Chess-Analysis I: Skybird vs. Scandium 1-0

[Skybird]

Okay, having talked on chess in another thread, I make a start after all that explanation and guessing there. No PC-software, no chess-computers. My opponent(s?) will make himself known here.

I start with this:

1. c2-c4

Will other matches start in their own threads, too...? "Trau dich!"

[Deamon]

Sorry to hijack the thread. Do you also play Dame ?

How is Dame called in english ?

[The Avon Lady]

Sorry to hijack the thread. Do you also play Dame ?

How is Dame called in english ?
Dominos? :-?

EDIT: No, checkers. :yep:

[jumpy]

draughts?

[scandium]

Okay, having talked on chess in another thread, I make a start after all that explanation and guessing there. No PC-software, no chess-computers. My opponent(s?) will make himself known here.

I start with this:

1. c2-c4

Will other matches start in their own threads, too...? "Trau dich!"

Fair enough.

1... Nf6

1. c2-c4 Nf6 2.?

[Skybird]

Ah, it is Scandium then!


Your last: 1. .../Ng8-f6
My move: 2. g2-g3


Due to experience from correspondence chess I would recommend that we

1. always repeat the last move of the opponent and adding our latest move to that, and

2. always use full notation. This is meant to help preventing misinterpretations, misunderstandings, misperceptions, or any kind of flaws like this.

I also must would like to get confirmation for this:
King = K =König
Queen = Q = Dame
Rook = R = Turm
Bishop = B = Läufer
Knight = N = Springer

I have never used English notation before, that's why I ask.

I use the PC board of one of my programs to log the moves and the position, however the engine is deactivated and does produce neither advise, nor position evaluations, nor any kind of hint, moves, or something. It is completely disabled I even do not use my PC-database. The computer move formular also shows no hints like these, so I have no computer assistance at all, I only use the board to log the moves and save the position over the days this will last. Is this okay for you?

[Oberon]

http://www.chessgraphics.net/jpg/saz27.jpg

Skybird vs Scandium

[scandium]

Ah, it is Scandium then!


Your last: 1. .../Ng8-f6
My move: 2. g2-g3


Due to experience from correspondence chess I would recommend that we

1. always repeat the last move of the opponent and adding our latest move to that, and

2. always use full notation. This is meant to help preventing misinterpretations, misunderstandings, misperceptions, or any kind of flaws like this.

I also must would like to get confirmation for this:
King = K =König
Queen = Q = Dame
Rook = R = Turm
Bishop = B = Läufer
Knight = N = Springer

I have never used English notation before, that's why I ask.

I use the PC board of one of my programs to log the moves and the position, however the engine is deactivated and does produce neither advise, nor position evaluations, nor any kind of hint, moves, or something. It is completely disabled I even do not use my PC-database. The computer move formular also shows no hints like these, so I have no computer assistance at all, I only use the board to log the moves and save the position over the days this will last. Is this okay for you?

Yeah that system and notation is fine (I've always used abbreviated algebraic notation but the full version is cool too). Same for the symbols. I'll be using Winboard to record the moves but under the same conditions: no computer assistance or database usage.

Your last: 2. g2-g3
My move: 2... e7-e6

[Sixpack]

Can we have webcam action of this titanic battle ? :zzz:

JK But I wonder: Is there an advanced way we can follow the progress of this match ? I am not getting my chess board out and let my pieces follow yours.

[scandium]

Easiest way would be to use a program that lets you record and save the moves, like the one I'm using: Winboard.

Its a freeware program you can download here:

http://www.tim-mann.org/xboard.html

(both Winboard and X-board are on the same page... X-board is its Unix equivalent).

[Skybird]

Your last: 2. .../e7-e6
My move: 3. d2-d4

I am to bed now.


Since I log it in a chess software anyway, I can post occasional diagrams easily.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/9806/pos14pj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[STEED]

Nice :up:

[Skybird]

One thing before I end this day: Takeda has setup a similiar thread and is looking for an opponent... Don't let him die in loneliness!

[scandium]

Excellent idea on the addition of diagrams skybird, being able to see the position with a glance at the thread definitely adds some atmosphere to the game (I had not thought of it myself).

Your last: 3. d2-d4
My move: 3... c7-c5

[Skybird]

Your last: 3. .../c7-c5
My move: 4. Ng1-f3

[scandium]

Your last: 4. Ng1-f3
My move: 4... c5xd4

[Skybird]

Your last: 4. ... /c5xd4
My move: 5. Nf3xd4

What time zone are you living in, Scandium? I am in GMT+1.

Good night for today!

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/7030/pos12qr.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Takeda Shingen]

Good job Sky. You took the spite check away. I never liked that peculiarity among the English system lines.

[Torplexed]

You guys have the nicer board. Real wood grain with a Danish Oil finish I bet. :cool:

[Skybird]

WHAT...? No move for me...??? :hulk: :arrgh!: :hulk: :arrgh!:

:-j, of ocurse.

[Skybird]

Good job Sky. You took the spite check away. I never liked that peculiarity among the English system lines.
But I only wanted to prevent Nimzo-Indian... :(

[scandium]

Your last 5. Nf3xd4
My move: 5... d7-d5

I'm GMT-3.5.

[Skybird]

Your last: 5. .../d7-d5
My move: 6. Bf1-g2

Timezone -3.5? How can that be, were are you living? I thought all time zones differ by full hours only?

I never liked that peculiarity among the English system lines.
So much for English! :lol:

[scandium]

Your last: 6. Bf1-g2
My move: 6... e6-e5

I think there are two half hour timezones... I live in one of them :)

[Skybird]

Your last: 6. .../e6-e5
My move: 7. Nd4-f3

Newfoundland! You are a caribou-eater! :)

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/3509/pos17fl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Interesting position. Promises to become a very sharp fight.

[Takeda Shingen]

Newfoundland! You are a caribou-eater! :)

:rotfl:

Can't say I blame you on the Nimzo-Indian. I never liked that close-quarters stuff. Give me room for my pieces to move!

[Skybird]

Can't say I blame you on the Nimzo-Indian. I never liked that close-quarters stuff. Give me room for my pieces to move!

You are like a computer - their preferences are the same. :lol: That's why I keep it closed as long as possible when playing computers. Else, in open positions they bring their characteristic strengths to full effect.

Nothing against Nimzo-Indian - but with Black only. ;) Obviously Scandium doesn't like English with Black. And I don't like Indian Defenses, Modern Benoni with White. :D

[scandium]

Your last: 7. Nd4-f3
My move: 7... d5-d4

If you've never eaten reindeer you don't know what you're missing :D

[scandium]

Can't say I blame you on the Nimzo-Indian. I never liked that close-quarters stuff. Give me room for my pieces to move!

You are like a computer - their preferences are the same. :lol: That's why I keep it closed as long as possible when playing computers. Else, in open positions they bring their characteristic strengths to full effect.

Nothing against Nimzo-Indian - but with Black only. ;) Obviously Scandium doesn't like English with Black. And I don't like Indian Defenses, Modern Benoni with White. :D

I'm not overly fond of the English no :) Interestingly I do like (and used to play it as much as I could) Benoni systems as well the Nimzo-Indian (as black for both), though I haven't had as much experience with the Nimzo.

My favourite opening with black against 1.d4 systems though is the Budapest Gambit. Unfortunately it requires a very exact move order which white rarely plays these days, so little opportunity to use it or hone one's skill with it. All the same I think I've taken one of the worst beatings ever against a skilled player of it during one of my brief forays into the realm of 1.d4 (I mostly play 1.e4).

Computers do tend to handle complex closed positions poorly, but I had one of my best upsets against one of the stronger online computers on FICS (there are a handful of bots online of varying strengths to play if the mood strikes or during offpeak hours when opponents are scarcer) in an open game. The computer had an online rating of 2200 versus my rating at the time of about 1800 (I should mention this isn't blitz by the way... they move way too quickly for blitz :)) and I drew it, with black, in a N ending with several pawns that involved a N sac to create drawing chances (many moves later I got the draw, the sac was intuitive and not calculated so I have no idea how sound it was, having forgotten any post-game analysis I might have conducted). I still have that game in my online journal, preserved for posterity :lol:.

At any rate, from that experience I concluded that they don't handle certain endings well either, due to their materialism. Unless its in their tablebase, then they will play the ending to perfection.

[Skybird]

Your last: 7. .../d5-d4
My move: 8. O-O
If your next move: 8. .../Nb8-c6 then my move: 8. e2-e3


1800 ELO :huh: - okay, I equip my rooks with MIRVs then, and replace my King with Darth Vader. Never had a ranking myself, but I stopped beeing able to beat board computers reliably on tournament levels in the early 90s. At that time they maybe had reached the range of 1800-2100 ELOs, whichbwas too much for me. But since then I lost quite some substantial skill, and routine. So I think I must rate myself below your ranking, then.

What only means that you have more prestige to loose than me! :lol:

However, I liked to play Modern Benoni (with Black) a lot back then. Computers fell easily to it. As you said, they do not like closed, strategical positions, where as open, tactical positions favours their calculation power.

[scandium]

You moved 8. O-O
I moved 8... Nb8-c6
Your move 9. e2-e3
My move 9... Bf8-e7

I'd say my playing strength has diminished quite a bit since then though. After all, that was during the period where I was playing at least two games per week of slow chess in the online chess leagues, reading several chess books whose ideas had finally become part of my play, honed my tactical ability through a couple repetitions through my tactics workbook, and worked out the worst kinks in my endgame by finally undertaking some study of it. None of those things I've done in a full year ;) At any rate, it feels pretty good to be playing again and putting those analytic brain cells to some use :)


Your last: 7. .../d5-d4
My move: 8. O-O
If your next move: 8. .../Nb8-c6 then my move: 8. e2-e3


1800 ELO :huh: - okay, I equip my rooks with MIRVs then, and replace my King with Darth Vader. Never had a ranking myself, but I stopped beeing able to beat board computers reliably on tournament levels in the early 90s. At that time they maybe had reached the range of 1800-2100 ELOs, whichbwas too much for me. But since then I lost quite some substantial skill, and routine. So I think I must rate myself below your ranking, then.

What only means that you have more prestige to loose than me! :lol:

However, I liked to play Modern Benoni (with Black) a lot back then. Computers fell easily to it. As you said, they do not like closed, strategical positions, where as open, tactical positions favours their calculation power.

[Skybird]

8. .../Nb8-c6
9. e2-e3/Bf8-e7

My move 10: e3xd4

If your move 10. .../e5xd4 then my move 11. Bc1-f4


I'd say my playing strength has diminished quite a bit since then though. After all, that was during the period where I was playing at least two games per week of slow chess in the online chess leagues, reading several chess books whose ideas had finally become part of my play, honed my tactical ability through a couple repetitions through my tactics workbook, and worked out the worst kinks in my endgame by finally undertaking some study of it. None of those things I've done in a full year ;)


Want to intimidate me, eh? :lol: But I won't allow that to work ! :-j


After 10. e3xd4:

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/7871/pos10mv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

You moved 10. e3xd4
I moved 10... e5xd4
Your move 11. Bc1-f4
My move: 11... Bc8-g4

8. .../Nb8-c6
9. e2-e3/Bf8-e7

My move 10: e3xd4

If your move 10. .../e5xd4 then my move 11. Bc1-f4


I'd say my playing strength has diminished quite a bit since then though. After all, that was during the period where I was playing at least two games per week of slow chess in the online chess leagues, reading several chess books whose ideas had finally become part of my play, honed my tactical ability through a couple repetitions through my tactics workbook, and worked out the worst kinks in my endgame by finally undertaking some study of it. None of those things I've done in a full year ;)


Want to intimidate me, eh? :lol: But I won't allow that to work ! :-j


In the immortal words of GW Bush: Bring it on! :arrgh!: :yep: :D

[Skybird]

Hahaha, I spend the last hour calculating my response to your move Ng4 (and was wondering :lol:)... Now I can start all from the beginning again with the bishop... :88)

[scandium]

Hahaha, I spend the last hour calculating my response to your move Ng4 (and was wondering :lol:)... Now I can start all from the beginning again with the bishop... :88)

I have to say then you spent quite a lot more time considering Ng4 than I did :lol:

No hurry anyway, its becoming complex enough now that I spent quite some time myself staring at the position before finally settling on my move. Its nice when the position is the determining factor and not a ticking clock :)

[Skybird]

Your last: 11. .../Bc8-g4
My move: 12. Qd1-b3

Bääh... I hate it when there are two or three moves, all with lights and shadows, and so complex that I can't calculate through all their consequences, in good or bad, and finally need to throw a dice. Maybe chess is the wrong game for me :-j Thought on Qd3 and h3 as well, but I think this move now is more aggressive. Why have you broke out of that variant? We could nicely sit together and have a cup of tea while I am digging according to my plan, but now it's heavy brainstuff for me - you monster!

No, serious, as soon as you think it is safe for you: how came you to Bg4? If that is your own idea, I applaude you. I had played the system by memory until then, expecting OO followed by my Ne5, but now needed to look into my library, a whole book by Taimanov on Catalan: nothing. My (small, half a million only) Chessbase-database: nothing. Have your rewrote theory here?

I have to say then you spent quite a lot more time considering Ng4 than I did :lol:

No hurry anyway, its becoming complex enough now that I spent quite some time myself staring at the position before finally settling on my move. Its nice when the position is the determining factor and not a ticking clock :)

You misunderstood me. I had misred your move in your reply, and set up Ng4 on my board and calculated it. I did not realize my mistake until i came back to enter my answer to Ng4. Bump.


For a change from the usual diagrams, this:

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6929/snap00117mt.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

Lights and shadows, that seems a good description of what I was trying to see through when pondering my 11th move. I should admit that my knowledge of this variation, and of the Catalan system in general, is a little hazy and doesn't go very deep - by the tiime of my 11th move I was already "out of book". I had considered various options, but not Ne4 though I believe I see the idea behind it. In any case it should make for some interesting discussion later. I would say I tend to get at least as much from post-mortem game analysis with my opponent as I do from the game itself, and this is shaping up to be a fine specimen already ;).


I knew what you meant about 11... Ng4, that's why I said you spent more time looking at the impact of the move than I had, since I had not even considered it :P

Anyway, hopefully I'll have a reply to your 12th sometime today after I've examined these lights and shadows a little longer :)

Your last: 11. .../Bc8-g4
My move: 12. Qd1-b3

Bääh... I hate it when there are two or three moves, all with lights and shadows, and so complex that I can't calculate through all their consequences, in good or bad, and finally need to throw a dice. Maybe chess is the wrong game for me :-j Thought on Qd3 and h3 as well, but I think this move now is more aggressive. Why have you broke out of that variant? We could nicely sit together and have a cup of tea while I am digging according to my plan, but now it's heavy brainstuff for me - you monster!

No, serious, as soon as you think it is safe for you: how came you to Bg4? If that is your own idea, I applaude you. I had played the system by memory until then, expecting OO followed by my Ne5, but now needed to look into my library, a whole book by Taimanov on Catalan: nothing. My (small, half a million only) Chessbase-database: nothing. Have your rewrote theory here?

I have to say then you spent quite a lot more time considering Ng4 than I did :lol:

No hurry anyway, its becoming complex enough now that I spent quite some time myself staring at the position before finally settling on my move. Its nice when the position is the determining factor and not a ticking clock :)

You misunderstood me. I had misred your move in your reply, and set up Ng4 on my board and calculated it. I did not realize my mistake until i came back to enter my answer to Ng4. Bump.


For a change from the usual diagrams, this:

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6929/snap00117mt.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Skybird]

Lights and shadows, that seems a good description of what I was trying to see through when pondering my 11th move. I should admit that my knowledge of this variation, and of the Catalan system in general, is a little hazy and doesn't go very deep - by the tiime of my 11th move I was already "out of book". I had considered various options, but not Ne4 though I believe I see the idea behind it. In any case it should make for some interesting discussion later. I would say I tend to get at least as much from post-mortem game analysis with my opponent as I do from the game itself, and this is shaping up to be a fine specimen already

After the match is done I will let loose the beasts and give Fritz and Hiarcs a night to fully analyze (and comment!) the match move by move, which usually results in many, many variants I even did not see during play. Not only one time I saw them rewriting theory :lol: I will post the full protocol then for your and my and other people's delight.

Take your time. since I had a double workload yesterday I am glad to have some time free today! I agree, very complicated situation on the board.

after 12. Qb3

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/9282/pos17wg.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Takeda Shingen]

Now that, gentlemen, is a colorful position.

[scandium]

Your move: 12. Qd1-b3
My move: 12... Bg4xf3

Yes, it'd be interesting to get their post-game input as well since, as you said, they excel at spotting mistakes and missed opportunities.

[Skybird]

Your last: 12. .../Bg4xf3
My move: 13: Bg2xf3

[scandium]

Your last: 13: Bg2xf3
My move: 13... Qd8-d7

[Skybird]

I knew it! If you would tell me if you consider a reply featuring the rook or the knight to be of more concern for you, then this would help me to build a decision immensely. Thank you in advance.

[scandium]

I knew it! If you would tell me if you consider a reply featuring the rook or the knight to be of more concern for you, then this would help me to build a decision immensely. Thank you in advance.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Skybird]

Never laugh at a thinking skybird!!! :hulk: For that, take this:

Your last: 13. .../Qd8-d7
My move: 14. Rf1-d1

For reasons of revenge, and sincere hopes to make you unhappy: the rook it is, for it hopefully will cut so much deeper. :smug:

I sincerely hope that you don't like it. :lol:

http://img464.imageshack.us/img464/5953/pos13zv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

I can't say its the most comfortable position I've ever been in, but as a former player of the French Defence I'm used to some discomfort :yep:

Rest assured, I will think up a suitable reply with which to smite thee most painfully :lol:

Never laugh at a thinking skybird!!! :hulk: For that, take this:

Your last: 13. .../Qd8-d7
My move: 14. Rf1-d1

For reasons of revenge, and sincere hopes to make you unhappy: the rook it is, for it hopefully will cut so much deeper. :smug:

I sincerely hope that you don't like it. :lol:

http://img464.imageshack.us/img464/5953/pos13zv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

Your last: 14. Rf1-d1
My move: 14... O-O

At long last the black K slips into the corner. Not very smiting, but my only other serious candidate was O-O-O. Unfortunately that would have been tantamount to suicide :dead:

[Skybird]

One -O more or less will not make a difference in the end! :arrgh!:

[Takeda Shingen]

This 19th Century trash-talk is fantastic. I'll see if, for variety's sake, I can get Torplexed to engage in some urban street slang in our thread. 'Knight' will not be spelled 'Nayit', and 'pawns' will be 'pownz'.

I chekmate yo a**!

[scandium]

This 19th Century trash-talk is fantastic. I'll see if, for variety's sake, I can get Torplexed to engage in some urban street slang in our thread. 'Knight' will not be spelled 'Nayit', and 'pawns' will be 'pownz'.

I chekmate yo a**!

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Skybird]

I chekmate yo a**!

You will wait in the line like all others! First me:

Your last: 14. .../O-O without third -O :(
My move: 15. Nb1-c3

Okay, that's it for me for today. CU tomorrow! BTW, the latest album by The Corrs, "Home", is marvellous, and very Irish indeed...


http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/7447/pos12in.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Skybird]

About time that you guys woke up! I started to feel a bit lonely here...

Our own masterpiece in progress has me presently stumped. I looked at a couple possibilities last night but couldn't work out all the likely continuations to my satisfaction so I gave up, watched a movie and went to bed :)

I have the position setup once more so something will be forthcoming at some point today... of course I can only hope it will cause you at least significant discomfort, if not outright anguish :yep:

You may wind up feeling utterly helpless, but at least we will have solved your feelings of loneliness :D

I certainly would not like to change sides with you. However, from my perspective, I did not do anything creative myself so far. The moves I made so far were recommending themselves as the only and obvious good answers to yours. I got caught by surprise when you left theory with 11. Bg4, but maybe the stuck position is the reason why this move is n ot mentioned in literature (on the other hand, my pool of scriptures is from the 80s...). Since Bg4, my moves were almost dictated by yours. :)

Since we do not play tournament, why not talk about the match although it is in progress, we are here for entertainment, not to fight for our lives. Taimanov recommends 11. .../O-O 12. Nf3-e5! (hollowing out black pawn on d4) .../Nc6xe5 (if Qb6, then Qb3 with dangerous initiative for White in the following) 13. Bf4xe5/Be7-c5 14. Nb1-d2 (threat: Nb3 with severe problems for Black) .../Nf6-g4 15. 15. Be5-f4. Now Black can choose between g5 and Ne3, but practice shows that in both cases and correct play White gains dangerous initiative.

This whole system is designed to bypass the black center and then roll it up from behind or the flanks, turning it's vulnerability into a material advantage for White when going into the endgame. However, the black move 9. .../Be7 may be the real root of your stuck position, since it is concidered to be an inferior alternative to the major variation, that is 9. .../Bf8-c5 10. e3xd4/e5xd4, followed by Nbd2 or Re1+. both answers lead to sharp fighting, full compensation for Black and chances for both sides. with that variation, you would alraedy have given me severe headaches. :lol:

You know, I know Catalan a bit, because English was part of my repertoire. If Black avoids English, he often does so by pushing for Nimzo-Indian or Ben-Oni (like you did) - which often can be rejected by White only at the price of accepting Catalan System. If white plays English, he better also knows a bit on the Catalan System!

[scandium]

I'll come back to the specifics later but I think I began to go wrong with Bg4 (while the previous Be7 may not have been as sharp as Bc5 it was at least sound); part of that is because I play only one opening that features an Isolated Queen's Pawn (IQP), or d pawn, and in that opening its seen as a weakness that black tries to exchange off as early as possible.

However, in this position I should have (and to an extent was) been focusing on how I could use it as a beach head to begin an early assault. Instead my thoughts were that I could secure it first (Bg4 I knew wasn't a real pin as I forsaw either Qb3 or Qa4 in reply) by removing one of the attackers while developing early a piece that can be problematic in c4/d4 systems (the c8 bishop).

I knew the B pair would be strong in an open position like this one but deferred that as a problem to addressed later. After Be7 its seemed like I always needed one more tempo than I have. Taimanov's thoughts on this and further discussion are certainly welcome and I'll turn to them specifically later when I take a look at that.

About time that you guys woke up! I started to feel a bit lonely here...

Our own masterpiece in progress has me presently stumped. I looked at a couple possibilities last night but couldn't work out all the likely continuations to my satisfaction so I gave up, watched a movie and went to bed :)

I have the position setup once more so something will be forthcoming at some point today... of course I can only hope it will cause you at least significant discomfort, if not outright anguish :yep:

You may wind up feeling utterly helpless, but at least we will have solved your feelings of loneliness :D

I certainly would not like to change sides with you. However, from my perspective, I did not do anything creative myself so far. The moves I made so far were recommending themselves as the only and obvious good answers to yours. I got caught by surprise when you left theory with 11. Bg4, but maybe the stuck position is the reason why this move is n ot mentioned in literature (on the other hand, my pool of scriptures is from the 80s...). Since Bg4, my moves were almost dictated by yours. :)

Since we do not play tournament, why not talk about the match although it is in progress, we are here for entertainment, not to fight for our lives. Taimanov recommends 11. .../O-O 12. Nf3-e5! (hollowing out black pawn on d4) .../Nc6xe5 (if Qb6, then Qb3 with dangerous initiative for White in the following) 13. Bf4xe5/Be7-c5 14. Nb1-d2 (threat: Nb3 with severe problems for Black) .../Nf6-g4 15. 15. Be5-f4. Now Black can choose between g5 and Ne3, but practice shows that in both cases and correct play White gains dangerous initiative.

This whole system is designed to bypass the black center and then roll it up from behind or the flanks, turning it's vulnerability into a material advantage for White when going into the endgame. However, the black move 9. .../Be7 may be the real root of your stuck position, since it is concidered to be an inferior alternative to the major variation, that is 9. .../Bf8-c5 10. e3xd4/e5xd4, followed by Nbd2 or Re1+. both answers lead to sharp fighting, full compensation for Black and chances for both sides. with that variation, you would alraedy have given me severe headaches. :lol:

You know, I know Catalan a bit, because English was part of my repertoire. If Black avoids English, he often does so by pushing for Nimzo-Indian or Ben-Oni (like you did) - which often can be rejected by White only at the price of accepting Catalan System. If white plays English, he better also knows a bit on the Catalan System!

[Skybird]

I'll come back to the specifics later but I think I began to go wrong with Bg4 (while the previous Be7 may not have been as sharp as Bc5 it was at least sound); part of that is because I play only one opening that features an Isolated Queen's Pawn (IQP), or d pawn, and in that opening its seen as a weakness that black tries to exchange off as early as possible.

However, in this position I should have (and to an extent was) been focusing on how I could use it as a beach head to begin an early assault. Instead my thoughts were that I could secure it first (Bg4 I knew wasn't a real pin as I forsaw either Qb3 or Qa4 in reply) by removing one of the attackers while developing early a piece that can be problematic in c4/d4 systems (the c8 bishop).

In fact d4-d3 is a major threat in several variations in this line of Catalan System, in so far you are right. But they depend on Bc5 instead of Be7. I played Qb3, and have considered Qd3 and even h3 as well (but did not like the long lasting weakness h3 creates, while Qd3 was far too passive). Qa4 never was really on my mind, I scratched it from my list very soon.

[scandium]

I'll come back to the specifics later but I think I began to go wrong with Bg4 (while the previous Be7 may not have been as sharp as Bc5 it was at least sound); part of that is because I play only one opening that features an Isolated Queen's Pawn (IQP), or d pawn, and in that opening its seen as a weakness that black tries to exchange off as early as possible.

However, in this position I should have (and to an extent was) been focusing on how I could use it as a beach head to begin an early assault. Instead my thoughts were that I could secure it first (Bg4 I knew wasn't a real pin as I forsaw either Qb3 or Qa4 in reply) by removing one of the attackers while developing early a piece that can be problematic in c4/d4 systems (the c8 bishop).

In fact d4-d3 is a major threat in several variations in this line of Catalan System, in so far you are right. But they depend on Bc5 instead of Be7. I played Qb3, and have considered Qd3 and even h3 as well (but did not like the long lasting weakness h3 creates, while Qd3 was far too passive). Qa4 never was really on my mind, I scratched it from my list very soon.

You're right. I considered Qb3 or Qa5 your strongest. Qb3 was the better of the two. Both increased the pressure on the long diagonal and corresponding weak points. Qd3 I had no corncerns over and h3 only spent a tempo to allow me what I intended anyway.

[scandium]

Your last: 15. Nb1-c3
My move: 15... Ra8-c8

I think I've stared it long enough and any further deliberation can only lead to hallucination. :88)

[Skybird]

I expected Rook Echo Eight. I'll file a complaint for not complying.

[scandium]

I expected Rook Echo Eight. I'll file a complaint for not complying.

Complaint denied :down: :yep:

[Skybird]

Tell that the UN - they may see it different :lol:

Your last: 15. .../Ra8-c8
My move 16. Ra1-c1

http://img456.imageshack.us/img456/4640/pos13rp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

Your last: 16. Ra1-c1
My move: 16... g7-g5

[Skybird]

Didn't they tell you that bluffing is not for chess, but for poker?
I want to see! :cool:

Your last: 16. .../g7-g5
My move: 17. Bf4xg5

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/209/snap00147wl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

Just a little spice ;)

Your last: Bf4xg5
My move: Qd7-f5


Didn't they tell you that bluffing is not for chess, but for poker?
I want to see! :cool:

Your last: 16. .../g7-g5
My move: 17. Bf4xg5

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/209/snap00147wl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Skybird]

Your last: 17. .../Qd7-f5
My move: 18. Bg5xf6

[porphy]

ahh, thats the spirit, a pawn can't matter that much can it? :-j Or are there more sinister forces at work here.... ;)

Cheers Porphy

[scandium]

ahh, thats the spirit, a pawn can't matter that much can it? :-j Or are there more sinister forces at work here.... ;)

Cheers Porphy

I'd considered various quiet moves only to dismiss them as too passive. I decided instead it was time to begin playing active and g7-g5 struck me as a a good way to throw a wrench into the position :)

[porphy]

Indeed... suddenly things look very complicated with plenty of tactical moves to consider. I'm glad I dont have to deal with this right now :lol:

Cheers Porphy

[scandium]

Your last 18. Bg5xf6
My move: Nc6-a5

[Skybird]

Just came back from work and will need some time to settle down and calculate the position. But by guts feeling I can't share you two guy's enthusiasm - I think we already negotiate details of your upcoming funeral! :smug:

:-j

[scandium]

Just came back from work and will need some time to settle down and calculate the position. But by guts feeling I can't share you two guy's enthusiasm - I think we already negotiate details of your upcoming funeral! :smug:

:-j

I'd already heard in my head the beginning notes of a funeral song several moves ago and decided that if that were how it were to turn out, then better to go quickly and as messily as possibly :yep:

[Skybird]

Five tasty moves I have identified, Qc2, Qa4, Qb5, Nd5 and Bg4. But that is very complex calculation to decide whi9ch one is really best (all seem to give immense advanatge to White). I have begun to analyse on three boards simultaneously :lol: But I am very tired, had a very exhausting day, so it may take a while.

After 18. .../Na5

http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/9792/pos17um.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Oberon]

http://staff.chsd218.org/summit/millerr/47.jpg

[scandium]

Laugh while you can. I shall be wanting a second game with colours reversed and we'll see who's laughing then :hulk: :stare:

:P

[Oberon]

Laugh while you can. I shall be wanting a second game with colours reversed and we'll see who's laughing then :hulk: :stare:

:P

http://www.chessgraphics.net/jpg/arab1.jpg

Watch out Skybird! Scandium's got a secret weapon!! :o

[scandium]

:rotfl:

[Skybird]

Watch out Skybird! Scandium's got a secret weapon!! :o
Hardly. I programmed Scandium in a manner so that he will not know that I have programmed him.
:lol:

[scandium]

Watch out Skybird! Scandium's got a secret weapon!! :o
Hardly. I programmed Scandium in a manner so that he will not know that I have programmed him.
:lol:

Judging by some of the moves I've made so far you're programming skills leave much to be desired ;) :rotfl:

[Skybird]

Maybe these skills will serve your taste better:

Your last: 18. .../Nc6-a5
My move 19. Nc3-d5

Probably the most obvious move of all possible. But I think, the other options are not really "weaker". Just don't want to breed over this position the whole night, so I pick the simpe path and do the most obvious move.

http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/1303/pos18yy.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Skybird]

What is better in these chess threads: the matches, or the grim humour and laconic comments? :lol:

[Oberon]

What is better in these chess threads: the matches, or the grim humour and laconic comments? :lol:

S'all part of the game, isn't it? ;)

[Skybird]

What is better in these chess threads: the matches, or the grim humour and laconic comments? :lol:

S'all part of the game, isn't it? ;)
Why aren't you joining, then? ;) There is time enough.

[scandium]

Your last: 19. Nc3-d5
My move: 19... Be7xf6

[Skybird]

Your last: 19. .../Be7xf6 wrong move!!! :hulk:
My move: 20. Qb3-d3

Playing chess is a nice way to boost your post counter, btw :lol:

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/2348/pos19dl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

Your move: 20. Qb3-d3
My move: 20... Qf5-e5

I think I stopped playing correct ones a while back ;)

[Skybird]

I think I stopped playing correct ones a while back ;)
I certainly have no intention to disagree here :lol: Again, I only need to react. It seems I only have good moves left :D A hard choice, really. As I said, I will do a computer-based analysis of the match, and I wonder what Mr. HAL will have to say on this position, and one or two others, and what moves he will list to be acceptable.

I plan to get Hiarcs 10 later this week, it has a sharper 3D board with the German "Bundesform" figures and is said to have paired it's traditional strategic and positional strengths with the tactical strengths and deeper calculation depth of "fast breeders" like Fritz, who are more Brute Force oriented.

Currently thinking on Bg2, Re1 and Be4. but it seesm that all three moves will be found in all three variations sooner or later :lol: Will be back later this evening.

[scandium]

I think I stopped playing correct ones a while back ;)
I certainly have no intention to disagree here :lol: Again, I only need to react. It seems I only have good moves left :D A hard choice, really. As I said, I will do a computer-based analysis of the match, and I wonder what Mr. HAL will have to say on this position, and one or two others, and what moves he will list to be acceptable.

I plan to get Hiarcs 10 later this week, it has a sharper 3D board with the German "Bundesform" figures and is said to have paired it's traditional strategic and positional strengths with the tactical strengths and deeper calculation depth of "fast breeders" like Fritz, who are more Brute Force oriented.

Currently thinking on Bg2, Re1 and Be4. but it seesm that all three moves will be found in all three variations sooner or later :lol: Will be back later this evening.

When I used to annotate (some) of my games I used Crafty as a check for any tactical combinations either side might have made (and to see if the ones that were made might have been refuted) but that freeware engine pales next to Hiarcs and Fritz (though it suited its purpose well enough) which are the state of the art. The nice thing I liked about Crafty was that Chessbase accepted it as a "plugin" so I could do everything in one database. I suspect my old Chessbase 7 (which I have somewhere on cd - i have yet to reinstall it on the new PC though I really should) is a little out of date now but still a useful tool.

[Skybird]

To my surprise I learned two weeks ago, that the SSDF ranking is no longer dominated by chessbase-engines like Fritz or shredder, but two independent engine: Fruit, and an engine called Rubky or Rybuk or something like that, which currently is number 1. Only Hiarcs (who has done an incredible jump on the ELO scale, compared to version 9) is up to their level, currently. But I do not know both engines. Fruit also does not run under chessbase surface, so I will not try it anyway. Rybuk - maybe later in the year, the latest version is not free.

Back to our entertaining execution :smug: I decided again on the most opbvious move, doubling my firepower, and blocking your line of sight a bit. But any of the other moves, I think would not do any more good or harm in this position.

Your last 20. .../Qf5-e5
My move: Bf3-e4

I think Bg2 is well, too. Or Re1. Maybe even b4, but it is a little bit too distracting from what I am after.

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/8416/pos19gn.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[porphy]

Chess is the ultimate game for suffering... :lol:

Cheers Porphy

[scandium]

Your last: Bf3-e4
My move: h7-h6

Its not over yet, I'm only down the pawn I sac'd ;)

[Skybird]

Hm, do we use tournament rules here or do we play for fun? Maybe this is considered to be unpolite or arrogant, that is why I ask, but let's clear this question at this opportunity, for all future matches to come:

You might want to reconsider your last move, maybe? It's a great mistake that will be followed by an enforced sequence of moves that lets you bleed ;) Would be a shame to let this nice match down that way!

[scandium]

Hm, do we use tournament rules here or do we play for fun? Maybe this is considered to be unpolite or arrogant, that is why I ask, but let's clear this question at this opportunity, for all future matches to come:

You might want to reconsider your last move, maybe? It's a great mistake that will be followed by an enforced sequence of moves that lets you bleed ;) Would be a shame to let this nice match down that way!

I play by tournament rules where a move once made cannot be taken back. I subscribe to the view that takebacks only promote sloppy chess and its in the making of them and being punished for them that we become better players... thus it falls to you now to prove my error by meting out punishment accordingly ;)

[Skybird]

Masochist! :-j

Your last: 21. ... / h7-h6
My move 22.f2-f4

if your move 22. .../ Qe5-d6
then my move 23. Qd3-a3

if your move 23. .../ Qd6xa3
then my move 24. Nd5xf6+

.....if your move 24. .../ Kg8-h8
.....then my move 25. b2xa3

..........if your move 24. .../ Kg8-g7
..........then my move 25. Nf6-h5+

..........if your move 25. .../ Kg7-g8
..........then my move 26. a2xb3

[scandium]

You moved: 22.f2-f4
My move: 22... Qe5-d6
Your move: 23. Qd3-a3
My move: resigns 1-0

*handshake*

I wouldn't mind doing some analysis of this before another game (assuming you're up for another game ;)). We can let Hiarcs or Fruit pick it apart as well. For the rematch what are your thoughts on database/opening book usage? Since this is a similar format to email/correspondence chess where both are permitted I favour allowing them in our rematch (with same prohibition on computer analysis/assistance).

Masochist! :-j

Your last: 21. ... / h7-h6
My move 22.f2-f4

if your move 22. .../ Qe5-d6
then my move 23. Qd3-a3

if your move 23. .../ Qd6xa3
then my move 24. Nd5xf6+

.....if your move 24. .../ Kg8-h8
.....then my move 25. b2xa3

..........if your move 24. .../ Kg8-g7
..........then my move 25. Nf6-h5+

..........if your move 25. .../ Kg7-g8
..........then my move 26. a2xb3

[Skybird]

***Shake Hands***

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/4082/pos17lj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I thought we six chessies currently playing had consensus on the use of literature and database, as lined out in that old thread that started it all. I played without the database Fritz is coming with (Fritz 8, it has a minimized database of 500.000, not those 3.5 million giants the regular chessbase has nowadays), and of course I played without the engine (needs to be switched off each time I open Fritz). My Hiarcs verison currently is the old 7.32, which also was not used, and beyond that I have several free engines that I never use (Crafty, Comet, etc.) and the old versions of Junior (6) and Nimzo (7), all not used. I plan to get Hiarcs 10. Have seen some matches of it, impressive.

You have Fruit, have I got that right? Then maybe you do an analysis with Fruit which has it's own user interface, and I do Fritz and/or Hiarcs, for I only use the chessbase interface. We could post both protocols.

I played this match according to how I would have played a regular correspondence chess match. Here, database and literature is allowed, even computer assistance would be allowed (but I would still prefer if computer assistance is left out. We could think on a so-called "triple-brain-match", of course, where both opponents also can use various engines - man still has to make the decision which recommended move to follow).

Your Fruit versus my (to be got) Hiarcs 10 maybe also is an interesting duel.

I used my opening literature in this match as well. Berlin Sportverlag (former GDR) had an excellent lineup of chess literature, Russian school, amongst which was a "Modern Encyclopedia of chess Openings" in 24 volumes, of which I own those 13 that I used to play. The one that contains Queens Gambit and Katalan System was written by Taimanov, other major authors were Boleslawski, Suetin, and Bolugajewski. I have lost a good part of my former books during moving from city to city, but the standard work on endgames by Cheron (4 manuals) and a basic work by Kotow and Koblenz on Tactics (2) and Strategy (2) is still there. Not that I remember much of it :)

Interesting match it was, btw.

[scandium]

I haven't yet gotten around to reinstalling Chessbase and I don't have any engines installed (unless Winboard still includes Gnu Chess although that's not particularly useful for analysis being one of the more primitive programs) at the moment. I thought you'd either had or were planning to get Fruit which was why I'd suggested it. In either case Hiarcs or Fritz or Fruit would all be suitable for post-mortem dissection since I know at least Fritz can generate annotations and I'd imagine the same is true of Hiarcs and Fruit.

A "Cyborg" match (engine vs engine with human oversight) might be amusing to try at some point in the future. For now though my preference is to allow database and opening books but prohibit chess engine use. I know by correspondence rules engine use is allowed though I don't understand their reasoning behind it. Database and opening books I can see, and am a supporter of, since it affords a chance to learn an opening (better) by trying it out against a live opponent while being able to consult the theory on it at the same time. *shrug*

[Skybird]

I know by correspondence rules engine use is allowed though I don't understand their reasoning behind it.

a. It cannot be controlled.
b. In higher playing classes corr. chess is played on a skill level that is beyond that of chess software. The latter is considered to be a helpful tool only, probably.

I played four corr. chess tournaments myself when still at school, and short after having finished it. Back then, the German league had a four-division structure, 2nd, 1st, major and master class. You had to qualify to get access to the next higher playing class. To be honest, I played four tournaments, in 1st, major and two in master class and won all four (although one probably because my biggest rival had to retreat due to sickness). Corr. chess was my thing. Sitting at a board and doing regular chess, I play much weaker, because I tend to oversee too many things then. when having the time to sort these blunders out, spending hours with breeding and come back and leave to it as I want, and manipulate the board like I am not allowed in board chess, I play much better.

But that is probabaly true for most players. I for myself never missed having given up club playing. Never was a club animal myself, anyway. :)

Those were the days, wearing pitchblack blow-trousers and snow-white air-jackets, with only Matt Bianco and martial arts on my mind :lol:

[scandium]

I've never been much into club play either, though this is due more to convenience and often a shortage of oppenents to play locally. Online I can play anytime, any time control and against a diverse group of opponents. The rules for online play are the same as for OTB however, though based on an honour system that the majority of players seem to respect. For me correspondence style chess is more of a supplement than the main course.

By the way I'm still awaiting your unleashing of the beasts to pick our game apart :D.

[Skybird]

This is it, from my perspective.


For easier reading:
http://people.freenet.de/Skybird/Skybird-Scandium.doc


(506449) Skybird - Scandium [E01]
Subsim.com, 22.03.2006
[Fritz 8 (30s)]
E01: Katalanisch 1.c2-c4 Ng8-f6 2.g2-g3 e7-e6 3.d2-d4 c7-c5 4.Ng1–f3 I wanted to avoid Nimzo-Indian (or any Indian system) and Modern Ben-Oni, this explains the way I played the opening. 4...c5xd4 5.Nf3xd4 d7-d5 This move decided that it should be Katalan system, and that it does not shift back into an English variation again. 6.Bf1–g2 e6-e5 7.Nd4-f3 The major answer. Alternatives are Nb3 (leaves the diagonal for Bg2 open, but the passivity of White in the center is more decisive: the variation is considered better for black), Nc2 (bad position for attacking d4, black gets decisive initiative and centre activity), and Nb5 which I also considered to surprise you - this move is rare. All evaluations according to Taimanov) 7...d5-d4 8.0–0 Nb8-c6 9.e2-e3 Bf8-e7 Not an obvious mistake, but I think it is too passive and was the beginning of a series of weaker moves by Black. theory says Bc5 is the better (more aggressive) option, next 10. ed4:/ed4:, and then the best answer Nbd2 which is the most conseqeunt, weaker alternatives are Re1+ and Nb3. After Bc5 the variation would have led to sharper play and equal chances for both sides. 10.e3xd4 e5xd4 11.Bc1–f4 Diagramm

The end of the theory as Fritz does now it. 11...Bc8-g4!? A mistake that gave white decisive initiative and opened the firing lines for him. The consequence recommended itself, but I also considered h3 and Re1. h3 creates a long-lasting-weakness with the black Queen and bishop still in play maybe trying to exploit it, Re1 looks good and classical, but does not really push forward white's initiative. Qd3: I did not really like Nb4. 12.Qd1–b3 Fritz ranks h3 and Qd3 slightly higher after 2 minutes of analysis. All three moves are within 0.2 centipawns. 12...Bg4xf3 Collaborates with White's intentions to maximize the pressure of his bishops.Fritz rates this move as +0.56 for White. 13.Bg2xf3 Fritz: +0.56 13...Qd8-d7 14.Rf1–d1

Fritz gives Re1 and Nd2 as alternatives. I considered Re1, but never liked Nd2 and kicked it very early. the position here I liked very much, all developed figures are covered and are giving mutual support, while aggressively pushing the initiave and eroding d4, indirectly. 14...0–0 Ng4 +0.53; Rd8 +0.59, Rc8 +0.78, O-O +0.84 15.Nb1–c3 Taking benefits from a fine-spun web :) I also considered a3 and a4, but I feel that I would loose a tempo while gaining nothing substantial for it. 15...Ra8-c8 16.Ra1–c1 I also thought about Nd5, Nd5:, Bd5: 16...g7-g5 A true miscalculation. This sacrifice achieves nothing.Re8, Ng4, Bd8 are better alternatives of equal value of +0.69. [16...Rf8-e8!?±] 17.Bf4xg5+- Qd7-f5 18.Bg5xf6 Nc6-a5 Before this move, Fritz rates the position as +1.5 for white, after this move it jumps to +2.5 [¹18...Be7xf6 19.Bf3-e4 Qf5-g4+-] 19.Nc3-d5 Qb5 and Qc2 also on my mind. I was very close to moving Qb5. 19...Be7xf6 20.Qb3-d3

20...Qf5-e5 21.Bf3-e4 Re1 also on my mind. Fritz also lists Bg2 as an alternative: but while it looses nothing, it also does not achieve anything. 21...h7-h6? I assume the reply f4 has simply been overseen by Black. [21...Rf8-e8+-] 22.f2-f4 Qe5-d6 23.Qd3-a3 [23.Qd3-a3 Qd6xa3 24.Nd5xf6+ (24.b2xa3?! Kg8-g7+-) 24...Kg8-h8 25.b2xa3+-; 23.Nd5xf6+?! Qd6xf6 24.Qd3xd4 Qf6xd4+ 25.Rd1xd4 Rf8-d8+-] 1–0

[scandium]

Perspective from Black:

1.c2-c4 Ng8-f6 2.g2-g3 e7-e6 flexible move order that often allow transposition into Benoni or Nimzo-Indian systems depending on White's intention.

3.d2-d4 c7-c5 White's 3rd move is anti-Nimzo while 3.Nc3 would have invited it. Possible after his 3rd move was 3... Bb4+ (Bogo-Indian) but I'm not a fan of the quiet positional game that usually arises. 3... c7-c5 tries instead then to move into a Benoni.

4. 4.Ng1–f3 5.Nf3xd4 With his 4th move White indicates no taste for a Benoni game as 4. d4-d5 would have led the game in that direction. So black already denied his pet systems simply eats the pawn and moves from his own specific knowledge and into the realm of general opening principles. In this vein the d4 pawn, being a central pawn, is worth more to him than his flank c5 pawn which only limits the scope of his dark square Bishop.

5.Nf3xd4 d7-d5 a grab at the center

6. 6.Bf1–g2 e6-e5 continuing in the same vein, this time with tempo as it kicks the N off d4

7.Nd4-f3 7...d5-d4 continues the same theme. Nxe5 is not possible due to Qa5+.

8.0–0 Nb8-c6 Now e5 needs protection.

9.e2-e3 Bf8-e7 After 10. exd4 exd4 the e-file is open to black's K so this move is played to temporarily close it and allow castling. It is too passive though and not consistent with the previous more aggressive play.

10. 10. e3xd4 e5xd4 11.Bc1–f4 Bc8-g4 a pretend pin that's easily broken by Qb3 or Qa5, both of which were expected. The intention was, through the ensuing exchange of Bxf3, to deprive white of one of his attackers of d4 and thereby strengthen its defence indirectly. Howerver it has the drawback of also greatly increasing the white light square B's power along the long diagonal and along the critical points d5, c3, and b2 all of which are now weakened by the exchange of black's own light square B. The extent this trade of his B and the consequent strengthening of black's threats/hold on those squares can be seen throughout the rest of the game.

12.Qd1–b3 Bg4xf3 13.Bg2xf3 Qd8-d7 the only move.

14.Rf1–d1 0–0 The tide is already turning. While white is playing active and developing with threats, black is forced to develop his forces more defensively.

15.Nb1–c3 Ra8-c8 This was the only quasi-active move I could come up with at this point intending to try and take advantage, if possible, of the white Q's position to play Na5. It wasn't a good plan but the move itself was non-commital and not inherently bad. I was also beginning to realize by this point just how strong the squares b5 and d5 had become for white and how much power the N anchored on either by the c5 pawn and the Bf3 would exert. However there was no way to prevent it. This is the impact of the earlier Bg4 continuing to be felt most negatively for black.

16. Ra1–c1 g7-g5? White's superior position, his targets on c3 and b2 and consequent tying down of black's forces along with his ability to play Nb5/Ne5 at any moment to cement his position leads to this bad sacrifice. I was not worried about the weakening of my K position when I made the move, but I was very worried about White's Bishop pair pointing menancingly at my Queen side pawns as well as his Queen side majority. I had thought the game would be decided decisively on that side of the board if I didn't attempt to seize the initiative. This was the wrong way to do it as now when the N comes to e5 its even stronger due to the fatal weakening of f6.

7.Bf4xg5 Qd7-f5 18.Bg5xf6 Nc6-a5? another bad move but one I'd been fixated on. I overlooked the inbetween move Ne5 which immediately mates if Nxb3??. Black must now lose material and any more thoughts of regaining the initiative.

19.Nc3-d5 19...Be7xf6 20.Qb3-d3 Qf5-e5 21.Bf3-e4 21...h7-h6?? Unnoticed by black is that this allows f2-f4 and the combination that follows which results in a doubleattack on his two hanging minor pieces, only one of which can be saved. This is the culmination of the N's unopposed strength on e5 due to the earlier exchange of B for N on f3, the fatal weakening of f6 after g7-g5, and lastly the weak Na5 which accomplished nothing other than turning initiative irrevocably over to white and hanging the piece on a square where black's over-worked Q could not later defend it.

22.f2-f4 Qe5-d6 23.Qd3-a3 1-0

This is it, from my perspective.


For easier reading:
http://people.freenet.de/Skybird/Skybird-Scandium.doc


(506449) Skybird - Scandium [E01]
Subsim.com, 22.03.2006
[Fritz 8 (30s)]
E01: Katalanisch 1.c2-c4 Ng8-f6 2.g2-g3 e7-e6 3.d2-d4 c7-c5 4.Ng1–f3 I wanted to avoid Nimzo-Indian (or any Indian system) and Modern Ben-Oni, this explains the way I played the opening. 4...c5xd4 5.Nf3xd4 d7-d5 This move decided that it should be Katalan system, and that it does not shift back into an English variation again. 6.Bf1–g2 e6-e5 7.Nd4-f3 The major answer. Alternatives are Nb3 (leaves the diagonal for Bg2 open, but the passivity of White in the center is more decisive: the variation is considered better for black), Nc2 (bad position for attacking d4, black gets decisive initiative and centre activity), and Nb5 which I also considered to surprise you - this move is rare. All evaluations according to Taimanov) 7...d5-d4 8.0–0 Nb8-c6 9.e2-e3 Bf8-e7 Not an obvious mistake, but I think it is too passive and was the beginning of a series of weaker moves by Black. theory says Bc5 is the better (more aggressive) option, next 10. ed4:/ed4:, and then the best answer Nbd2 which is the most conseqeunt, weaker alternatives are Re1+ and Nb3. After Bc5 the variation would have led to sharper play and equal chances for both sides. 10.e3xd4 e5xd4 11.Bc1–f4 Diagramm

The end of the theory as Fritz does now it. 11...Bc8-g4!? A mistake that gave white decisive initiative and opened the firing lines for him. The consequence recommended itself, but I also considered h3 and Re1. h3 creates a long-lasting-weakness with the black Queen and bishop still in play maybe trying to exploit it, Re1 looks good and classical, but does not really push forward white's initiative. Qd3: I did not really like Nb4. 12.Qd1–b3 Fritz ranks h3 and Qd3 slightly higher after 2 minutes of analysis. All three moves are within 0.2 centipawns. 12...Bg4xf3 Collaborates with White's intentions to maximize the pressure of his bishops.Fritz rates this move as +0.56 for White. 13.Bg2xf3 Fritz: +0.56 13...Qd8-d7 14.Rf1–d1

Fritz gives Re1 and Nd2 as alternatives. I considered Re1, but never liked Nd2 and kicked it very early. the position here I liked very much, all developed figures are covered and are giving mutual support, while aggressively pushing the initiave and eroding d4, indirectly. 14...0–0 Ng4 +0.53; Rd8 +0.59, Rc8 +0.78, O-O +0.84 15.Nb1–c3 Taking benefits from a fine-spun web :) I also considered a3 and a4, but I feel that I would loose a tempo while gaining nothing substantial for it. 15...Ra8-c8 16.Ra1–c1 I also thought about Nd5, Nd5:, Bd5: 16...g7-g5 A true miscalculation. This sacrifice achieves nothing.Re8, Ng4, Bd8 are better alternatives of equal value of +0.69. [16...Rf8-e8!?±] 17.Bf4xg5+- Qd7-f5 18.Bg5xf6 Nc6-a5 Before this move, Fritz rates the position as +1.5 for white, after this move it jumps to +2.5 [¹18...Be7xf6 19.Bf3-e4 Qf5-g4+-] 19.Nc3-d5 Qb5 and Qc2 also on my mind. I was very close to moving Qb5. 19...Be7xf6 20.Qb3-d3

20...Qf5-e5 21.Bf3-e4 Re1 also on my mind. Fritz also lists Bg2 as an alternative: but while it looses nothing, it also does not achieve anything. 21...h7-h6? I assume the reply f4 has simply been overseen by Black. [21...Rf8-e8+-] 22.f2-f4 Qe5-d6 23.Qd3-a3 [23.Qd3-a3 Qd6xa3 24.Nd5xf6+ (24.b2xa3?! Kg8-g7+-) 24...Kg8-h8 25.b2xa3+-; 23.Nd5xf6+?! Qd6xf6 24.Qd3xd4 Qf6xd4+ 25.Rd1xd4 Rf8-d8+-] 1–0

[Skybird]

I have run a re-analysis with Hiarcs 7, which is several years older than Fritz 8. Interestingly, in the last third of the match he rated the position roughly 1.0 centipawns more to the advantage of White. This seem to reflect the traditional strength of the Hiarcs programs in the field of chess knowledge and positional understanding. The evaluations of Fritz seemed to be based more on a purely material level, giving longtermed strategic perspectives less attention.

Doing a new match now? Your turn to get it started.

[scandium]

I have run a re-analysis with Hiarcs 7, which is several years older than Fritz 8. Interestingly, in the last third of the match he rated the position roughly 1.0 centipawns more to the advantage of White. This seem to reflect the traditional strength of the Hiarcs programs in the field of chess knowledge and positional understanding. The evaluations of Fritz seemed to be based more on a purely material level, giving longtermed strategic perspectives less attention.

Doing a new match now? Your turn to get it started.

Yeah I'll start the new thread now.