Time for new things.

It's been fun but it's time for new things.

Back in February 2005, I started doing the tactical problems after reading about the De La Maza 7 circle program. I first read King of the Spill blog and joined the Knights Errants.

I started this blog and hastily wrote blog entries unencumbered by correct spelling , grammar and the need to write the kind of detailed meaningful content that Tempo, BDK, Pale Morning Dun , J'Adoube, Sancho, Don DLM and others often provided.

I have done my 1000 plus tactics 8 more time so I am officially declaring myself graduated. My goal was to do the complete CT-Art but it is apparent that I am not going to do that.

Doing the circles was helpful. I never have played stronger than after months of doing tactical training. I would recommend that anyone looking to improve give it a try. Being part of the Knights Errant was fun and helpful. Take a look at Samurai Knight blog if you would like to learn more.

I will continue to play chess and occasionally blog. Thanks everyone , Knights past and present, Fellow bloggers and readers. See you on the Internet.

Simplification

http://blog.chess.com/view/simplification

I have lost alot of games this way. My opponent trading pieces off to a winning endgame . I am pleased to be on the winning end against a better rated opponent on this one.

The advantage went to the more active king. The moves were very clear to me.

shooting the elephant (Latvian?)

http://blog.chess.com/view/shooting-the-elephant

Click on link to view game.

Unsure if this is an Elephant or Latvian Gambit. All in all a wild game. I in the middle made a bad move which should of lost a piece but was overlooked by my opponent.

Max Lange Mistake

At Chess Club there are certain opponents that I enjoy playing more than others due to their style and the type of game that ensues. Most of the players at the club have been playing at the club for years. Recently, a new player has joined us and plays in a gambit style that I enjoy. He plays the Scandinavian followed by Nf6 as well as the Max Lange attack as white.

In the following position as black against him, I played the natural looking Qxf6. Do you see why that is a mistake ? (for the trap see the game link below)

Game