Episode 3 – playing blitz

Natalia loves playing blitz. For example, during the blitz team competition at the First International Mind Sports Games in Bejing-2008 she scored an incredible 11 out of 11! She also has a few 2600+ scalps in her collection. When you watch Natalia play, you instantly feel that in the depth of her soul she’s a very venturesome person. Unlike in classical games where wins and losses are treated calmly, Natalia hates losing in blitz. She’s always willing to win back and is capable of playing a long match with her “offender” (those who encountered WGM Bagira at ICC would confirm my words). Like all blitz addicts, sometimes her trim is very good: she instantly spots all the tactics and plays quickly and well, while there are also bad days when chess pieces are literally falling out of her hands.

By women’s merits Natalia’s a very decent blitz player. However, that’s what you’d probably expect from a 2500+ FIDE player. But, knowing her passion for 3-minute games, she tries to control herself and abstain from playing too often. Naturally, sometimes she “breaks loose” and starts climbing the rating ladder all day long.

Listening to Pogonina’s comments during games is a pure pleasure. Unlike men, she never resorts to using vulgar phrases and cussing, but entertains herself and her opponents no less than her fellow “swearmasters”. She’s got a lot of “proprietary” and very cute expressions, which are accompanied by funny grimaces and rich body language. A spectacular alloy of female, elegant chess and strong moves makes Natalia a formidable opponent for women and, especially, for men. If you don’t believe me – check it out for yourself!

To be continued…

Author: Peter Zhdanov, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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