Games & PGN by Jan van Reek
Game 1 January 2 2001 ½-½
In a long and high level struggle, Rebel made a grave prophylactic error during the middlegame. When John missed a tactical win, a great positional advantage remained. Probably it was insuffficient for a win in the endgame. The defence by Rebel was stubborn and effective.
Game 2 January 3 2001 ½-½
The game started as a dull exchange variation. John managed to take the initiative in the center and Rebel defended well. The high level dropped, when Rebel grabbed a poisoned pawn. A passed pawn in the center became too strong. Tactical errors were made by both players. John missed several winning combinations. My opinion about move 51 had to be revised after the game from good move to mistake.
Game 3 January 4 2001 0-1
John gained a great victory. At last John had the 'ideal' closed position against the computer. Nevertheless, Rebel played very well. John defended accurately and managed to exchange his bad colored bishop. When Rebel took a pawn, a pin became nasty. The pawn was regained quickly. John had a big positional advantage and won the rook endgame beautifully.
Game 4 January 9 2001 0-1
Rebel made a positional pawn sacrifice in the opening. When John avoided the sharpest variation, he got a slight disadvantage. Thereafter he made errors in the endgame. The pawn ending was lost. Rebel played a courageous and accurate game. This game is the first loss of John van der Wiel in a serious game against the computer. Chess history has been written.
Game 5 January 10 2001 1-0
Van der Wiel exchanged the moves 7 and 8 during the opening. As a result Rebel could choose a sharp variation from the opening book. John did not know the theory, and the result was a disaster. The internet connection collapsed after John blundered for the second time. A hacker had paralyzed the server.
Game 6 January 11 2001 ½-½
John van der Wiel wanted to equalise the match and started a great fight. In a closed position, he moved his pieces to the king's side, while some defenders moved away. The attack could have become decisive, but the game ended in confusion. A draw was the result.