Topalov : “Winner with the Rose”
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
M-Tel Masters in Sofia : Final Standings
1st Veselin Topalov 6,5 points out of 10 “the man with the rose”
2nd Viswanathan Anand 5,5 points “the Indian Resigned”
3rd-4th Judith Polgar - the only woman in the world amid the elite must not be ashamed of her result which reinforces her position of "Queen among the Kings" and Ruslan Ponomariov 5 points
5th-6th Vladimir Kramnik and Michael Adams 4 points
See you soon bloggers
2nd Viswanathan Anand 5,5 points “the Indian Resigned”
3rd-4th Judith Polgar - the only woman in the world amid the elite must not be ashamed of her result which reinforces her position of "Queen among the Kings" and Ruslan Ponomariov 5 points
5th-6th Vladimir Kramnik and Michael Adams 4 points
See you soon bloggers
THE BIG LOSER
Vladimir Kramnik who refused to take part in a reunification tournament for the world title, a refusal evidently justified in view of the fact that the conditions have changed to his disadvantage, must have an unpleasant memory of this tournament.
In Sofia, Kramnik didn’t play up to his usual high standards, instead, his play was riddled with imprecisions. Bad strategical choices and especially two disastrous losses against Anand and Topalov are obviously not a good omen for the start of the summer season.
Come on Vladimir…Be strong
In Sofia, Kramnik didn’t play up to his usual high standards, instead, his play was riddled with imprecisions. Bad strategical choices and especially two disastrous losses against Anand and Topalov are obviously not a good omen for the start of the summer season.
Come on Vladimir…Be strong
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
TOPALOV: THE TRIUMPH
Boosted by his supporters and his magnificent victory over the Indian Anand, Veselin Topalov has practically shot to a wonderful victory in the M-tel Masters.
The Indian, despite a fast victory (the game only lasted twenty moves, which is not a lot at this level of competition) against the Russian Kramnik was not in a position to do anything. His second place will leave a bitter taste in his mouth because if the Bulgarian continues in the same way, Anand will find himself overtaken and pushed down to second place in the world rankings by a Topa in super form.
The Indian, despite a fast victory (the game only lasted twenty moves, which is not a lot at this level of competition) against the Russian Kramnik was not in a position to do anything. His second place will leave a bitter taste in his mouth because if the Bulgarian continues in the same way, Anand will find himself overtaken and pushed down to second place in the world rankings by a Topa in super form.
Chess Report
I hope you like this analysis; we will come back to the end of this tournament next week.
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See you soon.
In order to keep you informed when the site is updated, sign-up and send an e-mail to shabanovsky@gmail.com
See you soon.
The Final Act
39.Rxb7! wins two pieces for a rook which is advantageous
39.- Rxb7 40.Kxg2 Rd7 41.Nf8 Rd2 42.Ne6+ Ke7 43.Nxg7 Rxa2 44.Nf5+ Kf6 45.Nxh6 Rc2 46.Bf7 Rc3 47.f4 a4 48.bxa4 b3 49.g5+ Kg7 50.f5 b2 51.f6+ Kh7 52.Nf5! (if 52.-b1:Q 53.g6 Kh8 54.g7 Kh7 55.g8:Q mate)
black resigns 1-0
39.- Rxb7 40.Kxg2 Rd7 41.Nf8 Rd2 42.Ne6+ Ke7 43.Nxg7 Rxa2 44.Nf5+ Kf6 45.Nxh6 Rc2 46.Bf7 Rc3 47.f4 a4 48.bxa4 b3 49.g5+ Kg7 50.f5 b2 51.f6+ Kh7 52.Nf5! (if 52.-b1:Q 53.g6 Kh8 54.g7 Kh7 55.g8:Q mate)
black resigns 1-0
It’s technical
The ending reached is hopeless for black.
30.-Nf5 31.Nf7 a5 32.g4 Nh4 33.h3 Ra7 34.Rd6+ Ke7 35.Rb6 Rc7 36.Ne5 Ng2 37.Ng6+ Kd8 38.Kfl Bb7
In this technical phase, black can’t stop the following combination.
Think…It’s your turn.
30.-Nf5 31.Nf7 a5 32.g4 Nh4 33.h3 Ra7 34.Rd6+ Ke7 35.Rb6 Rc7 36.Ne5 Ng2 37.Ng6+ Kd8 38.Kfl Bb7
In this technical phase, black can’t stop the following combination.
Think…It’s your turn.
Breaking the rock
22.Ng6 Nxd5 [if 22...Bxe6 23.dxe6+ Kg8 24.Rd1 wins the bishop on e7 and the game] 23.Rxe7+ (assures the advantage but 23.Re5 is still stronger) 23...Nxe7 24.Bc4+ Kf6 25.Nxh8 Qd4! 26.Rd1 Qa1+ 27.Kd2 the king leaves his fortress…
27.-Qd4+ 28.Kel Qe5+ 29.Qe2 Qxe2+ 30.Kxe2
White is better...
27.-Qd4+ 28.Kel Qe5+ 29.Qe2 Qxe2+ 30.Kxe2
White is better...
Solid like a rock :+)
This is what we call the critical moment. White has taken risks but is on known territory. Black has defended correctly. He is holding his position, perhaps he is a bit better, however, the lack of time and the practical aspect of the game play a factor. A defence must be found.
20.- b5 (I have, for a long time, analysed 20...Kg8, it’s surely one of the lines to explore in order to defend this position) 21.Bxb5 Be7?? (a big mistake. Vishy begins to tire and loses the plot of the game. 21 . . .Kg8 was still possible. In fact, by anticipating white’s attack, black prepares a counterattack.)
20.- b5 (I have, for a long time, analysed 20...Kg8, it’s surely one of the lines to explore in order to defend this position) 21.Bxb5 Be7?? (a big mistake. Vishy begins to tire and loses the plot of the game. 21 . . .Kg8 was still possible. In fact, by anticipating white’s attack, black prepares a counterattack.)
The Indian Resists
And yes, the Indian walked into Topalov’s home preparation which happens frequently in tournaments. The only problem is how to react to this type of move.
18 - Nb4! (! = good move) [EXPERT : The precise move on 18...Nc7 ?! is 19.Qg6+ Kg8 (19...Kf8? 20.Nf5 Nce8 21.Nxg7!! Nxg7 22. Rxf6+ Kg8 23.Qf7+ Kh7 24. Rxh6 mate) 20.Nf5 Bf8 21 .Bc4 b5 22.Ne7+ Bxe7 23.Rxe7 Qxe7 (if 23...Qf8 24.Rxc7 bxc4 25.Re1 still with an attack...) 24.d6+ bxc4 25.dxe7 always attacking] 19.Bxb4 cxb4 20.Bc4
The Indian resists…
18 - Nb4! (! = good move) [EXPERT : The precise move on 18...Nc7 ?! is 19.Qg6+ Kg8 (19...Kf8? 20.Nf5 Nce8 21.Nxg7!! Nxg7 22. Rxf6+ Kg8 23.Qf7+ Kh7 24. Rxh6 mate) 20.Nf5 Bf8 21 .Bc4 b5 22.Ne7+ Bxe7 23.Rxe7 Qxe7 (if 23...Qf8 24.Rxc7 bxc4 25.Re1 still with an attack...) 24.d6+ bxc4 25.dxe7 always attacking] 19.Bxb4 cxb4 20.Bc4
The Indian resists…
THE BOMBS
Topalov has become the world specialist at creating explosive surprises on the chessboard. His game, which can appear primitive, reveals a complex and spectacular vision as far as attacking is concerned. He is not afraid against the world number one!!!
14.- Kxf7 15.0-0-0 Bd6 (if 15...Bxd5?? 16.Bc3 Nbd7 17.Rxd5 Nxd5 18.Bc4 N7f6 19.Rdl white can exploit the pinned piece on d5) 16.Nh4 Bc8 17.Re1 Na6 18.Re6!! Incredible.
14.- Kxf7 15.0-0-0 Bd6 (if 15...Bxd5?? 16.Bc3 Nbd7 17.Rxd5 Nxd5 18.Bc4 N7f6 19.Rdl white can exploit the pinned piece on d5) 16.Nh4 Bc8 17.Re1 Na6 18.Re6!! Incredible.
The crux of the matter…
The theoretical debate starts. Topalov chose this line as his favourite weapon. The method which he uses is quite direct as we will notice. 7.- c6 (7...Bb7 another possibility) 8.e4 d5 9.Qc2 dxe4 1O.Nxe4 Bb7 11.Neg5 Novelty
[This year, in Monaco, Veselin had preferred 11 .Bg2 c5 12.Neg5 but this time, he prefers to keep the bishop on f1 :+)] 11...c5 [If Veselin is provoked, he is ready to sack a piece 11...h6 12.Nxe6! fxe6 13.Bh3 to pierce Black’s armour. On the other hand, after 11 ...0-0 white only has to develop their pieces to continue the attack. (Bd3 or 0-0-0)] 12.d5 exd5 13.cxd5 h6 (if 13...0-0 14.0-0-0 is dangerous. Castling on opposite sides of the board leads to a bloodthirsty game) 14.Nxf7!
[This year, in Monaco, Veselin had preferred 11 .Bg2 c5 12.Neg5 but this time, he prefers to keep the bishop on f1 :+)] 11...c5 [If Veselin is provoked, he is ready to sack a piece 11...h6 12.Nxe6! fxe6 13.Bh3 to pierce Black’s armour. On the other hand, after 11 ...0-0 white only has to develop their pieces to continue the attack. (Bd3 or 0-0-0)] 12.d5 exd5 13.cxd5 h6 (if 13...0-0 14.0-0-0 is dangerous. Castling on opposite sides of the board leads to a bloodthirsty game) 14.Nxf7!
Topalov – Anand (6th round)
This game was one of the most exciting moments of this tournament.
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 (If 3.Nc3 Bb4, we have a “Nimzo” [the Nimzowitsch defence] which has been Karpov, Anand and Kramnik’s favourite weapon for some time) 3...b6 (This order of moves leads us to the Queen’s Indian Defence, Indian because the bishop goes on the little side and Queen because the pawn move is played on the Queen’s side of the board. Against d4, if we play Nf6 and g6, we have chances to play the King’s Indian. Logical.) 4. g3 Ba6 5.b3 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Be7 (the last two black moves are popular because they are supposed to disrupt White’s game) 7.Nc3
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 (If 3.Nc3 Bb4, we have a “Nimzo” [the Nimzowitsch defence] which has been Karpov, Anand and Kramnik’s favourite weapon for some time) 3...b6 (This order of moves leads us to the Queen’s Indian Defence, Indian because the bishop goes on the little side and Queen because the pawn move is played on the Queen’s side of the board. Against d4, if we play Nf6 and g6, we have chances to play the King’s Indian. Logical.) 4. g3 Ba6 5.b3 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Be7 (the last two black moves are popular because they are supposed to disrupt White’s game) 7.Nc3
Provisional Standings
Before starting to look at the analysis of a brilliant attacking game, I propose you to glance at the provisional standings after six games.
1st. Ruslan Ponomariov : 3.5 points out of 6
2nd-5th. Vladimir Kramnik, Michael Adams, Veselin Topalov, Judit Polgar : 3 points
6th. Vishwanathan Anand : 2.5 points
At this stage, there is not a lot separating the players, therefore, it is difficult to predict a winner for the tournament.
1st. Ruslan Ponomariov : 3.5 points out of 6
2nd-5th. Vladimir Kramnik, Michael Adams, Veselin Topalov, Judit Polgar : 3 points
6th. Vishwanathan Anand : 2.5 points
At this stage, there is not a lot separating the players, therefore, it is difficult to predict a winner for the tournament.
Monday, May 23, 2005
M-tel Masters Sofia (BULGARIA) Follow Up
The best players in the world take part in this tournament.
The only absentee is Peter Leko who is preparing for his next match against the Englishman Adams.
In Sofia, the organisers have come up with an innovative and subtle rule!
The players in this tournament are not allowed to offer their opponents a draw (a customary habit in the chess world). For this reason, the matches are very tense and we see the players fighting until the bitter end.
The only absentee is Peter Leko who is preparing for his next match against the Englishman Adams.
In Sofia, the organisers have come up with an innovative and subtle rule!
The players in this tournament are not allowed to offer their opponents a draw (a customary habit in the chess world). For this reason, the matches are very tense and we see the players fighting until the bitter end.
M-tel Masters Sofia (BULGARIA)
During the week, this small country located in the heart of Europe will be the centre of attention for chess. Bulgaria with its two chess superstars was bound to organise a high class international tournament. Now it’s done.
THE TWO BULGARIAN SUPERSTARS
Veselin Topalov : With an impressive list of achievements since the last ten years, Veselin made himself known in style with an historic victory over the King Garry Kasparov. This was his last game.
Antoaneta Stefanova : The current world champion, Antoaneta also achieves the best results among the elite female players.
10 games (a double round robin tournament with 5 matches; each player plays the opponent twice, once with the black pieces and once with the white pieces), will be enough to determine the winner out of the six competitors.
What a super line-up…
TO FOLLOW
THE TWO BULGARIAN SUPERSTARS
Veselin Topalov : With an impressive list of achievements since the last ten years, Veselin made himself known in style with an historic victory over the King Garry Kasparov. This was his last game.
Antoaneta Stefanova : The current world champion, Antoaneta also achieves the best results among the elite female players.
10 games (a double round robin tournament with 5 matches; each player plays the opponent twice, once with the black pieces and once with the white pieces), will be enough to determine the winner out of the six competitors.
What a super line-up…
TO FOLLOW
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
GRAND PRIX OF BORDEAUX 2005 (Final part)
A big thank you to Stéphane Laborde, Mathieu Samakh and all their team for knowing how to create a first class event. May it last!
If you would like to see the games, go to the official website Grand Prix de Bordeaux and if you have any questions, write to me at shabanovsky@gmail.com
See you soon bloggers
If you would like to see the games, go to the official website Grand Prix de Bordeaux and if you have any questions, write to me at shabanovsky@gmail.com
See you soon bloggers
SUDDEN DEATH
It’s every chess player’s nightmare. Five minutes are given to white and four minutes to black. White must win as if they had to score a penalty.
Hicham takes white. He starts off like a canon and plays mystical and fantastic moves against Karpov who persists with his caro-kann defence. After a few moves, the former world champion is agonising. He can’t believe it. The combination played out by the genius Moroccan seems to work.
However, the latter forgets that he can take his time and wanting to squash his opponent, he commits a few errors. Karpov escapes little by little from the claws of his enemy and finally dominates in a position which leaves no hope for Hicham. What an excitement! A real dream for the audience due to the thrill of the show.
And yes, KARPOV is there…
Hicham takes white. He starts off like a canon and plays mystical and fantastic moves against Karpov who persists with his caro-kann defence. After a few moves, the former world champion is agonising. He can’t believe it. The combination played out by the genius Moroccan seems to work.
However, the latter forgets that he can take his time and wanting to squash his opponent, he commits a few errors. Karpov escapes little by little from the claws of his enemy and finally dominates in a position which leaves no hope for Hicham. What an excitement! A real dream for the audience due to the thrill of the show.
And yes, KARPOV is there…
Sunday 16:00: THE GRAND FINAL
Anatoly Karpov 3-2 Hicham Hamdouchi
The match was simply fantastic. Hicham worries Karpov with the white pieces. The latter misses a combination and finds himself in a difficult situation. Lacking time, the former world champion comes back gradually in the game. But in the final sprint, the Moroccan dominates.
In the second game, the former world champion dominates against the Moroccan’s Benoni defence.
We now come to the tiebreak. Another match consisting of two games takes place but each player is allocated less time. With the white pieces, Karpov dominates in a Maroczy type of position. In the second game, same scenario. The Moroccan creates problems for Karpov and his caro-kann defence, finishing in spectacular style.
Then comes sudden death…
The match was simply fantastic. Hicham worries Karpov with the white pieces. The latter misses a combination and finds himself in a difficult situation. Lacking time, the former world champion comes back gradually in the game. But in the final sprint, the Moroccan dominates.
In the second game, the former world champion dominates against the Moroccan’s Benoni defence.
We now come to the tiebreak. Another match consisting of two games takes place but each player is allocated less time. With the white pieces, Karpov dominates in a Maroczy type of position. In the second game, same scenario. The Moroccan creates problems for Karpov and his caro-kann defence, finishing in spectacular style.
Then comes sudden death…
The match for 3rd place
Sunday 14:00 : Laurent Fressinet 2-0 Jean Luc Chabanon
In this match for third place, Laurent seems more inspired than ever.
With the white pieces, he asserts unpleasant pressure. And even if I resisted well, nothing succeeded.
In the second game, I must confess that a loud noise coming from the commentary room made me jump (a good excuse :+)). Two moves later, I forgot about my queen, and obviously I lost.
Nevermind!
In this match for third place, Laurent seems more inspired than ever.
With the white pieces, he asserts unpleasant pressure. And even if I resisted well, nothing succeeded.
In the second game, I must confess that a loud noise coming from the commentary room made me jump (a good excuse :+)). Two moves later, I forgot about my queen, and obviously I lost.
Nevermind!
The semi-finals
Saturday 14:00 : Anatoly Karpov 1,5-0,5 Jean Luc Chabanon
An unforgettable moment but a one-sided match. I chose his favourite territory, that is to say, a solid and technical game. Almost like Borg in the 70s, in some sort of way…
In the first game, after some unbelievable acrobatic exploits, I obtain a position which will remain equal until the end. However, the lack of time plays a crucial role until the last second. And yes, I lost on time. My flag fell.
In the second game, I made an error in the opening. Karpov gets an early advantage but after a long struggle I managed to grab half a point.
The match is lost but my honour is safe.
Saturday 16:00 : Hicham Hamdouchi 1,5-0,5 Laurent Fressinet
This second semi-final was much awaited in view of the strength and reputation of the two grandmasters. Laurent starts with the white pieces. But Hicham spits fire with his Dragon defence. (And yes, this is really the name of the opening). The game is fought with the advantage swinging from side to side. At the end, the game is drawn. The public, very excited by this match, expect an equally electric second half. However, this time the Moroccan uses the strategy of the desert. Expert in tactics and rhythm changes in positions, he surprises young Lolo who gradually heads towards defeat. Hicham will be the second finalist.
An unforgettable moment but a one-sided match. I chose his favourite territory, that is to say, a solid and technical game. Almost like Borg in the 70s, in some sort of way…
In the first game, after some unbelievable acrobatic exploits, I obtain a position which will remain equal until the end. However, the lack of time plays a crucial role until the last second. And yes, I lost on time. My flag fell.
In the second game, I made an error in the opening. Karpov gets an early advantage but after a long struggle I managed to grab half a point.
The match is lost but my honour is safe.
Saturday 16:00 : Hicham Hamdouchi 1,5-0,5 Laurent Fressinet
This second semi-final was much awaited in view of the strength and reputation of the two grandmasters. Laurent starts with the white pieces. But Hicham spits fire with his Dragon defence. (And yes, this is really the name of the opening). The game is fought with the advantage swinging from side to side. At the end, the game is drawn. The public, very excited by this match, expect an equally electric second half. However, this time the Moroccan uses the strategy of the desert. Expert in tactics and rhythm changes in positions, he surprises young Lolo who gradually heads towards defeat. Hicham will be the second finalist.
Monday, May 16, 2005
The quarter-finals (Part 2)
Friday 20:00 : Anatoly Karpov 3-1 Marie Sebag
The champion qualifies for the next round but his victory is not so clearcut thanks to the resistance of the young genius. Marie plays beautifully and at the end of the first two rapidplay games the score is equal. In this case, two more games are played at a faster time control (5 minutes per player). This is Karpov’s speciality and even if young Marie misses the chance to win a rook, Anatoly once more shows that he is a tough guy to crack…
Friday 22:00 : Laurent Fressinet 2-0 Xavier Beudaert
The match ends with the logical victory of the young player from Dax.
The champion qualifies for the next round but his victory is not so clearcut thanks to the resistance of the young genius. Marie plays beautifully and at the end of the first two rapidplay games the score is equal. In this case, two more games are played at a faster time control (5 minutes per player). This is Karpov’s speciality and even if young Marie misses the chance to win a rook, Anatoly once more shows that he is a tough guy to crack…
Friday 22:00 : Laurent Fressinet 2-0 Xavier Beudaert
The match ends with the logical victory of the young player from Dax.
What does White threaten to do after moving the knight to g5 ?!
White: JL.Chabanon - A.Rainfray : Black
The quarterfinals
Thursday 20:00 : Jean-Luc Chabanon 2-0 Arnaud Rainfray
A nice victory which enabled me to face the great Karpov
Thursday 22:00 : Hicham Hamdouchi 1,5–0,5 Namig Gouliev
The best Moroccan and African player dominates in the second game. His aim is to win. It is clear that he is very focused.
A nice victory which enabled me to face the great Karpov
Thursday 22:00 : Hicham Hamdouchi 1,5–0,5 Namig Gouliev
The best Moroccan and African player dominates in the second game. His aim is to win. It is clear that he is very focused.
GRAND PRIX OF BORDEAUX 2005
This area of the southwest of France, renowned for its sweet drinks, was the location chosen to hold this spectacular event. During four days, eight top class players including the author of these lines, battled. Many inhabitants from the Gironde region came to attend the antepenultimate exploit of Anatoly Karpov, a product of the Soviet School of Chess.
However, this time, he had a narrow escape…:o)
However, this time, he had a narrow escape…:o)
Monday, May 09, 2005
To Conclude
I hope that this analytical display has given you the desire to want to know more.
As I have previously indicated in Shabanovsky vs Bloggers, it would better for you to acquire some knowledge concerning the notation in chess. Also, don’t hesitate to equip yourself with a little magnetic chess set :o)
(+ = check) (! = good move) (? = bad move) (# = check and mate) (x = take)
In this tournament, the young American Nakamura let's the title slip from his hands in favour of the Indian Sasikiran and the Dutch star Jan Timman. And yes, he attempted the unbelievable. The American who is one of the world’s best players tried to bluff the Indian with the renowned Scholar’s mate, exactly like the tennis man Michael Chang when he served underarm at Roland Garros.
See you soon.
As I have previously indicated in Shabanovsky vs Bloggers, it would better for you to acquire some knowledge concerning the notation in chess. Also, don’t hesitate to equip yourself with a little magnetic chess set :o)
(+ = check) (! = good move) (? = bad move) (# = check and mate) (x = take)
In this tournament, the young American Nakamura let's the title slip from his hands in favour of the Indian Sasikiran and the Dutch star Jan Timman. And yes, he attempted the unbelievable. The American who is one of the world’s best players tried to bluff the Indian with the renowned Scholar’s mate, exactly like the tennis man Michael Chang when he served underarm at Roland Garros.
See you soon.
A NICE FINISH
30...Qxd7[EXPERT : 30...Rxd7 31.Qg6!! (superb, the queen profits as the pawn on f7 is pinned to the king thanks to the bishop on a2) Bxe3 32.fxe3 A) 32...Rdl+ 33.Kf2 Rd2+ 34.Kel Rxb2 black doesn’t have the advantage anymore so 35.Bxf7+ Kf8 36.Rh8+ Ke7
37.Rxe8+ Kd7 38.Qd3+ Kc6 39.Qc4+ Kb7 40.Bd5+ Nxd5 41.Qxd5+ wins quickly because the escaping king has no shelter anymore B) 32...Rf8 33.Rh7 is the principal mating threaten on g7 or f7]
31.Qg6 Bxe3 32.Rh7!!(to mate on g7) Bxf2+ [32...Nxh7 33.Qxh7+ Tf8 34.Qh8 and it’s]
33.Kh2!!(Incredible, white, with not much time, has found the exact way to escape the checks...And yes, in chess we use a "timer"[if white had made a mistake 33.Kg2? Qc6+ 34.Nf3 Qxf3+!! would have changed the situation after 35.Kxf3 Nxh7])
33...Bg1+ 34.Kh1!! Qc6+ 35.Kxg1 Qc5+ 36.Kf1 Qb5+ 37.Ke1 (and black has run out of checks whereas white has check and mate)
1-0
37.Rxe8+ Kd7 38.Qd3+ Kc6 39.Qc4+ Kb7 40.Bd5+ Nxd5 41.Qxd5+ wins quickly because the escaping king has no shelter anymore B) 32...Rf8 33.Rh7 is the principal mating threaten on g7 or f7]
31.Qg6 Bxe3 32.Rh7!!(to mate on g7) Bxf2+ [32...Nxh7 33.Qxh7+ Tf8 34.Qh8 and it’s]
33.Kh2!!(Incredible, white, with not much time, has found the exact way to escape the checks...And yes, in chess we use a "timer"[if white had made a mistake 33.Kg2? Qc6+ 34.Nf3 Qxf3+!! would have changed the situation after 35.Kxf3 Nxh7])
33...Bg1+ 34.Kh1!! Qc6+ 35.Kxg1 Qc5+ 36.Kf1 Qb5+ 37.Ke1 (and black has run out of checks whereas white has check and mate)
1-0
Think a bit
Look at the white pieces: the queen on c2, the bishop on a2, the knight on g5 and the rook on h4…
You will soon understand.
You will soon understand.
www.wahoo.com
26... h6?! A strange choice (26...e4 27.g5 exf3 28.Qd3 Ne5
29.Bxe5 Rxe5 30.gxf6 g6 31.Bd5 Qc7 32.Rg4 Kh8 33.Bxf3 Rf5 black with an extra pawn keeps the best chances...ok it’s true, I was a little quick but you must believe me) 27.g5 hxg5 28.Nxg5 (white really starts to have some play and after)28... Rce8 29.Qc2 Qc7 30.Rxd7!! www.wahoo.com
White plays a superb exchange sacrifice (a rook against a knight) to finish the attack on the black king.
But the show is only starting...
29.Bxe5 Rxe5 30.gxf6 g6 31.Bd5 Qc7 32.Rg4 Kh8 33.Bxf3 Rf5 black with an extra pawn keeps the best chances...ok it’s true, I was a little quick but you must believe me) 27.g5 hxg5 28.Nxg5 (white really starts to have some play and after)28... Rce8 29.Qc2 Qc7 30.Rxd7!! www.wahoo.com
White plays a superb exchange sacrifice (a rook against a knight) to finish the attack on the black king.
But the show is only starting...
Don’t be nervous :+)
21...Bxc6 22.bxc6 Qxc6 23.Rc4 (23.Ne5 Nxe5 24.Bxe5 leads to an almost equal position) 23...e5 (black reacts in the centre) 24.Ba2 Qb7 (if 24...e4 25.Nd4 is not so clear…you will become used to the technical jargon. One of the favourite expressions used by many players is, “yeah, it’s not clear.”
25.Rh4 (A real VIKING move...white brings his heavy artillery towards the black king) 25... Re7 26.g4 (without any worry white wants to kick the knight from f6 away in order to deal the black king).
Tension...
25.Rh4 (A real VIKING move...white brings his heavy artillery towards the black king) 25... Re7 26.g4 (without any worry white wants to kick the knight from f6 away in order to deal the black king).
Tension...
HOW WILL THE OPPONENT REACT ???
10.a3 [EXPERT : we know as well the following 10.d5 Bxc3 11.dxe6 Ne5 12.exf7+ Kh8 13.bxc3 Bg4 14.e4 Nh5 15.Bd5 Bxf3 16.gxf3 Ng6 17.Khl Nhf4 18.Bxf4 Nxf4 19.Qdl Nxd5 20.Qxd5 Qxd5 21.exd5 Rxf7 22.Kg2 Raf8 23.Radl which finished in a draw in the game Berkes against Palac (Rabac, Croatia 2003)]
10...cxd4 11.Nb5 (if white takes the bishop on b4, black replies by taking the knight on c3. The b2 pawn takes on c3 but after having put the black bishop on b7, where it is placed on the long diagonal, black will have no worries as he controls the centre and is well developed.)
11... Be7 12.Nbxd4 Bb7 13.b4 a5?! [Joel Lautier had played the most reasonable move 13...a6 against the Russian Onischuk and had held his position easily in Moscow, 2002. The disadvantage of the move a5 is that after… 14.b5 (...white controls the square c6 for future penetration) 14... Qc7 15.Bb2 Rac8 16.Rac1 Qb8 17.Rfdl Bd6 18.h3 Rfe8
19.Ba2?! [19.Bd3! both camps have finished their development but white makes a mistake by placing his bishop on the wrong diagonal. On a2, the bishop isn’t doing a lot.
19...Bc5 20.Bbl Qa8 21.Nc6...white has understood that the bishop on a2 was misplaced but it is not the end of the world. All the same, white sacrifices a pawn to open up the position…
How will the opponent react???
TO FOLLOW
10...cxd4 11.Nb5 (if white takes the bishop on b4, black replies by taking the knight on c3. The b2 pawn takes on c3 but after having put the black bishop on b7, where it is placed on the long diagonal, black will have no worries as he controls the centre and is well developed.)
11... Be7 12.Nbxd4 Bb7 13.b4 a5?! [Joel Lautier had played the most reasonable move 13...a6 against the Russian Onischuk and had held his position easily in Moscow, 2002. The disadvantage of the move a5 is that after… 14.b5 (...white controls the square c6 for future penetration) 14... Qc7 15.Bb2 Rac8 16.Rac1 Qb8 17.Rfdl Bd6 18.h3 Rfe8
19.Ba2?! [19.Bd3! both camps have finished their development but white makes a mistake by placing his bishop on the wrong diagonal. On a2, the bishop isn’t doing a lot.
19...Bc5 20.Bbl Qa8 21.Nc6...white has understood that the bishop on a2 was misplaced but it is not the end of the world. All the same, white sacrifices a pawn to open up the position…
How will the opponent react???
TO FOLLOW
Nimzowitsch Defence
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 (in this position the move bishop b4 leads us into the Nimzo-Indian) 4.e3 (the Rubinstein Variation is one of White’s most frequent replies to the Nimzo) O-O 5.Bd3 c5 6.Nf3 d5 7.O-O dxc4 8.Bxc4 Nbd7 9.Qe2 b6 up to this point, we can say that both players have developed their pieces. This is a fundamental principal in chess...
Tiger, HILLARP PERSSON vs Sune Berg, HANSEN
To know more about Copenhagen : Go There
We will now pass to something that has attracted my attention. I have chosen a spectacular game where the tiger (coming back to my previous post where I spoke about the lion) launched a savage attack with the white pieces. Several chessboards have been posted so that you can follow the game better. However, I advise you to follow the game on your own chessboard.
We will now pass to something that has attracted my attention. I have chosen a spectacular game where the tiger (coming back to my previous post where I spoke about the lion) launched a savage attack with the white pieces. Several chessboards have been posted so that you can follow the game better. However, I advise you to follow the game on your own chessboard.
SIGEMAN & Co
The crosstable below shows one of the strongest tournaments held in Scandinavia. The third edition of this tournament, a category XIII event (determined by the players’ rating), takes place in Malmö and Copenhagen.
This profitable tournament for the professionals will hopefully last a long time because the directors of the company Sigeman & Co have a passion for the game of chess. But rather to continue talking about this tournament, I propose a little trip to the cold countries. Take your coat…
This profitable tournament for the professionals will hopefully last a long time because the directors of the company Sigeman & Co have a passion for the game of chess. But rather to continue talking about this tournament, I propose a little trip to the cold countries. Take your coat…
On the Russian political scene
Surprise: Garry Kasparov, the strongest chess player from the end of the 20th to the beginning of the 21st century, has just announced the end of his career at the age of 41.
One could imagine him as a young pensioner spending relaxing days with his wife and his children. But no, the King of the 64 squares has decided to embark on a political career.
His assets, his international notoriety, his strong will and contrary to Bobby the capricious, his exemplary image in many countries will, no doubt, help him to fulfil his ambition.
He has therefore thrown himself into the creation of a democratic party in Russia. However, nothing is clear-cut at this stage. In politics, contrary to chess, grandmasters don’t always make the best moves. The proof, during a recent meeting, Garry was hit with a chessboard by a so-called admirer…
more on this story
One could imagine him as a young pensioner spending relaxing days with his wife and his children. But no, the King of the 64 squares has decided to embark on a political career.
His assets, his international notoriety, his strong will and contrary to Bobby the capricious, his exemplary image in many countries will, no doubt, help him to fulfil his ambition.
He has therefore thrown himself into the creation of a democratic party in Russia. However, nothing is clear-cut at this stage. In politics, contrary to chess, grandmasters don’t always make the best moves. The proof, during a recent meeting, Garry was hit with a chessboard by a so-called admirer…
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