Okay, fine, I get it—I didn’t make it
September 17, 2016
For the past several decade I’ve been working earnestly to hit the magic 2200 rating, the threshold for the “master” title. … More Okay, fine, I get it—I didn’t make it
Category: Chess
Eating at the board
July 5, 2016
A partial list of foods consumed by various contestants during the Sacramento Chess Championship last weekend:
Mini-cinnamon bun
Banana
Apple
Granola bar
Roast beef sandwich … More Eating at the board
Howlers
June 19, 2016
World-class chess is largely a celebration of great moves (Topalov-Shirov: 47…Bh3!!!). For most of us, though, it’s a series of decent moves punctuated by total stinkers. Boldi (1750) – Slater (2130). Here I found a powerful calculation: 21…Qf6 22.Rf3 Qxd4! 23.Qxd4 Re1+!! winning the queen on d4! [Psst: Derek, you gave up your queen too. So you’re … More Howlers
The curious case of the mutual blindspot
February 8, 2016
This game is Bick (2240) – Slater (2130), Golden State Open 2016.
Something terrible and strange is about to happen.
White is about to make his 41st move, meaning both players have just made time control. … More The curious case of the mutual blindspot
Klytus, I’m bored. What plaything can you offer me today?
December 6, 2015
There’s something for everyone. There really is. Long, long ago we mentioned competitive Rock Paper Scissors tournaments. You may have seen news or video of 14-year-old Lucas Etter set a world record for solving Rubik’s Cube in less than 5 seconds. Just for fun, here he is doing 2×2 cubes. (Yes those exist too.) I … More Klytus, I’m bored. What plaything can you offer me today?
The Indianapolis Colts Punt Formation Opening
October 20, 2015
Watching the Colts punt reminded me of how I played this opening. … More The Indianapolis Colts Punt Formation Opening
Sixth position
October 18, 2015
In chess, space is nice—except when it’s not.
I (hope I) learned a lot about space from the following inputs.
Slater (2140) – Schoch (2303) … More Sixth position
Scene: Greater Cincinnati HS Chess League, Fall of 1981
October 9, 2015
Apparently the first serious league chess game I ever played was versus one Mike Hellebusch of Covington Catholic HS.
I was on board 3 for Highlands HS, the Fighting Bluebirds. Age: 14. … More Scene: Greater Cincinnati HS Chess League, Fall of 1981
Reassembler 