The Greater Toronto Chess LeagueCanadians blogs
Karpov in hopeless position
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
It is September already! The FIDE Olympiad is to begin in a matter of weeks, and with it the FIDE Congress which will over see the election of the FIDE president and his board. It has been--for the spectator-- a roller-coaster ride of an election campaign, principally because of the total lack of sophistication of the challenger's platform and team. One scandal after another, character smearing, cheap, anonymous articles attacking anyone in their path, and so on. There is virtually no good faith left out there in the international chess community for Karpov's campaign.
The Russian Chess Federation was invaded by both Karpov and Kasparov in May and then a mock meeting was held where only burning an effigy of Ilyumzhinov was missing. Then the Court of Arbitration in Lausaunce was used as a political football in yet one more calculated attempt to attract media attention. Later this month--in about 2 weeks time--this court will hand down its decision. It will be yet one more black day for Karpov and his campaign team.
Rumours of a sweeping and unprecedented victory are beginning to appear on the 'net. More than 120 countries have allegedly backed the incumbent president's re-election efforts. Last week news of India's backing of Kirsan made front pages on many blogs. And just yesterday the powerful Chinese chess federation threw its considerable weight behind Ilyumzhinov.
The reality of the situation can not be more clear. With Karpov refusing to throw in the towel, the undecided chess federations will no doubt back the winner.
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
It is September already! The FIDE Olympiad is to begin in a matter of weeks, and with it the FIDE Congress which will over see the election of the FIDE president and his board. It has been--for the spectator-- a roller-coaster ride of an election campaign, principally because of the total lack of sophistication of the challenger's platform and team. One scandal after another, character smearing, cheap, anonymous articles attacking anyone in their path, and so on. There is virtually no good faith left out there in the international chess community for Karpov's campaign.
The Russian Chess Federation was invaded by both Karpov and Kasparov in May and then a mock meeting was held where only burning an effigy of Ilyumzhinov was missing. Then the Court of Arbitration in Lausaunce was used as a political football in yet one more calculated attempt to attract media attention. Later this month--in about 2 weeks time--this court will hand down its decision. It will be yet one more black day for Karpov and his campaign team.
Rumours of a sweeping and unprecedented victory are beginning to appear on the 'net. More than 120 countries have allegedly backed the incumbent president's re-election efforts. Last week news of India's backing of Kirsan made front pages on many blogs. And just yesterday the powerful Chinese chess federation threw its considerable weight behind Ilyumzhinov.
The reality of the situation can not be more clear. With Karpov refusing to throw in the towel, the undecided chess federations will no doubt back the winner.
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Categories: Canadians blogs
2010 AY Satellite Results
Eighty-one year old Aron Kaptsan warmed up for the Abe Yanofsky Memorial by defeating Manitoba Champion Trevor Vincent, and Manitoba's newest Master, Jonathon Zaczek, enroute to winning the AY Satellite with a 4-0 score.Aron Kaptsan, Samuel Lipnowski, Trevor Vincent, Perfecto Joven, Saul Magnusson, Arie Wasserman, Michael Pang, and Cory Letain all won entries to the Abe Yanofsky Memorial tournament. Cory Letain and Trevor Vincent in turn registered for the tournament; Sam Lipnowski and Arie Wasserman are likely to do as well. I am not sure about Saul or Perfecto. Pang and Kaptsan already had entered; I know Kaptsan is looking to sell his ticket for somewhere between $ 30 and $ 40. If interested, please contact me @ chessmanitoba at gmail.com with an offer.
# Name Rtng Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Tot Prize 1 Aron Kaptsan 2031 W15 W14 W3 W5 4.0 ticket 2 Samuel Lipnowski 2244 W18 W11 D5 W7 3.5 ticket 3 Trevor Vincent 2329 W8 W4 L1 W11 3.0 ticket 4 Perfecto Joven 1963 W20 L3 W16 W9 3.0 ticket 5 Jonathon Zaczek 2228 W19 W13 D2 L1 2.5 chop 6 Rolando Bince 2160 W12 D16 L7 W15 2.5 chop 7 Stephen Lipic 1816 D17 W22 W6 L2 2.5 chop 8 Ryne Swift 1802 L3 D15 W17 W12 2.5 chop 9 Gustavo Melamedoff 2002 L16 W17 W20 L4 2.0 10 Jim Lauritson 1910 L14 L12 W18 W16 2.0 11 Saul Magnusson 1798 W21 L2 W13 L3 2.0 ticket 12 Arie Wasserman 1707 L6 W10 W14 L8 2.0 ticket 13 Michael Pang 1706 W22 L5 L11 W20 2.0 ticket 14 Cory Letain 1607 W10 L1 L12 W19 2.0 ticket 15 Dave Milward 1718 L1 D8 W21 L6 1.5 16 Leor Wasserman 1682 W9 D6 L4 L10 1.5 17 Henry Li 1388 D7 L9 L8 W21 1.5 18 Carl Pottinger 1766 L2 L21 L10 B--- 1.0 19 Richard Ott 1694 L5 L20 B--- L14 1.0 20 Frank Milord 1662 L4 W19 L9 L13 1.0 21 Justin Villeneuve 1277 L11 W18 L15 L17 1.0 22 Joseph Van Wyk 2062 L13 L7 U--- U--- 0.0
# Name Rtng Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Tot Prize 1 Aron Kaptsan 2031 W15 W14 W3 W5 4.0 ticket 2 Samuel Lipnowski 2244 W18 W11 D5 W7 3.5 ticket 3 Trevor Vincent 2329 W8 W4 L1 W11 3.0 ticket 4 Perfecto Joven 1963 W20 L3 W16 W9 3.0 ticket 5 Jonathon Zaczek 2228 W19 W13 D2 L1 2.5 chop 6 Rolando Bince 2160 W12 D16 L7 W15 2.5 chop 7 Stephen Lipic 1816 D17 W22 W6 L2 2.5 chop 8 Ryne Swift 1802 L3 D15 W17 W12 2.5 chop 9 Gustavo Melamedoff 2002 L16 W17 W20 L4 2.0 10 Jim Lauritson 1910 L14 L12 W18 W16 2.0 11 Saul Magnusson 1798 W21 L2 W13 L3 2.0 ticket 12 Arie Wasserman 1707 L6 W10 W14 L8 2.0 ticket 13 Michael Pang 1706 W22 L5 L11 W20 2.0 ticket 14 Cory Letain 1607 W10 L1 L12 W19 2.0 ticket 15 Dave Milward 1718 L1 D8 W21 L6 1.5 16 Leor Wasserman 1682 W9 D6 L4 L10 1.5 17 Henry Li 1388 D7 L9 L8 W21 1.5 18 Carl Pottinger 1766 L2 L21 L10 B--- 1.0 19 Richard Ott 1694 L5 L20 B--- L14 1.0 20 Frank Milord 1662 L4 W19 L9 L13 1.0 21 Justin Villeneuve 1277 L11 W18 L15 L17 1.0 22 Joseph Van Wyk 2062 L13 L7 U--- U--- 0.0
Categories: Canadians blogs
Beware: the dominating bishop pair!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
''You can't see it, but you should feel it - the power of the Bishop Pair in your games. If the position takes on an open character don't give your opponent the two bishops. This means, don't trade your bishop for his knight. You may not see any difference in your game right away, but in the long run two bishops are more flexible and far reaching and can control vital squares from behind the lines. And they are fast moving going here and there.''--from ''THE POWER OF THE BISHOP PAIR'' http://www.expert-chess-strategies.com/bishop-pair.html
Very wise advise. It has been known for as long as modern chess has been played that there is something magical about the Bishop pair. All of the world champions' games feature this theme time and time again. What modern master has failed to make use of this same theme?
When I was a talented 22 year old IM, living in Montreal, I took a good, sober look at my play one day and I decided that -- in order to progress as a player-- I needed to incorporate 1.d4 in my opening repetoire. Being a very conscientious worker, I soon made a list of some 2 dozen grandmasters who specialized in 1.d4--to play over their games-- and I began a very serious study of the types of positions that can arise from this first move.
I remember that what struck me the most was that 1.d4 games tended to orient themselves more naturally towards the endgame than 1.e4 games. ( I suppose when we play 1.e4 we want to finish the game in the middlegame!) And so I started a series of endgame notebooks (for my own personal use) that concentrated on themes such as Bishop vs Knight, Bishop pair, Rook and pawn endings, opposite colour Bishops, etc. I strove to become a master of the secrets of endgame play.
I still have these notebooks today, here in Portugal! (And I continue to use them from time to time in my research). The notebook on the Bishop pair is filled with hundreds of examples from Grandmaster play. Even today no specialized endgame book on the market can even come close to the depth, clarity and variety of what is found in this notebook.
Be that as it may, I have since always been fascinated with the Bishop pair! To see how an experienced master uses this theme to mold and shape a potential masterpiece fills me with artistic appreciation !
The following pretty example demonstrates a very unusual domination theme in Bishop-pair play in the middlegame. I can not remember seeing such an original use of the 2-Bishops. The game is GM Igor Rausis vs GM Alex Dreev, played in Tallinn , January of 2009. Enjoy!
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 20th MOVE:
GM DREEVGM RAUSIS
Here the position looks fairly balanced, but this is deceptive. An open board is the play ground for Bishops. Dreev first strives to provoke weakness in White's pawn structure.
20... Bg4!?
If the White Rook moves to c1 then Black can play 21...Qd2 and 22...Bd4 with uncomfortable pressure building on the White position.
21. f3!? Bf5 22. Qc5!?
At first glance very logical, as it attacks the c6-pawn. However, it turns out to be a loss of time
22... Bf8! nice finesse!
If White takes the pawn on c6 then he loses a piece! (Black plays 23...Bxa3 and 24...Rac8) Or if instead 23.Qa4? then Black can exchange and play ...Bc2!, winning material.
23. Qa5 Bh6!
Now if the Queen returns to c5 she will be met by 24...Be3ch
24. Kh1 Bd3! 25. Rfe1 Bd2!
The vertical power of the 2-Bishops! Black's idea is to drive the White Rooks from the centre files.
26. Rg1 Be3 27. Rge1 Bf2!
Excellent play! After the exchange of the White Rook the back rank becomes vulnerable, giving rise to several tactical themes.
28. Rxe8 Rxe8 29. h3 Be1!
A reverse pin on the back rank. A very original position! Black now threatens to simply take the Rook on d1, so the Rook must flee and hide in the corner...
30. Ra1 Bf1! ouch!! How humiliating!
The 2--Bishops have lined themselves up on White's back rank, with mate in 1 being threatened.
31. Qg5 forced
BLACK TO PLAY AND WIN!
31... Bh4! Touche!
White resigns! After 32.Qg4 h5! either wins the Queen or mates. And other tricky tries (such as 32.Rc1) simply lose decisive amounts of material. A beautiful exhibition of the power of the Bishop pair.
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
_________________________________________________
[Event "Paul Keres Mem Men"]
[Site "Tallinn EST"]
[Date "2009.1.10"]
[Round "2"]
[White "Rausis,I"]
[Black "Dreev,A"]
[Result "0-1"]
[Eco "B51"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. Bxc6+ bxc6 5. e5 dxe5 6. Nxe5 Qd5 7. Nf3
Qe4+ 8. Qe2 Qxc2 9. Nc3 Nf6 10. Ne5 Nd7 11. O-O Nxe5 12. Qxe5 Qf5 13. Qc7 Qd7
14. Qa5 g6 15. d3 Bg7 16. Be3 O-O 17. Bxc5 Qxd3 18. Bxe7 Re8 19. Rad1 Qc2 20.
Ba3 Bg4 21. f3 Bf5 22. Qc5 Bf8 23. Qa5 Bh6 24. Kh1 Bd3 25. Rfe1 Bd2 26. Rg1
Be3 27. Rge1 Bf2 28. Rxe8+ Rxe8 29. h3 Be1 30. Ra1 Bf1 31. Qg5 Bh4 0-1document.getElementById("cwvpd_1283259370").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1283259370").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1283259370").submit();
''You can't see it, but you should feel it - the power of the Bishop Pair in your games. If the position takes on an open character don't give your opponent the two bishops. This means, don't trade your bishop for his knight. You may not see any difference in your game right away, but in the long run two bishops are more flexible and far reaching and can control vital squares from behind the lines. And they are fast moving going here and there.''--from ''THE POWER OF THE BISHOP PAIR'' http://www.expert-chess-strategies.com/bishop-pair.html
Very wise advise. It has been known for as long as modern chess has been played that there is something magical about the Bishop pair. All of the world champions' games feature this theme time and time again. What modern master has failed to make use of this same theme?
When I was a talented 22 year old IM, living in Montreal, I took a good, sober look at my play one day and I decided that -- in order to progress as a player-- I needed to incorporate 1.d4 in my opening repetoire. Being a very conscientious worker, I soon made a list of some 2 dozen grandmasters who specialized in 1.d4--to play over their games-- and I began a very serious study of the types of positions that can arise from this first move.
I remember that what struck me the most was that 1.d4 games tended to orient themselves more naturally towards the endgame than 1.e4 games. ( I suppose when we play 1.e4 we want to finish the game in the middlegame!) And so I started a series of endgame notebooks (for my own personal use) that concentrated on themes such as Bishop vs Knight, Bishop pair, Rook and pawn endings, opposite colour Bishops, etc. I strove to become a master of the secrets of endgame play.
I still have these notebooks today, here in Portugal! (And I continue to use them from time to time in my research). The notebook on the Bishop pair is filled with hundreds of examples from Grandmaster play. Even today no specialized endgame book on the market can even come close to the depth, clarity and variety of what is found in this notebook.
Be that as it may, I have since always been fascinated with the Bishop pair! To see how an experienced master uses this theme to mold and shape a potential masterpiece fills me with artistic appreciation !
The following pretty example demonstrates a very unusual domination theme in Bishop-pair play in the middlegame. I can not remember seeing such an original use of the 2-Bishops. The game is GM Igor Rausis vs GM Alex Dreev, played in Tallinn , January of 2009. Enjoy!
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 20th MOVE:
GM DREEVGM RAUSIS
Here the position looks fairly balanced, but this is deceptive. An open board is the play ground for Bishops. Dreev first strives to provoke weakness in White's pawn structure.
20... Bg4!?
If the White Rook moves to c1 then Black can play 21...Qd2 and 22...Bd4 with uncomfortable pressure building on the White position.
21. f3!? Bf5 22. Qc5!?
At first glance very logical, as it attacks the c6-pawn. However, it turns out to be a loss of time
22... Bf8! nice finesse!
If White takes the pawn on c6 then he loses a piece! (Black plays 23...Bxa3 and 24...Rac8) Or if instead 23.Qa4? then Black can exchange and play ...Bc2!, winning material.
23. Qa5 Bh6!
Now if the Queen returns to c5 she will be met by 24...Be3ch
24. Kh1 Bd3! 25. Rfe1 Bd2!
The vertical power of the 2-Bishops! Black's idea is to drive the White Rooks from the centre files.
26. Rg1 Be3 27. Rge1 Bf2!
Excellent play! After the exchange of the White Rook the back rank becomes vulnerable, giving rise to several tactical themes.
28. Rxe8 Rxe8 29. h3 Be1!
A reverse pin on the back rank. A very original position! Black now threatens to simply take the Rook on d1, so the Rook must flee and hide in the corner...
30. Ra1 Bf1! ouch!! How humiliating!
The 2--Bishops have lined themselves up on White's back rank, with mate in 1 being threatened.
31. Qg5 forced
BLACK TO PLAY AND WIN!
31... Bh4! Touche!
White resigns! After 32.Qg4 h5! either wins the Queen or mates. And other tricky tries (such as 32.Rc1) simply lose decisive amounts of material. A beautiful exhibition of the power of the Bishop pair.
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
_________________________________________________
[Event "Paul Keres Mem Men"]
[Site "Tallinn EST"]
[Date "2009.1.10"]
[Round "2"]
[White "Rausis,I"]
[Black "Dreev,A"]
[Result "0-1"]
[Eco "B51"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. Bxc6+ bxc6 5. e5 dxe5 6. Nxe5 Qd5 7. Nf3
Qe4+ 8. Qe2 Qxc2 9. Nc3 Nf6 10. Ne5 Nd7 11. O-O Nxe5 12. Qxe5 Qf5 13. Qc7 Qd7
14. Qa5 g6 15. d3 Bg7 16. Be3 O-O 17. Bxc5 Qxd3 18. Bxe7 Re8 19. Rad1 Qc2 20.
Ba3 Bg4 21. f3 Bf5 22. Qc5 Bf8 23. Qa5 Bh6 24. Kh1 Bd3 25. Rfe1 Bd2 26. Rg1
Be3 27. Rge1 Bf2 28. Rxe8+ Rxe8 29. h3 Be1 30. Ra1 Bf1 31. Qg5 Bh4 0-1document.getElementById("cwvpd_1283259370").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1283259370").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1283259370").submit();
Categories: Canadians blogs
Today in chess history
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
On August 31st 1972, the 21st game of the World Chess Championship between Boris Spassky and Bobby Fischer took place. The game was adjourned, but never resumed as Spassky resigned the next day by telephone. This was to be the final and decisive game of the historic match in Iceland, and the last official game that Fischer would play for the next 20 years!
The match was , with the exception of the Munich Massacre during the Summer Olympics, the most watched event in all of 1972! Taking place at the height of the cold war , it was symbolic of the rivalry between the two super powers. Millions of people took up the game as a result of the historic match. Fischer became the most celebrated chessplayer in the history of the game! Many of us chess players refer to this as the Fischer Boom. The Quebec Open, held shortly after the match, had more than 700 participants (compared with barely 100 the year before!)
POSITION AFTER BLACK'S 26th MOVE (26...Rd2)
FISCHERSPASSKY
''Spassky could not believe his eyes when he realized what trap he had fallen into, applying an opening he never intended, even in a dream. He could not hide the disgust on his face because of the drawish position he could not avoid any more. He tried a sacrifice of the exchange, but he had to fight for a draw then. It would not have been that tragic for him, perhaps, if he had not committed suicide in the 30th move, allowing his opponent to make a passed pawn, which was to decide the game.''-Gligoric (match arbiter)
Adjourned position
Fischer stayed up all night analyzing the adjourned position. The next day (September 1) Fischer showed up for the resumption of play, but Spassky was not there. The chief arbiter had received a telephone call from Spassky, saying that he resigned the game! Fischer was declared victor of the match, and had won the World Chess Championship. The final score was 12.5 points versus 8.5 points.
______________________________________
[Event "21"]
[Site "Reykjavik wm"]
[Date "1972"]
[Round ""]
[White "Spassky B"]
[Black "Fischer R"]
[Result "0-1"]
[Eco "B46"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Be3 Nf6 7. Bd3 d5 8.
exd5 exd5 9. O-O Bd6 10. Nxc6 bxc6 11. Bd4 O-O 12. Qf3 Be6 13. Rfe1 c5 14.
Bxf6 Qxf6 15. Qxf6 gxf6 16. Rad1 Rfd8 17. Be2 Rab8 18. b3 c4 19. Nxd5 Bxd5
20. Rxd5 Bxh2+ 21. Kxh2 Rxd5 22. Bxc4 Rd2 23. Bxa6 Rxc2 24. Re2 Rxe2 25. Bxe2
Rd8 26. a4 Rd2 27. Bc4 Ra2 28. Kg3 Kf8 29. Kf3 Ke7 30. g4 f5 31. gxf5 f6 32.
Bg8 h6 33. Kg3 Kd6 34. Kf3 Ra1 35. Kg2 Ke5 36. Be6 Kf4 37. Bd7 Rb1 38. Be6
Rb2 39. Bc4 Ra2 40. Be6 h5 41. Bd7 0-1
document.getElementById("cwvpd_1283248137").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1283248137").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1283248137").submit();
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
On August 31st 1972, the 21st game of the World Chess Championship between Boris Spassky and Bobby Fischer took place. The game was adjourned, but never resumed as Spassky resigned the next day by telephone. This was to be the final and decisive game of the historic match in Iceland, and the last official game that Fischer would play for the next 20 years!
The match was , with the exception of the Munich Massacre during the Summer Olympics, the most watched event in all of 1972! Taking place at the height of the cold war , it was symbolic of the rivalry between the two super powers. Millions of people took up the game as a result of the historic match. Fischer became the most celebrated chessplayer in the history of the game! Many of us chess players refer to this as the Fischer Boom. The Quebec Open, held shortly after the match, had more than 700 participants (compared with barely 100 the year before!)
POSITION AFTER BLACK'S 26th MOVE (26...Rd2)
FISCHERSPASSKY
''Spassky could not believe his eyes when he realized what trap he had fallen into, applying an opening he never intended, even in a dream. He could not hide the disgust on his face because of the drawish position he could not avoid any more. He tried a sacrifice of the exchange, but he had to fight for a draw then. It would not have been that tragic for him, perhaps, if he had not committed suicide in the 30th move, allowing his opponent to make a passed pawn, which was to decide the game.''-Gligoric (match arbiter)
Adjourned position
Fischer stayed up all night analyzing the adjourned position. The next day (September 1) Fischer showed up for the resumption of play, but Spassky was not there. The chief arbiter had received a telephone call from Spassky, saying that he resigned the game! Fischer was declared victor of the match, and had won the World Chess Championship. The final score was 12.5 points versus 8.5 points.
______________________________________
[Event "21"]
[Site "Reykjavik wm"]
[Date "1972"]
[Round ""]
[White "Spassky B"]
[Black "Fischer R"]
[Result "0-1"]
[Eco "B46"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Be3 Nf6 7. Bd3 d5 8.
exd5 exd5 9. O-O Bd6 10. Nxc6 bxc6 11. Bd4 O-O 12. Qf3 Be6 13. Rfe1 c5 14.
Bxf6 Qxf6 15. Qxf6 gxf6 16. Rad1 Rfd8 17. Be2 Rab8 18. b3 c4 19. Nxd5 Bxd5
20. Rxd5 Bxh2+ 21. Kxh2 Rxd5 22. Bxc4 Rd2 23. Bxa6 Rxc2 24. Re2 Rxe2 25. Bxe2
Rd8 26. a4 Rd2 27. Bc4 Ra2 28. Kg3 Kf8 29. Kf3 Ke7 30. g4 f5 31. gxf5 f6 32.
Bg8 h6 33. Kg3 Kd6 34. Kf3 Ra1 35. Kg2 Ke5 36. Be6 Kf4 37. Bd7 Rb1 38. Be6
Rb2 39. Bc4 Ra2 40. Be6 h5 41. Bd7 0-1
document.getElementById("cwvpd_1283248137").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1283248137").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1283248137").submit();
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Categories: Canadians blogs
CHESS TV is back!!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
After a summer vacation , the 5 Krzymowska siblings are back! Below is the first week's episode of the new season. Enjoy!
www.chesstv.eu
Antonia, Adriana and Amelia
The WCN team consists of five siblings from Stockholm, Sweden, currently in the ages between 21 and 14. Adriana, Antonia and Amelia Krzymowska (21-17) and Alfred and Albert Krzymowski (16 and 14) created the idea and concept of the show.
Seizing the opportunities of their generation; with advanced computers, the Internet and digital cameras, they learned all of the technical and editorial aspects of producing a news show, and have done that ever since (They write the scripts, set the lights, adjust the sound, record the shows, edit the material, air and market WCN).
But WCN is in a constant process of evolution, and the team has since the start perfected a lot of details, making the show better and better for every episode. Not even now, with more than 200 produced episodes, the team considers the show “done”.
The siblings produce and market the show on their spare time, while managing their academic careers and competitive chess. Adriana studies law at Stockholm’s University, hoping to achieve the Swedish Master of Laws Degree by the end of 2010. Antonia and Amelia are both in upper secondary school, attending Östra Reals Gymnasium with a law-alignment, and the brothers are in compulsory school.
______________________________________________________________
ALFRED
ALBERT
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
After a summer vacation , the 5 Krzymowska siblings are back! Below is the first week's episode of the new season. Enjoy!
www.chesstv.eu
Antonia, Adriana and Amelia
The WCN team consists of five siblings from Stockholm, Sweden, currently in the ages between 21 and 14. Adriana, Antonia and Amelia Krzymowska (21-17) and Alfred and Albert Krzymowski (16 and 14) created the idea and concept of the show.
Seizing the opportunities of their generation; with advanced computers, the Internet and digital cameras, they learned all of the technical and editorial aspects of producing a news show, and have done that ever since (They write the scripts, set the lights, adjust the sound, record the shows, edit the material, air and market WCN).
But WCN is in a constant process of evolution, and the team has since the start perfected a lot of details, making the show better and better for every episode. Not even now, with more than 200 produced episodes, the team considers the show “done”.
The siblings produce and market the show on their spare time, while managing their academic careers and competitive chess. Adriana studies law at Stockholm’s University, hoping to achieve the Swedish Master of Laws Degree by the end of 2010. Antonia and Amelia are both in upper secondary school, attending Östra Reals Gymnasium with a law-alignment, and the brothers are in compulsory school.
______________________________________________________________
ALFRED
ALBERT
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Categories: Canadians blogs
Upcoming articles in the pipeline
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
TRUE COLOURS:
THE RISE AND FALL OF ORGANIZED CHESS IN CANADA
Who is responsible for the mess today?
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!
__________________________________________________________________
APPLIED SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
THE CHESS COACH IN THE ERA OF THE PC
An article that traces the role of chess coach/trainer from the era of the Soviet school of chess to modern times. What impacts have advances in sport psychology had on tournament chess players and coaches? How have the needs of the data-base generation affected chess coaching?
Traditionally, chess coaching has focused on two central aims: helping the player reach his full potential as student of the game and specific tournament preparation. With the advent of the data-base programs the coach is less necessary for tournament preparation, but his role has become even more important in guiding the player in his personal development. What do the world's top coaches and trainers think of the new challenges?
This article explores the difficulties that both players and their coaches face in adapting to the new technologies.
.........................................................................................................The long promised article on the life and games of Miguel Najdorf is close to finished!
Grandmaster Miguel Najdorf
Najdorf was one of the most colourful players of the 20th century. Born in Poland in 1910, he found himself stranded in Buenos Aires in 1939 when the war broke out, and he decided not to risk returning to Europe. Just as well, as his entire family was murdered by the Nazis.
Having to make his life all over again, he became a citizen of Argentina. His business interests quickly made him the richest chess player of his generation. But his passion was chess. He was a candidate for the highest title for decades, having played 11 world champions in over the board competition.
Najdorf was a close friend of Bobby Fischer. Here we see Miguel having a good time trying to tempt the American genius.
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
TRUE COLOURS:
THE RISE AND FALL OF ORGANIZED CHESS IN CANADA
Who is responsible for the mess today?
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!
__________________________________________________________________
APPLIED SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
THE CHESS COACH IN THE ERA OF THE PC
An article that traces the role of chess coach/trainer from the era of the Soviet school of chess to modern times. What impacts have advances in sport psychology had on tournament chess players and coaches? How have the needs of the data-base generation affected chess coaching?
Traditionally, chess coaching has focused on two central aims: helping the player reach his full potential as student of the game and specific tournament preparation. With the advent of the data-base programs the coach is less necessary for tournament preparation, but his role has become even more important in guiding the player in his personal development. What do the world's top coaches and trainers think of the new challenges?
This article explores the difficulties that both players and their coaches face in adapting to the new technologies.
.........................................................................................................The long promised article on the life and games of Miguel Najdorf is close to finished!
Grandmaster Miguel Najdorf
Najdorf was one of the most colourful players of the 20th century. Born in Poland in 1910, he found himself stranded in Buenos Aires in 1939 when the war broke out, and he decided not to risk returning to Europe. Just as well, as his entire family was murdered by the Nazis.
Having to make his life all over again, he became a citizen of Argentina. His business interests quickly made him the richest chess player of his generation. But his passion was chess. He was a candidate for the highest title for decades, having played 11 world champions in over the board competition.
Najdorf was a close friend of Bobby Fischer. Here we see Miguel having a good time trying to tempt the American genius.
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Categories: Canadians blogs
Quotation
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
''Life can be wildly tragic at times, and I've had my share. But whatever happens to you, you have to keep a slightly comic attitude. In the final analysis, you have got to not forget to laugh.'' --Katherine Hepburn (1907-2003)
_______________________________________________________________
''Life can be wildly tragic at times, and I've had my share. But whatever happens to you, you have to keep a slightly comic attitude. In the final analysis, you have got to not forget to laugh.'' --Katherine Hepburn (1907-2003)
_______________________________________________________________
Categories: Canadians blogs
Abe Yanofsky Active Satellite Tournament Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Abe Yanofsky Active Satellite Tournament
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
7 p.m.
Location: University of Winnipeg - Rm 4CM42
4CM42 <-click here for map
(This is not a knockout tournament, players will play all 4 rounds)
Please note that we intend to start the first round at 7:00 p.m. sharp.
Abe Yanofsky Active Satellite Tournament
Four rounds of Game / 25
Swiss System
$ 10 Entry Fee (CFC Membership not required for this tournament, however it is required for the Abe Yanofsky Memorial)
Prizes: An Entry to the Abe Yanofsky Memorial Tournament for every three paid entries !
There will be at least one U1800 entry ticket awarded.
For example - if there are 18 entries - 6 tournament entries to the Abe Yanofsky tournament will be awarded.
(If you win a "ticket", it must be used for tournament entry to the Abe Yanofsky Memorial - a $ 40 value). If you do not wish to play in the Abe Yanofsky Memorial, or have already entered, it will be up to you to sell your 'ticket'.)
Start time is 7:00 pm
Registration for tournament -August 31 - approximately 6:35 pm to 6:50 pm
Registration will be cut off at approximately 6:50 pm.
Location: University of Winnipeg - Rm 4CM42
4CM42 <-click here for map
This is very near our old room of 5L24 and is in fact on the same floor.
Easiest way to get there is the same way to 5L24 - take the elevator at the north end (Ellice) to the 5th Floor(if that Elevator is operating) Otherwise, there is an elevator just to the west of the Bookstore.
Our goal is to start the first round at 7:00 p.m. sharp.
Questions ? Please email Chessmanitoba@gmail.com
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
7 p.m.
Location: University of Winnipeg - Rm 4CM42
4CM42 <-click here for map
(This is not a knockout tournament, players will play all 4 rounds)
Please note that we intend to start the first round at 7:00 p.m. sharp.
Abe Yanofsky Active Satellite Tournament
Four rounds of Game / 25
Swiss System
$ 10 Entry Fee (CFC Membership not required for this tournament, however it is required for the Abe Yanofsky Memorial)
Prizes: An Entry to the Abe Yanofsky Memorial Tournament for every three paid entries !
There will be at least one U1800 entry ticket awarded.
For example - if there are 18 entries - 6 tournament entries to the Abe Yanofsky tournament will be awarded.
(If you win a "ticket", it must be used for tournament entry to the Abe Yanofsky Memorial - a $ 40 value). If you do not wish to play in the Abe Yanofsky Memorial, or have already entered, it will be up to you to sell your 'ticket'.)
Start time is 7:00 pm
Registration for tournament -August 31 - approximately 6:35 pm to 6:50 pm
Registration will be cut off at approximately 6:50 pm.
Location: University of Winnipeg - Rm 4CM42
4CM42 <-click here for map
This is very near our old room of 5L24 and is in fact on the same floor.
Easiest way to get there is the same way to 5L24 - take the elevator at the north end (Ellice) to the 5th Floor(if that Elevator is operating) Otherwise, there is an elevator just to the west of the Bookstore.
Our goal is to start the first round at 7:00 p.m. sharp.
Questions ? Please email Chessmanitoba@gmail.com
Categories: Canadians blogs
2010 Barcelona Sants Open
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
http://www.cotxeres.org/open/
The Israeli grandmaster Max Rodshtein achieved a convincing victory with 8.5 points out of a possible 10 at the strong open tournament in Barcelona. Four players scored 8 points, including black-horse FM Mitjans Perez , who scored an upset win in round 8 over Toronto GM Mark Bluvshtein.
21-year old Maxim Rodshtein is one of Israel's brightest hopes, and is a frequent visitor to tournaments on the Iberian peninsula.
The best Canadian result was from Toronto IM Leonid Gerzhoy (born 1987), who finished in 8th position scoring a respectable 7.5 points, including a 9th round victory over fellow Torontonian Bluvshtein (game given below). Leonid's score could have been even better as he had a winning game in the last round against GM Fier, but could only draw.
Excellent result in Barcelona.
GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD!
The 9th round game between Toronto players Mark and Leonid deserves a special award--for good sportsmanship! It is not often that one sees 2 players from the same country (let alone from the same city) play for the jugular near the end of a tournament , especially where a loss means being knocked out of contention. Congratulations to both gentlemen!
POSITION AFTER BLACK'S 27th MOVE
BLUVSHTEINGERZHOY
WHITE TO MOVE AND WIN!
________________________________________________
22-year old Mark Bluvshtein
Mark's first tournament in Europe since deciding to take a year off to dedicate himself 100% to chess did not give much sign of the tremendous chess talent he possesses. His play was atleast a category lower than normal. But this has a simple enough explanation: jet lag! Mark arrived the day before the tournament began, not a very 'professional' thing to do. When I first started playing in Europe I also experienced the negative effects of jet lag on my own play. From my own experience, I learned the hard way that I need about 1 week to adjust going from North America to Europe, and about half the time going from Europe to North America.
Ofcourse, not everyone reacts to crossing so many time zones the same way, and Mark will just have to find what works for him. In Barcelona , Mark's play was sluggish and imprecise. He often overlooked simple moves--and not always tactical. He himself wrote on his excellent blog (http://markbluvshtein.wordpress.com/ ) that he noticed that he had difficulties sensing the initiative in his games. Nothing to worry about though, Mark (if you are reading this), your next tournament should be completely different! Consider Barcelona a great warm up event.
Mark was in contention, despite jetlag, for the top places until disaster struck in round 8, against the little known FIDE master Perez. Mark achieved a completely winning position when his opponent 'forgot ' to resign and just play for tricks.
Here is the critical position after Black's 33rd move:
PEREZBLUVSHTEIN
It is hard to believe that a master level player would play on a piece and 3 pawns down for as long as Perez did. One could suggest that this is pure lack of sportsmanship, but I think a more appropriate explanation is that since FIDE introduced the fast time controls with 30 seconds increments per move, many players --once they have lost positions--don't resign and just go into 'blitz-game mode', treating the game (and his opponent) with the same (lack of )respect as in a 5-minute game!
Be that as it may, Mark can not complain of too much bad luck, since he enjoyed some luck in the previous rounds! My own experience is that luck tends to be pretty fair over a long enough period of time. However, it is VERY painful to lose to a hustler, as Perez proves himself to be in this game...
Here Mark can put an end to any tricks with the precise 34.Qe2! when the Black Queen must retreat from her dangerous perch. If now Black continues 34...Qxc4, then 35.Qh5! ends the game with a direct attack against the Black Monarch. Or if instead 34...Rxa2 35.Rb2! forces simplification , obviously to White's advantage.
INSTEAD, Mark miscalculated with 34.d6?? allowing Black the shot 34...Rxd3!! OUCH! After 35.Qxd3 Rxa2ch 36.Kg1 Qh5! (the move Mark must have overlooked) Black is just winning!
The tables have been turned. Mark has been hustled!
______________________________________________________________________
The legendary Bent Larsen, once in an interview, gave advice to a player who wanted to become a professional. He advised the aspiring grandmaster to give himself enough time to be fair to himself. Larsen suggested 5 years (!).
Ofcourse, the world has changed a lot since that interview (early 1970's), but it is not any easier today than it was back then! Today 99% of tournaments are strong, competitive open tournaments with very little prize money (the Barcelona tournament had only 3 prizes more than 1,000 euros). Barcelona had about 20 GMs and as many IMs. Tournaments like Barcelona Sants should be looked upon as practice tournaments; events that help the player get into form and have strong opposition.
Only about the top 20 to 30 players in the world make any money at chess, and they jealously protect their position by sticking together and not letting in any new players. The chess world is anything but fair! That is why they play in tournaments with , sometimes, only 5 or 6 other players. I am quite certain that many 2700-plus ELO players would not be able to make any money playing in tournaments like Barcelona!
In Mark's case, he needs to get his rating over 2700 if he wants to break into the top elite. I suggest that he keep studying the game daily while he plays from tournament to tournament, gaining experience and fine-tuning his skills. Tournaments like Barcelona are excellent for this purpose. The most important open tournaments will start in early 2011: Gibraltar , Cappelle and Moscow. If he wins all of these tournaments then he must be considered amongst the elite in the world.
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
http://www.cotxeres.org/open/
The Israeli grandmaster Max Rodshtein achieved a convincing victory with 8.5 points out of a possible 10 at the strong open tournament in Barcelona. Four players scored 8 points, including black-horse FM Mitjans Perez , who scored an upset win in round 8 over Toronto GM Mark Bluvshtein.
21-year old Maxim Rodshtein is one of Israel's brightest hopes, and is a frequent visitor to tournaments on the Iberian peninsula.
The best Canadian result was from Toronto IM Leonid Gerzhoy (born 1987), who finished in 8th position scoring a respectable 7.5 points, including a 9th round victory over fellow Torontonian Bluvshtein (game given below). Leonid's score could have been even better as he had a winning game in the last round against GM Fier, but could only draw.
Excellent result in Barcelona.
GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD!
The 9th round game between Toronto players Mark and Leonid deserves a special award--for good sportsmanship! It is not often that one sees 2 players from the same country (let alone from the same city) play for the jugular near the end of a tournament , especially where a loss means being knocked out of contention. Congratulations to both gentlemen!
POSITION AFTER BLACK'S 27th MOVE
BLUVSHTEINGERZHOY
WHITE TO MOVE AND WIN!
________________________________________________
22-year old Mark Bluvshtein
Mark's first tournament in Europe since deciding to take a year off to dedicate himself 100% to chess did not give much sign of the tremendous chess talent he possesses. His play was atleast a category lower than normal. But this has a simple enough explanation: jet lag! Mark arrived the day before the tournament began, not a very 'professional' thing to do. When I first started playing in Europe I also experienced the negative effects of jet lag on my own play. From my own experience, I learned the hard way that I need about 1 week to adjust going from North America to Europe, and about half the time going from Europe to North America.
Ofcourse, not everyone reacts to crossing so many time zones the same way, and Mark will just have to find what works for him. In Barcelona , Mark's play was sluggish and imprecise. He often overlooked simple moves--and not always tactical. He himself wrote on his excellent blog (http://markbluvshtein.wordpress.com/ ) that he noticed that he had difficulties sensing the initiative in his games. Nothing to worry about though, Mark (if you are reading this), your next tournament should be completely different! Consider Barcelona a great warm up event.
Mark was in contention, despite jetlag, for the top places until disaster struck in round 8, against the little known FIDE master Perez. Mark achieved a completely winning position when his opponent 'forgot ' to resign and just play for tricks.
Here is the critical position after Black's 33rd move:
PEREZBLUVSHTEIN
It is hard to believe that a master level player would play on a piece and 3 pawns down for as long as Perez did. One could suggest that this is pure lack of sportsmanship, but I think a more appropriate explanation is that since FIDE introduced the fast time controls with 30 seconds increments per move, many players --once they have lost positions--don't resign and just go into 'blitz-game mode', treating the game (and his opponent) with the same (lack of )respect as in a 5-minute game!
Be that as it may, Mark can not complain of too much bad luck, since he enjoyed some luck in the previous rounds! My own experience is that luck tends to be pretty fair over a long enough period of time. However, it is VERY painful to lose to a hustler, as Perez proves himself to be in this game...
Here Mark can put an end to any tricks with the precise 34.Qe2! when the Black Queen must retreat from her dangerous perch. If now Black continues 34...Qxc4, then 35.Qh5! ends the game with a direct attack against the Black Monarch. Or if instead 34...Rxa2 35.Rb2! forces simplification , obviously to White's advantage.
INSTEAD, Mark miscalculated with 34.d6?? allowing Black the shot 34...Rxd3!! OUCH! After 35.Qxd3 Rxa2ch 36.Kg1 Qh5! (the move Mark must have overlooked) Black is just winning!
The tables have been turned. Mark has been hustled!
______________________________________________________________________
The legendary Bent Larsen, once in an interview, gave advice to a player who wanted to become a professional. He advised the aspiring grandmaster to give himself enough time to be fair to himself. Larsen suggested 5 years (!).
Ofcourse, the world has changed a lot since that interview (early 1970's), but it is not any easier today than it was back then! Today 99% of tournaments are strong, competitive open tournaments with very little prize money (the Barcelona tournament had only 3 prizes more than 1,000 euros). Barcelona had about 20 GMs and as many IMs. Tournaments like Barcelona Sants should be looked upon as practice tournaments; events that help the player get into form and have strong opposition.
Only about the top 20 to 30 players in the world make any money at chess, and they jealously protect their position by sticking together and not letting in any new players. The chess world is anything but fair! That is why they play in tournaments with , sometimes, only 5 or 6 other players. I am quite certain that many 2700-plus ELO players would not be able to make any money playing in tournaments like Barcelona!
In Mark's case, he needs to get his rating over 2700 if he wants to break into the top elite. I suggest that he keep studying the game daily while he plays from tournament to tournament, gaining experience and fine-tuning his skills. Tournaments like Barcelona are excellent for this purpose. The most important open tournaments will start in early 2011: Gibraltar , Cappelle and Moscow. If he wins all of these tournaments then he must be considered amongst the elite in the world.
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Categories: Canadians blogs
FIDE Elections: the final stretch
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
THE FINAL STRETCH
The 2010 chess Olympiad begins on September 19 , with the FIDE Congress beginning shortly afterwards. Everything will be decided before the Olympiad ends on the 4th of October. Incumbent FIDE president Ilyumzhinov is expected to sweep the election against challenger Karpov. Latest rumours point to Kirsan having a minimum 120 guaranteed votes as of Friday August 27. (There are approximately 170 voting members) Officially, on his campaign website (http://www.onefide.com/) the number is only 90, but as pointed out on numerous occasions here, Ilyumzhinov's tactics include down-playing the true extent of his support in the chess world.
India waited until it was convinced that Ilyumzhinov was the likely winner of the election before it publically declared its vote this past week. India will vote for the incumbent president, citing guarantees that India's zonal status will be upgraded to separate zone at the upcoming FIDE Congress.
For a number of years now India has voiced its desire to become a separate zone. This seems only logical, especially considering that India's population is in excess of 1 billion! However, the wheels of change in FIDE are known to turn very slowly--except at election time.
I consider it perfectly natural--and ethical-- that India would give its vote in exchange for a zonal update. I am certain that India could have got the same deal from Karpov, but it appears that the Indian federation does not have confidence in Karpov winning at this point.
With the campaigns slowly winding down these past 2 weeks, both Karpov and Ilyumzhinov have never the less been in the chess news visiting and trying to drum up last minute support. Karpov's campaign team has desperately posted articles attacking Ilyumzhinov for everything from flying on extra-terrestrial spaceships without a license to having a hand in the killing of a journalist. When the corrupt president of the Peru chess federation was removed from office (just days ago), this was also painted as a black eye for Kirsan (Peru had committed its vote to the incumbent)
For his part, Ilyumzhinov has been talking about another 2 million dollars of sponsorship (Lebanon), either from a known acquaintance of his or from a Lebanese bank--though there is some confusion on the exact details. Once more Kirsan's little list of shell companies (including Global Chess) have made an appearance...
All of this matters little, however, as the FIDE election has been over for several months now. While many consider that there can never be any real democracy in a chess organization that allows 1 vote for each country, the only important fact is that the election will be decided by exactly that way of counting votes! And it is not likely to change in the near future.
Some have also criticized FIDE's lack of apparent democracy by pointing out that presidents can serve terms of office for impractically long periods of time (as in Kirsan's 15 years so far). I know exactly how they feel
.
Since FIDE's inception in 1924, there have only been 6 presidents! Rueb held the leading post for 25 years; Rogard for 21 years. In recent times, Campomanes held the post for 13 years (and then held the honorary title of president until his death earlier this year). Only Euwe and Olafsson each held the post for less than 10 years.
There is no doubt that in FIDE it is the president who dominates policy making and influences critical decisions and changes (if any). We chess players record chess history by measuring the influence of the world champions; chess politicians do the same thing , but with the FIDE president.
Be that as it may, however, are you going to level the same criticism to the IOC? Since its inception in 1894, there have only been 8 (!) presidents. One president--Coubertin--held the office for a total of 29 years. Samaranch held it for 21 years, and one president actually died in office! The current president (Rogge) has held the top post since 2001.
_____________________________________________________________________
No doubt that FIDE should be reorganized and run in a different manner than it has been these past 2 decades or so. Perhaps setting a limitation to how long someone can hold office might be a good place to start. Perhaps giving countries like India and China more than 1 vote each might be sensible also. There are many good ideas floating around out there. But without the political will to actually want to change things, then nothing will ever get beyond the complaining stage.
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
THE FINAL STRETCH
The 2010 chess Olympiad begins on September 19 , with the FIDE Congress beginning shortly afterwards. Everything will be decided before the Olympiad ends on the 4th of October. Incumbent FIDE president Ilyumzhinov is expected to sweep the election against challenger Karpov. Latest rumours point to Kirsan having a minimum 120 guaranteed votes as of Friday August 27. (There are approximately 170 voting members) Officially, on his campaign website (http://www.onefide.com/) the number is only 90, but as pointed out on numerous occasions here, Ilyumzhinov's tactics include down-playing the true extent of his support in the chess world.
India waited until it was convinced that Ilyumzhinov was the likely winner of the election before it publically declared its vote this past week. India will vote for the incumbent president, citing guarantees that India's zonal status will be upgraded to separate zone at the upcoming FIDE Congress.
For a number of years now India has voiced its desire to become a separate zone. This seems only logical, especially considering that India's population is in excess of 1 billion! However, the wheels of change in FIDE are known to turn very slowly--except at election time.
I consider it perfectly natural--and ethical-- that India would give its vote in exchange for a zonal update. I am certain that India could have got the same deal from Karpov, but it appears that the Indian federation does not have confidence in Karpov winning at this point.
With the campaigns slowly winding down these past 2 weeks, both Karpov and Ilyumzhinov have never the less been in the chess news visiting and trying to drum up last minute support. Karpov's campaign team has desperately posted articles attacking Ilyumzhinov for everything from flying on extra-terrestrial spaceships without a license to having a hand in the killing of a journalist. When the corrupt president of the Peru chess federation was removed from office (just days ago), this was also painted as a black eye for Kirsan (Peru had committed its vote to the incumbent)
For his part, Ilyumzhinov has been talking about another 2 million dollars of sponsorship (Lebanon), either from a known acquaintance of his or from a Lebanese bank--though there is some confusion on the exact details. Once more Kirsan's little list of shell companies (including Global Chess) have made an appearance...
All of this matters little, however, as the FIDE election has been over for several months now. While many consider that there can never be any real democracy in a chess organization that allows 1 vote for each country, the only important fact is that the election will be decided by exactly that way of counting votes! And it is not likely to change in the near future.
Some have also criticized FIDE's lack of apparent democracy by pointing out that presidents can serve terms of office for impractically long periods of time (as in Kirsan's 15 years so far). I know exactly how they feel
.
Since FIDE's inception in 1924, there have only been 6 presidents! Rueb held the leading post for 25 years; Rogard for 21 years. In recent times, Campomanes held the post for 13 years (and then held the honorary title of president until his death earlier this year). Only Euwe and Olafsson each held the post for less than 10 years.
There is no doubt that in FIDE it is the president who dominates policy making and influences critical decisions and changes (if any). We chess players record chess history by measuring the influence of the world champions; chess politicians do the same thing , but with the FIDE president.
Be that as it may, however, are you going to level the same criticism to the IOC? Since its inception in 1894, there have only been 8 (!) presidents. One president--Coubertin--held the office for a total of 29 years. Samaranch held it for 21 years, and one president actually died in office! The current president (Rogge) has held the top post since 2001.
_____________________________________________________________________
No doubt that FIDE should be reorganized and run in a different manner than it has been these past 2 decades or so. Perhaps setting a limitation to how long someone can hold office might be a good place to start. Perhaps giving countries like India and China more than 1 vote each might be sensible also. There are many good ideas floating around out there. But without the political will to actually want to change things, then nothing will ever get beyond the complaining stage.
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Categories: Canadians blogs
Opposite Coloured Bishops – part 16 - Conclusion
This is the last post on the subject of endgames with bishops of opposite colours – all examples are from my article on the same subject published in Canadian chess magazine “En Passant” almost 10 years ago.
There is an attitude to endings with opposite coloured bishops that 'they are all drawn'. There is certainly a good reason for this. And yet almost all examples that I showed had a decisive result. Partly this is because in most of them one side had a material advantage. But some endings shown had even material in the starting position. Therefore, in a position with rooks on the board, it is often possible to outplay your opponent. If you are playing for a win, there might also exist a psychological effect that would help you: when seeing opposite coloured bishops, even strong players may relax and expect that even with second rate moves they will get their draw. Not necessarily!
I also hope that the readers’ thinking about types of endings will expand from "pawn endings" and "rook endings" to more complex combinations of material, such as “rooks + bishops of opposite colour”, “rooks + knights”. These are what Dvoretsky calls “simple positions” – not quite endgames, but nor middlegames either. Studying ideas typical for each type of these simple positions will lead to a better understanding of chess.
To wrap up the series, here is the analysis/solution for the puzzle from the last post.
Topalov Veselin - Shirov Alexei, Linares (10), 1998Black to move
47...Bh3 !! An amazing move, which initially does not seem to make any sense. The point is that Black's king needs to support the 'd' and 'a' pawns as soon as possible. The bishop on e4 was on his way. By going to h3, Black attacks the 'g2' pawn, so he wins a tempo. The reason why he is not afraid to lose the bishop, is because this bishop would not help him to advance the queenside pawns anyways. 48.gxh3 Kf5 49.Kf2 Ke4 50.Bxf6 d4 Diagram
51.Be7 Kd3 52.Bc5 Kc4 53.Be7 Kb3 Diagram
The Black king comes to c2. 0-1
Categories: Canadians blogs
Some positions from games played this week....
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Below is a selection of positions from interesting games that have been played this week. I have a couple dozen to present to the reader, but only 4 today. As I take a final look at what I have written, I notice that all 4 positions are from the Russian Championships Higher League in Irkutsk.
In essence, these examples are typical of the types of situations that arise in master chess. Mistakes, brilliant or unexpected moves, or simply good strong moves...Enjoy!
EXAMPLE 1
The following position ocurred in a game from the the first round of the Russian Championships Higher League 2010, in Irkutsk. The opponents were up-and-coming superstar Nepomniachtchi and master Chernyshov.
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 12th MOVE (12.Nc4)
CHERNYSHOVNEPOMNIACHTCHI
Black did not play his opening with the precision that was necessary, and he finds himself having to part with a pawn. Trying to not part with the pawn by 12...Qc7 runs into a nasty 13.a4!; or 12...Bc5 is met by 13.d4, also with a big advantage.
Curiously, however, the pawn has little practical importance at this stage of the game: should Black now play the correct 12...Nh5! he would get enough counterplay to compensate. 13.Nxb6 ab6. 14.Qxb6 0-0 . 15. Be3!? and now 15...Nhf4 and 16...f5 gives White something to worry about on the Kingside! My chess engine does not find Black's chances so bad...
Instead, Black completely lost his head and jumped from the frying pan into the fire: he retreated his Bishop to d8 (12...Bd8??), completely overlooking the obvious 13. Qxb7! which just wins 2 pawns for nothing. From that point on the game was utterly hopeless.
BLACK MUST HAVE OVERLOOKED THIS OBVIOUS MOVE!
[Event "ch-RUS Higher League"]
[Site "Irkutsk RUS"]
[Date "2010.8.26"]
[Round "1"]
[White "Nepomniachtchi,I"]
[Black "Chernyshov,K"]
[Result "1-0"]
[Eco "C65"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. O-O d6 6. h3 Bd7 7. c3 Ne7 8.
Bxd7+ Qxd7 9. Qb3 Bb6 10. Na3 c6 11. Bg5 Ng6 12. Nc4 Bd8 13. Qxb7 Qxb7 14.
Nxd6+ Kd7 15. Nxb7 Bb6 16. b4 Rhb8 17. Nc5+ Bxc5 18. bxc5 Rb5 19. Be3 Rab8
20. Nd2 Ke6 21. g3 Nd7 22. d4 Rb2 23. Nc4 Rc2 24. Rfc1 Rxc1+ 25. Rxc1 f5 26.
exf5+ Kxf5 27. Re1 Ke6 28. Bf4 Kd5 29. Nxe5 Ndxe5 30. Bxe5 Rb7 31. f4 a5 32.
a4 Kc4 33. Bd6 Nh8 34. Re7 Rb2 35. Rxg7 Kd5 36. Re7 Ng6 37. Re8 1-0document.getElementById("cwvpd_1282953152").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1282953152").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1282953152").submit();
______________________________________________________________________-
EXAMPLE 2
Also from the 1st round of the Irkutsk championship, this is the position after White's 25th move in the game Rakhmanov vs Ginzburg.
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 25th MOVE (25.g3)
GINZBURGRAKHMANOV
White's last move created 'luft' for White's King. The position is about equal, with White probably having slightly better practical chances. Certainly White is threatening nothing with his last move!
Here Black's sense of danger failed him completely. He greedily grabbed the pawn that was to be had on e5 without bothering to check to see if there was a trick up White's sleeve! The game continued quickly: 25...Nxe5?. 26.de5 Rxe5? (26...Bxe5 would be met with the winning 27.Rxd5!!, as in the game continuation) 27.RxR BxR, leading to the following position:
WHITE TO PLAY AND WIN!
Probably Black had only considered White taking the d-pawn with his Bishop, checking the King, which is completely harmless. White's next move must have come as a very unpleasant surprise
28.Rxd5!!
Very pretty! The threat of mate in 1 move (29. Rd8 dbl check!) can only be defended at the cost of a piece. Black resigned. MORAL OF THE LESSON: Beware of gift pawns.
[Event "ch-RUS Higher League"]
[Site "Irkutsk RUS"]
[Date "2010.8.26"]
[Round "1"]
[White "Rakhmanov,Ale"]
[Black "Ginzburg,Y"]
[Result "1-0"]
[Eco "D40"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. c4 c6 2. e4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. cxd5 Qxd5 5. Nc3 Qd8 6. d4 e6 7. Bc4 Nf6 8.
Nge2 Be7 9. O-O O-O 10. a3 Nc6 11. Qd3 b6 12. Rd1 Bb7 13. Qh3 Na5 14. Ba2 Rc8
15. Nf4 Bd5 16. Nfxd5 Nxd5 17. Nxd5 exd5 18. Qh5 Nc4 19. Rd3 g6 20. Qh6 f5
21. Bf4 Bf6 22. Be5 Qd7 23. Re1 Qg7 24. Qf4 Rfe8 25. g3 Nxe5 26. dxe5 Rxe5
27. Rxe5 Bxe5 28. Rxd5 1-0document.getElementById("cwvpd_1282954335").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1282954335").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1282954335").submit();
___________________________________________________________________
EXAMPLE 3
Also from the 1st round of the Irkutsk championship. The opponents are grandmasters Smirnov and Bocharov.
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 32nd MOVE (32.Bg2)
BOCHAROVSMIRNOV
This complicated game has seen the advantage switch sides several times already. The position is a complete mess! Black is down an exchange, but his 2-Bishops are very powerful. Combined with the weakened White Kingside and uncoordinated White pieces, Black found a clever way to break into the White King position.
32... f3! 33. Bxf3 Nxe5!
A brilliant move that must have escaped White's attention. Should White now play the obvious 34. Bxd5 then Black wins with 34... Nxg4!! 35. Bg2 Nxf2 etc White now has no choice but to take the dangerous Knight
34. Rxe5 Bxf3
White finds himself completely helpless! He can not retreat his Rook from e5 because of ...Qg3ch (thanks to the Bishop on a7!). In the meantime, there is little that White can do from preventing Black from invading along the a8-h1 diagonal.
35. Rb3 Qd6 36. Rb4 Ba8 !
A very strong retreat that emphasizes the weakness on f2. There is no good defence.
37. Nc4 Or if 37. Re3 Qd5 38. Ree4 Rxf2 wins 37... Bxf2 !
38. Kh2 Qd3 [0:1] Kaput
[Event "ch-RUS Higher League"]
[Site "Irkutsk RUS"]
[Date "2010.8.26"]
[Round "1"]
[White "Smirnov,P"]
[Black "Bocharov,D"]
[Result "0-1"]
[Eco "B43"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. Nc3 b5 6. Bd3 Bb7 7. O-O Qc7 8.
Re1 Be7 9. e5 b4 10. Nb1 f5 11. Bf4 Nc6 12. c3 Nh6 13. Nxc6 Qxc6 14. Bf1 O-O
15. cxb4 Bxb4 16. Nd2 Rac8 17. a3 Bc5 18. Nb3 Bb6 19. h3 Nf7 20. Bd2 Qc7 21.
Bb4 Bd5 22. Bxf8 Rxf8 23. Rc1 Qa7 24. Re2 Ng5 25. Nd2 f4 26. Qe1 Qb7 27. Rc3
Rf5 28. g4 Rf8 29. h4 Nf7 30. Nc4 Ba7 31. Na5 Qb8 32. Bg2 f3 33. Bxf3 Nxe5
34. Rxe5 Bxf3 35. Rb3 Qd6 36. Rb4 Ba8 37. Nc4 Bxf2+ 38. Kh2 Qd3 0-1document.getElementById("cwvpd_1282955654").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1282955654").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1282955654").submit();
_____________________________________________________________________
EXAMPLE 4
Also from the Irkutsk championship, 1st round! The opponents are Maletin and Obolenskikh, and the game is completely wild!
POSITION AFTER BLACK'S 20th MOVE (20...Kc7)
OBOLENSKIKH
MALETIN
This is a typical position that can arise from those crazy lines in the Queen's Gambit (Slav) that are the rage these days. White has the advantage (as we shall soon see) but it is necessary to play with great energy in order to prove it.
The real hero of this game is White's Knight. I ask the reader to pay special attention to this beast: it has a charmed life! As we shall see, it plays the decisive role , in both attack and defence...
21. Qa7! Bb7
Black threatens ...Qa8, snuffing out White's attack
22. Bxc6!! The key move
This Bishop can not be taken: 22... Kxc6? 23. Qc5 Kd7 24. Qd6 Ke8 (24... Kc8 25. Ne7) 25. Rxe6 mating.
22... Qa8 more or less forced
23. Qc5! Bxc6
It was necessary for White to calculate very accurately abouts here...one false slip and not only would he let go of his advantage, but he could end up losing!
24. Qe5! Kb6 25. Qxf6!
The Knight can not be taken: 25... exf5 26. d5! Qc8 27. dxc6 Qxc6 28. Qxf7 wins very easily. Therefore, Black tries his only chance: counter-attack
25... Bh1 !
Threatening mate in one move! Fortunately for White, the Knight can attend to this threat...
26. Ne3 !
26... Bf3 27. Qxf7
Ofcourse White must be winning here! If Black does nothing then White will take the e-pawn with check
27... Qe8 what else?
WHITE TO PLAY AND WIN
28. Nxc4!
What a hero this Knight is! White's next move is to take the pawn on e6 with his Rook, winning the Queen. Black throws in the towel. [1:0]
[Event "ch-RUS Higher League"]
[Site "Irkutsk RUS"]
[Date "2010.8.26"]
[Round "1"]
[White "Maletin,P"]
[Black "Obolenskikh,D"]
[Result "1-0"]
[Eco "D44"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 e6 6. e4 Bb4 7. Bg5 b5 8. e5
h6 9. exf6 hxg5 10. fxg7 Rg8 11. g3 Bb7 12. Bg2 Nd7 13. O-O Bxc3 14. bxc3 a6
15. Re1 g4 16. Nh4 Nf6 17. axb5 axb5 18. Rxa8 Bxa8 19. Qa1 Kd7 20. Nf5 Kc7
21. Qa7+ Bb7 22. Bxc6 Qa8 23. Qc5 Bxc6 24. Qe5+ Kb6 25. Qxf6 Bh1 26. Ne3 Bf3
27. Qxf7 Qe8 28. Nxc4+ 1-0document.getElementById("cwvpd_1282957165").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1282957165").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1282957165").submit();
Below is a selection of positions from interesting games that have been played this week. I have a couple dozen to present to the reader, but only 4 today. As I take a final look at what I have written, I notice that all 4 positions are from the Russian Championships Higher League in Irkutsk.
In essence, these examples are typical of the types of situations that arise in master chess. Mistakes, brilliant or unexpected moves, or simply good strong moves...Enjoy!
EXAMPLE 1
The following position ocurred in a game from the the first round of the Russian Championships Higher League 2010, in Irkutsk. The opponents were up-and-coming superstar Nepomniachtchi and master Chernyshov.
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 12th MOVE (12.Nc4)
CHERNYSHOVNEPOMNIACHTCHI
Black did not play his opening with the precision that was necessary, and he finds himself having to part with a pawn. Trying to not part with the pawn by 12...Qc7 runs into a nasty 13.a4!; or 12...Bc5 is met by 13.d4, also with a big advantage.
Curiously, however, the pawn has little practical importance at this stage of the game: should Black now play the correct 12...Nh5! he would get enough counterplay to compensate. 13.Nxb6 ab6. 14.Qxb6 0-0 . 15. Be3!? and now 15...Nhf4 and 16...f5 gives White something to worry about on the Kingside! My chess engine does not find Black's chances so bad...
Instead, Black completely lost his head and jumped from the frying pan into the fire: he retreated his Bishop to d8 (12...Bd8??), completely overlooking the obvious 13. Qxb7! which just wins 2 pawns for nothing. From that point on the game was utterly hopeless.
BLACK MUST HAVE OVERLOOKED THIS OBVIOUS MOVE!
[Event "ch-RUS Higher League"]
[Site "Irkutsk RUS"]
[Date "2010.8.26"]
[Round "1"]
[White "Nepomniachtchi,I"]
[Black "Chernyshov,K"]
[Result "1-0"]
[Eco "C65"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. O-O d6 6. h3 Bd7 7. c3 Ne7 8.
Bxd7+ Qxd7 9. Qb3 Bb6 10. Na3 c6 11. Bg5 Ng6 12. Nc4 Bd8 13. Qxb7 Qxb7 14.
Nxd6+ Kd7 15. Nxb7 Bb6 16. b4 Rhb8 17. Nc5+ Bxc5 18. bxc5 Rb5 19. Be3 Rab8
20. Nd2 Ke6 21. g3 Nd7 22. d4 Rb2 23. Nc4 Rc2 24. Rfc1 Rxc1+ 25. Rxc1 f5 26.
exf5+ Kxf5 27. Re1 Ke6 28. Bf4 Kd5 29. Nxe5 Ndxe5 30. Bxe5 Rb7 31. f4 a5 32.
a4 Kc4 33. Bd6 Nh8 34. Re7 Rb2 35. Rxg7 Kd5 36. Re7 Ng6 37. Re8 1-0document.getElementById("cwvpd_1282953152").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1282953152").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1282953152").submit();
______________________________________________________________________-
EXAMPLE 2
Also from the 1st round of the Irkutsk championship, this is the position after White's 25th move in the game Rakhmanov vs Ginzburg.
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 25th MOVE (25.g3)
GINZBURGRAKHMANOV
White's last move created 'luft' for White's King. The position is about equal, with White probably having slightly better practical chances. Certainly White is threatening nothing with his last move!
Here Black's sense of danger failed him completely. He greedily grabbed the pawn that was to be had on e5 without bothering to check to see if there was a trick up White's sleeve! The game continued quickly: 25...Nxe5?. 26.de5 Rxe5? (26...Bxe5 would be met with the winning 27.Rxd5!!, as in the game continuation) 27.RxR BxR, leading to the following position:
WHITE TO PLAY AND WIN!
Probably Black had only considered White taking the d-pawn with his Bishop, checking the King, which is completely harmless. White's next move must have come as a very unpleasant surprise
28.Rxd5!!
Very pretty! The threat of mate in 1 move (29. Rd8 dbl check!) can only be defended at the cost of a piece. Black resigned. MORAL OF THE LESSON: Beware of gift pawns.
[Event "ch-RUS Higher League"]
[Site "Irkutsk RUS"]
[Date "2010.8.26"]
[Round "1"]
[White "Rakhmanov,Ale"]
[Black "Ginzburg,Y"]
[Result "1-0"]
[Eco "D40"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. c4 c6 2. e4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. cxd5 Qxd5 5. Nc3 Qd8 6. d4 e6 7. Bc4 Nf6 8.
Nge2 Be7 9. O-O O-O 10. a3 Nc6 11. Qd3 b6 12. Rd1 Bb7 13. Qh3 Na5 14. Ba2 Rc8
15. Nf4 Bd5 16. Nfxd5 Nxd5 17. Nxd5 exd5 18. Qh5 Nc4 19. Rd3 g6 20. Qh6 f5
21. Bf4 Bf6 22. Be5 Qd7 23. Re1 Qg7 24. Qf4 Rfe8 25. g3 Nxe5 26. dxe5 Rxe5
27. Rxe5 Bxe5 28. Rxd5 1-0document.getElementById("cwvpd_1282954335").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1282954335").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1282954335").submit();
___________________________________________________________________
EXAMPLE 3
Also from the 1st round of the Irkutsk championship. The opponents are grandmasters Smirnov and Bocharov.
POSITION AFTER WHITE'S 32nd MOVE (32.Bg2)
BOCHAROVSMIRNOV
This complicated game has seen the advantage switch sides several times already. The position is a complete mess! Black is down an exchange, but his 2-Bishops are very powerful. Combined with the weakened White Kingside and uncoordinated White pieces, Black found a clever way to break into the White King position.
32... f3! 33. Bxf3 Nxe5!
A brilliant move that must have escaped White's attention. Should White now play the obvious 34. Bxd5 then Black wins with 34... Nxg4!! 35. Bg2 Nxf2 etc White now has no choice but to take the dangerous Knight
34. Rxe5 Bxf3
White finds himself completely helpless! He can not retreat his Rook from e5 because of ...Qg3ch (thanks to the Bishop on a7!). In the meantime, there is little that White can do from preventing Black from invading along the a8-h1 diagonal.
35. Rb3 Qd6 36. Rb4 Ba8 !
A very strong retreat that emphasizes the weakness on f2. There is no good defence.
37. Nc4 Or if 37. Re3 Qd5 38. Ree4 Rxf2 wins 37... Bxf2 !
38. Kh2 Qd3 [0:1] Kaput
[Event "ch-RUS Higher League"]
[Site "Irkutsk RUS"]
[Date "2010.8.26"]
[Round "1"]
[White "Smirnov,P"]
[Black "Bocharov,D"]
[Result "0-1"]
[Eco "B43"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. Nc3 b5 6. Bd3 Bb7 7. O-O Qc7 8.
Re1 Be7 9. e5 b4 10. Nb1 f5 11. Bf4 Nc6 12. c3 Nh6 13. Nxc6 Qxc6 14. Bf1 O-O
15. cxb4 Bxb4 16. Nd2 Rac8 17. a3 Bc5 18. Nb3 Bb6 19. h3 Nf7 20. Bd2 Qc7 21.
Bb4 Bd5 22. Bxf8 Rxf8 23. Rc1 Qa7 24. Re2 Ng5 25. Nd2 f4 26. Qe1 Qb7 27. Rc3
Rf5 28. g4 Rf8 29. h4 Nf7 30. Nc4 Ba7 31. Na5 Qb8 32. Bg2 f3 33. Bxf3 Nxe5
34. Rxe5 Bxf3 35. Rb3 Qd6 36. Rb4 Ba8 37. Nc4 Bxf2+ 38. Kh2 Qd3 0-1document.getElementById("cwvpd_1282955654").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1282955654").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1282955654").submit();
_____________________________________________________________________
EXAMPLE 4
Also from the Irkutsk championship, 1st round! The opponents are Maletin and Obolenskikh, and the game is completely wild!
POSITION AFTER BLACK'S 20th MOVE (20...Kc7)
OBOLENSKIKH
MALETIN
This is a typical position that can arise from those crazy lines in the Queen's Gambit (Slav) that are the rage these days. White has the advantage (as we shall soon see) but it is necessary to play with great energy in order to prove it.
The real hero of this game is White's Knight. I ask the reader to pay special attention to this beast: it has a charmed life! As we shall see, it plays the decisive role , in both attack and defence...
21. Qa7! Bb7
Black threatens ...Qa8, snuffing out White's attack
22. Bxc6!! The key move
This Bishop can not be taken: 22... Kxc6? 23. Qc5 Kd7 24. Qd6 Ke8 (24... Kc8 25. Ne7) 25. Rxe6 mating.
22... Qa8 more or less forced
23. Qc5! Bxc6
It was necessary for White to calculate very accurately abouts here...one false slip and not only would he let go of his advantage, but he could end up losing!
24. Qe5! Kb6 25. Qxf6!
The Knight can not be taken: 25... exf5 26. d5! Qc8 27. dxc6 Qxc6 28. Qxf7 wins very easily. Therefore, Black tries his only chance: counter-attack
25... Bh1 !
Threatening mate in one move! Fortunately for White, the Knight can attend to this threat...
26. Ne3 !
26... Bf3 27. Qxf7
Ofcourse White must be winning here! If Black does nothing then White will take the e-pawn with check
27... Qe8 what else?
WHITE TO PLAY AND WIN
28. Nxc4!
What a hero this Knight is! White's next move is to take the pawn on e6 with his Rook, winning the Queen. Black throws in the towel. [1:0]
[Event "ch-RUS Higher League"]
[Site "Irkutsk RUS"]
[Date "2010.8.26"]
[Round "1"]
[White "Maletin,P"]
[Black "Obolenskikh,D"]
[Result "1-0"]
[Eco "D44"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 e6 6. e4 Bb4 7. Bg5 b5 8. e5
h6 9. exf6 hxg5 10. fxg7 Rg8 11. g3 Bb7 12. Bg2 Nd7 13. O-O Bxc3 14. bxc3 a6
15. Re1 g4 16. Nh4 Nf6 17. axb5 axb5 18. Rxa8 Bxa8 19. Qa1 Kd7 20. Nf5 Kc7
21. Qa7+ Bb7 22. Bxc6 Qa8 23. Qc5 Bxc6 24. Qe5+ Kb6 25. Qxf6 Bh1 26. Ne3 Bf3
27. Qxf7 Qe8 28. Nxc4+ 1-0document.getElementById("cwvpd_1282957165").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1282957165").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1282957165").submit();
Categories: Canadians blogs
Today's quickie!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Sometimes we can't help it! Everything we touch turns to gold; we can do no wrong; we are all naturals! Here we have a cute combination just waiting for you to show your brilliance. Black to play and win! Good luck!
BLACK TO PLAY AND WIN (BRILLIANTLY!)
Netto-Abende, 1988
HINT: Sac the house!
Sometimes we can't help it! Everything we touch turns to gold; we can do no wrong; we are all naturals! Here we have a cute combination just waiting for you to show your brilliance. Black to play and win! Good luck!
BLACK TO PLAY AND WIN (BRILLIANTLY!)
Netto-Abende, 1988
HINT: Sac the house!
Categories: Canadians blogs
Today's insight into the meaning of life...
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
''I think the most important thing a woman can have - next to talent, of course, is - her hairdresser.'' - Joan Crawford__________________________________________________________________
''There's something liberating about not pretending. Dare to embarrass yourself. Risk.'' ---Drew Barrymore
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
According to ‘Star’ magazine, “John Travolta has 102 hairpieces in different lengths, colors and sizes, in case he gains or loses weight. They have their own refrigerated room in his house.” His beard, however, sleeps next to him in bed. Isn't that just so sweet!
John looks like he’s trying to find an artery to bite into on her neck„,
_________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
WORLD'S MOST STUPID INVENTION!
PAY & SIT: the private bench (HD) from Fabian Brunsing on Vimeo.
______________________________________________
I MUST BE GETTING OLD. I DON'T REMEMBER THE '60s LIKE THIS!
_______________________________________________________________
''Piss off, kid!''
Wow! The 'original' Cher!! From a time before Cher knew about plastic surgeons!
WHY I LIKE JAPANESE KARAOKE
Oh my god!. Worms! They are eating worms...
I HOPE YOU LIKE COWS...
________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
''MOMMY, WHAT DOES
''P-R-O-P-A-G-A-N-D-A''
MEAN?''
A Definition of Propaganda
''Propaganda is a sustained effort by an institution to manage public opinion.''
http://web.utk.edu/~glenn/Definition.html
“Propaganda is to a democracy what the bludgeon is to a totalitarian state.”
--Noam Chomsky
_____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
ON STARDOM...
''What I`d really like to say about stardom is that it gave me everything I never wanted.'' --Ava Gardner
“In the silence of night I have often wished for just a few words of love from one man, rather than the applause of thousands of people.” - Judy Garland
“I want a big career, a big man, and a big life. You have to think big - that’s the only way to get it… I just couldn’t stand being anonymous.” --Mia Farrow_________________________________________________________________
IF THE CFC WAS A MacDONALDS!
LOST IN TRANSLATION...?!
___________________________________________________________
THE WORLD'S MOST STUPID COMMERCIAL?
Slogan - 1969 • Skin Scotch
Enviado por gippo. - Temporadas completas e episódios inteiros online
____________________________________________________________________
BUTT...THIS IS REALLY THE END!
YES S CLUB - KISS KISS KISS (official)
Enviado por raindropmusic. - Buscar outros videos de Musica.
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
''I think the most important thing a woman can have - next to talent, of course, is - her hairdresser.'' - Joan Crawford__________________________________________________________________
''There's something liberating about not pretending. Dare to embarrass yourself. Risk.'' ---Drew Barrymore
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
According to ‘Star’ magazine, “John Travolta has 102 hairpieces in different lengths, colors and sizes, in case he gains or loses weight. They have their own refrigerated room in his house.” His beard, however, sleeps next to him in bed. Isn't that just so sweet!
John looks like he’s trying to find an artery to bite into on her neck„,
_________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
WORLD'S MOST STUPID INVENTION!
PAY & SIT: the private bench (HD) from Fabian Brunsing on Vimeo.
______________________________________________
I MUST BE GETTING OLD. I DON'T REMEMBER THE '60s LIKE THIS!
_______________________________________________________________
''Piss off, kid!''
Wow! The 'original' Cher!! From a time before Cher knew about plastic surgeons!
WHY I LIKE JAPANESE KARAOKE
Oh my god!. Worms! They are eating worms...
I HOPE YOU LIKE COWS...
________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
''MOMMY, WHAT DOES
''P-R-O-P-A-G-A-N-D-A''
MEAN?''
A Definition of Propaganda
''Propaganda is a sustained effort by an institution to manage public opinion.''
http://web.utk.edu/~glenn/Definition.html
“Propaganda is to a democracy what the bludgeon is to a totalitarian state.”
--Noam Chomsky
_____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
ON STARDOM...
''What I`d really like to say about stardom is that it gave me everything I never wanted.'' --Ava Gardner
“In the silence of night I have often wished for just a few words of love from one man, rather than the applause of thousands of people.” - Judy Garland
“I want a big career, a big man, and a big life. You have to think big - that’s the only way to get it… I just couldn’t stand being anonymous.” --Mia Farrow_________________________________________________________________
IF THE CFC WAS A MacDONALDS!
LOST IN TRANSLATION...?!
___________________________________________________________
THE WORLD'S MOST STUPID COMMERCIAL?
Slogan - 1969 • Skin Scotch
Enviado por gippo. - Temporadas completas e episódios inteiros online
____________________________________________________________________
BUTT...THIS IS REALLY THE END!
YES S CLUB - KISS KISS KISS (official)
Enviado por raindropmusic. - Buscar outros videos de Musica.
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
Categories: Canadians blogs
Opposite Coloured Bishops – part 15
I am now wrapping up the series on endgames with opposite coloured bishops, with a couple of positions for you to solve. Spraggett Kevin - Hartman Brian, Hamilton m (4), 1993
Black to move
For the solution and to see the whole game go to http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1131765
Hint: One of the characteristics of endgames with opposite coloured bishops and rooks, is that when the weaker side tries to setup the blockade, the stronger side’s rook can be sacrificed for the blockading bishop.
Topalov Veselin - Shirov Alexei, Linares 1998Black to move
The next post will include the full solution to this famous position, but if you can’t wait – the game is available here: http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1143956
Categories: Canadians blogs
Schnellschach ist Nervenkitzel!
Categories: Canadians blogs
Today's practice at winning with the Black pieces
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
The late grandmaster Tony Miles (1955-2001) was arguably the greatest chess player to have emerged from the British Isles since Staunton. Naturally ,Nigel Short and Mickey Adams might want to vigorously dispute this , but there is no doubt that Miles' tournament successes between 1977 and 1986 have never been equalled.
What was the secret to Miles' success? It was his ambitious drive to win even with the Black pieces. Miles was not one to play it safe and limit his horizon by making draws with the Black pieces. He was only too willing to mix it up and fight for the initiative. For this reason, no other English grandmaster can boast such a score with the Black side!
_______________________________________________________________
Pins and needles! Veteran GM Bent Larsen has been completely outplayed by the 23 year old Miles and finds himself with all of his pieces on cumbersome squares at the 25th move. Everything seems pinned or out of play. How does Miles deliver the knockout blow? Good luck!
MILESLARSEN
[Event ""]
[Site "Las Palmas"]
[Date "1978"]
[Round ""]
[White "Larsen Bent (DEN)"]
[Black "Miles Anthony J (ENG)"]
[Result "0-1"]
[Eco "B70"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be2 Bg7 7. O-O O-O 8.
Kh1 Nc6 9. Nb3 Be6 10. f4 Na5 11. f5 Bc4 12. Bg5 Rc8 13. Bd3 b5 14. Qd2 b4
15. Ne2 d5 16. e5 Ne4 17. Bxe4 dxe4 18. Rfd1 Nc6 19. Qe3 Qb6 20. Qxe4 Nxe5
21. Ng3 Ba6 22. Bxe7 Rc4 23. Nd4 Re8 24. Bg5 Bb7 25. Qh4 Nf3 26. Nxf3 Rxh4
27. Nxh4 Bf6 28. Bxf6 Qxf6 0-1document.getElementById("cwvpd_1282837305").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1282837305").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1282837305").submit();
The Lucerne Olympiad, 1982. Top board Tony Miles finds himself paired against the Dutch number 1, Jan Timman. Below is the position after White's 20th move. All of Miles' pieces are developed and well placed. The position begs to explode. How did Miles exploit his opportunity? Good luck!
MILES
TIMMAN
[Event "ol"]
[Site "Luzern 34/260"]
[Date "1982"]
[Round ""]
[White "Timman Jan H (NED)"]
[Black "Miles Anthony J (ENG)"]
[Result "0-1"]
[Eco "B70"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be2 Bg7 7. O-O O-O 8.
Nb3 Nbd7 9. Bg5 a6 10. a4 b6 11. f4 Bb7 12. Bf3 b5 13. Qe2 b4 14. Nd1 Qc7 15.
Kh1 h6 16. Bh4 e5 17. fxe5 Nxe5 18. Nf2 Rae8 19. Rfe1 g5 20. Bg3 g4 21. Bxg4
Nexg4 22. Nxg4 Nxe4 23. Qd3 f5 24. Nf2 Nxg3+ 25. Qxg3 Qxc2 26. Nh3 f4 27.
Nxf4 Rxe1+ 28. Rxe1 Rxf4 29. Na5 Be4 0-1document.getElementById("cwvpd_1282837457").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1282837457").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1282837457").submit();
_____________________________________________________________________
One of the most famous games of the 20th century is surely Miles' win with the Black pieces over World Champion Anatoly Karpov in 1980. There is a funny story to it: up to that time Karpov was winning tournament after tournament and even Miles could not defend against Karpov when he had the Black pieces. Faced with the prospect of having to play Karpov with the Black pieces in Skara, Tony decided that he had nothing to lose: he was going to 'invent' a completely new opening against the world champion. His choice of 1...a6 !? might have been totally laughable but for the fact that Miles actually won the game!!
This is probably the most published game of the last 50 years...enjoy!
MILES
KARPOV
[Event ""]
[Site "Skara"]
[Date "1980"]
[Round ""]
[White "Karpov Anatoly (RUS)"]
[Black "Miles Anthony J (ENG)"]
[Result "0-1"]
[Eco "B00"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. e4 a6 2. d4 b5 3. Nf3 Bb7 4. Bd3 Nf6 5. Qe2 e6 6. a4 c5 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8.
Nbd2 b4 9. e5 Nd5 10. Ne4 Be7 11. O-O Nc6 12. Bd2 Qc7 13. c4 bxc3 14. Nxc3
Nxc3 15. Bxc3 Nb4 16. Bxb4 Bxb4 17. Rac1 Qb6 18. Be4 O-O 19. Ng5 h6 20. Bh7+
Kh8 21. Bb1 Be7 22. Ne4 Rac8 23. Qd3 Rxc1 24. Rxc1 Qxb2 25. Re1 Qxe5 26. Qxd7
Bb4 27. Re3 Qd5 28. Qxd5 Bxd5 29. Nc3 Rc8 30. Ne2 g5 31. h4 Kg7 32. hxg5 hxg5
33. Bd3 a5 34. Rg3 Kf6 35. Rg4 Bd6 36. Kf1 Be5 37. Ke1 Rh8 38. f4 gxf4 39.
Nxf4 Bc6 40. Ne2 Rh1+ 41. Kd2 Rh2 42. g3 Bf3 43. Rg8 Rg2 44. Ke1 Bxe2 45.
Bxe2 Rxg3 46. Ra8 Bc7 0-1document.getElementById("cwvpd_1282838292").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1282838292").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1282838292").submit();
The late grandmaster Tony Miles (1955-2001) was arguably the greatest chess player to have emerged from the British Isles since Staunton. Naturally ,Nigel Short and Mickey Adams might want to vigorously dispute this , but there is no doubt that Miles' tournament successes between 1977 and 1986 have never been equalled.
What was the secret to Miles' success? It was his ambitious drive to win even with the Black pieces. Miles was not one to play it safe and limit his horizon by making draws with the Black pieces. He was only too willing to mix it up and fight for the initiative. For this reason, no other English grandmaster can boast such a score with the Black side!
_______________________________________________________________
Pins and needles! Veteran GM Bent Larsen has been completely outplayed by the 23 year old Miles and finds himself with all of his pieces on cumbersome squares at the 25th move. Everything seems pinned or out of play. How does Miles deliver the knockout blow? Good luck!
MILESLARSEN
[Event ""]
[Site "Las Palmas"]
[Date "1978"]
[Round ""]
[White "Larsen Bent (DEN)"]
[Black "Miles Anthony J (ENG)"]
[Result "0-1"]
[Eco "B70"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be2 Bg7 7. O-O O-O 8.
Kh1 Nc6 9. Nb3 Be6 10. f4 Na5 11. f5 Bc4 12. Bg5 Rc8 13. Bd3 b5 14. Qd2 b4
15. Ne2 d5 16. e5 Ne4 17. Bxe4 dxe4 18. Rfd1 Nc6 19. Qe3 Qb6 20. Qxe4 Nxe5
21. Ng3 Ba6 22. Bxe7 Rc4 23. Nd4 Re8 24. Bg5 Bb7 25. Qh4 Nf3 26. Nxf3 Rxh4
27. Nxh4 Bf6 28. Bxf6 Qxf6 0-1document.getElementById("cwvpd_1282837305").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1282837305").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1282837305").submit();
The Lucerne Olympiad, 1982. Top board Tony Miles finds himself paired against the Dutch number 1, Jan Timman. Below is the position after White's 20th move. All of Miles' pieces are developed and well placed. The position begs to explode. How did Miles exploit his opportunity? Good luck!
MILES
TIMMAN
[Event "ol"]
[Site "Luzern 34/260"]
[Date "1982"]
[Round ""]
[White "Timman Jan H (NED)"]
[Black "Miles Anthony J (ENG)"]
[Result "0-1"]
[Eco "B70"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be2 Bg7 7. O-O O-O 8.
Nb3 Nbd7 9. Bg5 a6 10. a4 b6 11. f4 Bb7 12. Bf3 b5 13. Qe2 b4 14. Nd1 Qc7 15.
Kh1 h6 16. Bh4 e5 17. fxe5 Nxe5 18. Nf2 Rae8 19. Rfe1 g5 20. Bg3 g4 21. Bxg4
Nexg4 22. Nxg4 Nxe4 23. Qd3 f5 24. Nf2 Nxg3+ 25. Qxg3 Qxc2 26. Nh3 f4 27.
Nxf4 Rxe1+ 28. Rxe1 Rxf4 29. Na5 Be4 0-1document.getElementById("cwvpd_1282837457").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1282837457").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1282837457").submit();
_____________________________________________________________________
One of the most famous games of the 20th century is surely Miles' win with the Black pieces over World Champion Anatoly Karpov in 1980. There is a funny story to it: up to that time Karpov was winning tournament after tournament and even Miles could not defend against Karpov when he had the Black pieces. Faced with the prospect of having to play Karpov with the Black pieces in Skara, Tony decided that he had nothing to lose: he was going to 'invent' a completely new opening against the world champion. His choice of 1...a6 !? might have been totally laughable but for the fact that Miles actually won the game!!
This is probably the most published game of the last 50 years...enjoy!
MILES
KARPOV
[Event ""]
[Site "Skara"]
[Date "1980"]
[Round ""]
[White "Karpov Anatoly (RUS)"]
[Black "Miles Anthony J (ENG)"]
[Result "0-1"]
[Eco "B00"]
[Annotator ""]
[Source ""]
1. e4 a6 2. d4 b5 3. Nf3 Bb7 4. Bd3 Nf6 5. Qe2 e6 6. a4 c5 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8.
Nbd2 b4 9. e5 Nd5 10. Ne4 Be7 11. O-O Nc6 12. Bd2 Qc7 13. c4 bxc3 14. Nxc3
Nxc3 15. Bxc3 Nb4 16. Bxb4 Bxb4 17. Rac1 Qb6 18. Be4 O-O 19. Ng5 h6 20. Bh7+
Kh8 21. Bb1 Be7 22. Ne4 Rac8 23. Qd3 Rxc1 24. Rxc1 Qxb2 25. Re1 Qxe5 26. Qxd7
Bb4 27. Re3 Qd5 28. Qxd5 Bxd5 29. Nc3 Rc8 30. Ne2 g5 31. h4 Kg7 32. hxg5 hxg5
33. Bd3 a5 34. Rg3 Kf6 35. Rg4 Bd6 36. Kf1 Be5 37. Ke1 Rh8 38. f4 gxf4 39.
Nxf4 Bc6 40. Ne2 Rh1+ 41. Kd2 Rh2 42. g3 Bf3 43. Rg8 Rg2 44. Ke1 Bxe2 45.
Bxe2 Rxg3 46. Ra8 Bc7 0-1document.getElementById("cwvpd_1282838292").value=document.getElementById("cwvpg_1282838292").innerHTML;document.getElementById("cwvfm_1282838292").submit();
Categories: Canadians blogs
Today's naughty laugh
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
NO SEX SINCE 1955 ?
A crusty old Marine Sergeant Major found himself at a gala event hosted by a local liberal arts college. There was no shortage of extremely young idealistic ladies in attendance, one of whom approached the Sergeant Major for conversation.
"Excuse me, Sergeant Major, but you seem to be a very serious man. Is something bothering you?"
"Negative, Ma'am. Just serious by nature."
The young lady looked at his awards and decorations and said, "It looks like you have seen a lot of action."
"Yes, Ma'am, a lot of action."
The young lady, tiring of trying to start up a conversation, said, "You know, you should lighten up. Relax and enjoy yourself."
The Sergeant Major just stared at her in his serious manner. Finally the young lady said, "You know, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but when is the last time you had sex?"
"1955, Ma'am."
"Well, there you are. No wonder you're so serious. You really need to chill out! I mean, no sex since 1955!'' She took his hand and led him to a private room where she proceeded to "relax" him several times.
Afterwards, panting for breath, she leaned against his bare chest and said, "Wow, you sure didn't forget much since 1955."
The Sergeant Major said in his serious voice, after glancing at his watch, "I hope not; it's only 2130 now."
Thx Ken!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
NO SEX SINCE 1955 ?
,_Soviet_military_commander.jpg){kind=link}
A crusty old Marine Sergeant Major found himself at a gala event hosted by a local liberal arts college. There was no shortage of extremely young idealistic ladies in attendance, one of whom approached the Sergeant Major for conversation.
"Excuse me, Sergeant Major, but you seem to be a very serious man. Is something bothering you?"
"Negative, Ma'am. Just serious by nature."
The young lady looked at his awards and decorations and said, "It looks like you have seen a lot of action."
"Yes, Ma'am, a lot of action."
The young lady, tiring of trying to start up a conversation, said, "You know, you should lighten up. Relax and enjoy yourself."
The Sergeant Major just stared at her in his serious manner. Finally the young lady said, "You know, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but when is the last time you had sex?"
"1955, Ma'am."
"Well, there you are. No wonder you're so serious. You really need to chill out! I mean, no sex since 1955!'' She took his hand and led him to a private room where she proceeded to "relax" him several times.
Afterwards, panting for breath, she leaned against his bare chest and said, "Wow, you sure didn't forget much since 1955."
The Sergeant Major said in his serious voice, after glancing at his watch, "I hope not; it's only 2130 now."
Thx Ken!
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
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