Thanks

TWIC coverage -> http://www.chess.co.uk/twic/chessne...

Some of the games from the U16 Olympiad should be worth adding to the database: http://wyco2011.tsf.org.tr/en/compo...

<At this time the forensic investigation into the cause of the power interruption that occurred on October 24th continues. Here is an update as to what we know so far.

In response to a utility power failure, Peak 10 transferred the datacenter load to its backup generator power. This is a routine operational process and one that is performed frequently as a result of utility power fluctuations and as a part of Peak 10’s operational continuity testing program.

After repairs were made by the utility provider, Peak 10 transferred back to utility power at approximately 12:00pm. Everything associated with the transfer performed as designed. However, after approximately 5 minutes, a fuse on the utility pole blew interrupting the utility power and forcing the facility UPS units to again support the load while the generators started in response to the change in state.

The issue became critical when damage to the control relays in the switch gear assembly prohibited the transfer back to generator power. The facility was unable to obtain a valid power source and the load remained on the UPS batteries until they became depleted and discharged.>

Both during the Chessgames Challenge: Akobian vs The World, 2011 and the Y Shulman vs The World, 2007 game, particularly the latter, there was a lot of animated discussion about the pros and cons of the Benoni in a game of this type. And in the Y Shulman vs The World, 2007 game after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e3 3.Nf3, 3...c5 came within 9 points of winning the vote over 3...b6, 178 votes to 186 (see Y Shulman vs The World, 2007). So there seems to be a lot of interest in the Benoni.

So, like in the old American west, the only "reasonable" way to settle this seems to be in a shootout style, two teams playing a game involving the Benoni and bragging rights for the winner. I think that there would be a lot of interest in a game like this and that many would participate. Therefore I would like to request that you arrange such a game at your earliest convenience and opportunity. Here are some suggested ground rules and some issues:

1. The game would start from the position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e3 3.Nf3 c5. This is open for discussion. Some Benoni supporters were not too "enthusiastic" about facing a Taimanov attack after 3.Nc3 so they indicated that they would only consider playing the Benoni after 3.Nf3. But if a sufficient number of players don't care, then the game could start from the position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e3, with the provision that White's next move must be either 3.Nc3 or 3.Nf3 and that Black's response must be 3...c5.

2. Use of computers is not only allowed but encouraged.

3. When initially signing up for the game, the players would choose to play White or Black. But, once selecting a color, they would not be able to change it.

4. Time control to be 2 days/move. This time control seems like a good compromise between allowing time for analysis and keeping the game moving.

5. Closed voting. This seems to be the most popular with those participating in these games.

6. The number of team members on each side need not be equal or even close to equal. I suspect that there would be more people signing up for Team White than Team Black since there seemed to be more anti-Benoni players than pro-Benoni players in both of the games listed above. And Team Black would have an even greater degree of satisfaction if they were to win (or even draw) against superior numbers.

6. I am unsure who should be allowed to play. My inclination is for the game to be open to all, both premium and non-premium members. But there's the possibility that someone who takes the game too seriously would sign up for both sides, using different accounts. Maybe this is why you restrict White vs. Black team games to premium members only. Of course, given the very reasonable cost of a premium membership, there's still no way to prevent someone who <really> takes the game too seriously to get two premium memberships and sign up for both sides. But at least then you would then make a little extra money ļ

On the other hand, the game would be a debate on the intrinsic merits of the opening. And I can think of no truer test of an opening's value if one team was able to win (or even draw) with the other team knowing all its plans.

A complex issue with difficult answers. So, as usual when I'm faced with a difficult issue, I'll pass the buck to you and let you decide. ļ

Other than ground rules such as the above the procedures would be the same as for any team game, unless someone comes up with additional ideas.

1) Put <sevenseaman> in your favorites list.

2) When you go to <morfishine>'s forum, turn <FAVORITES MODE> on.

Don't use the Ignore feature. Ever.

Caution: you'll need to be thick-skinned, forgiving and insatiably curious. It's a rare combination. Modesty prevents me from saying more.