Hastings Congress 2010-11 Update

Sorry to say Ryan Griffiths didn't make the International masters norm this time. It was a lot to expect - a win with black against an International master in the final round.
However, it's just a matter of time and I definitely think this year Ryan will achieve at least one norm result.

Still a good performance at the Hastings tournament - well done Ryan on a good scalp and keep up the great work. Your making us proud.

Hastings Congress 2010-11 Update

Ryan Rhys Griffiths had a good day today winning a lovely game against Australian International Master Alexsandar Wohl. It was a great game to watch as Wohl realized his position was lost from very early on. He tried to complicate the game but Ryan had it all under control and the win was never in doubt.  So Ryan has 5 points after seven rounds and should have a difficult pairing in the next round.

In my opinion Black is winning from as early as move nine - what do you think?

Hastings Masters 2010-2011

It's good to see Ryan Rhys Griffiths having a nice run in the 2010-2011 Hastings Masters. After six rounds he has four points. Losing only one game: in the first round to GM Kotronias (2591). Below I give today's round (6) game in which he holds Valerly Neverov (2522) to a draw.

Nice one Ryan!! Anyone interested in the Hastings Masters or in Ryan Rhys Griffiths progress should keep an eye on the Hastings Congress site here.

Chess Puzzle

Today's puzzle is a beauty!


Black's must have been happy with his last move: 24...a4. However, White's next move shattered any illusions he may have had. White to play and win.

Solution to the last puzzle:
Bogoljubow- Ed. Lasker
New York 1924
1.Bxg5 Kxg5 2.d5 Kf6 3.d7 Bxd7 4.exd7 Ke7 5.Kc5 a6 6.Kb6 1-0

Chess Puzzle

Today's puzzle:


Opposite coloured bishop endings have a frustrating tendency to end in a draw. White could play 1.Kc5, but is there a way to bring about a speedier conclusion?

Solution to last puzzle:
Roneat - Reicher
Germany 1950
1.Qe6+ Black is obliged to capture the queen by 1...Nxe6 or 1...Bxe6. Either way it makes no difference; White plays 2.Nh6#. Note that e6 was the only good square on which to give up the queen; anywhere else would have broken the mating net around the black king.

Chess Puzzle

Today's puzzle:

White, to move, has already sacrificed two pieces. What move would he like to play and how does he get to play it?

Solution to last puzzle:
Paul McVeigh - Simon Wilson
Marlwood Trophy, Bristol 1987
20.Qxe7!! Kg8 If 20...Kxe7 21.Bc5 Kf6 22.g5# or in this line 21...Qd6 22.Bxd6+ Kd7 23.Be5+ wins.
21.Bxa7 Rxa7 22.Qxa7 Qc8 23.e5 1-0

Sorry Sean but you know the saying: "never let the truth get in the way of a good story!"

Nothing at all to do with chess

Saw this on Kevin Spraggett's site and thought it was brilliant. It's almost art.

 

Well what do you lot think? Isn't it mad!!