Game Of the Week: GM Pallisse vs. GM Gashimov

Opening: E10: Queen's Pawn Game

Player(s): Pallisse, Gashimov

Three-time U.S. Champion GM Joel Benjamin brings you a new show every Friday at 15:00 Server Time. Joel is regarded by many as one of the best commentators and analysts' we have in the game today -- so if you want to get ahead of the game, get ready to tune-in!

In the past few years ICC grandmasters have used their videos to pay tribute to great players who have passed away, like Smyslov, Larsen, and Byrne. But this week's tribute is particularly sad because it is for a player who left us in the prime of his life. Azerbaijani grandmaster Vugar Gashimov has died at age 27. 

Gashimov was part of a triumvirate of elite players in his country. At times he was even able to surpass Radjabov and Mamedyarov, and reached #6 in the world at his peak in 2009. Unfortunately, he was able to play just a handful of games in 2012 and none in 2013 before succumbing to a brain tumor this month. Gashimov's greatest successes were a victory in the FIDE Grand prix in Baku in 2008 and first place in Reggio Emilia in 2010-11. He was a dynamic player who specialized in winning with his excellent technique. His personal approach to the openings often put him in conflict with prevailing wisdom. Virtually every tribute from his colleagues mentions his prowess in the Benoni, and I felt it appropriate to show his skills in that oft-maligned opening. In our feature game he takes it one step further, essaying a controversial pet variant of the Benoni known as the Snake. 

		White:	GM Pallisse
		Black:	GM Gashimov
		Description:	Casino Barc. 2007
		ECO:	ECO: E10 Queen's pawn game
		Run Time:	00:34:55

Teacher's library (453) E10 Pallisse Gashimov game analysis