WCC R4: Epic 94-Move Draw

November 15, 2016

The game started, as did Game 2 when Karjakin had the White pieces, with 1.e4 and a Ruy Lopez. The challenger played what he thought was a brilliant move with 18.Bxh6 but after 18...Qc6 Karjakin thought, 'What have I done?' By move 40 there were only two results possible according to GM commentator Judit Polgar: Black wins or the game is drawn. Carlsen pushed the computer evaluation up to a full -2.00 but winning a won position is one of the most difficult tasks in chess. Karjakin again showed his Karpov-like defensive mettle by establishing a fortress and holding on like grim death. Carlsen's King went on a walk to a2 and then to g4 without being able to penetrate White's position. On move 94 the players agreed to a draw. The match is tied at 2.0. Tomorrow is a rest day. Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday.

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WCC R3: Roller Coaster Games Ends in Draw

November 14, 2016

The third game in the World Chess Championship match ended in a draw after a back-and-forth battle that looked drawn until Black's 30th and 31st moves Ra2 and c5. Commenters thought these moves were too optimistic and the beginning of Black's problems. When 64...Be7 appeared many observers thought Black was losing. Karjakin then showed why he is the challenger playing 67...Rxh3 and allowing the capture of his Bishop. This led to Carlsen losing his important f-pawn and after making two less-than-perfect Rook moves the evaluation dropped to 0.00. Six moves later the players shook hands and agreed to a draw after nearly seven hours of chess.

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Film Screening: Chess Champs: An Island's Pride

November 13, 2016

You must see this film! Local independent filmmaker Veronica Young chronicles the 2012-2013 season of the most successful scholastic chess program in Maine state history--the Deer Isle-Stonington Mariners. Granted exclusive access to all aspects of the team, Young presents a touching and intimate inside look at the players, parents, coaches, boosters, tournaments, and events that shaped the story of Mariners chess and their legendary coach Dick Powell. A poignant view into the heart and soul of what it means to be a scholastic chess player, this film brought me through a surprising spectrum of emotions. Two enthusiastic thumbs up.

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Roger Morin Wins George Cunningham Brilliancy Prize

November 13, 2016

Established by ChessMaine.net and funded by a generous anonymous donor, the George Cunningham Brilliancy Prize was created to remember and honor one of the most influential figures in Maine chess history and to recognize games played in the state that evoke a certain harmony and aesthetic. The winner of the Prize for the three-month period August - October, 2016 is Roger Morin for his game vs Will Ravn at the National Chess Day Tournament played on October 8th in Brewer. For his efforts Roger will receive a $100 check. Congratulations Roger!

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WCC R2: A "Completely Normal" Draw

November 12, 2016

That's how challenger Sergey Karjakin described game 2 in the World Chess Championship. The game started as a Ruy Lopez and followed well-trodden main lines until the game entered unchartered territory on Black's 12th move with Re8. Carlsen had an easy time liquidating to an even endgame and at times looked bored with the position. In a match of this nature, draws are very common during the first few games as both players feel each other out and are mostly unwilling to tip their preparation hand too early. The Match is tied at 1 point apiece. Sunday is a rest day. Game 3 will take place on Monday, November 14th.

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WCC R1: An Exciting Trompowsky Ends in a Draw

November 11, 2016

Magnus Carlsen surprised his opponent by playing the Trompowsky (1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5) in the first game of the World Chess Championship and got a lead on the clock as Karjakin had to step carefully in a well-prepared line. After exchanging bishop for knight and doubling Black's pawns on the f-file, White had some advantage throughout the middle game but Karjakin kept his cool and steered the game into safe waters. In the post-game press conference, both players mentioned that they heard crowd noises during the game and at one point during the game Carlsen looked up from the board suddenly and gazed out into the audience.

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ChessMaine to Broadcast World Championship Games

November 7, 2016

Thanks to an exclusive partnership with Agon Limited, the organizers of the World Chess Championship, ChessMaine.net is able to bring you free access to the games of the Match and a 10% discount on the Full Access Package including: 360 Video, Virtual Reality, Multi-Camera View, and Live GM Commentary. To take advantage of this offer use Promo Code PAWNE5 at checkout. We hope you enjoy following the games on ChessMaine.net.

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ChessMaine.net Receives Honorable Mention in 2016 CJA Awards

October 29, 2016

The Chess Journalists of America holds an annual awards program to recognize and honor outstanding chess journalism both in print media and online. These prestigious awards showcase American chess journalism published between June 1, 2015 and May 31, 2016. ChessMaine.net received an Honorable Mention in the category of Best USCF State Chapter Website. We sincerely thank the CJA for administrating these awards and send our warmest congratulations to all award receipients.

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World Chess Championship Preview

October 28, 2016

The World Chess Championship Match 2016, held from November 11-30 at the Fulton Market Building in the historic Seaport District of New York City, will be contested by 25 year old reigning champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway and his challenger, 26 year old Sergey Karjakin of Russia. These players, having come of age in the era of super-strong chess software programs, represent a new frontier for the future of chess.

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Chess at the 2016 Common Ground Country Fair

October 20, 2016

At this year's Common Ground Country Fair in Unity, Maine, a first-of-its-kind chess tournament was held on Saturday, September 24th in the Children's Homsteading Area. The non-rated event was attended by six brave competitors and a good-sized crowd of onlookers cheering the players on. The three round event was won by Luke Hankins with a perfect 3.0 points. Here's the tournament report with images courtesy of Charles Altschul.

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