Natalia Pogonina thinks that if they play a lot of games, she may beat Kasparov
Photo: pogonina.com
 

Natalia Pogonina: «I don't earn money by coaching or searching for "customers"»

Grandmaster Natalia Pogonina has visited Sports.ru's Chess Forum and answered lots of questions asked there real-time, sent to her by e-mail, or published at a special thread. Here is the full list:

– What do you mean by all this "Chess Kama Sutra"? Is it a way of standing out from other women chess players? Or have you been dreaming of working as a model since childhood? (kuzebay)

– People often tell me I should try modelling. However, I have never dreamt of becoming a model. I have no idea what you mean by "all this". Chess Kama Sutra is a name of a book we're working on.
 

– I mean, you are using the Chess Kama Sutra slogan everywhere, is it some sort of a brand you are trying to promote? Your book is named so, and the blog at Sports.ru. I can even recall pictures of you with such captions.... (kuzebay)

– You may call it a brand. The title is provocative and exciting, an instant attention-getter :)
 

– Why will women never play on par with men? Is it due to their anatomy? (Inna German)

– Your questions itself implies that women can't compete at the highest level. I believe this statement is false and has been refuted by Judit Polgar. The "women in chess" topic is one of the most popular threads at any chess forum. I have tried to summarize my views on it in an article for ChessBase  called «Women and men in chess - smashing the stereotypes". Hope I have addressed your question .
 

– Do you seriously think women play as well as men? At the top level? (ATTACCANTE)

– I have been talking about potential possibility, not status-quo. The rating says it all: there is just 1 woman in the world top-100...
 

– Whom are you supporting in the FIDE elections: Karpov or Ilyumzhinov? (sportissimo)

– So far I am keeping neutrality. First of all, we need to hear more about the programs of each candidate. Moreover, there is information about one more potential candidate.
 

– Who, in your opinion, is the strongest chess player now? Kramnik, Topalov, Anand, Carlsen? (sportissimo)

– The answer strongly depends on the circumstances: format of the competition, participants' chess shape, motivation and other factors. Nowadays most chess players distinguish "the Big 5": (by rating): Carlsen, Topalov, Anand, Kramnik, Aronian. They could be called the strongest.
 

– If you play Kasparov, will you be able to beat him at least once? (sportissimo)

– If we play a lot of games, then yes. :-)
 

– It's clear about Kasparov, but could you beat comrade Bender at least once?)) (black dog)

– I think that even Kasparov would have trouble dealing with Ostap Bender :)
 

– Would you prefer to play as White or Black against your main competitors? Obviously, it's harder to win with Black, but with White one has more chances of beating weaker opponents. All the best  wishes, lots of chess wisdom!  (Pogonina.com)

– Thanks! I don't have any special preferences in this respect. A lot depends on the opening repertoire of the opponent. Some strong players employ with White openings that I like, so it's ok to face them with Black. It depends on the situation, each case is unique.
 

– Is it really that important to spend time on studying openings? Engame seems to be the best part of chess to me. In middlegame there's lots of tactics, it's also interesting. Don't you think the opening is a bit dry? Of course, if you know the opening well, you can save time and energy. So, should we study openings even if we have no affinity to chess rating?

– One more queston, untypical one: do you read all the messages, tip to toe? Thanks, J.Smith (Pogonina.com)

– First of all, if one doesn't set any rating or other spots goals, he/she can just enjoy the game. Why force yourself into doing something? If one hates the opening, there is no sense in spending much time on it. Especially taking into account that amateurs have lots of other ways of improving. However, at top level one can't achieve success without knowing openings well.

I read all messages and try to reply to most of them. Generally, it's a very pastime. Nonetheless, too many people try to challenge me to a game, teach how to play chess or ask me out.
 

– How long does it take for an average adult to get from FIDE 2000 to IM? I know it should be hard. What type of training should one take, what coaching?

– Given consistent and serious training, it's possible to get from 2000 to IM in about 3-4 years. For example, PhD in Education and WGM Irina Mikhailova states that 2200+2 years of study=IM. It makes sense to me. On the other hand, an "average adult" should ask himself 10 times if he should spend that much time on becoming an IM at all. But it's a totally different story.
 

– Do you play "Chapaev checkers" (where you have to knock the opponents' checkers off the board)? What board should one use - 100-square or the standard one?

– Nowadays no, though I did try it in childhood. Can't give you expert advice on this game :)
 

– You and Alexandra Kosteniuk are of about the same age. Do you remember the time when buzz about her was all over the country? Were you angry with her, did you stick needles into her pics? (kuzebay)

– Sasha is a good friend of mine and the reigning Women World Champion. The fact there there is lots of "buzz" about her everywhere these days delights me. Also, I am not envious in general and don't wish anything bad to anyone. Competition leads to progress :)
 

– Is it harder for you to play chess now that you have a family? (Pogonina.com)

– I have less time for studies, there are more distracting factors during the tournaments themselves. Don't feel like leaving home for a long time :) On the other hand, my husband and baby support me a lot psychologically.
 

– Will a woman ever become World Champion? In how many years? (Pogonina.com) 

– Even if it does happen, not in the nearest future. One can't say for sure since no one knows where chess will be in 20 years, or even in 10.
 

– I want to become a chess coach and help kids become interested in chess. What rating do I need?  (Pogonina.com)

– If you want to instruct them not only during the first few months, but later on too, you had better be at least candidate master strength. Otherwise there is a high chance of teaching them the wrong things.
 

– What is chess for you? Why did you choose chess? (ZaxarDV)

– Chess is an important part of my life, a way of self-realization. I just fell in love with the game from first sight :)
 

– Where do you live in the Saratov state? (ZaxarDV)

– I live in Saratov, was born in Vladivostok.
 

– During 10-min blitz games there is no time for deep analysis, a lot depends on the intuition. What can you suggest? Do you think playing blitz helps improve in chess in general? Or are classic and blitz chess two different games? (Pogonina.com)

– Blitz allows to work on openings (if one analyses the game after it ends) and improve one's chess technique. For example, experienced blitz players (especially park hustlers) are proficient in converting winning positions and phenomenal at mating the lone king. :) Generally speaking, playing blitz can be one of the ways of preparing for standard time control events. But, as you have correctly pointed out, blitz and standard chess are different. A strong blitz players is not always good at "classic" chess, and vice versa.
 

- I believe you will become a GM soon. When that happends, will you still have time to chat with your fans? It would be great to have a chance to communicate with you in the future. (Pogonina.com)

– I am not star-struck. Besides, the transition from WGM to GM is a mild one (one letter drops off), it won't make me more popular. When that happens one day, you might not even notice the difference. :-)
 

– Whose games do you admire most if we talk about the chess players of the past? Or is chess more about result than beauty?  (zub and zaretta)

– Alekhine, Capablanca, Tal. Of course, chess is a sport, that implies the importance of winning games. However, the good old phrase about chess being an art, science and sport is still true. Chess beauty is appreciated by both spectators and the players themselves. 

– Do you think a show could be created out of chess, without losing the spirit of the game? (zub and zaretta)

– I think so. Matches of strong chess couples. Advanced chess (GM + chess engine vs another GM + chess engine). Human vs PC (deprive the chess engines of the privilege to use opening books and endgame databases). Blitz. And many other exciting ideas. All this should be accompanied by interesting commentary and broadcasted on TV and on the Internet.
 

– Do you really believe chess can be popularized? Can the situation change dramatically? Will students start playing chess again, like they did before? In soccer organizers can earn money by selling tickets, and what about chess?

– I am an optimist who believes that chess will become even more popular. Otherwise, why would I be promoting it? :) Chess is played by millions of  people all over the world, many of them watch live coverage on the Internet. Top chess events also attract a lots of spectators. During the last Chess Olympiad the hall has been crowded with chess fans (the tickets were 10-20 euro or smth.) 
 

– Are you colloborating with a PR-agency? (ATTACCANTE)

– No, but I have a personal manager, and he is doing quite well :)
 

– What country is #1 in chess? (ZaxarDV)

– Russia!
 

– What other sports do you like? (ZaxarDV)

– Oh, I love sports. I play soccer, basketball, like carting. And watch almost all kinds of sports on TV.
 

– I have taken a look at the ratings. Could you tell me, a person who doesn't understand anything about them: you have 2501, Kosteniuk is at 2516. Is it a large or a small gap? Who is between you? What does this rating affect, is it like in tennis? Please don't be offended by my silly questions.

– It's a small difference, a gap of 1-2 wins. Sasha is #11 on the current rating list, I'm #14. Between us we have vice-European Champion Victoria Cmilyte and the legendary Maia Chiburdanidze. Rating (more or less) relfects the status of the players and has an influence on tournament invitations, fees, etc.
 

– Btw, you seem to be at your top rating ever, why not play a few more matches and break the record. Will you?

– This year we have many important events: Russia-China match, Chess Olympiad, Russian Superfinal, World Championship, etc. There is no time for matches. Anyway, matches are a rare thing in modern chess.
 

– What did you feel after winning your first major tournament? (ZaxarDV)

– Joy. I am calm and quiet about my successes, am not the one to hold a celebrating after each win :)
 

– This questions is inspired by the name of your blog at Sports.ru (Chess Kama Sutra - Pogonina.com): what non-traditional chess games do you play? Fischer chess, etc. Can any of them evolve into a popular sport? (Igor Borunov)

– Bughouse ches, Fischer chess, blindfolded chess, giveaway chess are the most popular chess-related games, I think. Can't say I am a fan of those, but I do play them occasionally. Anyway, regular chess seems to me to be of higher interest than other games, so I believe we should concentrate our efforts on promoting chess, not its variations. Nonetheless, I often get e-mails by people who want to popularize an "invention" - chess for 3 players, super-chess, chess with new pieces and ranks... :) 
 

– Could you briefly outline the differences between Ilyumzhinov's and Karpov's elections programs? (Na107)

– I can relate to your concern. So far both candidates aren't that good at answering the question themselves, although both of them promise to publish detailed election programs later on. Idealistically, both of them should have found time to get acquainted with their opponent's program, participate in debates, offer commentary to the media. Spread whitepapers with honest and succint comparison of their platforms. Had it been the case, you wouldn't have had to ask people who don't belong to the candidates' election teams what's going on.:)
 

– Whom do you like more as a person, Karpov or Ilyumzhinov?

– To evaluate people more or less objectively, one has to know them very well personally. Judging someone based on what the media says is not the perfect way.
 

– I have been following your successes for years, thanks to the 64-Chess Review journal. I have two questions: 1. Can Hou Yifan be already called the "Carlsen in skirt"? 2. If you became FIDE President, what would you change?  (Andrey Santalov)

– Good afternoon, Andrey! Thanks for your attention! :)

1. With all my genuine respect for Hou Yifan, I don't see why she should be compared to Carlsen. She's the vice-Women World Champion, 3-rd on the women's rankings - that is very honorable. Nonetheless, she is about 100 points below Judit Polgar, 150 if we take Judit's peak rating.

2. Stabilize the World Championship cycle. Find respectable sponsors. Promote chess in the media, including TV and Internet. Expanding the geography of top events. Serious and constant work connected with the support of developing (in the chess sense) countries. Becoming part of the Olympics. Changing the rating system.
 

– Why do you think chess is not on TV? And ideas? (ZaxarDV)

– Chess is a very complicated game. We don't have enough professional journalists and creators to make such a show. Rapid (or even blitz) time control, exciting and easy-to-understand commentary, a chess engine's evaluation at the background (so that everyone understands who's winning), lots of cash on the table. :) 
 

– What is the most memorable game you've played? (ZaxarDV)

– I can recall the game against Greek player Shtiri at the European Championship (U-16), that's when I won it for the first time. I remember a lot of my games though, as do most chess players.  :)
 

– Greeting from Brazil. We don't have much information on chess in Russia. Who are the young players who can compete for WC title? And you, what is your world rank?  (Antonio Gomes)

– Here  you can see the top-100 Russian players. Our country is the #1 leader in terms of average rating of top-10 players and a favorite at any international event. Among 37 players who have 2700+ ratings 13 represent Russia, about half of the rest are from former USSR. We have may talented chess players, both experienced and aspiring. Won't name anyone personally since a) I'm friends with many of them b) most obstacles exits in our head only. Anyway, in the next World Championship cycle Russia will be represented by the llegendary Vladimir Kramnik.

As for my rating – it's 2501, 14-th position in the world women's rankings.
 

– How do you fight mental and physical exhaustion? (Èãîðü Ìàíàííèêîâ)

– Like to spend time alone in a natural surrounding, jog or walk with an iPod.
 

–How much do you earn? (kuzebay)

– Chess players (as well as most other professional sportsmen) don't discuss such things. The information about official prizes is available, appearance fees, etc are kept private.
 

– Let me rephrase the question. Many soccer players can afford to retire and live effortlessly due to large incomes. There are fewer tennis players who can do so. And how many chess players can live on their tournament earnings? Top-10, top-100?

– Chess players have a longer career. For instance, Korchnoi is still playing, although he's way beyond 70. There are few rich chess players ($ millionaires) - only the elite. "Regular" strong grandmasters can also afford to play chess for a living, but their life style is not that lavish.
 

– I am interested in one more thing: why do you keep avoiding financial questions? Wouldn't it be better to tell everyone about it, attract additional attention, find more customers willing to pay for a game with you?

Also, why are you living in Saratov, not Moscow? In Moscow, I guess, one could earn more by playing chess.

– I am a pro, my contracts have non-disclosure agreements.  

You must have a wrong impression of me. I don't earn money by coaching, playing in local events or searching for "customers". I'm playing at top international events only, so it makes no difference where to live. As to Saratov - that's a long story.
 

– Have you met chess players with strange habits? (ZaxarDV)

– Of course. Many chess players are superstitious, that affects their habits. Some of them don't change "lucky" clothes or pens, stay away from black cats, etc.  :)
 

– Do you play chess online, at least anonymously? Or do you have enough practice in real life?  (Igor Manannikov)

– Sometimes I play anonymously at PlayChess and ICC.
 

– You have been to many European countries, what one is the most memorable? (ZaxarDV)

– I like Spain a lot, it's sunny and hospitable.
 

– Next week we are planning to hold a conference with Peter Svidler. Will you join us, or do you have nothing to say to Peter?

– Why not, we're on excellent terms with Peter.
 

– Whom were you rooting for at the World Championship? Why? (Traglodit)

– I can't say I was actively rooting for someone, but I like Topalov's agressive and risky style.
 

– Do you have any hobbies? (ZaxarDV)

– Traveling, sports, photography, flamenko, music, Internet.
 

– 1. Was there a stage when you felt like abandoning chess? Forever

2. How much does a game against you cost? It may sound incorrect, but I know that professional chess players play for money, that's why I'm asking :))

3. What do you think about Garry Kasparov as a chess player? And as a personality? He is an active member of the opposition who likes to criticize the government and country in general. Does a great man have the right to do so?

4. Could you please tell the most funny story from your chess career.

5. Do you like clubs and hanging out?

6. What irritates you the most about your opponents' behavior? (Oleg Haliulin)

– 1. At age 10, when I got angry with my coach :)

2. Such things aren't discussed in public, e-mail me if you wish to :)

3. As a chess player - with deep respect. I don't share his political views though and don't agree with the statement that great people can't be judged. 

4. They happen all the time, it's hard to name one.

5.Rarely visit them, I am not a fan of clubbing.

6. When people get so nervous they start shaking the table :)
 

Thanks for the questions, will be glad to communicate with you at Sports.ru and at my website – pogonina.com

Published at Sports.ru

	1. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 20:55 09 èþíÿ 2010 ã.
	The Kasparov Question - What's Next? " Great people can\'t be judged. "    I can\'t believe Kasparov said that.  Great People are always judged.  A person can be a world champion, but it does not make one an astropysicist or microbiologist with 30 years experience. Great people recognize the fact that they are not authorities on everything.  When you are leading a Revolution - you look back over your shoulder to find everyone has gone home for supper.

	2. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 01:55 11 èþíÿ 2010 ã.
	tactics trainer I got weak visualisation while solving tactics. How should I improve this?

	3. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 11:30 24 ìàÿ 2011 ã.
	names of chess millionaires Hi Natalia, its great getting on you site and knowing that you are one of the great chess player in the world for me i play and at the center people are relegating chess to be a very poor game so i want you give me some good anwers about chess millionaires who got their money from the game of chess. Thanks.

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