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.

Been a while

Well, it's been quite some time since I've posted to this blog. I spent a long time away from chess. My life got pretty busy, and I couldn't find the time to keep up with it. I timed out of a few thousand games on chess.com and my rating fell below 1000. Most of what I had learned was forgotten, and I'm super rusty.

But, I've started to play a bit recently. One day at McPherson Square, where I am participating in Occupy DC, a chess board showed up. I played a few games, and despite mostly losing I felt myself drawn back to the game. I ended up purchasing a few extra boards, and now we have up to 3 games going at times.

I want to resume studying the game, even though my time is very limited these days. I will be posting updates if there are any interesting developments, as time allows.

So THAT explains it

The Streatham Brixton Chess Blog picked out some highlights from a Carlsen interview in the G-Star newspaper.

There are a few funny quotes from Magnus: I'm not very good at smiling - when I smile I make some strange gesture instead, he says.

Today's The Day!

In a little under four hours, Magnus Carlsen will be playing against a few top GMs and the rest of the world online. If you haven't already, check out the match site. I played a bit of the test run earlier this morning, and it was pretty fun.

One interesting thing I noticed was that voting options seemed to be limited to the suggestions of the 3 GMs. This should help the world avoid massive blunders. I'll likely be voting with Nakamura. He's probably the best in the world as the time control gets more aggressive, and with a minute per move, it's not exactly blitz but it will be quick enough to play to his strengths in that respect.

I'm kind of concerned that the world will make a mistake by not following up with a critical plan, in favor of a superficially "better" move that loses. For example, we have to lock down the queen side to prevent counter-play before launching a winning king side offensive. But that requires 3 pawn moves to close the position, and it is a subtle concept. The world may be tempted to start its attack prematurely, and become vulnerable.

That's just pure speculation, though. I really have no idea how it will play out. I'm just hoping for a good game!

(and secretly hoping Magnus beats us)