39th Olympiad Khanty-Mansiysk 2010 (the chess)

[Mick Norris]

yes, they have rested him in favour of their 3 in form players

[Mark Howitt]

Howell and Jones aren't in great form though are they (although Jones has beaten two weaker players and he's good at doing those kind of things)- none of them have beaten players rated over 2500. I think against this Belarus team we're still favourites though.

[Mick Norris]

Gawain's opponent has a rating performance so far of 2698, so a draw there wouldn't be bad

Should be a close match

[Alex Holowczak]

Howell looks to be in a bit of trouble; is he?

[John Philpott]

Mickey's game agreed drawn after 15 moves.

[Andy Burnett]

Howell looks to be in a bit of trouble; is he?

I don't have an engine running, but I wouldn't touch his position with a bargepole.

[Jon D'Souza-Eva]

Howell looks to be in a bit of trouble; is he?

I don't have an engine running, but I wouldn't touch his position with a bargepole.

Me neither. Perhaps if he can maneuver his knight to d7 via e5 then the threat of Nxf6 will prevent White from forcing things on the h-file. In a blitz game I'm sure White would win nine times out of ten, but he's a Grandmaster and has plenty of time to work out the tactics.

[Ian Kingston]

I've put two engines on Howell's position and they both seem to be able to defend it - just. Wouldn't fancy it myself though.

[Simon Brown]

What do your engines say to 21 Qh6 Rg8 - forced - 22 Rf4 threat Qh7? I can't see anything.

[Andy Burnett]

What do your engines say to 21 Qh6 Rg8 - forced - 22 Rf4 threat Qh7? I can't see anything.

Just ...Qf8 defends that I think?! The queen can block on h6 if white sacs.

I'm more worried about a slower or trickier version of the same tactics, e.g. Rf5 with the idea of e5, then Qh6 (when Rh5 becomes possible.)

[Jon D'Souza-Eva]

What do your engines say to 21 Qh6 Rg8 - forced - 22 Rf4 threat Qh7? I can't see anything.

Obviously 22. ... Qf8 is forced, so after 23. Qxh7+ Kxh7 24. Rh4+ Qh6 saves the day.

[Simon Brown]

Thanks , I assumed there was something otherwise I guess it would have been played! Agreed this looks v unpleasant

[Jon D'Souza-Eva]

I'm more worried about a slower or trickier version of the same tactics, e.g. Rf5 with the idea of e5, then Qh6 (when Rh5 becomes possible.)

That looks nasty. Can Black play Re6 and Qg8 and use the queen to hold everything together? Horrible, defensive position though and White must be far better after that.

[Ian Kingston]

After 22. Rf3 Qf8 23. Qg5 Re8 24. Rxc6 Bxc6 25. Rh3 Bd7 26. g4 Bxg4 27. Qxg4 Re5 seems to be best and is evaluated as equal. 'Unclear' might be more accurate!

[Alex Holowczak]

Black has to stop 24. Rh3 h5 (forced, h6 fares no better) 25. Qxh5+ gxh5 26. Rxh5+ Qh6 27. Rxh6# - Does he have to play g5 therefore, and does it stop that for long?