July Reflections

Playing vs GM Fridman (blitz)

     While being home for a few days between tournaments I was thinking whether I am doing the right thing about choosing my summer tournaments...

     From one point of view, why not play a nice Open in a beautiful location by the sea (Sardinia, Corsica, Crete), trying to combine chess & vacation, from another point of view- is it really the way to prepare for the serious upcoming autumn tournaments?

     In the first scenario (the one I am following atm) it is quite difficult to stay 100% focused on chess as there are a lot of distractions- going to the seaside for 1-2 hours, then feeling sleepy for another 2-3 hours, then the game is coming up with no real desire for any serious preparation... Of course, the opponents might feel the same way, but if it's not the case then I might get into some serious trouble. In the end, the result might be somehow medium or more or less satisfying, but the feeling left is that I could have done more.
    Though, let's not forget about the advantage of the first scenario- not stressing at all, as there's no pressure about the result, getting a nice tan (!) and an all in all improvement of health after the nice swims in the salty water...

While taking a swim , Purtichju, Corsica

     On the other hand, if choosing a tournament in a less compelling location, I would be 100% focused on the games with the probability of my result to be better increasing substantially. Also, let's not forget about the financial part of the story- the better the result, the higher the income. Though, a bad game can ruin it all, increasing the stress level when realizing how much effort you have put into the preparation, how close you were to the desired result and yet how you have missed it...

Surrounded by dangerous kids in the Purtichju Open

     The 2nd scenario, sometimes with a happy end, sometimes not is how my year looks like from September to May, so maybe it is after all a good idea to take a break from it in summertime. On the other hand, what will be my playing form by the end of summer? Will the "vacation-like" tournaments benefit to my brain or send it to a limitless vacation?

     Not having a real answer for all these questions, I'm heading to my next tournament in a few days. It will take place on yet another island- Crete, a place very close to my heart for a lot of various reasons. Let's see how it will go and if any of my questions will get an answer...

Corsican Sky

   
     On a positive note, may your mood be as serene as the Corsican sky!

Zorba's World

     It is difficult to start this post, as there are too little words in order to describe the past three weeks... I am so happy that I had had this fantastic inspiration and I chose to play this summer in Greece!
     I will dedicate this whole post to the first tournament I played on Crete- the "5th Anogia International Tournament Idaion Andron".
     It is funny that just before coming there I read the book "Zorba the Greek" and I have truly savored it! I liked so much how Zorba would find happiness in every little thing and I was dreaming that my trip to Crete would be about the same thing. So it was!
     When landing in Heraklion I was already feeling like I'm in some other World- the breeze was whispering me that it will be an unforgettable experience!
     The organizer was waiting for us with a wide smile on his face and his first words were "This will be the best tournament in your life!" He had a little of Zorba's character as well- such a positive and kind person- actually all the people I met in Anogia (a 2000 people village in the heart of Crete) were like this! He took us to the taverna in which we have eaten for the whole tournament- a very cozy place owned by a local family. We have had the most fantastic meals ever there! Home made lamb,goat, all kind of cheeses (the best I've tried so far), amazing wine and rakia- all hand made there! I felt like all I dreamed when reading the book actually came true!
     The room I got had a stunning view as well- I could see eagles flying over my head- it was breathtaking!
     The tournament was organized very well- there were 20 (!) live boards and we had Cretan treats and water in the playing hall. I don't see how the organizers could have done a better job!
     I am so grateful that I had this amazing experience and I will surely come back to this Heaven!
     Here is the link where you can see the results: http://chess-results.com/tnr221621.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=9&turdet=YES&flag=30&wi=984
     & here are some photo impressions:

 More to follow on the next places I've visited soon!


xoxo from Greece ;)