On Blunderprone, the Scotch Gambit and Ct-art

Sunday, I took a ride to Manchester NH to watch some games of the New England Open which a number of my chess playing friends were taking part in. I had a pleasant lunch with Blunderprone and protegy of BP who were both playing in the tourney. Had some yucks and now the chain is somewhat extended: Transformer DK met BP who met Takchess. He played the Scotch Gambit as white and played a hard fought 4 hour plus game which ended in a drawn endgame. George, I would enjoy seeing that game posted and what computer analysis shows.

Coincidently at the same time I was playing against the Scotch Gambit in the skittles room against a fellow against in past tournaments. We were discussing the various lines in this sharp opening. I have some ideas as to how to address it a little better now that I have thought about it for a while. I find it interesting how the lines of the Goring Gambit, Danish Gambit, Four Knights, G.Piano at points transpose to each other. I think to face it I will need to play the Max Lange Lines.

I am getting into CT-ART L30 and this minicircle is starting to gell. When I do problems I often reflect on the pseudoscience that is chess improvement. One of the ongoing discussion is the appropriate level of problem difficulty. Some believe it is important to do a string of easier problem as not to lose the pattern recognition of them. I suspect that doing the difficult problems you still are using the pattern recognition of easier tactics encapsulated within. Looking at a problem you may see the elements of a Anastasia mate then its a matter of explores ways to deflect guards, open lines, interfere with protection.

My next tournament is October and I am looking forward to having good board vision and tactical play.

Update: to 573 ,175 L30 problems today Labor day Tacticthon.