Playing the Semi-Slav: 5 Bg5

Posted on April 30, 2025 by James Mansson

The most critical line of the Semi-Slav, in the position which arises after 1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 Nc3 e6 (along other move orders), is 5 Bg5. This is the most critical move, because White aims to develop his dark-squared bishop as actively as possible, in defiance of Black’s threat to take – and keep – the pawn on c4.

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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 2024-25: Horsham 1 – Eastbourne 1

Posted on April 30, 2025 by James Mansson

Horsham 1 finished their league season with a 3-1 win over Eastbourne 1. I was able to contribute a win on board three.

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Posted in Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, Sussex League, The Sicilian Defence | Leave a comment

McArthur Cup 2024-25: Horsham – East Grinstead

Posted on April 16, 2025 by James Mansson

Last night, Horsham took on East Grinstead in the McArthur Cup semi-final at home. The match was played over six boards at the usual league time limit. Unfortunately, Horsham ended the night 2-3 down, with an unfinished game that is at best a draw. [Update: The game was subsequently agreed drawn, resulting in a score of 3.5-2.5 in East Grinstead’s favour.] Therefore, they have been eliminated from the competition.

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Posted in Games, McArthur Cup, Opening Analysis, Reports, The Ruy Lopez | Leave a comment

Sussex League Division 1 2024-25: Horsham 1 – Bexhill 1

Posted on April 5, 2025 by James Mansson

Last night, Horsham 1 were playing away at Bexhill 1. Unfortunately, due to circumstances, they were forced to field a considerably weakened team. The match is not yet concluded, with the score at 2-1 in Bexhill ‘s favour and one game unfinished. [Update: The last game was agreed drawn, so Bexhill won 2.5-1.5.]

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Posted in Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, Sussex League, The Caro-Kann Defence | Leave a comment

McArthur Cup 2024-25: Horsham – Sussex University

Posted on April 2, 2025 by James Mansson

Horsham managed to beat Sussex University in the McArthur Cup last night by 4 points to 1 (with one game annulled), thus moving into the semi-final. I contributed a somewhat fortunate win on board 3.

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Posted in Games, McArthur Cup, Opening Analysis, Reports, The Ruy Lopez | Leave a comment

Horsham Chess Club Championship 2024-25: Mansson – Stimpson

Posted on March 13, 2025 by James Mansson

After my disappointing loss in the previous round, I got back on track in the club championship with a quick win against Phil Stimpson.

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Posted in Club Championship, Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, The Scandinavian | Leave a comment

Sussex League Division 1 2024-25: Horsham 1 – East Grinstead 1

Posted on March 12, 2025 by James Mansson

Last Monday, Horsham 1 achieved an excellent result, beating East Grinstead 1 away by the score of 2.5-1.5. I contributed a win on board three.

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Posted in Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, Sussex League, The Scandinavian | Leave a comment

Horsham Chess Club Championship 2024-25: Ratcliffe – Mansson

Posted on March 5, 2025 by James Mansson

Last night I was up against James Ratcliffe, the club’s strongest junior player, in the Club Championship. Unfortunately from my perspective, I played a poor game and lost.

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Posted in Club Championship, Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, The Sicilian Defence | Leave a comment

Horsham Club Knockout 2024-25: Mansson – Waddingham

Posted on February 26, 2025 by James Mansson

Following a walkover in round two, I was up against Roger Waddingham in the third round of the club knockout. I managed to score a quick win to progress to the semi-final.

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Sussex League Division 1 2024-25: Horsham 1 – Hastings 1

Posted on February 19, 2025 by James Mansson

Horsham 1 suffered a bad defeat against Hastings 1 last knight by a margin of 0.5-3.5. I did manage to draw with John Sugden on board three, but our other three games ended in defeat.

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Posted in Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, Sussex League, The Sicilian Defence | Leave a comment