I spent last Sunday chatting with my son Chris and watching Igor Ivanov's final game in the US Championship. I then sent Igor an email congratulating him on a great tournament and remarked that the final Ivanov vs. Lapshun was so complicated that I wasn't sure if he was winning or losing. During the game I suggested the move 23. g3 which Igor commenced to play. I told the others observing the game what a genius I was. Here is Igor's comment about the move "23. g3 was an obvious mistake after 23. Be2 Qd2 24. g3 - now - White is winning" he continued "after 23. g3 ?? Qd1+ 24. Kg2 Rd2 - a move I failed to estimate properly I felt that everything is lost I cursed the day I learned to play chess ... " later in the game when it became obvious that g3 was not a good move another observer said well onegoodmove (my handle on ICC) you got us into this mess how do you suggest we proceed now. So I went from genius (in my own mind) to fool. Chess can be a cruel game. Igor says that although made out of desperation 25. h4 was a very good move, and that everything was back under control after 28. Kh3 The great players like Igor put their mind, heart and soul into the play and with one mistake and it can go from a win to a draw or loss. Igor's great technical skill and imagination secured the win in this game. The difference between the great players and the rest of us is not only their chess skills, but being able to control their emotions in positions like this one. To view Igors games Click Here it will take some time to load and display be patient. Click Here to download as a .pgn file.