Dear Reader
I’d like to share that with immediate effect, all of my future chess posts shall be published on blogspot instead. This is simply because wordpress.com does not support iframes, which is so crucial in embedding pgn game(s) within the page itself (without a need to open in a new window).
The embed feature makes it so much easier for reading and follow-through!
See you at the new blog site!
Yours sincerely
newbie_learner
Highlights of Today’s Session
Obviously I didn’t record my blitz games, but these are the rapid ones played. Overall, I’m decently satisfied with my play, since I’m in control in most/large part of these games. I did still make slips and misses here and there, but its understandable given the games are played under standard time control. Also, it is not that I hate blitz. In fact, I love blitz. But I really want to limit my blitz games lest I get addicted and neglect my standard games.
https://www.chess.com/emboard?id=4038992
Thank you again for your visit!
Yours sincerely
newbie_learner
About the QCD Adults Team Chess League
Just in case the reader is not aware, the QCD Adults Team Chess League is a platform for adult chess players (aged 20 and above) to play fellow adult players in Singapore. Currently, the local chess tournaments are mostly kids/teenagers centric — to give an extreme example, Adult players no longer qualify to play the national age group chess championship =)
On scheduled Friday Evenings, teams of 4 will pit themselves against one another. Teams may have up to a maximum of 8 players, but only 4 players will play in a round. The games are unrated, so players inactive for a long time may return to “derust” without fearing the loss of rating points.
The time control is the “fastest slow chess”, i.e. 30 minutes initial time + 30 seconds increment per move made. This just qualifies as “standard” chess as a game is considered to be played under standard time control so long as each side has 1 hour of thinking time. And the convention is to assume that 60 moves are made (i.e. 30 minutes initial time + 30 seconds X 60 moves = 60 minutes).
Before the game
Today, my work department was away in the afternoon to walk around Botanic Gardens. It certainly felt healthier to sweat it out (though it could have contributed to some fatigue). Also, because I fear “falling asleep” during the game, I actually ate very little for dinner (and celebrated this dramatic game with McDonalds for supper afterwards LOL).
Also, because my team was unable to field 4 players, we actually made an apology and informed our opponent team in advance — we’d rather forfeit the game upfront without requiring the opponent player to come all the way down, just to press the clock and wait for 30 minutes to claim a win. Not a nice feeling (something my team won’t do onto others). Am glad I’m in a team that plays observes such nice gestures and etiquette ^o^
The dramatic game — yet again!
It was another dramatic game, something I’m decently proud of in certain aspects, while embarrassed in others. Here goes:
Without further ado, here is this dramatic game! And kudos to my opponent. He has not played for decades, but I’m sure he must be quite good when he was active. And he is aware of the Singapore Chess Meetup, which is great!
Thank you for your blessing, Caissa, and thank you reader for your time!
(source: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dryades)
In honour of Caissa!
Haha, a “learning” day simply meant I didn’t play well ^o^
How should I put it? Even though I played badly, it was good my problems are exposed before my tournament coming in less than 2 weeks =) Objectively, I don’t think my holes would be fixed in time, but I see myself to play chess for the rest of my life — what is a little setback over casual play or even tournaments?
Based on my quick review supported by the LiveBook (online database) and Stockfish 9, despite the mistakes, I really felt both games have its learning value — especially the second game, I thought there was some interesting chess psychology at work! Even after the 2nd game ended, both of us were candid in sharing that my opponent (playing the Black pieces) certainly had something in the game. Because my opponent was in time trouble, I was able to trick him into volunteering into a bad position from a completely equal one — some quick lessons in my opinion:
1. Time management and time pressure is a part of the game — learn how exploit your time advantage, and how to cope with time pressure when you are the one down on clock.
2. Exchanges are never innocent
Diagram Position: White (me) Just played 22.Qe1-f2. It is objectively a rather equal, drawish position. But because my opponent was under time pressure, he played into White’s hand. 22…Qxf2?! is probably 1 of the only ways to lose for Black. Here, the correct way is to ignore White altogether — Black was not obliged to take the Queen at all! Waiting moves like 22…Rfd8 should be fine.
Why did this innocent move of 22.Qf2 work? Because we are taught to calculate based on the order of “checks, captures and direct threats”. Here, Black has no good checking move, the direct threat doesn’t make sense (e.g. 22…Qg5 no checkmate as the f2 Queen already defends g2, and the d6 pawn seems to fall to 23.Rxd6). Further by the convention that exchanges simplifies the position, 22…Qxf2 seems like a ‘natural instinct’ move to make (since Black has no time to look at other possible moves!) Nope, it simple helps White to grab the d-pawn with 23.Rxf2 followed by 24.Rfd2.
Chess psychology can be rather interesting, isn’t it? =)
3. Also ‘guilty’ are initial pawn moves in the opening phase
I really blamed my uncomfortable position in game 1 due to not finding the correct way to develop — even though my eventual downfall was caused by a series of inaccuracies, and missing tactical chances.
Diagram position: Here, Black’s (my) 8…a6 was really unnecessary — the light square Bishop has no prospects — just …b6 followed by …Bb7 would have made things SO SO much easier.
The full games replay can be found here:
http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2018/5/17/Game524518843.html
Feel free to share your thoughts, comments / criticisms, if any.
Thank you again for your time.
Yours sincerely
newbie_learner
I was really surprised to see a HUGE turnout at Siglap South CC chess club today. Given that it was Mothers’ day, and midst of preparations for examinations and such, I really thought nobody would turn up and was doing stock-taking of the chess sets and pieces until the players appear 1 after another!
Unfortunately, my form was really bad — as the recorded rapid games will show. Also, I lost uncountable number of blitz games to the kiddos. Oh well, on the bright side, I’m glad to be sandbagged for their growth and development ^o^
Thank you for your time and attention!
Yours sincerely
newbie_learner
Despite being down with flu/cold since the beginning of the week, I still managed to pull myself to for chess (it was a greatly welcomed break to de-stress after work). To be honest, I don’t feel like I’m at my 100% (which is why this post is up much later).
Still, it was great to see all of my chess friends again, especially catching a couple of them who had not been there due to commitment in work and studies. Lost a lot of blitz games that night, but still had fun out of them.
This particular game played against a kiddo was the only one I managed to record. Since I have played with him before quite some time ago, I was pretty excited to see how much he has improved since. At his choice, the game was played under rapid time control (15 minutes initial time + 10 seconds increment per move). Here, the similar path of progress took place for me: Lucky enough to survive out of the opening slightly worse (even with the White pieces), start crawling my way back step by step, fortunate enough to capitalise on opponent’s mistake and win.
Actually, my young opponent’s play was not bad in itself. However, he was too easily distracted, looking at other ongoing games while waiting for my move. As all chess players know, you can’t play well if you don’t focus. Anyway, I hope his coach or his dad could help him work on his concentration — I feel his improvement in his play (especially before the distraction first set in), but I remember seeing this lack of focus in our past encounters too.
Also, just want to make this side point: As someone rather particular about chess etiquette, do I find distracted opponents rude? (Would I feel that the opponent is looking down on me?)
Not at all! In a slow chess tournament setting, sometimes distractions (e.g. walking about, looking at other games) can be good in that they help you look at the position again in a fresh light. In my own chess adventures, I have taken lots of visits to the washroom just to wash my face, calm down and play better chess. But unfortunately for my young opponent that night, he was not distracting himself on purpose to play better chess. He was really distracted from playing his best.
The link to the full game replay is available here. In addition, I thought this was the most interesting position worth talking about in the game:
(White to move — Please not that it is NOT a chess tactical puzzle)
Here, I played 13.0-0 almost immediately. I based this move faithfully on 2 of the opening principles: Development and King Safety. To my surprise, this “natural” move is only ranked between #6 to #8 as engine’s choice. Not sure if my dear reader could teach me the proper way to evaluate / understand this position, and guide me along as to how I can identify better moves here?
Thank you again for your time and attention!
Yours sincerely
newbie_learner
Plenty of good things to say about today’s session:
Finally seeing Mr John Wong back since some time. Hope he’s not too disappointed with the kiddo’s etiquette while I was manning the place alone (I prefer to let everyone play the way they want — even some players who capture the chess pieces with a bang, I understand they were taught by their own coaches to play this way, and decided to let it be — until I become a FIDE certified trainer one day, I may suggest otherwise ^o^ )
Was pleasantly surprised to see Mr Leonard Lau, former President of the Singapore Chess Federation, pay a visit. So sorry for being unable to converse as I was playing my games seriously, and the challenges from the kiddos come 1 after another. I played 6 games, 1 long game and 5 rapid games with no break in-between (not even a toilet break from 3pm to 6pm ^o^)
Am also glad to see around 10+ players attend today’s session (excl. parents) — given that it is the exams period, the turnout is VERY encouraging indeed.
Am quite happy with my own play. Not that I didn’t make any mistake, but more importantly, I really enjoy my “experimental” style of play. I think enjoying chess is much more important than tournament results and anything else. The enjoyment keeps me playing chess, not the results.
I wonder if any coaches can suggest how to make their chess kids slow down. There is this 1 kid who is eager to improve, but he has been playing too much bullet and blitz games. (In a rapid game of 15 minutes initial time + 10 second increment per move, he made 22 moves and still has 15 minutes on his clock). The technical aspect aside, this one is a cutie. After my feedback that he “played too fast”, in the return game, he made his move and press the clock in slow motion, LOL. Never expect it to happen =)
Even though the “Super Kiddo” lost in the final game, I am genuinely impressed with his play. Yes his play is not perfect, there are bad judgement calls, but his moves demonstrate understanding of so many concepts within so short formla training… I can only say, whatever training he’s undergoing, he is definitely on the right track. May you continue to keep your enthusiasm and, I’m sure you’ll make a mark in the local chess scene!
Thank you again for your time reading!
Best wishes
newbie_learner
As you can see, newbie_learner not only struggles in making good moves over the chess board, but in taking decent photos as well ^o^
I have the luxury to relax as my Team “8.c4!” takes a bye. Originally, I was supposed to have a friendly match with Julien, captain of team “The Asia-Squared Bishops”, but due to last minute need to cover his team mates’ vacancy, we have to postpone our friendly, probably to next Wednesday’s Singapore Social Chess Meetup at Asia Square Tower One.
After a simple dinner with 2 local ‘chess families’ to celebrate the joined birthday celebration of 2 prominent chess coaches, GM ‘Bong’ Villamayor Buenaventura and Mr John Wong, I headed back to the fight scene at Cairnhill CC. I already see it as a “bloody round” with many of my chess friends playing one another head on. I’m actually glad to see some of the tough fights (and a couple of my friends’ games were still going on).
A picture is supposed to speak a thousand words, Unfortunately, I’m a really terrible photographer, and only these few are visible enough to convey a story =)
Your eyes didn’t play a trick on you. The 2 teams were really named Team “Woof!Woof!Woof!” and Team “Woof! Woof!”. What can I say? It’s the year of the dog!
The game between FM Timothy Chan (White) and IM Kevin Goh (Black) attracted the most crowd following. It emerged as an endgame whereby Black was trying to grind a win (Knight + 2 pawns vs Knight + pawn). Even though Black was unable to do so, and the point was split, I definitely saw some ideas on how grinding and defensive moves should be done in practice.
Also, as someone who is rather particular about observing proper chess etiquette, I wanted to point out that the game continued until the attacker (Black) is convinced that there is no way to make progress, and make the draw offer. A lot of times in low-level / club-level games / a game involving kid(s), the defender, in fear of losing, initiates the draw offer (which is considered irritating and perhaps ‘disrespectful’ to real, professional chess players). We should learn how it’s properly done.
Team “Kent Ridge Knights” v.s. Team “Pawnstars” (don’t get the spelling wrong!) This was the final ongoing game between Pok Wern Jian and Jonathan Koh. Team Pawnstars won 4-0 in the end. Just want to add that I was really lucky to steal 0.5 points when I played Jonathan in round 1 a couple of weeks ago. Had I encountered him in the latter rounds, he would have sufficiently “de-rusted”.
2 remaining games ongoing between Team “Marinus Deep” and Team Wolverines. Personally, this was a “bloody” match because I happen to know all 4 of them in person =) Team Marinus Deep was 1 of the teams which I helped to form by putting all the interested adult chess players found from various means to form a brand new team. In fact, out of the 8 players who made up Team Marinus Deep, I only know Abdulla (foreground) and Yogesh (background) in person ^o^
The 2 players in the earlier background ‘disappeared’ — Yogesh won his game against Marcellino, bringing the team score as Marinus Deep 1 : Wolverines: 2. Here, I thought Santoso (Black, Team “Wolverines”) made a very good evaluation and practical judgement — he knew there was no need to grind a win (his team would win with just a draw), and the board situation is actually more complicated than it appears (If anything, White’s a-pawn passer may be more important than Blacks d5 and f5 pawns combined, and Black is concerned if White can do force some sort of Queen exchange and make the a-pawn passer unstoppable.) With that in mind, he found the right plan of using the Black Queen to harass White King sufficiently, and then offered a very tempting draw which was very difficult for Abdulla to decline. The offer was accepted, and Team Wolverines narrowly won this 2.5:1.5.
Some little trivia on this game:
The last game which ended (I didn’t dare to even try take a close-up in case it causes any distraction to the players, even though I didn’t use flash), I shall describe it in words. It was between IM Mascarinas Rico (Team “Bulldogs/Psalms 23”, White pieces) and FM Ly Hong Nguyen (Team “Woof!”, Black pieces). Black, with the Rook and Bishop, managed to squeeze a win out of White (Rook). This is an extremely difficult to convert endgame (much harder than our “basic” club players’ Bishop + Knight vs Lone King to me). The Chief Arbiter, Chris, was even following the game with the endgame tablebase equipped!
What is a young boy doing at the QCD Adults Chess League? This is not part of the league, of course. This is a friendly blitz played between GM Timur Gareyev (USA), yes THE world record holder for simultaneous blindfold matches, and our local aspiring youth (a proud ‘graduate’ of Singapore Social Chess Meetup!?), Ashton Chia. There was this funny moment whereby 1 of the QCD league players asked GM Timur Gareyev where he comes from (obviously not recognising him for who he is). Indeed, his ultra friendliness, even to persons he sees for the first time (thank you for the egg tarts treat!) would make one suspect he is “just another player in the league ^o^” (unless you happen to know him in one of his earlier blindfold events, which I happen to be aware of). In the background is IM Kevin Goh and FM Timothy Chan doing their post-game review.
Thank you for your time reading this!
Yours sincerely
newbie_learner
It is really getting harder and harder to outplay fellow players from Siglap South CC these days! Of course, this global levelling up is great for everyone, including myself. I think my current play has its pros and cons: I think I handle time pressure very well, but I got “scared” too easily at the first instance of a threat from the opponent. Also, I need to stop playing on “auto-pilot” even in opening phase of the game. But of course, this is hard to do in a rapid game setting.
In any case, I really felt my opponent, William, improved by LEAPS AND BOUNDS over the past year or 2. I don’t know how much time he spends on actually studying chess, and how he studies (if he does), but whatever he is doing, he is definitely doing it right.
And please do not be too bothered by anyone who claims that the opening “sucks”. Yes, the Chigorin Defense is not the most trendy (because a lot of players abide by the guideline to strike back at White’s d4 pawn with …c5 (and I can’t play …c5 with early …Nc6). But this opening is really not “bad”. In fact, there are no major mistakes in White’s opening moves (not that I can identify with quick engine and Livebook replay, if anyone knows where I went wrong, please be generous enough and share with me!), and Black simply equalised early. Of course, both of us made mistakes in the game, which we can hope to eliminate, if not reduce in future games by being more careful and resist the urge to “auto-pilot”.
Also, many thanks to John Wong, Ronald Tagra and Seng Chin for sharing their tips in our endgame replay. Rook + pawns endgame are really hard (yet fascinating in its own right!)
Click here for the game replay
*Extras*
Finally, I received a friendly challenge from Julien, my chess friend and captain of team “The Asia-Squared Bishops” (yes, Asia Square chess meetup folks, this is technically “your team” ^o^) for a 1v1 game (he is not playing in the QCD chess league this coming Friday, 4th May 2018, and my team, 8.c4! has received a bye). Even though I didn’t mind whether I’m playing with the White or the Black pieces, I guess I “won” the coin toss, so I’d be playing White.
Since it is an unofficial game, I will treat this as a training game and play out the position (i.e. no premature draws) — in fact, the endgame of today’s game is quite a great testament of the need to play out every position till its bare — even though 2 Rooks + equal pawns may be a draw on paper, a learning player really needs to try playing it out for the experience. Believe me — I’ve seen it with so many of my friends recent tournament games, a lot were not played out when it should. Don’t get me wrong– in a tournament, you are completely on your own (whether to play for a draw, offer draw, accept draw etc. depends on a lot of things beyond the objective position — even your state of mind). But during a practice game, with absolutely nothing on the line, there’s really no meaning in not playing out a position completely so that you bring that kind of experience and fighting spirit into tournament play.
Anyway, thanks for the patience going through another long post of mine =)
Yours sincerely
newbie_learner
Some of the games played with “Sunday Chess Uncle” (Eric) and a new Kiddo today. I got into uncomfortable positions in all 3 games. I can actually feel both of their improvement. For Eric, he has been de-rusting well. I just need him to start playing with the chess clock to condition himself to play in a tournament again. As for the young kid, his sensing is actually good, but like myself, he needs to stop being lazy and actually calculate out dynamic positions.
Okay, I need to level up to keep up with everything too. Please watch over us, Chess Goddess Caissa!
http://view.chessbase.com/cbreader/2018/4/29/Game721905609.html
forkandpin 