Tactics from the Isle of Man
How Do FIDE’s Gladiators Measure Up?
You put 150 of the top players in the world into the same tournament battling it out for just 30 prizes and a SINGLE qualifying spot for the Candidates Tournament next year and what do you get? Lots of fighting chess, that is for certain!
I am enjoying playing over the games, and I am certain that many other chess players around the world are doing the same.
But when it is all said and done, uncomfortable questions will linger as to the general randomness of the tournament format and especially the sorry fact that most of the participants will go home afterwards without winning even one dollar.
It is not that most of the participants are not good enough to win a prize — they are infact top professionals in their field — it is that the FIDE system is purposefully designed to prevent them from doing so even before the tournament begins. (That is why all the participants must sign contracts)
The present system is not interested in deciding who are the best players, it is primarily focused on producing a spectacle for the public.
Worse still, a public that does not really exist — except in the mindset of delusional chess politicians, foaming at the mouth at the prospect of billions of dollars of never-to-materialize sponsorships.
Professional Chess is supposed to be tough and challenging — and it is — but it ALSO has to be PROFESSIONAL! That should imply respectable minimum standards.
What can one say when the the world’s best chess players have better chances of making money staying home and playing games of chance in their local casino?
Rich tournaments like the Isle of Man should set an example. So great chess players are sent home penniless and that is supposed to be OK?
I thought that the days of the slave gladiators had long since died…but it seems I am mistaken.
Now for some tactics!
A really sharp struggle is underway! Canadian star Eric Hansen seems to have tricked Armenian star Sargissian. White finds his Queen and Rook under attack, and he must lose material. What did Eric overlook?
Black seems to have everything under control, but if you look closer you will find that some thing is not right in Black’s game. Whitte to play and win!
I like this one! Brutal. Almost seems unfair for what happens to Black is all the result of one single, small imprecision. White to play and win!
White has beautiful piece placement, all active and coordinated. How can White win material?
Chaotic and complex game! Pins and more pins. How can White take advantage of this?
A game where the advantage has already changed sides several times. Complex and interesting! But it is Black’s move, and he has a chance to win immediately. Do you see it?
