SOME PRAISE FOR SCORE

Thinkers' Press inc.'s new openings magazine SCORE came out before noon today. Here are some early returns:

Wow, It looks great!
Nice weekend reading and lifelong chess improvement!
Cheers, Patrik (Sweden)

Very well done first issue of SCORE!

If the rest are of the same high quality I will be happy.

Ron (Des Moines)

I've just started to take a look at the first issue, but had an idea I wanted to run by you. I would like to print off several copies (with your permission of course) of page 2 and hand them out to some people who come to our chess get togethers at Barnes & Noble. Let me know what you think... I have to admit, I'm pretty "pumped" about this new publication! Thanks.

Keep pushing those passed pawns.

Steve (IA)

Attached are my suggestions for openings to cover in SCORE. I have always taken a great interest in opening theory, and I should therefore be satisfied with any openings covered in these issues. But since many openings already have several books devoted to them, I thought it would be refreshing if these issues covered openings without a great deal of already published theory. Of course, this has happened already with this issue covering 1.) g3. Perhaps some other offbeat openings can be covered in later issues.

Thank you,

Gary (IL)

BOB: I replied to Gary that we certainly will consider his list but if there has been no NEW news (SCORE is about 2010-2011 games and theory), then anything written would duplicative to those other books and databases.

ALEKHINE IS HERE!

The Chess Gangs of New York and London, Alekhine the Executioner issue just landed on my porch. Those who have FREE ones coming will be mailed that issue between now and 2 weeks from now. If an order in the meantime comes in from you, I will just drop it in with everything else. If not, I try to do it all on one day. For those who are BUYING the issue, yours will go out very soon. 59 annotated games are included. Don't ask me why the printer included 4 additional blank pages. One time he will, another time they won't. If I "fill them" they will charge me $1 extra. It's screwy.

Next up, Pillsbury the Fencer. The games have been annotated and soon will be laid out. Then comes Capablanca I think. After that... a big surprise. If I tell you in advance I won't hear from you until summer... No, it isn't Kasparov, Karpov, or Fischer. (Or Tal). I doubt those guys will even be included; their games are already quite accessible.

If you want to buy an issue of Alekhine, it is $12.95 + $3.00 for S&H.

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

DOING A SECOND MAILING

Marketing experts talk about "followup" and then try to suggest how often, when, and what else to add to an original message. There is no "this works every time formula."

Yesterday I sent another email to prospects about the new magazine SCORE (comes out tomorrow or later tonight). A spate of positive replies ensued ranging from: "How can one use PayPal without a website?" to "I am dropping my check in the mail" to "It IS a bargain, where do I send the money?"

The answers to these questions have pretty much always been in the emails I send. Yet when I sent a follow up email, people read that one insteaad! This time, I'm the one who doesn't get it!

1. My bulk email sender requires that when I am making an email to anyone I don't "regularly" do commercial business with, that I include an email address... which I do. And a street address, which I do.

2. I've mentioned in my publications and mailings HOW to pay using PayPal. One person thought that could only be done USING my website. That is NOT the case. I have a "placeholder" website, www.thinkerspressinc.com but it doesn't take orders... it lists an email address. Simply GO to YOUR PayPal account and after putting in your Password, click the SEND money tab. Put in $20 (or whatever amount you want to send), the email address who you are sending it to (mine is: bob@thinkerspressinc.com) and click "send" or "submit," whatever the button suggests.

So a website IS involved, but it is PayPal's website only. Yes, I am aware some business web sites take PayPal and the payer doesn't have to know anything else, but that is not the only way.

3. My address is: 1524 LeClaire Street, Davenport, IA 52803 USA if you are mailing me a check, money order, or your credit card information. Some ask if I take "American Express." No, not anymore. I have found that almost all AE owners usually have another credit card of the Visa, MasterCard, or Discover variety, which I have taken for a long time.

Some babies are breast fed (simple), and some are bottle fed (more steps). Until I get my web site up I am doing the bottle fed version.

My good Tennessee friend Roy M. said "Web sites are practically free these days." He was kidding, but in fact to set up a web site that is other than a splash page telling about a business is a lot different than setting up 400 items, describing them, scanning book and dvd covers, pricing, and maintaining them. This doesn't include setting up a payment system, tiered pricing, blogs, and any other Special Events.

My sister Jo designed her own web site and it took her a year and included payment systems. Her web site is very inclusive and complicated. Yes, there are "ready mades" but almost NONE of them will work for a business that is anything but extremely simple. When you see CNN, or the USCF web site, underneath all that, there is a LOT of jazz going on and usually more than one programmer involved, and constantly involved.

So myself and my web programmer are working on it and we hope to surprise those who specifically NEED a web site one day. My time estimates have been wrong on this because I have deadlines to meet and orders to fill--otherwise, I can't buy groceries or pay utility bills. It is like that when one is self-employed--money doesn't come in automatically, one must keep priming the pump UNTIL the concern will run in a regular fashion.

In the meantime, you can still call me with credit card information, or email it to me (I need the same thing I have always needed: 16 digit credit card number, the expiration date, and nowadays, the 3-digit set on the back of the card). If you prefer paying by PayPal just do what I suggested above. Some wag wrote once that there is "more than one way to skin a cat." Why would anyone want to skin a cat? But, I am sure it is true. Some do not want to email me their financial information and that is fine--just give me a ring at: 563-271-6657. I usually have that number with me unless: I am in the shower, asleep, or in the head. Unlike some, I do not live with my phone.

I am still getting orders for SCORE this morning. Thanks to all of you.

PS: By the way, Blogs confuse some too. One fellow thought he could order through my Blog. My blog site is run by Google. To my knowledge Google doesn't allow such things. But I often do list a way to contact me, such as: bob@thinkerspressinc.com -- as here.

Years ago I told my then webmaster that a lot of folks didn't understand the internet, using payment methods, had fears of their identity being compromised, etc. and she found that hard to believe. She found it hard to believe also when I said "25% of my clients did not own or use a computer!" These "webby" people read these "polls" but I wonder if anyone actually polls those who mail me checks (I have a number of customers who DO know how to use a computer and still mail me their check... why not, they have their own ideas on how they want to use their credit cards, if they have them.)

I do not yet own an iPhone or an iPad even though I wish I had the coin to do so. Thus, even though I understand quite a bit of technology, I don't engage in all of it just to say that I do.

Many companies (most?) today won't accept hand-delivered or mailed resumes. They only want "digitally" submitted resumes according to THEIR standards, which, not amazingly enough, vary from company to company and almost NEVER are totally applicable to the job you are seeking! I know, I tried this. It got so tiring I gave up and anyone who knows me knows that is not easy for me to do. It is ONLY a mechanism to "weed out" applicants and settle on what is left. In the meantime, the "perfect" potential employee for that position may have been dismissed because they didn't have an AA degree and yet smartswise might've been better than anyone else in the company. Andrew Carnegie surrounded himself with smart people and yet he was the richest man in the world. But, he was the one who started his company, not some nincompoop in HR who thinks he/she knows what they are doing because they went to college.

Think about this: if 100 is the average IQ in the US, why do so many feel they are above average, IQ-wise? Why do they assume their children are? Why do they assume their bosses are? Another thought. It is known that 1 in 25 people are sociopaths (no conscience) and that some of them are in positions of responsibility (and yet who often act extremely irresponsibly) such as CEOs and heads of departments such as HR. Sociopaths LOVE (if they can love anything) those who are manipulatable or very malleable. If you don't do it THEIR way, better to not do it at all. With regards to ordering and paying for merchandise from G&L CHESS or Thinkers' Press, inc. I offer many different ways of doing so including making an appointment to stop by and see me (just bring a wheelbarrow!)

Still willing to answer anything I haven't covered. Tomorrow is the Big Day SCORE gets launched. Climb aboard.

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

A SAD REVELATION

Some years ago I wrote to a marketing friend who is big on new "digital technology" even though he still writes books. His ideas on "copyright" are quite loose saying, in effect, that we have to change with the times. On whose terms? His? The public's?

He was very big on Wikipedia. I wasn't even though I have used it. I said, "It leaves too much room for incorrect editing and data by slum writers." It turns out to be quite true. Some authors have been caught making up stuff! You know these types, so lacking in self-esteem that their self-esteem (not to mention education and buying their own resources) allows them to rip off others. With respect to chess I have found things that were simply incorrect.

If an organization gives you free reign to dump THEIR stuff into Wikipedia, fine.

Companies pay a lot of money for their work and research. One such was the Oxford Encyclopedia people when they produced David Hooper's and Ken Whyld's The Oxford Companion to Chess, original AND New edition.

I was looking up something about Jackson Whipps Showalter and Pillsbury (H N) to confirm a thought I had about winning the US championship and then defending the title. Well, Wikipedia had the information because it was copied directly from Hooper & Whyld's book (I was double checking)! Directly. No paraphrasing, no parsing, no mention (except under references [and that doesn't given them a license to "lift"]). This is wrong.

The defense is ALWAYS lame. "We (Wikipedia Users) don't have access to H&W's book, it costs too much since it is out of print." This idiotic comment makes it sound as if they would ACTUALLY buy the book if it was available. How many of us believe that? It is this casual theft which makes many publishers give up on publishing researched reference books. I doubt if it can be stopped--few with deep pockets are willing to attempt it except perhaps Viacom on YouTube. When paper publishers cease will "online publishers" be willing to publish it for free? My guess? No. Who will take the first step?

There is one guy out there who rips off ChessBase DVDs; you can see him and hear his blather at tournaments around the country. DO NOT buy any of this stuff from him! He will give you all kinds of BS arguments about what he is doing as being all right. It isn't. ChessBase knows who he is but is unwilling to send people after him and put him in jail. One reason? He has no verifiable address since he is on the move all the time. Well, not true. Go to some tournaments, especially in the Midwest. You will find him. Some years ago, in Sioux Falls, SD I confronted him directly. After he tried to shove all of his crap down my gullet I told him he was a crook and a liar. Guess what? His response was to call me filthy names and walk away. Doesn't this sound like a person on the up and up? I didn't back down, he did. But everyone else backs down. ChessBase has the money, they just don't want to spend it. I estimate he costs them hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. No, that's not what HE makes, he discounts everything--it is what ChessBase would get paid if they got all their "rightful" money (of course I realize people buy stuff from this jerk because it IS offered at a huge discount--or on a mini hard drive with everything on it!). Would you support this guy? I hope not.

Over the years I have kept my share of chess reference books which I originally bought. I have done my own research and writing. For example, in the fantastic Purdy Chess Chronicles which I work on, I USE the books and magazines themselves WITH paid-for permission from the Purdy family! That's what I call BEING SERIOUS.

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

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