Chess News
Master Class Vol.10: Mikhail Botvinnik
Our experts show, using the games of Botvinnik, how to employ specific openings successfully, which model strategies are present in specific structures, how to find tactical solutions and rules for how to bring endings to a successful conclusion
There are different possible approaches when organizing one's chess agenda. Some players wish to extend their chess map with each new tournament, while others prefer returning again and again to the places they like most. Even though not completely indifferent to the former issue, there are tournaments where I return with never diminished delight even after 10, 20 or more years. The Capo d'Orso international open, hosted by the Porto Mannu Residence Resort, is one of my absolute favourites.
The excellent playing conditions, idyllic environment and organizer's kindness are a few elements allowing one to combine serious chess with a dream vacation.
Our day-by-day preparation mainly consisted of Italian coffee, Mare Nostrum and, of course, Bronstein's games
(Click or tap to enlarge all images)
The popular touristic area Capo d'Orso (the Bear's Cape in Sardinian) owes its name to a massive rock in the shape of a bear. No matter how many pictures you take, they are mere appetizers for the true feeling you get in Porto Mannu.
The bear from far | Photo: Laura Santini
The bear up close and local foliage in Mariya Yugina's artistic and pictorial vision
The beach and the bay on a summer's day | Photo: Mariya Yugina
Semi-Tarrasch: A universal weapon against 1.d4
Even though the Semi-Tarrasch cannot offer a complete repertoire against 1.d4, being conditioned of White’s move order, it is an excellent complement to the Nimzoindian Defence. Throughout history, great players like Fischer, Kortschnoj and Kramnik have included the Semi-Tarrasch in their repertoire which strongly speaks about its safe character and Black’s possibilities for counterplay. GM Mihail Marin presents a complete Semi-Tarrasch repertoire for Black, explaining the main strategic ideas of the resulting structures.
Spying on my wife Mariya Yugina while she made a few sketches
In the playing hall, conducting a true chess symphony | Photo: Yuri Garrett
Despite the participation of a big bunch of young talented players, the 10th edition ended in a success for the more experienced grandmasters. Both the winner Karen Movsziszian and the runner-up, myself, are well passed of the Senior age limit, while the bronze medalist Vladislav Nevednichy is quite close to it, too.
Two crucial games for the top classification were Movsziszian-Sonis and Marin-Ivanisevic.
On this DVD, Mihail Marin presents the major tactical themes and options available for both sides in the Benoni. Based on an interactive format the well-known theoretician and Grandmaster invites you to take part and challenge yourself.
Taking the success naturally: Veni, Vidi, Vici | Photo: Laura Santini
Power Strategy 2 - The Middlegame - Static Positions
The second DVD deals with the middlegame positions where static factors play a determining part, permanently taking into account the inseparable dynamic and tactical elements.
Marin vs Ivanisevic | Photo: Yuri Garrett
Mariagrazia de Rosa and Mariya Yugina, first and second in the woman classification, respectively.
This DVD offers Black a complete repertoire against all weapons White may employ on move six. The recommended repertoire is not as risky as other Sicilians but still offers Black plenty of counter-play.
Men may play better chess, but ladies are the true champions when displaying happiness for the conquered medals | Photo: by Laura Santini
"What is so funny, Yuri? I really played well!" | Photo: Laura Santini
Winning against the Classical Slav
The videos on this DVD give White a repertoire with concrete variations against all main lines Black can play and also show the typical strategic and tactical ideas of the Slav and the hidden subtleties of the position.
"If I start attacking him now would I be in time to go to the beach?" | Photo: Yuri Garrett
| Rk. | Name | Pts. | TB1 |
| 1 | Movsziszian Karen | 7,5 | 51,0 |
| 2 | Marin Mihail | 7,0 | 55,0 |
| 3 | Nevednichy Vladislav | 6,5 | 52,0 |
| 4 | Colovic Aleksandar | 6,5 | 51,5 |
| 5 | Bulmaga Irina | 6,5 | 51,0 |
| 6 | Christiansen Johan-Sebastian | 6,5 | 50,5 |
| 7 | Risting Eivind Olav | 6,5 | 46,5 |
| 8 | Sonis Francesco | 6,0 | 55,5 |
| 9 | Rambaldi Francesco | 6,0 | 53,5 |
| 10 | Ivanisevic Ivan | 6,0 | 52,0 |
| 11 | Haug Johannes | 6,0 | 51,0 |
| 12 | Lehner Oliver | 6,0 | 50,0 |
| 13 | Zgadzaj Rafal | 6,0 | 48,5 |
| 14 | Dvirnyy Danyyil | 5,5 | 54,0 |
| 15 | de Francesco Klaus | 5,5 | 50,5 |
| 16 | Visser Henk-Jan | 5,5 | 49,0 |
| 17 | Viviani Alessio | 5,5 | 47,5 |
| 18 | Esposito Luca | 5,5 | 47,5 |
| 19 | Ranaldi Lucas | 5,5 | 47,0 |
| 20 | Bentivegna Francesco | 5,5 | 46,5 |
Looking at the games and classification it is easy to overlook a true hero of this tournament and Italian chess in general. Despite his ALS [a neurodegenerative disease], Alessio Viviani, who a few years ago won the Porto San Giorgio tournament, obtaining a Grandmaster norm, gave a hard time to a few Porto Mannu favourites.
Allessio Viviani playing with a custom chess board setup | Photo: Yuri Garrett
