Game 6

The match has ended in a draw after a well fought final game. In response to Salty's Exchange Spanish, I prepared an interesting novelty suggested by Craig Evans, A.K.A LeSacAttack on ICC. It is an improvement over a Morozevich game, and is the move 12)...Qf4!?, aiming to provoke weaknesses on White's Kingside and keeping the Queens on maintaining an active middlegame. The novelty worked well, and equality was soon reached. There were many interesting moments throughout the game, many of which in the post-mortem were suggested to be winning for one of us. However, having briefly reviewed the game with Fritz, the computer maintains the belief the suggested continuations lead only to slight edges. Analysis will hopefully prove or disprove this belief in the near future when I work on it.

Many thanks to SaltofLife for playing me in this match, it was a very exciting fight, and I have gained a lot from it. Now I am open for a new match, so if anyone is interested please send me an ICC message! :)

Game 5

JimGrange Vs SaltofLife
5th Match Game




What a strange game! After mutual blunders in another materially imbalanced open Catalan, I was let off the hook to score my second win with the white pieces to even up the scores going into the final game! I'm not even fit to comment on the game as it was a mess from beginning to end, and I'm glad its over! The final round is scheduled for Monday 15th July at 2pm server time. See you there!

Game 4

SaltofLife Vs JimGrange
4th Match Game




Salt showed his Grandmasterly technique in this game grinding out a win in another Exchange Ruy Lopez. The game followed Fressinet - Adams (Bordeaux, 2000) until Salt's novelty 16)g4. By move 19 I believe black had equalised, and had a good grip on the d-file. Salty blundered with 20)Kf2? allowing 20)...Rd2+ winning a pawn, but I overlooked this simple check and played to exchange all the major pieces. This left white with a slight pull into the endgame, which was executed with lethal precision. A very strong game from Salt, leaving the match in a very exciting position. 2 games left, with Salt needing only not to drop a point to clinch the match. A win for him in game 5 will be immediately decisive.