Sardinia Quick Chess Tournament

• Saturday Nov. 1 at the Sardinia Community Center, 12320 Savage Rd.,Sardinia NY 1-4pm Two sections:
• Adults: 3Round swiss Game/30 EF $20 Rounds 1,2,3 pm, Prizes based on entries
• Scholastic: RR- Play as many games as possible in 3 hrs! Trophy for 1st place. All scholastic players will recieve a prize!
• For info call Tom Warner 716-496-5230

It is Over! Anand is Still King!

Unable to win three straight games in order to force a tiebreak to then quick games, former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik could only draw today. Thus Vishy Anand of India remains the Chess World Champion.

Congratulations to him and his countryman Harish.

Now our hope is with American Gata Kamsky to beat Bulgarian Topalov in their match in the Ukrain with the winner to then challenge Anand for the title. Unless, of course, FIDE decides to change the rules again.

Kramnik Komeback?!

Faced with losing the match with either a loss or even a draw, former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik finnaly won a game against Vishy Anand today. The score is now 6-4. He has to do it two more times to force a tie-breaker playoff or Anand keeps the crown. Can he do it? Stay tuned.

Here is GM Susan Polgar's commentary given live during the match.

Kramnik, V (2772) - Anand, V (2782)World Championship - Game 10

Many have asked me if I think Kramnik will try 1.e4 today. I do not think so. It is not his style.1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3 c5 5.g3 cxd4 6.Nxd4 O-O 7.Bg2 d5 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Qb3 Qa5 So far, the players are within Opening Books. Bd2 here is the common move.10.Bd2 Black's best choice is 10...Nc6 11.Nxc6 bxc6 12.O-O =/+=10...Nc6 11.Nxc6 bxc6 12.O-O Bxc3 13.bxc3 Ba6 14.Rfd1 If 14... Bxe2 15.c4 Qa6 16.cxd5 Bxd1 17.Rxd1 +=14...Qc5 15.e4 Bc4 16.Qa4 Nb6 17.Qb4 Qh5 18.Re1 I do not recall off the top of my head of seeing this move before. I assume that this is a novelty. I believe 18.Bf4 and 18.Be3 have been played in a number of games before. In fact, Kasparov played 18.Be3 against Anand in 2000.White's advantage is the Bishop pair. Black's plan is to play Be2 then Bf3 to trade off one Bishop. Therefore, 18.Re1 stops the threat of Be2. If 18...Be3 19.h3 Bf3 then 20.g4. This is the kind of position Kramnik is very comfortable with. He has a small edge and he is at liberty to squeeze his opponent all day long.The reason why both players played very quickly so far is they have followed opening books until White's 18th move. This is the first time Anand is taking any significant time for a move.18...c5 Anand found a sound move when faced with a novelty.19.Qa5 Rfc8 20.Be3 = Anand is down by approximately 30 minutes on the clock. It is obvious that he was caught off guard.20...Be2 There are several threats with this move: 1. Black wants to eliminate one of White's Bishop pair with Bf3. 2. Black also has Nc4 with the same idea of trading off one of the Bishops. White's most logical move is 21.Bf4 to get out of the Nc4 threat.21.Bf4 Some people are asking why Kramnik doesn't go nuts and play wildly? Well, that is not his style. His best chance to win is to go back to what suits him best. He lost the first 2 games in this match playing Anand's style and it did not work out well.I just glanced at the evaluation of Fritz. It gives the position as equal. I disagree. I think White is slightly better and Anand has an uncomfortable position with White's Bishop pair pointing at his Rooks and his pieces are not very coordinated. In addition, it is not so simple for Black to come up with a sound strategic plan here. He just has to be careful.21...e5 This is a possible continuation 22.Bxe5 Nc4 23.Qa6 Qxe5 24.Rxe2 Qxc3 25.Ree1 +=22.Be3 If 22...Nc4 23.Qa6 Nxe3 24.Rxe2 Nxg2 25.Kxg2 +=22..Bg4 I like 23.Qa6 here to prevent Nc4. Kramnik is still slightly better. Kramnik has an option to play 23.Bxc5 Nc4 24.Qb5 Nd2 25.Be7 Rab8 26.Qd3 and Black has compensation. The c3 pawn is weak and Black has some play on the Kingside.23.Qa6 This is a much better choice for Kramnik than 23.Bxc5. A possible idea for Black here is play f6 to allow his Queen to retreat to f7 and possibly move the Queenside. He can also attempt to trade the g2 Bishop with Bf3 or Bh3.23...f6 White has a real threat with a4-a5. Black's Knight has few good squares to get to. In addition, White is basically trying to eliminate counter chances for Black while gaining space advantage. This is another promising game for Kramnik. 24.a5 Qf7 White can play 25.Bf1 with the idea of pushing a5 and after the Knight moves away, White has Bc4.25.Bf1 And now Black may need to play Be6 to prevent the Bf4 threat.25.Be6 26.Rab1 c4 I am not so keen on his move but the alternatives also give White an excellent game.27.a5 There are other options but I like this move the best. As I mentioned earlier, Black has a tough time finding a good square for his Knight.27...Na4 28.Rb7 I think Kramnik smells a victory here. If he succeeds, the pressure is back on Anand's side, especially with the way how Kramnik has played in the past 2 games.28...Qe8 The only move to protect the e6 Bishop. 29.Qd6 +/-The threat is Qb4 to go after an out of place Knight.29...Black resigns. He simply cannot get out of this mess. Well played game by Kramnik. He finally broke through to score his first win. The score is now 6.0 -4.0 in favor of Anand with 2 games to play. Tomorrow will be a day off and they will resume game 11 on Wednesday with game 11.

BORDERS OCTOBER SCHOLASTIC CHESS LEAGUE RESULTS

Three new members joined the league yesterday. New members were Joseph W. Vucic from East Aurora Middle School, Julius T. Spencer from St Augustines Scholars School, and Joel M. Hair from City Honors.

The October results were 1st Place and undefeated Joseph W. Vucic, 2nd Place Julius T. Spencer and 3rd Place Shakyle E Topps.

2008 League Standings: 1st Place - Joseph W. Vucic - 3pts. 2nd Place tie - Julius T. Spencer - 2pts. 2nd Place tie - Richard H. Herko - 2pts. 4th Place tie - William J. Deuschle - 1.5pts 4th Place tie - Trevor D. Cohn - 1.5pts 6th Place tie - Shakyle E. Topps - 1.0pts 6th Place tie - Preston Gifford - 1.0pts 6th Place tie - David E. Primosch Jr. - 1.0pts 6th Place tie - Chase Gifford - 1.0pts 6th Place tie - Marissa L. Herko - 1.0pts 6th Place tie - Samuel E. Santora - 1.0pts 12th Place tie - Joel Hair - 0pts. 12th Place tie - Mikayla C. Brown - 0pts

The next Borders Chess League meeting will be Saturday, November 22, 2008 starting at 1pm until 4:30pm. Borders Bookstore (Orchard Park) Rt 219 and Milestrip at Quakercrossing. To register for the league please email full name, age, grade and school to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com. Advanced Entry fee only $5.00 per monthly session. Checks made payable to Archangel 8 Chess Academy, BSCL, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo NY 14221.

1ST ANNUAL WNY SCHOLASTIC FALL TEAM CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS

• SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2008
• MAIN PLACE MALL - UPPER LEVEL 390 MAIN STREET, BUFFALO NEW YORK
• UNRATED
• TWO SECTIONS - K -6th Grades and 7th -12th Grades
• Schools may have more than one team. A team consist of 4 players
• Advance Entry fee is $10 per player by Tuesday November 4, 2008
• Check in/Registration is from 9am until 10am
• Rounds at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm and Championship round at 3:15pm
• Awards and Team Trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be awarded immediately after the final round
• Lunch break 12:30pm till 1pm FOOD COURT WILL BE OPEN DURING TOURNAMENT PLAY
• Tournament Directors are Thomas A Warner and Michael A Mc Duffie
• USCF Rules and "Touch Move" will be ENFORCED. Written notations are optional.
• Players should bring chess sets, chess board, and chess clocks.

To register you team , please email each players full name, age, grade, and section of play to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com no later than Tuesday November 4, 2008. Please make checks payable to Archangel 8 Chess Academy and mail to 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo NY 14221.

KLCC OCTOBER GRAND PRIX RESULTS

A first in the Hal Payne Scholastic Section, as 3 girls sweep the topp three spots! Dakaylah Winfied, daughter of Ken "The Don" Winfield, won her second consecutive monthly tournament. Second place was Daja Vu Romer and third place was Doshlynn Romer (Cousins of Dakaylah). All three are members of the chess federation. Dakaylah, 5th grader at Martin Luther King Jr Multicultural Institute #39, Daja Vu and Doshlynn also 5th graders at PFC William J Grabiarz School of Excellence are also the first African-American females to earn the top three places. Julius T. Spencer, 6th Grader from St. Augustine Scholars School, also tied for third place but lost out on tie breakers.

We would also like to welcome newcomer Allena Harris, from D'Youville Porter Campus School #3 to her first chess tournament. D'Youville Porter Campus School #3 has started a lunchtime volunteered chess program. On a sad note, The St. Augustine Scholars Chess Club has been cancelled due to lack of funding.

The Antoine M Thompson U1600 Section got a new undefeated champion- Benjamin W. Havey(1331) from Kenmore Middle School. Tying for second were David M Biddle (1426), David S. Miller(1574), and Thomas C. Callea Jr.(1003). Ben, your preparation and persistence do payoff! Keep up the good work, lets see if you can make it two monthly wins.

Tournament Upsets: Round 1: Thomas Callea defeated Jerome Barton for 381 points, Erik Lubas draw with Ferdinand Supsup (Canada) for 141 points. Round 2: Michael A Mc Duffie defeated Ferdinand Supsup (Canada) for 396 points, George Barton defeated Glenn Conlin for 386 points, Benjamin Havey defeated David Miller for 243 points, Erik Lubas defeated Jerome Barton for 187 points. Round 3: Thomas Callea defeated Steve Baer for 177 points, Jerome Barton draw with Ferdinand Supsup(Canada) for 47.5 points. Round 4: Thomas Callea defeated Sept. Champion James P Davis for 363 points, Steve Baer tied Ferdinand Supsup for 149.5 points and Benjamin Havey defeated David Biddle for 95 points.

The next KLCC November Grand Prix Tournament will be Saturday, November 15th, 2008. I just returned from Rochester Chess Center where I spoke with Ron and Shelby, inviting the Rochester Chess members to join us next month. Advanced entry fee for the Open Section is $40.00 v. $50, no later than Tuesday November 11th, 2008. Guaranteed Cash Prizes $200, $100 and $60.00.

Reminder Saturday November 8, 2008 will be the first annual WNY Scholastic Fall Team Chess Championships at the Main Place Mall. Two Sections K - 6th Grade and 7th - 12th Grades. Five rounds, Swiss, Game 30. Entry fee is $10 per player, Teams of 4 players, Schools may have more than one team from their school. Individuals and Team Trophies will be awarded. Sponsorships are available. Advanced entry only no later than Tuesday, November 4th, 2008. To register your team, please email full name, age, grade and section to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Kramnik's chances are now very slim

After another draw in game 8 of the World Chess Championship Match in Bonn, Germany, Vladimir Kramnik has only 4 games remaining to get back the 3 points that he is trailing to Vishy Anand. Another win by Anand or even two more draws and it is over.

Here is GM Susan Polgar's live annotation:

World Championship Game 8 Bonn, Germany 2008.10.24

White-Kramnik, V. Black-Anand, V.

[ECO "D39"]

1.d4 Kramnik chose to open with d4 again.1...Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 dxc4 Surprise! Anand chose to take. This is not solid opening one would expect Anand to play given the current score. He instead goes for the sharp Vienna Variation. 5.e4 Bb4 6.Bg5 c5 The most popular responses for White are 7.Bxc4 and 5.e57.Bxc4 cxd4 8.Nxd4 Qa5 White has a few choices: 9.Bd2, 9.Bxf6, 9.Bb5+, all are playable.9.Bb5+ Bd7 White's best choice here is to take the Knight with Bxf6 10.Bxf6 Black can either play 10...Bxb5, 10...Bxc3+ or 10...gxf6. I think Bxb5 may surprise Kramnik the most :) It may not be the best move but the surprise element sometimes is very important as we have seen in the match so far.10...Bxb5 One again, Anand is first to surprise his opponent. The 2 most logical responses for White are 11.Nb3 Qb6 12 Bxg7 Rg8 13.Bd4 += and 11.Ndxb5 gxf6 12.O-O Nc6 13.a3 Bxc3 14.Nxc3 +=11.Nxb5 gxf6 12.O-O Nc6 White has a few playable continuation such as 13.a3 and13.Qf3 although I prefer 13.a3 better.13.a3 Bxc3 14.Nxc3 The key question for Anand now is will he castle Kingside or will he leave his King in the middle again. Both 14...0-0 and 14...Rg8 are playable. I think this is probably the most "comfortable" position Kramnik has so far in this match. This is the type of position which suits him best. Unfortunately, it should have come much earlier.14...Rg8 True to his form in the match, Anand chose NOT to castle and instead try to create counter play on the g file and the Kingside. If I have to choose a side to play, I would pick White in this position although Black's position is fine. What White may want to do is to make sure Black does not castle on the Queenside. Therefore, it may make sense to make a move like Qf3 to attack the f6 pawn to gain a tempo to get the Rook to d1 to make sure that the Black King cannot escape to the other side.15.f4 A somewhat surprising move. One guess is he does not want Black to be able to put his Knight on e5 to support a Kingside attack. Black has a number of fine moves here 15...Rd8, 15...Qb6+, or 15...Qc5+.15...Rd8 16.Qe1 Black has a number of playable moves such as 16...Qb6+ 17.Rf2 Na5 or something else like 16...Rd4, 16...Rd3.16...Qb6+ 17.Rf2 This is the kind of position which is the hardest for the average player, sometimes even for more advanced players, to come up with the right plan.17...Rd3 One possible explanation for this move is to creatively get the Rook to the Kingside with Rh3. I am not convinced of this plan if it is indeed his plan.18.Qe2 Qd4 This move allows White to play Nb5 and if the Queen moves back to d8 the White can proceed with e5 to build a strong d6 post for the Knight. I am still unsure of Anand's plan here.19.Re1 This position reminds me of watching a heavyweight boxing bout where the two heavyweight boxers are feeling each other out in the early rounds. I am still curious about the Rd3 then Qd4 sequence for Black. It will be interesting to listen to what Anand has to say about this at the press conference. I hope someone will ask this question :) White is now threatening to play Nb5 next with excellent advantage. Perhaps Black should consider playing a6 to stop it.19...a6 An interesting possibility for White is 20.Nd5 exd5 21.exd5+ Kd7 22.dxc6+ Kxc6 and White has a small edge.20.Kh1 Obviously it is to get out of the pin. Based on the time on the clock, I think both players are having a hard time coming up with concrete plans.20...Kf8 Black is doing the same in getting the King out of the e file to avoid the possibility of Nd5. I do not see anything convincing for either player in this position. I still think 20.Nd5 gives Kramnik better chances. 21.Ref1 The plan is to go for f5. If Black takes, White would have the double Rooks in good position. If Black avoids the exchange with e5 then the d5 square would be vulnerable. Black can defend with 21...Rg6 22.f5 exf5 23.exf5 (23. Rxf5 Rd2 -+) 23...Rg4 the position is unclear.21...Rg6 22.g3 A cautious move. Another possible line is 22.Rd1 Rxd1+ 23.Nxd1. I think White has a very small advantage.22...Kg7 23.Rd1 Rxd1 24.Nxd1 White is better because 1. Black's Rook is not in an ideal place 2. Black has double f pawns. But the advantage is very small. White's goal should be to trade Queens. Then his advantage will be enhance a great deal because his Rook can get to the d file faster. Black will do everything possible to avoid trading Queens here.24...Kh8 The idea of this move is make room for his Rook to go back to g8.25.Nc3 A very interesting and logical idea is 25.Rf3 then Rd3.25...Rg8 26.Kg2 Rd8 Now Black controls the d file. Very curious play by Kramnik in the past few moves. One would have expected him to go for the d file a few moves ago. One idea is he will get his Queen h5 but I fail to see a real attack.27.Qh5 Kg7 Here is a possible line 28.Qg4+ Kh8 29.Qh4 Kg7 30.f5 exf5 31.Rxf5 Ne7 32.Qg4+ Kh8 28.Qg4+ Kh8 29.Qh5 Kg7 30.Qg4+ Kh8 31.Qh4 Kg7 Some of these moves are just to gain time on the clock.32.e5 If Black plays 32... fxe5 33. Qg5+ Kf8 34. f5 exf5 35. Qxf5 +=. Best for Black is 32...f5 32...f5 The biggest problem for White is he cannot get his Rook and Knight to involve in the Kingside attack, in spite of Black's weak King. 33.Qf6+ is obvious but then what?33.Qf6 + Kg8 34.Qg5+ Kh8 Perhaps draw will come after move 40 when Kramnik will have more time to figure if there is any possible for him to get his pieces coordinated. I see nothing for White right now.35.Qf6+ Kg8 36.Re2 I expect White will continue with the g5 - f6 check again to gain time.36...Qc4 37.Qg5+ White has nothing here even though Kramnik is trying. I am confident that this will be a draw. I think Kramnik missed a few possibilities in this game: 1. 20.Nd5 and 2. 25.Rf3. It would have given him much better chances.37...Kh8 38.Qf6+ Kg8 39.Qg5+ Kh8 1/2-1/2 The score now is 5.5 - 2.5 in Anand's favor. He needs one more point in the final 4 games to retain his title.

Ron Cozzi this Saturday

Ron Cozzi Old Editions Bookshop Open The Ron Cozzi Old Editions Bookshop Open will be held this Saturday October 25, 2008 at the Educational Opportunity Center 465 Washington St. Buffalo,NY 14203. This will be a 4 round swiss system event, G/60 EF $22,$5 discount each additional family member after one full price entry. On site registration 8-8:30,Rds 9-11:30-2:30-5:00 Prize fund $500 b/50 entries . Four sections, Open, U1800,U1400,U1100. One 1/2 pt bye if requested before Rd 1. USCF membership required (memberships and renewals taken on site). For more information contact Douglas Dubose at (716)836-4364 or (716)848-0779 or e-mail at zugzwang92857@yahoo.com. Trophies donated by four time City Champion Ron Cozzi of Old Editions Bookshop and Cafe.

Another Draw Another Step Closer for Anand

Anand (2783) - Kramnik (2772) [D18]

World Championship (7), 23.10.2008

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.e3 e6 7.Bxc4 Bb4 8.0–0 Nbd7 9.Qe2 Bg6 10.e4 0–0 11.Bd3 Bh5 12.e5 Nd5 13.Nxd5 cxd5 14.Qe3 Re8 15.Ne1 Bg6 16.Bxg6 hxg6 17.Nd3 Qb6 18.Nxb4 Qxb4 19.b3 Rac8 20.Ba3 Qc3 21.Rac1 Qxe3 22.fxe3 f6 23.Bd6 g5 24.h3 Kf7 25.Kf2 Kg6 26.Ke2 fxe5 27.dxe5 b6 28.b4 Rc4 29.Rxc4 dxc4 30.Rc1 Rc8 31.g4 a5 32.b5 c3 33.Rc2 Kf7 34.Kd3 Nc5+ 35.Bxc5 Rxc5 36.Rxc3 Rxc3+ 1/2

Click here to replay the game.

http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/2008/10/anand-kramnik-live-game-7.html

WOW! WOW! Anand up by 3!

It is getting worse for former World Champion Kramnik. He lost again today. I think this casteling thing is over rated!

Anand, V (2783) - Kramnik, V (2772) [E34]World Championship in Bonn Germany 21.10.2008

• 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 d5 5.cxd5 Qxd5 6.Nf3 Qf5 7.Qb3 Nc6 8.Bd2 0–0 9.h3 b6 10.g4 Qa5 11.Rc1 Bb7 12.a3 Bxc3 13.Bxc3 Qd5 14.Qxd5 Nxd5 15.Bd2 Nf6 16.Rg1 Rac8 17.Bg2 Ne7 18.Bb4 c5 19.dxc5 Rfd8 20.Ne5 Bxg2 21.Rxg2 bxc5 22.Rxc5 Ne4 23.Rxc8 Rxc8 24.Nd3 Nd5 25.Bd2 Rc2 26.Bc1 f5 27.Kd1 Rc8 28.f3 Nd6 29.Ke1 a5 30.e3 e5 31.gxf5 e4 32.fxe4 Nxe4 33.Bd2 a4 34.Nf2 Nd6 35.Rg4 Nc4 36.e4 Nf6 37.Rg3 Nxb2 38.e5 Nd5 39.f6 Kf7 40.Ne4 Nc4 41.fxg7 Kg8 42.Rd3 Ndb6 43.Bh6 Nxe5 44.Nf6+ Kf7 45.Rc3 Rxc3 46.g8Q+ Kxf6 47.Bg7+ black resigns. 1–0.

Click here to replay the game.

Click here to review GM Susan Polgar's commentary.

Matt Parry at World Youth Championships

Western New York's own NM Matt Perry (2261-FIDE) is competing at the World Youth Chess Championships in Vietnam. Matt is from the Rochester Chess Club and is this past year's New York State High School Champion and thus our representative at the prestigious Denker Tournament.

• The WYCC began today with Matt ranked 36th at the start. He won as black today against an unrated player from Nepal and is now in the 28th spot. He will be white tomorrow against FM Luka from Georgia.
• He is the third highest representative from the USA competing in Open U18 section of this event. The other two USA players in this section also won today. They are FM Shankland (FIDE 2436)- presently ranked 13th in this section and NM Daniel Ludwig (FIDE 2400) -presently ranked 16th.
• He will be playing in this year's Jeff White Memorial Championship at the Main Place Mall on December 20th along with IMs Regan and Hartman and NM Lionel Davis.

To follow the results of all the members of the US team at this international event go to http://chess-results.com/tnr15980.aspx?art=25&fedb=USA&lan=1&flag=30&m=-1

WOW! Anand wins with Black Again!

World Champion Vishy Anand of India won again with black today. Former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik of Russia is now down 3.5-1.5 with only 7 more games to go.

GM Susan Polgar's analysis of this game can be found at http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/2008/10/kramnik-anand-game-5-live.html

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5 8.Bd3 a6 9.e4 c5 10.e5 cxd4 11.Nxb5 axb5 12.exf6 gxf6 13.O-O Qb6 14.Qe2 Bb7 15.Bxb5 Rg8 16.Bf4 Bd6 17.Bg3 f5 18.Rfc1 f4 19.Bh4 Be7 20.a4 Bxh4 21.Nxh4 Ke7 22.Ra3 Rac8 23.Rxc8 Rxc8 24.Ra1 Qc5 25.Qg4 Qe5 26.Nf3 Qf6 27.Re1 Rc5 28.b4 Rc3 29.Nxd4 Qxd4 30.Rd1 Nf6 31.Rxd4 Nxg4 32.Rd7+ Kf6 33.Rxb7 Rc1+ 34.Bf1 Ne3 35.fxe3 fxe3 0-1

Go to http://www.uep-worldchess.com/ to replay the game.

Back to a Draw?!

GM Anand (2783) - GM Kramnik (2772) [D37] 18.10.2008 - World Championship - Game 4(Commentary provided LIVE by GM Susan Polgar) 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bf4 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7 7. a3 c5 8. cxd5 Nxd5 9. Nxd5 exd5 10. dxc5 Nxc5 11.Be5 The players cranked out the first 11 moves at rapid pace. These are all book moves so far. I believe the most popular option for Black here is 11...Bf6. There are also many other playable moves such as 11...Bf5, 11...Bg4, 11...Be6, or 11... f6. I do not expect Black to go all out in this game because of a few reasons: 1. He is very experienced and he will not panic after just one loss. 2. One of the common strategies in big matches is you want to try to stabilize the bleeding after a bad loss. Tomorrow would be an off day and Kramnik can then prepare to even up the score with the White pieces in game 5. 11...Bf5 This is not the most common continuation but definitely playable. White's most logical response here would be 12.Be2. This position is roughly even. 12. Be2 Bf6 White has a number of choices such as 13.0-0, 13.Rc1, or 13.Bxf6, which most likely will be Anand's choice. Black is equal in any of the above lines. I am having a hard time finding a convincing plan for White. This opening choice suits Kramnik fine as he will try to grind things out without much risks. 12...Bf6 is technically a new move here but it really just transpose to another line. 13.Bxf6 Qxf6 If Anand wants a quiet game, 14.Nd4 would be a logical choice. But if he wants something more lively, he may want to consider 14.0-0 allowing 14...Qxb2 15 .Qxd5 14.Nd4 I do not expect much happening in this game. It seems that Anand is content with a +1 so far. Even if Kramnik can even up the score by the end of the match, I have to believe that Anand is quite confident with his rapid chess skill. They have played 45 rapid games against each other and Anand has a big edge with +10 =33 –2. One interesting note, Kramnik has never beaten Anand with the Black pieces in classical chess. 14...Ne6 I expect Anand to capture the Bishop and head to a Bishop versus Knight set up. After 0-0, White has nothing to fear and his focus will be on the isolated d5 pawn. I still believe the position is even. 15.Nxf5 Qxf5 16.O-O Things move along as expected. Black now can place his f Rook on d8 threatening d4 to get rid of that isolated pawn. In the mean time, White can always play Bg4 to get rid of the Knight. This is certainly not an exciting position for either side. 16...Rfd8 The best thing of this match so far for the chess fans is to have Anand strike first. This way, Kramnik has to force the issues to even things out. If Kramnik would have scored first, he would just play very safe to hold. I expect Anand to play Bg4 and not take any chances. 17.Bg4 Black can safely play 17...Qe5, 17...Qf6, or 17...Qg6 without much difference. 17...Qe5 This is a possibility 18.Qb3 d4 19.Bxe6 Qxe6 20.Qxe6 fxe6 21.exd4 Rxd4 = 18.Qb3 Unfortunately for the chess fans, basically all lines will most likely lead to a peaceful ending. 18...Nc5 An interesting try but White can simply move out of the way with 19.Qb5. Black eventually has to trade the d5 pawn which will lead to a symmetrical pawn structure. 19.Qb5 Black's most logical move is 19...b6 to protect the Knight since it is located on a good square. White can start moving his Rooks to the d and c files. 19...b6 20.Rfd1 Rd6 Black obviously will double his Rooks on the d file. White can simply chase the Knight away with b4 and if the Knight retreats to e6, White can simply trade the Bishop and Knight then move the Rook to d4 to block Black's pawn from advancing. White can also play 21.Rd4 immediately. It really does not matter which order White chooses. Even with all of that, the position will not yield a decisive result for either side. Perhaps a draw will be agreed after move 30. 21.Rd4 a6 Now White has only one move which is 22.Qb4 to stop the Nb3 threat. 22.Qb4 Anand responded with this move instantly. Black has a wide range of possible moves such as 22...h5, 22...f5, or 22...Rad8. They are all perfectly playable. 22...h5 It will be interesting to see if Anand will choose to retreat to the d1-h5 diagonal with 23.Be2 or 23.Be3 or go the other way with 23.Bh3. The ladder one is probably safer to prevent Ne6 to chase the Rook away from the nice d4 square. 23.Bh3 Rad8 Simply a logical move. Sometimes, it is better to follow the most logical path and not complicate things for no reason. An interesting option for White now is 24.g3 to allow the flexibility for the Bishop to go back to g2 or even f1. It is risky for Kramnik to go crazy with the g5 - g4 idea because he definitely does not want to take a chance to go down a serious 0-2 hole. He is too calm and cool to panic this early with 8 games left after this one. 24.g3 g5 25.Rad1 g4 26.Bg2 Ne6 White can simply play R4d3 = Black can start pushing the d pawn now that the Knight is on e6 to reinforce this. 27.R4d3 d4 28.exd4 If Black recaptures with the Knight, White could move his King to h1. Kramnik is trying to make something happen out of very little. Black's Knight will be quite active after 28...Nxd4. The other option is 28...Rxd4 29.Rxd4 Nxd4 30.Kh1. 28...Rxd4 Anand has to take the Rook. 29.Qc3 is too risky. 29.Rxd4 Rxd4 White can play 30.Rxd4 Nxc4 31.Qxb6 Qe1+ 32.Bf1 = 1/2-1/2 The players agreed to a draw.

BORDERS OCTOBER SCHOLASTIC CHESS LEAGUE RESULTS

BORDERS BOOKSTORE (ORCHARD PARK) MILESTRIP AND RT 219 ORCHARD PARK NY

Time:12:30pm until 4:30pm.

This is the second month for Scholastic Competition. This chess league is for scholastic chess players who would like to improve their chess play, chess openings, chess principles and chess notations.

Check In between 12:30pm and 1pm. Group lessons and league play will begin at 1:15pm.

Female chess players are strongly encourage to participate.

League standings are submitted to Borders for their website.

For registration, please email full name, school, grade and rating to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

CHESS CLUB OF BUFFALO MEETS

Every Monday morning, Barnes and Noble Bookstore, Niagara Falls Blvd, Amherst NY.

This program is designed for Homeschool students from Kindergarten thru 8th graders.

Time: 10:30am until Noon

Group Lessons, casual play and chess strategies.

For more information, contact Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador, with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

NOT A DRAW!!!!

That's more like it! Today's game in the World Championship match was both exciting and definitive. Way to go gentlemen. With only 9 more games to go it should become more interesting. Here is GM Susan Polgar's analysis from her blogspot:

Friday, October 17, 2008 Kramnik 0-1 Anand / Game 3 GM Kramnik (2772) - GM Anand (2783) [D49]17.10.2008 - World Championship - Game 31.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5 8.Bd3 a6 9.e4 c5 10.e5 cxd4 11.Nxb5 axb5 12.exf6 gxf6 13.0–0 Qb6 14.Qe2 Bb7 15.Bxb5 Bd6 += Even though Black has double pawns and King safety issue, Vishy has compensation and counter play on the Kingside.16.Rd1 Black does have a number of options here but I prefer the most logical 16...Rg8.16...Rg8 17.g3 Rg4 I do not believe 17...Rg4 is the most accurate move in this position. This allows 18.Nd2.18.Bf4 White should have played 18.Nd2 to maintain a small edge. Now 18...Bxf4 19.Rd4 and the position is unclear.18...Bxf4 19.Nxf4 I think this is a mistake. 19...h5 is looking good for Black. I would have preferred 19.Rxd4.19...h5 20. Nxe6 fxe6 21. Rxd7 Kf8 22. Qd3 Rg7 += 23.Rxg7 Kxg7 24.gxf4 += After 24...Rd8 Black has more than enough compensation for the 2 pawns. This could be very dangerous for Kramnik.24...Rd8 25. Qe2 Kh6 26. Kf1 Rg8 27. a4 Bg2+ 28. Ke1 Bh3 29. Ra3 Rg1+ 30. Kd2 Qd4+ 31. Kc2 Bg4 32. f3 Bf5+ 33. Bd3 Bh3 (Anand missed an immediate win with 33... Bxd3+ 34. Rxd3 (34. Qxd3 Rg2+ 35. Kc1 Qxb2+ 36. Kd1 Rg1+) 34... Qc4+ 35. Rc3)34. a5 Rg2 35. a6 Rxe2+ 36. Bxe2 Bf5+ 37. Kb3 Qe3+ 38. Ka2 Qxe2 39. a7 Qc4+ 40. Ka1 Qf1+ 41. Ka2 Bb1+ {Black wins} 0-1Anand is taking the important early lead. It is now up to Kramnik to mix things up. We can expect the games to be a lot more exciting now.Click here to replay the game.

Big Tournamnet Small Entry Fee!

REMINDER THAT THIS MONTH'S KLCC GRAND PRIX OPEN IS THIS SATURDAY!

Once again for those not participating in the Open section the entry fee is only $10! Scholastics only $8!!!

Here is what the WNY Chess Ambassador recently sent out:

• MAIN PLACE MALL - UPPER LEVEL 390 MAIN STREET BUFFALO, NY 14201
• FOOD COURT OPEN DURING THE TOURNAMENT!!!!!
• FOUR ROUNDS, SWISS, GAME 45, USCF RATED OPEN TOURNAMENT FEATURING INTERNATIONAL MASTER KENNETH W. REGAN
• CHECK IN NO LATER THAN 9AM, FIRST ROUND STARTS AT 9:30AM
• GRAND PRIX SECTION GUARANTEED CASH PRIZES: ENTRY FEE $50.00 CASH!1ST PLACE $200, 2ND PLACE $100 3RD PLACE $60
• U1600 NYS SENATOR ANTOINE M THOMPSON SECTION: ENTRY FEE $10.00CASH PRIZES BASED UPON 20 ENTRIES: 1ST PLACE TROPHY AND $60, 2ND PLACE TROPHY AND $50, 3RD PLACE $40.
• HAL PAYNE SCHOLASTICS SECTION: ENTRY FEE $8.00, FIVE ROUNDS, GAME/30 TROPHIES FOR 1ST, 2ND AND 3RD PLACE WINNERS. CHECK IN NO LATER THAN 9:30AM, GAMES START AT 10 AM.

PLEASE EMAIL ASAP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND WITH FULL NAME, SECTION, USCF MEMBERSHIP NUMBER, USCF CURRENT RATING AND EXPIRATION DATE mailto: ARCANGEL8CHESS@yahoo.com

DRAW?!

Once again no surprises. Round 2 was another draw. With the short number of games to play-12 total the hope was that each game would be more meaningful. Instead it appears it has lead to very drawish games.

Analysis by GM Illescas from the official website http://www.uep-worldchess.com/

Oh, by the way, for those of you not named Marijan- the notation was a bit unusual. S (springer) is actually N (knight) , L (laufer) is B (bishop), T (turm) is R (rook), and D (damen) is Q (queen). I amended it but just in case I missed one or two.

(1) Anand,Viswanathan - Kramnik,Vladimir [E25] WCC Bonn (2), 15.10.2008 [Illescas,Miguel]

There was a lot of expectation about the opening moves. We can presume that Anand will start with his beloved 1.e4, but black's answer can't be easily anticipated. Will it be the solid Russian Defence? Maybe the Anti-Kasparov weapon, the Berlin wall? A respectable Caro-kann? Or a sharp sicilian? Only Kramnik knows... 1.d4 !Kind of surprise! Of course Kramnik should be ready... 1...Nf6 2.c4 e6 Main Kramnik's weapon 3.Nc3 Second surprise: in most of the games Anand was avoiding the Nimzoindia with 3.Nf3 3...Bb4 4.f3 And the third and last surprise from white. The fashion here is now 4.Qc2, "a la Capablanca". From the very top players, only Shirov was playing this agressive approach in the 90's. Anand never had played this move before and Kramnik was never before facing it! 4...d5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 c5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 Black is following the main line 8.dxc5 The last try from white. Grab the pawn and try to keep it, very much in "computer style". Practical and psychological factors may have been taken into account by Anand when making this choice. Kramnik likes the pair of bishops, here he has to fight against them. Kramnik doesn't like to give material so early, here he is pawn down. And most important: Kramnik likes to have the initiative in the opening battle: here he may be less prepared than his opponent. Nice plan but Kramnik had something to say... 8...f5!? The second choice of strong players, a very dynamic move which fights versus the advance e2-e4. Now it is Kramnik who is probably surprising his opponent. [The main line is 8...Qa5 a favorite of Karpov] 9.Qc2 Most logical, insisting on playing e4 [Another popular moves are the quiet 9.Nh3 or the agressive; 9.e4 fxe4 10.Qc2] 9...Qd7!? And here it comes the second surprise from Kramnik. This early knight move is almost a novelty. It shows how deep knowledge and understanding has Kramnik when dealing with openings. [The natural 9...0–0 ; and the bizarre 9...f4 have been tried] 10.e4 fxe4 [Seirawan was proposing 10...N5f6?! but it seems to me that after 11.exf5 0–0 12.Bf4! it becomes strategically very risky for black] 11.fxe4 N5f6 12.c6! The best chance, spoiling black's pawn structure. [12.Be3?! Ng4; 12.Nf3 Nxc5=] 12...bxc6 [Again Seirawan was claiming for active play. After 12...Nc5!? 13.e5 Nfe4 white should probably refrain from taking on b7, and after 14.Be3 0–0 15.Nf3² white is doing fine] 13.Nf3 Qa5! [Much more passive was 13...Qc7 14.Bd3 0–0 15.0–0 Ng4 16.h3 Nge5 17.Nxe5 Rxf1+ 18.Bxf1 Qxe5 19.Be3 Nf6 20.Bd3 and white was better in Portisch,L-Kluger,G/Budapest 1962 (25); The computer suggests 13...Ng4!? 14.Be2 0–0 and after 15.h3 Rxf3!÷ the game becomes a real mess] 14.Bd2 Strictly speaking this is the new move in this game. Anand is preparing c4 to prevent the exchange of the light squared bishops. Very logical. [Worst for white was 14.Be3?! Ng4 15.Bg1 0–0³ Moehring,G-Neukirch,D/Annaberg-Buchholz 1965] 14...Ba6 15.c4 Qc5 White will have problems to castle. The opening battle was won by black who has an easy game. 16.Bd3 Ng4!? [Very reasonable was 16...0–0 17.Bb4 Qe3+ 18.Qe2 Qxe2+ 19.Kxe2 c5= with a good game for black.] 17.Bb4 Qe3+ [Black could take some risk with 17...Qb6!? but Kramnik went for the most solid continuation.] 18.Qe2 0–0–0 This move was critiziced by Anand. [Very safe was 18...c5 19.Bd2 Qxe2+ 20.Bxe2 h6= preventing Ng5 and getting a comfortable position for black.; Anand suggested 18...Qxe2+ but after 19.Kxe2 Nge5 20.Nxe5 Nxe5 21.Bd6!? white may be slightly better even after 21...Nxd3 22.Kxd3²] 19.Qxe3 [Maybe it makes sense for white to try 19.Be7!? Rde8 20.Bd6²] 19...Nxe3 20.Kf2 Ng4+ [Of course is weak 20...Nxc4?! 21.Rac1 Ndb6 22.Bxc4 Nxc4 23.Rc2 where white gets a dangerous initiative] 21.Kg3 Ndf6? This looks a real mistake as both players admitted after the game. Black is losing his coordination. [The natural 21...Nge5= seems to hold the equality without much trouble.] 22.Bb1! Here Kramnik understood that he was over optimistic and thought for a long time. 22...h5! The best defence! [22...Bxc4 23.e5±; 22...Ne3 23.Ne5±] 23.h3 h4+! The russian GM is going to play a string of precise defensive moves. [23...Nh6 24.Ne5±; 23...Ne3 24.Ne5 Nxc4 25.Nf7±] 24.Nxh4 Ne5 25.Nf3 Nh5+! 26.Kf2 Nxf3! 27.Kxf3 e5! After this active play things are not so easy for white. He needs to coordinate his queenside. 28.Rc1 [I like to give the pawn back. After 28.Bc2!? Bxc4 29.Rhd1² It looks very promising for white, thanks to the pair of bishops and his better pawn structure.] 28...Nf4! Again Kramnik is going to find the more stubborn defence. 29.Ra2! Nd3! 30.Rc3 [White could get practical chances with 30.Bxd3!? Rxd3+ 31.Kg4²] 30...Nf4 Of course black should be happy with the draw. 31.Bc2?! Ugly move. White's rook on a2 was probably very unhappy with this decision. [After 31.Rf2 Rd1 32.Bc2² white is slightly better but black gets serious counterplay.] 31...Ne6 [Probably stronger was 31...Rh6! keeping the white king on the center.] 32.Kg3! Good move. White king goes to a safer place and the pawn up remains. 32...Rd4 a natural move which came with a powerful complement: a draw offer. Surprisingly , Anand agreed, probably worried at the clock (he had less than 3 minutes to reach the 40 moves control) or maybe dissapointed with the lack of coordination of his pieces.[32...Rd4 On the press conference Anand said that after 33.c5 he couldn't see a way to make progress. Well, white is pawn up and he can try to play Rf3, Bc3, for example. It seems to me that white was still better and could go on with little risk. A demo variation: 33...Nf4 34.Re3 Rh6 35.Kh2 Rg6 36.g3 Bc4 37.Rb2 Nd3 38.Bxd3 Rxd3 39.Rxd3 Bxd3 40.Bc3 Re6 41.Rb4 and white is undoubtely pressing] ½–½

DRAW!?

I guess it was no real surprise that Game 1 of the World Championship match was a draw between current World Champion Anand and former World Champion Kramnik.

Here is GM Susan Polgar's commentary:

GM Kramnik (2772) - GM Anand (2783) [D10]World Championship, 14.10.2008

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 cxd5 5.Bf4 Nc6 6.e3 Bf5 7.Nf3 e6 8.Qb3 Bb4 9.Bb5 0–0 10.Bxc6 Bxc3+ 11.Qxc3 Rc8 12.Ne5 Ng4 13.Nxg4 Bxg4 14.Qb4 Rxc6 15.Qxb7 Qc8 16.Qxc8 Rfxc8 17.0–0 a5 18.f3 Bf5 19.Rfe1 Bg6 20.b3 f6 21.e4 dxe4 22.fxe4 Rd8 23.Rad1 Rc2

Even though Black is down a Pawn, he has enough compensation with his Rook activity as well as Bishop opposite color.

24.e5 fxe5 25.Bxe5 Rxa2 26.Ra1 Rxa1 27.Rxa1 Rd5 = 28.Rc1 Rd7 29.Rc5 Ra7 =

I think the players are just playing on to make move 30. I do not see serious chances for either side to score a full point in this game.

30.Rc7 Rxc7 31.Bxc7 Bc2 32.Bxa5 Bxb3

This is a drawn position. I don't expect the players to continue this position much longer.As expected, the players agreed to a draw here.

Downturn for Chess Too?

I am wondering how much the economic decline will hurt over the board chess?

I just returned from the Rochester Chess Center today. (I went there to invite a few master level players for the upcoming Jeff White Memorial Tournamnet this December.) The monthly Jennifer Woods Grand Prix Tournament there had only 11 players participating. Now some might argue that this low turn out was due to the wonderful weather today. ( Why not enjoy our "Indian Summer" weekend doing something other than a King's Indian Defense?) However, today's limited numbers has become more common both there and elsewhere.

While playing chess can be rather inexpensive compared to many other sports or hobbies-a standard plastic can cost less than $10- the cost of travel and entry fees for over the board events can become burdensome.

I hope this downturn in participation is temporary. I wonder what we can do to turn it around? Certainly we can not expect any form of government or corporate bailout.

Does anyone have any other bright ideas?