SAVE $15 BY REGISTERING TODAY

Today is May 31... last day to get the $15 discount for the Red Wing event in Minnesota.

Four workshops on July 29-30 at the Country Inn & Suites, 4275 Hwy 61 West, Red Wing, MN 55066.

Workshop 1: Can you use a System to improve your Chess such as Moskalenko's Revolutionize Your Chess (book included FREE with registration). Friday evening. Conducted by GM Alex Yermolinsky.

Workshop 2: The Rules of the Game: Planning, Preparation, and Publishing. By Bob Long, owner and editor at Thinkers' Press, inc.

Workshop 3: Tactics, a new method. A small quick play King's Gambit Accepted tournament will be the offer for the day as you learn something new about tactics and quicker improvement. Introduction included and a "best games" included in the Abbazzi 1912 King's Gambit Accepted tournament won by Rudolph Spielmann. Must be a current USCF member. Memberships available on site.

Workshop 4: Using what you learned in action from Friday night against GM Yermolinsky in his simul ($30 extra).

In between times there will be Q&A, the Sales table, and great places to eat. Purposely planned to be intimate, no more than 22 can be registered. Seven have already signed up. Hope you will be one of the other 15.

For more info, contact: Bob Long -- bob@thinkerspressinc.com or 563-271-6657

Thanks...

THE DETAILS ON SCORE SUBSCRIPTIONS

Hello Friends of Thinkers' Press.

SCORE issue Number 1 will be available this Friday (June 3).

That’s the first piece of good news. The second piece of good news is that you can subscribe to all sixteen issues at the Rock Bottom price of $20.00!*

Each issue will be at least 10 full size pages with at least 4 pages on the Main Opening Article and at least two pages on the Minor Opening Article. It is a chess openings’ magazine with games and theory from the 2009-2011 period. No drowning in old stuff.

There will also be WORD explanations instead of just variations. Czech Republic Grandmaster Igor Stohl, a well known theorist, will join us for at least 2 issues. The other editor will be IM Andrew Martin from England. The editor in chief will be Bob Long from Thinkers’ Press.

Each issue will be available as a PDF download from Thinkers’ Press, on the Friday of release. A schedule is published in issue one. The frequency is every three weeks except for 4 times per year when it will be 4 weeks, thus finishing at 16 times per year. Eventually it will be available for download from the web.

The first issue, the premier issue, will be 16 pages to include the list of openings we will choose from. (And I invite you to submit your choices—this improves your chances of seeing coverage of things that interest you.) The openings included this time are: 1.g3 and the Petroff Defense. The openings for issue two are: French Steinitz and Alekhine’s Defense. Issue three is already being worked on. Readers’ letters are encouraged and will be published; collaborative in some respects.

Bob Long will add Book and DVD commentary and an editorial page as well as a Sales Page. Occasionally a tactical problem.

Announcements of issues and other useful chess information may be found at my Blogpost here--and issue #1). Register and check in!

*PS: I am in hope that for only $20.00 you will subscribe to this totally new chess publication on a budget! If you are a past subscriber the price is $45.00 UNLESS you only subscribed for ONE semester – then it is $30.00. If you are a Gold Card 2011 holder and you subscribed in the past the cost is only $39.95.

GOOD NEWS ADDENDUM
Those who subscribed for the past couple semesters are entitled to Bill Campion’s INDEX to all 128 issues of The Chess Reports. While this index covers several pages now Bill told me he may tackle a much more in depth Indexing. Should he do this, it will come to you FREE.

AND...
Subscribers to Semesters 8-9-10 will also receive a CD (or 2) of all TCR Games so that you can access them using ChessBase. This will be FREE (once again) to such past subscribers.

THERE IS MORE...
For those who would like a complete set of PDFs of all issues of The Chess Reports, on CD (or two), a special price will be made. $199.95. This will comprise $545.00 worth of Chess Reports at the HUGE discount of 63.3%!! Limited Time Only.

LASTLY...
Some have had questions about HOW to make payments to G&L CHESS or Thinkers’ Press. It’s easy, there are several ways. (Incidentally, these CDs won’t be released for at least a month.)
PayPal (my email payment address is: bob@thinkerspressinc.com)
Check or Money Order (see address above)
Visa
MasterCard
Discover
If you feel unsure/uncertain/unsafe about emailing the information to me you can call me at: 563-271-6657.

Have a Great Memorial Day Weekend.

Bob Long

THANKS TO MORE THAN THREE

Have also heard from Ed Yee and Mr. X (he will be at Red Wing) about Petrosian and the "quote" I am looking for. I've had 5 people looking into Petrosian's writings with Bob Woodworth even mentioning Scheckhtman's 2 vols. This is HOW to engage readers of a Blog, give them something fun to do, especially IF they own the books in question. Petrosian evoked a great response and yet he seems to be very hard to competently write about. How many of you know that Petrosian had a book/thesis many years back where he wrote upon Logic? I got the information, and possibly even had the book, from Skakhuset Avisen in Denmark. The logic was chess logic I believe (it's been a while).

Of course it makes me wonder now if it was Petrosian. Years back I would have been certain. Now I am thinking it might have been another author in How to Open a Chess Game. But the IDEA of the quote is true. No matter which side of the board one was studying (white or black), the book lines always seemed to favor the OTHER GUY! I should call this Long's Chess Law. I have thought about writing a book called The Laws of Perversity. Lots of good things there and NONE of them pornographic.

Another book on my mind was FU IQ. It's about dumb things people do while at the same time earning a questionable IQ score. The "U" part stands for the word "UP." An example would be someone sitting on a motorcycle revving the engine to hear the exhaust pipe roar or pop. Over and over and over. This makes imbeciles look smart because they wouldn't do that. Or a guy racing from one block to another only to be suddenly stopped because of a red light. Those are just vehicular examples. The number of whacky possibilities I see every day are astounding such as people walking in the street instead of using a clear sidewalk, almost daring someone to hit them. I'm sure there are examples in the chess world too. Maybe we can report some of them here! (How about riding a bicycle at night, with no lights, and crossing a busy street. I saw this happen. The kid ran into a car, was knocked down, got up and bitched out the driver!)

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

WELCOME PAUL TO RED WING

Paul Reiners is coming to Red Wing for the Soiree! Yippee, more new faces. Love it.

He asked if the $30 book everyone is getting was Yermo's book on Chess Improvement. I answered, "No, that book is out of print." (And one of Gambit's best.) The book everyone will get and study is GM Victor Moskalenko's Revolutionize Your Chess.

I hope more of you will sign up. Have room for 15 more.

In the meantime, I am working on the next in the series of The Chess Gangs of New York and London: Pillsbury. Man, what a killer at simuls, blindfold, and consultation games. Most of these games I am including are NOT in ChessBase! This one is worth having (well, they all are). One English reseller just snapped up 50 of them (including Alekhine)--yet the other European dealer said they were TOO expensive. All MY life I've had to deal with people like that! By the time they finally GET on the wagon their customers have bought it from someone else (like me or the other resellers). How some of these people survive is a complete mystery to me.

I have a SALE ending tomorrow, so if there is something in the SKUNK/YELLOW STRIPE event that grabs you, hope to hear from you by Saturday night.

Am still pushing for the $20 yearly subscription to SCORE. The cover was designed and finished at 3 a.m. yesterday! I have a few perfectionistic traits!

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

THANKS TO THREE

Special thanks go out to Andy Ansel, Gary White, and Bob Woodworth for trying their best to locate information about analysis and books and how the evaluations diverge depending on which color you have.

Andy had the Petrosian's Legacy book but I couldn't pinpoint where it might be in the book. Gary looked through the book and couldn't find it. Thanks men.

Bob W. went through the Petrosian's Legacy book twice and How to Open a Chess Game. So now I am thinking that it "might" have been another author, but no idea which book. Always thought it was How to Open a Chess Game... maybe Larsen or Portisch. Maybe one of these days I will run across it before I give up. I prefer to get the quotes right, otherwise, anyone could have written it.

Bob also went through the Shekhtman books on Petrosian which was above and beyond. Thanks Bob. I love the fervor.

NOTE: Strong players seem to be universally okay with Anand facing Gelfand. For one thing we can see how well prepared Gelfand can be. His book My Most Memorable Games has been produced by Olms. I am out of it, but if anyone would like a copy for their shelves and games, I can order.

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

SPECIAL SALE TODAY + CONGRATULATIONS TO GELFAND

I've been doing bookkeeping the past couple days, trying to get everything caught up for the people I owe money to.

So this afternoon I will be putting together a Limited Special Sale. Not sure what, maybe Old and New.

In the meantime I want to remind everyone that they can subscribe to SIXTEEN issues of the new openings publication SCORE. If you have never subscribed to The Chess Reports, you can be a FIRST time subscriber to SCORE for ONLY TWENTY BUCKS!

If you were a previous subscriber then it is $45 temporarily ($49.95 regularly). If you have a GOLD CARD it will be $39.95. I've mentioned the value of the Gold Card and you can still get one if you've never had one before ($50--the savings can be tremendous--but it's more than that--GC buyers also often get FIRST PEEKS at NEW lists). Several have taken advantage of this.

A Couple of Instant Items are:

1. Lasker & His Contemporaries #6. Normally $34.95.

2. Purdy's Chess Chronicles Vol 1 (4 issues, 2 currently available). Normally $69.95.

Get both for $89.95.

This OFFER is good through Saturday, May 28th. ONLY 3 MORE days!

Alekhine the Executioner is at the printer. 59 annotated games by a CRUSHER of a world champion.

NOTE: For those who are going for the FREE Chess Gangs of London and New York, May (this month) os the first month of the paired months, the second being June. Those who bought over $100 worth of chess product between March and the end of April will get a copy of Alekhine the Executioner for FREE! Shipping and insurance doesn't count.

If you got my 4-pager yesterday, please READ page 3 again and you will see the point and value of this Promotion.

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

PS: AT about 10:30 AM (CT) Gelfand emerged victorious over Grischuk, whose game plan, if he had one, backfired. In a Gruenfeld Gelfand got the better game. I was nervous about Grischuk's R maneuvers and in the end, that proved to be his problem when a lethal check by Gelfand allowed him to emerge a piece up.

Mr. Lower Lip Gelfand is having the time of his life. A former Soviet, now Israeli. You gotta figure this will boost chess in Israel. If Grischuk had won would it have boosted chess in Russia? No. Even champions-to-be have to win sometimes and Gelfand did when Grischuk went on "tilt.". I will have to order some copies of his book--it's a good book. He's strong. I think he wanted this more than Grischuk.

WELCOME EARL to MINNESOTA

Earl Zismer is coming to the Red Wing, MN event July 29-30. Here is what Earl had to say, a subject I have been preaching for years—"Professionals Need a Time Out:"

"I will be in Red Wing on 7/29. I've never been to a Soiree. There is no doubt that it will be a good time. We lost a manager and a staff member from the department I work in, and of course the work load was not reduced. So I will be in need of a long weekend in late July and this chess party will be just the thing. I'll send my reservation via snail mail with my credit card number... I look forward to seeing you on the 29th!"

Thanks Earl.

Sometimes we just have to say YES. Anyone can say "no." Yes is more difficult.

I will be sending out another, extra edition, and more complete brochure in the next few days. If you get your $189 registration fee in by May 31, you can save $15. I know to some this is a insignificant sum for the fun they have, but it's there for those who find "every little bit helps," and who want to be FIRST among the 22 places we have.

DID YOU SAY 22 AND NOT 30?

Yep, I had to do a recalc. When I went there a week ago Friday, with my daughter Chris, to scout out the place, it was obvious that to be comfortable, the original intention of "intimacy" was going to be kept. I was hoping for 30 or more, but due to the structure of setting up tables in the meeting room, the best we can do is 22 (I like the way that rhymes).

We will meet with Grandmaster and 2-time US Champion Alex Yermolinsky. There will be 4 workshops, and they will include a simultaneous ($30 extra). If you've never played a GM or never played a famous or GREAT grandmaster, you should consider coming to this.

If you stay in the Country Inn & Suite Hotel for two nights there will be a surprise for you on the second day of your stay (nope, I've given up on the idea of the inflatable doll as a gift!).

It's $189 to register for those two days of adventuresome fun. Find out how to improve your tactics, whether a chess system will work for you, and how to PLAN what you do with: "The Rules of the Game." Also, a number of FREEBIES will be yours for registering--all part of the deal. Call the Country Inn & Suites for your CHESS GROUP reservation at: 651-388-9000. Air transportation to Rochester MN or St. Paul/Mnpls. and then a rental car makes it all possible.

Call: 563-271-6657 or write: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

I thank you, my Mom thanks you!

PETROSIAN'S LEGACY

There was a book with this title written by the late Armenian World Chess Champion Tigran Petrosian. I am looking for a quote from it (should you happen to own a copy).

Originally I thought it was in How to Open a Chess Game, but I couldn't find it under the Petrosian Chapter (of course there is the possibility I missed it, or it was written by someone else, the quote).

In his quote he made a comment many of us feel-- that no matter which side of the board we are on, theory (primarily books in those days) favors the other side. I was always amused by this because it seems to true.

If anyone can find it, I would appreciate their passing it on to me at:

bob@thinkerspressinc.com

PS: Good friend Andy Ansel tried to find it, but so far he has not, so it is time to spread the net further.

GRISCHUK IS EXTREMELY CAGEY

Saturday Alexander (Sasha) Grischuk had the white pieces against Boris Gelfand. He sprung a novelty and in return Gelfand sprung one right back. Thought for quite a while. On moved 14 he offered a draw.

It is "my" view that Grischuk didn't like the way this "might" go and offered a draw and Gelfand, knowing that although the novelty may have "scared" Grischuk, he understood that Grischuk had a way of turning the tables in such a fight, and besides, it would mean a White for Grischuk was wasted. Ultimately this will probably prove to be a mistake on Gelfand's part.

It looks as though Grischuk is ready to fight with the black pieces or even go into the rapid play contest, as he did before. Gelfand is no wimp in rapid play but it seems that everyone thinks Grischuk is superior in rapid and blitz play. If Gelfand knows what is good for him, he better win a game in the best of 6 series or he won't be playing Anand. Gelfand has shown resiliency and toughness, but it seems possible that Grischuk may be the greater strategist.

Someone wrote they got my Red Wing brochure and that the state was not mentioned as to where this would take place. Well, that is not the case. In several places it is mentioned that it will be in Red Wing, MN (Minnesota). An area code was also given. Red Wing boots COME from Minnesota and any googling will confirm this, So I apologize for any obliqueness. Here is the street address, which I have added (though I said I would be sending a map, and the address was given in previous PDFs): 4275 Highway 61 W. The zip is 55066.

That same person also asked about the skill level of chess player. In the past, and not now, have I ever refused anyone because they were high, or low, or not rated? Since I make no exclusions in the brochure, no one can assume there are exclusions. This is about chess. I don't care whether you are a D or E rated player or a master (I've had masters at my events). You are welcome. Bring a clock if you have one.

More specifics will be provided in the next brochure. In the meantime, please read the one sent; there is a ton of good info in there. One guy said he could come up with the $$$ for the fee, and the lodging, but transportation would be a stretch. I don't know where he lives (he didn't say), but in 1972 I coughed up $1,300 to go see Fischer and Spassky--and I got a lifetime of mileage out of it. Put it on a credit card, take out a small loan, borrow from your kids... but don't screw with a once in a lifetime event that will fuel a passion. I have been to many events since then. They all cost money. Some had to be put on a credit card. Maybe put a hold on that 120 inch LCD screen!!! I have a 21 inch TV, unplugged, sitting in a corner, no antenna. No HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, etc. I am saving $50-100 per month and DO NOT miss it. I don't smoke or drink not because I am a hero, but it isn't necessary for me. I have a 2-story $85,000 house I am still paying a mortgage on and I own a 2008 HHR which is the closest I have come to a "new" car (I bought it in 2009) in forever. The car has 42 payments to go.

I suspect people look at me as poverty-stricken. I guess it is what matters to me and to others. Anyway, I hope you will come. You come and I can pay MY credit card off!

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

A FEW DETAILS AND SURPRISES

The eight page brochure for the RED WING event in Minnesota just couldn't be finished on Friday... but will go out Saturday or late Friday night.

Some years ago I realized that when I put something together it was always better if I sat on it for a day to add those final touches. It also helps me to add just a little more creativity, make some changes and hope that it all makes sense and allows a few extra people to become excited about doing something extraordinary such as coming to RED WING.

It can be exhausting trying to outdo what you have done before. There are always some setbacks as the project moves forward. One of the goals of my clinics, festivals, and now the soiree, is to bring in NEW people. This time there is at least ONE new person, but he already lives in Minnesota! I can recall when I would hear from Florida, Maine, and even California. You would think that a close place like Chicago would jump at the chance but I have discovered that some cities are parochial and its chess citizenry seldom ventures out into the light like they did in the 70s. New Yorkers, however, will give new things a shot from time to time.

I've had several phone conversations today with people in Texas and Wisconsin. Would like to see people come from those states.

The brochure will be ready soon. 8 pages, whew!

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

400th POST + TPi's FACEBOOK PAGES

If you want to see what I am saying or doing on Facebook just go to:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thinkers-Press-inc-Notes/120644107949119?ref=ts

Thanks to my friend Bobbie in Tulsa, OK for these tips to let more people KNOW what TPi does and why it exists.

On Facebook for TPi there is more info about Red Wing, but specifically, this time, photos. I have a whole page on it and pictures elsewhere in the brochure I am working on.

Besides those who "frequently fly" with Thinkers' Press and attend my events, we are looking for entrepreneurs, hobbyists, other chess players, those who want to have a great time but don't know this kind of thing exists, curiosity seekers, etc. But it will be capped at 22 for room consideration reasons. If you fly, you can go equally to airports at Rochester or Minneapolis/St. Paul. Rent a car and it's about 50 miles. The scenery is gorgeous.

There are plans for some really great workshops and I hope you sign up. It's $189 (a pittnce these days) and you can get a $15 discount if you get your registration in by May 31st. I've already heard from those who can't come, I'm looking for those who CAN (these are doers) come and will join the rest of us for intimate sessions with GM Alex Yermolinsky and myself (Bob Long). I've been rereading Yermo's book (The Road to Chess Improvement) and it is the best--truly, better than 99% of the others out there AND it is out of print (sorry). I know, some were "intending" to get it, but didn't. Life is like that. Second best thing (or maybe first best thing!), see him in person. Very gifted, very-on-the-money. You need that.

July 29-30, Red Wing, MN. Starts in the evening. Ask for my fat brochure, I will send you one.

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

4 PAGER OUT THIS EVENING

A four page catalog of new things and a SALE plus Order Form (hopefully to make it easier).

Am working on the first full blown advertorial for the Red Wing event. Lots of stuff, lots of detail, lots of goodies, and lots of reasons to come.

May publish it in TWO parts.

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

CATALOG AND SALE UPDATE DUE TONIGHT + FACEBOOK

Couldn't get it finished last night. It is hard to put out a list to get any results if it is only two pages! So this one will be 4 with an order form on the last page so that people can figure their own amounts to send. The vast majority want me to figure it for them and I do not understand why unless someone is afraid of "missing" some particular nuance. Usually all the prices and shipping terms are on the same (or the back) page.

Have noticed that some people have total crap on their Facebook page (relatives seem particularly prone to do this). I've thought of making up a character and posting it, with comments such as these:

Cleaver: Have gone outside for a couple minutes to breathe.

Cleaver: I'm back, didja miss me?

Cleaver: Going to doctor tomorrow, forget why. Wonder if Dr. has a Facebook page.

Cleaver: I'd like to take my computer with me when I am grocery shopping so I could tell everyone what I am buying, even what I am putting back on the shelf.

(Hey man, why not just order your groceries?)

On the other hand, Andrew Martin asked a question and got at least 58 replies. The question went along the lines of: "What should White play against the Pirc?" Then he added, "The answer 'anything' would not be appreciated." That cracked me up. Quite a few people answered 4. Bg5, the Byrne Variation, which I played for many years.

Catalog coming.

contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

ON THE MENU

Grischuk and Gelfand have gone into the finals with the FIDE clause of "Rapid Play." I am betting on Grischuk, if I were a betting man not because I don't think Gelfand is not competent enough, but Grischuk's strategy for getting to the finals has to be a little better than Gelfand's who was blowing potentially winning positions (I read this, I have not confirmed). Both of the "G's" are good players. I think Anand would annihilate Gelfand, but Grischuk has a chance.

Anyway, that's done. Kramnik's methods didn't work this time and Kamsky was a little late, as sometimes can happen. I wish he had made it in because I think he is more inscrutable than the others.

Today it's errands, writing a NEW Chess Gazette (with new masthead), and a major attempt to get things back on track since April was a full-fledged fraud.

So with that pronouncement, I will get back to work.

Well... in a minute. I just wanted to mention that G&L CHESS, though it doesn't have it's web site up yet, is encouraging people to get in touch with me by email (bob@thinkerspressinc.com)--for which I will send them freebies and catalogs via PDF. I am even looking at the possibility of send SOME printed catalogs out to customers who buy more than 1-2 things in a once in a while blue moon. More details should be in the flyer I am putting out today or tomorrow.

Thanks. Bob

TEMPERING EXASPERATION

Once again, all draws, all games, all rounds in the Candidates. I have to admit, at first it was exasperating and as I reflected, I realized what the problem was: No One in this Group of Four is outstanding from any of the others! I know, someone will say that they are hoping to get through to the speedier tiebreak systems, somehow hoping they will pull it out when their odds are along the lines of equal equals equal. (= = =). Well, they are that already. They are leaving their chances more likely to LUCK! They say that "luck favors those who are prepared." That's why I expect no luck--they are all prepared. It may as well be blind chance the "whatever" experience.

None of these guys are a Fischer, a Kasparov, nor even an Anand. Are they fighting hard? Not in all instances. They are 2700+ chickens playing systems which certainly won't upset any apple carts as their opponents probably know them as well as their proponents do.

If Gelfand holds his nerve, don't be surprised to see him go through. Kramnik is not the world's best "speed" player, but he does all right and his technical skills and understanding fo what he has to do is fabulous. Grischuk is tough in the clutch and a great quick player. Kamsky, of course, may defy everyone and win this round. He's got the brawn and people "underestimate" him although I am not sure his opponents do. This is why I miss Topalov--he would have everyone nervous. Now he's seen as vulnerable. And 4 games? How tragic. Your "chess life" for this period is held in the balance by 4 games, not even a 6 game match.

And there are people out there who really believe today's crop is stronger than Alekhine, Lasker, and Capablanca? I don't think so as all of these men were great at faster time controls. If you look at the book I published last winter called Lasker the Ultimate Streetfighter you would see what I mean. The man, before he ever became world champion, was a killer. Not necessarily in the opening (though he could win quickly there), but he missed little in the middlegame and was genius in the endgame. Even Capablanca said NO ONE played the endgame nor saw as much as Lasker--and Capablanca was touted, often, as a King in the endgame.

When I read yesterday on the ChessBase web site about those who are complaining about the 15 minute transmission delay, I could only cringe at the "excuses" (not reasons) that were given such as having to walk yards to the press room to find out who is winning. I thought, what a huge bunch of crybabies. These people are only interested in ONE thing, themselves. They don't give a crap about the welfare of the players, it's all about me, me, and me. It wasn't that long ago when we had to find out what happened in a match by reading it in a paper the NEXT day. Now we have these big babies bawling because they need to know NOW because there is this thing called the internet. Truly, truly, pathetic. If I were in a hiring position, NONE of these milquetoasts would be on my radar, at all, ever. Friedel didn't reveal who the NIC writer was and he's not worth looking up.

I missed sending out deadlines on Friday about the $15 Gift Certificate for the Red Wing event, because I was in Red Wing. So I will be extending it to May 31. After that it will be a straight $189. It is a fabulous city, hotel, site, and a place to enjoy oneself. Will tell you more soon AND with loads of pictures. In the one above, I am in a castle's parapet. What happened to the rest of the castle is beyond me!

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

AS YOU LIKELY CAN TELL...

I've been busy.

Gone all yesterday until after midnight, scouting Red Wing, MN to give you a closer look at the environs (Great!). Erin Buss, handling details at the hotel was terrific. I will arrive a day early to get in a great swim and spend some time in the jacuzzi (I need this).

Daughter went with me and we had lots of discussions.

Yesterday was also the last day of The Chess Reports. The articles for SCORE are here but I won't be able to vet them until next week.

Have finished a giant chapter in David Rudel's next book, including diagrams.

I've been missing, but I've been busy too.

WHO READS THE CHESS MUSEUM?

I don't know... actually.

People contact me about this or that, and mistakenly refer to my Blog as my Web Site. Huh? It's a blog site. My Web Site (name still under cover) is still being developed.

The STATS say that 56 are registered. A few are registered twice (I don't know HOW I got registered at all!). I have a funny suspicion that though I have 56 registered, 50% or more don't read it much PAST when they signed up. Some read this every day. What I am pushing lately is my Red Wing, MN event for which, last night, I created a cool logo. Perhaps I will get it on here this week.

And I believe that many more read this, including resellers, competition, and others simply because their emails "imply" they do. Lots of people with no imagination about business read it. Years ago I wrote something in my front page Blog for Chessco when I was doing that and it ended up in retail journals around the country as I heard from these people who said they were laughing and simultaneously nodding their head yes about some of the bizarre types of people they have had to deal with (people who would try to compute sales tax, on no sale, for example... I am kidding).

The Wall Street Journal (on the front page!) excerpted something I had written about people who couldn't add!

I have had drawings that I paid for show up on DVDs under a well known web site who should know better.

So if you read this and aren't registered, perhaps you could get off your lazy butt and register. The main reason is, unfortunately, Google gives more credibility to those who have high registration rates to their Blogspot setup. More credibility, maybe I can get a job writing for a nationally syndicated once a week column about the "Games People Play." With a wider audience one gets more criticism and that means more mail and the "boss" loves mail; means people are reading. They can UP their ad rates. Maybe I could write for Rupert Murdoch and tell him I would like to visit Australia and go look at Purdy's gravesite!

People who are satisfied seldom write. Those who are ALWAYS pissed off about something, write, and usually, none of us wants to hear from them. Unless it is about lousy customer service (of which there is plenty), they are often mental meltdowns. I only melt down once in a while.

Yesterday another guy, this one from NY, filed a class action lawsuit about Apple's "tracking" of people's location using his iPhone. If I were the judge I would ask him, "Who really gives a crap about YOU and where you are? You might get some additional ads, so what? Ads are everywhere. Maybe you could have offered Apple an extra $300 a year to make sure you NEVER get any ads. Get out of my courtroom and take those pin-striped leeches with you. But before you leave, I need $5,000 for court costs loser."

Class action lawsuits seldom net ANYONE money except for the lawyers who stand to make as much as $70,000 per person (hence the reason for class action) while the goof who "thought" this gem up gets $13.06. We need some overhauling folks. You can bet that should Congress take away Big Oil's "tax incentives" that they will raise the price of fuel to compensate for their"loss." Their explanations for the reason for the increase in gas prices while at the same time making astronomical profits begs for relief that ANY classroom ethics and logic professor would be glad to take on. How their "spokesman/woman" can give these press conferences without gagging says a lot for muscle-relaxers from Big Pharma.

I'll get back to chess tomorrow with some info on the first issue of SCORE. Sign up, limited time, $45 for 16 issues designed to "goose" your brain. Mine's already goosed.

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

Out of the smoking rubble sometimes the "unexpected" appears (Terminator).

With nothing but draws, Kramnik finally eliminates Radjabov. There was a clock problem, when the game resumed, R fell apart according to the commentary. No wins, it was pot luck. R proved he was Kramnik's equal in play, but not his equal in finding SOME way to win.

Even though I have been a fan of Grischuk's for a long time (going back to a 2001 book published by Chess Stars on worldwide tournaments), I figured Aronian would eventually pull it out, but he didn't. Grischuk goes through. Does being the "top dog" carry some burden with it? I think so. The top player at the chess club always has a target on his back and it makes it hard to gain rating points if you are the one. At some point the strong players need to "get out of town" to play and sharpen their knives even more.

Gelfand had already taken down Mamedyarov, and let's see, who was the other pairing... oh yes, Kamsky beat another favorite, Topalov.

This looks like Musical Chairs at this point, who will "sit out?" Gelfand, Kamsky, Kramnik, Grischuk.

We'll have to see who gets who in the pairings (and then, will it make a difference?). Kramnik is definitely a "clutch" guy but he seems to have a hard time "winning" anything. It will be an interesting set up. But IF Kramnik should get through all this, somehow, he will probably give Anand an even more difficult run for chess' money this time. I just wish we had a world champion who would set the US and Europe on fire with a commercial explosion. Anand, except in his home India, has done nothing... it's not in his nature. For that reason, even though Mr. Kamsky is not Mr. Excitement either, I would like to see him win it for the USA.

Don't know if you agree, but to have EVERYTHING come down to 8 guys playing 4 game mini-matches seems as bad as flipping a coin. Are there any crushers left? Nope. I think chess has gone to a world of probabilities. And probability has a way of smacking you silly when you least expect it. I don't think Anand has anything to worry about (but, remember it has come down to "probabilities.")

Back to work on a couple projects today: a list of some USED products and more work on a Red Wing brochure (which may be emailed in two stages???).

Weirdly, I am getting a LOT of questions about Purdy books and my oldstyle catalogs. I have no idea what has caused this--no doubt an article somewhere. Anyone know? One thing I am sure of, the inflated prices for Purdy books on the internet is being met with skepticism by some as they wait (profitably) for reprints to come from Thinkers' Press.

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

A PAGE A DAY UNTIL DONE

Marketing an idea or a product is primarily what I do, and doing that has various degrees of difficulty.

For example, I want to spend a day in Red Wing this week to get some pictures, eat at a restaurant or two, look the locale over and also go to nearby Stillwater (another tourist town).

Why?

To get the lay of the land for the coming Chess Soiree in July.

It will make it easier to discuss to encourage and invite others to come. At the moment I have 4 paid and 2 who told me they WERE coming. It would be really cool to have at least 20. It would no doubt make GM Alex Yermolinsky feel want too! Useful and in an expansive mood to help you.

Going to Red Wing will make it easier to describe, to engulf, and to hope for more. Those of a similar bent will discover "What's the big deal?" I figure:

a) We got Osama out of the way, so we know he won't be there!;

b) Yes, gas has gone up $1/gal. since last year, so just multiply that by the number of gallons you would need to get there (and back) and you will see a "painful reminder" but a small increase in your vacation cost;

c) You will get to meet the man who wrote this incredibly frank book The Road to Chess Improvement (which I am re-reading--it has MORE than "nuggets" in it);

d) Hopefully you can get away from the incessant noise and grind from daily life and experience a little solitude in a place like Minnesota; BTW--Red Wing has an Amtrak station!

e) If you wish you can bring your family (did I just write "solitude?"); and

f) Learning something NEW in the way of chess thrills will leave a lasting memory, a good lasting memory.

In the meantime, I am trying to write a page a day in a special brochure I am working on to get you to change your mind and come to Red Wing (Philosophy 101: "Change your mind" simply means to me you haven't decided (a decision) or you need more details, etc. It's not coercion.)

Soon most of your questions will be answered in the brochure for The Red Wing Soiree. You can get yours when it is ready by contacting:

bob@thinkerspressinc.com

IT'S NOT OVER UNTIL IT'S OVER

Didn't Yogi Berra say that?

Today in the already concluded Candidates' 3rd round Mamedyarov went down to Gelfand. Yesterday I gave the edge to Mamed but instead, paying zero attention to me (ha), he lost today though I have yet to look at the game. Will Mamed fold? I don't know that much about his character. It wasn't unusual for Lasker, for example, to need a warm up of a couple games before he went on a tear.

All the other games were drawn including the last to finish one between Aronian and Grischuk. Aronian had a pawn on the a-file and g-file, and Grischuk had one on the h-file. Each had a Rook, and Aronian was always ONE move away from mating Grishuck but it couldn't happen due to a distant R check.

If you want to know the web site I watched, it was given to me by my longtime Canadian friend Ken MacDonald: http://livechess.chessdom.com/site/

Gives "live chat" too, most of which are not "plot points" by the fanatics but the commentary by strong players on the game is entertaining.

May add more later today... we'll see... time to mow the grass!

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

THE CANDIDATES MATCHES 2011

Whew. One of my customers just informed me of Kamsky's win over Topalov in Rd. 2 of the Candidates. So, I "Binged" (not drinking) the event and I couldn't find anything current--bad for Microsoft's search engine.

But, in the middle of that I read through a web site of harangues about FIDE, Kazan, how it was delayed, and a lot of "crap" by a guy who pretends to tell the truth, but only when it suits him. No PR for that web site.

I switched to FIDE and while they are the official website, no games in progress from today.

So I Googled and did get ChessVibes and played through the game Topalov (white)-Kamsky. Topalov didn't lose because he sacced the exchanged, he lost because he castled queenside and Kamsky was all over him like a cheap suit (Robin Williams) with ...a5. The complications were mind-bending but Kamsky stood his ground through them and Topalov collapsed. It wouldn't be surprising that Kamsky's win in St. Louis of the US championship gave him a little extra jet fuel.

All the other games were drawn.

Yesterday, before round 2 started (all the games in round 1 were drawn) I was going to make some predictions for these chess events and invite readers to send me theirs (and I still invite).

There are some tough pairings and making the calls aren't easy.

1. Topalov-Kamsky. I didn't think it was impossible for Kamsky to beat Topalov. Now I think, in this short 4 game series, it is entirely possible that Topalov might not get to the second tier, what do you think?

2) Aronian - Grischuk. I like Grischuk's chess skills but I am afraid that in the end Aronian will take it because even though he flubbed and flip-flopped in game 1, and Grischuk held tough like a guy trying to get away from a shark, I think Aronian will win. Darn.

3) Kramnik-Radjabov. I read about Kramnik's experience in match play, but realistically, what has that got to do with an older guy playing a younger, very imaginative guy. The only question is how is Radjabov's nerves. Kramnik, in his contest with Topalov and Leko showed he has IRON nerves in the clutch. For this reason, I give Kramnik the edge, IN the first tier.

4) Mamedyarov - Gelfand. Someone else wrote that Gelfand wins events but seldom beats the big guys and I suspect this is still true. But, is Mamedyarov a Big Guy? Rating wise he has been. I remember Mickey Adams and his 2700+ plus rating for a long time, and as good as he is, and he is, he seemed to have trouble beating the big guys too (you just beat the other lower 2700 rated players). Gelfand seems to know his systems well, but he can clutch in a major way and just get rolled off the board; yet, he can evoke mind-numbing draws. I give the edge to Mamedyarov even though he was involved in that brou-haha about cheating (his opponent cheating) a couple years ago.

What do you think? No prizes, no heartbreaks, no WAGs (wild-assed guesses). What does your intuition tell you? After all, HOW can we know for certain?

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

NEW BOOKS HERE IN A COUPLE DAYS

For the first 4 months of this year, new items in terms of books have been slow to materialize. This doesn't mean "crap" hasn't materialized, crap is always there, poking its nose around in the sewer.

There has been an increase in DVDs from ChessBase.

But sales haven't been rocketing here and I think part of the problem is not "lack of funds" but stuff that has come out hasn't blown up any skirts! If I am wrong, I hope you will write to tell me, but I don't see that happening.

However, sales of Purdy's Chess Chronicles and Lasker & His Contemporaries #6 has continued, along with the new publication SCORE. Amazingly, these are Thinkers' Press publications. Gambit has issued nothing exciting lately and New in Chess is a mixed bag. Everyman has had a few winners and I expect some good stuff from Chess Stars next week.

Still, it isn't easy to get TPi products in the hands of others (resellers) because that would require PROMOTION. I have learned in the chess world, over the years, the ONLY way to promote a very good product, is to have someone who is well respected say somewhere on the web, "This is great." If that person has credibility, it will sell. If that "celeb" says this is GREAT and says it again 2 months later, sales will go on for a lot longer instead of the customary 2-3 weeks (same as movies at the theater).

People are always looking for the next new thing. This is WHY I highly recommend coming to the chess soiree in Red Wing, MN this July 29-30. It is different. There will be a book included in your registration and a workshop with a new book planned called PLANNING AND PREPARATION. There will be a whole NEW idea on learning tactics. These things take time to take hold because REALISTICALLY, chess players are conservatives. How do I know? Easy. When recently I sent out the Newsletter for the Critical Secrets for Success at Chess and Anything Else, I asked if someone besides the publisher (me) would post Yermolinsky's 7 page critique. I didn't hear from even ONE person. It went out to 40 people. That's why whenever a Charles Bronson movie came out it would do well. Everyone urged Bronson's character on to "kick ass" themselves, but individually, no one would do it; I guess we have Navy SEALS to handle all that.

Still, I hear how "busy" everyone is. Then I find out people are still watching DWTS and American Idol, so it's hard for me to believe that. Everyone who is working is exhausted from having 4-6 weeks vacation each year! I have a friend, two years older than I am, retired, and all he does is watch TV! From sun up to sun down. He is bored out of his skull, but he won't break those habits! Instead, he sends me emails of YouTube clips, cartoons and jokes, and aviation stuff! He's even too lazy to take my name off of his scattershot list after I have asked him!

Why don't you break a bad habit and sign up for the Chess Soiree?

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

FIRST THE SECRET NOW THE PLANNING

In October of 2010 I released The Critical Secret for Success at Chess and Anything Else. It's pricey because the SECRET is worth it.

You can think of it as a Tutor or Tutorial, or a consultation.

Other books will be available in the Series and they won't contain that high of price tag, but they won't be cheap either. The Next one will be on Planning and Preparation. Work has begun and an example of it can be seen in issue #128 of The Chess Reports, the last issue of TCR. CDs will be made available of ALL of the PDFs and with a huge discounted price... and of course if they are on CD they can be printed out as you need them.

They will also be available for individual download when my web site is up.

Most players do little or no planning. Even GM Nigel Short admitted a while back that he doesn't keep track of everything he has played before. He kind of reminds me of GM Reshevsky only a lot funnier and taller. But even though Short wins games by playing "old stuff" he does have a much harder time when he is up against the BEST. These guys understand chess and they do have the ability to "ferret" out good moves at the board too!

For the rest of us, Planning and Preparation is useful. And one thing you will discover during that time is "all kinds" of other things that will help make you a better player. You can see some examples of this in Issue #128, which will be released next week. If you would like to pick up the whole semester, you can, at a ONE WEEK special price only. That is, if you subscribe to Semester 10 you will get the Bonus Issue #128, which will make the total run more than 2,000 pages if you add in the other 9 semesters; and you will get a CD of games from 91-128 later this year. On top of that, all eleven issues will only be $50 (instead of $69.95), a savings of twenty bucks.

One week, expires a week from this Friday, May 13, 2013. After that, no more special offers. I still take Credit Cards (Visa, MC, Discover) and PayPal, checks, MOs, and sometimes, cash (like if you have an appointment).

Contact me at: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

GM IGOR STOHL JOINS STAFF FOR SCORE!

One of the best chess openings' analysts in the business will be joining SCORE (launches June 3rd, then every three weeks) for Thinkers' Press, inc. for at least TWO of 16 issues between June 3rd and 12 months later. I am already getting positive comments from several TCR (The Chess Reports subscribers).

The subscription price of the magazine will not go up and remains $49.95. In fact, you can get a subscription at $20 if you have NEVER had a subscription to TCR since its inception. If you have you can get in for $45 if you act soon (before end of August). If you happen to have bought a 2011 Gold Card from us you get the subscription for $39.95. If we could make it past 200 subscribers, that would be a great start. So far I have about a dozen. This magazine is $20 less than TCR and will deliver the goods to help you PLAY the openings better. If you subscribe for a Jackson ($20) you will in effect be saving a Grant ($50)! It is a great deal.

The main thrust of this chess openings' magazine is that each issue will have coverage of a major opening, and minor coverage of something either more specialized or less specific. For example, in Issue #1 FIDE Master Charlie Storey will be writing on 1.g3 and IM Andrew Martin, a longtime publishing colleague, will cover the Petroff Defense, no doubt in some specialty line.

Like Gloria Gaynor said, "I'm so excited!"

GM STOHL said he WILL use WORDS!! For those who do not know the Czech Republic GM that well, he has written for New in Chess, Gambit Books, ChessBase, and Chess Informant. His masterwerk for Gambit was Instructive Modern Chess Masterpieces and two volumes on the games of Garry Kasparov. A year ago his book (IMCM) had done so well it was expanded by a further 12 games and ran over 400 pages; a lot of work. While Stohl's expertise is often in the Queen's Pawn systems, he also knows the Sicilian Defense very well.

I urge you to subscribe today at a Bargain basement rate! $20 or $45 in most cases. Everyone tells me they have wanted to see an openings magazine that wasn't over their head and these fellows will be trying as I have told them our audience is for 1000-1600 and 1600-2200 Elo. Those in the higher ranges shouldn't sneer, if you like to do that. We all started out somewhat lower than our peak (and if you didn't what are you reading this Blog for?). And interestingly, I occasionally learn something I should have already known and I bet you have too! At any rate, give us a try. No limp wrists, half-hearteds "I will think about it," etc. You want BOLDER and current data on butt-booting, you will need this. TODAY.

contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com