The British itself!

[Richard Bates]

Lewis - I wasn't sure how to answer Richard's question. Clearly, White is hugely better.

My point was that almost everyone of black's pieces (when i posted there was a Q on h4 and a Knight on g7 - maybe the latter is now on an OK 'circuit') would probably have met the conventional definition of being a "bad piece" Just having one such piece is usually enough to declare a decisive advantage!

[Simon Ansell]

In Rudd-Williams, 23. Qg3 first looked to be a better try.

Then just 23... Rxf5 followed by Be4. All White had for the piece was tricks IMO.

[John Moore]

Lewis - I wasn't sure how to answer Richard's question. Clearly, White is hugely better.

My point was that almost everyone of black's pieces (when i posted there was a Q on h4 and a Knight on g7 - maybe the latter is now on a good 'circuit') would probably have met the conventional definition of being a "bad piece" Just having one such piece is usually enough to declare a decisive advantage!

Thanks Richard

[Simon Brown]

I'd have thought the a8 rook was the most happy as it hasn't been made to look foolish

[John Moore]

How many G and Ts, Simon?

[Simon Ansell]

28... b6! You have to admire Mr. Brusey's sense of aesthetics.

[Richard Bates]

I'd have thought the a8 rook was the most happy as it hasn't been made to look foolish

I imagine she's calling for the Captain to be sacked now that b6 has been played. That's the forlorn hope of being useful dashed

[John Moore]

Aesthetics - that's the word.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Have been following Howell-Hawkins without any computer engine assessments. Have been trying to work out if the advantage has swung back to Black or not... (31.g4 with Howell down to 4 minutes, a lot for him). After 31...Nf7, the White pawns are slowed down and maybe the Black pawns start to roll? (The Black a-pawn can get to a3 very quickly.)

[Simon Brown]

How many G and Ts, Simon?

None as it happens. But I'm flying home tonight so sticking to white Rioja

[Simon Ansell]

I suspect Black is objectively better now (after 31. g4) in Howell - Hawkins but difficult to play for both sides, all three results are possible.

[John Moore]

Correct, I think. Black's pawns are much faster. David has been worse for most of the game in my view.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

If Hebden beats Emms (looks likely), I wonder which of Hebden or Nick Pert will play Hawkins in round 9? (EDIT: As Hebden would be seeking Black in round 9, and Hawkins will retain White if he wins or draws, it would be Hawkins-Hebden in round 9). Down on board 4, Zhou-D. Fernandez is level on material. Am I right that as Jack's calculation regarding a GM norm was only for 9 rounds, that a draw there could still see Fernandez get a norm over 10 or 11 rounds (depending on pairings and results)?

[Lewis Martin]

In Rudd-Williams, 23. Qg3 first looked to be a better try.

Then just 23... Rxf5 followed by Be4. All White had for the piece was tricks IMO.

Yes, it didn't look that great. Black still had to find the correct lines, but ultimately the game was in Black's hands after that sacrifice.

[John Moore]

just shovel the a pawn