ArKheiN wrote on 02/24/10 at 18:35:46:

In mid-2007, when I studied the Traxler ( http://www.chesscafe.com/text/kaiss23.pdf ), I liked Black's chances after 5.Bxf7+, but Reuben Fine's 5.d4! was strong and sufficient for a solid +=. But it's well possible that theory has changed since then, it's a difficult opening.

It works by server.  It may be a year or so before we play another match.  When we do, there should be a more formal process for deciding who represents us.  Or perhaps Tony would care to field two teams.  We're playing on his nickel, you see.

If only four people can play, we should go by Elo, I suppose.  How various Elos compare is a vexed question, but we should have some sort of objective selection process.

@Arkhein:  Traxler?  You are an adventuresome fellow.  I don't know if it would do to let a Traxler player represent ChessPub!  In this event, I'm playing the Sicilian Scheveningen (2...e6 and 5...d6) against 1.e4, Modern Benoni (2...c5 version) versus 1.d4, 1...c5 versus 1.Nf3 and 1.c4.

Hello Markovich, I know 2 of your opponents! I am playing a Traxler as White against Sanner (so I am better for the moment but maybe not sufficient to win) and I won every games in about equal positions against Krakovsky because he forfeited every games in the server I am playing

I would have been happy to represent the chesspub team. Does it work by mail or by server? Was it free for the players? I want to try ICCF one day.

Good luck for the team!

A draw against Mr. Lucky
Not bad

TalJechin wrote on 01/11/10 at 10:09:47:


It's nearly impossible to completely analyse all positions of any opening book in great length. I would say that authors tend to trust strong players and the first assesments of computers a bit too much. I usually try out my ideas with a computer and often the assesment of the program changes quite much as you go along a line, the famous horizon effect. Of course, my insticts are often wrong, but occasionally the verdict of a line can be changed from equal to clearly advantageous. 

This is why opening books by strong players who actually play the opening are the best. They have developed a feeling for the opening and know when to trust games and suggested computer lines.

I also suggest talking to your team mates (or other chess friends) about the games. It's usually very rewarding to analyse games (not only openings) with other players. CC is much about finding the right plan and execute it. With more players on your side, your more likely to find the best paths forward.

And the link to the tournament is http://www.iccf-webchess.com/EventCrossTable.aspx?id=20734

Whoa! I certainly will need that, being one of the three lowest seeds. Half of my opponents are rated 150 points higher or more; one guy has a friggin' 2452.
Should be fun.

Go team Chesspub!

Good luck all and keep us posted.