White or Black? by A.J. Goldsby

A.J. Goldsby writes from Florida -

I don't know if you are a big fan of Andrew Soltis, but I am. I have read his column (in "Chess Life") for years.

He once postulated the theory that it was easier for a GM to lose with the White pieces, than with the Black pieces. I believe that his basic line of reasoning was that with the White pieces, you are more likely to take risks - believing you are better - than you would be inclined to do with the Black pieces.

How do you feel about this? Could you possibly get GM Ray Keene's opinion on this matter?

Here is a fairly short game that I just finished posting on the web. Maybe your readers might enjoy a look at this one. White ... the higher-rated player ... practically gets swept off the board. (Any feedback would be welcome.)

Ray Keene responds -

Nonsense - it's far harder with Black.

Ed: Thanks, AJ! I mentioned Soltis's book on Bobby Fischer in my series on the 1959 Candidates' Tournament (Part 3 and Part 5) in in my series Tal's Victory (Part 4 and Part 5). I don't subscribe to any chess magazines these days.

Link

Andrew Soltis