Susan Polgar Chess Daily News and Information

K-K Silver Anniversary

2009-07-09T18:44:00.001-05:00

Chess legends to play again 25 years after famous battle
5 hours ago
AFP 7-09-09

MOSCOW (AFP) — Chess legends Garry Kasparov and Anatoli Karpov are to relive their epic 1984 world championship duel 25 years on by contesting a new match this September in the Spanish city of Valencia.

"It will be 25 years since the start of the matches (against Karpov), there is nostalgia about this unique event," Kasparov, now a Russian opposition politician and Kremlin critic, told AFP. "This is where modern chess began."

The September 21-24 match is not expected to reflect the suspense of their first encounter and will be more of "a ceremonial tournament", Kasparov said, explaining there would be a time-limit on moves.

The five-month 1984 match marked the first battle between the famous chess rivals. At the time the world champion Karpov was 33 years old and the challenger Kasparov just 21.

The match was ended without result by World Chess Federation chief Florencio Campomanes on alleged health grounds, a decision that was controversial, as both players said they wanted to continue.

Kasparov later defeated Karpov narrowly. He won the world championship in late 1985 and defended his title the following year. The last time he played Karpov was in 1990 when he narrowly won.

Kasparov has been active in the political opposition to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin since announcing in 2005 he was withdrawing from competitive chess and creating his own political party.

Karpov was undisputed world chess champion from 1975 to 1985 and FIDE world chess champion from 1993 to 1999. Both Karpov and Kasparov are considered among the greatest chess players ever.

Source: AFP News

Teaching 2nd and 3rd graders

2009-07-09T18:38:00.001-05:00

Ex-NFL MVP Alexander taking 'tour for Jesus'
By JOHN ZENORAP
SPORTS WRITER

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Shaun Alexander fills his days with a mix of the spiritual and physical.

The former NFL MVP is on a nine-city tour speaking at churches, clubs and businesses - anywhere that will let him share his Christian faith. In the meantime, a different kind of faith carries him through a tough workout regimen: That an NFL team in need of a running back will summon him before the 2009 season is up.

...Alexander is hosting a lunch Friday at Hank Aaron Stadium to raise money to send kids to Fellowship of Christian Athletes camps. He's also involved in programs to teach second- and third-graders how to play chess and prevent kids from dropping out of high school.

Here is the full article.

Missed opportunities

2009-07-09T14:35:00.002-05:00

Position after 51...Kg8

Naiditsch played well and obtained a winning position. But a series of inaccurate moves allowed Jakovenko to escape with a draw.

[Date "2009.07.09"]
[Round "7"]
[White "GM Naiditsch"]
[Black "GM Jakovenko"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "B35"]
[WhiteElo "2697"]
[BlackElo "2760"]

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 g6 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 Bg7 6. Be3 Nf6 7. Bc4 O-O 8. Bb3 d6 9. f3 Bd7 10. Qd2 Nxd4 11. Bxd4 b5 12. Nd5 Nxd5 13. exd5 Bxd4 14. Qxd4 a5 15. a3 Qc7 16. O-O-O Rfc8 17. Rd2 Bf5 18. Qf2 a4 19. Ba2 b4 20. g4 b3 21. Bxb3 Bxg4 22. fxg4 axb3 23. c3 Ra4 24. Rf1 f6 25. Qe3 Qd7 26. h3 Rf8 27. Re2 Ra7 28. Rf4 Rb7 29. Re4 Rf7 30. Re6 Qb5 31. Qd4 f5 32. Kd2 Rc7 33. a4 Qa5 34. Ke1 Qa6 35. gxf5 Rxf5 36. R6e4 Qb7 37. Qb4 Qa7 38. R2e3 Kf7 39. Qxb3 Rb7 40. Qa2 Qa6 41. c4 Qa5+ 42. Ke2 Qa6 43. Kd1 Rf1+ 44. Kc2 Rh1 45. a5 Rh2+ 46. Re2 Rxh3 47. b4 Rxb4 48. Rxe7+ Kg8 49. Rc7 Kf8 50. Rc6 Qa8? (50... Qb7 +=) 51. Qa1 Kg8 52. Qf6 Rbb3 53. Re7? (53. Rxd6! +-) 53... Rbc3+ 54. Qxc3 Rxc3+ 55. Kxc3 Qxa5+ 56. Kb3 Qd8 57. Rb7 Qf8 58. Rcc7 g5 59. c5 g4 60. cxd6 Qf3+ 61. Kb4 Qe4+ 62. Kc5 Qc2+ 63. Kb6 Qb3+ 64. Ka7 Qa3+ 65. Kb8 Qxd6 66. Ka8 Qa3+ 67. Kb8 Qd6 68. Ka8 Qa3+ 69. Ra7 Qf8+ 70. Kb7 {Game drawn} 1/2-1/2

Click her e to remove the game.

Lightning quick chess tactic

2009-07-09T14:09:00.000-05:00

White to move. How should White proceed?

kr6/r6p/8/5q2/8/p6P/6RK/7B w - - 0 1

Nakamura maintains lead at Donostia

2009-07-09T13:59:00.005-05:00

Round 3 results:

Vallejo Pons, Francisco	- Kasimdzhanov, Rustam	½-½
Svidler, Peter	- Nakamura, Hikaru	½-½
Vachier-Lagrave, Maxime	- Karpov, Anatoly	1-0
Ponomariov, Ruslan	- Granda Zuniga, Julio	1-0
San Segundo Carrillo, Pablo	- Movsesian, Sergei	½-½

Standings after 3 rounds:

1.	Nakamura, Hikaru	g	USA	2710	2½
2-4.	Vallejo Pons, Francisco	g	ESP	2693	2
2-4.	Ponomariov, Ruslan	g	UKR	2727	2
5-6.	Svidler, Peter	g	RUS	2739	1½
5-6.	Movsesian, Sergei	g	SVK	2716	1½
2-4.	Vachier-Lagrave, Maxime	g	FRA	2703	2
7-10.	Kasimdzhanov, Rustam	g	UZB	2672	1
7-10.	Karpov, Anatoly	g	RUS	2644	1
4-10.	San Segundo Carrillo, Pablo	g	ESP	2570	1
4-10.	Granda Zuniga, Julio	g	PER	2647	1

Official site: http://www.donostiachess.com

The state of the USCF

2009-07-09T11:23:00.000-05:00

Under the leadership of USCF President Bill Goichberg, Vice President Jim Berry, VP of Finance Randy Bauer and Executive Director Bill Hall, the USCF lost approximately 1,500 members (according to Mike Nolan) in February in comparison to 12 months ago.

The USCF also lost $420,000 (according to USCF Chief Financial Officer Joe Nanna) in the first 7 months of this fiscal year.

In the month of March, the USCF lost 2,049 members compare to a year ago.

In the month of April, the USCF lost another 2344 members compare to a year ago.

The USCF membership was nearly 96,000 in 2003 and it is less than 80,000 right now.

In addition, due to incompetence and mishandling of legal contracts, the USCF lost the $150,000 guaranteed annual revenues from our official B&E partner.

The USCF can longer afford to host its own U.S. Championship / U.S. Women's Championship, send teams to the Olympiad or the World Team Championship. In fact, the USCF cannot even afford to send its own Zonal President to the FIDE meetings to fight for the rights of our players.

If it was not for the generosity of the KCF or Mr. Sinquefield, there would be no U.S. / U.S. Women's Championship and our teams could not go to the Olympiad. But as of now, our team has no money to compete in the World Team Championship.

Instead of focusing of fixing the many serious problems and finding ways to cut spending and increasing revenues, the USCF leadership continues to use USCF members' money for political purpose.

Many decisions that could effect the future of the entire federation are being made in secrecy. At least two current board members, including USCF President Bill Goichberg, and one past board member were involved in a "bribery for votes" scheme.

Unfortunately, the truth is being hidden from its members. Instead of focusing on promoting and growing chess and the USCF, hundreds of thousands of dollars of USCF members' money have been spent without proper authorization to go after people who are critical of this administration, including USCF volunteers, members and delegates.

3-time U.S. Champion GM Lev Alburt spoke out here about his experience serving on the USCF board. 5-time U.S. Champion GM Larry Evans also spoke out about it many times in the past.

No matter what kind of pressure I face, I will continue to report to you what goes on behind the scene and what are some of the causes for the failure of the USCF. It the next month, I will share with you the specific problems and potential solutions to fix these problems.

http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/2009/02/state-of-us-chess-federation.html

http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/2009/01/11-candidates-for-next-eb-election.html

http://www.uschess.blogspot.com/

Revised SPNI Schedule

2009-07-09T11:22:00.007-05:00

Schedule

July 25

5:00pm: “Warm-Up” Quads (G/30) at the English Building (R1 at 6pm)

July 26

1:30pm–2:30pm: Opening Ceremony – Frazier Alumni Pavilion

3:00pm–6:30pm: Round 1 of SPNI – Frazier

8:00pm Movie Night at the English Building

July 27

10:00am Ribbon – Cutting of TTU Chess Park

1:30pm–5:00pm: Round 2 of SPNI and round 1 of Parents/Friends Open – Frazier

7:00pm: SPNI Chess Puzzle Solving Championship – Frazier

7:30pm: Free lecture by Susan – Frazier

July 28

10:00am Campus Tour

12:30pm Meet and have your pictures taken with the “Masked Rider” – Frazier

1:30pm–5:00pm: Round 3 of SPNI and round 2 of Parents/Friends Open – Frazier

7:00pm: SPNI Blitz Championship – Frazier

July 29

10:00am SPNI Fun Basketball Game

1:30pm–5:00pm: Round 4 of SPNI and round 3 of Parents/Friends Open – Frazier

7:00pm: SPNI Bughouse Championship – Frazier

July 30

10:00am Campus Tour – Free gift bags available

1:30pm–5:00pm: Round 5 of SPNI and final round of Parents/Friends Open – Frazier

7:00pm-8:00 Fun Dance Class – Frazier

July 31

10:00am–1:30pm: Round 6 of SPNI – Frazier

2:30pm: Closing Ceremony – Frazier

Dortmund round 7

2009-07-09T11:22:00.004-05:00

Carlsen, Magnus - Leko, Peter [C88]
Dortmund GER (7), 09.07.2009

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0–0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 0–0 8.a4 b4 9.d4 d6 10.dxe5 dxe5 11.Qxd8 Rxd8 12.Nbd2 Bd6 13.a5 h6 14.Bc4 Re8 15.Nb3 Be6 16.Bd3 Red8 17.Bf1 Kf8 18.Nfd2 Nd7 19.Nc4 Nc5 20.Nxc5 Bxc5 21.c3 f6 22.Be3 Bxe3 ½–½

Click here to replay the game.

Bacrot, E - Kramnik, V [C42]
Dortmund GER (7), 09.07.2009

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Bd6 7.0–0 0–0 8.c4 c6 9.Qc2 Na6 10.a3 Bg4 11.Ne5 Bxe5 12.dxe5 Nac5 13.f3 Nxd3 14.Qxd3 Nc5 15.Qd4 Nb3 16.Qxg4 Nxa1 17.Bh6 g6 18.Nc3 Qb6+ 19.Rf2 Rfe8 20.Qf4 Qc7 21.Re2 Re6 22.b4 Rd8 23.Bg5 Nb3 24.Bxd8 Qxd8 25.cxd5 cxd5 26.Rb2 Qb6+ 27.Kf1 Qa6+ 28.Kf2 Qxa3 29.Ra2 Qc1 30.Nxd5 Qxf4 31.Nxf4 Rxe5 32.Rxa7 Rb5 33.Nd3 Nd4 34.Ra8+ Kg7 35.Re8 Rd5 36.Nf4 Rb5 37.Nd3 Rd5 38.Nf4 Rb5 ½–½
　
Click here to replay the game.

Eugen Schackmann: „Obertsadtdirektor Imhoff gab entscheidenden Rückenwind”

2009-07-09T11:22:00.001-05:00

Official website: http://www.sparkassen-chess-meeting.de/cms/

Sparkassen Chess-Meeting

Eugen Schackmann: „Obertsadtdirektor Imhoff gab entscheidenden Rückenwind”

Im Rahmen der geschichtlichen Aufarbeitung des Themas „Schach in Dortmund” widmen die heutigen Veranstalter das Sparkassen Chess-Meeting seit dem vergangenen Jahr einer Persönlichkeit, ohne die das internationale Turnier nicht denkbar wäre. War es 2008 Klaus Neumann, ist es in diesem Jahr der frühere städtische Verkehrsdirektor Eugen Schackmann.

Schackmann und Neumann waren es, die Ende 1971 den Plan fassten, Dortmund als Austragungsstadt der Schach-WM zwischen Boris Spasski und Bobby Fischer ins Gespräch zu bringen.

Klaus Neumann sah das Unterfangen als Schachfachmann und -liebhaber, Eugen Schackmann wollte mit dem intelligenten Spiel Schach dem Dortmunder Image etwas Gutes tun. Der Deutsche Schachbund war schnell mit im Boot. Allerdings musste für das Unterfangen auch die Rückendeckung der Stadtspitze in Person des damaligen Oberstadtdirektors Hans-Diether Imhoff eingeholt werden. Nach stundenlangen Verhandlungen mit dem Präsidenten des Deutschen Schachbundes, Ludwig Schneider und dessen „Vize” Alfred Kinzel war ausgerechnet nachts um 1.00 Uhr der Augenblick gekommen, die Entscheidung des Oberstadtdirektors einzuholen. Eugen Schackmann griff ohne zu zögern zum Telefon und rief Imhoff an. Dieser war nicht gerade erfreut über die nächtliche Störung, gab aber nicht nur seinem Unmut darüber Ausdruck, sondern sagte auch zu, unmittelbar am kommenden Morgen eine Entscheidung zu treffen. Diese war positiv, sodass Dortmund sich offiziell um die WM bewerben konnte.

Schachpräsident Schneider meinte nur: ”Eine so unkompliziert und zügig arbeitende Stadtverwaltung habe ich noch nie kennen gelernt.”

Und Eugen Schackmann ergänzt heute rückblickend: “Ohne einen Hans-Diether Imhoff, der mit viel Weitblick die enormen Möglichkeiten der Schachtage für die Dortmunder Imagearbeit erkannte, würde es das heutige Sparkassen Chess-Meeting nicht geben.”

Im Endeffekt landete die WM bekanntlich in Reykjavik. Der Schachbund aber war so beeindruckt vom Engagement Dortmunds, dass man für 1973 die 2. Internationale Deutsche Schacheinzelmeisterschaft zur Austragung anbot. Der Star dieser Veranstaltung im Dortmunder Westfalenpark war Ex-Weltmeister Boris Spasski, Sieger allerdings der Berliner Hans-Joachim Hecht. Gemeinsam mit Peter Bachmann kamen Schackmann und Neumann dann auf den Gedanken, im Anschluss an die “Deutsche” ein separates Turnier mit der Bezeichnung “Dortmunder Schachtage 1973” anzuhängen. Sieger wurde Heikki Westerinen aus Finnland.

Die Sparkasse, der spätere langjährige Titelsponsor, war auch damals schon als Geldgeber mit von der Partie.

Das Dreigestirn an der Spitze der Veranstaltung baute dann zäh und beharrlich die Schachtage zum international renommierten Sparkassen Chess-Meeting aus und schuf damit die Grundlage für ein jährlich wiederkehrendes Turnier, das in Deutschland als beispielhaft gilt und auch weltweit seit Jahren höchste Anerkennung genießt.

(Stadt-Pressedienst vom 09.07.2009, Kontakt: Michael Meinders)

The Bobby Ang column

2009-07-09T11:22:00.000-05:00

FIDE rating list
By Bobby Ang
Friday, July 10, 2009 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

The World Chess Federation, known under its chess acronym of Federacion Internationale des Echecs, or FIDE, has just released its July 2009 rating list. Here is the new world top 10 players:

1. GM Veselin Topalov BUL 2813

2. GM Viswanathan Anand IND 2788

3. GM Magnus Carlsen NOR 2772

4. GM Levon Aronian ARM 2768

5. GM Dmitry Jakovenko RUS 2760

6. GM Vladimir Kramnik RUS 2759

7. GM Peter Leko HUN 2756

8. GM Teimour Radjabov AZE 2756

9. GM Boris Gelfand ISR 2755

10. GM Alexander Morozevich RUS 2751

No, we don’t have a new world champion. Topalov is the highest rated player, but Anand is, of course, still the reigning world champion. It is not uncommon that the world champion is not the most high-rated. For example, at the time of the 1972 Match of the Century between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky, the American player was much higher-rated than Spassky. In fact, Spassky actually gained rating points when he lost 8.5-12.5 (seven losses, three wins and 11 draws).

Please don’t ask me if Botvinnik was the highest rated player in the ’50s, or how Petrosian ranked against his contemporaries when he was world champion. The rating system came into use much later. In 1959 the US Chess Federation named Dr. Arpad Elo as the head of a committee to examine all rating systems and make recommendations. The numerical rating system he developed was adopted by the Federation in 1962 and called the Elo system (what else?). It was published in the June 1961 issue of Chess Life. If you, like me, are an absolute chess fanatic and happen to have a copy of that lying around, you will read that "It is expected that articles on the new basis of the rating system will shortly appear in international scientific journals. Dr. Max Euwe, after studying the new system, wrote he was most happy that a full scientific study of the problem had finally been made, and that he was forwarding a report in full to FIDE. Members of the Rating System Committee are Arpad Elo, Dr. Erich Marchand, and Guthrie McClain. Elo, the chairman is Professor of Physics at Marquette University in Milwaukee, and seven-time state chess champion of Wisconsin, first in 1935, and most recently in 1961".

The wheels of bureaucracy grind very slowly, and it was only in 1970, when Euwe became FIDE president, that the Elo system was officially adopted by FIDE. Apparently, the European players, where the old system gave them great advantage and plenty of titles, opposed this change most bitterly.

...The first published FIDE rating list, in 1970, lists the following top seven players:

1. GM Robert James Fischer USA 2720

2-3. GM Boris Spassky URS, GM Viktor Korchnoi URS, 2670

4-5. GM Efim Geller URS, GM Paul Keres URS 2660

6-7. GM Bent Larsen DEN, GM Tigran Petrosian URs, 2650

Yeah, right. Petrosian is no. 7 with 2650, while currently Wesley So is no. 92 with 2646. Well, that is ratings inflation, but that discussion will have to be reserved for a future column.

Here is the full article.

Chess Night in Portland

2009-07-09T11:21:00.000-05:00

July 28 is Chess Night at the Portland Beavers stadium. It begins at 1:00 p.m. with a simul by FM Chuck Schulien, Oregon's highest rated player. A scholastic chess tournament follows. Chuck Schulien and the 2009 Oregon State Champion NM Carl Haessler will be available to discuss chess and analyze games.

After the tournament, Carl will throw out the first pitch at the AAA Beavers baseball game. During the game, winners of the chess tournament will be recognized on the field and presented with special awards.

For more info, click on "Event Calendar" at www.oscf.org or contact onco111@yahoo.com.

Dan Dalthorp
Board of Directors
Oregon Scholastic Chess Federation

Thursday morning chess tactic

2009-07-09T08:57:00.001-05:00

White to move and win. How should White proceed?

Source: ChessToday.net

One vs Two

2009-07-09T08:50:00.002-05:00

Dortmund leader Magnus Carlsen is facing Peter Leko (only 1/2 point behind Carlsen).

Round 7

Carlsen, Magnus	- Leko, Peter
Bacrot, Etienne	- Kramnik, Vladimir
Naiditsch, Arkadij	- Jakovenko, Dmitry

Standings after 6

1.	Carlsen, Magnus	g	NOR	2772	4
2-3.	Leko, Peter	g	HUN	2756	3½
2-3.	Kramnik, Vladimir	g	RUS	2759	3½
4.	Jakovenko, Dmitry	g	RUS	2760	3
5.	Bacrot, Etienne	g	FRA	2721	2½
6.	Naiditsch, Arkadij	g	GER	2697	1½

Official site: http://www.sparkassen-chess-meeting.de/cms/

World's LIVE Ratings

2009-07-09T08:39:00.000-05:00

Rank	Name	Rating	Change	# games
01	Topalov	2813,0	0	0
02	Anand	2788,0	0	0
03	Carlsen	2779,5	+7,5	6
04	Aronian	2768,0	0	0
05	Gelfand	2764,4	+9,4	10
06	Kramnik	2762,8	+3,8	6
07	Jakovenko	2761,2	+1,2	7
08	Leko	2760,0	+4	6
09	Radjabov	2756,6	+0,6	10
10	Morozevich	2751,0	0	0
11	Gashimov	2740,0	0	0
12	Svidler	2737,8	-1,2	2
13	Shirov	2734,4	+2,4	10
14	Wang Yue	2733,1	-2,9	3
15	Grischuk	2733,0	0	0
16	Ivanchuk	2726,8	+23,8	18
17	Ponomariov	2723,8	-3,2	2
18	Nakamura	2722,8	+12,8	4
19	Dominguez	2720,6	+4,6	10
20	Bacrot	2717,6	-3,4	6
21	Karjakin	2717,0	0	0
21	Mamedyarov	2717,0	0	0
23	Movsesian	2716,0	0	2
23	Eljanov	2716,0	0	0
25	Alekseev	2714,0	0	0
26	Akopian	2712,0	0	0
27	Motylev	2710,2	+0,2	3
28	Malakhov	2707,0	0	0
29	Rublevsky	2703,0	0	0
30	Vachier-Lagrave	2702,6	-0,4	3

Source: http://chess.liverating.org/

Elsness leads Norwegian Championship

2009-07-09T08:04:00.001-05:00

Norwegian Championship 2009
July 4 - 12, 2009
Bergen, Norway
Swiss System / 9 rounds

Standings after Round 5:

1. IM Frode Elsness 2445 4.5 points
2-3 GM Berge Ostenstad 2482, GM Kjetil A. Lie 2527 3.5
4-6 GM Simen Agdestein 2572, GM Jon Ludvig Hammer 2583, IM Espen Lie 2457 3.0

Official website: http://sjakknm2009.no/nettsted/

Magnus Carlsen is not playing because he is playing in Dortmund.

Yasser Annotates

2009-07-09T01:02:00.003-05:00

Viswanathan Anand (2715) - Gata Kamsky (2710)
Las Palmas (1) 1995
Ruy Lopez Zaitsev [C92]

http://www.chesscafe.com/

http://www.chesscafe.com/yaz/yaz.htm

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5 O‑O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6

No Marshall Attack today.

8.c3 O‑O 9.h3 Bb7

The Zaitsev has become a part of Gata’s defense system.

10.d4 Re8 11.Nbd2 Bf8 12.a4 h6 13.Bc2 exd4 14.cxd4 Nb4 15.Bb1 g6!?

An interesting idea. Black keeps the center fluid for the moment and intends to fianchetto before ...c7-c5 and d4-d5, which seems quite sensible.

16.Ra3 Bg7 17.e5! 17:09 00:46:40

Good and probably forced. White’s problem is that his d2-knight is tied to the defense of the e4-pawn and can’t maneuver around. If the d2-knight is stuck, how is White to unlock his queenside? The text is a good answer. The d2-knight can be released for Nd2-e4 type action, while e5-e6 will undermine the g6-pawn.

17...dxe5 18.dxe5 Nh5

An awkward response. Black doesn’t like the looks of 18...Nd7 19.e6 Rxe6 20.Rxe6 fxe6 21.Bxg6 or 21.axb5 axb5 22.Qb3, leaving Black facing problems. Gata likely rejected 18...Nfd5, as he was hoping for a queen exchange. After 18...Nfd5, 19.Ne4, aiming for the c5-square, gives White the easier play. Note that 19...Bxe5 20.Nxe5 Rxe5 21.Bxh6 is good for White.

19.axb5 axb5 20.Qb3 c5 21.Ne4! 23:42 01:23:13

Vishy used a lot of time for this natural move. After 21.e6 Bd5! 22.exf7+ Bxf7, Black completes a thematic defensive maneuver. That Vishy thought so long can be attributed to a little rust from a long layoff. He was probably recalculating a lot.

21...Bxe5 11:54 01:12:13

Gata feels compelled to mix it up tactically. But it’s not an equal fight, because the h5-knight isn’t taking part.

22.Nxc5

The simplest solution. After 22.Nxe5 Rxe5 23.Bxh6, 23...Qe7 is an awkward pin. Now White wins the two bishops in an open position.

22...Bxf3 23.Qxf3 Rc8 24.Ne4 Kg7 25.Rd1

Black has fallen into a very difficult position. His pieces are far flung and lack coordination. Also his king is a little looser and the b5-pawn is weak. Not an inspiring result from the opening.

25...Qe7 26.Be3

With the threat 27.Ra7 Rc7 28.Bc5, winning material.

26...Red8

After 26...Nc6 27.Bc5, White clamps down on the d6-square.

27.Ra7 04:20 01:50:22

The amount of time used for this natural move is amazing.

27...Qe6 06:44 01:54:13

As his position grows more difficult, Gata gets into time trouble too.

28.Nc5

A five-minute think to attack the queen? First round jitters and too much double-checking of variations are the likely faults.

28...Rxd1+ 29.Qxd1 Qd5! 30.Qg4! 00:42 01:56:08

Looks convincing. White hits the c8-rook, b4-knight and g6-pawn.

30...Rc7! 01:39 01:56:45

The only move. Black has a back rank mate in mind.

31.Rxc7 Bxc7 32.g3! 01:45 01:59:38

Leaving himself with twenty-two seconds on his clock. What could be simpler than making luft?

32...Qc4 0‑1 01:31 01:58:20

There is nothing to do. After 32...Nc6 33.Be4 Qd6 34.Nb7 Qf6 35.Qd7, White wins a piece. Now in this final position ... Vishy watched his flag fall. After 33.Bd4+ Nf6 (33...Kh7 34.Bxg6+ ) 34.Bxg6 Qxc5 35.Bf5+, White wins. A tragic loss for Anand, who played excellent chess. As for Gata, his rise was like a storybook tale with a fairy godmother watching over him.

Endgame improvement

2009-07-08T20:59:00.001-05:00

Pogosiants, 1980

White to move. Is this a win or draw?

8/8/8/8/K7/1R3p2/1N6/1k3r2 w - - 0 1

SPICE Chess Camp

2009-07-08T20:30:00.000-05:00

CHESS Summer Camp
July 19-24, 2009

Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas

Learn chess from former women's world champion Susan Polgar and her team. Beginners to advanced players are welcome. Campers will practice writing and computer skills. Sports and other activities offered.

• Commuter Plan: $275

For students K-12. Check-in 7/19 2pm-3pm. Camp hours are 3pm-5:30pm on 7/19, and 9am-5:30pm daily (7/20-7/24). Camp ends at 3pm on 7/24. Lunch included.

• Residential Plan: $575

For students 6th-12th grade. Arrive 7/19 from 1pm-3pm. Dorm lodging and all meals are included, including dinner on 7/19 through lunch on 7/24. Camp ends at 3pm on 7/24. Residential plan is based on double occupancy.

See http://www.SPICE.ttu.edu, email SPICE@ttu.edu, or call (806) 742-7742 for more info.

Nakamura wins AGAIN!

2009-07-08T15:28:00.004-05:00

Nakamura, Hikaru (2710) - Vachier Lagrave, M (2703) [B90]
City of Culture, Donostia ESP , 08.07.2009

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 Ng4 7.Bc1 Nf6 8.f3 e6 9.Be3 b5 10.Qd2 Nbd7 11.g4 h6 12.0–0–0 Bb7 13.h4 b4 14.Na4 Qa5 15.b3 Nc5 16.a3 Rc8 17.Qxb4 Qc7 18.Nxc5 dxc5 19.Qa4+ Nd7 20.Ne2 Bc6 21.Qc4 Ne5 22.Qc3 Nxf3 23.Bf4 e5 24.Qxf3 exf4 25.Qxf4 c4 26.b4 a5 27.Qxc7 Rxc7 28.c3 Bxe4 29.Rh3 Be7 30.Nd4 axb4 31.axb4 0–0 32.Nb5 Rb7 33.Nd6 Bxd6 34.Rxd6 Rc7 35.Rd4 Bb7 36.Rxc4 Re7 37.Rd4 Re1+ 38.Rd1 Rfe8 39.Bd3 Bc8 40.Rg3 g5 41.hxg5 hxg5 42.Rxe1 Rxe1+ 43.Kd2 Re5 44.Re3 1–0
　
Click here to replay the game.

Round 2 results:

Nakamura, Hikaru	- Vachier-Lagrave, Maxime	1-0
Movsesian, Sergei	- Vallejo Pons, Francisco	½-½
Granda Zuniga, Julio E	- San Segundo Carrillo, Pablo	1-0
Karpov, Anatoly	- Ponomariov, Ruslan	½-½
Kasimdzhanov, Rustam	- Svidler, Peter	½-½

Standings after 2 rounds:

1.	Nakamura, Hikaru	g	USA	2710	2
2.	Vallejo Pons, Francisco	g	ESP	2693	1½
3-7.	Movsesian, Sergei	g	SVK	2716	1
3-7.	Svidler, Peter	g	RUS	2739	1
3-7.	Granda Zuniga, Julio E	g	PER	2647	1
3-7.	Ponomariov, Ruslan	g	UKR	2727	1
3-7.	Vachier-Lagrave, Maxime	g	FRA	2703	1
8-10.	Karpov, Anatoly	g	RUS	2644	½
8-10.	Kasimdzhanov, Rustam	g	UZB	2672	½
8-10.	San Segundo Carrillo, Pablo	g	ESP	2570	½

Official site: http://www.donostiachess.com/en/

Schach: Dr. Helmut Pfleger eröffnet siebte Runde

Dr. Helmut Pfleger, Großmeister und Schachpublizist, der unter anderem durch viele Schachsendungen im deutschen Fernsehen bekannt wurde, wird am Donnerstag, 9. Juli, 15 Uhr, den Eröffnungszug beim Sparkassen Chess-Meeting im Schauspielhaus übernehmen.

Ich lade Sie herzlich zum Foto/Filmtermin ein.

(Stadt-Pressedienst vom 08.07.2009, Kontakt: Michael Meinders)

Anand: I try to be who I really am

2009-07-08T15:01:00.001-05:00

CHESS / INTERVIEW/VISWANATHAN ANAND

‘I try to be who I really am’

Viswanathan Anand’s chess philosophy is very simple. “Enjoy what you do. Always experiment a lot and have a fresh perspective. Never be afraid of challenges,” the world champion says in a chat with A. Joseph Antony.

The air-conditioners at the Nobel Hall of the Birla Science Centre worked overtime. And there was excitement in the air. Scores of children waited for Viswanathan Anand’s autograph, some getting his famous scrawl on their palms, others on slips of paper, on pads and notebooks. The world champion obliged each of them with a smile and when the numbers showed no signs of decreasing, he simply put his head down to the task of signing autographs at a frenetic pace.

The chess mastermind was in Hyderabad to extend the NIIT MindChampions Academy (MCA) programme to 2005 more government schools across Andhra Pradesh. The MCA kits containing computer-based tutorial material were handed over to principals of the institutions. The event offered children the opportunity to play with Anand, the world champion and the NIIT MindChampion, at regular intervals.

Amidst the throng of admirers, Anand took time out to talk to Sportstar.

Excerpts from the interview:

Question: As the brand ambassador of NIIT did you come across any interesting incidents?

Answer: At Nice airport, seeing me sport an NIIT logo, an Indian came up and wished to know which branch of the computer academy I’d graduated from. When I told him I wasn’t a product of the institution, he wasn’t convinced. Sure that NIIT didn’t dole out freebie sweaters, he probed which batch I belonged to! (Anand endorses NIIT and AMD).

Why did you choose Spain as your base of operations?

A base in Europe gives one easy access to the world chess circuit. I live in Collado and am quite fluent in Spanish too.

Now that you’ve been there and seen it all, what are the new frontiers to conquer?

I’ve no wish list as such, but would like to continue as long as I enjoy playing and the competition.

Have you ever contemplated quitting the sport?

Several times. Fatigue comes, say when there are three tournaments close to each other. Then I take three weeks or a month off. The idea is not to overdose on chess.

What upsets you? You never seem to lose your cool?

I keep a cool exterior, not as any strategy but more so because opponents won’t find it easy to read me. I am happy and disappointed with results, but I prefer to keep my emotions to myself.

What are your links with Hyderabad? Can you trace your evolution from the World quarterfinals at Sanghinagar?

I’ve had some good times in this city. After the World Cup here, there was a slump in 2001. My play became better and my form more convincing. The big milestones have come mostly after 2007.

Your all-time high and all-time low?

The more recent achievements come to mind quicker when it comes to my all-time high. The display at Dortmund in 2001 could come closest as regards the low.

Here is the full interview.

Grandmasters' Statement

2009-07-08T14:50:00.000-05:00

Photo by Betsy Dynako

Dear Dr. Mikhail Korenman and IM Blas Lugo,

In supporting your candidacy for the current USCF Executive Board election, we would like to share our great concern regarding the current status of the US Chess Federation and the direction it is moving. We hope that when elected you can help USCF leadership to follow the mission of the organization and provide the adequate service to its members. Here are some areas of concern:

1. “USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization devoted to extending the role of chess in American society.”

As members of the USCF, we do not support the governance body spending hundreds of thousands of membership dollars for legal fees to cover up political mistakes mismanaging this wonderful organization! Such has taken away potential sponsors for the organization, and negative media coverage is not supporting the positive role of chess. Current leadership has not been able to offer new or sound ideas in a long time. We feel that it is time to involve people who understand these deep problems and can offer real positive solutions.

2. “USCF promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, but also as a means for the improvement of society. It informs, educates, and fosters the development of players (professional and amateur) and potential players. It encourages the development of a network of institutions devoted to enhancing the growth of chess, from local clubs to state and regional associations, and it promotes chess in American schools.”

It is our understanding that the USCF membership is declining rapidly, especially adult membership. There are no new networks or events being organized by this organization. There is very poor, if any, relationship between the national organization and state affiliates. This situation has to be changed immediately! USCF should support the young players to grow professionally, providing more services, and support though organizing many more educational and training activities.

3. “USCF offers a monthly magazine, as well as targeted publications to its members and others. It supervises the organization of the U.S. chess championship, an open tournament every summer, and other national events.”

We are extremely concerned about cutting the Chess Life and canceling the Chess for Kids publication completely. After 70 years as a successful publication, Chess Life is in a real dangerous situation to be shut down. Of course, a big concern for us is the US championship. The rules are changing nearly every year. The system has to be changed and the rules must be set far in advanced!

4. “USCF serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and as a participant in international chess organizations and projects.”

USCF should re-establish its relationship with FIDE. There has not been any official FIDE event in the US for the last 10 years! USCF should support all organizers who are planning to organize international chess events in the United States! It is worse when the USCF management is working against organizers who want to help our players.

Former U.S. Champions GM Onischuk and GM Shulman

*******************************************************************

Support for Executive Board Candidacy

· GM Anatoly Karpov, 7-time World Champion: “I am very impressed with the tremendous progress and development of the chess programs by Mikhail Korenman over the years. He has done so much for chess.”

· IM John Donaldson, Captain - US Olympiad Teams: “I believe Mikhail has the leadership ability, energy, and vision to help the USCF out of its current problems.”

· GM Alexander Onischuk, 2007 U.S. Champion: “Dr. Korenman understands professional, amateur, and scholastic chess. He’ll be a big asset for the USCF EB.”

· GM Yury Shulman, 2008 U.S. Champion: “Scholastic chess program, organized by Mikhail, involve a lot of kids in Kansas and now in Illinois.”

· IM Anna Zatonskih, 2008 U.S. Women’s Champion: “Mikhail Korenman is an excellent organizer and dedicated chess enthusiast. He does a lot for popularity of chess in the U.S.”

· Wes Fisk, Lindsborg, KS, City Council: “Mikhail has worked tirelessly on the behalf of chess and chess players. He is a visionary, who thinks outside the box”

Support for the election was also received by U.S. Champions Onischuk, Shulman, Zatonskih, Goletiani; Grandmasters Akobian, Kaidanov, Ehlvest, Ibragimov, Stripunsky, Khachiyan, Perelsteyn, Goldin, International Masters Donaldson, Shneider, etc.

Dr. Mikhail Korenman

Vice-President, Illinois Chess Association

President, International School of Chess

National media on Dr. Korenman’s chess achievements:

“I am grateful for your hard work to promote peace.” – Letter from former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

“In recent years Lindsborg has witnessed a minor revolution in self-identity, and one man is largely responsible for the shift: Mikhail Korenman has made this town crazy for the game of chess.” – National Geographic magazine

“Mr. Korenman's enthusiasm, imagination and web of contacts have been crucial to the burgeoning appeal of chess here” – The New York Times

“In the United States, Korenman has built an impressive résumé as competitor, teacher and tournament organizer” – The Star

A very tricky puzzle

2009-07-08T14:48:00.000-05:00

Palgukev, 1980

White to move an win! NOTE: This is a very tricky and complicated puzzle!

q6N/1p5P/1p6/1P4kp/8/4p2P/4P2K/8 w - - 0 1

World's 3rd Largest Sports Event

2009-07-08T14:46:00.001-05:00

18th Maccabiah Israel Games - World's 3rd Largest Sports Event
By Larry Butchins
Israel News Agency

Jerusalem, Israel ---- July 8, 2009 ...... Known as the Jewish Olympics, the 18th Maccabiah kicks off in just under a week as Israel plays host to more than 10,000 athletes and 20,000 tourists and supporters from 60 countries.

As the world’s third largest sports event after the Olympics, the Maccabiah Games plays host to 3000 junior Maccabiah athletes, aged 15 -18; 5,000 open athletes, 2,000 masters and Paralympics. In addition to the visitors, Israel will itself be fielding a team of more than 2.000 athletes.

This “Dream Team” of the Diaspora-Israel partnership, the Maccabiah, held every four years, injects more than $100,000,000 into Israel's economy on an investment of $23,000,000 derived largely from private Israel and Diaspora donors, commercial sponsors, the Government of Israel and municipal authorities.

The Maccabiah Games will accommodate athletes in 40 hotels, see the serving of more than 450,000 kosher meals, the consumption of 1,500,000 quarts of mineral water, and 200,000 “meals-to-go” and contestant will be moved around the country in 250 shuttle buses every day.

The Mission of the 18th Maccabiah in Israel has been summed up as follows: to celebrate Worldwide Jewish Fellowship, Pride, Strength and Solidarity in a massed and exciting International-level Sports Festival Event in Israel, showcasing the Value of Sports to the Jewish People. There is no other event or organization in Israel which achieves anything comparable:

According to Nirit Harel French, Executive Director, North America, Maccabi World Union, “The Maccabiah brings more Jews into significant personal contact with our identity, culture, history, heritage and traditions than any other single event.

“It maintains Israel as an International Venue, showcasing Israel as a land of freedom, culture, sport and democracy, giving the lie to the malevolent political ‘Ban-and-Boycott Israel’ campaigns.”

Sports for which competitors will be going for Gold include: artistic gymnastics, badminton, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, bridge, cricket, chess, fencing, golf, gymnastics, handball, half-marathon, field hockey, judo, karate, netball, lawn bowls, rowing, rugby, squash, soccer, softball, swimming, table-tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, track and field, ten-pin bowling, volleyball, water polo, wrestling and windsurfing.

The 18th Maccabiah Games will be utilizing powerful Web 2.0 social networking to connect in real time with millions in Israel and worldwide. There are Twitter channels: wmu, maccabi, israelmaccabiah and #maccabiah and two official Facebook groups.

A state of the art Web 2.0 Maccabiah Web site is expected to be launched within the next 48 hours.

Source: http://www.israelnewsagency.com

GM Rahman in clear lead after 9

2009-07-08T14:36:00.001-05:00

GM Ziaur Rahman keeps solo lead after 9th round

UNB, Dhaka

GM Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh Biman kept solo lead in the Mercantile Bank 35th National Chess Championship securing full nine points after the 9th round matches at the Chess Federation hall-room on Wednesday.

GM Reefat Bin Sattar, also from Biman, is in the 2nd slot with 7.5 points.

In the 9th round match, Reefat drew with Mohammad Ali. Reefat played

with white pieces against Sicilian defense of Ali and settled for a draw in the 52nd move.

GM Enamul Hossain Razib of Destiny 2000 is in the 3rd position with 6 points and FM Abu Sufian Shakil is in 4th position with 5.5 points.

In the day's round, Razib beat Golam Mostafa Bhuiyan of Farashganj. Razib played with white pieces against Caro-Kann defense of Mostafa and the game continued to Advance Variation and Razib won the match after 43 moves.

Shakil beat Jamaluddin of Mymensingh. Shakil played with white pieces against Sicilian defense of Jamal and won the match in 44th move.

In the other 9th round matches, Debaraj Chatterjee of Destiny beat Mohammad Hasan Imam of Air Destiny, Mahtabuddin Ahmed Robin of Titas Club beat Aminul Islam Polash of Air Destiny and FM Taibur Rahman of Destiny drew with teammate FM Mohammad Javed.

The 10th round matches will be held today (Thursday) from 3:30 pm at the same venue.

The 10th round matches: Ali vs Taibur, Hasan vs. Javed, Robin vs. Debaraj, Mostafa vs. Polash, Jamal vs. Razib and Reefat vs Zia.

Source: http://nation.ittefaq.com

Draw on all boards

2009-07-08T11:56:00.003-05:00

Round 6 results:

Kramnik, Vladimir	- Leko, Peter	½-½
Jakovenko, Dmitry	- Carlsen, Magnus	½-½
Bacrot, Etienne	- Naiditsch, Arkadij	½-½

Standings after 6 rounds:

1.	Carlsen, Magnus	g	NOR	2772	4
2.	Leko, Peter	g	HUN	2756	3½
3.	Kramnik, Vladimir	g	RUS	2759	3½
4.	Jakovenko, Dmitry	g	RUS	2760	3
5.	Bacrot, Etienne	g	FRA	2721	2½
6.	Naiditsch, Arkadij	g	GER	2697	1½

Official site: http://www.sparkassen-chess-meeting.de/cms/