by scribe | Aug 29, 2011 | current news, people, tournaments
The FIDE World Chess Cup got started a couple days ago in Khanty-Mansiysk, the little-known Siberian city that has become the de facto world capital of chess in recent years. As usual, it is being held in knockout format. Each round is a mini-match of two games of...
by scribe | Aug 28, 2011 | Chess Lecture, off-topic
If any of you were wondering how I come up with ideas for my ChessLectures, this photo might clarify how the process works. I tell you really good move. You play on computer. It really is true that I was preparing a ChessLecture when my wife took this picture! This...
by scribe | Aug 24, 2011 | games, openings, positions, tournaments
I want to show you a game today that is a mystery in more ways than one. Here is Mystery Number One. This game was played about a month ago. One player is a grandmaster who is very active in American chess. The other player is 17 years old, has a provisional USCF...
by scribe | Aug 22, 2011 | games, openings, positions
Last weekend, at one of his chess parties, Mike Splane showed us the following miniature game where he won in 13 moves (!) against the Fort Knox Variation of the French Defense. Oh, were you expecting instructions for breaking into the U.S. Bullion Depository? Sorry,...
by scribe | Aug 13, 2011 | chess clubs, people, positions, ruminations, tournaments
Last night I met with Gjon Feinstein, Mike Splane and Dan Burkhard to go over some recent games. Mike and Dan had just finished playing in the seven-round Kolty Chess Club championship. Dan tied for fourth, with three wins and four draws, and he was very eager to show...
