The Ongoing Life of Chess

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Timber Moose Chess18

Timber Moose Chess18

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Apr 20, 2023

Many of you likely have seen something about the recent Chess18 event in Utah that featured many loved chess streamers. The image I used for this blog I particularly saw go around!  Writing this blog comes from a place of many different per...

Beatdowns by the 22nd Honey Badger

Beatdowns by the 22nd Honey Badger

GM KaydenTroffChess
| May 5, 2022

Over the many years I have played chess, I have frequently been asked some form of the question “What is a good book to read to improve my chess?” It is a question I have asked other chess players myself, and a question that I am sure ...

The Worst Move I Have Ever Played

The Worst Move I Have Ever Played

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Jun 11, 2021

I have had many times in my life where I have gotten the opportunity to show off some of my best moments. Those moments can be a lot of fun and a good reminder (since mistakes are easier to remember) that I do have some great moves and games over ...

Understand Your Resources-Endgames

Understand Your Resources-Endgames

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Feb 3, 2021

This blog is a bit of a tricky one because I feel like if any part of studying is neglected the most it is the endgame. I think a lot of people still know most of the very basic endgames, but let’s be honest how often when it comes to chess ...

Understand Your Resources-Positional Play

Understand Your Resources-Positional Play

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Jan 22, 2021

Positional play! Which, for myself and those I have talked with over the years, seems to be the most confusing thing for chessplayers to know how to work on. I remember my years of growing up trying to figure it out feeling like I was at times pla...

Understand Your Resources-Tactical Play

Understand Your Resources-Tactical Play

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Nov 19, 2020

Do you ever feel like you hear people mention tactics and calculation a lot when it comes to improving at chess? (Any of my students reading this are likely nodding their heads). Well, for those that like solving puzzles, the good news is that it&...

Understand Your Resources-Openings

Understand Your Resources-Openings

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Sep 2, 2020

This topic is one I seem to get asked the most about! The truth is there are a lot of chess players out there that are willing to work hard, but they don’t know what to work on. That is what I want to talk about today, and in my next few blo...

The Importance of Being Consistent

The Importance of Being Consistent

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Jul 28, 2020

I want you to imagine what would happen if you went a few years without playing chess or doing anything chess related. After all that time a friend challenges you to a game, to which you accept and sit down ready to play. How would you expect your...

The Road is Not the Same for Everyone

The Road is Not the Same for Everyone

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Jul 1, 2020

Hello everyone!  It has been a while since I have updated my blog, but that was partially intentional! In previous blogs, I have posted the videos that I have done for a video series on Instagram around my 8 Fundamental Principle for ...

Why Does GM At 16 Feel Old?

Why Does GM At 16 Feel Old?

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Mar 11, 2020

I recently read a news report right here on chess.com about the recent Old Masters Rapid Tournament. In the news report, a few of the Masters are quoted with one sentence remarks about how chess has changed, which is something that is very difficu...

My First Tournament After Two Years

My First Tournament After Two Years

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Feb 14, 2020

About four weeks ago I played in my first tournament in two and a half years! My previous tournament was the 2017 US Junior Championship (which is a tournament I am now too old to play in 😅.)  For several years I haven't played in too ma...

Online Chess "Respect"

Online Chess "Respect"

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Jan 24, 2020

Over 9 years ago I delved into my thoughts about respect in chess specifically around the idea of when is the appropriate time to resign. It actually turned out to be one of my most viewed and commented on blogs. Likely because no matter what leve...

A Long Time Absence-Long Time Debate

A Long Time Absence-Long Time Debate

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Jan 11, 2020

Hello chess.com!  It has been a little over 5 years now since I have updated my blog, so I figure it’s about time! Besides posting blogs, some of you may have noticed that I have been absent from the chess scene altogether. Fr...

Questions Anyone?

Questions Anyone?

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Mar 26, 2013

I was asked recently by a fellow chess.com member (chessmaster102) who is writing an article for his local chess club newspaper to answer some questions about my chess.  Since I’d spent the time anyway…I thought it might make an interesting blog. ...

I Am An IM

I Am An IM

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Feb 25, 2013

There are many young players out there, and many that have dreams of becoming GMs and maybe even one of the top in the world someday.  I am definitely one of those young players that dreams of becoming one of the top players in the world someday, ...

World Champion!!!

World Champion!!!

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Jan 9, 2013

Hey everybody! It has been a long time since I have last blogged, but it has been pretty crazy with the Holidays! And chess is always pretty busy for me! But with all the craziness I still figured I need to blog about the World Youth Chess Champio...

Gold!!

Gold!!

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Nov 18, 2012

I am reporting in from the WYCC. I just finished my last round and won in the World Youth Chess Championships!!!!  I tied for first at 9/11 and I am told that the first tiebreak is head-to-head matchup.  Since I beat the other kid with 9 that mea...

USCL Name of the Week?

USCL Name of the Week?

GM KaydenTroffChess
| Oct 29, 2012

For years I have only been able to watch the USCL (Since Utah doesn’t have a USCL Team), but this year I have the chance to be a GOTW (Game of the Week) Judge!  Every week in the United States Chess League I get to vote on the three candidate game...

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