BALLYNAFEIGH A THRIVING CLUB

The last league game of the year took place at the thriving Ballynafeigh club.  

My game was drawn, I offered a draw in advantageous position to escape the oppressive heat of the club room.  It was much too hot for me.

Below is the final position, I offered a draw after playing Nd2, in normal circumstances I would have played on.

A short video of the Ballynafeigh club room, two matches and tutoring was taking place on the night.

Not sure what the final result of the match was, have to wait on Rookie`s report to find out.

Abraham  knew what it was to feel the heat. A famous passage of scripture from Genesis 18.

Genesis18:1 And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;

Victor Bologan gives good lines for white against the Scandanavian, Modern and Akekhine defences. 

The trick is trying to remember all the lines, it gets harder as you get older!



ROOKIE`S REPORT ON LAST NIGHT`S MATCH

1. Mikhail Pavlov 0.5-0.5 Sam Flanagan; 
2.John O'Doherty 0-1 Ray Devenney; 
3. Robert Lavery 1-0 Bobby Thompson; 
4. Eoin Carey 0-1 Graeme McCormick; 
5. Chris Kelly 0-1 John Bryars. Total: 1.5-3.5.                              




It's a Cracker! A Christmas Cracker!

At Christmas, I usually have Pavlova for dessert, but this time Pavlov, "dogged" as ever, saw his luck "desert" him, as he drew with Sam!

Against promoted Graeme, Carey scored an "Eoin" goal, as he lost his game!

"Yule" not believe this, but 2 Bobby's turned up and Lavery beat Thompson in an "arresting" game!

All square so far, but "log" up a win for Ray over John- a Yule log!


"Snow" joke for "Christmassey Chris" as he lost to on form John Bryars!

Merry Christmas, everyone. Martin Kelly(Captain).

WORST DEFEAT EVER?

Tonight`s game was possibly my worst defeat ever against a human. 

At the end of the game I initially thought it was my worst defeat for years, but the more I thought about it, I concluded it is my worst ever defeat against a human.

The opening was a Najdorf Sicilian defence where white plays the solid Be2 line.

I resigned in a middle game position with the same number of pieces and pawns on the board for both sides, I felt it was a hopeless position.

It is a long time since I faced the Be2 line. My computer programme is Deep Fritz 14 and it does play a wide variety of lines against the Najdorf, though it has not played the Be2 line for a good while.


(Note, in the commentary it says Fritz 13 gives 1.88, this is a mistake my programme is Deep Fritz 14.)

In my possession I have Danny King`s DVD on the Najdorf.  This is a very good DVD but I could not remember the lines he gives against Be2.

This would be a very good DVD for people starting to play the Najdorf.

Lately I have also obtained Victor Bologan`s DVD on the Najdorf. 

It is a lot more detailed than the Danny King DVD but I have not seen it all yet.
Definitely need to get more clued up on the Be2 line.

When I started playing the Najdorf it was based upon the book "Mastering the Najdorf" by Arizmendi and Moreno.

If I was starting to do it all again, I would buy the Danny King DVD first to get started, then the Bologan DVD to give more detailed lines, then finally the book and I would pay particular attention to white`s Be2 line.

As you can see I have all the resources necessary to play the Najdorf at club level, which means I can have no excuses for a defeat. I was simply outplayed on the night!

Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

CLEVER PICTURE

Saw this picture on a Twitter feed.  It was posted by Chessbase India.  The picture was taken before game 10.

The way the picture is taken, makes it look like Magnus Carlsen is diminishing in stature and Sergei  Karjakin  is growing in stature. 
It is very clever.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

QUEENS versus BELFAST SOUTH A

Just saw the final score of last night`s match posted on the UCU site. It was a 4-0 win for Queens.

BELFAST SOUTH versus BALLYNAFEIGH B 2/11/2016

A short video clip from tonight`s league match.

Rookie`s report on the match is below.

*******************************************
1. Ray Devenney 0-1 Mikhail Pavlov; 

2. Sam Flanagan 0.5-0.5 John O'Doherty; 

3. Bobby Thompson 0-1 Robert Lavery; 

4.Bruce MacLean 0-1 Niall Troughton; 

5.John Bryars 1-0 Colin Fenton. Total: 1.5-3.5. + Bonus: 1.5-5.5. 

Things go from Bankers' to Bonkers. 

All looked to be going well for us after 2 rounds of shadow boxing but the gloves came off as things went " bonkers at the Bankers' ", as we lost the last 3 games! 

Unusually, Sam was first to finish - Sam was in a "jam but kept calm until he had a draw in his palm"! 

John Bryars "enspires" , as he made a "dent on" Fenton's chess record to give us the lead! 

In the battle of the Bobbies, our Bobby made a few "boobies" and his loss tied the match so far! 

 "Pavlov's dogged" determination gave them a "lead" as Ray "tailed" off to defeat! 

Bruce had a "bruising" defeat to "Nial the 'Niallator", as Troughton "trod on" our chances of a drawn match! 

Remember our Mondaytournament starts next Monday, 7/11/16, at the Bankers' Club, Malone Road, around 7.30 pm. 

Fees due are £25 for Monday tournament; £30 for club league players; and only £40 for playing in both. 

Please try to pay at your next game or next Monday. Cheers. Martin Kelly.

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Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

BEST EVER PICTURE OF A CHESS PLAYER?

There must be countless numbers of images of chess players on line.  Pictures of people deep in thought seem to have some sort of compelling appeal.

Here is the best ever picture of a chess player in my opinion. I don`t think this will ever be bettered.

Don`t know who took the photo but it is from this article.

Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

JUST THE MAN TO HEAD THE "ULSTER CHESS UNION"

An individual has emerged who is just the very man to head the "Ulster Chess Union."

His name is Dee Stitt and his organistation has just been handed £1.7 million to do, "God only knows what!"

He has become a house-hold name in N.Ireland after just one interview!  You can hear the interview at the link below.

Dee Stitt is in this picture, guess which one he is? I will give you a clue, he is not the scary looking character in the blue dress!

Dee Stitt Interview about protecting North Down from ANYBODY.

Dee Stitt for CEO of the "Ulster Chess Union."

Just think, if he was CEO, the "Ulster Chess Union" would be able to pay the "Chess-playing simulaneous GM celebrities,"  10 grand a session, plus expenses of course!

Here is GM Simon Williams at last years simul. The music starts at approx 1.47 on the timeline but don`t tell Mick Jagger!

Proverbs27:22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

WELL PLAYED STEPHEN

A few minute ago I just lost my league game against Stephen Scannell. It was a very interesting and enjoyable game though.

Here is a picture of Stephen Scannell playing Norman McFarland on a past occasion.

I will publish the game when the league season is over, as I do not want all my league opponents to know what I am playing and not playing.

The score was 3-0 in favour of Ballynafeigh 1 team when I left.

Roman 5:3+4 And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

ROOKIES REPORT 20/10/2016

Here is Rookies report on last night`s second division match.

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No, it's not a clerical error,despite being in the Civil Service Club. We did beat them 6.5-0.5!   I have it in triplicate to prove it! 

First to finish was Bernard Jaffa, who proved you can have your "cake" and eat it! 

Jim McLean's grandson, Rhys, was"fleeced" by William Storey and was not too "plysed"! 

Their captain Newman was a "marked" man from the time he lost a piece!

 Paul McGuigan looked like a Goliath, a pawn up in his game, but David's "slingshot" of a move forced a draw!

 Our new member, Richard was going for "Gould" in his victory over another David!

 Finally, it was "a D S aster" for A.D-S. against Martin Kelly, who came back from 2 pawns down in time-trouble to win his second game in 4 days against the same opponent!

 Overall, we had a "storming" win at Stormont! Martin Kelly

(Captain)

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Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

GIBRALTAR ACCOMODATION

Have managed to book an apartment in Gibraltar for the 2017 Chess Tournament.  Used TripAdvisor the same as last year.

Here is a view from the living room window.

Waiting on the address details

Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

THE MAGNUS CARLSEN EXPERIENCE

I guess all you have to do, to experience the same sensation as the hustlers against Magnus Carlsen, is to set your computer programme at the highest level, and play it in a 5 minute game?

Deep Fritz 14.

Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

MAGNUS CARLSEN IN WASHINGTON PARK

I thoroughly enjoyed this Chessbase article and video clips about Magnus Carlsen in Washington Park.

It is good for Kings to reflect and ponder how they came to be Kings in the first place?

2 Samuel 7:18
Then went king David in, and sat before the Lord, and he said, Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?

ULSTER MASTERS 2016

A very short video clip showing a scene from the Ulster Masters which is taking place at the Queen`s Student Union snack bar.

Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

A BIG THANK YOU TO ROSS

I must thank Ross Harris for the treatment he gave me last night. My back and calf muscle are much improved and my physical movement is much freer and smoother.

Ross will be playing for Ballynafeigh this season.

Here is a great picture of Ross Harris with Damien Cunningham who is the admin of the Ballynafeigh website.

The human body is "wonderfully and fearfully made."

Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

BIG RELIEF; MY FIRST WIN AFTER A PROLONGED PERIOD OF SLEEPLESSNESS

This was my first win in Frtiz rated mode, after a prolonged period of sleeplessness.

Have been playing games while waiting for to go and get Physio treatment from Ross Harris. I currently have injuries to the calf and back which needs treatment.

I also have hip injury, as I unwittingly walked into a pedestrian seat while talking to Tania Sachdev, it was similar to the ones you find in parks.

WELSH DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Had the providential good fortune of meeting the Development Director for Welsh Chess, he has also been involved in "Chess Boxing." The picture above is from the Welsh Chess site.

Here is a video clip from the "most intellectually advanced boxing club in the whole world."  It is the boxing home of World Champion Carl Frampton. His father and Billy McKee are in the video.

Carl and Kiko Martinez.

Psalm 144:1 Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

FOR RUSSELL

My friend Russell Goodfellow, was confronted with b3 against the Sicilian, in his last game of the Major tournament.

I was aware that Andrew Martin had produced a video on the line and I managed to find it.

There is a second video.


A few years ago I played in the Gibraltar Challengers and had an opponent who played this as white. 

I had the luxury of knowing this before the game but there was so little information about this line, so I was unable to prepare well enough and I lost the game.

Not sure if there is a name for this white line?

My current Dbase by Chessbase has quite a few games in this line from the years 2015/16.  Looks like it is growing in popularity.

Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

CHESS VIDEOS FROM THE ISLE OF MAN

After the first day, it became difficult to watch the videos from the IOM due to the limited wifi connection in my hotel room.

I am starting to watch them now at home as I  have a better connection here.

Just watched this.

Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

KARAOKE AND CHESS

After the prize giving at the Isle Of Man tournament, a number of well-known Chess players and commentators, descended upon an entertainment centre in Douglas where there is a Karaoke night.

It was the first time I have ever seen a "Karaoke night" in real life. 
I do not generally go into bars and I definitely do  not drink alcohol.

Here is some of the music performed while I was there.

This was performed.

This was not performed.

At one time I thought this was going to be performed.

This was definitely not performed while I was there and I am sure it was not performed when I left either.

Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

MESSED UP OPPORTUNITY OF NICE VIDEO

Yesterday I noticed Tania Sachdev and Elizabeth Paethz where on boards beside each other. 

I thought it would be a good idea to get a nice video clip of them shaking hands with their opponents and making their first moves.

All went well until I messed the video up!

When Tania Sachdev shook hands with her opponent, I tried to zoom the video in and the camera seemed to seize up.

The good part of the video is below.

The part I messed up is below.

Other videos from yesterday. Caught a vintage Classic car on my way to the Electric train terminus.


Short clip of the E.Paethz Versus H. Yifan game from late afternoon.




Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

GIBRALTAR, CHESS AND ACCOMMODATION

A number of years ago, the Caleta Hotel ripped me off for a full week`s accommodation, they charged me for two weeks when I had only stayed one week!

They may think I have forgotten about the matter but I have  not!

This is where I stayed in Gibraltar last year. The yacht HI JINX.

Which is  the best version? Ali Campbell or Jimmy Cliff?

Had some video clips which I took from the deck of the Hi Jinx, also had some which show the interior of the yacht but I must have accidently deleted them.

The Queen`s marina is beautiful but it is quite a walk from it to the Caleta Hotel.

Genesis 49:13
Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.

HELP FOR HEROES

Discovered a brilliant shop named "Cotton Traders" in Douglas shopping precinct.  It provides a good selection of clothing from the "Help For Heroes" organisation, plus a very good selection of nice clothing for men and women.

This morning I bought a very nice cap, it reminds me of "Cap McKenna" lol

To the best of my knowledge there are no "Cotton Trader" shops in the whole of N.Ireland, which is quite a shame.

It is a clothing chain which I am sure would be popular on the Shankill and Newtownards Roads.

Managed to get a video of the shop from the outside and inside.

Had to combine it with "Paint It Black" by the "Rolling Stones" but I am sure they will not mind as it is all for a good cause.

Here is a novel I am currently in the process of writing for the benefit of "Help For Heroes."

Revelation 6:5
And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.

FULL GAME LINKED TO THE MOVE 17.Qe3 ARTICLE

Below is the full game linked to the earlier  MOVE 17.Qe3.... NOW IT IS BLACK TO MOVE article.

It is provided with Fritz analysis.


During the game I had reached the stage of complete tiredness that I could not even imagine 17...d4

It was beyond my comprehension. All I could see was the obvious 17...Bxd3 after which Fritz gradually outplayed me until I resigned.

Trying to play Chess while tired is not a good idea!

Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

LACK OF FUNDING FOR GLAMOROUS WOMEN

Have noticed a few articles about the proposed women`s tournament in Iran. 
All the articles I have read, have pointed out that it is hard to get funding for "Women`s Chess."

There must be something worse than normal, wrong with FIDE if this is the case.

Here is the simple reason why. Lots of glamorous young women play Chess nowadays and in any other walk of life, getting funding for glamorous women is never a problem?

As a matter of fact, almost any product you can think of is advertised by glamorous women in an effort to sell such products!

Imagine what would happen if all the female chess players said, "We are boycotting ALL Chess tournaments until we get adequate funding for "Women`s Chess" ???????

Maybe the real reason why FIDE cannot get funding for "Women`s Chess" is due to the fact FIDE is run by a collection of SODOMITES???

Sort of like a Chess version of The KINCORA scandal?

I don`t think IDF WOMEN`S FACEBOOK PAGE would have any trouble getting funding if they needed it, do you?

Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

LACK OF FUNDING FOR GLAMOROUS WOMEN

Have noticed a few articles about the proposed women`s tournament in Iran. 
All the articles I have read, have pointed out that it is hard to get funding for "Women`s Chess."

There must be something worse than normal, wrong with FIDE if this is the case.

Here is the simple reason why. Lots of glamorous young women play Chess nowadays and in any other walk of life, getting funding for glamorous women is never a problem?

As a matter of fact, almost any product you can think of is advertised by glamorous women in an effort to sell such products!

Imagine what would happen if all the female chess players said, "We are boycotting ALL Chess tournaments until we get adequate funding for "Womens Chess" ???????

Maybe the real reason why FIDE cannot get funding for "Women`s Chess" is due to the fact FIDE is run by a collection of SODOMITES???

Sort of like a Chess version of The KINCORA scandal?

I don`t think IDF WOMEN`S FACEBOOK PAGE would have any trouble getting funding if they needed it, do you?

Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

REFUTING THE DRAGON? 10.Qe1

Just read a very good report of yesterday`s action at the IOM chess tournament.   

Contained in the report is a write up of Lawrence Trent and Peter Leko`s game, which featured the Sicilian Dragon.

The 10. Qe1 line gets a mention and is worth reading.

It also should be noted, that Victor Bologan covers the Sicilian Dragon in his DVD`s, where he provides a repertoire for white using the 10.Qe1 line.

Here is a clip from one of the DVD`s though it is not showing the Dragon variation. I have found Victor Bologan`s DVD`s very interesting and they are packed with lots of information.

A good while ago I had a look at Lawrence Trent`s Facebook page and he seemed to like ROSS KEMP.

For overseas readers, I must point out ROSS KEMP is a UK actor who is known for playing "tough-guy roles."

Here is a video clip of me talking to ROSS KEMP on the 12th July 2013.   This is a very interesting video. 

If you log in to Youtube and play this video it will play ok. However, if you log out of Youtube and try to play this video, it will say it is banned by the UK government!

Ross Kemp was too frightened to include me in his video, what a wimp!!!!!

Naturally I had to remake the video and rename ROSS KEMP as ROSIE KEMP!  The audio is featuring a guy called DON PARTRIDGE who has sadly died.


He was an incredible musician who never got the credit he truly deserved. You can see him below singing "Blue Eyes."

As for Rosie Kemp, he was not long in running away, once he thought there was going to be real trouble!

28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

BRILLIANT PREVIEW, MIDDLE GAME AND ENDGAME STUDY

Danny King has posted a brilliant preview of the forthcoming World Championship match, which also shows an excellent middle game and end game study.

Well worth watching.

Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

MOVE 17.Qe3.... NOW IT IS BLACK TO MOVE

This is a position which arose from a game I played in my hotel room.  As I am suffering from sleeplessness, the game was played when I am tired.

Once move 17 was reached the tiredness makes it nearly impossible to think clearly.
How should black continue?

I will post the full game, with Frtiz analysis some time tomorrow.

I am keeping a record of my thinking pattern as my doctor has prescribed Phenergen and Risperidone to combat sleeplessness.

When I go home next week, they better have a very good reason why such drugs are not working! lol

Below is my current games record for playing Fritz Rated games mode.

Ecc12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

CHESS VIDEOS

Due to the surge in "Chess cheating," using various kinds of "electronic devices," I have now abandoned the practice of taking my video camera or Samsung Galaxy phone into Chess tournament halls.

If you want to see great videos, from the Chess tournament in the IOM, there seems to be a number of sources supplying them.

In the meantime, I have started to add IOM scenes into this great music video. Just the other day I got a brilliant video clip of a beautiful, strong and graceful horse pulling the Douglas tram along the sea-front.

Here is the video as it was uploaded by Selah, I am sure they will not mind me producing an altered variation.

Just last night, Chris Armstrong and myself were discussing the late George Best`s funeral and how Brian Kennedy had sung this at the end of the service.

I hold the opinion that the Selah version is even better than the Brian Kennedy one.

Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

GREAT NEW NAME FOR A CHESS OPENING! THE DIAGONAL STEAM-TRAP

Finished version of  The Diagonal Steam Trap.
*****************************************************
Here is a great name for a new "Chess Opening," or maybe even a new "Chess Defense."              

The Diagonal Steam Trap

A TIME TO LAUGH!

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The Diagonal Steam Trap works best when it is employed alongside "The Sniper."

Here is three famous snipers. Major Konig is below.

Here is Vasily Zaytsev.

Sergeant Mike Norman. As there are no known pictures of Mike Norman, I had to make a mock-up. 

"John Black" and the "British" government can testify to the efficiency of Sergeant Mike Norman.

Ecclesiastes 3

1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

BEAUTIFUL VIDEO FROM IOM CHESS TOURNAMENT

A number of videos have been posted about the IOM Chess tournament.  
Here is a really beautiful one, accompanied with nice relaxing piano music.

Just checked the draw for the Minor tournament and saw Chris Armstrong is drawn against Peter Willoughby from England.

Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

GREAT NEW NAME FOR A CHESS OPENING! THE DIAGONAL STEAM-TRAP

This will be updated tomorrow.
*****************************************************
Here is a great name for a new "Chess Opening," or maybe even a new "Chess Defense."              

The Diagonal Steam Trap

A TIME TO LAUGH!

*************************************************************************
The Diagonal Steam Trap works best when it is employed alongside "The Sniper."

Here is three famous snipers. Major Konig is below.

Here is Vasily Zaytsev.

Sergeant Mike Norman. As there are no known pictures of Mike Norman, I had to make a mock-up. 

"John Black" and the "British" government can testify to the efficiency of Sergeant Mike Norman.

Ecclesiastes 3

1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

ISLE OF MAN 2016

Last night I had a quick look at the IOM Chess site, the very first name I saw was Russell Goodfellow. 

I was so delighted, Russell, is so funny. I cannot wait to see him. When I hear him talking I immediately think of Alf Garnett!

My intention was to play in the Major section but I am not going to play now, I will just watch and enjoy a nice holiday.

The picture above shows Russell and myself in Gibraltar. It had been sunny so my cheeks were sunburned!

I am convinced Russel and David Rutstein would become the very best of friends if they ever met one another!

Here is a video where Russell can be seen at the end.

Here is a video of Alf Garnett!



Ecclesiastes 3:4
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

SMILE

I honestly think this is the best picture of a male chess player I have ever seen!  

You can immediately see from his smile, that he is a man who is working at something he truly enjoys.

It is the sort of picture that would make people who do not even know him, or know what he does, say to themselves, "I do not know who he is, or what he works at but whatever it is, I want to work at that too!"

In most pictures shown of male chess players, they look very grim, very thoughtful very dejected or very intense. The picture above shows a very different scenario!

"Countenance" is a very interesting word in the Bible.

Here is a video of a beautiful woman singing about teardrops, the strange thing is, the music and her singing make it seem happy?

Strange world isn`t it?

1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

CLASS VIDEO! JUST WHAT THE CHESS WORLD HAS ALWAYS BEEN LACKING

Earlier today I received an email circulated from Damien Cunningham.   He was announcing new Chess videos.

They are really class, just what the Chess world has always needed. Chess lessons by some mysterious female in a Belfast accent!

Video 1 is below.

You will not believe this. In the afternoon I providentially run into Marty Reid aka "Uncle Andy."

I told him  about these videos, I also told him what the Chess world really needs is a video series in a very broad Belfast accent called, "Uncle Andy Teaches Chess!"

We could have an "Uncle Andy`s Chess Series"
1 Uncle Andy teaches "Basic Chess Moves."
2 Big Mervyn teaches "Advanced Chess tactics"
3 Red Hand Luke teaches "How to Win Quickly"
4 Pastor Begbie teaches "How to win even more Quickly!"

Ecc 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

GEO-POLITICS FOR ULTRA EXTREME DUMMIES

Just in case some people find the Geo-Politics for Dummies picture to hard to understand. I have gone to the trouble of making a picture for Ultra Extreme Dummies, surely they will be able to understand this?

Even Garry Kasparov should be able to get it now?

Geo-Politics For Ultra Extreme Dummies

Revelation 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

GEO-POLITICS FOR DUMMIES

It is staggering to see just how little many UK citizens understand about the real nature of the EU. 

Most especially among Leave voters!

I have made a little picture to illustrate the true nature of Geo-politics which even the dumbest of dummies will understand.

Geo-Politics For Dummies

Geo-Politics is a Chess game where the Vatican controls the black side and the white side at the same time.

They do this to ensure no matter how the game goes, they always win!

I suppose I should have wrote the word "SUCKERS" across the top of the picture!

Strange how Garry Kasparov has never been able to work this out?

Revelation 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

WIN 2 HOURS OF FREE TRAINING

Everyman are offering the possibility of  2 hours of free training in a new book series promotion.

The training is with Cyrus Lakdawala. 

He is a really brilliant Chess writer, I have a few of his works in ebook form, they are really excellent.

Solomon set out the principles of good writing and verbal communication.

Ecc 12:9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.

10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.

11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

DANNY KING COMMENTATOR

Chessbase have been singing the praises of Danny King as a commentator.  

All the UK Chess commentators are of an excellent standard.


Danny King is really good at interviewing people. I am surprised he has never been given an interviewer`s role on the UK MSM.

He would do a much better job than Parkinson ever did. He certainly would be better at interviewing Helen Mirren, that is for sure!

Watch this car crash interview by Parkinson, then ask yourself if Danny King would have done a much better job?  

The interview is so bad some videos of it are no longer available in the UK!

Parkinson was better at interviewing George Best, but then they were mates!

1 Kings 4:29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.

WOULD I PLAY THIS IN A REAL GAME?

It is white to play.  Most club players would be able to spot the possibility of playing 1.Bxd5 exd 2.Nxd5. 

Two questions then arise, an easy question and a hard question.

1. The easy question. Is this good for white?

2. This is the harder question. Try to visualise the possible moves for black and white after 2.Nxd5......

In a real game against a human opponent, I would be very reluctant to play 1.Bxd5 exd 2.Nxd5...... as the ensuing lines were very difficult for me to work out.

In a recent game against Fritz, when running short of time I did play it but I ended up loosing as I did not find the optimal moves for white. 

It is a very interesting position.  Have posted the actual game with Fritz analysis. 

Proverbs 21:5 - The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want.

I HAVE FOUND WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR

At the moment I have been playing Fritz rated games with Fritz set to 2398. Most of the games I end up loosing but the good part is this.  

Lots of tactical positions are being produced which are more realistic than the ones I find in tactical puzzles.

They are not straightforward, win in three of four moves, or win material in three or four moves, they tend to be subtler and they have to be spotted during the game.

In most games an advantageous situation arises for me, then I fail to find a strong continuation and the tables quickly turn against me!

In the position below it is white to move, I was white and I instinctively felt this was winning so I doubled and it resigned. 

However, the best way to win may not be so simple, the position may be more treacherous than it looks.

Below, it is white to play and gain advantage.  The programme shows that white`s Queen is in danger.

Here it is black to play.

It is white to play here.  I was black and had just made a few weakening moves, giving away an even position.  

It was nasty being on the receiving end of white`s next few moves.

In the position below, I was black and it is black to play. I was pleased to force a draw, which was a mistake. 

Fritz pointed out a subtle continuation which brings a winning situation.  

This is the best puzzle position so far, though there are many other good ones.

Many thanks to GM Daniel Naroditsky on Chess.com for this article.  

It encapsulates what I have tried to express about tactics but was unable to do so  as clearly as he does in the article.

Subtle, is a very interesting word.

2 Samuel 13:3 But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.