Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ Profile Banner
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ Profile
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ

@Carl_Portman

883
Followers
90
Following
5,115
Media
26,052
Statuses

Don't complain about the darkness, light a few candles. Also this: #chesspunks

England
Joined October 2011
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 years
When the sun goes down, chess stays awake.
Tweet media one
11
43
514
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
@GBNEWS He is missing the basic point. It is not actually illegal to say things that some people will find offensive. We must NEVER lose the democratic freedom to express ourselves even if what we say is offensive to some. We must not sanitise this freedom. Ever.
12
14
303
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
My wife Susie is not on Twitter but anyway, I want to say how immensely proud of her I am. She is an inspiration and currently at hospital having her 22nd chemotherapy session. Merry Christmas darling. X
Tweet media one
11
28
225
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
@WhoresofYore A Falero classic...Witches going to the Sabbath. (1878)
Tweet media one
12
16
215
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 months
This shouldn't be overly difficult. White to play and mate in two moves. Please do not give the answer yet. Just say 'yes' if you solve it.
Tweet media one
121
7
192
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
Tunde features in today's Times newspaper!
Tweet media one
1
49
173
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
@Wayne57072607 It was coming. Soon they will outnumber the quintessentially English Church bells. Cultural takeover, and the beginning of the end of Christian Britain. Mark my words. In 50-100 years this country will be lost.
13
24
152
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 years
Just setting the scene for later. My chess playing pal is coming round. We will play chess, drink beer, eat Chinese, and watch England beat Scotland (there, I said it) then listen to some seriously good music. Heavy, of course... What a day in prospect.
Tweet media one
17
7
126
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
4 years
Well today my 92 year old neighbour has asked me to give him some chess lessons. It's not just about the young ones out there, it is never to late to play the game. A chess set in every care home should be an admirable aspiration...
Tweet media one
6
16
124
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 years
I am grateful today and I want to share. My wife was diagnosed with cancer one year ago today, and she is still here fighting. She has stage 4 (inoperable) and it is her 17th chemo session today. She won't give up. We won't give up. I love this woman. I always have. โ™ฅ
Tweet media one
12
6
115
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
4 years
One issue about the Queen's Gambit. Many people think chess is easy and they can become a master if they 'choose' to. Reality check. Chess is beautiful, but brutal and unforgiving. Expect nothing for free. Work work work. Above all...HAVE FUN.
11
9
114
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
@fumefox My view: I was thinking about this last night. Remainers were interested in pounds, but Brexiteers more so in principles. Had the EU remained a common trading market, I would have gladly stayed in but it became too much, like poison ivy suffocating the tree. โ˜ ๏ธ
82
6
110
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
5 months
@ChessAndBridge @HansMokeNiemann He stayed in the hotel just down the Road. ๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿ‘
Tweet media one
5
0
98
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 months
After being told this week that her cancer has grown further, I decided to unashamedly share a photo of my wife that I took on Tuesday. Susan is as beautiful to me now as the day I met her in 1983. She refuses to give up or give in. I love this girl. โค๏ธ
Tweet media one
18
1
98
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
@teamrockape @Belinda34106799 Carry on films? Get a life will you? The were and still are great British offerings, giving joy to millions...men and women alike. Must be fun in your house. ๐Ÿ˜’
3
0
88
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
4 years
Self isolation: With my new coach, working on the Collie system...
Tweet media one
4
11
90
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 years
@TruthWarrior81 Samantha. I have had two and as you know, I am happy with my choice. Would I have three? Now then, that is another question. I mean would there be one for every variant? There isn't with influenza. This time I would need to be convinced. That's the truth for my world x
18
6
79
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
5
0
75
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
My wife Susan is not on Twitter but I want to give her a shout out. Today she is having her 36th chemotherapy session. Although chemo takes an obvious toll she continues two years to the day from diagnosis (Stage 4) to fight like a lioness. An inspiration, then. โค๐Ÿ™
9
1
83
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
5 years
Awesome night! Last to finish against Karpov. Rook and pawn endgame...one on one. Okay, I went down but with a creditable fight and I could not be happier. Thank you France for making it happen. 45 years of frustration and hope are now over. X
Tweet media one
11
10
77
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
6 years
Chess in prisons. This is not even all of the correspondence I receive from prisoners. There are some remarkable stories in there! Being Behind Bars must not be a bar to playing chess.
Tweet media one
Tweet media two
5
18
70
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 years
Come on. No chess engines now. White to play and mate in two. ๐Ÿค”
Tweet media one
28
10
73
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
Playing chess with a complete stranger in Stratford today. Oh how this marvellous game brings people together.
Tweet media one
3
10
73
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
@_B___S Oh yes. My lad Darwin used to play a decent game of chess.
Tweet media one
3
1
73
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 months
@andrewlawrence At the end of the day no one, nowhere is ever going to dictate to me how or what I think, feel or say. It is all MY responsibility and MY choice. End.
5
3
71
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
9 months
Just browsing through 'Hooked on Chess', Bill Hook's memoir. Look at this sweet photograph.
Tweet media one
4
9
72
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
7 months
This isn't about credit for me, but sharing good news, an evidence that chess can help prisoners. A nice letter to receive, and good luck to this man.
Tweet media one
11
7
70
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
1 year
Yaaaaay. My new (bigger squared) chess board just arrived. Thanks yet again to Chess & Bridge of London. Well packaged, undamaged and bang on time. You guys absolutely rock. ๐Ÿ™
Tweet media one
15
5
67
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 years
How lovely. My chess students (father and young son) bought me this as a thank you for going the extra mile for them. I have never had lego in my entire life. This will be my autumn and winter challenge. There are hundreds of pieces crikey!
Tweet media one
3
5
68
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
As friends know, my wife Susie has stage 4 cancer. It is her birthday today and there is more reason than ever to celebrate that fact. She is not on Twitter but I felt like mentioning it anyway. ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ™
14
0
66
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 years
@MichaelWarbur17 @gmmds I saw an elderly lady do that at the post office to get to the counter before they closed. ๐Ÿ˜
2
0
64
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 years
Nine years today! How lucky I am. With Susie's cancer, we truly never expected this anniversary, but here we are. She isn't on Twitter but in any event I can tell the world that I love this woman, and have done since I was 19 years of age. We fight on. ๐Ÿ’œ
Tweet media one
9
7
58
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
5 years
@LeaveEUOfficial @afneil @ChukaUmunna He goes where the wind blows. Weasel words. Don't trust him...
0
3
57
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 months
I have now made this e-document 'globally available' as a free resource. I have for some time looked to do this, because the content simply cannot be buried or ignored. I will think where I can deposit it online for anyone to access.
Tweet media one
7
13
61
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 months
I am very proud to say that today I became the UK Armed Forces Veteran Champion 2024. With age, we can still achieve. โ˜บ๏ธ
Tweet media one
17
8
61
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 months
@chesscom @photochess @DGukesh I said this to my neighbour's son 'Ding' earlier.
1
0
57
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
1 year
My wife is not on Twitter. However, I am giving her a shout out for being a remarkable fighter. Today, she is off for her 40th chemotherapy session. She is still giving it her all, and I am in awe! Thanks to all who have supported her...you MAKE a difference. โค๏ธ
3
1
57
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
@hartlepooleylad Well, that's her 15 minutes of fame. Pathetic really.
1
0
55
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 years
Well? Go on. White to move and mate in two. NO CHEATING. NO USING COMPUTERS. I will be watching you. Don't give the answer yet. No spoilers. Just say yes if you get it. I will give the answer later. ๐Ÿ’œ
Tweet media one
34
9
54
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
Enough with the problems of the world. Time to dive into my own. I am ready for a visitor and a good outside chess session, or 'Al Chessco' as I like to call it. Chess, beer, fish pie and Marillion. Heute Ist Mein Tag.
Tweet media one
1
6
54
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
11 months
@WaterUK Are you having a laugh? It's been hammering down for weeks here, and it's all running into the reservoirs that you haven't built. ๐Ÿคท๐Ÿผ
1
4
55
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
11 months
@AVFCOfficial As a Villa boy I still grew up knowing how awesome Trevor Francis was. Yes, he played for 'the old enemy' but he graced the city of Birmingham and beyond. A player of consumate skill, grace and vision, I loved watching him. I am truly saddened. RIP. ๐Ÿ™
1
1
56
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
5 years
@JuliaHB1 What did we want? A people's vote. When did we have it? 2016.
2
3
48
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 years
@Rob_Kimbell By some strange bent of circumstance I procured this, just yesterday, favoured as it was over every other country.
Tweet media one
9
1
51
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
6 months
@FIDE_chess If I was a sponsor and this happened, I would never put money into chess again. Correct decision in my view. prearranged or not. Play chess for heaven's sake.
7
1
53
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 years
@Moo4free Yes, I get the same feeling when the mother-in-law prepares to come for Christmas.
1
0
51
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
5 years
My most recent prison simul. (Permission given for photo) These chaps were really good - many about my strength. It felt like I was playing myself over and over again. My wish is that keep the chess going. It teaches discipline and is a wonderful form of self-expression.
Tweet media one
2
16
53
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
7 months
The great Tony Miles died on this day in 2001. What a player he was, confident, combative and creative...and he was a fellow Brummie, too. Solely missed. (Photo Wikimedia commons)
Tweet media one
5
8
52
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
6 months
@TarjeiJS Just a question. Why not refuse to play him altogether if you are going to make a stand? Surely playing is 'worse' than not shaking his hand.
10
0
49
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 months
Oh my good God. I just drew with a stronger player in the 4NCL, but running my game through the engine, here I played 29...Be5 but, WHAT DID I AND MY OPPONENT MISS? ๐Ÿคฏ
Tweet media one
35
2
53
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
@jpxan71 @willhandford What are YOU doing for the cause then matey? Millions of wonderful, generous, compassionate people live in the UK. Good of you to label 67 million people with your (in)valuable insight.
9
0
50
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
1 year
I caved in to pressure to replace the plastic set on my new board for a wooden one. Today, I can reveal my gorgeous Staunton Wooden set, as supplied by Chess & Bridge of London. It is my treat to myself, and I love it.
Tweet media one
Tweet media two
11
1
48
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
@rachelparris Think on...bad as though you think that might be, it could have been Kier Starmer, Diane Abbott or Raynor, Lammy etc etc. In that sense we are lucky! I mean, honestly.
14
0
52
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
'Many people are alive BUT don't touch the miracle of being alive.'
0
9
48
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
5 years
Never thought I would ever interview Chucky. His answer to how chess players should improve..."Get a coach. They can explain things that computers can't". Fair comment.
Tweet media one
1
7
50
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
4 years
Tony Miles. Died this day in 2001. Still terribly sadly missed. He came from my own home City and was of course an inspiration when I was young. Uncompromising at the board yet he gave so much to Birmingham juniors and others. RIP. (Photo: Wiki commons)
Tweet media one
2
8
49
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
My news. I am thrilled to announce that I will be a guest in the Chessable Master's studio in Oslo on Friday. I will be talking about my book and chess in prisons and who knows what else?
4
8
50
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
Have a butchers at this. I am not sure that I have ever checkmated with the 'en-passant' move in my life. Here I played 18.dxc6 ep checkmate. Cool or what?
Tweet media one
10
3
50
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
7 months
After some desperate news about my wife's cancer yesterday, we rallied this morning, because we are strong together. We are coming out for another round, still throwing punches, still believing, still taking the days as they come. โœŠ๏ธโœŠ๏ธโœŠ๏ธโœŠ๏ธโœŠ๏ธโœŠ๏ธโœŠ๏ธ
10
3
50
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
5 years
A prisoner yesterday spoke to me about how chess brings people together on the wing who would never normally meet or talk. Says chess is sanctuary from the darkness. Truly then, a force for good.
1
14
49
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
4 years
Okay. We are not going to be 'victims' but there's a lot of questions about my quietness. I will just say that my wife was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Inoperable and no cure. Adjusting mentally. Her chemo journey begins tomorrow. We will fight, fight, fight. Love to you all x
24
0
50
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
When I was younger, so much younger than today...
Tweet media one
7
2
47
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
My Darwin picture of the day is this: He loved a game of chess. Well, Collies are intelligent dogs after all. He often tried to psyche me out by staring, but here I played the 'Collie' opening and managed to draw. He offered it because he needed a wee...
Tweet media one
2
4
48
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
5 months
@TarjeiJS ...is that the same St Louis Chess club that...
Tweet media one
1
1
47
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
@Wayne57072607 This is extraordinarily poignant today because when walking my dogs I saw this in a coppice. I know the walk well, and it is the middle-of nowhere. I wondered if someone was dead inside. Should I have checked it? I will tomorrow if it is still there.
Tweet media one
6
12
44
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
Forgive me. I just sent this around, and I simply had to share. Thanks to all of you for your love and support. We think it actually makes a difference! โค๏ธ
Tweet media one
10
0
45
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
5 years
The last thing you need when playing is to have the mighty Vassily Ivanchuk looking over your shoulder and HIS kingdom.
Tweet media one
3
13
43
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 months
I loved seeing the team at the London Chess Centre yesterday. One simply cannot go to London without popping to the mecca of chess.
Tweet media one
4
6
44
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
1 year
@raisedright21 @RoyallyBelle_ I am a tax payer and not a Royalist, but I am happy to pay. Its called tradition and culture. Not everything we do has to directly benefit you. This, and have you any idea how much this family attracts in tourism to this country? Is it billions?
0
0
41
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
I feel like a shell. I am sitting in disbelief. Where is he? Where is my boy? I see his bed, his collar his lead and still his bowl, but the annoying lump is not sitting blocking the kitchen doorway. I want to cry an ocean for him.
Tweet media one
14
1
44
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
Today, my wife Susan saw the oncologist and the news from the scans is that she is 'stable.' This is great news. There is no improvement but no regression which is all we could ask at stage 4. This IS our Christmas gift. Nothing more required. Thanks for all the love โค๏ธ ๐Ÿ’œ
6
1
44
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
Saturday afternoon. Time for Alekhine.
Tweet media one
3
6
44
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 years
I am older and have lots of chess books. Very few these days really reach out and draw me in. This is one such book. Getting into Keith's mind and learning what he looks for and why is most illuminating, and enjoyable. Worth an evening of my life, for sure.
Tweet media one
2
7
40
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 years
My day was mixed, and then the postman arrived. Thanks to Chess and Bridge for speedy despatch and to Jovanka Houska for inspiring me to get the ร“lafsson book.
Tweet media one
5
3
41
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
Today is the day. First tournament in over 2 years. Time for my game face. This one was taken by the legendary chess photographer David Llada, in Gibraltar. All games will be shown live on Lichess and apparently. Chessable English Seniors Ch'ships.
Tweet media one
9
4
43
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
4 years
Your treat for today. Turn up your vol, and LISTEN. This is what chess used to sound like. Tens of clocks ticking away in clubs and congresses. Oh, how I miss it. Now we have the sound of silence. Note three different types here.
6
7
42
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
Well, I should have been having a heart procedure today but it is cancelled due to my Covid. Bit of a blow, but as a chess player I know how to take stock of a situation, regroup mentally, then play on. Sounds silly, but chess is part of my character. Thanks Caissa ๐Ÿ’š
4
2
38
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
RIP Tony Miles, who died this day in 2001. A fellow Brummie, gladiatorial chess player and inspiration to many. He is sorely missed. 1...a6 it is then. (Pic: Wikimedia Commons)
Tweet media one
3
7
41
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
My wife, Susan just finished her 36th chemotherapy session and is still chirpy. What a woman, what inspiration. I am incredibly impressed and proud of her desire to fight and live. Amazing. โค
2
0
41
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
Look what an elderly neighbour made for me...a chess king and queen to take on my chess travels for luck. How sweet was that?
Tweet media one
5
3
41
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
1 year
Kidlington chess congress. Post Covid chess is back. ๐Ÿ’š
Tweet media one
4
5
39
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
4 years
I love being a chess player. I can never get bored. No sport on. Events cancelled. So what? I have my chess set, my chess books and my own unlimited imagination. Long live the King...
3
6
41
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
1 year
@Cheeseo76847269 People will come out onto the street for a car, but they won't for the erosion of their country. Weird that.
0
2
35
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 years
My new member of the household is a quick learner. She is now studying the 'Collie' opening. Her name is Raven and I would love it if she chose chess as a career over sheep. Time will tell.
Tweet media one
8
3
35
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
@ChrisLXXXVI I felt a bit sick yesterday. I am a man in my fifties, and my first thought was 'Oh God, I am pregnant' then I realised I wasn't a daft twat after all and it was a dodgy curry. Phew!
2
4
35
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
5 years
I never thought I would say this in my lifetime, but I am preparing a bit of chess to play Anatoly Karpov in France next week! Finally, after 43 years I get to meet my childhood chess hero, albeit in a simultaneous exhibition. Please let it happen!!
3
3
38
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
One of my all time favourite chess books. I would happily take this one to a desert island. Anyone else got it?
Tweet media one
13
2
39
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
@Tunde_OD Very often we speak to people thousands of miles away, yet seldom say a word to our neighbour.
1
6
36
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
Tonight we had to say goodbye to Darwin. Fourteen years if love and happiness. I am broken and devastated and I have no idea if I will ever recover. I was with him at the end, as he fell into a beautiful sleep. I love you Darwin. See you on the other side, pal.
Tweet media one
16
0
39
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
4 years
@SteveNdukwu As an English man, if I may say this. If I ever visit Nigeria, and I would love to, I won't care about yachts, buildings, money or cars. It will be the people I encounter that will make my memories forever, and only the people will represent their country. Here's to YOU!
Tweet media one
2
6
34
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
3 years
Todays Post! Letters from prisoners about chess. Trust me, chess is flourishing despite lockdown or indeed any confinement. If necessary, I answer every letter personally. Oh yes...I did sneak my book in the shot for advertising! It is my book after all. ๐Ÿ‘
Tweet media one
0
6
38
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
@VFreedoms The thing is, governments cannot act with impunity. People will fight back at some point. People will not be led by any government that does not speak their language. And anyway, the sign is correct, but then ALL lives matter. 'They' want division.
1
0
35
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
1 month
Things happen. A young lad about 10 just at my door. Has learning issues. Lost! Phone is dead, lives with grandad but no idea where. We took him in, charged his phone, he made contact, and we kept him here until someone arrived. He's walked miles. Phew. Job done. ๐Ÿ‘
6
3
38
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
7 months
A certain esteemed English grandmaster visited my humble abode yesterday, and we played some blitz. Here, as black to play, he essayed the killer move. Its so cool how such strong players arrange their pieces in harmony.
Tweet media one
12
3
38
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
When all goes wrong and life gets tough, I always have chess in my life. I can think of no greater gift, and no better lifelong friend. I am truly grateful to Caissa. โค
0
4
36
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 months
It's been stressful for two weeks waiting for Susan's latest cancer scans. We visited her oncologist at the hospital this afternoon. Some great news. Cancer stable, indeed a little improved in her lungs. We go again, 3 months at a time. Thanks for all good wishes and support. ๐Ÿ™
10
0
38
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
I coached a Ukrainian lad this morning as I do every week. I asked him and his mum if they wanted to stop for a while. They have family in Ukraine. No way! They wanted the chess to continue. It gives them something else to focus on. Chess wins again. ๐Ÿ™
0
0
38
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
Ok. For a few days I shall post a pic of the day of Darwin through his life. I hope it raises a smile or two. Today this is when when we got the little fella in February 2008. Aaaaah.
Tweet media one
7
1
37
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
1 year
On this day, eleven years ago, I married the girl who I first asked out as a youth. She said no. A few decades later, she said yes. My god, she was worth the wait. Cancer has still not taken her and we both fight on, so this is an awesome day.
Tweet media one
Tweet media two
5
2
37
@Carl_Portman
Carl Portman ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
2 years
@Harley_Tory MEN CAN'T BE LESBIANS There you go, I am right with you. And I don't believe for one moment that anyone could be imprisoned for that. It isn't yet 1950's Soviet Union.
2
2
31