stats - not for u 2 read v2

Hello everybody, welcome back to yet another blog! I know I haven't been so active recently and that reason is I've slowly traveling across Europe to learn about the culture of it and how they play the world famous game of chess! So far I've discovered the Countries of: Scotland, Spain, France Belgium, the US (United States) and, my home country, England. 

To start with, in last place is the US. Though being the biggest of all, chess is not a much played sport. I've been to a few tourneys; none being that competitive whatsoever. The best player I could find was a University student who I guess was just playing for fun as I easily destroyed him. P.S sorry Hikaru but you are a one in a million for you're country. The U.S. chess story took off in the 19th century with prodigy Paul Morphy, who dominated European masters and became an unofficial world champion. The 20th century saw the rise of Bobby Fischer, whose 1972 World Championship win against Boris Spassky broke Soviet dominance and ignited a chess boom in America. The U.S. has since become a global chess force, producing elite players like Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, and Wesley So. With strong scholastic programs and the Saint Louis Chess Club as a modern hub, the U.S. continues to shape the future of the game.

Spain is next: for their youth it is much different as the few children who do play don't excel at the game. However the Countries seniors are brilliant. Their attacking still must come from nature as every single game their were pawns storming up the board on both sides and, surprising, it works! Reviewing the games horrendously funny to see almost all of their moves marked as 'inaccuracy' with the coach saying 'This is a good move but not the best..'😂. Spain was defiantly one of my favorite places to play as the chess community it-self is was very polite and kind! Spain holds a special place in chess history as the birthplace of modern chess rules. In the late 15th century, the queen and bishop gained their modern powers here, transforming the game’s dynamics. Influential works like Libro de los Juegos (1283) and Ruy López’s treatise in 1561 helped codify strategy and openings. The Ruy López Opening remains one of the most popular and enduring in chess. Spain also hosted major tournaments like Linares, once dubbed the "Wimbledon of Chess."

 Moving on, and taking 3rd prize will be... Belgium! They are very strong in terms of their youth with many young prodigies coming from that way. As I have only played 11 games my stats are not much to share. At the age of 70+ they still play in the park and small tournaments but it's fair to say that majority of the players are young and still have a way to go in term of growth. Chess is defiantly not as common around here but for those who do know the game thrive. Belgium’s chess legacy is closely tied to the early international organization of the game. The Royal Belgian Chess Federation was founded in 1920 and played a pivotal role in the creation of FIDE (the International Chess Federation) in 1924. Belgian master Edgard Colle left a lasting mark with the Colle System, a solid and aggressive opening still used today. The country has hosted numerous national championships and produced strong players like Albéric O'Kelly de Galway, who became a grandmaster and FIDE World Correspondence Champion. 

England is probably not the best of the list but is highly ranked as the 2nd best. The games here are as always really enjoyable as I have grown to love the nature here of the game. I have played 156 games here Including the time controls of Standard, Blitz and Rapid where I have got an Overall Rating of 1547 winnings 62% of my games (96) drawing 11% and losing 27%. The average rated played I'd meet to oppose is 1229. And so that's England. England’s chess scene blossomed in the 19th century, with London hosting the first international chess tournament in 1851, organized by Howard Staunton. Staunton also lent his name to the standard chess piece design still used today. The country has produced iconic players like Nigel Short, who challenged Garry Kasparov for the World Championship in 1993. Chess has long been part of English intellectual culture, with clubs and publications dating back centuries. The British Chess Championship remains a prestigious national event.

Winning first is, in my opinion, France! With player ages young to old their play is unreal. From the age 10 or above they provided me the most intense, fierce games ever; a joy-filled experience; my best game ever played.. 

[GAME HERE]

I've now played 35 games, winning 19, losing 11 and drawing the rest. Seven Classical/Standard games (90 minutes each) and twenty-eight Rapid (25 minutes each). France will defiantly be seen more in the ear and coming future of chess. Good luck from them who chose to play. France was a chess powerhouse in the 18th century, thanks to François-André Philidor, who revolutionized positional play and famously declared, “Pawns are the soul of chess.” The Café de la Régence in Paris became a legendary hub for chess minds, attracting players like Voltaire and Benjamin Franklin. France also produced world champions like Alexander Alekhine (naturalized French) and hosted major events including the 1990 World Championship in Lyon. The French Defense, a staple opening, reflects the country’s strategic influence on the game.

idc