The problem of choosing a move features prominently in this weeks radio show, which is back after a holiday break. Should one play practically and settle for a good move or search for the best move?
A excellent recent book by Andrew Soltis addresses this very problem and we take a close look at the subject, using a couple of well-chosen examples to illustrate the key points.
Three games from the recently concluded British Championship in Swansea, Wales, flesh out the show where I commentated for the spectators. Cobb-Hebden is a supreme example of economical defence:
Davies-Haslinger features an obscure gambit in the Reti, where White misses a golden opportunity. Can you spot what to do next?
White to play
Finally Rowson-Pert where the ventual winner is utterly outplayed in a theoretical Slav.
13 Ke2N was an unsuccessful novelty.
The puzzle is quite easy this week so please email your solutions to andrew@andrewmartinchessacademy.com and see if you can win a prize!
Lowe-Aston, 1981
Black to play and win
Check in to the server at 21:00 GMT / 22:00 CEST this Wednesday and enjoy the show!
The Andrew Martin Radio ChessBase lecture begins on Wednesdays at 21:30h CEST (European Central time = server time, which translates to 20:30h London, 3:30 p.m. New York, 05:30 a.m. Sydney (on Thursday). You can use Fritz or any Fritz-compatible program (Shredder, Junior, Tiger, Hiarcs) to follow the lectures, or download a free trial client. |
The
Andrew Martin Chess Academy opens today, March 1st 2006. The site
offers a personal game annotation service; a regular newsletter written by AMCA
staff; the best online tuition in terms of value and quality; a series of tournaments
for children aged under 14; all aspects of chess training, including specific
opening preparation; an AMCA room at PlayChess.com, where lessons may be held
in complete privacy with our expert tutors – all at a time that is best
for you at any time of day or night, anywhere in the world. The motto: "Join
us, Improve and enjoy your chess!"
He is not some unknown in the world of chess. Andrew Martin was the star commentator in the 2000 London match between Garry Kasparov and Vladimir Kramnik, and he gained recent international fame and popularity with his live audio commentary on Playchess.com during the FIDE world championship in San Luis.
Andrew is also a prolific chess trainer, not just live in British scholastic circles, but also in a series of training DVDs he has produced for ChessBase, taking full advantage of our Chess Media System. His lively, entertaining style, combined with a good dash of humour, makes any lesson with him a delight to follow.
Andrew Martin is 47 years old and lives in Sandhurst, England, with his wife and four children. His book King‘s Indian Battle Plans for Thinkers Press was an international best-seller.
Each week Martin will cast his eye over the contemporary chess scene, presenting a veritable pot-pourri of interesting topics. We look forward to the pleasure of your company.
