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Chess: Should I Play?

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Orwell
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06 Mar 2009, 7:20 pm

whitetiger wrote:
Well, now my BF is telling me it's time to stop doing that--trading pieces--to get more advanced. *Sigh* I still suck though if I do it the other way.

Get on FICS and play some blitz (5 0) games using unsound gambits. After a while of that, you'll learn to see tactics.

Or, you could go to Chess Tactics Server to practice tactics.


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whitetiger
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09 Mar 2009, 2:45 pm

Now, THAT's an idea! Of course, BF wants me to go slow.

I went with him to a Blitz tournament and he actually told this guy he was playing against that I had made no progress in months and that he should help encourage me to try another game!

I was pissed.


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whitetiger
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10 Mar 2009, 11:01 pm

I won a game against the computer last night in 81 moves. I really concentrated well all the way through. But, my anti-anxiety meds were working.


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CMaximus
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11 Mar 2009, 12:55 pm

whitetiger wrote:
The Bobby Fischer chess book helps you to see four moves out, and I can do those puzzles fine. It's just that after I do the opening, I don't protect my pieces well or notice the pieces further out, like the bishops.

I'm too focused on the middle of the board. I can manage the endgame, where there aren't many pieces left. So, my BF's advice at one point was just to clear the board-try to trade off all my pieces but one and the queen.. and then I can win. It's just that I make impulsive moves in the middle game!


Oh yeah... I know: impulsiveness is the enemy. My only chess success strategy is to just CONTROL myself and be patient, so I can perceive when and how to throw a wrench into the other guy's plans. But it's definitely easier some days than others. It's just a game, but I've shamed myself in chess many times. :lol:



Orwell
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12 Mar 2009, 10:52 pm

whitetiger wrote:
Now, THAT's an idea! Of course, BF wants me to go slow.

Ideally, slower is better. But you're trying to build up fluency in tactical calculation, and I think that is best achieved by just playing a ton of chess, even if it is not necessarily the best quality chess.


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whitetiger
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14 Mar 2009, 4:40 pm

Thanks! I haven't given up, thanks to many of you.


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King_Mob
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15 Mar 2009, 6:29 am

Chess is tough game, make no mistake.

I've been playing for about 4 years and play at around a 1500 level on average but my rating fluctuates quite a bit. Your BF should realise that most people, especially adults new to the game, will never play at a 2200 level.

I would suggest focussing on your enjoyment and just forget about the rating in the short term.



whitetiger
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15 Mar 2009, 9:09 am

That helps! I kept thinking I should be 1200-1500 by now, and I stay at around 1000. I DO play for fun, but I also get frustrated with myself way too often. I've only been playing since June of last year.


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