Strategy Fiend

Study Method

2011-04-04T20:58:00.000-07:00

I got a study tip from an active master level chess player over the weekend. The suggestion was, if you have a book on an opening, with 300 games in it, read the whole book looking only at the first 10 moves (and understanding them completely, of course). Then reread looking at the first 13 moves.

Repeat the pattern, adjust to your memorization skill I suppose, but there is obviously value in the repetition and the focus on the beginning. I'll try this with the next opening I tackle and share my results.

Shoot me a message if you try this and let me know your thoughts! Good luck!

Moved!!

2010-04-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Now located at http://www.strategyfiend.com

The Death of Etiquette and Chess

2010-04-11T03:49:00.000-07:00

I have put off writing this entry for a while because I just hate being "that guy". Truth is, I AM that guy!

I am the guy who congratulations you on your victory, over me.

I am the guy who accepts an offer to play the Black pieces after I win with the White pieces.

I am the guy who takes two seconds to type "gg" (widely understood to mean good game), after every game.

I am also the guy who can't understand why basic common courtesy is so widely disregarded.

There are people who defend the lack of "need" for etiquette, calling it meaningless tradition that simply lacks the honesty to make it relevant. In a way I get their point, but in another way I find it lacking in sincerity as well. Why not opt instead for a meaningful way of expressing courtesy if "gg" lacks the depth your enlightened soul requires?

Some of the online chess sites have adopted systems to encourage courteous behavior, scoring points for virtual handshakes, allowing trophies to be awarded by opponents following the games. Kinda sad that we need it, but I think it is the right idea.

I'm not sure what these are intended for...

... but I can't help but wonder if some people are a little more prepared for rude chess behavior than me?!

If these guys (video below) can shake hands at the end, we ALL should be able to (or at least type gg)!

Without overdoing the negativity, what form of rude online chess behavior bothers you? Or why do you think the whole idea of "chess manners" is a waste of time?

Vasily Smyslov, World Chess Champion, Passes Away at 89

2010-03-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

Vasily Smyslov

(Васи́лий Васи́льевич Смысло́в)

(March 24, 1921 – March 27, 2010)

Soviet and Russian chess grandmaster, and was World Chess Champion from 1957 to 1958.

(Wikipedia)

(Reuters) - Former Soviet world chess champion Vasily Smyslov died on Saturday of heart failure, Russian television reported.

"Smyslov was a wonderful player and truly a gentleman. He will be missed by our chess community." (Susan Polgar)

Robert James Fischer vs Vasily Smyslov 0-1

Vasily Smyslov vs Boris Spassky 1-0

Vasily Smyslov vs Garry Kasparov 1-0

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3:00 Blitz

2010-03-26T03:48:00.000-07:00

I ruled out 3:00 blitz games from the list of things I could enjoy several years ago! These crazy fast games are for the young, and I don't really qualify for membership in that group anymore!

Well, that is what I used to think! I have recently fallen in love with the 3 minute game!

I started playing them for two reasons:

1. They seem to be what everyone wants to play. It is really hard to get a longer game going, even a 2.12 gets few takers and plenty of whining.

2. You can play a ton of games in a short amount of time. Not really what chess is about, but nice for the purpose of gaining experience in an opening.

I have plenty of disasters I could post, but hmmm, all I could find was this little gem I happened to win. Seriously though, this was a fun game, with a nice Q for R+R swap to throw in some material imbalance. I play the Black pieces.

Image Source

Comments are awesome, strive to be awesome! Thanks!

Akiba Rubinstein (12 December 1882 – 15 March 1961)

2010-03-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

Akiva Rubinstein died on this day 49 years ago, at the age of 78.

"Akiva Rubinstein occupies a unique position in chess history. One of the greatest artists ever to sit down at a chessboard, Rubinstein was also the strongest player never to get a shot at the title of World Champion." (The Life & Games of Akiva Rubinstein: Uncrowned King - John Donaldson)

Here's a look at the Rubinstein Trap:

The Rubinstein Trap is a chess opening trap in the Queen's Gambit Declined, Orthodox Defense. Black loses a pawn after the characteristic move Nxd5 due to the threat of having his queen trapped on the back rank by Bc7. The queen is attacked by a white bishop while being hemmed in by its own pieces.

The trap takes its name from Akiba Rubinstein who had the misfortune of falling into it twice in the games Max Euwe–Rubinstein, Bad Kissingen 1928, and Alexander Alekhine–Rubinstein, San Remo 1930.

Rubinstein was not the first to fall victim to the trap, as the first recorded game featuring the trap is Amos Burn–Heinrich Wolf, Ostend 1905.
Euwe – Rubinstein, 1928, began

1. Nf3 d5

2. c4 e6

3. d4 Nf6

Transposing into the Queen's Gambit Declined, Orthodox Defense.

4. Bg5 Nbd7

5. e3 Be7

6. Nc3 0-0

7. Rc1 c6

8. Bd3 a6

9. cxd5 exd5

10. 0-0 Re8

11. Qb3 h6

12. Bf4 Nh5?

(See diagram.) Black falls into the trap.

13. Nxd5

Now Black will lose a pawn after 13...Nxf4 14.Nxf4 or more after 13...cxd5 14.Bc7 when the black queen is trapped on the back rank by her own pieces.

The Life & Games of Akiva Rubinstein: Uncrowned King

Image Source
Rubinstein Trap Source

Little Minds at Work!

2010-03-09T01:10:00.001-08:00

It's amazing to see children grasp the concepts of the game of chess, especially when they are your own!

My 5 yr old often plays very quickly and it is so flippant that I wonder if she is really into the game. Then she will make a move or say something that blows me out of the water!

Today was such a day. She is crisply moving along, developing her pieces nicely, and I am trying not to fall asleep (long day at work). She tends to babble a bit (understatement), and starts chattering about how attacking the queen is dangerous for all the pieces because the queen can move the same as them and so they can be captured, but the knight can attack her safely!

Not exactly Nimzovich, but an interesting observation to make while barely paying attention, and at 5yrs old! I was impressed.

Admittedly, I tend to be impressed by my little girls fairly easily!

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Coming Soon!

2010-03-06T02:02:00.001-08:00

I am currently editing a video of a recent game, with my analysis, to post here and on YouTube.

There is plenty that can be learned from our mistakes, and that is what this video will be about: mistakes in the game, and mistakes in analysis that will be uncovered after posting.

I intend to do a series of these, some associated with the opening I am working on at the time, as well as some with middle and endgames of interest.

A unique aspect will be added to these videos when possible, that of my opponent!

The second (or possibly third) video is already in the planning stages with my opponent having agreed to participate.

I am super excited to do these and I can't wait for you all to point out my crazy thinking!

If you have any suggestions or ideas please let me know in the comments!

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5 Blitz Games (X post)

2010-03-06T01:27:00.001-08:00

5+5 Chesscube: Blunders again today, nature of the beast for me in Blitz games sadly. Even with the 5sec increments. :(
W/L: 1-4

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Content

2010-03-03T00:02:00.001-08:00

Now that I have the Study Journal seperated from the blog, I've taken some time to reflect on what I will do here!

I've had some ideas that are fantastic, (so fantastic that they are already being done elsewhere), and some ideas that I've had to admit are beyond my capabilities as a player, for now!

My main goals are to be interesting, helpful, and to build friendships with other chess players (& poker players, and poker playing chess players!)

I think that's an easy framework to stay within and I am excited about having a structure in which to work. I am really looking forward to doing some writing now!

New Format for the Journal

2010-02-21T21:35:00.000-08:00

It's not perfect, but it is way more convenient! With the nagging knowledge that my previous system was broken I didn't use it much.

Now on with business!

2010 Chess Goals :: Week 3

2010-01-25T21:26:00.000-08:00

As foreshadowed in my Week 2 Post last Wednesday, Week 3 was more of the same. It is unfortunate that this is costing me money, but at the same time it is good. I am slightly embarrassed that I have done jack squat for the first three weeks, but I also know the circumstances in my life and success would have come at a bigger cost.

That behind me, I am ready to dig in and get to my studies!

Charity related note: I have followed up with @chessqueen and @pogonina's recommendations. @9queens seems a worthy group, but out of my area geographically, and I haven't yet had a reply from Susan Polgar, I sent her a message via Facebook just last week. It is very tempting to redirect the funds to Haiti, but I think I will stick to my plan and pursue a local kids chess group.

Recap: 0/3, -$60

If your are just following my progress now, good timing; you really haven't missed anything, at all. Nothing.

But tonight that all changes! Here I go...

UPDATE: I just received a very warm response from Susan Polgar (2 seconds after I posted!) Her reach is nationwide, which is not strictly local, but would include local. I will follow up with her and report back.

*links needed, will add later.

2010 Chess Goals :: Week 2

2010-01-20T22:25:00.000-08:00

Complete fail. At the moment I am not including correspondence games as part of my playing time, or study time, because it is not what I had in mind when I was thinking about my goals.

Things change though, and I honestly will probably not study exactly the same way I envisioned either. The only reason I can come up with to continue devaluing correspondence games is that there is no time management element to them.

You could also say that the open book aspect is a good reason, but I have not been able to bring myself to using a book!

I discussed this a bit with a Twitter friend, @sardane, who assures me it is not as useful as all that anyway, but I still find it a bit unsporting and the idea sounds like it would not be rewarding to me. Like I said though, things change. I have two completed rated games at Chessworld.com, both of which were lost on blunders. One of those was in the opening, which is not all that rewarding either! (Nor is my pathetic rating after 100% loss record!)

I am optimistic that as work is starting to return to normal I will be able to actually meet my weekly goals on a regular basis (or at least once!!)

Recap: 0/2 on Weekly Goals, -$40 to undetermined charity, and heading into Thursday having not started on Week 3 goals yet. I am feeling the pressure of the public confessional, which was the whole idea behind joining!

2010 Chess Goals :: Week 1

2010-01-10T20:26:00.000-08:00

About the Improvement Journal

In future weeks I will separate the specifics of my study from my commentary, keeping the journal a journal and the blog a blog.

The journal is hovering there in lower right hand corner of your screen, but I am posting it in its entirety here as well, because I put all of my commentary in the journal, as you probably have guessed.

Week 1

Monday:

A bit of play on Chess.com (Facebook edition) but not enough to count.

I am starting tomorrow with 20 minutes of Silman's Complete Endgame Course: From Beginner To Master

I had to type something after spending my study time creating a journal section!

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

This has not been a good week chess goal wise! I have played, I have made some connections at Chess.com, including a Minneapolis group, but I have not tackled the Study portion at all!!

Either a studious Sunday awaits or my first official week of 2010 starts with a bonus for the chess charity! (A charity which I have not officially selected as of yet, but hopefully something for local kids.

Sunday:

Well, I did not get any study in at all, played the first moves in several correspondence games for the tourneys at Chess.com and on Chessworld.net, and spent the rest of the day working while keeping an eye on the Cardinals/Packers game.

As a Vikes fan, I feel no pain for the Packers... but Arizona handled us pretty good earlier this season so I wouldn't have minded seeing them eliminated either.

So, hopefully a better next week, I know already that I am swamped until Wednesday evening, so I will be in for a challenge!

Part of my promise is to seek matching funds for my donations on weeks where I have not met my goals. I will have a charity selected by the end of the week, and proceed with said effort following!

I wonder how my friends are doing with their chess goals... hopefully better than me!

-Russ

Study Group

2009-12-13T01:28:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to have joined the Study Group led by Farbror The Guru and Midway Chess Club!! We will be starting with:

Silman's Complete Endgame Course: From Beginner To Master

I was a late join (there is plenty of room for more), and so I missed the first meeting, which was Saturday afternoon. I was talking with Farbror via Twitter and it sounds like the first meeting was a Skype tune-up/ FICS familiarity session. I would have liked to get in on that, but I am already familiar with both so at least the technical side is covered. Another helpful thing for latecomers: ChessBookClub looks to be Tweeting links to the weekly minutes!

After reading reviews on Amazon and perusing the book, I am stoked for the study, the group, and the accountability of having a study group (I need it!)

Speaking of accountability, many of the Study Group members have decided to harness this force for 2010 Chess Resolutions. I encourage everyone who wants to improve at chess, be it learning basic strategy, bumping up your rating a few points, or finally playing in a live tournament, to join our committed clan of "Resolutionaries"!

You should follow my blog and get ongoing reviews of our study materials. I would love it if you would give me feedback on my resolution progress!

I have listed the 2010 Movement Resolutionaries on Twitter so we can all be easily found, and will be using the hashtag #guru64 for related tweets.

I sincerely hope to see you added to the list and look forward to playing chess with you soon!!

-Russ

Farbror the Guru's New Years Chess Resolution Movement

2009-11-26T10:54:00.000-08:00

I have joined some fellow chess bloggers in making chess improvement resolutions for 2010.

Chess Goals for 2010:

Goal:
Commit to Improvement

Promise(s):
Five times per week:
-Study: 20 minutes daily
-Play: 40 minutes daily
Keep Public Study/Play Log
Play 2 Standard Time Control games per week minimum

Penalty:
$20 per failed week to be donated to children's chess charity(s) at year end.
Seek matching funds every failed week.

Read all the goals on Farbror the Guru's
blog, and then state yours!

Daughter #4, 5yrs old - StrategyFiend 0-1

2009-11-22T01:21:00.000-08:00

In this game I play my youngest daughter, 5yrs old. She is playing White. She has learned only recently but is eager and has learned quickly. She rapidly tired of the No Stress Chess described here.

She loves to move her Queen and wants mate me on move 2 of course, but I think she is very curious to learn! She asked me to show her another weapon after the game, and was able to set up a forking position for an attacking pawn, which I had shown her last week. I showed her a skewer, but she was getting tired and I will be very interested to see if her little sponge brain absorbed enough to recall later!

Chess Queen Halloween

2009-10-31T03:10:00.000-07:00

Alexandra Kosteniuk, reigning Women's World Chess Champion, Grandmaster & Model. Also Podcaster, Blogger & Educator.
Author of Diary of a Chess Queen™”.
chessblog.com
ChessQueen on YouTube

Alexandra and the Russian women's team won first place in the European Team Chess Championship yesterday. Congratulations Alexandra!

You can probably figure out quickly that I am a Kosteniuk fan! Aside from the obvious "Beauty and Brains" combination that helps boost her popularity, she is also a dedicated promoter of women's chess. I have four daughters, and while it is not necessarily going to be a goal for any of them to play competitively, Alexandra does a fantastic job of representing chess to girls. Yet somehow I think she might be slightly more popular with the boys!

When her Twitter account is up again, follower her tweets here: @chessqueen

No Stress Chess

2009-10-24T17:38:00.000-07:00

These are the youngsters playing "No Stress Chess" (first thing in the am, as evidenced by the wild hair... someday they will kill me for posting this picture!) I will hopefully get some feedback on this teaching approach, as I sincerely want my kids to have a good chance at learning and loving this game as I have.

The gist of this game is that you start at the position after 1. e4 e5 2.d3 e6 and rather than move what you like, you draw a card and you must move that piece if you can, otherwise you pass. This approach allows hanging pieces to go unpunished for a few turns and removes the frustration of having no real foundation on which to form a plan. You win by actually capturing the King and you are allowed to move into check, and even capture the enemy King with your own King. As you increase skill you instead deal three cards and choose a card to play, and there is also a card that allows you to choose between playing the same piece you moved last turn or the same piece your opponent moved last turn so the number of options begin to open up slowly.

I think the concept is brilliant. My kids can now beat me (there is naturally some luck involved with this version of the game) without me letting them win (which I have so far refused to do; it is the absolute crushing my grandfather put on me as a child that sparked my initial curiosity into Chess' complexities).

The girls like to play, have stopped referring to the pawns as "kids", and have impressed me with some of their moves and have been able to explain their reasoning behind some good defensive moves.

Thoughts?

Interesting Chessbase Article

2009-10-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

Almira Skripchenko

Ran across this on the 2+2 poker forums. Almira's story is similar to mine, except that she has enjoyed significantly more success than I have in three specific areas:

1. Chess. Almira is titled, I have a lot to learn.

2. Poker. Almira has final tabled at the WSOP, I play micro limits on PokerStars.

3. Almira is best friends with Alexandra Kosteniuk, I am star struck over getting a #FF from @chessqueen.

I could be really jealous and hate her, I have only just ruled it out, but she seems very likable and I wish her much success. I will likely never sit across a chess board from Almira, but I may catch her in a bluff sometime!

Strategy Fiend

2009-10-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

I am a chess player and poker player, and this is my blog...

Chess Improvement Journal

2008-01-04T21:47:00.000-08:00

Chess Improvement Journal

Week 4

Monday:
Finaly got the ball rolling by studying How to Study: Study Of The Opening, PartOne

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

Week 3

Monday:

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday: Vikes lose in OT. We were so close it pains me. Next year.

Week 2

Monday:

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday: Go Vikes!!

Week 1

Monday:

A bit of play on Chess.com (Facebook edition) but not enough to count.

I am starting tomorrow with 20 minutes of Silman's Complete Endgame Course: From Beginner To Master

I had to type something after spending my study time creating a journal section!

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

This has not been a good week chess goal wise! I have played, I have made some connections at Chess.com, including a Minneapolis group, but I have not tackled the Study portion at all!!

Sunday:

As a Vikes fan, I feel no pain for the Packers... but Arizona handled us pretty good earlier this season so I wouldn't have minded seeing them eliminated either.

So, hopefully a better next week, I know already that I am swamped until Wednesday evening, so I will be in for a challenge!

Part of my promise is to seek matching funds for my donations on weeks where I have not met my goals. I will have a charity selected by the end of the week, and proceed with said effort following!

I wonder how my friends are doing with their chess goals... hopefully better than me!

-Russ

About the Study Journal

2008-01-01T22:17:00.000-08:00

Here are the goals I set for myself for 2010, as part of my New Years Chess Resolution:

Keep Public Study/Play Log
Play 2 Standard Time Control games per week minimum
Five times per week:
-Study: 20 minutes daily
-Play: 40 minutes daily

I am starting today, at 11:51pm?, with 20 minutes of Silman's Complete Endgame Course: From Beginner To Master

I am not entirely sure how I will end up formatting this Study Journal, but I will start it off in crude but effective style, plain text. (It pains me, especially now that I have adopted yet another hobby, Photoshop, or rather the less universally known Gimp. It is free and pretty sweet for a free program.)

The Study Journal