Chess.org.uk

2000 elo

Chess.org.uk — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:43:38 +0000

My first goal is to hit 2000 elo. I have a fair bit of work to do now to achieve this because of my total ignorance in how the FIDE rating system works. If i’d drawn my 9th game I would have gone in at 2040, as I lost it I went in at 1776. In fact if i’d realised how important the first 9 gamnes are I would have not played in FIDE rated events until I was better! This is quite a harsh lesson to learn – although I still have a K factor of 25 for about 15 more games to try and improve. Anyway I’ve got to take this on the chin and move on.

My First Chess Composition

Chess.org.uk — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 20:43:14 +0000

I decided to try my hand at chess compositions – I have to say it’s quite tricky thinking of something – let me know how you did!

Opening Repertoires

Chess.org.uk — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 11:53:52 +0000

Having an opening repertoire is very important if you plan to take Chess seriously. I read in lots of forums that many players spend too much time worrying about their openings and should just focus on play the ‘best’ move in a given position. This is good advice to a certain extent but I think to make serious progress you must learn some theory and ideas behind certain openings.

If you don’t understand the basic plan of a certain opening this could lead to you having a bad position. This means that the defect is now in your position very early on in the game - as black you want to strive to become equal and as white you generally want to maintain an advantage – this is why I think studying openings IS important!

Choosing an opening as white

Of course all openings can lead to all types of positions but generally if you choose 1.e4 you will be playing a more tactical, open game. If you prefer a quiet positional game with less sharp tactics you might choose 1.d4, 1.nf3 or 1.c4. It is often said opening choice is down to style – if you like complex, open, tactical attacking games then play 1.e4 - if you want to build up your position slowly then coose the 1.d4/1.c4 route.

I shall be examining the openings I will be playing in the up and coming local league and congresses.

Middle Game Technique

Chess.org.uk — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 11:43:30 +0000

It’s white to play and he’s been playing for 2 hours against a much stronger player, and feels in this position he ought to be able to at least hold for a draw. How should he proceed?

Should he exchange pieces?, keep pieces?, shuffle his king around or takgo all out trying to create complications and attack blacks king!?

Black is determined to play for a win and they both have ample time on clocks.