Seconds: How to choose?

Of course first you have to fantasize that you need a second.

Invanchuk's second has to be someone he would not meet in a tournament.

http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=6241

"It is difficult, he says, to work with somebody who is close to his playing strength, because you might end up playing him and it is "difficult to be very open" in your work."

On the other side of the coin, a recent Kramnik second, Karjakin, is comparably rated.

http://whychess.org/en/node/1326

"Today I was playing against my pupil, if I can put it that way, as I seconded Kramnik at the Candidates Matches in Kazan."

I think it was supposed to be teacher or boss not pupil.

There is a third side to the coin. Judit Polgar's second does not play chess.

http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=7452

"So you normally don’t work with seconds? It very rarely happens that I go with a second. Usually my husband accompanies me."

Who do you mean by "a second"? Is it kinda like a training buddy to help you prepare?

I second is supposed to help in preparation and advice. So I suppose you are correct.

Ah, I see. I'd definitely choose someone stronger than myself-unless I was #1, of course :) I wouldn't be worried about meeting my second in a tournament. For me, chess is about playing the best I can, not just about winning. Furthermore, if the communication between the player and his second was functional, I think he'd know his second's preparation and strengths/weaknesses as well.

It would also be important to me that my second was a friend as well. If we're going to spend so much time with each other, it's important we get along well. Apart from chess, I'd want him to

• watch a movie with me
• go sight seeing together
• hug me after an exhausting game
• encourage me before a game

and genuinely enjoy it.

Perhaps my requirments are too high, but... I won't settle for second best.

In order to ensure an equal match, it's crucial that my second have expertise in preparation and evaluation of a variety of weapons.  S/he also needs to be skilled with those weapons in case match rules allow a second to take the place of a mortally wounded primary.

My favourite second is pdela