give me a fucking break. I'm almost tempted to give up golf just to punish you guys but I think it's going to be more fun to practice for the next few weeks and get back to making you all my bitches.
That's all I got today folks.....see ya at Augusta, maybe!....Oh and Bambi, if you're listening I'll meet you at the Ritz in 45 minutes.
Thx Richard!
WHAT TIGER REALLY WANTED TO SAY... BEFORE MOM HAD HER WAY
To my wife, I'm sorry. I fucked up but I'm not changing so you'll either need to put up with this shit or I'll stroke you the check you agreed to in the pre-nup....sorry.
To my fans, get over it. Where I stick my dick is none of your business. If you care....sorry. I don't need any of you in order to make 10 times in one year what you'll make in a life time. I promise to continue to hit 4 irons from 220 yards to within 10' of the hole and drop puts that you couldn't read in a million years. If that's not good enough for you, go watch tennis.
To the media. You cocksuckers are the only ones more two-faced than I am. Kissing my ass for all those years and then ripping me every chance you've had since Thanksgiving. Fuck all ya'll. I'm glad I don't have to take the time to sit and answer the same bullshit questions over and over again.
To the other tour golfers. Kiss my cablanasian ass! You motherfuckers come out ripping me when I've put more fucking money in your pockets than you could count. You think anyone's been paying to see Jesper-fucking-Parnavik? Give me a fucking break. I'm almost tempted to give up golf just to punish you guys but I think it's going to be more fun to practice for the next few weeks and get back to making you all my bitches.
That's all I got today folks.....see ya at Augusta, maybe!....Oh and Bambi, if you're listening I'll meet you at the Ritz in 45 minutes.
Thx Richard!
Categories: Canadians blogs
European Individual Championships (Part 2)
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
(This is part 2 of the series that I am presenting on this blog this week for the duration of the championship)
For my North American readers, any European Championship is like life on another planet! No part of the world has a higher concentration of chess talent or a greater number of Grandmasters. This Championship is typical: there are 196 GMs, 107 IMs, 42 WGMs and 39 WIMs. Nine players are rated 2700 or higher! The 95th ranked player is rated 2600. In total, there are 440 players taking part in two tournaments: a mens tournament and a womens tournament.
European Individual Championships (men and female)
This event is taking place from March 6th to 18th 2010 in Rijeka, Croatia. It is open to all players representing the chess federations which comprise the European Chess Union (FIDE zones 1.1 to 1.9) regardless of their title or rating. There is also no limit of participants per federation.
Top players include Almasi, Bacrot, Movsesian, Navara, Vallejo, Motylev, Adams, Tomashevsky, Alekseev, Naiditsch, Akopian, Volokitin, Bologan and Jobava. 18 players from Armenia are participating.
The event is being organized by the chess club “Rijeka” together with the Croatian Chess Federation under the auspices of the City of Rijeka and the European Chess Union. All players who represent chess federations of the European Chess Union are eligible to participate. The European Championship is a qualification event for the next World Cup, with 22 players qualifying.
The championship is an 11 round Swiss tournament with a playing rate of 90 minutes for 40 moves, 30 minutes for the rest of the game, and an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move one. As always, the tournament is run in accordance with the ECU Tournament Rules and FIDE Rules of Chess.
Games start at 3:30 p.m. EST. Saturday, March 13 is a rest day.
The tournament website is truly well done and it is possible to follow games live. The address is http://www.eurorijeka2010.com/home Tons of pics, videos, games and other information to keep you busy!
There is a total of 180,000 euros in prizes, with 1st place in the men's tournament walking away with 20k and in the women's tournament 10k.
Below we can see the first 26 places of the tournament at the end of 6 rounds of play. Efimenko and Jobava are half a point ahead of 5 players, and a large group is just half a point behind them. Today was the middle of the tournament, and with 5 rounds left anything is still possible.
___________________________________________________________________________I continue with snapshots of some of the most interesting games and positions. The following game is from Round 5.
One of the most brilliant games of the year! The Romanian star introduced an important theoretical novelty
Grandmaster L Nisipeanu (born 1976) is the strongest Romanian player ever. In 2005 he was rated above 2700. His idol is Mikhail Tal, and his games are often unbelievably complicated.
POSITION AFTER BLACK'S 13th MOVE (13...Qd7)
Both players have entered into a complex but popular opening variation. White has sacrificed a pawn earlier in order to develop quickly and put pressure on the Black position. In particular, the Black King is in a delicate situation while confined to the center.
Normal now is for White to exchange Queens (it had been thought necessary, but this game will clearly change that mindset) when it appears that Black is ok. One such game continued 14. Qxd7 Nxd7 15. ed Bf6 16. Nc3 O-O-O with counterplay, 0-1, 55 moves, Shulman,Y - Bacrot,E , Montreal-2009
14. Qc2!?
14... Nb4! This move was thought by the theoreticians to be too strong to be allowed...
Now if 15. Qd2?! de is fine for Black; or if 15. Qb3 Bd5! 16. Qe3 de 17. Nc3 e4 18. Ne1 Qe6 and Black is fine again.
15. Qe2!
15... Ba6 Virtually forced
Now if 16. Qd2 Ne4! 17. Qe3 d5!
16. Qe1!
16... Nc2
It is too late for Black to do otherwise.
17. Qd2
17... Nxa1 18. ef Bxf6
Depressing would be18... gf 19. b4 O-O-O 20. Bb2 and White will soon be completely dominating the board
It is good to take stock: White should be able to pick up the Knight on a1, and so the relative piece count will be (not counting pawns) that White will have two minor pieces for a Rook. But this is where the pawn count is important: Black will have 2 pawns and a Rook for two minor pieces. Should he be able to advance his d-pawn and then support them with his Rooks, then he will be looking to a promising future.
The problem is, however, (and this Nisipeanu probably worked out at home in his preparations) that Black will not have time to do all of this, and White will be able to put his pieces into really strong squares and outposts.
It appears, after studying this game, that Black might just lost in the above position! However, we spectators can enjoy the fine play that Nisipeanu continues with in exploiting his possibilities
19. Re1! This disorganizes Black's pieces even further.
Of course not19. Ne5 Bxe5 20. Bxa8 O-O 21. Bg2 Re8 and Black is better
Now insufficient is 19... Kf8 20. Ne5!; Or if 19... Kd8 20. Nc3 Re8 21. Rd1! And Black hás not solved any of his problems
19... Be7
No doubt a painful decision, as the Bishop is poorly posed here.
20. Nc3 Aiming to go to d5
Now 20... Bb7 solves nothing since after 21. Qe2 Kf8 22. Bf4! Re8 23. Rxa1 Black still has development problems
20... O-O?! Finally, but it is too late: White now pounces with his minor pieces
The only chance is to castle long. Black can fight still, but I don't see how Black will defend in the long run after the manoeuvre Qd5-d3; Bd2 and Rxa1; then a4! and a5! I believe that the White minor pieces combined with the opening of the a-file must win. But it would still be a fight in a practical game...
21. Ne5!
21... Qc8
Of course not 21... Qc7?? 22. Nd5 Qd8 23. Nc6 winning immediately
22. Nc6! A really strong move
Now if 22... Bf6?! 23. Nd5 threatens to rip open the Black Kingside, so Black must go back
22... Bd8
23. Nd5
A picturesque position! The two Knights dominate the entire Black army. Of course Black can not take the knight on c6 because it will cost him his Queen
23... Qg4
There is nothing better. If 23... Kh8 24. Nxd8 Qxd8 (24... Rxd8 25. b3) 25. Qc3! Re8 26. Be3 Qd7 27. Rxa1 Bb7?! 28. Nf6 and Black is dead lost
24. b3!
The White Bishop will be very strong along the a1-h8 diagonal, and will be able to participate in any Kingside attack that White conjures up24... Bb7
Black must try to get rid of those White Knights
25. h3!?
About the same thing is 25. Re4!? Nxb3 26. ab Qd7 27. Nce7 Kh8 28. Bb2
Now best is 25... Qd7 but even so, after 26. Nce7 Kh8 27. Bb2 it is likely that White will soon have a winning combination against the Black Kingside.
25... Qh5?? But this just loses the house
The Black Queen will now become a target for the White Knights, and Black will lose a piece in the process of her Majesty's flight
26. Nce7!
26... Kh8 27. Nf4!
Now after 27... Qh6 28. Nf5 Qf6 29. Bxb7 Qxf5 30. Bxa8 White is simply up material. Black resigns.[1:0]
_________________________________________________________________
SNAPSHOTS FROM ROUND 4
Andrei Volokitin (born 1986) became a GM at 15. Ukrainian champion in 2004, his peak rating has been 2691. He has an aggressive style of play and excellent combinative vision.
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 23rd MOVE (23.Rc1)
Things have not been going very well for Black since the early middlegame, but that is no excuse for jumping from the pan into the fire! Black is a pawn down with little compensation, but he can still put up stiff resistance. The White b and d pawns are both targets.
But what can one really do when we should have never gotten out of bed? Black's next move is a real blunder!
23...Rxb5 ??? 24. QxR! oops! Black forgot about his back rank! If he now recaptures the White Queen then 25.Rc8ch will soon be mate. Black resigns______________________________________________________________
Grandmaster Ivan Sokolov (born 1968 of Bulgarian father and Croatian mother) has been one of Europe's strongest grandmasters for almost 2 decades. He was once married to a Canadian woman and had a home in Toronto, but lives today in Holland.
He thought very briefly about playing for Canada, and asked my advice. I was quite honest in my evaluation of Canadian chess (brutally honest, in the best Canadian tradition) , about how even the CFC has no respect for the game, about the rampant corruption (and this was long before the times of Hal Bond and his side-kick Barry Thorvardsson, and the disappearance of 120,000 dollars from Trillium Foundation!) , the Ottawa and Toronto chess-mafias and how under these general circumstances no corporate sponsor wants to get involved. When I saw him the next time, he told me that I had exaggerated: it was much worse than I had told him!! By that time he had even divorced his Canadian wife...and she didn't even play chess!
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 31st MOVE (31.Qh4)
Up to now a typical Sokolov mess! Now he appears to be getting the better of it, but it is still a tough fight. Black should now play 31...Nbd5 Instead, Black immediately blundered and had to resign 2 moves later!
31...Nc2??
Probably with the idea of continuing with Nd4 shutting out the White Bishop. He must have competely overlooked Sokolov's next move
32. Bxf6! gxf6 (He can not take the Rook because of Qg5 mating
33. Be4 ouch!!Threatening both mate on h7 and the Knight on c2. White wins a piece. Black resigns.
_________________________________________________________
Tamir Nabaty (born 1991) is an Israeli youngster with a bright future
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 32nd MOVE (32.Qxh8)
After some real cowboy chess (wild, crazy and chaotic) where I have to confess I did not understand anything that was going on (!), the smoke has cleared and White is simply up a piece for nothing. Rather than resign, Black tries one last trick...
32...Qe3ch 33.Kh1 Qf2!!??
Cute and appropriately desperate!
Will the youngster fall for it? (34.RxQ?? Re1ch mates) This tactic reminds me of a famous game between Bobby Fischer and his arch-rival Sammy Reshevsky (Palma, 1970)
Fischer had just played 30...Qf2 and Reshevsky resigned since 31.Rg1 is met by the crushing 31...Re1
34. Nd5ch! Very nice!
The Israeli player does not fall for such tricks. If now Black takes the Knight then White plays 35.Qc3ch (covering e1!) and then takes the Black Queen next move
34...Kd7! White can still not take the Queen
35. Qc8 ch!! A real shocker
Black resigns! If Black takes the Queen then White captures the Rook with check and then the Black Queen. Or if Black plays 35...Kd6 then 36.Qd8ch does the same thing.
(This is part 2 of the series that I am presenting on this blog this week for the duration of the championship)
For my North American readers, any European Championship is like life on another planet! No part of the world has a higher concentration of chess talent or a greater number of Grandmasters. This Championship is typical: there are 196 GMs, 107 IMs, 42 WGMs and 39 WIMs. Nine players are rated 2700 or higher! The 95th ranked player is rated 2600. In total, there are 440 players taking part in two tournaments: a mens tournament and a womens tournament.
European Individual Championships (men and female)
This event is taking place from March 6th to 18th 2010 in Rijeka, Croatia. It is open to all players representing the chess federations which comprise the European Chess Union (FIDE zones 1.1 to 1.9) regardless of their title or rating. There is also no limit of participants per federation.
Top players include Almasi, Bacrot, Movsesian, Navara, Vallejo, Motylev, Adams, Tomashevsky, Alekseev, Naiditsch, Akopian, Volokitin, Bologan and Jobava. 18 players from Armenia are participating.
The event is being organized by the chess club “Rijeka” together with the Croatian Chess Federation under the auspices of the City of Rijeka and the European Chess Union. All players who represent chess federations of the European Chess Union are eligible to participate. The European Championship is a qualification event for the next World Cup, with 22 players qualifying.
The championship is an 11 round Swiss tournament with a playing rate of 90 minutes for 40 moves, 30 minutes for the rest of the game, and an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move one. As always, the tournament is run in accordance with the ECU Tournament Rules and FIDE Rules of Chess.
Games start at 3:30 p.m. EST. Saturday, March 13 is a rest day.
The tournament website is truly well done and it is possible to follow games live. The address is http://www.eurorijeka2010.com/home Tons of pics, videos, games and other information to keep you busy!
There is a total of 180,000 euros in prizes, with 1st place in the men's tournament walking away with 20k and in the women's tournament 10k.
Below we can see the first 26 places of the tournament at the end of 6 rounds of play. Efimenko and Jobava are half a point ahead of 5 players, and a large group is just half a point behind them. Today was the middle of the tournament, and with 5 rounds left anything is still possible.
___________________________________________________________________________I continue with snapshots of some of the most interesting games and positions. The following game is from Round 5.
One of the most brilliant games of the year! The Romanian star introduced an important theoretical novelty
Grandmaster L Nisipeanu (born 1976) is the strongest Romanian player ever. In 2005 he was rated above 2700. His idol is Mikhail Tal, and his games are often unbelievably complicated.
POSITION AFTER BLACK'S 13th MOVE (13...Qd7)
Both players have entered into a complex but popular opening variation. White has sacrificed a pawn earlier in order to develop quickly and put pressure on the Black position. In particular, the Black King is in a delicate situation while confined to the center.
Normal now is for White to exchange Queens (it had been thought necessary, but this game will clearly change that mindset) when it appears that Black is ok. One such game continued 14. Qxd7 Nxd7 15. ed Bf6 16. Nc3 O-O-O with counterplay, 0-1, 55 moves, Shulman,Y - Bacrot,E , Montreal-2009
14. Qc2!?
14... Nb4! This move was thought by the theoreticians to be too strong to be allowed...
Now if 15. Qd2?! de is fine for Black; or if 15. Qb3 Bd5! 16. Qe3 de 17. Nc3 e4 18. Ne1 Qe6 and Black is fine again.
15. Qe2!
15... Ba6 Virtually forced
Now if 16. Qd2 Ne4! 17. Qe3 d5!
16. Qe1!
16... Nc2
It is too late for Black to do otherwise.
17. Qd2
17... Nxa1 18. ef Bxf6
Depressing would be18... gf 19. b4 O-O-O 20. Bb2 and White will soon be completely dominating the board
It is good to take stock: White should be able to pick up the Knight on a1, and so the relative piece count will be (not counting pawns) that White will have two minor pieces for a Rook. But this is where the pawn count is important: Black will have 2 pawns and a Rook for two minor pieces. Should he be able to advance his d-pawn and then support them with his Rooks, then he will be looking to a promising future.
The problem is, however, (and this Nisipeanu probably worked out at home in his preparations) that Black will not have time to do all of this, and White will be able to put his pieces into really strong squares and outposts.
It appears, after studying this game, that Black might just lost in the above position! However, we spectators can enjoy the fine play that Nisipeanu continues with in exploiting his possibilities
19. Re1! This disorganizes Black's pieces even further.
Of course not19. Ne5 Bxe5 20. Bxa8 O-O 21. Bg2 Re8 and Black is better
Now insufficient is 19... Kf8 20. Ne5!; Or if 19... Kd8 20. Nc3 Re8 21. Rd1! And Black hás not solved any of his problems
19... Be7
No doubt a painful decision, as the Bishop is poorly posed here.
20. Nc3 Aiming to go to d5
Now 20... Bb7 solves nothing since after 21. Qe2 Kf8 22. Bf4! Re8 23. Rxa1 Black still has development problems
20... O-O?! Finally, but it is too late: White now pounces with his minor pieces
The only chance is to castle long. Black can fight still, but I don't see how Black will defend in the long run after the manoeuvre Qd5-d3; Bd2 and Rxa1; then a4! and a5! I believe that the White minor pieces combined with the opening of the a-file must win. But it would still be a fight in a practical game...
21. Ne5!
21... Qc8
Of course not 21... Qc7?? 22. Nd5 Qd8 23. Nc6 winning immediately
22. Nc6! A really strong move
Now if 22... Bf6?! 23. Nd5 threatens to rip open the Black Kingside, so Black must go back
22... Bd8
23. Nd5
A picturesque position! The two Knights dominate the entire Black army. Of course Black can not take the knight on c6 because it will cost him his Queen
23... Qg4
There is nothing better. If 23... Kh8 24. Nxd8 Qxd8 (24... Rxd8 25. b3) 25. Qc3! Re8 26. Be3 Qd7 27. Rxa1 Bb7?! 28. Nf6 and Black is dead lost
24. b3!
The White Bishop will be very strong along the a1-h8 diagonal, and will be able to participate in any Kingside attack that White conjures up24... Bb7
Black must try to get rid of those White Knights
25. h3!?
About the same thing is 25. Re4!? Nxb3 26. ab Qd7 27. Nce7 Kh8 28. Bb2
Now best is 25... Qd7 but even so, after 26. Nce7 Kh8 27. Bb2 it is likely that White will soon have a winning combination against the Black Kingside.
25... Qh5?? But this just loses the house
The Black Queen will now become a target for the White Knights, and Black will lose a piece in the process of her Majesty's flight
26. Nce7!
26... Kh8 27. Nf4!
Now after 27... Qh6 28. Nf5 Qf6 29. Bxb7 Qxf5 30. Bxa8 White is simply up material. Black resigns.[1:0]
_________________________________________________________________
SNAPSHOTS FROM ROUND 4
Andrei Volokitin (born 1986) became a GM at 15. Ukrainian champion in 2004, his peak rating has been 2691. He has an aggressive style of play and excellent combinative vision.
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 23rd MOVE (23.Rc1)
Things have not been going very well for Black since the early middlegame, but that is no excuse for jumping from the pan into the fire! Black is a pawn down with little compensation, but he can still put up stiff resistance. The White b and d pawns are both targets.
But what can one really do when we should have never gotten out of bed? Black's next move is a real blunder!
23...Rxb5 ??? 24. QxR! oops! Black forgot about his back rank! If he now recaptures the White Queen then 25.Rc8ch will soon be mate. Black resigns______________________________________________________________
Grandmaster Ivan Sokolov (born 1968 of Bulgarian father and Croatian mother) has been one of Europe's strongest grandmasters for almost 2 decades. He was once married to a Canadian woman and had a home in Toronto, but lives today in Holland.
He thought very briefly about playing for Canada, and asked my advice. I was quite honest in my evaluation of Canadian chess (brutally honest, in the best Canadian tradition) , about how even the CFC has no respect for the game, about the rampant corruption (and this was long before the times of Hal Bond and his side-kick Barry Thorvardsson, and the disappearance of 120,000 dollars from Trillium Foundation!) , the Ottawa and Toronto chess-mafias and how under these general circumstances no corporate sponsor wants to get involved. When I saw him the next time, he told me that I had exaggerated: it was much worse than I had told him!! By that time he had even divorced his Canadian wife...and she didn't even play chess!
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 31st MOVE (31.Qh4)
Up to now a typical Sokolov mess! Now he appears to be getting the better of it, but it is still a tough fight. Black should now play 31...Nbd5 Instead, Black immediately blundered and had to resign 2 moves later!
31...Nc2??
Probably with the idea of continuing with Nd4 shutting out the White Bishop. He must have competely overlooked Sokolov's next move
32. Bxf6! gxf6 (He can not take the Rook because of Qg5 mating
33. Be4 ouch!!Threatening both mate on h7 and the Knight on c2. White wins a piece. Black resigns.
_________________________________________________________
Tamir Nabaty (born 1991) is an Israeli youngster with a bright future
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 32nd MOVE (32.Qxh8)
After some real cowboy chess (wild, crazy and chaotic) where I have to confess I did not understand anything that was going on (!), the smoke has cleared and White is simply up a piece for nothing. Rather than resign, Black tries one last trick...
32...Qe3ch 33.Kh1 Qf2!!??
Cute and appropriately desperate!
Will the youngster fall for it? (34.RxQ?? Re1ch mates) This tactic reminds me of a famous game between Bobby Fischer and his arch-rival Sammy Reshevsky (Palma, 1970)
Fischer had just played 30...Qf2 and Reshevsky resigned since 31.Rg1 is met by the crushing 31...Re1
34. Nd5ch! Very nice!
The Israeli player does not fall for such tricks. If now Black takes the Knight then White plays 35.Qc3ch (covering e1!) and then takes the Black Queen next move
34...Kd7! White can still not take the Queen
35. Qc8 ch!! A real shocker
Black resigns! If Black takes the Queen then White captures the Rook with check and then the Black Queen. Or if Black plays 35...Kd6 then 36.Qd8ch does the same thing.
Categories: Canadians blogs
Lake Superior fact sheet
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
How many Canadians really know Lake Superior?
1. Lake Superior contains ten percent of all the fresh water on the planet Earth.
2. It covers 82,000 square kilometers or 31,700 square miles.
3. The average depth is 147 meters or 483 feet.
4. There have been about 350 shipwrecks recorded in Lake Superior.
5. Lake Superior is, by surface area, the largest lake in the world.
6. A Jesuit priest in 1668 named it Lac Tracy, but that name was never officially adopted.
7. It contains as much water as all the other Great Lakes combined, plus three extra Lake Eries.
8. There is a small outflow from the lake at St. Marys River (Sault Ste Marie) into Lake Huron. but it takes almost two centuries for the water to be completely replaced.
9. There is enough water in Lake Superior to cover all of North and South America with water a foot deep.
10. Lake Superior was formed during the last glacial retreat, making it one of the earth's youngest major features at only about 10,000 years old.
11. The deepest point in the lake is 405 meters or 1,333 feet.
12. There are 78 different species of fish that call the big lake home.
13. The maximum wave ever recorded on Lake Superior was 9.45 meters or 31 feet high.
14. If you stretched the shoreline of Lake Superior out to a straight line, it would be long enough to reach from Duluth to the Bahamas.
15. Over 300 streams and rivers empty into Lake Superior with the largest source being the Nipigon River.
16. The average underwater visibility of Lake Superior is about 8 meters or 27 feet, making it the cleanest and clearest of the Great Lakes. Underwater visibility in some spots reaches 30 meters.
17. In the summer, the sun sets more than 35 minutes later on the western shore of Lake Superior than at its southeastern edge.
18. Some of the world's oldest rocks, formed about 2.7 billion years ago, can be found on the Ontario shore of Lake Superior.
19. It very rarely freezes over completely, and then usually just for a few hours. Complete freezing occurred in 1962, 1979, 2003 and 2009.
Thanks Win!
How many Canadians really know Lake Superior?
1. Lake Superior contains ten percent of all the fresh water on the planet Earth.
2. It covers 82,000 square kilometers or 31,700 square miles.
3. The average depth is 147 meters or 483 feet.
4. There have been about 350 shipwrecks recorded in Lake Superior.
5. Lake Superior is, by surface area, the largest lake in the world.
6. A Jesuit priest in 1668 named it Lac Tracy, but that name was never officially adopted.
7. It contains as much water as all the other Great Lakes combined, plus three extra Lake Eries.
8. There is a small outflow from the lake at St. Marys River (Sault Ste Marie) into Lake Huron. but it takes almost two centuries for the water to be completely replaced.
9. There is enough water in Lake Superior to cover all of North and South America with water a foot deep.
10. Lake Superior was formed during the last glacial retreat, making it one of the earth's youngest major features at only about 10,000 years old.
11. The deepest point in the lake is 405 meters or 1,333 feet.
12. There are 78 different species of fish that call the big lake home.
13. The maximum wave ever recorded on Lake Superior was 9.45 meters or 31 feet high.
14. If you stretched the shoreline of Lake Superior out to a straight line, it would be long enough to reach from Duluth to the Bahamas.
15. Over 300 streams and rivers empty into Lake Superior with the largest source being the Nipigon River.
16. The average underwater visibility of Lake Superior is about 8 meters or 27 feet, making it the cleanest and clearest of the Great Lakes. Underwater visibility in some spots reaches 30 meters.
17. In the summer, the sun sets more than 35 minutes later on the western shore of Lake Superior than at its southeastern edge.
18. Some of the world's oldest rocks, formed about 2.7 billion years ago, can be found on the Ontario shore of Lake Superior.
19. It very rarely freezes over completely, and then usually just for a few hours. Complete freezing occurred in 1962, 1979, 2003 and 2009.
Thanks Win!
Categories: Canadians blogs
Piece sacrifice against French defence
Black delays castling, and that backfires as his pieces are not ready to deal with White's attack. Against pawn advances on the flanks - White responds with attack in the center. Diagrams with the key moments of this game in my blog entry.
Categories: Canadians blogs
New Chess Video: Chess Position Practice #5 - Candidate Moves
Game PGN Data
[Event "Carlsbad it, CZE"]
[Site "Carlsbad it, CZE"]
[Date "1907.??.??"]
[Result "1-0"]
[White "Aron Nimzowitsch"]
[Black "Mikhail Chigorin"]
[ECO "D02"]
1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Bg4 3. Ne5 Bf5 4. c4 e6 5. Nc3 c6 6. Qb3 Qb6
7. Bf4 Nf6 8. c5 Qxb3 9. axb3 Nbd7 10. b4 Nh5 11. Nxd7 Kxd7
12. Bd2 Be7 13. b5 Nf6 14. e3 e5 15. Be2 Ne8 16. bxc6+ bxc6
17. dxe5 Nc7 18. Na4 Rhb8 19. O-O f6 20. exf6 Bxf6 21. Bc3 Bc2
22. Rfc1 Bb3 23. Bxf6 gxf6 24. Nc3 Rb4 25. Bd3 h6 26. Ne2 a5
27. Bf5+ Ke8 28. Nd4 Ba4 29. b3 Bb5 30. Ra3 a4 31. Rca1 Ra6
32. bxa4 Rbxa4 33. Rxa4 Rxa4 34. Rxa4 Bxa4 35. Bd3 Kd7 36. Kf1
Bb5 37. Bxb5 cxb5 38. Ke2 b4 39. Kd2 Na6 40. c6+ Kd6 41. Kc2
Kc5 42. Kb3 Kb6 43. g4 Nc5+ 44. Kc2 Ne4 45. f3 Nd6 46. Kb3 Nc4
47. Kxb4 Nxe3 48. Kc3 Nc4 49. Kd3 Ne5+ 50. Ke3 Nxc6 51. Nxc6
Kxc6 52. Kd4 Kd6 53. f4 Ke6 54. Kc5 f5 55. h3 fxg4 56. hxg4 d4
57. Kxd4 Kd6 58. f5 1-0
jrobichess makes chess videos and has a chess blog along with a personal chess site at http://www.jrobichess.com.
Categories: Canadians blogs
Will the Lewis chess set provoke a war between Scotland and England?
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
No, I am not kidding! When Argentina 'invaded' some remote desert islands, inhabited mostly by sheep, some thousands of miles from England in 1982, who could have guessed that England would enter into a war with Argentina, resulting in the death of almost 1,000 men and the sinking of one of the world's most advanced ships? This time my money is on Scotland! Bring it on, McGregor...
MP calls for return of chessmen
UK Minister refuseshttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8559305.stm
The historic Lewis chessmen could be housed in an extension of the British Museum built on the Western Isles, the islands SNP MP has suggested.
Angus MacNeil told a debate in Westminster that most, if not all, the 93 pieces should be returned to Lewis where they were found buried in 1831.
Angus MacNeil
UK Culture Minister Margaret Hodge said keeping them in London allowed many people to share in their history.
Margaret Hodge
Eleven of the chessmen are held by the National Museum of Scotland.
Mr MacNeil said moving the pieces to Lewis would have a "measureable" benefit for the islands, but only a marginal loss effect on the British Museum.
When a fellow MP's mobile phone rang during the debate, Mr MacNeil joked that it was the museum calling to say the chessmen would be returned to Lewis.
Mr MacNeil also said he was open to a suggestion from an English MP that what have been claimed to be the remains of King Richard II found buried at Stirling should be returned to England.
Earlier, the islands MP said it was wrong that a poster for a joint BBC and British Museum project showing the historic Lewis chessmen said they were made in Norway.
Mr MacNeil said a theory they were carved in the Scandinavian country had not been confirmed.
The British Museum said it was generally accepted the pieces were made in Norway.
The poster promotes the BBC Radio 4 History of the World in 100 Objects series, which is running in partnership with the British Museum.
Mr MacNeil said he spotted the poster in London Tube stations.
He told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme: "We only know two real things about the Lewis chessmen prior to 1831. They were made from walrus ivory, or whale teeth, and they were buried on Lewis for hundreds of years. They might well have been made in Norway, but they might well have been made in Lewis and there are some who say the carvings on the side of them would place them on Lewis."
'Not Scotland'
The British Museum said a museum on the Western Isles had helped with the world history project.
A spokeswoman said: "It is generally accepted that the chessmen were made in Norway, during this period the Western Isles, where the chessmen were buried, were part of the kingdom of Norway not Scotland. The British Museum is delighted that Museum nan Eilean in Stornoway is enthusiastically contributing to the A History of the World project. The British Museum is also working with the National Museums of Scotland on a tour of a group of the chessmen to four venues across Scotland in 2010-11."
Story from BBC NEWS:_____________________________________________________________
More information about the historic Lewis chess men : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_chessmen
SEE ALSO
Doubts cast on Chessmen originshttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8352127.stm10 Nov 09
Highlands and Islands Lewis Chessmen will tour Scotland http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8283165.stm01 Oct 09
Highlands and Islands Historic chessmen tour the north http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7968621.stm27 Mar 09
Highlands and Islands Piece talks over ancient chessmen http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7210537.stm26 Jan 08
Highlands and Islands Moves to unite historic chessmen http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7159656.stm24 Dec 07
Highlands and Islands Historic chessmen 'should return' http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7014137.stm26 Sep 07
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
No, I am not kidding! When Argentina 'invaded' some remote desert islands, inhabited mostly by sheep, some thousands of miles from England in 1982, who could have guessed that England would enter into a war with Argentina, resulting in the death of almost 1,000 men and the sinking of one of the world's most advanced ships? This time my money is on Scotland! Bring it on, McGregor...
MP calls for return of chessmen
UK Minister refuseshttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8559305.stm
The historic Lewis chessmen could be housed in an extension of the British Museum built on the Western Isles, the islands SNP MP has suggested.
Angus MacNeil told a debate in Westminster that most, if not all, the 93 pieces should be returned to Lewis where they were found buried in 1831.
Angus MacNeil
UK Culture Minister Margaret Hodge said keeping them in London allowed many people to share in their history.
Margaret Hodge
Eleven of the chessmen are held by the National Museum of Scotland.
Mr MacNeil said moving the pieces to Lewis would have a "measureable" benefit for the islands, but only a marginal loss effect on the British Museum.
When a fellow MP's mobile phone rang during the debate, Mr MacNeil joked that it was the museum calling to say the chessmen would be returned to Lewis.
Mr MacNeil also said he was open to a suggestion from an English MP that what have been claimed to be the remains of King Richard II found buried at Stirling should be returned to England.
Earlier, the islands MP said it was wrong that a poster for a joint BBC and British Museum project showing the historic Lewis chessmen said they were made in Norway.
Mr MacNeil said a theory they were carved in the Scandinavian country had not been confirmed.
The British Museum said it was generally accepted the pieces were made in Norway.
The poster promotes the BBC Radio 4 History of the World in 100 Objects series, which is running in partnership with the British Museum.
Mr MacNeil said he spotted the poster in London Tube stations.
He told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme: "We only know two real things about the Lewis chessmen prior to 1831. They were made from walrus ivory, or whale teeth, and they were buried on Lewis for hundreds of years. They might well have been made in Norway, but they might well have been made in Lewis and there are some who say the carvings on the side of them would place them on Lewis."
'Not Scotland'
The British Museum said a museum on the Western Isles had helped with the world history project.
A spokeswoman said: "It is generally accepted that the chessmen were made in Norway, during this period the Western Isles, where the chessmen were buried, were part of the kingdom of Norway not Scotland. The British Museum is delighted that Museum nan Eilean in Stornoway is enthusiastically contributing to the A History of the World project. The British Museum is also working with the National Museums of Scotland on a tour of a group of the chessmen to four venues across Scotland in 2010-11."
Story from BBC NEWS:_____________________________________________________________
More information about the historic Lewis chess men : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_chessmen
SEE ALSO
Doubts cast on Chessmen originshttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8352127.stm10 Nov 09
Highlands and Islands Lewis Chessmen will tour Scotland http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8283165.stm01 Oct 09
Highlands and Islands Historic chessmen tour the north http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7968621.stm27 Mar 09
Highlands and Islands Piece talks over ancient chessmen http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7210537.stm26 Jan 08
Highlands and Islands Moves to unite historic chessmen http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7159656.stm24 Dec 07
Highlands and Islands Historic chessmen 'should return' http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7014137.stm26 Sep 07
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Categories: Canadians blogs
EUROPEAN INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP (part 1)
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
For my North American readers, any European Championship is like life on another planet! No part of the world has a higher concentration of chess talent or a greater number of Grandmasters. This Championship is typical: there are 196 GMs, 107 IMs, 42 WGMs and 39 WIMs. Nine players are rated 2700 or higher! The 95th ranked player is rated 2600. In total, there are 440 players taking part in two tournaments: a mens tournament and a womens tournament.
European Individual Championships (men and female)
This event is taking place from March 6th to 18th 2010 in Rijeka, Croatia. It is open to all players representing the chess federations which comprise the European Chess Union (FIDE zones 1.1 to 1.9) regardless of their title or rating. There is also no limit of participants per federation.
Top players include Almasi, Bacrot, Movsesian, Navara, Vallejo, Motylev, Adams, Tomashevsky, Alekseev, Naiditsch, Akopian, Volokitin, Bologan and Jobava. 18 players from Armenia are participating.
The event is being organized by the chess club “Rijeka” together with the Croatian Chess Federation under the auspices of the City of Rijeka and the European Chess Union. All players who represent chess federations of the European Chess Union are eligible to participate. The European Championship is a qualification event for the next World Cup, with 22 players qualifying.
The championship is an 11 round Swiss tournament with a playing rate of 90 minutes for 40 moves, 30 minutes for the rest of the game, and an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move one. As always, the tournament is run in accordance with the ECU Tournament Rules and FIDE Rules of Chess.
Games start at 3:30 p.m. EST. Saturday, March 13 is a rest day.
The tournament website is truly well done and it is possible to follow games live. The address is http://www.eurorijeka2010.com/home Tons of pics, videos, games and other information to keep you busy!
There is a total of 180,000 euros in prizes, with 1st place in the men's tournament walking away with 20k and in the women's tournament 10k.
______________________________________________________________________
The standings (for the first 46 places) after 5 rounds is given below. As is normal in an 11 round swiss, it is too early to single out any particular performance or player favourite to win. Most players are separated by half a point, followed by groups of 20 players or more!
I am enjoying following this tournament very much. The play is sharp and entertaining. Many great games have been played (I will present about a dozen here in the following days) and, surprisingly, an unusal number of blunders have also been seen. Probably the pressure of having almost 200 Grandmasters under one roof has been creating psychic waves!?
This kind of tournament is what chess is all about! Very different from the closed and elitist tournaments like Linares, this tournament gives the opportunity to everybody to play some of the greatest players of the day, to match wits and seek fame and fortune. It is , in my opinion, sad that players such as Ivanchuk and Aronian are not participating.
Alexander Motylev (born 1979) is a former Russian Champion and one of the strongest Grandmasters of his generation
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 7th MOVE (7.Bxc6)
A well known position that has occurred in about a hundred master games over the years. Usual now is 7... dc 8. Qxd4 Nf6 9.Nc3 Bg4!? with a more or less balanced position. Not much is happening that is very different from the normal Exchange variation of the Spanish.
However, Godena is a player who goes his own way and likes to surprise his opponent with little known, and even less studied, side variations. Here he played....
7... Qb4 !?
A very sharp check that immediately creates a crisis : White must now play in gambit style if he is to avoid getting the worse right off the bat! 8.Qd2 or 8.Nbd2 simply won't do. On the otherhand, is Black's last move any good? He neglects his development and is for the time being a piece down.
8. c3!?
The only way to play! The complications that result are very difficult to fathom over the board and require precise calculation and accurate evaluation of the resulting positions. According to my database, there are only about a dozen games that have gone this way and theory still has to mention this position in its books!
8... Qxb2 forced
Much worse is 8... dc3 as after 9. bc Qb2 10. Bd5 Qxa1 11. Qb3 the Black Queen will be trapped after White castles and moves his Queen Knight.
As mentioned, there are few games to go by in this little studied position. White has mostly tried either 9. Qxd4 bc 10. O-O Qxa1 11. Qxh8 Kf8 with a messy position (diagram, right) or 9. O-O, with mixed results. Motylev, undoubted taken by surprise by Godena's opening choice, had to re-invent the wheel himself and comes up with a new idea!
9. Ba4!?
This move looks quite strong! White preserves his Bishop and intends to use it later in an attack against the Black King. Black will now have to take the Rook in the corner , being an exchange up, but his problems are just beginning: where to put the Black King? And the Black Queen is always in a danger of being trapped! I don't like Black's position....
9... Qxa1 Worse is 9... dc 10. O-O !
This position reminds me of the type of game that was often seen during the lifetime of Paul Morphy! One of the players (yet to be decided!) is risking too much....Not good now is 10... Ne7 as after 11. Qxd4 O-O 12. Qd2! the Black Queen is trapped. Probably necessary, but hair-raising, is the cold blooded 10... Qxa2!? 11. Bb3 Qa6 12. Qxd4 Qf6 13. e5 Qg7 and atleast the Black Queen is safe. However, it is clear that White has many attractive continuations.
10... b5?! A horrible move!
Black simply drives the White Bishop to a better square while creating a weakness on the Queen-side. Black is now lost almost by force. Probably he was lost anyway...
11. Bb3 ! Setting it's eyes on f7.
Probably equally strong is 11. Qxd4 f6 12. Na3 Qxa2 (12... Qxf1 13. Kxf1 ba 14. e5) 13. Nxb5 (diagram,right) when White has many threats and the Black Queen is still out of play.
11... c5 Black hopes to play ...c4 and shut out the White Bishop
Note that the immediate 11... Qb2 loses immediately to 12. Qxd4 f6 13. Qd5!, exploiting Black's 10th move
12. Nxd4! Ripping open the centre!
If you put your head into the lion's mouth, you should not be surprised if it gets bitten off!
In this kind of position (with the Black Queen out of play and almost trapped, and the Black King still uncastled) material is not such an important factor. Here White realizes that with just his Queen and Bishop he can create serious mating threats against Black. Play proceeded:
12... cd It is too late for the consolidating try 12... a6 as after 13. Qd2 cd 14. Qxd4 f6 15. Qd5 Black's position falls apart.13. Qxd4
A dream position! White threatens the Black Rook on h8 and also (if there is nothing immediately better) Qd5, attacking the other Rook and f7. Something has gone seriously wrong with Godena's opening surprise!
13... f6 At this point, Black has little choice
Now Motylev has a pleasant choice. I would prefer 14. Na3!? Qb2 15. Nxb5 and if 15... Kf8 16. Qd5 Kg7 17. Qf7 Kh6 18. Qf8 when Black should soon get mated. However, Motylev's choice is more sadistic!
14. e5 ! Very thematic: more ripping
There is little that Black can do from White opening up the position, exposing the Black King to mating threats.
14... Bb7 15. Na3 [15. ef is also good]
Now should Black give the Queen with 15... Qxf1 16. Kxf1 Bc6 (what else) simply 17. ef gives White exactly the same attack as in the game.
15... Qb2
16. ef Threatening f7
Taking the pawn on b5 was equally good. If now Black tries to escape to the Queenside he walks into an equally deadly attack: 16... O-O-O 17. Nxb5 Bc6 18. Nxa7 Kb7 19. Nxc6 and Black does not have a single good move.
16... Nh6 At least taking some of the sting out of White's immediate threat...
17. Qe5 ouch!
I am certain that Godena wanted to resign here, but nobody likes to lose in less than 20 moves! So he continues for a couple of moves...Note that if he now moves to f8 he would allow a mate in 1 move. So Godena goes the other direction
17... Kd8 18. Nxb5
I can imagine that a lot of vultures were hovering over the board at this point! Motylev quickly concludes his attack:
18... Qd2 19. Qc7 Ke8 20. Nd6
Godena resigns. It is mate in at most 6 moves! An opening experiment that went bad ...
[1:0]
_________________________________________________________________
Grandmaster E.Sutovsky (born 1977). A dangerous attacking player
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 27th MOVE (27.Qc7)
After an interesting game, where little seems to have been going on, Sutovsky has managed to create some threats: either 28.Ne5 or 28.Ng5 are serious and Black does not seem to have an obvious answer to either!
However, there is a solution! Black must play 27... Qc2! and it seems that White's winning chances are problematic: 28. Ng5 Qf2 29. Qxc6 Qxh4 30. Nh3 Qxd4 31. Qxa6 Qe5 32. g3 Qb2 ( Diagram,right) To prevent perpetual check black must allow the d-pawn to advance. Should White lose his a-pawn then he will never win.
Or if 28. Ne5 Qf2! and White can not take the Knight because Black has a perpetual check. White would then have to try to return to the above variation with 29.Nf3
INSTEAD, BLACK PANICKED AND LOST IMMEDIATELY!27... Kf6?? 28. Ng5!
Black finds himself in a mating net and resigned 5 moves later.
See the pgn-viewer for the finish.
_______________________________________________________________
Grandmaster Z.Kozul (born 1966) won the European Championship in 2006
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 25th MOVE (25.f3)
Things haven't been going very well for Kozul in this tournament so far, and this game proves it. White has played a bit too freely in the opening and early middlegame, and his opponent (obviously well prepared and in fine form) is about to strike out and hand his Croation opponent another defeat.
25... Rxe6! 26. de Bxf3!!
Very pretty! Black takes advantage of the geometry of the position (the White Armada is on the Queenside on vacation) and White's King finds itself without defence!
27. Kxf3 Qd3
White is pushed back and now the entry of the Black Rook will soon finish things off.
28. Kg2 Qe4 29. Kg1 Rd8 !
Now if White plays 30.Bd2, then Black wins with 30...Qg4ch ! 31.Kf Rf8ch ! etc. Kozul could now resign but plays on for one more move
30. Rxa6 Qf3 !
Covering a8, and now should White play 31.Bd2 (to stop ...Rd1) then 31...Qd1ch follows.
Kozul resigns. A pretty finish by Black___________________________________________________
24 year old Khismatullin is a rising star with an aggressive style
POSITION AFTER BLACK'S 26th MOVE (26...Qh6)
Black's two extra pawns bring little comfort. Every one of White's pieces bears down on the fragile Black position. It is little surprise that White can force an immediate breakthru!
27. Bxf7!
This draws the Black King into the open
27... Kxf7 28. Rxd6!
As pretty as it is brutal! Black can not take the Rook because of mate in one move. The game quickly ends
28... Nf6 29. Bxf6 Bxf6 30. Qd5
Black resigns. It is forced mate!
___________________________________________________________________
Grandmaster E.Najer (born 1977) has won many strong Open tournaments in the USA
POSITION AFTER BLACK'S 29th MOVE
Branko Damljanovic, a Serbian friend of mine, has spoiled a promising position and now he should play cautiously to maintain a rough balance with 30.Rd1, exchanging rooks. It is difficult to believe that the game would not end in a draw.
However, probably not wanting a peaceful conclusion , Branko tries to mix it up and soon finds himself in trouble.
30. Qc3 ?! This looks good, but is wrong
White probably thought that control of the long diagonal , coupled with a later Ra1 would give him serious threats against he Black King. However, Black's next move takes control of the d-file and also cuts out any back rank nonsense.
30... Qd8! 31. Kg2?!
Branko is stubborn! He had to try 31.h4, but probably rejected it because Black can sacrifice his Knight on h4 and get a perpetual check! Now Najer increases the pressure on White's King-side.
31... h4 !
The control of the d-file and some King-side initiative gives Black a clear advantage.
White continues to play with unjustified optimism:
32. Ra1 Kh7 33. Ra7
With the White Rook misplaced, Najer begins a decisive attack. Probably it is already too late to save the position.
33... Rd1 !
The threat of ...Qd5ch forces White's next move
34. Qc2 h3 !
A clever idea that ends the game surprisingly quickly. If White now moves to f3 then ...Qd5ch will be good enough to win.
35. Kxh3 Rg1 !
The White King unexpectedly finds itself in a mating net! There is no real defence to the Black Queen entering and stinging the White King. The game ends almost immediately....
36. e4 Qg5
White is getting mated. All is fair in love and war....[0:1]
For my North American readers, any European Championship is like life on another planet! No part of the world has a higher concentration of chess talent or a greater number of Grandmasters. This Championship is typical: there are 196 GMs, 107 IMs, 42 WGMs and 39 WIMs. Nine players are rated 2700 or higher! The 95th ranked player is rated 2600. In total, there are 440 players taking part in two tournaments: a mens tournament and a womens tournament.
European Individual Championships (men and female)
This event is taking place from March 6th to 18th 2010 in Rijeka, Croatia. It is open to all players representing the chess federations which comprise the European Chess Union (FIDE zones 1.1 to 1.9) regardless of their title or rating. There is also no limit of participants per federation.
Top players include Almasi, Bacrot, Movsesian, Navara, Vallejo, Motylev, Adams, Tomashevsky, Alekseev, Naiditsch, Akopian, Volokitin, Bologan and Jobava. 18 players from Armenia are participating.
The event is being organized by the chess club “Rijeka” together with the Croatian Chess Federation under the auspices of the City of Rijeka and the European Chess Union. All players who represent chess federations of the European Chess Union are eligible to participate. The European Championship is a qualification event for the next World Cup, with 22 players qualifying.
The championship is an 11 round Swiss tournament with a playing rate of 90 minutes for 40 moves, 30 minutes for the rest of the game, and an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move one. As always, the tournament is run in accordance with the ECU Tournament Rules and FIDE Rules of Chess.
Games start at 3:30 p.m. EST. Saturday, March 13 is a rest day.
The tournament website is truly well done and it is possible to follow games live. The address is http://www.eurorijeka2010.com/home Tons of pics, videos, games and other information to keep you busy!
There is a total of 180,000 euros in prizes, with 1st place in the men's tournament walking away with 20k and in the women's tournament 10k.
______________________________________________________________________
The standings (for the first 46 places) after 5 rounds is given below. As is normal in an 11 round swiss, it is too early to single out any particular performance or player favourite to win. Most players are separated by half a point, followed by groups of 20 players or more!
I am enjoying following this tournament very much. The play is sharp and entertaining. Many great games have been played (I will present about a dozen here in the following days) and, surprisingly, an unusal number of blunders have also been seen. Probably the pressure of having almost 200 Grandmasters under one roof has been creating psychic waves!?
This kind of tournament is what chess is all about! Very different from the closed and elitist tournaments like Linares, this tournament gives the opportunity to everybody to play some of the greatest players of the day, to match wits and seek fame and fortune. It is , in my opinion, sad that players such as Ivanchuk and Aronian are not participating.
Alexander Motylev (born 1979) is a former Russian Champion and one of the strongest Grandmasters of his generation
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 7th MOVE (7.Bxc6)
A well known position that has occurred in about a hundred master games over the years. Usual now is 7... dc 8. Qxd4 Nf6 9.Nc3 Bg4!? with a more or less balanced position. Not much is happening that is very different from the normal Exchange variation of the Spanish.
However, Godena is a player who goes his own way and likes to surprise his opponent with little known, and even less studied, side variations. Here he played....
7... Qb4 !?
A very sharp check that immediately creates a crisis : White must now play in gambit style if he is to avoid getting the worse right off the bat! 8.Qd2 or 8.Nbd2 simply won't do. On the otherhand, is Black's last move any good? He neglects his development and is for the time being a piece down.
8. c3!?
The only way to play! The complications that result are very difficult to fathom over the board and require precise calculation and accurate evaluation of the resulting positions. According to my database, there are only about a dozen games that have gone this way and theory still has to mention this position in its books!
8... Qxb2 forced
Much worse is 8... dc3 as after 9. bc Qb2 10. Bd5 Qxa1 11. Qb3 the Black Queen will be trapped after White castles and moves his Queen Knight.
As mentioned, there are few games to go by in this little studied position. White has mostly tried either 9. Qxd4 bc 10. O-O Qxa1 11. Qxh8 Kf8 with a messy position (diagram, right) or 9. O-O, with mixed results. Motylev, undoubted taken by surprise by Godena's opening choice, had to re-invent the wheel himself and comes up with a new idea!
9. Ba4!?
This move looks quite strong! White preserves his Bishop and intends to use it later in an attack against the Black King. Black will now have to take the Rook in the corner , being an exchange up, but his problems are just beginning: where to put the Black King? And the Black Queen is always in a danger of being trapped! I don't like Black's position....
9... Qxa1 Worse is 9... dc 10. O-O !
This position reminds me of the type of game that was often seen during the lifetime of Paul Morphy! One of the players (yet to be decided!) is risking too much....Not good now is 10... Ne7 as after 11. Qxd4 O-O 12. Qd2! the Black Queen is trapped. Probably necessary, but hair-raising, is the cold blooded 10... Qxa2!? 11. Bb3 Qa6 12. Qxd4 Qf6 13. e5 Qg7 and atleast the Black Queen is safe. However, it is clear that White has many attractive continuations.
10... b5?! A horrible move!
Black simply drives the White Bishop to a better square while creating a weakness on the Queen-side. Black is now lost almost by force. Probably he was lost anyway...
11. Bb3 ! Setting it's eyes on f7.
Probably equally strong is 11. Qxd4 f6 12. Na3 Qxa2 (12... Qxf1 13. Kxf1 ba 14. e5) 13. Nxb5 (diagram,right) when White has many threats and the Black Queen is still out of play.
11... c5 Black hopes to play ...c4 and shut out the White Bishop
Note that the immediate 11... Qb2 loses immediately to 12. Qxd4 f6 13. Qd5!, exploiting Black's 10th move
12. Nxd4! Ripping open the centre!
If you put your head into the lion's mouth, you should not be surprised if it gets bitten off!
In this kind of position (with the Black Queen out of play and almost trapped, and the Black King still uncastled) material is not such an important factor. Here White realizes that with just his Queen and Bishop he can create serious mating threats against Black. Play proceeded:
12... cd It is too late for the consolidating try 12... a6 as after 13. Qd2 cd 14. Qxd4 f6 15. Qd5 Black's position falls apart.13. Qxd4
A dream position! White threatens the Black Rook on h8 and also (if there is nothing immediately better) Qd5, attacking the other Rook and f7. Something has gone seriously wrong with Godena's opening surprise!
13... f6 At this point, Black has little choice
Now Motylev has a pleasant choice. I would prefer 14. Na3!? Qb2 15. Nxb5 and if 15... Kf8 16. Qd5 Kg7 17. Qf7 Kh6 18. Qf8 when Black should soon get mated. However, Motylev's choice is more sadistic!
14. e5 ! Very thematic: more ripping
There is little that Black can do from White opening up the position, exposing the Black King to mating threats.
14... Bb7 15. Na3 [15. ef is also good]
Now should Black give the Queen with 15... Qxf1 16. Kxf1 Bc6 (what else) simply 17. ef gives White exactly the same attack as in the game.
15... Qb2
16. ef Threatening f7
Taking the pawn on b5 was equally good. If now Black tries to escape to the Queenside he walks into an equally deadly attack: 16... O-O-O 17. Nxb5 Bc6 18. Nxa7 Kb7 19. Nxc6 and Black does not have a single good move.
16... Nh6 At least taking some of the sting out of White's immediate threat...
17. Qe5 ouch!
I am certain that Godena wanted to resign here, but nobody likes to lose in less than 20 moves! So he continues for a couple of moves...Note that if he now moves to f8 he would allow a mate in 1 move. So Godena goes the other direction
17... Kd8 18. Nxb5
I can imagine that a lot of vultures were hovering over the board at this point! Motylev quickly concludes his attack:
18... Qd2 19. Qc7 Ke8 20. Nd6
Godena resigns. It is mate in at most 6 moves! An opening experiment that went bad ...
[1:0]
_________________________________________________________________
Grandmaster E.Sutovsky (born 1977). A dangerous attacking player
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 27th MOVE (27.Qc7)
After an interesting game, where little seems to have been going on, Sutovsky has managed to create some threats: either 28.Ne5 or 28.Ng5 are serious and Black does not seem to have an obvious answer to either!
However, there is a solution! Black must play 27... Qc2! and it seems that White's winning chances are problematic: 28. Ng5 Qf2 29. Qxc6 Qxh4 30. Nh3 Qxd4 31. Qxa6 Qe5 32. g3 Qb2 ( Diagram,right) To prevent perpetual check black must allow the d-pawn to advance. Should White lose his a-pawn then he will never win.
Or if 28. Ne5 Qf2! and White can not take the Knight because Black has a perpetual check. White would then have to try to return to the above variation with 29.Nf3
INSTEAD, BLACK PANICKED AND LOST IMMEDIATELY!27... Kf6?? 28. Ng5!
Black finds himself in a mating net and resigned 5 moves later.
See the pgn-viewer for the finish.
_______________________________________________________________
Grandmaster Z.Kozul (born 1966) won the European Championship in 2006
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 25th MOVE (25.f3)
Things haven't been going very well for Kozul in this tournament so far, and this game proves it. White has played a bit too freely in the opening and early middlegame, and his opponent (obviously well prepared and in fine form) is about to strike out and hand his Croation opponent another defeat.
25... Rxe6! 26. de Bxf3!!
Very pretty! Black takes advantage of the geometry of the position (the White Armada is on the Queenside on vacation) and White's King finds itself without defence!
27. Kxf3 Qd3
White is pushed back and now the entry of the Black Rook will soon finish things off.
28. Kg2 Qe4 29. Kg1 Rd8 !
Now if White plays 30.Bd2, then Black wins with 30...Qg4ch ! 31.Kf Rf8ch ! etc. Kozul could now resign but plays on for one more move
30. Rxa6 Qf3 !
Covering a8, and now should White play 31.Bd2 (to stop ...Rd1) then 31...Qd1ch follows.
Kozul resigns. A pretty finish by Black___________________________________________________
24 year old Khismatullin is a rising star with an aggressive style
POSITION AFTER BLACK'S 26th MOVE (26...Qh6)
Black's two extra pawns bring little comfort. Every one of White's pieces bears down on the fragile Black position. It is little surprise that White can force an immediate breakthru!
27. Bxf7!
This draws the Black King into the open
27... Kxf7 28. Rxd6!
As pretty as it is brutal! Black can not take the Rook because of mate in one move. The game quickly ends
28... Nf6 29. Bxf6 Bxf6 30. Qd5
Black resigns. It is forced mate!
___________________________________________________________________
Grandmaster E.Najer (born 1977) has won many strong Open tournaments in the USA
POSITION AFTER BLACK'S 29th MOVE
Branko Damljanovic, a Serbian friend of mine, has spoiled a promising position and now he should play cautiously to maintain a rough balance with 30.Rd1, exchanging rooks. It is difficult to believe that the game would not end in a draw.
However, probably not wanting a peaceful conclusion , Branko tries to mix it up and soon finds himself in trouble.
30. Qc3 ?! This looks good, but is wrong
White probably thought that control of the long diagonal , coupled with a later Ra1 would give him serious threats against he Black King. However, Black's next move takes control of the d-file and also cuts out any back rank nonsense.
30... Qd8! 31. Kg2?!
Branko is stubborn! He had to try 31.h4, but probably rejected it because Black can sacrifice his Knight on h4 and get a perpetual check! Now Najer increases the pressure on White's King-side.
31... h4 !
The control of the d-file and some King-side initiative gives Black a clear advantage.
White continues to play with unjustified optimism:
32. Ra1 Kh7 33. Ra7
With the White Rook misplaced, Najer begins a decisive attack. Probably it is already too late to save the position.
33... Rd1 !
The threat of ...Qd5ch forces White's next move
34. Qc2 h3 !
A clever idea that ends the game surprisingly quickly. If White now moves to f3 then ...Qd5ch will be good enough to win.
35. Kxh3 Rg1 !
The White King unexpectedly finds itself in a mating net! There is no real defence to the Black Queen entering and stinging the White King. The game ends almost immediately....
36. e4 Qg5
White is getting mated. All is fair in love and war....[0:1]
Categories: Canadians blogs
Today's naughty laugh
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
DONALD DUCK IN LOVE
Donald Duck and Daisy Duck were spending the night together in a hotel room and Donald wanted to have sex with Daisy.
The first thing Daisy asked was, "Do you have a condom?"
Donald frowned and said, "No."
Daisy told Donald that if he didn't get a condom, they could not have sex. "Maybe they sell them at the front desk," she suggested.
So Donald went down to the lobby and asked the hotel clerk if they had condoms.
"Yes, we do," the clerk said and pulled a box out from under the counter and gave it to Donald.
The clerk asked, "Would you like me to put them on your bill?"
"Thit No!" Donald quacked, "I'd thuffocate!"
Thx, Ole!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
DONALD DUCK IN LOVE
Donald Duck and Daisy Duck were spending the night together in a hotel room and Donald wanted to have sex with Daisy.
The first thing Daisy asked was, "Do you have a condom?"
Donald frowned and said, "No."
Daisy told Donald that if he didn't get a condom, they could not have sex. "Maybe they sell them at the front desk," she suggested.
So Donald went down to the lobby and asked the hotel clerk if they had condoms.
"Yes, we do," the clerk said and pulled a box out from under the counter and gave it to Donald.
The clerk asked, "Would you like me to put them on your bill?"
"Thit No!" Donald quacked, "I'd thuffocate!"
Thx, Ole!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Categories: Canadians blogs
Upcoming article!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
TRUE COLOURS:
THE RISE AND FALL OF ORGANIZED CHESS IN CANADA
An indepth article, sometimes humourous, sometimes satirical, and carefully scrutinized by my personal legal counsel. A brief history of the myths, the lies and the corruption behind chess politics in Canada during the past 25 years. A sincere attempt to explain why the CFC has been turned into an empty shell. Carefully researched , based on little known facts and insider information.
The true story of the 'success' behind CMA. Of the corruption in the general Canadian Chess Community. Of the dirty war that CMA Executive Director Larry Bevand waged against the CFC and Canadian Chess Legend Kevin Spraggett.
An indepth report on Canadian Chess during the past 25 years that will have you questioning your loyalties in chess. Blending humour, satire and truth of the politics of Canadian Chess, this article will change the way you look at organized chess in Canada. Controversial, provocative and stimulating, this report will have been screened before publication by Canadian lawyers.
Of the often bizarre/incestuous legacy of the corrupted leadership in Canadian chess. This is the story that will be remembered by future generations of Canadians of what really happened, long after we are all gone.
There will be no hiding the truth this time! Absolutely uncensored!
The amazing story of how the OCA applied for and got a $120,000 grant from Trillium, and how the OCA can not account for it! Once more, no paper trail
No supervision. No oversight. No control. No accountability. Nothing but deception and incompetence! Why Trillium washed its hands of the OCA...and how OCA/CFC politicos are covering up the truth.
Divided into 5 parts, the article will be presented as a series:
Introduction;
1) The Kevin Spraggett Foundation for Chess (1988-1992) and the FQE
2) Larry Bevand's personal war on organized chess ( 1996-present)
3) The ChessTalk fiasco (especially the dirty war)
4) The sale of Canada's National Team (especially the Yves Charbonneau saga)
5) The last days of the CFC.
This much anticipated chronicle will soon be published on this blog!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
TRUE COLOURS:
THE RISE AND FALL OF ORGANIZED CHESS IN CANADA
An indepth article, sometimes humourous, sometimes satirical, and carefully scrutinized by my personal legal counsel. A brief history of the myths, the lies and the corruption behind chess politics in Canada during the past 25 years. A sincere attempt to explain why the CFC has been turned into an empty shell. Carefully researched , based on little known facts and insider information.
The true story of the 'success' behind CMA. Of the corruption in the general Canadian Chess Community. Of the dirty war that CMA Executive Director Larry Bevand waged against the CFC and Canadian Chess Legend Kevin Spraggett.
An indepth report on Canadian Chess during the past 25 years that will have you questioning your loyalties in chess. Blending humour, satire and truth of the politics of Canadian Chess, this article will change the way you look at organized chess in Canada. Controversial, provocative and stimulating, this report will have been screened before publication by Canadian lawyers.
Of the often bizarre/incestuous legacy of the corrupted leadership in Canadian chess. This is the story that will be remembered by future generations of Canadians of what really happened, long after we are all gone.
There will be no hiding the truth this time! Absolutely uncensored!
The amazing story of how the OCA applied for and got a $120,000 grant from Trillium, and how the OCA can not account for it! Once more, no paper trail
No supervision. No oversight. No control. No accountability. Nothing but deception and incompetence! Why Trillium washed its hands of the OCA...and how OCA/CFC politicos are covering up the truth.
Divided into 5 parts, the article will be presented as a series:
Introduction;
1) The Kevin Spraggett Foundation for Chess (1988-1992) and the FQE
2) Larry Bevand's personal war on organized chess ( 1996-present)
3) The ChessTalk fiasco (especially the dirty war)
4) The sale of Canada's National Team (especially the Yves Charbonneau saga)
5) The last days of the CFC.
This much anticipated chronicle will soon be published on this blog!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Categories: Canadians blogs
Attack in Taimanov Sicilian - video
The video captures the analysis of one of my better games from BC Closed 2008.
Categories: Canadians blogs
Today's laughs: For Gals Only
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
FOR GALS ONLY
He Said To Me......................
He said to me . . . I don't know why you wear a bra; you've got nothing to put in it
I said to him . . . You wear pants don't you?
He said to me . ... ...... Shall we try swapping positions tonight?
I said .... That's a good idea - you stand by the stove & sink while I sit on the sofa and do nothing but fart
He said to me.. ... What have you been doing with all the grocery money I gave you?
I said to him . ..... Turn sideways and look in the mirror!
He said to me. ..... Why don't women blink during foreplay?
I said to him .. . They don't have time
He said to me. . How many men does it take to change a roll of toilet paper?
I said to him ... . I don't know; it has never happened.
He said to me. . Why is it difficult to find men who are sensitive, caring and Good- looking?
I said to him . . . They already have boyfriends.
He said...What do you call a woman who knows where her husband is every night?
I said . . A widow.
He said to me.... Why are married women heavier than single women?
I said to him . .. Single women come home, see what's in the fridge and go to bed. Married women come home, see what's in bed and go to the fridge.
Thx, Eileen!
FOR GALS ONLY
He Said To Me......................
He said to me . . . I don't know why you wear a bra; you've got nothing to put in it
I said to him . . . You wear pants don't you?
He said to me . ... ...... Shall we try swapping positions tonight?
I said .... That's a good idea - you stand by the stove & sink while I sit on the sofa and do nothing but fart
He said to me.. ... What have you been doing with all the grocery money I gave you?
I said to him . ..... Turn sideways and look in the mirror!
He said to me. ..... Why don't women blink during foreplay?
I said to him .. . They don't have time
He said to me. . How many men does it take to change a roll of toilet paper?
I said to him ... . I don't know; it has never happened.
He said to me. . Why is it difficult to find men who are sensitive, caring and Good- looking?
I said to him . . . They already have boyfriends.
He said...What do you call a woman who knows where her husband is every night?
I said . . A widow.
He said to me.... Why are married women heavier than single women?
I said to him . .. Single women come home, see what's in the fridge and go to bed. Married women come home, see what's in bed and go to the fridge.
Thx, Eileen!
Categories: Canadians blogs
Chess Games of Grandmaster Mikhail Chigorin Added to http://www.jrobichess.com
I have added the game collection of chess Grandmaster Mikhail Chigorin to the main site at http://www.jrobichess.com. Chigorin was a leading Russian chess player. He served as a major source of inspiration for the "Soviet school of chess," which dominated the chess world in the middle and latter parts of the 20th century.
Chigorin has several chess openings or variations of openings named after him, the two most important being the Chigorin Variation of the Ruy Lopez (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3 Na5) and the Chigorin Defence to the Queen's Gambit (1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nc6). Another opening line invented by Chigorin is 1.e4 e6 2.Qe2 in the French Defence. It is now generally regarded as a forerunner of King's Indian setups, but Chigorin also played it with other ideas (such as b2-b3) in mind.
jrobichess makes chess videos and has a chess blog along with a personal chess site at http://www.jrobichess.com.
Categories: Canadians blogs
Today's tidbits
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Bobby Fischer was the greatest chessplayer in the history of the game! How do we know that? Not just that he won everything that there was to win, and in brilliant style; not just that even the man considered to be the next best in history (Garry Kasparov) did Bobby the greatest tribute by being a Fischer 'wanna be' all of his professional life; not just the he was a living legend at the age of 20 (!). BUT that Bobby Fischer has become even BIGGER since his death two years ago!
There are already Hollywood films and HBO documentaries in the works for this American icon. And on the occasion of his birthday (today, March 9), USA-TODAY flashed ''happy birthday Bobby!'' across its pages. (Now that is R.E.S.P.E.C.T.). Move over Elvis Presley!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOBBY FISCHER!
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2010/03/happy-birthday-bobby-fischer/1
''On this day in 1943, one of the greatest chess players in history was born.
Bobby Fischer's talent, known in the chess world for decades, would become evident world-wide when he defeated Russian Boris Spassky for the world title in 1972.
Later, Fischer's erratic personality and anti-Semitic rants would dominate his life. Click here for his confrontation with ABC's Jeremy Schaap. The chess champion passed away in 2008.
Here is a news report on Fischer's victory against Spassky''
_________________________________________________________________
Four other famous people born on March 9
Yuri Gagarin (1934-1968)First human to orbit the earth and live to talk about it
Raul Julia (1940-1994)One of most brilliant actors of his generation
Mickey Spillane (1918-2006)Great American writer of successful dirty detective books
Juliette Binoche (Born 1964)Sexy French actress (still alive and kicking!)
___________________________________________________________________
JUST HOW BIG A FAN ARE YOU OF MEL GIBSON?
Mel's humble beginnings in the Road Warrior (sidekick to the real star: the dog above!) did little to predict that he would become the richest actor in the world!
WANT TO BUY HIS MALIBU MANSION?
(Yes, he is getting divorced!)
FOR ONLY 16 MILLION DOLLARS, YOU GET TO KEEP HIS
GIANT CHESS SET:
MORE PHOTOS OF THE ESTATEMel Gibson is divorcing his wife of 7 children. Up for sale is their Malibu hacienda, bought originally in 1993, it is called Lavender Hill Farm . There are fruit orchards and the house has 6 bathrooms and 3 guest houses.
The hacienda comes with a swimming pool and tennis court
Bobby Fischer was the greatest chessplayer in the history of the game! How do we know that? Not just that he won everything that there was to win, and in brilliant style; not just that even the man considered to be the next best in history (Garry Kasparov) did Bobby the greatest tribute by being a Fischer 'wanna be' all of his professional life; not just the he was a living legend at the age of 20 (!). BUT that Bobby Fischer has become even BIGGER since his death two years ago!
There are already Hollywood films and HBO documentaries in the works for this American icon. And on the occasion of his birthday (today, March 9), USA-TODAY flashed ''happy birthday Bobby!'' across its pages. (Now that is R.E.S.P.E.C.T.). Move over Elvis Presley!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOBBY FISCHER!
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2010/03/happy-birthday-bobby-fischer/1
''On this day in 1943, one of the greatest chess players in history was born.
Bobby Fischer's talent, known in the chess world for decades, would become evident world-wide when he defeated Russian Boris Spassky for the world title in 1972.
Later, Fischer's erratic personality and anti-Semitic rants would dominate his life. Click here for his confrontation with ABC's Jeremy Schaap. The chess champion passed away in 2008.
Here is a news report on Fischer's victory against Spassky''
_________________________________________________________________
Four other famous people born on March 9
Yuri Gagarin (1934-1968)First human to orbit the earth and live to talk about it
Raul Julia (1940-1994)One of most brilliant actors of his generation
Mickey Spillane (1918-2006)Great American writer of successful dirty detective books
Juliette Binoche (Born 1964)Sexy French actress (still alive and kicking!)
___________________________________________________________________
JUST HOW BIG A FAN ARE YOU OF MEL GIBSON?
Mel's humble beginnings in the Road Warrior (sidekick to the real star: the dog above!) did little to predict that he would become the richest actor in the world!
WANT TO BUY HIS MALIBU MANSION?
(Yes, he is getting divorced!)
FOR ONLY 16 MILLION DOLLARS, YOU GET TO KEEP HIS
GIANT CHESS SET:
MORE PHOTOS OF THE ESTATEMel Gibson is divorcing his wife of 7 children. Up for sale is their Malibu hacienda, bought originally in 1993, it is called Lavender Hill Farm . There are fruit orchards and the house has 6 bathrooms and 3 guest houses.
The hacienda comes with a swimming pool and tennis court
Categories: Canadians blogs
Deep Conversations Make People Lead a Happy Life
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
The next time that you are about to have a casual conversation a member of the opposite sex, stop and ask yourself if you really want to have a 'happy' life! Researchers have found that small talk is out and deep, serious conversations is the way to proceed.
Deep Conversations Make People Lead a Happy Life
http://topnews.us/content/212670-deep-conversations-make-people-lead-happy-life
A new study revealed that people who indulge in meaningful conversation are more likely to be happier than those who engage more in irrelevant talks. Purposeful talks can make people cheerful.
Researchers from the University of Arizona analyzed the basic difference between people who are happy and those who are unhappy. It was established that people feel happier when they indulged more in meaningful conversations than in insignificant ones. Matthias Mehl, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Arizona, said, “Profound conversations have the potential to make people happier”.
In the study, 79 women and men had been requested to carry inconspicuous recording devices for four days to observe the conversations they had with the other persons.
According to the study, cheerful people don’t spend their time alone. Happiest persons spent 70% time discussing, in comparison to those who were not happy. Women were more likely to share their feelings than men.
The study found that happiness does not necessarily come from meeting people, but it comes from indulging in meaningful and important conversations with people.
The results astonished researchers, which revealed that the type of conversations people had affected their level of happiness.
While cheerful people were more likely to indulge in meaningful talks, the unhappy ones were more likely to engage in small talks, results published in Psychological Science showed.
"Just as self-disclosure can instill a sense of intimacy in a relationship, deep conversations may instill a sense of meaning in interaction with partners", said Matthias Mehl.
_____________________________________________________________
AND THE PRESTIGEOUS
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN QUOTES THE STUDY!
Happy People Talk More Seriously
http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=happy-people-talk-more-seriously-10-03-06
A recent study analyzed 20,000 conversations and found that happiness strongly correlated with talkative people who went beyond the small talk.
While sometimes small talk can lead to interesting connections, according to a new study in the journal Psychological Science it might be best if you move from small talk quickly into a more substantial conversation.
Researchers analyzed 20,000, 30-second samplings of the daily conversations of study volunteers, and organized them into trivial chatter or more serious discussion. The participants also took personality and well-being assessment tests.
And they found that the happiest participants spent 70 percent more time talking with others than the least happy people. But more than just measuring amount of time spent talking with others, they also found a difference in the type of conversation happier folks engage in.
The happiest participants had twice as many substantive conversations and only a third as much small talk as those who are least content.
Of course this study finding shows correlation not causation.
________________________________________________________
BUT WHAT ABOUT GETTING LAID?
THE ABOVE STUDY IS ONLY ABOUT BEING HAPPY....
DOES 'HAPPIER' MEAN THAT YOU ARE GETTING MORE SEX? I SUSPECT THAT SMALL TALK REMAINS MORE EFFECTIVE!
Available at Amazon.com Warning: not based on science!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
The next time that you are about to have a casual conversation a member of the opposite sex, stop and ask yourself if you really want to have a 'happy' life! Researchers have found that small talk is out and deep, serious conversations is the way to proceed.
Deep Conversations Make People Lead a Happy Life
http://topnews.us/content/212670-deep-conversations-make-people-lead-happy-life
A new study revealed that people who indulge in meaningful conversation are more likely to be happier than those who engage more in irrelevant talks. Purposeful talks can make people cheerful.
Researchers from the University of Arizona analyzed the basic difference between people who are happy and those who are unhappy. It was established that people feel happier when they indulged more in meaningful conversations than in insignificant ones. Matthias Mehl, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Arizona, said, “Profound conversations have the potential to make people happier”.
In the study, 79 women and men had been requested to carry inconspicuous recording devices for four days to observe the conversations they had with the other persons.
According to the study, cheerful people don’t spend their time alone. Happiest persons spent 70% time discussing, in comparison to those who were not happy. Women were more likely to share their feelings than men.
The study found that happiness does not necessarily come from meeting people, but it comes from indulging in meaningful and important conversations with people.
The results astonished researchers, which revealed that the type of conversations people had affected their level of happiness.
While cheerful people were more likely to indulge in meaningful talks, the unhappy ones were more likely to engage in small talks, results published in Psychological Science showed.
"Just as self-disclosure can instill a sense of intimacy in a relationship, deep conversations may instill a sense of meaning in interaction with partners", said Matthias Mehl.
_____________________________________________________________
AND THE PRESTIGEOUS
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN QUOTES THE STUDY!
Happy People Talk More Seriously
http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=happy-people-talk-more-seriously-10-03-06
A recent study analyzed 20,000 conversations and found that happiness strongly correlated with talkative people who went beyond the small talk.
While sometimes small talk can lead to interesting connections, according to a new study in the journal Psychological Science it might be best if you move from small talk quickly into a more substantial conversation.
Researchers analyzed 20,000, 30-second samplings of the daily conversations of study volunteers, and organized them into trivial chatter or more serious discussion. The participants also took personality and well-being assessment tests.
And they found that the happiest participants spent 70 percent more time talking with others than the least happy people. But more than just measuring amount of time spent talking with others, they also found a difference in the type of conversation happier folks engage in.
The happiest participants had twice as many substantive conversations and only a third as much small talk as those who are least content.
Of course this study finding shows correlation not causation.
________________________________________________________
BUT WHAT ABOUT GETTING LAID?
THE ABOVE STUDY IS ONLY ABOUT BEING HAPPY....
DOES 'HAPPIER' MEAN THAT YOU ARE GETTING MORE SEX? I SUSPECT THAT SMALL TALK REMAINS MORE EFFECTIVE!
Available at Amazon.com Warning: not based on science!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Categories: Canadians blogs
English Chess-Boxing season begins March 13th!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
www.wcbo.org
Yes, it is here to stay! Chess-boxing was originally thought (by most rational people--myself included) to be just another a short-lived curiosity, but the truth is very different. Sometimes the world can be a scary place....and some days you should never get out of bed!
But for those interested, this Sunday (March 13th) in London begins the 2010 season! Organizers expect record crowds and lots of media.
_____________________________________________________________'ChessBoxing' at the Boston Dome
http://www.run-riot.com/chessboxing-at-the-boston-dome-13-march-2010
Date: 13/03/2010Time: 19:00
Featuring Sergio "The Phoenix" Leveque against Hubert "The Wardrobe" Van Melick it can only be the return of ChessBoxing, the sport for the intelligent brute.
Bringing new meaning to bashing the bishop, the clue is in the title. This is ChessBoxing. Opponents thrash each other in the ring then attack each other on the board. Top of the Bill will be a massive heavyweight challenge with Sergio "The Phoenix" Leveque facing up against London's favourite Dutchman, Hubert "The Wardrobe" Van Melick. The Wardrobe's nickname stems from his imposing 6ft4in frame while Sergio is a true fighting Phoenix - his early boxing career was cut short by a terrible motorcycling accident. Sergio defied specialists who told him he would never walk again and now stands tall as a potential ChessBoxing champion of Europe. The winner of this bout earns the right to progress in the European Championship finals.
Producer: London ChessBoxing Club
Price: £10
Get ready for to bash the bishop.
Bring along your monocle and cup.
Surf to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=319820529425&ref=mf
See you at The Boston Dome (at the Boston Arms) [178 Junction Road, N19 5QQ]
The evening kicks off with bout involving two ChessBoxing newcomers - TV producer Rob Gillies faces top political journalist Johnny Higginson - with just 10 weeks preparation time these two have plenty of heart and enthusiasm to burn. Expect a violent if unsophisticated encounter. The bout is being staged to raise money for the charity The Railway Children.
________________________________________________________________
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CHESS-BOXER?
Apply here as a chessboxer. http://site.wcbo.org/content/e14/e328/index_en.html
We want YOU for chessboxing. Join the biathlon for brawn and brain. The World Chess Boxing Organisation is looking for talented new chessboxers.
We are looking for new chessboxers from all over the world. Females/males from all weight divisions are welcome.
You:
are under the age of 35. have boxing experience (amateur, professional fights, kickboxing, muay thai). have an (estimated) ELO rating of at least 1800. have the intention to participate in a real chessboxing fight.
We offer:
appearance fee and price money.
to take over all expenses.
free accommodation in the Built-to-Resist-Camp.
_______________________________________________________
Plus, don't forget all the chicky-groupies! More than you can fight off...assuming you wanted to. Good luck!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
www.wcbo.org
Yes, it is here to stay! Chess-boxing was originally thought (by most rational people--myself included) to be just another a short-lived curiosity, but the truth is very different. Sometimes the world can be a scary place....and some days you should never get out of bed!
But for those interested, this Sunday (March 13th) in London begins the 2010 season! Organizers expect record crowds and lots of media.
_____________________________________________________________'ChessBoxing' at the Boston Dome
http://www.run-riot.com/chessboxing-at-the-boston-dome-13-march-2010
Date: 13/03/2010Time: 19:00
Featuring Sergio "The Phoenix" Leveque against Hubert "The Wardrobe" Van Melick it can only be the return of ChessBoxing, the sport for the intelligent brute.
Bringing new meaning to bashing the bishop, the clue is in the title. This is ChessBoxing. Opponents thrash each other in the ring then attack each other on the board. Top of the Bill will be a massive heavyweight challenge with Sergio "The Phoenix" Leveque facing up against London's favourite Dutchman, Hubert "The Wardrobe" Van Melick. The Wardrobe's nickname stems from his imposing 6ft4in frame while Sergio is a true fighting Phoenix - his early boxing career was cut short by a terrible motorcycling accident. Sergio defied specialists who told him he would never walk again and now stands tall as a potential ChessBoxing champion of Europe. The winner of this bout earns the right to progress in the European Championship finals.
Producer: London ChessBoxing Club
Price: £10
Get ready for to bash the bishop.
Bring along your monocle and cup.
Surf to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=319820529425&ref=mf
See you at The Boston Dome (at the Boston Arms) [178 Junction Road, N19 5QQ]
The evening kicks off with bout involving two ChessBoxing newcomers - TV producer Rob Gillies faces top political journalist Johnny Higginson - with just 10 weeks preparation time these two have plenty of heart and enthusiasm to burn. Expect a violent if unsophisticated encounter. The bout is being staged to raise money for the charity The Railway Children.
________________________________________________________________
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CHESS-BOXER?
Apply here as a chessboxer. http://site.wcbo.org/content/e14/e328/index_en.html
We want YOU for chessboxing. Join the biathlon for brawn and brain. The World Chess Boxing Organisation is looking for talented new chessboxers.
We are looking for new chessboxers from all over the world. Females/males from all weight divisions are welcome.
You:
are under the age of 35. have boxing experience (amateur, professional fights, kickboxing, muay thai). have an (estimated) ELO rating of at least 1800. have the intention to participate in a real chessboxing fight.
We offer:
appearance fee and price money.
to take over all expenses.
free accommodation in the Built-to-Resist-Camp.
_______________________________________________________
Plus, don't forget all the chicky-groupies! More than you can fight off...assuming you wanted to. Good luck!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Categories: Canadians blogs
Russian medal winners invited to Kremlin
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Inspite of having spent more than 100 million dollars in preparation for the Vancouver Winter Games, Russia came away with one of its worse performances in history. With Sochi just 4 years away, Russian President Medvedev is taking no chances: the entire sporting super-structure in the country is being revamped and remodelled. The first step is the elimination of the failed leadership and already heads are rolling. No one is immune. The second step is expected to be corruption charges against those who are thought to have diverted money away from athletes' training and into their own pockets.
Does anyone want to bet that the Sochi Winter Games will not bring Russia its greatest ever sporting achievement!?
Medvedev to award Russian Olympians http://rt.com/Sport.html
06 March, 2010, 15:37
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has signed a decree awarding state honors to the Russian athletes who managed to bring home medals from the Vancouver Olympics.
The six athletes who brought home three Russian Olympic gold medals from the Winter Games in Vancouver will get an Order of Friendship for their efforts at the 2010 Games.
Those sportsmen are skier Nikita Kryukov, biathlete Evgeny Ustyugov and women’s biathlon relay team, made up of Anna Bogaliy-Titovets, Olga Zaitseva, Olga Medvedtseva and Svetlana Sleptsova.
Meanwhile, figure skating silver medalist Evgeny Pluschenko, biathlete Ivan Cherezov and speed skater Ivan Skobrev, who brought a silver and a bronze from Canada, are to be awarded with the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, first class.
The Order of Merit for the Fatherland, second class, will be awarded to the bobsleigh pair of Alexey Voevoda and Alexander Zubkov, figure skating pair of Oksana Domnina and Maksim Shabalin, snowboarder Ekaterina Ilyukhina, skiers Irina Khazova, Natalia Korosteleva, Nikolay Morilov, Alexey Petukhov, Aleksander Panzhinsky, skeleton athlete Aleksander Tretyakov, biathletes Maxim Chudov and Anton Shipulin.
President Dmitry Medvedev will greet the Russian Olympians in Kremlin on March 15.
“We have to thank those athletes who have achieved great results and managed to succeed in tough competition. Unfortunately, there aren’t as many of them as we had expected,” Medvedev said, as quoted by Vesti Sport. “The performance of the Russian Team lacked stability, but regardless of the overall result, those who won deserve the highest praise.”
The Vancouver Games turned out to be a real disappointment for Russia as its athletes won just 15 medals (3 golds, 5 silver and 7 bronze), which is significantly less than the 22 medals (8 golds, 6 silver and 6 bronze) that the Russian team brought home four years ago in Turin.
Inspite of having spent more than 100 million dollars in preparation for the Vancouver Winter Games, Russia came away with one of its worse performances in history. With Sochi just 4 years away, Russian President Medvedev is taking no chances: the entire sporting super-structure in the country is being revamped and remodelled. The first step is the elimination of the failed leadership and already heads are rolling. No one is immune. The second step is expected to be corruption charges against those who are thought to have diverted money away from athletes' training and into their own pockets.
Does anyone want to bet that the Sochi Winter Games will not bring Russia its greatest ever sporting achievement!?
Medvedev to award Russian Olympians http://rt.com/Sport.html
06 March, 2010, 15:37
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has signed a decree awarding state honors to the Russian athletes who managed to bring home medals from the Vancouver Olympics.
The six athletes who brought home three Russian Olympic gold medals from the Winter Games in Vancouver will get an Order of Friendship for their efforts at the 2010 Games.
Those sportsmen are skier Nikita Kryukov, biathlete Evgeny Ustyugov and women’s biathlon relay team, made up of Anna Bogaliy-Titovets, Olga Zaitseva, Olga Medvedtseva and Svetlana Sleptsova.
Meanwhile, figure skating silver medalist Evgeny Pluschenko, biathlete Ivan Cherezov and speed skater Ivan Skobrev, who brought a silver and a bronze from Canada, are to be awarded with the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, first class.
The Order of Merit for the Fatherland, second class, will be awarded to the bobsleigh pair of Alexey Voevoda and Alexander Zubkov, figure skating pair of Oksana Domnina and Maksim Shabalin, snowboarder Ekaterina Ilyukhina, skiers Irina Khazova, Natalia Korosteleva, Nikolay Morilov, Alexey Petukhov, Aleksander Panzhinsky, skeleton athlete Aleksander Tretyakov, biathletes Maxim Chudov and Anton Shipulin.
President Dmitry Medvedev will greet the Russian Olympians in Kremlin on March 15.
“We have to thank those athletes who have achieved great results and managed to succeed in tough competition. Unfortunately, there aren’t as many of them as we had expected,” Medvedev said, as quoted by Vesti Sport. “The performance of the Russian Team lacked stability, but regardless of the overall result, those who won deserve the highest praise.”
The Vancouver Games turned out to be a real disappointment for Russia as its athletes won just 15 medals (3 golds, 5 silver and 7 bronze), which is significantly less than the 22 medals (8 golds, 6 silver and 6 bronze) that the Russian team brought home four years ago in Turin.
Categories: Canadians blogs
Today's problem
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
I continue with the series of studies by Kasparyan (1910-1995). I have always been a big fan of this master composer, and I can not tell you how much enjoyment I have gained over the years from trying to solve hundreds of his creations.
I only hope that some of them are not so difficult for my readers that they will become discouraged from attempting the solution. Problem-solving is an important part of the training necessary to master the game of chess. Good luck!
TODAY'S HINT: You need a wicked sense of humour !
KASPARYAN, 1957WHITE TO PLAY AND WIN
(solution below in pgn-viewer)
Genrikh Kasparyan ( February 27, 1910 in Tbilisi — December 27, 1995 in Yerevan) is considered to have been one of the greatest composers of chess endgame studies. Outside Armenia, he is better known by the Russian version of his name Genrikh Moiseyevich Kasparyan or Kasparian .
Gasparyan became a national master in 1936 and an international master in 1950. He was awarded the titles of International Judge of Chess Compositions in 1956 and International Grandmaster of Chess Composition in 1972, the first composer to receive this title from FIDE (Harkola 2007).
Gasparyan was also an active chess player, winning the Armenian championship ten times (from 1934 to 1956, including two ties with future World Champion Tigran Petrosian) and the Tiflis championship three times (1931, 1937, 1945). He reached the USSR Championship finals four times (1931, 1937, 1947, 1952), but never finished higher than tenth place.
Gasparyan is best known for his compositions. He started with chess problems, mainly three-movers, but soon discovered that his best field was in endgame studies. He wrote several books and collections and composed about 600 studies, many on the theme of domination, winning 57 first prizes. He won the USSR Composing Championship several times (Sunnucks 1970).
I continue with the series of studies by Kasparyan (1910-1995). I have always been a big fan of this master composer, and I can not tell you how much enjoyment I have gained over the years from trying to solve hundreds of his creations.
I only hope that some of them are not so difficult for my readers that they will become discouraged from attempting the solution. Problem-solving is an important part of the training necessary to master the game of chess. Good luck!
TODAY'S HINT: You need a wicked sense of humour !
KASPARYAN, 1957WHITE TO PLAY AND WIN
(solution below in pgn-viewer)
Genrikh Kasparyan ( February 27, 1910 in Tbilisi — December 27, 1995 in Yerevan) is considered to have been one of the greatest composers of chess endgame studies. Outside Armenia, he is better known by the Russian version of his name Genrikh Moiseyevich Kasparyan or Kasparian .
Gasparyan became a national master in 1936 and an international master in 1950. He was awarded the titles of International Judge of Chess Compositions in 1956 and International Grandmaster of Chess Composition in 1972, the first composer to receive this title from FIDE (Harkola 2007).
Gasparyan was also an active chess player, winning the Armenian championship ten times (from 1934 to 1956, including two ties with future World Champion Tigran Petrosian) and the Tiflis championship three times (1931, 1937, 1945). He reached the USSR Championship finals four times (1931, 1937, 1947, 1952), but never finished higher than tenth place.
Gasparyan is best known for his compositions. He started with chess problems, mainly three-movers, but soon discovered that his best field was in endgame studies. He wrote several books and collections and composed about 600 studies, many on the theme of domination, winning 57 first prizes. He won the USSR Composing Championship several times (Sunnucks 1970).
Categories: Canadians blogs
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