I ran across the following on ABC Classic FM. It is from a video game (It Takes Two) , but is also based an earlier work by JS Bach. No animation, just music. Enjoy.
Saturday, 15 February 2025
Thursday, 13 February 2025
More found scoresheets
This is what happens when you leave your scoresheet lying around at the chess club (although i suspect it is the winners discarded copy)
Gungahlin Chess Club 2025
Monday, 10 February 2025
2025 O2C Doeberl Cup - Entry update
The 2025 O2C Doeberl Cup is starting a little later this year (17th April), due to the phases of the moon. I normally start tracking entries 8 or 9 weeks out, so as to prepare for how much equipment, arbiters, furniture etc are needed. As of today the total entries have just passed the 100 player mark, which is a good start for the tournament. Last year we had over 400 players (in the main events), and increasing that number would be fantastic.
The other thing I start tracking around this time are the emails that ask us to ignore the rating restrictions so they (or more commonly their child) can be admitted into the Premier. The number seems to be up this year from previous years, including emails from people who were told no last year, but thought they'd give it another shot (in one case the player concerned then simply refused to play in a lower section). Again, the rules here are quite clear. No exceptions :)
Sunday, 9 February 2025
No books for me
For the first time ever, I managed to walk out of the Lifeline Bookfair without any books. Not just chess books, but any books at all. The reason was a scheduling conflict meant I missed the Friday morning opening, and when I got their on Saturday, all that was left was the detritus of what had been there before. Then having no chess books in my bag, I felt uninspired to purchase any books (including any of the bridge titles, which were legion in number).
So empty handed I left the hall, hoping for better finds later this year.
Friday, 7 February 2025
Failed Experiments
With all the brouhaha in the chess world over Freestyle Chess (Chess 960, Fischer Random, the thing invented by David Bronstein chess), it is worth remembering that it was once held as part of the Doeberl Cup. However it turned out to be less popular than the blitz, so the experiment was not repeated.
I suspect one of the reasons was: Players love Chess960 because their opponent can't rely on opening theory. Players hate Chess960 when they realise they can't rely on opening theory
But if you want to see it played at the top level (although it is missing Wesley So) you can at https://lichess.org/broadcast/freestyle-chess-grand-slam-tour-2025-weissenhaus--round-robin/round-1/SjKjf4b0
Wednesday, 5 February 2025
Stewart Reuben (1939 - 2025)
Legendary chess arbiter and organiser Stewart Reuben has passed away, while on a cruise in Jamaica. Born in 1939, Stewart began playing and organising events in the 1950's and was a leading figure in the world of chess for over 60 years. Although he started his working career as an Industrial Chemist, he worked as a school teacher before becoming a chess author and organiser. He served on various FIDE Commissions, either as Chairman or Secretary, and made significant contributions to the authorship of the Laws of Chess.
He was also a talented player, with a peak rating above 2200 (and possibly 2300), as well as earning the Candidate Master title in later years (a title he created as Secretary of the Qualification Commission). One of his proudest playing moments was drawing with Bobby Fischer in a blitz event in 1963. His authorship of "The Chess Organisers Handbook" provided an invaluable resource for many aspiring chess arbiters, including myself.
I first met Stewart at the 2000 Chess Olympiad, and he was always an engaging and entertaining companion. Indeed I earned my FIDE Arbiter title after bumping into him at breakfast during the 2008 Olympiad, when he mentioned he was running a FA course, and invited me to attend. He also encouraged me to put myself forward for the FIDE Rules Commission and we had a very productive working partnership from 2008 to 2014.
He was also a generous host to many chess players visiting London. A number of players were a guest at his flat in London, including myself and my son in 2016. He was also a very successful Poker player writing books on the topic, including his own speciality of Omaha.
He passed away while on a cruise to the Caribbean, something he did regularly in later years. His contribution to the chess world as an arbiter, organiser and author is enormous, and he will be sadly missed.
Tuesday, 4 February 2025
Back to club chess
The 2025 club chess season is up and running, at least for Canberra clubs. My home club (Eastlakes Gungahlin) is running two events to start the year. Although they are both 60m+30s 1 round per week tournaments, they have been split into Under 18s and Over 18s. Normally such a split would be to encourage the younger players, but in this case it is the older players we are looking at to join.
The junior event has attracted a healthy field of 27 players, with some of Canberra's strongest juniors taking part. On the top board, there was an interesting opposite coloured bishop ending reached. Often these can end in draws (as this one did), but only because White missed a nice idea in the diagrammed position. A couple of spectators spotted it, but can you?
Sunday, 2 February 2025
Don't threaten me with a good time
The final round of the Tata Steel event is starting shortly. As I have been busy with other chess events, I've only caught up with the some of the games from the tournament. Unlike the 'high altitude' Super-duper GM events, the make of the field in this event does lend itself to more exciting (but possibly less correct) chess.
In the following game, Black allows White to build up quite the attacking position, but it doesn't really kick off until 22, after Black allowed White to kick off the final attack with a piece sacrifice. While it could be argued that Black missed the strength of the sacrifice, a more sensible strategy would have been to avoid the position all together. But then we would not have seen the queen sac at the end!
Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025 Masters Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands (12.3), 01.02.2025
Friday, 31 January 2025
So many bad things to see
The following game combines a number of hilarious themes that I often feature on this blog.
(1) The French Defence gets a fearful hammering
(2) Grabbing the b pawn with your queen is once again bad
(3) Every now and then players who should know better (an IM in this case) still find a way of digging themselves further into trouble
SixDays Budapest January 2025 IM A Budapest (9.2), 31.01.2025
Wednesday, 29 January 2025
2025 Oceania Zonal - Final Results
GM Temur Kuybokarov has won the 2025 Oceania Zonal, with a final score of 8/9. After dropping his 4th round game, he finished with 5 straight wins, beating FM Chris Wallis in the final round. Tied for 2nd were IM Rishi Sardana, IM James Morris and FM Stirling Bayaca on 7/9. Both Sardana and Morris went through the event undefeated, as did IM Gary Lane (6/9), who curiously drew every game he started with the white pieces.
WGM Julia Ryjanova was the clear winner of the Women's Zonal, scoring 8.5/9. She only conceded a draw to WFM Shiyuan Shen, who finished 2nd on 8/9. In third place was WCM Chao Xin Cheng who scored 7/9.
Both events saw a number of players earn direct titles. A few have already earned their FM/WFM/CM/WCM titles (based on career ratings), while for others, the titles will be awarded based on achieving the minimum required rating.
As Chief Arbiter of the event, I found it a very enjoyable event. The chess was competitive throughout, including the final round, and a number of younger players showed a real step up in class. The venue (Huntingdale Golf Club) was fantastic, and the organising team from the Box Hill Chess Club (lead by Peter Tsai) did a brilliant job throughout.
Full results and links to tournament games can be found at https://sites.google.com/view/2025oceaniazonals/home
Tuesday, 28 January 2025
2025 Oceania Zonal - Day 5
With one round left to play GM Temur Kybokarov holds a half point lead in the 2025 Oceania Zonal. Bouncing back after his round 4 loss, Kuybokarov has reeled off 4 straight wins, taking down FM Alphaeus And and FM Stirling Bayaca in todays rounds. In outright 2nd is Chris Wallis, who beat IM David Cannon in round 7 and drew with FM Luis Chan in round 8. Fittingly, Wallis and Kuybokarov will face each other in the final round, which begins at 10am Melbourne time, tomorrow.
In equal third are 6 players on 6/8. While 1st place is out of reach for this group, a 2nd or 3rd place finish is an IM norm for the non IM's in this group.
WGM Julia Ryjanova leads the Women Zonal on 7.5/8, half a point ahead of WFM Zhiyuan Shen. As both players have already met (drawing their game), the destination of the qualifying place for the World Cup will depend on their final round games. Ryjanova is playing Elaina Qiang, while Shen plays WCM Luna Xu.
While a few players have already scored enough points for direct titles, the last round will determine who else will earn them. Interestingly, the final round pairings see players in the open hoping to reach 6/9 (an FM title), up against players who already the this, or a higher title. So expect some fighting chess in the final round, which can be seen from 10:30am on Lichess.
Monday, 27 January 2025
2025 Oceania Zonal - Day 4
At the end of the 4th day of the 2025 Oceania Zonal, the leading pack has thinned a little. The surprise leader is FM Stirling Bayaca, who is on 5.5/6. In the morning round he defeated GM Darryl Johansen and then FM Felix Xie (NZ) in round 6. He is being chased by IM James Morris, IM David Cannon, FM Chris Wallis and GM Temur Kuybokarov who are all on 5 points. Tomorrow mornings round sees Bayaca up against Morris in the board 1 clash.
In the Women's Zonal, WGM Julia Ryjanova and WCM Chai Xin Chen share the lead on 5.5/6. They play each other in tomorrows first round, with the winner being well placed to win the event. A draw between the 2 leaders will open to door for WFM Zhiyuan Shen to catch up, as she is in outright third on 5/6.
Round 7 and 8 will be played tomorrow, with round 9 starting at 10am on Wednesday. Although qualifying for the World Cup is the ultimate goal from both events, a chance to earn direct titles is also a motivation for the rest of the field. With 6/9 required for an FM/WFM title, and 4.5/9 for a CM/WCM some results may be affected by title considerations. For some this may lead to over cautious play (like being on the bubble in poker), but for others, a last minute run up the score table may be in order.
Sunday, 26 January 2025
2025 Oceania Zonal Day 3
Day 3 of the 2025 Oceania Zonal started with a Blitz event. The 2025 Ocenia Blitz Championship was won by IM James Morris, scoring 8.5/9. FM Li Yiu finished 2nd on 7.5, and FM Luis Chan 3rd on 7.
Round 4 was in the afternoon and the surprise result was IM Davin Cannon beating top seed GM Temur Kuybokarov. A tactical miscalculation saw Cannon win an important pawn, and Kuybokarov could not generate enough counterplay as compensation. Cannon now shares the lead IM James Morris, who also reached 4/4 by beating FM Luis Chan. Tied for 3rd are a further 6 players on 3.5.
The lead in the Women's Zonal is also shared between 2 players, WGM Julia Ryjanova and Grace Yin. Yin, who started the tournament as 30th seed has had an impressive run of 4 straight wins, but will face Ryjanova in tomorrow mornings round.
The nest 2 days are both double round days, with the morning round starting at 10:00 am and the afternoon round beginning at 3:00 pm
Saturday, 25 January 2025
2025 Oceania Zonal - Day 2
After 3 rounds, 6 players are still on a perfect in the Open section of the 2025 Oceania Zonal. Top seed GM Temur Kuybokarov scored an easy win over Reyaansh Chakrabarty to maintain his perfect start. He was joined by IM James Morris, FM Felix Xie, IM David Cannon, FM Chris Wallis and FM Luis Chan, after they all scored round 3 wins. Another 13 players are on 2.5/3, so the likely winner(s) of the event are still some way from being known.
In the Women's Zonal, 5 players lead on 3/3. WGM Julia Ryjanova, Grace Yin, WFM Zhiyan Shen, WCM Jody Middleton and WCM Chao Xin Cheng have all had perfect starts to event, although tomorrows round may change that. Again there is a large group of players within one win of the leaders, so again, an eventual winner may take some rounds to emerge.
2025 Oceania Zonal (3.1), 25.01.2025
2025 Oceania Zonal - Day 1
The first day of the 2025 Oceania Zonal saw 166 players turn up to the Huntingdale Gold Club in Melbourne, to determine the Oceania qualifiers for the 2025 World Cup. The Open section saw 117 players arrive for round 1 (curiously missing a group of New Zealand junior players who had taken advantage of the entry conditions to enter, but not play) with 49 players in the Women's section (who all turned up).
As the entry for the Open was restricted to players rated above 1900 (for Australian entries), the first round was tougher than previous Zonals. Although the top 5 seeds won their first games, IM's Lane and Solomon drew with their lower rated opponents, while IM Russell Dive lost to NSW player Ian Stalker. In the Women's event the upsets started as soon as board 3, and included a run of 6 boards (bd's 6 to 11) where Black won all the games.
Today is a double round day, with round 2 already underway. Important links are
Thursday, 23 January 2025
2025 Oceania Zonal
The 2025 Oceania Zonal begins tomorrow, in Melbourne. Even with the tighter entry requirements (for home players at least), both events (Open and Women's) reached capacity entries months ago. Pleasingly the Open event has representatives from 7 of the Oceania Federations, while the Women's has 5 federations represented.
Both events will qualify 1 player to the 2025 World Cup, as well as offering the chance for players to earn direct titles (IM/WIM, FM/WFM and CM/WCM). Top seed in the Open is GM Temur Kuybokarov, and for the Women's WGM Julia Ryjanova.
The first round is at 1pm tomorrow (local time). Event details and result links can be found at https://sites.google.com/view/2025oceaniazonals/home
Note: I am Chief Arbiter for this event
Tuesday, 21 January 2025
Random bits of advice
Random bits of advice and commentary I gave to a coaching class today
- Good tactics come from good positions
- King safety is the number one feature in a position
- Material is only number two
- The farther a rook can move, the stronger it is
- Don't do stupid things
- Chess is one of the few activities where kids operate on the same level as adults
- So accept that bad decisions have consequences
- Saying it was an accident is a kids way of saying they did it on purpose, but don't want to deal with the consequences
- No matter how bad your results are, they will improve when someone worse comes along
- As long as you keep playing, someone worse will come along
- The only way not to lose is not to play
Monday, 20 January 2025
Hilton Bennett Memorial - Game 9
With the final game of the tournament I decided to 'bank my winnings' and offer an early draw. This left me on +1 for the tournament (2 wins, 1 loss and 6 draws), and meant I played to almost exactly my rating. Having come into the event with no FIDE rated chess in the last 12 months, I was happy with this result. My final place of =4th was a pleasant surprise as well, as I figured anything in the top half would be good.
I found the tournament a very enjoyable experience, and the organisation was excellent. The schedule of 9 rounds over 7 days (only 2 double round days), gave me both enough time to prepare for my games, as well as to do some walking and sightseeing. Alongside my event were the IM Bob Wade Memorial (3 GM's+3 IM's) and the Middle Game Chess Foundation Challengers. The top event was designed to provide norm opportunities (and higher level chess) for New Zealand's rising starts, while the Middle Game Challengers showcased younger New Zealand talents. All three events saw some interesting and hard fought games, with the winners really having to work hard.
The organisers are looking at holding similar events next year, and I would certainly recommend the events for anyone interested in playing.
2025 Hilton Bennett Memorial (9.3), 19.01.2025
Hilton Bennett Memorial - Game 8
After a sequence of drawn games, I finally scored my 2nd win of the event. My opponent had great experience in playing Benoni type systems (1.d4 c5) so I tried to find a sequence that avoided the main lines. As it turned out that we reached a position that closely resembled a Closed Sicilian, with the significant difference being that my d pawn was on d5 rather than d3. As a result I was able to use the extra space to build up a kingside attack without worrying so much about a counter attack in the centre.
The final finish was evidence that good tactics come from good positions. The win moved me to 4.5/8, which meant I had achieved at least one of my goals, which was to score at least 50% for the tournament. (NB Once again the online broadcast threw in some extra moves at the end, for reasons that were not clear to me this time)
2025 Hilton Bennett Memorial (8.4), 18.01.2025
Sunday, 19 January 2025
Hilton Bennett Memorial - Game 7
Having escaped with a fortunate draw in round 6, I offered the same gift to my opponent in round 7. Playing a mainline Gruenfeld, I reached the usual sort of position where Black is holding on, but always at risk if the White d pawn breaks loose. All the action kicked off around move 24 where I played 24 ... e6? which just encouraged the formulaic hack down the f file with f5 (24 ... Bd5! was the move). Then the next sequence of moves was not the best for both sides, but by move 31 I thought I would eb able to take the d pawn and survive. But just as in game 6, both my opponent and I missed the correct follow up to 34.Bg5. He assume he was winning material due the threat of Bxd8, while I thought I would get enough pawns as compensation for the piece after 34. ... Bxe5. It turns out both of missed the idea of 34. ... e6!! 35.exf6 Qe6! The threat is to take the knight on e2, or play Bxg2+, winning the queen. With best (computer calculated) play, I would have 3 pawns for the exchange, and definite winning chances. Instead everything came off and reducing his pawns meant that a draw by perpetual was the best result. (NB The live broadcast shows an incorrect ending, due to my opponent demonstrating how I could self mate by avoiding the perp).
2025 Hilton Bennett Memorial (7.3), 16.01.2025
Saturday, 18 January 2025
Hilton Bennett Memorial - Game 6
Game 6 was played as the first game of a double round day (which in part excuses the quick draw the game before). I was happy with my position until I moved the queen to the wrong square on move 21. This meant I could not meet Bg5 with f4 and left me in trouble down the c file. After that I had to deal with pressure on my d pawn, which left me in a bad way. But the game then turned on a joint hallucination where both my opponent and I thought that 38.Qc2 lead to a perpetual, or a queen exchange leading to an equal ending. My opponent chose the later, and despite his attempts to create winning chances, it finished in a drawn opposite coloured bishop ending. Turns out he could have avoided to perpetual by making sure the king maneuvered to the correct squares .
So another draw, but at least I stayed on 50%
2025 Hilton Bennett Memorial (6.3), 17.01.2025
Friday, 17 January 2025
Hilton Bennett Memorial - Game 5
This game falls under the heading of 'tournament management'. In a round robin event, you don't necessarily have to win every game (unless you are Fischer), so taking a quick draw can restore your energy for the next day.
2025 Hilton Bennett Memorial (5.2), 16.01.2025
Thursday, 16 January 2025
Hilton Bennett Memorial - Game 4
My round 4 game had a number of interesting points, including my usual issue of mis-assesing my winning chances. My younger opponent decided to take the c pawn in the Catalan (as black) and then hang on to it for as long as possible. Having been caught out by this idea previously, I decided to give him a passed b pawn, and then slowly play around it. If I won it back, great, if I didn't, I had other advantages to work with.
The game got quite interesting after he decided to give up two pieces for a rook and another pawn. This didn't give him the play he was hoping for, but at the same time, moved us closer to an ending where the b pawn might count for more. As a result I repeated the position (a perp on the queen), and we shook hands. According to the engine, repeating the position was my only real mistake in the game, as moving the night to c5 (instead of a5) could have resulted in a better position after Qb8 Nd7 followed by getting the other knight to c5. Suffice to say, the idea did not occur to me.
So I'm still on 50% (2/4), with today being a single round day.
2025 Hilton Bennett Memorial (4.5), 15.01.2025
Wednesday, 15 January 2025
Hilton Bennett Memorial - Game 3
This was the second game from yesterdays double round day. My opponent got a little tangled on the queenside and missed the idea of me catching the knight in the corner. I still had to be a little careful in regards to the passed a pawn, so I took the slow and steady route to convert the material advantage.
The win brought me back to 50% after 3 games.
2025 Hilton Bennett Memorial (3.1), 14.01.2025
Tuesday, 14 January 2025
Hilton Bennett Memorial - Game 2
This mornings round saw me get caught in a surprisingly short draw. Having chosen a line against the Exchange Ruy Lopez that gives Black easy equality, my opponent played a move that lost a pawn. To be fair it wasn't a great extra pawn for me, but it meant I could try and grind for a win. That was until I overlooked a tactic which allowed home to sacrifice a piece for a perpetual check. The whole game took about 40 minutes, and so I had most of the day off.
2025 Hilton Bennett Memorial (2.5), 14.01.2025
Monday, 13 January 2025
Bob Wade Masters and Hilton Bennett Memorial
The New Zealand Chess Federation has organised a series of events to recognise the wonderful contributions of IM Bob Wade and CM Hilton Bennett to New Zealand Chess. The Bob Wade Masters is a 10 player round robin, with 3 GM's (Nagy, Song and Zhao) plus a mix of IM's and FM's. The Hilton Bennet Memorial is also a 10 player RR, with a mix of players who knew or played against Hilton during his chess career (including myself). The third event is mainly for younger players, and is alos a 10 player RR.
In the Masters, the 3 GM's all got off to a winning start, as did IM Sravin Renjith. The Bennett Memorial also saw 4 decisive games, although I was on the wrong end of the scoreboard in my game. Choosing the wrong way to meet a potential f5 push in the Kings Indian I went from better to worse, not quite getting to grips with the requirements of the position.
Tomorrow is a double round day, and all games can be followed at https://lichess.org/broadcast/bob-wade-masters-2025--bob_wade/YhDPYAvJ
2025 Hilton Bennett Memorial (1.2), 13.01.2025
Saturday, 11 January 2025
2025 Australian Open
The 2025 Australian Open has finished in a tien for 1st betweem IM Mihalo Radovanovic (SRB) and CM Tri Kien Le (VIE). They finished on 7.5/9 after recording wins in the final round. Le went through the event undefeated (6 wins, 3 dars), while Radovanovic lost to Le (in round 8), but won 7 games (also drawing with IM James Morris. Ryder Testolin finished in outright 3rd on 7 points, after beating Morris in a wild final round game. The loss by Morris pushed him back to a tie for 4th, alongside GM Daryl Johansen, Harvey Zhu, Sam Asaka, and FM Daniel Chan (SGP)
The title of Australian Women's Champion was awarded to WIM heather Richards, who finished on 5.5.
91 players took part in the Open, while a further 129 players played in the 7 round Minor. Daniil Yelkhovsky won this event on 6.5, ahead of a group of 4 players on 6.
The next major event in Melbourne will be the 2025 Oceania Zonal, which begins on the 24th January.
Wednesday, 8 January 2025
Robert Hubner
Legendary German GM Robert Hubner passed away a few days ago, at the age of 76. One the worlds top players in the 1970's and 80's, he reached a peak ranking of No. 3 in the world in 1981. He did this while essentially remaining a chess amateur, holding a number of academic positions during his playing career.
While known for his chess ability, he was also regarded as somewhat eccentric. His attempts at qualifying for the World Championship match ended with his withdrawal from the matches on 2 occasions, and a loss due to a spin of a roulette wheel when his match against Smyslov was drawn.
Somewhat of an anti-authoritarian, he retired from active chess when FIDE introduced drug testing to the sport. But even before that he demonstrated this in a famous game against Ken Rogoff, where in protest at being asked to play a significant number of games at the World Student Teams Championship (by his captain), he and Rogoff concocted an interesting draw (https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1543378)
A true original of the chess world, his passing severs another link with the great players of the 1960's and 70's.
Sunday, 5 January 2025
2025 Australian Blitz Championship
IM James Morris has once again collected the title of Australian Blitz Champion, winning the 2025 edition with 9.5/11. He finished half a point ahead of IM David Cannon, with a group of players tied for third on 8.5. The top 2 players did not actually meet in the event, due to a surprisingly early loss for Morris (round 3) and a similar loss for Cannon (in round 4)
The event attracted 136 players and was run on the rest day for the 2025 Australian Open. The win for Morris qualifies him for the 2025 World Blitz Championship (as national champion), although where the 2025 edition will be is as yet to be determined.
Thursday, 2 January 2025
2025 Australian Open, and 2025 New Zealand Championship
Two important events kicked off today, with both the 2025 Australian Open and 2025 New Zealand Championship up and running. The New Zealand Championship has the distinction of being one of the oldest championships in the world (along with Scotland), being held regularly since 1889.
The strength of both events seems similar, although the NZ event looks to have more international federations represented. Top seed for the Australian Open is IM James Morris, while GM Gabor Nagy is the top seed in NZ.
Both events can be followed online, at lichess.org. The link for the Australian Open is https://lichess.org/broadcast/2025-australian-open--premier/round-1/MfE3W8Xn ehilr the NZ event can be followed at https://lichess.org/broadcast/new-zealand-chess-congress-2025/round-1/spI5tcia
Wednesday, 1 January 2025
Kissing your sister
The way the 2024 World Blitz Championship pretty much sums up the whole week in New York. After the top 8 players qualified for the final may agreeing to quick draws in the final round of the qualifiers, they spent the next day playing a series of knockout matches to determine a winner.
Except after 7 games in the final (4 regular games + 3 drawn tiebreaks), Carlsen proposed to Nepomniachtchi that they split the title and go home. Although this wasn't in the rules (https://handbook.fide.com/files/handbook/wrbc_regulations_2024_open.pdf ) Nepo agreed to this result, leaving FIDE with it's hands tied on the matter.
The general online opinion hasn't bee particularly kind to all involved, although some people think it was the best outcome* There is still a lot to be unpacked about this tournament, and the various tournament incidents** but I suspect this will happen much later in the year. For now, there are joint Open Blitz Champions. At least in the Women's event Ju Wenjun won the title according to the regulations, winning the final 3.5-2.5
* Use of the expressions 'general ... opinion' and 'some people' is very poor journalism, and is something you condemn.
** Earlier in the event, someone was actually arrested trying to enter the venue without the correct accreditation!