2010 GIBTELECOM CHESS FESTIVAL

[John Hickman]

It's great to have the commentary and masterclasses streamed live. Thanks to all involved arranging this

[Ian Lamb]

I second that John the coverage from Gibralter been super wonder if we good get this sort of thing at the next Brit Championships? with webcams as well?

[Carl Hibbard]

I second that John the coverage from Gibralter been super wonder if we good get this sort of thing at the next Brit Championships? with webcams as well?

I doubt it, the ECF just don't have the cash (or the inclination...) for that sort of thing

[Alex McFarlane]

Sorry Carl but I've got to take issue with you there. Whilst what can be done at the British is restricted by a lack of money, I can assure you that the team involved would love to be able to put on more of a show. Dave Clayton, Dave Welch, Steve Connor and myself have had several discussions on this matter. I repeat - the inclination is there but unfortunately the funding isn't.

Alex McFarlane Co-Manager

[Carl Hibbard]

Sorry Carl but I've got to take issue with you there. Whilst what can be done at the British is restricted by a lack of money, I can assure you that the team involved would love to be able to put on more of a show. Dave Clayton, Dave Welch, Steve Connor and myself have had several discussions on this matter. I repeat - the inclination is there but unfortunately the funding isn't.

Alex McFarlane Co-Manager

Fair enough - since I do some of the work perhaps I should have worded it better...

However some of the things might be possible at the 2010 venue given the bandwidth that might be available?

[IM Jack Rudd]

By the way, Conquest is currently joined in the commentary room by Boris Spassky.

http://www.livestream.com/gibraltarchess

[Ian Lamb]

Boris just got himself a pint for commentary

[Ben Purton]

Stefanova should win from here V Bacrot.

[John Saunders]

Hi guys - hope you are enjoying the video streaming from the Gibtelecom tournament. The really excellent thing, highlighted by John Hickman above, is that the commentary videos are stored and can be watched at your leisure. GM Stuart Conquest is putting on a great show and he often brings notable players and spectators alongside him to chat about the games, or life, the universe and everything. This is like BBC's Iplayer - "making the unmissable unmissable".

The highlight so far was when Boris Spassky came into the audience to watch some play. With his customary charm, Stuart invited Boris to come alongside "for a few minutes". This turned into nearly three hours! It's great stuff, with plenty of wonderful quotes and humorous comments from the great man (with his little catchphrase of "chookie" for "check"!). Go to the website home page ...

http://www.gibraltarchesscongress.com/g ... index.html

... and follow the links.

We are due to have another chess superstar visit the Caleta Hotel in the next few days ... but I can't tell you who it is yet (sorry). Also, it is perfectly possible that Boris will pop into the commentary room again as he is staying for the whole of the tournament. Maybe we'll have two chess superstars talking together (fingers crossed).

Incidentally, it is Boris Spassky's 73rd birthday today.

The tournament also has a Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=314854929898

[Jonathan Rogers]

All very good. But how are the reports for the rounds going? Something must have happened in rounds one or two surely?

[John Saunders]

Yes, sorry. Bit of a backlog at the moment as the first two days were somewhat fraught. I'm trying to catch up with myself.

[Jonathan Rogers]

No apology necessary. No one "owes" me a report! But I am looking forward as ever to reading them.

[Carl Hibbard]

Has Adams not lost the plot today and is losing horribly?

[IM Jack Rudd]

Has Adams not lost the plot today and is losing horribly?

I think he's got a clear advantage, but I'm not sure if it's a winning one.

[Carl Hibbard]

I think he's got a clear advantage, but I'm not sure if it's a winning one.

It does look better now the b7 pawn has gone I have to agree, the Bxh6 idea never seemed to be heading anywhere and was perhaps even a little excessive?