Playing the Semi-Slav: The Meran and Anti-Meran

Posted on April 19, 2024 by James Mansson

In the basic starting position of the Semi-Slav, which arises after 1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 Nc3 e6, White has two main options: 5 e3 and 5 Bg5. In this post I will be taking a look at the lines after 5 e3 from the perspective of Black.

Continue reading →
Visit the Bibliography for recommended reading relating to playing the Semi-Slav as Black.
Posted in Opening Analysis, Playing the Semi-Slav, The Semi-Slav Defence | Leave a comment

Sussex League Division 1 2023-24: Horsham 1 – Brighton 1

Posted on April 17, 2024 by James Mansson

Horsham 1 secured the Sussex League title last night, following an exciting match which they overcame a strong Brighton 1 team at home. I was pleased to be able to contribute a win to the team effort, which saw us win the match 2.5-1.5.

Continue reading →
Posted in Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, Sussex League, The Semi-Slav Defence | Leave a comment

Horsham Club Championship 2023-24: Mansson – Stimpson

Posted on April 10, 2024 by James Mansson

Last night, I won a hard-fought game in the club championship against Phil Stimpson. This put me into the joint lead with 5.5 points out of 7. Two rounds remain, and I have played all the leading players, which puts me in a good position.

Continue reading →
Posted in Club Championship, Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, The Semi-Slav Defence | Leave a comment

Sussex League Knockout 2023-24: Horsham – Lewes

Posted on April 3, 2024 by James Mansson

Last night, Horsham were up against Lewes in the final of the League Handicap Knockout. As both sides were reasonably well-matched in terms of grading, neither side had a points handicap. The match turned out to be disastrous for Horsham, who lost in the end 4-0.

Continue reading →
Posted in Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, Sussex League Knockout, The Slav Defence | Leave a comment

Sussex League Division 1 2023-24: Horsham 1 – Lewes

Posted on March 27, 2024 by James Mansson

Horsham 1 achieved a tough 2-2 draw away against Lewes last night. My game was adjourned with the score at 1.5-1.5 (one win each plus one draw); as it was a Q+P vs Q endgame, it was possible to quickly verify the correct result at home, which was a draw.

Continue reading →
Posted in Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, Sussex League, The Reti Opening | Leave a comment

Sussex League Division 1 2023-24: Horsham 1 – Hastings 2

Posted on March 20, 2024 by James Mansson

Horsham 1 scored a thumping 4-0 victory over Hastings 2 last night. I contributed a win on board four against Martin Fletcher.

Continue reading →
Posted in Games, Miscellaneous King's Pawn, Opening Analysis, Reports, Sussex League | Leave a comment

Horsham Club Championship 2023-24: Mansson – Page

Posted on March 13, 2024 by James Mansson

Last night, I was playing Roy Page in the club championship. I managed to win, which took me into joint second behind the runaway leader, Phil Stimpson.

Continue reading →

Posted in Club Championship, Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, The Queen's Indian Defence | Leave a comment

Sussex League Division 1 2023-24: Horsham 1 – Hastings 1

Posted on March 7, 2024 by James Mansson

Last night Horsham 1 drew away against Hastings 1. Anthony Higgs won, while Gavin Lock and Mark Broom drew. My game against John Sugden was the last to finish; unfortunately, by that point, he had a winning position, so I was unable to avoid defeat.

Continue reading →
Posted in Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, Sussex League, The Czech Benoni | Leave a comment

Horsham Club Knockout 2023-24: Mansson – Taylor (Rapidplay)

Posted on March 6, 2024 by James Mansson

My knockout match against Alex Taylor had gone to its third game and first of the rapidplay games, played at thirty minutes each with a ten second increment. We played that game last night, and finally had a decisive result, which was in my favour. This takes me through to the semi-final of the competition.

Continue reading →
Posted in Club Knockout, Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, The King's Indian Defence | Leave a comment

Sussex League Division 1 2023-24: Horsham 1 – Haywards Heath 1

Posted on February 28, 2024 by James Mansson

Last night, Horsham 1 faced Haywards Heath 1 at home in the Sussex League. We managed to secure wins on the bottom two boards fairly easily, which left us needing just a draw from the top two boards. Although we lost on top board, our board two managed to secure a draw, and so we won the match, putting us top of the table again.

Continue reading →
Posted in Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, Sussex League, The King's Indian Defence | Leave a comment