tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372736332012-02-02T18:36:16.506-06:00This Scholastic Chess blog is dedicated to providing a gateway to chess tournaments, clubs, instruction and useful websites for school-age chess players (and their families) throughout the United States. If you're a chess enthusiast or the parent, coach or teacher of a chessplaying youngster, this blog is for you.Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.comBlogger6531100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-40652242929735688062010-02-14T00:04:00.001-06:002010-02-14T00:06:07.662-06:00

I'm planning on visiting the St. Louis chess club and picking up this DVD. The preview looks quite nice!

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-26821105809842324672009-10-12T20:34:00.002-05:002009-10-12T20:37:20.375-05:00

Yes, another non-chess post, but these are my sons with a song they wrote, sang, and produced at a recording studio:It can also be seen on YouTube.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-41517791098112368212009-09-13T22:12:00.003-05:002009-09-13T22:20:20.272-05:00

Abby MarshallFrom my Chess Examiner site:Following the conclusion of the recent U.S. Chess School session in St. Louis, Abby Marshall was kind enough to share some of her thoughts from the chess camp:Goldberg: What were some of the more important things you learned from the camp?Abby: Kaidanov emphasized that it’s difficult to play good moves when you are focusing on the result, especially with

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-37097274201192498432009-09-11T08:04:00.002-05:002009-09-11T08:07:11.570-05:00

This video has nothing to do with chess, but with the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashana coming up, it's timely and very funny. See what happens when a dog is intrigued by the sound of the shofar.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-63886667848467401162009-09-08T23:53:00.002-05:002009-09-08T23:57:02.923-05:00

Endgame Workshop, by prolific writer and instructor Bruce Pandolfini, consists of lessons developed by Pandolfini over the past thirty-plus years. More specifically, five specific courses taught by the author, to classes consisting of players with USCF ratings between 1600 and 2000, served as the impetus for this text.Basic but crucial endgame material is presented, although much of what is here

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-8999326157359919772009-09-08T23:49:00.004-05:002009-09-08T23:58:11.206-05:00

Eric Rosen; photo: MonRoiAbby Marshall; photo: MonRoiThis month, in my ChessCafe Scholastic Chess column, I discuss two of America's newest national masters - Eric Rosen and Abby Marshall. Some great games are included - see the entire column here. It is also permanently archived here.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-34396425873600869042009-09-07T10:53:00.002-05:002009-09-07T10:56:00.139-05:00

I've reported over at the Chess Examiner site about a ChessBase article regarding a Norwegian media outlet discussing Magnus Carlsen and his famous new trainer ...

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-46324843520390009312009-09-03T22:33:00.003-05:002009-09-03T22:38:07.427-05:00

This picture was shown repeatedly at the Rams-Chiefs football game this evening on the Jumbotron above the field in St. Louis.Rams first-round draft choice Jason Smith is flanked by my son Danny (left) and Josh (right). Go Rams, and go video board!P.S. Smith was especially nice - he took the hat off of his own head and gave it to my young son Josh (hat not shown here).

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-60567703332093918942009-09-02T08:38:00.003-05:002009-09-02T08:40:38.503-05:00

The Build Up Your Chess series of books isintended to be a “complete course of chessimprovement,” and this volume is the second toappear in this series. In his introduction, Yusupovclarifies the broad outline of the text, stating thatis designed for “players whose playing level liesbetween Elo 1500 and 1800. The readers willreceive the necessary basic knowledge in 6different areas of the game –

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-71961905156303123942009-08-17T20:29:00.004-05:002009-08-19T07:11:42.733-05:00

Over at my Chess Examiner site, I've been writing about the U.S. Chess School that just concluded in St. Louis.A sudden controversy erupted over an article I wrote, to which Elizabeth Vicary took exception. She wrote an angry blog post, to which I felt obligated to respond. I can accept some of Elizabeth's arguments (at least her comments show thoughtful analysis), but some of her cult following

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-72269323134474091692009-08-12T20:21:00.003-05:002009-08-12T20:26:13.525-05:00

On day 2 of the U.S. Chess School in St. Louis, Elizabeth Vicary began the discussion, addressing issues of being a female chessplayer in this strongly male-dominated activity. She described the "weirdness" of being one of only a few women, or perhaps the only woman, at a chess tournament. "People treat you strangely because you're the only female," she said. "This can have an effect on how a

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-48294790361788567962009-08-12T20:13:00.004-05:002009-08-12T20:20:51.548-05:00

More of grandmaster Gregory Kaidanov's instruction at the U.S. Chess School:For the initial part of the camp, all students were scheduled to play a rated game with another student. Kaidanov asked that for this game, each player have in mind one specific aspect to concentrate on, and that this be written down, but kept private. It will be shared with Greg Shahade, but not other students. This one

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-84404007176376505322009-08-12T20:03:00.002-05:002009-08-12T20:06:51.761-05:00

The 10th session of the U.S. Chess School, founded by international master Greg Shahade, begin in an interesting manner. Grandmaster Gregory Kaidanov is the primary instructor, with Shahade and WFM Elizabeth Vicary assisting, and Vicary took the floor first. Eight players, all girls (ages 12-19), were encouraged to relate three "facts" about themselves, two true and one false. The other girls

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-5823659078264283192009-08-11T20:07:00.000-05:002009-08-12T20:10:56.878-05:00

It was an incredible first day at chess camp - more info to follow, but here are some pictures from Day 1! Participants include:Abby MarshallDarrian RobinsonAmanda MateerSarah ChiangMegan LeeEve LitvakRochelle BallantyneLinda Diaz

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-4407456640197664332009-08-10T08:09:00.003-05:002009-08-10T08:16:39.034-05:00

Eric Rosen; photo: Betsy DynakoWhat a U.S. Open Eric Rosen had! First he drew with grandmaster Jesse Kraai, then defeated 2008 U.S. Junior Champion Tyler Hughes. To top it all off, he finished the tournament with a stunning 16-move victory over GM John Fedorowicz.Read more at my Chess Examiner site.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-55519880047647189522009-08-04T21:23:00.003-05:002009-08-04T21:29:03.670-05:00

Abby Marshall; photo: Elizabeth VicaryIt took 97 moves, and Abby reports that she barely had any time on her clock for the final hour (this is the benefit of the increment/delay time clock) but she was able to hold a draw in a difficult situation. She finished with a score of 5.5/6 to top the field and become the first female to win the Denker Tournament of High School Champions.Congratulations,

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-29651182817385944582009-08-03T23:11:00.003-05:002009-08-03T23:14:55.698-05:00

Abby Marshall; photo: Elizabeth VicaryAbby Marshall, one of the very few female players in the Denker Tournament of High School Champions, has had a tremendous tournament, going five-for-five so far. One round remains on Tuesday, where she plays Michael Yang, just a half-point behind.You can read a bit more over at my Examiner.com chess site.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-30078571641991307862009-08-03T08:35:00.002-05:002009-08-03T08:39:47.346-05:00

The annual Denker Tournament of High School Champions is heating up, with two perfect scores after three rounds. Both Patrick Tae and Abby Marshall head the field of 48 players with their 3/3 scores.The tournament crosstable is available here, and you can read more at my Examiner chess site.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-88837533168597815362009-07-29T08:19:00.003-05:002009-07-29T08:24:07.074-05:00

First published by Cadogan Books in 1995, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, featured 222 games along with twenty or so photographs, and it quickly became a modern chess classic. This new edition has 237 games along with more than 100 photographs, as well as offering a cleaner, more readable layout. David Bronstein was rather unique, as is the table of contents in the book by and about him ...For the

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-32731673710773737482009-07-26T22:02:00.002-05:002009-07-26T22:05:10.553-05:00

C'mon, Jennifer, you can do this while playing chess, can't you?If you don't know what I'm talking about, see this from Jennifer Shahade.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-12316690169965243242009-07-26T13:41:00.003-05:002009-07-26T13:46:55.683-05:00

Abby Marshall; Photo: Elizabeth VicaryAbby Marshall stands oh, so close to the magic 2200 mark. How close? Try 2199. Read her brief comment about getting so close at my Chess Examiner site, which also includes her final round game from the World Open that brought her to 2199.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-66385515182492017532009-07-21T08:57:00.003-05:002009-07-21T09:02:43.695-05:00

Gary Robson, father of phenom Ray Robson, mentioned to me that Ray's next tournament following his victory in the U.S. Junior Closed will be the Arctic Chess Challenge, taking place August 1-9, 2009. All the photos here are from the 2008 event, by photographer Bjørn Berg Johansen.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-69732691512401474902009-07-14T20:00:00.003-05:002009-07-14T20:03:56.497-05:00

For the first time in 43 years, the Major League Baseball All-Star game returns to St. Louis, a baseball-crazy city. Listen for a moment to an ESPN radio interview with Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson, one of the most intimidating pitchers ever to take the mound.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-75838766967388370552009-07-13T19:44:00.006-05:002009-07-13T19:55:26.952-05:00

It's another non-chess-related post, but take a look at http://www.wechoosethemoon.org/. It's apparently a site that, beginning this Thursday, will simulate how things might have looked had the internet been around 40 years ago when Apollo 11 landed on the moon. Should be cool. It's a project of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-19840227443623447112009-07-08T20:35:00.003-05:002009-07-08T20:39:49.180-05:00

These are two different topics; both appear in my July Scholastic Chess column now posted online at ChessCafe.Elliott Liu has a lot to say about combining an active college life with high-level chess, and I share a few thoughts and photos from the recent U.S. Championship. Enjoy!

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-55905235194075003102009-07-06T09:46:00.001-05:002009-07-06T09:47:39.696-05:00

Yes, this has nothing to do with chess - I just enjoy producing these musical photo montages. This one is of my brother, his family and some friends, and my father at the Grand Canyon in June:Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-53272480802471241632009-07-03T08:29:00.003-05:002009-07-03T08:33:50.682-05:00

This year's U.S. Junior (Closed) Championship may be the strongest ever. Most of the nation's top players will be appearing:1.IM Alex Lenderman (2654)2.IM Sam Shankland (2564)3.IM Ray Robson (2553)4.IM Salvijus Bercys (2503)5.FM Elliott Liu (2405)6.FM Joel Banawa (2392)7.FM Michael Lee (2384)8.Maxx Coleman (2182, winner of the 2008 Junior Open)The tournament is scheduled for July 13-16 in

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-49700796039509682572009-07-01T23:56:00.003-05:002009-07-01T23:57:33.901-05:00

Chess Life Online editor Jennifer Shahade has created a weekly "Chess Scoop" video. Here is her discussion of the recent New York International, which featured excellent results for a number of young players:U.S. Chess Scoop, Episode 2 from DIM mak films on Vimeo.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-39716335004331399732009-06-23T23:03:00.002-05:002009-06-23T23:09:59.586-05:00

For the next seven days, my review appears at the primary book review page of ChessCafe. This is the 3rd edition of the book covering the famous 1972 Fischer-Spassky match in Reykjavik, Iceland.There are some interesting photos, excellent game annotations by Jan Timmann, and illuminating commentary by Max Euwe regarding Fischer's antics that many times nearly led to the cancellation of the

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-31011142284830829602009-06-11T20:37:00.002-05:002009-06-11T20:40:53.957-05:00

David AdelbergMy June Scholastic Chess column is now online at ChessCafe. It's about David Adelberg, the young man who has been called “the brightest star in the Arizona scholastic chess scene.”

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-88669555830890994812009-05-21T09:20:00.002-05:002009-05-21T09:24:09.520-05:00

ChessBase brings us multiple compilations of music-enhanced presentations of chess in movies and on television. Here is "Chess Rhapsody #1:" (watch for the clip with Woody Allen!)There are three other similar clips as well. To see them all, go to ChessBase.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-24269483433318759862009-05-19T09:58:00.001-05:002009-05-19T10:00:53.540-05:00

That's how Nakamura explains his fighting spirit. Here's the short video from Chess.FM:

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-17311980870107983672009-05-17T17:46:00.005-05:002009-05-17T23:35:22.948-05:00

2009 U.S. Champion Hikaru NakamuraPhoto: Betsy Dynako, Official Event PhotographerAfter nine grueling rounds, Hikaru Nakamura stands atop the leaderboard at the 2009 U.S. Chess Championship. With a score of 7/9, he pockets the $40,000 first prize. Half a point behind were sensation Robert Hess and Alexander Onischuk. The full standings and prize list is here.Congratulations to all the competitors

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-15060153680010666052009-05-17T08:06:00.006-05:002009-05-17T17:46:01.335-05:00

Well, this is it! Final day of the 2009 U.S. Chess Championships, and the best U.S. championship in years, many would agree.Hikaru Nakamura and Robert Hess share the lead going into this final round, with Gata Kamsky, Alexander Onischuk and Varuzhan Akobian all half a point back. A playoff, if necessary, will take place about 6:00 PM Central time today.Jennifer Shahade and Macauley Peterson have

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-13712512199386899642009-05-16T21:59:00.005-05:002009-05-16T22:22:52.567-05:00

Doug EckertIn one of today's 8th round games, it was Doug Eckert, rated 2278, with the black pieces up against GM Melikset Khachiyan, rated 2632. It seems to me that the GM simply miscalculated with 24.Nxd6. Here's the game:Perhaps the most pleasant surprise of the tournament has been the outstanding play of 17-year-old Robert Hess, who heads into the final round in a tie for first place with

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-23863791942864103022009-05-15T08:37:00.007-05:002009-05-15T09:15:45.253-05:00

After seven of the nine rounds of the 2009 U.S. Championship, there is an amazing four-way tie for first, among Gata Kamsky, Hikaru Nakamura, Alexander Onischuk (no surprise for these three), and 17-year-old Robert Hess, who has been having a phenomenal year.In my mind, though, the surprise of the tournament thus far is Missouri IM Michael Brooks, who apparently didn't even own a computer (or at

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-77380990338357573682009-05-14T09:12:00.008-05:002009-05-14T09:42:42.214-05:00

I arrived last night, near the end of round 6, at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis to see Robert Hess reviewing his draw with Gata Kamsky in the media room with Jennifer Shahade and Emil Sutovsky. He was quite happy with his performance, as well he should. After holding a draw against the top-rated player in the U.S. Championship, Robert finds himself in a logjam with five other

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-20138340284173524282009-05-12T22:42:00.004-05:002009-05-12T22:48:47.640-05:00

Round 5 photos from Betsy Dynako can be viewed here.Here a few selections:

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-6174209922824992632009-05-12T22:32:00.002-05:002009-05-12T22:34:20.814-05:00

World Chess News is a half-hour weekly TV program produced in Sweden. Here is their most recent episode, opening with an interview with Macauley Peterson and a discussion of the ongoing U.S. Championship:

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-32403996221219486962009-05-12T22:03:00.003-05:002009-05-12T22:08:35.092-05:00

Garry Kasparov with Daniel Gurevich at SuperNationals IVIn my Scholastic Chess column this month at ChessCafe, we hear from Cameron Wheeler, who won the K-3 section of the recent SuperNationals, and from Daniel Gurevich, winner of the K-6 section. Each has an interesting story to tell and they both contributed an annotated game for our readers.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-14906469404579154522009-05-12T21:05:00.008-05:002009-05-12T22:26:42.402-05:00

I haven't had a chance to check out all the games yet, but I enjoyed the game that probably attracted the least attention - Eckert-Lawton. Doug Eckert reached an endgame with knight and bishop against two bishops, yet the two bishops were tied up by pawns and Doug ended up with advanced connected passed pawns to seal the victory:"Probably the best chess club in the world" is the way GM Varuzhan

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-54227783941278922842009-05-12T09:32:00.003-05:002009-05-12T21:14:06.408-05:00

It's not up as of this writing at the official site, but Jennifer has the Round 4 wrap-up posted at Chess Life Online. Here it is:

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-10301001902178919202009-05-11T22:37:00.007-05:002009-05-12T21:14:20.750-05:00

By the time I arrived at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis, six of the twelve games had been completed. It felt like more - the playing area seemed so empty.I then went downstairs to the commentary room, where Jennifer Shahade and Emil Sutovsky handle their analysis while most games are in progress. Except for Jennifer, Macauley Peterson and club founder Rex Sinquefield, the room

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-2501515891444187662009-05-11T00:33:00.004-05:002009-05-12T21:14:39.707-05:00

You can easily replay each game at MonRoi, and download one game at a time there, but here you can download all the games in a given round:Round 1Round 2Round 3

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-54459761224015324202009-05-10T20:29:00.012-05:002009-05-12T21:14:55.848-05:00

Well, I guess some glitches were inevitable. It has been frustrating trying to follow the course of the current U.S. championship online. First there was a problem with the game transmission, and I thought perhaps the live commentary was going to be in a video format, but all I have found so far is audio commentary. Still interesting, but it's difficult to follow when the excellent commentators

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-80155717829603497512009-05-08T07:47:00.005-05:002009-05-08T07:56:25.828-05:00

In case you missed these items earlier, here are a few videos giving you a peak inside the beautiful chess club in St. Louis, site of the 2009 U.S. Chess Championships:Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.comMake an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.comMake an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.comClub website: http://www.saintlouischessclub.org/

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-73004003058727293492009-05-08T00:55:00.018-05:002009-05-08T07:09:14.031-05:00

And now for some real photography, courtesy of Paul Truong:From the Marcel Duchamp exhibitOpening CeremoniesThat's me with Susan Polgar!

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-76961675372890650622009-05-08T00:12:00.007-05:002009-05-08T07:06:11.029-05:00

As the opening remarks began, I found an open seat directly behind Boris Gulko, Gregory Kaidanov and Yury Shulman - a nicer trio of gentlemen would be hard to find.After opening introductions, St. Louis Chess Club founder Rex Sinquefield got up to speak.Rex SinquefieldSinquefield spoke eloquently, but at one point stumbled when mentioning one of the participant's names. A couple of the Russians

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-10609930550132248442009-05-07T23:52:00.014-05:002009-05-08T07:06:24.201-05:00

The weather could not have been nicer for the outdoor opening ceremonies. It took place on an open field behind the Museum of Art, with servers offering an assortment of delicacies.After exiting the Marcel Duchamp exhibit inside the building, I walked around to where the gathering was taking place and I immediately felt like a young boy in the midst of his favorite baseball team.My eyes darted

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-86499901508426703672009-05-07T23:21:00.010-05:002009-05-08T07:06:36.715-05:00

The opening ceremonies were scheduled to begin at 7:00 P.M. and I arrived at the beautiful site on the campus of St. Louis University about half an hour early. The event took place at the Museum of Art on campus, which is now presenting a Marcel Duchamp exhibit. Take a look at the streetside view of the building:The exhibit is not terribly large, but it does contain a number of unique chess sets

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-46022314852365994252009-05-05T22:52:00.012-05:002009-05-08T07:06:49.162-05:00

Folks, there is something very special about the upcoming U.S. Chess Championships in St. Louis. People here are excited, they're smiling, and the media assault is beginning. Newspapers, radio stations and television stations have started to realize that a major event is happening here. And I heard a chess ad on the radio yesterday touting this tournament. I have NEVER heard a radio advertising

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-26356526800805908092009-05-05T22:26:00.004-05:002009-05-05T22:35:41.300-05:00

The full title of this textbook-like volume is Blindfold Chess: History, Psychology, Techniques, Champions, World Records, and Important Games. With its nondescript, solid, hard-cover binding; black and white photos; logical chapter progressions; print style and extensive index; this is not your typical chess book. It screams “Academic Tome.”The authors have taken their work very seriously and

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-78316714634294023492009-05-04T08:46:00.007-05:002009-05-04T09:28:07.320-05:00

My son Ben Goldberg in his dorm room last yearOne of many such creatures on campusBen at the Grand Canyon last summerFollowing a year of study in Israel, my son Benjamin Goldberg attends the University of Maryland in College Park and as he has done since grade school, quickly assumed various leadership positions. From an estimated 8000 second-year students, he was one of five finalists for a

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-48155663186569823442009-05-03T21:09:00.003-05:002009-05-03T21:15:01.834-05:00

Jerry Nash, Scholastic Director of the United States Chess Federation, has released the list of players who have qualified to represent the U.S. at the upcoming 2009 World Youth Chess Championships in Turkey. Our qualifiers include:GIRLS UNDER 18 ALISA MELEKHINA PA 2322ABBY MARSHALL VA 2161COURTNEY JAMISON TX 2081KARSTEN MCVAY

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-23034229729693438672009-04-30T09:56:00.002-05:002009-04-30T10:00:54.334-05:00

Here's a fun opportunity from Jennifer Shahade and Chess Life Online:Hello Fantasy Chess players and U.S. Championship fans, This year's U.S. Chess Championship, held from May 7 to 17 at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis should be more exciting than ever--for the first time since 2006, Hikaru Nakamura and Gata Kamsky are both playing. 24 contenders will compete for a $135,400

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-26910269847201932352009-04-26T22:28:00.003-05:002009-04-26T22:45:13.393-05:00

My April 2009 Scholastic Chess column at ChessCafe covered the 10-year-old Utah phenom Kayden Troff.TD Damian Nash reports that after Kayden's showing in the latest Utah Expert Series tournament in which Kayden beat two experts, his rating stands at 2013. One of these experts is a five-time Utah state champion and the other is currently the highest rated active player in Utah.In the April 2009

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-90324518438593108442009-04-22T19:52:00.004-05:002009-04-23T08:09:53.778-05:00

Landon Brownell Photo: Chess Life OnlineI was notified yesterday of the tragic passing of 19-year-old Landon Brownell, who had been an integral part of the powerful Catalina Foothills High School chess teams which won three national titles between 2005 and 2008.A Bakersfield, California website reported that Landon "became fatigued and dozed off" while driving. Ironically, friend and fellow chess

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-82811495552154753662009-04-20T20:17:00.003-05:002009-04-20T20:25:02.117-05:00

It's White to move and draw. Can it be done?See the solution here.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-89199546441756041872009-04-07T10:14:00.001-05:002009-04-07T10:15:40.204-05:00

From Jennifer Shahade's simul in St. Louis earlier this year:Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-38096368004811123112009-04-06T08:24:00.002-05:002009-04-06T08:26:21.310-05:00

SuperNationals IV has concluded, and comprehensive results are posted here. As of this writing, they haven't yet included the "biggest upset" in the results - hopefully that will be available shortly.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-76459882418860796542009-04-05T18:41:00.002-05:002009-04-05T18:43:47.772-05:00

It's practically all SuperNationals, all the time, over at Chess Life Online. Here's a great video of kids being kids:Saturday Between the Rounds from US Chess on Vimeo.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-57933767129697517182009-04-01T20:24:00.002-05:002009-04-01T20:27:41.799-05:00

The people who brought you Fritz and ChessBase have been busy. See what special training enhancements are now available at the ChessBase site.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-49718065613795400232009-04-01T20:06:00.003-05:002009-04-01T20:09:43.440-05:00

Courtesy of Chess Life Online, take a look at this video (taken by organizer Susan Conlon) of Jennifer Shahade giving a simultaneous exhibition. She certainly adds a twist to things.Untitled from jennifer shahade on Vimeo.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-54023213966695519932009-03-31T09:45:00.001-05:002009-03-31T09:47:43.088-05:00

To see an interesting variety of submitted videos related to the upcoming SuperNationals, see the USCF video page. Have you submitted yours yet?

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-87576115347391176692009-03-29T16:52:00.007-05:002009-03-29T17:03:06.671-05:00

If you're not already set for SuperNationals in Nashville (April 3-5), here are some phone numbers that may be of use:** For registration and information about team rooms, contact Cheryle Bruce at (931) 787-1234, ext. 147.** For reservations at the host Gaylord Hotel, call (615) 883-2211.** For other inquiries, try Pat Knight, National Events Director, at (931) 200-3411, or call USCF Scholastic

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-59806942724630079252009-03-12T09:18:00.003-05:002009-03-12T09:22:14.102-05:00

Photo: Chess Life OnlineIM Irina Krush wrote a not-to-be-missed article about her experiences at the recent Gibraltar tournament - always one for great pictures. Take your time, though. I lost count of how many annotated games she included in this excellent article. You can find it at Chess Life Online.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-64340492021307634432009-03-11T22:48:00.002-05:002009-03-11T22:52:11.042-05:00

Over at Chess Life Online, Jennifer Shahade has posted a phenomenal schedule of simultaneous exhibitions to be given by some of the biggest chess names on U.S. soil, at the upcoming SuperNationals tournament. This event may well be the most spectacular chess tournament, everything considered, ever to occur in the U.S.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-21538216992186069072009-03-11T08:45:00.005-05:002009-03-11T08:52:13.027-05:00

The SuperNationals mega-tournament takes place next month in Nashville, in which all three Spring scholastic championships (elementary, junior high and high school) occur at the same time and at the same location. Some 5,000 players are expected to attend this combined event that only takes place every four years.In advance of this big event, I thought it would be interesting to hear from a

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-10281151664732777642009-03-11T08:40:00.004-05:002009-03-11T08:44:47.735-05:00

Have you ever visited a foreign country and felt rather disoriented by the many strange sights, sounds, smells, and tastes? Such was my feeling upon opening Chess Tactics for Advanced Players. The text is in English, and the chess is more or less familiar, but much about the book is, well, just different...For the full review, go to the ChessCafe book review page, or see it in the ChessCafe

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-40225990404698738712009-02-17T22:58:00.005-06:002009-02-17T23:05:48.478-06:00

KARL is a German-language quarterly chess magazine that began publishing in 2001. Starting in 2008, KARL International was introduced as an English-language version. It is my impression that the International edition is an English translation, not an entirely different publication. This review covers the inaugural issue...For the next week, the review is available at the ChessCafe book review

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-30556243697499681442009-02-13T08:55:00.000-06:002009-02-13T08:56:15.696-06:00

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-2818086793909655972009-02-13T00:49:00.002-06:002009-02-13T00:52:59.449-06:00

The USCF has published a press release of interest to high school senior and junior students:FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jerry Nash jnash@uschess.org (931)787-1234 ext:145 Reminder! The applications are due on March 1st, 2009, for the 2009 Scholar Chessplayer Awards. These annual scholarships awarded by the USCF

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-36758823064110916452009-02-12T22:25:00.003-06:002009-02-12T22:30:27.552-06:00

April 3 is when the 4th edition of the SuperNationals begins! What are the SuperNationals? The United States Chess Federation, the governing body for chess in the country, promotes the development of scholastic chess programs and sponsors national competitions. Every four years the three spring national events – elementary, junior high and high school – are hosted in one location.In April 2005,

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-1104523153992670642009-02-10T23:21:00.002-06:002009-02-10T23:26:07.668-06:00

The Winter 2009 issue of the Missouri Chess Bulletin is available online, and it contains my article about ten-year-old Margaret Hua, one of the U.S. participants at the 2008 World Youth Chess Championships in Vietnam.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-49813563215669597472009-02-10T22:49:00.005-06:002009-02-10T22:54:36.510-06:00

This second edition of Let’s Play Chess is said to contain about forty percent new material compared to its predecessor, and offers an easy, stress-free peek into what we all know can be an exceedingly complex game.In describing how each chess piece moves, Pandolfini does a nice job of not complicating matters. He initially avoids en passant captures and pawn promotion, castling, and avoids any

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-51965235423440635062009-02-10T22:42:00.002-06:002009-02-10T22:48:40.435-06:00

Heard of the "Philidor Position" but not really sure how to handle it? It's not terribly difficult - take a look at my February Scholastic Chess column at ChessCafe! I include the main way to handle a Philidor position as well as what Mark Dvoretsky refers to as the "second defensive method." There are a number of traps to avoid along the way, so read and enjoy!The article is also permanently

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-86726615264484160052009-02-05T22:52:00.011-06:002009-02-05T23:13:43.854-06:00

The wind chill in St. Louis has been below zero in recent days, but the city warmed up Thursday evening with the appearance of Chess Life Online editor WGM Jennifer Shahade. She was in town working on arrangements for the upcoming U.S. Championship, to be held at the sparkling Chess and Scholastic Center of St. Louis, and was kind enough to hold three clock simuls for the local chess crowd.Out of

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-5482756589997429322009-02-03T22:30:00.003-06:002009-02-03T22:35:27.171-06:00

Would you pay $30 for a one-hour private lesson with a grandmaster? How about $30 for a couple dozen lessons with a GM? That’s what this book feels like. Lars Bo Hansen has a talent for really relating to the “average” club player.For my full review of this outstanding book, see the ChessCafe primary book review page (for the next 7 days), or read it in the ChessCafe archives.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-45546656469572086352009-02-01T07:08:00.004-06:002009-02-01T07:22:14.790-06:00

Michael Goeller of The Kenilworthian frequently presents and annotates games featuring a variety of openings - this blog is a wonderful site to visit regularly, particularly if you can take the time to review his annotations.Michael touched a soft spot in his recent annotation titled "An Old Giuoco Worth Repeating," featuring the game Short-Kasimdzanov, Corus B 2009. The Giuoco was a favorite of

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-84419217152365088802009-01-31T21:04:00.001-06:002009-01-31T21:09:36.603-06:00

ChessCafe has a five-part video documentary series about the life of Bobby Fischer. It apparently was produced before his death, but covers his time as a child prodigy through his later years. One of the more poignant comments in the documentary aptly described him as "the pride and sorrow of American chess." Here are the links to the series:Part OnePart TwoPart ThreePart FourPart Five

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-29929474016799811982009-01-27T21:10:00.003-06:002009-01-27T21:12:50.234-06:00

The United States Chess Federation has released additional details about the upcoming 2009 U.S. Championship. Here is the press release:FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:NATION'S BEST PLAYERS TO COMPETE IN MAYAT 2009 U.S. CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP IN ST. LOUISTwo dozen contestants will vie for $130,000 in prizes at new venueST. LOUIS, January 27, 2009 -- Two dozen of the nation's best chess players will be

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-22976037568176364242009-01-24T23:19:00.004-06:002009-01-24T23:31:07.230-06:00

On the heels of the announcements that both the U.S. Championship and the U.S. Women's Championship for 2009 are coming to St. Louis, the St. Louis Chess Club reports that Chess Life Online editor and Women's Grandmaster Jennifer Shahade is visiting St. Louis soon. Here's the notice from the club:WGM Jennifer Shahade, two-time U.S. Women’s champion, will be visiting the club on Thursday, February

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-15403946060689838662009-01-20T22:37:00.002-06:002009-01-20T22:40:03.319-06:00

No, this has nothing to do with chess, but for those of you who are football fans, and even for those who are not, I think you will enjoy this video:Thanks to my brother Jon for sending this to me!

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-16429431790672773402009-01-14T17:31:00.003-06:002009-01-14T17:47:54.181-06:00

Legendary chess coach and writer Bruce Pandolfini sent me a note following the publication of my review of the Soviet classic Questions of Modern Chess Theory. He commented that seeing the review of the book brought back some fond memories for him."As I recall, Fischer really liked the Gawlikowski endgame books, Lisitsin's big tactical work, and especially the Lipnitsky, which supposedly he

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-80915727181431504322009-01-14T00:11:00.003-06:002009-01-14T00:16:04.301-06:00

Haven't heard of this book? That may be because this is the English-language version of the book originally published in 1956. It is said, however, that both Botvinnik and Fischer, among many others, simply devoured the contents of this text. I was very impressed - you can read my review for the next week at the ChessCafe main book review page. It is also permanently archived here.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-4418995743084087832009-01-13T23:49:00.003-06:002009-01-14T00:02:01.563-06:00

That's me at the Disney Animal Kingdom parkWell, it's been awhile since I've been able to write. Our family spent a week at the beautiful Coronado Springs Resort, part of the Disney World complex near Orlando, Florida. This was the site, just two weeks prior, of the National K-12 Championships, which I write about in my January 2009 ChessCafe Scholastic Chess column.Also covered is the Pan

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-87575204934097691462009-01-03T23:24:00.003-06:002009-01-03T23:26:54.436-06:00

Elizabeth Vicary has some great photos from the 8th U.S. Chess School session, currently taking place in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. Our family just returned to St. Louis from the Coronado Springs resort at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, site of the recent "grade nationals." It looks to me like a great place to hold a chess tournament, or any other event!

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-4064406184352735902008-12-20T19:27:00.002-06:002008-12-20T19:31:36.712-06:00

Macauley Peterson of the Internet Chess Club's Chess.FM has kindly contributed the following video clip from the recent National K-12 ("Grade Nationals") Championships. Enjoy the video, courtesy of ICC Chess.FM; used with permission:

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-78504163075932643882008-12-14T23:01:00.002-06:002008-12-14T23:05:32.554-06:00

In the 10th grade section of the National K-12 championships, Alexander Heimann and Marc Arnold tied for first place with a score of 6.5/7. In the 11th grade section, both Abby Marshall and Jeffrey Haskel came back from early round losses to share first place with 6 points. In the 12th grade section, Toby Boas took clear first place, despite losing his last round game.Complete tournament results

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-4151910940982882992008-12-14T09:34:00.004-06:002008-12-14T09:42:17.896-06:00

The 2008 National K-12 Championships, better known as "grade nationals," are ongoing in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. One of the more interesting sections is the 10th grade division. At present, Mark Arnold (USCF 2424) and Alexander Heimann (2312) are tied for first with 4.5 points from the first 5 rounds. Five other players are just half a point back. Chess Life Online has some photos here. In

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-38120297152604086922008-12-14T00:28:00.002-06:002008-12-14T00:31:25.084-06:00

The 28-player U.S. squad at the 2008 World Youth Chess Championships in Vung Tau, Vietnam did quite well, including bronze medals for Sam Shankland and Darwin Yang, as well as an international master title for Shankland. As a treat for our readers, Darwin annotates his victory over the eventual winner of his section.The inaugural edition of the Mind Sport Games took place in Beijing. Although not

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-3513370765393261092008-12-14T00:23:00.002-06:002008-12-14T00:27:45.846-06:00

606 Puzzles for Chess Nuts is quite a nice book to spend time with, whether it’s five minutes at a time, or an hour or more. The diagrams are large and clear, two per page, and the authors have come up with a nice variety of realistic positions to ponder. It would appear that the book is especially suited for the “advanced beginner” and the “intermediate player.” The “tournament player” will be

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-36940233385305768652008-12-11T19:19:00.004-06:002008-12-11T19:24:12.422-06:00

It's about a year old, but here's a nice video (a bit under 5 minutes) about a simul that Ray Robson gave in Florida. Both he and his father, and some people from the club, are interviewed:

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-87772942897776107572008-12-06T20:57:00.002-06:002008-12-06T21:03:36.865-06:00

IM Sam Shankland; Photo: Dujiu Yang, Chess Life OnlineJennifer Shahade has a wonderful piece about new IM Sam Shankland at Chess Life Online. It consists of an encompassing interview with the bronze-medal winner from the recent 2008 World Youth Chess Championships in Vietnam, as well as, remarkably, all eleven of Sam's games at the WYCC, all annotated by Sam. It's a treasure!

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-83705985425527397332008-11-29T23:22:00.001-06:002008-11-29T23:23:52.689-06:00

It is Black to move - for the solution see our puzzle answer page.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-72971940413074548382008-11-26T06:50:00.006-06:002008-11-26T06:58:17.282-06:00

Perhaps when the author wrote the manuscript in his native language, all flowed well and errors were minimal. But somewhere between the original manuscript and the final edited version in print today, countless quirks appear.The premise of the book is quite promising. Forty-seven players, ancient and modern, are examined with brief profiles, a picture and one or more games. Each profile is short,

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-1667404772632756882008-11-25T21:57:00.003-06:002008-11-25T22:10:07.270-06:00

It is White to move. Your suggestion?The solution can be found here.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-78119183316803182242008-11-19T21:25:00.001-06:002008-11-19T21:27:52.053-06:00

It's White to move and win. What do you suggest?You can find the answer here.

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-92156623933221967512008-11-13T21:38:00.006-06:002008-11-13T23:21:50.241-06:00

The 2008 Chess Olympiad, in Dresden, Germany, is underway. There is excellent coverage, including easy links to live games, at the official website. In addition, ChessBase, as usual, is full of great photos and information. Susan Polgar also has extensive coverage at her blog. For an always-unique perspective, see Mig Greengard's Daily Dirt blog.I enjoyed watching the game today between Peter

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37273633.post-88385777840934398722008-11-12T12:59:00.003-06:002008-11-12T13:08:05.123-06:00

In last month’s column, we began looking at why chess “dropouts” occur during and after high school. Eighteen chess personalities prominently involved in the world of scholastic chess were consulted, and their responses were presented. We continue with the second part of this series this month.At the end of the article, I've summarized some of the key issues, and I give my two cents as well. Part

Steve Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486613679888609752noreply@blogger.com0