[Event "Obsidian Swirl"]
[Site "SchemingMind.com"]
[Date "2010.11.20"]
[Round "-"]
[White "C. H. O'D. Schlechter"]
[Black "Chess Tiger"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "D05g"]
[WhiteCountry "USA"]
[BlackCountry "GER"]
[WhiteElo "2450"]
[WhiteRD "83"]
[BlackElo "2376"]
[BlackRD "124"]
[GameID "266991"]

1. d4
{
Chess Tiger: Oh, no Scotch? :-D
}
1... Nf6 2. Nf3
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Alas, no. ;-) Did you see the video at the end of the Grischuk-Naka game in the Tal Memorial?  Naka's exasperation and histrionics rose to a Kaspy-like level. ;-D
}
2... e6
{
Chess Tiger: Yes, he has become a real drama queen.
}
3. e3
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Yeah, that is a fair term for his behavior.  But that was a tough win to blow! 
}
3... c5
{
Chess Tiger: He recently said, that he is in the shape of his career for London. Garry will be there too to comment the final round. I'm curios to hear, what the master of grimaces has to say about Americas #1. I would bet my money on Carlsen, but I hope Anand will make it.
}
{
Chess Tiger: Nakamura today at Twitter: 'Opening the London Chess Classic with Black against Anand! Time to make everyone back in the United States proud!'
}
4. Bd3
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: And if I saw correctly, Queen Naka has black not only against Anand but also Kramnik and Carlsen. ;-) I think that, again, the tournament is too short.  I'm rooting for any  of the English contingent to win. Unlikely, but not impossible.
}
4... d5
{
Chess Tiger: Many chances for Naka to make his land proud. And yes, the tournament is too short, but on the other hand it makes every single game more important. A good chance for the British underdogs and this is probably the reason, why Malcolm Pein chose this format. In a DRR the distance between the world class and England would be even longer.
}
5. b3
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: I'm sure money played a role too in it only being seven rounds.  Good first round.  Great win for McShane, who likely would be 'world class' if he had stuck with chess. 
}
5... Nc6
{
Chess Tiger: Wow, what a birthday for Naka. If you speak about the devil... ;-) And what should I say against the sole leader McShane? As far as I know he is planning to pick up his chess career again - not just in London. He will be soon over 2700 then, I think.
}
6. O-O
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Yes, Kramnik gave Naka a big present.  Naturally, Adams lost to Carlsen.  What to say about McShane?  I say he wins all of his games with at least 3 of the remaining five ending in mate. ;-D 
}
6... Bd6
{
Chess Tiger: Why 'naturally'? At the Olympiad Adams crushed Carlsen!
}
7. Bb2
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Crushed is an exaggeration.  Yes, Carlsen played a dubious opening but he stabilized the position. He then got a little too cute and paid the price.  I wrote 'naturally' because one can often count on Adams losing after he wins a nice game and Carlsen has a massive plus score against Adams in classical chess.  I think he is something like 7.5/8 with white against Adams. I'm sure you can tell me if I right on that or not. ;-)
}
7... O-O
{
Chess Tiger: Lucky Luke and strong Anand today! Although Vishy missed several 'easy' winning moves. To Carlsen vs. Adams score: http://ratings.fide.com/chess_statistics.phtml?event2=400041&event=1503014
}
8. Nbd2
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: I don't believe those stats! ;-)  I mean can we trust FIDE on anything?  Perhaps it includes 25 min. games as well, but Carlsen has a bigger plus score then 2-1.  Anand is probably starting to show his age a little bit (missing wins after four or five hours of play) but it was still an impressive game.  Cool hand Luke will still win the tournament comfortably. ;-)
}
8... cxd4
{
Chess Tiger: And what do you think now? I guess Carlsen will win due to the higher number of games with Black.
}
9. exd4
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Yes, I guess he has the best tie-break.  Of the three leaders, I like Carlsen also because he has White against Short in the last round.  That seems like the most likely win for any of the three leaders.  Though Carlsen does have to deal with Big Vlady tomorrow.  I'm pulling for McShane.  Underdog and he seem like a really nice guy.  A pleasant personality.  
}
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Kramnik will be hitting the sauce tonight after blowing that.  He'll likely be well hung over against Vishy tomorrow. ;-)
}
9... b6
{
Chess Tiger: I should ask Vishy, why on earth he is not able to avoid the probably dead Berlin... In the press conference right after the game he apologized for the 'boring' game.
}
{
Chess Tiger: Happy New Year!!! :-)
}
10. a3
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Happy New Year to you, too! I did see Vishy's remarks after the game. It was some tournament. 
}
10... Bb7 11. Qe2
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: I thought I'd give you a break until Corus (I can't get used to calling it Tata) started. ;-)  
}
{
Chess Tiger: Wow, Naka! Wow, wow, wow! Not a sensation, but still very impressive!
}
11... Rc8 12. Ne5
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Yes, the best victory of his career, for sure.  The well-deserved winner of the tourney.  On a sadder note, Mainz is no more, right? 
}
{
Chess Tiger: Right... Not enough sponsors left. No Linares (or maybe later), last Amber, maybe no more Aeroflot... Time to play some poker! ;-)
}
12... a5 13. f4
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Last Amber?  I didn't know that.  As you know, I'm not a 960 fan, but to see a quality event like Mainz go is sad.  Things aren't good and I don't think there is much room for optimism.  Here in the US, I have to wonder about the future of the various big money Swiss tournaments.  I can't see too many chess players wanting to continue to pay $200+ entry fees, travel fees (with gas price going through the roof), etc., in this economy.  But maybe I'm wrong. 
}
13... Ne7
{
Chess Tiger: I don't have any experience with this tournament format. I doubt, it would work 'here'. The entry fees here are quite moderate with let's say 30-60 Euros. Of course the prizes you can win, are much lower as well, but usually the amateur plays for rating points and not for cash.
}
14. Rae1
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: No, it probably wouldn't work in Europe.  I hope I didn't suggest it would.  My point was just that US chess tournament culture, which is different then Europe's, may also be moribund. I have noticed that more top European players are playing in the big money events in the US.  Loek van Wely has played in several.  Michael Adams also last summer.  If the top European players can't play in Europe, where will they play chess?  I'll add also that most tournaments here are, of course, small money ones that are also played in for rating points and love of chess. 
}
14... Rc7 15. Rf3 Qc8 16. Rc1
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Happy Easter. 
}
16... Nf5
{
Chess Tiger: Happy Easter for you too. Btw, did you hear about Akhil?
}
17. Rh3
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: No sir, I did not. 
}
17... g6
{
Chess Tiger: Akhil is Anand's son! :-)
}
18. g4
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Ah, I didn't know that. Good for Vishy. ;-) I'll have to check Chessbase as they probably have a bit on it. 
}
18... Ng7
{
Chess Tiger: And who is your favorite for the candidate matches?
}
19. c4
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Well, I suppose Aronian with Radja as my dark horse pick.  But, of course, Kramnik or Topalov wouldn't surprise me.  And I hope Grischuk is in good form. If so, he could do it  You? 
}
19... h5
{
Chess Tiger: Hm, Aronian was my favorite... Now I have the strange feeling it could be Kamsky. With Kramnik he probably has the best nerves. I don't know why, but I don't want to see Anand-Kramnik again, but I know minimum one person who wouldn't agree. ;-)
}
20. gxh5
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Well, who of the remaining four do you think Vishy would least like to see?  I suspect Gelfand will have the better preparation, but I'll still pick Kamsky in their match.  I like Grischuk over Krammy.  I think he has the better nerves and will just be in better shape in that regard.  Then again, maybe a clock will break... I know Kamsky plays for the US, but I'm still sort of pulling for Grischuk; I've always kind of liked him. What do you think will happen and what do you want to happen?
}
20... Ngxh5
{
Chess Tiger: First of all: 16 moves QG between Grischuk and Kramnik today... just cheeky! I think Kramnik is the one with the better nerves but Grischuk is the better rapid and blitz player. I agree to what you wrote about Kamsky and Gelfand. I think and hope Gata will advance to the final and I fear Vlad will beat Sasha. My 'dream final' would be Kamsky versus Grischuk. Gata is supposed to be the more dangerous opponent for Vishy due to his sometimes unusual and unpredictable openings. And Vishy always had big problems with Gata! Grischuk plays more solid, but I wouldn't give him big chances against Anand. But finally I fear we will see Anand-Kramnik in 2012 - maybe in Berlin again.
}
21. Qf2
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Right, Kamsky would be my answer, too, for the reasons you stated.  But Anand will be the favorite whoever it is.  Kramnik may have the advantages with regards to nerves in classical chess, as Grischuk always seems to be in time pressure.  But if it goes to Rapid and then Blitz, I'll take Grischuk.  Unless, again, a clock breaks. ;-) I'm just starting to wonder if Kramnik is starting to wear down.  I think Kramnik has  a 3-1 Rapid score v. Grischuk, but Grischuk has had the better of it in blitz between the two.  I was disappointed by only 16 moves today, that is for sure! The format is unfortunate but, as so many athletes over here now say, it is what it is.  An Anand v. Kamsky match would probably provide the most story lines and hold the most interest for people who don't normally follow chess.  Gata plays for the US and his backstory is the most interersting of the remaining four.  So, if not Gris or Kamsky, I hope for Gelfand over Kramnink.  I don't need to see a boring match between Vishy and Vlady or see Vishy beat him like a drum again. ;-) 
}
21... Rd8
{
Chess Tiger: Oh, Gata... Bxf7+ and Qc4+ was not so difficult! And now? Sasha or Boris? They are both not the best opponents for Anand, but on the other hand I like them and wish them both a title match. I guess Gelfand will make it.
}
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Yes, Kamsky will be haunted by that game for some time.  I'll take Grischuk over Gelfand.  If both are playing well or their best (a big if), Grischuk is the stronger palyer.  But, naturally, I won't be surprised if Gelfand wins.  Now, if the match were all blitz, I'd take Grischuk in a route.  *shakes head* 
}
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Computer problems. 
}
22. Rf1
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Well, Gelfand it is. Meh. 
}
22... Qa8
{
Chess Tiger: I think it will be an interesting match in 2012. But I fear it could be difficult to find sponsors. They (FIDE) will soon regret that they spoiled London!
}
23. Be2
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: What about Berlin?
}
{
Chess Tiger: With Kramnik Bonn would have been possible. I can't imagine Berlin as a possible venue. The city itself is as bankrupt as the U.S.! ;-D
}
23... Bf8 24. a4
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Well, you suggested Berlin as a possibility if it was Kramnik.  Did the city go bankrupt only recently? ;-D
}
{
Chess Tiger: Ouch..Berlin was wrong of course! I meant Bonn. Sorry!
}
24... dxc4 25. bxc4
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Do you think we could be looking at another sort of Shirov situation?  And if so perhaps Vishy should just say to hell with it and organize a match against a certain young Norweigan. ;-) Assuming even a match like that could find funding. 
}
25... Qc8
{
Chess Tiger: No, I don't think so. Anand is more a sportsman than Kasparov and wouldn't deprive Gelfand of his (last) deserved chance to become World Champion. However, finally there is a Chess City, but I hope Israel or India will try to get the match. But I don't know anything until now. I think nobody knows.
}
26. Qe3
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: India would make sense.  What about Tata Steel sponsoring it? ;-)
}
26... Ng7
{
Chess Tiger: I don't know, why India is being a bit "secretive" in this case. Maybe the AICF is just as incompetent as the FIDE, the USCF, the DSB and so on... Although I'm pretty sure that the USCF and even the DSB would try to make an offer, if Kamsky/Naka or Naiditsch/Meier would have qualified. And there is a further problem (imho): Gelfand is strong and somehow cool, but he is more looking like a "absentminded professor"(?) than a serious top athlete. You know what I mean?
}
27. Bd3
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Yes, I know what you mean.  He looks like an accountant or what the average person on the street thinks a chess player looks like. ;-D  This is not a good thing.  Magnus, with his pinched face, is not really a good looking young man. But despite that, those fashions adverts he did still didn't look silly (or not sillier then any fashion ad looks). One could also imagine Grischuk in adverts like that.  But Gelfand...um...no. ;-D  And he isn't 'sexy' from a chess perspective either.  He has been a fine player for many years; a significant player of his era.  But not someone anyone has ever gotten really that excited about.  Seriously, do you know anyhone who says Boris Gelfand is his favorite player?  Anyway, let's hope for the best.  Btw, basketball is king in Germany now, right? ;-)
}
{
Chess Tiger: No, the Women's World Cup is actually running here... Oookay, you are right. Dirk is simply the best! :-)
}
27... Re8 28. Bc3
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: If there is anything more unwatchable then women's basketball, it is women's soccer. 
}
28... Nf5
{
Chess Tiger: And what about women's chess? And are you a basketball fan or is it just a must in the U.S.?
}
29. Qf2
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: I don't mind women's chess. It isn't as good as men's but there certainly are very strong female players, as you know.  I don't particularly like to watch basketball. 
}
29... Nh5 30. Rb1 f6 31. Ng4 Rf7
{
Chess Tiger: Nice endgame technique by MC against Pelletier in Biel!
}
32. Rxb6
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Was it? I glanced at something or other that said MC missed some earlier wins or something.  I know it was a Q endgame but haven't looked it over.  MC and Moro had an interesting game.  And Moro got a gift from V-L. Oh, Krammy won a nice game over Pono in Dortmund.  Krammy winning in Dortmund?  Go figure. ;-)
}
32... Qc7
{
Chess Tiger: Moro's position against V.L. was suspicious, but this is of course not new to his fans. ;-) I was little bit disappointed that he didn't push harder against MC. Against a normal 2700-player he would have tried a attack at the kingside - probably with success. He will be soon next to 2800 I think/hope. And yes, a very nice win by Vlad out of a really complicated position. I think Pono wanted too much or better overestimated his chances. I might be wrong with any of my statements above, but I would take any bet that Vlad will make his 10th title in Dortmund this year. I don't see an opponent to beat him - even not Naka. I was "shocked" how much time he needed in a well-known QG against wunderkind Giri. With a little bit more skill the young Dutchman would have won. Two Naka-posts at Twitter after the the first round: "Absolutely praying that I can find a way to sleep tonight. Playing a chess game on 1 hour sleep is pure torture like today." and "Really wishing I could find some place here in Dortmund to do yoga and relieve the endless stress and pressure from chess." This doesn't sound like a player who won the Tata and is supposed to be the next Bobby... I would suggest poker, but since Naka also posted a number of bad beats at Twitter, I doubt he is really talented. ;-D
}
33. Rxb7
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Yes, this is not the same Naka we saw at Wijk or other tournaments.  This is a disaster for him.  And it could only get worse if he loses Meier. ;-) But you are too hard on him; there is no need for him to take up poker in place of chess just yet.  There must be something in the water in Dortmund that turns Kramnik from Clark Kent to Superman.  He could probably beat Kasparov and Fischer in their primes in a simul in Dortmund.  And how about Seirawan finding the Fountain of Youth? 
}
33... Qxb7
{
Chess Tiger: Well, Naka should have lost to Meier one, two, three, four.... times, but he didn't. But what do you expect from a man who recebtly said that he might be good enough to enter the Top 20 but probably never the Top 10. Not, that Meier is not right, but I wouldn't say that right before my first super tournament! ;-) Kramnik is awesome these days! Virtually he is now at 2800. Yasser did a great job in China, but I was more happy about the good performances of Wang Yue and Peter Leko of course. But the best comeback is Moro actually showing. Although he suffered his first lost today against Caruana. Shit happens. And now I take the rook! ;-)
}
{
Chess Tiger: "recebtly" means "recently" of course...
}
{
Chess Tiger: Btw, I will be in Dortmund next Saturday. :-)
}
34. c5
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: I hope you are in Dortmund next year, too.  I figure you could do at least as well as Meier...well, maybe not.  But there would be even more decisive games.  See what you can do about it. ;-D  Next Saturday? Kramnik was awesome, but the last round loss to Nakaburger did blemish his masterpiece a touch.  Leko?  I didn't even know he was still alive and playing chess. ;-) I, too, was very happy by Moro's performance in Biel. 
}
34... Qb8
{
Chess Tiger: Still alive! ;-)
}
35. Rf3
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Okay, I'll stop writing the obit Austin asked for the forum.  We couldn't decide whether to put it in the NIP or Chess Chat section.  How was Dortmund?
}
35... Rd8
{
Chess Tiger: Who or what is an "obit"? I just fund "obiter dictum" with Google. Dortmund would have been nice, but I wasn't there... My friend couldn't accompany me and I couldn't motivate myself to drive alone. 
}
36. Bc4
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obituaries
}
36... Qb7
{
Chess Tiger: Chess Chat section...
}
37. Bxe6
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: I'll save 'Der Tiger ist Tot' for another time then. 
}
37... Qc6
{
Chess Tiger: Btw, one of our Tigers is currently in St. Louis at the Kings vs. Queens match and the World Chess Hall of Fame! Looks like America loves Chess960... :-D
}
38. Bc4
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: *rolls eyes* ;-)
}
38... Kg7
{
Chess Tiger: Just rolling eyes? No sarkastische reaction? I wonder if you are just getting old or becoming a Chess960 lover step by step... *rofl* 9,5/10 for Naka. btw. 
}
39. Bb5
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: What was that German word for supreme idiot? ;-) 
}
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Have you ever had to mate with only B&N in a cc or serious otb game?  If so, how difficult did you find it?
}
39... Qc8
{
Chess Tiger: No, never had this "pleasure". In cc it's quite simple of course, but otb it would be a question of time left on the clock. A perfect training is, to play this again and again against an engine. But it's even better to beat your opponent beforehand. ;-) Why do you ask?
}
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Why do I ask?  I've analyzed this game out to that.  Care to resign now and save us both the time?  Seriously, it probably isn't that hard but perhaps more then simple. I've never had it or even thought about it.
}
40. Nb3 Qe6
{
Chess Tiger: Much more interesting would be two knights versus a pawn, but I'm sure you know the Troitzky line, right? ;-)
}
41. Bb2
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: In my sleep, of course. ;-)  Seriously, studies are a major hole in my chess education/culture. 
}
41... Re7
{
Chess Tiger: One hole more or less... ;-D Btw, Ivanchuk is just marvelous, isn't he?
}
42. h3
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Yes, but I think you jinxed him. ;-)  That was a very nice game v. Naka. 
}
42... Qe1+
{
Chess Tiger: But someone could Naka tell the rules of a chessgame for the next tournament! ;-)
}
43. Qxe1
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: *sigh* You always have to knocka him down, don't you. ;-)
}
43... Rxe1+
{
Chess Tiger: No, I like the Chess960 World Champion. ;-D But he had a serious chance to win the Masters and lost on time like a donk. :-p
}
44. Kh2
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Calling someone the 'Chess960 World Champion' is a bit like saying they are the world's tallest midget. Who gives a damn? :p
}
{
Chess Tiger: Naka does, Lev does, Kosteniuk does, Svidler does, Ivanchuk doesn't. Chose your site! ;-D
}
44... Rb1 45. Rf2
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Of course they do, being the tallest midget benefits them. ;-)
}
45... Nxf4 46. Nxa5
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: I love it when you abruptly end our chat. ;-) So Kaspy and Naka, huh?
}
46... Be7
{
Chess Tiger: I had nothing interesting to say but to make a move... ;-D St. Louis is definitely the western Chess City! Rex Sinquefield and his wife are doing a fantastic job. Any player would benefit from Garry and I think Naka will be over 2800 soon and a candidate for the title. His mimic during games is almost as good as Kasparov's. But on the other hand I'm not sure whether he is willing to work as hard as Garry demands.
}
47. Nc6
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: What do you mean by western? I agree with the rest of what you wrote. Naka v. Carlsen some day for the championship would be a dream match-up. Btw, I was tempted to just make my move and not write anything. ;-)
}
47... Rh8
{
Chess Tiger: You don't know the 'real', the 'eastern" Chess City? Of course you do! I didn't want to say "American", because we are one family! ;-) Btw...GERMANY!!!!! :-D
}
48. Rxf4
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: One family? What, brothers in chess? 
}
48... Rxb2+
{
Chess Tiger: Yes, why not?
}
49. Rf2
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Hmm...let's say cousins. ;-) Nice win by Aronian today. 
}
49... Rb3
{
Chess Tiger: It's quite disappointing that Anand is (was) just playing for 9 draws... Okay, that's probably not true. I guess he planned +1, but in most of the rounds he was the first splitting the point. For me Aronian is the second best choice for winning the strongest tournament 2011.
}
{
Chess Tiger: And the winner is ... Carlsen! :-( ;-)
}
50. Bf1
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Well, your man got his perfect .5 bagel. But better then Naka's result. ;-D And now on to London. 
}
50... Bd8
{
Chess Tiger: Naka beating Lev in London! At Twitter he wrote: "The single most important thing in life is to believe in yourself regardless of what everyone else says."
}
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: "At this point, Carlsen's record against Nakamura is like McDonald's record against cows."  I read that online somewhere. ;-D  I'm blaming you and all the other Naka doubters for this one. Believe, Naka!  Believe! 
}
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Okay, he should have lost to King Luke again, but Carlsen is so damn good!
}
51. Rc2
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Wow. Your man needs to get his act together! Should or could have lost to Howell and blows a winning position against Naka.  I was disappoint by what I heard from Naka's commentary after the game; he tried to minimize how lost he was.  
}
51... Bc7+
{
Chess Tiger: Mig on Twitter: "If you don't want to win lost positions you shouldn't play the King's Indian!" and Naka on Twitter: "Live by the sword and die by the sword. Sometimes I wonder just how many of these games I can play in the KID before I die of a heart attack." There is at least one positive fact: Vishy is finally playing chess again!!
}
52. Kg1
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: I like Naka to win the tourney now, what with his whites against both Short and Adams.  Hell, you could probably beat Adams in this tournament!  Let's say you are Malcolm Pein, what nine players are you inviting for next years edition?
}
52... Rb1
{
Chess Tiger: I would like to see Daniel King playing instead of Adams! ;-D Okay, seriously I wouldn't change much. It might sound strange, but I guess I wouldn't invite Vishy. It's almost impossible to prepare for a Wch match and category 20+ tournaments in the same year. The initial idea to promote British chess by inviting the national top players is cool and should be copied by Germany. But we are currently having other problems as you probably know, no?
}
{
Chess Tiger: Btw, another win by Naka today is likely as he explains on Twitter: "So far, I have 2 wins and 1 draw when playing chess on my birthday. Hopefully I can continue the trend tomorrow!"
}
53. d5
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: This London tournament hasn't lacked for excitement!  A couple early write-ups (with little or no analysis) I've glanced at suggest that McShane-Kramnik was no more then unclear.  It seemed to me that McShane had a clear, if not winning, advantage at some point.  A pity he played so poorly in time pressure and lost.  But full marks for making Kramnik earn it.  I don't know what was funnier: Naka's comments on Kaspy or his game against Short. If I were in charge, I would invite Moro next year and change one or two of the Brits invited.  I'm guessing you just like Danny King's flowing mane of hair. ;-)
}
53... Rxh3
{
Chess Tiger: "I would invite Moro next year and change one or two of the Brits invited." Hm, should Moro play for two then? ;-D Sorry, but your suggestion is not in the sense of this event! Pein never intended to organize the strongest tournament in the world. He wants to motivate young Brits to play chess and I think he does. And McShane is helping him with his strong play a lot. Okay, yesterday he missed Qxa5 with advantage at some point, but shit happens. It was so funny to see Danny and Lawrence whining after Kramniks f6-f5+!! :-D I was really wondering what Garry had to do in London. Shouldn't he be in Moskau and protest against Putin? I guess the suite in the hotel is more comfortable than a Russian jail cell.
}
54. d6
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Sorry, I didn't make myself clear as to what I'd do were I M. Pein.  First, whose place would Moro take?  The Indian Leko's would be fine with me. ;-) I don't give a frack about chess in Britain, but I appreciate your point.  Having said that, does it have to be four Brits in the tournament?  And these four at that?  No and No.  McShane certainly deserves to play next year but do we really need to see the others?  Okay, if Adams is still the highest rated English player next year, I guess we'll have to suffer seeing him blow any and every kind of game again.  But Short? No.  And Howell?  Only if he can learn to use his clock better.  Gawain Jones could be brought in for either one.  It has been a great three editions and having some lower rated (relatively speaking)players (the Brits) is part of the reason for that.  So, okay, let's keep it that way but tweak it a bit.  Yes, the suite in the hotel is more comfortable for Gazza, but the food is probably still better in the Moscow jail. ;-D  I forgot to mention last move that I did glance at the article at Chess Vibes re: the problems between the German Chess Fed and your top players. Unfortunate, particularly after the great result they had.  Perhaps you should run for president of the federation and make things right. ;-) Finally, King is mostly very good at commenting on chess games, but Trent is mostly annoying.  
}
54... Nxd6
{
Chess Tiger: LOL...good one about the British "food"! I'm pretty sure the "Indian Leko" will remain World Champion next spring, but I have no idea what he is planning for next super tournaments. It is almost impossible (even for good friends) that he could and should take more risk in his games. To Short I would like to say, that he is obviously an "audience magnet". I'm with you, but I fear he will participate until he retires. He should better do the live commentary with Daniel, imo. If Pein wouldn't invite Mickey any more, the Britsh champion would probably commit suicide with an overdose of Spotted dick... :-D And to Howell: Who is Howell? ;-D Ah, okay, he is still the youngest grandmaster in the UK and Pein's main target is to push the youth. Jones is already too old, but he deserves an invitation of course. I think the mixture with McShane, three British chess players and five top players is pretty good. It's not really a question of money. Pein could easily organize a category 22 tournament like in Moskau, but this is not what he wants. And look at the numbers of draws in Moskau and in London!! I think Pein is the Messiah of British chess! ;-)
}
{
Chess Tiger: Ooops..I wanted to write: ...It is almost impossible (even for good friends) TO TELL HIM that he could and should take more risk in his games...
}
55. cxd6
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Of course he will win the WC next year.  The gods will simply not allow Boris Gelfand to become wc! Anand will win one game and draw the rest.  Then he will start work on his magnum opus: My 60 Most Memorable Draws. ;-D (Old and used line, I know.) I see your point about Short being an audience magnet and he might be the one English chess player your average person there has heard of.  But to be honest, I thought he came across as an ass a good bit in the videos from London.  Danny King and Stuart Conquest should do all the commentary.  Lawrence Trent should simply be told to shut the frack up everytime he opens his mouth! I didn't get your line about Adams.  Is that some sort of German gay thing? ;-D Jones is 24!  I'd also invite Sadler, but I doubt he'd play.  Yes, London has been fantastic with the lower number of draws.  The quality of chess was mostly high in Moscow but I still prefer events with some of the elite and some lower rated (2600s) players to either upset the big boys or get their heads kicked in. ;-)
}
55... Bxd6
{
Chess Tiger: First of all: Happy Holidays! Later more... ;-)
}
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Thank you :) but I don't celebrate 'Holidays,' I celebrate Christmas. Frohe Weihnachten!
}
56. Kf2 Rh4
{
Chess Tiger: Hmmm, I thought "Happy Holidays" is also a proper way to wish someone "Merry Christmas"!? In German there are also more options than simply "Frohe Weihnachten"! ;-) It's quite funny, that we started our game almost at the same time when Naka and Garry began their cooperation (or better collaboration). And now this liaison is already finished. I think Naka never really wanted to work with Garry. He wants to be the boss, but this is not possible if you work with "The Boss"! Apropos collaboration... I heard that Gelfand and Aronian might be working together. A few days ago our Obertiger met Lev here, but he neither didn't want to confirm nor to deny it. If we don't read us again in 2011: I wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope this is fine for you!? ;-)
}
57. Be2
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Yes, "HH" is common, if not the most common greeting during the Christmas season.  And it is certainly the choice of the powers that be (sorry if that is too idiomatic).  I've seen practicing Christians wish one another 'HH' instead of 'MC.' A sign of how successful the indoctrination has been.  'HNY' is fine with me and I wish you one as well!  Some ending to Reggio Emilia, huh?  Who do you like at Wijk?  Aronian or not, I won't pick Gelfand for the obvious reasons (too close to the match and all that). 
}
57... f5
{
Chess Tiger: Giri won Reggio Emilia, but (unfortunately) Chucky stole the show... In Wijk I'm with Aronian of course. I like him very much. After his win against Kamsky he twittered: God bless America! :-D
}
58. Ne3
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: What did he twitter after Carlsen spanked him? ;-D  It is shaping up for a great finish.  The only thing I'm really rooting for his Karjakin to have a completely decisive crosstable! 
}
58... Rh2+
{
Chess Tiger: Draw, draw, Karjakin has his first draw! In the daily video interview he seemed to feel relieved. Did you see the nice "SuperMariov" video? If not, look at ChessVibes!
}
59. Ng2
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Yes, I saw that tribute to Pono. ;-) I jinxed Karjakin! But he got back on track in the next round. ;-) It looks like it is your man's tounament to win. I sure do hope that he and Carlsen face each other for the title some day. 
}
59... Rb3
{
Chess Tiger: I like Navara, but he found the worst day to win a game! :-( Gelfand & Radja for Aronian and Kamsky & van Wely for Carlsen in the final rounds. *sigh*
}
60. Kg1
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Well, your man won.  Two losses and he still scored 9/13, pretty impressive.  I was glad to see Navara win a game and happy that he didn't finish in the cellar alone.  I can't say I felt bad for that punk, Giri. Okay, 'punk' might be unfair, but I didn't like the crack he made about 'coffee house players.'  Actually, I think he called Aronian that or named him specifically.  It could be that Giri didn't understand the negative connotations of that term.  And I was disappointed that Carlsen chose to use the f-word in the interview after the 12th round.  On the whole, a very good edition of this classic event.  I should also mention that Sadler in the C Group was a major disappointment.  And, again, Karjakin: just wow! ;-) There have been some good games going on at Gibraltar, too.  Svidler is not having his best event so far. 
}
60... Ra3
{
Chess Tiger: Uff, nearly forogt to move... More words later! :-)
}
61. Rd2
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: Yes, you made it just in the nick of time. Rats! ;-)
}
61... Bg3 62. a5 Rh8 63. Rd3 Ra1+
{
Chess Tiger: Did you already vote for the final participant at the Tal Memorial 2012? I voted for Hou Yifan.
}
64. Rd1
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: I cast a 'write-in' vote for Salo Flohr...though I'm not sure of his availability. 
}
64... Ra2
{
Chess Tiger: Don't be angry, but your answer is not worth any (serious) comment. You should try to live in present instead of past! ;)
}
{
Chess Tiger: I should add: F...! I guess I missed a very good winning chance, which makes me really angry! I'm not planning to become a full member soon (again), but I would like to play one or two games with you instead of leaving this site. Would you?
}
65. Rd3
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: You have no sense of humor. ;-) So, to be serious I'll tell you I voted for Luke McShane.  Sure, we could play another game or two.  But there are better players here for you to play then me. 
}
65... Rc8 66. Rxg3
{
C. H. O'D. Schlechter: How about a four player tournament with us and two other players?
}
{
Space: The game deserved another end.
}
1-0

