Thematic tournaments

  

Thematic tournaments?


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Dann Corbit    (2013-04-05)
Thematic tournaments?

Do you hold thematic tournaments here?

I am interested, specifically, in the Orangutan:
1.b4


Jaimie Wilson    (2013-04-06 17:04:44)
Thematic tournaments?

Hi Dann,

Yes, under waiting lists - special tournaments. It seems the last Sokolsky tourney was back in 2010. I'm sure there will be another one day - 'good things come to those who wait' could be the motto of this site.


Thibault de Vassal    (2013-04-06 21:50:39)
Thematic tournaments?

Hello Dann, thanks for the suggestion... we can play another one soon, sure. Just check the home page from time to time!


Wilhelm Schuett    (2013-04-11 01:04:47)
Thematic tournaments?

Marshall Attack


Charlie Neil    (2013-04-21 19:54:30)
Thematic tournaments?

Yes, Gambits please. Benko, Budapest, Latvian and (my favourite) Evans as a suggestion for future unrated tournaments.


Wilhelm Schuett    (2013-04-23 17:31:15)
Thematic tournaments?

It doesn't have to be Gambits all the time.
For example less played like in the third move of Ruy Lopez, Old Benoni, Modern Defence, 1.d4 e6 2.c4 with 2. ... Lb4+ or 2. ... b6, 1. ... Sc6, Old Indian, Morra Gambit , Ponziani.


Daniel Parmet    (2013-04-27 01:54:31)
Thematic tournaments?

We've had just about every single suggestion so far at some point in time (not that a rehash isn't a welcome thing).


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2013-05-09 13:37:52)
Thematic tournaments?

(1) French: (a) Winawer, (b) McCutcheon;
(2) Sicilian: (a) Kalashnikov, (b) O'Kelly;
(3) Slav: (a) Chebanenko, (b) Morozevich;


Wilhelm Schuett    (2013-05-10 00:20:52)
Thematic tournaments?

Sicilian 2.Nf3 Nf6
Sicilian Labourdonnais


Garvin Gray    (2013-05-10 04:42:58)
Thematic tournaments?

I think one idea that could be worth exploring with these thematics is to set up some kind of opening position that is topical, or could help to explore a bit more.

I think just saying lets have a french, or sicilian does not mean much as players get them in their normal games.

These thematics should have some goal more than just more games, like contributing to expanding opening theory.

Some kind of endgame thematic could be worth exploring as well.

This being said, I do fear that we could have too many options, so playing resources are spread too thin and very few can get regular corro games.


Attila Ba    (2013-05-10 14:50:30)
Thematic tournaments?

Good point. Thematic tournaments would help to find out whether some radical ideas like Brooklyn defense ( 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Ng8 ) can be defended against engine play.


Ilmars Cirulis    (2013-07-29 10:17:42)
Thematic tournaments?

"... Latvian and (my favourite) Evans as a suggestion for future unrated tournaments." (Charlie Neil)

If you want to experimentally verify that Latvian gambit is unsound then why not? :P

Also I like suggestion of Evans gambit. (giggle)


Thibault de Vassal    (2013-07-30 23:34:39)
Thematic tournaments?

Okay, let's try Evans gambit again as a thematic! Always a success :)


Mladen Jankovic    (2013-07-30 23:54:17)
Thematic tournaments?

How about
1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Nf3 g5 4.Bc4 g4 5.Bxf7+ Kxf7

It makes for some weird play.


Thibault de Vassal    (2013-07-31 00:02:01)
Thematic tournaments?

Ah, that's a nice one too... does it have a name?


Dann Corbit    (2013-07-31 00:51:10)
Thematic tournaments?

"The unsound gambit". Black wins.
rnbq1bnr/pppp1k1p/8/8/4Ppp1/5N2/PPPP2PP/RNBQK2R w KQ - acd 35/52; acs 1558 ; acn 7330987122; ce -165 ; bm Ne5+; pv Ne5+ Ke8 Qxg4 Nf6 Qxf4 d6 Nf3 Rg8 0-0 Qe7 d4 Qg7 Rf2 Ng4 Re2 Nc6 c3 Be7 Na3 Bd7 Bd2 Kd8 Nc4 Kc8 Rf1 a6 e5 dxe5 dxe5 Bc5+ Kh1 Qg6 Ng5 Qd3 Qe4 Qxe4 Nxe4 Be7 Nf6 Rf8 Bg5 b5;


Peter W. Anderson    (2013-07-31 09:54:45)
Thematic tournaments?

1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Nf3 g5 4.Bc4 g4 5.Bxf7+ Kxf7 is the Lolli Gambit.


Thibault de Vassal    (2013-07-31 11:34:54)
Thematic tournaments?

Thanks a lot Peter, indeed I knew the name :)

Sorry Dann, I tried to include this FEN in a PGN in the discussion but it doesn't work well :/


Ilmars Cirulis    (2013-07-31 12:41:09)
Thematic tournaments?




Thibault de Vassal    (2013-07-31 14:21:45)
Thematic tournaments?

That's your own analysis of the line Ilmars?


Ilmars Cirulis    (2013-07-31 14:31:28)
Thematic tournaments?

<< Sorry Dann, I tried to include this FEN in a PGN in the discussion but it doesn't work well :/ >> (Thibault)

I included it as PGN. At first try I started it from FEN (after 5th move), but then I thought that all moves from start position are better.


Mladen Jankovic    (2013-07-31 19:14:38)
Thematic tournaments?

I encountered it playing here, the interesting part is that it enables the black king to go on the attack early.


I've played it in game 2032, where I withdrew my king from the center even though pressing on did not seem impossible.

https://ficgs.com/user_page.php?page=viewer&game=2032


Dann Corbit    (2013-07-31 20:22:59)
Thematic tournaments?

It takes guts to play that opening as white, because it looks like a serious disadvantage to me. Of course I like the Orangutan, which is theoretically weak for white as well. I will examine game 2032 to see how it came out


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2013-10-03 13:04:46)
Thematic tournaments?

I offer 2 further tematics: Sicilian Labourdonnais or French McCutcheon


Thibault de Vassal    (2014-01-01 21:38:29)
Thematic tournaments?

Let's go for a McCutcheon :)


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2014-01-01 22:25:10)
Thematic tournaments?

New year and new thematics!


Charlie Neil    (2014-01-01 22:44:54)
Thematic tournaments?

McCutcheon good idea! And Steinitz Petroff 3. d4


Wilhelm Schuett    (2014-01-03 01:15:04)
Thematic tournaments?

Sicilian: (a) Kalashnikov, (b) O'Kelly;


Thibault de Vassal    (2014-03-25 23:05:39)
Thematic tournaments?

Let's go for a Sicilian O'Kelly :)


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2014-03-26 11:43:37)
Thematic tournaments?

Good choice, I'm in.


Wilhelm Schuett    (2014-04-02 16:19:15)
Thematic tournaments?

Me too


Gregory Kohut    (2014-06-04 15:57:28)
Thematic tournaments?

For the next Thematic tournament I suggesst Double Fischer Random. Double Fischer Random for when Fischer Random is not random enough for you.


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2014-07-25 19:29:12)
Thematic tournaments?

It's time for new thematic. Let's play Budapest Gambit


Joerg Moormann    (2014-08-01 00:47:42)
Thematic tournaments?

Budapest with reversed colours:

1. e4 c5 2. f4 d5 3. Nf3 dxe4


Thibault de Vassal    (2014-09-13 23:04:25)
Thematic tournaments?

Still waiting for the waiting list to be filled before to start this Budapest.


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2014-10-12 21:04:33)
Thematic tournaments?

Stop O'Kelly! Start Budapest!


Thibault de Vassal    (2014-10-12 21:48:52)
Thematic tournaments?

The Budapest Gambit is on (at last)... next one will be Budapest with reversed colours!

Have fun :)


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2014-11-30 22:05:00)
Thematic tournaments?

Yes, let's play reversed Budapest since January 2015


Thibault de Vassal    (2014-12-01 01:17:16)
Thematic tournaments?

The waiting list is open :)


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2014-12-01 12:51:13)
Thematic tournaments?

I mean 1.Nf3 d5 2.b3 c5 3.e4


Thibault de Vassal    (2014-12-01 15:56:08)
Thematic tournaments?

Ah, the "famous" Norfolk Gambit of Nimzovich Attack, right?

Very interesting opening, indeed... So, next time!


Charlie Neil    (2014-12-01 23:43:42)
Thematic tournaments?

I have lived in Norfolk UK for 26 years. So let's have that Norfolk gambit as I have never known anyone from Norfolk to give anything anyway! . . . B-)


Thibault de Vassal    (2014-12-20 23:21:25)
Thematic tournaments?

Norfolk Gambit of Nimzovich Attack is in place... a very funny opening :)


Maurice Ellis    (2015-03-27 17:34:51)
Thematic tournaments?

What about my gambit: 1.e4,e6 2.d4,d5 3.Nc3(Nd2),dxe4 4.Nxe4,e5 the Ellis Gambit in the French Defense


Thibault de Vassal    (2015-03-28 22:10:17)
Thematic tournaments?

Seems tough :) Ok, let's do this.


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2015-04-01 15:56:05)
Thematic tournaments?

I'd prefer Noteboom


Charlie Neil    (2015-04-01 18:48:59)
Thematic tournaments?

Yes, good idea. The Noteboom was played at the last Super GM tourney.


Wilhelm Schuett    (2015-04-13 01:24:39)
Thematic tournaments?

I prefer the triangle setup with the knight on c3: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 . It can lead to noteboom, but offers more choices.


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2015-04-14 14:28:18)
Thematic tournaments?

Triangle setup is fine because it offers a very wide range of options to play, but this circumstance means that it is not good for thematic tournament. A series of Slav thematics might be reasonable: (a) Winawer gambit 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 e5, (b) Slav gambit 3...e6 4.e4, (c) Noteboom 4.Nf3 dxc4, etc.


Wilhelm Schuett    (2015-04-18 01:12:14)
Thematic tournaments?

But I would play 4.e3


Wilhelm Schuett    (2015-04-18 01:16:57)
Thematic tournaments?

I always play 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 or perhaps 3.e3. After 2. ... e6 I play 3.Nc3!


Thibault de Vassal    (2015-04-24 23:38:09)
Thematic tournaments?

Noteboom will be the next thematic tournament (once this waiting list is filled).


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2015-05-04 14:04:57)
Thematic tournaments?

Current thema (French) has no entries. It's time to replace it and to announce Noteboom (or Winawer gambit).


Thibault de Vassal    (2015-05-04 23:59:05)
Thematic tournaments?

New thematic tournament: Noteboom variation (after move 4).


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2015-11-01 12:25:11)
Thematic tournaments?

It's time to switch from Noteboom thematic to Traxler or to King's Gambit


Jose Carrizo    (2015-11-02 18:07:27)
Thematic tournaments?

King's Gambit


Wilhelm Schuett    (2015-11-05 01:24:27)
Thematic tournaments?

Sicilian Labourdonnais or French McCutcheon


Wilhelm Schuett    (2015-11-05 01:27:39)
Thematic tournaments?

Modern Defence, Sicilian Kalashnikov or Sicilian 2.Nf3 g6


Wilhelm Schuett    (2015-11-05 01:28:56)
Thematic tournaments?

Old Benoni, Modern Defence, 1.d4 e6 2.c4 with 2. ... Lb4+ or 2. ... b6, 1. ... Sc6, Old Indian, Morra Gambit , Ponziani


Thibault de Vassal    (2015-11-10 01:41:18)
Thematic tournaments?

Let's go for a King's gambit for now :)


Francois Caire    (2015-12-17 05:12:26)
Thematic tournaments?

1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.f3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8+ Kxd8 6.Bc4 Be6 7.Bxe6 fxe6

1.f4 d5 2.c4!? e5!?


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2016-01-04 22:44:52)
Thematic tournaments?

Any offers for new thematic?
I'd play 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 d6 3.Nc3 e5


Thibault de Vassal    (2016-01-05 17:51:06)
Thematic tournaments?

I'll try to change the next thematic soon... if players do not register too quickly for another king's gambit :)


Charlie Neil    (2016-01-07 00:21:12)
Thematic tournaments?

You know 1. b4 would be fun. But how about some "madness"? BDG! 1. d4 d5 2. e4
why not?


Ilmars Cirulis    (2016-01-07 14:29:37)
Thematic tournaments?

1.b4 e5 2.a3 d5 3.e3 - I suggest this. :D

Positional fun.


Dann Corbit    (2016-01-07 22:20:18)
Thematic tournaments?

May as well advance one full move to get variety. Everyone will respond:
3. .. Nf6
followed by:
4. Bb2

That is quite an interesting opening and much more rarely played than the standard
1. b4 e5 Bb2 Bxb4 Bxe5 Nf6 e3 d5


Dann Corbit    (2016-01-07 23:52:11)
Thematic tournaments?

Analysis for BDG:
rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR b KQkq - acd 37; acs 2548; bm dxe4; cce 35; ce 30; id "gentest-5125"; pm dxe4 {2629} e6 {408} c6 {293} Nc6 {16} c5 {16} Nf6 {14} a6 {1} e5 {1}; pv dxe4 Nc3 Nf6 Bg5 c6 Nge2 h6 Bxf6 exf6 Nxe4 f5 Nd2 Bd6 g3 O-O Bg2 Be6 O-O Nd7 c4 Nf6 Qb3 Rb8 Qc3 Re8 Rfe1 Qd7 Rac1 Rbd8 Nf3 Ne4 Qe3 b5 cxb5 cxb5 Ne5 Bxe5 dxe5 Bxa2 Bxe4 fxe4 Qxe4; white_wins 1092; black_wins 1345; draws 800; Opening Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: Fritz Attack. ; CaxtonID: 197 ECO: D00;


Ilmars Cirulis    (2016-01-11 23:10:13)
Thematic tournaments?

Yes, it's good idea to add 3... Nf6 and 4.Bb2.

About 1.b4 e5 2.Bb2 ... - I believe that 2.a3 is better choice and that after 2.Bb2 have more problems. It's only an opinion, of course.


Thibault de Vassal    (2016-01-12 18:44:16)
Thematic tournaments?

Before all, let's give a try to François Caire's suggestion: 1.f4 d5 2.c4!? e5!? :)


Francois Caire    (2016-02-08 02:30:12)
Thematic tournaments?

I must admit I was drunk when I suggested this. Nevertheless, I think this will be fun.


Garvin Gray    (2016-02-12 01:21:48)
Thematic tournaments?

I believe there is a bit of discussion in the chat bar about Traxler Counterattack for the next thematic. Is that correct?


George Jempty    (2016-02-12 06:16:15)
Thematic tournaments?

I suggest the O'Kelly Sicilian: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 a6


Dann Corbit    (2016-02-12 06:19:46)
Thematic tournaments?

Anand plays O'kelly Sicilian:
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1315128


Ilmars Cirulis    (2016-02-12 12:21:10)
Thematic tournaments?

Traxler Counterattack was mentioned because I remembered about our (me and Thibault) thematic silver games long time ago.

I don't want to play Traxler CA with Black, probably.


George Jempty    (2016-02-12 13:12:38)
Thematic tournaments?

Actually Anand was White in that O'Kelly game -- Morozevich was Black. And anyway it transposed into a Paulsen by move 6.


Francois Caire    (2016-02-19 21:40:52)
Thematic tournaments?

The theme of tournaments 179 to 183 was the O'Kelly sicilian.


Thibault de Vassal    (2016-02-19 23:40:40)
Thematic tournaments?

Let's give a small try to 1.b4 e5 2.a3


George Jempty    (2016-02-20 14:34:47)
Thematic tournaments?

OK I will have to search for those O'Kelly games. 3.d4 is not as bad as everybody thinks, if White follows up 3...cxd4 with 4.Bc4. Probably drawish in correspondence but better for OTB


Wilhelm Schuett    (2016-02-25 03:32:10)
Thematic tournaments?

1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.f3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8+ Kxd8 6.Bc4 Be6 7.Bxe6 fxe6 8.Be3! ;
3. ..c6 means that 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.f3 is enough.
1.d4 d6 offers much possibilities.


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2016-06-14 10:56:14)
Thematic tournaments?

it's time for new thematic, say, Trompovsky


Thibault de Vassal    (2016-06-15 01:52:14)
Thematic tournaments?

Trompowsky attack, why not... as soon as the current waiting list is full!


George Jempty    (2016-09-12 15:22:36)
Thematic tournaments?

How about the Four Knights Game?


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2016-09-12 23:18:32)
Thematic tournaments?

Yes, 4 Knights or Belgrade Gambit


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2016-11-01 11:53:06)
Thematic tournaments?

It's time for new thematic, say, Belgrade Gambit in 4-Knights


George Jempty    (2016-12-23 13:06:42)
Thematic tournaments?

Belgrade Gambit is good. The only reason I would have preferred the Four Knights proper is to try 4...h6!?


Wilhelm Schuett    (2018-12-18 04:36:46)
Thematic tournaments?

1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 offers choices for both


Wilhelm Schuett    (2018-12-20 23:27:38)
Thematic tournaments?

Did we ever had the French Burn Variation?


Thibault de Vassal    (2018-12-21 03:38:54)
Thematic tournaments?

I don't think so... now in the todo list :)


George Jempty    (2019-01-19 22:33:44)
Thematic tournaments?

I propose Bishop's Gambit. If you play 1.e4 e5 as Black you probably need to know it. And if you play the same as White, it could be a good surprise weapon.


Ilmars Cirulis    (2019-01-24 10:19:24)
Thematic tournaments?

Najdorf Poisoned pawn - did we have that already?


Wilhelm Schuett    (2019-02-09 14:49:16)
Thematic tournaments?

I don't know. A good question. Sicilian offers a lot of possibilities.


Wilhelm Schuett    (2020-02-28 05:34:25)
Thematic tournaments?

two english ideas: 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.g3 d5 (and e6 4.Nf3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7) 4.cd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2 Nc7


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2020-02-28 12:00:41)
Thematic tournaments?

Norfolk 1.Nf3 d5 2.b3 c5 3.e4 or Noteboom


Thibault de Vassal    (2020-02-28 21:35:34)
Thematic tournaments?

Let's try Wilhelm's first english line... thanks!


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2020-05-13 15:29:45)
Thematic tournaments?

Once again: Norfolk 1.Nf3 d5 2.b3 c5 3.e4, or Noteboom, or Traxler


Wilhelm Schuett    (2020-05-19 11:14:21)
Thematic tournaments?

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Slav gambit 3...e6 4.e4


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2020-08-26 16:49:41)
Thematic tournaments?

i'm ready for Slav gambit 3...e6 4.e4 or Slav triangle


Wilhelm Schuett    (2020-08-26 22:48:44)
Thematic tournaments?

Brooklyn defense 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Ng8 or Alekhine Nd5. 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 a6 or Slav gambit 3...e6 4.e4. Kalashnikov or Nc6 3.d4 cd4 4.Nxd4 Dc7


Wilhelm Schuett    (2020-08-26 23:48:53)
Thematic tournaments?

1.e4 e5 2.Bc4


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2020-08-28 13:06:04)
Thematic tournaments?

yes, i'm ready for any of these themes


Thibault de Vassal    (2020-09-02 21:54:05)
Thematic tournaments?

Already two players in the waiting list for the current one... but I'll change it next time.


Wilhelm Schuett    (2020-09-05 16:32:24)
Thematic tournaments?

i can wait and will play another English Rubinstein.


Bogoljub Teverovski    (2020-11-19 07:56:21)
Thematic tournaments?

Endless English Rubinstein?


Thibault de Vassal    (2020-11-19 12:15:31)
Thematic tournaments?

Let's go for the Bishop's opening...


A. T. S. Broekhuizen    (2020-11-20 14:36:34)
Thematic tournaments?

QID, Petrosian variation: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. a3 Bb7
5. Nc3 d5 6. cxd5 Nxd5


Thibault de Vassal    (2021-04-20 13:42:49)
Thematic tournaments?

This one is now running... thanks for the suggestion :)


Wilhelm Schuett    (2021-04-21 19:26:07)
Thematic tournaments?

Systems of the Alekhine like Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 or 4 Pawns