I’ve had some success with this line before. 8.Bb5+ is a very tricky line for Black to deal with. Some great analysis here though. Thanks 🙏

Interesting. Thanks for the tip

To avoid 3…c5 could we play the move order… 1.e4 c6 2.Ne2!? d5 3.e5 Bf5 4.Ng3 Bg6 5.d4 e6 6.Bd3 Bxd3 7.Qxd3 or is this line materially different?

This looks great. We still need to have a line ready if Black plays
3…c5 though…

2.) And such a shame that the Kasparov Chess podcast didn’t continue after the first season. I really enjoyed this one as Garry himself talks you through memorable moments in his early career…

podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/k...

Nice list Chris! Here’s a couple more for you.

1.) It’s long defunked, but was really good while it lasted. Let’s Talk About Chess with Eric Van Reem
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/l....

There may be good reasons for this but it does seem poor that FIDE are taking so long to act as this is effectively just an interim ruling.

Let’s hope they take suitably robust action when they finally do come to make a judgement and use this as an opportunity to send a clear message.

2.) there are clear further allegations that are being considered, but why not separate out this first case which seems pretty open and shut instead of seemingly considering them all together?

Totally agree that harassment has no place in chess. But has FIDE done it right. This statement leaves me with some questions.
1.) why hasn’t FIDE been able to make a ruling on whether to agree to making the USCFs penalty an international one when the USCF made it’s decision over 6 months ago?

Very good advice. I don’t analyse my games as thoroughly as I used to (that used to be how I spent my daily commute on the train - but now I have to drive to work 😢). It is a process that requires some time and effort but it is THE most useful way to improve your chess and learn about yourself too.

I’m sure there will be plenty of players who disagree with me and don’t mind playing three games in one day. 😁

Looks great and I wish you luck, but I’m afraid I’m firmly in the ‘3 games of classical chess in 1 day is inhumane’ camp.

Thanks @danielkingchess.bsky.social perhaps I should add that I’ve also had some success with your recommendations vs the Rossolimo, though those games were more positional. I’ve also had a ‘fail’ vs the main alternative to the Advance French, the 4.exd5 variation. So still lots to learn and improve

Yes, I’m Kasparov era too. Agree that some of the concepts he deployed (especially in the opening) were sometimes hard to grasp.

Totally agree. In Spassky’s best games he makes attacking look so easy and natural. His play is so direct and his understanding of the openings in his repertoire was masterful. So much to admire. I think Spassky is one of our most under-appreciated World Champions simply because he lost to Fischer.

I find this one really tough too. I think that, if you’re a natural optimist at the board, then it’s particularly challenging to be vigilant. It’s easier when you’re defending I think to spot your opponent’s best ideas. When you’re attacking it’s sometimes harder to see defensive resources.

Yes, I started out thinking about Re7 but then realised that after Rb1 one of my b or d pawns are going and white will be ready to force mass exchanges and simplify into a winning ending. Lucky for me that I had Rh4 in the position and was able to find it.

It’s Rc1 immediately. If 1…Rc1 2.Rxc1 Rxc1+ 3.Kh2 Qb1 is terminal. Or if 1…Rc1 2.Rh2 as played in the game then 2…Qb1 3.Rxc1 Rxc1+ 4.Kg2 Qe4+ 5.f3 Qc2#

Yes. That was what I decided on too. It’s psychologically a very practical move. Needless to say, my opponent didn’t want to take the draw and instead continued with Rh1. That put him on the back foot until we reached the position below. See if you can find the break through for Black…