Chessmatch V: scandium vs Skybird 0-1

[scandium]

1. e2-e4

It'll be interesting to see what defence you play. I know you're not a Sicilian player and can rule that out but I have a hunch... ;)

Had to correct the title after I mixed up your username with a similar one (the joys of multitasking). :oops:

[Skybird]

I do not play Sicilian...? :-? I do not like the massive bunch of theory it comes with, that is true. Beside Spanish, probably no other opening has so many pages written about it.

Your last: 1. e2-e4
My move: 1. .../d7-d6

A clear invitation, isn't it. Is it? :hmm:

[scandium]

Your last: 1... d7-d6
My move: 2. d2-d4

I actually find the sicilian not that bad theory wise. Roughly half the e4 players play the Open Sicilian and here its black who gets to choose the variation. There are many variations in the Open, which is why the Sicilian has its reputation for being so theory intensive, but black needs to only know whatever system he plays. The other 50% of the time its anti-sicilians but there are only so many of those as well.


I do not play Sicilian...? :-? I do not like the massive bunch of theory it comes with, that is true. Beside Spanish, probably no other opening has so many pages written about it.

Your last: 1. e2-e4
My move: 1. .../d7-d6

A clear invitation, isn't it. Is it? :hmm:

[Skybird]

Your last: 2. d2-d4
My move: 2. ... / Ng8-f6

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/7743/pos21qh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Skybird]

Added:

if your move 3. Nb1-c3, then my move 3.../g7-g6

[scandium]

Added:

if your move 3. Nb1-c3, then my move 3.../g7-g6

Heheh I don't even have the slightest idea which way I'm going to go from here, even though I had you pegged for either a Pirc or Modern Defence player ;) Weighing other options that might allow more flexibility as both the Pirc and Modern are areas of study I haven't spent much time on (being good openings both but relatively uncommon).

[scandium]

You moved: 2...Ng8-f6
I moved: 3. Nb1-c3
Your last: 3... g7-g6
my move: 4. f2-f4


Added:

if your move 3. Nb1-c3, then my move 3.../g7-g6

[Skybird]

Look look, the marching up of the dwarfs! Do they want to hand over a petition, or what? :lol:

3. Nb1-c3/g7-g6
You last: 4. f2-f4
My move 4. .../Bf8-g7

if your move 5. Bg1-f3
then my move 5. .../c7-c5


After 4. .../Bg7

http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/6163/pos17ti.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

I don't know what you arm your infantry with but I prefer pike to paper... ;)

By the way I assume the conditional is 5.Ng1-f3 ... otherwise your way of maneouvering the clergy is more curious than your choice of armaments :lol:

5. Ng1-f3 is in fact my fifth move though I haven't decided on the response to c7-c5.

Look look, the marching up of the dwarfs! Do they want to hand over a petition, or what? :lol:

3. Nb1-c3/g7-g6
You last: 4. f2-f4
My move 4. .../Bf8-g7

if your move 5. Bg1-f3
then my move 5. .../c7-c5


After 4. .../Bg7

http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/6163/pos17ti.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Skybird]

5. Ng1-f3 is in fact my fifth move though I haven't decided on the response to c7-c5.

Then it is like this, while I am to bed for the rest of the night:

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/7340/pos10uh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Skybird]

What was it with "I know you are not a Sicilian player"...? ;) If you play Pirc with Black, you need to know Sicilian and Kingsindian motives, too.

[scandium]

What was it with "I know you are not a Sicilian player"...? ;) If you play Pirc with Black, you need to know Sicilian and Kingsindian motives, too.

This is true, though rather more KID theory than Sicilian I'd imagine since that transposition would have come much sooner. This instead resembles only one Sicilian line: the Grand Prix Attack which actual Sicilian players rarely see as its not at all fashionable. ;)

We also see KID type closed Sicilians too. Since both the closed Sicilian and the GPA are considered as "anti-Sicilians" then no, this still doesn't make you a Sicilian player :P The Sicilian player plays c7-c5 on his first move rather than his 5th preparing to meet the open Sicilian head on (which is the goal of 1... c5) but prepared also to face the Rossolimo, the Alapin, the closed, the Smith Mora Gambit, the Wing Gambit, the GPA, and the King's Indian Attack. Though black can at least avoid the Rossolimo if he doesn't play 2... Nc6. :up: At the same time he can also end up playing the Advance line of the French Defence in some variations of the Alapin, which can make for a rather unpleasant transposition. :nope:

[Skybird]

Impressive list of openings you mention. Now impress me with a move! :lol: Is that molten brain mass I smell from your direction...? :-j

[scandium]

Impressive list of openings you mention. Now impress me with a move! :lol: Is that molten brain mass I smell from your direction...? :-j

Yeah I'm dazed and confused already ;) Actually I was debating the merits of the various different ways to proceed before settling on one I initially discarded :D

your last: 5... c7-c5
my move 6. d4xc5

[Skybird]

Your last: 6. d4xc5
My move: 6. .../Qd8-a5

Keep on smoking, dude. "I love the smell of your burning brain in the morning..." :lol:

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/2002/pos18ni.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

Your last: 6. .../Qd8-a5
My move: 7. Bf1-d3

We'll see who's laughing when the smoke clears, Chuckles :D

[Skybird]

Your last: 7. Bf1-d3
My move: 7. .../Qa5xdc5

I laugh, you listen! :)

Ever say the movie "Local Hero"? The two laughing old men in the hut down the beach...? One of my favourite movies!

[scandium]

Your last: 7. .../Qa5xdc5
My move: 8. Qd1-e2

I haven't seen it, but it looks like it got good reviews on IMDB.

[Skybird]

Okay, I understand you have red some books on it. Could be a
double-edged fight after the transition into middlegame.

Your last: 8. Qd1-e2
My move: 8. .../Bc8-g4

Please understand that I refuse to cooperate by choosing variations that are to my disadvantage :smug:

Get that movie on DVD, if you can. It's one of the best (and most unobstrusive) comedies I know. And very atmospheric. ;)

http://img427.imageshack.us/img427/2959/pos32ud.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Skybird]

Heda...! AUF-WA-CHEN...!!! :D Clock is ticking, life is fading, soon it all will be over! :lol:

[scandium]

Your last: 8... Bc8-g4
My move: 9. Bc1-e3

I'm familiar with it yes. At least enough to decide that dxc5 would be an acceptable alternative to the mainline Austrian Attack I'd previously intended ;)

I'll see if I can find that movie around.

Okay, I understand you have red some books on it. Could be a
double-edged fight after the transition into middlegame.

Your last: 8. Qd1-e2
My move: 8. .../Bc8-g4

Please understand that I refuse to cooperate by choosing variations that are to my disadvantage :smug:

Get that movie on DVD, if you can. It's one of the best (and most unobstrusive) comedies I know. And very atmospheric. ;)

[Skybird]

Yours: 9. Bc1-e3
Mine: 9. .../Qc5-a5

Felt lonely all alone here. :(

[scandium]

Your last: 9. .../Qc5-a5
My move 10. O-O


This should get interesting soon. The sicilian is generally fairly sharp anyway, and this line seems particularly double-edged.

Yours: 9. Bc1-e3
Mine: 9. .../Qc5-a5

Felt lonely all alone here. :(

[Skybird]

"Wer zuerst zuckt, hat verloren!" :lol:

Yours: 10. O-O
Mine:: 10. .../O-O

The sicilian is generally fairly sharp anyway
I am confused. Didn't you say I play no Sicilian? :-j

Compare:
"This should get interesting soon. The sicilian is generally fairly sharp anyway, and this line seems particularly double-edged. "

to:
"Could be a double-edged fight after the transition into middlegame."

http://img328.imageshack.us/img328/2774/pos41ax.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

No I still don't consider you a sicilian player :D Though I have to say this one line is particularly theoretical and complex. There are already puzzles arising and the 'book' seems to run particularly deep here. One puzzle I've noted already was Qa5 instead of the more agressive looking Qb4; Qa5 is book but that only makes me wonder why Qb4 must be "bad". I could probably puzzle it out in a correspondence type game like this but I'd be hard pressed to solve it "over the board" with the clock ticking. In any case its worth coming back to later.

Your last: 10... O-O
Mine: 11. h3



The sicilian is generally fairly sharp anyway
I am confused. Didn't you say I play no Sicilian? :-j

Compare:
"This should get interesting soon. The sicilian is generally fairly sharp anyway, and this line seems particularly double-edged. "

to:
"Could be a double-edged fight after the transition into middlegame."

[Skybird]

yours: 11. h3
mine: 11. .../Bg4xf3

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/5078/snap00156vp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

Yours: 11. .../Bg4xf3
Mine 12. Qe2xf3

[Skybird]

Yours: 12. Qe2xf3
Mine: 12. .../Nf8-c6

Slowly but surely we approach the point of the match where we will close the books and open our internal neural networks... Excitement starts top set in. The crowd holds it's breath. The earth stops moving. Here and there some armchair general wets his pants. Who will it be? Black or White? The light or the dark? Sunset or dawning? Obi-Wan or Annakin?
Espresso for me, I say.

[scandium]

Yours: 12. .../Nf8-c6
Mine: 13. a2-a3

Coffee for me :up:


Yours: 12. Qe2xf3
Mine: 12. .../Nf8-c6

Slowly but surely we approach the point of the match where we will close the books and open our internal neural networks... Excitement starts top set in. The crowd holds it's breath. The earth stops moving. Here and there some armchair general wets his pants. Who will it be? Black or White? The light or the dark? Sunset or dawning? Obi-Wan or Annakin?
Espresso for me, I say.

[Skybird]

Yours: 13. a2-a3
Mine: 13. .../ Nf6-d7

http://img424.imageshack.us/img424/9498/snap00166jm.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

Your last: 13. .../ Nf6-d7
My move: 14. Be3-d2

[Skybird]

Yours: 14. Be3-d2
Mine: 14. .../Qa5-d8

No luck with the ladies.

[scandium]

Yours 14. .../Qa5-d8
Mine: 15. Kg1-h1

[Skybird]

Mine: 15. Kg1-h1
Yours: 15. .../Nd7-c5

An attempt to cool your temper :)

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/9089/snap00170kr.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Skybird]

Does it take the smart guys in Houston so long to calculate your next move...? :)

[Skybird]

:cry: :cry: :cry:

[scandium]

Does it take the smart guys in Houston so long to calculate your next move...? :)

Sorry for the delay, now that we're out of book I need to start thinking but have been doing as little of that as possible lately :-? I will have a reply for you though the same day you read this.

[scandium]

Yours: 15. .../Nd7-c5
Mine: 16. Rab1

[Skybird]

Damn it, this position really has some depth and hidden intricacies! Just went over it for five minutes and thought the answer of mine is obvious, and then it was 30 minutes, and now over an hour, already.

Sometime later this day, then. Need to get a new cooler for my biological CPU first. It's not that this position is simple in potential, and structure. i found one match from the German 2nd Bundesliga, where they were agreeing on remis some moves later, but White played one or two weaker moves. And anyhow - remis...? I beg you...! :lol:

[scandium]

Damn it, this position really has some depth and hidden intricacies! Just went over it for five minutes and thought the answer of mine is obvious, and then it was 30 minutes, and now over an hour, already.

Sometime later this day, then. Need to get a new cooler for my biological CPU first. It's not that this position is simple in potential, and structure. i found one match from the German 2nd Bundesliga, where they were agreeing on remis some moves later, but White played one or two weaker moves. And anyhow - remis...? I beg you...! :lol:

Its very subtle and complex yes. I had glanced at it many times over the last few days only to get side tracked before deciding anything... there's no hurry anyway, as I doubt either of us will blitz through this ;)

[Skybird]

Yours: 16. Rab1
Mine: 16. .../e7-e6

This position really holds the risk of some major braindamage. Took me quite some time, around three hours... I expected that rook on the d-line.

http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/1370/pos15pk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

Still chewing this over... I'd debated last time where to put that R, as the only thing I was certain of was that I wanted to move it. In the end it was more or less a coin toss between b1, d1, and e1. Anyway I should have a reply for you sometime Tuesday.

[scandium]

Your last: 16. .../e7-e6
My move: 17. g2-g4

Time for the Infantry to earn their keep.

[Deathblow]

interesting match. can't wait to see how this one turns out.

[Skybird]

interesting match. can't wait to see how this one turns out.
We're here to entertain you! :D

Why don't you join the fun? If I interpret him correctly, Takeda has withdrawn, but Torplexed maybe is looking for a new opponent.



Scandium,

you repeatedly have shown now a stubborn impertinence to make moves that I did not expect with a high probability, that way you really run the risk that one day I will take ferocious revenge for your ongoing lack of cooperation :hulk:

[Skybird]

Your last: 16. .../e7-e6
My move: 17. g2-g4

Time for the Infantry to earn their keep.

Pah, they move like pawns, and they will fall like pawns.

Your move: 17. g2-g4
My move: 17. .../Nc6-d4

Cavalry beats infantry. And you have no spearmen! :D

http://img488.imageshack.us/img488/7426/pos24mk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Deathblow]

Why don't you join the fun? If I interpret him correctly, Takeda has withdrawn, but Torplexed maybe is looking for a new opponent.

No thanks, I'm too much of a novice, and way too rusty at that. Interesting to see the game unfold though.

[scandium]

Your last: 17. .../Nc6-d4
My move: 18. Qf3-g2

[Skybird]

Your move: 18. Qf3-g2
My move: 18. .../Nc5xd3

If your move 19. c2xd3
then my move 19. .../Ra8-c8

[Takeda Shingen]

Why don't you join the fun? If I interpret him correctly, Takeda has withdrawn, but Torplexed maybe is looking for a new opponent.

He has not withdrawn. He even promises to play carefully and slowly, and not take reckless exchanges for the sake of feeling his opponent out.

Besides, you told us to wait for you. A thick layer of dust has descended over my board and pieces in the time being, and my beard grows longer and longer.

[Skybird]

Besides, you told us to wait for you.

Häh? I have what...?

[Takeda Shingen]

When we finished, you said:

Bleib uns gewogen!

I took this as a German colloquialism telling us to 'stay put' while the two of you finished. That is why I have not started another match.

[Skybird]

Aha, well, the phrase could be understood that way, maybe, but it better is understood as: "to be favourably disposed", or "inclined to(wards) somebody/something".

Anyhow, if you can't wait, start a thread, tell a mod to sticky it, and we play. If Torplexed agrees. In correspondence chess you use to play a around a dozen matches simultaneously in one tournament. We could handle it the same, if you guys want. We could also play match and re-match simultaneously.

rules as usual: literature; theory: yes, databases yes, if one wants; active computer help and assistance by playing chess software: no. although computers are also allowed in correspondence chess, but I fail to see the point in it. But I will use Fritz UI to keep track of the positions, save the protocols and post diagrams (one only needs to deactivate the engine, then the interface is safe=engine nor running).

Beware: German national team currently is world team champion and european team champion. :D I may feel inspired by that... :lol:

[Takeda Shingen]

I can wait for you guys. Besides, I enjoy collecting intelligence on my potenial new adversaries. I have been following this with interest.

[Skybird]

Okay. You also have to wait for the analysis round. This match is so complex that it deserves one.

[Skybird]

18. .../Nc5xd3

After possible sequence: 19. c2xd3/Ra8-c8


http://img427.imageshack.us/img427/6078/pos50dk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

This is indeed complex :88)

Your last 19.... Rac8
My move 20. f4-f5

18. .../Nc5xd3

After possible sequence: 19. c2xd3/Ra8-c8


http://img427.imageshack.us/img427/6078/pos50dk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Deathblow]

Very interesting indeed. Technically I like blacks positioning better with the knight poised to cause continual consternation, but looks like white is emboldened for a decisive attack. Very interesting :hmm: :yep:

[scandium]

Very interesting indeed. Technically I like blacks positioning better with the knight poised to cause continual consternation, but looks like white is emboldened for a decisive attack. Very interesting :hmm: :yep:

Its a difficult position to play for white, I don't think I've played it the best so far but we'll see. This actually started out a Pirc before becoming a Sicilian Dragon (I mislabelled it a Grand Prix Attack, but that's incorrect since in the GPA white doesn't play d2-d4); however its a minor Dragon sideline as the mainline, and by far most common way for white to play against it, is with the Yugoslav Attack. Since we reached the Dragon from a Pirc, rather than directly (1... c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 etc), the Yugoslav Attack isn't possible. One of the most subtle and difficult things I find to master in chess is transposition and how to use it to steer the game into positions you prefer. Me and Skybird have very different playing styles though, he prefers the hypermodern approach whereas I'm generally happier in classical openings, which makes transposition particularly important.

[Skybird]

Your move: 20. f4-f5
My move: 20: .../Nd4-b3

Five pawns in victory-V-formation? A little bit too early, don't you think...? :D

[scandium]

Your move: 20. f4-f5
My move: 20: .../Nd4-b3

Five pawns in victory-V-formation? A little bit too early, don't you think...? :D

Its never too early for unwarranted optimism ;-)

Your move: 20: .../Nd4-b3
My move: 21. Bd2-e1

[Skybird]

Your move: 21. Bd2-e1
My move: 21. .../Bg7-e5

I expected that bishop to move, but not to e1. What's on your evil wicked mind...?

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/9805/pos64bl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[porphy]

Impressive white wedge. Will the black wall hold? :-j Is that black knight a loose cannon or a potential menace? :hmm:
Ahh... the black square supremacy is still a nice theme here. Can anyone completely take control of specially important central squares? Nice game with many interesting possibilities, as Sicilian usually is.

/Porphy

[Skybird]

Impressive white wedge. Will the black wall hold? :-j Is that black knight a loose cannon or a potential menace? :hmm:
Ahh... the black square supremacy is still a nice theme here. Can anyone completely take control of specially important central squares? Nice game with many interesting possibilities, as Sicilian usually is.

/Porphy

But he said I do not play Sicilian :shifty:

and yes, the wall will hold ;)

[scandium]

Impressive white wedge. Will the black wall hold? :-j Is that black knight a loose cannon or a potential menace? :hmm:
Ahh... the black square supremacy is still a nice theme here. Can anyone completely take control of specially important central squares? Nice game with many interesting possibilities, as Sicilian usually is.

/Porphy

But he said I do not play Sicilian :shifty:

and yes, the wall will hold ;)

You don't, and we'll find out won't we :P

[scandium]

Just want to give you a heads up that it'll probably be another day before I post my move - even though I expected your Nb3 reply I still haven't decided on how I want to proceed from here.

[Skybird]

If you realize your opponent is playing without a perspective - don't disturb him. :cool:

[scandium]

Your move: 21. .../Bg7-e5
My move: 22. g4-g5

[Skybird]

Your move: 22. g4-g5
My move: 2.../Qd8-b6

Sorry, but that move of yours was no surprise! :cool:

http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/6862/pos81jw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

I think I have a space advantage ;)

Your move: 22. g4-g5
My move: 2.../Qd8-b6

Sorry, but that move of yours was no surprise! :cool:

http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/6862/pos81jw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Skybird]

I think I have a space advantage ;)


If so, I fail to see it working to your advantage!

http://www.langkawi.dk/smileys/b330.gif

[Deathblow]

If white pulls out a victory in this current position it will be very impressive. :hmm: :yep:

[Skybird]

Victory for White is neither part of plan A nor B, C or D. :cool:

[Skybird]

Kommt der überhaupt nochmal wieder...? http://www.langkawi.dk/smileys/u00106.gif

[scandium]

Your last: 22.../Qd8-b6
Mine: 23. Be1-f2

[scandium]

If white pulls out a victory in this current position it will be very impressive. :hmm: :yep:

No matter how white does in the current position, he will be free afterward to administer spankings to any uppity observers who wish to lay the gauntlent down and step into the ring. :/\chop :yep:

[Skybird]

Before dealing with him, first you must deal with me :cool:

Your move 23. Be1-f2
My move 23.../Qb6-a6

You should better start to make the moves that I expect you to make, for I always calculate with the strongest reaction of my noble opponent. :lol:

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/9172/pos98pb.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

Your move 23.../Qb6-a6
Mine: 24. Rb1-d1

I think I lost the thread here somewhere :-?

[Skybird]

Your move 24. Rb1-d1
My move 24.../Be5xc3

If your move 24. b2xc3
then my move 24. .../Rc8xc3

Don't worry, it's only a lower being :)


diagram after possible sequence 24. b:c3/R:c3 :

http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/6515/pos103hj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Skybird]

:damn:

You lucky dog. I messed up my notes there, and made the move that I exactly planned to avoid. Damn mishap.

Make something out of it! ;)

[Skybird]

Make something out of it!

... which seems to be a bit unrealistical, today's long range scans have taught me. The rotten smell of a remis is in the air, I fear.

I hate remis. It looks so damn politically correct. http://www.langkawi.dk/smileys/u0100.gif


diagram after possible sequence 24. b:c3/R:c3 :

http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/6515/pos103hj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Deathblow]

No matter how white does in the current position, he will be free afterward to administer spankings to any uppity observers who wish to lay the gauntlent down and step into the ring. :/\chop :yep:

Hehe, no thanks, that's why I'm just an observer, more fun to watch than to get a toasting :-j :yep:

[scandium]

Your move 24. .../Rc8xc3
My move: 25. Qg2-f3

What's a remis?

[Skybird]

Boooh - I cant believe my luck. Yyou haven't seen fe6:...? That move really made me nervous, I analysed it almost into the endgame. It would have killed all my victory chances and equalized all chances again, most likely causing a draw (a "remis"), even a victory for white if I wouldn't have played super-precisely from now on.

You oversaw it?

[scandium]

Boooh - I cant believe my luck. Yyou haven't seen fe6:...? That move really made me nervous, I analysed it almost into the endgame. It would have killed all my victory chances and equalized all chances again, most likely causing a draw (a "remis"), even a victory for white if I wouldn't have played super-precisely from now on.

You oversaw it?

You'll have to give me the line after the game as I didn't see that move leading anywhere.

[Skybird]

Before that move I saw roughly 50:50 chances for a draw or black victory. after that move I saw it 30:70 for a white victory or draw. That'S why I consider Rxc3 a bad move. It gave you the possebility to secure a draw and eventually start to reach out at my king in a dangerous manner. fe6: almost would have compensated for that lost pawn. With Qf3 instead of fe6: you are still stuck with one pawn behind, more pawns in the pot, and increasing initiative for Black. At least that's how I see it.

Will remember to calculate some variations during post-game analysis. It now is still complicated a position.

[Skybird]

Found it! :D

Your move: 25. Qg2-f3
My move: 25.../e6-e5

I spend half the night over d5 :lol:


http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/7083/pos10iv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

You move: 25.../e6-e5
My move: 26. Bf2-g1

[Skybird]

Your move: 26. Bf2-g1
My move: 26.../Nb3-c5

... as you expected, I think.

[Deathblow]

Good game, can't wait to see how it turns out. :up:

[scandium]

Your move: 26. Bf2-g1
My move: 26.../Nb3-c5

... as you expected, I think.

Your move: 26.../Nb3-c5
My move: 27. f5xg6

I'd expected something else, actually.

[Skybird]

Your move: 27. f5xg6
My move: 27.../h7xg6

Wanna mess with my Sith?

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9792/pos24nl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Skybird]

Seems you are in need of advice...?! :know:

[scandium]

Seems you are in need of advice...?! :know:

I'm still reflecting on this... I'll reply in another day or 2 (I've been studying a new opening).

[Skybird]

Opening...? We are approaching (your) endgame...!

I would say you already need snookers.

[Deathblow]

:( awww slow play is setting a bad precedent.

[scandium]

Your move: 27.../h7xg6
Mine: 28. Bg1xc5

[scandium]

:( awww slow play is setting a bad precedent.

This is actually reasonably brisk for this type of format. In e-mail chess, for instance, 10 moves in 30 days is the normal time control.

[Skybird]

FULL STOP, this move with caution - we have a difference in the move counter, I need to check it.

Done.

Your move: 29. Bg1xc5
My move: 29. d6xc5

Check your position and protocol, as I see it we are alreaedy in the 29th move.

http://img425.imageshack.us/img425/8899/pos47fp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

1.e2-e4 d7-d6 2.d2-d4 Sg8-f6 3.Sb1–c3 g7-g6 4.f2-f4 Lf8-g7 5.Sg1–f3 c7-c5 6.d4xc5 Dd8-a5 7.Lf1–d3 Da5xc5 8.Dd1–e2 Lc8-g4 9.Lc1–e3 Dc5-a5 10.0–0 0–0 11.h2-h3 Lg4xf3 12.De2xf3 Sb8-c6 13.a2-a3 Sf6-d7 14.Le3-d2 Da5-d8 15.Kg1–h1 Sd7-c5 16.Ta1–b1 e7-e6 17.g2-g4 Sc6-d4 18.Df3-g2 Sc5xd3 19.c2xd3 Ta8-c8 20.f4-f5 Sd4-b3 21.Ld2-e1 Lg7-e5 22.g4-g5 Dd8-b6 23.Le1–f2 Db6-a6 24.Tb1–d1 Le5xc3 25.b2xc3 Tc8xc3 26.Dg2-f3 e6-e5 27.Lf2-g1 Sb3-c5 28.f5xg6 h7xg6 29.Lg1xc5 d6xc5

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/8355/bild11uk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

:( awww slow play is setting a bad precedent.

This is actually reasonably brisk for this type of format. In e-mail chess, for instance, 10 moves in 30 days is the normal time control.

Having played several correspondence chess tournaments in the mid and late 80s, I must say that that time frame only rarely is used up. On average I experienced 3-4 days per reply for two simultaneous matches being played per opponent - but that already included my and his postcard travelling time. ;) Most of the time 2-3 postcards travelled the way per week. 3 days calculation time per move (plus postal time), or ten moves in 30 days calculation time, is only seldomly used.


P.S. Found the error, previous page, my last posting, 24th move. I numbered the eventual reply as 24th move as well, although it laready was move 25. From then on, the error was just copied over again and again. Increase your move counter by 1. We are in move 29.

[Deathblow]

You know what would be interesting. If after the game you guys go back and input commentary by editing, about what your strategy was after each move to explanin what your thinking was to make that move. Would be interesting to compare the too strategies and perspectives.

[Skybird]

You know what would be interesting. If after the game you guys go back and input commentary by editing, about what your strategy was after each move to explanin what your thinking was to make that move. Would be interesting to compare the too strategies and perspectives.

Already on the agenda. I use the Fritz user interface (with deactivated engine, of course) to log the move protocol and create the position diagrams, and I play all my plans and variations on two wooden boards, but on the monitor as well - by the latter all moves are recorded and all variations and sub-variations automatically are inserted into the main protocol, and are saved with it. That is not only a history of past thoughts, but also a written note on things I plan in the future if he does this or that expected move. Helps immensly to prevcent forgetting things, or to avopid mistakes. I am a little bit surprised myself, he said he estimates his playing power to be of around 1800 ELO, and I KNOW that at a board on the table, by tournament rules, I play significantly weaker then I do here. I have several old chess computers from the 80s that are ELO-rated relatively reliable, at 1500-1800 ELOs - I am very sure that we do better than 1800 ELOs in this match, I think it is clearly beyond 2000, although my 25th and his 26th moves were mistakes.

I will also go through the match by using my chess engines to analyse.

If we ever finish this one, I mean. :lol:

[scandium]

Your move: 29. d6xc5
My move 30. Rd1-d2

[Skybird]

Your move: 30. Rd1-d2
My move: 30.../Da6xa3

[scandium]

Your move: 30. Rd1-d2
My move: 30.../Da6xa3

I presume you meant to type Qa6xa3?

[Skybird]

Yes, sorry. D is for "Dame" - the German term for Queen

30.../ Qa6xa3 it is.

http://img415.imageshack.us/img415/6376/pos57oi.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[scandium]

Your last: 30.../ Qa6xa3
My move: 31. h3-h4

[Skybird]

Your move: 31. h3-h4
My move: 31.../c5-c4 (sorry for being a tag :smug: )

I think the Force is with me...

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/6707/pos61ft.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


If you - then me:

32. Rf1-d1 - Rf8-d8

32. Qf3-e2 - Rc3xd3
32. Qf3-f2 - Rc3xd3
32. Qf3-g3 - Rc3xd3
32. Qf3-f6 - Rc3xd3
32. h4-h5 - Rc3xd3
32. Rf1-b1 - Rc3xd3
32. Rd2-d1 - Rc3xd3

[scandium]

Your last: 31.../c5-c4
My move 32. h4-h5
Your move: 32... Rc3xd3
My move: resigns

That was another enjoyble one Skybird. This ending is hopeless though for white and unavoidable at this point.


Your move: 31. h3-h4
My move: 31.../c5-c4 (sorry for being a tag :smug: )

I think the Force is with me...

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/6707/pos61ft.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


If you - then me:

32. Rf1-d1 - Rf8-d8

32. Qf3-e2 - Rc3xd3
32. Qf3-f2 - Rc3xd3
32. Qf3-g3 - Rc3xd3
32. Qf3-f6 - Rc3xd3
32. h4-h5 - Rc3xd3
32. Rf1-b1 - Rc3xd3
32. Rd2-d1 - Rc3xd3

[Skybird]

Aaaah... yes, it has been a hopeless case for White since a while now. Nevertheless my compliments, you play definetly not on a starter's level :yep: I enjoyed this match, too, not because of the result, but because of the complexity that we were able to create.

I will breed about some analysis this night, and post all thoughts and variations I have noted, will check them with computer assistance, too, and then post it. Maybe better a downloadable file, for easier reading, and easier formatting.

"Shake hands".

[scandium]

Skybird you should consider creating an account on FICS. There are regular 90/30 (STC, Slow Time Control) , 60/15 (OCL, or Online Chess League), and 45/45 (45/45 League) tournaments where you play one game per week at the respective time control for 6-7 weeks, and you might enjoy them. The nice thing about them is the pairings for each round are posted several days in advance so you have time to prepare for each opponent (this was what my "learning a new opening" comment was about earlier in this thread, as at that time I was studying an opening in preparation for a 45/45 League game I had scheduled).

There are some other upshots as well. In the two online chess leagues I mentioned, for instance, you play as part of a team with 4-6 other players which can be very enjoyable in itself.

[Skybird]

This is all my notes, thoughts, calöculated variations, and some analysis I did after the match by using hiarcs 10 and Fritz 8. Five pages. The complex variations inlcuded are a bit tricky to scan, although I tried to give them a structure that makes it easier to perceive what belongs to gether.

http://people.freenet.de/Skybird/Chess2.doc

Scandium, I have played correspondence chess many years ago, haven't I told that before? Thought I did so, but maybe I just planned to do so. I played correspondence chess in the late 80s, in the regular German league. Back then they had a four-league-system, 2nd and 1st class, major class, and master class. You had to qualify for the next higher class by playing in the lower class first, and win (or make a 2nd place). I played four tournaments in all four leagues and won all four, then I lost interest, and went to university, and didn't play chess for over ten years. The latter is the reason why I have left so much palying strength when sitting at a life board in a regular 1 on 1 match. Do not think that I play like in our match when we would sit together at the same table! But a match like we did, where I can move the figures on two boards, and analyze as long as I want, and make notes - well, that is something different. :) I use to play aginst my chess propgrams that way - and I can beat them that way, even on tournament level. But when obeying to regular table tournament-rules when playing against them, they wipe the floor with me.

I have an account for Schach.de, the biggest German chess server, it comes automatically with chess programs by Chessbase whenever you buy one. But I never use it. I also have no interest in club activities (I never was a "club animal"), and also not in doing correspondence chess again like back then. My idea was limited to this forum, because some peopole know each other since years now, and I imagined it could be funny if two peopole play and the others monitor the match and start peppering the action with some biting comments and ironic analysis :lol: maybe Takeda or the other players that originally started with us want to play on. Beyond that, my interest is limited. I have chess computers and some really nasty engines enough and must not necessarily play online...

Do you play at FICS? Maybe some time later this year we two play again, but let's first take care of the other guys that started along with us. I realized that you moved more slowly and played a lot stronger in the second match. What was wrong in the first one?

[scandium]

Do you play at FICS? Maybe some time later this year we two play again, but let's first take care of the other guys that started along with us. I realized that you moved more slowly and played a lot stronger in the second match. What was wrong in the first one?

Our earlier game was the first time in a year that I had played a game or even looked at a chess set, so I was quite a lot rustier then. Since that game started I've been playing again regularly, online, and am no longer rusty at it. I've been playing on FICS since '95, with this same user name.