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| White to play and checkmate in two. Move cursor to right after colon to read answer: Rg1 |
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White to play and checkmate in three.
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Saturday, June 30, 2012
Saturday Chess Puzzle - Two Smart Checkmates
Friday, June 29, 2012
Chess Game Adjournments Back in ACP New Golden Classic Event with Ivanchuk as Top Seed; India's Sasikiran to Play
The ACP, in collaboration with Science Park Amsterdam Chess, has announced the 'ACP Golden Classic' that will take place in Amsterdam from 14 to 22 July, in the same venue and at the same time as the Dutch Championships and the SPA Open.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
French Chess Magazine Organises Game Against Anatoly Karpov Through Tour de France
This chess event is an exciting one for everyone interested in the Tour de France. You can now play against former World Chess Champion Anatoly Karpov of Russia. The French chess magazine of Europe Echecs is organising a super chess game for players from around the world along side the Tour de France 2012 that begins on Saturday, June 30.
Alan Turing Paper Machine Versus Garry Kasparov Chess Game Moves
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| Garry Kasparov@Turing Centenary |
Kasparov Chess Match Versus Alan Turing's 'Paper Machine' at Centenary Celebrations in Manchester
Here are the game moves as played in Manchester during the Turing centenary celebrations. (Visit the www.blackandwhiteindia.com site to replay the game if you are reading a shared post)
World Chess Champion Vishy Anand's Lecture Video in Madrid for Accenture plc
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
London Chess Classic 2012 Invitations Sent to Anand, Carlsen, Kramnik, Nakamura, Aronian, Polgar, Adams, McShane & Jones
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Kings Chess Postponement: World Chess Champ Vishy Anand Disappointed
World Chess Champ Endorses Realty Brand
Anand was speaking in Chennai at a special function where he was made the brand ambassador of TVH, one of the major players in realty market in Southern India. Talking about his association with TVH as its brand ambassador, Anand said, "I have been a TVH customer for seven years. That was a positive experience. And a month or two ago they approached me and I was happy to accept their offer.
Anand was speaking in Chennai at a special function where he was made the brand ambassador of TVH, one of the major players in realty market in Southern India. Talking about his association with TVH as its brand ambassador, Anand said, "I have been a TVH customer for seven years. That was a positive experience. And a month or two ago they approached me and I was happy to accept their offer.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Kasparov Chess Match Versus Alan Turing's 'Paper Machine' at Centenary Celebrations in Manchester
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| Garry Kasparov |
Čez Chess Trophy Match - Svidler Beats Navara 3.0-1.0
Russia's Peter Svidler beat Czech Republic's David Navara in Prague 3-1 in the traditional Čez Chess Trophy Match of four games. Svidler won the second and third games. The first and fourth games were drawn. The traditional Čez Chess Trophy is hosted every year to give top-rated Czech GM David Navara the opportunity to play top chess players from around the world. In previous years he has played Vassily Ivanchuk, Vladimir Kramnik and Judit Polgar. Earlier, the tournament used to be one of rapid chess games, but this year the match was held in the classical time control format with all effort by organiser Pavel Matocha.
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| Phoro: Anežka Kružíková |
Navara and Svidler played a match of four classical chess games of the time control 90 minutes for 40 moves followed by 30 minutes for finishing the game. There was a 30 second increment for ever move as well. The sponsor was Čez Group, a conglomerate of companies involved in the electricity generation, distribution, and trade.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Chess is a Total Waste of Time in Life! (ChessForums Link Updated)
A Black & White reader has sent us something about chess that's 'thought-provoking'. We leave it upon our readers to comment on this. Send your comments from anywhere in the world to editor@blackandwhiteindia.com and we would compile an article with the best comments. You could even win a prize.
Chess is no good
by N.Dharmeshwaran,
Guduvancherry, Chennai
- Chess serves no real purpose outside itself
- Chess uses time and effort, and displaces other activities which might be better than it in some ways
- Chess is inherently unconstructive. While the theory can be intellectual and academic in nature (though inherently unimportant), the purpose is fundamentally to defeat the opponent. It is possible that chess causes unconstructive patterns of thought by a process analagous to transference. i.e. in chess you are fighting alone against an opponent, so other things can seem like that even if they are not, which can be unhelpful. Of course, there are ways in which this could be considered a pro - perhaps in certain areas like business the fighting aspect of chess could be well-channeled. [This point is based both on my own experience and what I have observed in others]
- Very few chess players can earn money from chess, especially with the large number of GMs in the world these days. Professional chess has very limited income streams from non-participants. Of course this is not a con at all to most people, who play chess as a hobby and have no interest in chess as a career
- While some types of chess are cheap, playing in frequent OTB tournaments is expensive and takes a lot of time, with a large impact on the rest of one's life.
- Chess can be obsessive, which can be damaging to other areas of life.
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Since we first posted this, there's an awesome discussion going on at the ChessForums.
Weekend Chess Story: Fischer-Fine, Evans Gambit 1-0 in 17 Moves
Weekend Chess Story#2
Reuben Fine (October 11, 1914 – March 26, 1993) was another top chess player who quit the game at the height of his career. In 1945, Fine decided to become a professional psychoanalyst. He wrote both on psychology and chess. He won five medals (four gold) in three Chess Olympiads and was the US Chess Champion seven times! Fine declined to play in the six-player World Chess Championship tournament of 1948 that was to be organised after the death of the then World Chess Champion Alexander Alekhine.
But, this story is about Bobby Fischer and Reuben Fine. Fischer visited Fine in the latter's New York home in 1963. The two chess artistes played several games. Here is one in which Bobby Fischer abandoned his favourite Ruy Lopez and tried the Evans Gambit.
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| 6.d4 |
Fine played 6. ...exd and Fischer castled Kingside. Do you know the Lasker Defense that spiked Evans Gambit for a long time here? - 6... d6 7.0-0 (better 7.Qb3) and 7. ... Bb6 the Lasker way!
Anyway, back to the Fischer-Fine game. The game continued after that and Fine, being a little too greedy took the pawn on c3 as well. We flip forward to move 14.
What key move did Fischer play here and how did he go on to win the game?
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| 13. ... Qg5 What did Fischer play as his 14th move and how did he win the game? |
You can replay the Fischer-Fine full chess game in our Chess King applet for the solution.
You can read the Weekend Chess Story#1 at this link:
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Online Chess $38,000 Prize Blitz Qualifier on Sunday
You can register for the chess blitz from anywhere in the world. More than $38,000 are being put up as the prize fund. Four qualifying tournaments are being organised on Sundays beginning June 3, 2012. Final and Super Final tournaments will take place August 14-15, 2012. All online blitz chess rounds begin at 16-00 UTC.
Saturday Chess Puzzle Level Difficult
Saturday chess puzzle is here with level difficult. White to play and win.
You can find the solution in our Chess King applet.
Kazan Chess Final Report: Humpy, Muzychuk Joint Winners; Hou-Cmilyte 0-1 Best Game
India's Koneru Humpy and Slovenia's Anna Muzychuk were declared joint winners of the fourth stage of the FIDE Women's Grand Prix on June 22, 2012. After 11 rounds, both Humpy and Muzychuk had 7.5 points. Grand Prix regulations require sharing of prize money, title and Grand Prix points in case of a tie.
Nadezhda Kosintseva and Bulgarian Antoaneta Stefanova finished at the joint 9th – 10th places with 4.5 points, Russian Alisa Galliamova was next with 3 points, followed by Betul Yildiz from Turkey with 2.5 points.
The closing ceremony took place in the Korston Hotel and was attended by FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, Minister on Affairs of Youth, Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Tatarstan Rafis Burganov, players, officials and spectators. The winners Anna Muzychuk and Humpy Koneru were awarded wooden chess pieces and all the participants of FIDE Grand Prix in Kazan were felicitated with flowers and presents.
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| The winners: Anna Muzychuk (left) and Koneru Humpy with Fide president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov. |
India's most talented woman chess
player Koneru Humpy with dad and trainer Koneru Ashok.
(Photos: Rashit Shiriyazdanov and Anastasiya Karlovich/Fide official website)
Three players were sharing the lead before the last round - Viktorija Cmilyte, Anna Muzychuk and Humoy Koneru. In the final round Humpy Koneru sacrificed a piece and beat Alisa Galliamova with black pieces. Anna Muzychuk capitalised on a mistake by Nadezhda Kosintseva to win. Viktorija Cmilyte settled for a draw with Antoaneta Stefanova. Reigning Women's World Chess Champion Hou Yifan (China) and Lithuanian Viktorija Cmilyte concluded the tournament with 7 points each. In her last game in Kazan, Hou Yifan beat Elina Danielian who had been leading for most of the tournament, but ended up losing her last three games. Elina Danelian from Armenia and Russian Alexandra Kosteniuk collected 6 points each to share 5th – 6th positions. Kosteniuk beat Betul Yildiz in the last round. Russian Tatiana Kosintseva beat Ukrainian Kateryna Lahno and finished seventh with 5.5 points. Lahno consequently ranked one spot lower half a point behind.
Nadezhda Kosintseva and Bulgarian Antoaneta Stefanova finished at the joint 9th – 10th places with 4.5 points, Russian Alisa Galliamova was next with 3 points, followed by Betul Yildiz from Turkey with 2.5 points.
The closing ceremony took place in the Korston Hotel and was attended by FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, Minister on Affairs of Youth, Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Tatarstan Rafis Burganov, players, officials and spectators. The winners Anna Muzychuk and Humpy Koneru were awarded wooden chess pieces and all the participants of FIDE Grand Prix in Kazan were felicitated with flowers and presents.
Viktorija Cmilyte received a special prize devoted to 100 years anniversary since the birthday of Rashit Nezmetdinov. Her victory against World Champion Hou Yifan was chosen by the organizing committee as the best game.
At the closing ceremony FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov made a surprise gift for the Chess Federation of the Republic of Tatarstan - the entire set of electronic boards that the participants had played on!
Best chess game award at the Kazan Chess Grand Prix went to Viktorija Cmilyte. It was a special prize on the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of Rashit Nezmetdinov. The organising committee chose her game against Women's World Chess Champion Hou Yifan as the best game of the event. You can read:
Tal Chess Round 4: Viktorija Cmilyte Explains Win Over Hou Yifan
Friday, June 22, 2012
Kazan Chess Grand Prix: Koneru Humpy, Anna Muzychuk Declared Joint Winners (Updated)
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| Kazan Chess Grand Prix Winner - India's Koneru Humpy |
Cmilyte had to settle for the third place. Meanwhile, the reigning women's world chess champion Hou Yifan scored a total of 7 points for the fourth place and her predecessor, the 12th women's world chess champion Alexandra Kosteniuk scored 6 points to be fifth. Armenia's Elina Danielian, who had played a thoroughly powerful tournament up to the eighth round, lost both Rounds 9 and 10 to finish the tournament with 6 points as well.
Humpy's 7.5 points came from draw with Hou Yifan, draw with Elina Danielian, draw with Anna Muzychuk, win over Betul Cemre Yildiz, draw with Tatiana Kosintseva, draw with Viktorija Cmilyte, draw with Nadezhda Kosintseva, win over Antoaneta Stefanova, win over Kateryna Lahno, draw with Alexandra Kosteniuk and win over Alisa Galliamova. She did not lose a single game in this powerful tournament that saw some of the best women chess players of the planet taking part.
Kazan hosted the Women's Grand Prix from June 9 to 23 as part of a series of elite events organised by FIDE and Global Chess. There will be six tournaments over two years in various countries around the world. The winner of each tournament takes home 6,500 euros from a total prize fund of 40,000 euros. The overall winner will get a further 15,000 euros at the end of the series. (More updates and photos to follow from Kazan Chess Grand Prix.)
Kasparov to Speak @ Alan Turing Centenary Conference in Manchester
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| Legendary Garry Kasparov |
to celebrate the life and research of Alan Turing;
to bring together the most distinguished scientists, to understand and analyse the history and development of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.
You can watch a live streaming of the event at the official website later today and subsequent days. Kasparov would speak tomorrow.
Kazan Chess Last Round Today: Humpy in Joint Lead; Poised to Win Title
The Kazan Chess Women's Grand Prix title could go to India's Koneru Humpy today. The last round is to be played today in the republic of Tatarstan and Humpy is in joint lead with Viktorija Cmilyte and Anna Muzychuk with 6.5 points each. Humpy plays Alisa Gallimaova as Black today. The other two leaders have Black as well in the final round. You can watch the last round live today India time 2.30 pm via the official website. Humpy did well to draw with former women's world chess champion Alexandra Kosteniuk in the last round.
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| Anna Muzychuk and Hou Yifan play for a draw in Round 10 |
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| Koneru Humpy and Alexandra Kosteniuk play for a draw in Round 10 |
Kazan is hosting the Women's Grand Prix from June 9 to 23 as part of a series of elite events organised by FIDE and Global Chess. There will be six tournaments over two years in various countries around the world. The winner of each tournament takes home 6,500 euros from a total prize fund of 40,000 euros. The overall winner will get a further 15,000 euros at the end of the series.
Round ten results
GM Anna Muzychuk 2598 ½-½ GM Hou Yifan 2623
GM Elina Danielian 2484 0-1 IM Alisa Galliamova 2484
GM Humpy Koneru 2589 ½-½ GM Alexandra Kosteniuk 2457
WGM Betul Cemre Yildiz 2333 ½-½ GM Keteryna Lahno 2546
GM Tatiana Kosintseva 2532 ½-½ GM Antoaneta Stefanova 2518
GM Viktorija Cmilyte 2508 1-0 GM Nadezhda Kosintseva 2528
GM Elina Danielian 2484 0-1 IM Alisa Galliamova 2484
GM Humpy Koneru 2589 ½-½ GM Alexandra Kosteniuk 2457
WGM Betul Cemre Yildiz 2333 ½-½ GM Keteryna Lahno 2546
GM Tatiana Kosintseva 2532 ½-½ GM Antoaneta Stefanova 2518
GM Viktorija Cmilyte 2508 1-0 GM Nadezhda Kosintseva 2528
Armenia's Elina Danielian, who had been leading the tournament right up to the last rounds with a power-packed performance ended up losing two games in a row to Alexandra Kosteniuk and Alisa Galliamova. She is in second place now.
Standings after Round 10
1. GM Humpy Koneru 2589 IND 6.5
2. GM Viktorija Cmilyte 2508 LTU 6.5
3. GM Anna Muzychuk 2598 SLO 6.5
4. GM Elina Danielian 2484 ARM 6 0
5. GM Hou Yifan 2623 CHN 6
6. GM Keteryana Lahno 2546 UKR 5
7. GM Alexandra Kosteniuk 2457 RUS 5
8. GM Tatiana Kosintseva 2532 RUS 4.5
9. GM Nadezhda Kosintseva 2528 RUS 4.5
10. GM Antoaneta Stefanova 2518 BUL 4
11. IM Alisa Galliamova 2484 RUS 3
12. WGM Betul Cemre Yildiz 2333 TUR 2.5
1. GM Humpy Koneru 2589 IND 6.5
2. GM Viktorija Cmilyte 2508 LTU 6.5
3. GM Anna Muzychuk 2598 SLO 6.5
4. GM Elina Danielian 2484 ARM 6 0
5. GM Hou Yifan 2623 CHN 6
6. GM Keteryana Lahno 2546 UKR 5
7. GM Alexandra Kosteniuk 2457 RUS 5
8. GM Tatiana Kosintseva 2532 RUS 4.5
9. GM Nadezhda Kosintseva 2528 RUS 4.5
10. GM Antoaneta Stefanova 2518 BUL 4
11. IM Alisa Galliamova 2484 RUS 3
12. WGM Betul Cemre Yildiz 2333 TUR 2.5
Photos and reports by Anastasiya Karlovich and Rashit Shiriyazdanov from official Kazan Chess Website.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Kazan Chess Round 9: How Humpy Beat Lahno for Lead
The Kazan Chess Grand Prix for women has just two more rounds to be played. India's Koneru Humpy is in joint lead after nine rounds along with Armenia's Elina Danielian and Slovenia's Anna Muzychuk. In Round 9, Humpy beat Kateryna Lahno to go into the lead. Humpy has the best tiebreak score among all the three leaders and she could very well win the tournament as well.
Kazan Chess Grand Prix: Humpy Beats Lahno, Goes into Joint Lead
Kazan Chess Grand Prix Round 9 saw a super game by India's Koneru Humpy to beat Kateryna Lahno and go into joint lead on Wednesday.
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| Kateryna Lahno-Koneru Humpy 0-1 |
The other very attacking game of the day was played by 12th women's world chess champion Alexandra Kosteniuk to bring down leader Elina Danielian. This is Danielian's first loss of the tournament. Kosteniuk played for the initiative right from the start and found a nice sacrifice to open central files. Danielian's defeat allowed Anna Muzychuk, who drew with Viktorija Chmilyte, and Koneru Humpy, who beat Lahno, to take joint lead with Danielian.
Alexandra Kosteniuk-Elina Danielian 1-0
Two more rounds have to be played. Meanwhile, women's world chess champion Hou Yifan managed to win an almost-drawn game against Alisa Galliamova. After about five hours of play, former women's world chess champion Antoaneta Stefanova managed to develop winning chances in a bishop endgame against Betul Yildiz, but could only draw. The Kosintseva sisters, as expected, drew their game in 14 moves. (Photos by Rashit Shiriyazdanov and Anastasiya Karlovich/FIDE.)
Round 9 Results
GM Viktorija Cmilyte 2508 ½-½ GM Anna Muzychuk 2598 12
GM Nadezhda Kosintseva 2528 ½-½ GM Tatiana Kosintseva 2532
GM Antoaneta Stefanova 2518 ½-½ WGM Betul Cemre Yildiz 2333
GM Keteryna Lahno 2546 0-1 GM Humpy Koneru 2589
GM Alexandra Kosteniuk 2457 1-0 GM Elina Danielian 2484
IM Alisa Galliamova 2484 0-1 GM Hou Yifan 2623
Standings after Round 9
Round 9 Results
GM Viktorija Cmilyte 2508 ½-½ GM Anna Muzychuk 2598 12
GM Nadezhda Kosintseva 2528 ½-½ GM Tatiana Kosintseva 2532
GM Antoaneta Stefanova 2518 ½-½ WGM Betul Cemre Yildiz 2333
GM Keteryna Lahno 2546 0-1 GM Humpy Koneru 2589
GM Alexandra Kosteniuk 2457 1-0 GM Elina Danielian 2484
IM Alisa Galliamova 2484 0-1 GM Hou Yifan 2623
Standings after Round 9
1-3. Koneru Humpy, Elina Danielian, Anna Muzychuk 6
4-5. Viktorija Cmilyte, Hou Yifan 5.5
6-8. Kateryna Lahno, Nadezhda Kosintseva, Alexandra Kosteniuk 4.5
9. Tatiana Kosintseva 4
10. Antoaneta Stefanova 3.5
11. Alisa Galliamova, Betul Cemre Yildiz 2
Kazan, in the Republic of Tatarstan, is hosting the FIDE Women's Chess Grand Prix, part of a series of elite events organised by FIDE and Global Chess. This tournament is running from June 9 to 23, 2012. The entire Grand Prix series includes six tournaments over two years in various countries around the world. The winner of each tournament takes home 6,500 euros. The total prize fund is 40,000 euros. The overall winner will get a further 15,000 euros at the end of the series.
Kazan, in the Republic of Tatarstan, is hosting the FIDE Women's Chess Grand Prix, part of a series of elite events organised by FIDE and Global Chess. This tournament is running from June 9 to 23, 2012. The entire Grand Prix series includes six tournaments over two years in various countries around the world. The winner of each tournament takes home 6,500 euros. The total prize fund is 40,000 euros. The overall winner will get a further 15,000 euros at the end of the series.
Don't forget to watch the last two rounds of the Kazan Chess Grand Prix live at the official tournament website from India time 4.30 pm.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Magnus Carlsen in his Blog on Winning 7th Tal Chess Memorial in Moscow
World's strongest chess player Magnus Carlsen of Norway has just won the 7th Mikhail Tal Chess Memorial in Moscow with an exciting last-round win. Carlsen's blog is a sponsoring agreement between Arctic Securities and the Magnus Carlsen. Magnus became an International Grandmaster at the age of 13, the youngest at the time.
After Tal Memorial, Carlsen will get the super-strong rating of 2837! He is surpassed only by the legendary Garry Kasparov who reached a rating of 2851 in January, 2000.
World Chess Blitz/Rapid Player's List Released; Ruslan Ponomariov on His Exclusion
Full list for Astana World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, 1-11 July 2012.
Qualifiers by rating for finals (6-10 July)
01. Magnus Carlsen 2835
02. Teimour Radjabov 2784
03. Sergey Karjakin 2779
04. Alexander Morozevich 2769
05. Vassily Ivanchuk 2764
06. Alexander Grischuk 2761
07. Veselin Topalov 2752
08. Peter Svidler 2741
09. Boris Gelfand 2727
10. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov 2726
Qualifiers by rating for finals (6-10 July)
01. Magnus Carlsen 2835
02. Teimour Radjabov 2784
03. Sergey Karjakin 2779
04. Alexander Morozevich 2769
05. Vassily Ivanchuk 2764
06. Alexander Grischuk 2761
07. Veselin Topalov 2752
08. Peter Svidler 2741
09. Boris Gelfand 2727
10. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov 2726
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Asian Dragons Chess in Taipei from August 14
Kazan Chess Round 8 Game: Koneru Humpy-Antoaneta Stefanova 1-0
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| India's Koneru Humpy |
Kazan Chess Grand Prix Round 8: Armenia's Elina Danielian in Lead; India's Humpy a Point Away
Armenia's Elina Danielian is apparently set to win the FIDE Women's Chess Grand Prix currently on in Kazan. Four games were decisive in the eighth round on Monday. In the two chess games that were drawn, Betul Yildiz and Viktorija Cmilyte missed wins against sisters Nadezhda and Tatiana Kosintseva.
Elina Danielian scored a cool win over second in the standings - Kateryna Lahno. Anna Muzychuk managed to get a good position against Alisa Galliamova and managed to win in the endgame even though Galliamova had equalized in the middlegame. Alexandra Kosteniuk lost to Hou Yifan. Humpy Koneru played very well to defeat Antoaneta Stefanova.
After eight rounds at the Kazan Chess Grand Prix, Elina Danielian leads with 6 points. Anna Muzychuk is in second place with 5.5 points. Viktorija Cmilyte and Humpy Koneru share the third spot with 5 points. Hou Yifan and Kateryna Lahno are in shared fifth place with 4.5 points.
Photos by Rashit Shiriyazdanov and Anastasiya Karlovich with kind permission of FIDE from the official website. You can watch the Kazan Women's Chess Grand Prix live at the official website from India time 4.30 pm. Tuesday is a rest day with three more rounds to be played at the Kazan Chess Grand Prix.
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| Armenia's Elina Danielian - Set to win Kazan? |
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| India's Koneru Humpy (right) on her way to beating former women's world chess champion and current women's world rapid chess champion. |
After eight rounds at the Kazan Chess Grand Prix, Elina Danielian leads with 6 points. Anna Muzychuk is in second place with 5.5 points. Viktorija Cmilyte and Humpy Koneru share the third spot with 5 points. Hou Yifan and Kateryna Lahno are in shared fifth place with 4.5 points.
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| Kateryna Lahno watching the Hou Yifan-Alexandra Kosteniuk match |
Kasparov Chess Foundation-St Louis Chess Club in Five-Year Grant Program to Develop US Chess Talent
7th Tal Chess Memorial: Magnus Carlsen Comments, Tweet and Last-Round Game Against McShane
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| The one and only Magnus Carlsen |
"I think it has been a very interesting tournament. There have been twists and turns that noone could foresee. As for myself, I thing I played, well I stared slowly. My first three games were not impressive to say the least.
I think after that my play was good. I mean, the game with Grischuk, although I didn't win, it was an energizer to play such an interesting game. I thought after that I was in the driving seat in most of my games.
Obviously if it turns out that Aronian wins [looks to one of the screens], which in fact he did, I'm actually the winner of the tournament. That is nice but, I mean, like last year there were a lot of fortunate circumstances for me in the last round to be able to win it but that's the way it goes sometimes. Today I had to win myself and I did. That's all I can do."
Magnus Carlsen Wins 7th Mikhail Tal Chess Memorial 2012
It seems chess goddess Caissa is particularly kind to world chess #1 Norway's Magnus Carlsen as not only did the talented genius pull off a crucial last-round victory, but the overnight leader Italy's Fabiano Caruana lost as well giving Magnus Carlsen the 7th Mikhail Tal Memorial Chess Tournament title late in Moscow on Monday. A fantastic victory for the Mozart of Chess - in all probability the would-be world chess champion one day - Magnus Carlsen!
Fabiano Caruana got taken in by Levon Aronian's home prep. Carlsen left nothing to chance by convincingly beating Luke McShane for a clear first. Teimour Radjabov drew against Hikaru Nakamura and had to settle for third behind Fabiano Caruana on tiebreak. Caruana actually needed only a draw to manage shared first at least.
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| 7th Mikhail Tal Chess Memorial 2012 winners (from left) Teimour Radjabov, third; Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, second. |
Monday, June 18, 2012
Tal Chess Memorial Round 8: Fabiano Caruana Takes Lead
This is how they cheer chess players in Moscow...
Kazan Chess Round 7: Armenia's Elina Danielian Holds on to Lead
Armenia's Elina Danielian has got a strong hold over the Kazan Women's Chess Grand Prix by the end of Round 7. Danielian drew with former women's world chess champion to maintain her lead. Her depth of understanding an endgame defence in a complicated situation against a former world chess champion was evident.
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| Viktorija Cmilyte |
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Tal Chess Memorial Round 7: Both Overnight Leaders Morozevich, Kramnik Lose
The seventh round at the 7th Tal Memorial saw two upsets - both the joint overnight leaders losing their games! Not only did Alexander Morozevich lost his second game in a row to last seed Evgeny Tomashevsky, but joint leader and former world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik lost to Luke McShane as well. This allowed five players now in joint lead.
The Tal Chess Memorial is being held at the Pashkov House in Moscow with 10 of the world's top players from June 8-18. You can watch the games live at the official website from India time 7.30 pm. Rest days were June 11 and 15. The time control is 100 minutes for the first 40 moves, 50 minutes for the next 20 moves, and 15 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move one. Draw offers are not allowed until after the first time control. The prize fund is 100,000 euros. (Photos by Eteri Kublashvili official website of the Russian Chess Federation.)
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| The pawns must be fed on tea or coffee regularly |
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| So, that's the strategy... |
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| Must be careful about strategy stealers |
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| For Heaven's Sake Don't Move the Queen |
Results:
1. Radjabov - Caruana draw
2. Aronian - Grischuk draw
3. Nakamura - Carlsen draw
4. Tomashevsky - Morozevich 1-0
5. McShane - Kramnik 1-0
Standings:1-5. Morozevich, Carlsen, Radjabov, Kramnik, Caruana - 4
Standings:1-5. Morozevich, Carlsen, Radjabov, Kramnik, Caruana - 4
6. Nakamura - 3.5
7-9. Grischuk, Aronian, McShane - 3
10. Tomashevsky - 2,5
The Tal Chess Memorial is being held at the Pashkov House in Moscow with 10 of the world's top players from June 8-18. You can watch the games live at the official website from India time 7.30 pm. Rest days were June 11 and 15. The time control is 100 minutes for the first 40 moves, 50 minutes for the next 20 moves, and 15 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move one. Draw offers are not allowed until after the first time control. The prize fund is 100,000 euros. (Photos by Eteri Kublashvili official website of the Russian Chess Federation.)
Kazan Chess Round 6: Armenia's Elina Danielian Maintains Sole Lead With Win Over Nadezhda Kosintseva
Tatiana Kosintseva - Elina Danielian 0-1
Antoaneta Stefanova-Hou Yifan 0-1
In the other games, women's world chess champion China's Hou Yifan obtained a better middlegame position against former women's world chess champion Bulgaria's Antoaneta Stefanova. Yifan then went on to implement a decisive attack and win. Another tense game, Koneru-Cmilte, finished in a draw.
After six rounds of play, Elina Danielian leads with 4.5 points. Katerina Lahno and Anna Muzychuk share the second place with half a point behind. Hampy Koneru and Viktorija Cmilyte are sharing 4th – 5th places with 3.5 points, followed by Nadezhda Kosintseva and Hou Yifan who are placed 6-7 with 3 points each. Alexandra Kosteniuk, Tatiana Kosintseva and Antoaneta Stefanova are at 8 – 10 spots with 2.5 points. Alisa Galliamova is currently eleventh with 2 points, followed by Betul Yildiz with 1 point.
You can watch the Kazan chess games live at the official website from India time 4.30 pm. (Photos by Rashit Shiriyazdanov and Anastasiya Karlovich/Kazan Women's Chess Grand Prix official website.)
Kasparov for a Powerful New Image to Chess Minus Kirsan
Garry Kasparov Updates from Mosow, Franfurt and New York: The Frankfurter Allgemeine story about legendary 13th World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov´s commitment to ousting FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov from in the 2014 elections is now online at the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sports Section. The interview was conducted by Stefan Loffler in Moscow on the sidelines of the recently-concluded 2012 Anand-Gelfand World Chess Championship Match.
Kasparov´s emphasis is on replacing the current FIDE
President. His own candidacy is quite possible but far from a
certainty. The day the interview was published (June 14) in the print edition of FAZ, FIDE announced another meeting of Kirsan Ilyumzhinov with members of the Syrian regime.
certainty. The day the interview was published (June 14) in the print edition of FAZ, FIDE announced another meeting of Kirsan Ilyumzhinov with members of the Syrian regime.
Kasparov is quoted in the interview as saying, Ilyumzhinov has damaged the image of chess because the moment you google Fide, all you come up with is Assad, Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein so no international sponsor would like to connect with Fide.
Kasparov has reiterated that the Sports Page is not enough and Chess needs a powerful new image for its educational value.
Also Read on B&W:
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| Kasparov with Michael Khodarkovsky, president of the Kasparov Chess Foundation. (Mig Greengard) |
For the occasion, Kasparov was honored with a cake, and students from all over the area gathered for a “friendly tournament.” Michael Khodarkovsky, the director of the foundation and a longtime friend of Kasparov from their days on the chess circuit in the Soviet Union, explained that all the kids would be getting a medal for just participating.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
No Retirement, Out to Win More: Vishy Anand
Anand said his morale was on a high after defeating a "complicated" opponent like Boris Gelfand in Moscow recently. "There are definitely no thoughts of retirement. In fact quite the opposite. (Winning a fifth world title) has been a huge boost to my morale. As long as I enjoy, I don't see any reason to retire."
124-Move Chess Game at a World Chess Championship 1978 - Of Korchnoi-Karpov Missed Checkmate and Stalemate
WEEKEND CHESS STORY#1
The Anatoly Karpov-Viktor Korchnoi World Chess Championship 1978 began with four draws. The fifth game was drawn as well, but not without 124 moves - the longest in the world chess championship match history - and spills, chills and thrills aplenty.
Korchnoi began the game with clear attacking signals going for the kill from the word go. By the 42 move, it was almost clear that Karpov was going to lose this. The game was adjourned and Karpov sealed his move.
Remember this is a time before those chip-powered things made chess so machine-like! Karpov sealed not the best move. He had sealed an unexpected move and Korchnoi went for the mating attack after accepting a sacrifice. Karpov led his King on a long-escape for life across the board. Korchnoi went on to miss a checkmate on the 55th move in extreme time trouble and diluted to an endgame with a piece up.
The 1978 World Chess Championship was played in Baguio City, Philippines from July 18-October 18, 1978 with Anatoly Karpov winning in the end. The match had controversies both on and off the board. There were the hypnotist and the blueberry yogurt, but all that's another story.
For now, check out the full game in our Chess King applet.
The Anatoly Karpov-Viktor Korchnoi World Chess Championship 1978 began with four draws. The fifth game was drawn as well, but not without 124 moves - the longest in the world chess championship match history - and spills, chills and thrills aplenty.
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| Korchnoi-Karpov, World Chess Championship, 1978 |
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| Korchnoi played 42. Rh1 Can you guess the move Anatoly Karpov sealed for the adjourned game? The main threat is 43.Bh4 and Black must also protect the f pawn. |
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| Korchnoi played here 55.Be4. Can you see what Korchnoi could have played here for the checkmate combination and changed world chess history? |
However, what ensued is the an unforgettable endgame in chess history.
The 1978 World Chess Championship was played in Baguio City, Philippines from July 18-October 18, 1978 with Anatoly Karpov winning in the end. The match had controversies both on and off the board. There were the hypnotist and the blueberry yogurt, but all that's another story.
For now, check out the full game in our Chess King applet.
Kazan Chess Round 5: Muzychuk, Danielian in Lead; Humpy Right Behind
The fifth day at the Kazan Chess Grand Prix for Women saw two decisive games right after the free day. Armenia's Elina Danielian held on to her lead with a draw against Viktorija Cmilyte. However, Anna Muzychuk defeated Betul Yildiz to join Elina Danielian in the lead. Katerina Lahno also beat Alexandra Kosteniuk to move up the table. Antoaneta Stefanova and Tatiana Kosintseva missed important wins against Alisa Galliamova and Humpy Koneru. Nadezhda Kosinsteva also drew with Hou Yifan. However, the field is still wide open and there are four players just half or a point behind. Anything could happen in the last few rounds at this exciting women's chess event.
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| Anna Muzchuk on her way to joining the lead |
Round 5 standings:
1-2. Elina Danielian and Anna Muzychuk 3.5
3-6. Katerina Lahno, Viktorija Cmilyte, Nadezhda Kosintseva, Humpy Koneru 3
7. Antoaneta Stefanova 2.5 points
8-10. Alexandra Kosteniuk, Hou Yifan, Alisa Galliamova 2
11. Tatiana Kosintseva 1.5
12. Betul Yildiz
Don't forget to watch the sixth round live today India time at the official website: http://kazan2012.fide.com/. There is a live feed of both the chess games and the playing hall.
Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, is hosting the FIDE Women's Grand Prix from From June 9 to 23, 2012. This event is part of the series of elite events organised by FIDE and Global Chess. There will be six chess grand prix events over two years in various countries around the world. The winner of each tournament wins 6,500 euros from a total prize fund of 40,000 euros. The overall winner also wins an extra 15,000 euros at the end of the series.
Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, is hosting the FIDE Women's Grand Prix from From June 9 to 23, 2012. This event is part of the series of elite events organised by FIDE and Global Chess. There will be six chess grand prix events over two years in various countries around the world. The winner of each tournament wins 6,500 euros from a total prize fund of 40,000 euros. The overall winner also wins an extra 15,000 euros at the end of the series.
Creative Chess Wall Art with Apo Avedissian
Apo Avedissian painting and stenciling his original work 'Headshot Checkmate' on an 8x10 in. canvas and 'Queen Checkmate' graffiti on a 17 ft. wall in a private property near Los Angeles, CA. (First seen via www.chessblog.com - the #1 Chess Blog in the US by 12th World Chess Champion GM Alexandra Kosteniuk.)
