TheMagician's Blog

• Dedication to Rory Curtis (son) decd

  This is my game from Round 1 of the New South Wales Country Teams Championships which my team won and I dedicated to my 19yr old sons memory. If you know any teenagers who seem gloomy just ask them if they are okay ok?  | Read More

  • FM TheMagician
  • | Dec 9, 2012
  • | 1157 views
  • | 11 comments

• Help Required

  Many many years ago I played the Grunfeld Opening and was able to put a piece on pris which could not be taken . My next move I put another piece on prise and my opponent would lose if either piece was captured . Then on my next consecutive m... | Read More

  • FM TheMagician
  • | Oct 19, 2011
  • | 2745 views
  • | 9 comments

• ChessCoaching Beginners

  Okay. So why the picture of the Elephant with a ball? Well I was just contemplating that in Chess you must "keep your eye on the Ball". It is simply not enough to learn openings like a parrot. Parrots dont play top chess. If your opponent makes... | Read More

  • FM TheMagician
  • | Sep 21, 2011
  • | 2658 views
  • | 9 comments

• Very good Chess Poem

  Chess Poem Battlefield of Life I make this pledge to you alone, that I shall serve your royal throne. My silver sword, I gladly wield. Squares eight times eight the battlefield. With knights upon their mighty steed the front line pawns have vowed... | Read More

  • FM TheMagician
  • | Jul 25, 2011
  • | 6657 views
  • | 27 comments

• Entertaining Odyssey-Tribute to Chernev

  I purposely tried to be creative and a wee bit entertaining in my notes. In this 3 minute game I drew on my early memory of Irving Chernevs book " Logical Chess Move By Move and emulated his teachings. I also used the tip I got from former Au... | Read More

  • FM TheMagician
  • | Jun 30, 2011
  • | 2257 views
  • | 20 comments

• Improving at Chess

  My good chessfriend 'Girusp' from India wrote today 5 May "you enjoy this being a titled player and higher rating we have to be content with whatever comes our way" I replied.. Truth is Girusp, I worked extremely hard to get my Fidemaster title... | Read More

  • FM TheMagician
  • | May 4, 2011
  • | 4833 views
  • | 22 comments

• A reply to the Smith Morra

  A recent reply to criticisms of playing the Smith Mora Gambit -general discussion. I play that in Lightning Chess because often with a Space advantage and black not having an attacking plan , white can dominate, rattle off moves. gain time etc ... | Read More

  • FM TheMagician
  • | Apr 17, 2011
  • | 4055 views
  • | 19 comments

• How to Improve at Chess -not!

  Elephants dont forget..so I put a pic up cause I DO forget my chesslines at 58yrs. A recent Chess Friend asked hoew to improve his game...I sent this (kidding) reply. My Dear Friend Girusp, you said "so pls guide me to how can i improve  also ... | Read More

  • FM TheMagician
  • | Feb 26, 2011
  • | 4720 views
  • | 37 comments