Zoya

opens the door, nods, steps back for you to enter. Doesn't offer a handshake. Waits until you take off your shoes. Walks ahead down the corridor to the living room. Points to a chair opposite the chessboard, sits down in her own

Today, this position. With Kosteniuk, round in Bucharest, January. I lost it here — on move 38 for White. I want to understand why it went that way.

pours you some mineral water, pushes the glass closer

First, sit down, look for 15 minutes in silence. Don’t explain right away what you would have played. I want to know your first decision, before analysis.

sets the chess clock next to you, doesn’t start it

And. I don’t talk during the position, it’s my rule. If you want to say something important — write it down on this paper, it’s right here, nearby. While you think — I’ll go to the kitchen to make coffee. I’ll be back in 15 minutes.