Qd6/c6 Scandinavian

[Jack Maguire]

I see Sergey Tiviakov has trotted out yet another Qd6/c6 Scandinavian at the 2014 COC, his 3rd already at this tournament. Perhaps Eric Hansen has some tricks in store for the world foremost Scandinavian expert (:

http://lavariante.ca/dgt_direct/coc/tfd.htm

[Jack Maguire]

Re: Qd6/c6 Scandinavian

It's too bad the live transmission was seemingly lost last night. It certainly appeared that Eric had nothing out of the opening. Moreover, Sergey had a large time advantage, not unexpected given it's an opening he plays over and over again. The final position now appears at 'Live games' but none of the moves to get to that position ):

[Gary Ruben]

Re: Qd6/c6 Scandinavian

A draw is probably the best black (Tiviakov) can expect when playing that defense against a very good GM like Eric Hansen.

[Jack Maguire]

Re: Qd6/c6 Scandinavian

A draw is probably the best black (Tiviakov) can expect when playing that defense against a very good GM like Eric Hansen.

I guess the 20 GMs that Tiviakov has beaten with this opening, including Gata Kamsky, weren't very good GMs (:

[Jack Maguire]

Re: Qd6/c6 Scandinavian

A draw is probably the best black (Tiviakov) can expect when playing that defense against a very good GM like Eric Hansen.

I could also add that GM Roman Dzindzichashvili can't be a very good GM since he's on record as saying that White should never play 1.e4 against a Qd6/c6 Scandinavian player if they need to play for a win (:

[Gary Ruben]

Re: Qd6/c6 Scandinavian

I could also add that GM Roman Dzindzichashvili can't be a very good GM since he's on record as saying that White should never play 1.e4 against a Qd6/c6 Scandinavian player if they need to play for a win (:

Well if Tiviakov needed a win last night he didn't get it. That Scandinavian variation isn't a bust for 1. e4.

[Jack Maguire]

Re: Qd6/c6 Scandinavian

Well if Tiviakov needed a win last night he didn't get it. That Scandinavian variation isn't a bust for 1. e4.

I never said nor implied it was, Gary. In fact, it's an extremely drawish line. I'm on record as saying that the first 26 times Tiviakov played his Scandinavian, he scored 5 wins, zero losses, and 21 draws. Nonetheless, some of those draws were against the likes of Anand, Grischuk, Kamsky, and Svidler. All in all, a rather commendable performance with the Black pieces, I'm sure you'd agree.

[Gary Ruben]

Re: Qd6/c6 Scandinavian

Sure I'd agree. The way Kramnik plays the Spanish Berlin when he wants a draw is also impressive.

[Jack Maguire]

Re: Qd6/c6 Scandinavian

We get to view a 4th Tiviakov Qd6/c6 Scandinavian today. This time against our own Razvan Preotu. Given the opening's drawish proclivity, perhaps Razvan will get his requisite draw for his IM norm (:

http://lavariante.ca/dgt_direct/coc/tfd.htm

[Gary Ruben]

Re: Qd6/c6 Scandinavian

I'll watch the game. Usually I only really watch one of the four games because it's easier to keep track of the variations with only 1. This event that's been Eric's games but the viewer has been quitting the last couple of days.

[Jack Maguire]

Re: Qd6/c6 Scandinavian

I'll watch the game. Usually I only really watch one of the four games because it's easier to keep track of the variations with only 1. This event that's been Eric's games but the viewer has been quitting the last couple of days.

Eric is playing Anton on board 4, Gary, so you might want to watch 2 games today (:

[Eric Hansen]

Re: Qd6/c6 Scandinavian

I'll watch the game. Usually I only really watch one of the four games because it's easier to keep track of the variations with only 1. This event that's been Eric's games but the viewer has been quitting the last couple of days.

Hi Gary,

Sorry to disappoint you this tournament as my white pieces yielded no advantage. Was hoping I would face a Winawer but instead recieved a Berlin, A Najdorf, and a Taimanov, the three 'best' openings against e4 right now at top level. The Scandinavian isn't as scary because there are fewer losing chances compared to the other lines.

Well, gotta find something better before Olympiad starts.

[Ken MacDonald]

Qd6/c6 Scandinavian

Hi Gary,

Sorry to disappoint you this tournament as my white pieces yielded no advantage. Was hoping I would face a Winawer but instead recieved a Berlin, A Najdorf, and a Taimanov, the three 'best' openings against e4 right now at top level. The Scandinavian isn't as scary because there are fewer losing chances compared to the other lines.

Well, gotta find something better before Olympiad starts.

Hopefully, you didn't mis-understand Gary. The gamer viewer has had problems in a few rounds this event and your games were not visible. I also enjoy watching your games. We do appreciate the COCC providing those games in any event. Cheap and fun entertainment!

[Gary Ruben]

Re: Qd6/c6 Scandinavian

Hi Eric,

Your games are entertaining and I'm always hoping for you to win. You play some strong opponents so it's fun trying to figure out the lines while the game is being played.

Good luck with the Olympiad!

[Jack Maguire]

Re: Qd6/c6 Scandinavian

It's difficult to argue with 3/4 (2 wins and 2 draws) with Black. Perhaps Strategy Games had better stock up on Tiviakov's DVD (: