Archive for the ‘current events’ Category

World Team Chess Championship

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

Every four years, the world’s chess elite come together to represent their countries in high-level team competition. This time the venue is Bursa, Turkey, with play running from January 3rd to the 14th, 2010. Unfortunately, China declined to send a team, but the rest of the powerhouses are there in force.

Just past the mid-way mark, with five rounds of nine in the books, the USA team is playing inspired, fighting chess. They now sit in 2nd place a half point behind Russia who beat them in the third.

My favorite game so far? It’s a tough choice, but this one, having been played today, is fresh in my mind. It contains some beautiful tactics (talk about hammering home a single square weakness [g2]!) and adds another stunning notch to the King’s Indian Defense’s belt. :)


Hoogoveen Open 2009

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

Our man, (once) hometown hero, Josh Friedel is currently playing the Open Section at Hoogoveen in The Netherlands. The last few rounds have been rough, but he recovered nicely today with this miniature:

 
And a few rounds before that, he had this even shorter and far more spectacular game. As you play it out, really slow down at move 16 and on to appreciate the ideas and lines behind the moves. And, did you honestly see that last move coming?! Wow. Good stuff.


Sidelined for the NH Open

Thursday, June 11th, 2009

The NH Open is this weekend! Alas, this year the $42 entry fee for the New Hampshire Chess Championship (more if you pay at the door) hits the wallet too hard. I’m not used to this budgeting stuff! :P

The good news is I’ll be spending Sunday with my friend Scott, and we’ll be dropping in to the tournament site to catch the big match-ups during the final championship rounds.

And… he’s going to cook up some home-made vegan chili (starting with dried beans) for lunch at his place. Should be a fun day, and I think it’s supposed to finally stop raining and warm up around here. Woohoo!

I’ll see if any of the guys would be willing to send me a game or two for the blog after the event. <fingers crossed>


Topalov Defeats Kamsky

Thursday, February 26th, 2009

Alas, just three games (and two big blunders) later, the game in my last post remains Kamsky’s sole win over Topalov. The latter, having won the match with a score of 4.5-2.5, now moves on to face Anand for the title of World Chess Champion. As for Kamsky, they were speculating in the live commentary today on the ICC that he may once again leave the Royal Game. I hope not, but time will tell.


Kamsky’s First Win Over Topalov

Saturday, February 21st, 2009

Just like Fischer, who’s first win against Spassky did not come until their World Championship contest in 1972, Kamsky also “waited” to draw first blood against Topalov until today, in their all-important qualification match to determine Anand’s challenger.

The score is now level at 2-2 in this ultra-short 8-game match. It’s now already at the half-way mark!

Rumor has it 16.Bc2 is the novelty.



Serious chess. Serious fun!