So Hydra is still unbeaten by a human. We have to admit, machine played really good, gave us impresion Adams stood no chance.
Known as one of the worlds best defenders, Adams didnt even touch the ball with Black pieces. Petroff defence in first game and Ruy Lopez in third were crushed easily. Fifth game had a "smell" of draw, but Hydra led the small advantage to the victory in very persistant fashion.
Round 3
White: HYDRA
Black: Adams
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. d4 Bg4 10. d5 Na5 11. Bc2 c6 12. h3 Bc8 13. dxc6 Qc7 14. Nbd2 Qxc6 15. Nf1 Be6 16. Ng5 Bd8 17. Ne3 Bd7 18. a4 h6 19. Nf3 Rc8 20. axb5 axb5 21. Nh4 Nc4 22. Nxc4 bxc4 23. Ba4 Qc7 24. Bxd7 Qxd7 25. Nf5 d5 26. Ra6 Qb7 27. Rd6 Be7 28. Bxh6 1-0
With White pieces Adams didnt achieve much. It looked like he had winning chances in the second game, but Hydra defended very well (one would say like human?) to score a draw. 4th game, bad opening display by Adams. Hydra created strong pressure on Queen-side pawns and played a great endgame.
Round 6
White: Adams
Black: HYDRA
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. Bd3 Bc5 6. Nb3 Ba7 7. O-O Ne7 8. c4 d6 9. Nc3 Nbc6 10. Qe2 O-O 11. Be3 e5 12. Rad1 Nd4 13. Bxd4 exd4 14. Nd5 Nc6 15. f4 Qh4 16. Nd2 Be6 17. Nc7 Rac8 18. Nxe6 fxe6 19. g3 Qe7 20. a3 e5 21. f5 Nb8 22. Kg2 Nd7 23. b4 Kh8 24. Bc2 Nf6 25. Rc1 Rc7 26. Bb3 Rfc8 27. Rc2 a5 28. Rfc1 Qe8 29. h3 a4 30. Ba2 Re7 31. c5 dxc5 32. bxc5 Rec7 33. Be6 Rd8 34. Qd3 g6 35. Kh2 Qc6 36. Qf3 Rf8 37. g4 Qb5 38. Qg3 Qe2+ 39. Qg2 Qe3 40. Qg3 Rxc5 41. Qxe3 dxe3 42. Nf3 Nxe4 43. Kg2 Kg7 0-1
Adams clearly didn't prepare properly for the match. His openings were bad and once Hydra gains the advantage, its impossible to save the game. Also, he didnt defend well, for example games 4 and 5, when he made some poor moves creating additional weaknesses.
Unlike Kasparov and Kramnik, who spent months preparing for matches against Deep Fritz and Junior, Adams almost had no break from playing. He participated in recent Sofia Masters and then played rapid match against Leko. It was obvious that he needs a good rest (we strongly suggest Vrnjacka Banja).
Few facts about supermonster Hydra:
- With the processing power equivalent to more than 200 standard PCs, the HYDRA computer is the world's most powerful chess computer according to IPCCC officials.
- Housed in a secure server room in Abu Dhabi, HYDRA is a 64-way cluster computer- 64 computers connected and operating as if they are a single machine. Each computer has an Intel Xeon 3.06 Ghz.
- The HYDRA project is financed by the Abu Dhabi-based PAL Group, and programming has been managed by Chrilly Donninger, Ulf Lorenz, GM Christopher Lutz and Muhammad Nasir Ali.
- It is named after the mythological seven-headed monster, famed for its invincibility.
British Grand Master Stuart Conquest, live commentator for the match, believes HYDRA will change the face of man vs machine chess forever.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
International Mind Sport Association (IMSA)
On the occasion of Sportaccord held in April in Berlin, Germany,
- The World Bridge Federation (WBF), represented by Mr. J. Damiani, President
- The International Chess Federation (FIDE), represented by Mr. G. Makropoulos, Deputy President and Mr. D. Jarrett, Treasurer
- The World Federation of the Draughts Games (FMJD), represented by Mr. W.van Beek, Vice-President
- The International Go Federation (IGF), represented by Mt. E. Puyt, Vice-President and Mr. R. Yamamoto, General Manager
met together under the aegis of the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF).
The four Federations decided to constitute the International Mind Sport Association (IMSA) having the objective, among others, to regularly organise the `World Mind Sport Games` on a four years cycle.
The Executive Boards of the four Federations have now confirmed that they accept to become member of this new association and to participate actively at the organisation of the event.
The IMSA will be administered by an Executive Committee composed as follows:
President: Jose Damiani, (FRA) Deputy President: George Makropoulos (GRE) Secretary General: Erik Puyt (NED) Treasurer: Wouter van Beek, (NED) Honorary Secretary: Jean Claude Schupp (FRA)
IMSA intends to work towards a high level recognition of teaching these mind sports to young people in order to help them in their curriculum. IMSA will therefore work in liaison with - in addition to GAISF – the IOC, UNESCO and UN. It is convinced of its capacity to improve the level of education in the world and to participate in more peaceful entente through the practice of these sports.
- The World Bridge Federation (WBF), represented by Mr. J. Damiani, President
- The International Chess Federation (FIDE), represented by Mr. G. Makropoulos, Deputy President and Mr. D. Jarrett, Treasurer
- The World Federation of the Draughts Games (FMJD), represented by Mr. W.van Beek, Vice-President
- The International Go Federation (IGF), represented by Mt. E. Puyt, Vice-President and Mr. R. Yamamoto, General Manager
met together under the aegis of the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF).
The four Federations decided to constitute the International Mind Sport Association (IMSA) having the objective, among others, to regularly organise the `World Mind Sport Games` on a four years cycle.
The Executive Boards of the four Federations have now confirmed that they accept to become member of this new association and to participate actively at the organisation of the event.
The IMSA will be administered by an Executive Committee composed as follows:
President: Jose Damiani, (FRA) Deputy President: George Makropoulos (GRE) Secretary General: Erik Puyt (NED) Treasurer: Wouter van Beek, (NED) Honorary Secretary: Jean Claude Schupp (FRA)
IMSA intends to work towards a high level recognition of teaching these mind sports to young people in order to help them in their curriculum. IMSA will therefore work in liaison with - in addition to GAISF – the IOC, UNESCO and UN. It is convinced of its capacity to improve the level of education in the world and to participate in more peaceful entente through the practice of these sports.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Fajrowicz gambit
Written by IM Miodrag Perunovic
Dear chess friends,
I would like to announce that here, on chesslodge site, I will make once in a week chess lessons for all who wants to improve their game a bit.
I will esspecially cover openings, middlegames and tactics in them, and sometimes some strategical parts of the game as well.
Today i decided to make an interesting view on one of the very unussual and almost forgotten lines-Fajrowicz gambit!
Before i begin with analyse of following game , i would like to say that gambits are good thing as surprises in some rapid or blitz games , but players all over the world play it less and less in OTB games cause of computers and their capabilities to refute most of lines in them very easily.
In the same time, for all of you I would like to give one instruction, if you want to try some gambit, be creative and dont count pieces!
Neuman-Netusil A
51 Cze-chT 1997
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5 3.de5 Ne4!? -This line has been played almost 60 years ago and players like Richter , Fajrowicz made great results in it! Nowdays GM Rogers and Gulko like to try it sometimes.
4.Nf3 - Just one of many possibilities.Others are : a3!?, Qc2 , Nd2 , Qd5
4...Nc6 5.a3 - Preventing Bb4 later and preparing for b4 in later stage of the game.
5...d6! - One of major ideas in all gambits-to develop minor pieces! With this move 5...d6 black wants to open bishop on c8 and of course to put the bishiop on d6 on strong diagonal in the same time!
6.ed6 Bd6 7.Nbd2 Bf5! - Position is finally getting appearance of the gambit. Active pieces, chance for attack in the center, Qf6, 0-0-0 , Rhe8 as idea....
8.e3 Qf6! - after this move it is quite obvious that black will make castle on queen side, also it supports g5!? idea in the future
9.Ne4 Be4 10.Nd2 Bg6 11.Be2 0-0-0 12.Qa4 Rhe8 13.0-0 Kb8 - After all these moves , opening is finally finished. On the one hand, white has pawn up, he made castle but his pieces arent placed the best-he definatelly needs some space and some active moves to overcome the brinckles from opening. On the other hand, black has all that someone wants in openings. All pieces are placed phenomenally! Rooks on e and d files! Bishops on g6 and d6-they control all important squares on the board! Knight on c6 which always threats Nd4! In one word-time for action!
14.Ra2 Nd4! 15.Bd1 Bc2!!
Have to admit and to say that not many players would find this amazing move! Point of that move will follow in just two moves but the main reason is possibility to jump with the knight on e2 , so idea of Bc2 was to get rid of main defender of white's position!Mate threats will come soon!
16.Bc2 Bh2!! - Point of 15th move!Now mate threats are becoming seriously dangerous!
17.Kh1 Bg3!! - Another fantastic move! If white takes on g3....18.fg3 Qh6 19.Kg1 Ne2! 20.Kf2 Qe3 21.Kf1 Nc3 mate!
18.Bf5 - only move
18...Qf5 19.Qd1 Bf2 20.g4 - once again only move
20...Qf6 21.Kg2 Re3 - After this move everything is so simple. The end will come very soon!
22.Rf2 Qh4! 23.Kg1 Qg3 0-1
I hope you liked this game and in the same time i hope that this small test of making lectures on Goran site will make interest at you:)
This is my first time in making this kind of thing so dont be mad on me if i made something wrong! This is just start of our cooperation in the future!
Best regards!
Dear chess friends,
I would like to announce that here, on chesslodge site, I will make once in a week chess lessons for all who wants to improve their game a bit.
I will esspecially cover openings, middlegames and tactics in them, and sometimes some strategical parts of the game as well.
Today i decided to make an interesting view on one of the very unussual and almost forgotten lines-Fajrowicz gambit!
Before i begin with analyse of following game , i would like to say that gambits are good thing as surprises in some rapid or blitz games , but players all over the world play it less and less in OTB games cause of computers and their capabilities to refute most of lines in them very easily.
In the same time, for all of you I would like to give one instruction, if you want to try some gambit, be creative and dont count pieces!
Neuman-Netusil A
51 Cze-chT 1997
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5 3.de5 Ne4!? -This line has been played almost 60 years ago and players like Richter , Fajrowicz made great results in it! Nowdays GM Rogers and Gulko like to try it sometimes.
4.Nf3 - Just one of many possibilities.Others are : a3!?, Qc2 , Nd2 , Qd5
4...Nc6 5.a3 - Preventing Bb4 later and preparing for b4 in later stage of the game.
5...d6! - One of major ideas in all gambits-to develop minor pieces! With this move 5...d6 black wants to open bishop on c8 and of course to put the bishiop on d6 on strong diagonal in the same time!
6.ed6 Bd6 7.Nbd2 Bf5! - Position is finally getting appearance of the gambit. Active pieces, chance for attack in the center, Qf6, 0-0-0 , Rhe8 as idea....
8.e3 Qf6! - after this move it is quite obvious that black will make castle on queen side, also it supports g5!? idea in the future
9.Ne4 Be4 10.Nd2 Bg6 11.Be2 0-0-0 12.Qa4 Rhe8 13.0-0 Kb8 - After all these moves , opening is finally finished. On the one hand, white has pawn up, he made castle but his pieces arent placed the best-he definatelly needs some space and some active moves to overcome the brinckles from opening. On the other hand, black has all that someone wants in openings. All pieces are placed phenomenally! Rooks on e and d files! Bishops on g6 and d6-they control all important squares on the board! Knight on c6 which always threats Nd4! In one word-time for action!
14.Ra2 Nd4! 15.Bd1 Bc2!!
Have to admit and to say that not many players would find this amazing move! Point of that move will follow in just two moves but the main reason is possibility to jump with the knight on e2 , so idea of Bc2 was to get rid of main defender of white's position!Mate threats will come soon!
16.Bc2 Bh2!! - Point of 15th move!Now mate threats are becoming seriously dangerous!
17.Kh1 Bg3!! - Another fantastic move! If white takes on g3....18.fg3 Qh6 19.Kg1 Ne2! 20.Kf2 Qe3 21.Kf1 Nc3 mate!
18.Bf5 - only move
18...Qf5 19.Qd1 Bf2 20.g4 - once again only move
20...Qf6 21.Kg2 Re3 - After this move everything is so simple. The end will come very soon!
22.Rf2 Qh4! 23.Kg1 Qg3 0-1
I hope you liked this game and in the same time i hope that this small test of making lectures on Goran site will make interest at you:)
This is my first time in making this kind of thing so dont be mad on me if i made something wrong! This is just start of our cooperation in the future!
Best regards!
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Adams in trouble
This Hydra is a tough one. Current score is 3.5-0.5 for a machine with game 5 in progress where Adams is defending in Ruy Lopez again.
Second game was hard positional battle with small advantage for GM Adams. However, Hydra has defended well and game was drawn on move 68. Grand Master Michael Adams said: “I’m happy with my performance today, it was a tough game, and Hydra kept its defenses up throughout. A draw was the only reasonable conclusion to the game otherwise we would have been battling for hours."
Third game lasted for two hours and forty minutes, with GM Adams resigning after 28 moves. Mickey came with high optimism that he will be winning however he found HYDRA to be a very tough opponent.
The game in Round 3
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. d4 Bg4 10. d5 Na5 11. Bc2 c6 12. h3 Bc8 13. dxc6 Qc7 14. Nbd2 Qxc6 15. Nf1 Be6 16. Ng5 Bd8 17. Ne3 Bd7 18. a4 h6 19. Nf3 Rc8 20. axb5 axb5 21. Nh4 Nc4 22. Nxc4 bxc4 23. Ba4 Qc7 24. Bxd7 Qxd7 25. Nf5 d5 26. Ra6 Qb7 27. Rd6 Be7 28. Bxh6 1-0
Second game was hard positional battle with small advantage for GM Adams. However, Hydra has defended well and game was drawn on move 68. Grand Master Michael Adams said: “I’m happy with my performance today, it was a tough game, and Hydra kept its defenses up throughout. A draw was the only reasonable conclusion to the game otherwise we would have been battling for hours."
Third game lasted for two hours and forty minutes, with GM Adams resigning after 28 moves. Mickey came with high optimism that he will be winning however he found HYDRA to be a very tough opponent.
The game in Round 3
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. d4 Bg4 10. d5 Na5 11. Bc2 c6 12. h3 Bc8 13. dxc6 Qc7 14. Nbd2 Qxc6 15. Nf1 Be6 16. Ng5 Bd8 17. Ne3 Bd7 18. a4 h6 19. Nf3 Rc8 20. axb5 axb5 21. Nh4 Nc4 22. Nxc4 bxc4 23. Ba4 Qc7 24. Bxd7 Qxd7 25. Nf5 d5 26. Ra6 Qb7 27. Rd6 Be7 28. Bxh6 1-0
Timman in a match - again
Grandmasters Jan Timman and Andrei Volokitin have played a 4 game match in Leon on 24th June 2005. The event consisted of 4 games at 20 minutes + 10 seconds time control.
The young Ukranian GM won 2,5-1,5. On the 1st and 3rd games, Andrei won with white pieces against Timman's French Winawer by playing 7.Qg4 line.
On the 2nd game Timman played a Rossolimo Attack to score a draw in the rook endgame. But on the 4th game Timman played an Open Sicilian and drove the game into a double rook ending that was able to win with good technique.
White: Volokitin Andrei
Black: Timman Jan
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 Ne7 7. Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nbc6 9. Qh5 Ng6 10. Nf3 Qc7 11. Be3 c4 12. Bxg6 fxg6 13. Qg4 Bd7 14. h4 Rf5 15. h5 gxh5 16. Rxh5 Raf8 17. Kd2 Be8 18. Rxf5 exf5 19. Qg3 Nd8 20. Ng5 h6 21. Nh3 g5 22. Bxg5 hxg5 23. Qxg5+ Kf7 24. Nf4 Qc6 25. Rh1 1-0
The young Ukranian GM won 2,5-1,5. On the 1st and 3rd games, Andrei won with white pieces against Timman's French Winawer by playing 7.Qg4 line.
On the 2nd game Timman played a Rossolimo Attack to score a draw in the rook endgame. But on the 4th game Timman played an Open Sicilian and drove the game into a double rook ending that was able to win with good technique.
White: Volokitin Andrei
Black: Timman Jan
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 Ne7 7. Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nbc6 9. Qh5 Ng6 10. Nf3 Qc7 11. Be3 c4 12. Bxg6 fxg6 13. Qg4 Bd7 14. h4 Rf5 15. h5 gxh5 16. Rxh5 Raf8 17. Kd2 Be8 18. Rxf5 exf5 19. Qg3 Nd8 20. Ng5 h6 21. Nh3 g5 22. Bxg5 hxg5 23. Qxg5+ Kf7 24. Nf4 Qc6 25. Rh1 1-0
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Grandmasters vs Machines, day one
Solid Petroff defence couldnt help GM Michael Adams to resist Hydra. Computer persistantly attacked through the center to finally win f5 pawn. The rest was easy predictable and Adams finally resigned on move 33.
Hydra is super chess computer developed by the Pal Group in the United Arab Emirates. The match is to take place at the Wembley Conference Center in London.
Adams was aware how difficult it would be to play Hydra. He said he hoped "to show that it is possible to play against Hydra, and that it has weaknesses that can be exploited." For each game he wins he will receive $25,000, and a draw is worth $10,000. Adams could leave away with $150,000, if he wins all six games, or nothing, if he loses them all.
GM Rustam Kasimdzhanov, who is reigning champion of the World Chess Federation, is playing a match against a chess program developed by Accoona Corporation (powered with Fritz 9). Accoona is a Web-based search engine and its chess program is part of a tool bar that searches the Web and personal computers.
Kasimdzhanov and the Accoona tool bar will have 60 minutes per player per game with 10 seconds added after each move. This fast pace favors computers, which calculate millions of moves in seconds, and undercuts the human advantage of strategic planning.
However, Rustam is very confident: "The difference between playing human or computer is not that big". He added it was important to compete against the computers: "Sports are not about reaching a result. Sport is about developing your inner qualities."
Rustam will receive a five-figure sum but insists that he`s playing to promote chess and that he is interested in the challenge as a sportsman. Whoever was suspicious about his words, should be persuaded after game one.
Rustam sacrifised Knight to launch strong attack on computer`s king. Complicated lines and sacrifices are particulary risky against fast-calculating procesors. Brave human decision didnt bring results as Accoona defended well to earn a draw.
Hydra is super chess computer developed by the Pal Group in the United Arab Emirates. The match is to take place at the Wembley Conference Center in London.
Adams was aware how difficult it would be to play Hydra. He said he hoped "to show that it is possible to play against Hydra, and that it has weaknesses that can be exploited." For each game he wins he will receive $25,000, and a draw is worth $10,000. Adams could leave away with $150,000, if he wins all six games, or nothing, if he loses them all.
GM Rustam Kasimdzhanov, who is reigning champion of the World Chess Federation, is playing a match against a chess program developed by Accoona Corporation (powered with Fritz 9). Accoona is a Web-based search engine and its chess program is part of a tool bar that searches the Web and personal computers.
Kasimdzhanov and the Accoona tool bar will have 60 minutes per player per game with 10 seconds added after each move. This fast pace favors computers, which calculate millions of moves in seconds, and undercuts the human advantage of strategic planning.
However, Rustam is very confident: "The difference between playing human or computer is not that big". He added it was important to compete against the computers: "Sports are not about reaching a result. Sport is about developing your inner qualities."
Rustam will receive a five-figure sum but insists that he`s playing to promote chess and that he is interested in the challenge as a sportsman. Whoever was suspicious about his words, should be persuaded after game one.
Rustam sacrifised Knight to launch strong attack on computer`s king. Complicated lines and sacrifices are particulary risky against fast-calculating procesors. Brave human decision didnt bring results as Accoona defended well to earn a draw.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
The Accoona ToolBar vs. Rustam Kasimdzhanov
Accoona Corp, the Artificial Intelligence Web Search company, is presenting the ultimate Chess Event in the heart of Times Square NYC on June 21, 2005. The "Man vs. Machine" chess match will be played at the ABC Television Network's Times Square Studios, 5pm, June 21, 2005.
The Accoona Artificial Intelligence Search ToolBar, with its powerful Chess software program, will face the officially recognized World Chess Champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov.
Accoona CEO, Stuart Kauder commented, "Accoona is proud to present this world-class event in the city of New York. The entire world will be watching as one of the most unique Chess formats ever presented is showcased in the heart of New York City."
On June 21, Accoona will unveil its Artificial Intelligence ToolBar, providing users the most unique experience in Web search. The Accoona AI ToolBar grants users the ability to Search the Web AND their Desktop, utilizing proprietary Artificial Intelligence Search technology that locates lost files, emails, and documents.
The toolbar also offers complete access to Accoona's Premier Business Database where users benefit from hundreds of millions of business records on tens of millions of companies worldwide, including almost all US companies and businesses. The Accoona Business Search Platform offers web users the Accoona QuickProfile, where, with Just one Click, users receive company information including Yearly Sales, Employees counts, contact information, and Business description and locations.
Source: Accoona site
The Accoona Artificial Intelligence Search ToolBar, with its powerful Chess software program, will face the officially recognized World Chess Champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov.
Accoona CEO, Stuart Kauder commented, "Accoona is proud to present this world-class event in the city of New York. The entire world will be watching as one of the most unique Chess formats ever presented is showcased in the heart of New York City."
On June 21, Accoona will unveil its Artificial Intelligence ToolBar, providing users the most unique experience in Web search. The Accoona AI ToolBar grants users the ability to Search the Web AND their Desktop, utilizing proprietary Artificial Intelligence Search technology that locates lost files, emails, and documents.
The toolbar also offers complete access to Accoona's Premier Business Database where users benefit from hundreds of millions of business records on tens of millions of companies worldwide, including almost all US companies and businesses. The Accoona Business Search Platform offers web users the Accoona QuickProfile, where, with Just one Click, users receive company information including Yearly Sales, Employees counts, contact information, and Business description and locations.
Source: Accoona site
Brilliant Psychological Chess!
Written by The Nikachu
The Canadian Junior Championship was a fantastic experience and a well run tournament by Christopher Mallon. I would like to thank the Manitoba Chess Association for sponsoring my entry fee and travelling expenses for theevent.
I would like to share my psychological preperation that was executed in my last game against Jonathan Yu. Originally this preperation was going to be saved for Andrew Boik because I found it unpredictable what he would play against my Sicilian defense. However during the tournament I discovered that Andrew was drinking beer between rounds and stayed up late at night waiting for pornography to present itself on Showcase television. Needless to say I didnt think he would care for what I had in store for him.
Jonathan Yu (1974) - Jonathon Zaczek (2012)
I started off my preperation by getting to my board 5 minutes late. I walked into the playing area wearing a bright and colorful Hawaiian shirt and a tourist looking fishing cap of some sort. I shook my opponents hand and then looked at mine strangly. I wiped my hand on my shirt and pulled out my bottle of "Hand Sanitizer." "Kills 99.9% of Germs." I washed my hands in the sanitizer and proceeded to play the game.
1. e4 b6
From what I knew about Jonathan Yu was that he didnt know theory and that he
played an annoying 2.c3 against the sicilian. So I played this weird opening
to take us both out of book immediately. Additionally, I adjusted the pawn
on e4.
2. d4 Bb7
3. Nc3 e6
4. Nf3 Nf6
5. Bd3 d5
6. e5 Nf-d7
7. Ne2 c5
8. c3 Be7
9. 0-0 Nc6
Around this moment my opponent looked at me and said "Nice outfit." I replied, "Thank you." I was sure to keep a big smile on my face for the entire game.
10. Nf4 Qc7
11. Nh5 0-0-0
For each move my opponent made, I adjusted the piece or pawn on the square and all material around the surrounding square! His moves were typically followed by my "Adjust, adjust, adjust, adjust, adjust....... adjust." From here on out, I simply adjusted his pieces frantically once every 4 or 5 moves.
12. Nxg7 h5
My opponent looked up at me a few times during this move to which I just gave a bunch of smiles.
13. Bg6
To be honest, this move took the smile right off my face. My opponent also took the time to inspect and laugh at my bottle of hand sanitizer which read "Kills 99.9% of Germs."
13... Rd-g814. Bxf7 Rxg7
Ah, finally my first capture. Every time I captured material from my opponent I proceeded to wash my hands with the hand sanitizer.The rest of the game went as follows:
15.Bxe6 Nd8 16.Bh3 Kb8 17. Ne1 Ba6 18.Nd3 cxd4 19.cxd4 Nf8 20.Be3 Qc4 21.Bf5 Rf7 22. Rc1 Qxa2 23.Bh3 Nfe6 24.f4 Qa5 25.Rf2 Rhf8 26.Qc2 Qb5 27.Rd1 Ng7 28.Ne1 Nf5 29.Bc1 Ne6 30.Nf3 Qc4 31.Qxc4 Bxc4 32.g3 Kb7 33.Bxf5 Rxf5 34.Be3 Bb5 35.h3 Rg8 36.Rg2 Rf7 37.Ne1 Rfg7 (oops) 38.Kf2 (Yey!) Rxg3 39.f5 Rxg2 40.Nxg2 Ng5 41.Bxg5 Rxg5 42.f6 Bxf6 43.exf6 Rf5 44.Kg3 Rxf4 45.Nf4 Rf5 46.Re1 h4 47.Kf3 Rf7 48.Re5 Rg7 49.Rxd5?? Bc6 50.Ke4 Re7 51.Kf5 Rf7 52.Kg4 Rxf40-1
"Excellent psychological preperation, Jonathon" -Zhe Quan
Most commonly asked question was if my opponent called for the TD. Jonathan Yu never complained about anything I did in that game and in fact had a good laugh at the entire thing. Especially during the beginning of our game there were plenty of giggles at our board. I would like to thank the following people who contributed to my preperation:
- Joshua Henson who inspired the idea that i should wear something distracting for the game.
- Shiyam Thavandiran who bet that if he could win 10 blitz games in a row against me (not including draws) that he may contribute an idea. His idea was to adjust the pieces and arrive late.
- Zhe Quan who suggested 1...b6 against the theory lacking Jonathan Yu.
- Myself for thinking of the bottle of hand sanitizer which was quite visual and hilarious.
Congradulations to Shiyam Thavandiran for winning the tournament. However Shiyam, you will not be so fortunate next time to escape my grasp with your pitiful French defence.
The Canadian Junior Championship was a fantastic experience and a well run tournament by Christopher Mallon. I would like to thank the Manitoba Chess Association for sponsoring my entry fee and travelling expenses for theevent.
I would like to share my psychological preperation that was executed in my last game against Jonathan Yu. Originally this preperation was going to be saved for Andrew Boik because I found it unpredictable what he would play against my Sicilian defense. However during the tournament I discovered that Andrew was drinking beer between rounds and stayed up late at night waiting for pornography to present itself on Showcase television. Needless to say I didnt think he would care for what I had in store for him.
Jonathan Yu (1974) - Jonathon Zaczek (2012)
I started off my preperation by getting to my board 5 minutes late. I walked into the playing area wearing a bright and colorful Hawaiian shirt and a tourist looking fishing cap of some sort. I shook my opponents hand and then looked at mine strangly. I wiped my hand on my shirt and pulled out my bottle of "Hand Sanitizer." "Kills 99.9% of Germs." I washed my hands in the sanitizer and proceeded to play the game.
1. e4 b6
From what I knew about Jonathan Yu was that he didnt know theory and that he
played an annoying 2.c3 against the sicilian. So I played this weird opening
to take us both out of book immediately. Additionally, I adjusted the pawn
on e4.
2. d4 Bb7
3. Nc3 e6
4. Nf3 Nf6
5. Bd3 d5
6. e5 Nf-d7
7. Ne2 c5
8. c3 Be7
9. 0-0 Nc6
Around this moment my opponent looked at me and said "Nice outfit." I replied, "Thank you." I was sure to keep a big smile on my face for the entire game.
10. Nf4 Qc7
11. Nh5 0-0-0
For each move my opponent made, I adjusted the piece or pawn on the square and all material around the surrounding square! His moves were typically followed by my "Adjust, adjust, adjust, adjust, adjust....... adjust." From here on out, I simply adjusted his pieces frantically once every 4 or 5 moves.
12. Nxg7 h5
My opponent looked up at me a few times during this move to which I just gave a bunch of smiles.
13. Bg6
To be honest, this move took the smile right off my face. My opponent also took the time to inspect and laugh at my bottle of hand sanitizer which read "Kills 99.9% of Germs."
13... Rd-g814. Bxf7 Rxg7
Ah, finally my first capture. Every time I captured material from my opponent I proceeded to wash my hands with the hand sanitizer.The rest of the game went as follows:
15.Bxe6 Nd8 16.Bh3 Kb8 17. Ne1 Ba6 18.Nd3 cxd4 19.cxd4 Nf8 20.Be3 Qc4 21.Bf5 Rf7 22. Rc1 Qxa2 23.Bh3 Nfe6 24.f4 Qa5 25.Rf2 Rhf8 26.Qc2 Qb5 27.Rd1 Ng7 28.Ne1 Nf5 29.Bc1 Ne6 30.Nf3 Qc4 31.Qxc4 Bxc4 32.g3 Kb7 33.Bxf5 Rxf5 34.Be3 Bb5 35.h3 Rg8 36.Rg2 Rf7 37.Ne1 Rfg7 (oops) 38.Kf2 (Yey!) Rxg3 39.f5 Rxg2 40.Nxg2 Ng5 41.Bxg5 Rxg5 42.f6 Bxf6 43.exf6 Rf5 44.Kg3 Rxf4 45.Nf4 Rf5 46.Re1 h4 47.Kf3 Rf7 48.Re5 Rg7 49.Rxd5?? Bc6 50.Ke4 Re7 51.Kf5 Rf7 52.Kg4 Rxf40-1
"Excellent psychological preperation, Jonathon" -Zhe Quan
Most commonly asked question was if my opponent called for the TD. Jonathan Yu never complained about anything I did in that game and in fact had a good laugh at the entire thing. Especially during the beginning of our game there were plenty of giggles at our board. I would like to thank the following people who contributed to my preperation:
- Joshua Henson who inspired the idea that i should wear something distracting for the game.
- Shiyam Thavandiran who bet that if he could win 10 blitz games in a row against me (not including draws) that he may contribute an idea. His idea was to adjust the pieces and arrive late.
- Zhe Quan who suggested 1...b6 against the theory lacking Jonathan Yu.
- Myself for thinking of the bottle of hand sanitizer which was quite visual and hilarious.
Congradulations to Shiyam Thavandiran for winning the tournament. However Shiyam, you will not be so fortunate next time to escape my grasp with your pitiful French defence.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Positional sacrifise (1)
There was a saying:"When Tal sacs, take and look. When Fischer sacs, take and resign. When Petrosian sacs, just resign".
What about Botvinnik? This strategy God made many positional sacrifices, but usualy with no escape for his opponents.
We`ll take a look at N sac for two pawns. Pawns alone are not enough of compensation for a piece. So player has to seek for positional elements in his favour, but elements which have "permanent" (long-term) character. Some of those positional elements are: supported outpost, strong pawn center, open file, opponents strong pieces elimination etc.
White: Botvinnik
Black: Pachman
Oberhausen 1961.
1. Nf5!
Sacrifising knight for two pawns and one tempo (time unit in chess, one tempo=one move). 1. ef5 gives nothing because of 1...Nd4 and 2...Bf5.
1...gf5 2. ef5 Ng7 3. g4!
Only 3 moves after the diagram, position has dramaticly changed. White has pawn wall on the king side, but its not an attacking formation. First purpose of this wall is to keep Black pieces on passive squares. Ng7, Bf8 and Bd7 have no good moves. Only active piece is Nc5, but soon White will start to press all over the board.
3...Re5 4. Bd4 Re1
4...Bf5 attempt fails to 5. gf5 Rf5 6. Bg7
5. Re1 Re8
This is slight mistake, but it`s not easy to give good advice to Black. Now light bishop has no e8 square. Better was Be8-Bf7.
6. Rd1!
Avoiding the trade, pressing over the d-file and keeping e8 square blocked for light bishop.
6...Bc8 7. b4 ab4 8. ab4 Na6
Last Black active piece is bounced back and White owns e4 square now.
9. Ne4 Re4
Black is forced to give material back as Nf6 was deadly threat.
10. Be4 Nb4 11. Qd2 d5 12. cd5 cd5 13. Bf3
Game was adjourned here, and Black resigned the same evening.
What about Botvinnik? This strategy God made many positional sacrifices, but usualy with no escape for his opponents.
We`ll take a look at N sac for two pawns. Pawns alone are not enough of compensation for a piece. So player has to seek for positional elements in his favour, but elements which have "permanent" (long-term) character. Some of those positional elements are: supported outpost, strong pawn center, open file, opponents strong pieces elimination etc.
White: Botvinnik
Black: Pachman
Oberhausen 1961.
1. Nf5!
Sacrifising knight for two pawns and one tempo (time unit in chess, one tempo=one move). 1. ef5 gives nothing because of 1...Nd4 and 2...Bf5.
1...gf5 2. ef5 Ng7 3. g4!
Only 3 moves after the diagram, position has dramaticly changed. White has pawn wall on the king side, but its not an attacking formation. First purpose of this wall is to keep Black pieces on passive squares. Ng7, Bf8 and Bd7 have no good moves. Only active piece is Nc5, but soon White will start to press all over the board.
3...Re5 4. Bd4 Re1
4...Bf5 attempt fails to 5. gf5 Rf5 6. Bg7
5. Re1 Re8
This is slight mistake, but it`s not easy to give good advice to Black. Now light bishop has no e8 square. Better was Be8-Bf7.
6. Rd1!
Avoiding the trade, pressing over the d-file and keeping e8 square blocked for light bishop.
6...Bc8 7. b4 ab4 8. ab4 Na6
Last Black active piece is bounced back and White owns e4 square now.
9. Ne4 Re4
Black is forced to give material back as Nf6 was deadly threat.
10. Be4 Nb4 11. Qd2 d5 12. cd5 cd5 13. Bf3
Game was adjourned here, and Black resigned the same evening.
Friday, June 17, 2005
The Matrix System
This opening has been played for years by an master from Indiana (USA) by the name of Bernard Parham. He plays 2.Qh5 (and 2...Qh4) against almost any move and has developed an interesting system called "The Matrix System" which is based on geometric chess patterns. More info about this system on The Talking Drum.
Chess world was recently shocked when US champion GM Hikaru Nakamura started his game vs. GM Sashikiran with 1.e4 e5 2.Qh5. He got a good game but eventualy lost. But this queen`s move breaks all known opening axioms, is it possible to play like that at the top level? (Or play like that at all?)
Here's an article from (to me) unkown source:
After many comments and analyses have been made, GM Nakamura decided to speak about this subject himself:
I dont know if Hikaru played Qh5 in Minnesota, but he tried that move on WCN only two days after he wrote the above post. Funny enough, he lost again, this time to a player rated 1825. The ISCC event had 30 mins time control and Hikaru was in winning position (2 pawns up), but he lost a game due to few mouse slips (game was played online).
For no doubt, Hikaru's style of playing chess is real refreshment in today`s era of computer analysis and "30 moves of theory" games. This game needs fresh blood and new heroes, and our eyes are focused on Hikaru, among the other young guns.
Event "13th Sigeman & Co"
Date 2005.04.22
White: Nakamura, H. 2657
Black: Sasikiran, K. 2642
1. e4 e5 2. Qh5 Nc6 3. Bc4 g6 4. Qf3 Nf6 5. Ne2 Bg7 6. Nbc3 d6 7. d3 Bg4 8. Qg3 Qd7 9. f3 Be6 10. Bg5 Nh5 11. Qh4 h6 12. Be3 Na5 13. Bb3 Nxb3 14. axb3 a6 15. d4 Qe7 16. Qf2 exd4 17. Bxd4 Nf6 18. O-O-O O-O-O 19. Nf4 Rhg8 20. Rhe1 Kb8 21. Kb1 g5 22. Nfe2 Rge8 23. g4 Qf8 24. Ng3 Nd7 25. Be3 Qh8 26. Nge2 Be5 27. h4 Qg7 28. Rh1 Nf6 29. Bd4 Nd7 30. Qe3 Qf6 31. hxg5 hxg5 32. Bxe5 Qxe5 33. Rh5 Rg8 34. Nd5 Rde8 35. Qc1 Qg7 36. Ne3 Nf6 37. Rh2 Rh8 38. Rg2 Nd7 39. Nd4 Rh3 40. c4 Qf6 41. Rf2 Reh8 42. b4 Qe5 43. c5 dxc5 44. bxc5 Nxc5 45. Qc3 f6 46. Rc2 Na4 47. Qb4 Bd7 48. Nb3 Rh1 49. Rxh1 Rxh1+ 50. Ka2 Nb6 51. Qf8+ Qe8 52. Qxe8+ Bxe8 53. Nc5 Nd7 54. Nxd7+ Bxd7 55. Kb3 Re1 56. Rc3 Be6+ 57. Kc2 Re2+ 58. Kc1 a5 59. Nc2 Rf2 60. Nd4 Bd7 61. Rc5 b6 62. Rd5 Kc8 63. e5 fxe5 64. Rxe5 c5 65. Nb3 Rf1+ 66. Kd2 a4 67. Nxc5 bxc5 68. Rxc5+ Kb7 69. Rxg5 Rxf3 70. Rd5 Be6 71. Rd3 Rf1 72. Rg3 Rf2+ 73. Kc3 Kb6 74. Kb4 Rf4+ 75. Ka3 Kb5 76. Re3 Bd5 77. Rd3 Bc4 78. Re3 Rd4 79. g5 Rd1 80. b3 axb3 81. Re8 Ra1+ 82. Kb2 Ra2+ 83. Kc3 Rc2+ 84. Kd4 b2 85. Rb8+ Ka4 86. g6 Bb5 87. g7 b1=Q 0-1
Source: Michel Gagne post on WCN Forum.
Chess world was recently shocked when US champion GM Hikaru Nakamura started his game vs. GM Sashikiran with 1.e4 e5 2.Qh5. He got a good game but eventualy lost. But this queen`s move breaks all known opening axioms, is it possible to play like that at the top level? (Or play like that at all?)
Here's an article from (to me) unkown source:
Nakamura gambled and lost 23/4-2005
Nakamura surprised Sasikiran with what looked suspiciously like an attempt at fool's mate (1.e4 e5 2.Qh5!?, what is this opening called!?). Around move 35, Nakamura compromised himself positionally in an attempt to play for a win (without really spending any time on this decision). A little while later, he sacrificed a pawn without any obvious compensation. Commentator GM Lars Bo Hansen meant that decisions of this type are not to be recommended against strong GMs like Sasikiran. Sometimes you have to accept that your opponent has earned a draw by defending well!? Lars Bo Hansen meant that Nakamura will have to learn this if he wants to be able to match +2750 players in the future. However, Lars Bo also meant that it would be great for chess if Nakamura would establish himself at the very top with his "I want to win all games" attitude. No matter what, the spectators love it and so do the Sigeman organizers.
After many comments and analyses have been made, GM Nakamura decided to speak about this subject himself:
Hello everyone! After so many random comments I feel like explaining why I played 2.Qh5 and what inspired it. So here it goes... The night before I was to play GM Sasikiran in round 7, I decided to connect to the wireless internet from my room in Denmark. After talking randomly with some people Jason Doss suggested that I play 2.Qh5! Although I think Jason was only half-serious at the time I thought it was a practical opening choice and more importantly a surprise. I have analyzed this line thoroughly, and will probably play 2.Qh5 in the future...maybe in Minnesota, who knows? I think that in order for chess to be interesting in the future people need to come up with new ideas and avoid all the computer-prepared variations, which makes chess dull and unexciting as players do not have to exhibit real skill. Anyways in response to what some other Grandmasters have said; I do believe that 2.Qh5 is a playable move, in fact I had a very good position in the game, and was close to winning if I had in fact played 23.e5. Alas, due to my style I went for all or broke and lost the game. I truly believe that one only has one life to live, therefore one must enjoy this world. What does one loss mean in the scheme of life?
I dont know if Hikaru played Qh5 in Minnesota, but he tried that move on WCN only two days after he wrote the above post. Funny enough, he lost again, this time to a player rated 1825. The ISCC event had 30 mins time control and Hikaru was in winning position (2 pawns up), but he lost a game due to few mouse slips (game was played online).
For no doubt, Hikaru's style of playing chess is real refreshment in today`s era of computer analysis and "30 moves of theory" games. This game needs fresh blood and new heroes, and our eyes are focused on Hikaru, among the other young guns.
Event "13th Sigeman & Co"
Date 2005.04.22
White: Nakamura, H. 2657
Black: Sasikiran, K. 2642
1. e4 e5 2. Qh5 Nc6 3. Bc4 g6 4. Qf3 Nf6 5. Ne2 Bg7 6. Nbc3 d6 7. d3 Bg4 8. Qg3 Qd7 9. f3 Be6 10. Bg5 Nh5 11. Qh4 h6 12. Be3 Na5 13. Bb3 Nxb3 14. axb3 a6 15. d4 Qe7 16. Qf2 exd4 17. Bxd4 Nf6 18. O-O-O O-O-O 19. Nf4 Rhg8 20. Rhe1 Kb8 21. Kb1 g5 22. Nfe2 Rge8 23. g4 Qf8 24. Ng3 Nd7 25. Be3 Qh8 26. Nge2 Be5 27. h4 Qg7 28. Rh1 Nf6 29. Bd4 Nd7 30. Qe3 Qf6 31. hxg5 hxg5 32. Bxe5 Qxe5 33. Rh5 Rg8 34. Nd5 Rde8 35. Qc1 Qg7 36. Ne3 Nf6 37. Rh2 Rh8 38. Rg2 Nd7 39. Nd4 Rh3 40. c4 Qf6 41. Rf2 Reh8 42. b4 Qe5 43. c5 dxc5 44. bxc5 Nxc5 45. Qc3 f6 46. Rc2 Na4 47. Qb4 Bd7 48. Nb3 Rh1 49. Rxh1 Rxh1+ 50. Ka2 Nb6 51. Qf8+ Qe8 52. Qxe8+ Bxe8 53. Nc5 Nd7 54. Nxd7+ Bxd7 55. Kb3 Re1 56. Rc3 Be6+ 57. Kc2 Re2+ 58. Kc1 a5 59. Nc2 Rf2 60. Nd4 Bd7 61. Rc5 b6 62. Rd5 Kc8 63. e5 fxe5 64. Rxe5 c5 65. Nb3 Rf1+ 66. Kd2 a4 67. Nxc5 bxc5 68. Rxc5+ Kb7 69. Rxg5 Rxf3 70. Rd5 Be6 71. Rd3 Rf1 72. Rg3 Rf2+ 73. Kc3 Kb6 74. Kb4 Rf4+ 75. Ka3 Kb5 76. Re3 Bd5 77. Rd3 Bc4 78. Re3 Rd4 79. g5 Rd1 80. b3 axb3 81. Re8 Ra1+ 82. Kb2 Ra2+ 83. Kc3 Rc2+ 84. Kd4 b2 85. Rb8+ Ka4 86. g6 Bb5 87. g7 b1=Q 0-1
Source: Michel Gagne post on WCN Forum.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Wednesday lecture on WCN (1)
Hi friends. Since many people asked for lecture storage feature on WCN, and we still dont know when its going to be implemented, I decided to post short versions of my wendesday lectures in here.
15.june 2005
"Attacking the sicilian"
Today we`ll take a look at Boto-Bosnic game played back in 2001.
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cd4 4.Nd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bc4 e6 7.Be3 Be7 8.Qe2 a6 9.0-0-0 Qc7 10.Bb3 0-0 11.Rhg1 Nd4
Nd4 is a bit risky here since Bd4 will have large attacking potential. After g4-g5, bishop will shoot on directly on g7.
12.Bd4 b5 13.g4 Nd7 14.g5 b4
Nd7 was good move by Black. White will play g5 and chase that N anyway. In this way Black is regrouping pieces before his opponent creates attack. However, 14....b4 is a mistake. Much better was Nc5 (to continue the plan started with Nd7), eliminating dangerous Bb3 if neccessary and preventing rook lift with Rd3.
15.Qh5! Ne5
15....bc3 16.Rd3 Rd8 17.g6! hg6 18.Rg6 - the end
16.f4! Ng6
Well, not to good since White gains tempo for f5 now. Still 16....bc3 Black is still worse, for example 17. fe5 cb2 18.Bb2 de5 19.Rd3 Bb7 20.g6! (20.Rh3 Be4 covering h7) hg6 21.Rg6 f6 22.Be6 Rf7 23.Qg6...
17.f5! Nf4 18.Qf3 e5
Looks like Black finally closed Bd4 diagonal and two White`s pieces are hanging. But, after moving e6 pawn, diagonal for Bb3 is wide open! So...
19.g6! bc3
If 19...hg6 by any chance, then 20.Qf4! ef4 21.Rg6 Rd8 22.Rg7 Kf8 23.Rdg1 Ke8 24.Bf7 Kd7 25.Be6 Kc6 26.Bd5 Kd7 27.Re7 Ke7 28.f6 Ke8 29.Rg8 Kd7 30.Rg7
20.Qf4!! Kh8
Black is still trying. 20....ef4 loses to 21.gf7 Rf7 22.Rg7 Kf8 23.Rf7 Ke8 24.f6!
21.gf7 Bf6 22.Rg7!!
Few people asked during the lecture why not 22.Qh6? Well, the idea is same, to open up g-file for Rg8 final strike. But after Qh6, Black is not forced to take! He can play Qe7 and resist. So the moral of this line is - always search for the most forced moves! Rg7 destroys pawns wall and creates direct threat Rg8. So, much more effective then nice-looking Qh6.
22....Bg7 23.f6! Qd8 24.Rg1 1-0
Nice final (quiet) move. fg7 mate is a threat and 24....Qf6 loses to 25.Qf6 Bf6 26.Rg8 with mate.
15.june 2005
"Attacking the sicilian"
Today we`ll take a look at Boto-Bosnic game played back in 2001.
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cd4 4.Nd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bc4 e6 7.Be3 Be7 8.Qe2 a6 9.0-0-0 Qc7 10.Bb3 0-0 11.Rhg1 Nd4
Nd4 is a bit risky here since Bd4 will have large attacking potential. After g4-g5, bishop will shoot on directly on g7.
12.Bd4 b5 13.g4 Nd7 14.g5 b4
Nd7 was good move by Black. White will play g5 and chase that N anyway. In this way Black is regrouping pieces before his opponent creates attack. However, 14....b4 is a mistake. Much better was Nc5 (to continue the plan started with Nd7), eliminating dangerous Bb3 if neccessary and preventing rook lift with Rd3.
15.Qh5! Ne5
15....bc3 16.Rd3 Rd8 17.g6! hg6 18.Rg6 - the end
16.f4! Ng6
Well, not to good since White gains tempo for f5 now. Still 16....bc3 Black is still worse, for example 17. fe5 cb2 18.Bb2 de5 19.Rd3 Bb7 20.g6! (20.Rh3 Be4 covering h7) hg6 21.Rg6 f6 22.Be6 Rf7 23.Qg6...
17.f5! Nf4 18.Qf3 e5
Looks like Black finally closed Bd4 diagonal and two White`s pieces are hanging. But, after moving e6 pawn, diagonal for Bb3 is wide open! So...
19.g6! bc3
If 19...hg6 by any chance, then 20.Qf4! ef4 21.Rg6 Rd8 22.Rg7 Kf8 23.Rdg1 Ke8 24.Bf7 Kd7 25.Be6 Kc6 26.Bd5 Kd7 27.Re7 Ke7 28.f6 Ke8 29.Rg8 Kd7 30.Rg7
20.Qf4!! Kh8
Black is still trying. 20....ef4 loses to 21.gf7 Rf7 22.Rg7 Kf8 23.Rf7 Ke8 24.f6!
21.gf7 Bf6 22.Rg7!!
Few people asked during the lecture why not 22.Qh6? Well, the idea is same, to open up g-file for Rg8 final strike. But after Qh6, Black is not forced to take! He can play Qe7 and resist. So the moral of this line is - always search for the most forced moves! Rg7 destroys pawns wall and creates direct threat Rg8. So, much more effective then nice-looking Qh6.
22....Bg7 23.f6! Qd8 24.Rg1 1-0
Nice final (quiet) move. fg7 mate is a threat and 24....Qf6 loses to 25.Qf6 Bf6 26.Rg8 with mate.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
How to sacrifice both rooks and win
What happens when player is greedy for pawns but stays behind in development? If the opponent has enough of common chess sense, he`ll use this time to gain initiative or create strong attack. In extreme cases, "pawn chaser" will get mated fast. Lets see Alekhine`s way.
Rodzynski-Alekhine
Paris 1913.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 d6 4.c3 Bg4 5.Qb3 Qd7 6.Ng5 Nh6
Alekhine started out with passive setup (maybe he was tricky more then shy?), but white wants more then he can get. Instead of this "furious" attack, he should have played for faster development and space advantage. His next move is typical, but wrong in this position. We`ll see why...
7.Bf7? Nf7 8.Nf7 Qf7 9.Qb7
So white will be at least two pawns ahead, but his manoeuvre is wrong. He traded his developed pieces and his queen will be in out long enough for black to storm on opponents king.
9....Kd7!
In similar positions its possible to sacrifice inactive rook for an attacking knight. This way development advantage becomes significant factor.
10.Qa8 Qc4!
Mate threat on e2.
11.f3 Bf3! 12.gf3 Nd4! 13.d3?
Final mistake. White should have tried 13.cd4 Qc1 14.Ke2 Qh1 15.d5, but anyway after 15....Qh2 16.Kd3 Qg1 17.Qc6 Kd8 18.Qa8 Ke7!, he has only minimal chances to save the game.
13....Qd3 14.cd4 Le7 15.Qh8 Bh4 mate
Rodzynski-Alekhine
Paris 1913.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 d6 4.c3 Bg4 5.Qb3 Qd7 6.Ng5 Nh6
Alekhine started out with passive setup (maybe he was tricky more then shy?), but white wants more then he can get. Instead of this "furious" attack, he should have played for faster development and space advantage. His next move is typical, but wrong in this position. We`ll see why...
7.Bf7? Nf7 8.Nf7 Qf7 9.Qb7
So white will be at least two pawns ahead, but his manoeuvre is wrong. He traded his developed pieces and his queen will be in out long enough for black to storm on opponents king.
9....Kd7!
In similar positions its possible to sacrifice inactive rook for an attacking knight. This way development advantage becomes significant factor.
10.Qa8 Qc4!
Mate threat on e2.
11.f3 Bf3! 12.gf3 Nd4! 13.d3?
Final mistake. White should have tried 13.cd4 Qc1 14.Ke2 Qh1 15.d5, but anyway after 15....Qh2 16.Kd3 Qg1 17.Qc6 Kd8 18.Qa8 Ke7!, he has only minimal chances to save the game.
13....Qd3 14.cd4 Le7 15.Qh8 Bh4 mate
Monday, June 13, 2005
Review: Mr. Blackburne's Games at Chess (e-book)
Written by Denis Markov
I just decided to write a review of the E-Book, I got thanks to WCN Community website. Many people asked me, what this E-Book actually is, does it worth buying and so on. Here is my opinion.
"Mr. Blackburne’s Games at Chess"
By Joseph Blackburne
Format: E-Book // Chessbase Database (Chesscentral)
$19.95 at Chesscentral.Com
As Mark Dvoretsky once told, chess classics need to be studied. One of world’s most famous (if not just ‘most famous’) chess coaches told, that actually ‘classical’ period begins from Steinitz, who discovered some very important principles of modern chess and became the first one to play according to some rules, not just rushing into attack from the very first move.
So when we have Joseph Blackburne, we talk about this ‘early classics’ period. The end of 19th century was the time, when both positional and ‘madly attacking’ old-style chess not only existed, but continued to fight.
Blackburne for sure was mostly the old-school player. He was always known as one of the best attackers of his époque. But it doesn’t mean we must forget his games. I have two arguments to support my point of view.
First of all, this old-school guy actually defeated Steinitz, Anderssen, Tchigorin, Pillsbury, Janowski, Winawer and many others good players. So in my opinion it is better to call his chess not ‘madly attacking’, but ‘intuitive’. The difference between these definitions is clear: Blackburne felt the game just good enough to defeat best players of his time. So it is not berserker chess, it is chess based on feelings, on sensitivity. That’s the chess which is played according to some principles too, but these ones, being different from Steinitz’s ones, weren’t formulated: they were just somewhere deep inside his mind and soul.
And now the second argument. Studying chess, we sometimes forget about it’s beauty. Studying openings, working with computer, playing fast internet chess – all that pushes chess beauty out of the attention. Blackburne’s book actually gave me feeling of chess beauty for some hours, during which I studied the games. Yes, these games do not look like modern ones and there are lots of dubious moves, but, well… they are great! Combinations look just great enough to print positions on sheets on paper and show to your friends, who also like chess. Sometimes they are not 100% correct and I would say that opponents helped Blackburne a lot creating such masterpieces. But anyway it is a great pleasure to watch 20-moves combos with half of chess set sacrificed.
So what is actually this E-Book? In 1899 Joseph Blackburne himself wrote a book called “Mr. Blackburne’s games at chess”. So that’s what it is. Games from Blackburne’s book were transformed into ChessBase format and some text prefaces were added.
If I had a choice between paper copy of the book and electronic one, I would prefer an E-Book. Why? Because it solves not only mine huge problem: lack of time. I would never have a time to overlook more than 400 games reading the book and moving pieces on the chessboard. And I think that’s very common: not every chess amateur can play whole games in his mind.
Considering these games as mostly ‘for fun’ (you will not find any new opening theory there, won’t you?), it is very important. You have a chance to study them all and enjoy them without spending too much time and having possibility to ‘bookmark’ any games you like to check them again later.
Of course, as any ChessBase database, this one offers you such pleasant possibilities, as sorting games according to names, dates, openings and so on.
The only price for this very comfortable form of games representation is the fact that this E-Books needs some special software. To view database you need either ChessBase or ChessBase Light. The second one is totally free and can be downloaded without any problems. To those ones, who used it some years before and didn’t use it in last time: ChessBase Light was always known as ‘bunch of bugs’, but now it works just great and it became much more friendlier in what in concerns user interface.
If you have full version of ChessBase (last one is version 9, but 8 or 7 would be also fine), it is even better because of some additional possibilities and functionality. Me, I used this E-Book with ChessBase 9.0 and it worked just great. Being curious I tried ChessBase Light – and again no problems.
So, well, that’s all what I wanted to tell. This E-Book maybe won’t teach you any new opening moves, it won’t give you any knowledge on deep positional play, prophylactic thinking and so on – but it will give you lots of fun and it actually will make you to remember, that chess is a really beautiful game!
Denis, thank you for this excellent review! I`m sure many people will find it very usefull!
I just decided to write a review of the E-Book, I got thanks to WCN Community website. Many people asked me, what this E-Book actually is, does it worth buying and so on. Here is my opinion.
"Mr. Blackburne’s Games at Chess"
By Joseph Blackburne
Format: E-Book // Chessbase Database (Chesscentral)
$19.95 at Chesscentral.Com
As Mark Dvoretsky once told, chess classics need to be studied. One of world’s most famous (if not just ‘most famous’) chess coaches told, that actually ‘classical’ period begins from Steinitz, who discovered some very important principles of modern chess and became the first one to play according to some rules, not just rushing into attack from the very first move.
So when we have Joseph Blackburne, we talk about this ‘early classics’ period. The end of 19th century was the time, when both positional and ‘madly attacking’ old-style chess not only existed, but continued to fight.
Blackburne for sure was mostly the old-school player. He was always known as one of the best attackers of his époque. But it doesn’t mean we must forget his games. I have two arguments to support my point of view.
First of all, this old-school guy actually defeated Steinitz, Anderssen, Tchigorin, Pillsbury, Janowski, Winawer and many others good players. So in my opinion it is better to call his chess not ‘madly attacking’, but ‘intuitive’. The difference between these definitions is clear: Blackburne felt the game just good enough to defeat best players of his time. So it is not berserker chess, it is chess based on feelings, on sensitivity. That’s the chess which is played according to some principles too, but these ones, being different from Steinitz’s ones, weren’t formulated: they were just somewhere deep inside his mind and soul.
And now the second argument. Studying chess, we sometimes forget about it’s beauty. Studying openings, working with computer, playing fast internet chess – all that pushes chess beauty out of the attention. Blackburne’s book actually gave me feeling of chess beauty for some hours, during which I studied the games. Yes, these games do not look like modern ones and there are lots of dubious moves, but, well… they are great! Combinations look just great enough to print positions on sheets on paper and show to your friends, who also like chess. Sometimes they are not 100% correct and I would say that opponents helped Blackburne a lot creating such masterpieces. But anyway it is a great pleasure to watch 20-moves combos with half of chess set sacrificed.
So what is actually this E-Book? In 1899 Joseph Blackburne himself wrote a book called “Mr. Blackburne’s games at chess”. So that’s what it is. Games from Blackburne’s book were transformed into ChessBase format and some text prefaces were added.
If I had a choice between paper copy of the book and electronic one, I would prefer an E-Book. Why? Because it solves not only mine huge problem: lack of time. I would never have a time to overlook more than 400 games reading the book and moving pieces on the chessboard. And I think that’s very common: not every chess amateur can play whole games in his mind.
Considering these games as mostly ‘for fun’ (you will not find any new opening theory there, won’t you?), it is very important. You have a chance to study them all and enjoy them without spending too much time and having possibility to ‘bookmark’ any games you like to check them again later.
Of course, as any ChessBase database, this one offers you such pleasant possibilities, as sorting games according to names, dates, openings and so on.
The only price for this very comfortable form of games representation is the fact that this E-Books needs some special software. To view database you need either ChessBase or ChessBase Light. The second one is totally free and can be downloaded without any problems. To those ones, who used it some years before and didn’t use it in last time: ChessBase Light was always known as ‘bunch of bugs’, but now it works just great and it became much more friendlier in what in concerns user interface.
If you have full version of ChessBase (last one is version 9, but 8 or 7 would be also fine), it is even better because of some additional possibilities and functionality. Me, I used this E-Book with ChessBase 9.0 and it worked just great. Being curious I tried ChessBase Light – and again no problems.
So, well, that’s all what I wanted to tell. This E-Book maybe won’t teach you any new opening moves, it won’t give you any knowledge on deep positional play, prophylactic thinking and so on – but it will give you lots of fun and it actually will make you to remember, that chess is a really beautiful game!
Denis, thank you for this excellent review! I`m sure many people will find it very usefull!
Anand wins the Leon tournament!
Vishy Anand scored a 2.5-1.5 victory over FIDE champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov to win the 18th Ciudad de Leon Chess tournament.
It was a great comeback, Anand, after losing the first game, pulled himself togheter to crush opponents Naidorf defence in the second game with wonderfull 26.Nf5 blow.
Wise opening choice by Anand in the third game, solid Sicilain Paulsen, but Kasimdzhanov puts strong pressure on the center and Queen`s wing. Anand was persistant in defence and finally managed to draw with pawn down on move 68.
In 4th game Kasimdzhanov was aiming for Marshall attack, but Anand prefered quiet continuation 8.h3. After few moves of Knights manoeuvring, a good possibility of trades occured for Anand, which he uses instantly to gain an significant advantage. Brilliant sacrifice 30.Nc4 to destroy Black`s pawns on queenside forced Kasimdzhanov to resign few moves later.
Final 1st game
White: Kasimdzhanov, R
Black: Anand, V
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3 e6 7. f3 b5 8. Qd2Nbd7 9. g4 Nb6 10. a4 Nc4 11. Bxc4 bxc4 12. a5 Bb7 13. Na4 Rc8 14. Qc3 Bxe4 15.fxe4 Nxe4 16. Qb4 Qh4+ 17. Kd1 Qxg4+ 18. Kc1 e5 19. Nb6 exd4 20. Rg1 Qe6 21.Nxc8 dxe3 22. Qb8 f5 23. Nxd6+ Ke7 24. Qc7+ Kf6 25. Qd8+ Ke5 26. Nxe4 Kxe4 27.Ra4 Qd5 28. Qe8+ Kf4 29. Rf1+ Kg5 30. Qxe3+ Kg6 31. Qb6+ Kh5 32. Qxa6 c3 33.Qe2+ Kg6 34. b3 Bc5 35. Rd1 Qc6 36. Qd3 Be7 37. Rc4 Qg2 38. Qxc3 Qxh2 39. Rc6+Bf6 40. a6 Ra8 41. Rdd6 Qh4 42. b4 f4 43. Qd3+ Kh6 44. Qe4 Ra7 45. b5 Qg5 46.Qh1+ Kg6 47. Rd5 Qg4 48. Qe4+ Kh6 49. Qh1+ Kg6 50. Rd1 Qf5 51. Qg1+ Qg5 52.Qxg5+ Kxg5 53. c4 f3 54. Kc2 Be5 55. Rc8 Kg4 56. Re8 Bf4 57. Rg1+ Bg3 58. b6Rxa6 59. b7 Rb6 60. b8=Q Rxb8 61. Rxb8 f2 62. Rxg3+ Kxg3 63. Rf8 1-0
Final 2nd game
White: Anand, V
Black: Kasimdzhanov, R
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3 e6 7. f3 b5 8. Qd2Nbd7 9. g4 h6 10. O-O-O Bb7 11. h4 b4 12. Na4 Qa5 13. b3 Nc5 14. a3 Rc8 15.Qxb4 Qc7 16. Kb1 Nfd7 17. Nb2 d5 18. Qd2 dxe4 19. f4 Nf6 20. Be2 Nd5 21. Nc4Nd7 22. g5 Nxe3 23. Qxe3 Bd5 24. Rhf1 Bc5 25. Qc3 hxg5 26. Nf5 Bxc4 27. Nxg7+Ke7 28. Bxc4 Rhg8 29. hxg5 e3 30. f5 Ne5 31. fxe6 Rxg7 32. Rd7+ Nxd7 33. Qxg7 1-0
Final 3rd game
White: Kasimdzhanov, R
Black: Anand, V
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be2 Qc7 7. O-O Nf6 8.Be3 Bb4 9. Na4 Bd6 10. g3 Be7 11. c4 Nxe4 12. Bf3 Nf6 13. c5 O-O 14. Rc1 Ne515. Bg2 d6 16. Nb6 Rb8 17. cxd6 Qxd6 18. Nb3 Nd5 19. Nxd5 exd5 20. Ba7 Ra8 21.Bc5 Qf6 22. Bxe7 Qxe7 23. Qxd5 Qf6 24. Nc5 Nc6 25. Rc3 Rd8 26. Ne4 Qxc3 27.Nxc3 Rxd5 28. Bxd5 Bd7 29. Ne4 Rd8 30. Ng5 Be8 31. Re1 Kf8 32. Nxh7+ Kg8 33.Ng5 Kf8 34. Bf3 Nb4 35. a3 Nc2 36. Rd1 Nd4 37. Bg4 Bc6 38. h4 Rd5 39. Re1 f640. Nf3 Bd7 41. Nxd4 Bxg4 42. Re4 Bd7 43. f3 Kf7 44. Kf2 f5 45. Rf4 Kf6 46. Ke3Ke5 47. Ne2 Bc6 48. Rd4 Rb5 49. b4 Kf6 50. Rd6+ Ke7 51. Rd2 Kf6 52. Kf4 Rb6 53.Rd6+ Ke7 54. Rg6 Kf7 55. h5 a5 56. bxa5 Rb3 57. Nd4 Rxa3 58. Nxf5 Rxf3+ 59. Kg5Kf8 60. g4 Be4 61. Nd4 Ra3 62. Re6 Rxa5+ 63. Kf4 Bc6 64. Nxc6 bxc6 65. Rxc6 Ra866. Kf5 Kg8 67. Kg6 Rb8 68. Rc7 1/2-1/2
Final 4th game
White: Anand, V
Black: Kasimdzhanov, R
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 O-O 8. h3Bb7 9. d3 d6 10. a3 Na5 11. Ba2 c5 12. Nbd2 Nc6 13. Nf1 Bc8 14. Bg5 Ne8 15.Bxe7 Nxe7 16. Ne3 Nf6 17. c3 Qc7 18. Nh2 Be6 19. Nhg4 Nd7 20. Qf3 c4 21. Nf5Bxf5 22. exf5 f6 23. a4 d5 24. Ne3 Qc6 25. dxc4 dxc4 26. Qxc6 Nxc6 27. b4 Nb628. a5 Nd7 29. Rad1 Rad8 30. Nxc4 bxc4 31. Bxc4+ Kh8 32. Bxa6 Ne7 33. Bb7 Nxf534. g4 Ne7 35. c4 Nb8 36. a6 Nbc6 37. Rxd8 Rxd8 38. b5 Na5 39. Ra1 1-0
It was a great comeback, Anand, after losing the first game, pulled himself togheter to crush opponents Naidorf defence in the second game with wonderfull 26.Nf5 blow.
Wise opening choice by Anand in the third game, solid Sicilain Paulsen, but Kasimdzhanov puts strong pressure on the center and Queen`s wing. Anand was persistant in defence and finally managed to draw with pawn down on move 68.
In 4th game Kasimdzhanov was aiming for Marshall attack, but Anand prefered quiet continuation 8.h3. After few moves of Knights manoeuvring, a good possibility of trades occured for Anand, which he uses instantly to gain an significant advantage. Brilliant sacrifice 30.Nc4 to destroy Black`s pawns on queenside forced Kasimdzhanov to resign few moves later.
Final 1st game
White: Kasimdzhanov, R
Black: Anand, V
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3 e6 7. f3 b5 8. Qd2Nbd7 9. g4 Nb6 10. a4 Nc4 11. Bxc4 bxc4 12. a5 Bb7 13. Na4 Rc8 14. Qc3 Bxe4 15.fxe4 Nxe4 16. Qb4 Qh4+ 17. Kd1 Qxg4+ 18. Kc1 e5 19. Nb6 exd4 20. Rg1 Qe6 21.Nxc8 dxe3 22. Qb8 f5 23. Nxd6+ Ke7 24. Qc7+ Kf6 25. Qd8+ Ke5 26. Nxe4 Kxe4 27.Ra4 Qd5 28. Qe8+ Kf4 29. Rf1+ Kg5 30. Qxe3+ Kg6 31. Qb6+ Kh5 32. Qxa6 c3 33.Qe2+ Kg6 34. b3 Bc5 35. Rd1 Qc6 36. Qd3 Be7 37. Rc4 Qg2 38. Qxc3 Qxh2 39. Rc6+Bf6 40. a6 Ra8 41. Rdd6 Qh4 42. b4 f4 43. Qd3+ Kh6 44. Qe4 Ra7 45. b5 Qg5 46.Qh1+ Kg6 47. Rd5 Qg4 48. Qe4+ Kh6 49. Qh1+ Kg6 50. Rd1 Qf5 51. Qg1+ Qg5 52.Qxg5+ Kxg5 53. c4 f3 54. Kc2 Be5 55. Rc8 Kg4 56. Re8 Bf4 57. Rg1+ Bg3 58. b6Rxa6 59. b7 Rb6 60. b8=Q Rxb8 61. Rxb8 f2 62. Rxg3+ Kxg3 63. Rf8 1-0
Final 2nd game
White: Anand, V
Black: Kasimdzhanov, R
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3 e6 7. f3 b5 8. Qd2Nbd7 9. g4 h6 10. O-O-O Bb7 11. h4 b4 12. Na4 Qa5 13. b3 Nc5 14. a3 Rc8 15.Qxb4 Qc7 16. Kb1 Nfd7 17. Nb2 d5 18. Qd2 dxe4 19. f4 Nf6 20. Be2 Nd5 21. Nc4Nd7 22. g5 Nxe3 23. Qxe3 Bd5 24. Rhf1 Bc5 25. Qc3 hxg5 26. Nf5 Bxc4 27. Nxg7+Ke7 28. Bxc4 Rhg8 29. hxg5 e3 30. f5 Ne5 31. fxe6 Rxg7 32. Rd7+ Nxd7 33. Qxg7 1-0
Final 3rd game
White: Kasimdzhanov, R
Black: Anand, V
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be2 Qc7 7. O-O Nf6 8.Be3 Bb4 9. Na4 Bd6 10. g3 Be7 11. c4 Nxe4 12. Bf3 Nf6 13. c5 O-O 14. Rc1 Ne515. Bg2 d6 16. Nb6 Rb8 17. cxd6 Qxd6 18. Nb3 Nd5 19. Nxd5 exd5 20. Ba7 Ra8 21.Bc5 Qf6 22. Bxe7 Qxe7 23. Qxd5 Qf6 24. Nc5 Nc6 25. Rc3 Rd8 26. Ne4 Qxc3 27.Nxc3 Rxd5 28. Bxd5 Bd7 29. Ne4 Rd8 30. Ng5 Be8 31. Re1 Kf8 32. Nxh7+ Kg8 33.Ng5 Kf8 34. Bf3 Nb4 35. a3 Nc2 36. Rd1 Nd4 37. Bg4 Bc6 38. h4 Rd5 39. Re1 f640. Nf3 Bd7 41. Nxd4 Bxg4 42. Re4 Bd7 43. f3 Kf7 44. Kf2 f5 45. Rf4 Kf6 46. Ke3Ke5 47. Ne2 Bc6 48. Rd4 Rb5 49. b4 Kf6 50. Rd6+ Ke7 51. Rd2 Kf6 52. Kf4 Rb6 53.Rd6+ Ke7 54. Rg6 Kf7 55. h5 a5 56. bxa5 Rb3 57. Nd4 Rxa3 58. Nxf5 Rxf3+ 59. Kg5Kf8 60. g4 Be4 61. Nd4 Ra3 62. Re6 Rxa5+ 63. Kf4 Bc6 64. Nxc6 bxc6 65. Rxc6 Ra866. Kf5 Kg8 67. Kg6 Rb8 68. Rc7 1/2-1/2
Final 4th game
White: Anand, V
Black: Kasimdzhanov, R
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 O-O 8. h3Bb7 9. d3 d6 10. a3 Na5 11. Ba2 c5 12. Nbd2 Nc6 13. Nf1 Bc8 14. Bg5 Ne8 15.Bxe7 Nxe7 16. Ne3 Nf6 17. c3 Qc7 18. Nh2 Be6 19. Nhg4 Nd7 20. Qf3 c4 21. Nf5Bxf5 22. exf5 f6 23. a4 d5 24. Ne3 Qc6 25. dxc4 dxc4 26. Qxc6 Nxc6 27. b4 Nb628. a5 Nd7 29. Rad1 Rad8 30. Nxc4 bxc4 31. Bxc4+ Kh8 32. Bxa6 Ne7 33. Bb7 Nxf534. g4 Ne7 35. c4 Nb8 36. a6 Nbc6 37. Rxd8 Rxd8 38. b5 Na5 39. Ra1 1-0
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Chess Champs to Square Off in Curacao
GM Lazaro Bruzon, young Cuban champion, is going to face the Dutch veteran GM Jan Timman in matches to be held from June 11-17 on the Caribbean island of Curacao.
"The study of his games has allowed me to widen my knowledge about one of the most creative chess players in the world. His style is very similar to mine. I think it will be a very interesting match, and I will do my best to win," said Bruzon.
The competition is being organized by the Curacao Foundation to promote Jan Timman's latest book: "Curacao 1962, the Battle of Minds that Shook the International Chess World."
Four rapid matches will be played first and then four classic games. Bruzon is rated 2669 while Timman is rated 2607, so we could expect interesting games.
1. day - rapid games 11. Jun 2005
Timman, Jan H - Bruzon, Lazaro 1/2 (42) B42 Sicilian Paulsen
Bruzon, Lazaro - Timman, Jan H 0-1 (31) A33 English Symmetrical
Bruzon,L (2669) - Timman,J (2607) [A33]
Match Curacao AHO (2), 11.06.2005
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.a3 Nxd4 7.Qxd4 b6 8.Qf4 Be7 9.e4 d6 10.Qg3 0-0 11.Bh6 Ne8 12.Bd2 Bh4 13.Qe3 Bb7 14.0-0-0 Qc7 15.f3 a6 16.Kb1 Bf6 17.Bd3 Bc6 18.g4 Qb7 19.g5 Be7 20.Rc1 b5 21.cxb5 axb5 22.Na2 Bd7 23.Nb4 Nc7 24.f4 Rfe8 25.h4 Na6 26.g6 fxg6 27.h5 d5 28.Qd4 Nxb4 29.h6 e5 30.fxe5 Nxd3 31.Qxd3 Be6 0-1
"The study of his games has allowed me to widen my knowledge about one of the most creative chess players in the world. His style is very similar to mine. I think it will be a very interesting match, and I will do my best to win," said Bruzon.
The competition is being organized by the Curacao Foundation to promote Jan Timman's latest book: "Curacao 1962, the Battle of Minds that Shook the International Chess World."
Four rapid matches will be played first and then four classic games. Bruzon is rated 2669 while Timman is rated 2607, so we could expect interesting games.
1. day - rapid games 11. Jun 2005
Timman, Jan H - Bruzon, Lazaro 1/2 (42) B42 Sicilian Paulsen
Bruzon, Lazaro - Timman, Jan H 0-1 (31) A33 English Symmetrical
Bruzon,L (2669) - Timman,J (2607) [A33]
Match Curacao AHO (2), 11.06.2005
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.a3 Nxd4 7.Qxd4 b6 8.Qf4 Be7 9.e4 d6 10.Qg3 0-0 11.Bh6 Ne8 12.Bd2 Bh4 13.Qe3 Bb7 14.0-0-0 Qc7 15.f3 a6 16.Kb1 Bf6 17.Bd3 Bc6 18.g4 Qb7 19.g5 Be7 20.Rc1 b5 21.cxb5 axb5 22.Na2 Bd7 23.Nb4 Nc7 24.f4 Rfe8 25.h4 Na6 26.g6 fxg6 27.h5 d5 28.Qd4 Nxb4 29.h6 e5 30.fxe5 Nxd3 31.Qxd3 Be6 0-1
Kramnik on downhill?
I'm sure you're all wondering what's happening to this guy. I ask myself the same. The only human who defeated Garry Kasparov in the match is now getting beaten tourney after tourney. Latest in the row of poor performances was Mtel Masters in Sofia when Vladimir scored 4/10 only to share the last place with Mickey Adams. It`s remarkable that this "tough-to-beat-guy" (and World champion at the same time) made some amazing blunders and lost 4 games in such a short event. In the interview followed this tourney he said he never took a proper break after his match with Peter Leko. We`ll be back on that interview soon...
For now two games from Sofia Masters:
Round 7
White: Anand, V
Black: Kramnik, V
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 d5 6. Bd3 Nc6 7. O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9. Be2 O-O 10. Nc3 Bf5 11. a3 Nxc3 12. bxc3 Nc6 13. Re1 Re8 14. cxd5Qxd5 15. Bf4 Rac8 16. Qc1 Na5 17. c4 Qe4 18. Bd1 Qd3 19. Re3 Qxc4 20. Re5 1-0
Round 10
White: Kramnik, V
Black: Topalov, V
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3 e6 7. f3 b5 8.Qd2 b4 9. Nce2 e5 10. Nb3 Nc6 11. c4 Be7 12. Ng3 g6 13. Bd3 Nd7 14. Rd1 O-O15. Qf2 a5 16. O-O a4 17. Nc1 Nc5 18. Bb1 Qc7 19. Nce2 Be6 20. Bh6 Rfe8 21.Nf5 Bxc4 22. Ne3 Ba6 23. f4 exf4 24. Bxf4 Ne5 25. Nd5 Qa7 26. Bxe5 dxe5 27.Kh1 Bg5 28. Nxb4 Bc4 29. Rfe1 Qb7 30. Nd5 Qxb2 31. Nc7 Ne6 32. Nxe8 Rxe8 33.Rf1 Rf8 34. Nc1 Qxb1 0-1
For now two games from Sofia Masters:
Round 7
White: Anand, V
Black: Kramnik, V
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 d5 6. Bd3 Nc6 7. O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9. Be2 O-O 10. Nc3 Bf5 11. a3 Nxc3 12. bxc3 Nc6 13. Re1 Re8 14. cxd5Qxd5 15. Bf4 Rac8 16. Qc1 Na5 17. c4 Qe4 18. Bd1 Qd3 19. Re3 Qxc4 20. Re5 1-0
Round 10
White: Kramnik, V
Black: Topalov, V
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3 e6 7. f3 b5 8.Qd2 b4 9. Nce2 e5 10. Nb3 Nc6 11. c4 Be7 12. Ng3 g6 13. Bd3 Nd7 14. Rd1 O-O15. Qf2 a5 16. O-O a4 17. Nc1 Nc5 18. Bb1 Qc7 19. Nce2 Be6 20. Bh6 Rfe8 21.Nf5 Bxc4 22. Ne3 Ba6 23. f4 exf4 24. Bxf4 Ne5 25. Nd5 Qa7 26. Bxe5 dxe5 27.Kh1 Bg5 28. Nxb4 Bc4 29. Rfe1 Qb7 30. Nd5 Qxb2 31. Nc7 Ne6 32. Nxe8 Rxe8 33.Rf1 Rf8 34. Nc1 Qxb1 0-1
Leon semifinal GM Anand - GM Carlsen
Viswanathan Anand made an sound win 3-1 over young GM Magnus Carlsen from Norway in the second semifinal of the 18th Magistral Ciudad de Leon chess tournament.
Anand gave no chance to his 14-year-old opponent and pulled out wins in the first and third game (both with White pieces) while drawing the remaining two. In any case, this was great experience for the youngest Grandmaster in the history, and we`re looking forward to his future top results.
In the final match later today, Anand will face FIDE champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov, who beat Spaniard Alexei Shirov in the other semifinal.
Anand gave no chance to his 14-year-old opponent and pulled out wins in the first and third game (both with White pieces) while drawing the remaining two. In any case, this was great experience for the youngest Grandmaster in the history, and we`re looking forward to his future top results.
In the final match later today, Anand will face FIDE champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov, who beat Spaniard Alexei Shirov in the other semifinal.
Leon knockout tournament
World Chess Champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov beat a spanish top player Alexei Shirov 3:1 in the first semifinal of the 18th Ciudad de Leon which started Friday. This tournament is being played under rapid 20/5 time control.
Shirov was white in the first game and he started with his usual 1.e4. Kasimdzhanov made a novelty (23...Qe5) in Naidorf sicilian variation. Game was very sharp but black finally pulled a win on move 41.
Second game started with solid Petroff defence. Kasimdzhanov was pawn up but his great efforts couldnt break Shirov`s excellent defence - draw on move 43.
Third game gave us sicilian defence again, but even with white pieces, Shirov got into early trouble. Kasimdzhanov`s attack was unstoppable and finally on the 43rd move Shirov decided to accept defeat.
At that time Kasimdzhanov had accumulated 2.5 points against Shirov's 0.5 points and qualified for the final. The fourth game also ended in a draw to give final score of 3-1 in Rustam favour.
Now he will meet in final the winner of Anand-Carlsen match.
Shirov was white in the first game and he started with his usual 1.e4. Kasimdzhanov made a novelty (23...Qe5) in Naidorf sicilian variation. Game was very sharp but black finally pulled a win on move 41.
Second game started with solid Petroff defence. Kasimdzhanov was pawn up but his great efforts couldnt break Shirov`s excellent defence - draw on move 43.
Third game gave us sicilian defence again, but even with white pieces, Shirov got into early trouble. Kasimdzhanov`s attack was unstoppable and finally on the 43rd move Shirov decided to accept defeat.
At that time Kasimdzhanov had accumulated 2.5 points against Shirov's 0.5 points and qualified for the final. The fourth game also ended in a draw to give final score of 3-1 in Rustam favour.
Now he will meet in final the winner of Anand-Carlsen match.
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