Media comments on chess

[Kevin Thurlow]

Interview with Michael Palin in Saturday Telegraph magazine reveals he collects chess sets. "I've got lots of different sets, but I don't have the brain to be any good. It's like five-day cricket: I get absorbed by the strategy but couldn't do it myself."

[Matthew Turner]

There is a picture a guy on FT alphaville today with a chess set
http://ftalphaville.ft.com/marketslive/2015-09-29/

He is described as 'comic book evil'. I am afraid I don't know who this is, any ideas?

[Roger de Coverly]

He is described as 'comic book evil'. I am afraid I don't know who this is, any ideas?

Also featured on the Streatham blog.

http://streathambrixtonchess.blogspot.c ... -evil.html

As far as chess is concerned, evil genius perhaps, but beginner standard rather than GM according to his published USCF rating.

https://twitter.com/KingpinEd/status/648216964775682048

[LawrenceCooper]

https://chessdailynews.com/the-king-of- ... president/

[Stewart Reuben]

When it was first mentioned in Abu Dhabi about Kirsan's ambition to be FIFA President, I assumed it was a very funny joke. But apparently he is serious. Niegl Freeman said he had been trying for seven weeks to dissuade him.

[NickFaulks]

When it was first mentioned in Abu Dhabi about Kirsan's ambition to be FIFA President, I assumed it was a very funny joke. But apparently he is serious.

Indeed he is. He will not succeed, but the idea is not entirely daft. The comparison with FIDE is as follows.

FIDE. Asia, Kirsan wins because he is genuinely respected. Americas, Kirsan wins because he is perceived as having done good things for chess. Europe, Kirsan wins when the opposition is perceived as more odious ( eg Kasparov, let's hope he has now left the picture ). Let's not talk about Africa.

FIFA. Asia, Kirsan wins because he is genuinely respected. Americas, Kirsan loses because he has done nothing for football. Europe, Kirsan may win if the opposition is perceived as more odious ( eg Platini, but someone equally odious may turn up ). Lets's not talk about Africa.

Conclusion. Kirsan could get a lot of votes, but cannot win.

[Roger de Coverly]

Conclusion. Kirsan could get a lot of votes, but cannot win.

Should he not have to resign the Presidency of FIDE to attempt to be candidate for President of FIFA?

[Stewart Reuben]

Roger >Should he not have to resign the Presidency of FIDE to attempt to be candidate for President of FIFA?<

WHY? There is no conflict of interests. If he became Presy of FIFA, then he might not have time to do both. Bu what he mainly does currently is go aound meeting people, particularly other Presidents. Makro does the day to day work.

[NickFaulks]

Conclusion. Kirsan could get a lot of votes, but cannot win.

Should he not have to resign the Presidency of FIDE to attempt to be candidate for President of FIFA?

If his FIFA campaign were to become serious, I would say yes. For now, it is just an ambition.

[Roger de Coverly]

If his FIFA campaign were to become serious, I would say yes. For now, it is just an ambition.

On the premise that Filatov is the candidate in waiting, isn't this a Kremlin attempt to kick Kirsan upstairs?

If there's a Russian attempt to retain or recapture world chess, a less divisive candidate than Kirsan is desirable. By less divisive, I mean a candidate that the minority of chess federations that have to consider the opinions of their players might be prepared to support.

[LawrenceCooper]

Somerset Cricket BREAKING: We are delighted to announce the signing of Chris Rogers for the 2016 season! #WelcomeRogers

Rogers, 38, announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the summer Ashes series.
You probably know all about his batting but did you know he is the cousin of Australian chess grandmaster Ian Rogers? You do now...

[John Saunders]

Somerset Cricket BREAKING: We are delighted to announce the signing of Chris Rogers for the 2016 season! #WelcomeRogers

Rogers, 38, announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the summer Ashes series.
You probably know all about his batting but did you know he is the cousin of Australian chess grandmaster Ian Rogers? You do now...

Important qualification: distant cousin. It makes a big difference; after all, if you think about it (and it's a terrifying thought) most forum members will be distant cousins of each other...

[Roger de Coverly]

Publicity for the upcoming tournament in Las Vegas

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/o ... obal-event

[Roger de Coverly]

Stephen Moss on Las Vegas

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfre ... -game-move

[Brian Towers]

Stephen Moss on Las Vegas

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfre ... -game-move

The Millionaire Chess Tournament is the brainchild of Maurice Ashley, the first African-American grandmaster, who has set himself the task of transforming chess’s image from two old blokes with their sandwiches in plastic bags huddled over a chessboard to a poker-style world where money is king.

I deeply resent that remark. I always take my sandwiches in a relatively expensive click-lock, microwavable, freezer-compatible plastic box!