	Svidler's Rally ICC Chess.FM Videos ICC Store Past issues
ICC Weekly Newsletter ● Vol. IV – Issue VI ● February 6, 2009

Svidler's Rally

As you can see from the picture above, kindly supplied by the organizers of the recent Gibtelecom Masters in Gibraltar, ICC Chess.FM favorite, Peter Svidler, is an avid cricket fan (he once famously played here at ICC with the username of "Tendulkar") and was more than happy to show his prowess at the game pre-tournament in the practice nets as he fended off a few balls - Check the video of Svidler playing cricket now.

This festival is fast becoming one of Europe's must-play events on the international circuit, and top seed Svidler led the GM-Infested field that also included another ICC favorite in defending champion Hikaru Nakamura (Smallville) . Also among the field was the young 15-year-old Argentinean Fide Master Federico Perez Ponsa (Federicov), who won his all-expenses paid spot here at ICC in our 2nd Gibtelecom Internet Qualifier.

As expected with such a strong line-up, the competition was as fierce as ever and ended in an extremely tight finish, as Svidler, with a late winning rally, tied for first with leading Swiss GM Vladim Milov. Both finished on 8/10 to force a deciding tie-break speed play-off for the title, which Svidler duly won 2-0 to take the $22,000 first prize.

If you haven't checked-out some of Peter Svidler's outstanding commentary work yet here at ICC Chess.FM, click here - better still, join ICC now to listen to all future live commentary and GOTDs from our resident team of GM experts!

Fridays: GM Joel Benjamin "Game of the Week"

Want to improve your play and have a better understanding of chess? Three-time U.S. Champion GM Joel Benjamin is regarded by many as one of the best commentators we have in the game today, and each Friday at 15:00 Server Time here on ICC Chess.FM, he gives us his unique insight and clarity into chess analysis with his selection of Game of the Week.

Click "Play Video" for a free 5 minute preview of Joel's latest show. To listen to the full show, sign up for membership! This not-to-be-missed weekly video series is exclusive to ICC members only -- so if you want to get ahead of the game, get ready to tune-in each Friday! By popular demand and requests from members, ALL of Joel Benjamin's GOTW videos are available.

Also worth looking into at the ICC store is Joel's new hit book for Everyman Chess, American Grandmaster: Four Decades Of Chess Adventures, priced at just $18.95.

True Combat Chess - Taylor

International master and former US Open Champion Timothy Taylor draws upon his wealth of personal experience to offer an instructive and entertaining account of how to improve your understanding of chess and your results. This book is awash with invaluable advice and helpful tips on all stages of the game - opening, middlegame and endgame. Taylor emphasizes the practical aspects of chess; how to really make the most of your ability; how to win at all costs; and how to absorb the lessons of defeat to come back stronger.

Soft cover, 208 pages.

Price: $22.95 - Buy now!

Dangerous Weapons: Flank Openings - Palliser, Vigus and Kosten

Are you tired of playing the same old openings time and time again? Perhaps it's time for a change, but you cannot decide between the numerous options available? Here's the answer: choose Dangerous Weapons and amaze your opponents with new and exciting opening ideas!

In this book, three renowned opening experts get together to take a revolutionary look at Flank Openings. Instead of travelling down well-trodden and analysed paths, they concentrate on fresh or little-explored variations, selecting a wealth of 'dangerous' options for both colours. Whether playing White or Black, a study of this book will leave you confident and fully-armed, and your opponents running for cover!

Soft cover, 254 pages.

Price: $22.95 - Buy now!

Kasparov: How His Predecessors Misled Him About Chess - Karolyi and Aplin

In his bestselling series My Great Predecessors, Garry Kasparov deeply analysed the styles of the twelve previous world champions and praised their important contributions to chess. But in this book - a humorous, affectionate tribute - you will see Kasparov as you have never seen him before. Seperating fact from fiction will be quite a challenge for the reader in this unique double collection of over 130 instructively annotated games won by the champion of yesteryear but lost by the greatest player of the modern era.

Soft cover, 271 pages.

Price: $22.95 - Buy now!

Black Lion, The - van Rekom & Jansen

More than 85% of all chess games start with either 1.e4 or 1.d4. The Black Lion presents a flexible, logical and sensible way for Black to meet both of these moves. This robust, multipurpose opening system looks quiet, like a sleeping lion - hence the name. But when this predator is provoked, and the game heats up, Black eats his prey in an extremely swift and efficient way. The opening moves are easy to learn, Black has a good choice of middlegame plans, the positions are fresh and interesting, and White will often struggle to counter Black's ideas.

Soft cover, 280 pages.

Price: $27.95 - Buy now!

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