by scribe | Dec 24, 2014 | chess clubs, people, ruminations, Uncategorized
I have a question for other chess teachers/coaches, especially those who work with kids: How much intervention is acceptable, for teaching purposes, in a friendly game between two kids? Here’s the particular situation that arose in a game yesterday at the Aptos...
by scribe | Nov 12, 2014 | chess clubs, games, openings, positions
At Mike Splane’s last chess party, the question came up: “Is one bad move enough to lose a game?” Of course the answer is yes, if the move is really, really bad, like hanging a rook or a queen. But in games between more or less experienced players,...
by scribe | Sep 8, 2014 | games, openings, positions, ruminations, tournaments
Since the last time I wrote, my problems have gotten even worse. My Internet connection has not been working since last Friday. Our working hypothesis is that it’s a problem with the modem and it will be resolved when we get our new modem on Wednesday. I sure...
by scribe | Feb 26, 2014 | chess clubs, positions, ruminations
Yesterday I was thinking over possible lessons for my kids at the Aptos Library Chess Club, and I thought, “Why not ask them about this position?” FEN:rnbqkbnr/8/pppppppp/8/2BPPB2/2N2N2/PPP1QPPP/R4RK1 w kq – 0 1 This is not a position any readers of...
by scribe | Sep 11, 2013 | chess clubs, games, positions
I don’t usually play against the kids in the Aptos Library Chess Club, because the games are rarely satisfying in any way. Basically I just take material and win, because most of the students are not on a level yet where they know about keeping their pieces...
