tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655912914207540122012-01-20T12:39:28.650+01:00Notes from the nadir of chessSignalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.comBlogger1241100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-28094396324650692402012-01-09T22:04:00.002+01:002012-01-09T22:06:37.160+01:00

Sad to start 2012 with the news that a chess column has gone, but today was the last post for the Guardian's column edited by Daniel King and Ronan Bennett. The combination of professional and amateur chess player, plus two good writers ( Bennett is the author of Zugzwang, an interesting novel set during the 1914 St Petersburg tournament,   King is the author of many chess products !  ) produced

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-79696331528379197772012-01-05T13:01:00.001+01:002012-01-05T13:01:45.232+01:00

An old game, my first Team 4545 League match from February, 2010. I remember it as an enjoyable game, but more so as one typical of an amateur player, for example:     1) A belief that knowing a few moves in the Sicilian gives an understanding of how to play it     2) Not recognising a non-book move, and more, what to do after seeing it     3) Understanding that a draw is an acceptable result,

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-66946807027215910602011-12-30T15:22:00.001+01:002012-01-02T13:00:26.249+01:00

Its always good to play against someone who "sticks to their guns", consistently playing ( and believing ? ) in the same openings : you can look forward to a testing game. In GM terms, a clear example must be Sveshnikov with his c3 against the Sicilian, and the same man with the Sicilian "Sveshnikov Variation" against 1.e4 ! I have no idea if my opponent is quite so principled as Sveshnikov in

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-2665608946181178562011-12-26T07:59:00.000+01:002011-12-26T11:05:36.762+01:00

Team League T51 has reached the playoff stage, but Magnum Ignotum are not there, having ended in third place in their section  (congratulations to Scotch Yeti, whose team makes it again ! ). Personally, my record this time is +3=0-5, that's 37%.  Not the best, and less than my overall TL record of 50%.   Teacher's Report ? Could do better ! As White, I stayed with 1.e4, and ended up facing:

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-49982550765726974902011-12-11T23:18:00.001+01:002011-12-11T23:49:17.061+01:00

This weekend, I reached 1000 games of chess played at ICC. Not 1000 standard games, but all sorts if chess, so a large number of blitz and only 96 long games, mainly in Team League. My 1000th game was a loss. An early mistake, but with some compensation where the back-and-forth of the game gave me another chance. Sadly, I misplayed that and ended up on the losing side, but it was close ! That

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-21695939528866406932011-11-29T23:28:00.000+01:002011-11-29T23:28:00.252+01:00

My first win since August.... A French Defence turns into a Philidor,and stays fairly balanced, until we reach move 16... 16. Nf5 So many threats of exchanges to simplify.....but after Bxf5 gxf5 Nxc4 Qxe4 ( Qxc4 is bad, but not as disastrous as it appears ), Black plays Nxb2 ( expecting Kxb2 ) and misses the in-between check capture ... 19. Nxe7+ ! A piece down and with a nice White

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-55791370634103960832011-11-17T23:23:00.001+01:002011-11-17T23:44:27.142+01:00

A chess game can sometimes be quite beautiful.. I wouldn't have thought of a Bishop sacrifice here... 13. Bxg6 ...but it leads, eventually, to a Rook check here... 19. Rh7+ ...and what a finish ! 26. Bd6 Black Resigns Now have the fun of working out what those last seven moves were. What was the author's comment ? " When you trust the dynamism of your position, you don't need to

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-8356734432274278572011-11-13T22:10:00.001+01:002011-11-13T23:37:54.297+01:00

Not too much to say. I played two games this weekend and in both had an excellent position, but failed to win either. The failure is in forming a middlegame plan to continue with an attack, and then, after a small mistake, floundering and making more serious ones afterwards. Here's the worst example. I've just played Re2, to which White has replied Bd1. Not the worst position, but I did

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-62100009286592919802011-11-08T22:18:00.000+01:002011-11-13T10:50:09.845+01:00

Inspired  by a comment from ChessAdmin regarding how Nbd7 in the Caro-Kann can lead to the type of mate I showed as the shortest in T50, I searched all of T4545 for a shorter one. It wasn't there, but I did find ones that are just as short ! Here's the original quick mate..... Caro-Kann, mate in 6 Here is number 2, also 6 moves, also a Caro-Kann !   Caro-Kann, mate in 6 There are a few

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-33490907105330728492011-11-03T20:22:00.000+01:002011-11-13T10:36:39.191+01:00

As a coda to the main show.... Total Draws ?  21 % Longest game? Actually 3 of them, all with 106 moves : Two draws and one win One of the draws was an opposite-bishops ending, played as such from move 38.: dedication and stamina ! Shortest game ? The three short,  "GM draws" don't count, so its the mate in 6.... Black has just played 5...Ngf6, and White does not make a mistake !  Just how

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-63689369113783664742011-11-02T17:16:00.000+01:002011-11-03T12:16:18.367+01:00

For some reason, I am quite excited by the new TL4545 season : T51 to be precise. Not quite sure why, maybe its that I haven't played slow chess for some time, and am eager to see what I have lost ( or gained ) in the time away. Although actual pairings aren't quite out, I can see that I will, yet again , not meet fellow blogger and ex-team mate Scotch Yeti during the initial rounds : his

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-80810892707384610062011-10-22T11:37:00.002+02:002011-10-22T11:47:00.228+02:00

I've not looked at these yet, but Convekta ( Chess OK ) the creator of Aquarium and Chess Assistant, have a new all-encompassing series of chess courses available. Actually, they don't describe the course content as new, just the technology : fully web-based, and usable on any type of device, PC to tablet. As a taster, there are two of them for free ! Anyone tried them yet ?

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-77806565964200616082011-10-19T21:00:00.002+02:002011-11-13T10:35:40.294+01:00

Another TL4545 is drawing to a close, and, unfortunately Magnum Ignotum are not among the championship contenders. No matter, it was an enjoyable tournament, although for me, since I didn't play the last two rounds, it was shorter than usual, with a grand total of 4 games, all played in August. I don't consider myself obsessed with the openings (certainly not from a Chess sense, although maybe

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-24068257168186702972011-10-15T11:33:00.002+02:002011-10-15T11:35:35.191+02:00

From a recent TL game.... Black has played 45...Kf7.  White is ahead in material, and to play...any ideas ? 45....Kf7 The game continued as below ( highlight between the brackets to see), and fizzled out to a draw, but I think White can do better. [46.Rd8 g5 47.Rxd2 Nxd2 48.hxg5 Ne4+ 49.Kh4 Nxf6 50.gxf6 Kxf6 51.Kxh5 ]

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-86404102935811257162011-10-08T12:13:00.004+02:002011-11-02T18:06:24.638+01:00

Although the post title could well refer to this blog, since I have been a touch inactive with updating it in recent months, it actually refers to Sverre's Chess Corner, which has been quieter for even longer ! I'm glad to see it back - sneaking under my radar whilst I holidayed - as it always has interesting posts, and Sverre Johnsen actively replies to reader comments, making it a worthwhile

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-10497926750251022722011-08-07T11:12:00.003+02:002011-08-07T16:41:07.434+02:00

This year's event went to a play-off, after both Short and Adams ended up with equal points after the classical rounds. Adams forced a draw as Black in the first game, but as White in the second he took his advantage and carried it all the way through to a win against Short's Caro-Kann. I watched both games live and although I didn't completely understand  the second game, it was evident when

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-12944460936758921282011-08-02T21:46:00.005+02:002011-08-02T22:06:49.535+02:00

I wished for an interesting opening, and both GMs co-operated today to produce a club-players opening  with the Italian Game ! Personally, I always enjoy it when GMs produce the older openings. ( For example, last time I saw a Nigel Short game was a King's Gambit ! ) Doubtless there are many practical reasons why they do this. Perhaps wariness ( or even weariness ! ) of preparation and

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-1348793219677601702011-08-02T00:02:00.002+02:002011-08-02T21:55:48.865+02:00

Finally, after 7 rounds Nigel Short and Michael Adams will meet in round 8 today, after they both won their 7th round games to place joint first in the 2011 Championship Short has White, and I hope he pulls out one of his less mainstream openings to give us an interesting match tomorrow, just as he did in round 1, with a Caro-Kann as Black. David Howell is keeping up with them ( he also won

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-71060841124765798922011-07-30T10:26:00.002+02:002011-07-30T10:41:55.177+02:00

Here it is Summer, fewer people at work, edging into komkommertijd. Not much chess going on for me personally, but quite a few events. I was particularly taken with the British Championship. This time around is the first time Michael Adams and Nigel Short have been in it at the same time, and it looks like they will face each other fairly soon as they are currently second and third after David

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-45039184791434284172011-07-06T10:00:00.000+02:002011-07-06T10:00:03.019+02:00

An interesting post with a good endgame position to work out, as well as a fine learning point. The comments contain a good view on a solving thought process as well. As the answer is also on the post, I reproduce it here, so you can have a think before dropping into the excellent  Gregg's chess progress. White to move [6k1/8/4K1p1/5p1p/5P1P/3R2P1/1b6/8 w - -]

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-74263274395037876972011-07-03T19:01:00.000+02:002011-07-03T19:01:01.029+02:00

I played the first match of my new T9030 tournament and after a long and tough game, I came away with the win ! Although slightly lower-rated than me, I certainly gave him all due respect as not only does he know his opening ( he seems to play the Caro-Kann exclusively as Black ) but I also saw some of an earlier game with him against fellow blogger Scotch Yeti, and was impressed by the way he

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-25256319853712513332011-07-03T06:36:00.007+02:002011-07-03T23:14:22.271+02:00

I go through blitz phases, and at the moment I'm playing fewer games.... Here's a position from a very recent game. Arising from some variation of a Modern Defence, the game has been more-or-less level so far. Black has just played Nb4, leaving White with a nice combination, which I actually saw and played ! White to play What's the move ?

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-12996971024120661092011-07-02T14:31:00.002+02:002011-07-03T09:32:37.432+02:00

Chessvibes have been publishing their training magazine for about 2 months now and at least one blogger expressed an interest in it I am also tempted, but there is already so much chess information available through the internet ( numerous blogs, as well as semi-commercial sites and videos ) and I haven't seen any reviews from the blogosphere about it. However, this week Chessvibes have made

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-62614907987071905462011-06-24T20:05:00.002+02:002011-06-24T20:05:00.571+02:00

Blogging during this last TL season has , for various reasons, not happened. So, now that the Team is out ( sadly, we didn't reach the playoffs this time ) I will review my season in general here, and discuss a couple of interesting games in subsequent posts. Overall, my record was 3-0-4. A great improvement over the previous season (1-1-4), when I came close to wins, but only delivered once (

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-31766769089189741172011-05-25T21:38:00.005+02:002011-05-29T10:31:17.727+02:00

There is an enjoyment as an e4-player in beating the Sicilian. It's probably in-built, a cult memory, like Northern Europeans drinking beer in preference to wine. If ( maybe, when ? ) I play the Sicilian, this is the option I would choose : an early e5 and the Lasker/Pelikan/Labourdonnais variation, challenging in the centre immediately, just like a recent opponent.   Wonderful ! Lasker

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-6105481833674126962011-04-12T22:34:00.008+02:002011-05-07T09:11:39.798+02:00

Partly, I wrote this post to offset against this one on T47 openings ( I wouldn't want to be classified as an openings freak :)  and to continue my exploration of T47, but also because I was interested in just what sort of endings are played in TL games ( especially compared to 'professionals') and maybe just a bit on trying to identify what endings I should concentrate on, to shortcut trying to

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-53841795169506390952011-03-26T14:30:00.003+01:002011-03-26T15:39:16.319+01:00

In this position, the correct move ( apart from resignation on Black's part :)  is Kg6. However, since the game is technically, well actually, completely lost for me, there is only one move for the swindler : Kh5. Happily, a greedy White player falls into the trap ! Rxf6 ?? Stalemate : its a brilliant last weapon, and so irritating in positions that are completely lost  !!!

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-39795617050657394102011-03-26T10:36:00.003+01:002011-05-29T10:33:52.110+02:00

Magnum Ignotum fell at the last hurdle...the last result deciding the playoffs was the expected one that left our chance of the wildcard spot at the mercy of the rules. We were level on match point, games points and forfeits with the next team ( King, Pawn and Rook ) who had led their section prior to this game, so I guess it was the fourth board reduction rule that we lost out on. Good luck to

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-46926389915561307372011-03-24T12:32:00.013+01:002011-03-25T00:02:43.139+01:00

Black is lost. After a slip that lost his Rook advantage we have this position.... ...where White is preparing to finish things. I can see no hope, only a vague swindle, after White mistakenly moved off the a8-h1 diagonal, allowing a 'spite check', to which White is forced to play Kh2 ( since Re4 is met by Nf2+ ! ) So what is Black hoping for ? what should White NOT play after Black's next

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-32109554660348687042011-03-23T14:01:00.002+01:002011-03-23T18:55:27.108+01:00

From a recent blitz game : White to move and win [1r4nr/3p2pp/p2Nk1n1/1p2pR2/8/1N6/PPP3PP/3R2K1 w - - 0 1]

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-19999448458874647272011-03-21T23:36:00.003+01:002011-03-22T18:52:48.996+01:00

It's been a while since I blogged : business travel occupying me, with many thousands of kilometres now clocked up, mainly because of  two 12-hour flights, halfway across the world ! However now that I have all that behind me, I'm back into the last chess games of the present T4545 season. The Magnum Ignotum U1600 team has not quite made the playoffs. We have to rely on other team's favourable

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-40372557782192422012011-02-14T15:11:00.005+01:002011-02-15T11:11:35.722+01:00

I seem to have carried on looking at T47 games after my brief exploration of openings played. If I manage it, I hope to give details of some of the endgames reached, but while assembling this, I saw a number of under-promotions in a few games ( 11 of 1377, to be precise ! ). Most of these are irrelevant, ie under-promotion makes no difference to the result, as the 'promoting side' was in full

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-555066496280186192011-02-11T06:39:00.002+01:002011-02-11T06:39:00.227+01:00

Dave Regis gives a 10-minute guide to the French Defence at the Exeter Chess Club Blog. Its a simple and effective guide to the main lines of the French ( but happily omitting the Réti Gambit ! ) This great site contains lots of simple and sound chess advice and is highly recommended. On the same defence, but taking a distinctly 19th century view of it, are these two posts from the

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-19907700147802023962011-02-08T09:00:00.000+01:002011-02-08T09:00:43.711+01:00

I played in the Monthly Standard at ICC this week, and had a see-saw ride, ending up with drawing a game I should have won easily. My opponent was rated 300+ points above me, which I guess is why he elected to exchange Queens early against a weaker player. However, I've been there in the Philidor a few times before, and it is no longer scary ! Here he has the advantage of me, but misses a

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-77688357366906674082011-02-05T10:07:00.003+01:002011-02-09T19:52:02.067+01:00

...is hosted here on Brooklyn64.com. Just like like the January, some interesting posts to view. I had forgotten about Mark Weeks' blog ( as opposed to TWIC, which I visit regularly ) and he has a good post entered. I should also mention that this blog has an entry for my post on T47 Openings :a lot of visits happened yesterday !

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-80721554520412654752011-02-03T09:07:00.002+01:002011-02-04T16:03:35.904+01:00

My weekly ChessOK RSS feed tells me that a free course "Play like Botvinnik" is available at Chess OK. I own the similar Lasker offering ( in the Play like a World Champion series )  as an 'old-style' Convekta course, not the new Peshka version they are offering. I suspect the content is the same, but the interface will be different. Certainly worthwhile, especially as its gratis ! Update:  

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-53373454524745698482011-02-02T19:15:00.002+01:002011-02-02T20:01:35.623+01:00

Yes , I guessed it even if you didn't ! I should have placed my bet, as Yasser Seirawan's "Chess Duels" was the winner. Scarcely more information here. You can see a blogger's short review, a slightly longer Chessvibes one, or grab it for yourself at a discounted price here from my favourite online book store.

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-61997839096565550332011-01-31T22:36:00.003+01:002011-02-05T09:39:35.871+01:00

Not being a serious student of the endgame, I was unaware that the Réti endgame puzzle that I gave here  (with solution here)  is actually much more than famous, its seminal ! Relatively recently, I discovered Lubomir Kavalek's blog on the Huffington post ( itself an interesting amalgam of newspaper-style reportage ). He's interesting , with a colourful past, and writer of one of the

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-86897331345026435112011-01-30T09:34:00.003+01:002011-01-30T13:59:05.873+01:00

When I saw the headline "Chess Protegé : I'm just a normal teenager", I thought this was another story about the relatively 'normal' Anish Giri, or even more likely, a focus on Ray Robson, the teenage American who, at 15, had his biography published ! I knew it couldn't be about Magnus Carlsen, as he is no longer a teenager ! However, it was a very pleasant surprise to read about Hou Yifan, at

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-43524878038456044922011-01-25T06:01:00.005+01:002011-01-25T18:55:47.305+01:00

I might have predicted the winner ! Final voting round here. I go for the Chess Queen, on the basis that we have enough 'strategy guides', Seirawan is bound to win something else, and its written by a World Champion ! Shame that my nomination, Colin Crouch's "Why we lose at Chess" didn't make it through, as its an excellent educator, and a decent "real games" collection as a sideline, mainly

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-53470355116216612472011-01-23T20:24:00.006+01:002011-01-24T19:36:01.053+01:00

"Time spent in reconnaissance is seldom time wasted" Well, true, but sometimes, you just wish your opponent would follow the same plan as yourself ! In checking out the opposition before playing this back in March last year, I could guarantee that my opponent played 1.d4, a move that I don't particularly enjoy meeting. Mostly, I have responded 1...f5, the Dutch, which has been relatively good

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-76216807795250462472011-01-17T20:43:00.008+01:002011-10-24T16:13:05.894+02:00

Currently running in the chess blogosphere, is a variation of the eternal and probably unresolvable "Use of Opening Theory" discussion : Super-GMs vs the rest. Dennis Monokroussos and Dana Mackenzie, are debating the process/benefits/methods of opening theory ( or "Opening Theory" as they have now re-defined it) and particularly how non-Super-GMs, including Amateurs, should, or should not, use

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-36097186249603480622011-01-13T21:50:00.000+01:002011-01-13T21:50:57.517+01:00

The Chess Cafe web site is running its Book of the Year contest. My nomination is for Colin Crouch's "Why we lose at chess", which I enjoyed last year. Another nominated book that I read was Karpov's "Find the Right Plan". Its not had the greatest reviews, but I was fine with it. Most other books nominated, I haven't read. My guess is that, if he doesn't win this Chess Cafe vote, Yasser

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-3968945767132813832011-01-12T21:33:00.002+01:002011-01-12T22:28:30.254+01:00

Its now official, as the last playoff  round 2 game is over, and Magnum Ignotum slipped at the penultimate fence ( let's not mention forfeits again ! ) A round up of my T47 season is here and I have little to add, except that I enjoyed all the games, particularly those in the U1800. My league rating has dropped a small amount from 1600 to 1592, which implies that I am probably playing at an

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-36820761098616039812011-01-11T21:40:00.000+01:002011-01-11T21:40:45.245+01:00

Well, that's it for T47.... In the end a bit of an anti-climax, as my game was redundant, since no matter the result, the team would be out : the effect of one too many forfeits in the main rounds. I again pulled out a Philidor, but as my opponent was not that interested in playing, after 12 moves we agreed a draw.  Not very honourable, but when someone doesn't want to play, there's not much to

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-48966536770984176892010-12-29T17:33:00.001+01:002010-12-29T17:33:58.778+01:00

After saying that I play less blitz ( which is true ), I can only be pleasantly surprised that I have now breached 1100 on ICC. OK, it might not seem much to some, but I am not a hard-core blitz player, so to do this is an achievement ! Having averaged the low 1000s most of the year ( with a nadir of 860 ! ) personally, I feel very good about this. I will try not to be distracted from "real"

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-53569896937213119402010-12-27T22:37:00.002+01:002011-01-10T22:27:03.783+01:00

I played a poor game. 1.e4 and a Philidor, but I just didn't seem to choose the right moves and after a mis-calculation regarding a hanging pawn ( that I thought was protected by indirect means ) I went down 2 pawns and never got back into the game. I did fight to the end, but eventually he woke up to using his extra pawns, and I was history ! This was the incorrect move that started it all..

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-59197274568555911082010-12-26T17:23:00.001+01:002010-12-29T16:59:39.356+01:00

I am deliberately playing far less blitz than I used to. I play every now and again, and have had far more consistent wins than previously. Here's a win in an Open Sicilian, Scheveningen. I haven't played against a Sicilian for a while so forgot my exact theory, but so, it seems, did Black. 9...Bg4 Here he has played Bg4 attacking the Queen, but is it a premature attack ? Better moves

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-21600971477244731372010-12-16T17:53:00.004+01:002010-12-25T11:36:29.240+01:00

The end of the main season sees Magnum Ignotum ( the U1600 Team I play for )  in the playoffs with 4 wins, 2 draws and a loss. A good performance by the team and and also for me ( +4=1-1 ) . The playoff will take some time as it arrives in the Christmas holidays, so may seem to be drawn out. Our opponents contain players I have never met before, with the likelihood that I am paired with a +1700

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-5561763099881347542010-12-13T22:37:00.002+01:002010-12-15T12:59:40.858+01:00

I should do one of two things. Either a) give up playing chess or b) improve my calculation and vision. Here is where I, as Black, reached on move 26 against a higher-rated opponent.... How did I miss it ?! I'm sure, dear readers, that you can see the obvious move. I did too, but missed a vital part of the combination as it was outside my vision. [ See the comments ] Is there a chess

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-20385064156997874292010-12-09T19:36:00.003+01:002010-12-10T09:29:25.477+01:00

This seems a significant event : 64 standard games on ICC. So, despite the result , I think I should celebrate it ! My opponent was OxidisedLizard, a future Grandmaster in disguise, and against me it showed ! The game was simple. I made a basic mistake, realising as soon as I had played it that I had lost a piece, and probably the game in this sort of company. Until that point, I had been OK,

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-66067272492545603302010-12-08T23:58:00.002+01:002010-12-09T10:11:16.633+01:00

A very enjoyable game in the T9030 format today. My opponent obviously enjoys his slow chess and played at a good pace. An unexpected French Defence ( to both of us : he was trying something new ) as I was expecting an e4/e5 game, but I produced "The Fascinating Réti Gambit", and we were both out of book by move 3 or 4 ! I need to take some time to think and analyse this one, but this was a

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-21981899747181102982010-12-02T19:44:00.001+01:002010-12-09T18:13:02.123+01:00

The prodigy is now twenty, and shared his perfect weekend with Telegraph readers, a rare outing for chess in a a national newspaper !

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-52125696482643189682010-12-01T08:23:00.001+01:002010-12-01T08:26:22.848+01:00

A tale of two halves ( or possibly more ! ) and a significant missed opportunity for me to claim an 1800 scalp. Qf2 ! would have been a winner  After a decent opening, a moment of blindness loses a pawn. I manage to recover to an excellent position, but miss the above opportunity to hit a winner.  I even had another chance in a seemingly lost endgame, but it was not to be. More later....

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-1532338414668206232010-11-27T12:35:00.004+01:002010-12-01T00:37:25.532+01:00

Not been too active in the chess-o-sphere, with a pathetic cold lingering on and spoiling life in general ! However, the subject of this post relates to this where I commented on being censored for my "rudeness" of having 'Handshake' as my end-of-game message. How would we cope in the replay ?  Would we shake and make up  ? Would there be a titantic struggle at the board as neither player gives

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-26779911659236382272010-11-12T22:45:00.002+01:002010-11-12T23:00:32.900+01:00

A strange occurrence... After what can only be described as an interesting game, with some unusual and thought-provoking moves by my opponent, he allows a King/Queen knight fork on move 30, and, quite naturally, resigns. No problem, I am looking forward to chatting about the game, but what happens... Yes, I have an auto-reply of "Handshake", and this appears to upset him as my initial chat has

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-69292220960876340062010-11-08T00:10:00.002+01:002010-11-27T12:48:27.390+01:00

A Scotch game : Four Knights variation, I'm White. I won. Why  ? 1) My opponent made at least 3 consecutive, weak moves with his bishops early in the game, losing time and giving up his dark-squared bishop anyway. 2) After his bishop was lost most of his immediate threats were gone 3) f4 is a great move to make at any stage of the game 4) I did some lucky preparation on the exact variation

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-76535793783552012622010-11-06T11:07:00.000+01:002010-11-06T11:07:21.571+01:00

Amsterdam chess bibliophiles may want to drop into the Max Euwe Centrum between 11 and 2 today ( Saturday 6th November ). There's a general book sale.

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-36424396878106579882010-10-28T06:47:00.003+02:002010-10-28T20:38:39.512+02:00

A game in a new T9030 tournament last night : a win in a Queen-and-pawns endgame. I'm not sure if it was my mood, or the Caro-Kann  opening, or the endgame or a combination, but it won't be high on my "most enjoyable games" list. I don't often meet the Caro-Kann, and had not prepared anything, so was playing what I think are normal moves to develop and control the centre. Black put his knights

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-65636857799869083272010-10-27T05:12:00.006+02:002010-10-30T04:22:53.316+02:00

Here's the solution to the first Reti Endgame Study that I published a few weeks ago ! Use the "Show Answer" button. /* [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "1921"] [Round "?"] [White "Endgame Study"] [Black "By Richard Réti"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7K/8/k1P5/7p/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] {White to play and draw} 1. Kg7 Kb6 (1... h4 2. Kf6 Kb6 (2... h3 3. Ke6)3. Ke5) 2. Kf6 h4 (2... Kxc6 3. Kg5) 3.

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-52889460541811285752010-10-26T14:06:00.001+02:002010-10-26T14:35:22.384+02:00

A good win in my latest Chess 9030 tournament game from a slightly different Philidor variation, and with what could be called a Queen sacrifice as part of it ! White varied in this Philidor game by playing an early a4 and omitting Re1 completely. In theory, ie in GM games, this will transpose back to mainlines, as Black doesn't really have much more than the usual c6, b6 etc and White's moves

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-10431922884030907122010-10-25T16:29:00.004+02:002010-10-25T16:32:28.756+02:00

Following my win in the latest game of the Chess9030 tournament I've reached my highest rating at ICC so far, a huge 1607 ! No, not Master-strength but after a decline in the past three months its good to show some progress again. My previous high was 1597, back in July, and with my poor results in T46 I dropped points regularly ( although not too many, as my opponents were usually much

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-30291902495546331632010-10-22T07:51:00.004+02:002010-10-22T08:29:55.657+02:00

Its a weak chess connection, but British newspaper the Daily Telegraph has published a list of 50 jokes suggested as "the best". Humour is quite personal, but I enjoyed them...clean and short. One chess joke, in at  number 28: " 28. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-58911394304779290572010-10-20T19:28:00.001+02:002010-11-12T13:33:47.434+01:00

It seems that the Chessmasters team is still alive !! Keen to play Team League chess, the high-rated board 1 from T46 U1600 is taking the mantle into U1800, and I am joining as a backup player, ie fourth board at the most. A step up for me, but looking at some of the other board 4s, they also play in U1600 as board 1 or 2, so I may be roughly equal on some occasions.

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-44188790689252833972010-10-17T12:04:00.000+02:002010-10-17T12:04:15.083+02:00

A new team for this season. Chessmasters has mutated into Magnum Ignotum - the Great Unknown - as Chessmasters  board one player is really so highly-rated now that the remainder of us would not be able to play together and stay as U1600 ! I remain as the default board 2 and am looking forward to some good games again. This time around I will be concentrating on removing blunders, tactics ( and

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-8740171268844615342010-10-13T01:00:00.009+02:002010-10-16T10:16:41.972+02:00

This was a good game for me, with lots of interest. It was probably only the second player I had met in this TL season who was close to me in ratings, so even though I had Black I felt that this would be more of an even chance. His game history told me that he was an e4-player, which was good : I could try the Philidor again ! On to the game...   1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nbd7 4. Nf3 This is

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-16017674617267241602010-10-12T20:07:00.002+02:002010-10-12T20:18:45.137+02:00

Not me, I hasten to add, but see here. I tip my hat to him in and his "ballsy" attitude: a direct statement, putting his money where his mouth is. I, for one, wish him the best of luck and will follow his adventures with interest ! He's already added to my sidebar of links. Good Luck, Will. Go for it !

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-62984931052807588682010-10-11T19:38:00.001+02:002010-10-11T19:39:30.083+02:00

The past couple of weeks I've been suffering with a cold, so I shouldn't really have playing chess, but it is for enjoyment after all ! Here's a blitz game where the Black player ( in a Sicilian ) isn't really playing as actively as he should and effectively ends up lost by move 16.... Black has lost loads of tempi by moving his Knights around ( f6 to d7 to b6 as well as b8 to d7 to f6 ! )

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-2864918661581613712010-09-29T22:49:00.001+02:002010-09-29T22:50:11.953+02:00

We didn't make it :(. Although we managed to draw 2-2, overall we went out on forfeits incurred during the season....just 1 too many was enough. Not quite going out on penalties, more like fouls made ! Regardless, a good season for the team although my stats were an unimpressive played 7, lost 5, won 2. No real excuses although I will say that most of my opponents were my rating+200/300 so I

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-72543894850764147132010-09-26T22:49:00.002+02:002010-09-27T13:40:59.443+02:00

Only my second win in TL45 this season, but an important one, as it levels the score at 1-1 ! In both remaining games Chessmasters have White, so, the advantage should be with us. I will post the game in full later, but this was the decisive position after White's 23.Nd4.... 23. Nd4

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-27316629073297568642010-09-24T07:27:00.000+02:002010-10-30T04:23:14.112+02:00

Berlin, 1922.... Herr Schmidt arrives home in Elisabeth Strasse,  from another long day at the office, kisses his wife, ruffles the kid's hair as they run around him, happy to see Papa before bed-time. He sniffs appreciatively at the fine smells wafting from the kitchen where Gertrude, the cook, is preparing the evening meal ( Sauerbraten Klopse and Kartofelsalat : you have to economise in

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-77442106382295162182010-09-13T20:42:00.001+02:002010-09-13T20:42:26.949+02:00

This has been mentioned on a few blogs, but since its rare enough to have any media coverage, I give it here as well. Yes, its radio ! As an extra there is also this ( news report ) about Armenian chess in general and, related to it,  this ( Radio ) on how Armenian chess conquered the Chess Olympiads recently ( with Aronian and pals ) and of course where would we be without the fabulous Lewis

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-9685477965287112912010-09-12T10:53:00.002+02:002011-12-30T19:12:47.403+01:00

Finally, and given the rating of my opponent, the fact that he plays 1.d4, and that I have Black, perhaps surprisingly, I gain my first win in T46. I have admit that this week I have not played blitz to any extent (I checked : 3 games on Sunday) and spent the time instead on tactics training, reviewing some Master games, the analysis of my previous loss and some investigation into what to expect

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-5982754173495512162010-09-11T14:02:00.002+02:002010-09-11T16:01:43.947+02:00

Finally, after 7 straight losses, a win ! For a change my opponent made a couple of small mistakes  ( yet again a Knight move to g3 was involved ), and later an outright error to let me take the point. I'll post the full game later, after I've looked through it. It also might put the team through to the play offs, if I read the table correctly. Here's the final position... White resigns :

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-78946149170870370992010-09-08T07:41:00.002+02:002010-10-30T04:23:25.196+02:00

A second Réti endgame study, this time published in the Teplitz-Schönauer Anzeiger from 1922, a newspaper from Teplitz-Schönau in Sudetenland ( now in the Czech Republic and called Teplice ). This was the location for the Teplitz-Schönau tournament in October 1922, so possibly Réti had it published because of, and during the tournament period. He came joint first at this tournament ( with

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-32947736903834424062010-09-07T04:55:00.003+02:002010-09-07T18:29:03.772+02:00

My 7th straight loss, but despite this I had an excellent opening and middle-game,  although mis-calculating in the endgame to lose. Another Philidor, and I have to say that I handled it very well to reach a fine middle-game position, where not only did I know what I was doing, but also had the advantage.... On to the game, and a fairly straightforward few opening moves... 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-19337078151678331352010-09-05T09:47:00.001+02:002010-09-05T09:49:22.740+02:00

I played the first of my T9030 games last night. Overall, enjoyable, but I continued my losing streak with a misguided early h3 ( intending to support g4, but not really correct ) and a pretty bad blunder. Qf3 ?? White loses immediately  The position wasn't best before this, but I really shouldn't miss such tactics. Not an excuse, but the time limit should not be under-estimated. Not being

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-56238851352344196912010-09-05T07:55:00.004+02:002010-09-05T07:55:00.302+02:00

Bizarrely ( or maybe not, I would need to think about it :)  I seem to reach the endgame in Blitz quite often these days. Perhaps, its because I play a lot of King pawn games and simplify ? Regardless, they are a useful exercise if examined afterwards. Here's a Knight & pawns game, that White is ahead on. There is a killer move ( which I missed ! ) to end it quickly, rather than the additional

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-77014759142087819392010-09-04T07:45:00.007+02:002011-02-03T00:15:37.678+01:00

A famous endgame study, and one of the first by Richard Réti, published in Kagan's Neuste Schachnachrichten in 1921. This was a  chess magazine, published by Bernhard Kagan in Berlin from 1921 to 1932. Bernhard Kagan was a German chess player, but better known as an organiser, editor and publisher. You can see 3 games of his here, which match the three in my database, so these are probably the

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-88701396483418099122010-09-03T08:45:00.001+02:002010-09-03T08:45:00.563+02:00

Not winning material, but probably a game-winning move.... Black to play...... Black to play

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-33947161852181518832010-09-02T11:34:00.001+02:002010-09-05T17:53:37.873+02:00

Removing the guard is one tactic, and here's a different one, from 1959, courtesy of Martin Weteschnik.... White to move : Krogius - Sergievsky 1959 Updated with Solution in the comments

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-5176638086735500832010-09-01T18:02:00.002+02:002010-09-25T11:43:38.758+02:00

A queen-side attack in the Philidor.... For some reason, White has played Kh2. This gives Black an opportunity to win a pawn. 16. ...Kh2 loses a pawn There follows 17.... Bxd3 18. Qxd3 ( Bxh6 19. Bxe2 ) Bxf2 19.Rxf2  axb  The b-pawn cannot now  be captured because of Rxa1 !  An example of removing the guard : a double guard in this case.

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-46201384638964921872010-08-31T16:11:00.002+02:002010-09-01T18:33:18.237+02:00

Another interesting endgame. Yes, its from blitz, so maybe not the best play to reach it, but an intriguing position, showing that best play and a key move will draw, but missing that ( even if given many opportunities ) can be disastrous. 46. Kc6 Black continued f5.  Nothing wrong with that, but he didn't  played the key move in the next few moves either and his mistake was game-losing !

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-504107600666522982010-08-28T12:19:00.005+02:002010-08-28T13:04:15.098+02:00

I have cut back on blitz since I am not quick enough for it ! I don't think its bad to play, but you need to take care not to overdo it, and ( if using it as part of chess improvement ) review the games as well. Here's one from today, interesting for me as I am White vs a Philidor, a defence I love to play myself. I'm confused by 7...Nc6, as I don't play this myself and probably fall into a

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-21211985465786102922010-08-22T09:51:00.054+02:002010-08-22T15:13:19.976+02:00

Another loss, this time in a Sicilian Scheveningen ( maybe, with 2...Nc6, a Taimanov ), although not in the opening, which I play in a competent, if not inspired way. An over-looked response, and then an inability to find a proper response after that, was the direct cause, although I think it has more to do with a failure to find a plan, and a concentration on tactics as an end, rather than a

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-73806358003665224882010-08-14T13:50:00.128+02:002010-08-14T17:36:37.987+02:00

A second loss in the tournament, but overall a satisfactory game. I felt a little angry with myself for losing this one, after I had fought back so well. I thought I had done enough for a draw and was surprised when my offer wasn't accepted, as we were both short on time. This resulted in a drop in the 'chess factor' , and the inevitable blunder happened : unfortunately, mine ! Regardless, here

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-20985303450372875192010-08-13T00:06:00.001+02:002010-08-13T00:07:20.939+02:00

Maybe I am obsessed with endgames.... I watched the Rising Stars vs Experience and was fascinated by the Howell - Gelfand match. Gelfand's Petroff proved less than boring and Howell took it right to the end. Unfortunately, in time trouble, he selected the wrong move, and although we saw 4 Queens on the board, it was already lost. h8 was played  The better move was Qg8+, which keeps him in

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-49634901940523006302010-08-12T18:30:00.002+02:002010-08-12T18:43:33.211+02:00

Am I becoming obsessed with endgame mistakes ?  There are worse things... This was a strange game. White seems to have his own 'system' based on loads of pawn moves, setting up a white-square bind ( maybe its a hedgehog-opening ), which seems to rely on White gaining lots of time, and waiting for a Black mistake. Inevitably, I obliged, losing Rook for Bishop, but fought back , provoking a

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-46215685815768892452010-08-12T14:23:00.003+02:002010-08-12T18:16:48.988+02:00

This excellent annual tournament has just started. Last year was a good one, so I am hoping for the same. Opening games include Nakamura – Ljubojevic, which definitely meets the experience criteria, and Giri – Svidler which scores high on Rising Stars ( & relatively local talent in Anish Giri ). See this for a direct link to the live games that appear to have live commentary from ICC.FM !

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-24901049683583083872010-08-11T22:35:00.001+02:002010-08-11T22:58:29.910+02:00

Another interesting endgame... A long time manoeuvring ( when my silicon friend tells me that Black is way ahead ! ) and we reach a point where the Knight sacrifice that I don't see is winning .... Nxc3 is a win !      But I stay focused and eventually play my own Knight sacrifice... Ng4 finishes things off ...which leads to the obvious win.... No escape..Kxg2 and the White King

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-88328332427428586842010-08-09T23:03:00.004+02:002010-08-11T22:58:00.794+02:00

It is probably true that endgames are the weakest part of amateur chess. I have made a mistake here and am a piece down.... 25. Rf2 ...but I always play on a couple of moves in blitz just in case, and here, I realise that White does not know what to do. In endgames, not only do you have to play to defend, but you must always keep checkmate in mind when many pieces are on the board. Thus, 24

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-42038870035775965182010-06-13T17:20:00.005+02:002010-08-09T23:00:55.868+02:00

Note to self....if you intend to play Bird's Opening, then you had better learn more about From's Gambit and how to defeat it ! In this Team League game, as an antidote to avoiding the Scandinavian that my opponent plays with regularity, ( and to cover a lack of preparation )  I opted for 1.f4, and just as in my previous outing I meet 1...e5 : From's Gambit. Some statistics: In my Master-games

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-7527626807892054762010-05-29T19:30:00.113+02:002010-05-30T17:48:35.280+02:00

I admit, I wasn't really prepared for this...work and other issues prevented me from really applying and preparing myself, so right up to the last minute I was unsure of what to play, but eventually ( and judging by post-match chat, correctly ) I avoided my usual 1.e4 and went for 1.f4 : Bird's Opening. I have played Bird's Opening quite a lot in the past, and enjoyed the (strange) positions

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-10152717587654975672010-05-28T08:29:00.018+02:002010-05-29T11:49:08.810+02:00

Probably my fastest Blitz win -- 9 moves ! After an expected pawn fork with 7...d5 he took the 'wrong' piece. No need to guess what happened...9. Nf6 double-check and mate !!

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-83584353601224017352010-05-24T21:08:00.006+02:002010-08-28T13:25:26.191+02:00

Blitz....so many opinions and I have to say that I agree with most of them. Blitz is nowhere near "real chess", but it is fun and very addictive, and because it often gives you a roller-coaster ride of winning,losing, winning, losing etc, it can be hard to give up ! Here's one from today, I'm Black... Dutch ( well, at least from my viewpoint, not sure about White's ), and it's Bg5, but I am

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-68902416018666529482010-05-19T18:33:00.002+02:002011-10-17T23:14:09.767+02:00

A blitz game... As White I reached the following position... ...and played the second best move Bxf6, instead of the better Nxf6+. However I still had a chance next time around after Qd7. What should White play ? Highlight solution between brackets [20. Bxg7 Qxg7 21.Nf6+ 22. Kf7 23. Nxe8 Qxg3 24. Nxd6+]

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-71721943417346605732010-05-15T17:01:00.007+02:002010-05-15T17:30:21.667+02:00

Not that I play it as White, but I think its great to see a Grandmaster play an opening as romantic as the King's Gambit. Currently there is a series of matches being played involving 5 of the Netherlands most promising "youngsters" against invited GMs. These include Yasser Seriwan (author of many training books), Lubomir Ftacnik (opening analyst and most recent book "Sicilian Defence")  and

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-3302466128730766752010-05-13T16:41:00.004+02:002010-09-01T18:35:26.705+02:00

White has just played Bb6. Black has a neat combination available.... Highlight the solution between brackets.. [ 20...Bxh2+ 21. Kxh2 Qh4+ 22. Kg1 cd ]

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-88291016082992564852010-05-12T11:33:00.003+02:002010-05-12T15:59:58.548+02:00

A forfeit win for me, so good in tournament terms, but I don't play :(  Not quite sure why someone would sign up, be online, be paired and then not respond for 15 minutes...could be lots of reasons, actually, but it would've been easier to just message or withdraw politely ) It might be worth mentioning that I have achieved one of my short-term goals for this month. The T45 round 1 win put my

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165591291420754012.post-80353414803329760802010-05-10T15:03:00.176+02:002010-05-11T13:11:49.014+02:00

First game of the T45 cycle, and I am lucky enough to be drawn as White against an opponent within 50 points of me, so I was hoping for a relatively balanced game. Checking my opponents games, I noticed that he usually played the Petroff against e4, which didn't excite me, but I thought that it would be possible to switch into something more to my liking if I played 3.Nc3. This is exactly what

Signalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16729072457754759564noreply@blogger.com2