Chess

[Tripps]

If you're short of something to do for the next couple of weeks, and you have no paint drying that needs watching - you could do worse than look here. The World Chess Championship has just started.

Carlsen - Anand November 2014

[PanBiker]

I like chess, never much good but enjoyed playing. I oyned Sally into learning the game and have never won a game against her in 40 years since, I have more luck against the computer. Not really a spectator sport, like golf and fishing.

[Stanley]

One of life's experiences that has passed me by....

[Tripps]

We've had the first winning game - for Carlsen, and in less than four hours. I can barely contain my excitement. Good thing it's a rest day tomorrow.

[plaques]

Anand just gave up when there was plenty of play left. A draw seemed possible if he had kept going. Carlsen just wears them out. I can't see him losing the series.

[Stanley]

Chess seems to be a dangerous sport, more so that F1 motor racing! See THIS for a Guardian report. I seem to remember that many years ago a competitor died of a broken back after tilting backwards in his seat during a match.

[plaques]

Carlsen wins the tournament with an eleventh game win over Anand. Anand's rook gamble didn't pay off.

[Tripps]

For anyone at a loose end - the snooker has of course finished - try this. "Action" starts at 4.00pm.

London Chess Classic 2014

Just click the blue "Live" button.

[Tripps]

If you're stuck for something to do tomorrow evening at 8.00pm - try this

Nigel Short v Gari Kasparov

It's live from St Louis Missouri, the 'Lad from Leigh v the Beast from Baku'

First game 25 minutes each player, then four games of Blitz chess at 5 minutes each player. I've never seen that speed played before - it's nearer to boxing than chess - and certainly not boring.

Nigel's losing after the first session - says he's tired and jet lagged.

[plaques]

Kasparov won in the Blitz session. A very even game. i feel sorry for the commentators who were trying to predict the next series of moves. An impossible task with players of this caliber.

[Tripps]

I would compare the blitz games with a boxing match. Had it been one, the referee would have stepped in long before the end to save Nigel from further punishment. Final score was 8.5 to 1.5. Nigel said again that he was tired - which is probably true since he came to this match from victories in Rangoon, and Bangkok. It was a massacre.