Millenium Chess Zone Annotations by : John Tobisch This clash is a very interesting one for the keen Jamaican chess student .The clash represents a collision of two entirely different philosophies of chess. Warren enjoys theoretical debates,opening investigation and is very curious about sharp lines. Humphrey on the other hand likes to leave mainstream theory at the earliest opportunity,leaving his opponents to their own devices. This approach accounts for certain upset victories over players such as Shane Matthews and Duane Rowe . It is based on a behavioural pattern of avoidance. Humphrey has a predilection for pawn chains and beautifully centralized knights supported by a v-formation of pawns usually on e3, d4 and f4 . This game demonstrates that early departures from mainstream theory need to be worked out well in advance to have a chance. Otherwise they do not provide a strong test for a National Master like Warren Elliott . On to the clash of the antipodes.

1. d4 Nf6 2. f3 As early as move 2 Humphrey declares his intentions. He clearly wants a nice pawn center with e2-e4 to follow. Now to the impressionable young student this is a departure from the principle of avoiding two many pawn moves. However the student also has to know how to capitalize on the flaws of this move. 2... c5 3. d5 g6 4. e4 Gayle has built his impressive looking center. However he has only made pawn moves so far. 4... d6 5. b3 Bg7 This is an example of the difference between the strong National Master and the candidate master.The Candidate master often reacts to the will of the National Master. Warren is the first to start off with a threat. 6. Bb2 O-O 7. Qd2?? This is the first major tactical error. It must be noted that Warren's ability to punish this error comes from his superior piece development . 7... Nxe4 8. Qc1 Nf6 Without much effort Warren has won a pawn for no compensation. 9. c4 e6 10. dxe6 Humphrey's king is left in the center and he has yet to develop his pieces. 10... Re8! This move demonstrates the essence of Warren Elliott's philosophical approach to chess.Rapid mobility of the pieces is his forte. 11. Bd3 Nc6 12. Ne2 Nb4 13. exf7+ Kxf7 14. Bc2 Once again Gayle reacts to his opponent and submits to Warren's initiative with fatal consequences. 14... Qe7 15. Nbc3 Qe3 Just has Gayle has brought out his pieces Warren poses new problems. 16. Kf1?? After this move ,Humphrey's position collapses. 16... Nxc2 17. Qxc2 Bh3 18. Bc1 Qxf3+ Warren is very efficient at punishing his opponent's errors. 19. Ke1 Qxg2 There was a lot of psychological pressure shown here. Gayle limited his options with his opening and then started reacting .The game looked almost contrived.There are two key lessons here for anyone wishing to combat Warren : 1.) Do not be afraid of him . 2.) Try to test him very early in the game. This game shows some important psychological lessons. John Nunn once wrote that determination is a key component of any strong chess player . Gayle did not show such strength today . The impression given by this game is that Gayle was psychologically lost before the game . 0-1 [John Tobisch]