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The Pawn Majority as a Strategic Element ... and more

December 17, 2014, 10:01 pm
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The Flank Attack: How to use and defeat them
Posted on December 16,2014 By GM Levan Aroshidze in Strategy & Game Review, General Chess Articles, Beginner's Corner. As we know, a chessboard is separated into three parts: the Queen's flank, the center and the King's flank. Normally, the center is always under particular attention from the both sides, due to its high strategic importance. This makes it quite tough to take total control over the center and create a winning attack, while it's relatively easier to build the initiative on the flanks. A flank attack may have various goals, for example, opening the[...]

Greatest Games of Chess Ever Played - Part 2
Posted on December 15,2014 By OnlineChessLessons.NET Contributor in Strategy & Game Review, All Articles w/ Videos, Classic Games (Pre 2010). Learn how to systematically crush your opponent! In the video "Greatest Games of Chess Ever Played – Part 2" by GM Roman Dzindzichashvili, we are treated to an analysis of a game played between Vasily Smyslov and Samuel Reshevsky. Smyslov was a Grandmaster, world champion, and one of the greatest chess players of all time. His chess legacy includes many opportunities that we can all learn from, including novelties in chess theory, strategy, and e[...]

FREE DVD + MASSIVE 50% OFF SALE ON ALL EMPIRE CHESS DVDs - EXTENDED!
Posted on December 10,2014 By GM Damian Lemos in Non-Chess related, All Articles w/ Videos, General Chess Articles. This week we’re giving away another premium DVD as well as doing 50% off all Empire Chess DVDs. I want to help you get better at chess and you can't do everything on your own. You have to organize your training method and diversify your training materials - this is exactly what we have done with the Empire Chess DVD series. The holiday season is in full swing and this week we’re giving away the Empire Chess DVD “How Grandmasters refute gambits” b[...]

The Pawn Majority as a Strategic Element
Posted on December 09,2014 By GM Levan Aroshidze in General Chess Articles, Beginner's Corner. Some pawn exchanges in the center normally lead to asymmetrical pawn structures - when opponents get pawn majorities (4 pawn against 3 of opponent, 3 against 2 and etc.) on different sides of the board. Pawn majority is a very important strategic element that may have a decisive impact on the result of the game. It is a kind of lighthouse, which is showing the direction where you could develop your play. In another words – a pawn majority can be[...]


OnlineChessLessons.net is a producer of thousands of free chess articles and free chess videos by FIDE chess masters. They recently released the renowned Empire Chess series that has been taking the chess world by storm. Please consider checking out their chess blog and chess shop with tons of free updated previews.
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Who said chess isn't popular?

December 17, 2014, 10:04 pm
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Who said chess wasn't popular? Banks Elementary's new after-school club has a waiting list
By Kelsey O'Halloran
on December 17, 2014 at 8:15 AM, updated December 17, 2014 at 1:26 PM

As Jacob munches on Goldfish crackers, his brown eyes trace the checkerboard battlefield.

The Banks Elementary School third-grader had never played chess before October, when first-grade teacher Bobby Tabb launched an after-school chess club that drew more than 40 kids to its first meeting.

The club's attendance has held steady since then, and many kids' interest in the complex board game has only grown.

"The big thing here is being able to teach them a game they can play for the rest of their lives," Tabb said. "Having to think ahead about more than just one move... is such a good life skill."

Fourth-grader Haley Calmettes said she tries to guess what's going to happen first when playing chess by analyzing the different strategies her opponents use.

"It's really just fun interacting with different people — seeing their strategy and using it," Haley said.

Tabb started playing chess against his two brothers in middle school and went on to be first board — essentially the captain and best player — on his high school chess team at Jefferson High School in West Virginia. The team won two state championships during his high school career.

Tabb said his high school chess coach was "a big influence in my life, and we're still close today."

Tabb has long wanted to start a chess club of his own — he taught his son, Chase, to play when he was three years old. When Chase transferred to Banks Elementary from Fern Hill for first grade this year, Tabb decided that they could spend time together after school at chess club.

He sent sign-up information home to parents, expecting to have, maybe, 20 students interested in the game.

Instead, 42 students brought back signed forms, and 16 were placed on a waiting list after turning in forms late. Out of the school's roughly 550 students, more than 10 percent had shown an interest in playing chess.

While three students have dropped out since the first meeting in October, Tabb said he's been surprised by the "sheer number" of kids who arrive every Thursday, and pleased by their positive behavior and lack of disciplinary issues.

"I think all the kids wanted to be here," he said. The club provides an after-school activity for students who may not play sports.

The task of teaching a crowd of kids how to play chess has been fairly easy, Tabb said. He started them out playing with only pawns and slowly added in pieces, teaching them each one as they went.

Full article here.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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Making moves to become Chess Grandmaster

December 17, 2014, 10:10 pm
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Teen makes moves to become chess Grandmaster
Phil Reisman
6:40 p.m. EST December 17, 2014

Look at Joshua Colas.

He's a rake-thin black kid, bespectacled, neatly dressed and self-possessed. There's nothing flashy about him. You might think he's just a regular 16-year-old high school junior — and in many respects he is.

But then drive to a certain building on South Lexington Avenue in downtown White Plains, take the elevator to the sixth floor and knock on the door to the modest apartment at the end of the hall where Joshua lives with his mother, father, brother and sister. Walk inside and be amazed.

The family living room is filled with trophies — scores of gleaming trophies of various shapes and sizes, all belonging to Joshua. It hardly seems possible that there could be enough space for more trophies, but surely more are destined to come his way.

So now you are looking at Joshua with fresh eyes. Maybe you are looking at history in the making. To say Joshua is a chess whiz on White Plains High School's chess team would be an understatement. He's a chess champion, a prodigy whose ambition is to become one of the best players in the world, if not the best.

His father, Guy Colas, a self-described "average player," taught him to how to play when he was 7 years old. The kid immediately took to it.

"Well, I'd say it took about a couple of months before I started to beat him," Joshua said one night this week.

"Now he beats me blindfolded," his father said.

"I just memorize the board," Joshua said. "I know where all the pieces are at. I have a photographic memory."

Guy Colas said, "It blew my mind when I saw him doing it. I asked him, 'How do you do it, Joshua?'"

Joshua compared it to knowing the way home. Do it enough times, and the route becomes second nature.

That's easy for him to say.

When I spoke to Joshua, he was seated in the living room with his dad and his mother, Yanick, both of whom are originally from Haiti. Dominating the room was an extremely large trophy, the latest fruit of victory earned at the 2014 National Chess Championships held over the weekend in Orlando, Florida. When I told the Colas that I thought about challenging Joshua to a match, they laughed loudly — and that was the end of that idea.

Full article here.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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Special Interview with Chessdom

December 17, 2014, 10:30 pm
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Interview with Susan Polgar
Dec 18, 2014

Exclusive interview by Chessdom with Susan Polgar, Director or SPICE & Head Coach of the Webster University Chess Team.

Hello Susan! I realize that you are very busy preparing your teams for the 2014 PanAm InterCollegiate Chess Championship. Thank you for taking time out from your busy schedule to do this interview.

1. The first question has to be about the news of Wesley So becoming a full time professional chess player. How did you meet him?

I first met him when he participated in the SPICE Cup a number of years ago. Wesley was a very talented young player. He was already in the mid 2600’s at that time. But he was stuck at that level for many years.


Susan Polgar and Wesley So

2. So how did you recruit him to your SPICE program at Webster University?

Actually, I did not at that time. Just like with many other young talented players from around the world, I try to give them advice to improve if asked. One Sunday morning back in late 2011 or early 2012, I got a Google chess alert about Wesley So in one of the Filipino websites. In the article, Wesley said he decided to join my program. I was very surprised about it since I had no conversation with Wesley at that time regarding this issue.

I then contacted his parents who are now living in Canada. His Mom Leny confirmed it with me. He applied shortly after that and came to Webster in the Fall of 2012.

3. Wesley arrived at Webster University at #99 in the world. How did you help him get to the top 10?

I developed a special world class method of training using my personal chess knowledge and decades of experience. It required a lot of personal discipline and special training. It also required setting and accomplishing small goals.

As talented as Wesley was (the same with many other very talented young players), he had many weaknesses. Without fixing these weaknesses, as well as improvement his natural strengths, it would be very difficult to get to the next level.

There is a big difference between being in the 2600’s vs 2700’s, and especially 2800’s. He trusted my advice and training, followed it, and the rest is history.

This system will work for any top young player who wants to improve. This is why we have a long list of top notch talents who want to come to SPICE. But in addition to chess training, our students also learn many other important life skills which will help them with their future, both professionally and personally. It is a very unique program, and there is nothing like this anywhere else in the world.



4. How did the decision for Wesley to transfer to the USCF come about?

Wesley was fed up with the situation in the Philippines with his federation. He saw no future if he decided to remain with the NCFP.

He asked me for my opinion. I told him the pros and cons of switching federations. But I also told him that it has to be his decision. He is the best player to come out of the Philippines. Abandoning his federation will disappoint a lot of fans and supporters.

Of course the plus would be financial as he can play in the lucrative US Championship and Sinquefield Cup, etc. I was in a similar situation as Wesley. But I chose to live in the US for nearly 10 years without changing federation. So it is a tough call but I would support his decision, one way or the other. At the end, he decided to switch and it was fully his decision.

5. How did the decision for Wesley to turn full time professional come about?

There are very few top level scholarship spots open to world class GMs to get into Webster University – SPICE, and there are many talented applicants. We have very strict requirements for all students such as:

- Commitment to academic excellence
- Commitment to chess improvement, and the willingness to be coached
- Commitment to team work
- Commitment to follow all team rules
- Commitment to community service, etc.

The rules are the same for all students. Unless one appreciates the opportunity, and is willing to meet all the requirements, it is better to take a different direction.

We did everything we could to help Wesley reach the top 10 in the world, break the 2760 mark, win Millionaire Chess, along with many big tournaments in the past 2 years. After nearly 2.5 years of training at SPICE, now is the time for him to show what he is made of.

While I cannot speak about the specifics of his abrupt departure, all his teammates and I wish him the best. It is up to Wesley and his new team to get him ready to battle Carlsen, Caruana, Aronian, Grischuk, Topalov, Giri, etc., to break the top 5, and 2800.

6. Does Wesley have the talent to reach 2800 or the top 5 in the world?

He absolutely does. But it is not enough even with natural talent and hard work. There are many other factors. So many people want to reach the pinnacle and very few can get there. I speak from personal experience. It is now the job of his new team to get him there. I wish Wesley the best and I hope that he will make it.



7. What are the expectations for your teams at the upcoming PanAm InterCollegiate Chess Championship?

We are the #1 seed and the reigning national champions. But when you are the best, you have a big target on your back. So it will not be easy. But our students have been training very hard physically (including CrossFit training) and in chess. We will see if it will be enough.

8. What is the secret for the success of Webster – SPICE?

Just as in any business, whether if it is chess or not, to succeed, you need the 7 Ps:

1. Passion – If you do not love what you do, it will not work
2. Product – We have Webster – SPICE, the best product in College Chess
3. Process – Our training method is unique, world-class, and it works
4. People – We select our team members very carefully, and Webster has been very supportive
5. Purpose – We have a noble purpose, to provide young people a platform to learn, improve, and succeed
6. Preparation – We train hard year round to fulfill individual and team goals
7. Perseverance – Giving up in not in our vocabulary. If we do not succeed, we will work even harder


Susan Polgar, Wesley So, Le Quang Liem, Ashwin Jayaram, Ray Robson, Paul Truong

9. Who are some of your top talents at Webster at the moment outside of Wesley?

We have many such as Illia Nyzhnyk (our youngest student at the moment), Ray Robson, Le Quang Liem, Vasif Durarbayli, Georg Meier, Fidel Corrales, Manuel Leon Hoyos, Denes Boros, Andre Diamant, Ashwin Jayaram, etc. We will also have more 2600+ players coming soon. But if someone is interested in Webster – SPICE, they are welcome to write me at SusanPolgar@aol.com.

10. Now that Carlsen has defeated Anand again to defend his title, who do you see as his potential challengers in the next cycle.

It is hard to say as the cycle is grueling. But he obvious names are Caruana, Aronian, Anand, Grischuk, Kramnik, Topalov, Nakamura, and possibly Giri, etc. But it will not be easy.

11. As for women, now that Judit has retired, who can pose as a threat to Hou Yifan.

Yifan is well above others at the moment. But Gunina, Koneru, Dzagnidze, Anna Muzychuk, and Lahno, etc. are in the next group.

12. Who is the favorite to win Tata Steel A group in January?

Obviously Magnus is the favorite. But do not count out Levon and Fabiano. There are others who can contend. It will be exciting.

Thank you very much for your time. Good luck to your teams at the upcoming PanAm InterCollegiate Chess Championship.

Chessbase article: http://en.chessbase.com/post/wesley-so-shooting-for-the-stars-1-2
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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Brilliant quickie chess tactic

December 18, 2014, 12:26 am
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White to move. How should white proceed?

Source: ChessToday.net
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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World Youth U-16 Olympiad 2014 LIVE!

December 18, 2014, 4:00 am
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Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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17th Chess Festival “Citta di Padova” 2014 LIVE!

December 18, 2014, 6:00 am
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Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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Zadar Open 2014 LIVE!

December 18, 2014, 7:00 am
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Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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1st Torneo Internazionale di Scacchi Tortoreto Lido

December 18, 2014, 10:00 am
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The 1st International Chess Tournament Tortoreto Lido is scheduled to take place from 26th May to 2nd June, 2015, in Villaggio Salinello, Lungomare Sirena 642, 64018 Tortoreto Lido (TE) – Italy.

Open A is reserved for the players with FIDE rating over 2000. Tournament system is 9 rounds, Swiss system, 90’ x 40 moves + 30’ until the end + 30’’ per move.

Open B is reserved for the players with FIDE rating under 2000. Tournament system is 8 rounds, Swiss system, 90’ x 40 moves + 30’ until the end + 30’’ per move.



All foreign players without FIDE rating have to show proof of their national ranking.

The event will offer 10,000 EUR in prizes. Top prizes in Open A are EUR 1400, 900, 700, 600, 500, 400 etc. There are also special prizes for women, seniors, juniors and elo sections.

Information and registration through salinello@fideacademy.com and www.fideacademy.com



Beach and Relax:

Four hundred metres of private beach with facilities, immersed in the nature resting above the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. The Holiday Village rises in this splendid location; the beach is easily accessible, no barriers, directly from the village crossing the beautiful solarium area.

Sports:

Ten thousand square meters are available dedicated to any kind of sport: five-a-side football, basket, volley, tennis, table tennis, minigolf, fitness course, swimming pools and much more for adults and children.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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Strong Field in Al Ain Chess Classic

December 18, 2014, 11:30 am
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Strong Field in Al Ain Chess Classic

A stellar field of 45 top ranked Grandmasters and 14 International Masters head the list of 153 players from 26 countries seeing action in the $50,000 Al Ain Classic Chess Championship from 19 to 26 December at the Hili Rotana hotel in Al Ain.

GM Yuri Kuzubov of Ukraine is top seed in the tournament which boasts 17 players in the high rating category above 2600, namely Ukrainians Yuriy Kryvoruchko, Alexander Areshchenko, Mikhailo Oleksienko, Evgenij Miroshnichenko and Vladimir Onischuk, Belarussian Sergei Zhigalko, Armenians Tigran L. Petrosian and Arman Pashikian, Ivan Sokolov of the Netherlands, Samuel Shankland of the USA, Constantin Lupulescu of Romania, Mikheil Mchedlishvili of Georgia and Viorel Iordachescu of Moldova.

Aside from the host country, the largest contingent is from India with 33 players followed by Azerbaijan with 22 players. National team member GM Rauf Mamedov heads the Azerbaijan delegation while GM Aghijeet Gupta and Vidit Santosh Gujrathi spearhead the Indian contingent. The tournament will be a 9-round Swiss System. Round 1 hostilities start 6pm tomorrow, 19 Dec. Two rounds are scheduled 10am and 5pm on Saturday followed by daily rounds starting 4pm. The last 9th round starts 2pm on Friday, 26 Dec. Games shall be broadcast live on the web. At stake are some US$50,000 for the first 20 places with a top prize of $11,000 for the champion and various category prizes.



Al Ain Chess Club President Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifah Al Nahyan (second from left) giving a press conference yesterday at the Hili Rotana hotel. In photo are, from left, Dr. Rashed Al Dhaheri, chairman of the UAE Chess Federation Constitutional Commission, Sheikh Sultan, Dr. Saif Al Nuaimi, General Secretary of the Al Ain Chess Club and Engr. Sultan Al Yabhoni, Deputy President of the Al Ain Chess Club.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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Nazar Wins Punjab Chess Championship 2014

December 18, 2014, 1:00 pm
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In Pakpattan, Nazar Hussain, the star player from Sheikhupura won Punjab Chess Championship by a clear margin of a full point. He remained unbeaten and bagged 6.5 points from 6 wins and one draw. This was his 2nd tournament victory in as many months. In the last round he was tied to play against Mudassir Iqbal from Multan. Mudassir pressed hard to squeeze a win in a game of Sicilian Defence, but could not convert his minute positional advantage. Nazar held on to his position and secured the draw to lift the trophy. 

Fauzan Ullah from Lahore was 2nd, trailed by Mudassir in 3rd place. Interestingly, top five positions were shared by Chess players from five different cities showing a remarkable revival and competition among different cities of Punjab.

Top five players were given trophies and cash awards by Professor Tariq Aziz of Government Faridia Post Graduate College. On this occasion, CFP Secretary also announced various incentives for local young Chess players aspiring to compete at National level. Final Standings were;

1st- Nazar Hussain (6.5), Sheikhupura.
2nd- Fauzan Ullah (5.5), Lahore.
3rd- Mudassir Iqbal (5.5), Multan.
4th- Haroon Ahmad (5), Depalpur.
5th- Shafiq Junior (5), Gujranwala.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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Carlos Torre Memorial 2014

December 18, 2014, 2:30 pm
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The 26th Torneo Internacional Carlos Torre Repetto In Memoriam is taking place from 18-22nd December at the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya Calle in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

The event consists of seven sections:
- Magistral, open to all players, 9 round Swiss
- Yucatan, for elo 1700-1900 players, 7 round Swiss
- Merida, for elo 1500-1700 players, 7 round Swiss
- Kukulcan, U1500 players, 7 round Swiss
- U8, 6 round Swiss
- U10, 6 round Swiss
- U12, 6 round Swiss

The total prize fund is 24,000 EUR, with 2200 EUR reserved for the winner of Magistral tournament.

Official website

Participants, Magistral (top seeds):

1. GM Bruzon Batista Lazaro CUB 2668
2. GM Ortiz Suarez Isan Reynaldo CUB 2623
3. GM Cordova Emilio PER 2616
4. GM Ramirez Alejandro USA 2581
5. GM Gonzalez Vidal Yuri CUB 2560
6. IM Obregon Rivero Juan Carlos CUB 2548
7. GM Becerra Rivero Julio USA 2547
8. GM Gonzalez Zamora Juan Carlos MEX 2523
9. IM Hevia Alejano Carlos Antonio CUB 2511
10. IM Oliva Castaneda Kevel CUB 2509
11. GM Nogueiras Santiago Jesus CUB 2502
12. GM Gonzalez Garcia Jose MEX 2496
13. GM Martinez Duany Lelys Stanley CUB 2484
14. GM Gonzalez Renier USA 2483
15. GM Alvarez Pedraza Aramis CUB 2482
16. IM Otero Acosta Diasmany CUB 2473
17. IM Jimenez Fraga Pedro Alejandro CUB 2470
18. IM Ibarra Chami Luis Fernando MEX 2462
19. IM Garcia Pantoja Roberto CUB 2461
20. FM Espinosa Veloz Ermes CUB 2448
21. GM Vera Gonzalez-Quevedo Reynald CUB 2445
22. IM Kjartansson Gudmundur ISL 2444
23. GM Borges Matos Juan CUB 2441
24. GM Pozo Vera Sandro CUB 2431
25. IM Quesada Vera Liordis CUB 2429
26. FM Borges Feria Yasel CUB 2422
27. FM Miranda Mesa Elier CUB 2416
28. IM Ruiz Sanchez Orlen CUB 2411
29. GM Perez Rodriguez Luis Manuel CUB 2370
30. IM Torres Rosas Luis Carlos MEX 2350
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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European Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship in Wroclaw

December 18, 2014, 3:30 pm
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Polonia Wroclaw Chess Club, under the patronage of the European Chess Union and the Polish Chess Federation, organizes the European Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship 2014, from 19-21 December, 2014, in Wroclaw, Poland.

The Championship will be held under the auspices of Rafa Dutkiewicz – the President of the city of Wroclaw and will bear the name the 23rd Adolf Anderssen Memorial.

Blitz Championship will be held on 19th December, and Rapid Championship will take place on 20th and 21st December, 2014.

The minimum prize fund for Blitz is 10,000 €, while for rapid is 20,000 € + prizes worth € 2000.

Theodoros Tsorbatzoglou, ECU Secretary General and Petr Pisk, ECU Tournament Director will be present at the opening ceremony of the Championship.

This year European Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship is marked by a record number of participants: more than 700 players in Blitz and more than 800 in Rapid Championship. Such great interest proves that the Polish Chess Federation and Poland are great hosts.

Last year the European Champions were Anton Korobov (Blitz) and Richard Rapport (Rapid).

Official website

The event was preceded by 4th Memorial Krystyna Holuj-Radzikowska, which concludes today in Wroclaw.

Top rated players, Blitz:

1 GM KOROBOV Anton UKR B 2752
2 GM SAVCHENKO Boris RUS B 2733
3 GM RIAZANTSEV Alexander RUS B 2707
4 GM NAVARA David CZE B 2705
5 GM VITIUGOV Nikita RUS B 2695
6 GM SHIMANOV Aleksandr RUS B 2691
7 GM EDOUARD Romain FRA B 2686
8 GM MATLAKOV Maxim RUS B 2683
9 GM KOVALENKO Igor LAT B 2682
10 IM BORTNYK Olexandr UKR B 2679
11 GM RAGGER Markus AUT B 2674
12 GM INARKIEV Ernesto RUS B 2671
13 GM ANTON GUIJARRO David ESP B 2664
14 GM FEDORCHUK Sergey A. UKR B 2661
15 IM DEMIDOV Mikhail RUS B 2656
16 IM CHIGAEV Maksim RUS B 2645
17 GM EFIMENKO Zahar UKR B 2640
18 GM KEMPINSKI Robert POL B 2637
19 GM SOCKO Bartosz POL B 2632
20 GM VALLEJO PONS Francisco ESP B 2629

Top rated players, Rapid:

1 GM KOVALENKO Igor LAT R 2741
2 GM VITIUGOV Nikita RUS R 2701
3 GM RAGGER Markus AUT R 2701
4 GM RIAZANTSEV Alexander RUS R 2697
5 GM EFIMENKO Zahar UKR R 2695
6 GM VALLEJO PONS Francisco ESP R 2689
7 GM SOCKO Bartosz POL R 2689
8 GM SALGADO LOPEZ Ivan ESP R 2685
9 GM WOJTASZEK Radoslaw POL R 2684
10 GM MATLAKOV Maxim RUS R 2684
11 GM ALEKSEEV Evgeny RUS R 2679
12 GM BARTEL Mateusz POL R 2674
13 GM KOROBOV Anton UKR R 2673
14 GM MOISEENKO Alexander UKR R 2670
15 GM FEDORCHUK Sergey A. UKR R 2664
16 GM INARKIEV Ernesto RUS R 2653
17 GM EDOUARD Romain FRA R 2651
18 GM ONISCHUK Vladimir UKR R 2648
19 GM BOLOGAN Viktor MDA R 2647
20 GM VOLOKITIN Andrei UKR R 2643
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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Chess Is Being Forever Changed by Technology

December 18, 2014, 5:28 pm
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Chess Is Being Forever Changed by Technology
December 18, 2014 By Josh Hoffert

Since its origins in 600 A.D., chess has truly proven to be a timeless game. What started in India as a war game called Chatarung, evolved throughout the centuries.

Anything that lasts 1500 years has a tendency to pick up traits directly related to the eras in which its weathered. For instance, the NBA wasn’t always the fitted suit, patterned bow tie, faux-glasses league it is today. The 1970’s offered large collars, heavily patterned suits, and lush fur coats (looking at you Walt Frazier).

Likewise, chess wasn’t always a tech-infused game, meaning computers haven’t always been around to evaluate and rate a player’s every move. Throughout the ages, chess has picked up some timely characteristics.

As the game made its way into Europe, it actually endured the delinquencies of romantics during the middle ages. Not only did adolescents use the game as a means of intimate time, but the Europeans changed the role of the queen entirely.

Up until the medieval period, the queen was known as the ferz, and was, in fact, the weakest piece on the board. The bishop was also weak, which created an incredibly slow-paced game.

Tabiyas–mid-game starting points–were often used to speed up matches. But by the time the medieval period was wrapping up, the queen had become the strongest piece on the board and the bishop increased its range.

Later on, the print press helped solidify these new rules, making the game more violent and harsh.

A quick spin in the Delorean and we have the game in its present, high-tech form. Computers entered the world of chess, notably in 1985, when legend Garry Kasparov played 32 simultaneous matches against various computer competitors. From that time on, chess would start to attract a new breed of players, unlike Grandmasters that had preceded.

During that period of five hours, Kasparov was able to beat each of the computers to retain a perfect status of 32 – 0. But part way through, he found himself in trouble in one of the matches:

“Eventually, I found a way to trick the machine with a sacrifice it should have refused.”

It was a narrow escape, but, at that time, it proved that humans could certainly outwit computers because the machines had the lack of intellectual reason like a human does.

Kasparov went on to face IBM’s Deep Blue supercomputer and put a tally in the “W” column for man, but just barely. Upon rematch in 1997, and after the doubling of Deep Blue’s processing power, the almighty Kasparov was defeated.

Truly, it was only a matter of time. Perhaps this is when we saw a divide. At this point, there were those who were deeply revered Grandmasters, and then there were those that stood by the side of supercomputers.

Looking back at this short time-period, it’s almost as if old-school Grandmasters had been cheated and felt they had submitted to technology. The transition seemed instantaneous in the grand scheme of things.

Some people feared that players would lose interest in chess. What really is a game that cannot be won besides a monotonous task in which one develops a fit of rage?

It appeared then, that man versus machine could have dire consequences, yet humans continue to fight the good fight. Computer programs can now analyze chess play up to 25 moves ahead.

According to The Gaurdian: “This means that, when the game is not quite two-thirds over, a program can see to the very end and thus play perfectly.”

Doesn’t that sound daunting? But today’s Grandmasters don’t just try to defeat their technological foes. They use them to their advantage against human competitors.

Source: http://www.sporttechie.com
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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Hot chess summer in Australia

December 18, 2014, 5:34 pm
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Hot chess summer in Australia
Wednesday, 17 December 2014 08:51

Traditionally in December and January in Australia we are holding many chess events for the players of different strength.

At the moment quite a few foreign players are visiting the Green continent and participating in various events around the country.

International Master Kanan Izzat from Azerbaijan won the Australian Young Masters competition scoring 6.5 points from 7 games.

Full details are there http://lidumsaym.com/

After 3 rounds in the Cat. 8 Australasian Masters Grandmaster Norm 10 players round robin tournament being held in Melbourne.

This event is the strongest round robin tournament ever held in the Victorian Capital!



GM Vasily Papin (Russia) and the youngest player in the field 13-years old International Master Anton Smirnov (Australia) leading with 2.5 points.

This event is the strongest round robin tournament ever held in Melbourne!

By the way Vasily Papin is spending more than a month in Australia and will play in total 62 to tournament games in 7 different competition.

Kazakhstan Grandmasters Murtas Kazhgaleyev and Rustam Khusnutdinov will play 56 games in Australian soil.

In the Australasian Masters IM Norm event (10 players, round robin)

Bob Smith (New Zealand) is an early leader with 3 points.

Live games, full results plus much more can be viewed following the link

http://boxhillchess.org.au/tournaments/current-tournaments/

Our guests are actively promoting chess in Australia.



Vasily Papin has visited school in the bush where all 150 students are participating in a very successful chess program. Here are the list of some notable events in Australia in the coming weeks.

December 22---Victorian Blitz Championship (Melbourne)
December 26---Australian Allegro Championship (Adelaide)
January 2-11/2015----Australian Open Championship (Sydney)
January 12-22/2015------Australian Women's Masters (Melbourne).

We are welcoming chess players around the world to visit our beautiful country!

Leonid Sandler
International Master
Director
Chess Australia PTY LTD
www.chesscoaching.com.au
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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Greatest Games of Chess Ever Played - Part 2 ... and more

December 18, 2014, 10:01 pm
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Beating The Pirc Modern Defences - GM Aaron Summerscale

Posted on December 18,2014 By OnlineChessLessons.NET Contributor in Strategy & Game Review, Chess Openings, All Articles w/ Videos. Control the center and attack your opponent! In the video "Beating The Pirc Modern Defences" by GM Aaron Summerscale, we are taught a simple, yet effective response that White can use against any Pirc or Modern style defense that Black plays. The set-up that is explained in the video is called the "150 Attack". The 150 Attack can be played through tricky move orders that can cause the Black opponent problems if they are not prepared for the types[...]

Weak Squares in the Game

Posted on December 18,2014 By GM Levan Aroshidze in Strategy & Game Review, General Chess Articles, Beginner's Corner. Weak Squares are the squares which can't be defended by the pawns. Generally, they are perfect locations for the minor pieces, especially if the weak square is in the central area. Recognizing importance of the weak squares and studying the technique of using them is an important step toward perfecting your chess strategy. Fixing and taking control over the weak squares may be as important as gaining a material advantage. Using the Weak Squares W[...]

The Flank Attack: How to use and defeat them

Posted on December 16,2014 By GM Levan Aroshidze in Strategy & Game Review, General Chess Articles, Beginner's Corner. As we know, a chessboard is separated into three parts: the Queen's flank, the center and the King's flank. Normally, the center is always under particular attention from the both sides, due to its high strategic importance. This makes it quite tough to take total control over the center and create a winning attack, while it's relatively easier to build the initiative on the flanks. A flank attack may have various goals, for example, opening the[...]

Greatest Games of Chess Ever Played - Part 2

Posted on December 15,2014 By OnlineChessLessons.NET Contributor in Strategy & Game Review, All Articles w/ Videos, Classic Games (Pre 2010). Learn how to systematically crush your opponent! In the video "Greatest Games of Chess Ever Played – Part 2" by GM Roman Dzindzichashvili, we are treated to an analysis of a game played between Vasily Smyslov and Samuel Reshevsky. Smyslov was a Grandmaster, world champion, and one of the greatest chess players of all time. His chess legacy includes many opportunities that we can all learn from, including novelties in chess theory, strategy, and e[...]

OnlineChessLessons.net is a producer of thousands of free chess articles and free chess videos by FIDE chess masters. They recently released the renowned Empire Chess series that has been taking the chess world by storm. Please consider checking out their chess blog and chess shop with tons of free updated previews.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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SPF National Open for Boys and Girls in Northern California (A World Youth Qualifier - Over $100K in prizes)

December 18, 2014, 10:02 pm
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Dear Chess Parents,

We have officially opened registration for the 2015 Susan Polgar Foundation's National Open Championship for Girls and Boys. We sincerely invite you to join the SPFNO on February 27th - March 1st, 2015 in San Mateo, California.

In the course of the three-day chess festival, the SPFNO will award qualifications for:

The Prestigious Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls
The FIDE World Youth Chess Championship 2015 in Porto Carras, Greece.
As well as $100,000 in prizes.

Please mark your calendars now and join us this February 27th - March 1st. We look forward to seeing you in San Mateo.

SUSAN POLGAR FOUNDATION NATIONAL OPEN FOR GIRLS AND BOYS
FEBRUARY 28th AND MARCH 1st

http://www.chessandmusic.com/susanpolgarfoundation

The prestigious annual Susan Polgar National Open Championship was created in 2006 and is sponsored by the Susan Polgar Foundation to give more opportunities to young chess players in the United States. The SPNOGB is an official qualifying event for the: The Prestigious Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls, and the FIDE World Youth Chess Championship 2015 in Porto Carras, Greece.
WHEN: 2/28 & 3/1/2015

WHERE: SAN MATEO EVENT CENTER – Free Parking
1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo, CA 94403

MAIN EVENT SECTIONS:

U8, U10, U12, U14, U16/18* in separate sections for Girls and Boys

Age Cut-Offs

To qualify for an age section the player cannot have reached the age of that section before January 1, 2015.

Example - to qualify for the U14 section the player cannot have reached 14 years of age before January 1, 2015, in other words he/she must be born in 2001 or later.

To qualify for the World Youth places your federation under FIDE must reflect USA otherwise the qualifier spot will go to the next player in line.1st place in each age category will be a wild card representative for the SPICE World Youth Team.

ROUND TIMES: All sections will be G/60 – All players MUST be current USCF Members

2/28/15 * Round 1 @ 9am * Round 2 @ 12:15pm * Round 3 @ 3:30pm

3/1/15 * Round 4 @ 9am * Round 5 @ 12:15pm * Round 6 @ 3:30pm

AWARDS: 3/1/15 @ 6:45pm

Over $100,000 are awarded in prizes, which include trophies, computers, chess prizes and scholarships. Trophies go to the top 20 players and top 3 teams in all sections. All other participants will get medals. Trophies will also be awarded to the top players rated under 800 in the U8 sections, the top players rated under 1000 in the U10 sections, the top players rated under 1200 in the U12 sections. the top players rated under 1400 in the U14 sections, the top players rated under 1600 in the U16 sections, and the top players rated under 1800 in the U18 sections.

The first place winner in the girls sections will qualify for The Prestigious Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls. The first place winner in sections U8, U10, U12, U14, U16/18 will qualify for the World Youth Chess Championship 2015 in Porto Carras, Greece. Triple Crown Winners (main event, blitz, and puzzle solving) will receive $1,000 scholarship to help defray expenses to the 2015 World Youth (if participating*)

* After flight ticket has been purchased, a $1,000 reimbursement check will be sent to the winners.

Team Rules: Minimum 2 players in same section from same school or feeder school (if feeder school parent / coach must provide proof). Top 3 (or 4?) scores count if more than 2 players on a team. A single school with many players cannot create additional teams in the same section. 1 team per section per school.

SIDE EVENTS:

2/27/15 – 6:30 pm Q & A and 25 board Simul against GM Susan Polgar

2/28/15 -- 5-5:30 pm Puzzle Competition (one section). Top 10 will get trophies

– 5:45pm Blitz Tournament (one section). Top 10 will get trophies

HOTEL: Sofitel San Francisco Bay * Special Room Rate for this tournament $129

Call (650) 598-9000 for reservations 223 Twin Dolphin Dr, Redwood City

REGISTRATION FEES:

Main Event – ONLY $60 if registered by 2/1

$80 after 2/1

Polgar Simul - $40 if registered by 2/1

$50 after 2/1

Puzzle Competition - $15 if registered by 2/1

$20 after 2/1

Blitz Tournament - $15 if registered by 2/1

$20 after 2/1

Event Application

Please click on the links to register for each event

Main Event * We do have a sibling discount for multiple children participating in this event, however, we are unable to process automatically process the discount at this time. Please go here to pay online with the sibling discount included

Susan Polgar 25 Board Simul and Q & A Session

2/27/15 – 6:30 pm Q & A and 25 board Simul against GM Susan Polgar

Puzzle Competition

2/28/15 -- 5-5:30 pm Puzzle Competition (one section). Top 10 will get trophies

Blitz Tournament

2/28/15 – 5:45pm Blitz Tournament (one section). Top 10 players will get trophies

Commemorative T-Shirt

If you would rather print out the application, click here. You can mail the application and check to:

The TCAMA
16691 Colonial Trail
Lathrop, CA 95330
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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Brilliancy prize at World Youth u16 Chess Olympiad

December 18, 2014, 10:20 pm
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Sophus Mechlenburg Moller (2133) - Jason Cao (2309)
Najdorf Sicilian
World U–16 Chess Olympiad 2014 Györ round five, 16.12.2014
[By Marin,Mihail]

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bg5 Nbd7 7.f4 Qc7 8.Qe2 e6 9.0–0–0 b5 10.a3 Bb7 11.g4



A typical 6.Bg5 Najdorf position, with mutual pawn attacks on the opposite wings.

11...Be7 12.Bg2 Rc8 13.Bxf6 Nxf6 14.g5 Nd7 15.h4 Qc4 16.Qe1 b4 17.Bf1 Qc5 18.Nb3 Qb6 19.axb4 Qxb4 20.Kb1 Nc5

White has maintained his space advantage, but Black seems to be the first in creating concrete threats. On the next move the Danish player thought up a surprise for his opponent...



21.Bb5+!?

He must have seen it in advance, as he played it after less than two minutes.
According to the Canadian captain, the Romanian Grandmaster Gergely Szabo, his pupil had not seen this coming, indeed.

But this small oversight might have been the best thing happening to him in this game since it opened his path to the brilliancy prize!

21...axb5 22.Rd4 Qxd4

The unexpected 22...Nd3 would have saved the queen, but left White with some positional advantage.

23.Nxd4 b4 24.Na2

24.Ncb5 would have been more active.

24...Bxe4



The oversight suddenly started looking like a deep positional sacrifice. Black has excellent compensation for his queen.

25.Rh2 d5 26.Nxb4 0–0 27.Qd2 Ra8 28.Nd3?

This makes White' centre hanging.

28.Nbc6 would have been more solid.

28...Ra4 29.Qe3 Rfa8 30.Kc1 Bxd3 31.Nc6

Trying to avoid 31.cxd3 Rxd4 but getting into other form of trouble.

31...Bd6 32.cxd3 Bxf4 0–1
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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Iran, Russia, and India tie for the lead after 7 rounds at WYCO

December 18, 2014, 10:30 pm
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Real game instant chess tactic

December 19, 2014, 12:00 am
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White to move. How should white proceed?

Source: ChessToday.net
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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