Another man vs. machine match is taking place (Nov 25 to Dec 5 2006). The second game ended with shock for World Champ Kramnik, and indeed for the whole chess world. It is rare to see Grandmaster games end in actual mate. Normally one resigns way before the actual mating move. Once in a while we might see a player get caught in a position that will lead to sure mate some moves down and so will resign. But when do we ever see a master, much less the World Champ, overlook a mate in one? Well feast your eyes...

Fritz vs. Kramnik. Kramnik (black) just played Qe3 totally missing the clear threat of Qh7#

The once Knockout World Championship tournament is now FIDE World Chess Cup. It still maintains the knockout format, but will now serve as a qualifier to the world championship.

The event runs from Nov 26 to Dec 17 in Khanty-Mansyisk, Russia, starting with 126 players. The tournament features top players such as Ivanchuk, Grischuk, Shirov, the legendary Gata Kamsky, among others, and young stars like Radjabov (now in the 2700 club), US Champ Nakamura (already eliminated after round 1), Karjakin (also knocked out 1st round) and Carlsen.

To follow this event, see the official site: World Chess Cup

NM Porter wins Coore Rapid Chess Open
Details...

Coore Rapid Chess Open in Jamaica
Sunday July 17th, provided Hurricane Emily does not interfere.
Five Round Swiss (with a twist)
Each Round will consist of 2 Games,
where Opponents Alternate Colours
(Each person will play 10 rapid games)
Details ...

Dortmund 2005 Begins Friday July 8.
This year, the super GM tournament features stars like Kramnik, Topalov, Leko and Adams (pics above, left to right). Details

Pitterson (left), Porter	Elliott (left), Myers

Jamaica National Championship 2005 It is finished! The last two rounds proved to be very exciting. In the penultimate round, Elliott drew with Holness, while Porter won his game. This put both Elliott and Porter on equal number of points going into the last round. The problem for Porter was that he would be facing Pitterson, who was 1 point behind the leaders, in the final round, while Elliott would be facing Myers a relatively easier opponent... Details