"We cannot speak of any proper analysis when a lot of people sit down at the [chess]board together. The variations [proposed by the participants] flash past, and a mass of oversights occur, especially on the first few moves. The analysis [of the group] soon finds itself a long way from the starting point, and arrives at positions that may be interesting, but are certainly improbable."

Thats why I always carry a spoon around in my pocket!

Doesn't that depend on which side of the spoon you're looking?

The line certainly doesn't look like a refutation, and nor do many others. For example, after 2 c4 e5, Black has a variant of 1 e4 e5 where White can't play the Italian Game or Ruy Lopez! I wonder if the best plan for White might be 3 f4, as in some Pirc and French lines, since White's centre is not yet being attacked. How about aiming for a position with white P's at c3, d4, e4, f4; B's at d3 and e3; N's at f3 and d2, Q at c2, K at g1 and R's at f1 and d1/e1. White prepares for a central breakthrough with e5, f5 or even d5. If Black tries d5, White locks the centre with e5. Where does the Black king go? The K side is weak on the b1-h7 diagonal, the centre looks unsafe after f5, and the Q side pawn formation is more fluid than in the game. I will freely admit this all only comes with several hours hindsight after seeing how the actual game went!

It didn't go over well then. In reading the kibitizing, I'm even more bothered that TW said after 36...Be7 "Hey, they didn't play the computer's best move". As soon as TW realized the point of the move, ie, that they were wrong, that is when they should have offered the draw. I still feel it was insulting for a team who'd completely missed the point of a move to continue playing on in the hopes we'd miss something obvious. Seems to me TW was the team missing something obvious.

Thus, it may appear that Team White, as a whole, had feelings of animosity toward Team Black for having played 1...a6. I think the truth is that these feelings of ill will were mostly limited to a few individuals on both sides who became overly invested in our game on an emotional and personal level, allowing their self worth to rise or fall on the game's ultimate outcome.

I think a good game was played, and I certainly learned a lot. If I plan to play 1.e4 over the board, I will now have to prepare a serious response to 1...a6 or even 1...b5. I cannot take these moves lightly.

It is a shame they couldn't enjoy the game for what it was: a learning experience and fun.

Did they trash talk on their own forum? I'd imagine it's just talk -- no animosity, just a team bonding, morale lifting thing.

Without giving away any secretes, the Team White to which I currently belong is acting much differently from my first team experience. The mood is festive and convivial, making it a pleasure to participate. There's even kidding and joking, and not at Team Black's expense. How refreshing! The atmosphere is a friendly one, which is a welcome relief.

There is no way for either side to make progress.

--- Jonathan Levitt