_Griphin's_Chess_Bl0g_

Possibly the worse chess book written?

2011-12-28T15:22:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile, I read somewhere that this is the worse chess book published. 462 pages it is. I should hunt down some more information about the book, as well as read it one of these days.

(GotD) Sundin vs. Andersson, ICF, 1964 [C16] French Winawar, Petrosian var.

2011-12-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

Here's a game I just read about (Src: Check is in the Mail: Swedish Brilliancy by Alex Dunne, Chess Life magazine, October 1996). I've kept the analysis out, cept for the symbols (? !). What a neat mate, I never saw it. Enjoy...

ChessTV for November 7, 2011.

2011-11-09T16:48:00.000-08:00

Since I've been posting chess games I might as well post this weeks episode, enjoy.

BTW: Even though I don't do many updates, I still believe this blog is a strong resource for the average club player, please let me know in #chess on EFNet if you would like to see any improvements, thanks once again!

(GotD) angeltwo vs. tikEFNet [A00] Polish (Sokolsky) opening

2011-11-09T16:40:00.000-08:00

TiK in #chess on EFNet asked me if I could publish his game. The reason I'm posting it, I really like how tikEFNet mated his opponent. I want to go thru this game in the next few days, enjoy...

(GotD) Me vs. toms92, ChessCube [C02] French, Advance Variation

2011-11-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

Here is a game I just played on ChessCube (I rarely play on FICS there days), but the reason I posted the following game is cause of 15. Nxd5 (my creativity comes in spurts it seems, and yes I know that sounds dirty. :) Enjoy....

BTW: Sorry I've been lack in posting as of late, I lost my focus, spending more time updating my Victoria Demo's bl0g it seems...

ChessTV for October 17, 2011

2011-10-18T22:01:00.000-07:00

Here is ChessTV for October 17, 2011, enjoy...

(GotD) Christykitty vs. Me, FICS 2011.10.18 [D00] Queen's Pawn Game

2011-10-18T21:56:00.001-07:00

Here is a game I just played on FICS (and I thought I was banned from that server?!?), I actually like how the game ended, hence why I am posting it. Enjoy...

ChessTV for October 11, 2011

2011-10-14T00:19:00.001-07:00

Oops, sorry, I have been lax on the blog...

ChessTV for September 5th, 2011

2011-09-07T23:51:00.000-07:00

It looks like ChessTV is producing new episodes again...

Yikes!!! Been too long...

2011-08-20T01:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I totally lost interest in the bl0g it seems. Hopefully I'll sit down and figure out what to do with the blog, perhaps I'll convert some more chess columns or something... :)

(GotD) me vs. shimmi_200, ChessCube.com July 19, 2011 [C40] QP counter-gambit

2011-07-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been lack for a few weeks with stuff to post. So here's another Game of the Day, but why this game? I like how you can use a Bishops and a Queen to perform mate. (oops, had to correct myself) In any case, enjoy...

(GotD) r0bi vs. me, ChessCube [B40] Sicilian Def.

2011-06-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a game I just played against r0bi. What makes this Sicilian defense interesting is rather then playing 4... Nf6 which is standard in this opening, I instead played 4... Qf6. Also there's an interesting fork with 21... Nxc2+. I should be playing at tournaments, but I prefer to play on the Internet instead, go figure. Enjoy...

Position of the Day (Answer)...

2011-06-14T18:18:00.001-07:00

Honestly, I think I'm confused with the answer given. Here's the position...

Chess Monthly gives the following answer: 1. Rc6? Threat Re4# (mate) 1... Bxc6, Rcxc6 2. Qb6 Qf4, Qa7# (mate) but 1... Rhxc6 Solution: 1. Rf6! Bxf6 2. Ne6, Be5# mate.

However, I figured it out as 1. Rxh6 Bxh6 2. Ne6# (mate), I dunno if there is a Black reply.

Interview with Shawn Doyle and Patrick Gallagher

2011-06-10T00:03:00.001-07:00

Very cool interview with 2 of the stars from Endgame.

Showcase cancels Endgame, part II...

2011-06-09T13:37:00.001-07:00

After a few days, I recieved a standard form reply to my original E-Mail:

Original E-Mail
---------------
From: Griphin [mailto: *****]
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2011 3:48 PM
To: Showcase Viewer Relations
Subject: Endgame cancelled?!?

Sad you’re cancelling this show, something original and exciting to watch every week, shame on you people!!!

And Showcase's form reply...
----------------------------
Thank you for contacting Showcase. As you know, we have decided not to renew the series Endgame for a second season. This was a very challenging decision for us, but while we are very proud of the series, for a number of reasons, including audience numbers, we have decided to put our efforts behind other returning series and commissioning new and exciting projects which will be announced in the coming weeks. We appreciate the enthusiasm that the Endgame audience is demonstrating and hope that they will continue to support Showcase and its programming.

Sincerely,

Showcase Viewer Relations
---
So unless there's a miracle, I don't know if we'll see a second series. :(

Position of the Day...

2011-06-08T13:19:00.001-07:00

Odette Wollenweider
1983
Mate in two
Taken from Chess! Monthly, January 2004, pg. 50 (from the article "Congress for Chess Composition", written by Yochanan Afek). Apparently the composer is a Swiss lady and apparently the only known female composer nowadays. Of course, a lot has changed since this was published. Answer will be published in a few days (I thought I figured it out, but I was way off).

Showcase cancels Endgame?!?

2011-06-07T17:42:00.000-07:00

And this just in... Showcase cancelled Endgame, though there planning to show the rest of the episodes for this season. I don't get the logic of this move, but while I mention it, the production company can't seem to use actual chess positions during a storyline (eg. Ep. 11 - Mr. Black, there were numerous wrong positions, they also played the game too fast, I guess the production company feels that people that watch the series don't play chess?!?).

In any case, here are the relevant addresses for you to (in the words of Mr. Arkady Balagan) compose an aserbic letter to... thanks to the "Save Endgame" group on Facebook for the info (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.214599901906155.59302.214228915276587)

Contact list:

** media@shawmedia.ca

** feedback@showcase.ca

**Jessica Gold/Sr. Publicist - Showcase, TVtropolis, Showcase Diva, Action, MovieTime, IFC, MysteryTV and DejaView
P: (416) 966-7543 jessica.gold@shawmedia.ca

**Allison Stokes/Publicist - Showcase, TVtropolis, Showcase Diva, Action, MovieTime, IFC, MysteryTV and DejaView
P: 416-967-2468 allison.stokes@shawmedia.ca

**Natasha Dunkley/Publicity Coordinator - Showcase, TVtropolis, Showcase Diva, Action, MovieTime, IFC, MysteryTV and DejaView
P: 416-966-7227 natasha.dunkley@shawmedia.ca

**Contact Showcase.ca: http://www.showcase.ca/blog/contact.aspxPreset contact form suggesting shows: webmaster@showcase.ca

Last but not least, for the fans who are not online:

Shaw Media
121 Bloor Street East. - 15th Floor
Toronto, ON, M4W 3M5

Tel: 1-866-977-3663

Also there's an online petition you can sign... http://saveendgame.com/

Perhaps Showcase will ignore this protest, money talks right?!?

ChessTV #340 for June 6th, 2011

2011-06-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

Here is ChessTV for June 6th, 2011 (the last episode for this season). ChessTV will return August 29th, 2011.

ChessTV #339 for May 30, 2011

2011-05-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

Here is ChessTV for May 30th, 2011...

(GotD) Me vs.chblackhawks5, ChessCube.com [C30] King's Gambit Declined, 2... Nf6

2011-05-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

I've started winning more games lately, I'm wondering if it's because my opponents overlooking something. I like ChessCube, although the competition at Free Internet Chess Server can be tougher. BTW: Pawns on the 6th or 7th rank you should always look out for. My opponent was stronger in this game.

ChessTV #338 for May 23, 2011

2011-05-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

Here is ChessTV for May 23rd, 2011...

(GotD) Taimonov vs. Evans, USSR vs. USA 1954 [E98] King's Indian orthodox, Aronin-Taimanov, 9. Ne1

2011-05-18T01:06:00.000-07:00

Here's the next game, enjoy...

ChessTV #337 for May 16, 2011

2011-05-17T14:45:00.001-07:00

Here is ChessTV for May 16, 2011, enjoy...

(GotD) Mengarini vs. L. Evans, Marshall Chess Club Championship

2011-05-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

For some odd reason after Larry Evans death I've started going through back issues of Chess Life magazine and various books I've collected over the years to find games that aren't avaliable online. I cross referenced ChessGames.com to see if the games existed online. I've found 3 games so far you can't online. Here is one of the games, taken from Chess Life magazine, October 2001, pg. 47 (from "The Marshall Chess Club in the Early 1950s" written by Aristea D. Mengarini with John S. Hilbert). I shall post the other games in the next few days. I'll start going thru early Evans on Chess articles to see if I can find any other games.

ChessTV #336 for May 9, 2011

2011-05-10T14:29:00.001-07:00

Here is ChessTV for May 9, 2011...

(GotD) Me vs. meou82, Friendly Game, ChessCube [C40] King's Knight Opening

2011-04-29T01:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a game I just played on ChessCube. I really get a kick out of the fork that occurs on move 24, hence why I'm posting it. Enjoy...

Thinking Game

2011-04-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo which appeared on the front page of the Victoria News for April 27, 2010 which was taken during the Grand Pacific Open. Time to hunt down some games, which I found on the official website. I do believe here is the game mentioned which Nino Maisuradze won BTW.

ChessTV #334 for April 25, 2011

2011-04-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

Here is ChessTV for the week of April 25, 2011, enjoy...

ChessTV #333 for April 18, 2011

2011-04-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

Here is ChessTV for April 18, 2011, enjoy...

http://youtu.be/0JjBySBTXeY

Grand Pacific Open is taking place April 22-25

2011-04-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a link for the website to the Grand Pacific Open. This tournament takes place next Friday and lasts until Sunday. The Grand Pacific Open is BC's largest chess event and this will be the 5th annual tournament! The main event is a 6 round FIDE and CFC rated Swiss with $4250 in prizes. There are also a number of side events which are free if you play in the main event and include a Scholastic tournament, an active tournament, Midnight Blitz with $100 in prizes, and a Bughouse tournament to finish off the weekend. Check it out... I just hope I can get games from the tournament, really.

Anand loses to youngster(s) in chess simul...

2011-04-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to an article about World Champion Anand losing to not one, but 2 kids in a simul against Uzbek juniors. Anand in fact lost two games.

A day after this match, on March 28, 2011 Anand gave a simul against the strongest juniors of Uzbekistan and the national women’s team (7 girls and 13 boys aged 7-20). The simul was held over twenty boards and finished with a score of 15-5. I wonder if that's 5 loses though?!?

ChessTV #332 for April 11, 2011

2011-04-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

Here's this weeks episode of ChessTV, enjoy!

The 1000 Best Short Games of Chess cover

2011-04-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

And here is the book that game came from. It's a seventh paperback printing. Simon and Schuster came out with the book.

(GotD) Warner vs. Evans, Cleveland 1947 [C84] Ruy Lopez, closed defence

2011-04-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

I was looking thru the book The 1000 Best Short Games of Chess by Irving Chernev and came upon this game, he was 15 when he played it. Oh that's where the game notes came from. The book is in descriptive notation, so I converted it to Algebraic notation. I still have that Larry Evans article to convert, I'll hopefully do that in the next few days.

ChessTV #331 for April 4, 2011

2011-04-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

Here is ChessTV for April 4, 2011.

Something very cool I found last year...

2011-04-02T02:32:00.000-07:00

When I was at Ron's Books one day last year (I always go there looking for OOP chess books) I came across the book displayed above. I always enjoy collecting rare books, but what sold me was what was on the pages...

Now I wondered, perhaps this is a rare Bobby Fischer book, as the handwritten notes look similar to his notes (I've seen examples from the Fischer auction, wish I had a lot of cash to buy those books), thing is Fischer wrote in pencil, whereas these notes were written in pen. In any case, it's a killer book, and a shame it's in descriptive notation. One day I should decipher the notes, there really hard to read. Anyhow, I always wanted to post this...

ChessTV #330 for March 28, 2011

2011-03-29T18:11:00.000-07:00

Here is ChessTV #330 for March 28, 2011, enjoy...

ChessTV for March 21st. 2011

2011-03-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

ChessTV, Issue #329 for March 21st, 2011.

ChessTV for March 14th, 2011.

2011-03-14T14:33:00.001-07:00

Here is ChessTV for March 14, 2011.

ChessTV for March 7th, 2011

2011-03-10T18:36:00.000-08:00

Oops, I've been lax, sorry...

ChessTV for February 21, 2011

2011-02-22T21:42:00.000-08:00

(GotD) Me vs. James, Chess By Message [C20] KP, Mengarini's opening

2011-02-19T12:36:00.000-08:00

Here's a game I just played on Chess By Message. Some rather interesting play, hence why I'm posting it. Enjoy...

Chess Openings: Sicilian Def.

2011-02-18T14:02:00.000-08:00

ChessTV for February 14, 2011.

2011-02-16T10:09:00.000-08:00

ChessTV for February 14th, 2011.

ChessTV for February 7, 2011

2011-02-08T13:26:00.000-08:00

Enjoy...

Chess Champ Cao is World Class

2011-02-01T15:18:00.000-08:00

(from A-News (honestly CHEK-6 sucks for chess coverage on local TV, I wish I had known about this sooner. Eventually I'll post all of Jason's games (I have 10 of them I think), could Jason Cao be the next Bobby Fischer?!?))

Evans on Chess, September 1994

2011-02-01T13:43:00.000-08:00

(taken from "Evans on Chess", Chess Life, September 1994) BTW: I have a PDF of the actual magazine, the original article is bigger so I'll convert the article to the bl0g in the next few days...

BUSTING BOBBY'S BUST
Bill Greenleaf
Saratoga Springs, New York

Q: In their first game at Mar del Plata, 1960, Bobby Fischer lost to Boris Spassky's King's Gambit (My 60 Memorable Games, No. 18). Shortly thereafter Bobby wrote a famous article in which he claimed to "refute" the gambit. Was he right? By now we should know the answer. Where can I get a copy of his article?

A: "While trying to figure out what was going on in Spassky's head, I blundered and lost the game!" wrote Fischer. His "Bust to the King's Gambit" kicked off the first issue of the American Chess Quarterly [Summer 1961], a magazine I once edited that conked out in 1965. His bolt shot was heard round the world; Soviet analysis promptly sought an antidote.

The article began: "The refutation of any gambit begins with accepting it. In my opinion the King's Gambit is busted. It loses by force: 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 d6! This is the key to a troublesome position, a high-class waiting move. I played 3. ... g5 against Spassky, but this is inexact because it gives White drawing chances in the ensuing ending."

Here's Fischer's main line (transposing into the Hanstein Gambit): 4. Bc4 h6 5. d4 g5 6. O-O Bg7 7. c3 Nc6 8. Qb3 Qe7 9. h4 Nf6 10. hxg5 hxg5 11. Nxg5 Nxe4 12. Bxf7+ Kd8 13. Nxe4 Qxe4 14. Bxf4 Nxd4 (diagram).

"And Black wins... "concluded Fischer, with a little inside joke: "Of course White can always play differently, in which case he merely loses differently. (Thank you, Weaver Adams!)" This was a reference to an American master who had written a book called "White to Play and Win" (based on using the Bishop's Opening, which was later revised to the Vienna Game).

The Fischer Defense is still okay but doesn't win by force. In Modern Chess Openings (10th edition, 1965, page 99) I cited one flaw: 15. Bg5+ Kd7 16. Qd5 Ne2+ 17. Kf2 Qg4 with an equal position.

ChessTV for January 31, 2011

2011-02-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

Enjoy...

ChessTV for January 24, 2011

2011-01-25T15:49:00.001-08:00

Enjoy...

ChessTV for January 17, 2011

2011-01-19T23:20:00.000-08:00

Here is ChessTV fer January 17, 2011, enjoy...

ChessTV for January 10, 2011

2011-01-11T22:54:00.000-08:00

Here is ChessTV for January 10, 2011, enjoy...

(GotD) Me vs. absplush, FICS [C70] Ruy Lopez

2011-01-06T16:02:00.001-08:00

Just played this game, I really like it cause of the pinning which leads to mate. Enjoy...

ChessTV #318 for January 3, 2010

2011-01-04T17:56:00.000-08:00

Here is ChessTV for January 3, 2011, and happy new year!

ChessTV for December 27, 2010

2010-12-31T12:07:00.000-08:00

Here is ChessTV for December 27, 2010 (albeit a wee bit late), enjoy....

ChessTV for December 19, 2010

2010-12-20T19:34:00.000-08:00

Here is ChessTV for December 19, 2010, enjoy...

Playing with converting a book from descriptive to algebraic, wanted to see how it looked...

2010-12-15T13:46:00.000-08:00

Taken from "The Art of Attack in Chess", pg. 48, written by V. Vukovic, conversion of descriptive to algebraic notation by _Griphin_. The version I own is the Pergammon International Library edition, translated by A.F. Bottrall, the English Translation was edited by P.H. Clarke. I highly recommend getting this book. Maybe one day I'll convert the entire book to algebraic notation from descriptive.

Artificial CastlingChess also contains the term 'artificial castling,' which means that a player creates a position the same as or similar to that reached after genuine castling. It is attained not by a single castling move but a series of moves by the King and the Rook. In the continuation from the following diagram we shall encounter the simplest example of 'artificial castling.'

Black to move, played:
1... Nxe4
White's best would now be 2. Nxe4 d5 3. Bd3 dxe4 4. Bxe4, in which case the prospects would remain even. But before taking the Knight on e4, he decides to use his Bishop to prevent his opponent from castling - a calculation which, in this position, is faulty.

2. Bxf7+ Kxf7 3. Nxe4
At first sight White's plan appears to have succeeded, since, as well as maintaining the material balance, he has prevented Black from castling. But the further play shows that Black can carry out an 'artificial castling' without difficulty and has made a clear gain in that he is left with strong pawns in the centre.

3... d5 4. Ng3 Rf8 5. d3 Kg8
Now the superiority of Black's position is quite obvious, and one can easily appreciate the part played by the 'artifical castling'; Black has admittedly expended three moves on it, but White has derived no advantage from this fact, since he has made three moves of even less value, i.e. Bf7+, Nxe4, and Ng3. In a sense, Black was castling while White was transferring his Knight from c3 to g3.

ChessTV for December 12, 2010

2010-12-14T01:58:00.000-08:00

Here is ChessTV fer December 12, 2010, enjoy...

(GotD) Anand vs. Carlsen, London Chess Classic, [C95] Ruy Lopez. closed, Breyer, Borisenko var.

2010-12-11T01:17:00.000-08:00

Today's Game of the Day is Anand vs. Carlsen, Anand actually won the game. (Luke McShane played to a draw against Kramnik (another Ruy Lopez)). Enjoy...

(GotD) Short vs. McShane, London Chess Classic [B76] Sicilian Dragon, Yugoslav attack, 7... O-O

2010-12-10T00:12:00.000-08:00

Taken from: http://chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=6859

McShane's win yesterday was as big a surprise as could be, by defeating the Norwegian genius, and a giant question mark was placed next to his chances. Initially, his chances at anything beyond a decent result were next to nil considering the names and ratings of the rest of the field, yet the second round has forced a complete reassessment with his 2.0/2 start and victory over Nigel Short. McShane grabbed the bull by the horns, playing a full-scale Sicilian Dragon, and Short has never shirked an opening challenge. Things might have gone wrong for the young Brit, but then again, that is the nature of such a double-edged variation, and in the end, he was rewarded for his gutsy choice.

(GotD) McShane vs. Carlsen, London Chess Classic [A37] English, symmetrical var.

2010-12-09T01:15:00.000-08:00

Taken from: http://chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=6856

The big surprise of the round was Magnus Carlsen’s defeat at the hands of England’s Luke McShane, which was revenge for the opposite result in 2009. The game followed a known (if slightly obscure line of the English until Magnus experimented with 9...Ne5, when the more conservative ...Nxd4 and ...Bd7 have been tried before. Magnus moved his knight again a couple of moves later, which was faintly reminiscent of his adoption of another off-beat knight-hopping defence against Mickey Adams at the Olympiad. It was a risky plan, trying to lure his opponent into complications. He succeeded in doing so, but Luke revels in complications himself and brought home the bacon in some style.

ChessTV for December 6, 2010

2010-12-08T19:55:00.000-08:00

Here is ChessTV for December 6, 2010, enjoy...

(GotD) Polgar vs, Carlsen, Arctic Stars Prelim [C67] Ruy Lopez, Berlin defence, open var.

2010-12-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

Yikes, I've still got writers block, nice to see I have 2 followers, perhaps I'll start posting more. Game of the Day is Judit Polgar vs. Magnus Carlsen, enjoy...

(GotD) Silman vs. MacFarland, Reno 1991 [E09] Catalan closed, main line

2010-11-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

Interesting possible mate delivered, worth taking a look...

Chess Queen Kosteniuk on Fox TV 1-25-09

2010-10-23T03:05:00.000-07:00

Don't worry, I'm still here. I haven't posted much cause I really don't know what regular readers to the blog I have, and my interest suddenly went away from the game (although I picked up The Mammoth Book of Chess written by Graham Burgess, I totally recommend you pick this book up, I got it for under $15 Canadian). In the meantime I noticed this video on YouTube, check it out. I still have to prepare for that tourny which takes place next month. Enjoy the video...

Bent Larsen (R.i.P.)

2010-09-11T00:45:00.000-07:00

Photo taken from: chessbase.com

(from chessbase.com) The best Danish chess player of all time, Bent Larsen, died yesterday, Thursday September 9th, 2010, after a short illness. He had suffered for a number of years from diabetes, but it is not yet known whether this was the cause of his death. In the latter part of his life Larsen resided in Buenos Aires with his Argentinian wife Marta. He will always be remembered. Here is the link to the article featured on chessbase.com. Click here to view the article on ChessVibes.

Chess Openings- [B21] Sicilian: Smith Morra Gambit

2010-09-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

I just played the Smith-Morra gambit against a player playing White. Although the opening played was different from what is pointed out in this video (I played 2... e6 rather then 2... cxd4). I have posted the game I played in comparison.

Jack Taylor Memorial 2010

2010-09-09T18:12:00.001-07:00

According to the Victoria Chess Club website, the Jack Taylor Memorial will take place from November 20-21, 2010 at the Royal Scott Hotel and Suites, 425 Quebec St., Victoria BC. (Downtown Victoria at the Inner Harbour.) Although I rarely play much OTB chess these days, I feel like this would be a healthy experience. If anything, I'd like to have the opportunity to report on it. In any case, the map underneath shows you where the tournament will take place.

Still here...

2010-09-04T00:59:00.000-07:00

I've just run into another bout of writers block, that's all.

(GotD) TiK vs. Me, ChessbyMessage.com [A00] Dunst (Sleipner, Heinrichsen) opening

2010-08-24T15:21:00.001-07:00

Just finished this game against TiK, reason I post it is cause I love how the game ends, at the time I didn't even see the mate.

(GotD) jasonroberts vs. me, FICS 2010.08.23 [D00] Queen's Pawn, Chigorin variation

2010-08-23T02:14:00.000-07:00

Just played this game on the Free Internet Chess Server (FICS), enjoy...

Chesscraft for Starcraft II

2010-08-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of a mod for Starcraft II that plays a game of chess. You can download the mod here. Enjoy!

(GotD) Me vs. Sargon I (Look Ahead = 1), [D20] Queen's Gambit Accepted

2010-08-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

I have the disc image of Sargon I for the Apple, so I wanted to see how the program acted on my new P4 computer (now I'm running AMD), here is the game, enjoy...

(GotD) Me vs. Sargon I (Lvl 1) [C67] Ruy Lopez

2010-08-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to figure out what to post ever since I got my new computer, I tend to run out of ideas at times, writers block? Hope I haven't posted this game before, enjoy...

Still here...

2010-07-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

I just got my new computer, so I haven't been posting as much. Now I'm running Windows 7, and I see there's a new chess game that comes with Windows 7, Chess Titans. Here's the Wikipedia writeup about the game. I should start posting in the future.

(GotD) Me vs. Peacemonger, Gameknot.com [D00] Queen's Pawn, Chigorin variation

2010-07-23T13:16:00.000-07:00

Here's another game I just finished, enjoy, though I'm not happy I pinned my Bishop in. (This gives an example of combinations, and how to use them, check out 31. Rxa7.)

(GotD) Me vs. KYBoy, ChessWorld.net [C41] Philidor's defence

2010-07-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

Just finished this game, I like it as I sacrificed my Queen (26. Qe8) fer the win, enjoy!

Free 2 week Diamond membership on chess.com if your a member of Facebook...

2010-07-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

Interesting, I logged into chess.com under my Facebook account today, and was told cause they merged with Facebook I get a free 2 week diamond membership, rather nice of them. So check it out, I say...

(GotD) Ivanchuk vs. Shirov, Wijk aan Zee 96 [D44] QGD Semi-Slav, Anti-Meran gambit

2010-07-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

In Chess Life this month (July 2010), there's a review about the book "New in Chess: The First 25 Years", in the article, they mention about the most spectacular move ever, and display the following game starting with 21. Qg7!! It's actually a really good game, play through it! (This game is also included in GriphBase, where I got the full score from.)

Geico Commercial which has a chess theme...

2010-07-15T02:01:00.000-07:00

I just saw this commercial on TV. Can Andres Cantor make ANY sport exciting? (Andres Cantor is a Spanish-language sportscaster in the United States. Born in Argentina, Mr. Cantor primarily provides Spanish-language commentary of soccer matches, though he covers other sports as well; he also has provided soccer commentary in English. As a result, he is well known among English-speakers in the United States.)

BTW: Apparently he says (in Spanish)... "what an intense game today... he is thinking he is thinking what will he do? will he move the knight or king?? here he comes (or hes coming) here he comes!!!! GOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

Position of the Day - Answer...

2010-07-15T01:45:00.000-07:00

1. Qxe4# (I do believe this is the solution...)

(GotD) Me vs. TIK, Chess By Message 2010-07-10 [B07] Pirc defence

2010-07-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

I played this game the other day. Interesting mate, hence why I'm posting it, enjoy...

Position of the Day - Courtesy Chessmaster LIVE (XBox 360)

2010-07-12T14:33:00.001-07:00

(Position courtesy: http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1460/Chessmaster-LIVE/p1/) I'll post the answer in a few days.

White to move, mate in 1.

(GotD) Me vs. Phrofett11, ICC 1997, [C77] Ruy Lopez

2010-07-10T02:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a game that I played against Phrofett11 back in 1997 on the ICC, enjoy...

(GotD) Night Breed vs. Me, 'X' BBS 97, [A04] Reti Opening

2010-07-08T14:31:00.000-07:00

Here is another game I played back in 1997 (when the home internet was but a dream, and you used the phone line to connect to another computer). Anyhow, enjoy...

(GotD) Cuneo vs. SENSORY CHALLENGE, [B80] Sicilian, Scheveningen var.

2010-07-07T20:31:00.000-07:00

As I was enter games from the February 1984 issue of Chess Life magazine, I came across the following game that was in the Improve Your Chess column, written by NM Danny Kopec. Enjoy!!!

Chess 101 - Tchigorin Defense

2010-07-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

(Photo taken from The Soviet School of Chess by Kotov and Yudovich, page 17.)
Happy July 4th!!! I recently started to look into this defence (1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6) and found a video on YouTube which talks about this opening. Unfortunately he just goes over variations, and doesn't make many comments, but it's a handy video if you wanna learn the opening. The video was posted on YouTube by GamesForLifeInc. Boris Kogan wrote an article regarding the opening in Chess Life magazine, March 1984.

Happy Canada Day!!! Chess in Canada and GotD: Yanofsky vs. Broffman [C10] French: Paulsen var.

2010-07-01T16:56:00.000-07:00

HAPPY CANADA DAY! Here is a link explaining chess in Canada, but I've also included a game played against Abe Yanofsky by my friend Peter Broffman, he actually won the game, I do believe this is one of the last chess games played by Mr. Yanofsky in a tournament. Not sure about that...

(GotD) Me vs. enghrn, ICC 1997.02.21, [C40] Damiano's defence

2010-06-30T00:27:00.000-07:00

Here is a game that I played in 97.

Position of the Day (correction)...

2010-06-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

1... Qh4 2. Rg2 (2. Rxh4 Rg1#) 2... Qxh2+ 3. Rxh2 Rg1#

(PotD) Mate in 2

2010-06-23T18:58:00.000-07:00

(Taken from "Chess Exchanges" written by S. Taubut and S. Jones)

Black to move, Mate in 2.

(PotD) Interesting position in one of my correspondance games...

2010-06-17T15:53:00.001-07:00

Ya think? Oh I'm playing White TiK :)

(Book Review) Pirc Alert! by GMs Alburt and Chernin

2010-06-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

Currently I'm reading a book entitled Pirc Alert! by GMs Lev Alburt and Alex Chernin, I've never really played the Pirc before so its an interesting read. (Here is the link to the review) I also borrowed (thanks to the Victoria Public Library) Dvoretsky's Analytical Manual by Mark Dvoretsky, but that material is way over my head. Here is the link to that review. Both reviews come from Jeremy Silman's website, located here. The above photo came from En Passant, June 1998 (a picture fer all you Pascal Charbonneau fanboys :). I managed to collect most of the issues in the new 8x11 format. Once again, I don't get why this publication isn't published anymore. Before the magazine died they changed the name to Chess Canada. It was printed on glossy paper, same dimensions. Perhaps this is why the magazine isn't published anymore.

Course I miss the old style of En Passant. :)
BTW: If anyone reading this has back issues of Canada Chess Echecs or En Passant for sale, please send me some E-Mail, thanks!

(GotD) Bronstein vs. Tal, 1972 USSR Final [A00] Nimzovich-Larsen attack

2010-06-13T01:15:00.000-07:00

Just had to post something, since I haven't for quite a few days. Here's another mate that I found going thru The Chess Player #4, enjoy... BTW: I'm still playing as crummy as ever, so frustrating!

(Abandonware) Chess System Tal II and StockFish (UCI)

2010-06-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

Here's an old piece of chess software, and yes it works under XP, though I'm not sure if it'll work under Vista or Windows 7. Chess System Tal II is a chess game and sequel to Chess System Tal. Different from most Chess games but similar as its predecessor, Tal doesn't try to play the best and most safe move every time, but instead it has its own personality based on professional chess player Mikhail Tal, who's known for making unexpected moves and having an attacking play style. You can play the game from various perspective including top-down with iconic display and 3D from the player's perspective. Published by Oxford Softworks. You can download it here (RAR archive, 30 megs).

(From the NFO) Chess System Tal II is a knowledge based program. It packs many chess ideas into its evaluation function. It helps to give it some time to work up its ideas. The longer the time control the better.

CSTal II is not designed to play fast chess against other programs. It is designed to play CHESS against other chess players (eg humans). You can watch CSTal play, see its ideas, observe the positional and sacrifical algorithms and learn new concepts from it. Playing endless automated games against other materialistic programs is not recommended for the sake of your own sanity and the development of your own brain. Please get a tank of fish instead.

How to install: Unrar it to a subdirectory and run the CHESSTAL exe, nothing needs to be installed.

There's also a new UCI Chess engine called Stockfish, here is the link. Why do I mention Stockfish? According to GM Lubomir Kavalek (from his Huffington Post column): In a recent computer tournament, ran by Martin Thoresen in Norway, Rybka 4 lost to a program with another fish name, the Stockfish. The name suggests a dead fish, but in this game it came wonderfully alive. It was a typical Grunfeld Indian game, a classic confrontation between a strong pawn center and active piece play with a romantic aura that would have pleased players from 19th century. It is a chaotic masterpiece in which one king goes for a walk, the other is hunted and the sacrifices range from pawns to queens.

Opening School: Carlsen Special

2010-06-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

Check, Mate

2010-06-03T12:32:00.001-07:00

Taken from Victoria News, Wednesday, June 2. 2010.

Not the Dave Cummings I know....

2010-06-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

But it had me wondering for a long time...

The Dave Cummings I do know, however... ;)

[Picture] Magnus Carlsen

2010-06-02T02:18:00.000-07:00

(from Chess Canada magazine, February 2007.) A real shame Chess Canada went out of business, there magazine started looking really good too.

Opening School: Orangutan Opening Part 4

2010-06-02T01:48:00.000-07:00

Here is the final part of Opening School: Orangutan Opening...

GriphBase v0.03b updates...

2010-06-02T00:09:00.000-07:00

OK, I finally got around to updating GriphBase, it now holds over 2 million games. Click here for part one or click here for part two. Hopefully you appreciate my hard work, I crashed the database before, and felt it was time to update the database. Both files are in split-RAR format. Enjoy!!!