BRITISH CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS - THE GAMES

[LozCooper]

"Hi. My name's David Howell. I'm one of the most talented chess players of my generation, and I knew since last night I would be black against Gawain Jones. I also have a penchant for time trouble. I just spent five minutes debating how to answer 1.e4."

He may have been late arriving.

[Jonathan Rogers]

I think the last time they played at the British was Swansea in 1987, which Short won (with Black). Can anyone confirm all or part of this?

That was the last and until today, the only time.

[Matthew Turner]

Jovanka's move 8 d5 looks a bit strange to me (I think b3 is normal). Nick might just have a very comfortable position now.

[Matthew Turner]

Has Conquest made a mistake? Hawkins threatens 9 c5 looks wrong for Black

[Jonathan Bryant]

"Hi. My name's David Howell. I'm one of the most talented chess players of my generation, and I knew since last night I would be black against Gawain Jones. I also have a penchant for time trouble. I just spent five minutes debating how to answer 1.e4."

He may have been late arriving.

That would be my guess - Howell was often late at the Staunton Memorial as I recall. The point about time trouble still holds, of course. Peter Wells was (and still may be for all I know) another one who would regularly turn up late then end up very short of time.

[Jonathan Rogers]

Short v Adams so far seemingly similar to their less than memorable draw in 4NCL, rd 11 2001 (when admittedly the title was already decided).

[Jon D'Souza-Eva]

Short v Adams so far seemingly similar to their less than memorable draw in 4NCL, rd 11 2001 (when admittedly the title was already decided).

Certainly not very inspiring so far. As I was watching this one I found myself thinking of Jack Rudd's recent comments about how much chess has moved on since the 1970s.

[Krishna Shiatis]

Is Gawain picking his nose in the picture below the live games?

[Jon D'Souza-Eva]

Is Gawain picking his nose in the picture below the live games?

No. I think he has just played a good move and is twirling an imaginary mustache in Dick Dastardly fashion.

[LozCooper]

Short v Adams so far seemingly similar to their less than memorable draw in 4NCL, rd 11 2001 (when admittedly the title was already decided).

Certainly not very inspiring so far. As I was watching this one I found myself thinking of Jack Rudd's recent comments about how much chess has moved on since the 1970s.

I guess it's hard to unbalance the position against such a solid player as Adams without resorrting to the Evans or Kings Gambit. Mickey also sidestepped 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bc4 Bc5 4 0-0 Nf6 5 d4 as in Short-Fressinet by playing 5....d6.

[Matthew Turner]

Nigel seems to have a small, risk free, advantage, so I guess everything is going to plan.

[John Cox]

And more to the point as in Movsessian-Adams, no?

I think he played 4...d6, didn't he?

[Jonathan Rogers]

Nigel seems to have a small, risk free, advantage, so I guess everything is going to plan.

agreed

[James Coleman]

Howell has to be somewhat careful in this position in my opinion. It's probably fine at the moment but White's kingside play can be quite automatic and Black can easily run into problems.

[Matthew Turner]

I agree with James about David's position, I think he is somewhat worse and certainly has to be careful.