Editor Speaks
The second issue of AICCF Bulletin 2023 is here.
While Covid-19 pandemic effect has substantially reduced, concerns re-surfaced with the emergence of Nipah virus in Kerala, but thankfully it hasn’t spread so far.
Indian youngsters had a great tournament at the recent Baku World Cup with Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi and Vidit Gujrathi reaching the quarterfinals. 18 year old Praggnanandhaa went further and did India proud by reaching the final before losing to former World champion Magnus Carlsen in the closely-fought tie-breaker. He is thus the second Indian after Vishwanathan Anand to qualifiy for a Candidates Tournament.
This edition has an interesting article on “Pawn Weaknesses” by CCE Hrishikesh Chavan.
Dr. Chatterjee has provided an interesting article on the book “Pawn Power in Chess” by Hans Kmoch. This article will help readers to appreciate the proper use of pawns in every stage of the game.
Readers are also advised to click on The Marshall Talk in Dr. Alok Saxena’s International Matters article to learn about a 35-move sequence (!) by GM Jon Edwards to induce an opponent to move a pawn. He had to do it again in which he failed. The game, therefore, ended in a draw on move 119! The reference game is SIM Jon Edwards-SIM Sergey Osipov in World championship final 32.
Corchegimmick, this time has an interesting position composed by former world champion Smyslov, brought to us by reigning AIWCF champion IM Om Prakash.
In Chess Tidbits, several important chess events since the last issue are provided such as the World championship 2023 match between Ding Liren and Nepomniachtchi, Women’s World championship, World Cup 2023, Tata Steel championships, etc. This might be of interest to the chess enthusiasts and discerning Readers.
This year we lost another gem of the golden era of the last century GM Matanovic from Yugoslavia-Serbia at the age of 93. He was the oldest living GM after the death of GM Averbakh in 2022. He was also a Morphy number 3. Please see details in the Obituary column.
Looking forward to your comments and wishing our Readers a very Happy Onam, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra and Diwali.
Sincerely Yours,
Anil Anand
Bulletin Editor