Author Archives: James Mansson

1 Nf3 repertoire: The Double Fianchetto System

Posted on July 9, 2011 by James Mansson

The Double Fianchetto System is similar to the Hedgehog System in its basic philosophy of establishing a solid set-up, with the potential to counter-attack should White over-extend. The basic position arises after 1 Nf3 Nf6 2 c4 b6 3 g3 … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Nf3 Repertoire, Opening Analysis, The Symmetrical English | 1 Comment

1 Nf3 repertoire: The Hedgehog System

Posted on July 9, 2011 by James Mansson

While variations on the basic Hedgehog formation can arise from a range of different openings, here we are concerned with the position after 1 Nf3 Nf6 2 c4 b6 3 g3 Bb7 4 Bg2 c5 5 0-0 e6 6 Nc3, … Continue reading →

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Horsham Club Championship 2010-11: Stimpson – Mansson

Posted on July 6, 2011 by James Mansson

It doesn’t now like I shall be able to complete all my club championship games, although I did manage to play another just after the Quickplay Knockout Final last night.

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

Horsham Club Quickplay Knockout 2010-11: Mansson – Forster

Posted on July 6, 2011 by James Mansson

I played the final of the Horsham Chess Club quickplay knockout last night against Mike Forster, and I emerged victorious 1.5-0.5.

Posted in Club Quickplay Knockout, Games, Opening Analysis, Reports, The French Defence, The Sicilian Defence | Leave a comment

1 Nf3 repertoire: The Symmetrical English with 2…Nc6

Posted on June 30, 2011 by James Mansson

One of Black’s trickier move orders in the Symmetrical English is 1 Nf3 c5 2 c4 Nc6. Here Black creates the possibility of …e5, hoping to establish a strong position in the centre. White needs to decide how to confront … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Nf3 Repertoire, Opening Analysis, The Caro-Kann Defence, The Symmetrical English | 1 Comment

1 Nf3 repertoire: The Symmetrical English with 2…Nf6 and 3…d5

Posted on June 25, 2011 by James Mansson

After 1 Nf3 Nf6 2 c4 c5 3 Nc3, an important option for Black is 3…d5. This is different to 3…Nc6 4 g3 d5, discussed in the previous post, in a couple of important ways: After 3…d5, White cannot play … Continue reading →

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1 Nf3 repertoire: The Symmetrical English with 2…Nf6 and 4…d5

Posted on June 24, 2011 by James Mansson

One of the features of symmetrical positions is that the same basic moves are possible for each side. However, because one side is a move ahead, the same move does not necessarily have the same value. For instance, in the … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Nf3 Repertoire, Games, Opening Analysis, The Symmetrical English | 1 Comment

Horsham Club Championship 2010-11: Comley – Mansson

Posted on June 22, 2011 by James Mansson

Last night I played yet another club championship game, against Ian Comley. I usually manage to win against Ian, although this time he managed to hold out for a draw.

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

1 Nf3 repertoire: The Semi-Tarrasch with g3

Posted on June 15, 2011 by James Mansson

The position after 1 Nf3 Nf6 2 c4 c5 3 Nc3 Nc6 4 g3 e6 5 Bg2 d5 6 cxd5 Nxd5 can arise from a number of move orders after 1 Nf3. For instance, Black’s first and second moves can … Continue reading →

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Horsham Club Championship 2010-11: Mansson – Taylor

Posted on June 15, 2011 by James Mansson

Last night I scored an extremely lucky win against Paul Taylor in the Horsham Chess Club Championship. Although early on I had the opportunity to secure a slight advantage, I passed this by, and instead developed my position very ineffectively. … Continue reading →

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