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