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Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
Firepower from the flanks: Why 1.f4, the Bird's Opening, deserves your attention
EDITOR's NOTE: Chess 101 is a series on helping strengthen chess fundamentals with breakdowns from Shivika Rohilla, a Woman FIDE Master based in New Delhi, who is also the founder of the Shivika Rohilla Chess Academy (SRCA). The Bird's Opening (1.f4) is a fan favorite and frequently visited by speed chess players. Some may call it crazy or even solid at times because of its ease of application to the Stonewall Structure. The Bird's Opening resembles the Dutch variation (1.f5) from Black and is so regarded as the Reverse Dutch. The Bird's Opening is commonly ignored in mainstream opening theory, although it provides White with a creative and unconventional way forward. By immediately challenging possession of the e5 square, it facilitates dynamic, asymmetrical play. The Bird's Opening, named after 19th-century English master Henry Bird, appeals to players who want to engage in rich strategic engagements outside of standard e4 or d4. Players who use 1.f4 these days typically use the Polar Bear system with the f4, g3, d3, Nf3, Bg2 structure, which is played by Nihal Sarin, the rising Indian star; Magnus Carlsen, the current world number one; and Ian Nepomniachtchi, who has won the Candidates twice among many other players. However, it is not the only method to play this line; another structure, the Stonewall, with d4, e3, f4, provides a more sturdy play. Following is Carlsen's game in the Titled Tuesday in March 2025 against Le Tuan Minh after 1.f4 d5 g6 3.d3 Nf6 4.g3 Bg7 o-o 6.o-o c5 after which players may either opt for c3 or Nc3 offering a variety of positions. Apart from speed chess, Nodirbek Abdusattorov played 1.f4 in the Saint Louis rapid in 2024 against Fabiano Caruana, making a bold choice. He had opted for a pretty stable structure, and this was his position in 6 moves. Looking for an opening that's cool, quirky, and quietly dangerous? The Polar Bear System keeps your prep light and your position solid—because sometimes, the best way to win is to stay chill and play f4. Want to improve your chess basics? Or are you looking for an unconventional way to catch your opponent off-guard from the opening? Read all the articles from the Chess 101 series about chess openings here Shivika Rohilla is a Woman FIDE Master based in New Delhi. At just 17, she is the founder of the Shivika Rohilla Chess Academy (SRCA), which she runs alongside her mother, Dr. Nidhi Bhasin Rohilla, and national instructor Yogender Sharma. Passionate about both chess and education, Shivika recently passed Class XII with an impressive 95%, scoring a perfect 100 in English. She firmly believes that excellence in chess and academics can go hand in hand—and is living proof that it's possible to pursue both with dedication and discipline. Through SRCA, she is also working to promote chess among girls and young women. ... Read More
Indian Express
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Opening with instinct: The wild logic of playing 1.b4, also called the Orangutan Opening
EDITOR's NOTE: Chess 101 is a series on helping strengthen chess fundamentals with breakdowns from Shivika Rohilla, a Woman FIDE Master based in New Delhi, who is also the founder of the Shivika Rohilla Chess Academy (SRCA). In a game where history meets razor-sharp preparation, few openings are more wonderfully odd than 1.b4 — the Orangutan, or Sokolsky Opening. This flank pawn push, born of humour and analytical curiosity, made its global debut in 1924 when Grandmaster Savielly Tartakower, fresh from a visit to the Bronx Zoo, claimed to have been inspired by an orangutan named Susan. While the narrative is entertaining, the maneuver itself is serious. 1. b4 has evolved into a versatile and creative weapon, avoiding deep theoretical lines while inviting rich, imbalanced positions. Despite its underdog status, world champions such as Magnus Carlsen have resorted to it, demonstrating that in chess, a lesser-traveled course can, however, lead to victory. Even though the line is mostly seen in faster forms of chess these days, such as bullet or blitz, it has also been played at the higher level by many super GMs, such as Fabiano Caruana and Carlsen, among others. Black's most popular replies are 1…e5 and 1…d5. Both leading to a very dynamic position. White's aim with this line is to get the opponent out of his usual preparation early on and invite him to a fierce battle of initiative and tactical play in the middlegame. The following position arises after 1.b4 e5. 2. Bb2 Bxb4 3. Bxe5 Nf6 4. c4, the move c4 is quite rare but interesting. Although a Titled Tuesday favourite, Fabiano Caruana's game with white against Kollars Dmitrij from the NC World Masters, Dortmund, Germany in 2023 is an exception being played during the classical format. A fascinating position arose after 16 moves starting with 1.b4 d5. From zoo-side inspiration to grandmaster execution, the Orangutan Opening walks a curious line. Part myth, part method, it's a tribute to chess's rich imagination. And a reminder that every move has a story — even 1.b4. You can read previous articles from the Chess 101 series about chess openings here
Arab News
05-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
Guardians of the sacred: SRCA and university volunteers unite to shield pilgrims
ARAFAT: Beneath Makkah's unrelenting sun, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, or SRCA, and university volunteers have engineered a sanctuary of safety for Hajj 2025. From SRCA's 7,517 paramedics to Umm Al-Qura University's medical students, this human tapestry works in lockstep across Islam's holiest sites. The SRCA's logistical symphony spans 578 ambulances, nine helicopter surveillance teams and 80 rapid-response vehicles threading through human currents. Mobility support includes 500 electric scooters and 205 golf carts pre-positioned at ritual grounds, while 633 logistics specialists orchestrate medical supply chains. Fourteen emergency clinics and 32 first-aid stations anchor operations, with nine ambulance buses drilled for mass casualties. Volunteers confront predictable yet constant health threats. Kholood Abdulwasea, an SRCA volunteer who traveled from Madinah to serve in Makkah, reported: 'The cases we face, mostly they were having heat exhaustion. Some of them had hypoglycemia.' She credited mitigation efforts: 'It wasn't much because of the water sprays and the efforts put into providing water.' Medical students corroborated this clinical landscape. Rawabi Omar Al-Arabi, a fifth-year Umm Al-Qura University medical student leading the Systematic Hajj Program, cited heatstroke, dehydration and hypoglycemia as predominant issues. Jannah Halawani, a second-year peer heading the Media Committee, expanded the list, as she told Arab News: 'Heatstroke, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, plus fractures or wounds needing stitches.' Coordinating 10,000 caregivers across shifting pilgrim tides presented particular hurdles. Al-Arabi highlighted accommodation logistics as her team's steepest challenge: 'Coordinating large volunteer groups across field hospitals while ensuring 24/7 oversight. That's the toughest part.' Transportation emerged as another pressure point. Halawani emphasized the complexity of reaching ritual sites such as Arafat and Mina, calling it a 'massive time and coordination' effort. Beyond statistics, the human spirit defined the mission. Abdulwasea called her contribution an enduring honor: 'It was a good day and I'm honored to be part of this noble mission.' For university volunteers, the experience resonated deeper. Al-Arabi described serving pilgrims as 'life-changing,' stressing that sacrificing seven days with family was 'worth every second' for the privilege of honoring Allah's guests. Halawani captured the sentiment: 'An indescribable privilege. Being chosen by Allah to serve Hajj pilgrims honors both the location and the moment. If you get this chance? Grab it. It's truly unmissable.'
Arab News
04-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
Saudi Red Crescent conducts air evacuation in Arafat as part of Hajj preparedness efforts
ARAFAT: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority carried out an emergency air medical evacuation in Arafat on Wednesday, as part of its broader efforts to enhance readiness during the Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The operation was launched after an emergency call was received by the SRCA's central operations room. Ground and air ambulance teams were immediately dispatched to the scene in coordination with relevant health authorities, SPA added. The patient was stabilized on-site and transported by medical evacuation aircraft to a designated hospital, following direct coordination with the hospital's medical team and the provision of all necessary medical details. SRCA spokesman Dr. Taimur Shukrullah Jan said the mission was part of a broader integrated system designed to improve emergency response across the holy sites. He noted that medical evacuation aircraft are crucial in reducing response times, particularly in areas of high population density or restricted mobility. 'The authority is harnessing all its human and technical resources to serve pilgrims, in line with its humanitarian and national mission,' Jan said. 'Our ground and air ambulance teams are operating around the clock to deliver urgent care where and when it's needed.' The SRCA's air ambulance service for the Hajj season comprises 11 aircraft deployed across 13 strategic landing sites in Makkah and the holy sites. More than 120 trained personnel are working to ensure rapid intervention and high-quality emergency services for pilgrims, SPA reported.
Arab News
02-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
Makkah Region mayor reviews Saudi Red Crescent's preparedness for Hajj
RIYADH: Makkah Region Mayor Musaed bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood visited the Saudi Red Crescent Authority's command and control center and medical evacuation department in Makkah on Monday, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance field readiness for the Hajj season. The mayor was briefed on the command and control system, medical evacuation procedures, and the extensive network of deployment centers strategically located across Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported. He reviewed coordination with relevant authorities, aiming to ensure efficient and high-quality emergency services. He also observed operational progress at the center, approved emergency response plans, the readiness of ambulance teams, and the advanced technologies used for monitoring, dispatching reports, and directing field teams in real-time throughout the Hajj season. Al-Dawood emphasized the importance of seamless coordination among all service sectors and praised the SRCA's vital role in delivering rapid emergency response to pilgrims.
