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6/4/2020 In the early 1990s, International Master Stuart Rachels was one of the very best US chess players. He played games against Garry Kasparov, Viswanathan Anand, Nigel Short, Anthony Miles and Boris Spassky, only to name a few. His chess adventures are funny, beautiful, interesting and honest. His book "The Best I Saw In Chess" which just came out, is a blast to read. We conducted an interview with Rachels about the book, the chess greats he met, his decision to quit chess and the ego of chess players. | Photos: Stuart Rachels

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Before Stuart Rachels and I started the interview, he showed me some of his chess treasures. They were an original Life magazinefeaturing Bobby Fischer on the cover, a chess trophy he won in 1979, some Estonian coins with a picture of Paul Kereson them, and a box of chocolates which was handed to him by Garry Kasparov's mother in 1983. Just as Rachels said it in his book, the box is empty but the wrapper of the Russian chocolates is stillin great shape.

Stuart Rachels grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and played over 1000 rated chess games from the age of 9 to 23. His rating surpassed the 2600 mark (USCF) when he was 20, and he became the youngest Master in American history when he was eleven. Rachels never played chessprofessionally though. A quote from his book explains this decision very well:

The exhilaration of competition and the joy of mental absorption - that's why I played chess. I loved it.

Arne Kaehler: Dear Stuart, thank you for having this interview with me. Would you kindly give a short introduction about who you are?

Stuart Rachels: With pleasure, thanks for having me. I prefer to think of myself as nine or eleven, but I recently turned fifty. I love chess and played it for several years until I went to graduateschool in Philosophy. Since then, I've been a philosophy professor in Alabama. After tenure, you have job security, and you are able todo what youwant to do, so I started to write this book. I have really been pushing on it for a while.

AK: What life occurrence led youto write it?

SR: I have to admit it happened quite accidentally. First I was just interested to look at my old scoresheets and gathered all of them out fromshoeboxes in the closet. Then I just wrote up a few things to maybe put them on a website one day. But I kept going and going, until I found myself writing a book.

AK: Your book is full of interesting games paired with a lot of stories and anecdotes around them. Were there any games and stories that didn't make it into the final version?

SR: The book is 400 pages long but originally I wrote more than 550 pages. I think it is good to write too much and then omit some of it, rather than using anything which comes to mind. I moved the chapters around, and used some of them for the appendix, quotes or anecdotes instead. My best stories are in the book, no doubt.

AK: One of my favourite chapters from your book is "Impressionof the Greats" (Chapter 12) where you talk about your relations, meetings and experiences with Garry Kasparov, Yasser Seirawan, Nigel Short, just to name a few. Which is your personally favourite anecdote?

SR: I think it was the time when Garry Kasparov played a joke on me. In London in December of 1983, Garry was winning his semi-final candidates match against Viktor Kortchnoi. A mutual friendsent me up to Kasparov's room to fetch a package. I was fourteen years old at that time. Kasparov gave me the package and, due to the excitement, I ran back to my friend's room as fast as I could, jumping down two to three stairs at a time and dashing through the corridors. Arriving in the room, to my surprise, Kasparov was already sitting there, being quite pleased with playing this magic trick on me. Of course, he evidently knew some secret shortcut to theroom.

AK: Did you ever regret your decision to stop playing chess?

SR: I never regretted the decision because I played blitz against Viswanathan Anand. Once you have done thatyou realize that you will never become World Champion.

Master Class Vol. 12: Viswanathan Anand

This DVD allows you to learn from the example of one of the best players in the history of chess and from the explanations of the authors how to successfully organise your games strategically, consequently how to keep your opponent permanently under press

AK: Are there any chess related plans in the future?

SR: I cannot help myself and have started to write again. The next book isabout fortresses which I find fascinating. To my knowledge, there has never been a chess book devoted exclusively to fortresses. However, that book wont be comparable to this book, because it wont be as long and wont be nearly as personal.

AK: In your book, you mentioned the ego of chess players a couple of times. What is your personal opinion about how muchego affects chess and chess players?

An outstanding talent: Stuart Rachels (center)

SR: It is a complicated relationship. Someone once observed that if you look at the players in the US Championship conducting post-mortems, they are all very objective about their playedgames. Weaker players will try to justify their moves, but for a strong player, objectivity may be a pre-requisite. However, I knew three people very well who became World Junior Champions, all of them phenomenally talented players - Yasser Seirawan, Max Dlugy and Ilya Gurevich. Theyhad a certain confidence, even arrogance, deeply rooted into them, which helped them in stressful situations and important games. These are tough guys psychologically. Magnus Carlsen seems to be a very laid back and nice fellow, but I believe he must also have this psychological toughness and confidencewhich you cannotsee from the outside. Perhaps great players have to have this.

AK: Thank you very much for taking your time for this interview Stuart.

SR: Absolutely and anytime again.

At the U.S. Championship in 1989, Stuart Rachels seemed bound for the cellar. Ranked last and holding no IM norms, the 20-year-old amateur from Alabama was expected to get waxed by the American top GMs of the day that included Seirawan, Gulko, Dzindzichashvili, deFirmian, Benjamin and Browne.

Instead, Rachels pulled off a gigantic upset and became the youngest U.S. Champion since Bobby Fischer. Three years later he retired from competitive chess, but he never stopped following the game.

In this wide-ranging, elegantly written, and highly personal memoir, Stuart Rachels passes on his knowledge of chess. Included are his duels against legends such as Kasparov, Anand, Spassky, Ivanchuk, Gelfand and Miles, but the heart of the book is the explanation of chess ideas interwoven with his captivating stories.

There are chapters on tactics, endings, blunders, middlegames, cheating incidents, and even on how to combat that rotten opening, the Rti. Rachels offers a complete and entertaining course in chess strategy. At the back are listed 110 principles of playbits of wisdom that arise naturally in the books 24 chapters.

Every chess player will find it difficult to put his sparkling book down. As a bonus, it will make you a better player.

Stuart Rachels(b. 1969) is an International Master who retired from chess when he was 23. He works as anAssociate Professor in the Philosophy Department at theUniversity of Alabama and has edited new editions of books by his father, the famous philosopher James Rachels.

Arne Kaehler: This book was a real joy to read. It is fresh, entertaining, and hasfunny stories and anecdotes about Kasparov, Kortschnoi, Anand, Seirawan and many others. But it also offers a lot of serious, deepchess analysis, and it is a pleasure to look at plenty of interesting games.

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The best I saw in chess - by Stuart Rachels - Chessbase News

By: Sports Desk | Updated: May 31, 2020 10:42:25 am John Torturro in The Luzhin Defence; a still from Shatranj ke Khiladi (Screenshots)

In the unprecedented change the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to the sports landscape around the world, with travel bans forcing most global sports to postpone their events,chess is one sport which has managed to be insulated, even managing to regain some of its popularity.

There has been large-scale participation in chess, both competitively and recreationally, from people via computers during the lockdown.The essence of the mind sport has been beautifully presented on screen for those unfamiliar with the sport to get a glimpse of how interesting and exciting it can be similar to how many great films have depicted the game and even centred their films on the game over the years.

Here is a look at a few great films portraying chess:

Queen of Katwe (2016)

The 2016 film by Mira Nair is an on-screen depiction of the life of Phiona Mutesi, a girl from Katwe, a slum in Kampala, Uganda, and her journey towards becoming a Woman Candidate Master.

Produced by Walt Disney Pictures and starring Madina Nalwanga and Lupita Nyongo, the film is unique for being a chess movie based on the life of an African woman, when most of the chess movies depict the stories of white men.

Despite having a limited release, the direction and messaging of the movie received a lot of praises, and the movie went on to win a lot of awards at various award functions.

Pawn Sacrifice (2014)

The 2014 Edward Zwick directorial is a biographical drama on the rise of Bobby Fischer from a young chess enthusiast in New York to winning the World Chess Championship in 1972.

READ | Five of the greatest chess matches ever played

The film stars Tobey Maguire as Fischer and Liev Schreiber as Russian grandmaster and Fischers rival, Boris Spassky. The film was well received by both critics and audiences alike, and was particularly praised for its portrayal of Fischers mental health, his paranoia and the dark side of an unhealthy obsession with chess.

The performances of the main cast were highly appreciated and the film has developed a cult following in the years that followed.

The Dark Horse (2014)

Based on the real-life story of Genesis Potini, a New Zealand chess player who suffered from bipolar disorder, the movie depicts how Potini trains disadvantaged children to instill in them the discipline and skill necessary to succeed in chess.

With chess being used metaphorically to develop skills necessary to succeed in life, the Cliff Curtis-starrer was widely appreciated, sweeping awards across New Zealand and even being labelled by some Kiwi journalists as one of the greatest films to come out of New Zealand.

The inspirational film has developed its own niche fan base since then, and is a huge fan favourite among chess enthusiasts.

The Luzhin Defence (2000)

Based on Vladimir Nabokovs book The Defence, the Marleen Gorris directorial chronicles the journey of a mentally tormented young chess grandmaster and the woman he meets while competing at a chess tournament in Italy.

Starring John Turturro and Emily Watson, the romantic drama is particularly famous for the final chess match between Turati and Luzhin. The usage of chess in other plot points throughout the movie, and the detailed focus on the protagonists mental breakdown as the movie progresses, have contributed to the movie being viewed as a classic in todays time.

READ | When the wait finally ended for Viswanathan Anand

The climax of the movie, though dissimilar to the book, is considered to be one of the best in any chess-based movie.

Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993)

Contrary to what the title suggests, the movie isnt about grandmaster Bobby Fischer at all, rather the plot focuses on young chess prodigy Josh Waitzkin and how his coach and family attempt to nurture his natural talent for chess.The title of the film is a reference to Waitzkins quest to develop his abilities to the level of Fischers as he progresses in the world of chess.

Starring Max Pomeranc in the lead role, and having exceptional performances from Ben Kingsley and Laurence Fishburne, the film has been adored by chess fans all around the world.

The film was even nominated for best cinematography at the 66th Academy Awards, and is often rated as one of the most well-made chessmovies ever.

Shatranj Ke Khiladi (1977)

The 1977 film, based on Premchands short story of the same name, was legendary director Satyajit Rays first Hindi directorial. Starring Amjad Khan and Richard Attenborough, along with Amitabh Bachchan as the narrator, the film was widely appreciated all around the world, even being Indias entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 51st Academy Awards.

Literally meaning The Chess Players, the film, set in 1856, chronicles the life of two men devoted to the game of chess against the backdrop of the British East India Companys schemes and ploys. With Rays signature style, the film is considered to be one of his best works and one of Indias best chess-based movies.

Magnus, a 2016 documentary on the life of Magnus Carlsen, 2012s Brooklyn Castle and Liz Garbuss Bobby Fischer Against the World are a few other films made on chess deserving mention.

Written by Shubhang Gopal

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Our recent virus induced vacation from over-the-board (OTB) chess got me thinking. Online chess exploded onto the scene. US Chess even rates Blitz and Quick games. Club Swiss events are also possible using pairings (etc.) from offsite US Chess certified TDscheck it out here. It is much more common to participate in a match (even a one game match) or round robin at one of those on-line sites.

So, how do the two compare? Those chess playing sites use their programming to replace many traditional TD chores.

With my tongue firmly planted in my cheek lets go for a ride:

REQUESTED BYES

OTB:

Cyberspace:

$$$

OTB:

Cyberspace:

PAIRINGS

OTB:

Cyberspace:

RULES

OTB:

Cyberspace:

CLAIMS:

OTB:

Cyberspace:

CLOCKS

OTB:

Cyberspace:

CHEATING

OTB:

Cyberspace:

Tim Just recently appeared on Chris Birds weekly the TD show. You can watch the entire thing here.

The free, updated as of 1-1-20, US Chess Rules (Chapters 1+2+11 from the 7th edition rulebook) are now downloadable and available on-line. Past Just the Rules columns can be viewed here.

Tim Just is a National Tournament Director, FIDE National Arbiter, and editor of the 5th, 6th, and 7th editions of the US Chess Rulebook. He is also the author of My Opponent is Eating a Doughnut & Just Law, which are both available from US Chess Sales and Amazon/Kindle. Additionally, Tim recently revised The Guide To Scholastic Chess, a guide created to help teachers and scholastic organizers who wish to begin, improve, or strengthen their school chess program. Tim is also a member of the US Chess Rules Committee. His new column, exclusive to US Chess, Just the Rules will help clarify potentially confusing regulations.

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Just the Rules: Tim Just on Online Chess - uschess.org

6/2/2020 It has been debated for ages. But now the University of Physical Education in Budapest has awarded a Honorary Doctorate to a chess player to the richly deserving Judit Polgr, for a stellar career in the board game, effectively recognizing chess as a sport. Only 44 such doctorates have been conferred in four decades, mainly to Olympic Committee (Samaranch, Rogge) or FIFA Presidents (Joo Havelange). "A milestone for the chess universe," said Judit in her acceptance message.

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Based on a recommendation of the Universitys Doctoral Council, Caissa award-winning Judit Polgr, the best female chess player in the history of chess, was awarded the title of "Doctor Honoris Causa" by the Senate of the Budapest University of Physical Education.

Operating as an independent entity since 2014, the educational establishment has been awarding honorary doctorates to outstanding professionals since 1981 (but not every year!) in the field of sports sciences and sports diplomacy: to professors, researchers, teachers, sports directors.

Just 44 honorary doctorates have been conferred over the last four decades. Among them we find: sports diplomats Juan Antonio Samaranch, Spain, and Jacques Rogge, Belgian, the 7th and 8th President of the International Olympic Committee; Gertrud Pfister, German sports sociologist and sports historian; Joo Havelange, Brazilian sports director, former President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and John O. Holloszy, Doctor of Medicine, former professor at the School of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, US, as well as Higuchi Mitsuru, professor at Waseda University (Japan), former director of the Japanese National Institute for Health and Nutrition and current director of Advanced Aging Research.

Judit Polgar: "The honorary doctorate is a great distinction for me and a milestone for the chess universe. This recognition is significant and special because it provides further proof of what I have always believed and emphasized: that chess is a sport. According to the resolution of the International Olympic Committee, in my country, Hungary and many other countries, chess is a sport, a fact which is still questioned by many. This recognition is an important step towards keeping the discussion on chess alive and gently convincing sceptics: chess is a sport. This only further strengthens its existing and living relationship with play, education, arts and science."

You can read the official statement of the University of Physical Education here

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Chess is indeed a sport! - Chessbase News

By: Sports Desk | Updated: June 3, 2020 7:45:19 pm The game was special because it heralded a new era of fast-paced chess

Indoor sports requiring minimal equipment have seen a rapid increase in popularity during the lockdown. During times when people are looking for options to explore within their homes, a sport such as chess, requiring simply an 88 chessboard, 32 pieces and two enthusiastic players has been a go-to activity for millions of people all around the world.

The centuries old mind sport has developed with time, and has really turned into a professional, viewer-friendly sport in the last five decades. Professional chess has seen some classic matches which have been a masterclass in strategy, tactical thinking, and the art of outwitting your opponent.

Here is a list of five of the greatest chess matches to have ever been played:

The 1972 World Chess Championship match between American challenger Bobby Fischer and Soviet Unions defending champion Spassky is often called the match of the 20th century. With political overtones due to the Cold War, Fischers victory in game 21 of the championship ended 24 years of Soviet domination of the sport. The 40-move game and Fischers corresponding victory is seen as a historic moment amidst the Cold War tensions, making Fischer an instant celebrity back home, even leading to celebration known as Bobby Fischer Day upon his return. The game and the rivalry have also inspired several musical, documentaries and movies, such as Tobey Maguires Pawn Sacrifice (2014).

Karpov entered the World Chess Championship match at a FIDE rating of 2720 with Kasparov not far behind at 2700, with the final match of the championship, match 24, a must-win for Karpov to retain his world title which he had held from 1975 onwards. Often called by Kasparov as the game of his life, the young Russian turned the game on its head with a far-sighted rook play on his 23rd move. This eventually led to decisive errors from Karpov on move 36 and move 40, leading to his loss after 42 moves. As a result, Kasparov became the thirteenth and youngest world champion aged 22, a title he held till 1993.

The 1997 six-game chess match between world chess champion Garry Kasparov and IBMs supercomputer Deep Blue was a rematch after the machines defeat in Philadelphia in 1996. The match was a historic moment in chess, as it was the first time that a computer defeated a reigning world chess champion. The victory was seen as a sign of how far artificial intelligence had come and how it was catching up with the intellectual capabilities of human intelligence. The 19-move game also inspired the 1997 documentary titled The Man v The Machine and revealed the additional pressure for a player when playing against an unyielding machine.

The year 1999 witnessed one of the most tactical and widely covered and commented chess games ever, between Bulgarian Topalov and Russian grandmaster Kasparov. The two stalwarts of the game indulged in one of the most attacking displays of competitive chess, with Kasparov playing a rook sacrificial combination lasting over 15 moves. The 44-move game, eventually won by Kasparov, has since then come to be known as Kasparovs Immortal, and is extensively studied and analysed by chess enthusiasts and players. It is lauded as one of the greatest chess games ever played and further established Kasparovs legendary ability to see things which most other players missed.

Five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand faced Norwegian challenger Magnus Carlsen for the 2013 title. After 10 games, Carlsen, aged 22, defeated Anand, becoming the second-youngest champion ever, just a few months older than Kasparov was when he won his maiden title. The game was special because it heralded a new era of fast-paced chess, with Carlsen having developed his game in a world with availability of super-strong chess computers. It also ushered in Carlsens dominance, who has gone on to win four consecutive world chess championships since then.

These five games are forever etched into the annals of chess history and are a must-watch for budding chess players, as well as people looking to learn more about the sport. The move-by-move analysis and videos of these matches are easily available and act as a great source to improve ones game or simply appreciate the genius of these players.

This article was written by Shubhang Gopal, an intern with indianexpress.com

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From Kasparov to Carlsen: Five of the greatest chess matches ever played - The Indian Express