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November 29, 2005
Why We Lose at Chess
Just last week, at the local Starbucks here in New Haven, I was on a roll at "high-transit" chess. I was thinking maybe either my opponents were tired, had a little too much turkey, or I had simply gotten lucky. If you lose a game you have to give up your seat to the next player in line, and at one point my butt was feeling numb.
Until....John showed up -- a superb blitz player who exhibits a rare and almost villainous fighting spirit. In our game he managed to loosen the positional knots in a dubious bishop sacrifice for my two pawns. I kept calm, fully concentrated in my defense, and not being bothered by the kibitzers who were rooting for me to beat John. He was starting to breathe a little hard -- while my heart was beating fast. I maintained the advantage and I could see his nostrils flaring in disgust over his uncomfortable position, and beginning to hate my guts. We entered the endgame and it was completely hopeless: down in material and :15 seconds left to my 1:20 on the clock.
For reasons uncertain to myself I begain to feel too self-assured, and -- bang! -- just like that -- my position suddently collapsed. Forget about my winning advantage in both time and material, the board was turned, and there was no turning back to undoing my brazen mistake.
So, how did I lose the game? Simple: I lost concentration, or I decided that the game was in my pocket or that there was no sense in thinking any longer. And what was most bizarre was that John at this point had somehow managed to bring my king in great peril so that checkmate was inevitable. Forget about a cheapo win on time! It was such a blow to my ego, a shameful exhibit, a textbook display of why we lose at chess.
Dr. Siegbert Tarrasch, a prominent German player from the 19th century, once remarked: "When you have your opponent by the ropes, don't loosen the knots until the very end, when it's checkmate by hanging!"
The 5th world chess champion, Max Euwe, puts my dilemma in perfect context: "Never lose concentration when you are playing a game. One quick, thoughtless move can turn a brilliantly played game into a disaster."
Yes, master. I'll keep that in mind next time.
Posted by rene on 10:23 AM | Comments (1)
November 22, 2005
The Ten Golden Rules of Chess
The following ten golden rules of chess are generally accepted and endorsed by every serious chess player, including grandmasters. However, these rules are completely subjective, they are really meant to be used as guidelines:
1. Open with either the e or d pawn.
2. Develop your pieces in order to make it difficult for your opponent to develop.
3. Develop knights before bishops.
4. Try to move each piece only once in the opening.
5. In the opening make only one or two pawn moves.
6. Do not bring your Queen out too early.
7. Bring your King to safety by castling as soon as possible and preferably on the king's side.
8. Play to get control of the centre of the chessboard. The centre consists of the squares d4, d5, e4 and e5.
9. Always try to keep at least one pawn in the centre of the chessboard.
10. Do not sacrifice your pieces without good reason.
While it is normally a good idea to follow the above rules remember that there are always exceptions. Follow the above rules and you will be on your way to becoming a well-rounded chessplayer; break them, and you may become the next Bobby Fischer!
Some good advice about exchanging chess pieces
Posted by rene on 1:57 PM | Comments (0)
November 17, 2005
It's your move: unusual openings
Before I get to the main point on this entry, let me first just say that I am uncomfortable with the idea of chess motifs being artificially used in the media. What's so civil about it?
Chess in the media has become as ubiquitous as those hip-and-witless iPods everyone's carrying around these days. If you see a chess piece (preferably a KNIGHT) on the cover of a magazine, or in a newspaper story, or on a billboard ad — you will immediately assume that there's something clever or brainy about the message. Right! The individual responsible for making such editorial decisions is either a) a non-chessplayer, b) is a flimflammer or c) couldn't think of something more deliberate or unique.
I suppose the use of chess in the media can either be a curse or a blessing. On the one hand chess is thought of as an intellectual sport, and on the other, anyway....I forgot the point of this entry.
Posted by rene on 3:09 PM | Comments (0)
November 16, 2005
Chess Action in Washington DC
During a recent trip to our nation's capital, in Washington DC, I came across some great chess action at the famous Dupont Circle park (View image).
Dupont Circle is located near the heart of many government buildings. This historic park is characterized by its large, central Fountain Center and close proximity to art galleries, excellent restaurants, museums, theaters, parks and nightlife. Many of the best hotels are in this area as well.
My first impressions of Dupont Circle was that of a relaxing atmosphere, where people come to enjoy a cup of joe, to read the newspaper or to simply sunbathe and people-watch. I would go so far as to say that, in a microcosm, it is a mini Washington Square Park away from the Washington Square in New York City. In some ways the park's biggest asset — its popularity — is also its dizzying array of activity.
You can often watch chess games at Dupont Circle park. Beware of a few hustlers looking to prey upon tourists amid the competitive group of players charging $3 per game — this includes whether you win or lose! Most of them play speed-chess against the clock.
As my first-time visit to DC, I would say this has been one of the most memorable experiences.
Posted by rene on 3:23 PM | Comments (0)
November 4, 2005
Shall We Tango?
A good friend of mine has the following to say about tango and chess:
I always thought that tango is a blend of chess and sex. Then, you may ask what do they all have in common? Could it be that the game of chess, tango, sex and its crescendo depends on the choice of your partner? Whether it is stepping on toes on the dance floor, between the sheets, or on the chess board the endgame depends on your ability to get in sync with the other player-at times follow their lead, others -find an appropriate counter-move.When you step on someone's toes, you immediately give them a check, to which they reply with the defense move by stepping on your toes. Now, the play proceeds. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and the endgame is close, you can feel it.
It is up to you, but the next step on the toes just may be the dreadful checkmate.
This post marks the end of the game of chess and sexual innuendo. But I'm sure I'll get back to this topic in the future. :o)
Posted by rene on 4:06 PM | Comments (0)
