Your judgement, please - Pt. 108

Retirado do site Chessbase.com.

Ataque austríaco
El jugador de las piezas blancas ya había invertido dos de sus efectivos en esta partida de la Bundesliga Austríaca para poner en apuros al rey negro. ¿Cómo valoraría usted la situación tras el último movimiento, 26...Cc1-d3? El ataque de las blancas...
A) conduce a jaque continuo;
B) lleva al mate forzado;
C) termina la partida: la ventaja de material de las negras es decisiva.
La solución está aquí, pero antes de mirarla le sugerimos que reflexione sobre el problema

Solución

Your judgement, please - Pt. 107

Retirado do site Chessbase.com.

Por un peón de más...
Por un peón de más hay que ser capaz de correr algún riesgo. Eso debió haber pensado el segundo jugador aquí al liquidar el peón pasado de las blancas con 25...Ab5xc6, que por supuesto fue respondido con 26.Tb1-e1, con lo cual todas las piezas negras estaban siendo atacadas directa o indirectamente. ¿Cómo valoraría la posición en estos momentos?
A) Las negras pueden romper la clavada favorablemente;
B) no tienen ventaja, pero el fuerte peón b les garantiza las tablas;
C) las negras pierden una pieza.
La solución está aquí, pero antes de mirarla le sugerimos que reflexione sobre el problema

Por un peón de más hay que ser capaz de correr algún riesgo. Eso debió haber pensado el segundo jugador aquí al liquidar el peón pasado de las blancas con 25...Ab5xc6, que por supuesto fue respondido con 26.Tb1-e1, con lo cual todas las piezas negras estaban siendo atacadas directa o indirectamente. ¿Cómo valoraría la posición en estos momentos?

A) Las negras pueden romper la clavada favorablemente;
B) no tienen ventaja, pero el fuerte peón b les garantiza las tablas;
C) las negras pierden una pieza.

Solución

Your judgement, please - Pt. 106

Retirado do site Chessbase.com.

El control en la columna d...
El control en la columna "d" era la la gran ventaja de las blancas en esta partida del Memorial Tal, que actualmente se está disputando en Moscú. Con su último movimiento 20.Tfd1, el jugador de blancas buscaba forzar una decisión de la torre negra en d8. ¿Qué opina del cambio en d6?
A) Es bueno y conduce a la igualdad total.
B) Es malo, porque tras 21.exd6 el caballo Cc7 atacado tiene que ser desplazado y el peón pasado de las blancas llega a ser demasiado fuerte.
C) Ni fu, ni fa.
La solución está aquí, pero antes de mirarla le sugerimos que reflexione sobre el problema

El control en la columna "d" era la la gran ventaja de las blancas en esta partida del Memorial Tal, que actualmente se está disputando en Moscú. Con su último movimiento 20.Tfd1, el jugador de blancas buscaba forzar una decisión de la torre negra en d8. ¿Qué opina del cambio en d6?
A) Es bueno y conduce a la igualdad total.
B) Es malo, porque tras 21.exd6 el caballo Cc7 atacado tiene que ser desplazado y el peón pasado de las blancas llega a ser demasiado fuerte.
C) Ni fu, ni fa.

Solución

Your judgement, please - Pt. 105

Retirado do site Chessbase.com.

Una rápida decisión...
...sobre su torre atacada por el alfil desde h3 era la que tenía que tomar el jugador que conducía las piezas negras en esta posición, en la partida de la gran final del torneo de ajedrez rápido de Córcega de este año. ¿Qué le parecería a usted la jugada 20...Tc6? Esto:
A) permite a las negras aliviar la presión;
B) conduce a la pérdida de material;
C) mantiene la posición poco clara.
La solución está aquí, pero antes de mirarla le sugerimos que reflexione sobre el problema

Una rápida decisión sobre su torre atacada era la que tenía que tomar el jugador que conducía las piezas negras en esta posición, en la partida de la gran final del torneo de ajedrez rápido de Córcega de este año. ¿Qué le parecería a usted la jugada 20...Tc6? Esto:
A) permite a las negras aliviar la presión;
B) conduce a la pérdida de material;
C) mantiene la posición poco clara.

Solución

Calendário de eventos enxadrísticos - Novembro/2010

Retirado do site ClubedeXadrez.com.br.

Atualizado em 5/11 às 7h35 (horário de verão) - Bom dia, MF Alberto Mascarenhas! - MF Francisco Terres Trois e Herman Claudius van Riemsdijk, MF Lincoln Lucena e Márcio Baeta são os participantes brasileiros do 20º Mundial de Seniores na italiana Arco. Logo mais a 10ª rodada - Aberto do Pará e Jogos Abertos do Interior Paulista são os destaques do fim de semana - jornal "O Estado de São Paulo", está sob censura há eclipsados 462 dias, acompanhado do "Diário do Grande ABC", de Santo André (SP), "Diário da Região" de São José do Rio Preto (SP) e de mais de uma centena de veículos de comunicação pelo Brasil

26/10 a 30/11 (sempre às terças, exceto 2/11) - Memorial Gilmar Gonçalves na Associação Atlética Banco do Brasil - Rio de Janeiro - em andamento

30/10 a 2/11: IRT Semifinal do Campeonato Brasileiro Absoluto/Região 1 - premiação: R$6.000,00 ($1.200,00 ao campeão) - inscrições para classificados: R$120,00 ou peça convite "VIP" pelo e-mail pablito@cbx.org.br - São Paulo - encerrado, 61 jogadores e a vitória do GM Alexandr Fier, com 6 em 7.

30/10 a 2/11: IRT Semifinal do Campeonato Brasileiro Absoluto - Região 2 - Recife - encerrado, 50 jogadores e a vitória do MF Paulo Fernando Jatobá de Oliveira Reis, com 5,5 em 7 e melhor desempate que o MF Carlos Alberto Barbosa, Paulo Eduardo Silva e Adriano Albiani Barata.

30/10 a 1/11: IRT Magistral João Lourenço Cordioli - Petrolina - PE - encerrado

30 e 31/10: Final do Circuito de Pensadas do Metrópole Xadrez Clube - premiação: R$500,00 - Porto Alegre - encerrado

30/10: Torneio de Rápidas o Alfabarra Clube - para jogadores com rating até 2099 - premiação: R$600,00 - churrasco grátis, comemorativo do aniversário dos irmãos Carlos e Renato Carvalho - Rio de Janeiro - encerrado

30/10: Torneio Clube de Xadrez Mogi das Cruzes no Colégio Policursos - premiação: R$600,00 ($200,00 ao campeão) - SP - encerrado

31/10 a 30/11: IRT Desafio Master da Associação Leopoldinense/Alex - 7 jogadores - Rio de Janeiro - em andamento

1 a 3: IRT Jaó - Goiânia - em andamento

2: 10º Memorial Fritz Loepert / 9ª etapa do Circuito dos Feriados GXBG - premiação: R$250,00 ($100,00 ao campeão) - São Paulo - encerrado, 41 jogadores e a vitória de Marcos Monteiro Jorge, com 5,5 em 6.

5 a 7: 2º IRT de Aniversário de Itapetininga - SP

6 e 7: 6ª etapa classificatória do Campeonato Absoluto do Triângulo, Alto Paranaíba e Noroeste de Minas - premiação: R$600,00 ($200,00 ao campeão) - Iturama

6: competição enxadrística da Olimpíada da Cidadania - Mesquita - RJ

7 a 13: Competições enxadrísticas dos Jogos Abertos do Interior - Santos - SP

7: 2º Torneio Relâmpago de Xadrez na Praça - inscrições gratuitas, abertas em 7/10 - 36 vagas - Concórdia - SC

7: Torneio de Rápidas no Parque Guinle - Rio de Janeiro

12 a 15: IRT Aberto do Pará - premiação: R$5.000,00 ($1.200,00 ao campeão) - Belém

12 a 15/11: IRT Desafio Clássico da Associação Leopoldinense/Alex - fechado, provavelmente 8 jogadores - Rio de Janeiro

12 a 14: Campeonato Cearense Feminino - Fortaleza

13: 7ª Copa Mercosul - premiação: R$750,00 ($300,00 ao campeão) - Uruguaiana - RS

13: 4ª e última etapa do Circuito de Xadrez Rápido de Lacerdópolis - SC - participaram das três etapas anteriores 599 jogadores, que representaram 16 cidades da região. A liderança no Absoluto é de Juliano Artêmio Zonta (Fraiburgo), com 27,5 pontops, seguido de um trio de Chapecó formado por Dieferson Massaroto(24,5), Dalvan Francesquina(23,5) e Derlei Alex Florianovitz(23). Em quinto aparece o Lageano Marco Aurélio Zaror Cordeiro(21,5).

15: 5º Torneio Proclamação da República - 10ª e última etapa do Circuito dos Feriados GXBG - São Paulo

15: Copa Franco Montoro - categorias Especial e Absoluto - São Paulo

16 a 24: Magistral Feminino CBX - válido para norma de WMI - São Paulo

18 a 21: Aberto do Brasil Itaipú Binacional - premiação: R$5.000,00 ($1.000,00 ao campeão) -Curitiba

19 a 25: IRT 25º Memorial Capablanca - Fortaleza

19 a 21: IRT Aberto Nordestino de Veteranos - João Pessoa

19 a 21: IRT Aberto de Batatais - premiação: R$2.000,00 - SP

20 e 21: 18ª Copa Sigma - premiação: R$5.000,00 ($1.500,00 ao campeão) - Salvador

20 e 21: IRT Copa Fexeg - Goiânia

20: Torneio Alto Ferradura - premiação: R$450,00 ($200,00 ao campeão) - Armação de Búzios - RJ

20: 2ª etapa da Copa Rio de Xadrez Escolar - categorias Sub 16 a Sub 8 - inscrições: R$5,00 (70 jogadores) - Duque de Caxias

20: 6ª etapa do Circuito Convergência 21 - premiação: R$700,00 ($250,00 ao campeão) - Duque de Caxias

20: 5º Torneio Dia da Consciência Negra - final A do Circuito Xadrez nos Feriados GXBG - São Paulo

20: 5º Torneio Zumbi dos Palmares - final B do Circuito dos Feriados GXBG - São Paulo

21: 2º Aberto de São José dos Campos no Sesc - premiação: R$5.100,00 ($1.500,00 ao campeão) - inscrições: R$30,00 em prol do Fundo Social de Solidariedade local - SP

26 a 28: Semifinal do Campeonato Mineiro Absoluto - 10 vagas para a Final - Nova Resende - MG

27 e 28: Campeonato Capixaba Feminino - Santa Maria de Jetibá

27 e 28: IRT Clube de Xadrez Campos/Convergência Fluminense - premiação: R$1.000,00 ($300,00 ao campeão)

28 a 4/12: IRT Campeonato Panamericano Feminino - Campinas - SP

28: 4ª etapa do 9º Cirduito Escolar do Paraná - inscrições do dia 15 ao dia 24 - Instituto de Engenharia de Curitiba

Your judgement, please - Pt. 104

Retirado do site Chessbase.com.

Sobre la máxima distancia de jaque
En el diagrama se ve la partida Efimenko vs. Moen disputada en Plovdiv 2010, con las blancas en la posición ganadora de un final de torres. El rey negro está castigado y queda confinado en un extremo del tablero; el monarca blanco, por su parte, puede participar en los aconticimientos de manera activa. Aún así, y tal y como suele ocurrir tantas veces en el ajedrez, la precisión es primordial. ¿Qué recomendaría Ud. a las blancas aquí? En su análisis, el gran maestro alemán Dr. Karsten Müller les enseñará algo sobre la "máxima distancia de jaque" y cómo jugar un final de peones ganador, junto con conocimientos acerca de la zona ganadora del rey en el final de dama contra peón.

En el diagrama se ve la partida Efimenko vs. Moen disputada en Plovdiv 2010, con las blancas en la posición ganadora de un final de torres. El rey negro está castigado y queda confinado en un extremo del tablero; el monarca blanco, por su parte, puede participar en los aconticimientos de manera activa. Aún así, y tal y como suele ocurrir tantas veces en el ajedrez, la precisión es primordial. ¿Qué recomendaría Ud. a las blancas aquí? En su análisis, el gran maestro alemán Dr. Karsten Müller les enseñará algo sobre la "máxima distancia de jaque" y cómo jugar un final de peones ganador, junto con conocimientos acerca de la zona ganadora del rey en el final de dama contra peón.

Análisis Efimenko-Moen por el GM Karsten Müller...

Your judgement, please - Pt. 103

Retirado do site Chessbase.com.

Una invitación a una excursión por campo abierto
Eso fue lo que las blancas le mandaron al rey negro con su último movimiento, 12.Df3. Está clara cuál es la intención, pues tras 12...Axe5 era natural jugar 13.Dxc6 y luego 14.Txe5. ¿Qué opina usted? ¿Cuál será el resultado de dicha operación teniendo en cuenta la falta de desarrollo en ambos bandos?
A) Ventaja para las negras.
B) Ventaja para las blancas.
C) Igualdad.
Tiene la solución aquí, pero antes de mirarla le sugerimos que reflexione sobre el problema

Solución

Your judgement, please - Pt. 102

Retirado do site Chessbase.com.

The rook strike on f7...
28.10.2010 – ... followed by a queen pin was what White couldn't resist in this position, being well aware of Black's strong passed pawn on b2. What do you think did 22.Rxf7 Rxf7 23.Qc4 bring about at the end?
A) victory for White;
B) victory for Black;
C) draw;

The solution is here, but first ponder over it with a larger version of the diagram.

The rook strike on f7 followed by a queen pin was what White couldn't resist in this position, being well aware of Black's strong passed pawn on b2. What do you think did 22.Rxf7 Rxf7 23.Qc4 bring about at the end?
A) victory for White;
B) victory for Black;
C) draw;

Solution

Chess sets for the Jet Set

Retirado do site Chessbase.com.

17.10.2010 – Got 140 thousand dollars and not sure what to spend it on? Maybe you have a few thousand lying around, and are just trying to meet your monthly chess quota. If you have been frustrated by our reviews and recommendations of relatively inexpensive items, let us make it up to you with a profile on chess sets designed exclusively for the rich and famous.

Who has never found themseleves with some money to spend and were then stumped on what their best investment might be? For example, suppose you had 140 thousand dollars lying around, gathering dust. You had already bought all the books and encyclopedias that you would never read, and the next obvious move was to spend that useless pile of cash on chess. You could purchase a chess set that would cause everlasting envy among your friends, but where to start? If this scenario has evoked a feeling of deep empathy in you, accompanied by a sympathetical nod, then fret no more as we have a few suggestions to help for a wide range of budgets, whether it be a full 140 grand, or a few piddly thousand dollars.

If you are one of those unfortunate souls actually wondering how to spend 140 thousand dollars on a chess set and astonish your friends (beyond the ostentatious price tag that is), meet

The Lord Linley Chess Set and Chess Table

Lord David Linley (Queen Elizabeth's nephew) and artist Graham Knuths are designing the highly collectible chess sets of tomorrow. The Lord Linley Chess Set is a magnificent blend of exquisite design and craftsmanship and is one of the world's true chess collectibles.

Lord David Linley (Queen Elizabeth's nephew) and artist Graham Knuths posing
behind their masterpiece.

There's nothing unusual about artist Graham Knuttel manufacturing a chess set and table in collaboration with Queen Elizabeth's nephew, London furniture designer Viscount David Linley.

This chess set belongs to a limited edition of twelve. Notice the large carved pieces are cast in 52 kilos (114 pounds) of solid silver. All the pieces are hallmarked - and the tallest pieces are 16 inches tall while the smaller ones are eight inches.

A sample piece with its mold.

Knuttel’s chess pieces are not based on any design from ancient chess games. “They are formal and pageantry in style and loosely based on the figures in my animal paintings, and a bit like the characters in my work,” he says. Knuttel is famous for his dramatic, sharp-edged, jigsaw like shapes.

Final work on one of the black knights.

The chess idea had been in gestation for some time. "I started making them six years ago, and then stopped and put the pieces in my basement for a year or two before I resurrected them again. It took me a lifetime to think up the idea, and two years to make the 12 sets."

The final set of pieces on the board.

And it appears they were worth the wait. Retailing at $150,000 each, "they are good value for the price", he says. "You'd pay that for a good car. And they'll never fall to bits like a car or lose their value." In a limited edition of 12, the large carved pieces are cast in 52 kilos of solid silver. There are now just two of his sets left for sale and he says "there will be no bother in getting rid of them."

There is particularly good news for the frugal: although normally priced at $150 thousand, they are currently on sale for $139,995.00. Please note these items qualify for free shipping, so hurry while stocks last.

Price: $139,995.00 (plus free shipping)

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Of course, while striking, and a perfect discussion piece to decorate the chateau's antechamber, the competitor will know that they are impractical to take to weekend tournaments. As such, please consider the

Silver Jubilee Chess

The Queen's Silver Jubilee chess set by Zontik Games is restored to its formidable 1977 glory, back when it won the coveted Design Council Award. Pieces are made of solid Sterling silver-gilt, 5 micron gold plated. The hand-inlaid Dauphin leather chessboard is trimmed in matching sterling silver-gilt.

Fit for the hands of royalty, the Silver Jubilee chessmen was designed with the serious player in mind, and as such not only are the pieces balanced to US Chess Federation playing weight, but it comes with two extra Queens.

Pieces are made of solid Sterling silver-gilt, 5 micron gold plated. The hand-inlaid Dauphin leather chessboard is trimmed in matching sterling silver-gilt.Enhanced by precious metals and personal options, pieces are available in sterling silver and sterling silver-gilt.

Price: $53,735.00 (for sterling silver pieces), and $62,450.00 (for the silver-gilt set)

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Chess Set 4000-FM

With a glassy finish, the elegant board combines with custom-color pear-tree or bone inlays and invites awe. The unique flat planar pieces are crafted from butter-soft calfskin and vegetable-dyed in your choice of colors. Functional and flamboyant, the pieces fit into insets on the board, allowing each move to be sturdy and definitive. Board available in black-stain varnished, waxed pear-tree, or deep ebony. This very avantguard chess set is also by Zontik Games.

Note that while fascinating to look at, and very modern, this set may not be ideal for bullet games.

Price: $9,790.00

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The House of Staunton is famous for their offerings of highly refined, yet classic wooden sets of pieces and boards. However, they don't only offer wooden sets, they also have a set made of ivory. Introducing the

Wooly Mammoth Ivory Luxury chess set

"Crafted from 40,000-year old Wooly Mammoth Ivory, they capture the exquisite design and proportions of the original Staunton pattern Chess set, registered by Nathaniel Cook and produced by Jaques of London in 1849"

For more than 2,000 years, Mammoth Ivory has been traded and it remains a highly prized commodity across the world. While that demand for the Mammoth Ivory has always been higher than its supply, it skyrocketed in 1963 when the CITES agreement was enacted. This agreement banned all sales of new Elephant or Walrus Ivory, in an effort to protect the animals from extinction. As a result, Mammoth Ivory became the only type of animal-based ivory that is exempt from the international trade restrictions because it is considered to be a fossil.

The Chess pieces are hand carved by master artisans and crafted out of the finest materials. Because of the natural weight of Mammoth Ivory, the pieces have an excellent feel that does not require any artificial weighting. All 34 chess pieces are crafted from Mammoth Ivory. The black army is crafted from Mammoth Ivory that has been stained black to provide the perfect amount of contrast. The chess pieces are presented au natural, with nothing on the underside of the pieces. This is done intentionally to allow chess players the opportunity to appreciate the magnificent grain of the Mammoth Ivory. Included with the purchase of this Chess set is a set of English Leather base pads that can be affixed to the underside of the both armies if so desired.

Price: $9,995.00

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This set is done in painstaking handiwork for the green supporter wishing to express their love and concern for nature whilst adding an elegant visual touch to their home.

Endangered Parrots of the World Chess Set

Many of the colorful species of parrots on our planet are endangered or threatened with extinction. The enchanting Chess Set has been created from FSC certified North American woods, Walnut and Maple; with 24k Gold and Sterling Silver plated Pewter playing pieces and Recycled Glass ball feet. It is finished with a beautifully rendered Gold plated orchid border, the Laelia Xanthina Orchid, an endangered orchid, which blooms in November and December.

This set is also available with vibrant Enamel chess pieces, each parrot of which is is hand painted, highlighting their magnificent plumage. The set with enamel finish with 24K gold and sterling silver can be had for $4,790.00

Price: $4,790.00 (for enamel finish with 24K gold and sterling silver)

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The gentleman wishing to add a classic wood set with a tribute to a few of the great cities will enjoy the

Steve Vigar Designs Chess Set

Chicago skyline pieces displayed on custom drawered board.

Steve Vigar's handmade chess sets are a conversation piece unlike any other. Handcrafted from exotic woods, each playing piece is unique. The back row pieces each recreate an important part of the famous skylines of San Francisco, New York, or Chicago, while individual pawns represent the varied residential architectural styles. The board is made of solid zebra wood and whangee.

A set of white pieces illustrating New York.

Price: $3100 (including custom drawered board)

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Finally, for those who not only want a beautiful set, but also one that carries a well-known brand name synonymous of chic, there is

Ralph Lauren's Hammond Chess Set

A sleek and modern rendition of a classic favorite, Ralph Lauren's Hammond chess set is crafted from rich leather and blackened nickel -- an ideal gift for the game aficionado. The blackened nickel board and chessmen are modeled after a minimalist modern design, and the black leather base conveniently stores all game contents.

There is a plaque under lid is etched with the signature "Ralph Lauren" and a unique number to distinguish this rare collector's item.

Price: $1995.00

Your judgement, please - Pt. 101

Retirado do site Chessbase.com.

Autoclavada: ¿salvación o suicidio?
En esta posición, tomada de la partida número 20 del duelo por el título mundial entre Alekhine y Euwe, en 1935, las negras (Alekhine) acababan de jugar Td6-a6 con lo cual sus piezas ubicadas en el flanco de dama se encontraban en una situación bastante delicada. ¿Cómo evaluaría Ud. la situación?
A) Equilibrada. Las negras se desatarán en el próximo movimiento con ...Ab5.
B) Las blancas podrán evitar esa maniobra, tras lo cual las negras se encontrarán en una vía muerta con sus piezas.
C) Gana material inmediatamente.
La solución está aquí, pero antes de mirarla le sugerimos que reflexione sobre el problema

En esta posición, tomada de la partida número 20 del duelo por el título mundial entre Alekhine y Euwe, en 1935, las negras (Alekhine) acababan de jugar Td6-a6 con lo cual sus piezas ubicadas en el flanco de dama se encontraban en una situación bastante delicada. ¿Cómo evaluaría Ud. la situación?
A) Equilibrada. Las negras se desatarán en el próximo movimiento con ...Ab5.
B) Las blancas podrán evitar esa maniobra, tras lo cual las negras se encontrarán en una vía muerta con sus piezas.
C) Gana material inmediatamente.

Solución...