“A Bold Opening for Chess Player Magnus Calsen” by Eben Harrell offers up a complete article to frame the interview mentioned here last week. Expect more high-profile articles on the 19-year-old world number one in the next couple weeks leading up to the annual Corus tournament in Wijk aan Zee.
For heaven’s sake, somebody take away this man’s Christmas present! Our
Hastings reporter Steve Giddins continues to challenge his readership with
Latin phrases. Ignorantia legis neminem excusat – ignorance of
the law excuses nobody. Having said that, Steve’s reports are unusually entertaining
and a welcome change from the normally staid reporting we see in chess. Pictures by John Saunders.
We thank our loyal readers for yet another year of fun and enthusiasm, and
wish all chess players and fans a very successful 2010.
Our greetings come with the full support of
two amazing problemists: Pal Benko, who sent in some delightful letter problems
for our 2009
Christmas Puzzle series; and Noam Elkies, whose unique chess study graces
our January
1st puzzle page.
… of White in the diagram position was obvious, yet with
24…Qb6 Black had produced the double threat 25…Bxa3 and 25…Nxe5 26.Bxe5 Rxe5. How would you assess the position now?
A) White can win material;
B) he is optically better, but there is nothing concrete;
C) looks are deceptive, the first player is on the defence.
The solution is here,
but first ponder over it with a larger version of the diagram.