Category Archives: The Semi-Slav Defence

Playing the Semi-Slav: 5 Bg5

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 … Continue reading

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County Match (Open) 2023-24: Sussex – Norfolk

Sussex and Norfolk traveled to a neutral venue in Great Baddow, Chelmsford, for their Minor Counties semi-final match. The match finished 8-8, with Sussex winning on board count. My game was the penultimate one to finish; I managed to win … Continue reading

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

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 … Continue reading

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

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 … Continue reading

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Horsham Club Championship 2023-24: Mansson – Stimpson

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 … Continue reading

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

Last Friday, Horsham 1 continued their good start to the season with a 3-1 win over Crowborough 1.

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Horsham Club Championship 2023-24: Martin – Mansson

Last night I played in the first round of Horsham Chess Club’s new format club championship. Rather than have separate sections as before, the championship is now a single Swiss tournament, with nine rounds spread over nine months; the overall … Continue reading

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Horsham Club Quickplay Knockout 2017-18: Mansson – Higgs

Last night I played Anthony Higgs in the final of the Quickplay Knockout. In order to finish the competition problem, Anthony and Brian Donnelly had arranged to play their Semi-Final, then for me to play the winner all on the … Continue reading

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4NCL Division 3 2014-15: e2e4.org.uk 3 – Downend & Fishponds

The final 4NCL weekend of this season started with both the second and third teams having a chance of promotion. I played for the third team on board one in round 9; we were paired against Downend & Fishponds. I … Continue reading

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4NCL Division 3 2013-14: e2e4.org.uk 2 – Spirit of Atticus A

The final match of the 4NCL weekend, and indeed of the season, for the e2e4.org.uk second team was against Spirit of Atticus A. We needed at least a draw against our higher rated opponents to achieve promotion. However, we struggled from … Continue reading

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