Group FAQ - Read This!

*** The Quasi-Official "Chess Club At The End of the Universe" FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) ***

1. What is this group for?

This group was first founded by me (GargleBlaster) to help organize simuls that I give in the live chess area on chess.com.  However, feel free to use it to discuss pretty much anything else except spam or generally silly facebook-esque clickbait.

2. When are the Simuls?

Simuls are at different times depending on my schedule.  In general they're in the afternoon, circa 12 PM - 3 PM Pacific Standard/Daylight Time, and I'll usually announce them in the news area of this group at least one day in advance.

3. What are the time controls?

Typically 30 30 unrated, but I'll be sure to specify it beforehand in a news item as well as in the general "live" chat.

4. Is there a fee to participate?

Nope.

5. How can I follow your live commentary?

My channel for that is on twitch: http://www.twitch.tv/zugaddict .  Please subscribe!

6. Will my game be analyzed afterwards in the broadcast and/or followup blog?

I try to look at as many games as possible after the simul has concluded, but occasionally I miss a game due to time constraints or accidentally closing a window.  If that happens, post the game here and I'll normally be happy to go over it at least a little.  As far as my blog, that's completely random, sorry. :)

7. What's the best way to improve?

Play slow chess and carefully go over the game afterwards.  Well-written books are also helpful and tactics trainer is perhaps not a bad idea either.  In general, chess is a language and anything that immerses yourself in it is probably good.  And remember to enjoy the experience - dry/overly theoretical learning is boring, and if it's not memorable it isn't really much help.  Also: (and this is something online chess instructors tend to omit) playing chess in real life is a much more effective/enjoyable way to learn.  Get together with your chess friends at a local cafe.  It's usually more fun than the computer unless your friends are terrible people or your computer is really amazing.

8. Can you answer my specific chess question?  

Maybe, but I'm not a full-time chess teacher until someone wants to hire me as such.  I play simuls for fun and so far have received no money whatsoever from it.  If that changes, either from being funded by individuals or chess.com itself, you will know either via a chess.com announcment or you having slightly less money and me slightly more.