What's happening? Here's the dirt...
Dear DHLC - CI member,
The good news -
We have quite a number of matches going and set to begin, we have vote chess games with great participation and a slow chess program right around the corner. Sure seems exciting at DHLC - CI, but it is not all roses!
Every group on Chess.com has a challenge with participation. Not here. I am personally impressed with the participation levels at DHLC - CI. Our opponents are often not so fortunate.
The dirt -
Two of our matches and one of our vote chess games came to fruition with great fever and enthusiasm but our opponents have not been able to muster the forces necessary. That's the dirt and it probably won't be the last time I have to share the dirt. As we continue to pursue thematic games with worthy opponents, our system at chess.com does not have in place a minimum "acceptance" criteria when posting an "open seek" game where group or person can accept.
So, we can not "check" a minimum criteria similar to you setting a minimum profile for an open seek game that might make sure a group has a minimum number of members, avoiding some group with a lot of disconnects or abandoned games or never played a game and has an average rating you wanted to avoid. Whatever the criteria may be, it is non-existent. But, no worries, it is what I do for the time being. Yet I will often have to share some dirt periodically.
More good news -
The solution? Please check the #1 Forum for Current Activities for updates and an ***Inactive*** notification if a game or match is nearing an abandonment. The notes under the game heading will explain the issue and offer suggestions. In most cases, a similar match will be set up and players asked to make a switch. I truly regret the inconvenience.
Check it out - it opens in a new window so you do not lose you place here.
https://www.chess.com/clubs/forum/view/1-forum-current-activies
This forum is updated as often as possible with our most current events. It should be your "go-to" link to avoid missing any gaming opportunities. The same information is also found in two different links under the group's menu; one is Matches and one is Vote chess.
Just a little more dirt -
Nothing is more disheartening to a team then to see unexplained time outs. Please let one of the admin's know of any problems. It appeared pretty rampant in prior matches but seems to have settled down over the few weeks. If you intend to leave the site for an extended period of time, say more than 30 days, the system may kick you out of clubs. Sorry 'bout that, but we are simply a click away to "join" and get back to Chess Improvement! However, please allow me to talk with you personally if a any problem seems afoot.
Last Good News -
You know, there is a lot of to do around DHLC - CI. I could use some help to accomplish some needed areas. For example. examining games is a critical practice in Dan Heisman's path to chess improvement. I looked in on some of our match games, recently in the London System games, and see an awful lot of good moves and positions. How can we highlight these games for analysis, discussions, for teaching or examples and even for the praise players deserve for outstanding play? We should be implementing blitz games in our study program to hone our opening repertoires. Is that something that we can realistically include as an available tool for study? How? Hmmm...
Thank you for the opportunity to help administer our site towards my passion and practice of Chess Improvement. I appreciate your trust and support. Warm Regards, Joe
Thank you! You have an obvious passion for chess Improvement!
