by scribe | Feb 28, 2016 | games, positions, ruminations
My computer issues are resolved, so I can go back to showing you games with diagrams. This one is an amusing riff on “how to beat the computer.” To be honest I really don’t know how to beat the computer, but sometimes I get lucky. Rule number one is...
by scribe | Feb 5, 2016 | endings, games, positions
One of these positions is a win for White. The other is a draw. Can you tell which is which? Position 1: Position after 51. … Kd4. White to move. FEN: 8/1p3p2/8/p2p2p1/P2k2Pp/1P1B3P/6K1/8 w – – 0 52 Position 2: Position after 51. … Kd4...
by scribe | Feb 1, 2016 | games, positions, tournaments
I’ve got a new tactical trick for you! Of course, there is nothing new under the sun in chess, but this is a sneaky trick involving two rooks that I don’t think has ever been given a name before. (I hope someone will correct me if I’m...
by scribe | Jan 28, 2016 | games, people, positions, ruminations
Today’s trivia: Name a person who has been the chess champion of both Connecticut and Norway. Today’s quiz: Black to play and win. Position after 28. Qe4. Black to move. FEN: 1r5k/p1pn2p1/1p1p4/5N2/2PPQ3/1K1R3P/P4q1B/6n1 b – – 0 28 The quiz and...
by scribe | Jan 14, 2016 | games, off-topic, ruminations, translations
It’s interesting how you can learn so much about your own language by learning another language — or by hearing a non-native speaker speak your own. This entry is inspired by a lecture at chess.com by grandmaster Alex Yermolinsky, called “1. e4...
by scribe | Dec 30, 2015 | current news, endings, games, people, positions, tournaments
My old friend from North Carolina, Robin Cunningham, decided this year to fly to England for the New Year and play in the traditional Hastings tournament. He did it once before and enjoyed the experience. This year, he’s doing more than just enjoying it:...
