tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16544227366423996452024-03-14T08:33:00.461-07:00newbie_learner's chess adventuresnewbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-5961268939166690972021-04-02T00:33:00.002-07:002021-04-02T00:33:47.831-07:00Where to Play Chess in Singapore 2021 (COVID times)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's probably been a year since I updated this chess blog. Due to the current global pandemic, over the board (OTB) chess has been so badly affected. This time round, I will only share the chess sites I am aware of which are still functioning well during this COVID period. If any reader is aware of any other chess sites in Singapore where it is possible to play OTB chess, please let me know, so that I can update the page from time to time.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>CC-Based Chess Clubs </u></b></span><br />(Largely open to public, but Registration still required)</span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;">Tuesdays</span></h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1F6i2ZlYa-zphAXWpmP6uFK4nL3QrnyfmWDj_JemyM-Yf-PSgS9oijwY80HV7LN8QqaVv0N6Us_y56n81lkNfg5muELFW24c68Kl4T8MwV0kKfPBLt2Z0tisYNsZtxDVKu8Jym7XcgTE/s459/Bishan+Chess+Club+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1F6i2ZlYa-zphAXWpmP6uFK4nL3QrnyfmWDj_JemyM-Yf-PSgS9oijwY80HV7LN8QqaVv0N6Us_y56n81lkNfg5muELFW24c68Kl4T8MwV0kKfPBLt2Z0tisYNsZtxDVKu8Jym7XcgTE/s320/Bishan+Chess+Club+poster.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><h2><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kudos to the Club running effectively Business-As-Usual since Pre-Covid times!</span></span></h2></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Time: 6:30pm to 9:30pm <br />Lecture Room 2 (Level 3)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-family: arial;">How to Join</span></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You can first join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/BishanChessClub" target="_blank">Bishan Chess Club Public Facebook Group</a> to see periodic news and updates. Prior to each weekly session, there will be a "shoutout" to ask people interested to attend to register. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Based on collated responses for your Meetup preference, the organiser, Mr Tan Boon Tham, will organise something (e.g. a mini tournament played on a single day, or across a few weeks time). For members who registered and attended such OTB sessions, they would also be added to a What's App group facilitating further chit chats and exchange of information among fellow members.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What I really like about this Chess Club, is the huge number of online events and activities arranged -- even for those who are unable or disinterested to play OTB chess (though for those who are disinterested in OTB chess, you don't know what you are missing out!), you can participate in the various online team matches on chess.com. In fact, I was surprised to see even a titled local player, who did not want to be identified, playing as a team member in some of these online events =) </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And I quite like the location of the chess club (Star Bucks just downstairs at Bishan CC, Junction 8 within walking distance), and it happens to be near my workplace. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h2><span style="font-family: arial;">Thursdays<br /></span></h2><h2><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4GDHYBg_F-LS1vCrJdKx7bmm-C54SRkI9ZdGR-SVgnM1WtuRNXDvJZaVhd3ilVynsOKGA5G04nHEwa-YyZMNZezSRdsnS_oYY_lBqS9MqEI3yNy1XJ1KWsQv-_MeWmVdIeedU8w89dM/s2015/amk+cc+chess+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-family: arial; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1425" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4GDHYBg_F-LS1vCrJdKx7bmm-C54SRkI9ZdGR-SVgnM1WtuRNXDvJZaVhd3ilVynsOKGA5G04nHEwa-YyZMNZezSRdsnS_oYY_lBqS9MqEI3yNy1XJ1KWsQv-_MeWmVdIeedU8w89dM/w388-h550/amk+cc+chess+poster.jpg" width="388" /></a></h2><div><br /></div><div><h2><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A new chess club greatly welcomed with the growing demand for OTB chess!</span></span></h2></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><u>How to join</u></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Other than the details already on the poster (1-time registration), I'd just add that the venue is at ground floor, just beside the basketball court. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I managed to attend its maiden session, and I love the spacious room with its internal artwork and design (presumably used for tea appreciation). The chess club is also fully supplied with boards and clocks, as well as recording sheets! Very conducive to play. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><h2><span style="font-family: arial;">Saturdays</span></h2></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxBoipu3oRHRtjJnKr8itakYYFxMpd5SBrHeTbpJgwpA1kRFbVrwmQmT4jhU57P61XJD-0f8il6esEwnKjrYAOGbxLEpONkQCs_tQ1jImYpUtCqTtrVfepBsia-TGjdGKvTO9EPoP3TQ/s877/yuhua+chess+club+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="877" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxBoipu3oRHRtjJnKr8itakYYFxMpd5SBrHeTbpJgwpA1kRFbVrwmQmT4jhU57P61XJD-0f8il6esEwnKjrYAOGbxLEpONkQCs_tQ1jImYpUtCqTtrVfepBsia-TGjdGKvTO9EPoP3TQ/s320/yuhua+chess+club+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What I believe, is a </span><b style="font-family: arial;"><u>sustainable</u></b><span style="font-family: arial;"> model of running chess clubs in Singapore!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Time: 1:30pm - 3:20pm (session 1) 3:30pm - 5:30pm (session 2)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Room: AVA #03-08</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>How to join</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">First, you need to do a <a href="https://www.form.gov.sg/#!/5feb35729d80a40012329b43" target="_blank">1-time online registration</a>. If you are successfully registered, your mobile number will be added to the What's App group created for the Chess Club. Then, prior to each week's session, members have to fill up their names on a first-come-first-served basis (typically up to 16 members per session, unless otherwise stated). Due to the overwhelming participation, we have to limit participation to 1 of the 2 sessions only.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">What I love most about this Chess Club is the huge pool of facilitators, referred to as "Interest Group Leaders", who are effectively volunteers who facilitate each session. We have a steady and growing pool of volunteers (currently 14 of us), including some of the active local titled players. Even for someone like me living in the Eastern part of Singapore, making a trip down approximately once every month is not too much of a demand. As a form of Quality Control in a bid to do even better over time, we even conduct weekly post-session reviews to discuss how we can make subsequent weekly sessions more fun and educational to best serve the diverse profile of participants.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">For those who are interested to see what we do, you can refer to our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yuhuachessclub" target="_blank">public facebook page</a>. Internally, we even have a discord channel for members to chit chat and discuss about their games, puzzle positions and the likes.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><h2><span style="font-family: arial;">Sundays</span></h2></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VUEQJJ9bAQWcq6Ndx6vNC752vTp4iINj5mpS3Fh8Lsj_3LNN9NZQZh4ODIImYwVykS8sioDdxMWMeJCuCJ2uP3NUNw3BzpJaAryOBcA2mkNpNUVUN9L7t0N2W2i1lJTDnIBlLdt2kO0/s1900/QCC+chess+club.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1900" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VUEQJJ9bAQWcq6Ndx6vNC752vTp4iINj5mpS3Fh8Lsj_3LNN9NZQZh4ODIImYwVykS8sioDdxMWMeJCuCJ2uP3NUNw3BzpJaAryOBcA2mkNpNUVUN9L7t0N2W2i1lJTDnIBlLdt2kO0/w492-h206/QCC+chess+club.JPG" width="492" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Probably the longest-running </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">chess club in Singapore!</span></div><div>Time: 3pm - 7pm (limited to 8 players due to COVID)</div><div><br /></div><div>I have to admit, it's been years since I visited this chess club (because Sundays are my designated rest days before the work week ahead). Nevertheless, it must be good enough for some of my chess friends to keep re-visiting the club and play in its tournaments! For readers who are interested, you can find out more on <a href="https://chessqcc.site123.me/" target="_blank">Queenstown CC Chess Club Website</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-large;"><u>Membership-Based Chess Initiatives</u></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h2><span style="font-family: arial;">PubXChess</span></h2></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyOw3MhsWwFSWUMXzRYkvBPuvdeovKWbRHJaQXW5u8zAXIUkI91ajOBn9j7JN_J8dLyCoXim_q7IzKvEOpv5hA9OypPiv69UAIh1gyxZ4LF06HzQLEa-_bjh_xVa2NT96wT95hzQXebw/s1638/pubxchess.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="1638" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyOw3MhsWwFSWUMXzRYkvBPuvdeovKWbRHJaQXW5u8zAXIUkI91ajOBn9j7JN_J8dLyCoXim_q7IzKvEOpv5hA9OypPiv69UAIh1gyxZ4LF06HzQLEa-_bjh_xVa2NT96wT95hzQXebw/s320/pubxchess.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">The most novel, interesting local chess initiative </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">in Singapore!</span></div><div>Sundays 3pm - 6pm</div><div><br /></div><div>Essentially, this is a weekly blitz tournament event held on Sunday afternoons. To offer a conducive, fresh playing atmosphere, the venue is held at different pub locations. Over time, a notable pool of regular players have emerged, and with membership growing as more chess enthusiasts become aware of this initiative. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.patreon.com/pubxchess" target="_blank">There are 2 tiers of membership available on Patreon</a>. For me, I have gotten the Kibitzer one as I am not available to play on Sundays.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even without membership, some of the weekly games have been made <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/PubXChess/videos" target="_blank">published on youtube</a>, which allow even non-players to have a taste of the weekly intense battles taking place. I would strongly encourage players who are interested in OTB blitz to give it a go.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h2><span style="font-family: arial;">SGChessSocial</span></h2></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-X-RCM8hzZrz9rv8cKrbujI-RV6vdBbJJ2oKl3SvTFpinHfddbPFMYlVoKPXRlvGEctZ9EmBTmFNp4zXmDkpSVqc-v7k6qTk0Jntm9nwxZY4g1rKhE2JTHklZyi7gQCUySqJVU4I3Ij8/s2048/SG+chess+social.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="619" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-X-RCM8hzZrz9rv8cKrbujI-RV6vdBbJJ2oKl3SvTFpinHfddbPFMYlVoKPXRlvGEctZ9EmBTmFNp4zXmDkpSVqc-v7k6qTk0Jntm9nwxZY4g1rKhE2JTHklZyi7gQCUySqJVU4I3Ij8/w464-h619/SG+chess+social.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">A chess membership I'm more than happy to pay for!</span></div><div>Weekdays, 3pm onwards, fully open on weekends / public holidays</div><div><br /></div><div>How does it sound to have a chess site which you can visit at almost anytime you'd like to play otb chess? Play with wooden chess sets in an air-conditioned environment, read chess books and other materials donated by fellow members, be given priority signing up for guest lectures? </div><div><br /></div><div>Anytime you'd like to take a break? No problem! With Wifi access, large screen TV, fridge (stocked with drinks, of course!), and even shower facilities, things should not go wrong.</div><div><br /></div><div>The owner of the club would push down alerts and updates through What's App, so that members can know ahead if there are other members at the chess site before heading down.</div><div><br /></div><div>And best of all, you can even request for a free trial session before deciding whether to proceed to pay for the membership. <a href="https://www.singaporechess.social/" target="_blank">Visit the website</a> for more information.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Yours sincerely</div><div>Ong Yujing (Eugene)</div><div><br /></div></div>newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-63636663032095245322020-01-24T10:02:00.002-08:002020-02-06T20:15:47.834-08:00Where to Play Chess in Singapore 2020Finally, I am able to find some time to update this blog post during this Chinese New Year long break!<br />
<br />
Which chess sites are listed:<br />
<ul>
<li>The ones I know! So please let me know if there are great chess sites that I am not currently aware of, and I would love to update my list. I will also try my best to visit it at least once. Good things are meant to be shared ^o^ </li>
<li>I will only list down chess sites or meetups that are generally receptive to the
public as well as new members. (And yes, there are indeed at least 1 chess site I know which falls under this category).</li>
<li>Current chess sites I know typically includes meetups as well as chess clubs in Community Clubs or Centres (CCs). The membership are either free of charge, or comes with a very nominal fee. For CCs that
charge a nominal membership fee, they usually also allows you to have a
trial session to see if you like the club activities before joining.</li>
<li>Specifically excluded are chess schools or chess institutions for obvious
reasons -- I (still) do not wish to compare one against another, neither am I
qualified to do so.</li>
<li>To minimise bias, I will avoid making personal comments regarding these chess sites. But for those which I comment on, you can be assured I know these sites well enough, and I am only trying to help you make an informed decision =)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Mondays</b><br />
No chess site known at present.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesdays</b><br />
<span style="color: red;">*new*</span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/BishanChessClub" target="_blank">Bishan Chess Club</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rK8TlOsz8ocu6wls9JezNDemf5p5UI58HbZdAmMoFm3eiCnIIgw4py4FayGc-NoMtu298P-12ay62BiqdfFZPxZfGEEOMxQYF7ltZkYAOZMgbQLPIauGgPpl4n-7LDrUwAwajj1EXVk/s1600/Bishan+Chess+Club.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="695" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rK8TlOsz8ocu6wls9JezNDemf5p5UI58HbZdAmMoFm3eiCnIIgw4py4FayGc-NoMtu298P-12ay62BiqdfFZPxZfGEEOMxQYF7ltZkYAOZMgbQLPIauGgPpl4n-7LDrUwAwajj1EXVk/s640/Bishan+Chess+Club.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
This
is a new meetup I have come across recently. It is completely free of
charge, and rapid tournaments (informal, unrated) are organised
regularly. It is quite a new club with mostly adult players. I think I
know more than half of them in person, and I actually met an old friend
who left the Siglap South CC Chess Club after moving house!<br />
<br />
By the way, do <u><b>NOT</b></u> mix up this one with the Thomson CC Chess Club on Friday Nights.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/519571975119442/" target="_blank"><u>Senja-Cashew CC Chess Club</u></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuAVBHpKy7hi_inEExuvjlOPLHxjMgVamniTOX3fyQa68sYOB_uTtVxe4b3m9xIvq9trZPTSOYUCZrHRvkKD7MOMo77zASaCaVcTgeZEivKx0Z1bkGIWm4RM__RA0qz533o_8RDNdjHo/s1600/48356973_10156895147578839_9213956966030770176_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1130" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuAVBHpKy7hi_inEExuvjlOPLHxjMgVamniTOX3fyQa68sYOB_uTtVxe4b3m9xIvq9trZPTSOYUCZrHRvkKD7MOMo77zASaCaVcTgeZEivKx0Z1bkGIWm4RM__RA0qz533o_8RDNdjHo/s640/48356973_10156895147578839_9213956966030770176_o.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1567569740"></span><br />
<b>Wednesdays</b><br />
<a href="https://www.meetup.com/Singapore-Chess-Meetup/" target="_blank">The Singapore Chess Meetup</a><br />
Where: <a href="https://www.streetdirectory.com/sg/asia-square-tower-1/8-marina-view-018960/49083_145248.html" target="_blank">Asia Square Tower One</a> (nearest MRT station is downtown station, downtown "blue" line)<br />
When: 6:30pm to 9:30pm<br />
<br />
Still the
best chess site in Singapore right now, boasting the biggest number of active
players each week. So far, our record is > 60 players during the school holidays. And the worst turnout session fills up > 20 players. Not to mention that meetup sessions continued even over Christmas and New Year too! You simply cannot find any other chess site in Singapore with such a high, regular turnout. (Let me know if I am wrong on this as I would love to be corrected!)<br />
<br />
Turnout numbers aside, all players, regardless of age, gender and playing strength, (including complete beginners) will feel welcomed.<br />
<ul>
<li>Winner stays blitz table would be a good self-gauge of how you fare within the meetup group.</li>
<li>So far, I have found players to play in all 3 time controls (standard, rapid and blitz).</li>
<li>Other than "serious"chess, quite a number of interesting formats have been experimented (e.g. make each move within 10-second countdown, "hand and brain", relay chess) Personally hourglass time format is my favourite, but unfortunately, it hasn't been widely picked up.</li>
<li>While we have around 10 sets of chess equipment (chess sets and clocks), do consider bringing your own to avoid waiting time. Also,
you can continue your game(s) after 9:30pm if you are using your own
chess equipment.</li>
<li>The founder, Mr Bradley Loh, strongly encourages everyone to RSVP on
the meetup page, so that people new to the meetup group is assured that
this is an "active" group to consider joining.</li>
<li>The meetup has been <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/after-work-chess-group-checks-all-the-right-boxes" target="_blank">featured in the news</a>! Can you identify me from the picture? ^o^</li>
<li>You can check the photo updates on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/718699838239556/" target="_blank">facebook page</a> to see how well the meetup is doing =)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Thursdays</b><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/519571975119442/" target="_blank"><u>Senja-Cashew CC Chess Club</u></a><br />
(as stated above on "Tuesday")<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/igcnus/" target="_blank">NUS Intellectual Games Club (NUS IGC)</a> <span style="color: red;">*Do note the change of schedule from Tue to Thu*</span><br />
Where: National University of Singapore (NUS), Kent Ridge Campus, Multi Purpose Sports Hall (<a href="http://www.streetdirectory.com/sg/multi-purpose-hall-mpsh4-recreation-centre-national-university-of-singapore/2-sports-drive-1-117561/48425_140307.html" target="_blank">MPSH4</a>)<br />
When: 6:30pm to 9pm<br />
Follow their latest updates on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/igc_nus/" target="_blank">Instagram</a><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">For queries, you may contact NUS IGC (</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">igcDOTnusATgmailDOTcom)</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Fridays</b><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/429263043763052/" target="_blank">Thomson CC Chess Club</a><br />
Where: Bishan CC, Classroom 4 (at level 1)<br />
When: 7:30pm to 9:30pm<br />
Note:
Due to renovations, the Thomson CC Chess Club is currently holding its chess club activities at Bishan CC.<br />
<br />
This meetup consists of a balanced group of kids (most of them are being coach) and adults (most familiar with tournament play). Personally, I feel the kids here as a group overall are the most serious about improving - they bother to record their games and often ask their opponents about where their play went wrong, how they could've improved their play etc.<br />
<br />
Because of location (near enough from my office) and good company (again, most adult players are close friends, and some kids are so keen to challenge me repeatedly), this is 1 of my regular chess sites.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/cashewchessclub/" target="_blank">Cashew Chess Club</a><br />
Where: <a href="https://www.google.com.sg/maps/dir/''/Cashew+RC+Zone+5/@1.3790671,103.6947579,12z/data=!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x31da11a361b6cc89:0xf740d6460b793a2b!2m2!1d103.7647985!2d1.3790681" target="_blank">Cashew RC Zone 5</a> (opposite Bukit Panjang Plaza McDonald's)<br />
When: 8pm onwards<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Saturdays</b><br />
<a href="http://www.nuss.org.sg/events/join-the-chess-interest-group" target="_blank">Chess Interest Group</a><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Where: <a href="https://www.google.com.sg/maps/dir//Kent+Ridge+Guild+House/data=!4m6!4m5!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x31da1aff3180ff15:0x30333e2509c25a6e?ved=2ahUKEwjQv-uY6a7fAhXKQo8KHfIeBy8Q9RcwDnoECAMQEA" target="_blank">Kent Ridge Guild House</a>, Lobby / Activity Room</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
When: 1st Saturday of each month</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qBeW8VI8GcZB6Bji9M6bbHGkyk7hHUc850UpCKL2BRcpQ1al5Xg_v12jdthiFQq75KjKLU4ToFsiHUHDFxDjvCMWO9ga8PfiQQ8ZAJJzI_NbrtxeWfzsyqkwiXxvw0DK50Ni10Gyal0/s1600/1533115136_English%252520Chess%252520Interest%252520Group_web.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qBeW8VI8GcZB6Bji9M6bbHGkyk7hHUc850UpCKL2BRcpQ1al5Xg_v12jdthiFQq75KjKLU4ToFsiHUHDFxDjvCMWO9ga8PfiQQ8ZAJJzI_NbrtxeWfzsyqkwiXxvw0DK50Ni10Gyal0/s640/1533115136_English%252520Chess%252520Interest%252520Group_web.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Sundays</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pubxchess/posts/906128373122222" target="_blank"><u>Cafe X Chess</u></a> <span style="color: red;">*Newly introduced since 15 Dec 2019*</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDSSh79I1QIf3yfJQX6UGW3fbQ6bvTduQjjFm48ZO1Dx0OiYbJh0jQ47utm8Bln32aA3-ioBtCIap0hveW-YODnP88fsFUQNyqn3QAhIvd5nuhz4Lpv-gyq4YCinE4E8OLCyk5T19SCU/s1600/cafeXchess.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDSSh79I1QIf3yfJQX6UGW3fbQ6bvTduQjjFm48ZO1Dx0OiYbJh0jQ47utm8Bln32aA3-ioBtCIap0hveW-YODnP88fsFUQNyqn3QAhIvd5nuhz4Lpv-gyq4YCinE4E8OLCyk5T19SCU/s400/cafeXchess.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As a spin-off from PubXChess to cater to a different target group (kids and casual players who are early risers), <br />
<br />
Where: Cafe location location announced on the <a href="https://www.meetup.com/pubxchess/" target="_blank">meetup page</a><br />
When: 10am - 1pm<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.meetup.com/pubxchess/" target="_blank">Pub X Chess</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJufibFS53hvrF8ZvV4LCdlexxhT2fNd5LNh-NM9H-XjRlNa5TuAjOcGzjtxi0DPrxvGnkhxiff_JR80KT1rDBnD58uDUt68sSFKBzNTgTLYx3-_DjAgV4xbJ0tMAr8QpUPj-L9CSb-M/s1600/pubXchess.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJufibFS53hvrF8ZvV4LCdlexxhT2fNd5LNh-NM9H-XjRlNa5TuAjOcGzjtxi0DPrxvGnkhxiff_JR80KT1rDBnD58uDUt68sSFKBzNTgTLYx3-_DjAgV4xbJ0tMAr8QpUPj-L9CSb-M/s400/pubXchess.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Where:
Different Pub locations across Singapore. The venue is determined only
the week / days before. There are also some varying formats and
challenges, so as to keep the experience fresh and interesting for
everyone. Updates can be read on PubXchess' <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pubxchess/?epa=SEARCH_BOX" target="_blank">facebook page</a> or <u><span style="color: #000120;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/pubxchess/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></u>. ).<br />
When: The weekly blitz tournament usually starts at 3:30pm sharp. Please RSVP on the meetup page to facilitate organising.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">New:
With effect from 15 Dec 2019, the session is specially catered for
adults and minors with FIDE or in-house rating above 1700.</span><br />
<br />
<u>Nanyang CC Chess Club</u><br />
Where: <a href="https://www.google.com.sg/maps/dir//nanyang+community+club/data=!4m6!4m5!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x31da0f99be8fff0f:0x78cdef8100c2d792?ved=2ahUKEwi66fPI667fAhVFuo8KHfHyAasQ9RcwC3oECAYQEA" target="_blank">Nanyang CC</a>, ground floor, "glass room"<br />
When: 3pm to 5pm<br />
<br />
This chess club always holds a special place in my heart. That is why I always organise "special events" with them, with the most recent being IM Anna Rudolf's visit and Guest Lecture! (I need time to make a separate post about it.) The chess club T-shirts autographed by Vishy Anand and Magnus Carlsen, I believe they can still be seen in public display ^o^<br />
<br />
<a href="https://chessqcc.site123.me/" target="_blank">Queenstown CC Chess Club</a><br />
Where: <a href="https://www.google.com.sg/maps/dir//queenstown+community+centre/data=!4m6!4m5!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x100404053dfd9e77:0x11d6b622ea7307c2?ved=2ahUKEwifh9eR7K7fAhWIK48KHRfJAygQ9RcwD3oECAQQEA" target="_blank">Queenstown CC</a> (nearest MRT station is Queenstown, East-West "green" line)<br />
When: 3pm to 7pm<br />
<br />
<u>Siglap South CC Chess Club</u><br />
Where: <a href="https://www.google.com.sg/maps/dir//siglap+south+cc/data=!4m6!4m5!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x31da22bbc195b707:0x76747a092669e19f?ved=2ahUKEwjP-q7t7K7fAhUIpo8KHQeuD_QQ9RcwC3oECAUQEA" target="_blank">Siglap South CC</a>, Room #02-07<br />
When: 3pm to 6pm, or until whatever time newbie_learner or the Siglap South CC Chess Quartet can stay to<br />
<br />
This is the chess club which I serve as the primary facilitator. So you can be assured I am constantly trying to make it as enjoyable for everyone including myself as possible.<br />
<br />
Hope you will find this useful!<br />
<br />
<br />
Yours sincerely<br />
Ong Yujing (newbie_learner)<br />
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet<br />
(the rest of the Quartet are Seng Chin, William and Eric)newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-17612401849757997092019-08-11T20:50:00.000-07:002019-08-17T21:32:24.308-07:00Overlooked FIDE Laws of Chess<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://arbiters.fide.com/images/stories/downloads/2019/Arbiters-Manual-2019-v1.pdf" target="_blank"><img alt="http://arbiters.fide.com/images/stories/downloads/2019/Arbiters-Manual-2019-v1.pdf" border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="462" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCGgNKwh8gij6heka3wPSB5PzAGHiyutEv_HpnLaKJLJizVjd48cYFrhGuoh0EV4l5iOgO7aUia1MNUrNGhXeVydr8tcrKiQ-Nr5nmA-9iq5lI1Ld43TGX8ldkHJKLIQ4X82x0oYi9Wo/s320/Capture.JPG" width="281" /></a></div>
This is just my personal thoughts and experience so far. Other than serving in a number of informal events, the only official event I have served as an arbiter so far was the <a href="https://ratings.fide.com/tournament_details.phtml?event=218744" target="_blank">National Rapid Chess Championship 2019</a>. While re-reading the very latest version of the FIDE laws of chess under <a href="http://arbiters.fide.com/images/stories/downloads/2019/Arbiters-Manual-2019-v1.pdf" target="_blank">Arbiter's Manual 2019 (updated 1 July 2019)</a>, several Articles and the wording of these laws of chess (and the execution) echoed experiences as both a player and a rookie arbiter.<br />
<br />
I think to become completely proficient with the FIDE laws of chess, the above FIDE Arbiter's Manual, coupled by <a href="http://www.chessarbitersassociation.co.uk/Laws2018.pdf" target="_blank">UK Chess Arbiter's Association added notes and interpretations</a>, should be a good starting point for rookie arbiters like myself in terms of equipping ourselves with the most fundamental references to make decisions over actual games.<br />
<br />
The following are incidents / infringements I think chess arbiters should be more strict with, as well as incidents or scenarios which I thought were interesting enough to highlight, as well as what I consider as good/bad habits for chess players.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>4.2.1 Only the player having the move may adjust one or more pieces on their squares, provided that he first expresses his intention (for example by saying “j‟adoube” or “I adjust”).</b><br /><br />(in Arbiter's Manual)<br />Article 4.2.1 may only be used to correct displaced pieces. Where the opponent is not present at the board, a player should inform the arbiter- if there is an arbiter present –before he starts to adjust the pieces on the chess board.<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">newbie's thoughts: I have personally come across players who use "adjust" as a means to de-stress during a game, touching and spinning each and every properly placed pieces on the board. I have even heard of stories that a player say adjust on every move (so that he/she is not obliged to observe touch move, LOL). <br /><br />If the opponent claims, I think these should come under Article 12.9 (Options available to the arbiter concerning penalties).<br /><br />But as a player, I <u>disagree</u> with the need to inform adjust to the arbiter in an open tournament, when the opponent is not present (too troublesome). I will just say "adjust" loud enough so that neighbouring boards can hear it and serve as witness if necessary. I do find it necessary to say adjust loud enough, especially if the opponent is around, and ideally, even hope the opponent can make a simple gesture acknowledging my request before I perform the actual act of adjustment.</span></li>
<li><b>5.1.1 The game is won by the player who has checkmated his opponent's king. This immediately ends the game, provided that the move producing the checkmate position was in accordance with Article 3 and Articles 4.2 –4.7.<br /><br />5.1.2 The game is won by the player whose opponent declares he resigns. This immediately ends the game.</b><br /><br /><span style="color: red;">newbie's thoughts: There is this common issue in kids tournaments, whereby a beginner thought he/she was checkmated and offers a handshake, only to subsequently realise the position is not a checkmate afterwards.<br /><br />Personally, I <u>disagree</u> with the views of the UK Chess Arbiters' Association on the following: <br /><br /><span style="color: black;">"Particularly in junior tournaments it can be discovered that one player accepts he was mated to discover later that he could prevent the mate. If a result is reported by both players that can be accepted. Where a player announces mate and immediately shakes hands only for it to be discovered seconds later that the move played was not mate he should not be given the win despite any handshake. "</span><br /><br />To me, the win should still be valid to the opponent, even if the opponent declared checkmate inaccurately. This is because the gesture of handshake, in response to a checkmate declaration, can logically only be deemed as a genuine resignation gesture at that point in time. Why else would any player shake hands in response? <br /><br />If there is no taking back of moves, I see no reason a player can be allowed to take back his/her resignation! From a player's point of view, if you are weak enough to not realise you are not genuinely in a checkmate, I think you deserve to lose the game =)<br /><br />Had it been another gesture, such as the player pausing the clock in response to the checkmate declaration, there could still be some ambiguity in that the player could be seeking arbiters' assistance over the punishment for opponent's wrong checkmate declaration. But not with a handshake response to a false checkmate declaration.<br /><br />(Yes, I am totally not a "yes-man" when it comes to chess arbitrating. Even though I find the UK Chess Arbiters' Association a really good reference, there are interpretations which I disagree, this being 1 of the few instances.)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><b>6.2.3 A player must press his clock with the same hand with which he made his move. It is forbidden for a player to keep his finger on the clock or to "hover" over it.</b><br />(In Arbiter's Manual)<br />If a player makes a move with one hand and presses the clock with the other, it is <span style="background-color: cyan;"><u><b>not</b></u> considered as an illegal move</span>, but it is penalized according to the article 12.<br /><b> </b></span></span><br /><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;">newbie's thoughts: Quite a notable number of players keep making the same wrong claim (usually those are "technical" players wanting their opponent to register an illegal move), and at times, there may be arbiters ruling it incorrectly as an illegal move. Within the FIDE laws of chess, there is a distinction between making/made a move (i.e. moving pieces over the board) as compared to completing/completed the move (i.e. pressing/pressed the clock). For players, you should know this to defend yourself against a wrong claim and hopefully, the arbiter observing your game get it right!</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><b>6.2.4 The players must handle the chessclock properly. It is forbidden to press it forcibly, to pick it up, to press the clock before moving or to knock it over. Improper clock handling shall be penalised in accordance with Article 12.</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><br /><br />newbie's thoughts: I have not actually seen any arbiter deal with players abusing (banging) the clocks. While I can understand banging in blitz / rapid games, especially when facing time pressure, I cannot understand for standard games. Shall I be the first (unpopular) arbiter to issue formal warning to players for banging the clocks at each and every move? =) <br /><br />More interesting to me is that the same is never said about capturing a piece, or making a move with a thunderous thud. I even heard some coaches introduce it to their students as a habit for (legal) means of intimidation LOL. Not something I would encourage, of course, since it could be distracting or irritating to the opponent.<br /><br />Maybe I can apply Article 11.5 to playing each and every move over the board with a bang. Again, I foresee myself becoming a rather unpopular arbiter to the players ^o^<br /><br /><span style="color: black;">11.5 It is forbidden to distract or annoy the opponent in any manner whatsoever. This includes unreasonable claims, unreasonable offers of a draw or the introduction of a source of noise into the playing area</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><b>6.5 Before the start of the game the arbiter shall decide where the chessclock is placed.</b> <br /><br />(In Arbiter's manual):<br />In individual tournaments the chess-clock is normally placed on the right of the player who has the black pieces. The chess boards shall be placed so that the arbiter is able to check as many clocks as possible at the same time. <span style="background-color: cyan;">In the case of a left-handed player with black pieces, the board, rather than the clock, can be turned</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><br />newbie's thoughts: Interestingly, I have seen this (turning of the board) implemented in club-level, unofficial tourneys, but not large-scale ones at the national level. Since this is specifically stated in the manual, shouldn't this be permitted and implemented more regularly for the benefit of left-handed players playing the Black pieces?</span></span></span></li>
<li><b>7.5.3 If the player presses the clock without making a move, it shall be considered and penalized as if an illegal move.<br /> </b><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><br />(In Arbiter's manual):<br />During the game if the arbiter is confident that the clock was accidentally pressed or it is because of some misunderstanding, he should not use strong penalties against the player. There can be many situations when it is obvious, so in such situation, the arbiter should accurately assess the motive of those actions and find the possible fair solution. For example: Player B makes an illegal move. Player A, instead of pausing the clock, restarts the opponent‟s clock. Is this an infringement of Article 7.5.3? In this case Player A had not deliberately started Player B‟s clock. <span style="background-color: cyan;">Where an opponent's clock may have been started in error the arbiter must decide if this action constitutes an illegal move or a distraction.</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><br /><br /><br />newbie's thoughts: This (pressing the clock instead of pausing) happens more often than you would think. I *think* most arbiters would only consider treating this as an illegal move if / when the opponent complains. More importantly, I think players need to know this in order to protect themselves from any claims -- remember to pause the clock when there is any irregularity / when seeking arbiter's assistance instead of pressing the clock (to restart opponent's time counting down). </span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><b>7.5.4 If a player uses two hands to make a single move (for example in case of castling, capturing or promotion) and pressed the clock, it shall be considered and penalized as if an illegal move.</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;">newbie's thoughts: Here, I love the additional notes from both the Arbiter's manual and the from UK Chess Arbiters' Association:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">(In Arbiter's manual):<br />Article 7.5.4 is not applicable if the move ends the game according to articles 5.1.1, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 9.6.1 or 9.6.2.<br /><span style="color: red;">(newbie: in other words, if the move results in a checkmate, stalemate, a 'dead' position which there is no <u>legal</u> continuation of moves for either side to deliver checkmate, or when arbiter interferes for the same position arising for at least the 5th time, or at least 75 moves made with no capture and no pawn moves, the game ends there and then, before this becomes an issue. This is actually consistent with articles 4.1 and article 5)<br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br />4.1 Each move must be played with one hand only.<br />5 ...provided that the move producing the (checkmate/stalemate) position was in accordance with Article 3 and Articles 4.2 –4.7.<br /><span style="color: red;">(newbie: For the game-ending move, it counts as long as the actual move over the board is legal, and touch move / release of pieces etc. are all observed. It is okay that the move producing the end of the game be made with 2 hands.)</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">(By UK Chess Arbiter's Association):</span><br /><span style="color: black;">A player who, for example, castles using both hands but realises this before pressing the clock is entitled to ‘uncastle’ and then do so legally without incurring a penalty.<br /><span style="color: red;"><br />(newbie: This is similar, if not the same as the situation whereby a player has made, but not completed, an illegal move, i.e. made a move over the board but without pressing the clock. Touch move still applies when the player undo the illegal move.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><b>9.1.2.1 A player wishing to offer a draw shall do so after having made a move on the chessboard and before pressing his clock. An offer at any other time during play is still valid but Article 11.5 must be considered. No conditions can be attached to the offer. In both cases the offer cannot be withdrawn and remains valid until the opponent accepts it, rejects it orally, rejects it by touching a piece with the intention of moving or capturing it, or the game is concluded in some other way.</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">(In Arbiter's manual):<br />The correct sequence of a draw offer is clear: <br />1. make a move<br />2. offer of a draw<br />3. press the clock. <br /><br />If a player deviates from this order, the <span style="background-color: cyan;">offer still stands though it has been offered in an incorrect manner. The arbiter in this case has to penalise the player, according to the Article 12.9.</span> <br /><br />No conditions can be attached to a draw offer.<br />Some examples of unacceptable conditions: The player requires the opponent to accept the offer within 2 minutes. <br />In a team competition: a draw is offered under the condition that another game in the match shall be resigned or shall be drawn as well.<br />In both cases the offer of a draw is valid, but not the attached condition...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><br /><br />newbie's thoughts: it seems that the arbiter is <b><u>obliged</u></b> to impose a penalty to the player making the draw offer incorrectly (so long as the opponent does not accept the offer to end the game immediately). Again, I haven't seen it being implemented by arbiters much. Maybe I will start ^o^ This penalty seems fair enough, I'd say.<br /> <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">11.9A player shall have the right to request from the arbiter an explanation of particular points in the Laws of Chess.</span></span></span></span></span></span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">(In Arbiter's Manual):<br />For example:A player might ask whether, with Black‟s bishop on a2, White‟s rook on a1 and King on e1, 0-0-0 is legal. Or what the rate of play is. It is important that the arbiter does not mislead the player, nor advise him, nor advance any further.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">(By UK Chess Arbiter's Association):</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Arbiters should note that whilst it is acceptable to tell a player how to capture en passant, for example, it is not acceptable to answer “Can I take this pawn?”<br /><span style="color: red;"><br />newbie's thoughts: I have not actually seen many players exercise their right on this. I think what the Arbiter's Manual and the UK Chess Arbiter's Association is trying to bring across, is what the arbiter can do and what the arbiter should not do. <br /><br /><u>Can do: </u><br />Clarify the FIDE laws of chess (e.g. correct way and sequence to offer a draw, correct way to claim a draw)<br /><u>Should not do: </u><br />Tell a player his/her options, or even worse, offer any form of advice which may over-privilege the player who sought clarification).<br /><br />Personally, I won't even reply if 0-0-0 is legal (as per example in Arbiter's Manual). Rather, I will reply the player who asked, "how to castle" (legally). That's why I think my current habit of holding a copy of the Laws of Chess useful. I think I can just show the requestor the relevant section on castling (Article 3.8).<br /><br />Drawing back on a past experience -- a junior player was trying to ask if she was in checkmate as she cannot see a legal move (no, she is not in checkmate but she failed to see a legal move), I should have just replied the definitions of checkmate. Instead, I deferred that decision / query to the chief arbiter -- yes, there are all moments we are scared of making a wrong judgement, especially when we start off as newbies. <br /><br />But of course, I don't think it's fair to pause the clock while making this request. The player shall make this request to the arbiter while his/her own clock is running down, to be fair to the opponent.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="color: black;">A.2 (Under Rapid Chess) Players do not need to record the moves, but do not lose their rights to claims normally based on a scoresheet. The player can, at any time, ask the arbiter to provide him with a scoresheet, in order to write the moves</span></b><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><br /><span style="color: black;">(In Arbiter's Manual): Players are allowed to record the moves, but they may stop recording any time they wish. Players may claim a draw without scoresheet when they are playing on electronic boards. <span style="background-color: cyan;">The arbiter also has the right to accept or refuse a claim without scoresheet based on his observation.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><br />newbie's thoughts: This is where I see value-add as an arbiter in a game. Especially when there are very few games remaining, and when we have no luxury of electronic equipment to rely on, other than observing for potential infringements / flag fall, a good arbiter should also help to count moves (for rapid / blitz games) in anticipation of a claim.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Scenario:A player resigned, only to subsequently realise that his opponent flag fell. The player who resigned claims that the flag fall happened before his resignation.</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><br /><br />newbie's thoughts: First and foremost, I think it is unfortunate that the flag fall happened (if it happened) without arbiter observing so. (That is why the arbiter should come in once the flag fall is observed, to prevent escalation / complication of matters.) <br /><br />Second, we need to try and establish whether we can confirm the sequence of events (i.e. whether the flag fall happened before or after the resignation). The tricky part of things, is that a resignation can be declared at any time in the game, not just during a player's own turn.<br /><br />If we cannot establish what came first, by default, I'd say that the player has resigned, so the opponent wins.<br /><br />Advice for players: When you are contemplating resignation, other than checking out all possibilities remaining over the chess board, also check the time situation before you throw in the towel. That is why some people recommend to never resign! =)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">If you have the patience to finish reading this whole post, you probably have some interest in serving as an arbiter, I guess? Keen to join me? =)<br /> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Do you agree or disagree with my newbie's views? Feel free to share your thoughts so that we can all learn together! Thanks ahead.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Yours sincerely<br />Ong Yujing (Eugene)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">a.k.a. newbie_learner<br />Siglap South CC Chess Quartet</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<ul>
</ul>
newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-7457311142039636972019-08-03T08:52:00.002-07:002019-08-03T20:39:05.939-07:00Rookie Arbiters Consolidated ThoughtsMost chess arbiters I know don't seem to publicise their experience, their ruling on cases and the likes. I'm totally unlike those!<br />
<br />
I love to share, discuss and even debate about how I make a call, the references and considerations I have leading to my judgement. While I may not be always right, I seek to learn and improve. Having recently served as a Rookie arbiter for 1 of the large scale local tournaments (not naming it here in case I'm not supposed to, but my own chess friends would probably know what I am referring to), this is my self-evaluation:<br />
<br />
I have little to no knowledge gap when it comes to the current FIDE laws of chess (which I feel is the most fundamental thing chess arbiters need to adequately equip themselves with). I do feel that I lack some experience, which may or may not be a good thing. Arguably, an experienced / seasoned arbiter also runs the risk of becoming complacent or jaded. Whereas a Rookie like myself is still fresh and passionate about my role as an arbiter.<br />
<br />
Despite my limited experience serving as an arbiter in formal / official tournaments, there are role model arbiters I seek to learn from. Without a doubt, the 2 local arbiters I currently look up to the most are Mr Christopher Lim, President of the Singapore Chess Federation, Arbiter of the ongoing <a href="https://acl.qcdchess.com/" target="_blank">QCD Team League for Adults</a>, and Mr Tan Tian Wah, who is also a guru in handling DGT chess equipment!<br />
<br />
<b>How newbie_learner serves as an arbiter</b><br />
<ul>
<li><u>Always carry a copy of the current FIDE Laws of Chess</u>. Specifically, I use <a href="http://www.chessarbitersassociation.co.uk/Laws2018.pdf" target="_blank">the version published by UK Chess Arbiter's Association</a>. What is good about this version is that it included interpretations and explanatory notes from the UK Chess Arbiter's Association for different clauses in FIDE Laws of Chess. Things like using different hands to make a move and press the clock is considered an illegal action but not an illegal move (it is only an illegal move to make a move using 2 hands) is clearly explained in this document.<br /><br />Some friends or observers who don't know me well enough thought that carrying the Laws of Chess with me shows my lack of confidence. This assumption can't be further from the truth. Not only do I carry it with me for quick reference of my own, but it is also intended to (i) show it to any player(s) who are unfamiliar with the current laws of chess, or to players who misquote or misunderstood the laws of chess; and (ii) fellow arbiters who are not familiar with the specifics of the amended laws of chess (this is why in my opinion, being a Rookie arbiter doesn't necessarily put me at a disadvantage compared to a seasoned one-- I need not unlearn or "un-remember" old laws of chess that are no longer in place)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><u>Always carry 2 extra Queens, 1 of each colour in my pocket</u>. This is to facilitate pawn promotion needs, which is especially important when extra Queens are not available to each set. While some fellow arbiters dismissed it as being redundant (they feel that Queens are usually only needed in the late stage of the game during endgame, when most games would have ended and the player can just grab a Queen from the neighbouring board), it really became important in some of the games I served. From whom did I pick up this good habit from? No other than Mr Christopher Lim himself =)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><u>Always make yourself useful when observing a game</u>. While it takes experience to decide whether to observe a game in-depth and lose sight of other games in progress, or to observe several games simultaneously to look out for players' claims and to respond to claims in the quickest time possible, I make it an effort to always be doing something, even counting moves to facilitate arbiters' interference for things like 75 moves or repetition of the same position for the 5th time without players need to initiate a claim. I think the problem of some chess players-turned-arbiter is that they care too much about the quality of play and get engrossed in watching the game like a spectator but not serving as an arbiter. The quality of play is entirely none of our business as arbiters. This is something that I need to caution myself from time to time as well.</li>
</ul>
<b>Pre-move 'equivalent' in OTB chess</b><br />
One of the most repeated invalid claims I have received from kiddos is that "The opponent started moving before I completed my move". Just to explain things a little, under the FIDE Laws of Chess, there is a difference between having made a move (over the Board) and having completed a move (made the move + pressed the clock). The laws are clear on this:<br />
<br />
1.3 A player is said to ‘have the move’ when his opponent’s move has been‘made’.<br />
<br />
So a player can initiate his move when the opponent has made his move, and is in the process of pressing the clock.<br />
<br />
Personally, I think this (initiating your own move while opponent is taking time to press the clock) is only useful when playing Blitz, where every second counts. But similar to making pre-move for online chess, this is not without risk:<br />
<ol>
<li>If you (accidentally) start touching the pieces before the opponent has made his move, technically the opponent has the right to complain (because you are not having the move, and you cannot adjust when you do not have the move). Personally, as an arbiter, I would rule this as an illegal action if there is a complaint.</li>
<li>Touch-move applies the moment the move is made by the opponent, since once opponent has made the move, you have the move. </li>
<li>Also, a stated in Article 4.8, <br /><br />"A player forfeits his right to claim against his opponent’s violation of Articles 4.1 —4.7 (referring to touch move and release piece obligations) once the player touches a piece with the intention of moving or capturing it." <br /><br />So if you were holding on to a piece before the opponent has made his move, and the opponent quickly changes move and makes his move while you still hold onto the piece, the opponent may claim that you forfeited the right to claim his change of move based on Article 4.8, LOL</li>
</ol>
The way I see it, "pre-move" is not necessarily beneficial at all. It may be useful for blitz games or under extremely severe time trouble as a desperate measure, but against a well-informed opponent, it can cause a player more harm than good as well.<br />
<br />
<b>Case study: Offering a draw when opponent is holding on to a piece</b><br />
This actually happened in the final round of a tournament, where prizes and placements are at stake. While this piece of information is irrelevant to how I resolved the case, it is interesting to know that the 2 players know each other (i.e. they are at least acquaintances if not friends), and I happen to know both players (both kids) in person. A fateful encounter with me as the arbiter, perhaps! <br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b>Player A (White pieces) has just been penalised for the first illegal move by me as the arbiter. (This was a rapid tournament with 10 seconds increment per move, and the 2nd illegal move would result in forfeiture.) I just walked away from the board after issuing the penalty, when almost immediately, both Player A and Player B (Black pieces) seem agitated and raised their hands seeking to make a claim against each other.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_L6aM2pnqTWvFHkuWjG2fH4yJUSULehpc7U2Ii5iPLeZTcK9fvd1V58Oy4rx969ZOGj3_gQFTXBhvih2HK-Alsoh3hgyxEVe5s0MWOfjtAxHTYPVAp1V_0jRkDp4s0M6DKUMKsqulnE/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="890" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_L6aM2pnqTWvFHkuWjG2fH4yJUSULehpc7U2Ii5iPLeZTcK9fvd1V58Oy4rx969ZOGj3_gQFTXBhvih2HK-Alsoh3hgyxEVe5s0MWOfjtAxHTYPVAp1V_0jRkDp4s0M6DKUMKsqulnE/s400/Capture.JPG" width="397" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't know if I recall the exact position correctly. The exact position is inconsequential to the incident, but I just want to point out something interesting to me (now as a player). Here, White to move, the assessment of this position should be, that only Black has any winning chance -- White still has some chances to misplay and lose the game. Hence, the easiest move is to play Qxg6+ to exchange Queens immediately and hold an easy draw. But instead, Player A made some other move and all hell broke loose!<br />
<br />
What happened is as follows: After White and Black made another move each, it is now White (Player A) to move again. At (almost) the same time when Player A grabbed his White Queen (it was his turn to move), Player B mouthed "draw?". Being down on clock time, on 1 illegal, White was relieved to accept Player's B draw offer. (By the way, whoever claims that there is no element of psychology in competitive chess is either ignorant or lying.)<br />
<br />
However, Player B now claims, "Since you touched your White Queen (with the intention to move), you have declined my draw offer and can no longer accept my draw offer.". Both players become visibly upset and both raised their hands for arbiter's assistance. Of course, I rushed back to attend to the game I just left off from. While this was somewhat a not-so-straightforward case, and something was at stake, I did not shun away and defer to the Chief Arbiter. Instead, I tried my best to calm both players down, to establish what exactly happened, and make a ruling.<br />
<br />
" 9.1.2.1 A player wishing to offer a draw shall do so after having made a move on the chessboard and before pressing his clock. An offer at any other time during play is still valid but Article 11.5 (referring to the use of the draw offer to distract or annoy the opponent illegally) must be considered. No conditions can be attached to the offer. In both cases the offer cannot be withdrawn and remains valid until the opponent accepts it, rejects it orally, rejects it by touching a piece with the intention of moving or capturing it, or the game is concluded in some other way"<br />
<br />
My follow-up action and evaluation as the arbiter for this situation as follows:<br />
<ul>
<li>After calming down both players, both players agree that the draw offer was made at almost, if not the exact same moment, that Player A grabbed his White Queen.</li>
<li>Player B clearly did not offer a draw after having made a move on the chessboard and before pressing his clock. However, the draw offer (made at any other time) is still valid.</li>
<li>Based on the unique circumstances, Player A had no opportunity to react to the draw offer without touching the White Queen.</li>
<li>My Ruling: Player A did <u><b>NOT</b></u> touch the White Queen as a response intended to decline Player B's draw offer through making a Queen move on the board. Hence, the draw offer from Player B is still valid.</li>
</ul>
Both players accepted my ruling. Player A accepted the draw offer that is still valid. After I updated the case to the Chief Arbiter, he accepted my ruling. In addition, he proposed the following food for thought:<br />
<ul>
<li>It may be technically possible to rule differently, that the draw offer from Player B is deemed invalid (Arbiter's discretion and judgement call). However, minimally I would have considered giving Player B an official warning under Article 11.5 (or even escalate it to some immediate penalty under Article 12.9), because this act of "making a draw offer that opponent has no legal means to consider accepting" may be seen as an act of gamesmanship exploiting on technicalities.</li>
</ul>
I wonder if fellow arbiters and players may have any views on my ruling? Please feel free to share your views, no matter if you agree or disagree. I am happy to learn from you.<br />
<br />
<b>Last but not least, these are my thoughts and suggestions for players in situations of dispute:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>If you do not agree with the arbiter's ruling, please APPEAL!</b> To be honest, I do not always agree with the rulings made by (fellow) arbiters all the time =) Myself included, I may have made bad calls from time to time too, if not now, perhaps in future. If you as a player feel genuinely aggrieved by any arbiters' decision, please make an appeal so that there is at least a chance for corrections to be made.</li>
<li>(Especially for kids) <b>Please speak up!</b> As an arbiter, I am trying to establish the case so that I can make a judgement call that is fair to both players. If a player makes a claim while the other player does not respond, I can only make a ruling in favour of the claimant. On my end, I hope I do not appear to be too fierce / unapproachable to anyone. I can't change my face, but I will try to work on my tone and mannerisms to be as child-friendly as possible ^o^</li>
<li><b>More often than not, justice prevails! </b>We arbiters actually make a mental note of "notorious personalities". I even caught and confronted a couple of players who clearly chose to not observe touch move and were outright trying to deceive. Let's not earn ourselves a bad reputation just to clock 1 or 2 undeserved wins.</li>
</ul>
Looking forward to any comments / feedback!<br />
<br />
<br />
Yours sincerely<br />
Ong Yujing (Eugene)<br />
a.k.a. newbie_learner<br />
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet<br />
<br />newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-19938433098309069642019-08-02T21:53:00.001-07:002019-08-03T22:14:57.706-07:00QCD Chess League 2019: Flash UpdateFor the first time since the QCD team league's inception in 2017, the results of the final round will be crucial in determining the overall winning team. In fact, I have a strong hunch we will be applying the tiebreakers to determine the final winner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2Ke3Ethhp_os68HvSKwYijw84k42SJj0lrIISpXdun3KjCTDOhMk253XkmedYngtEEe0GMAd2LTvwlJLj_7SEu0vwHUH0S78-ZyTue-nBBH3TmMUo9ps24L2afZPjcfJAPU9bkhqjcc/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="708" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2Ke3Ethhp_os68HvSKwYijw84k42SJj0lrIISpXdun3KjCTDOhMk253XkmedYngtEEe0GMAd2LTvwlJLj_7SEu0vwHUH0S78-ZyTue-nBBH3TmMUo9ps24L2afZPjcfJAPU9bkhqjcc/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Source: <a href="https://chess-results.com/tnr424743.aspx?lan=1&art=0&rd=7&turdet=YES" target="_blank">https://chess-results.com/tnr424743.aspx?lan=1&art=0&rd=7&turdet=YES</a>) </div>
<br />
"The Dreamers" and "Chess Mates" are currently tied with 13 match points (TB1, 2 match points for each team win, 1 match point for each team draw, no match point for each team loss). In terms of game points, The Dreamers is also holding a narrow lead over Chess Mates (TB2, 26.5 against 25.5). Both these teams have also fought to a team draw against each other in their earlier encounter, so we can be assured of a dramatic, nail biting finish in the final round on 16th August 2019.<br />
<br />
Also worth mentioning is that the opposing teams of both title-contending teams in the final round are also playing with something at stake -- thanks to the generous prize money sponsored by QCD, top 8 teams will get a cash prize, and the teams will be striving their best for better placing for bigger rewards.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Xq9ex_Sdl7zz18tRhupPoCfkjp1cIumyxoXsRCrs8BAXMF7XU-6aWlMzcRKKz2llkaq-m9kA8kSMe_qePXCC8uAAVBPYFF6sddFzhkvoMlLCUaNhqsYfVBWLl6QT-eST7w7z8i6DDe8/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="723" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Xq9ex_Sdl7zz18tRhupPoCfkjp1cIumyxoXsRCrs8BAXMF7XU-6aWlMzcRKKz2llkaq-m9kA8kSMe_qePXCC8uAAVBPYFF6sddFzhkvoMlLCUaNhqsYfVBWLl6QT-eST7w7z8i6DDe8/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Source: <a href="https://www.singaporechess.org.sg/images/Forms/Tournaments/2019/QCD%20SG%20Chess%20League%202019_v0.1.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.singaporechess.org.sg/images/Forms/Tournaments/2019/QCD%20SG%20Chess%20League%202019_v0.1.pdf</a>) </div>
<br />
I have chess friends in both The Dreamers and Chess Mates, so I will not be favouring a particular team to win over the other =) May the better team emerge as the overall winner!<br />
<br />
Just a recap of the tiebreakers as stated in the rules and regulations of this team tournament:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcGtsNO-uTDs3L4K87X7a0RVVjFbu6CSdLY_8ryzlmKj2nG62LsG3PkKpqLq1cIu1FueytKU4OOZhPsgKECzJ_0DNsd9KNBFugEJ4Bpcaq72p60o1lobvmKGxk3_OGKUY2TrSWZlCQBI/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="905" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcGtsNO-uTDs3L4K87X7a0RVVjFbu6CSdLY_8ryzlmKj2nG62LsG3PkKpqLq1cIu1FueytKU4OOZhPsgKECzJ_0DNsd9KNBFugEJ4Bpcaq72p60o1lobvmKGxk3_OGKUY2TrSWZlCQBI/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Last but not least, some interesting statistics:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xO3EgTWNxPV89tthaRbfSDyqaZeRn-_Lbzg11nM6hgD0LWOuY3ZgUOLOGidYJaFNcrVFa_-gsKoNA6U7dQcJsUduL_sVEYI5f5SWSj4JddM7ciaifZdtddlgRAVDsXok146IAhpPB_M/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="450" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xO3EgTWNxPV89tthaRbfSDyqaZeRn-_Lbzg11nM6hgD0LWOuY3ZgUOLOGidYJaFNcrVFa_-gsKoNA6U7dQcJsUduL_sVEYI5f5SWSj4JddM7ciaifZdtddlgRAVDsXok146IAhpPB_M/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Source: <a href="https://chess-results.com/tnr424743.aspx?lan=1&art=13&turdet=YES" target="_blank">https://chess-results.com/tnr424743.aspx?lan=1&art=13&turdet=YES</a>)</div>
<br />
Black actually scored slightly more points than White despite White having the first mover advantage, LOL. I don't know if it could be due to (i) burden of expectations on White to play for a win; (ii) Team match strategy -- perhaps some teams prefer their stronger players to play Black to hold opponents White boards); (iii) White entering the game more relaxed while Black being more serious in their preparations, resulting in the latter performing better; or simply (iv) random "luck" factors.<br />
<br />
Also interesting is the very low percentage of drawn games, 24 / (87+24+90) X 100% = 11.9%, while decisive games made up 88.1% of all games, excluding forfeits. It is also good to see the number of forfeits staying low.<br />
<br />
<b>A huge diversity of Player Pool</b><br />
(Reference: <a href="https://chess-results.com/tnr424743.aspx?lan=1&art=16&turdet=YES" target="_blank">https://chess-results.com/tnr424743.aspx?lan=1&art=16&turdet=YES</a>)<br />
<br />
Out of the 125 players listed, 75 have a FIDE rating. And it ranges from the highest of 2392 to the lowest of 1138. There are also 50 players without a FIDE rating. Pointing this out because during the initial "matchmaking " phase (i.e. me recruiting players for both new and existing teams), there were players who declined to join, citing "I don't know if I am ready".<br />
<br />
Well, I would say that the love for the game, the unique experience of playing in an adults only tournament is probably a more important consideration for most of us on board. I have also asked informally and understand that most players / teams, especially the ones I helped to matchmake, were keen to continue playing next year. There are also players who have been asking actively for training matches to improve themselves so as to become a more valuable player for the team. I have also seen some players in the QCD league who become more interested and active in playing official (rated) tournaments.<br />
<br />
So long as you enjoy the game, I don't think you can go wrong playing the QCD league. Hope to see more interested adults coming on board and enjoying themselves in future runs of the QCD league!<br />
<br />
<br />
Yours sincerely<br />
Ong Yujing (Eugene)<br />
newbie_learner<br />
Siglap South CC Chess Quartetnewbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-73516322095655271072019-07-20T08:59:00.002-07:002019-07-20T09:05:25.777-07:00100th Post on International Chess Day!It's been a while since I did my chess blog, and what better occasion to time it other than International Chess Day (20 July 2019)? Coincidentally, this is also the 100th published post of this chess blog.<br />
<br />
I was really fortunate to be given the opportunity to play a role in the 15-player clocked Simul-exhibition by Singapore's #1 rated chess player, Kevin Goh. You can see some pictures taken for the event on his facebook post <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kevin.g.ming/posts/10156022487161207" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I am pretty sure the more renowned and professional local chess personalities will do a better report and coverage of this event at a later time. For now, I am in a slight rush in order to publicise this before the day ends ^o^<br />
<br />
<u>Key Features of the Event</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Time Control was 60 minutes initial time + 30 seconds increment each move starting from move #1</li>
<li>While the convention is for the champion to play as White for all boards, Kevin decided to increase his the level of challenge and was playing with 8 Blacks and 7 Whites. Players drew lots to decide who gets White / Black boards.</li>
<li>I was the only adult player there =) </li>
<li>We were playing on wooden DGT chess sets (which allowed for live transmission of moves / broadcasting), and the pieces and board were gorgeous! </li>
</ul>
<br />
<u> My Personal Takeaway from the Event</u><br />
<ul>
<li>I was privileged enough to be involved in both the equipment set up AND as 1 of the 15 players. Mr Tan Tian Wah is not just a great local chess arbiter, but also an excellent technician in handling the DGT equipment. I was following all the instructions on the DGT manual (like how I try my best to strictly follow FIDE laws of chess word for word as a new arbiter), but he knew so much more with regard to actual applications and considerations! For gamers, the best analogy would be that I am following the recommendations and information in the official game guide, while Mr Tan genuinely knows all the "secrets" in the game inside out. I certainly look forward to learn more from him in future local chess events, both in terms of serving as chess arbiters and also setting up DGT equipment for large scale / prestigious events. </li>
<li>While we were whitewashed 15-0 by Kevin, I am glad that my game was the last to finish. More importantly, I really enjoyed the post-game review. Again, I was lucky enough for my game to be picked as 1 of the 3 games he decided to go through after the 15 simul games were completed. </li>
<li>The funny thing is, while this was a clocked simul, I was the one who fell into time trouble, completing a move with 1 or 2 seconds left on a couple of occasions. I burst out laughing when, in the late stage of the event (only a few boards remain), Kevin walked to me and say, "I'll come back to deal with you later ^o^" He was having close to 17 minutes additional time (19 minutes v.s. 2 minutes) LOL</li>
</ul>
Game Replay (both Raw and using Chessbase's 1-click Tactical Analysis in the interest of time. For proper review and learning, I will probably revisit it when I have time):<br />
<a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/7/21/Game638800109.html" target="_blank">http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/7/21/Game638800109.html </a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>My Prize from the Simul Event -- Signed by Kevin Goh Wei Ming!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmOX95cBqrZ6il5JKagV2POdXxTTIzhoz6VgOjfcR0mNRIf-Q8kZabux4lrBYB8LChowgX2P_IsU7RZ0XPxE34XwF5KOioBOvu-HLDX-U5pSG1Ca-nrRH5yNUDRfjJe5X231qSmberkM/s1600/pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmOX95cBqrZ6il5JKagV2POdXxTTIzhoz6VgOjfcR0mNRIf-Q8kZabux4lrBYB8LChowgX2P_IsU7RZ0XPxE34XwF5KOioBOvu-HLDX-U5pSG1Ca-nrRH5yNUDRfjJe5X231qSmberkM/s320/pic1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Just to contextualise the last liner a little: Recently, I have come to LOVE <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeon_So-min" target="_blank">Jeon So Min</a>, a South Korean Actress who is also a cast member of the long-running variety show, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Running_Man_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Running Man</a>. My love for her is strong enough for me to want to pick up the Korean language. Because learning a new language is time consuming and challenging for adults, I have decided to cut down on my weekly time spent on chess. But I will never "quit" chess.<br />
<br />
p.s. But So Min is <u><b>NOT</b></u> just a Korean girl. I love everything about her. Her quirkiness, her big eyes, her quick wits to react to unexpected, impromptu situations. She's an energizer that can brighten up one's day. My day. So to my chess friends, despite my reducing chess activity, please know that I'm all well and happy. I just have another live besides chess =)<br />
<br />
<br />
Yours sincerely<br />
Ong Yujing (Eugene)<br />
a.k.a. newbie_learner<br />
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet<br />
<br />
<br />newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-79277263732363555872019-06-21T11:31:00.000-07:002019-06-21T11:31:12.397-07:00Basic Etiquette Overlooked in ChessThe most recent experiences I had (first at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/718699838239556/" target="_blank">Singapore Chess Meetup</a>, followed by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/429263043763052/" target="_blank">Thomson CC Chess Club</a> temporarily located at Bishan CC) makes me answer this question easily: Please do <b><u>NOT</u></b> interrupt a player during a clocked (timed) game.<br />
<br />
Obviously, nobody had ill intentions. But while playing a game, I am really pissed off when friends (i.e. people I know) approached me with a question or say "hi". It would've been absolutely fine at any other time -- except when the clock is ticking and I'm on serious mode.<br />
<br />
I apologise for blowing up, but I think it would be good for an observer (i.e. whoever is not playing a game) to see whether a timed game is going on before approaching. At least, please do <b><u>NOT</u></b> do it to me again -- I can apologise afterwards, but be warned that vulgarities may come out from a usually mild soul. I can be much more tolerant towards other types of distractions (e.g. kids being noisy nearby), but I really cannot stand direct interruptions disrupting the normal flow of the game. Now I can truly understand the frustrations of "professionals" at work.<br />
<br />
"Jokes" aside, here are some of my badly played games. 3 undeserved wins, although some of them may have learning value replaying. This time round, I will just share my personal thoughts on the game without checking with the engines. Will hope to gather some human input to work on improving my game play.<br />
<br />
Thanks ahead.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/6/22/Game11476187.html" target="_blank">Games Replay</a>: http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/6/22/Game11476187.html<br />
<br />
<br />
Chess-play aside, some other random things I'd like to say:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Am waiting for this marvellous leather travel set to reach me. Will be bringing this out for all my future chess games (Asia Square on Wednesdays, Thomson CC chess Club at Bishan CC on Fridays and Siglap South CC on Sundays).</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5apXB7ao0Jsx1FatuYeYgXqcJwrmrz8BjWWcFXJAWT_0k1RklAxqCDP4PaFe5jCHT202CHHO_p32EGcYLCDdAtDd-PK1q06kk5FNQk5eE_bOKqqHBOLqduLBTMgRzT068L74chksCC2k/s1600/leather+chess+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5apXB7ao0Jsx1FatuYeYgXqcJwrmrz8BjWWcFXJAWT_0k1RklAxqCDP4PaFe5jCHT202CHHO_p32EGcYLCDdAtDd-PK1q06kk5FNQk5eE_bOKqqHBOLqduLBTMgRzT068L74chksCC2k/s320/leather+chess+set.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Silicone chess board is not the "best" at all. Yes it has its advantage -- can fold it with no issue laying flat with no "wrinkles". But it has very severe issues including but not limited to:</div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Gets dirty very easily -- attracts dust;</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Very difficult to swap sides after each game. Much easier on other type of "solid" chess boards; and</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cannot slide pieces!</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
That's all for now.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yours sincerely</div>
<div>
Ong Yujing (Eugene)</div>
<div>
a.k.a. newbie_learner</div>
<div>
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-66831059725131524102019-06-13T08:21:00.000-07:002019-06-13T08:33:48.079-07:00newbie's misadventures at SG City Open 2019So I just finished the 9-round SG City standard Open tournament with a dismal result, scoring only 3 points (1 win, 4 losses and 4 draws) and losing 14 rating points. Was initially ranked #26 but ended #35 (would've been worse if some of the players did not drop out of the tournament halfway). Still, it wasn't a complete flop -- I wouldn't allow it to be a complete waste of time. So what are the positive things that I can gather from it (and share)?<br />
<br />
<b>Results and games aside first, there were lots of friendships!</b><br />
<br />
First and foremost, a special shout-out to all my opponents in my tournament, in the order of rounds. There are no secrets, all the pairings and results can be found on <a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr435605.aspx?lan=1&art=0&fed=SGP&turdet=YES&flag=30" target="_blank">chess results</a>. I may not have portrayed myself or communicated properly after our games:<br />
<br />
<u>1. Arellano Robert</u><br />
<br />
I understand you are not based in Singapore -- I hope you enjoy your stay, and if time permits, consider dropping by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/718699838239556/" target="_blank">Singapore Chess Meetup</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pubxchess/" target="_blank">PubXChess</a>, simple the 2 local chess initiatives most likely to be worth your time!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>2. Benet Morant Damia</u> (Another player in the QCD Adults Team Chess League)<br />
<br />
Thanks for the lesson, my friend =)<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>3. Tobin Paul Nicholas</u> (Another player in the QCD Adults Team Chess League)<br />
<br />
I am grateful for the interesting game we composed together. I'm happy for your great overall results, and I look forward to composing more games with you in future!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>4. Sow Miaogeng Malcolm</u><br />
<br />
I really like your mannerisms before, during and after the game, young man! Keep your spirits up and all the best in your future chess games and ventures!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>5. Wong Zhenyong Jayden</u><br />
<u></u><br />
We have known each other for a while, since our previous games and we share a common Chess Club (Thomson CC Chess Club currently located at Bishan CC due to renovation works). As I have proclaimed after the game, my respect for you has double. I will continue to keep a lookout for your name in future chess tournaments and chess news sites, all the best!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>6. Tan Deng Jin Benedict</u><br />
<br />
It has always been a pleasure to play with you. You have definitely improved since our previous encounter. (Was it 1 or 2 years ago?) I don't know how many more "good chess years" I have, but I hope to continue to see you doing well in tournaments!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>7. Heng Cho Yaw</u><br />
<br />
Thank you for being so generous in your post-game review with someone you encountered for the first time! I definitely learned something new and important. Best wishes to you!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>8. Hema Keertana Vemuri</u><br />
<br />
Okay, your dad and I are actually team mates in the QCD Adults Team Chess League =) Just let me (or your dad) know anytime you'd like a training game! All the best!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>9. Kong Zi Yau Bernadette</u><br />
<br />
I don't know if GGWP is something young kids come to understand these days (or is it too old-fashioned already), but congrats for the win. All the best in your future games and tournaments!<br />
<br />
<br />
Other shout-outs (not in specific order):<br />
<br />
Jeremi -- finally we met for the first time. I'm glad you found my suggestions on where to play chess in Singapore useful, and I believe we will continue to meet in local tournaments. By the way, if you are seeing this, I'm not sure if you'd like to consider joining the ongoing <a href="https://acl.qcdchess.com/" target="_blank">QCD Adults Team Chess League</a>? I'm not sure if I have mentioned this to you before, but feel free to take a look!<br />
<br />
William -- thanks for the friendship / companionship. I hope you enjoyed the tournament experience in your maiden tournament!<br />
<br />
Seng Chin -- thanks for dropping by in person!<br />
<br />
<br />
Okay, this is a chess tournament report after all. So let's look at some games and positions! Also, in order to protect my opponents, I will remove mentions of their actual identities. I will only identify myself =)<br />
<br />
And the games are not arranged in order of the rounds. They are arranged in "themes".<br />
<br />
So here we go. Just want to qualify that this is a beginner reviewing his own game, so please take the comments with a pinch of salt. But if you have any suggestions to tips to offer the newbie, please feel free! Thanks ahead.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Most Sinful (Un)Played </b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Game</span><br />
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Game Position after 35.Be2</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BqejUznVsqJDNtEdqXdG0g0JEq_KZ3uB-OkhKIVlDjkkEVLJ01JL4MZio_Wl-wE7Rvbcj94hS4wJyoGoFwrhn3ccvu2mZrjdRv6KuIte3R7qUmoi14kEMMLbxHcMa4EN_n8ACaQduq8/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="780" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BqejUznVsqJDNtEdqXdG0g0JEq_KZ3uB-OkhKIVlDjkkEVLJ01JL4MZio_Wl-wE7Rvbcj94hS4wJyoGoFwrhn3ccvu2mZrjdRv6KuIte3R7qUmoi14kEMMLbxHcMa4EN_n8ACaQduq8/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
White offered a draw with the move 35.Be2. Why would Black (me) accept it when only Black is able to play for a win? Because 1. I'm a chicken, 2. I respect opponent's rating too much and 3. I was not in a good state of mind-- in my head, I keep telling myself that "I'm bad at endgames", so a draw is an acceptable result. At the point of the draw offer, I recall myself having 3 or 4 minutes, I kept thinking of the continuation until I had 46 or 47 seconds left, before I decided to accept a draw. In fact, I worked out something along ...e5-e4, then eventually get my Black Knight to d4 and press. But, because I lost confidence in my endgame, I accepted the draw. Amongst my 9 games, this must be the most sinful game -- it's never as big a sin when you play on and lose. It's a sin when you leave "what it could have been" hanging.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Most Talked About Game </b><br />
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Game Position after 46...Rxe7</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTRT2l_WP_Kf4mI02DFAJdApQIPPLKLpZhEFMz3ZNA5gyNYQBOBLh6mbkeSzovPlExN2DIPRzeD2r9uugnQmpGqNdHsizxG69m3CSZhTC_otpOEnDvqwhL-OzZcMvIBfJNFzf5LnTJVI/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="781" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTRT2l_WP_Kf4mI02DFAJdApQIPPLKLpZhEFMz3ZNA5gyNYQBOBLh6mbkeSzovPlExN2DIPRzeD2r9uugnQmpGqNdHsizxG69m3CSZhTC_otpOEnDvqwhL-OzZcMvIBfJNFzf5LnTJVI/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
White (me) has been an exchange up since move 25, but Black was resilient and refused to open up the position. White sacrificed a pawn in order to open up the position, but fell into time trouble doing so. Here, the clearest path to victory, which was pointed out by friends, other players and trainers, is to go for 47.Rd8+ followed by Rb8 to pick up the loose pawn on b6 and the Queenside pawn majority, which all could become connected pass pawns, should prove conclusive. But instead, White played the ultra-timid move of 47.Rd3?! Why? Because the only thing White wanted to achieve, is to not fall for any Knight fork under time trouble. LOL<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>The Most Educative Games</b> I felt I learned the most from these 2.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Game Position after 8...Nxc3</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JLOie5rjq2odYEQ4RcqZ-AeglwqeYpnmfRteAeN-f3xMhBluM7K0vE_L4nx7ZVX9L1fEnhYwq1yuEgD87yZwQrul3NyEIO7i7gVMsQu8Bvh3lDaWX8sD17A_aXWsvWqX1HgYuLQeWzY/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="780" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JLOie5rjq2odYEQ4RcqZ-AeglwqeYpnmfRteAeN-f3xMhBluM7K0vE_L4nx7ZVX9L1fEnhYwq1yuEgD87yZwQrul3NyEIO7i7gVMsQu8Bvh3lDaWX8sD17A_aXWsvWqX1HgYuLQeWzY/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
White (me) played 9.bxc3 almost casually. In my opinion during the game, the c3 and d4 builds a mini pawn chain to limit the scope of the dark square Bishop on g7, the Queen on b3 is doing a decent job attacking the b7 pawn and defending the backward pawn of c3. But I under-estimated the weakness of the doubled c-pawn. While this position should be perfectly playable, I did not find comfort with it and got into a very bad position soon to follow. It's either I learn up how to play this position, or to go for something else I prefer. In the actual game, Black managed to exploit White's weakness on c4 and the advantage for Black grew to the point of no return.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Game Position after 9...Qb6 10.Kf2!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBFMVYLVIOVqN1T0e6snL2KQnAON7EIpgfz8-Bji_rW_l_QYaB-aCWIyo8Su5G4w5DbcF5o10Yd7RWtYMScPzNHJWWIwE4TVIfI0hJTI-VKhm3RFpvzote_5Jzz1G8OQhoW4vqsrDeXk/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBFMVYLVIOVqN1T0e6snL2KQnAON7EIpgfz8-Bji_rW_l_QYaB-aCWIyo8Su5G4w5DbcF5o10Yd7RWtYMScPzNHJWWIwE4TVIfI0hJTI-VKhm3RFpvzote_5Jzz1G8OQhoW4vqsrDeXk/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
While 10.Kf2 was not completely new (I have seen this idea before), it was really cool for a newbie to see it in an actual tournament game. The actual game continued 10...Rc8 (I play as Black) 11.Kg3! I actually smiled seeing this in the game. Not that I suspect White is playing wrongly -- but man is it not impressive to see it over-the-board!<br />
<br />
How should a beginner be taught to understand White making 2 consecutive King moves in the early opening phase of the game, when there are still other undeveloped pieces? More interesting is that based on a quick check of the database, this is not a new idea at all. In fact, the 2 consecutive King moves is indeed one of the top recommended options for White!<br />
<br />
After the game, my opponent kindly explained to me, that I should try to understand this as White castling manually, while improving his own King position (It's even better than White got to push up his pawns serving as King cover, and that in the latter stages of the game, the centralised King position can even be an advantage in endgames.) Also, in his opinion, the only plan for Black that made any sense in this position, is to castle Queenside. Insisting to open up the c-file here "will never work" because White will always be able to exert adequate control to nullify the entire c-file. Black has no concrete point of penetration, which equates to wasted tempo. Meanwhile, White will most likely be faster over the Kingside advancement. Or at the very least, Black should never ever castle Kingside (which was what I did in the game). I don't know how long it will take for me to come to appreciate this. All the more I am grateful to learn this tip.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Most Devastating Game</b> It is not necessarily the loss which bled the most rating points. Rather, in this game, Black (I) had exerted strong control and dominance for most of the game, only to lose it after a few careless moves under time pressure.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Position after 35.Re1</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLv2KTDvS230F1UyZ5d1ZlFZsEPlFTvKTt6eq3ZGfQ2rp-PQdVtLXyYdBWFKJ5zr6ip76hBfITRlqpYWesFqM4pM0WzktmWbVJL0fQ27lkJpIfAHjPxKxkigrEcCgUYor8U15lappXj8/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLv2KTDvS230F1UyZ5d1ZlFZsEPlFTvKTt6eq3ZGfQ2rp-PQdVtLXyYdBWFKJ5zr6ip76hBfITRlqpYWesFqM4pM0WzktmWbVJL0fQ27lkJpIfAHjPxKxkigrEcCgUYor8U15lappXj8/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Black (me), with a pawn ahead, was seeking to make headway on the Queenside. My primary goal was to simplify (via exchange of pieces where possible) to reduce potential to attack me, especially my somewhat vulnerable King). Here, seeing that Black finally had a point of penetration, I played 35...Qh3 immediately. After White played 36.Qg3 to force an exchange of Queens, surprisingly perhaps, I got somehow shaken -- objectively, the exchange of Queens achieves what exactly I wanted. Yet mysteriously, I got "loss". After 36...Qxg3 37.Kxg3, I played a newbie-like 37...Rc3+ allowing 38.Kf4, and here, I still did not realise that White's only source of counterplay, is ...e5-e6. I had so many opportunities to guard it -- e.g. ...Rc6 is one, ...Re8 is another. Yet I missed both and went for 38...Rfc8, thinking that the Queenside advantage is adequate. After 39.e6! I really got flustered, realising I screwed up real bad, and even though it was still a playable position, I simply collapsed. The feeling of dropping a winning position is not easy to cope =(<br />
<br />
I don't have "Titles" for all my games, but I'm sure any patient reader can easily identify my "<b>Most Peaceful Game</b>" from the full list of games.<br />
<br />
External Link to All Games Here:<br />
<b></b><b></b><a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/6/13/Game110610656.html" target="_blank">http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/6/13/Game110610656.html </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Some Side Issues On Etiquette, Laws of Chess Discussion etc.</b><br />
<b></b><br />
The following are my personal views and queries. It is okay to subscribe a different view.<br />
<br />
1. I think we learn how to behave properly over time and experience. Hence, we need to be more tolerant with players who play their maiden tournament or first few tournaments when they do the wrong things. Despite what "everyone" says, I don't think everyone knows where to read up on "proper chess etiquette for tournaments".<br />
<br />
For instance, telling your opponent you are going to the toilet is not only unnecessary, but potentially distracting your opponent. There should be minimum to no talking with your opponent, unless you are offering or declining a draw (In fact, you can also decline a draw by just making a move on the board without saying anything). There should not be any discussions between players during the game, and if you need assistance or clarification, you are supposed to approach the assistance of an arbiter -- that's their role.<br />
<br />
2. Draw offer initiated by the losing or disadvantaged side is part of the game. Deal with it. But repeated draw offers which can distract or annoy the opponent, is not permissible! If you are not happy with the repeated draw offers from the opponent, please seek assistance from the arbiter.<br />
<br />
3. The choice to resign is a very personal one. Even in a completely lost position, sometimes I take time to come to terms with the loss before initiating the resignation. That is my right, and I think my opponent(s) are obliged to respect it.<br />
<br />
Minimally, do not demand/expect your opponent to resign. It's his/her right to play on, no matter how bad the position is. Also, I understand that some coaches teach their students to never resign a game -- after all, you do not win a game from resignation. I think the real learning point from this teaching, is that often beginners give up the games too early. Hence, better to force the player to play the game out. Even if the game is still lost, one can see whether he/she can learn something from playing on.<br />
<br />
On the point regarding "coming to terms with the loss", even though it is not hard and fast, or universally accepted, I do feel stronger and stronger, that the winner should NOT initiate the handshake. By waiting for the loser to initiate handshake, it ensures that the side who lost would have come to terms with the loss beforehand. I do feel that winner initiating handshake may be misread as "rubbing it in" under all the stress and negative feelings with losing a game. Or at least, one should observe facial / body cues from the opponent before initiating a handshake. Only do it when the opponent seemed ready would be my personal suggestion.<br />
<br />
4. Please honour touch move and please by all means, remind your opponent when they did not honour touch move. The only practical situation I can imagine a player not calling on opponent's touch move is that the original move is potentially a better one than the amended move, LOL. And then, under such circumstances, should the arbiter observing this touch move interfere? ^o^<br />
<br />
5. There was this actual situation whereby Player X committed an illegal move. Player Y was claiming the illegal move, but in his eagerness, he pressed his clock instead of stopping / pausing it. Should Article 7.5.3 apply on Player Y? Under <a href="https://www.fide.com/fide/handbook.html?id=208&view=article" target="_blank">FIDE Laws of Chess Taking Effect from 1 January 2018</a>,<br />
<br />
"7.5.3 If the player presses the clock without making a move, it shall be considered and penalized <br />
as if an illegal move."<br />
<br />
Player Y did actually press the clock without making a move. But by "common sense", it does seem harsh, if not awkward to penalise Player Y as having made an illegal move under this situation. I wonder what fellow chess enthusiasts / players / arbiters would have to say on this =)<br />
<br />
6. The conduct of the whole tournament was generally peaceful. However, there was this 1 incident observed that bugged me quite a bit. This teenager was banging the clock at every move and it was not only annoying to his opponent, but to me as a nearby board as well. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Doing it under time pressure, or a few times due to accident can be understood. But this teenager (whom I shall not name and shame), did it on each and every move! </span>In fact, I think he was trying to intimidate his younger opponent, and I was actually thinking through the FIDE laws of chess on how, or whether an arbiter can actually punish the teenager for this. Given the situation, can an arbiter issue a warning to the player for unsporting play?<br />
<br />
That's all for now!<br />
<br />
<br />
Yours sincerely<br />
<br />
Ong Yujing (Eugene)<br />
a.k.a. newbie_learner<br />
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet<br />
<br />newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-29634615429869765442019-05-24T09:47:00.004-07:002019-05-24T09:47:57.820-07:00Halftime Report: Round 4 in the QCD League (24 May 2019)Finally, I found enough time and energy to get back on my coverage of the <a href="https://acl.qcdchess.com/" target="_blank">QCD League 2019</a>. I don't think I will do any retrospective coverage of the previous rounds. (Sorry!)<br />
<br />
This was a rather meaningful round for my team (8.c4!). First, our team scores was -2 = 1 + 0 (2 loss 1 draw 0 win) , so we certainly hoped to achieve better results. Second, I am seeking to break my personal doughnut after a poor -2 = 0 + 0 (2 losses with 0 draws and 0 wins). But the most important of all, is that 1 of my team mates, Nirag, is playing his last game for us as he would be migrating -- you'll be missed my dear friend, but I would be following any news and update on your sons in their chess ventures ahead!<br />
<br />
<b>Pre-match "Preparation"</b><br />
We were paired against Team Knight Riders, a newly formed team which I helped to matchmake. To be honest, despite knowing a few of the other teams members, I don't really know the rest. So my pre-match advice to my team mates was "Don't bother to try preparing anything, just play your normal game." Because of the random board pairings employed in this league (the pairings were only released 1 hour before the commencement), it reduces the likelihood or efficiency of "reparations". So in short, there was probably zero preparation.<br />
<br />
<b>My Personal Game</b><br />
My game was the first to finish. I will share the actual course of it, followed by how it (may have) affected the team dynamics.<br />
<br />
Disclaimer: Do note that I am still a struggling learner to seek improvement. Hence, take my comments with a pinch of salt. But if you have any tips and suggestions, especially different views or opinion, please feel free to share with me so that I have a chance to learn and improve!<br />
<br />
As always, the same game was analysed differently. In the first version, I just write down my own thoughts during the game, and in the second version, I run the one-click tactical analysis function from Chessbase 15.<br />
<br />
Click here for the game replay: <a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/5/25/Game581305125.html" target="_blank">http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/5/25/Game581305125.html</a><br />
<br />
<b>Team Dynamics </b><br />
Because my game was to the first to finish, I was hoping it could have a positive psychological impact to the my team mates. Unfortunately, both of my neighbouring boards lost. And while watching the final game being played out, a lot of thoughts crossed my mind. The one I remember the most was: should I, in my capacity as captain, inform my team mate that he has to play to win? I know that would've exerted pressure, which can either have a plus or backfire. In the end, I decided to "mind my own business" and let him play his own game. And what an endgame treat it was! Frankly, if I was playing in my team mates' shoes, I would've been trying to find a way to secure a draw -- which comes to the point I want to bring out and confess:<br />
<br />
Unlike most other chess players, I don't "play to win". I start off all games with "play to not lose" mentality, which I think is really hindering my own growth and development. If anything, it really hurts my results even when playing with weaker opponents. So if there are any fellow "newbies" starting out, I really hope you can not be like me and start off with the correct "play to win" attitude.<br />
<br />
<b>To Let the Game Run Smoothly v.s. Executing the FIDE Laws of Chess Strictly</b><br />
In this deciding game (my team 8.c4! was trailing team Knight Riders 1-2), there came a situation whereby the player from team Knight Rider actually committed an unintended illegal move. For readers who are unfamiliar with the <a href="https://www.fide.com/fide/handbook.html?id=208&view=article" target="_blank">FIDE Laws of Chess</a>, you actually need to promote a piece properly. You cannot just push your pawn to the 8th rank and press the clock. Under the laws of chess, this would've constituted an illegal move, and the punishment would be to award 2 minutes to the opponent (i.e. my team mate). "Everyone" saw it, but my team mate was not interested to making a claim. In fact, shortly after, the player from team Knight Rider committed a second illegal move. This time, grabbing the King and mistaking it as the Queen. Again, under the FIDE laws of chess, this should have been penalised as a game forfeit. Again, my very sporting team mate let it go, and shortly after, he won the game anyway.<br />
<br />
Of course, good sportsmanship should be commended. However, for learning purpose, I hope all players new to or unfamiliar with the current laws of chess can take that little bit of effort to avoid such a situation as a measure to protect yourself (in the "real world" out there, not all your opponents would be so sporting and let this slide). In fact, this is not the first time illegal move via pawn promotion has occurred. I have observed this infringement quite a few times in the QCD league already.<br />
<br />
Yet if I take away my arbiter hat for a while, I can kind of understand why enforcing an illegal move can really disrupt the flow of the game and cause unhappiness to 1 or both players. But then, arbiters have no choice according to the FIDE Laws of Chess. If they observe an illegal move, they are supposed to step in. Hence, I also hope that chess players can be patient and understanding if any arbiter's call go against their favour -- they are just doing their job, doing what is prescribed in the FIDE laws of chess.<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion</b><br />
I was pleasantly surprised when a spectator approached me and talked about the many chess posts I wrote. You mean anyone other than myself actually reads them!? =). I'm sorry that I have reduced my frequency a little -- these days, I only write when I have enough time, energy and inspiration. I hope they can continue to be somewhat entertaining and not a complete waste of time.<br />
<br />
As the first half of the tournament is reached, let's take a look at the current standings!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hoUQ2un1DC1z4Zih4jM_uosfj0AaJMHNzm4iIvgGNUov-2dlqYPgH3-KfU2IBlWgDS-mtX8D4ISSKaI70Hk7BE9a9h358DRivkon-Skk-2jTNYzhi8Iymz-3xH9rsDnQSvVwWNhowrw/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="719" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hoUQ2un1DC1z4Zih4jM_uosfj0AaJMHNzm4iIvgGNUov-2dlqYPgH3-KfU2IBlWgDS-mtX8D4ISSKaI70Hk7BE9a9h358DRivkon-Skk-2jTNYzhi8Iymz-3xH9rsDnQSvVwWNhowrw/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I will continue to try my best to improve my personal games and hopefully help the team strive for the best results possible. We can only go up from here ^o^<br />
<br />
And I do have a confession to make. While hearing some of the chess players ask about the best chess club/site in Singapore at present, I couldn't help boasting about Brad's <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Singapore-Chess-Meetup/" target="_blank">Singapore Chess Meetup</a>. I mean, I can back up my claim -- is there any other chess club or site in Singapore that has <u><b>a minimum of 30 attendees and more than 60 players during its peak on a weekly basis</b></u>? If you know of one, please let me know! Otherwise, you are more than welcomed to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/718699838239556/" target="_blank">check out the Singapore Chess Meetup</a>!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
<br />
Yours sincerely<br />
Ong Yujing (Eugene)<br />
a.k.a. newbie_learner<br />
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-11740976760806745592019-05-19T02:32:00.003-07:002019-05-19T02:34:07.138-07:00Fun, Unofficial Time FormatsIt's been a while since I posted something. This is mainly due to my recent non chess-related interest, following South Korea's long-running variety show, Running Man. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeon_So-min" target="_blank">Jeon So Min</a>, is my clear favourite in the show.<br />
<br />
I finally found enough time and spirit to make a short post due to the long weekends!<br />
<br />
Did you know that the regulars at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/718699838239556/" target="_blank">Singapore Chess Meetup</a> came up with this special time format which was quite enjoyable? We refer to it as "10 second chess (10s)". In a nutshell, you have 10 seconds to make each move. The 10-second timer resets with each move, and there is no accumulation of time to subsequent move(s).<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions on how to set the Clock for 10s</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw4i_rGk8_0O8mWAP-u-6O11kC9nU48L7iJqjjbpCv_nO9vs8UN8vJ8SV53i22dDkm5PnRMcHO_KvZAW85kSg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>The way to do this, is to use <u>Delay mode</u>, where the initial time is 0:00 and the delay is 10 seconds / move.</li>
<li>If you are using a chess clock model similar to LEAP PQ 9903, you can make the adjustment from option #10.</li>
<li>For this particular format, do remember to switch on the sound/alarm (assuming your clock has this function). As seen in the video, the effect is that the timer will beep once per second when there is only 5 seconds left on the clock.</li>
<li>Happy playing!</li>
</ol>
<div>
Interestingly, players who are good at blitz may fare poorly in this format. The general tip/trick, seems to be, that one should try to maximise the 10 seconds per move.</div>
<br />
Last but not least, my personal favourite time format is actually <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_control#Hourglass" target="_blank">hourglass</a>, which I tried out playing with a kiddo at Siglap South CC some time ago.<br />
<br />
Care to share what is your favourite 'fun' time format that is not used in official tournaments?<br />
<br />
<br />
Yours sincerely<br />
Ong Yujing (Eugene)<br />
a.k.a. newbie_learner<br />
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet<br />
<br />newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-45218375497735455912019-05-05T06:17:00.002-07:002019-05-05T06:17:35.717-07:00Personal Chess Journal (5 May 2019)According to chess.com games archive, it's been more than 4 years (!) since I started playing online chess. I will fully attribute this to the greater enjoyment derived from playing chess over the actual board, with a real person sitting right before me. BUT, I have to say, that I find playing a lot of blitz games useful in a couple of things, like tactical sensing, copying with time pressure, and above all, getting more familiar with the type of opening positions I play.<br />
<br />
This is how I would divide my chess playing time:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Play Blitz games online -- it is useful in that all game moves are automatically recorded for review</li>
<li>Play Rapid games when playing at various chess sites -- I should be able to record most of the game moves (esp. opening/midgame)</li>
<li>Play Standard games at chess tournaments -- this should be the ultimate test to the application of whatever little chess knowledge I have.</li>
</ul>
<div>
This is my current self-identified weaknesses:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Over-eagerness to push pawns to engage without adequate preparation (esp. placing the Rooks on the files most likely to open up</li>
<li>Opening bias -- I should stop playing side-lines for the sake of sidestepping. Instead, acquire the knowledge required to play the position correctly. (Yes, especially when playing against the King's Indian Defence as White.)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Let's see how I would fare in this coming <a href="https://www.singaporechess.org.sg/events/upcoming-events/17-local-events/278-4th-sg-city-chess-open-2019" target="_blank">SG City 2019 Open tournament</a>!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-63273515930037542022019-05-03T10:39:00.000-07:002019-05-03T10:39:17.930-07:00Friday Night Casual Training GameIt was a great feeling to see so many adult players in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/QCDchess/" target="_blank">QCD Chess League 2019</a> playing training games at the same place! I actually love the temporary location of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/429263043763052/" target="_blank">Thomson CC Chess Club</a>'s chess site at Bishan CC (first floor, just below <a href="https://www.singaporechess.org.sg/" target="_blank">Singapore Chess Federation</a>).<br />
<br />
Anyway, I was glad to have played this long game with Ms Zhemin. After <a href="https://forksandpins.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-disastrous-friday-night-of-chess.html" target="_blank">losing 0-3 several weeks ago</a>, I finally managed to even out our head-to-head records a little with a win tonight =) More importantly, I felt I learned something out of it. Truth be told, at certain phases of the game, I felt uncertain even though by the general principles, I thought that I have not committed any chess sin and surely I should be able to punish my opponent for breaching the opening principles and falling so behind in development speed. I guess this is something all fellow beginners / club players like myself need to experience and grow from.<br />
<br />
Even though the game was played without the use of a clock, I took extra care to ensure that the time consumption was reasonable (i.e. I would not have flagged, or ran into time trouble, had the game been played under 90+30 conditions).<br />
<br />
The game replay can be found in the following link. As per my current practice, I first describe my own thoughts and feelings during and after the game, without the use of engine, before checking for tactical mistakes using Chessbase 15's Tactical Analysis function, and compare the 2.<br />
<br />
External link to game replay: <a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/5/4/Game99188734.html" target="_blank">http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/5/4/Game99188734.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
For this particular game, I'm glad that I wasn't too far off at large. Perhaps the big moment for me in the opening phase of the game was this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazrDyZ6BWH-QQgTzwnyM8HvmQrsV2edeoQDHhKp19YOUF655ARGpKgqIeAdYEfqkzaCB0R_AL-Q1m7AHCcwGL6SDOkAZGAZf959pLa4UivI96ikU_L_OyVdQf8WaGg5EiGjBR73NuJHs/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazrDyZ6BWH-QQgTzwnyM8HvmQrsV2edeoQDHhKp19YOUF655ARGpKgqIeAdYEfqkzaCB0R_AL-Q1m7AHCcwGL6SDOkAZGAZf959pLa4UivI96ikU_L_OyVdQf8WaGg5EiGjBR73NuJHs/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was playing the opening moves based on general principles. I wasn't even trying to play anything too fanciful after a standard-looking move of 7.Nc3, and then a question popped up in my head: What am I supposed to do against 7...Qb6 which targets against my d4 pawn? I was actually quite worked during the game, and even though my instinct of 7...Qb6 8.d5 seems passable by the engine's standard, it was uncomfortable enough to upset me. There is still much more imbalance for me to learn to appreciate, and I cannot just look at things superficially, that White seems to have dropped a pawn. White does get quite a bit of tempo for it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Back to Playing Online Chess</b></div>
It was around 3-4 years ago, when I stopped online chess completely after finding out the wonderful <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/718699838239556/" target="_blank">Singapore Chess Meetup</a> started by Bradley Loh. Why would I waste time playing online, when I derive the greatest satisfaction playing chess games in person over the board? I think that was why I quit online chess. Another reason was the abuse and swearing online that sours the gaming experience.<br />
<br />
But I have to admit, that blitz games have its important place in a chess players learning. I do find it useful in experimenting and checking one's familiarity with openings, coping with time pressure/stress, as well as tactical sensing checks. Yet I wish the games are recorded (I recall my original reason to buy a <a href="https://www.dgtshop.nl/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_77&product_id=187" target="_blank">DGT Smartboard Set</a> was to record the blitz games I play over the board!). Hence, I have decided:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>To play more games of slower time control (standard or rapid) at various chess sites. This allows me to record and review the games. Of course, given the practical considerations such as time constraint (we can play more games under rapid time controls) , I suspect I would be playing more rapid games at the various chess sites I visit, and the standard games would mainly be clocked during tournaments. I would play blitz games as a form of warm-up.<br /></li>
<li>To play blitz games online whenever I feel like it. The best part is that the games are all recorded as played. Also, I have agreed to play some correspondence chess with my QCD team mates as part of training and preparations. </li>
</ul>
Now I really understand why they say chess is life. Because it takes up the bulk of your lifetime ^o^<br />
<br />
<br />
Yours sincerely<br />
Ong Yujing (Eugene)<br />
a.k.a. newbie_learner<br />
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet<br />
<br />
<br />newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-1743886026322774932019-04-27T19:48:00.000-07:002019-04-27T21:16:19.842-07:00Meeting His Chess Goddess Ju WenjunMy chess friends, especially my in-group from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/718699838239556/" target="_blank">Singapore Chess Meetup</a> would know that there are 2 female chess personalities whom I regard as "goddess" -- Anna Rudolf, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dre.morte/videos/10156296408478925/" target="_blank">who made a video message for me</a> (!) as well as Ju Wenjun, <a href="https://www.ofs.edu.sg/events/2019/chess-display/" target="_blank">who came to Singapore today</a>! As a chess enthusiast who hardly travels overseas (packing luggage is too much a hassle for me, LOL), I can't thank the <a href="https://www.ofs.edu.sg/" target="_blank">Overseas Family School</a> enough for bringing my chess goddess, more popularly know as the reigning Women's World Chess Champion, to Singapore. Of course, I would not give up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close with my chess goddess ^o^<br />
<br />
Because it was a very happening full-day event for me, I would have to skip the not-as-interesting details. Also, my personal update and reporting on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/QCDchess/posts/1257843644371358" target="_blank">Round 2 of the QCD Adult Teams Chess League</a> would have to take a back seat (Sorry, my 8.c4! team mates. Despite making a dramatic comeback from 0-2 to tie the match 2-2, which I witnessed the drama unfold in person, my chess goddess' event experience has priority!)<br />
<br />
Things of GREAT Interest to Me:<br />
<ul>
<li>Photo-taking and Autograph Session with Ju Wenjun</li>
<li>15+0 Training Game</li>
<li>Ju Wenjun's Simul with 35 students</li>
<li>Post Event Dinner & Drinks (!)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Photo-taking and Autograph Session with Ju Wenjun</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
I don't think there were that many adults who attended the event as members of public (i.e. non-parents who are hoping their kids get to play in the simul). To the best of my knowledge, I ended up as the only one who had to queue twice for the autograph / photo-taking session, because I was taking way too much time! Not that I am complaining -- I am happy about it. In fact, I had mini A4 posters to be printed in preparation for this event (wish I actually prepared as hard before I play a tournament game, LOL)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Out of the following autographs, are you able to guess which is the one most meaningful to me?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59sKkah-fqWii96UkYj-Y9kDWuggvUqqAKomlce583zxh7-hiN4Uo47yqWAEkA2Xc_qxO6Nxm6VxUYXecYtkJusxjO6Pp5zScN1jRnpnKX7JDK_gi_JjGVIv-gXi09xh6t_s9kvmFxGI/s1600/scan0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59sKkah-fqWii96UkYj-Y9kDWuggvUqqAKomlce583zxh7-hiN4Uo47yqWAEkA2Xc_qxO6Nxm6VxUYXecYtkJusxjO6Pp5zScN1jRnpnKX7JDK_gi_JjGVIv-gXi09xh6t_s9kvmFxGI/s320/scan0007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYLY5O0ULk_fa2Cj3dOfUEJcVVA3rARwMitftiI6qzD2jsyK_5fnhCsDb-lqyU07Q1SS9z0v1_ouZ1GTIKNIWFUoeZgAywFz9trzw6kNzHTWsm6Bub8dkjRfn4cj9sSrxNnQ7NBhz13U/s1600/scan0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYLY5O0ULk_fa2Cj3dOfUEJcVVA3rARwMitftiI6qzD2jsyK_5fnhCsDb-lqyU07Q1SS9z0v1_ouZ1GTIKNIWFUoeZgAywFz9trzw6kNzHTWsm6Bub8dkjRfn4cj9sSrxNnQ7NBhz13U/s320/scan0008.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVztxYmS36UqAWocPqmCSVUTvEIGD72QuVCOiqLhZFjoXzZAsEwMeCtY0ByeA9BKplStp3QZFnSxJn0rhy7j_feLviVVT8HBn-kPtjazp9_XZwMtgdhhfsN0uwvfkLf4ka7egKzvmG9E/s1600/scan0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVztxYmS36UqAWocPqmCSVUTvEIGD72QuVCOiqLhZFjoXzZAsEwMeCtY0ByeA9BKplStp3QZFnSxJn0rhy7j_feLviVVT8HBn-kPtjazp9_XZwMtgdhhfsN0uwvfkLf4ka7egKzvmG9E/s320/scan0009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31OHy0ZAhw2t5nOgGLC8VdGn9EIVEyFxtPUyses7TK6Nf9Nm17NrHcixOqe9gykuKwnl_J20058H8LtB3JiSOkA2cpdMg1P7Y4lZXWMBN9lwWPyIlqi48c0uEy7tt4uNt4jGZ0hXtsDY/s1600/scan0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31OHy0ZAhw2t5nOgGLC8VdGn9EIVEyFxtPUyses7TK6Nf9Nm17NrHcixOqe9gykuKwnl_J20058H8LtB3JiSOkA2cpdMg1P7Y4lZXWMBN9lwWPyIlqi48c0uEy7tt4uNt4jGZ0hXtsDY/s320/scan0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKk8z6bRGJpeUCH1pd-yNoU4UOTsy8mTMR5FL8VqrZMbWJv75L00B1u0a2mnM8cJWWM_qEvLo6PzDOlE_d4Q7nUSbZaaRYDgjBo536EfFpX_DwdrPNBMQXpH9Pvd5f5Zt7HrtdGM6vA8/s1600/scan0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKk8z6bRGJpeUCH1pd-yNoU4UOTsy8mTMR5FL8VqrZMbWJv75L00B1u0a2mnM8cJWWM_qEvLo6PzDOlE_d4Q7nUSbZaaRYDgjBo536EfFpX_DwdrPNBMQXpH9Pvd5f5Zt7HrtdGM6vA8/s320/scan0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqm0VfPTCcQw8J0Rw6Vu9DbdBxdh4FtiNeZr0bIyIDXoquUu6SU9woOndvlSGOSKHwuqsAU2Ekoz9ZuwhiQM6LQvkWgAlx77gmWW2GFlL6s_QtpXUMXA3h-liKTLjgPz0HFSQ3b_s56Uc/s1600/scan0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqm0VfPTCcQw8J0Rw6Vu9DbdBxdh4FtiNeZr0bIyIDXoquUu6SU9woOndvlSGOSKHwuqsAU2Ekoz9ZuwhiQM6LQvkWgAlx77gmWW2GFlL6s_QtpXUMXA3h-liKTLjgPz0HFSQ3b_s56Uc/s320/scan0003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqJDPyXzlm6ULV3mhigWHmnkJMs7yH3uOH-1Byw3WVOQQ37Sgk5cpXN3hTpOv-JI4M8UV7Btz3mnELK8i5Q9LgLZF9sGtBLQCsQngrHMGIqOH83dRgsF8RHLxO7U97mPNHTGVSdC8Zjs/s1600/scan0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqJDPyXzlm6ULV3mhigWHmnkJMs7yH3uOH-1Byw3WVOQQ37Sgk5cpXN3hTpOv-JI4M8UV7Btz3mnELK8i5Q9LgLZF9sGtBLQCsQngrHMGIqOH83dRgsF8RHLxO7U97mPNHTGVSdC8Zjs/s320/scan0004.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4syo1w3S0HdkWANxUAL3AfFMlKeVoTOWjwmvG2vg9dSCOz04XwHqxaEPm0-eiOUlJcJT88DVh7lPY1aZmjI008LD1kq8GCXzujltBHHgseuiNsAt2YKKUbsycjanKvvFlu-b9-7KBAs/s1600/scan0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4syo1w3S0HdkWANxUAL3AfFMlKeVoTOWjwmvG2vg9dSCOz04XwHqxaEPm0-eiOUlJcJT88DVh7lPY1aZmjI008LD1kq8GCXzujltBHHgseuiNsAt2YKKUbsycjanKvvFlu-b9-7KBAs/s320/scan0005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu527W3aMqDr9wq4HDTKo7iNNvcUousr6e5n9wsFWr7La755CmD62JdEh44OLfyH69AB1NaVsSavzYTXcXXGLSzLrWcSShdEeQfdTwHI870Rvg_oz5iTtEkvoOjkIFkGRrmUx8-HqRP2U/s1600/scan0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu527W3aMqDr9wq4HDTKo7iNNvcUousr6e5n9wsFWr7La755CmD62JdEh44OLfyH69AB1NaVsSavzYTXcXXGLSzLrWcSShdEeQfdTwHI870Rvg_oz5iTtEkvoOjkIFkGRrmUx8-HqRP2U/s320/scan0006.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Answer: The simplest one with the message, "Greetings to my Singapore Chess Fans!". The original picture was originally acquired through <a href="https://twitter.com/olimpiuurcan" target="_blank">Olimpiu G. Urcan</a>, a great chess writer, scholar and journalist, and was dated 18 Feb 2019. I thought it was cool for me, the fan(boy) to show up in person as a response to her greeting. Which was why I requested her to sign and date her signature ^o^ Was pleasantly surprised to get a simple response from Ju Wenjun, that "I remember this one!" A small pity for this picture is that Olimpiu declined to be on stage with me for the photo-taking/autograph session. Also, she misunderstood my request -- I only wanted her to date the signature for this particular message, but she dated on all subsequent posters instead. Of course, I did not want to cause any more confusion and happily accepted her kind gesture.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been asking the teachers in charge before my turn, whether there is any issue for me to get multiple autographs. Initially, they all assured me that it was alright, but after realising I do have quite a number, in fact, 9! I was requested to re-queue. Not a problem to me at all, since I was prepared to re-queue in the first place. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
During my "re-queue", Ju Wenjun actually asked, "How did you have so many pictures (of me)?" Remembering the advice from Seng Chin, a fellow Siglap South CC Chess Quartet member, that I should take care to avoid making myself appear as a "Stalker", I made a one-word reply, "baidu" (百度), the Chinese search engine, and we just laughed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In addition, I also had the help of my fellow chess friend, Weng Chew, who runs the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/cashewchessclub/" target="_blank">Cashew Chess Club</a> and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/519571975119442/" target="_blank">Senja Cashew Chess Club</a> to help take and share some photographs at the event. Sorry to bother you on your birthday, but here's wishing you many years of great health and good chess ahead! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Due to my poor skills and poor equipment, the pictures taken with sharable quality are limited. Again, I thank Olimpiu, Weng Chew, and the Overseas Family School Staff for helping me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Overseas Family School was thoughtful to prepare chess sets for players while waiting for the event to unfold.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHelBXZ3QFA8FyersLGgMWtuVoEdIcnB9z4-JydfRBWiExYG0z6VweAkLlulfuUzW2gj_GhG7vkDykopnw65Se3Q2cEp-xnH9kq64KPsAYQcr-UqrentTQ30HPpsLy0enD9GIWXKkjF0/s1600/pre+game+organisation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHelBXZ3QFA8FyersLGgMWtuVoEdIcnB9z4-JydfRBWiExYG0z6VweAkLlulfuUzW2gj_GhG7vkDykopnw65Se3Q2cEp-xnH9kq64KPsAYQcr-UqrentTQ30HPpsLy0enD9GIWXKkjF0/s320/pre+game+organisation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mr Weng Chew queuing for the autograph</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnCmdrTzr7EfMSun913_5KM9IiphUEbkzaFXt9YMxx0eUbVZtUwcSoZd_SjUaWYHwXRwebr_S5MTDMhCDL3x0lQzAHkyjVr2UsmclaIzPdMRPmnKG_sHizjlUpnlYKeoglneWIQHIyfI/s1600/Weng+Chew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnCmdrTzr7EfMSun913_5KM9IiphUEbkzaFXt9YMxx0eUbVZtUwcSoZd_SjUaWYHwXRwebr_S5MTDMhCDL3x0lQzAHkyjVr2UsmclaIzPdMRPmnKG_sHizjlUpnlYKeoglneWIQHIyfI/s320/Weng+Chew.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mr Weng Chew with Ju Wenjun</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDd9O76EdQUQFeVfQqxBp8vld9d-Dh6FU86_OMZrIIttCcQ4m755y1QsLNRunGFdJMLwlXkl7tTxpBwHiOH2Q9Fyq4Y_jaHExH4DCY9lrhXBvLFCLtl2f5Ljcpiy_PZgiDNW3iOk7R9c/s1600/weng+chew+with+ju+wenjun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDd9O76EdQUQFeVfQqxBp8vld9d-Dh6FU86_OMZrIIttCcQ4m755y1QsLNRunGFdJMLwlXkl7tTxpBwHiOH2Q9Fyq4Y_jaHExH4DCY9lrhXBvLFCLtl2f5Ljcpiy_PZgiDNW3iOk7R9c/s320/weng+chew+with+ju+wenjun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First but not the last...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWGQix2471H9zZdSz4HJpYmvOD2sIK_kiOVAEJj7rW9pUPxz-PjIR7LwVjeCrK6jBQh6_1nAccl1FJUGBhhr2WY9n-_k-MYIViy_l5ovxsYWOglJqzJ3pl98B045_2ettFR89ucXigxM/s1600/first+and+not+last.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWGQix2471H9zZdSz4HJpYmvOD2sIK_kiOVAEJj7rW9pUPxz-PjIR7LwVjeCrK6jBQh6_1nAccl1FJUGBhhr2WY9n-_k-MYIViy_l5ovxsYWOglJqzJ3pl98B045_2ettFR89ucXigxM/s320/first+and+not+last.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
More to come.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bLZyaj9_48l-T-S3_gHociMLv9sA_6ej0GIjegcbt_FUdCGOe9wjT5hrBiZugRjQRp3vBjgu0zXs4nKI350bU6G9NqGvr35MrM0wvU_QCfXJWJ7CEXt6thlI6KHvTwmq9ZKohPXVQdM/s1600/more+to+come.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bLZyaj9_48l-T-S3_gHociMLv9sA_6ej0GIjegcbt_FUdCGOe9wjT5hrBiZugRjQRp3vBjgu0zXs4nKI350bU6G9NqGvr35MrM0wvU_QCfXJWJ7CEXt6thlI6KHvTwmq9ZKohPXVQdM/s320/more+to+come.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I recall correctly, this is where the mini question ("Where did you get so many pictures (of me)?"and my one-word answer ("baidu") came about.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0e8VtpcLyLnAaPayRlxH80KnEfPfpOE3frb2XYPGtLWpb4ugmvOyhZsN8mrDNl8p1zNzc9DGCLJj5FSv3bj0Ixn_eKBLICb4QxGQSn6FQ4k_qCfD8qxiXyv8G0tM18mvuF-JDQhydTA/s1600/conversation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0e8VtpcLyLnAaPayRlxH80KnEfPfpOE3frb2XYPGtLWpb4ugmvOyhZsN8mrDNl8p1zNzc9DGCLJj5FSv3bj0Ixn_eKBLICb4QxGQSn6FQ4k_qCfD8qxiXyv8G0tM18mvuF-JDQhydTA/s320/conversation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Apologies to those behind me in the queue, which got longer and longer ^o^</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDdGsEtkvY8sCUX6x4mhgU1wmThM8NxRHepHgzVZONOidOJMEpSNTAgzQ9CclG5b2hk9WOoMZ4Q8y5oTSVjnrTewH4giVkgA8E4-nHiYhWq-j5eZYgsN41c5Xl7BrI4M0tEW1s-UMdAo/s1600/attempted+apology.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDdGsEtkvY8sCUX6x4mhgU1wmThM8NxRHepHgzVZONOidOJMEpSNTAgzQ9CclG5b2hk9WOoMZ4Q8y5oTSVjnrTewH4giVkgA8E4-nHiYhWq-j5eZYgsN41c5Xl7BrI4M0tEW1s-UMdAo/s320/attempted+apology.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
How fortunate to be just side-by-side with my chess goddess</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPv-D5kY5qKvLsp5V7SMI4HEVNXLuksj5Mf18S1V0V87O-MzrGNTsLvoQk2JAa2DBBigajAowORPFzJHwprL3LkQ6HrPbQXdZgcqP_4jVEKAT-D4bAgEAsbjuXxiZ8Evti0-tnRTqg10M/s1600/side+by+side+with+chess+goddess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPv-D5kY5qKvLsp5V7SMI4HEVNXLuksj5Mf18S1V0V87O-MzrGNTsLvoQk2JAa2DBBigajAowORPFzJHwprL3LkQ6HrPbQXdZgcqP_4jVEKAT-D4bAgEAsbjuXxiZ8Evti0-tnRTqg10M/s320/side+by+side+with+chess+goddess.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Victory achieved at last! And yes, I am a supporter of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pubxchess/" target="_blank">PubXChess</a> Initiative. Hence, my preference to wear their T-Shirt during local chess events.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoUZgsXyT2K9-eIqHtbCsq7F5FVuFWPQ3qjwUCS7lTuzodCARwJV9rq4c-udUQK9PRZ4kJtPP0hMRCsmn4pumpbHv8xbdpmIKsNbOkNA2toP0Vha6CUhOKGLMyZ0PmaZsdflrnjUvXcI/s1600/victory+replacement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoUZgsXyT2K9-eIqHtbCsq7F5FVuFWPQ3qjwUCS7lTuzodCARwJV9rq4c-udUQK9PRZ4kJtPP0hMRCsmn4pumpbHv8xbdpmIKsNbOkNA2toP0Vha6CUhOKGLMyZ0PmaZsdflrnjUvXcI/s320/victory+replacement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ju Wenjun with the participants. The draw was done first before the lunch break followed by the simul event proper.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIQ49yX8-aHZx8JITFWXFYuwkqR8aGuK-5hH_MycmEWPvwFngqolEjPHs2hxcQfC0XsMvgUmMeAGcHBxDoNi7-80vRDcN6a9Pcw37My5njQUWF4gQozF02zNYrRLwx5ECBVF5LhCdK0k/s1600/wenjun+with+simul+students.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIQ49yX8-aHZx8JITFWXFYuwkqR8aGuK-5hH_MycmEWPvwFngqolEjPHs2hxcQfC0XsMvgUmMeAGcHBxDoNi7-80vRDcN6a9Pcw37My5njQUWF4gQozF02zNYrRLwx5ECBVF5LhCdK0k/s320/wenjun+with+simul+students.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(Note: There was also a blitz game between Ju Wenjun and Overseas Family School Chess Teacher Dijana. Unfortunately, I was unable to take any quality picture for sharing.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>15+0 Training Game</b></span><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Who cares about lunch when there is chess to be played? I was fortunate enough to get to squeeze in a 15+0 training game. And it has to be the King's Indian Defence (KID) which I always struggle against when I play White. But that makes it all the more a valuable learning experience! I only hope that I recorded the moves correctly, but only getting 4-5 hours of week daily for the past week certainly didn't help ^o^ And yes, in response to Chessbase 15's one-click analysis question in the end, I lost on time.</div>
<br />
<a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/4/28/Game384253015.html" target="_blank"><span id="goog_1023389686"></span>Personal Training Game</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>Ju Wenjun's Simul with 35 students</b></span></span></div>
<span id="goog_1023389687"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Frankly, I think I took more than 100 pictures =) But I will only show the few more decent looking ones -- man I really need to up my photo-taking game!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The best looking picture I have for the simul, courtesy of Olimpiu once again!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yHSqjEhT-ewlgTBu7MFssLQM6B0o1eMIUKiv-XZ-bzrGRfBOIBh9B9_FFKKf5c_3aJOPmFer9v3gfkkhsnWbMNvtrHRLP-L-bDCxvTp49i3JDQ_27ksd_d3Scllp0nYnUVQcTVt6s3A/s1600/Olimius+great+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yHSqjEhT-ewlgTBu7MFssLQM6B0o1eMIUKiv-XZ-bzrGRfBOIBh9B9_FFKKf5c_3aJOPmFer9v3gfkkhsnWbMNvtrHRLP-L-bDCxvTp49i3JDQ_27ksd_d3Scllp0nYnUVQcTVt6s3A/s320/Olimius+great+shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The rest of the pictures taken by myself are of sub-par quality =(</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYg8da8Fjn6TJWvz82sdDA-TqmodicYJxeojDyAspmh376peBGFKK000UkkYD-YBuSY42pENxNuHoWCXYDt2uVHm4vH09s-EjR7BbNNEpBM2-qFM6VcXH9w2unTia-Xg8LM36CcQKmQg/s1600/blog+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYg8da8Fjn6TJWvz82sdDA-TqmodicYJxeojDyAspmh376peBGFKK000UkkYD-YBuSY42pENxNuHoWCXYDt2uVHm4vH09s-EjR7BbNNEpBM2-qFM6VcXH9w2unTia-Xg8LM36CcQKmQg/s320/blog+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuIL5q2zHL5gYD7yrdhttFt6GXxfhC8AwjsseJRM34l7LT1v75ezeP15EeyoS9ulPDA9OLf0XW1QxRKlQSP4AcW3Mo4FSq3IRgMD_flLfBtqgbXTDVTc7aBgnhsMhW4YfsiF5WrrbMN0/s1600/blog+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuIL5q2zHL5gYD7yrdhttFt6GXxfhC8AwjsseJRM34l7LT1v75ezeP15EeyoS9ulPDA9OLf0XW1QxRKlQSP4AcW3Mo4FSq3IRgMD_flLfBtqgbXTDVTc7aBgnhsMhW4YfsiF5WrrbMN0/s320/blog+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tw_NIQilmgZiP9OW0hS9ZzLuo-dSTHT5y_wN62bZQmnpF8G-rBSLDadjvOaWe4VF8niFT38b6krkqlFMD3fr6t1On38LuNU_UsGnPO3Ju3tmMn6G_Vva1hpyHD-MasHoEaF-9XGGF7A/s1600/blog+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tw_NIQilmgZiP9OW0hS9ZzLuo-dSTHT5y_wN62bZQmnpF8G-rBSLDadjvOaWe4VF8niFT38b6krkqlFMD3fr6t1On38LuNU_UsGnPO3Ju3tmMn6G_Vva1hpyHD-MasHoEaF-9XGGF7A/s320/blog+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSCH9cHp6_zcTSebnruWy1A0KVOs0Jx4dOwGp3hdkaEJgFywVqaPyteRFM39ztntmMIHhr6l0TGGcVt8vtxPdyGryRBLLrg72_P4fKgZzDjkffEgHncjBo85f4Rf_YZqE8BDhkgC7A2I/s1600/blog+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSCH9cHp6_zcTSebnruWy1A0KVOs0Jx4dOwGp3hdkaEJgFywVqaPyteRFM39ztntmMIHhr6l0TGGcVt8vtxPdyGryRBLLrg72_P4fKgZzDjkffEgHncjBo85f4Rf_YZqE8BDhkgC7A2I/s320/blog+4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyni0n4bSX5Td71xn52rKedwqNGaOWv5ivv66CyaXv7ezMYo8dsBbS9lHJrb-4yLDoA7SsXyWVLwq7NqTAM92CzEVjQuv0ZEOlTspRm2t9ffNCeAhc1FG9pdbHR_ee6DQ65P0CeOdkKNo/s1600/blog+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyni0n4bSX5Td71xn52rKedwqNGaOWv5ivv66CyaXv7ezMYo8dsBbS9lHJrb-4yLDoA7SsXyWVLwq7NqTAM92CzEVjQuv0ZEOlTspRm2t9ffNCeAhc1FG9pdbHR_ee6DQ65P0CeOdkKNo/s320/blog+5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ16VLnQIp6OqJsaeHNFS4-67yXXNPc8En4YTrZNlAeNsjX3tPPorlnIjBsjurc_YyJUQu7xSyPwsPG0pNxisYbMMO8PsTfnoRLC4Xd_pCQugav6UrFVhssnzSqsY89NB7gN38oaQlU8/s1600/blog+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ16VLnQIp6OqJsaeHNFS4-67yXXNPc8En4YTrZNlAeNsjX3tPPorlnIjBsjurc_YyJUQu7xSyPwsPG0pNxisYbMMO8PsTfnoRLC4Xd_pCQugav6UrFVhssnzSqsY89NB7gN38oaQlU8/s320/blog+6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2KYAHMN2yM8rscmA7W3WI2gcc6HDA8R0pSiXJLdr4-ej3PCspm-aAcEo0u9r4AzZCxcYRjvNOGsg5m5TfBk91vpp3GoQ1J9zAqhSMUd3AA_BgNNZLpOPGHXXvMSyHgOJOxdVwBcw5Pw/s1600/blog+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2KYAHMN2yM8rscmA7W3WI2gcc6HDA8R0pSiXJLdr4-ej3PCspm-aAcEo0u9r4AzZCxcYRjvNOGsg5m5TfBk91vpp3GoQ1J9zAqhSMUd3AA_BgNNZLpOPGHXXvMSyHgOJOxdVwBcw5Pw/s320/blog+7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKptkDbmCFAbTVct-vMbc20zazJX8Jl0A3nw6Lc9b4ZQvP4P98KFwCsJz16K0TGM29GtCTiUYTZLgfjvh_8sosIuU5G1Y34wYgins8aDAryodWYDLf0QJh0A3xRxh2MavFTHAQbsVHRg/s1600/blog+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKptkDbmCFAbTVct-vMbc20zazJX8Jl0A3nw6Lc9b4ZQvP4P98KFwCsJz16K0TGM29GtCTiUYTZLgfjvh_8sosIuU5G1Y34wYgins8aDAryodWYDLf0QJh0A3xRxh2MavFTHAQbsVHRg/s320/blog+8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ba7LAGmXPqZ92Vsz3a-touq9xkLRbiw2tKbSzMLwnRlEo9wVoghXI-ZIxQookH_zQWTJpAjwEXxBjAFBa7C4EVhPQizoE6InTtHV9vMfdwRTQ7HnbgpsgD8g3gbbh795bN58Sx-Xej4/s1600/blog+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ba7LAGmXPqZ92Vsz3a-touq9xkLRbiw2tKbSzMLwnRlEo9wVoghXI-ZIxQookH_zQWTJpAjwEXxBjAFBa7C4EVhPQizoE6InTtHV9vMfdwRTQ7HnbgpsgD8g3gbbh795bN58Sx-Xej4/s320/blog+9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQtCLmca8By6zUT30fU7prv6UjA8jm3zgOn1LZZhaTanuTm1atBzVoSC4DjhIUiBWA-orinrc2gejp0GOTxyPC92lFM5e2UsamcupPgXJbM3akupBHFdR1KIcOtHMTlWQ0wywcJ6Ina4/s1600/blog+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQtCLmca8By6zUT30fU7prv6UjA8jm3zgOn1LZZhaTanuTm1atBzVoSC4DjhIUiBWA-orinrc2gejp0GOTxyPC92lFM5e2UsamcupPgXJbM3akupBHFdR1KIcOtHMTlWQ0wywcJ6Ina4/s320/blog+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistjMynsuadS_2muGVf-9CEzjPNqopl_f7ELTktoWVVPZCcBLUaWIybzmGWiqPUYnEYiRAvF70bwtAPg8n4zDmtXdFLPYMnyxK_ysOn3HkzVFghaElcbQorsBv3NdU6RF-ZoQUzz-8iyg/s1600/blog+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistjMynsuadS_2muGVf-9CEzjPNqopl_f7ELTktoWVVPZCcBLUaWIybzmGWiqPUYnEYiRAvF70bwtAPg8n4zDmtXdFLPYMnyxK_ysOn3HkzVFghaElcbQorsBv3NdU6RF-ZoQUzz-8iyg/s320/blog+12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK1YPa-s_urRwG0QNyLdbRNlkWW3MbP5XHg_1zrkckK2M45I6kdTVkrxcIx6iRqKzCdcwC7FurchSGwBCYOwMYvTXFzxKvSx86cKR9AHD3_ux9yltNqZQtDpxeXrRHYjbDqjCgNicl0o/s1600/blog+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK1YPa-s_urRwG0QNyLdbRNlkWW3MbP5XHg_1zrkckK2M45I6kdTVkrxcIx6iRqKzCdcwC7FurchSGwBCYOwMYvTXFzxKvSx86cKR9AHD3_ux9yltNqZQtDpxeXrRHYjbDqjCgNicl0o/s320/blog+13.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9wVFygz2zgFBUo6syVqZGXZK45r7xd0bMibh3p89UlXZ9T8NrsCIFH-SkKEWEmOaaSrmjRgY20Hl6t2nWysyZ0Sk72EqMDeU0V-AlRyHE87pZ3vB7AC1cESIoBQa9lm8RA6-9uUMXrI/s1600/blog+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9wVFygz2zgFBUo6syVqZGXZK45r7xd0bMibh3p89UlXZ9T8NrsCIFH-SkKEWEmOaaSrmjRgY20Hl6t2nWysyZ0Sk72EqMDeU0V-AlRyHE87pZ3vB7AC1cESIoBQa9lm8RA6-9uUMXrI/s320/blog+14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyo-K7vJ_lrLFBaJgjPWPdpxsMHWCSyQn7qfZirgEakT56Cr0HzvDrC10AwkWVhIBDfLQT1QF7h9rdcS8dt2bEwen-iOhpO1yWNpP9K963U26C6EKinH3VdE5h0atRXaA0REATqyDCaY/s1600/blog+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyo-K7vJ_lrLFBaJgjPWPdpxsMHWCSyQn7qfZirgEakT56Cr0HzvDrC10AwkWVhIBDfLQT1QF7h9rdcS8dt2bEwen-iOhpO1yWNpP9K963U26C6EKinH3VdE5h0atRXaA0REATqyDCaY/s320/blog+15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatlCHomJ7dBPK56xGsvqMhHN_P-qDut1q63TGlXkl8lGHjAiDpncs8PI1zpUY_Xu7gqQINXYMM7dMDivre8_5zf4qkId5qojpV7nE4ap0z5ULD_ISCHmu93JY9vhWmjtF-VijTP-idUM/s1600/blog+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatlCHomJ7dBPK56xGsvqMhHN_P-qDut1q63TGlXkl8lGHjAiDpncs8PI1zpUY_Xu7gqQINXYMM7dMDivre8_5zf4qkId5qojpV7nE4ap0z5ULD_ISCHmu93JY9vhWmjtF-VijTP-idUM/s320/blog+16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>At last, here comes the more special shots for the simul event!</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u></u><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As a patzer, I really liked Lauren (Board #2)'s position when I observed it live -- surely, Black's protected past pawn makes a difference? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifM4YxozLefs2qnvrHOhbW8NsL2SZJhMDHIcnJqAqL8G1ZF_MZd0eXVItTkDOMRL0YdyWbhJLHinRAn_1P_zQw4_l6_AanJu2RaaBW31nikykq1NLU_HvPUquBM61CFth-iK7d_es8hjw/s1600/Laurens+game+position.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifM4YxozLefs2qnvrHOhbW8NsL2SZJhMDHIcnJqAqL8G1ZF_MZd0eXVItTkDOMRL0YdyWbhJLHinRAn_1P_zQw4_l6_AanJu2RaaBW31nikykq1NLU_HvPUquBM61CFth-iK7d_es8hjw/s320/Laurens+game+position.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A more reader-friendly version. My beginner's view is that Black has something given the protected pass pawn on c4, which would cause White some inconvenience. I'm not saying that Black is winning, but I do not think Black can be worse. I stand corrected by my stronger chess friends and Stockfish 10, both evaluating the position as equal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ju Wenjun - Lauren Rice</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Actual Game Position before ...Qb7 and d5 was played.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjvAtAo9XBRAhlUmbhsuxEsfr3SnqAbvyaFp617fRXET8OpFyTQVRDjgls52X8b4Zmq-f_NV0tsuopj6jcOkEw7Dil30_EOuOnryII9GA-cT52OkAO0FhiktoO0K3R_Ki3Z5BvXJ4Ga4/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjvAtAo9XBRAhlUmbhsuxEsfr3SnqAbvyaFp617fRXET8OpFyTQVRDjgls52X8b4Zmq-f_NV0tsuopj6jcOkEw7Dil30_EOuOnryII9GA-cT52OkAO0FhiktoO0K3R_Ki3Z5BvXJ4Ga4/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The only 2 games remaining, both representatives from the Singapore Chess Federation. The scores was 32.5-0.5, with the only draw achieved by Jayden Wong. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Clocks were introduced, set at 10 minutes with zero increment. </span>Because Ju Wenjun already has a winning position in Board 1, she focuses on Board 2. Wenjun only turned back to Board 1 upon hearing the pressing of the clock.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFLjWWlg0V4zuWVSjndtOGxrKwnG4fnnKq2iXi4iv50iubDYu6FubMtl1iySAyrN_-3NC4UFkz_E__X390Ww-_LacRGo3XfwLM9_zk_NvIxXeghalTfwGEVah4uHg6zAuavAG21ilLlI/s1600/blog+1v2+use+this.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFLjWWlg0V4zuWVSjndtOGxrKwnG4fnnKq2iXi4iv50iubDYu6FubMtl1iySAyrN_-3NC4UFkz_E__X390Ww-_LacRGo3XfwLM9_zk_NvIxXeghalTfwGEVah4uHg6zAuavAG21ilLlI/s320/blog+1v2+use+this.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It soon became a 1v1 affair. And our young Singapore champion was still recording her every move (while her precious time was ticking away)! But hey, not everybody gets to play the Women's World Champion every day, so on top of learning and review, that's another big reason to record the moves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdFOUDIkmUDELbDZVjEYvMMAHet-ycxy4UY-9W3Tcx_LnDe0zAhl8dcRCQMHdqkQajuchDO_p8sY_PT-yk_3lE_19zKAV3z1oyvnBTqocAtqnVJIfGC_wVikH51nPucm9woieqhtr098/s1600/blog+intense.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdFOUDIkmUDELbDZVjEYvMMAHet-ycxy4UY-9W3Tcx_LnDe0zAhl8dcRCQMHdqkQajuchDO_p8sY_PT-yk_3lE_19zKAV3z1oyvnBTqocAtqnVJIfGC_wVikH51nPucm9woieqhtr098/s320/blog+intense.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Final Result: Wenjun won with a total score of 34.5-0.5.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A fine display by Lauren Rice, who earned the respect from the spectators.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqkC0NQGV7NsM5XzAz7NKyGZ_8Fj-ZNtubZo9XS8ke3YA4YanaGK-laStJrunD7654sNp-IxBz-jIrKCsIzBZPQCSDJoTPritZilS6hwegZyMEVcXUFiLNMgdayaw6o2XWV1Doutsrxo/s1600/wenjun+with+lauren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqkC0NQGV7NsM5XzAz7NKyGZ_8Fj-ZNtubZo9XS8ke3YA4YanaGK-laStJrunD7654sNp-IxBz-jIrKCsIzBZPQCSDJoTPritZilS6hwegZyMEVcXUFiLNMgdayaw6o2XWV1Doutsrxo/s320/wenjun+with+lauren.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wenjun with Jayden Wong, the young hero for the day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDR_E4WUoEPbe81vqJCwWvVfWJ2-Xl48TDJjEUvr2XaMKprAcjAor-MbmBB0iPetiCsvRw1PZx2yEdA8KdTJUpYCyIOoi9xuW0r9ZiVaMmWDNWazL_WLy4Is5XUMvg-3xbcGMDJIRRes/s1600/wenjun+with+jayden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDR_E4WUoEPbe81vqJCwWvVfWJ2-Xl48TDJjEUvr2XaMKprAcjAor-MbmBB0iPetiCsvRw1PZx2yEdA8KdTJUpYCyIOoi9xuW0r9ZiVaMmWDNWazL_WLy4Is5XUMvg-3xbcGMDJIRRes/s320/wenjun+with+jayden.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wrapping up: Wenjun with the Chess Teachers for Overseas Family School</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnfshzLqhKJu1Y8YXVdvwYfLenSnlRrSE_1LKenBLDTPsYFFpnTtqp25tXmUCtykVpOzhlqszCHPzmq0Q4XdzSxk6H8ixKUCJiof8f9i4-cLcf9kzNs4VLOqWC0wfKFvg33GS1OzIQgw/s1600/wenjun+with+OFS+teaching+staff+for+chess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnfshzLqhKJu1Y8YXVdvwYfLenSnlRrSE_1LKenBLDTPsYFFpnTtqp25tXmUCtykVpOzhlqszCHPzmq0Q4XdzSxk6H8ixKUCJiof8f9i4-cLcf9kzNs4VLOqWC0wfKFvg33GS1OzIQgw/s320/wenjun+with+OFS+teaching+staff+for+chess.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><u>Confession of an over-zealous Spectator</u></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">As an arbiter, I believe in ensuring the game was fair. While taking photos and observing the Simul, there were actually multiple incidents of unfairness -- some of the kids were exchanging ideas with one another, and some kids were even outright moving their pieces on the board to analyse when Ju Wenjun was making her rounds. Incidents like delay playing a move when Ju Wenjun comes back to the board is also arguably unfair -- since other students are observing this requirement. As a spectator with "arbiter's blood", I really wanted to point out these observations to the arbiters on the field. But that would have created a scene and disrupted the flow of the event. Glad I managed o curb my "inner demons" and let it slide. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Also, I'm really happy to see that the Chess Teachers of Overseas Family School actually telling the students nicely about their infringements, and what they should and should not do -- e.g. offering a draw in a lost position is not being respectful. And then, the forever dilemma of when / whether to resign in a lost position occupies my mind. Some games were outright lost but because the kids refuse to resign and "play till the end", it was dragged unnecessarily. While I personally respect resignation as a very individual choice, I am beginning to feel otherwise for Simul events. For 1v1 standard official tournaments, yes, you can do whatever you want (resign as and when you want to). But for simul, my current view is that one should resign and not drag on the game unnecessarily. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>Post Event Dinner & Drinks (!)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With very special thanks to Mr John Wong, I was able to join the informal post-event dinner and drinks session with Ju Wenjun. Although I did not get a chance to speak with her directly, it's all good. Goddesses can be appreciated from afar ^o^ Here's wishing her a safe trip back to Shanghai, and may she continue to produce more great and entertaining games for the chess community!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for tolerating my "fanboy" piece.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yours sincerely</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ong Yujing (Eugene)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
a.k.a. newbie_learner</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet</div>
newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-66723024760410024012019-04-12T09:56:00.004-07:002019-04-12T09:56:56.429-07:00QCD League 2019 Round 1: Match of the Admins!Today marks the beginning of the 3rd season of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/QCDchess/" target="_blank">QCD Team Chess League for Adults 2019</a>. I was so excited to see my chess friends, make new chess friends, as well as new teams which I served as a "Matchmaker". I'm glad to see them enjoy playing with one another as a team.<br />
<br />
Interestingly, I was playing with Andre, a fellow administrator appointed for Brad's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/718699838239556/" target="_blank">Singapore Chess Meetup facebook page</a>. Hence, our personal game was depicted as "Match of the Administrators".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6gUJdK955mmK0uRogDsnjrKgiSYpUf4pFwwWNzu9ZcxVrQ4jMAtjvT7BLRcNNVlEpPzx4tzSIVBU5Fl19vPxVq2iuNVasp96zrZcPwigbLITX7ECEv2tbb_13y06w3zl4JyxlmEiQDQ/s1600/newbie+and+andre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6gUJdK955mmK0uRogDsnjrKgiSYpUf4pFwwWNzu9ZcxVrQ4jMAtjvT7BLRcNNVlEpPzx4tzSIVBU5Fl19vPxVq2iuNVasp96zrZcPwigbLITX7ECEv2tbb_13y06w3zl4JyxlmEiQDQ/s320/newbie+and+andre.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The game was actually quite interesting, and more importantly, I actually felt I learned something. Potentially embarrassing to share this, but I actually have a real big newbie problem of not knowing where to place my dark square Bishop in my Queen Pawn games, LOL. I have quickly replayed this 'miniature game'.<br />
<br />
Below is the external link to the game. As per my usual style, I first attempt to replay my thoughts during the game, and what I think on my own looking back, and then run the Chessbase 15's "tactical analysis" function to identify the tactical slips.<br /><br /><a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/4/13/Game168327687.html" target="_blank">External link to the <b>Battle of the Admins</b></a> =)<br /><br /><br />My general impressions as follows:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The game was largely due to White being positionally outplayed than a "tactical knockout". While tactics and positioning are not divorced concepts, I genuinely felt my game was lost due to poor positional play leading to a series of inconveniences. </span></li>
<li>The whole idea of b3 followed by Bb2 is probably not doing anything to Black (as compared to early Qc2 or Nc3 lines) but playable for an equal position. Interestingly, early Qc2 would have assured White that the c4 pawn can be taken back, and seems to be a popular choice.</li>
<li>Post-game I think I better understood what I'm supposed to do -- get the Knight on f3 away so that the Catalan Bishop on g2 can be released. If I do not like Ne5 stepping up (because my pawn formation may be crippled with lack of support (and only option to recapture on e5 is dxe5), then at least allow myself the option of Nf3-d2. </li>
<li>Move-wise the biggest mistaken was not my move of 19.h3 played with 1 second remaining, but rather 13.Qb1?! On hindsight, I could indeed try 13.Qd3 which I ruled out during the game. Because Black has no support to do Ba3. Not saying that 13.Qd3 makes White better, but that move would have not gotten into as much trouble as 13.Qb1?! </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Position after <b>12...Rc8</b>. I hope you do not make the same mistake I committed, but find something else that is good (in terms of maintaining equality in the position). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3LB_n5lqS4r8ifIo0WgN75dyKPUBiGMWaG4-dmXYukBn6N5CbDBjIdN3Jv2SE3jPy1klgwxRUflULtiCjiJDCiFjKmMHXJ9YNX1WuvgqAY_WyBUcNrWaCh8nIxCgXRdW7qO6jgTaS8k/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="782" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3LB_n5lqS4r8ifIo0WgN75dyKPUBiGMWaG4-dmXYukBn6N5CbDBjIdN3Jv2SE3jPy1klgwxRUflULtiCjiJDCiFjKmMHXJ9YNX1WuvgqAY_WyBUcNrWaCh8nIxCgXRdW7qO6jgTaS8k/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Above all, I think I am blindly following the general guidelines in chess too much. Here, I tried to make each and every move contributing to my development in terms of speed in connecting my backrank Rooks (which signifies the end of the opening phase), but neglected the quality of my development. Specifically, I neglected piece activity. The position just went downhill from bad to worse.</li>
</ul>
<div>
That's all for my quick coverage on "Battle of the Administrators" for now. Please be generous with your comments and feedback to help newbie_learner improve!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(A separate post shall be made on the very interesting Round 1 of the QCD Team League. Will be waiting patiently for release from Andre -- he's also the official photographer of the QCD Team League!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yours sincerely</div>
<div>
Ong Yujing (Eugene)</div>
<div>
a.k.a. newbie_learner</div>
<div>
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet</div>
<div>
Proud Matchmaker of QCD League 2019 -- I think I should get a matchmaker norm! </div>
<b></b><b></b><br />newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-36608881879032839632019-03-30T10:32:00.000-07:002019-03-30T19:23:52.300-07:00PubXChess Invitational: An Arbiter's Report (30 Mar 2019)If I recall correctly, this should be the 5th event I served as an arbiter since passing the examinations at the <a href="https://www.fide.com/component/content/article/15-chess-news/11420-fide-arbiters-seminar-in-singapore-results.html" target="_blank">FIDE Arbiter's Seminar (25-27 Jan 2019)</a>. They are:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="https://forksandpins.blogspot.com/2019/02/maiden-arbiter-for-defender-vs-tyrant.html" target="_blank">The Defender v.s. Tyrant Blitz Match</a> on 2 Feb 2019</li>
<li><a href="https://forksandpins.blogspot.com/2019/02/brew-master-vs-tyrant-giant-chess-blitz.html" target="_blank">The Brew Master v.s. Tyrant Blitz Match</a> on 15 Feb 2019</li>
<li><a href="https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2102283496546096&id=1560177007423417" target="_blank">The Chess & Jazz Blitz Knockout Tournament</a> on 20 Mar 2019</li>
<li>The Rapid Chess Tournament at the Tanglin Club on 24 Mar 2019</li>
<li><a href="https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=724131057988622&id=352493158485749" target="_blank">The PubXChess Invitational Round Robin Blitz Tournament</a> on 30 Mar 2019</li>
</ol>
<br />
Even though these events were informal and I do not get any arbiter norms, I enjoyed the experience very much. Hopefully, I can become a more effective arbiter with time.<br />
<br />
This event was marvellous! Great players (not only in terms of playing strength but also etiquette and sportsmanship), great venue at <a href="https://level33.com.sg/" target="_blank">LeVeL33</a> and great organiser! I love the thoughtfulness put into this event: a video cam set up to capture games to be selected as game of the tournament, and there was even a professional photographer covering the event! Everything was great.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50cYJWvLbkwk9N62X5QSCs6SR3nD5I9sLgoX6rjELIWWBWIRw63TEJrUIZFsIU2vC9G2f3hzLhBmfOgVw7lfCUOJJWxyGHpBGfxrLOS0JEiu7m5rwHH-CsWk3vzwmUn86ZKHxMLqKZuw/s1600/54518072_717408791994182_1334019891564380160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50cYJWvLbkwk9N62X5QSCs6SR3nD5I9sLgoX6rjELIWWBWIRw63TEJrUIZFsIU2vC9G2f3hzLhBmfOgVw7lfCUOJJWxyGHpBGfxrLOS0JEiu7m5rwHH-CsWk3vzwmUn86ZKHxMLqKZuw/s320/54518072_717408791994182_1334019891564380160_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for making such a nice pic for me, PubXChess!</div>
<br />
Frankly, PubXChess is 1 of the 3 current local chess initiatives I will do my upmost to support. Check out their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pubxchess" target="_blank">facebook page</a> for updates and <a href="https://www.meetup.com/pubxchess/" target="_blank">meetup page</a> to register for the weekly free-to-play blitz tournament. (The other 2 local initiatives I support wholeheartedly are the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/718699838239556/" target="_blank">Singapore Chess Meetup</a> and the <u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/QCDchess/" target="_blank">QCD Adults Team Chess League</a></u>. For the former, you would probably know about my existence if you are part of the meetup community, and for the latter, I helped to matchmake players to form 3 new teams this year!)<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, despite the great experience, I think there's still much more room for me to improve my service as an arbiter. I will share what I thought I did well, as well as what I thought I could've done better in future services.<br />
<br />
<b>What I thought I did well</b><br />
<ol>
<li><u>Pre-tournament briefing</u>. Even though most of the players are active players familiar with the FIDE laws of chess, I still made an effort to go through the rules. What I covered includes the correct procedure to make a pawn promotion (and what happens if you cannot find the piece you wish to promote to), situation / penalty arising from the making of an illegal move, reminder that it is the arbiter's right to call any flag fall if I observe it (and explaining the rationale in doing so), encouraging players to press the clock even if the move they are making delivers checkmate (this is not required under the laws of chess, but I encourage the players to do so to avoid any potential claims that the checkmate may have occurred after the flag fall). Even though the organiser finds me a bit long-winded (LOL), I felt it an obligation to manage the players expectations at the onset. </li>
<li><u>Managing minor incidents</u>. There were 2 minor incidents which I thought I handled well. First, one of the players kept switching on the alarm / countdown "buzz" of the chess clock by mistake. Because it was unintentional, I just reminded all players not to do it again, as the countdown buzz may distract other players or their opponent. In the other incident, one of the players was so passionate about the game, he made a shout out in the midst of his own game (e.g. if he made a serious blunder), or he made a cheer seeing his friend defeat a tough opponent. For both incidents, I did not single out any player to name and shame. Rather, I was just conveying my general feedback before the start of the next round of games, first explaining to all players that these offences were unintentional and then remind players not to do that again in case they cause unnecessary distraction to other players. I think the players who made these offences knew who they were and case closed. I don't think they warrant any concrete penalty.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<b>What I thought I could've done better</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><u>Choice of tie-breaker</u>. The choices I recommended to the organiser (who followed my recommendations) were, in order of priority, a) direct encounter (because it is the most straight-forward, and which I argue is the fairest) ; b) Sonneborn-Berger (sum of the defeated opponents' scores, because the organiser specifically requested tie-breakers that will result in clear-placing, as due to schedule and time constraints, we are unable to play Armageddon tie-breaks) and c) Koya system (The number of points achieved against all opponents who have achieved 50 % or more, again with the intention to come up with clear-winners).<br /><br />While the top 3 placings (who get a prize) need not resort to any tie-breakers, it was evident afterwards that while <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Sonneborn-Berger was useful, Koya seems quite useless. As shown on the <a href="http://chess-results.com/tnr427559.aspx?lan=1&art=1" target="_blank">chess results page</a>, while <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Sonneborn-Berger generated values with big variations / differences, many values were the same under the Koya system tiebreak. <b>On hindsight, I should have proposed the Extended/Reduced Koya system instead -- that would have probably generated values with wider variance / differences. This is a learning point for me.<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4LDbkf2hbYhYdTS8OjaH4Xb-KB0h4U_wcWzy9MFdxtJ38OwbNqxf5TOsRb3IGCzMtxiqq-PL4JbXJPKiztjq2F2ZbDunpxXpC9U7KJbrMiJf-FGRzQMCmKXE4bI7zG8sghpD_nadDUQ/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="656" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4LDbkf2hbYhYdTS8OjaH4Xb-KB0h4U_wcWzy9MFdxtJ38OwbNqxf5TOsRb3IGCzMtxiqq-PL4JbXJPKiztjq2F2ZbDunpxXpC9U7KJbrMiJf-FGRzQMCmKXE4bI7zG8sghpD_nadDUQ/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</b><div>
<b><br /></b></div>
Anyone who is interested to have a general understanding of how various tie-breaker system works can refer to <a href="https://senseis.xmp.net/?TieBreaker" target="_blank">this site</a> with a rather concise explanation.<b><br /></b></span></span></li>
<li><u>A p</u><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><u>layer did not want to claim an illegal move</u> (he's allowing his opponent to take back without seeking to exploit the situation with a "discovered check"). There was 1 incident whereby 1 of the players pointed out his opponents illegal move, but rather than either claiming it for 1 minute to be added OR playing his own move to exploit the situation (he can make any legal move and the position becomes the situation of a "discovered check"), he actually requested his opponent to just change a move. Given that the player was a willing party, and in the spirit to not cause any undue disturbance, I allowed the game to continue with no time penalty imposed. (This was exactly what I did in a local team tournament 1-2 years ago as well, before I became an arbiter.) Luckily, this result would not have affected the final standings. However, what if it actually had an effect on the final standings? I would have been guilty, or possibly been accused of being guilty, to be unfair. <b>On this, I still do not know exactly what I should have done.</b> But during the half-time break in the tournament, I actually asked the player again regarding the incident, and he confirmed that he had no intention to make a claim and exploit the penalty. <b>For now, I can only hope that such incidents would be kept at a minimum.</b></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Final concluding thoughts</b></div>
<div>
After serving as the arbiter for this pleasant event, I have to say that, I feel that to serve well as an arbiter, one should be, or had been, a tournament player. Because I feel that I can better empathise incidents of minor illegal actions. (For instance, adjusting the pieces during opponent's turn. Especially for blitz, sometimes the pieces are not placed in the most centralised position in the square, so after making the move and pressing the clock, the player proceeded to adjust the piece, arguably, to help his opponent confirm the intended piece placement.) Also, after the arbiter's seminar, I realised that my natural tendency was way too strict on imposing possible penalties on players, so I tried to counteract as much as possible. I do feel the quality of my service today was fine. Hopefully, I will continue to serve well in future chess events!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yours sincerely</div>
<div>
Ong Yujing (Eugene)</div>
<div>
a.k.a. newbie_learner</div>
<div>
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-25687322831463165192019-03-28T07:24:00.000-07:002019-03-28T07:59:15.109-07:00Good Games at Singapore Chess Meetup 27 Mar 2019A game can be good despite losing. I enjoyed 2 of the games I played with a younger adult opponent, even though I lost both. I also took the liberty to attempt reviewing a long game played between 2 of my long-time chess friends, Weng Chew and William.<br />
<br />
All the 3 games (self-attempted review on my own, followed by Chessbase 15's tactical analysis) can be replayed on the following external link:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/28/Game609876187.html" target="_blank">http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/28/Game609876187.html</a><br />
<br />
<b>Interesting snapshots</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Game 1: young adult v.s. newbie_learner</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzn3mK6m25wfQhI4IK_Sfo85EWjuL8rMWQLQz2CI448dOWe1k4H4Iye38GVd9b51QwvV5dDm4HXTOi5EZZ0BDgfoy7Wy7Yrc4LSA_OWp1VFYwjOUcNB4oXd_Y246pWIHlj4YW0SOtC0UI/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzn3mK6m25wfQhI4IK_Sfo85EWjuL8rMWQLQz2CI448dOWe1k4H4Iye38GVd9b51QwvV5dDm4HXTOi5EZZ0BDgfoy7Wy7Yrc4LSA_OWp1VFYwjOUcNB4oXd_Y246pWIHlj4YW0SOtC0UI/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Game Position after 16.Qc2 </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here, I really wanted to play 16...Be3, but I had concerns over 17.Bxe3 Nxe3 18.Qb3 Nxf1 19.Rxf1, despite Black winning an exchange, I did not enjoy the fact that both my b7 and f7 pawns are vulnerable to the White Queen. Instead, I played a much tamer 16...Nxf2 forcing 17.Kxf2. I knew something bad was going to happen -- Caissa will never forgive a chess player for giving up such an opportunity. Yet I tend to try and (over) simplify whenever I'm down on time. Need to grow some... courage. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Game 2: newbie_learner v.s. young adult</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qzxrpw_r6EYHDk-SJ5qc4vXjFto-vxY2CQGehQ6pFf_xBSuPvNv63m7BuUBPbgjxaQSHh2P9y-lAPy84WpLYOVASyi6hfqqW6KGkZvJdGKrdUKRJ1hzr8NK-1lz09aXQSF0yu5n81vw/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="782" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qzxrpw_r6EYHDk-SJ5qc4vXjFto-vxY2CQGehQ6pFf_xBSuPvNv63m7BuUBPbgjxaQSHh2P9y-lAPy84WpLYOVASyi6hfqqW6KGkZvJdGKrdUKRJ1hzr8NK-1lz09aXQSF0yu5n81vw/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Position after 6...c5</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here, I really like my own find of <b>7.Bxb8 Qxb8 8.Bb5+</b> causing Black practical inconvenience -- the Black King had to stay in the middle of the board with so many pieces yet on the board. Unfortunately, I went astray too much and despite having a 1 pawn advantage, I blundered horribly in the endgame and lost. Maybe the final position was still playable, but I was too disgusted and demoralised with my own play and simply opted the easy way out ^o^</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The best, most interesting one is saved for the last!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Game 3: Weng Chew v.s. William</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmqGNaU6DwOyy3I1MVg4GCVFe-16dxrLzAFrRVvUC8xozxvtspxcvPh5MWuDulsC49bXP88iKM4VYS0B4TSTEi2iYIrp3yhR-Wccc3Sb8ydI7m-7r2ZnxvKkQpBjjy6fewInZbo0VcZU/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmqGNaU6DwOyy3I1MVg4GCVFe-16dxrLzAFrRVvUC8xozxvtspxcvPh5MWuDulsC49bXP88iKM4VYS0B4TSTEi2iYIrp3yhR-Wccc3Sb8ydI7m-7r2ZnxvKkQpBjjy6fewInZbo0VcZU/s320/Capture.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Position after 28...gxh4</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here, the Asia Square folks who were observing this game were debating over what is the best continuation for White. I actually like my "safe and quiet" approach of <span style="color: blue;"><b>29.Qc3</b></span> (which turns out to be the engine's preferred choice too!) The point being, it is the easiest to deny Black Queen control over the c-file, and the resource of ...Qc1+. Of course, <b>29.Bxd7</b>, which was played, is also winning, although interestingly, the engine recommends 29.Bxd7 Qc1+!? as best try for Black. Even in a losing position, the engine prefers to go all out and get some activity, rather than the passive recapture with 29...Qxd7. Interestingly, another 2 candidate moves that were discussed, 29.Qd6 and 29.Qe7 were dismissed, as Black Queen will have the resource of 29...Qc1+ followed by 30...Qxb2+. If White is careless, the b5 Bishop would even fall (so 29...Qc1+ 30.Kf2 is forced and then 30...Qxb2+ 31.Be2 should be a draw.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
From my own games and the Weng Chew-William game, these are my current "conclusions":</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Time management is a HUGE part of the game. Are there actually any chess books that teaches time management? Also, for players with ambition to improve, always play with a clock. It does not matter so much what time control is played -- you can play a long time control, but the very presence of a chess clock ensures fairness in terms of time resource and forces you to play well under time pressure. </div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
We (Or at least I, lol) tend to play badly under time pressure. No more "pressing the clock with 1 second left" kind of luck I used to have last year. Which is fine, I'd rather seek real improvement than rely on luck in a dishonourable fashion!</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
There was 1 period of time when I severely doubted the very little bit of chess understanding I have. After yesterday, my conclusion is that it is not all-bad. I have my strengths and weaknesses. There are certain positions which I do not play well (e.g. not taking enough chances) but on the other hand, my judgement to deny Black of any counter-play with 29.Qc3 in the Weng Chew - William game is on-point. And this is important to me, because most of my other chess friends do not appreciate the value of denying counter-play completely. Not that they are wrong, but I am even more assured that there's nothing wrong with my "safety first when winning" approach. I just need to be even more effective with it!</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div>
Last but not least, I really think Weng Chew improved in his play. He shows great understanding in simplifying a won position. And his accuracy in this particular game is a high 43%. Engine scores evaluate (so it's "objective") White to be at least equal if not better, from the beginning to the end.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
May losses be a source of motivation to improve our future play. Again, we can always turn to Juga's music for some comfort! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/21QpsK7LRM4" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Yours sincerely<br />
Ong Yujing (Eugene)<br />
a.k.a. newbie_learner<br />
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet<br />
<br /></div>
newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-83821865973104546302019-03-22T14:30:00.001-07:002019-03-22T14:30:34.615-07:00Enjoyable Friday Night Chess @ Thomson CC Chess Club<b>What Makes Tonight Another Memorable One?</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Sighting of old and new friends</li>
<li>Interesting game experiences, again with both new and familiar opponents alike</li>
<li>Post-session supper</li>
<li>Discussion of the just concluded National Schools Individual Tournament (Rapid, for students) and the upcoming QCD Teams Chess League (Standard, for adults)</li>
</ul>
<div>
External link to the rapid and blitz games played:<br />
<a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/23/Game113097031.html" target="_blank">http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/23/Game113097031.html</a><br />
<br />
<b>Positions I got it wrong</b><br />
<br />
(I) Opening Phase in the Catalan<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlCLnR91Jv5yI48qCCFj2XbiSkZBPb53iE_u29QozCoHJQ4ou5G5djQ-GdMl8B5fFtJTahXTN-sE-c2ybnxY8XNcltDwNtymdS9fhjLTwUCf83jB3_WIKNDFCJw0pGMjU_Da7g9qTD5Y/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="779" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlCLnR91Jv5yI48qCCFj2XbiSkZBPb53iE_u29QozCoHJQ4ou5G5djQ-GdMl8B5fFtJTahXTN-sE-c2ybnxY8XNcltDwNtymdS9fhjLTwUCf83jB3_WIKNDFCJw0pGMjU_Da7g9qTD5Y/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After <b>6...dxc4</b>, I played <b>7.Qc2</b> based on it "feeling right". A safer way to play this is <span style="color: blue;"><b>7.a4</b> </span>to discourage Black playing ...b5 to hold the c4 pawn. After which, Qc2-Qxc4 can be done under a more favourable situation.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(II) Middle Game Transition in the exchange Slav</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdx9T18_SrZzuU4bEoPBTkdLnUvQolrFZNOAGI_obeG-dbhmwHrSvzPv2P9JMug5giSbhX4VqCkeaCipF5IJ_49r4oyKj55xuGhJcwyVWyDX5NxNFkPn6tqhnf2iauPx9Y1aMy99t3PU/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="781" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdx9T18_SrZzuU4bEoPBTkdLnUvQolrFZNOAGI_obeG-dbhmwHrSvzPv2P9JMug5giSbhX4VqCkeaCipF5IJ_49r4oyKj55xuGhJcwyVWyDX5NxNFkPn6tqhnf2iauPx9Y1aMy99t3PU/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After <b>14.Na4</b>, I chose to neutralise the light square Bishop with <b>14...Bg6</b>. It is not so good for White to spend time inviting White to just exchange off the Bishop. Rather, Black can consider alternatives such as <span style="color: blue;"><b>14...Nd7</b></span> to fight White's Knight on a4, or initiating 14...Bxf3 (although Black would have played an earlier ...Bxf3 instead of ...Bh5).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(III) Opening: The Semi Slav</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1dZsmlJP7thbxpwSgo1RkcoOGNoZ3LXBds9yyyPsMvozMrHWX_NCjWnFKcrmfKXQm46afinAhRc_vSJpbQlE6wWH4IVNDUBKgGGtJayvFrTjOLsKCmQUhXTrvPIEGutKfSRMBHyrtiY/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="779" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1dZsmlJP7thbxpwSgo1RkcoOGNoZ3LXBds9yyyPsMvozMrHWX_NCjWnFKcrmfKXQm46afinAhRc_vSJpbQlE6wWH4IVNDUBKgGGtJayvFrTjOLsKCmQUhXTrvPIEGutKfSRMBHyrtiY/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After <b>10.0-0</b>, I went on "auto-pilot" with <b>10...0-0</b>. In a blitz game and in general, surely castling asap must be good? Wrong! White's pawn centre is too dominating after <b><span style="color: blue;">11.e4</span>!</b> Instead of 10...0-0, the engine suggests Black to play <b><span style="color: blue;">10...Nbd7</span></b> and respond to <span style="color: blue;"><b>11.e4</b></span> with an immediate <span style="color: blue;"><b>11...c5</b></span> to work on White's centre pawns immediately. Black must play actively in the spirit of this opening! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(IV) Opening Phase in the Caro-Kann: Advance Variation </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx93kKQzeW56naA9apXsXuixwTWK48nJkQ6j2V2aqgf2JYlxXhwbUasd5-t4k-568ANjb25rULDs7rkmi4Nagzx5Ln9YYXMdh2GVDsIT-Z3i5UNwBFxcPvc6v0ftwyFF_N67zI4HrrXb4/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx93kKQzeW56naA9apXsXuixwTWK48nJkQ6j2V2aqgf2JYlxXhwbUasd5-t4k-568ANjb25rULDs7rkmi4Nagzx5Ln9YYXMdh2GVDsIT-Z3i5UNwBFxcPvc6v0ftwyFF_N67zI4HrrXb4/s320/Capture.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After<b> 8.Nb3</b>, if Black wants to insist on achieving the ...c6-c5 pawn break, he must prepare for it with something like <span style="color: blue;"><b>8...Qc7</b></span><span style="color: black;"> instead of playing 8...c5?! which I did in the game. Alternatively, Black can also consider making full use of the options arising from the waiting move ...a6 and consider <b><span style="color: blue;">8...Bh7/g6</span></b> to make way for ...Nf5 to continue with development while exerting additional pressure over the d4 pawn, or take a more aggressive approach with <b><span style="color: blue;">8...g5</span></b> (threatening to achieve ...g4 to kick the Knight on f3 supporting the pawn on d4.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Trivia of the Night</b></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>No consensus on when / whether to resign, but mostly in agreement on the etiquette of draw offers</u>. Most of my friends and I agree to disagree on when / whether to resign. While more of my friends subscribe to "Respect your opponent by resigning in a dead lost position", and even though I do that in my own games, I can accept the alternate point of view, "You do not win a game through resignation." More importantly, I do respect a players right and preference to play on in any position.<br /><br />But where the offer of a draw is concerned, most of us agree that "If your position is better, why would you allow your opponent to escape with a draw? If your position is worse, why would your opponent allow you to escape with a draw? And if the position is equal, there is no harm in playing the position out!" So essentially, there is no point, and no need to offer a draw! (The exception I can think of is when a player only needs a draw in the final round of the tournament.)<br /><br />Personally, even though there is nothing against the laws of chess when a player in a worse position initiates a draw offer (so long as he/she does not harass the opponent with ridiculous draw offers), with the exception of team tournaments, I do make it a point to only offer a draw when I am better off. Like one of this evening's game, I had a pawn on the h-file against a lone King. The opponent knows the endgame and hinds his King in the corner. There's nothing I can do to make progress, so I offer a draw. Speaking of which, I recall my encounter with a young local CM in my debut standard chess tournament. I was down a pawn in a Bishop of opposite colour endgame. Rather than pestering my opponent for a draw, I just allowed him to keep pressing and attacking until he gave up on his own and offered me a draw. To date, we still respect each other very much when we meet in tournaments.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><u>Why do some players psyche themselves to lose when they play against their own friends / players they know in person, before the game even starts?</u> Even though I'm a firm believer of "matchup" in chess (i.e. Based on what you know about your opponent, steer the game away from his/her comfort zone. As far as possible, bring the game towards your own turf instead. But having said that, at such beginner/club level like myself, the time is better spent on playing / studying instead of studying the opponent.), I feel that this is more of one's own problem to solve.<br /><br />If I'm playing against a friend, I will tell myself that in the worst case scenario, any wins/losses of rating points would be in good hands ^o^<br />If I'm playing against a stronger opponent, I will treat it as an opportunity for a free lesson. (You need to pay to play training games against titled players, so why not get a free training game in the tournament you're playing in?)<br />Above all, I like my attitude in treating all my opponents the same, in that I try to play my best every game. In this way, there's no regrets after the game, and no excuses whenever I lose!</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yours sincerely</div>
<div>
Ong Yujing (Eugene)</div>
<div>
a.k.a. newbie_learner</div>
<div>
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
P.S. Do note that due to renovations, the last session at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/429263043763052/" target="_blank">Thomson CC Chess Club</a> will be on next Friday, 29 Mar 2019. From April 2019 onwards, all sessions will be held at Classroom 4 in Bishan East CC (The same CC where the <a href="https://www.singaporechess.org.sg/" target="_blank">Singapore Chess Federation</a>) is located. </div>
<div>
<u></u><br /></div>
<div>
<u></u><br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><br /></div>
newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-36765627368407710002019-03-17T07:16:00.000-07:002019-03-17T07:16:14.691-07:00Sunday Games at Siglap South CC<div>
Today, I played 3 rapid games (15 minutes initial time + 10 seconds increment per move) with a couple of kids. Hopefully, it will help them in their upcoming National Schools Individual tournament next week. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Again, I don't have the luxury of time to review the games played at Siglap South CC Chess Club today, so the one-click tactical analysis function of Chessbase 15 will have to do.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/17/Game167594593.html" target="_blank">http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/17/Game167594593.html</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just 1 to share the most interesting moment of the game (to me):</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>A Different Kiddo (White) v.s. newbie_learner (Black)</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Game Position After 10.dxe5</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW257x7rLBL3aZqa3QDWCQefW9zlpcew2_4HN90_aI01p8bQ4Tdayy2n5Y_TiIjMq14tVpzYlllZ9PqP1vYcJd81wLGf4T1l7hur-_4fJfJRvDq0FZ741LtKV0oh1be-XcwRJi_xKP8uA/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="782" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW257x7rLBL3aZqa3QDWCQefW9zlpcew2_4HN90_aI01p8bQ4Tdayy2n5Y_TiIjMq14tVpzYlllZ9PqP1vYcJd81wLGf4T1l7hur-_4fJfJRvDq0FZ741LtKV0oh1be-XcwRJi_xKP8uA/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even though not objectively best, I accepted the challenge with 10...Nxe5 and after 11.Qd4! which my young opponent played, I found 11...Nfd7! and after 12.Bb5!? I burnt quite a bit of time on my clock but managed to find the only move 12...f6. (The exclamation marks were given by Tactical Analysis, not me).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's unfortunate that I only "managed" to draw a won position again, but better draw than lose a winning position due to time pressure right? Was living on increments in the endgame, as always. (Bishop + 6 pawns v.s. Knight + 4 pawns).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yours sincerely</div>
<div>
Ong Yujing (Eugene)</div>
<div>
a.k.a. newbie_learner</div>
<div>
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet</div>
newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-48585583647644103292019-03-15T13:38:00.004-07:002019-03-15T13:40:58.819-07:00A Disastrous Friday Night of Chess? First and foremost, my condolences to the victims, family and friends of the Christchurch shooting incident.<br />
<br />
Today, I played 3 rapid games (20 minutes per side with no increment) with Ms Zhemin, a regular at Singapore Chess Meetup and Thomson CC Chess Club. Results-wise, it was indeed disastrous in that I lost 2 games. In fact, I might have lost all 3 games. I will explain the "controversial" result in game 1. Personally, I really enjoyed game #2 despite losing. And I guess my friends who follow a little bit of my games will understand why.<br />
<br />
Before I show the game moves, I do want to share the following thoughts:<br />
<ul>
<li>I was surprised to learn that chess is indeed a rather sexist game even at the social level. I have more than a couple of male chess friends who admitted to me in private that they cannot stand losing to female chess players in particular. But I am happy to say, I have no such gender-related ego problem at all. Which is why I can be candid about my losses today like a man ^o^</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>If anything, I am more curious to find out how my opponent managed to improve so much over a short span of time. Or did my play really deteriorate so much after my diversion into "arbiterhood" and organising chess events?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>There is nothing "unfair" about a chess game. We start off with equal time, symmetrical positions. I used to lament after some losses that "it won't happen in a standard game". I've manned up and stopped being such a sore loser! In fact, it was unfair that I took White twice (and still got my ass kicked).</li>
<li>After sharing my 'misadventure' tonight, I have a couple of (adult) chess friends who are eager to challenge her already ^o^</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><u>Game 1: newbie_learner v.s. Ms ZM</u></b></div>
<div>
<b></b><u></u><br /></div>
<div>
<b>1. d4 d5 </b></div>
<div>
<b>2. Nf3 e6 </b></div>
<div>
<b>3. g3 </b>Back to 1 of my old love (does that count as a "fling", lol) the Catalan. </div>
<div>
<b>3...Nf6 </b></div>
<div>
<b>4. Bg2 c5 </b></div>
<div>
<b>5. O-O Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcIQszg5xtoTMbHy9V2bIUpvoLg_uQq8mItwklJZ_RzfnU_43NmUM95kxtBw-sB9TDc11zqrQphE0TZfSgnsec27sYkOe1TvDvU1kUJezMrjBB0gH_qpbhk44Yh9XjCwVvYqgbosTfnc/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="779" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcIQszg5xtoTMbHy9V2bIUpvoLg_uQq8mItwklJZ_RzfnU_43NmUM95kxtBw-sB9TDc11zqrQphE0TZfSgnsec27sYkOe1TvDvU1kUJezMrjBB0gH_qpbhk44Yh9XjCwVvYqgbosTfnc/s320/Capture.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
I am not particularly scared of Black taking the pawn majority with ...cxd4. My argument is that I get to centralise my Knight to d4 (and unleash my Catalan Bishop. If Black plays ...e5, he has already cost himself with ...e6 first, so it is not a complete waste of time on White's part. </div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>5...Be7 </b></div>
<div>
<b>6. dxc5</b> Again, I justify the initiation of this capture as Black has spent one move on ...Be7.</div>
<div>
<b>6...Bxc5 </b></div>
<div>
<b>7. a3 Diagram </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi7_GJSN4CsIVKmEVOm_C3UW34cXBhggmzn-8sMyf9_Z-iv1e0bqtO4nY0UTduS9GmOnMv69Ch_D17NFtiWn6a2FJL2TNLjvuRVs60aO_lbNs_Ewhdetn6cEsARh0bM3hRbIXH-ckhGY/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="782" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi7_GJSN4CsIVKmEVOm_C3UW34cXBhggmzn-8sMyf9_Z-iv1e0bqtO4nY0UTduS9GmOnMv69Ch_D17NFtiWn6a2FJL2TNLjvuRVs60aO_lbNs_Ewhdetn6cEsARh0bM3hRbIXH-ckhGY/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Similar to Queen's Gambit Declined ideas (...dxc4 Bxc4, followed by ...a6 and ...b5 to</div>
<div>
achieve ...Bb7), I am going to play b4, Bb2, Nbd2 and c4 to develop and strike<br />
back against Black's centre pawn majority.<b> </b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>7...Nbd7 </b></div>
<div>
<b>8. b4 Be7 </b></div>
<div>
<b>9. Bb2 </b>If I can develop and delay ...e5 while preparing to strike back against Black's centre</div>
<div>
with c4, why not. </div>
<div>
<b>9...b6 </b>A very logical thing to do. In anticipation of White striking back in the centre, Black places the light square Bishop on b7 for an equally awesome b7-h1 diagonal. <b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>10. Nbd2 Bb7 </b></div>
<div>
<b>11. c4 Rc8 </b></div>
<div>
<b>12. cxd5 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEbu7kLVV5eRRcoezWO7MhUVo3NHzmx7zApB1BfwonZCGkStbBZDVO13_xzGEXCUYNEwx6DN5NKmSRWZsvMOdT42NpTL6KiWboAkPyT_arhLBOltBGjko50Hlcrlx1lj5uA7y9MBiHAc/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="781" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEbu7kLVV5eRRcoezWO7MhUVo3NHzmx7zApB1BfwonZCGkStbBZDVO13_xzGEXCUYNEwx6DN5NKmSRWZsvMOdT42NpTL6KiWboAkPyT_arhLBOltBGjko50Hlcrlx1lj5uA7y9MBiHAc/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I do want to reduce Black's centre pawn majority at all cost. On hindsight, perhaps I<br />
should have also considered 12.Ne5!? to take this chance to exploit the<br />
pressure on the diagonal. Fundamentally, my White King is already defending my<br />
g2 Bishop, while Black's Bishop on b7 is still undefended. White should have a<br />
small advantage when the 2 light square Bishops face off in the diagonal. </div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>12...Bxd5 </b></div>
<div>
<b>13. Rc1 </b>The c-file is important enough for both sides to fight over it. <b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>13...O-O </b></div>
<div>
<b>14. Qa4!? Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fqqUnc_tlm5Dqsdcpg5lO4ZZQDKAf5SyRfLIUOuhDyk7JkZs5ZcyrnfHkWWuem_iLHkxtJbLxem6SO-qXOpnu3tySmoOSBvWsNgwsd1QINllMOPKV4y7si1ld6chmlBpZP-A71kewgE/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="782" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fqqUnc_tlm5Dqsdcpg5lO4ZZQDKAf5SyRfLIUOuhDyk7JkZs5ZcyrnfHkWWuem_iLHkxtJbLxem6SO-qXOpnu3tySmoOSBvWsNgwsd1QINllMOPKV4y7si1ld6chmlBpZP-A71kewgE/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
An interesting way to exert a little bit of pressure while completing the opening development by connecting the backrank Rooks. I even saw the possible responses from Black but I really wanted to see how it goes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>14...a5 </b></div>
<div>
<b>15. bxa5 </b>Here, I am anticipating either ...Nc5 or ...Ra8. And I guessed right! </div>
<div>
<b>15...Nc5 </b>Saw this coming, and I was asking myself who is actually better. </div>
<div>
<b>16. Qb5 </b>Exploiting the possibility to go Qxb6. So the White Queen is not trapped at the very least. <b>16... bxa5 </b></div>
<div>
<b>17. Bc3!? Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsguBYYiR_iyoG6hhDc1_xeEhokVBIindLFOLOM0Y_dzyTek3pMZRdq7560PkXC8SmBNBGPURckArrbCr3HF4X4K9ty8GwxnYNdqhbe2BqgJ9N1BWuWtkDj5fsLE63UwuDM78zuPQ4hA/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsguBYYiR_iyoG6hhDc1_xeEhokVBIindLFOLOM0Y_dzyTek3pMZRdq7560PkXC8SmBNBGPURckArrbCr3HF4X4K9ty8GwxnYNdqhbe2BqgJ9N1BWuWtkDj5fsLE63UwuDM78zuPQ4hA/s320/Capture.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
Even though I felt uncertain about this move, I justified my move based through elimination. If I do not move out either the White Queen or the dark square Bishop out of the b-file, Black is going to cause some disruption with ...Rb8. Rather than waiting for that to happen, why not take this chance to get the undefended Bishop out of harms way. Also this counter-exerts some pressure against Black's a5 pawn.</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>17...Rb8 </b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: red;">Engine: If Black found 17...a4! fixing White's weak pawn on a3 while threatening to advance the a-pawn, White would face an uncomfortable position.</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>18.</b> <b>Qxa5 Ra8 </b></div>
<div>
<b>19. Qxd8 Rfxd8 </b></div>
<div>
<b>20. Bb4 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXa1nXQNgw-zu8uG5ofEndjj4AjaYVaCPxSvG7_3wADDy_720JnK91evvyDmFebvdX4x4g3ppP-M9EJAeGUsvyNLJu5jC2ohpRqgkXbTLiREm2doMVNO14tADoUPSeWFt_TsZ-7Cz6_fQ/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXa1nXQNgw-zu8uG5ofEndjj4AjaYVaCPxSvG7_3wADDy_720JnK91evvyDmFebvdX4x4g3ppP-M9EJAeGUsvyNLJu5jC2ohpRqgkXbTLiREm2doMVNO14tADoUPSeWFt_TsZ-7Cz6_fQ/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
The way I see it, White cannot be worse. The worst-case scenario that can happen is that Black recaptures White's pawn on a3 and that's still equal.</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>20...Nfd7</b></div>
<div>
<b>21. Rc2 </b>I am trying to double Rooks. Because my time situation is quite bad, I just want to make sure I do not blunder while maintaining small pressure against Black. </div>
<div>
<b>20... Kf8 </b></div>
<div>
<b>22. Rfc1 Nb3 </b></div>
<div>
<b>23. Bxe7+ Kxe7 </b></div>
<div>
<b>24. Nxb3 Bxb3 </b></div>
<div>
<b>25. Rc7 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJQ2mB360vBZgYShCoAjghEzLeD0BVHP2aYrMzM2fbsg-SM5ZZLTxEPlamdhfqeC1fOJKwsgb8oDHvcT06z7FSNn1Nq_Nnj3L95xK39clVUcuLW6s5oix6mmJ3J49jUIuyjFIDavHDsg/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJQ2mB360vBZgYShCoAjghEzLeD0BVHP2aYrMzM2fbsg-SM5ZZLTxEPlamdhfqeC1fOJKwsgb8oDHvcT06z7FSNn1Nq_Nnj3L95xK39clVUcuLW6s5oix6mmJ3J49jUIuyjFIDavHDsg/s320/Capture.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
I feel that I achieved what I wanted: get into a position whereby I can exert a little bit of pressure against Black.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>25...Bd5 </b></div>
<div>
<b>26.</b><b>Ne5 Bxg2 </b></div>
<div>
<b>27. Kxg2 Ke8 </b>Black played correctly here to avoid getting into trouble. =( Here, being severely down on time, I chose to simplify into a Rook endgame with 1 pawn up.<b> </b></div>
<div>
<b>28. Nxd7 Rxd7 </b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: red;">Engine: The best way for White to retain maximum advantage is to keep the Knight and play 28.Nc4. But it is understandable that White wanted to simplify under time pressure.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: red;"></span><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>29. Rxd7 Kxd7 </b></div>
<div>
<b>30. Rc3 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeTFZLrqYR1SVzUFIG6YTbs09N10-SQ-LU9DXKuSXXGyEkB-OkLhKYycGE9_tUbHsV7jltYEZ1c65tKdvQgwXFEp8TkIB6bqp84036TeIqIlxal22lso2FG2JXwtdYafU1B8alFfetSw/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="779" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeTFZLrqYR1SVzUFIG6YTbs09N10-SQ-LU9DXKuSXXGyEkB-OkLhKYycGE9_tUbHsV7jltYEZ1c65tKdvQgwXFEp8TkIB6bqp84036TeIqIlxal22lso2FG2JXwtdYafU1B8alFfetSw/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div>
This was the final position I managed to record. I did not have the luxury of time to continue recording as I was in severe time trouble. </div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Eventually, we reached a position that while White cannot lose objectively, but White only</div>
<div>
had 2 or 3 seconds left on the clock. So I played in a totally gamesmanship<br />
way:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf6TWhz7bUdQhPd-ueIGdW1jhql9tERAb0WZghbv8WZrVopQZufCsX5Vzg4C37SQgEQ1f0I63vl45ghbQrLRW8EjQ6LeH3QudaYgYShInVGtlmMR1KzA_A_8bLcuVN-YW7oAbod2r2pY/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf6TWhz7bUdQhPd-ueIGdW1jhql9tERAb0WZghbv8WZrVopQZufCsX5Vzg4C37SQgEQ1f0I63vl45ghbQrLRW8EjQ6LeH3QudaYgYShInVGtlmMR1KzA_A_8bLcuVN-YW7oAbod2r2pY/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(This may not be the exact game position, but it illustrates the point.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Objectively, White may have a winnable position. BUT in the game, White has only around 2 seconds left on the clock. And because there is no time increment per move, White is going to lose by time forfeit. So it should not be too difficult to guess what move I played out of pure gamesmanship...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>x.Rh4!</b> Objectively, it should be given a ?! for completely giving up winning chances. However, if you take the time situation into account, this was the only trick I have for White.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>x...Ra4+</b></div>
<div>
<b>x+1. Kf3 Rxh4?!</b> Objectively correct, but as I explained to Zhemin after the game, she could've just made any other Rook move -- basically, just keep the Black Rook alive on the Board and she would've won by time forfeit. But obviously, she wasn't playing on the technicalities here. Good for her!</div>
<div>
<b>x+2.gxh4</b> <b>White Flag falls, 1/2-1/2 </b></div>
<div>
<b></b><b></b><b></b><br /></div>
<div>
To be honest, even though I am trained as an arbiter, I was not absolutely sure that I managed to play x+2.gxh4 before my timer hits zero. I mean, I was focused solely on making the moves as fast as possible, I genuinely did not bother to check the clock. It could well be possible that had there been a camera or observer looking, my flag may have fallen before I made the move of x+2.gxh4. </div>
<div>
<br />
External Link to the game can be found below:<br />
<a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/16/Game7308687.html" target="_blank">http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/16/Game7308687.html</a><br />
<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br /></div>
<div>
Perhaps Caissa did not like my antics here. In any case, I got my ass rightfully kicked in the 2 games to follow =) </div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Game 2: Ms ZM v.s. newbie_learner</span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
Pre-game thoughts: Following Game 1 not winning despite having some promising advantage at certain point, I was eager to play for a win (even at increased risks of losing). Something a turtle like myself usually don't pursue. I mean, if I do not play for a win in a casual setting like this, I would never have the guts to do it in a tournament. I have more to win than to lose.<br />
<br />
I did feel that I was playing too slowly. In a time control with no incremental situation, every second consumed is lost for good. Throughout my games 2 and 3, I was trying to play faster but in both games, I ended up in worse time situation. I don't know how my opponent just manage to play so much faster with decent accuracy. That was probably a side frustrating point throughout, when I made a conscious effort to not fall (too much) behind on the clock and constantly failed.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Nf3 Nf6 </b><br />
<b>2. d4 d5 </b><br />
<b>3. Bf4 c5 </b><br />
<b>4. e3 cxd4 Diagram</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdBfipo9sy8yDRQjal3c_NNncQMa3bgQLRgOykqyEFsXP9MbkAT6Mi7LQNzlrf_qNQtfcb5hyphenhyphenm-xysj9Z8W9Zwa92cvdPYLeshIQy9lSoB_h5iA9rCWDakfNxz4fvVq0-GV_CItU2y-0/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="782" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdBfipo9sy8yDRQjal3c_NNncQMa3bgQLRgOykqyEFsXP9MbkAT6Mi7LQNzlrf_qNQtfcb5hyphenhyphenm-xysj9Z8W9Zwa92cvdPYLeshIQy9lSoB_h5iA9rCWDakfNxz4fvVq0-GV_CItU2y-0/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My justification is that rather than waiting for White to build the pawn triangle typical in the London System, why not initiate the reduction of White's central pawn majority before c3 is played? After c3 is played, White has additional option to react to ...cxd4.<br />
<b><br />5. Nxd4 </b>This was new to me. Not wrong, just new.<br />
<b>5...Nc6 </b><br />
<b>6. Bg3 Qb6 </b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="color: red;">Engine: 6...Qb6 is not good because White can just play 7.Nc3 and Black probably won't have the time to be greedy with ...Qxb2.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;"></span><br /></b>
<b>7. Bb5 Bd7 </b><br />
<b>8.</b><b>Bxc6 bxc6 Diagram</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRvk3xoRvDosjHnjWmXFJT5AEp3zIAP1L3XU5g81hFR-EgeX1pc5xjEOHt75Wx7fbtJ_v4dGxSpzsxfFyivomEvXF7TNI79LddLVENNdULLM_MlWFv6hUKBeZuG9CtJLmI5Vvhtpcbro/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="781" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRvk3xoRvDosjHnjWmXFJT5AEp3zIAP1L3XU5g81hFR-EgeX1pc5xjEOHt75Wx7fbtJ_v4dGxSpzsxfFyivomEvXF7TNI79LddLVENNdULLM_MlWFv6hUKBeZuG9CtJLmI5Vvhtpcbro/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
I was eager to retain the Bishop pair for a good fight!<br />
<b>9. b3 e6</b><br />
<b>10. O-O Be7 </b><br />
<b>11. Bh4 </b>I feel that White has spent too much time on the not so important things in the opening phase of the game. Give other pieces a chance to develop instead!<b> </b><br />
<b>11...O-O Diagram</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwi_OxFPJbHTorPr5VcQM-_w2N_TzjRTNqPahCzxzncC9UPfRef4OQzoUCnO_RSv9UoO-7SH87yawr5xWqIOlEz48CAwnRaSmkszyxyOXj06KFRme4dPRAzrTI4b2dpXZnwTM45cOvqg/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="779" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwi_OxFPJbHTorPr5VcQM-_w2N_TzjRTNqPahCzxzncC9UPfRef4OQzoUCnO_RSv9UoO-7SH87yawr5xWqIOlEz48CAwnRaSmkszyxyOXj06KFRme4dPRAzrTI4b2dpXZnwTM45cOvqg/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<b></b><br />
And Black is faster than White in completing opening development. By 2 moves.<br />
<br />
<b>12. Nd2 e5 </b>When we are faster, we open up the position! Also, Bishops prefer open positions.<br />
<b>13. N4f3 Bd6 </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Engine: The correct way for Black to play is 13...e4 immediately. White has already lost the Bishop pair. So there's no need to allow White to inflict more damage with the remaining Bishop -- Black's Bishop should have stayed at e7 as far as possible to avoid damaging of pawn structure.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>14. Bxf6 gxf6 Diagram</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE9H_zQPUnAXHSnPmCnW_aV-2gCK2j7BYJqjgebRse9QU_FwCjxwvgEKUyAr-E8XXQdv6VkQ2dj-MH0XKI4ojYq1R4_IYPvrAM9nq34Z5Kx12RLhjWK0kFUNyRzZxHHhudrsJhQUlXAk/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE9H_zQPUnAXHSnPmCnW_aV-2gCK2j7BYJqjgebRse9QU_FwCjxwvgEKUyAr-E8XXQdv6VkQ2dj-MH0XKI4ojYq1R4_IYPvrAM9nq34Z5Kx12RLhjWK0kFUNyRzZxHHhudrsJhQUlXAk/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Both sides have things to be happy about. White has damaged Black's pawn<br />
structure and weakened Black's Kingside. Black retains the Bishop pair and has<br />
supremacy over centre pawns.<b> </b><br />
<b></b><span style="color: red;"></span><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Engine: 14.Bxf6 is a good move. 14.Nc4! would be another good move forcing to take away Black's Bishop pair.</span></b><br />
<b></b><span style="color: red;"></span><br />
<b>15. c4 </b>White's undermining efforts of Black's centre pawn majority begins.<b> </b><br />
<b>15...Qb7</b> My intention is to avoid any danger (e.g. 15...Qc7 runs the risk of allowing White to open the c-file with cxd4 followed by Rc1.) But on hindsight, maybe 15...Be7 was better in that it immediately defends the weak f6 pawn. <b><br /></b><br />
<b>16. Nh4 </b>With ideas like Qh5, f4, Nd2-f3, Nf5 etc.<b> </b><br />
<b>16...Kh8 </b>With options like ...Rg8 for counter-play.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Engine: 16...Be6 would have prepared to fight off White's Kingside attack.</span></b><br />
<b></b><span style="color: red;"></span><br />
<b>17. Qh5 Be6 </b><br />
<b>18. Nf5 Bb4 Diagram</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-goSdoPRz8gLKaD6H9EoL25jol7PcUhr5tvq9eJpj0b3cRMt7yqhlYVgNobepqZ6oSqEaElKQI-AAnzpWpeW0N_YzK6CLfJS1fRTxIFLUWWXtDCrlEBaK0Btg4ybQKoerBkSklpNUYEI/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-goSdoPRz8gLKaD6H9EoL25jol7PcUhr5tvq9eJpj0b3cRMt7yqhlYVgNobepqZ6oSqEaElKQI-AAnzpWpeW0N_YzK6CLfJS1fRTxIFLUWWXtDCrlEBaK0Btg4ybQKoerBkSklpNUYEI/s320/Capture.JPG" width="317" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
Trying to buy myself a tempo. Which is really quite risky as White has ideas like Qh6orh4-Qxf6+<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>19. Rad1 Rg8 </b>Now there is the resource of ...Rg6. During the game, I got carried away realising the threat of ...Bg4. Which led to a horrible blunder costing me the game.<b> </b><br />
<b>20. f4 e4 </b>Done to keep the f-file closed AND take away the f3 square from White's pieces<br />
(f1 Rook and d2 Knight).<b> </b><br />
<b>21. Nd4 Bg4 Diagram</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDc3GfL_1JMDXYCgQoD5ZjsF0BSj3D2YJZPNUGaIBX-t4c9nm4z4VofQ8SnZ5MnUQzx4VFqrujnebj4DTxMEDax2tRGFCKBjRQtNIvj9NWTpSNlP7xx77qAG3GCuCh2oJl3CE71wBZmc/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDc3GfL_1JMDXYCgQoD5ZjsF0BSj3D2YJZPNUGaIBX-t4c9nm4z4VofQ8SnZ5MnUQzx4VFqrujnebj4DTxMEDax2tRGFCKBjRQtNIvj9NWTpSNlP7xx77qAG3GCuCh2oJl3CE71wBZmc/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
I still believe 22...Bg4 is a good move, but because I did not calculate enough, I got worried by White's next move during the game.<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>22. Qh4 </b>Only after this move was played over the board, I realised that 22...Bxd1 may not be such a<b><br /></b>great idea after 23.Qxf6+! Rg7 (only move) 24.Nf5 and what exactly am I<br />
supposed to do after this move?<b> </b>I thought it looked really horrible, if not outright losing for Black. But then, I also did not want to lose my opportunity "winning". So I rejected a "normal" response like 22...Be7 which simply holds off the f6 square and threatens ...f5 to kick the White Queen off<br />
(because 22...Be7 White can now move the d1 Rook without losing the Knight on<br />
d2). But what I played was such a horrible blunder.<b> </b><br />
<b>22...Qe7?? </b>which was immediately punished critically.<br />
<b>23. Nxc6 </b>Basic fork! Honestly, I was contemplating between resignation on the spot, or just play on a few more moves for "completion" sake. After the game, I suggested that 22...Rg6! seems<br />
winning for Black. If 23.f4 Rg5!? And I like Black's prospects.<br />
<b><span style="color: red;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="color: red;">Engine: Indeed, my post-game analysis is correct. 22...Rg6 or 22...Be7 are the best moves for Black. Winning too. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;"></span><br /></b>
<b>23..Qd6 </b><br />
<b>24. Nxb4 Bxd1 </b><br />
<b>25. Nxd5 Be2 </b>25.Nxd4 first may work out nicely, but White is in such a dominating position, "everything" works.<b> </b><br />
<b>26. Rf2 Bd3 </b>The rest are really inconsequential moves<b>. </b><br />
<b>27. Nxf6 Rg7 </b><br />
<b>28. Nh5 Rg6 </b><br />
<b>29. f5 Rh6 </b><br />
<b>30. Qf4 </b>Black eventually lost the game.<b> </b><br />
<b>1-0</b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Some additional thoughts and learning points:</span></b><br />
<ul><b><span style="color: blue;">
<li>Even though objectively, game 2 contained more mistakes, both Zhemin and I liked this game most. I guess deep in most chess players hearts, we want to play more interesting chess, even if that is objectively inferior. </li>
<li>My handling of dynamic positions cannot be compared to the "safe, quiet" type of "turtle" positions I fare better with. But if I do not at least try them out in casual, non-consequential games, such weaknesses will linger on.</li>
</span></b>
<li><b><span style="color: blue;">Game's 2 loss made me feel more obliged to try and win game 3, only to backfire (Similar pattern to game #1, got a pawn and some advantage, failed to convert and entered into what should be an objectively equal ending. Then I came under huge time pressure, over-pressed and lost). It goes to show that the mentality / expectations one carries (playing to win | playing to not lose | playing your usual self) can greatly affect one's play.</span></b></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">External Link to the game can be found below:</span><br />
<a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/16/Game14850437.html" target="_blank">http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/16/Game14850437.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Game 3: newbie_learner v.s. Ms ZM</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<br />
<b>1. d4 e6 </b><br />
<b>2. e4 </b>I used to play the French Defence before I switch to the Caro Kann. Hence, this will make for an interesting and practical choice.<b> </b><br />
<b>2... Nc6 </b>Okay, I have never seen this, which means this must be objectively bad! But<br />
even if it is bad, I need to work things out over the board.<br />
<b>3. d5 exd5 </b><br />
<b>4.exd5 Nce7 </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoWIpS-ZMG_lcHoy3A5SuNdGljxTXhMc_njkz5JC8A8_OtVZMO2ACCewNgtTPmTh_8uKDWGGRIpbjErAOA2PNBwbpUfV_3coG80zH1yFB1G7er1FsrBxJcj351oZFA34nFTNHmjwq_RM/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="779" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoWIpS-ZMG_lcHoy3A5SuNdGljxTXhMc_njkz5JC8A8_OtVZMO2ACCewNgtTPmTh_8uKDWGGRIpbjErAOA2PNBwbpUfV_3coG80zH1yFB1G7er1FsrBxJcj351oZFA34nFTNHmjwq_RM/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was expecting ...Ne5 instead. </div>
<b><br /></b><b>5. Nf3 Nf6 </b><br />
<b>6. Bc4 a6 </b><br />
<b>7. a4 d6 </b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;"></span><br /></b>
<b><span style="color: red;">Engine: Instead of a normal move of 7.a4, the engine recommends an immediate 7.d6 to wreck Black's pawn structure for good.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;"></span><br /></b>
<b>8. Nc3Bd7 </b><br />
<b>9. O-O g6 </b><br />
<b>10. Bg5 Bg7 </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="color: red;">Engine: Again, not "ordinary" moves. 10.Ne4! There is no 10...Nxe4 because of 11.Qd4 winning back the Knight on e4 and disturbing Black's Kingside development. White can slow down Black's development, which contributes to the most value for White. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;"></span><br /></b>
<b>11. Qd2 O-O Diagram</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sUOVLSCtWAoaXV9XvtGGg3dK6i3gR6xS4f2Su_4XW_GFeX8BEumRjcS1A3a3dJeAPw7KBZ03GsWKLqPYRGnkX6SOygONdTgXFRCFA3HiBltI2K7RBsm_Y1teFCRGNVQo_CMGvuGyTv0/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sUOVLSCtWAoaXV9XvtGGg3dK6i3gR6xS4f2Su_4XW_GFeX8BEumRjcS1A3a3dJeAPw7KBZ03GsWKLqPYRGnkX6SOygONdTgXFRCFA3HiBltI2K7RBsm_Y1teFCRGNVQo_CMGvuGyTv0/s320/Capture.JPG" width="317" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
White completed his opening development first. But what should he do next? Play Bh6 to trade Bishops? Play Rfe1 to control an open file?<b> </b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b>12. Rfe1 </b>Since Black has resources like ...Nf5, I don't think Bh6 is going to be that effective. I thought controlling the open e-file makes more sense.<br />
<b>12.</b>..<b>Re8 </b><br />
<b>13. h3 </b>To take away the g4 square from 2 of Black's pieces.<b> </b><br />
<b>13...b5 Diagram</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNWzQ8tBXhBST0sMRZxzszeXZRZM9NHJbmTnP80vGXfYyJkPA0L5CD4cgZ2zssJmdow5bbS_VtrNDnyBPl0YcQXWIeVPUmBDGxfDrUP4ewzUNSTVZ6uSzNKC_P0El_GGj75pFnoc3sk4/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNWzQ8tBXhBST0sMRZxzszeXZRZM9NHJbmTnP80vGXfYyJkPA0L5CD4cgZ2zssJmdow5bbS_VtrNDnyBPl0YcQXWIeVPUmBDGxfDrUP4ewzUNSTVZ6uSzNKC_P0El_GGj75pFnoc3sk4/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
An interesting counter which is quite thematic.<b> </b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b>14. axb5</b> <b>axb5 </b><br />
<b>15. Nxb5!? </b>I do not think this is objectively "correct" But I think it is playable. I just don't want to give Black an easy ...Bxb5 and still get to capture on d5 as the White Bishop on b5 gains a tempo on the Black Rook on e8.<br />
<b></b><span style="color: red;"></span><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Engine: 15.Rxa8 Qxa8 16.Bxb5 would've given more advantage to White. The problem with getting the White Knight pulled to b5 for no good reason is that Black has a useful resource of ...Ne4 forking White's Queen on d2 and Bishop on g5.</span></b><br />
<b></b><span style="color: red;"></span><br />
<b>15...Rxa1 </b><br />
<b>16. Rxa1 </b>White gets the open a-file while Black gets the open e-file.<br />
<div>
<b>16...Nf5 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59q_jY0sbF_3YyIE0ndEh0GWzq85llJwXoHhdHov6nLygqdVjOWoSjCQ0yus8h7_XEg4FfRW80NFCkhIHITHImpX6sQrNEcej4SlnpHGE6BRhWKzK6FLPPYmFqAvdhbC7Pd-DkPO3etU/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="783" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59q_jY0sbF_3YyIE0ndEh0GWzq85llJwXoHhdHov6nLygqdVjOWoSjCQ0yus8h7_XEg4FfRW80NFCkhIHITHImpX6sQrNEcej4SlnpHGE6BRhWKzK6FLPPYmFqAvdhbC7Pd-DkPO3etU/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></b></a></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
Here, I was really unsure what to do. I know that ...h6 is coming, and also ideas like ... Qb8, ...Ne4 etc. Hence, I simply relocated my Knight back, having won a pawn.</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>17. Nc3 h6 </b></div>
<div>
<b>18. Bxf6 Qxf6 </b></div>
<div>
<b>19. Ra7 </b>Just being irritating while showing that White has no concrete plans despite the 1 pawn advantage. I did check that Black Rook does not seem to have any useful square within</div>
White's turf.<b> </b><br />
<b>19...Qd8 </b><br />
<b>20. Ra3 Diagram</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9Ay5imYaXPkWj3KfT7Q4tV8EAXq9saRzbrl8S2i6Q56G8lvGyynSw3xEZCcJhJk7xzyjmkb63bb_H5K86k2Z2QlEKNu5PXceKPSSi1b0i0rijWmc6p4rSH10tFDvDb4-3ltYONrKNwE/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="779" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9Ay5imYaXPkWj3KfT7Q4tV8EAXq9saRzbrl8S2i6Q56G8lvGyynSw3xEZCcJhJk7xzyjmkb63bb_H5K86k2Z2QlEKNu5PXceKPSSi1b0i0rijWmc6p4rSH10tFDvDb4-3ltYONrKNwE/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
In fear of ...Qb8, I have Rb3 as a resource.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>20... Qb8</b><br />
<b>21. Rb3 Qa7 </b><br />
<b>22. Kh2 </b>I do not want to entertain ...Ng3 ideas. Kill this threat at the onset!<br />
<b>22...Qa5 Diagram</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWaWDdamybBeIm1dg7n8dq6czpeB06iYW1cWJojIm-dL525juKNJ9RDhHD1LAniJSyvQg8UT5bEUpdUv349XX3vqblfZsTJBFQkMTA7LARdokpFWA6WJPW6nQODgV1Hbce2kVRdkdZsg/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWaWDdamybBeIm1dg7n8dq6czpeB06iYW1cWJojIm-dL525juKNJ9RDhHD1LAniJSyvQg8UT5bEUpdUv349XX3vqblfZsTJBFQkMTA7LARdokpFWA6WJPW6nQODgV1Hbce2kVRdkdZsg/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
Here, I decided to "go for it".<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>23. Nb5!? Qxd2 </b><br />
<b>24. Nxd2 Bxb5</b><br />
<div>
<b>25. Bxb5 Rb8 </b></div>
<div>
<b>26. c3 Diagram -- this was the last position recorded.</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV12i1pAy_Wq7Bin_NtEPUb8ZYKTxZZ7s1f0bcsvHFmsxGFIIfLJ6ofjb_Vz54vZ5WgoeXFsGYLL1abHphcgs0lg2nhqC8KaFd2K7sfQvkhcDN69i6cWXQ-6zKvevzG0XTG_Yp8_62dRg/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="782" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV12i1pAy_Wq7Bin_NtEPUb8ZYKTxZZ7s1f0bcsvHFmsxGFIIfLJ6ofjb_Vz54vZ5WgoeXFsGYLL1abHphcgs0lg2nhqC8KaFd2K7sfQvkhcDN69i6cWXQ-6zKvevzG0XTG_Yp8_62dRg/s320/Capture.JPG" width="319" /></a></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
While having the pawns on the same colour as the opponent means that the pawns can become targets, (mini) pawn chains can also take the scope away from opponent's Bishop. This is my choice to combat the fianchetto Bishop on g7. And believe it or not, White eventually managed to lose out of</div>
his all-in "play to win" mentality in the endgame. I don't think this is necessarily a bad mentality. It just means I am currently not tough enough to play this way. So I will toughen myself up to play like this! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>0-1</b><br />
<b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">External Link to the game can be found below:</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/16/Game18334000.html" target="_blank">http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/16/Game18334000.html</a><br />
<br />
Maybe it's time to refer to Juga's Oh Capablanka Video again for comfort ^o^<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/21QpsK7LRM4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Looking forward to your generous feedback for my learning / improvement! Thank you.<br />
<br />
<br />
Yours sincerely<br />
Ong Yujing (Eugene)<br />
a.k.a. newbie_learner<br />
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet</div>
newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-54205829217557598912019-03-14T08:46:00.000-07:002019-03-14T08:49:08.486-07:00Games Played at Singapore Chess Meetup (13 Mar 2019)Recently, I've come to the realisation that I've played too much blitz chess for my own good. Hence, I'm doing my best to gravitate back towards slower (rapid and hopefully standard) chess.<br />
<br />
As always, below are my self-attempt to review my own game, as well as another game I happened to watch between 2 other chess friends and regulars at the Singapore Chess Meetup.<br />
<br />
I am trying to improve on the game myself, so please do not take my comments as "advice". Rather I am trying to review my thinking process and seeking to improve along the way. Should you have any comments or feedback, please feel free to leave them. Thanks ahead!<br />
<br />
The first game is the one and only I've played against a Teenager I've not met for a LONG time. Time control is 15 minutes initial thinking time with 10 seconds increment per move starting from the first.<br />
<b></b><u></u><br />
<b><u>Teenager (White) v.s. newbie_learner (Black)</u></b><br />
<b></b><u></u><br />
<b>1. e4 c6 </b><br />
<b>2. d4 d5 </b><br />
<b>3. e5 Bf5 </b><br />
<b>4. Nf3 e6 </b><br />
<b>5. g3... Diagram</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z1C5H-TTCFGDmndA79po8qVugk78xe_EcvGJCoJaucJ6ijupxtjd1mBjLoTMjhOVuF7u-V0GoWKQmRWlceoPuzZBMrP-cquY54RgzZeYH14Ex7-578roGilK2_BRRjoDaJq0YwPL6fg/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z1C5H-TTCFGDmndA79po8qVugk78xe_EcvGJCoJaucJ6ijupxtjd1mBjLoTMjhOVuF7u-V0GoWKQmRWlceoPuzZBMrP-cquY54RgzZeYH14Ex7-578roGilK2_BRRjoDaJq0YwPL6fg/s320/Capture.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
A move I've never seen. During the game, my young opponent was lamenting how this is a mistake. I don't know if this is indeed a mistake, but I do acknowledge that there was no need for White to play g3 in order to develop his light square Bishop.<br />
<br />
<b>5...h6 </b><br />
A weird move "demands" a weird response? =) I did it as a possibility to preserve my Bishop pair, in anticipation of Nh4.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>6. c4 Ne7 </b><br />
<b>7. Nc3 Nd7 Diagram</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpuR5cX8BFPQGVH2LZsiypld49_tguLKcBQFR8vq2sxkJI1w84EgOvVcbW5Ud1ZwxY1Qv-hieoXjxHQfi_M_3NV0HNzsL9h7LxLiyhRUwKFWGAHd4UwgfsZmnQ6jeRkeYQRI68-WTK14/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="782" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpuR5cX8BFPQGVH2LZsiypld49_tguLKcBQFR8vq2sxkJI1w84EgOvVcbW5Ud1ZwxY1Qv-hieoXjxHQfi_M_3NV0HNzsL9h7LxLiyhRUwKFWGAHd4UwgfsZmnQ6jeRkeYQRI68-WTK14/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
I often deploy my Knights this way playing on the Black side of the Caro Kann. The break is usually ...c5 but because White has already played 6.c4 and his Kingside development is faster, I prefer to delay the opening up of the position. "When you are ahead in development, you open up the position. When you are behind in development, you keep the position closed." This general principle is something I tried to apply in this case.<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>8. Nh4 Bh7</b><br />
<b>9. f4 Nf5</b> This was done as an attempt to open up the scope of my dark square Bishop. "When we are short of space, initiate exchanges so that our fewer pieces remaining have more breathing space!" Another general guideline I tried applying here.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>10. Nxf5 Bxf5 </b><br />
<b>11. cxd5 cxd5</b> My rationale of playing 11...cxd5 instead of 11...exd5 is that I do not even want to entertain the possibility of e5-e6.<br />
<br />
<b>12. Qb3 Qb6 Diagram</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaiblrb0zALf5tjWLloTdCTOE4QnhsDhH9iNQ5bB7S2u7RT_wKKcGJiAn-61K_8FejL6C8Ylzc5EqnwFwPT0Hk66vLX9I7KqRBD6RcqPnL2vn-yaKKmgylSX0KQWRFor41E-D__ZOyU_k/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="779" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaiblrb0zALf5tjWLloTdCTOE4QnhsDhH9iNQ5bB7S2u7RT_wKKcGJiAn-61K_8FejL6C8Ylzc5EqnwFwPT0Hk66vLX9I7KqRBD6RcqPnL2vn-yaKKmgylSX0KQWRFor41E-D__ZOyU_k/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
Admittedly, I played 12...Qb6 too casually, and deserved to be punished. I think on hindsight, I would have preferred 12...Rb8. White's series of moves exposes the potential problems of playing Bishop outside the pawn chain -- I have no more light square Bishop to help serve as a defender for my Knight on d7 in the e8-a4 diagonal.<br />
<b></b><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Engine: Although 12...Rb8 is not the strongest, it does suit my playing style best. The engine opine it is okay for Black to continue with normal development (...Be7, ...0-0) and offer Qxb7. I have to admit I am not strong enough to understand such gambiting style (even though I know the opening principle of development over greed). </b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"></span><b></b><br />
<b>13. Bb5! Qc7</b> The problem is, that Black has no obvious way to complete his opening development. Where am I supposed to place my Black Queen? But I think 13...Qc7 made the situation even worse. Somehow, this happens sometime. When a position or situation is already bad, I make it worse =( Here, I think of good ideas for White, including but not limited to just Bd2/Be3, Rc1, playing natural developing moves while harass the Black Queen on c7.<br />
<b></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Engine: Indeed, 13...Qc7 made a challenging position worse. The best to the engine is 13...Kd8!? which, despite giving up castling rights, does address the problem: White no longer has the Bxd7 resource with check.</span></b><br />
<b></b><span style="color: red;"></span><br />
<b>14. Bxd7+ Qxd7</b> This I find too kind from White. The exchange on d7 solves Black of all the existing problems. Now the Black Queen has found a stable home on d7, there is a clear path to complete opening development (...Be7, 0-0). It simply cannot compare with keeping the tension.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="color: red;">Engine: 14.Bd2/Be3 followed by 15.Rc1 is indeed better for White.</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>15. Bd2 Be7 </b><br />
<b>16. Rc1 O-O</b> <b>Diagram </b>I regard Black as almost equalised already. Time to start fishing for more.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSybxC7xyjznq_tlauNaJShlPTQtF2baozOg9dvq6PgHxf0z051dhnOe6irpPrZ2LNkzMrwqBMDK9_uArH6AqLTs_14XQktj2fgbcw9WwrWFwjLU2TOSGCmy_jFm0t35aQWQ9X7T8kehI/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="779" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSybxC7xyjznq_tlauNaJShlPTQtF2baozOg9dvq6PgHxf0z051dhnOe6irpPrZ2LNkzMrwqBMDK9_uArH6AqLTs_14XQktj2fgbcw9WwrWFwjLU2TOSGCmy_jFm0t35aQWQ9X7T8kehI/s320/Capture.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<b></b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b>17. O-O Rfc8</b> Now this must be completely equal for Black at least. Not to forget, Black has the Bishop pair and prior control to the only open c-file. And I do not see a single (pawn) weakness at all.<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>18. Rf3 Rc6</b> I want to double Rooks, and I find it easiest to place it on a square already supported by my own pawn. On a good day, I may even triple my major pieces if necessary.<br />
<b></b><span style="color: red;"></span><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Engine: 18...Rc4, achieving similar doubling of major pieces while threatening the d4 pawn, is even stronger.</span></b><br />
<b></b><span style="color: red;"></span><br />
<b>19. Qd1</b> An unfortunate self-disrupt that one must be alert enough to capitalise! <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Bg4 Diagram</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdrdaiNDPAj9ss2ORi3oSFGsoCv4IxGRryLoqHPsgh06V4N5xADRGq4coQxY7guLf-IeytzTeMfHNSWFTJD7IA0upOFa89az3JITe3Y227SPCd0ji2HrTLhyphenhyphenCnEVfOG_8Vsxsn6vu160/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="783" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdrdaiNDPAj9ss2ORi3oSFGsoCv4IxGRryLoqHPsgh06V4N5xADRGq4coQxY7guLf-IeytzTeMfHNSWFTJD7IA0upOFa89az3JITe3Y227SPCd0ji2HrTLhyphenhyphenCnEVfOG_8Vsxsn6vu160/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
Black wins an exchange, and that's that in a quite position with no much going on.<br />
<br />
<b>20. Kg2 Rac8</b> The material advantage is not running away, so let's take this chance to further improve Black's position. I am placing the worst placed piece I identified (the Rook on a8) onto the only open c-file, as planned.<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>21.Qe1 Bxf3+</b> Last chance to go up the exchange, let's do it!<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>22. Kxf3 a6 Diagram</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmpp10yl0YpGfjas4BSSUm0MstmLGoym8ButZwYeK7qgPE9XQDI9-ctgOb03BzaiWxV7iZgRbNZI3p6yuSFnqVXzDyuJ1oj0hnZ1PtHcFb8MAK_CiqxV7ptEC0Ijo1iiPWv85OEVl_vw/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="782" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmpp10yl0YpGfjas4BSSUm0MstmLGoym8ButZwYeK7qgPE9XQDI9-ctgOb03BzaiWxV7iZgRbNZI3p6yuSFnqVXzDyuJ1oj0hnZ1PtHcFb8MAK_CiqxV7ptEC0Ijo1iiPWv85OEVl_vw/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
My intention is to expand on the Queenside with ...b5.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="color: red;">Engine: 22...a6 can be avoided as a preparatory move and 22...b5 immediately can be considered.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;"></span><br /></b>
<b>23. Qf2 b5 </b><br />
<b>24. b3 </b>Here my young opponent was intending to play b4, but realised the presence of the dark square Bishop on e7 and changed his mind with b3 instead. Of course, this is fully permissible, since White has yet to release the piece. <b>Ba3 </b><br />
<b>25. Rd1</b> As 25.Rc2 would have gotten into even more trouble after 25...b4 (c3 Knight is pinned, cannot be moved because the Rook on c2 is hanging).<b>Rxc3+ </b><br />
<b>26. Bxc3 Rxc3+ </b><br />
<b>27.</b> <b>Kg2 Qc6 Diagram</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRMsuAeIMf5HkstY42nzddrCEMgBK3PpAdxHloI9j674RtT_BkEh6Ij2mQ0ZKErS8kLczDCwxBztm9hVJ_I9DOx6uJc8HrDvH24xYZyqYEexZNOuOEOSJk9lVryF8SECTLXAD3ESotQA/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="785" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRMsuAeIMf5HkstY42nzddrCEMgBK3PpAdxHloI9j674RtT_BkEh6Ij2mQ0ZKErS8kLczDCwxBztm9hVJ_I9DOx6uJc8HrDvH24xYZyqYEexZNOuOEOSJk9lVryF8SECTLXAD3ESotQA/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b></b><b></b><br />
Black is simply a Bishop up. Here my thinking is to avoid any possible approach for White to try and save the game.<br />
<br />
<b>28. h4 Rc2 </b><br />
<b>29. Rd2 Rxd2 </b><br />
<b>30. Qxd2 b4 Diagram</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVd2IfDJDkKH_auIwTuijgeQt21KTqnKYpZqSDW928YYshU_eGCaSIlxfFTE_Vrj8Svtds6mX9jA_AvSHxRW_xwMRnSPu2sPVH3nVWgalWHP81Ouv4gXpcscEse4bBuUWXMvDikkpjgg/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="783" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVd2IfDJDkKH_auIwTuijgeQt21KTqnKYpZqSDW928YYshU_eGCaSIlxfFTE_Vrj8Svtds6mX9jA_AvSHxRW_xwMRnSPu2sPVH3nVWgalWHP81Ouv4gXpcscEse4bBuUWXMvDikkpjgg/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
My thinking is to prevent the White Queen from "escaping" into Black's territory, as Black slowly but surely will out-maneuverer White. The remaining moves as follows.<br />
<br />
<b>31. Kh3 Qc3 </b><br />
<b>32. Qf2 Qd3 </b><br />
<b>33. h5 Bc1</b><br />
<b>34. Kh4 Bd2 </b><br />
<b>35. g4 Qe3 </b><br />
<b>36. Qf1 0-1</b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Some other learning points / personal interpretation:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><b>A key factor of this variation of the Caro-Kann Defence seems to be whether to initiate ...c5 pawn break, and when to do it.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><b>While bringing the Bishop out before chaining the pawns in may be seen as an "ideal" way of opening development in that we have no "bad Bishop", it is not without any drawbacks. The lack of the Bishop to serve as a defender within your turf can be bothersome.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><b>When a position is bad, don't (try to) make it worse! 13...Qc7 was real bad. 13...Kd8!? is the kind of move I hope to find one day -- may I be relieved from the shackles of general principles soon!</b></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: blue;"></span><b></b><br /></div>
<div>
<b>Full game replay can also be viewed here: </b></div>
<div>
<a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/14/Game64138687.html" target="_blank"><b>http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/14/Game64138687.html</b></a></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next game I'm reviewing is a long game played between 2 of my chess friends, William (White) and Weng Chew (Black). I was slightly surprised it was played without the use of a clock, as that would have maximised learning value through mimicking the same playing conditions in a tournament, as well as requiring the players to time-manage. Time management, playing under time pressure is really a practical and important aspect in tournament play.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>William (White) v.s. Weng Chew (Black)</u></b></div>
<div>
<b></b><u></u><br /></div>
<div>
<b>1. d4 d5 </b></div>
<div>
<b>2. Nf3 Nf6 </b></div>
<div>
<b>3. e3 e6 </b></div>
<div>
<b>4. Bd3 Be7 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBVglLwqMQYzvhAwM0p_-BMZEx5tHu6g1ldUT6QfQ1UMaV91dpKpS8NVd5q2Zsc2s2cXOM5nTDv9WZlLjrHSTBFjXrMOQikmGe14BVTkTNsgx_wWZRrcx0pSmxaHfBTVydLpwuIrhRgU/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBVglLwqMQYzvhAwM0p_-BMZEx5tHu6g1ldUT6QfQ1UMaV91dpKpS8NVd5q2Zsc2s2cXOM5nTDv9WZlLjrHSTBFjXrMOQikmGe14BVTkTNsgx_wWZRrcx0pSmxaHfBTVydLpwuIrhRgU/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First minor difference straying away from a possible mirror position. Is this very important? I don't think it's much, but looking at things superficially, the Bishop on d3 does look more<br />
<div>
active than the Bishop on e7. On the other hand, perhaps the Bishop on d3 may be a little but more vulnerable to some sort of Knight / pawns harassment as compared to e7. </div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: red;">LiveBook: Surprisingly, statistically 4...Be7 fares much better than 4...Bd6. But I have not figured out any concrete reason why. </span></b></div>
<div>
<b></b><span style="color: red;"></span><br /></div>
<div>
<b>5. O-O O-O </b></div>
<div>
<b>6. b3 </b>Okay, so William is playing the Colle-Zukertort, something he found comfortable with these days. When will I finally find an opening I'm truly comfortable with? My exploration continues... =)<b> </b></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
<b>6...h6 </b>Okay, this move seems a little bit unprovoked. Why not do other things</div>
first? Black's opening development has yet to complete -- he can develop the<br />
Queenside pieces, play ...c5 to challenge the centre etc. ...h6 here feels a<br />
<div>
bit too defensive. </div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
<b>7. Bb2 b6</b> Makes sense. The light square Bishop has no prospects with the c8-h3 diagonal, so it is heading for the b7-g2 diagonal instead.</div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
<b>8. Nbd2 Bb7 </b></div>
<div>
<b>9. Ne5 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7t2gWubkIHcLkT-EgxI9TLMw5fc8W3Wg35B5lUkGSfiWD_lVwC5F4A3pok2sfZU8D8oqPs2tcsDQK5sLaXUWBLMqpwaj4w2KwKVOzd1ar4-RHXK6sgH3y53VtjarbNrk9_Z9dK9E1Lk/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7t2gWubkIHcLkT-EgxI9TLMw5fc8W3Wg35B5lUkGSfiWD_lVwC5F4A3pok2sfZU8D8oqPs2tcsDQK5sLaXUWBLMqpwaj4w2KwKVOzd1ar4-RHXK6sgH3y53VtjarbNrk9_Z9dK9E1Lk/s320/Capture.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
I'm not that familiar with this opening. But after seeing the course of the game and hearing some tips from other stronger and more experienced players, I thought that it might've been better had Black</div>
played ...Nbd7 first -- this gives Black the option to play an immediate ...Nxe5 before White gets to play f4. And then we get ...Nfd7,, ...c5 etc. Also, had the dark square Bishop been placed on ...d6 instead of ...e7 right at the start, ...Bxe5 would be an additional option.</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>9...Nbd7 </b></div>
<div>
<b>10. f4 </b>This also resembles the Dutch: Stonewall attack. Something that is an extremely<br />
effective sideline played against me =) </div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>10...c5 </b></div>
<div>
<b>11. Ndf3 </b>White has formed this "iron grip" in the middle that is not so easy to challenge.<b> cxd4 </b></div>
<div>
<b>12. exd4 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekynHVjPHnowk3pFZl8eRIDGg1gjHc15YhNL8pZvYxyqG79Y6b8YFHRN3xYOFiHc2QYHIjd1lUknkoyqjf41k0h6wV27UhuUCusahxCFD2WcjrxmgJLPO1UfniqFIx9-YqaDyBHSjNIQ/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="782" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekynHVjPHnowk3pFZl8eRIDGg1gjHc15YhNL8pZvYxyqG79Y6b8YFHRN3xYOFiHc2QYHIjd1lUknkoyqjf41k0h6wV27UhuUCusahxCFD2WcjrxmgJLPO1UfniqFIx9-YqaDyBHSjNIQ/s320/Capture.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Black has achieved centre pawn majority. But in reality, I find it so difficult for Black to expand on the Queenside! (While White makes progress in the middle and the Kingside). </div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>12...Qc7 </b></div>
<div>
<b>13. Nxd7 Nxd7 </b></div>
<div>
<b>14. Ne5 Bd6 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugq3zGCJNvBzIXgp-qsYmhyJceF4vuTkVD6qKL5y-kuz3iQqIv1PiVUj97lLsoAO1Av1tq5tQK1ZfSLFWb5Fru_ukBvw0Zqdi_ebbzmgaLEP-PME4RzaJ0UFunpyiXsld_spWsm313Xw/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugq3zGCJNvBzIXgp-qsYmhyJceF4vuTkVD6qKL5y-kuz3iQqIv1PiVUj97lLsoAO1Av1tq5tQK1ZfSLFWb5Fru_ukBvw0Zqdi_ebbzmgaLEP-PME4RzaJ0UFunpyiXsld_spWsm313Xw/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm not sure about the purpose of this move: Does it somehow discourage f4-f5? </div>
<div>
<b>15. Qh5 Nf6</b></div>
<div>
<b>16. Qh4 Be7</b></div>
<div>
<b>17. Rf3 Ne4 </b></div>
<div>
<b>18. Qg4 f5 </b></div>
<div>
<b>19. Qh5 Nf6 </b></div>
<div>
<b>20. Qh4 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6b2dLtInp6iix4BX8Ii8hZ8mfu-zDUchTS7Td4A0SaAP3GK2hdg8o0raS067o0LMihvShzyF957ZZqHMWVdJ2i8W_Cz9Ytn-OzeA3Fc61_CFhG9fJivzXaD2Dtlh1NgBEqbAQmUpMMU/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="779" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6b2dLtInp6iix4BX8Ii8hZ8mfu-zDUchTS7Td4A0SaAP3GK2hdg8o0raS067o0LMihvShzyF957ZZqHMWVdJ2i8W_Cz9Ytn-OzeA3Fc61_CFhG9fJivzXaD2Dtlh1NgBEqbAQmUpMMU/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Are you as lost over the pieces jumping around as I am? I simply need to insert the diagram here to prevent myself from getting lost! Jokes aside, here, I wonder if there's any issues if White tries something like 20.Qg6 threatening Rg3 and take aim at the g7 pawn. </div>
<div>
<div>
<b></b><b></b><span style="color: red;"></span><br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: red;">Engine: 20.Qg6 is indeed very strong for White. Nice find, newbie! But White needs to know what to do as follow-up. E.g. 20...Bd6 (the Queen on c7 protects g7) 21.g4! The point is to open up the d3-h7 diagonal to allow Qh7+ ideas.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b></b><span style="color: red;"></span><br /></div>
<div>
<b>20...Ng4 </b></div>
<div>
<b>21. Qe1 Nxe5 </b></div>
<div>
<b>22. fxe5 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzdwutoUgFtUOtXkRr3hDwge_qtrkC38MNJxObcCncwRIPDfFOG8WYGAB23STAT_aCLac5crI4l_BhfVoahYU5D9CT9Dg9NjepUFZ7jN0MT7xFtOFtw-ZuVVyuwsOxIcQFlHxJC5b7Ms/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzdwutoUgFtUOtXkRr3hDwge_qtrkC38MNJxObcCncwRIPDfFOG8WYGAB23STAT_aCLac5crI4l_BhfVoahYU5D9CT9Dg9NjepUFZ7jN0MT7xFtOFtw-ZuVVyuwsOxIcQFlHxJC5b7Ms/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A good decision to keep the Queens on the board! This increases the difficulty for the defending side (Black).<b></b></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>22...Qc8 </b></div>
<div>
<b>23. Rh3 Ba6 </b></div>
<div>
<b>24. Qg3 Kh7 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCryDM18OSWi9Tq7fUmOg6RnZNrGSPSPpNmh8NxmStqK1nu3C_kCwm2FriBuw_TSE3P5RV2E6DsdQC5x1xs_0fYnhk2bM4Oh5iqj9n3y7ge3zIVX_IOUbArBYReYfS1Bn2MgwqfZH4HU/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCryDM18OSWi9Tq7fUmOg6RnZNrGSPSPpNmh8NxmStqK1nu3C_kCwm2FriBuw_TSE3P5RV2E6DsdQC5x1xs_0fYnhk2bM4Oh5iqj9n3y7ge3zIVX_IOUbArBYReYfS1Bn2MgwqfZH4HU/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Seems necessary to hold the Kingside pawns. But the f5 pawn is temporarily pinned.<b> </b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>25. Qe3 Bxd3 </b></div>
<div>
<b>26. Qxd3 </b>This series of moves, I feel that White did not play the best. Since White is intending to play Qxd3 (and obviously not cxd3) anyway, why not just play Rf1 first (and<br />
<div>
save a move on 25.Qe3)? </div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
<b>26...Qc7 </b></div>
<div>
<b>27. Rf1 Rac8 </b></div>
<div>
<b>28. c3! Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpnc-qNwbC3ElHOoWecIRCwR0Wlfl_JtZS7yJhrmHZbGzz3_ML8yQJZV8PFntvRN4hhetari-GmWMV8E2u-o_A7Sg5DkwYXzsMkg_-qnNM92pSx2O_4NNL8V83ePeGUUb7NmBtHGPfaM/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="780" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpnc-qNwbC3ElHOoWecIRCwR0Wlfl_JtZS7yJhrmHZbGzz3_ML8yQJZV8PFntvRN4hhetari-GmWMV8E2u-o_A7Sg5DkwYXzsMkg_-qnNM92pSx2O_4NNL8V83ePeGUUb7NmBtHGPfaM/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Simple yet effective. Black will not get the c-file where his pieces have doubled his major pieces.<b></b></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>28...Rf7 </b></div>
<div>
<b>29. g4! </b>Very nice move but it does take a bit of guts to play as White opens up his own King cover. The f5 pawn is pinned. 3 attackers v.s. 2 defenders.<b> </b></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
<b>29...Rcf8 </b>Okay, Black realises this and decides to increase his defender count.<b> </b></div>
<div>
<b>30. Bc1! </b>I love this move seeing it played live. White knows what he's doing. Yes, it may appear as a "simple, logical" move to most. Even if Black plays correctly, White must be the one calling the shots here.<b></b><br />
<div>
<b>30....Qd8 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbdZzN5etiFI6Cl8fZDfEwxZtXos-0zRKRXj65DOsF4j2-w3rJfiOdCNw6N1CuDK1reglV46GWUblg2vZVELoDg6c31feiCYivnBSEjwv7KoU8xvtIcxfmXYt9r5cyHIXYag9-sZxaeI/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="783" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbdZzN5etiFI6Cl8fZDfEwxZtXos-0zRKRXj65DOsF4j2-w3rJfiOdCNw6N1CuDK1reglV46GWUblg2vZVELoDg6c31feiCYivnBSEjwv7KoU8xvtIcxfmXYt9r5cyHIXYag9-sZxaeI/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>I guess Black's thinking is to discourage g4-g5.</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><b></b><br /></div>
<div>
<b>31. Rhf3 </b>This is where a couple of us were speculating that 31.Rh5 should be better. Not only does the Rook on h5 pressurise the pawn on f5, it also clears the way for possible follow-up like Qd3-h3, and even something like g4-g5 becomes a possibility (out of "nothing"). Still, I do not think Rhf3 is a bad move. Not at all. Especially seeing how the game turns out, that's great!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: red;">Engine: After 30...Qd8 (30...Kg8 was easier to play), 31.RRh5 was indeed deemed as a stronger move. But the continuations are not so straight-forward. Anyway, I'm glad my "sense" is at least good enough to detect something more.</span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>31...Bg5 </b>Other spectators do not understand this move, but I do =) I guess I am still "newbie" enough to understand this move. This move was meant as a trick. A possible way White can go wrong include ...Bxc1 Rxc1?? Qg5+ and win the c1 Rook. However, it is often a bad idea to play a move purely based on "trickery", as you cannot tell whether the opponent will fall for it. (Especially in an untimed game like this.) Another spectator suggested Black to just offer adequate defender count with ...Qd7, which seems to at least defend the f5 pawn adequately. Had the White Rook been played to h5, Black needs to guard against a potential g4-g5 as well. Perhaps not immediate, but the threat is</div>
there.<b> </b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: red;">Engine: Indeed, this move loses on the spot. A blunder from an equal position.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: red;"></span><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>32. gxf5! Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22F4LJOFvg80EOoAPzjaIyq5dEQ97lW2FsdocghjaIAdG4hsyeJVCgFLzrHq7GvmiYRfKKK7Xp7TJ0FaV9BaSoiLR-xQpdA2D6vmgE9vZ6bn1fw9AiGbr3SzRCFJ5WXOk-RytIMJhZtE/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22F4LJOFvg80EOoAPzjaIyq5dEQ97lW2FsdocghjaIAdG4hsyeJVCgFLzrHq7GvmiYRfKKK7Xp7TJ0FaV9BaSoiLR-xQpdA2D6vmgE9vZ6bn1fw9AiGbr3SzRCFJ5WXOk-RytIMJhZtE/s320/Capture.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
White calls Black's bluff. There is no ...Bxc1 because the discovered fxe6 discovered check wins. Objectively, the game is probably decided here. My personal attempt would've been something like 32...Kg8 or ... Kh8 but I highly doubt there would be any adequate defence. </div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>32...Rxf5 </b></div>
<div>
<b>33. Rxf5 exf5 </b></div>
<div>
<b>34. Rxf5 Rxf5 </b></div>
<div>
<b>35. Qxf5+ g6 </b></div>
<div>
<b>36. Bxg5 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlEfuxGyyAc-xhzhZTuT33MUSMgm_II9chpl-r9bQ339KSyBPoIIDq_jxf8YH7bZrOSJuRyJ3du50e7qU35ln548e5_KxTvFqGOhbdWnrvHxkBBTucFvQ_9VY19k-47yhSXub3dsKyKU/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlEfuxGyyAc-xhzhZTuT33MUSMgm_II9chpl-r9bQ339KSyBPoIIDq_jxf8YH7bZrOSJuRyJ3du50e7qU35ln548e5_KxTvFqGOhbdWnrvHxkBBTucFvQ_9VY19k-47yhSXub3dsKyKU/s320/Capture.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I like this move too. My only complaint towards White (complaining for complaining's sake) is that White seems to take so long in an easily winning position ^o^ However, it's better to be safe than sorry. All the prior efforts would've gone to waste had White somehow blunder horribly in the final stage. Here, 36.Bxg5 is good in my opinion as it forces even more exchanges, which simplifies the position and reduces the risks of<br />
<div>
complications for mistakes to occur.</div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
<b>36...Qxg5+ </b></div>
<div>
<b>37. Qxg5 hxg5 </b>Frankly, Black can consider resigning. But resignation is a very personal choice. I do know of many new / young players sticking to the motto that "You do not win a game by</div>
resigning." Also, from a learning point of view, it is often good to play out a position, even if completely winning or lost, if you have even that 1% doubt. I mean, the worst case scenario is that you lose the game, which is already the most probably outcome in a lost position. There's no "cost" to playing on and losing (other than wasting opponent's time which would be the opinion of some players / spectators). All in all, I personally view that whether or when to resign is completely the player's own decision (and I think everyone else, be it the opponent, or spectators, ought to respect it).</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>38. Kg2 Kg7 </b></div>
<div>
<b>39. Kg3</b> <b>Kh6 </b>Here, I would have made "passing moves" to make Black run out of moves</div>
<div>
and lose, but White played a move that is more effective in inducing a<br />
<div>
resignation on the spot.</div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
<b>40. c4! W</b>ith 2 connected pass pawns, it is really all over.<b> </b></div>
<div>
<b>1-0</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Some other learning points / personal interpretation:</span></b></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Do not play a move only for the purpose of hoping the opponent falls for a trick. </span></b></div>
</li>
<li><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Simple moves can be the most effective.</span></b></div>
</li>
<li><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>Always compare between candidate moves. </b></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div>
<span style="color: blue;"></span><span style="color: blue;"></span><span style="color: blue;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Full game replay can also be viewed here: </span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/14/Game73862078.html" target="_blank">http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/14/Game73862078.html</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Feel free to drop any comments / feedback for sharing and learning. Thanks ahead, as always!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yours sincerely</div>
<div>
Ong Yujing (Eugene)</div>
<div>
a.k.a. newbie_learner</div>
<div>
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-88894642683386460782019-03-10T08:11:00.004-07:002019-03-10T08:11:54.056-07:00Siglap South CC Chess Session 10 Mar 2019Again, I don't have time to do a very full review of the games played today. But I can say that the big tests and questions for me revolve around when to play ...c5. I think I over-prepared the pawn breaks too much, and got myself into bad positions.<br />
<br />
External Link to the Games Replay (self-attempted review followed by Chessbase 15's Tactical Analysis):<br />
<br />
<a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/10/Game336914859.html" target="_blank">http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/10/Game336914859.html</a><br />
<br />
Do share your tips or pointers with me. Thanks ahead!<br />
<br />
<br />
Yours sincerely<br />
Ong Yujing (Eugene)<br />
a.k.a. newbie_learner<br />
Siglap South CC Chess Quartetnewbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-13089193421276663002019-03-09T02:29:00.004-08:002019-03-09T02:29:51.687-08:00Frustrations at Club Level ChessEven though I am nowhere near playing chess at a high level, there are frustrations experienced from time to time. The 2 typical sources of frustration I've experienced to date include:<br />
<br />
(i) Frustration with myself -- this most often happens when we are upset with our own poor play. Which is fine. Negative emotions, not just positive ones, can make us grow as well. The negative feelings towards losing can make us strive towards improving our play.<br />
<br />
(ii) Frustration with opponent -- Most of my (chess) friends find me decently-mannered (or so I believe ^o^), but there rare times when I am clearly unhappy after a game. This is usually arising from what I regard as poor etiquette. To date, the ones I have encountered are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Offering a (sympathy / insincere) draw only to request to take it back. Isn't this the #1 thing when we start learning? There is no take back in chess. Not only that, it makes me feel like the opponent is playing mind games through illegal means (not allowed under the laws of chess). </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Taking back moves in a blitz match. Interestingly, I do not mind in games played, if you at least request to take back, or show that you are apologetic about it. What made me upset (and I told the adult opponent off immediately after the game) is that he took back numerous times and celebrated his win when he won by 2 seconds remaining in a 5+0. He claimed he thought that "clock-move" applies in blitz games instead of touch move. I just hope he now knows and would stop using the same (lame) excuse in future. Otherwise, I will just continue to walk away and play with others like what I did.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Making a lot of redundant pre-game talks. I don't mind trash-talking amongst friends, but not the type which goes "I am a weak / new player" etc. and go on to trash me like nobody's business.<br /></li>
<li>Giving advice to my opponent during a game. Honestly, it spoils the whole game. I am playing my opponent, not you. If you (think you) are so good, we can play. But what to do? You've upset me so much, I have no desire to play with you at all =)</li>
</ul>
<div>
But of course, chess is just a game. Despite my frustrations, I'm glad they only lasted for that particular chess session. Despite my claims, I do not actually blacklist people who in my opinion, behaved badly. However, I do hope they learn and improve their own behaviour. Some players have shown vast improvement in their behaviour over time. I believe like the art of playing chess, proper chess etiquette needs to be learned and internalised over time as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Moving on to playing chess. I have to say, I feel that my play has deteriorated partly because of my recent obsession with blitz. I do stand by my views on the benefits of playing some blitz games (improved nerves playing under severe time pressure, quick check of opening lines and general tactical sensing), but I do feel that my play, specifically my thinking process seems a bit shallow.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The following is a recent game I played with a kiddo opponent. Even though I won, I don't think I played well at all.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Kiddo v.s. newbie_learner</b></div>
<div>
Rapid time control (15 minutes initial time with 10 seconds increment per move starting move 1)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>1. d4 d5 </b></div>
<div>
<b>2. c4 c6 </b></div>
<div>
<b>3. Nc3 Nf6 </b></div>
<div>
<b>4. Bf4 g6 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFd-a9YeR6QS0uTXB5k8Z-5pctzPOuMY8EU3mhtQ0_wzjf1Pp7AZzmDVFsTBcbrPX7_m5DIDUqAkF7NL2fX8JFLCSE_HFXbv4GId7A9ZHMjc0lpN8CqJMgAKcVcQdOk_QNSmaT7aQkXE/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="780" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFd-a9YeR6QS0uTXB5k8Z-5pctzPOuMY8EU3mhtQ0_wzjf1Pp7AZzmDVFsTBcbrPX7_m5DIDUqAkF7NL2fX8JFLCSE_HFXbv4GId7A9ZHMjc0lpN8CqJMgAKcVcQdOk_QNSmaT7aQkXE/s400/Capture.JPG" width="397" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have played quite a number of games against the Slav Defence on both sides, but I have forgotten about an early Bf4. Frankly, I was not sure if what I played made sense. But I thought it was worth at least a try. Also, the #1 on my mind in this question is, whether Qb3 at any moment will "kill Black". I do not enjoy self-inflicting doubled isolated pawns on b7/b6 after ...Qb6. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>5. e3 Bg7 </b></div>
<div>
<b>6. Nf3 O-O </b></div>
<div>
<b>7. Bd3 Bf5?! Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_2kfSAoeaZLma_mRci2FWtllZYj0r7QLDMnVzTPHXLgHYkVoDm3Y3-5VvMFZEg9PU-uAlQ2Cxs4Kw5MVK6F8DAn0qnLvGBxDmHTVxw4M1neMLTjdOnsqdDTg3NB6BoPB9MTIYziGejw/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="781" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_2kfSAoeaZLma_mRci2FWtllZYj0r7QLDMnVzTPHXLgHYkVoDm3Y3-5VvMFZEg9PU-uAlQ2Cxs4Kw5MVK6F8DAn0qnLvGBxDmHTVxw4M1neMLTjdOnsqdDTg3NB6BoPB9MTIYziGejw/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even though I wanted to try playing different from my usual play, I think this is outright bad. Sticking to my own advice, after 8.Bxf5 gxf5 9.Qb3 looks outright good for White. White is exerting a small pressure at no risk. If I can replay this move, I would have tried 7...Bg4 instead. Now if White insists on 8.Qb3, 8...Bxf3 (9.Qxb7 Bxg2 I don't believe White has anything either) 9.gxf3 Qb6 is fine for Black to me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>8. O-O e6 </b></div>
<div>
<b>9. Bxf5 gxf5 </b></div>
<div>
<b>10. Ne5 Nbd7 </b></div>
<div>
<b>11. Bg5 Qc7 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYDzMHCZHbbb1mDbojLHknMHNzWg0skxIta0zzwhzOuf1J36oWBc2ZkCTEHXRi1yLjrWrDGnQE-Eq70nRAAlI0S2rli9KAfXJLVchquFeyLAvmcTr-XXPOad4ZyU94daQA84SCsIL61w/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="784" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYDzMHCZHbbb1mDbojLHknMHNzWg0skxIta0zzwhzOuf1J36oWBc2ZkCTEHXRi1yLjrWrDGnQE-Eq70nRAAlI0S2rli9KAfXJLVchquFeyLAvmcTr-XXPOad4ZyU94daQA84SCsIL61w/s400/Capture.JPG" width="398" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
9...gxf5 seems quite self-weakening on my Kingside (esp. when I'm not ready to with ...Rg8 to take the g-file under control, but I did not want to do 9...exf5 because again, I do not enjoy the pressure after Qb3. I actually am not sure of what to do if White does 12.Bf4. I probably have to initiate 12...Nxe5 and see where to relocate my Queen after 13.Bxe5. </div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>12. f4 Ne4 </b></div>
<div>
<b>13. Nxe4 dxe4 </b></div>
<div>
<b>14. Nxd7 Qxd7</b><br /><div>
<b>15. Qb3 Qc7 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs4mOvJRwgluXgxsBi0gP2V3BzbvjiivtvrIfYC0LWZ13Mi0yt0a1ME9ns8FhKRv1GOI-zQWoPhgPtl3vz2I919OzEEPCNFYNSg3opYHR74ABkuDi7uzvTRxpx7LlaFFvldCHEvW9iVw/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="780" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs4mOvJRwgluXgxsBi0gP2V3BzbvjiivtvrIfYC0LWZ13Mi0yt0a1ME9ns8FhKRv1GOI-zQWoPhgPtl3vz2I919OzEEPCNFYNSg3opYHR74ABkuDi7uzvTRxpx7LlaFFvldCHEvW9iVw/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></b></a></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
I felt 12...Ne4 necessary to generate something out of a rather passive position. I do feel that my young opponent over-exchanged a little. After these exchanges, I just want to exchange further to simplify the position! I chose 13...dxe4 over 13...fxe4 because I am more concerned over f4-f5 push as compared to d4-d5 push. I played 15...Qc7 because I am trying to stay out of trouble (potential open d-file facing White's Rooks) and I am looking for ...Qb6 as a resource.</div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
<b>16. Rac1 Qb6 </b></div>
<div>
<b>17. Rc3 Qxb3 </b></div>
<div>
<b>18. Rxb3 f6 </b></div>
<div>
<b>19. Bh4 Rf7 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcEB8gc3Ozl5xV2O_tNxuWPwXZvWQL90b6iz1Uzco6T1LedS_X92fvbyzHlu8M0goP8GtaNZ1g4AVXPXMLxTMjutqNo0svEtuQFpkHQ3X2NafJXELcdRAqn90YAHE_Q-J0SmutW3i8gU/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="780" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcEB8gc3Ozl5xV2O_tNxuWPwXZvWQL90b6iz1Uzco6T1LedS_X92fvbyzHlu8M0goP8GtaNZ1g4AVXPXMLxTMjutqNo0svEtuQFpkHQ3X2NafJXELcdRAqn90YAHE_Q-J0SmutW3i8gU/s400/Capture.JPG" width="397" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Okay, I got to execute what I wanted -- exchange Queens to simplify the position. 18...f6 and 19...Rf7 was planned -- I wanted to block out White's dark square Bishop so that I will get to double Rooks on the d-file. 19...Rf7 is what I consider a little move to expedite the doubling of Rooks and to defend the b7 pawn at the same time. </div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>20. Rd1 Rd7 </b></div>
<div>
<b>21. </b><b>Be1 Rad8 </b></div>
<div>
<b>22. Ba5 b6 </b></div>
<div>
<b>23. Bb4 c5 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN74M2sTlgsRR9_nGRrY6FAeHmsE7UtAbbz7mW4TCOjXiyTFCy6HeT03sudTdymmk8wuu202T3T6AmvpYj8SA-vwhg8aKANx_yWZFu54jQqsY4poBzUY6MkxkYfA4cTNzye7HeaKySjiw/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="779" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN74M2sTlgsRR9_nGRrY6FAeHmsE7UtAbbz7mW4TCOjXiyTFCy6HeT03sudTdymmk8wuu202T3T6AmvpYj8SA-vwhg8aKANx_yWZFu54jQqsY4poBzUY6MkxkYfA4cTNzye7HeaKySjiw/s400/Capture.JPG" width="398" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
I do believe I managed to repel my inexperienced opponent's moves. The culprit probably started from 20.Rd1 which gave me ideas to exploit the position, exploiting the pin on the unsupported d1 Rook. </div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>24. Bc3 cxd4 </b></div>
<div>
<b>25. Bxd4 e5 Diagram</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9AU9EqnylkAXY0QRkNej4Q8ZwlX9b20WzllArTgsiSM1wZS8lWr-HSSr4ViYkUHIDcoEr8HM7fVRY_WmWR3aPRltyqmo61pqIa2t-krBdSKp78xPKyqRef7bn6E-XA_JPLLKHbjWjhs/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="778" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9AU9EqnylkAXY0QRkNej4Q8ZwlX9b20WzllArTgsiSM1wZS8lWr-HSSr4ViYkUHIDcoEr8HM7fVRY_WmWR3aPRltyqmo61pqIa2t-krBdSKp78xPKyqRef7bn6E-XA_JPLLKHbjWjhs/s400/Capture.JPG" width="397" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
The last 2 moves were consistent in exploiting the pin against White's unsupported Rook on d1. The game is essentially over. The remaining moves as follows:</div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
<b>26. Rb5 exd4 27. exd4</b> <b>Rxd4 28. Rxd4 Rxd4 29. Rxf5 Rxc4 30. Kf2 Rc2+ 31. Ke3 Rxb2 32. Kxe4 Rxa2 33.</b> <b>Rd5 Rxg2 34. Rd8+ Kf7 35. Rd7+ Ke6 0-1</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
External link to replay the game with Chessbase 15's one-click tactical analysis function can be found below:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/9/Game234764109.html" target="_blank">http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/9/Game234764109.html</a> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yours sincerely</div>
<div>
Ong Yujing (Eugene)</div>
<div>
a.k.a. newbie_learner</div>
<div>
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-53605727148936380602019-03-03T07:58:00.000-08:002019-03-03T08:07:00.430-08:00...c6 Day at Siglap South CC & MoreIt was almost a Caro-Kann Day for me if not for 1 of the games which turned out to be the Semi-Slav instead. Also, I happen to be looking at my White repertoire but I played Black in all my games today ^o^<br />
<br />
Again, I don't have that much time before the commencement of the work week, so I will be relying largely on Chessbase 15's Tactical Analysis.<br />
<br />
External link to the 4 games played: <a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/3/Game126546515.html" target="_blank">http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/3/Game126546515.html</a><br />
<br />
To the Siglap South CC Chess Club Kids: If you happen to see this by any chance, please SLOW DOWN when you play a rapid game! I find your time management in some of your games played amongst yourself really awkward. In a 15 + 10 (15 minutes initial time + 10 seconds increment per move starting from the first move), some of you ended the game with more time than your initial 15 minutes... Yes, you can play fast in the opening phase of the game if you are super familiar, but from what I saw, you are not as familiar as you think. So yeah, please slow down to minimise the possibility of unforced errors!<br />
<br />
Today, there were more interesting things that the chess games themselves.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #000032;"><b>More #1: Advice Sought on Ruling of An Incident At Another Chess Site</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #000032;"><b></b><br /></span>
<span style="color: #000032;">I was pleasantly surprised to see a message from a chess facilitator of another site, seeking my advice on the following scenario.</span><br />
<br />
<u>Situation</u><br />
Player A claimed a win through flag fall. Player B made a counter-claim that Player A distracted Player B by making the claim, when Player B originally still had 1 second left on the clock. In plain words, Player B is claiming that Player A's bogus flag fall claim caused a distraction. This distraction resulted in the actual flag fall that happened.<br />
<br />
<u>My Initial Advice</u><br />
First, calm the players down.<br />
Second, I was getting more information and details from the facilitator (establishing facts to the best we can).<br />
<br />
<u>Evaluation</u><br />
<ul>
<li>As subsequent confirmed by the facilitator, it was hard to prove Player B's claim of distraction. </li>
<li>Under normal circumstances, claims of distraction should be made during the game, not after the game is over.</li>
<li>As a matter of fact, Player B's flag did fall.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<u>Recommended Judgement</u></div>
<u></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Player A wins as Player B's flag falls (assuming that there are still legal means for Player A to deliver checkmate based on the final position on the board).</li>
<li>If the organiser / facilitator would like, remind players that they can only claim a flag fall after it actually happen (i.e. timer hits zero).</li>
</ul>
<div>
Unlike most other chess arbiters, I feel that such incidences ought to be publicised and discussed. Please let me know if you have a different opinion, or additional ideas on how the situation could've been better handled or judged.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000032; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">More #2: Even DGT's Plastic (non-electronic) Set Looks Simply Gorgeous!</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(Disclaimer: I am not affiliated to DGT in anyway, but I am a really happy customer that has absolutely nothing but praises of the purchases I made so far!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I ordered a <a href="https://www.dgtshop.nl/index.php?route=product/product&path=63&product_id=196" target="_blank">Club Pack</a> (10 sets of chess pieces and cardboard chess board). 10 sets cost me approximately SGD $350 (incl. shipping), so each set is around $35, which is very reasonable. More importantly, it looks so beautiful. I feel that the plastic set is "normal" (despite feeling sturdy), but the board is really beautiful. Let the pictures I took speak for themselves!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DNU3fQQc5EIbknehy3cRfs3ni8BUbXyDPVossw5zpYLpa6LqKq6j6bUttvadfN4fzxw068sdCbjhr4_4Isui2PhFgCIlMFtEe2bqBiljEMOQ-m8M6zTR4gkmba9Cfg_gV66REmr3bD8/s1600/52825740_10156786905235605_4279117848770510848_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DNU3fQQc5EIbknehy3cRfs3ni8BUbXyDPVossw5zpYLpa6LqKq6j6bUttvadfN4fzxw068sdCbjhr4_4Isui2PhFgCIlMFtEe2bqBiljEMOQ-m8M6zTR4gkmba9Cfg_gV66REmr3bD8/s640/52825740_10156786905235605_4279117848770510848_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgI6cIMe-yA3niLxQwScaH83EkzzZWagZqpslGbGtLG0s7kRLL-TGYISd0q7lxes09tP9ZCQoGbE91lX3_ERNpwWbl5wcGf1_BoHpOopkKXfJSJpTJRBqdzXgWgIzSXWX_Rg7AW0lN5g/s1600/52859665_10156786589610605_8848671728377790464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgI6cIMe-yA3niLxQwScaH83EkzzZWagZqpslGbGtLG0s7kRLL-TGYISd0q7lxes09tP9ZCQoGbE91lX3_ERNpwWbl5wcGf1_BoHpOopkKXfJSJpTJRBqdzXgWgIzSXWX_Rg7AW0lN5g/s640/52859665_10156786589610605_8848671728377790464_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgfqya5rWMLGUfAojrCN7Hw3bj4XCLQwdif0t_0cWd8z3ClUgGUMWJwjBFaW4-bL5m_qgUK-DfKc5sHIP5N6wO9Eqt5M-qW67p5vNBY8DrdjIPkC5KKprUhS1gDQkgecQtr3incYSRls/s1600/53140415_10156786589650605_1251675520140050432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgfqya5rWMLGUfAojrCN7Hw3bj4XCLQwdif0t_0cWd8z3ClUgGUMWJwjBFaW4-bL5m_qgUK-DfKc5sHIP5N6wO9Eqt5M-qW67p5vNBY8DrdjIPkC5KKprUhS1gDQkgecQtr3incYSRls/s640/53140415_10156786589650605_1251675520140050432_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Again, I'm pleasantly surprised to hear the chess parents at Siglap South CC ask me about them. (I brought 5 sets for the club's future use. Hopefully, the King's don't end up headless again. Please be gentle with them, kids!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just in case, there are 2 minor issues I had with the sets. They are not deal-breakers for me, but I believe one should be given enough information to make an informed decision. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Only shortcomings I observed:</div>
<ul>
<li>Sets do not come with an extra Queen (most "modern" chess sets we buy do have an extra Queen to facilitate pawn promotion); and</li>
<li>Pieces may be covered with a light layer of greenish powder. That is actually the powder/dust from the felt. But it can be wiped clean easily.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Dear reader, thank you again for your time and patience to come to the end!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yours sincerely</div>
<div>
Ong Yujing (Eugene)</div>
<div>
a.k.a. newbie_learner</div>
<div>
Siglap South CC Chess Quartet</div>
newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-49066152175071576612019-03-01T10:55:00.000-08:002019-03-01T10:56:05.728-08:00A Lost Training Game...Oh Capablanka(!)<div>
I guess the title says it all. These days, whenever I lose a chess game, I shall watch this video! May this be able to help Juga get 1 million views and more earlier ^o^<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/21QpsK7LRM4" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
Okay, I'm sorry but my opponent didn't play the Caro-Kann in this game =) It was the King's Indian Defence, something which I have a really disastrous result as White.<br />
<br />
Time control was 45 minutes initial time with 30 seconds increment per move.<br />
<br />
White: newbie_learner<br />
Black: adult player<br />
<br />
<b>1.d4 Nf6</b> I really should consider exploring 1...Nf6 as an alternate move when playing Black myself. It is really more flexible than 1...d5 all the time.<br />
<br />
<b>2.Nf3 g6</b> These days, I like to insert 2.Nf3 to confirm what setup Black is going for. Indeed, the King's Indian Defence (KID) is coming. And there is this non-mainstream move I have been dying to try out. I do not enjoy playing over the internet, hence my games are all limited to Over the Board (OTB) ones. Which move would I be testing out?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br /></div>
<b>3.Nd2</b> (Diagram)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnr7B8mRzkMKnHSovQTLYSvQZCVF6JFcRiMVql5nfQXvoJ6USgN7FeGto9cxWN4N8kiwMfny0I4OZsUhQheLpFHkwMnc8fr8raBdgDTPpKFklXV6M1l70OYv80sjKcqaL4JU7VpI2_6_U/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="783" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnr7B8mRzkMKnHSovQTLYSvQZCVF6JFcRiMVql5nfQXvoJ6USgN7FeGto9cxWN4N8kiwMfny0I4OZsUhQheLpFHkwMnc8fr8raBdgDTPpKFklXV6M1l70OYv80sjKcqaL4JU7VpI2_6_U/s400/Capture.JPG" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; cursor: move; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" width="400" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">In my previous tournament (SG Amateurs 2018), I have actually used 3.Nc3 consistently. But I felt that the response of 3...d5 was too good -- White has no pawn duo with either c4 or e4, while Black will always have the ...c5 pawn break at his disposal. Hence, the idea of 3.Nd2 to not only sidestep the mainstream options, but also to keep White's options of c4 and e4 open. After 3.Nd2, if 3...d5 is played, at the very least White still has the option to insert c4.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Do you think 3.Nd2 is a good reason in view of 3.Nc3 d5 ? Please share your views with newbie_learner so that he has chances of improving! Thanks ahead =)</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<b>4.e4 d6</b> White still got tempted to go for the ideal pawn centre. Nothing wrong, just that if White wanted to stay flexible, I think 4.g3 can still be justified.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Be2 0-0</b> White is really playing timidly here. White did not want to face ...Bg4 pin and did not want to waste a move on h3, although in the mainlines, h3 is quite valuable is shutting down Black's options for the light squared Bishop. Hence, the thinking that 5.Be2 discourages ...Bg4 to begin with. Moves like 5.Bc4 and 5.Bd3 look better. But I'm not sure if the Bishops are better placed there -- placing the Bishop on c4 contradicts my idea of playing b3, Bb2 c4, while placing the Bishop on d3 when Black's Kingside structure involves a g6 seems to blunt the Bishop's attack on Black's Kingside.<br />
<br />
<b>6. 0-0 Nbd7</b> (Diagram)<br />
<b></b><b></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TpwfMv4AMraY6_rC-QcW4SiP6V2Qucdtcj9mm9mYXzmk9suSGuaTvxJr6YIUrwzOSvYqqyUx26VC0fRJstWx39dui9vaY39WciH1HetBGIWxtADryzyu6P0gB0dEFDZAmv2EZA9gYC0/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="782" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TpwfMv4AMraY6_rC-QcW4SiP6V2Qucdtcj9mm9mYXzmk9suSGuaTvxJr6YIUrwzOSvYqqyUx26VC0fRJstWx39dui9vaY39WciH1HetBGIWxtADryzyu6P0gB0dEFDZAmv2EZA9gYC0/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>7.b3 c5</b><br />
<b>8.Bb2 a6</b><br />
<b>9.c4 b5!</b> (Diagram)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwf1BxoDqz2u1npiR1OrDRvkZkYDHg87XMy3AR6mgFr-DZYJrE8F6NuLLh9ocvZlnrslaWlXxh85behbyYsNyy1RLrR3EXM6OuWfn523NqScC7Bt529JjaoxVriAcbFuM5Ni_GQu9q40/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="779" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwf1BxoDqz2u1npiR1OrDRvkZkYDHg87XMy3AR6mgFr-DZYJrE8F6NuLLh9ocvZlnrslaWlXxh85behbyYsNyy1RLrR3EXM6OuWfn523NqScC7Bt529JjaoxVriAcbFuM5Ni_GQu9q40/s400/Capture.JPG" width="397" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #000120;">Black has just offered a gambit play which resembles the benko gambit. To be honest, I have never taken the gambit seriously. I see it as "Black drops a pawn" =) But I have to say, White must know how to keep the extra pawn effectively, as this game shows. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue;">Engine: White's attempted structure does not work here. After 7...c5, Rather than 8.Bb2 which gives up the pawn centre after 8...cxd4 9.Nxd4, the recommendation is 8.c3 to hang on to the pawn centre. Also, for Black, this whole gambit with 9...b5 is not correct.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #000120;"><span style="color: blue;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #000120;"><b>10.cxb5 axb5</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #000120;"><b>11.Bxb5 Ba6</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #000120;"><b>12.Bxa6 Rxa6</b> (Diagram)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div>
<b><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="781" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghv2W7LKmX8sIocmBdAOkakTaB_g3l1nxJA04oTQxHfP2ZDgoVUf0p6G2bjMvKvP2pXbAJ6X5PoKcjBw0CSrajiLeAB3e3ZFP_P9ZX3FzUYeq6StWLhyUwXuiHGKcckP_2v3eD3aE_iB4/s400/Capture.JPG" width="397" /></b></div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>13.Qe2 Qa8</b> To me, after 12.Qe2, White has completed his opening development by connecting his backrank Rooks. The Queen on e2 is well-placed in that it aims at the Black Rook on a6, and the Queen also helps to defend the pawn on e4. What else can White want from the position? After 12...Qa8, Black does pose a big question on White: How does White want to set up the pawn structure over the Queenside? 13.a4 is the first candidate move on my mind, since it liberates the Rook on a1 of it's defensive duties, and on a good day, White may be able to place his Knight on the b5 outpost. But I also saw that the pawn on b3 becomes super weak. Hence, I was hesitating and considering a more modest advancement of 13.a3 instead. My argument is that after 13.a3, White still retains flexibility over how to advance the Queenside pawns. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>14.a3?! Rb8</b> If anything, both players and spectators agree that 13.a3 is the key culprit to White losing the game in the end. It is that bad. White should have seen that the b3 weakness is at least not an immediate concern as the pawn is defended by the d2 Knight. Now all of White's pieces are stuck. All because of a small little mistake in pushing a pawn! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>15.Rfc1 cxd4</b> Black was very effective in posing immediate problems to White.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EVJ7IqgrzBs3_tt0ViOII2JuZfij9zr0Yfp8X8OFIvr1wjXrgj4OYU6l2e7JniWpyW1-tApeCWU48NVoFwNd74WZ75073CsVcg8B1LjqybK405Vi0-jiLkbvFwUEbOneExjI1M-uii4/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="779" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EVJ7IqgrzBs3_tt0ViOII2JuZfij9zr0Yfp8X8OFIvr1wjXrgj4OYU6l2e7JniWpyW1-tApeCWU48NVoFwNd74WZ75073CsVcg8B1LjqybK405Vi0-jiLkbvFwUEbOneExjI1M-uii4/s400/Capture.JPG" width="398" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b></b><b></b><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Position after 15...cxd4. I don't like it for White already. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;">Engine: While 14.a4 was the best move, 14.a3 was not that bad. 15.Rfc1 was a slip, but even then, White was not worse. Best move is 15.d5 so that Black don't get to exploit the undefended Bishop on b2 by pinning. Good alternatives for White also include 15.Rab1, 15.Rac1 and even 15.Rfe1. White has misread the position here.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>16.Nxd4 Nc5</b> White did not have a choice in recapturing on d4 as the Bishop on b2 was committed to the defence of the a3 pawn. That was the whole problem with 14.a3?! 16...Nc5 is good in continuous harassment of White's position.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>17.f3 Nfd7</b> Actually, I did notice the possibility of 17...Na4 immediately at this position to the remaining sequence of moves. But does White have anything better? If there is, I didn't see anything meaningful during the game.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>18.Qe3 Ne5</b> (Diagram)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UPNqbehm4Me6siABsqQz3_0DfHquPQlZSU8QiAS-REavmcfentTI_WBxLBSUSK-ic_kTsnbNmHy-wxhC57EkXUTGLCQfiAtQnQOurVZEmho4Zujsg7f8JQ3vOlZRRLNyaeMRFWip4-M/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="778" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UPNqbehm4Me6siABsqQz3_0DfHquPQlZSU8QiAS-REavmcfentTI_WBxLBSUSK-ic_kTsnbNmHy-wxhC57EkXUTGLCQfiAtQnQOurVZEmho4Zujsg7f8JQ3vOlZRRLNyaeMRFWip4-M/s400/Capture.JPG" width="398" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Black is threatening a lot of things. ...Ned3 is one, ...Na4 is one. I am not trying to solve all the problems at the same time, but try to address the problems 1 by 1, move by move.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;">Engine: 17.f3 was the real losing move. Best was 17.Nb5! threatening Nc7. I actually saw this idea, with a4 to follow, but did not play this because I thought the best thing to do was to play f3 to relief the Knight on d2 of it's defensive function over e4. But this actually allowed for some pretty immediate tactical shots. Even if Black misses the tactics, Black will remain slightly better-off.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;">Also, instead of 18.Qe3, play 18.Bc3 instead -- better accept an inferior position but try to improve the situation through reduce the constraints / "binds" imposed on White. After 18.Qe3, White is essentially lost with all the tactical chances for Black everywhere.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>19. Rc2 Ned3</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>20. a4 Nxb2</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>21. Rxb2 Nxa4</b> (Diagram)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
<img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="779" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERI90gHMM9iVjgE7WAT3Heu7hElmsD3srFyAxOh7xGG7r01tH18G2DSqP4B-xT49F6BBxJcYYy08_iuR0MKuqWVxTCO9F00k4A8XQgyKE72LkyPP_IUWqW4GltClE3NU2KKXdd8d9tcc/s400/Capture.JPG" width="396" /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #000120;">As mentioned, it is not as if White didn't see this coming. Rather, White can't stop it from happening anyway.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>22.Rba2 Nc5</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>23.Rxa6 Nxa6</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>24.Ra4 Rb4</b> (Diagram)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8dqlnNxdxRQb_yBgz47exFZeoPLc1632Dp3rkoolHI8zG18MuRpG5KjYdY4EfB0KxXy_iuZdJsPFDzRdjPpAeMcuZXSBWmeSl3K2yeyF6xvoJhxvwDdYRYJ7Q-tdAPpiu0qJrolRZAs/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="780" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8dqlnNxdxRQb_yBgz47exFZeoPLc1632Dp3rkoolHI8zG18MuRpG5KjYdY4EfB0KxXy_iuZdJsPFDzRdjPpAeMcuZXSBWmeSl3K2yeyF6xvoJhxvwDdYRYJ7Q-tdAPpiu0qJrolRZAs/s400/Capture.JPG" width="398" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After the game, my opponent told me that I should have tried 24.Qd3 instead. It does seem better in that it encourages exchange of Queens, I think.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>25.Nc2 Rxa4</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>26.bxa4 Nc5</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>27. Qa3 Nxc4</b> (Diagram)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWWR-rRiJ4blzAZcNg6v73oXvhQFEMqDWwQIZ9rXDn5zF37CGHWCBG1eNgip_WFobS33prkd9ZaykIYrq39SxpkUnF_RS91doPa57pb25FXzqILX6hk2CYkZT8JQJqnQdw4oAN-YCM7A/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="778" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWWR-rRiJ4blzAZcNg6v73oXvhQFEMqDWwQIZ9rXDn5zF37CGHWCBG1eNgip_WFobS33prkd9ZaykIYrq39SxpkUnF_RS91doPa57pb25FXzqILX6hk2CYkZT8JQJqnQdw4oAN-YCM7A/s400/Capture.JPG" width="396" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
I admit I was playing hope chess with 27.Qa3, that Black would play 27...Qxa4. Black didn't fall for it, and I knew in my heart gg was coming =)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>28. Qd3 Qc6</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>29.Qc4 Qb6</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>30.Kf1 Nc5</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>31.g3 Qb2! </b>With multiple threats, e.g. ...Bc3 coming, White resigned.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupr1H6VLs9CkXCNtxfeXb-U5SEf8fKCbHWxuBx9y1Y1BNX19I0gYG5gb30lclpAMdH5obVoPamxVMLEyZmkzSg2SOqdnH-e0AFae1nn1v-nxcRTMGwr25iL8C5Atisc31caarTInxnFs/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="781" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupr1H6VLs9CkXCNtxfeXb-U5SEf8fKCbHWxuBx9y1Y1BNX19I0gYG5gb30lclpAMdH5obVoPamxVMLEyZmkzSg2SOqdnH-e0AFae1nn1v-nxcRTMGwr25iL8C5Atisc31caarTInxnFs/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>0-1</b></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
Game replay using Chessbase 15's "Tactical Analysis" can be found on the following link:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/2/Game1158362031.html" target="_blank">http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/3/2/Game1158362031.html</a> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: blue;">General Learning Points / Concluding Thoughts</span></b></div>
<ul>
<li>It is always difficult playing in an unfamiliar position. I think I am actually quite bad with the ideal pawn centre. But if I don't try, I will only remain bad with such positions =) I'm not attributing my loss to 4.e4, but I do feel that 4.g3 type of wait-and-see suits me better =)</li>
<li>Same thing that I don't handle dynamic positions well enough. </li>
<li>Despite the bad play, I managed to remember and reconstruct the game without referring to my game recording. If that shows decent memory / visualisation, that's good!</li>
<li>For now, I'd say that 3.Nc3 d5 or 3.Nd2 all have their comparative merits and drawbacks. There are still a couple of non-mainstream ideas I'd like to try out. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yours sincerely</div>
<div>
Ong Yujing (Eugene)</div>
<div>
a.k.a. newbie_learner</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
newbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654422736642399645.post-71122437749622784242019-02-24T07:28:00.001-08:002019-02-24T07:28:02.374-08:00Siglap South CC Chess Games 24 Feb 2019I don't have enough time to finish reviewing my own games, so I have to be contented with Chessbase 15's 1-click Tactical analysis will have to do for now. As a "value-add" to fellow players at Siglap South CC, I'm sharing the moves of all games captured on my DGT Board today.<br />
<br />
Click the following link for the games replay:<br />
<a href="http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/2/24/Game713644265.html" target="_blank">http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2019/2/24/Game713644265.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Yours sincerely<br />
Ong Yujing (Eugene)<br />
a.k.a. newbie_learner<br />
Siglap South CC Chess Quartetnewbie_learnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13556832267949853722noreply@blogger.com0