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April 28, 2012

Sat. Nite Chess Thread 04-28-2012 [OregonMuse]
— Open Blogger

Welcome back once again to the legendary Saturday Nite
AoSHQ Chess Thread

From last week's thread:

OMG.
You guys were serious.
There really is going to be a weekly chess thread.
Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at April 21, 2012 08:23 PM (piMMO)

Heh. I'm thinking of making this the new motto of the Sat. Nite Chess Thread.

Also from last week's thread, a suggestion:

How about appending the weekly thread with some elementary chess stuff for the uninitiated? Knight forks and der like.
Or explain what you're supposed to be doing in the first few moves. I've never understood what one should be doing tactically. Most people like me just stagger the pawns but we're not sure what to do after that.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at April 21, 2012 08:32 PM (ebPtk)

A couple of things: I doubt that I'll be getting very much into instruction on specific aspects of playing chess, i.e knight forks and such. My pitiful little chess thread simply does not compare to the wealth of material on these subjects that can be found on many actual chess sites.

But, I do have some advice on the second question, regarding what you should be doing in the first few moves. "OK, what do I do now?" can be a vexing question. And actually, I think this is one of the hardest things to teach a beginner, and I'm not sure how to do it in a procedural, step-by-step fashion.

So I will answer by analogy: If you go to an art museum, particularly one where there are famous paintings, you will often see people with sketchbooks or maybe even small paint sets copying one of the works on display. These are art students and they're trying to learn about their craft by copying the masters. I'm not an artist myself, but I'd guess they're learning about things such as color, light, texture, brush stroke technique, and other aspects of painting by doing this, and then that they can use what they've learned in their own painting efforts.

I think little kids learn how to speak in the same way. There's no systematic instruction for toddlers, they just hang out with older people, listen, and pick up what they can. It's not always right, and sometimes hilariously wrong, but they eventually get the hang of it, just by soaking it all in.

This can be a slow process.

So in chess, I recommend a similar approach, that is, study and play through the master games. And I don't mean one or two or 10, but many, many, many. Play through them over and over again. Watch what they do, and then do what they do in your own games. Try to understand the annotations, but don't feel discouraged if you don't. If it's not clear, then just move on. At this beginning stage, a lot of chess can be soaked up by osmosis and you want to provide every opportunity for this to happen

So find a collection of master games, old, new, whatever, it doesn't matter. I myself would recommend the older games, because I subscribe to former world champion Max Euwe's theory that one's personal development of chess understanding recapitulates in miniature how chess developed and progressed historically. So I think you'd be better off looking at the older games first.

And for this purpose, I don't think there's any better book than this one. It's one of the classic books, thankfully updated to algebraic notation. Again, don't worry if you don't understand the explanations of why this or that move is good. Quantity is more important than quality. This won't always be true, but for now it is.

Here's another fine old book of master games. There's enough to keep you busy here for a long time. I was surprised how expensive this one is, in fact I would say it is way overpriced, so if you want something cheaper, I would recommend this one.

I was able to go on Amazon today and purchase a used (but supposedly in very good condition) copy of the overpriced $30 book for around $2.50, so this may be a good alternative if you're a cheap bastard like I am.

This week's famous chess game, sent in by a moron (thanks!) is Ivanchuk v Yusupov from their 1991 Candidates QF match. It's another crazy-ass slugfest

You can play through it yourself here

Thanks to those of you who have sent me tips for this thread. They may be sent to me at

OregonMuse
and then the at sign
followed by yahoo
and then dot
com

Posted by: Open Blogger at 03:07 PM | Comments (186)
Post contains 780 words, total size 5 kb.

1 It's probably illegal to be first on your own thread.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 28, 2012 03:14 PM (xm1A1)

2 Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a miserable failure.

Posted by: steevy at April 28, 2012 03:14 PM (7W3wI)

3 So does this mean that the DeepBlue computer is fellow Moron?

Posted by: BlueFalcon in Boston at April 28, 2012 03:17 PM (KCvsd)

4 In the spirit of chess, here's Casey Kasem's classic dog dedication. For you, SCOAMF! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDYK2H0ldbo

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 03:20 PM (Af3Wg)

5 Where's the boxing?

Posted by: toby928© at April 28, 2012 03:22 PM (NG097)

6 Effin' knights, how do they work!!!

Posted by: Cicero at April 28, 2012 03:22 PM (E99n6)

7 I suck at chess but am really good at solving chess problems. Yes, I know, it doesn't make sense but there it is.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD 2012 at April 28, 2012 03:24 PM (Gk3SS)

8 Actually the way to win at chess is after the first move, just declare checkmate. Be firm and just say "trust me, you can't win." Doesn't matter if you're black or white. Works every time.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 03:25 PM (Af3Wg)

9 Where the fuck is the Hockey Playoffs - Round 2 Thread!?

Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2012 03:25 PM (VD/r+)

10 I want a checkers thread.

Posted by: Old Uncle Joe who's Moving Kinda Slow at the Junctioin at April 28, 2012 03:27 PM (7+pP9)

11 I suck at chess but am really good at solving chess problems.

Chess problems like, what asshole stuck the bishop in the garbage disposal?

Posted by: Cicero at April 28, 2012 03:28 PM (E99n6)

Nerd payback is a bitch!

Or not, I predict another 10 comments before it goes completely O/T.

Posted by: ErikW at April 28, 2012 03:29 PM (8mkPX)

13 I want a checkers thread.

ME TOO!

Posted by: Old Uncle Joe who's a Moving Kinda Slow at the Junction at April 28, 2012 03:30 PM (7+pP9)

14 Boggle is the Game of Kings.

Posted by: toby928© at April 28, 2012 03:31 PM (NG097)

15 I just dropped by to say that if you morons are going to talk about chess I'm going to have to visit my sick aunt or wash my hair or something.

Posted by: Dagny, warrior queen at April 28, 2012 03:31 PM (4yXmp)

16 I want a checkers thread.

Ditto.

Posted by: Floyd the Barber at April 28, 2012 03:31 PM (E99n6)

17 I just dropped by to say that if you morons are going to talk about chess I'm going to have to visit my sick aunt or wash my hair or something.

Don't leave. We can talk about our dog-eating Preezy.

And boobehs!

Posted by: Cicero at April 28, 2012 03:32 PM (E99n6)

18 Speaking of O/T: Have we figured out the dog equivalent to a Turduckin?

Posted by: Dagny, warrior queen at April 28, 2012 03:32 PM (4yXmp)

19 Shenanigans or Mille Bournes thread.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 03:33 PM (Af3Wg)

20 What do you'll recommend for chess software: Ipad Cell phone For teaching kids

Posted by: Jean at April 28, 2012 03:34 PM (OfinX)

21 Mousetrap!

Posted by: toby928© at April 28, 2012 03:34 PM (NG097)

22 18 Posted by: Dagny, warrior queen at April 28, 2012 07:32 PM (4yXmp) A gerbil coated in butter wrapped in a shepherd. It's called Shepard Smith.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 03:34 PM (Af3Wg)

23 Sorry is srs bzns in my family. No. Really.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD 2012 at April 28, 2012 03:36 PM (Gk3SS)

24 Man, I miss playing chess.

Posted by: GMan at April 28, 2012 03:37 PM (UkbKS)

25 Cribbage

Posted by: Charles Emerson Winchester at April 28, 2012 03:37 PM (Af3Wg)

26 What do you'll recommend for chess software

Something about 25 years old, or you'll never be able to beat it.

Posted by: Purple Avenger at April 28, 2012 03:37 PM (/gNlk)

27 How bout a dachshund with no teeth covered in gravy sucking on Obama's dick. It's either an Anthony Weiner or a Barney Frank

Posted by: Dagny, warrior queen at April 28, 2012 03:38 PM (4yXmp)

28 Is this the "unfashionable clothing and pocket protectors on virgins" thread?

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at April 28, 2012 03:39 PM (Rhie+)

29 28 Yep. But I'm just here to bully the nerds. It's a hobby I just can't give up.

Posted by: Dagny, warrior queen at April 28, 2012 03:40 PM (4yXmp)

30 A Havanese on the end of a rope. Sharpton and Spike Lee call it George Zimmerman.

Posted by: Charles Emerson Winchester at April 28, 2012 03:40 PM (Af3Wg)

31 The game of Life.

Posted by: 7th plastic kid wedged in the car at April 28, 2012 03:40 PM (7+pP9)

32 how about 'strip chess' ?? Goes slow, but that's okay......

Posted by: SantaRosaStan, 100% white meat / pork at April 28, 2012 03:40 PM (Dll6b)

33 Operation or Battleship. Much more intellectual.

Posted by: Charles Emerson Winchester at April 28, 2012 03:41 PM (Af3Wg)

34 SOCK OFF, WINCHESTER!

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 03:42 PM (Af3Wg)

35 Stratego

Posted by: The Spy at April 28, 2012 03:43 PM (7+pP9)

36 There are a lot of tutorials out there, some of them even good. I am living proof that you can forget things you were good at. I actually *made money* playing chess (a few times) against chess clubbers as a yoot, and now I'm sure I'd get my kiester handed to me. I was never popular enough to actually *be* in the chess club.

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at April 28, 2012 03:43 PM (bxiXv)

37 Once you learn the basics, this video's pretty good. Chess Lesson #1 - Using aggressive opening play to disable weak/weird opening by CaseManChess http://tinyurl.com/6tg4tlt "Many times in tournaments I see better than average players in a complete dogfight with a weaker opponent. This is usually because the better than average player didn't exploit his opponent's inexperience and weakness during the opening. This video gives a quick example of a poor play that will sometimes be made against you in a tournament, and how you will quickly give yourself a humongous advantage throughout the rest of the game." There's some guy with a different approach to teaching chess out there. Instead of memorizing openings and variants, he's a proponent of looking for weaknesses. Forks, discovered check, pins, and the like. Interesting because I'd taken that approach naturally. Even recognized the value of a sacrifice to set up a good fork.

Posted by: Looking Glass at April 28, 2012 03:44 PM (2J6Jv)

38 Okay, I've got a chess question. How do you do an "en passant" attack? It looks like it lets pawns take things straight ahead instead of to the side. I never know when it's legal or not. Anyone capable of explaining?

Posted by: Trimegistus at April 28, 2012 03:45 PM (FiplJ)

39 Love it thanks!!

Posted by: Erik Larsen at April 28, 2012 03:48 PM (41TNF)

40 38 Okay, I've got a chess question. How do you do an "en passant" attack? It looks like it lets pawns take things straight ahead instead of to the side. I never know when it's legal or not. Anyone capable of explaining? Posted by: Trimegistus at April 28, 2012 07:45 PM (FiplJ) Diagonally, sort of. Can only happen when the "victim" pawn makes an initial double move *and* another pawn is adjacent to it, rule was added to prevent pawns from simply bypassing other pawns. http://www.chess.com/chessopedia/view/en-passant

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at April 28, 2012 03:49 PM (bxiXv)

41 I'm holding out for a RISK thread

The Ukraine is ripe to be taken

Posted by: kbdabear at April 28, 2012 03:50 PM (Y+DPZ)

42 RISK If it's good enough for SCOAMF...

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 03:50 PM (Af3Wg)

Is there a country code for the U.S.?

I'm trying to sign up with Skype and my area code isn't good enough, evidently.

Posted by: ErikW at April 28, 2012 03:51 PM (8mkPX)

44 43 Is there a country code for the U.S.? I'm trying to sign up with Skype and my area code isn't good enough, evidently. Posted by: ErikW at April 28, 2012 07:51 PM (8mkPX) We're Number One! Seriously, our country code is 1. Some software has it as 01.

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at April 28, 2012 03:52 PM (bxiXv)

45 43 Is there a country code for the U.S.? I'm trying to sign up with Skype and my area code isn't good enough, evidently. Posted by: ErikW at April 28, 2012 07:51 PM (8mkPX) 001 from out of the country. Are you here or a broad (A broad! Get it?!)

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 03:54 PM (Af3Wg)

Seriously, our country code is 1. Some software has it as 01.

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at April 28, 2012 07:52 PM (bxiXv)

Before the area code? I tried both and the cocksucker is still denying it.

Posted by: ErikW at April 28, 2012 03:56 PM (8mkPX)

47 Why are we not live-blogging the WH Correspondent's dinner?

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 03:57 PM (Af3Wg)

48 Masters of Jazz 49-69 that was the answer, and Green Dolphin Evans Collection..

Posted by: Clemenza at April 28, 2012 03:57 PM (YlSwz)

49 I'm holding out for a RISK thread

The Ukraine is ripe to be taken

Played in tournament. Last game was the top six.
Started on a Saturday afternoon and finished at 3 AM Sunday
I won. Freaking Australia. Secret to winning RISK

Posted by: Rosie Odonnal at April 28, 2012 04:02 PM (lpWVn)

001 from out of the country. Are you here or a broad (A broad! Get it?!)

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 07:54 PM (Af3Wg)

HA! ISWYDT!

And no, I've tried every combo I can think of.

Maybe it's just being a bitch.

Posted by: ErikW at April 28, 2012 04:02 PM (8mkPX)

51 Country code goes before the area code, Erik.

I presume the WH correspondent's dinner is actually held at the WH. Greg Gutfeld complained there is no where to smoke. He ought to ask the dog eater.

Posted by: Retread at April 28, 2012 04:02 PM (joSBv)

52 off damned sock

Posted by: Beto at April 28, 2012 04:03 PM (lpWVn)

53 Uncle Buck on Movie Plex and Braveheart on AMC

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at April 28, 2012 04:03 PM (piMMO)

54 Before the area code? I tried both and the cocksucker is still denying it. Posted by: ErikW at April 28, 2012 07:56 PM (8mkPX) I looked up Skype and apparently it's picky Something like +1 4155551212, and the space after the +1 is important. You can;t use just a 1, it has to be +1.

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at April 28, 2012 04:04 PM (bxiXv)

55 Posted by: ErikW at April 28, 2012 08:02 PM (8mkPX) Seriously, are you trying to install from the US or from out of the country? Should be automatic from within the US? "To call United States you have to dial 011 + 1 + City Area Code + Number you wish to call." So says country codes.com

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 04:06 PM (Af3Wg)

56 Here's a free chess-playing java applet: http://www.thechessworld.com/learn/play-chess If you feel that you must spend money on chess software, any of these will beat you 100% of the time: http://chessbase-shop.com/en/categories/39

Posted by: GolfBoy at April 28, 2012 04:14 PM (M0ftf)

57 Obama plays chess with out the Bishops

Posted by: Deli LLama at April 28, 2012 04:16 PM (uv9eO)

58 57 Obama plays chess with out the Bishops Posted by: Deli LLama at April 28, 2012 08:16 PM (uv9eO) He flogs his bishop. And if the Catholic church resists any further, he'll be flogging them a lot more.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 04:19 PM (Af3Wg)

59 You can;t use just a 1, it has to be +1.

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at April 28, 2012 08:04 PM (bxiXv)

Dear god what a nightmare. I tried three times to create a password (a constellation) that was CLEARLY between 6-20 characters and it kept denying me.

I finally chose a constellation with a shorter name and it was accepted.

And your info on the phone number was correct, thank you.

Posted by: ErikW at April 28, 2012 04:19 PM (8mkPX)

60 Cheating bitch.

Posted by: R.J. MacReady at April 28, 2012 04:20 PM (FiplJ)

61 What you really need, Erik, is a twelve year old. They "get" technology, we have to read the instructions, curse a blue streak, and ask for help from morons.

Posted by: Retread at April 28, 2012 04:20 PM (joSBv)

62 011 is calling out from US or Canada, possibly some others, but for example to trigger an international call from Italy is 00. US's country code is 1. Most people in Europe say "001" because most European countries (that I know of) use 00 as the international dialing prefix, it's 011 in the US (because our "command codes" tend to be three digits). 1 is also the country code for US territories, and for our hat. By law, no one on the internet is allowed to agree on this information, so if you do a search you will get 30 different and conflicting answers to these questions. If you're using Skype on a smartphone it may have a "country" setting separate from the number, because they like confusing people.

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at April 28, 2012 04:21 PM (bxiXv)

63 First a chess thread, then a game boy thread. I'll be reloading some .45 ACP. Wearing big boy pants.

Posted by: Velociman at April 28, 2012 04:22 PM (cvPLa)

64 There's so much free chess software out there, both for playing and for database use, that there's no need to spend a dime. Try the winboard GUI using the crafty engine, for example. Unless you're a master, you'll have to crank it waaaay down in order for you to have a chance at beating it.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 28, 2012 04:22 PM (xm1A1)

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 08:06 PM (Af3Wg)

It must have been a glitch, it's working now.

I've noticed so far that about half the apps I have can be a bit twitchy.

Posted by: ErikW at April 28, 2012 04:24 PM (8mkPX)

66 Bejeeszers!! Another caturday chess thread?? Don't make me come down down there and wedgie you dorks!!

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 04:25 PM (SBL+e)

67 We need something really different. Bring on the O.N.T.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 04:25 PM (Af3Wg)

68 Posted by: ErikW at April 28, 2012 08:24 PM (8mkPX) Nothing worse than twitchy apps. Skype on, dude.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 04:27 PM (Af3Wg)

69 Now I'm really fucked my I-tunes ain't bootin up!

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 04:28 PM (SBL+e)

70 First a chess thread, then a game boy thread. I'll be reloading some.45 ACP. Wearing big boy pants.

****

Just wait until they start up the Mac vs PC or Granny Smith v Red Delicious threads.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at April 28, 2012 04:28 PM (piMMO)

71 I'm chess.com's bitch now. Thanks for nothing.

Posted by: torabora at April 28, 2012 04:29 PM (JHOEK)

72 15 I just dropped by to say that if you morons are going to talk about chess I'm going to have to visit my sick aunt or wash my hair or something. If you spend some time watching us talk about chess, then you'll learn how to talk about chess.

Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2012 04:30 PM (sdi6R)

73 Just wait until they start up the Mac vs PC or Granny Smith v Red Delicious threads.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at April 28, 2012 08:28 PM (piMMO)

Nathan's Famous or Hebrew Nationals??

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 04:33 PM (SBL+e)

74 70 Just wait until they start up the Mac vs PC or Granny Smith v Red Delicious threads.

-----------

vi versus EMACS?

Posted by: Anachronda, mad EDT partisan at April 28, 2012 04:33 PM (6fER6)

75 Sorry is srs bzns in my family. No. Really.
Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD 2012 at April 28, 2012 07:36 PM
**********
and once again, this blog takes me back to Carol Burnett.

SOOOOOOORRY!

http://tinyurl.com/83lfn3t

Posted by: Contemplative Lobster at April 28, 2012 04:35 PM (0EUld)

There really is going to be a weekly chess thread.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at April 21, 2012 08:23 PM (piMMO)

Bwahahahaha. High five!

But I should read up and pay attention since I have a really nice chess set in my living room now. Bought that black and white onyx set in Rosarito back in the '70s for $14 bucks American. And I'd hate to have some moron come in here and kick my ass on my own set.

Posted by: NC Ref at April 28, 2012 04:35 PM (/izg2)

77 Clutch or Mastodon??

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 04:36 PM (SBL+e)

Skype on, dude.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 08:27 PM (Af3Wg)

I don't actually use it but I have a fuck ton of data to burn in a short period of time so I'm going on a spending spree, as it were.

I don't know whether I'll use it or not but at least I'll have it if I need it.

Posted by: ErikW at April 28, 2012 04:37 PM (8mkPX)

79 Nerds.

Posted by: wte9 at April 28, 2012 04:37 PM (OYaaT)

80 Here's a funny game of mine. The psychology is what makes this interesting. My opponent had no sense of danger. I was playing an obviously stupid opening - he should have assumed there was a reason for it. But he relaxed when the queens came off and didn't realize that THAT was when my attack became dangerous. Feb 14, 1976. 3rd Javalina Open D. Dyke Kimes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. N:e5 N:e4 Opponent has to assume I'm a patzer. This is a well known BAD move for black. Many beginner book use this as an example of discovered check to win a queen or how to exploit a pin. But there's another way for black to play it. Sac a pawn and go for an attack in a queenless middlegame. 4. Qe2 Qe7 5. Q:e4 d6 6. d4 de 7. Q:e5 ... OF COURSE, he offers to exchange queens. he's a pawn up. 7. ... Q:e5+ 8. de ... a pawn up. In an endgame. What Could Go Wrong? 8. ... Bf5 9. ... Well, how to defend? Play the bish out you get a backward pawn on an open queen file. Also exposed to Nc6-b4. 9. c3 Nc6 10. Bb5 0-0-0 11. Bf4 N:e5 ooops. 12. B:e5 Rd5 13. Bg7 B:g7 14. Bc4 Re8 + 15. Resigns Wow! Resigns 6 moves after the queens came off. That turned to shit quickly.

Posted by: Comrade Arthur at April 28, 2012 04:38 PM (d9lOz)

81 After our hike today my friend and I lunched at a diner. On the menu was "Jewish-style sausage." What is Jewish-style sausage? Circumcised?

Posted by: CoolCzech at April 28, 2012 04:40 PM (niZvt)

82 @81 These days it might be dog.

Posted by: Retread at April 28, 2012 04:42 PM (joSBv)

83 Posted by: ErikW at April 28, 2012 08:37 PM (8mkPX) My writing partner is in Costa Rica and it is invaluable. Love the fact that it's essentially a free service. Unlike how Kubrick predicted video phone calls in "2001."

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 04:45 PM (Af3Wg)

84 81 After our hike today my friend and I lunched at a diner. On the menu was "Jewish-style sausage." What is Jewish-style sausage? Circumcised? Posted by: CoolCzech at April 28, 2012 08:40 PM (niZvt) Hebrew National, baby. A Ron Jeremy "salsicce" as it were.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 04:45 PM (Af3Wg)

85 What is Jewish-style sausage? Circumcised?

Posted by: CoolCzech at April 28, 2012 08:40 PM (niZvt)

Jewish sausage is the sausage that is responsible for all of the worlds ills...don't eat it.

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 04:47 PM (SBL+e)

86 Soetoro all talkin' 'bout killin' OBL! Such BS & desperation! Can I git an 'AMEN'!

Posted by: Tough,Tougher,Crunchy at April 28, 2012 04:48 PM (c3mby)

87 Ah Ace no post on Mark Steyn:
"IÂ’m not suggesting that President Obama has eaten a human penis, because, if he had, heÂ’d almost certainly have boasted about it to the impressionable NPR ninnies who gobbled up his memoirs"
Democrats exploding cigars!
Steyn more balls than the whole of the elected-es in the Repugnantcan Party!

Posted by: ConcealedKerry or SubMitt at April 28, 2012 04:48 PM (nonzP)

88 I have a hard enough time with 3x3 chess. We don't even use knights, just X's and O's.

Posted by: Joe Biden at April 28, 2012 04:48 PM (FcR7P)

89 Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 08:47 PM (SBL+e) Never eat blutwurst around Passover time /s

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 04:49 PM (Af3Wg)

90 80 That's an excellent illustration of the importance of developing your pieces in the opening. Black has two rooks on open files, while White's rooks (and knight!) are still on their original squares.

Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2012 04:50 PM (sdi6R)

91 Of course he's talkin bout bin laden steyn called hi a cock .ucker, kind of, gotta prove he's da man with da big stick not what styen says he is, kind of

Posted by: ConcealedKerry or SubMitt at April 28, 2012 04:50 PM (nonzP)

92 Posted by: ConcealedKerry or SubMitt at April 28, 2012 08:48 PM (nonzP)

*
You know I read that today and didn't know what to make of it. Then I had a thought (don't laugh)...this is NOT McCain 2008.

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 04:51 PM (SBL+e)

93 Comrade Arthur, try that shite with Omar Sharif and he will slap the snot out of you. Or is that bridge? I get them confused.

Posted by: EROWMER at April 28, 2012 04:53 PM (sIm3i)

94 I like Shoots 'N Ladders.....winner kills America.

Posted by: Barak Obama at April 28, 2012 04:53 PM (RqsWy)

95 Have you discussed good chess trainers? I agree that it is good to read and replay old games, however, as with most "sports" I think it is the guy that plays the most games that improves the most or so.

Posted by: yankeefifth at April 28, 2012 04:55 PM (Z9EHQ)

96 I like Shoots 'N Ladders.....winner kills America. Posted by: Barak Obama at April 28, 2012 08:53 PM (RqsWy) -------------------------------------------- Too complicated

Posted by: Sheriff Joe Biden at April 28, 2012 04:55 PM (jucos)

97 Rummy 500 anybody??

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 04:55 PM (SBL+e)

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 08:45 PM (Af3Wg)

Ah, so you have a forward operating team building the compound huh?

*wink, wink*

Posted by: ErikW at April 28, 2012 04:56 PM (8mkPX)

99 If you like Chernev's collections of annotated master games, you might follow up with the similar (and more modern) games collections by Neil McDonald, also with move-by-move commentary. For the next level up, I recommend the two 50-game volumes by Steve Giddins.

Posted by: GolfBoy at April 28, 2012 04:56 PM (M0ftf)

100 Space invaders??

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 04:57 PM (SBL+e)

101 Posted by: ErikW at April 28, 2012 08:56 PM (8mkPX) I know of no such operation, and if I did I would not be at liberty to discuss such an operation...

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 04:57 PM (Af3Wg)

102 Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 08:51 PM (SBL+e)

Definitely not! Some fell for the racists and racial healer crap, not wanting to believe the marxist was a marxist.
The Lyin kING has shown himself to be worse than our worst nightmare and has attacked the very foundations of our country,.
Now the gloves come off and the Alinsyites will find it aint so much fun when two can play. The Rats had better find a hole cause this patriot is goin huntin and so are my friends and Steyn leads the way, we need more fearless journalists to carry the word a la Breitbart. Breitbart is here, unafraid and not gonna take any more Alinsky crap!

Posted by: ConcealedKerry or SubMitt at April 28, 2012 04:57 PM (nonzP)

103 Are there any other chess players of a certain age (such as I am) who have trouble warming up to the modernized chess notation? I learned in the days of "P-K4/N-KB3," etc. and I still prefer it. (Not a huge deal, but....)

Posted by: Ken at April 28, 2012 04:59 PM (7yb9x)

104 Posted by: ConcealedKerry or SubMitt at April 28, 2012 08:57 PM (nonzP) Yup. The gloves are off and the inter-tubes are fired up. Breitbart primed the battle space. Time to take these bastards down hard, rhetorically speaking of course. Hopefully Willard will actually want to win the election as opposed to Meggie Mac's doddering old sock puppet.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 05:01 PM (Af3Wg)

105 Posted by: ConcealedKerry or SubMitt at April 28, 2012 08:57 PM (nonzP)

*Your lips to Gods mouth. The worm is turning see Noonan (spit) and Cook's comments this week. The squish rats are jumping ship. I'll never forgive them.

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 05:01 PM (SBL+e)

106 Michelle Obama: "My fantasy is to walk right out of the White House and just keep walking." FAP! FAP! FAP!!

Posted by: CoolCzech at April 28, 2012 05:04 PM (niZvt)

107 Hopefully Willard will actually want to win the election as opposed to Meggie Mac's doddering old sock puppet.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 09:01 PM (Af3Wg)

I think we are definately seeing a different tactic From the RNC as well as Romney's camp. Its gonna get ugly. Good. Gitty-up!

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 05:04 PM (SBL+e)

108 Lets' play Hungry Hippos!

Posted by: Moochel at April 28, 2012 05:04 PM (uv9eO)

109 103 I also learned with the descriptive notation, but at some point I forced myself to learn algebraic notation since all of the newer books were using it. It really is better once you get used to it. The big advantage is that each square has a unique name and doesn't depend on which side of the board you're sitting on.

Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2012 05:05 PM (sdi6R)

110 63 First a chess thread, then a game boy thread. I'll be reloading some.45 ACP. Wearing big boy pants. Posted by: Velociman at April 28, 2012 08:22 PM (cvPLa) [\i] What powder are you using?

Posted by: Iowa Bob at April 28, 2012 05:05 PM (gIrkv)

111 Posted by: CoolCzech at April 28, 2012 09:04 PM (niZvt) Short pier dead ahead...

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 05:06 PM (Af3Wg)

112 Posted by: ErikW at April 28, 2012 09:06 PM (8mkPX) "Thank you, Miss Poo-see."

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 05:07 PM (Af3Wg)

113 Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 09:01 PM (SBL+e)

Can't trust those mush mouths, they'll probably still vote for barky the dog eater, but as citizens we can make shit of the Chitown clown posse and ridicule the fools who would still vote for him and I intend to at every opportunity. Every time I see one of his peeps blabbing on a cell phone I am paying for I want to ask why they think i should pay so they can play . They disgust me beyond words and I will not be polite,,,,Obama has shown we dont have to. If they are buyin what Im sellin the price goes up for the Obama peeps.

Posted by: ConcealedKerry or SubMitt at April 28, 2012 05:08 PM (nonzP)

114 Are there any other chess players of a certain age (such as I am) who have trouble warming up to the modernized chess notation? I learned in the days of "P-K4/N-KB3," etc. and I still prefer it. (Not a huge deal, but....)

No, sorry. Like you, I learned chess using ye olde English notation, and when I first saw the algebraic, I thought it was newfangled nonsense. But the more I used it, the more I could see how much better it is. Granted, this took years, but now I even think it algebraic.

So now it is hard for me to use the old notation, I have to really think about what I'm doing so I don't get lost. I no longer know instinctively that, for example, moving your King's Bishop to Queen's Bishop 4 results in the piece ending up on a different square depending on if you're White or Black. This is not a problem if you're used to it, but now it drives me crazy.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 28, 2012 05:11 PM (xm1A1)

115 Early to bed for the kid. Been fun and see you in the mo-nin'....

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 05:14 PM (Af3Wg)

116 112 Posted by: CoolCzech at April 28, 2012 09:04 PM (niZvt) Short pier dead ahead... Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 28, 2012 09:06 PM (Af3Wg) My favorite fantasy is farewell intercourse with Michelle.

Posted by: Barak Obama at April 28, 2012 05:17 PM (niZvt)

117 Posted by: ConcealedKerry or SubMitt at April 28, 2012 09:08 PM (nonzP)
*
I felt like shit the other day. I dressed down a Vietnom Vet. for saying that we need 20.00 a gallon gas to make the world "right" He's a good guy and I've known him for long time I just couldn't help myself to remind him the conequences of a our country w/o energy independence.

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 05:17 PM (SBL+e)

118 110 115

Those are, of course, compelling arguments for algebraic. I should bite the bullet. I want to start playing more with my sons, come these summer nights.

Posted by: Ken at April 28, 2012 05:17 PM (7yb9x)

119 Just guessing, but I suspect that algebraic notation was devised with computers in mind. Seems like it would be difficult to program a computer to play chess using the old notation.

Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2012 05:19 PM (sdi6R)

120 Incidentally, Fischer apparently HATED algebraic notation. I don't remember what his reasoning was, but it boiled down to, basically, I learned the old way and it works for me, so I'm not going to change.

In other words, it was the usual Fischer "why doesn't the world revolve around me?" bullshit.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 28, 2012 05:21 PM (xm1A1)

121 Can I let go of my piece now?

Posted by: Whores, Hermaphrodites, and Lickspittles at April 28, 2012 05:24 PM (BB0/w)

122 Seems like it would be difficult to program a computer to play chess using the old notation.

Maybe so, but Fritz/Chessbase gives you a choice of notations: English, algebraic, long algebraic, figurine algebraic, or some weird-ass notation where every square is assigned a 2-digit number and so the moves look like, for example, 4144

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 28, 2012 05:25 PM (xm1A1)

123 I felt like shit the other day. I dressed down a Vietnom Vet. for saying that we need 20.00 a gallon gas to make the world "right" He's a good guy and I've known him for long time I just couldn't help myself to remind him the conequences of a our country w/o energy independence. Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 09:17 PM (SBL+e) WTF was the chain of logic on that one? Somehow people getting screwed here magically makes it better for anyone but power-mad bureaucrats and thugs?

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at April 28, 2012 05:25 PM (bxiXv)

124 121 Incidentally, Fischer apparently HATED algebraic notation. I don't remember what his reasoning was, but it boiled down to, basically, I learned the old way and it works for me, so I'm not going to change. In other words, it was the usual Fischer "why doesn't the world revolve around me?" bullshit. Posted by: OregonMuse at April 28, 2012 09:21 PM (xm1A1) Fischer probably thought it was created by the Jews, or something.

Posted by: Whores, Hermaphrodites, and Lickspittles at April 28, 2012 05:26 PM (BB0/w)

125 I felt like shit the other day. I dressed down a Vietnom Vet. for saying that we need 20.00 a gallon gas to make the world "right" He's a good guy and I've known him for long time I just couldn't help myself to remind him the conequences of a our country w/o energy independence. Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 09:17 PM (SBL+e) WTF was the chain of logic on that one? Somehow people getting screwed here magically makes it better for anyone but power-mad bureaucrats and thugs? Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at April 28, 2012 09:25 PM (bxiXv) even worse, serving in vietnam does not in some way confer magic status on someone. mccain and kerry both served in vietnam and neither has received immunity from criticism.

Posted by: yankeefifth at April 28, 2012 05:28 PM (Z9EHQ)

126 WTF was the chain of logic on that one? Somehow people getting screwed here magically makes it better for anyone but power-mad bureaucrats and thugs?

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at April 28, 2012 09:25 PM (bxiXv)

Exactly..he was amazed (correctly) that gas is only 3.89 a gallon as compared to water milk and soda. I just told him that not every one drinks milk and soda but we all use gas and it should be the cheapest; how else do you get the milk and soda and BEER to your house??

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 05:33 PM (SBL+e)

127 What powder are you using? Posted by: Iowa Bob at April 28, 2012 09:05 PM (gIrkv) I know you didn't ask me, but I'm liking 800X for consistency. I use a *lot* more Accurate 9, but that's because I shoot more 10mm than 45.

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at April 28, 2012 05:34 PM (bxiXv)

128 Hitler and Stalin play chess in Hell. Every time Hitler thinks he is about to win Stalin pulls out a rook he had stashed in Siberia.

Posted by: eman at April 28, 2012 05:36 PM (YrBvI)

129 even worse, serving in vietnam does not in some way confer magic status on someone. mccain and kerry both served in vietnam and neither has received immunity from criticism.

Posted by: yankeefifth at April 28, 2012 09:28 PM (Z9EHQ)

Your're right yank' I think because I've known him for so long and that I destroyed his agrument in front of two ladies that I felt bad...fuck him. He never gave me a clue that he was a hippie tree hugger...go figure.

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 05:38 PM (SBL+e)

130 Sorry about stomping all over the chess thread. As people find out about it (if it's regular), the current chess peeps will find it. Also it's a "dead day" at the HQ. Maybe some parallel interest threads on weekends? A chess/game/spurts thread alongside an open thread, weed us out?

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at April 28, 2012 05:38 PM (bxiXv)

131 Michelle Obama: "My fantasy is to walk right out of the White House and just keep walking." I take it back. We do have something in common!

Posted by: t-bird at April 28, 2012 05:39 PM (FcR7P)

132 Ok, since the ONT is late, and I'm heading to bed, I'll say it here (again) Any morons in Key West? Cougar and I will be there this week, beers are on me. My nic (minus the spaces) at the yahoo thing. If any south florida morons make the drive from miami or therabouts, I've got dinner too. Night everybody.

Posted by: DC in Towson at April 28, 2012 05:39 PM (I/cLr)

133 Garret I think we live in the same area. Let me know if you would like to meet. I will check in later. MT

Posted by: MountainTurtle at April 28, 2012 05:40 PM (amRNr)

134 Maybe so, but Fritz/Chessbase gives you a choice of notations: English, algebraic, long algebraic, figurine algebraic, or some weird-ass notation where every square is assigned a 2-digit number and so the moves look like, for example, 4144/i] As I said, it was a guess. I could be completely wrong about it. I was thinking about the people who originally wrote chess-playing programs. By the way, here is the easiest way to manually record and save a position. Suppose you're playing a game without writing down the moves, and either the game gets interrupted or you want to study a position later. You can quickly scribble it down on a scrap of paper by using the following method: The eighth rank is at the top and the first rank is at the bottom. Use capital letters for the White pieces, lowercase for the Black pieces, and numbers for empty squares. The final position in Comrade Arthur's game in #80 looks like this: 2krr3 ppp2pbp 8 5b2 2B5 2P5 PP3PPP RN2K2R

Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2012 05:41 PM (sdi6R)

135 This thread is deader than Alan Colmes's male modeling career.

Posted by: Barak Obama at April 28, 2012 05:41 PM (niZvt)

136 If any south florida morons make the drive from miami or therabouts, I've got dinner too.

Night everybody.

Posted by: DC in Towson at April 28, 2012 09:39 PM (I/cLr)

Pour me a rum runner!

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 05:41 PM (SBL+e)

137 He never gave me a clue that he was a hippie tree hugger...go figure. Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 09:38 PM (SBL+e) If you're patient the thing to do is find out *why* people hold that bizarre position. Sometimes it's just a "moment of ignorance" from an otherwise decent person, or they're just so frustrated by something that they start "lashing out" intellectually. I know someone like the latter, a combination of corrupt local politics and corrupt national politics kind of drove them (well they drove themselves) over the edge into conspiracy theories and crap. You can correct individual things but once someone chooses a "crowd" like that it's hard to get them focused on things that actually happen.

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at April 28, 2012 05:41 PM (bxiXv)

138 Off, SCOAMF sock!

Posted by: CoolCzech at April 28, 2012 05:41 PM (niZvt)

139 Has anybody seen Wraith of the Titans yet? Is it worth $20 to take my wife to see it?

Posted by: Ohio Dan at April 28, 2012 05:41 PM (JKNDp)

140 Begone, italics!

Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2012 05:42 PM (sdi6R)

141 Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 09:41 PM (SBL+e) Molon labe.

Posted by: DC in Towson at April 28, 2012 05:42 PM (I/cLr)

142 A chess/game/spurts thread alongside an open thread, weed us out? The key word being 'alongside'. Two columns in that row would be great but the strain on the hamsters might be enough to tip Nehru over, or whatever '.nu' is.

Posted by: t-bird at April 28, 2012 05:45 PM (FcR7P)

143 142 Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 09:41 PM (SBL+e)

Molon labe. Posted by: DC in Towson at April 28, 2012 09:42 PM (I/cLr
*
I will never back down. The truth is my shield.

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 05:51 PM (SBL+e)

144 Angieeeeee....

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 05:52 PM (SBL+e)

145 Looks like the "Open Thread" has died a slow death.
This seems to be it.
More's the pity...

Posted by: ChrisP at April 28, 2012 05:54 PM (a15pA)

146 Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Posted by: dananjcon at April 28, 2012 05:54 PM (SBL+e)

147 The key word being 'alongside'. Two columns in that row would be great but the strain on the hamsters might be enough to tip Nehru over, or whatever '.nu' is.

Posted by: t-bird at April 28, 2012 09:45 PM (FcR7P)

You mean like a double-post? That could never happen here!!!

Posted by: NC Ref at April 28, 2012 05:55 PM (/izg2)

148 Hoist the Black Flag , lets pirate this thread and all talk about that important thing we want to do come November 2012 , and no Maynard... I go Turkey Hunting too so something else, iets see here,,

Posted by: Clemenza at April 28, 2012 05:58 PM (YlSwz)

149 Nobody on the open thread commented on this weird story at all Re-enactment hopes to solve case of dead British spy http://is.gd/R5oLUj

Posted by: toby928© at April 28, 2012 06:04 PM (NG097)

150 128 I know you didn't ask me, but I'm liking 800X for consistency. I use a *lot* more Accurate 9, but that's because I shoot more 10mm than 45. Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at April 28, 2012 09:34 PM (bxiXv) I've never tried 800X, I mostly use Bullseye and Win231 in .45. I've tried Accurate #2 and it worked OK, too. I do like the AA #9 in .357.

Posted by: Iowa Bob at April 28, 2012 06:06 PM (gIrkv)

151 I taught myself to play using Reuben Fine's book, "Chess the Easy Way". As I recall, I bought it in paperback along with a little plastic travel set in a highway rest stop during a family vacation when I was about 10 or 12. I had never played chess before and didn't know anyone who played. For some unknown reason, I picked up the book and was intrigued by the illustrations. This was around 1970 or so. I learned the rules and the moves, but was frustrated by the "en passant" rule. I didn't get much beyond the first chapter at first and put it away. In 1972, when Bobby Fischer played for the world championship, I dug the book out again and got all the way through it. Say what you will about Fischer, but he did more than anybody to spark interest in chess in the United States.

Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2012 06:11 PM (sdi6R)

152 The key word being 'alongside'. Two columns in that row would be great but the strain on the hamsters might be enough to tip Nehru over, or whatever '.nu' is. Posted by: t-bird at April 28, 2012 09:45 PM (FcR7P) I meant chronologically. Not trying to squeeze two posts horizontally next to each other.

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at April 28, 2012 06:36 PM (bxiXv)

153 I taught myself to play using Reuben Fine's book, "Chess the Easy Way".

Heh. I've heard critics call this book 'Chess the Hard Way' Supposedly it takes your from basic, ABC type stuff to really advanced concepts at breakneck speed.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 28, 2012 06:41 PM (xm1A1)

154 I've never tried 800X, I mostly use Bullseye and Win231 in .45. I've tried Accurate #2 and it worked OK, too. I do like the AA #9 in .357. Posted by: Iowa Bob at April 28, 2012 10:06 PM (gIrkv) W231 is pretty much the default powder for .45 ACP. I figured you would want news you didn't already know. #9 in the .357 is why people started using it in the 10mm. They're both magnums, but the 10mm has a larger bore and higher SAAMI limits.

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith at April 28, 2012 06:42 PM (bxiXv)

155 Reuben Fine was one of the top American players in the 30s and 40s. He might have been a contender for the World Championship if not for World War II. He was a prolific author. "Chess the Easy Way" was published in 1942 and was probably one of the premier beginner's books in its day. In less than 200 pages, it goes from a dead cold start to discussion of the opening, middle, and endgames, as well as analysis of fairly complex positions. He also authored "Basic Chess Endings" which was nearly 600 pages long, and was an endgame "bible" for an earlier generation of players. Both books have since become supplanted by newer ones, but Fine was probably one of the top chess writers in English for many years.

Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2012 06:47 PM (sdi6R)

156 Heh, OregonMuse, I wrote my #156 before I saw your #154. Yup. No doubt there are much better beginner's books out there today.

Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2012 06:50 PM (sdi6R)

157 "7 I suck at chess but am really good at solving chess problems. Yes, I know, it doesn't make sense but there it is." Hi Alexthechick, Chess problems are an interesting area in the game. If you're good at solving them, maybe you might be good at composing them too.

Posted by: jbarntt at April 28, 2012 06:51 PM (UNFot)

158 In the Op, OregonMususe quotes a user who wonders what he should do when playing chess. OM suggest several good books, by Irving Chernev; a good choice. I'd also recommend Fred Reinfeld in the same category. I'd also recommend a couple of well written books by two of the greatest players of the 20th century, Alexander Alekhine and Bobby Fischer. Watch them as they play against the best players of their time, and learn from them as they explain how the game is played: My Best Games of Chess, 1908-1937, Alexander Alekhine My 60 Memorable Games, Bobby Fischer Also consider Reinfled's: The Immortal Games of Capablanca

Posted by: jbarntt at April 28, 2012 07:39 PM (UNFot)

159

A good basic strategy with pawns is to understand what causes a weak square, then trying to avoid creating them on your side and forcing your opponent to create them on his side.

A weak square is any square that cannot be defended by a pawn. At the start of the game, the weak squares are both players starting rows. You can move your center two pawns forward two squares and both of your rook pawns forward two squares and still not have any weak squares on your side.

If your opponent creates weak squares on his side, or you force him to, try to occupy those squares with a "piece" (knight, bishop, rook) [remember, a pawn is not considered a "piece"]. The closer weak squares are to your opponent's king, the more desirable.

Once you get this technique down with pawns, your gameplay will improve drammatically as a beginner. You'll begin to discover why pawns aren't fodder as most beginners seem to think.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at April 28, 2012 07:51 PM (rX1N2)

160 159

Those are good book suggestions.

I've seen players turn their noses up at Reinfeld, but I think he was OK and you can learn a lot from his books. I think he's the previous generation's Bruce Pandolfini.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 28, 2012 07:58 PM (xm1A1)

161 Follow up to my post at 159: Be aware that knowledge of openings has improved, in some more than others. So, don't take opening play from older games as gospel. Example: The Sicilian defense as played in Alekhine's time will probably get you beaten real fast today. On the other hand, you'd probably do fine with the Four knights game, as in Alekhine.

Posted by: jbarntt at April 28, 2012 08:05 PM (UNFot)

162 One of the all-time classic books is "My System", by Aron Nimzovich. He was a world-class player in the 1920s and 30s. The book is written in a light, entertaining style, yet it covers essential principles of positional play. I understand that it had a lot of puns in the original Russian.

Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2012 08:21 PM (sdi6R)

163 One book I have is "How to Beat Bobby Fischer" by Edmar Mednis. It's a collection of the games that Fischer lost. The premise is that if you can learn from your own mistakes, then surely you can learn more from the mistakes of a great player.

Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2012 08:27 PM (sdi6R)

164 Hi OM, Glad you're doing a chess column. Bed time for me, so have a good night. Re: Reinfeld. He was prolific, but there is wheat amongst that chaff.

Posted by: jbarntt at April 28, 2012 08:44 PM (UNFot)

165 I converted to algebraic notation in the early '70s, while Fischer was still active. It's just easier once you get the hang of it, and gives access to far more literature.

For basic opening instruction, the Exeter Chess Club has various forms of the rules of development, and lots of other instruction, all free.

Posted by: Adjoran at April 28, 2012 09:23 PM (VfmLu)

166 >>>>from last week's thread, a suggestion:

How about appending the weekly thread with some elementary chess stuff for the uninitiated? Knight forks and der like.

Or explain what you're supposed to be doing in the first few moves. I've never understood what one should be doing tactically. Most people like me just stagger the pawns but we're not sure what to do after that.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at April 21, 2012 08:32 PM (ebPtk)<<<<

You are playing white. Push the pawn in front of your king forward two squares. This puts your pawn in the center of the board where it is attacking two squares on your opponent's side of the board. You have taken initial control of the center of the board, and he who controls the center controls the game. This pawn move also opens diagonals for your queen and for your king's bishop, and doesn't open any diagonals on your king.

A possible response for black is to make the same move, with the same objectives. If black does so, then next you bring out your king's knight to attack black's pawn, forcing black to defend the pawn. Making moves which force the opponent to respond rather than do as he pleases is called tempo, and is key to controlling the flow of the game.

This knight move also, "Gets the horse out of the barn," early so you can castle sooner, puts the knight in play closer to the center which you want to control, and puts it where it can defend the castled king's position.

Black's best move in this position is to match white's 'development' by bringing out his queen knight to the square two spaces ahead of the queen bishop to protect the pawn, and try to gain some control over the center.

Both players now have equal development with a pawn and a piece in play each, and tension over control of the center, but white still has the next move and thus can control the flow of the game.

Your next move is to bring out your king's bishop to attack blacks knight. This indirectly attacks black's center pawn by threatening to remove its protection, forcing black to respond. This move also enables you to castle.

You now know the initial moves of the, "Ruy Lopez," opening.

Posted by: davidt at April 28, 2012 09:38 PM (ULGz+)

167 "Materiel is not all important; sometimes happiness is."

Word

Posted by: scottst at April 28, 2012 09:48 PM (Ubyjl)

168

Jeebus, when did the hall monitors start writing threads? *yawn*

I swear Ace, if you don't get us some T & A threads to, umm read, I'm going back to my other favorite porn site.

Future thread suggestions to compete with chess:

How did Mike the hideous hypocritical blob Moore gain so much weight sucking Bahney Fwank's barbed cock?

Why does the resident and chief dog eater keep turning up on Osama's top ten "man of musk scents I've known" list?

What viscosity of toilet water does Debbie Wassername soak her hair in before she rides around on AF-1?

Seriously, how about something like...Boobehs, its what's for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

Posted by: TheDownedDoggehHuntsNoMore at April 28, 2012 11:08 PM (3Boiq)

169 One more thing. Why does my text always come out so gibberish while that black helo is hovering over my mom's basement?

Posted by: TheDownedDoggehHuntsNoMore at April 28, 2012 11:11 PM (3Boiq)

170 >> It's probably illegal to be first on your own thread.

Posted by: OregonMuse

It would be tragic to be last as well.

Later I will see if my daughter #2 wants to play.

Once I played my brother and he was unaware of the ~4 move mate, the one where you move out the kings pawn and then bishop and queen to line up diagonally on his king.

He was crushed in a instant. The only reason it happened to his is that it happened once to me.

Posted by: sTevo at April 29, 2012 03:37 AM (VMcEw)

171 WYSIWYG, no so here.

Posted by: sTevo at April 29, 2012 03:39 AM (VMcEw)

172 OMG. I've spent all morning looking at chessgames.com, following the link OregonMuse provided under the video. That site could be habit-forming.

Posted by: rickl at April 29, 2012 06:00 AM (sdi6R)

173 How about some old school chess? I mean seriously old school. http://www.chess-poster.com/english/notes_and_facts/oldest_chess_game.htm I found that link in a comment at chessgames.com.

Posted by: rickl at April 29, 2012 06:01 AM (sdi6R)

174 I knew that the elephants (precursors to the bishops) could move exactly two squares diagonally, but I didn't know they could jump over other pieces. I wonder if anybody actually plays chaturanga nowadays? I have a hard time imagining what strategies would be like. I think those games could drag on for a long, long time.

Posted by: rickl at April 29, 2012 06:07 AM (sdi6R)

175 I wonder if anybody actually plays chaturanga nowadays? I have a hard time imagining what strategies would be like. I think those games could drag on for a long, long time.

This is exactly right. The main difference between medieval chess and modern chess is that the Queen and Bishop were given greatly extended range of movement, and the game became much more faster and aggressive. This was around 1500. Before that, these pieces could only move one or two squares diagonally (or something like that) and the games dragged on for hours, as you noted.

It is thought that the Bishop's Opening (1. e4 e5 2. Bc4) was invented around this time specifically to take advantage of the bishop's new capabilities.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 29, 2012 06:50 AM (InyP7)

176 I still have Chessmaster 10th edition, which I dusted off a couple weeks ago.

I still have trouble beating computer opponents rated over 1000.

Posted by: Geoarrge at April 29, 2012 07:15 AM (T1RZc)

177 The King's Indian Defense. One of the first definitive openings I learned at my Pappy's knee. Or something.

Posted by: locomotivebreath1901 at April 29, 2012 07:36 AM (7+KYv)

178 Mac computers come with a chess application as standard equipment. I don't know its true playing strength, but it kicks my ass routinely. It's a bare-bones chess program, though. You can only play games with it; there's no way to set up and analyze positions. The computer's playing strength is controlled by a simple slider that determines its playing speed.

Posted by: rickl at April 29, 2012 07:55 AM (sdi6R)

179 One thing I read somewhere this morning is that the so-called "Indian" openings may be relics from an earlier era when pawns could only move one square.

Posted by: rickl at April 29, 2012 08:04 AM (sdi6R)

180 I've always liked the King's Indian Defense. Some of those games can go for 20 moves or more before a single pawn exchange. Both sides maneuver for advantage and the tension ratchets up.

Posted by: rickl at April 29, 2012 08:08 AM (sdi6R)

181 Heck, in the example given in the original post, the first capture occurs on move 18.

Posted by: rickl at April 29, 2012 08:10 AM (sdi6R)

182 OMG. I've spent all morning looking at chessgames.com,

Yeah, kind of like popcorn, isn't it?

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 29, 2012 08:23 AM (InyP7)

183 Here's an interesting history of the game: http://www.chess-poster.com/ english/chesmayne/brief_notes_on_the_history_of_chess_500.htm You can click on each century to see the highlights. Chess was apparently invented in India in the 6th Century AD, then spread to Persia. After that, it was picked up by the Muslim invaders and spread far and wide. So I guess the Muslim conquests weren't all bad. The alternating light and dark square board was invented in Europe around 1000. Before that, all of the squares were the same color. It's interesting to see all of the attempts by the authorities, both Muslim and Christian, to restrict or ban chess. Didn't work, needless to say. It reminds me of the medieval Scottish king who tried to outlaw golf, on the grounds that it distracted the peasants from archery practice.

Posted by: rickl at April 29, 2012 09:05 AM (sdi6R)

184 I am definitely bookmarking this page and sharing it with my friends.

Posted by: Kristin Cashore Bitterblue iBooks at May 03, 2012 04:34 PM (dgVis)

185 I am not clear if I totally understand the full thought pattern behind this.

Posted by: Born of Silence ePub at May 03, 2012 05:25 PM (SqHXv)

186 Yep! I was agreed, I'll keep in touch to your blog.

Posted by: Bethenny Frankel Skinnydipping iBookstore at May 03, 2012 06:17 PM (uu8nX)

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