Coaching and Q&A

Should I learn theory?

Its kind of funny when I train with club players and they ask me to spar the most popular main lines (e4 and d4) for them.

The only lines I know are the English, Sicilian and Englund.

 I’m too old to learn e4 and d4 stuff or are there any benefits?

I like playing with music on and switching to analysis mode after 2 consecutive losses. Tilt implies to me that proving myself became primary over enjoyment and learning and so it's best for me to leave that mindset as soon as possible. Enjoying time with friends and family tends to help me feel good about myself regardless of results. Aagaard recommends finding training partners for a reason!

The Inner Game of Tennis also discusses the ego and enjoyment. Great book!

Feel free! Studying openings can be fun and can aid your chess understanding, although I wouldn't prioritize openings over tactics at your rating. Possibly of interest: The Value of Opening Preparation, The Black Hole of Opening Study: part 1, part 2.

Hey LoganCzar. What separates a 1600 player in capability from a 1900 player in your opinion? 

I bet you aren't too old! What do you want to prioritize and what are your goals?

A 1900 plays stronger moves! Probably much stronger tactics too. 

Thank-you for the prompt response.

For the few lines I do play, I am equalizing the opening and getting a playable or enjoyable middle game. 

The majority of my playing partner encourage me to play e4 or d4 but I don’t like the laden theory. I also drink whiskey when I play which probably isn’t a good thing?

My training regiments is:

Rated Tactic Puzzles, Game Analysis, Opening Prep/Game/Review with the Explorer or Engine or Computer, Play Sparring/Unrated Games and the majority of my recent games are tournament play.

I have modest goals and chess is more of a drinking game for me.

For entertainment, I watch ChessBrah streams and learn something.

This sounds helpful. Keep up the good work!

You can play whatever you like! Especially since you are a casual player feel free to prioritize your enjoyment. Speaking of enjoying simple openings, you may enjoy The Yaac Attack!

Haha I couldn’t find it.

I recently learned a 1.c4, x 2.b3 as a sideline and went undefeated 3-0-2 in my last two (1200-1500) tournaments.

What do you think of c4, b3?

Thank-you

Why not? My friend FM Sean Vibbert likes 1.Nf3 and b3.

Thank-you again for the quick reply.

I like it because it’s easy to play.


The only knock I received is that it isn’t aggressive but I am enjoying the middle game.

Thank-you for the honest words. I’m going to continue with the studies. Lol it only took 5 minutes to start.

Does it look sound or do you see any major weaknesses?

Your ideas look reasonable. Would you mind posting smaller images or using the PGN import feature? It's harder to respond to large images.

@chuck why aren't you connected to wifi on your phone? What are you doing that makes you use mobile data?

I’m out in the prairies.

I don’t have wifi but unlimited data. Hot  spotting my lap top is annoying.

https://www.chess.com/game/live/42625735523

https://www.chess.com/game/live/42688139671

https://www.chess.com/game/live/42629364607

https://www.chess.com/game/live/42607159847

https://www.chess.com/game/live/42433149897

The little theory I do know is the reversed Sicilian and somebody told me about the Larsen/Nimzo Attack when I was prepping it. Reversed Katalimov was brought up?

My plan is control the long diagonal with the DSB against e5 and against the KID being the second most popular reply, I flip the script and play for the light squares and fianchetto my Dragon Bishop and have something to play for.

If this opening goes viral, I’m going to be kicking myself!

Looks good! Feel free to study the openings you prefer.

probably best not to give your location to everybody on the internet?

Best counterattack for queen gambit? I prefer Semi Slav defense but not sure.

Aight heading to your location right now, thanks chief.