The Chess Mind

By Dennis Monokroussos.
This is a blog for chess fans by a chess fan, one who loves the beauty of the game and wants to share it with those who are like-minded.
Yet the chess mind is not only a chess mind, and other topics, such as philosophy, may appear from time to time. All material copyrighted.
MacKenzie-Preuss from the Western States Open
Protests aside, most of the past 2-3 weeks have seen us breathing the rarified air of world championship play. But even as we await the culmination of the Kramnik-Topalov match, we should remain aware of some of the other great and interesting games taking place in the chess world.

One such game occurred at the Western States Open a few days ago, between Dana MacKenzie and IM David Preuss. MacKenzie offered a remarkable gambit line, offering up the queen on move 6(!) for a couple of pieces and long-lasting pressure. And only pressure: it was at least another 20 moves or so before any direct threats even started to show up, but Black was strangely helpless against White's slow-motion assault!

Is this gambit for real? See for yourself, and whatever your opinion of White's opening, it's a clever idea and an entertaining game. Have a look, here.

[Hat tip: Robert Bernard]
Posted by Dennis Monokroussos on Wednesday October 11, 2006 at 11:36pm
Anon:
What fun! Bringing games like this wider attention is one of the wonderful functions of your blog, Dennis.
10.12.2006 12:23am
Christoffer:
Fabulous game! Thanks for bringing it to attention!
10.12.2006 6:32am
M.Nieuweboer (mail):
This should be called the Bryntse Gambit, after a Swedish corr player, who invented it 40 years ago. It's main objection is, that Black can force a draw with 6...Ke8. Black also can spoil a lot of fun with the solid 5...e6 and White has to ask himself, how useful ...f5 in the Budapest Gambit is. See Thomas Johansson's website:

http://hem.passagen.se/tjmisha/
click Chess!
click Opening Tips
click Bryntse's Gambit
10.12.2006 5:07pm