Trendle

Clear out toys now!

Love being reminded to do this every year. It's a win/win all round

Yes! You can start with 1...g5, but only with Kd7 on the next move.

First two Classical games in months at the 4NCL this weekend. Scored 1 / 2, with over 10 hours played and almost 170 moves (both as Black)
Interesting position from my win; the computer initially thinks White is better, but after more time it goes to 0.00 - what is the correct move/plan for B here?

A solid 5.5/8 in today's Titled Tuesday. First one using Proctor, and did struggle a bit when short on time.

The Dutch did a bit better though, including winning this position; White hasn't quite managed to blockade everything yet...

6/6 for 1.f4, got over-excited. A win a piece for the Dutch and French 3.Nc3 Nc6

Finished on 8/11. Some luck, with 7 Whites - and a storming 7/7 for 1.f4 including wins over Shankland.

The Dutch was much shakier, but still a nice win over Jonas Bjerre. #chess

Up to 6/7 in #TitledTuesday today!

3/4 so far in #TitledTuesday - 3 wins for 1.f4 and a loss in the Dutch.

I've been playing a bit more 960, and it's fun to see the mess that can be created very quickly. I was pleased to set up this trapped queen trick today:

Where are the Valentine's discounts? ❤️

Going to give the Chess960 event a go - it seems I have an old rating that's about to take a hit!

Yes! That's the one

that was the game - I played Rd8! and was slightly better

Black is fine after Rc7, Nfe5 Ne4 (or b5!?). or Nc6 Re3 and ...b5!

Critical position from my game - White to play (I was Black), and we have about 5min each.

One more. He needs my Swiss norm!

It's funny, I play much better on increment vs 2200s than I do vs GMs. Chess is hard.

I played a very similar game last night - quite back-and-forth, but also won out in the increment phase.

Feels like you were robed

this is a good cause, run by people by i know, like and trust

tiltify.com/womeninchess...

Will Magnus be wearing jeans to his wedding this weekend? #chess

It's like FIDE are trapped in a toxic relationship with Magnus. Whatever he does they're dependent on him, and they'll ultimately take him back.

After a few weeks off, I gave Titled Tuesday another go. Much less dramatic this time, but happy with the finish to my final game of the year:
Happy New Year!

If Magnus starts the blitz badly, what reason will he give for quitting this time?

The fewer the better. It's very solid, but not much room for manoeuvring around!

FIDE may be the "bad guys" in #jeansgate but that certainly doesn't make Magnus one of the "good guys".

He's a fantastic player, and a crappy role-model.

Easily missed!

Aren't there 4? Natasha Regan and Hans Niemann (playing Black opposite Gukesh)?

Wait, we're supposed to have 'regular' chums too??

That's not true. I guessed it would be hard to predict, and I was right!