Please can I just take a second to wallow in my own genius? Though even I’m surprised by the scale of his victory. He’s got to be the favourite against Gukesh now…

Ah ha! Famous position. I’m not gonna shoot first this time. I’ll let others have a go. 😉

Bxf3 right away looks tempting but then you see Re8 is mate! 🫣

Qxe1+ followed by Ng3+ looks like the only way to proceed leaving black with knight, bishop and pawn vs rook

Ah ha! If it’s specified as a ‘white to play and mate in 2’ then 1.Qd6! Is indeed the fastest way to finish

I thought that might be the case. Well, it certainly sounds like there would be a market for you based on the small sample at our club

Enjoying it so far. Been sharing with chess club colleagues and the cry has gone up… ‘Where is the Android version?’ Any plans?

Sadly I fear it is all over all readYei for our Chinese friend. 🤣

He was the form player going into the tournament. Looks very much like he can do for this Candidates what Gukesh did for the last and just win a lot of games.
Still a long Wei too go yet though 😉

So errr, how’s my hot take looking now?

Ok. I’ll give you a Candidates hot take too… I fancy Sindarov for the win. 😉

I’ve taken plenty of hot pawns. Does that count? 🤣

Just downloaded this. Haven’t used it much yet but it seems fab. Thanks very much! 🙏

Sorry for being a stick in the mud but I find I can’t look at this chess set. It just feels all wrong.

Beautiful finish though!

Sorry if I’m being a fuddy-duddy, but I feel I must feedback that I can’t look at this chess set. It just feels all wrong.

I never grant take back requests and would never ask for one myself. A mouse slip is an unfortunate part of playing online chess.

Smoked Haddock with Cannellini Beans in a cream, mustard and parsley sauce

Not made this for ages… Smoked Haddock with Cannellini Beans in a cream, mustard and parsley sauce. Just steamed veg to go with. OMG!! 🤤

A sunny day with blue sky hangs over a grassy footpath running between open moorland and farm pasture with Great Manstead in Calderdale rising in the distance.

A view over moorland in Calderdale.

A view over moorland towards the saddleback shape of Great Manstead in Calderdale, Yorkshire, UK

A slice of white chocolate and raspberry cake at Craggies Farm Shop and Cafe in Cragg Vale, Calderdale.

On a gorgeous sunny Sunday in Yorkshire what could be better than a wonderful moor top walk in Calderdale to clear the cobwebs and lift the spirits. 🤩
There might have been a slice of cake at the end of it too… 🍰 😋

I’ve had some success with this line before. 8.Bb5+ is a very tricky line for Black to deal with. Some great analysis here though. Thanks 🙏

Interesting. Thanks for the tip

To avoid 3…c5 could we play the move order… 1.e4 c6 2.Ne2!? d5 3.e5 Bf5 4.Ng3 Bg6 5.d4 e6 6.Bd3 Bxd3 7.Qxd3 or is this line materially different?

This looks great. We still need to have a line ready if Black plays
3…c5 though…

Visited Dominic’s top castle today as we took a trip to Yoros. Excellent recommendation and an antidote to Topkapi. The views are stunning and there is indeed no health and safety on the ruined walls. Whilst there the call to prayer echoed across the Bosphorus. Wow! 🤩
@theresthistory.bsky.social

Kasparovchess History Podcast · Garry Kasparov ruled the chess world for decades, and his influence reaches far beyond the chessboard. Get a glimpse into Garry's career, his life and his legacy through this series ...

2.) And such a shame that the Kasparov Chess podcast didn’t continue after the first season. I really enjoyed this one as Garry himself talks you through memorable moments in his early career…

podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/k...

Nice list Chris! Here’s a couple more for you.

1.) It’s long defunked, but was really good while it lasted. Let’s Talk About Chess with Eric Van Reem
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/l....

There may be good reasons for this but it does seem poor that FIDE are taking so long to act as this is effectively just an interim ruling.

Let’s hope they take suitably robust action when they finally do come to make a judgement and use this as an opportunity to send a clear message.

2.) there are clear further allegations that are being considered, but why not separate out this first case which seems pretty open and shut instead of seemingly considering them all together?

Totally agree that harassment has no place in chess. But has FIDE done it right. This statement leaves me with some questions.
1.) why hasn’t FIDE been able to make a ruling on whether to agree to making the USCFs penalty an international one when the USCF made it’s decision over 6 months ago?

Whassup #chesspunk!
Been a long time since I last posted but here’s an interesting position from my classical game last night in a friendly match against Burnley chess club.
Black to play. In a tough position I had elected to give up material to try and expose the White king. What would you do here?

Very good advice. I don’t analyse my games as thoroughly as I used to (that used to be how I spent my daily commute on the train - but now I have to drive to work 😢). It is a process that requires some time and effort but it is THE most useful way to improve your chess and learn about yourself too.