Download PGN of December '09 Dragon Sicilian games

Moving on and we certainly have some high level clashes for you this month.

Okay, first Gawain kicks us off with the Dragadorf encounter Kokarev - Sjugirov. If anybody knows why even strong White players keep dabbling in this variation despite abysmal results then do let us know!

Motylev - Feller is a typically complicated Soltis variation encounter:

but vital for those playing the line to take a look at.

Then we have two games featuring the same Grandmasters. The first Dominguez - Smerdon tussle is in our popular ...Re8 Soltis type position but then we move into the realms of the 9 0-0-0 Yugoslav Attack with the second Dominguez - Smerdon demonstrating how Black still seems to be okay in the 12...Nxc3 variation:

As it happens Short - Carlsen was still in relative sideline territory. We are talking 9 0-0-0 d5 10 Kb1 and a wonderful if far from error free game which could see a change of assessment of one possibly critical middlegame in Black's favour:

I hope you like my annotation of this game. I was commentating on it live at the London Chess Classic event and we were delighted to have Nigel come and deliver a post mortem to the big audience.

Finally, Ivanchuk - Gashimov rounds off the year and a very sweet game it is too.

Long live the Dragon! Err, I mean please continue to tune in to our continued unbiased views on the most exciting chess opening!

Till next year (when I have some post to be answering-thanks for that!)

Chris and Gawain

To get in touch with me, either leave a message for me on the Dragons Forum, or email me at Chris Ward@ChessPublishing.com (for subscribers only!)