Correspondence: Wasted Time After Bad Move

Correspondence Chess consists of 95% of my play these days. It allows me to play when I have a few spare minutes instead of big chuncks of time.

But I found a really big problem. I can play for days, maybe weeks, on a game that's really interesting. Suddenly, I make a poor move and things go downhill. Now, instead of it just being a 30 minute thing, it's been a longer time that I've been excited and interested, all for nothing.

I guess the longer time limits mean I shouldn't make silly mistakes, but they do happen.

I'm organizing another Chess tournament at the office which will create a lot of over over-the-board play. I'll post links to that when things kick off.

Taking Advantage Of A Forward Queen

In an online correspondence tournament recently, I played a game in which my opponent brought out his Queen early and proceeded to make a bold attack all alone.

This game will be especially good for beginners to step through to learn why one must never attack early with the Queen, or be very cautious bringing her out if it must be done.

White: TrooperScoop
Black: Buffalo
Played at ChessWorld.Net

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5

This was a Latvian Gambit tournament, and all games started in this position.

3.exf5 Qf6

The beginning of the end! This move alone wasn't so bad, but rather the fact that it facilitated the moves to come.

4.d4 Qxf5 5.Nxe5

This gives white good control in the center, and there's not any serious danger from the black Queen.

5. ... Qe4+
6.Be3 d6

At this point, black gives up the main attack and goes after the Knight. The white counter-attack is swift and decisive.

7.Nc3 Qf5
8.Bd3 Qf6
9.Nd5 Qd8

Black's Queen moves back to her starting square, a dismal place to be considering white's domination of the board. The only other option for black was Qh4, but it loses a Rook when white plays Nxc7 and makes it easy for white to continue the attack with pawns.

There's so much possibility for white here, and a three move mate combination is easy to spot.

10.Qh5+ g6
11.Bxg6+ hxg6
12.Qxg6+ 1-0

Mate in 12! Keep your Queen hidden!!

Over The Board Withdrawal!

What is it about playing over-the-board that adds a special dynamic to the game of Chess?

I've been playing daily at ChessWorld but have been getting the urge to play more on a physical chess board.

I wonder if this is common for internet players. I just love the feel of moving the pieces on a board...

Chess In Movies: The DaVinci Code

Whenever I watch movies, I look for and spot the Chess sets right away. It's surprising how often they show up.

I saw the DaVinci Code last week and there was a Chess set that really stood out in one scene. It's where they're in that guy's house (I'm really bad with the names) and they're sitting around the table talking about the Grail. The Chess set is on the table, but in one scene in particular, it's shot from behind the chess pieces, so they're blurred in the foreground and the action is happening behind.

It's a bit subtle if you're not watching for it... but I was, and it's there. Watch for it!