The Proverbial Camel: How to Convert Winning Positions
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”
--Albert Einstein
In an old Arabic tale, a miller let a camel enter his nose into his tent to seek warmth. However, it was ill-fated. The camel slowly but surely invaded the tent, until it occupied the inside in its entirety, ironically kicking out the good-hearted miller. The moral? Complacency leads to destruction.
Are you tired of blundering? If you didn't blunder, do you think you would be +700 points? Do you know any camels? The same thing happens to us. We get a winning advantage, but slowly give it up until eventually, nothing is left but us in a losing position. In this article, we're going to learn how to keep the camel outside!
How Not To Keep the Camel Out(Featuring My Games):
Game 1: Me vs Kuchgarii
I gained an advantage early on. However, I let my opponent gain too much counterplay. Analysis starts on move 19.
Game 2: OTB Game
Game 3: World Champion Blunder!
In February 1892, a world championship between Mikhail Chigorin and Wilhelm Steinitz was being held. The score was 8-9, Chigorin to Wilhelm(Chigorin had also blundered in the previous game). In a winning position, Chigorin blundered with... Bb4??. See if you can find why.
1. Trade Down Material
3. Stay Calm
When you get an advantage, don't get all excited. It's only over when the hands are shaken and the result is marked. Thinking about what's happening after the game only serves to distract you, and distraction = less accuracy = higher chance of losing. Watch out for stalemate too. A while back, I was about to hit 1800, and I stalemated because I was so excited!
3. Camels
Camels are a hardy pack animal often used for transportation by nomadic tribes. They are used in many parts of the world, from North Africa to Mongolia.
Hey wait what? I thought we were talking about chess. Well, another important idea that goes hand in hand with the last one is... NOT GETTING DISTRACTED. Everything from looking at other people games, talking to a friend, eating food, to simply not being in the moment is a recipe for disaster.
5. Do Tactics
This is very helpful for two reasons. One, it can help you win more material. Two, it can help you defend against any attacks your opponent has, heavily increasing your chance of converting the advantage. Chess.com puzzles are great, but tactic books and grandmaster games can help hone your skills.
Final Words
Like anything, you aren't going to stop blundering overnight. However, through careful work and effort, you will definitely be able to stop blundering, eventually. Just remember, do what works for you!
Bonus: Random Chess Movie
This movie was based off a literary work by Indian author Premchand. It was supposed to show how Indian aristocrats often neglected their subjects and left them free for capture by the British. Both of the kings in this movie dedicated their lives to chess. (Complacency much?)
lets hope for the best in blogchamps @VOB96 and @KevinSmithIdiot
