Candidates' Tournament Begins Tomorrow in Moscow----Caruana vs Nakamura in First Round

And so it begins tomorrow in a rather interesting venue. Even though the building has clearly be refurbished inside, the exterior is the same as it was when built in 1929 in the early days of the Soviet Union. It really gives the tournament the feel of another era. I wonder if the ghosts of Krylenko, Verlinsky and Botvinnik will be seen.

The venue was built in 1929. Here are two photos, then and now, Comrades.

Computer and Bookmaker Predictions of Who Carlsen's Challenger Will Be----Caruana or Nakamura!

Well soon know as the Candidates tournament gets under way tomorrow in Moscow.

http://en.chessbase.com/post/computer-simulates-and-predicts-candidates-winner

Kirsan Will Run Again For FIDE Presidency and Offers To Take A Polygraph Exam

As reported in Tass. And he'll seek to have chess in the Winter Olympics. 
http://tass.ru/en/sport/860461

This is truly amusing. After having blustered that he was a) going to Washington, D.C. to clear this up with the US DoT; b)was going to sue the US government for defamation; c) would go to NYC regardless of being sanctioned......he now offers to take a polygraph test to "prove" he isn't involved in sanctionable practices in Syria. Too bad the high powered lawyers he was going to hire in the US haven't advised him that polygraph tests are generally meaningless and not admissible in court. If he talks to his ex-KGB buddy Vlad Putin, he will likely be able to get some tips for passing polygraphs as spies are trained to do. 
http://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1034995/russian-chess-boss-ilyumzhinov-prepared-to-take-lie-detector-test-ahead-of-re-election-campaign

Shock, Awe and..........Common Sense

From the Aeroflot Open in Moscow, the arbiter's reaction (the guy with the white beard) to finding players at the wrong board. Common sense prevailed. Instead of moving anyone, he simply put the players at a different board for the round. Photo from Chessbase.com

Correspondence Chess With Prison Inmates

I've just commenced a two game match with an inmate in the Oregon state corrections system. I've sent my first move as White in game one and await his first move as White in game two. Our games have been arranged by Herb Hickman of the Correspondence Chess League of America. If anyone is interested in engaging an inmate in a couple of games of chess, let me know and I'll put you in touch with Herb. Having done it before, I can attest to it being a worthwhile activity. You'll also be helping to support the US Postal Service. 

Reminder--G-60 Tournament on April 9th In Middlebury

Several of us from the Lyndonville Chess Club will likely be playing in this tournament. If you are in the Lyndonville area and either need a ride or can offer a ride, please let me know.

APR. 9   Saturday Super-Amateur in Middlebury

4SS, G/60 d5. Courtyard Marriott, 309 Court St (Route 7), Middlebury, VT 05753; 802-388-7600. Two sections. Under 2300, $$ b/16: 200-100, U2100 100, U1900 100, U1700 100. Under 1500, $$ b/16: 160-80, U1300 80, U1100 80, Unr. 40. No Unr. may win over $60. Both sections, EF: $33 if rec’d by 4/7, $35 if rec’d on 4/8, or $38 at site. OK to send EF via PayPal; add $1.25 or pay the transaction fee. Reg.: 8:45-9:35 a.m. Rds.: 10-1-3:45-6:15. Ent: Parker “Monty” Montgomery, PO Box 831, Middlebury, VT 05753-0831; vermonty64@earthlink.net, mobile 802-349-7739. HR: $125 or less; contact Monty for assistance, preferably before 3/18.

Maurice Ashley Turns 50

America's first African-American Grandmaster turned 50 years old today. Such a youngster.I vaguely recall being 50...........Happy Birthday, Maurice!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10208771082333474&set=a.2528324526503.8039632.1205155781&type=3