Hastings 28 Dec 2017 - 7 Jan 2018

[NickFaulks]

Two others withdrew due to visa problems.

Shouldn't that be a front page news story?

[Roger de Coverly]

I assume they are using what is termed the Baku system for pairings in the Masters. This hacks the standard computer pairings by giving players extra dummy points or half points in the early rounds. Round 3 has thrown up an anomaly that players seeded 29 and 42 are meeting on half a point, presumably because both retain a dummy point or half from being in the top half for the first round pairings.

The player ranked 43 who has 1.5 is "rewarded" with the 18 seed who has 0.5 .

[LawrenceCooper]

Magnus has turned a two point deficit at the start of today into a two point lead with one round to go. Aronian's run of 8/9 today has moved him into 2nd= place.

[Alex McFarlane]

Magnus has turned a two point deficit at the start of today into a two point lead with one round to go. Aronian's run of 8/9 today has moved him into 2nd= place.

I missed him in my earlier answer

I assume they are using what is termed the Baku system for pairings in the Masters

Yes, Baku is being used 1 point added for first 3 rounds and then .5 for next 2.

[LawrenceCooper]

Magnus has turned a two point deficit at the start of today into a two point lead with one round to go. Aronian's run of 8/9 today has moved him into 2nd= place.

I missed him in my earlier answer

Easily done

[Stewart Reuben]

The entry list is adequate for somebody getting a 2600+ TPR to gain a GM norm. A norm-seeker will not have to worry about meeting his quota of foreigners as there is an adequate number in the Masters. Actually there are 6 non-ENG GMs in the event.

[Barry Sandercock]

Keith Arkell has just achieved a draw from a very difficult ending.

[Roger de Coverly]

Yes, Baku is being used 1 point added for first 3 rounds and then .5 for next 2.

Round 4 has an exceptional high count of pairings between players who aren't on the same score.

http://chess-results.com/tnr320349.aspx ... =30&wi=821

[Jonathan Rogers]

Hastings, eh. Not what it was, in terms of public interest.

Nonetheless, an impressive win by Danny Gormally v Fier today. Suitable for tactical puzzles, as well.

[LawrenceCooper]

Hastings, eh. Not what it was, in terms of public interest.

Nonetheless, an impressive win by Danny Gormally v Fier today. Suitable for tactical puzzles, as well.

I'm just amazed that it took us so long for the first Arkell-Hebden encounter of the year

[Simon Brown]

True, but nice to see some British names at the top for a change and the chess is more interesting than the Classic, for example, if maybe less perfect. And Keith v Mark I haven’t seen for a few months.

[Brian Towers]

the chess is more interesting than the Classic, for example

It is certainly more understandable by players at my level. It's also very good that the live games display doesn't have an engine attached so we patzers can play guess the next move.

Having said that, it looks to me that Hebden might have blown it with 66 ... Kf5 and 67 ... g4. Why on earth do you want to sacrifice a pawn and give your opponent a passed pawn? Surely 66 ... Kd5 followed by 67 ... Kc4 would have sealed the deal with the two queen-side passers?

[NickFaulks]

Presumably it's now a draw ( KQ v KRP ).

[Brian Towers]

At my level it would certainly be a draw (barring accidents, always possible) however at GM level I think the theory may be that the pawn is far enough up the board for the queen to get in behind the position and zugzwang the rook into moving. I'm sure these two will love the chance to give it a go.

[NickFaulks]

I weakened and checked a tablebase. I can claim I was right, because 78.Ra5+ drew. 78.Rf4 was in fact an error, allowing 78...Qh8 check, which won in 85 moves! So not entirely simple.