Author Archives: chessmusings

Countdown until Anand vs. Kramnik

     In 22 days Viswanathan Anand and Vladimir Kramnik will face off in Bonn, Germany for the title of World Chess Champion. According to my database these two elite chess players have faced each other in 127 official games. On these occasions, Anand beat Kramnik 19 to 15, with 93 draws. Below is VladimirContinueContinue reading “Countdown until Anand vs. Kramnik”

Nigel Short Forfeited By Cell Phone

The European Union Open Championships took place from September 9th to 18th September 2008 in Liverpool, England. Hometown hero and former world chess champion contender Nigel Short was penalized in this event for allowing his cell phone to ring. Before his game against Ketevan Arakhamia-Grant, Nigel Short turned off his brand new Nokia cell phoneContinueContinue reading “Nigel Short Forfeited By Cell Phone”

Ray Robson Wins Miami Open

Congratulations to13 Year-Old Ray Robson on placing first at the 2008 Miami Chess Open. After nine scheduled rounds, Ray ended in a tie for first with GM Darmen Sadvakasov. Ray defeated Darmen in an Armageddon game to capture first place. Below is the final cross-table as well as a beautiful game to put his achievement in perspective. [Event “Miami Open 2008”] [DateContinueContinue reading “Ray Robson Wins Miami Open”

Success during troubled economic times

Most of the Torres Chess and Music Academy’s chess programs have started and it is clear that our organization is on pace for its best year to date. Interesting that this should be the case with the United States economy in a dire situation. I may complain about the 4-5 hours driving time but atContinueContinue reading “Success during troubled economic times”

World Chess Championship?

Here are the new world chess rankings based on FIDE ratings. This makes the upcoming Kramnik vs. Anand match seem questionable in its ability to crown a new world champion. Then again, any match is better than another FIDE farse world championship tournament. 01 Topalov off 2790           02 Morozevich off 2787ContinueContinue reading “World Chess Championship?”

To Teach or not to Teach?

It happened again. I have received a very good offer to give chess lessons to another chess instructor who is not officially working for the Torres Chess and Music Academy. Teaching this individual would involve profiting personally but creating potential professional competition. I have yet to make my decision on whether to accept this opportunity.   InContinueContinue reading “To Teach or not to Teach?”

Kosteniuk become World Champion

On September 17, 2008, GM Alexandra Kosteniuk became the new Womens World Chess Champion by managing a draw against a very formidable fourteen year old opponent named  Hou Yifan. The Women’s World Championship took place from August 28th to September 18th in Nalchik, Russia. Below are all the games from the match. Enthusiasts can put them inContinueContinue reading “Kosteniuk become World Champion”