Lasker & HIS CONTEMPORARIES #6 FRIDAY??

When my printer releases a title such as Lasker #6 that doesn't mean it will be on the truck that afternoon.

However, I have "hope" (which is a poor substitute for strategy) that they will be here this Friday or next Monday or Tuesday. I got the word of their "release" today.

Lots of articles, photos, explanatory essays, and some scarce stuff such as a complete listing and explanation of Lasker's "mathematical papers" by master Nathan Divinsky, himself a mathematician in Canada. In fact, Divinsky will be featured in Chess EXTRAS #6, which will probably be out later this year. I am working on that issue as I go along; it's the fastest way.

My publishing schedule has ramped up, but as some can tell, the event in Minnesota is quite a bit on my mind at the moment. Today someone in Spokane WA evinced interest. It's one of those things where iy is important to get people to get out of the woodwork, look around, and then say, "Yeah, that sounds like fun!" I wanted to call it a Quiet Riot, but that name was taken in the music world.

Also, my first negative review of a ChessBase DVD appeared today in what I am putting together for The Chess Reports #126, due out this Friday. Andrew Martin's articles is also here and if you have ever been bugged by weird openings, or play them yourself, there is "stuff" on the SNIPER, also known years ago as the Pterodactyl. In this case it is only the name which is weird, not the moves. However, there is a game between Ian Rogers and Gruenfeld which Bill Lombardy called the Saragossa Opening (1.c3)

Once again, something for everyone including a dissected BEST move or "What are those Double Exclams for?" A subscription can be had for Semester 10, one week only, for $45 instead of the usual $69.95. 10 fat issues, in color, PDF and emailed to you. Deadline, this Saturday (April 16th).

That's all for now, you can contact me at: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

LODGING COSTS AND BARGAINS

In Oct. 2010 the Last Chess Clinic was held at a great hotel, the Clarion, in which overniters were charged only $74/nite. These days, that IS an amazing bargain.

In Red Wing, MN, where the next event will take place, the Chess Soiree, we will stay over nite at Country Inn & Suites for $100/nite!! Yes, the tourist season IS busy in MN (try going inside to Cabella's and see just how busy IT is!). But, when I originally contacted Erin it was $119.95 per nite. She's such a sweetie we were able to get the rooms at $100.00, another bargain these days especially at that time of the year.

The have a number of King-size and Queen-size beds set aside for the CHESS GROUP. That's what we are being called, to keep it simple. Call the front desk at 651-388-9000 and ask for the Chess Group rates for July 29, and July 30. I hope you will stay there, it makes it easier on everyone including yourself. Our meeting area will be convenient and we will be close to everything else. By setting aside a room block of 20 (maybe more) we will get that rate. So I urge you to call today, or this coming week.

And, I NEED to do that myself! (I am notorious about last minute lodging. Once I slept overnight in my car. I'm telling you, that was NOT interesting! There were mosquitoes outside, the size of B52s, trying to get in!)

That CHESS GROUP number again is: 651-388-9000.

Contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com IF YOU NEED MORE INFO.

MAKE THAT FIVE FOR MINNESOTA'S RED WING!

Steve Lamansky is signing up for the Chess Soiree in Late July. Steve has been at almost everything Thinkers' Press inc. has done. He even came to celebrate at the one in July in Savannah GA, though I had to cancel the Clinic and move it a month later. Still, he and Ron Nurmi came to Savannah and we went out to dinner and had a great time while walking through downtown Savannah on the waterfront.

Why would anyone do this? Because they like the Mental Lift, the Time Out, being with Great people. Yes, they are supporters of Chessco, Thinkers' Press, and G&L CHESS, but they don't have to come. They come because it's enjoyable, fraternal and a learning experience. This soiree (meaning a party for the invited) has some new ideas and GM Alex Yermolinsky for the celebrated guest.

We also have a newcomer to our "parties," from Minnesota. A long time customer he wants to be in on the fun before moving elsewhere (out of the country).

A couple nites ago I issued an invitation to 96 people who have been supporters of these things. I asked those who got one to get in touch with me to come to another. Next week, or later, I will ask others who might like a chance at a unique chess experience (notice I did not say "most unique" which when you ponder is gilding the lily. It's unique or it isn't. BTW, who would want to gild a lily?)

This invite is also open to those who read this Blog. If you are out of the country, come like Ken MacDonald did last year (a dyed in the wool Canadian) or Martin Stafford, all the way from New Zealand. Statewise we've had people come from California, Texas, Florida, New York, Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin, Oregon and the states in between... so "you CAN make it." Sometimes I think some chess players are terrified of having a good time about a game that is supposed to be serious... well, I don't think of chess as serious at all except that it can be seriously FUN!

Am working on a Thinkers' Press catalog to send out to everyone whose email address I have, this weekend. If you don't want to be missed, write me at:

bob@thinkerspressinc.com

THE CHESS SOIREE IN RED WING, MINNESOTA

It's been a busy day!

Four people are either seriously interested or have already put money down for the event in Red Wing--woo hoo! Some have even suggested they will arrive early.

My New Zealand friend, Martin Stafford, said he wished he could think of an "excuse" to get to the USA this summer. Last year he showed at our Chess Clinic in October since he was on Agri business here in Florida.

Dale Suilmann wrote today and said:

"I have good memories of Alex's presentations at Jumers Castle Lodge years ago.My impression then was that he had a terrific ability to convey his thoughts about chess positions -- great insight and very instructive. I can almost see one of the positions in my head now where Alex explained why a queen exchange was so favorable for one of the players (he hadn't seen the position before), and then the presenter (Khmelnitsky maybe?) proceeded to confirm Alex's evaluation as he presented the next few moves of the game."

Hope you give me a SHOUT at:

bob@thinkerspressinc.com

TWO IMPORTANT THINGS TODAY

1. I am uploading PDFs tonight of The Chess Reports, Chess EXTRAS as well as other PDFs to my Web Site (still unannounced until all of this is done). I will also be loading pictures of other things I sell. It will probably take me 2 months however to complete.

2. I have the agreements, contracts, etc. ready to go for the Red Wing Chess Event. My web guy has already told me he has been to Red Wing twice and it will be a great location. I know the price, the hotel details, what you will need, what is included, etc. I will announce more details this Saturday along with the program. The cost, if you need to know now is $189.00 and will include a copy of a book we will be using at the two day event. You will be shipped the book in advance to look over. There will be plenty of other things too. If you already have the book, you will be given a credit.

3. Two have ALREADY signed up!! Yippee.

4. It will be called the Chess Soiree 2011. Look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible!

Please contact: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

NO REST FOR ME

Have not been on here for a couple days but there are some great things in the planning. Readers of The Chess Reports will find out soon and be the first to know and experience.

I am working on another book for David Rudel and while I can't tell you what it is, be blown away by the cover AND the contents!

A special emailing will go out tonight--I hope you read it and act right away to save BIG BUX! And my Bulk emailer in Mass. has sent me info on a completely new and better (yeah) interface which I am hoping will make my job easier.

Lasker & His Contemporaries #6 finally did go to the printer on Saturday. I am glad I did wait a couple days (always those last minute look overs) because something important came in Saturday's mail.

Most of the work has been completed for Alekhine the Executioner. I will be adding a few more games as I didn't annotate as deeply as I had on Lasker and Blackburne because the moves OFTEN were obvious BUT the Execution (the diagram at point of impact!) was not!

So as you can see, it's been busy here. If I could just be busy packing orders that would be even better! Hope to get a mini-Catalog out this week!

Contact me at: bob@thinkerspressinc.com

WHERE THE CHESS GROUP IS GOING TO BE

It's official! We know where the Chess Summer Event will be and I hope you call them today! I blocked TWENTY ROOMS for us.

Where this will be, in Red Wing, Minnesota, is a lovely place and hopefully a perfect place. I spent days and lots of hours checking these various places out (maybe a couple dozen), so here is what I know and have found out:

1. Country Inn & Suites -- Red Wing, MN 55066

4275 Highway 61 West.

2. The DIRECT Telephone # to Register for the CHESS GROUP is: 651-388-9000. They should have us set up soon. If the person at the desk doesn't know what you are talking about, have them confer with "Erin" (in charge of group sales).

3. Room Rate for that time of the year is $119.90 for July 29 and July 30, each night. If you come a day early, like I plan to do, that is, July 28th, it is $109.90. IF we get 20 or more people (soon) they will discount the rates another $10.00 (keep that in mind). Remember, what you see on the web MIGHT be $30 cheaper (or look cheaper), but that doesn't include the premium for the Summer months. I would like everyone to be in the same Hotel (nope, I do not get a rebate for this). It looks to be a GREAT place and Red Wing a GREAT city!

4. The Hotel Tax rate is 9.875%.

Actually, I was quite pleased with the prices for our stay because in the Summer months in Minnesota they go up to about $180 (or more) per nite the farther North you go--and what I asked for were the weekend rates. I know some of you were quite anxious about dates and places so THAT is now ready to go. If you want to see the amenities and all that goes with the Country Inn, go to:

http://www.countryinns.com/red-wing-hotel-mn-55066/mnredwin/rooms

As I said the other day, I don't have the Registration Fee for this 2 day event figured out yet nor contracts dealt with, so I should know that in a couple days. I think it will be $175.00 and $150.00 if you have a Gold Card 2011... but I have to check with some people.

I will also give you the intended program, hours, and tell you something about Red Wing--which is quaint, exciting, a great place where everyone is welcome... take a couple days off and take a LOAD off and spend it with me (Bob Long), Alex Yermolinsky, and OUR friends. If you want to do more, come a day early (some people often do this to acclimatize).

Do me a little favor IF you would. Please email me that you have reserved a room, and tell me how soon you want to register with me (that would be: bob@thinkerspressinc.com). What I am LOOKING for, to be honest, are great people and those who want to register early. If you don't have a GOLD CARD but register early there will be a registration discount. This meeting area only has room for 30 people (we had 38 at the Last Chess Clinic) + a sales area. I never kid about space or early registration. I know some people got a kick out of all the different brochures I sent out last year (ELEVEN!!) to entice them to come, but it was pretty draining in terms of time. And after the 7th sending, it produced no NEW results.

Like I said about the programme... there will be impromptu sessions, but also some FIXED events.

ONE OTHER REASON for REGISTERING EARLY:

Chess in Minnesota is fanatical. There are players from all over this HUGE state. I have sold MANY times in Minneapolis/St. Paul and a lot of people up there know me. So EXPECT Minnesotans to be at the Red Wing Soiree. To guarantee your SEAT, please register EARLY!

Take me seriously... Lots of people in Minnesota will jump at this. I remember what Andy Ansel said to me last year at the Last Chess Clinic (he came from NYC): "I thought I would have an OK time, but it turned out to be Fantastic!"

Looking forward to seeing you... now I can get some other PLANNING done!