A Page From the Master's Book.

Twice in a single week have I managed good results against National Masters in USCF Online Tournaments. In both cases, my opponents played the Caro-Kann Defense. They were the 74th and 75th times that the Caro-Kann has been played against me in the past two years. What is significant about that time frame is that It was the beginning of 2018 when I purchased A collection of books written by National Master Joel Johnson. The book that has helped me play against the Caro-Kann differently than I had before is "Attacking 101 Volume #001."

The wonderful thing about these books is that they provide detailed analyses of the Master's own games against Intermediate players (the kind of players most of us face most of the time). Joel (AKA FearNoEvil12 here at chess.com) dissects and exploits the same kind of moves that you and I face on a regular basis. He demonstrates how to punish such moves. 

Tonight I achieved a victory against National Master Vladimir Polyakin. Vlad is pushing 75 years of age, so perhaps he has lost a step at the chess board, but he is still active and has an OTB rating of 2100.

This past Monday Night I also had a good game against National Master Komal Pothuri that ended in an agreed draw. I had a pretty bad week in chess the week before, so I was psychologically affected. I probably should have played for the win. Here is the game:

I truly appreciate National Master Joel Johnson, not just for his books, but for his instructors heart. I have faced Joel 17 times in tournament chess, and EVERY time he is willing to discuss the game afterward, giving advice and pointers. Thank You Joel!