Smirnov's Simul

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Recently there was “a sportsman’s day” in Russia. I was invited to give a simul in the central park of the city.

The most talented young players were given a chance to test their skills against a Grandmaster. I played a few interesting games that I’d like to share with you today.

NOTE: I’m playing White in all of these games.

Game #1

White’s turn

White has a dominating position and has several promising continuations. What is the most powerful way to end the game?

PLEASE, THINK ABOUT THE POSITION AND MAKE YOUR CHOICE. AFTER THAT YOU MAY CONTINUE READING.

Of course, White can grab the pawn 1.Qb7; however, there’s a much easier way for a win.

Remember this: the f7 square is the weakest point in Black’s position. White can take advantage of it in different opening lines.

That said, White can also play 1.Bc4-Rf8, 2.Rh8!

Game #1

 

Black’s turn

No matter what Black plays, White will continue with Qf7 on the next move. This wins the game immediately.

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Game #2

White’s turn

White is more active, but Black is a pawn up and has built defensive fortifications. Is there any way for White to break through?

At the end of this article, you’ll find a link to the solutions for all of the examples.

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Game #3

 

White’s turn

This is a funny example. This might be the shortest game I’ve ever played.

Obviously White is winning. Nevertheless, when you give a simul and have A LOT of games to play – you really need to beat weak opponents quickly. Then you’ll be able to focus on the games against tough rivals.

So, what is the quickest way for a victory?

Below is me, thinking about it. Please think about that yourself, too, and then check the solution below.

The initial impulse is to capture Black’s bishop somehow (1.fe or 1.Ne7). However, White can deliver a smothered mate: 1.fg-Rg8, 2.Nf6#

Game #3

 

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The previous example was simple. Now let’s test your skills in a much more complex position.

Game #4

 

Black’s turn

When I played my last move 1.Rd7, honestly, I thought that Black should resign. White is attacking Black’s king side pawns, and if Black protects them somehow (1…Kf6, for instance) – White continues 2.Rb7 getting two connected passed pawns on the queen side.

Do you think Black actually resigned? Not at all! He found a sudden way “to stay in the game”. Can you find Black’s defensive idea?

Below is the photo of me, playing against this really persistent opponent.

 Surprisingly, this was the longest game in the simul!

At the end of this article, you’ll find a link to the solutions for all of the examples.

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I was really impressed by some of the participants. In the following game, my opponent has set up a REALLY tricky snare!

Game #5

 

White’s turn

It seems that White can win easily: 1.Bb5 (installing a pin) -Bb7, 2.Qc3

Black is losing his c6-knight and should resign, shouldn’t he?

Game #5

 

Black’s turn

Can you find any way for Black to escape?

 

This boy almost caught me in a REALLY tricky snare!

In the above diagram, Black has a shocking move 2…Nd4! – getting a huge advantage!

Game #5

 

You can download all the games from this article here:  Smirnov_simul

Note: If you don’t know how to open *.pgn files – please read this FAQ: LINK

If you are curious about the final result of the simul, there was one draw, while I managed to win the other games.

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Perhaps you’ve heard about a Russian chess school. Let me reveal some of its secrets 

The cute female on the right (who has just presented me the trophy) is president of a city chess club! 

To conclude, I have a good newss for you : We’ll open our own ONLINE PLATFORM soon !!!

It will offer many options like :

• An online access to my courses
• Live training
• Tracking your performances 
• And many other options !

The platform will be ready till September and i’ll let you know it.

I have also a second good news : A new WEBINAR will be conducted the 31 August! So be careful 

P.S. If you enjoyed the article, please click the “Like” button on the left or write your comments below. Thank you!

The Power of a Chess Game

GM Igor Smirnov is back with an article. So go ahead and read it now!

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When I have a conversation with a stranger, usually the first questions he/she asks are:

 What’s your name? > Where are you from? > What’s your profession?

Up to this moment, the conversation has been going seamlessly. However, after I say that my profession relates to chess, the interlocutor often takes a pause to think.. 

During the following chat, he/she asks about a chess game and why people play this game. Maybe you’ve had a similar experience. Hence I’ve decided to write a short article about it.

So, why do people play chess? What’s the useful effect of this game?

1.    It trains your brain.

While physical exercises improve your body, chess, as an intellectual sport, sharpens your mind.

Some time ago I saw statistics about the hobbies of the richest people on the planet. Chess was in 4^th place on this list.

Also, chess helps you cultivate your champion psychology. Of course, there are lots of other kinds of sport, but they carry a serious risk of trauma.

Maybe this is the reason why even famous boxers enjoy playing chess.

BBC News Magazine provided this photo and wrote: “The former world heavyweight champion, Lennox Lewis, is now more likely to be seen hunched over the chess board than in the boxing ring.”

That’s why chess is  great training tool FOR KIDS. Children can train to acquire lots of useful skills without any risk.

FOR MATURE PEOPLE, chess helps slow down ageing and keep them in good shape.

2.    Chess can be a pleasant pastime or a job.

One may enjoy playing chess in one’s spare time. For others, chess may become a nice job, where you get paid for your hobby!

Unfortunately, lots of people have to take a job they dislike completely (just to make a living). That said, it’s really great if you can get money from something you enjoy and believe in. I’m happy to be in this situation 

In addition to that, chess does not have any real restrictions in terms of requirements. Almost everyone can play it. You don’t need to visit a special training hall or to buy expensive equipment. People can play chess starting from 4 years old and without any top age limit.

Nowadays, thanks to the Internet, one can study chess effectively from any place on the planet. This is especially important for people from developing countries and for the areas without “chess infrastructure” (clubs, teachers, etc.).

3.    Chess can support your traveling around the world.

Even during my schoolboy era, I visited so many countries (while playing in tournaments) that my international passport was completely filled with visas.

These days I still enjoy traveling. It’s easy to do so because I have students or other chess friends in almost every country 

Last (in this article) but not least:

4.    Chess helps you meet good friends and intelligent people.

Thanks to chess, I’ve met a lot of very nice and interesting people from various countries.

Recently I got married.

The very first time I met my future wife was… at the age of 9, in a local chess tournament for kids 

Of course, there are lots of other advantages to playing chess. But I don’t want to make this article endless, so let’s finish at this point.

Now, if someone asks you about chess, you may resend this article to him/her 

So let’s test your skills in a position from the recent game between two top GMs.

Radjabov T. – Karjakin S.Black’s turn

Black’s position is critical. Can you find the way to escape?

Solution : 46...Rb6+! Instead of protecting the pawn, Black is forcing White to capture it!

 Black's position looks critical. The only way to protect f5-pawn is46...Rb5 However, after 47.Kf6 Black is in zugzwang. Of course Black may not move his king: 46...Kg6 47.Rg8+ Kh748.b8Q+- 47.Kxf5 Rxb7! That's the point; it leads to a stalemate. 48.Rxb7 Game drawn½–½

In order to let you have some fun, I’ll share a few photos from my recent trip.

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So enjoyed the article from GM Smirnov? And now you know the power of a chess game. So why don't you try reading his chess courses! Go to the page where you want the chess course ( You are currently in HOME page ). Good Luck!

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