Neil Falconer (April 1, 1923 – April 5, 2014) Many NorCal chess players recognize the name “Falconer” in reference to an annual award given to the highest rated youth chess player in Northern California. Established in 1999, the Falconer Award has been given to such notable players as GM Vinay Bhat and GM Sam Shankland.ContinueContinue reading “Puzzle Worthy Position 48”
Tag Archives: Tigran Petrosian
The Chess Artistry of Tigran Petrosian
I recently described how chess can be considered an art form so it makes sense that I should also write about one of my favorite chess artists. Many artists had difficult childhoods and that can certainly be said of the ninth official World Champion Grandmaster Petrosian whose parents died before he was 16. Fortunately, PetrosianContinueContinue reading “The Chess Artistry of Tigran Petrosian”
A Perfect Equilibrium of Attack and Defense in Chess
We will never have be able to witness the greatest chess players from different historic eras playing matches against each other but that doesn’t stop me from musing about such matchups. Just imagine Paul Morphy launching an all out attack against the great defender Tigran Petrosian. I like to believe that, at least for oneContinueContinue reading “A Perfect Equilibrium of Attack and Defense in Chess”
#DontSpoilTheEndgame, Petrosian vs. Korchnoi (Moscow, 1963)
This position is from Petrosian vs. Korchnoi, Moscow 1963. Viktor Korchnoi (Black) has just played 34… Rf8. Now Tigran Petrosian has serious winning chances and plays 35. Rxh6. Was this a good move?
Betcha Can’t Solve This #Chess Puzzle 18
Black to move and mate in 5 (Paul Keres – Tigran Petrosian, Yugoslavia 1959).
California Summer Chess Fun
To this chess coach, Summer Fun in California means exciting chess camps every week of the summer. With chess classes planned every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day, I organize events for young chess players of all skill levels, including classes with great chess teachers, rated tournaments, chess simuls against grandmasters, chess book talksContinueContinue reading “California Summer Chess Fun”
Bent Larsen is Dead
The great Danish Grandmaster Bent Larsen died on September 9, 2010. Larsen was the Danish chess champion six times and a candidate for the world chess championship four times. Larsen was the riskiest of his contemporaries rarely leaving an unclear sacrifice unplayed. During his career Bent Larsen defeated Mikhail Botvinnik, Vasily Smyslov, Mikhail Tal, Tigran Petrosian,ContinueContinue reading “Bent Larsen is Dead”