In this month’s New in Chess, I review a fantastic book by the Odessan study composer and historian Sergei Tkachenko published by the Elk and Ruby publishing house and entitled “Alekhine’s Odessa Secrets. Chess, War and Revolution”. Apart from detailing Alekhine’s activities in Odessa during and after the 1st World War, the book also excelled …

Having moved back to England gives me the opportunity to take part a little more in English chess life. This year I was glad to be able to take part again in the “Celebration In Memoriam 2018” held at the King’s Head pub on 17th February. The tournament is sponsored by GM David Norwood and organised …

Chess has taken a back seat for me after a recent move back to the UK from Holland. It’s been quite strange to fit back into British life after 18 years abroad, but 6 months on I can barely believe I ever lived anywhere else but here! As everything is settling down now, chess is …

The London Classic 2017 was rounded off according to tradition with a lavish closing dinner at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand. As well as beautiful food and wine, guests can take part in a raffle and – more importantly – a silent auction for chess memorabilia (for example a board signed by all participants of the Classic) and events …

I’ve been spending some time looking through Muller and Konoval’s “Understanding Rook Endgames” presents findings about King, Rook & 2 Pawns versus King, Rook & Pawn endings using the latest 7-man tablebases.     One fact that amazed me was that the superior side wins 46% of King, Rook, a & b / g & h …