Olimpiu G. Urcan Literary descriptions of scenes from chess tournaments of the past were habitually the work of insiders (e.g. experienced chess columnists). How would a talented sportswriter with little or no chess expertise describe such an event? The February 24, 1927 edition of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle (page 2A) provides an interesting example. It [...]
Entries from October 30th, 2011
San Luis 2005
October 16th, 2011 · No Comments · Reviews
San Luis 2005 by Alik Gershon and Igor Nor paperback, 443 pages Quality Chess, 2007 www.qualitychessbooks.com Review by Nagesh Havanur A great tournament is an ensemble act. While there may be only one protagonist, others also have their roles to play. It’s the combined effort that matters. San Luis 2005 was a memorable event with [...]
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10 Seconds with Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
October 7th, 2011 · No Comments · Interviews, Kirsan
FIDE’s star-gazing President speaks to journalist and translator Sarah Hurst, author of Curse of Kirsan: Adventures in the Chess Underworld. Sarah Hurst: What do you consider to have been your greatest contribution to chess? Kirsan Ilyumzhinov: Alienating everyone. If you would like to quiz a chess personality, send your question to kingpinchess@yahoo.com
10 Seconds with Brian Eley
October 6th, 2011 · No Comments · Interviews
Former British Champion Brian Eley achieved notoriety by absconding while on police bail relating to an investigation into paedophile activities. Brian enjoys the distinction of being the only British Chess Champion to appear on the television programme Crimewatch. Here he breaks 20 years’ silence to Kingpin reader Ron Bishop. Ron: How would you describe your [...]
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Bad chess writing
October 3rd, 2011 · No Comments · Books, journalism, plagiarism, Reviews, The Penguin Files
Edward Winter has written a funny and perceptive piece about the faults of chess writers. The following review echoes many of his criticisms. The Brain Games World Chess Championship by Raymond Keene and Don Morris Everyman, 2000 Review by Steve Giddins It is often said that one only appreciates something once it has gone. [...]
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10 Seconds with Raymond Keene
October 1st, 2011 · No Comments · Interviews, Penguin profiles, The Penguin Files
This is the first in a series of interviews where Kingpin readers are invited to pose one question to a prominent figure in the chess world. Subscriber Gordon Clackett’s guest is the writer and impresario Raymond Keene. Gordon Clackett: Why do so many people consider you untruthful? Raymond Keene: They don’t. If you would [...]
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