Chess is Fun Chess BLOG

A daily chess blog featuring chess lessons, chess instruction, instructive games, great players, lessons on openings, middlegame strategy, endgames, and great games.

Caro Kann trap and sample Dragon game - (Found July 2, 2008 )

Examples of a trap in Caro Kann and a nice sacrifice in the Sicilian Dragon
http://www.queensac.com/chessblogfeb2004.html#chessblog02282004

Kasparov's first win at Linares - (Found July 2, 2008 )

Kasparov-Vallejo, Linares, 2004 (round 7) Three conclusive results yesterday including this game of the day, Kasparov's first win at Linares, 2004. I was very surprised by Kasparov's 14th move. At first glance, it seems anti-positional, opening up the d5 square. But it sure worked out well! The game ended with quite a time scramble. Garry missed a great shot on move 34, but still an impressive achievement!
http://www.queensac.com/chessblogfeb2004.html#chessblog02272004

Shirov beat Radjabov yesterday at Linares - (Found July 2, 2008 )

Shirov beat Radjabov yesterday at Linares in grand style to tie Leko for first place. I've briefly annotated the game below, but I am sure that it will be subjected to intense scrutiny in the days and years ahead.
http://www.queensac.com/chessblogfeb2004.html#chessblog02262004

A little-used move in the c3 Sicilian - (Found July 2, 2008 )

here's one of my games in an interesting Sicilian line. Many players like to avoid the main lines and play openings like the c3 Sicilian. The lines are very different from the open Sicilian and, I suppose, there's less to learn.
http://www.queensac.com/chessblogfeb2004.html#chessblog02252004

Kasparov v Kramnik at Linares - (Found July 2, 2008 )

Here are my notes to the yesterday's game between Kasparov and Kramnik. Many on ICC thought that Garry had some winning chances but, in the end, he was fortunate to hold the draw.
http://www.queensac.com/chessblogfeb2004.html#chessblog02242004

Bobby Fischer's chess games - (Found July 2, 2008 )

Here are all of the games in Bobby Fischer's 60 Memorable Games. If you have not played through this magnificant collection, you are in for the chess treat of a lifetime.
http://www.queensac.com/chessblogfeb2004.html#chessblog02232004

Leko v Kasparov's at Linares - (Found July 2, 2008 )

here's the Leko Kasparov game... and here are about 50 games in this interesting line. You'll notice that Leko has played this line before, so his choice would not have been been a surprise to Garry.
http://www.queensac.com/chessblogfeb2004.html#chessblog02222004

Kasparov v Radjabov at Linares - (Found July 2, 2008 )

Three draws yesterday, but not for want of effort. As you will see, Kasparov had a nice advantage but could not defeat Radjabov. Garry certainly must have wanted to win in no small part to avenge his loss to Radjabov last year.
http://www.queensac.com/chessblogfeb2004.html#chessblog02212004

Shirov v Kasparov's at Linares - (Found July 2, 2008 )

Here is the exciting game between Shirov and Kasparov, and here are several games in the line that they used. I quickly annotated 31...Qe3+ as equal, but there's some thought that Garry might have had winning chances with that move.
http://www.queensac.com/chessblogfeb2004.html#chessblog02202004

The chess of Rudolf Charousek - (Found July 2, 2008 )

Czech master Rudolf Charousek (1873-1900) produced magnificent chess but died at age 27 from Tubercolosis. Lasker had predicted that Charousek would one day obtain the world championship. Instead, we have only a a few hundred games at which to marvel.
http://www.queensac.com/chessblogfeb2004.html#chessblog02192004