Mating calcomar

White to move

Here white has pretty neat mate in two against calcomar.

Nail in to the coffin

Black to move and seal the deal

Again position from calcomar game where him with black has mate in four.

Changing to the right mindset

I am currently studying my second round opponents – calcomars games and found this fascinating endgame position.

White to move.

There’’s 24 seconds in whites clock when there is one minute and 43 seconds in blacks clock. White is rated –70.

So white takes, right?

So what would you play after that as black? The reason I am showing the position before white to move is that I am trying to represent blacks mindset. Black was very happy with the draw and took on f5.

I guess the question of the mindset and energy on the field. There are great change in energies and for instance Josh Waitzkin talks about this. You are playing the position but sometimes you also play the energies on the field.

Superb coverage

Ponomariov-Nakamura-Finegold-Robson matches have really nice coverage at Saint Louis Chess Club website.

Also from Kramnik-Radjabov I have some great coverage. It was quite widely spread so probably you already found these.

First here is the excellent translation of Kramnik Radjabov post-match press conference. Chessdom talked with Radjabov a bit and when asked about the team he remained silent. I haven't heard or read about it but I do think Kasparov was somehow involved. Why would Radjabov stay silent otherwise? At least it is not general custom - maybe he doesn't want to show his hand before next major events - which is another possibility.

After the match with Grischuk this clock thing was brought up again as Ponomariov had tweeted about similar incident with Kramnik. So. The thing was the clock shut down after Radjabov pressed it soooo. I don't think Kramnik is to be blamed.

I find it incredible that in the match where world championship candidate is chosen such a clock can be used! Radjabov took it the right way - what can you do if meteor hits you - kind of approach.

And below are the videos of Henrik Danielsen of the decisive blitz games that serve as quick coverage:

Blitz 1:

Blitz 2:

Blitz 3:

Blitz 4:

Radjabov versus Kramnik first game prediction time

It is interesting question to try to figure out what Radjabov will play today. Last slow time control game Radjabov played e4, I think which lead to Petroff 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Mfxe4 after which in last encounter Radjabov played Nc3 and two previous times d4.

Of course here psychology comes to picture. In my opinion Radjabov plays "fundamental" chess in which he is trying to play what is essential. I wouldn't think Kramnik steps aside so early. Petroff has always been his main weapon so why wouldn't he trust his preparation. Somewhere there with white Radjabov is ready to deviate.

I gotta tell you my instinct tells this is where Radjabov has gone. If he hasn't found anything there after 1.d4 Kramnik has played d6 in Moscow blitz world championship and in my database that is their latest encounter after 1.d4 ..d5 was played in 2007 and ..Nf6 last time 2003.

Really nice interview with US Women's Champion

Candidates favorite?

Ok. My favourte in forthcoming world championship candidate matches is Teimour Radjabov. I find he is able to produce brilliant games even he hasn’t yet proved he is solid enough for upmost spot in chess.