Chess for Peace and a Candid Q & A
Below is a candid Q&A between correspondence master Stephan Gerzadowicz and me. He asked some tough questions.
SG: What is your impression of the FIDE World Championship in San Luis, Argentina?
SP: I think the event was a big success. Plenty of exciting chess was played and, during the first half of the tournament, we witnessed one of the most spectacular performances in a world championship. As a fan, I really enjoyed it.
SG: What is your impression of Veselin Topalov’s performance?
SP: Simply incredible! His performance in the first half was right up there with Fischer, Karpov and Kasparov, etc. He played very exciting chess and wisely played it safe in the second half to secure the championship title. I am very happy for him and I am very happy for Bulgaria, which now has three world champions: Topalov, Women’s World Champion Stefanova, and World Senior Champion Spassov.
The keys to his success were:
– He was very patient and was able to win in positional or tactical positions and endgames.
– He played with a very high energy level.
– He played to win and wasn’t afraid to lose.
SG: What was the biggest surprise of the tournament?
SP: Obviously the magnificent performance of Topalov! Additionally, I was also very surprised with Leko, Anand and Svidler. I expected Anand to be neck in neck with Topalov and Leko to be a contender and finish with perhaps +2, while I thought Svidler would finish with an even score.
SG: Do you recognize Veselin Topalov as the legitimate world champion?
SP: Absolutely! It was a well-deserved win. Moreover, he also proves it with his rating which is expected to be around 2806.
SG: Do you think there should be a unification match between Vladimir Kramnik and Veselin Topalov?
The rest of the candid interview can be found here
Excellent interview!
I was struck by the following answer:
“I am working on a standard curriculum for chess teachers, parents and coaches. My first official certifying class will be held early next year in Texas. I will show them how to teach, what to teach and provide them with all the necessary materials to teach in a chess club or school. I will do similar classes across the country as time permits. I hope that there will soon be enough qualified coaches out there with similar training curriculum. It’s very important to give the parents, coaches, teachers or local volunteers the proper tools to help our children”
I am toying with the idea of possibly introducing chess to a dozen girls at a “brownie” (Girl scout) meeting in the spring.
Something like a certification program might give me guidance. Otherwise I may try to set up a chess club for them after a few years when I know more chess and have time.
Has anyone had experience with a single one hour session to introduce chess to young girls in an entertaining manner?
I have to search back through this blog for the entry where Susan was baking or something with some girls. I forget if it was related to chess or a needed fun diversion
Susan
The new animated DVD will not be out in time for Christmas will it?
In that case I will go to your site and order a chess carry bag and autographed poster for my daughter now and get the animiated DVD in the spring for her (and classmates) birthdays.