Chess with Sam Collins

Gonzaga Classic, 2017

The 15th edition of the Gonzaga Classic took place in January. Organised by transition year students to raise money for charity, this year’s event was the best yet, with four grandmasters and more than 220 participants. GM Normunds Miezis from Latvia won the top section with 4.5 out of 5.

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.f3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nc3 0–0

The Samisch variation, one of White’s most ambitious lines against ...