Anand Chess Simul for Kids Spreads Holiday Cheer
Hello chess blog friends, former world chess champion Viswanathan Anand held a simul for school kids to spread the Christmas cheer. It was a rare opportunity for 10 students of Vriksha Global School at Tiruchengode and 16 students from other schools to take on the five-time world chess champion.
Needless to add, Anand won all the rapid games. “It is great playing with the champion,” said the students.“Though it is nervous to play with him, I learnt about confidence move,” they added. The students were from different categories, Under 8, 11, 13 and 16, selected through competitions conducted in the school.
Earlier, Anand inaugurated the NIIT Nguru MathLab and Mind Champion’s Academy in the school that will enable students to explore mathematical concepts and theorems using technology tools as well as hands-on-activities using mathematical models. Chairman of the school R. Rajasekaran, correspondent R. Harinivas, Territorial Manager of NIIT Aravind Sadhasivam and faculties were present. In his interaction with reporters, Mr. Anand complimented the State Government’s initiative of introducing chess in schools as it would encourage more students to play chess.
“The infrastructure in schools in villages needs to be improved,” he added.
He said that the game has grown in the last 10 years and said that online instruction for playing chess is easily available and asked enthusiasts to actively participate in all tournaments.
A relaxed Anand felt that the year was positive with three big wins and expressed hopeful for winning in coming years.
“It is good to end the year by winning London Chess Classic.
It energises me as there are about seven to eight tournaments in 2015,” the Grandmaster said with a smile.(Excerpted from a report by S. P. SARAVANAN in The Hindu)
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Labels: chess simul, Viswanathan Anand, world chess champion
Christmas Chess Comic with Chess Queen Kosteniuk
Hello chess blog friends, Merry Christmas with lots of chess fun. 12th Women's World Chess Champion Chess Queen™ Alexandra Kosteniuk is out with Santa to give out the gifts. If you know any kids around you, please share with them her chess comic. Remember that giving a chess set or a chess book or a chess program for Christmas is a great idea!
Happy holidays!
P.S. See the full comic below. You can see or download for print all comics in several languages here. You have permission to publish at no cost, as long as you leave the full page and text exactly as it is.
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Labels: Chess Queen Alexandra Kosteniuk, christmas chess comic, world chess champion
Will Play more Chess Tournaments in 2015: Anand
Hello chess blog friends, former World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand has said he will be playing more chess tournaments in 2014. Speaking to news agency PTI at a function by his sponsor NIIT, Anand said, he hoped his best was yet to come and "I try to be optimistic."
The 45-year-old said he was happy with his performance in the year that is drawing to a close as he won three tournaments, although he acknowledged that in the recent world championship he could not capitalise on the self-created opportunities.
"I am happy with this year. I played well in many tournaments. I won three tournaments. I hope the trend continues," Anand, who earlier launched the NIIT Nguru MathLab Plus at a function organised by Kennedy High global school here, said.
Anand said he created "more chances" during the world championship, which he lost to Magnus Carlsen of Norway at Sochi recently, but unfortunately could not make use of those.
Describing Carlsen as one having a "practical style" Anand said, "He is not someone who spends a lot of time in warming up and playing long openings."
On his plans the for the coming year, Anand, who won the London Chess Classic a few days ago, said: "I will be playing more tournaments in general. My focus is really shifting to tournaments."
Asked if he would like to go into coaching, the grandmaster said he has not thought about it as he was currently focused on playing.
"It's very difficult to combine (coaching) with the playing career. And I am still not ready to give that (playing career) up. I am still looking forward for playing for several years. And after that, we can see," he said.
Anand, who became India's first Grandmaster in 1988, disagreed with the perception in some quarters that training abroad is better than doing so back home.
"One should try to learn from the best from anywhere in the world. India has strong chess coaches and it's easy to find them," he opined.
Expressing happiness over the number of youngsters taking interest in chess, he approved the introduction of the game in education curriculum, saying it would help students perform better in academics also.
"Chess enables students to memorise and strategise better," said Anand.
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Labels: Viswanathan Anand, world chess champion
Vishy Anand Chess Trivia: What Trophy is That?
World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen plays 'Flick Chess' in Office! (Video)
World Chess Champion Trivia: Identify this Dutch GM!
Vladimir Kramnik Chess School in Russia Soon!
Hello chess blog friends, a chess school named after former world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik will start in Russia in about six months. Vladimir Kramnik was quoted by the Russian Chess Federation website:
"This is a very ambitious project. I speak again with the governor of the Krasnodar Territory, Alexander Tkachev. Done in school are children from all over the region, who want to learn to play chess, especially - professionally. There are plans to open six branches. In general, the structure has been created, but, of course, there is still a lot of organizational work."
The former World Chess Champion said the chess school is likely to be functional in about six months. The former world champion mentioned that the school would be possible by support and collective effort of a strong and committed team which was already working hard. Kramnik also said, not just chess coaches from the region, but those from outside would also be invited as guest lecturers at the chess school.
So, do we have more Russian world champions coming now soon from the Krasnodar region? Best wishes to GM Vladimir Kramnik with his chess school project.
Labels: chess school, vladimir kramnik, world chess champion
Happy Chess Halloween to all Chess Friends
Lopota Chess Grand Prix Trivia: Huge Congrats to Hou Yifan; Name all the Glorious Chess Girls!
Hello chess blog friends, a huge congratulations to Women's World Chess Champion Hou Yifan for winning the Chess Grand Prix in Lopota, Georgia. Let's be a little more sylish and say '祝贺您 (Zhùhè nín) to Hou Yifan! You can read a final report on the event at the official website with excellent photos by Alina l'Ami.
Playing excellent chess - Hou Yifan of China.
But, our trivia question for the day: Can you name all the glorious girls in this photo who took part in the premier chess event?
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Labels: Hou Yifan, lopota chess grand prix, world chess champion
World Chess Champion WSJ Interview Video: I do best when not thinking about Result!
Hello dear chess blog friends, here's a cool chess video - interview with all-format World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen given to Wall Street Journal. The World Champion talks about his results and what he feels about the game. The video includes a fun clip from the Chennai World Chess Championship 2013... and, we bet you remember it!
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Labels: Chess video, Magnus Carlsen, wall street journal, world chess champion
Armenian President meets World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen, World No. 2 Levon Aronian
Hello chess blog friends, here's some update about World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen's most recent trip. The Public Radio of Armenia has reported that the President of the Republic of Armenia, President of Chess Federation of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan received today World Chess Champion, Norwegian Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, who has arrived in Armenia at the invitation of the “Armenian Development Initiative” Fund and the “Acronis” Company. World Cup holder, three-time winner of the World Chess Olympics, Champion of the World Team Championship, GM Levon Aronian was also present at the meeting.
Attending the meeting were leaders of a number of world-known IT companies, including Parallels and Acronis and the Skolkovo Foundation. The latter has united chess and information technologies in one program, taking into consideration that Armenia, which has already achieved considerable success, attaches importance to the two spheres.
The Executive Director of the Foundation noted that the program aims to present Armenia to the world with all its achievements and peculiarities and create new opportunities for these and other promising spheres.
President Sargsyan greeted the guests, underlining that it’s a great honor for Armenia to host the strongest chess player of the world in our country. “I’m glad that Levon Aronian is also here. He’s the pride of our people, and perhaps Carlsen’s strongest competitor in the world. We definitely connect great hopes with Levon, and it’s first of all thanks to him that the team of our tiny country has become the winner of the World Chess Olympiad three times. I’m very grateful to him,” he said.
Magnus Carlsesen said, in turn, it’s a great honor for him to be in Armenia –a chess superpower. “During the days of my stay here I have seen the inspiration and the love of the Armenian people for chess. I think this approach, and the program of inclusion of chess as a compulsory discipline in schools serves a wonderful example to the world. It’s a very big step,” Carlsen said.
During the meeting reference was made to Armenia’s scientific and educational potential, the work done in our country towards the development of the IT sphere and the promising programs of development. (Via Public Radio of Armenia)
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Labels: levon aronian, Magnus Carlsen, serzh sargsyan, world chess champion
Photo Chess Trivia: Who is Vishy Anand Chatting with?
Rapid Chess not Harmful, but Spectator Friendly: Former World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand
Hello chessblog friends, former world chess champion Viswanathan Anand has said in the Indian city of Pune, while speaking to Times of India. He said, "In chess, rapid and blitz are default tiebreak options and you can never neglect them completely.
Anand said: "Though the slower format is played in competitions, almost all the players there come through playing a lot of blitz (5 minutes per player) and rapid (25/30 mins per player). It's good for training. It is good to play more games in a day than one game a day which requires high concentration. I don't think rapid is harmful. It's more spectator friendly."
Anand will play the World rapid and blitz championships in Dubai from June 15 to 21.
Anand also said the club/league/franchise culture needed to be given time to get established in India and that one can't compare club loyalties and more systematic approach with Europe.
The 44-year-old refused to talk much on his World title rematch against reigning champion Magnus Carlsen not receiving a bid.
On Carlsen's mind-boggling plus-23 score (difference between wins and defeats) in classical chess since January 2013, he said: "Very impressive ... nothing much to say about that. It was impressive last year and it keeps going up. I have to find some way to match when playing against him. Going by Khanty (Candidates success), I feel optimistic and positive."
On whether older players tend to focus on 'not losing' instead of winning, Anand said: "I have no idea. I just feel that I had a difficult phase. For no particular reason, I did well in Candidates ... and now I feel optimistic again."
Anand gave glimpses of his endearing personality when he obliged the kids with a Q&A session with all seriousness.
He also managed to squeeze in a tiny 'workshop' for chess parents. He told them to "relax a bit", saying five-six hours of practice in a day in most cases was not necessary.
"Results should not stop them (children) from enjoying," he said reminding a refined quote from his father, who had said "we backed Anand because he loved the sport."
On dealing with increasing coaching expenses for the sport, Anand said: "If parents feel that coaching is valuable, then it can kind of get into an arms' race. When parents feel it could be useful even without any evidence to base it on, then it's peer pressure.
"No parent wants to handicap their kid. But I believe coaching is best in moderation. The best way of learning is still practising a lot. Without diminishing the coaches, coaching works when you have many examples to show.
"Youngsters are taking the game far too seriously and at far too early an age. They are getting too competitive ... that's the age to have fun. I would advice parents not to be too obsessive about coaching."
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Labels: blitz chess, rapid chess, Viswanathan Anand, world chess champion
Chess History Trivia Photo: Name the World Chess Champion Seated Right
Hello chess blog friends, does chess history excite you? Here's the mid-week chess trivia photo? Can you name the world chess champion (seated right) in the photo and the venue? A chess salute if you can name the year as well!
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Labels: history chess, photo chess trivia, world chess champion
Commented Chess Video by Magnus Carlsen playing 'Himself' at 20!
Hello chess friends, World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen continues to battle top-class chess players! He also plays with chess fans. Have you played the World Chess Champion yet through his Play Magnus app? Well, here's a cool new video by the World No. 1 where he takes on 'himself' as a 20-year-old.
Do you know you can train for free with another World Chess Champion? Check out www.chesskillertips.com!
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: commented chess game video, Magnus Carlsen, world chess champion
Mid-Week Chess Trivia: Name this Legendary Dutch Chess Player!
Hello chess friends, here's your chess trivia teaser about a world chess champion: Identify this legendary chess player who was also a mathematician and an author. Hint: He was Dutch and the fifth player to become World Chess Champion (1935–37).
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: photo chess trivia, world chess champion
World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen vs. Himself as a 7-Year-Old on Play Magnus (Video)
Hello chess friends, this particular chess video of World Chess Champion could surely have been possible thanks to modern technology. The World Chess Champion takes on 'himself' as a seven-year-old in a chess game on Play Magnus. You can listen to the World Chess Champion's thoughts and commentary on the game in the video from Magnus Carlsen's official YouTube channel.
Labels: Magnus Carlsen, play magnus video, world chess champion
Nordic Semi takes World Chess Champ Magnus Carlsen to Norwegian University NTNU *Video
Hello everyone, World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen continues on his chess tour of the planet. Nordic Semiconductor brought its ambassador Magnus Carlsen to the Norwegian university NTNU in Trondheim and hosted a chess tournament. All students were given the chance to beat the World Champion and to get away with a reward of 100.000 NOK. Watch the video to find out if anyone managed to beat Magnus. But, we have a feeling you already know what happened!
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: carlsen video, Chess video, Magnus Carlsen, nordic semi, world chess champion
Chess Trap: Norway uses Houdini to Force Magnus Carlsen to a Draw!
Hello everyone, chess is happening big time in Norway thanks to World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen's appeal. As always, The Week in Chess was right on top of the live action!
Mark Crowther's report: Magnus Carlsen took on the rest of Norway in a match on the VG website on Thursday 8th May 2014 . The presenter was Mads Andersen. A team of three wise men Simen Agdestein, Jon Ludvig Hammer and Leif Erlend Johannessen suggested moves and Hans Olav Lahlum enforced the rules and was on the sofa. Members of the Norwegian public voted on the moves on the VG website. The event took place in the Oslo City shopping center.
A "Mystiske Nordmannen" dressed in red made the moves at the board. The audience had to guess who it is. He is "Not good at chess" and had to be prompted some times to play the right moves. It turned out to be skier Oddvar Bra who is extremely famous in Norway. Carlsen was well on top at one stage but each of the helpers could ask for help from Houdini three times during the game by ringing a bell and a counter-attack eventually forced Carlsen to take a draw.
Stormester and Stormester Facebook Page has lots of more photos. You can expect more updates later on World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen's Facebook Page as well. Check out the hash tag #vgsjakk for all the fun.
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Labels: jon ludvig hammer, leif erlend johannessen, Magnus Carlsen, simen agdestein, world chess champion
Viswanathan Anand to play Chess Exhibition for Chief Executive Officers in Dar es Salaam on June 5
Hello Chess Blog friends, former World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand has a very interesting chess tour lined up for June. Anand will visit Tanzania for five days on invitation from Tanzania Chess Foundation chairman Vinay Choudhury who is also the executive member of Tanzania Chess Association (TCA).
Photo: tatasteelchess.com
Guess what the former World Chess Champion will be doing there! Anand will take part in a tournament named Chess for Chief Executives Officers (CEO) on June 5 in Dar es Salaam, preside over a chess match between Tanzania and Kenya and other chess events.
"We have changed the dates to suit his program, he is very busy and he requested us if he can come earlier than planned. We could not hesitate but accept his request, He will do a lot of activities including visiting some Schools where the Chess Foundation is conducting trainings for young players," said Choudhary, adding that Anand’s visits to Tanzania and the international match against Kenya has been sponsored by SpiceNet Tanzania Limited. Choudhury said Tanzania does not have a rated chess player and he hopes to help change that.
Chess players from Tanzania are expected to play against visiting counterparts from Kenya in an international friendly to be staged at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club (DGC) next month. (Based on reports by http://www.ippmedia.com)
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: tanzania chess, vinay choudhury, Viswanathan Anand, world chess champion
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