For those of you not interested in the Karpov-Miles game (Skara 1980), you can skip ahead to the 14 minute mark where I resume analysis of the game with Lo2. Conversely, those of you not interested in my game with Lo2 can stop the video at the 14 minute mark.

Always love to hear your thoughts on openings, so I'm looking forward to your Baltic vid ! I definitely know the feeling of preparing a lot and then not getting the chance to play it. Last year for example, I prepared my beloved Nimzowitsch (incl. the Colorado and some other surprises) - then all my opponents played 1. d4.

I think you still got chances to get into the playoffs btw, if GW slips up.

Thanks Fox- I know most people here are focused on "serious" openings so I'm never quite sure how many people are interested in my rather more dubious (but hopefully, fun) offerings. Knowing that at least you'll watch I'll go ahead and do a Baltic Defense vid fairly soon- I have a few more lines to investigate and incorporate into my database but I'm almost there.

I'm sure your a subconscious GM. The game looked no worse to me second time round. Sensible play by both sides in a game marred by time trouble, but at 15 minutes each that is normal.
Regarding the b4 push in the Miles game. Note Miles only pushed ' after ' the d and c pawns were exchanged. White wants to answer any b4 with his own c4 creating a big pawn centre which would threaten to squash black like a bug. Obviously the reply b4xc4 ep is a must, but this opens the b-file for a white rook to target the Bb7.

Thanks Pobble- yeah I remember these things now- I hadn't played the St. George regularly in some time but I do remember the folly of allowing white to get a big centre with c4- I've been that squashed bug a few times before. Sounds like you've played the opening- then again everyone in old blighty is no doubt familiar with the Miles game which pushed Penrose-Tal off the front page as one of England's great international victories (pre-Short, that is). Thanks again for your time and comments.