Comments on: Hawkins-Williams: A Painful Loss

By: simon

simon — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:16:45 +0000

Will stick to videos for the time being!

By: Jim Barnett

Jim Barnett — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:10:43 +0000

Video format for me – your commentaries brings the games alive. I suppose ‘the fear of losing’ issue is important for ratings but at least risky chess gets away from those professional drawmasters we used to read about in Fischer’s day (Petrosian / Trifunovic etc).

By: Nick

Nick — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:34:22 +0000

Hi Simon – Great video as usual – this format definitely gets my vote.
A shame that you didn’t find 23…Qd7 over the board – I’m sure it would have won you the best game prize.
I remember this game as I was down in Hastings that day and tried to collide with you as you left the hall. Unfortunately you sidestepped me, but I’ll get you next time.

By: Steve Retout

Steve Retout — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:07:17 +0000

Simon. I followed this game live on the Hastings internet and your commentary here is really helpful in explaining what was going on. Without commentary, and trying to follow several games, it was not entirely clear at the time! The video format works well in a game such as this where you suffered after being so much on top.
It is good to see a successor to Tony Miles (who I first spoke to in Hereford 1972!) upholding the English Defence, and getting a decent position out of the opening with oriignal play.
I hope one bad tournament at Hastings will not put you off appearing again. Your style of play is much appreciated by spectators as you know. Your experience this year helps many of us feel not so bad when similar runs of bad luck happen to us.
Hope to see you back on form at Hastings 2010/11!

By: Josh

Josh — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:57:04 +0000

I agree that the pain of losing is more powerful than the joy of winning. Part of it may be that, as a 2100 player, I am basically unable to play truly brilliant chess. I may play a nice sacrificial attack and win against a fellow Expert, but deep down I know a GM would not allow me to display what I can do.

However, I am quite capable of playing the most horrific blunders on occasion. So, the frustration at knowing I will never touch the genius of Alekhine, Fischer, Kasparov, etc., but knowing I will sometimes play like a total patzer, is hard on the ego.

I think it helps to concentrate on the artistic side of chess a bit more, as only appreciating the competitive side of the game causes stress and disappointment.

By: chris mc

chris mc — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:19:08 +0000

great game ,also the killer dutch is awesome (i still like 7…ne4 though)

By: Jeans

Jeans — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:02:06 +0000

Hello Simon,

I am a chess-amateur from the Netherlands rated around 1800. I have your book on the Classical Dutch and I just found out you have a website.
I really like the video of your game and will buy your DVD as I find it easier to understand when it is told so I can focus on the board, rather than to read it and switch between book and board.
I remember following this game live on playchess. Brave to also comment on games that have a disappointing result.
Hope to see more videoannotations and Dutch games by you,

Jan
the Netherlands

By: Pam Williams

Pam Williams — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:39:07 +0000

Hi Simon Williams here.

I will get the video up and running in the next 24 hours, so keep posted!

Cheers

PS If you have not brought a copy of ‘Killer Dutch’ yet they are available through the shop here, so fill your boots!