Nexus 7

I've been using the Nexus 7 for a couple weeks now. It is much better for using ChessTempo than my phone. I had been using a couple apps on my phone that really left quite a lot to be desired. But now I don't have to compromise at all. Really happy with this device.

Chess India Forums

A while back, I came across a site that has a small but active group of users that provide links to chess resources such as books and videos.

Check out the Chess India Forums.

What is the point of the USCF?

I've never been a member until recently. But honestly, I expected so much more from them.

Chess Life stinks. There are a couple decent columns, but overall it seems to lack any sort of direction or usefulness. I was excited when my first issue arrived, but quickly realized that it offered very little substance.

I can't see how they are doing anything to further the growth of chess. I'd like to see some creativity in marketing and outreach to new players. A lot of effort seems to have been dedicated to selling products to existing enthusiasts. That's only effective in extracting money from the tiny pool of players.

This want a well thought out post. I just wanted to vent a little... I think a replacement organization might be warranted.

Been another long stretch since I've updated... Took another long break from chess, and went on many adventures. I'm getting back into it, and so I'm going to start using this again to track my progress. I've started moving towards my highest rating in correspondence chess on chess.com.

I've got a tournament coming up in a little over a week. I'm going to be playing as a Class E (u1200) player. That's my best guess for where I belong. Online ratings usually have me in the 1100-1300 range, and I know those are somewhat inflated.

I've also got some advice from a few coaches, which is hopefully going to get me to start thinking in new ways. And I've been learning more about chess programs. Between Scid vs. PC, polyglot, Icofy, and the various super-strong free engines, there are more than enough tools and information out there to keep any student busy.

I'll probably write up a post in the next week or so, talking about using Scid vs. PC, Icofy, and polyglot to create opening book files. I think this is especially useful for practicing your own openings or preparing against a specific opponent.

Until then, I'll be losing 5+2 games on time or playing some turn-based chess like it was bullet.