Dive in, the games are waiting
As I Understand the position
GrizwoldZed’s report on chess activities
Issue No 13
1/25/2025
Dive in, the games are waiting
Report on the situation
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Tournament and Match status:
+=+ Playing in “The Final Countdown,” a tournament That started last year in December. I am currently in 1st place with two games to go. I only need a half-point to advance to the next round.
+=+ Playing in the “Diamond members” tournament that started yesterday.
Commentary: If you fall into a slump, don’t despair! After the 1985 Las Vegas tournament I gloriously hit 1700+ then I went into a downward spiral. Never give up. Keep up your studies.
~ Train hard, and if you must… take an 8-count, then get back up for the next round. Two steps forward, fall one back. You’re still making progress, albeit slowly for now. Leaps and bounds await you!
~ In chess, you don't get good overnight. 😉
I’m still busy analyzing my games in the Chess.com Daily Game chess tournament. I agreed to a draw in my last game with the current leader, who now has exclusive first place and will move on to the second round. He is no longer undefeated, because one of my friends beat him. I wish him success in the next round. I personally hope to do better next year.
=!!!= IDEAs: Join a chess club. Play a match with your team against another club. It’s a great comradery. Join up if you want to play. There are lots of clubs to check out, and friends to be made from all over the world. Don’t miss out.
>> I now have 28 games in process (matches, tournaments and challenges ~salute`)! Although most of my online friends have a lot more than that going on. A newfound friend (from Spain) and I are playing a few games on a theme… Petrov’s Defense! We also have other favorite openings we want to explore.
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My personal Training Logbook
Okay dear friends, here's what I'm doing for opening studies: 1) I have my reference library... Currently I use Modern Chess Openings (6th edition, by Ruben Fine, 1939), "Open Games," by Ludek Pachman, 1965. ECO (complete hardbound set). 2) Chess.com opening database. 3) Select games from GM play. And 4) take lessons from the Master courses on Chess.com.
# BTW: I bought a set of ECO’s years ago in a used bookstore, so they are way out of date. I use them for reference only on occasion. My first MCO was the 11th edition, and I wore it out when I was in high school. I also found the Rubin Fine edition in Boston bookstore near the common. I think I paid $12 for it in 1998.
~ Personally, I love books, but these days I buy Kindle editions and look up openings in online references. I rarely memorize openings by rote. Those days are over.
~ Play longer serious games (like in a tournament). Be sure to analyze your games! That way you can spot your weaknesses and improve. Don't rely on any other analysis but your own (including AI and computers). The harder you work at it, the better the improvement. Listen to any advice a Master gives you and follow it!
That's why I upgraded to a Diamond membership. For me it was worth the nominal expense.
~ I’m busy developing a training game Schedule. I will be noting my progress in this blog. This is what my blog is all about… following a plan to get better at playing the greatest game ever! If it works for me, it might just work for you too. ;o)
>> Of course, I play practice games with the Bots and Fritz. I also play practice matches with my online friends, usually in a daily format, but also open to a Blitz frenzy. Ideally, we play a specific opening for practical experience. There is nothing like playing against a real human being!
>> BTW: I have a lot of chess books in my personal library.
I plan on selling most of them before I pass on.
… Contact me if you’re interested. 😉
>> to all my new-found online chess friends: challenge me anytime. ~ I won’t refuse, unless it’s Blitz and I’m not sitting at my computer, so don't feel slighted if decline the challenge. Message me to see if I’m up for a session. Should I load the Chess.com app on my iPhone?!
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Training Log:
1/20/25 60min study Master game Geller-Keres, Zurich, 1953
1/21/25 30min Endgame lesson, King activity (Romain Edouard)
1/21/25 60min study Master game Geller-Keres, Zurich, 1953
1/21/25 30min Analyze games from Daily Championship
1/22/25 30min study Master game Geller-Keres, Zurich, 1953
1/22/25 30min study endgames, R+P vs R
1/22/25 30min Puzzles
1/22/25 30min study Master game Tarrasch-Alekhine, Pistyan, 1922
1/22/25 60min Endgame lesson, King activity (Romain Edouard)
1/22/25 30min study Master endgame, K+Q vs K+R+P
1/22/25 30min Analyze games from Daily Championship
1/23/25 30min study Master game Tarrasch-Alekhine, Pistyan, 1922
1/23/25 30min study openings: Falkbeer counter-gambit.
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Book Review
Books on openings: "Fundamental Chess Openings," by Paul van der Sterren, a UK publication.
I'm checking it out now. Thanks to CyriacAntony (from Chess.com) for the tip.
I'll write a review about the series in the near future.
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Resources
(1) https://www.chess.com/home (number one best so far)
(2) https://www.zedwaldo.com/take-action/chess
(my other chess blog)
(3) https://theweekinchess.com/
(weekly update with thousands of free game downloads available)
CyaL8r
