The ”Legends” versus the best of the Geneva Chess Club
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
As mentioned in an earlier blog, the Geneva Chess Club has organized an interesting event for their best players: a double-round event against some ”old timers” (also called the LEGENDS, probably because each was in his time a Candidate)
Besides myself, we can find V.Hort, V.Korchnoi, Z.Ribli and U.Andersson
The results after 7 rounds are in the favour of the old dogs, we lead the Geneva Chess Club by a score of 22-13. While this looks convincing, let me assure the reader that the reality is not so black and white! I have lost 2 games so far, and was lucky to have not lost a third against Dubessay (he beat Korchnoi this morning!)
I recommend the reader to visit the club site (link) , especially for the videos and interview, or take a look at some pictures by Miguel Babo, the media expert hired to promote the event on the internet. You can also find more at chess results.
THIS IS THE POSITION AFTER 23 MOVES:
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/46956196 w=854&h=480]
Here is my best effort so far, against IM Richard Gerber.
im GERBER
gm SPRAGGETT
I had just played my preparation 10.Qe1!?. It is almost impossible to surprise anyone in the opening any more, and so I decided to play this practical line because it leads to a comfortable position that I know quite well. I had been working on this line with a number of my students in recent months.
Richard responded with the most solid line: 10…e6 11. Kb1 Re8!? 12.Nb3 Qc7 13.Qh4!?
This is an annoying little move for Black to handle. The idea contains some poison: Bg5, which is not easy to handle. I am not certain how Black should best continue, but my opponent soon played an inaccuracy and I was able to pounce on him…
THIS IS THE POSITION AFTER 23 MOVES:
WHITE TO PLAY AND WIN!