Saturday Afternoon Chess/Open Thread 08-13-2016 [OregonMuse]

The Chess Players
Sir John Lavery, 1929

You can click on the pic to look at a larger version and get a closer look at the game. Looks like White has sacrificed some material to get a space advantage. Black has hunkered down and is trying to wait out the attack. Cannot predict the outcome, the game looks very unbalanced.

Good afternoon morons and moronettes, and welcome to the Saturday Afternoon Chess/Open Thread, the only AoSHQ thread with content specifically for all of us chess nerds who pay homage in the temple of Caïssa, goddess of the middlegame, placed by the gods between the opening and the endgame. And, for those of you who aren't nerdly enough for chess, you can use this thread to talk about checkers, or politics, or whatever you wish, only please try to keep it civil. Nobody wants to get into a conga line of bears on a Saturday afternoon.

Problem 1 - White To Play

Hint: This is actually a mate in 6

Believe it or not, this one is easier than it may look:

FEN: [K1k5/P1Pp4/p2P4/Pp6/P1p5/2P5/8/8 w - - 0 1]

H/T to moron 'bof' for this one.

Rerun

Hint: White Wins A Piece

We're going to have to revisit this problem from last week as the conversation about it got rather interesting, and you morons made some good points.

FEN: [rn3R2/pp4p1/2p3k1/8/8/2P1B3/PPP3PP/6K1 w - - 0 1]

The "official" solution to this problem is 1.Bf4! which secures the win of a piece. But AlaBAMA observed:

Sure, white can go BF4! and gain the knight, but only at the cost of swapping rooks. White will be left with a Bishop and King to try and advance his pawns for a queen (or another piece)...So, maybe I would keep that rook of mine pinning the knight and advance king side with my king and my bishop before I swapped.

This is a good point. And I've actually done this in games. That is, I managed to drop my rook on the back rank, pinning an undeveloped knight or bishop against a rook, which renders both useless. So tying up two of their pieces with only one of yours makes sense, and you can press your piece advantage elsewhere on the board.

And then Sayyid developed this a bit further with a suggestion that the best move is actually 1.g4!, after which Black

...being cornered with his knight pinned, will have to continue dinking around on the king side until he can, at best, trade a set of pawns to prevent white from just marching up pawns for the mate. White's already up material, so even trades while stopping black from developing his pieces are great.

AlaBAMA also said the trade would most likely involve him swapping out his rook, which he wanted to save for the endgame.

Then there was a back-and-forth about what the endgame was going to look like, and which version was preferable.

Based on this discussion, I went back and looked at the problem again. It wouldn't be the first time the "official" solution of a chess thread puzzle got cooked. But upon further consideration, I have come to the conclusion that the original solution, 1.Bf4!, is indeed the correct one. I will now explain why.

Last week, I said that in these "What is White's best move" problems, "best" could mean different things:

--wins the game
--achieves a draw
--wins material
--secures overwhelming positional superiority.

To this list, I should add one more:

--forces simplification to a won endgame.

Which is why I think the original solution is correct. Let's play it out:

1.Bf4!

So now White has two pieces leaning on the Knight. What can Black do?

1...b6

Not much. Anyone else see anything for Black?

2.Rxb8

Someone, I think it might have been Anon Y. Mous, pointed out that White shouldn't play Bxb8 because that will just leave his bishop pinned. This is correct. The exchange must be started with the Rook.

2...Rxb8

Black has no choice.

3.Bxb8 a6

OK, now let's look at the board:

FEN: [1B6/6p1/ppp3k1/8/8/2P5/PPP3PP/6K1 w - - 0 4]

As rickl noted:

After the exchange, White has a bishop and pawns and Black has only pawns. That's an overwhelming preponderance of material. It's an easy win for White.

In addition to the bishop, White has 2 more pawns. In terms of points, White is up by 5, a full Rook. Why would you *not* want this endgame? If I could force this position in a game I was playing, I'd do it and not give it a second thought. There is no need to prolong the game by holding on to your rook just so you can keep a couple of Black's pieces pinned. The simplification you can force will take pretty much all of Black's weapons away from him.

I tried to spell out last week what I meant by "best", but immediately I saw the necessity of adding another criterion to the list. Plus, the first one on the list was "wins the game", which really is a catch-all phrase which doesn't really tell you anything. So here is my revised list, ranked in order of preference:

1) Forced mate in 'x' moves
2) Simplification to a won endgame
3) Achieves a draw while seemingly in a 'lost' position
4-5) Obtains winning material advantage
4-5) Obtains winning positional advantage
6) Wins some material

If you have some others I missed, or think they should be ranked differently, let me know in the comments. You can think of these as tie-breaks in case you see more than one in the problem you're looking at. And I will be doing my best to include these kinds of "multi-faceted" puzzles. So just in case you see something, look harder, you might see something better.

But, there's always going to be a certain element of subjectivity in these "best" problems, which will result some interesting discussions on the chess thread.

Which, come to think of it, isn't a bad thing. And speaking of simplification...

Problem 2 - White To Play

Hint: Simplify to a won endgame

H/T to moron 'cesspit messiah', who sent me this puzzle:

FEN: [1k1r4/pP2q3/8/Q7/8/6bP/6P1/2R4K w - - 0 1]

This position from the book "Chess For Beginners" by I. A. Horowitz. It looks grim for White, but actually, he is able to pull his fat out of the fire. Find out how he can do it, and show your work.

Sexiest Chess Game Ever?

From the 1968 movie The Thomas Crown Affair. With Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway.

Some comments:

1. I like that pre-Staunton chess set they're using, although it looks more decorative than utilitarian. I'm not sure what type it actually is. It looks something like this one, but not quite.

2. I'd forgotten that back in the day, Faye Dunaway was quite a hottie.

3. That little thing Dunaway does at around the 4:00 mark? I believe that's a "touch-move" and McQueen should've called it.

4. They didn't show the outcome of the game, but I think we can assume it ended in a mate.

Problem 3 - White To Play

Hint: 2 paths to a mate in 2, depending on Black's move. Find both.

FEN: [r2q3k/pp1b1Q1p/3p1bp1/5p2/2B5/1P5P/P1PP1PP1/4R1K1 w - - 0 1]

Problem 4 - White To Play

Hint: White can bring off a mate in 4 moves

FEN: [4qr1k/bp4p1/1n3rP1/p7/8/1P4K1/P7/4Q1R1 w - - 0 1]

Now you can use what you've learned to solve this very silly problem:

FEN: [4qrk1/6p1/5pP1/8/8/8/P7/KQRRRRRR w - - 0 1]

I realize there are, no doubt, other ways you can find for White to force a win, what with him having a bunch of extra rooks and all, but try to do it using the same technique used in the prior problem.

Endgame of the Week

FEN: [8/8/8/pPk5/P7/2K5/8/8 w - - 0 2]

Black has just played 1...Kc5. What does White need to do to win this game?

___________
Solutions Update:

Problem 1 - White To Play

When you look at this problem, you should note that the position is such that there are simply few, if any, legal moves on the board. In fact the only legal move on the board right now is:

1.axb5

Black's reply is also the only legal move on the board:

1...axb5

And so it goes:

2.a6 b4
3.cxb4 c3
4.b5 c2
5.b6 c1=Q
6.b7#

Problem 2 - White To Play

White is able to simplify to a won endgame:

1.Rc8+ Rxc8
2.Qxa7+ Kxa7
3.bxc8=N+!

Ha! Did you see that one coming?

3...Ka6
4.Nxe7

And now, thanks to the Nalimov Tablebase for 6-Piece Endgames, we know that this is a win for White. Black cannot stop the queening of at least one of the two remaining pawns.

Problem 3 - White To Play

White's first move is

1. Re8+

...to which Black has two responses, both of which cannot stop the mate in 2:

1...Qxe8
2.Qxf6#

-or-

1...Bxe8
2.Qg8#

Extra points if you found both solutions.

Problem 4 - White To Play

The thing to notice about this position is that the white pawn up there on g6 is like a knife stabbing Black right in the gut. Wouldn't it be great if you were playing White and could somehow get your queen over to the 'h' file and deliver a checkmate on h7? Well, as a matter of fact, you can:

1.Rh1+ Kg8
2.Rh8+ Kxh8
3.Qh1+ Kg8
4.Qh7# 1-0

This pattern of a open rook file and rook sac followed by queen checkmate is so common that it actually has a name, Damiano's Mate. It's named after the chess master who first wrote about it all the way back in 1512 (!)

So, this pattern of moving the rook over and then sacrificing it so the Queen has the opportunity to deliver the mate can be repeated if you have 2 rooks. Or even more rooks. So I composed that ridiculous 2nd problem just to show how it's done:

1.Rh8+ Kxh8
2.Rh1+ Kg8
3.Rh8+ Kxh8
4.Rh1+ Kg8
5.Rh8+ Kxh8
6.Rh1+

Yeah, I can do this all day, buttercup. And there's nothing you can do about it.

6...Kg8
7.Rh8+ Kxh8
8.Rh1+ Kg8
9.Rh8+ Kxh8
10.Rh1+ Kg8
11.Rh8+ Kxh8
12.Qh1+ Kg8
13.Qh7# 1-0

Endgame of the Week

White needs to be able to outflank Black, and force him away from the pawns. Black, of course, will try to stop any advance by White's king.

2.Kd3 Kd5
3.Ke3 Ke5
4.Kf3 Kd5

Black cannot reply 4... Kf5 here because then he'd be too far away to stop White's pawn on b5 from queening. 5. b6 wins the game.

5.Kf4 Kd6
6.Ke4 Ke6
7.Kd4 Kd6
8.Kc4 Kc7
9.Kd5

White can also win with 9.Kc5, but it's not as simple.

9... Kb6
10.Kd6 Kb7
11.Kc5 Kc7
12.b6+ Kb7
13.Kb5 Kb8
14.Kxa5 1-0

___________

Note: that cryptic line of letters and numbers you see underneath each board diagram is a representation of the position in what is known as "Forsyth-Edwards Notation", or F.E.N. It's actually readable by humans. Most computer applications nowadays can read FEN, so those of you who may want to study the position, you can copy the line of FEN and paste into your chess app and it should automatically recreate the position on its display board.

___________

So that about wraps it up for this week. Chess thread tips, suggestions, bribes, rumors, threats, and insults may be sent to my yahoo address: OregonMuse little-a-in-a-circle yahoo dott com.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 04:55 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Where's skip?

Posted by: weirdflunkyonatablet at August 13, 2016 04:58 PM (xsb3I)

2 Ref the pictured position

White is up a Queen for a Knight and 2 pawns (the almost hidden black piece is a rook).

Probably has a mating attack underway. Be4+ (B-K4 check) looks like a good start.

Posted by: ArthurK at August 13, 2016 04:58 PM (h53OH)

3 That's what I want to know. He's usually first in here.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 04:58 PM (ZwjQ/)

4 I like that girl's skirt.

Posted by: grammie winger at August 13, 2016 05:00 PM (dFi94)

5 A Rook walks into a bar and orders a drink and tells the bartender to put it on his tab for Rook. The bartender says 'I can't find a tab under Rook? '

Rook replies ' look under Casstle . That's the name I used to go by'

Posted by: Joe Hallenbeck at August 13, 2016 05:04 PM (fWnjd)

6 White is up a Queen for a Knight and 2 pawns (the almost hidden black piece is a rook).

Probably has a mating attack underway. Be4+ (B-K4 check) looks like a good start.

Posted by: ArthurK at August 13, 2016 04:58 PM (h53OH)

OK, but based on the girls' body language, I'd guess it was Black's move.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 05:06 PM (ZwjQ/)

7 The Chess Players
Sir John Lavery, 1929
------------

WTH? Don't they know that they could just do that on their phones?

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at August 13, 2016 05:07 PM (9mTYi)

8
Problem 1
1 b5 b5 - White can then no longer move
so:
Kd8
2 a6 Black moves his King, White can then no longer move
so:
b6 Black moves his King
3 b7 Black moves his King
4 b8 Queen --> White will win

Posted by: Arbalest at August 13, 2016 05:12 PM (FlRtG)

9 I like crayons.

Posted by: Joey Biden at August 13, 2016 05:14 PM (uAvJJ)

10
"Cannot predict the outcome, the game looks very unbalanced."

Dear Penthouse Letters:

I never thought something like this would every happen to me. One Summer day, soon after my 18th birthday, I was playing chess with my best friend -- and losing badly...

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at August 13, 2016 05:17 PM (kdS6q)

11 Posted by: ArthurK at August 13, 2016 04:58 PM (h53OH)

So I set up the position in the pic in my Chessbase app. In case others would like to do the same, here is the FEN:

7n/6bp/R4rk1/3B3p/5Q2/3K4/8/8 b - - 0 1

If it's Black's move, 1...Rxa6 fails to 2.Be4#. I'm not sure what would be best here, Black has been kind of zugswanged.

If it's White's move, it's kind of interesting. Like you said, there's a mating attack and I'm still trying to work through the lines.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 05:17 PM (ZwjQ/)

12 Problem 1. Play the only legal moves. 1-0
Problem 2. 1.Rc8+ Rxc8 2.Qxa7+ Kxa7 3. c8(N)+!
Problem 3. 1.Re8+! White mates after either forced capture.
Problem 4. 1.Rh1+ Kg8 2.Rh8+! Kxh8 3.Qh1+ Kg8 4.Qh7#
Problem 5. Same trick as in Problem 4, times six.
Endgame. White needs to triangulate, then outflank.

Posted by: Golfboy at August 13, 2016 05:17 PM (T/zYO)

13 Man, i am not seeing the solution to problem 2. I must be tired. lol

Posted by: AlaBAMA at August 13, 2016 05:18 PM (pUDQf)

14 Posted by: Arbalest at August 13, 2016 05:12 PM (FlRtG)

I couldn't understand any of your proposed moves, then it occurred to me you may not be looking at the board correctly.

White's pawns are advancing toward the top of the board. The lowest left-most square is the 'a1' square. White has two pawns on the 7th rank that are threatening to queen.

Hope that helps.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 05:22 PM (ZwjQ/)

15 Nobody wants to get into a conga line of bears on a Saturday afternoon.

You might be surprised.

Posted by: Leonardo DiCaprio at August 13, 2016 05:25 PM (OF/aZ)

16 And the loser of the game gets a severe spanking. Then again, so will the winner.

Posted by: andycanuck at August 13, 2016 05:27 PM (LdMbv)

17 Cannot predict the outcome, the game looks very unbalanced.

I can't quite make out the black piece behind its king on c3, looks like it has to be either a pawn or rook. You can see the other bishop and knight among the taken pieces, but that tipped over piece is hard to make out. Plus, we don't know whose turn it is.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 13, 2016 05:34 PM (R+30W)

18 Good problems.

Nice pic. They look so relaxed and peaceful.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at August 13, 2016 05:36 PM (ej1L0)

19 OM, Thanks for the chess thread. There's satisfaction in solving an easy problem but I learn more working out these puzzles. The hints don't give away the solutions but they help by giving me some direction.

I couldn't get to the chess meet at the local library this week. Had a flare up of gout for the first time in years and walking was a problem. Bummer! Hopefully I can make next months get together.

Posted by: JTB at August 13, 2016 05:36 PM (V+03K)

20 I can't quite make out the black piece behind its king on c3, looks like it has to be either a pawn or rook. You can see the other bishop and knight among the taken pieces, but that tipped over piece is hard to make out. Plus, we don't know whose turn it is.
Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 13, 2016 05:34 PM (R+30W)

Arbalest said the hidden piece looks like a rook. I think that's right.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 05:37 PM (ZwjQ/)

21 A thought came up about the mate in x games. When I play my tablet and make a move and the tablet says it will resign or can continue it is basically a mate in x. But sometimes I blow it but relizing now I look for it.

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 05:38 PM (bksJQ)

22 OMuse, I like how you always find a nice chess picture to go with the thread. Adds that touch of class.

That, and the conga line of bears. That's adorable.

See? Even though I don't play chess, I always find something to like here.

Posted by: bluebell at August 13, 2016 05:38 PM (805dc)

23

OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 05:22 PM

White's pawns are advancing toward the top of the board.

Yes. White's only possible move is to take on b5. If Black then takes the white pawn on B5, White is no longer able to move. This is Black's "out".

If Black instead moves his King (to D8... actually, Black can't) so B5 it is.
White to A6 ... eventually White Pawn on C3 makes it to B7 FTW.

Posted by: Arbalest at August 13, 2016 05:39 PM (FlRtG)

24 Painted almost 100 years ago, showing us a warm summer day and how young ladies amused themselves. The calm before the coming storm...

Posted by: Boots at August 13, 2016 05:39 PM (EBwPV)

25 BTW, I really like that painting at the top of the post. (Giving CBD competition for the midmorning art threads?) Maybe it's me but the girl on the left looks like she's on the verge of discovering boys. Her chess time may be curtailed.

Posted by: JTB at August 13, 2016 05:39 PM (V+03K)

26 See? Even though I don't play chess, I always find something to like here.

Posted by: bluebell at August 13, 2016 05:38 PM (805dc)

It's actually an open thread as well as a chess thread, so you can talk about or introduce any topic you want.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 05:40 PM (ZwjQ/)

27 Well too many beers and too little skill for the advanced puzzles but I think for #1 kb8. Black king can't capture because of the white pawn at c7 and then white can advance the pawn at a7 and make it a queen.

Posted by: PaleRider at August 13, 2016 05:48 PM (Jen0I)

28 27 Well too many beers and too little skill for the advanced puzzles but I think for #1 kb8.

Posted by: PaleRider at August 13, 2016 05:48 PM (Jen0I)

With Black's king sitting on c8, 1. Kb8 would be an illegal move.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 05:50 PM (ZwjQ/)

29 Re: Problem 4. The hint says White mates in 4, but I see a mate in 1: Rh1. Black can't block, can't take the rook, and the pawn at G6 covers the retreat to F7.

Am I missing something?

Posted by: Jenos Idanian at August 13, 2016 05:51 PM (P8OA2)

30 If Black instead moves his King (to D8... actually, Black can't) so B5 it is.
White to A6 ... eventually White Pawn on C3 makes it to B7 FTW.

Posted by: Arbalest at August 13, 2016 05:39 PM (FlRtG)

That sounds about right. The pawn arrives on b7 to deliver the checkmate one step ahead of the new Black queen.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 05:54 PM (ZwjQ/)

31 I AM the Black Queen!!!

Posted by: malia at August 13, 2016 05:55 PM (LdMbv)

32 29 Re: Problem 4. The hint says White mates in 4, but I see a mate in 1: Rh1. Black can't block, can't take the rook, and the pawn at G6 covers the retreat to F7.
Am I missing something?
Posted by: Jenos Idanian at August 13, 2016 05:51 PM (P8OA2)

I think you missed 1...Kg8.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 05:56 PM (ZwjQ/)

33 Since it's also an open thread, can I ask a favor? I've just realized that my about-to-be 8th grader has so idea what the Enlightenment is or why it's important, no idea of natural rights, no fundamental knowledge of why western civilization is kind of a big deal. I've failed him, but in my defense he's not here full time. Are there any books for a 13 year old that can help here? He's a voracious reader, so that helps. Wasn't sure the book thread was going to pop up...

Posted by: Discobobby at August 13, 2016 05:57 PM (0i5Sw)

34 33 Since it's also an open thread, can I ask a favor? I've just realized that my about-to-be 8th grader has so idea what the Enlightenment is or why it's important, no idea of natural rights, no fundamental knowledge of why western civilization is kind of a big deal. I've failed him, but in my defense he's not here full time. Are there any books for a 13 year old that can help here? He's a voracious reader, so that helps. Wasn't sure the book thread was going to pop up...

Posted by: Discobobby at August 13, 2016 05:57 PM (0i5Sw)

Are you around on Sunday mornings? If you don't get an answer to your question here, try asking it on the Sunday morning book thread, which usually goes up around 9AM Eastern Time. There are lots of very knowledgeable morons who hang out there who might have some suggestions to offer.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 06:00 PM (ZwjQ/)

35 The same game, same players but a few moves later?
http://preview.tinyurl.com/hzubn62

Posted by: Bob in Houston-TEXIT! at August 13, 2016 06:00 PM (b7AU3)

36 That sounds about right.

Perhaps I will have better luck if I find one of my chess sets and set the problem up so I don't have to remember the moves.

Posted by: Arbalest at August 13, 2016 06:01 PM (FlRtG)

37 Thanks OM, will do.

Posted by: Discobobby at August 13, 2016 06:02 PM (0i5Sw)

38 Sir John Lavery's wife was Hazel Lavery, who introduced Winston Churchill to painting during the dog days of WW1.

Posted by: md at August 13, 2016 06:03 PM (uKJIC)

39 35 The same game, same players but a few moves later?
http://preview.tinyurl.com/hzubn62
Posted by: Bob in Houston-TEXIT! at August 13, 2016 06:00 PM (b7AU3)

Very interesting, thank you. I never knew about this one. I think it's a different game, though, because I don't see that red chair behind the girl on the right in the new painting, hence it's a different location.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 06:06 PM (ZwjQ/)

40 In the Lavery painting, the outcome depends on whose move it is, and what the black piece is on f6. According to the Hiarcs computer program, the possibilities are:

F6 piece = P:

White mates in 4 regardless of who moves.

F6 piece = N or B:

White mates in 5 regardless of who moves.

F6 piece = R:

White mates in 6 regardless of who moves.

F6 piece = Q:

White moves:
Be4+ and white mates in 7.

Black moves:
QxR and black wins quickly.

Posted by: Fischer at August 13, 2016 06:07 PM (J66QD)

41 I could sure be missing a whole lot, but, why does it seem there hasn't been a painter in 70 years that can capture everyday life?

Oh, an OM, you're a dude right? That'x got me little mixed up. Not to be personal.

*like, I'm a dude*

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 06:07 PM (9ym/8)

42 Good find, Bob in Houston.

Different room (carpets; chairs) but undoubtedly the same girls and their family. (With guests?)

I'm gonna poke around about that.

Already found mini-biographies of the two girls.

Posted by: andycanuck at August 13, 2016 06:07 PM (LdMbv)

43 37 Thanks OM, will do.

Posted by: Discobobby at August 13, 2016 06:02 PM (0i5Sw)

In fact, just show up. I will post your request as an item and we should get some responses in the comments.

Just be there tomorrow. We'll see what we can turn up.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 06:08 PM (ZwjQ/)

44
Since /Open Thread...

NASCAR haters are missing a really fun race in the rain on the road course in Ohio.

Posted by: Spun and Murky at August 13, 2016 06:10 PM (4DCSq)

45 So OM, the book thread goes up at 9 PM on Sunday? I guess I must get the early edition...

Posted by: HH at August 13, 2016 06:12 PM (DrCtv)

46 I would say it is the same room. Tiling and rugs are a match. Furniture could be moved but it appears the layout of the rugs match up.

Posted by: Tim in Illinois. at August 13, 2016 06:14 PM (WVsWD)

47 Because progressives have ruined art along with everything else

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 06:15 PM (bksJQ)

48 45 So OM, the book thread goes up at 9 PM on Sunday? I guess I must get the early edition...
Posted by: HH at August 13, 2016 06:12 PM (DrCtv)

Crap. 9 AM. I meant 9 AM.

Although if Discobobby wants, he can just wait until 9PM and read all of the comments.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 06:15 PM (ZwjQ/)

49 Ricardo, I've gathered that over the last few days for some reason people were wondering if OMuse were male or female.

I found that funny because from the start I knew he was male. I guess I assume most of the could-go-either-way nicks are male unless I see something to the contrary.

Posted by: bluebell at August 13, 2016 06:16 PM (805dc)

50 A £200,000 National Trust project is celebrating a "forgotten" part of Chirk Castle's history in Wrexham when colourful character, Lord Tommy Howard de Walden, made it his home at the turn of the century with his wife and children. This painting by Sir John Lavery shows the family in the saloon.
=====
Is what Bob's painting is about. And yeah it's them along with daddy et alia.

The older girl is:
Margaret Irene Gaenor Scott-Ellis
F, #53934, b. 2 June 1919, d. 14 October 2002

The younger is:
Hon. Rosemary Nest Scott-Ellis
F, #37587, b. 28 October 1922
Last Edited=23 Dec 2012
It's possible that she's still alive although I read her husband's obituary.

Posted by: andycanuck at August 13, 2016 06:17 PM (LdMbv)

51 Not just a chess scene, one of the most erotic scenes ever without showing the beast with two backs. Jewison is a master director. He made two of the sexiest movies of the last half of the 20th century, The Thomas Crown Affair and Moonstruck.

Posted by: Locke Common at August 13, 2016 06:18 PM (I6Am+)

52 "With Black's king sitting on c8, 1. Kb8 would be an illegal move."

OK. Then Arablest is correct and I see how it plays out now. And yes that makes sense about the illegal move. I was being an engineer and forgetting to KISS with thinking black king can't capture white king because it puts him in position to be captured. Duh, of course once white king is captured it wouldn't matter.

Posted by: PaleRider at August 13, 2016 06:18 PM (Jen0I)

53 Discobobby, if you have a little time, check out the Sonlight website at Sonlight.com. It's a homeschool curriculum source that is literature-based and has all kinds of book recs, both fiction and nonfiction, that would be appropriate for your son.

I'm a long-time homeschooler and we've used lots of their programs. My kids have always enjoyed the books they recommend.

Posted by: bluebell at August 13, 2016 06:19 PM (805dc)

54 "I found that funny because from the start I knew he was male. I guess I assume most of the could-go-either-way nicks are male unless I see something to the contrary. "

I know. I never got a female vibe. Again, not to insult.

I should shut up.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 06:19 PM (9ym/8)

55 Same place, different time. Book by the board, or, not.

Posted by: random lurker at August 13, 2016 06:20 PM (+tRIN)

56 9am or 9pm? Thats why the military uses 24hr clock, 4 yrs and it stuck to me like glue.

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 06:23 PM (bksJQ)

57 The continuity sucks in that sequence in Thomas Crowne. But Faye looks hot.

Posted by: Roscoe at August 13, 2016 06:23 PM (cZOCq)

58 I know. I never got a female vibe. Again, not to insult.
I should shut up.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 06:19 PM (9ym/

I could have a lot of fun playing this out for weeks, but no, I'm a male (who has always been a male).

Sad that that parenthetical codicil is necessary nowadays.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 06:23 PM (ZwjQ/)

59 The only legal move available to white in problem 1 is a4xb5 I think.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 13, 2016 06:24 PM (0mRoj)

60 So in the drawing is white Mom or Older Sister? In either case she has quite handsome legs.

I don't know crap about chess but black looks really hemmed in.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at August 13, 2016 06:28 PM (mgbwf)

61 I'd say the neat thing about "Problem 1" is that it's no problem at all! Every single move that white has to do to get to mate in 6 is the ONLY possible move that white has available on all those moves. Very clever!

Posted by: Optimizer at August 13, 2016 06:28 PM (jPHi7)

62 Solutions now posted. Golfboy wins 6 months of AoSHQ Premium content for being the first with the solutions. Even though his endgame solution was a bunch of hand-waving (it was actually pretty good hand-waving).

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 06:28 PM (ZwjQ/)

63 Slow day today. Everybody must be watching the Olympics.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 06:29 PM (ZwjQ/)

64 In the silly position with 6 white rooks, White can mate in 3 moves with 1.Rxe8 Qxe8 2.Qb3+. I know, I know, we're supposed to sacrifice all the rooks for mate in 13, if I counted right.

Posted by: bof at August 13, 2016 06:30 PM (Bu4wL)

65 Or they've wilted. It's 6:30 pm in the DC area and still 96 degrees, with approximately 285% humidity.

Posted by: bluebell at August 13, 2016 06:31 PM (805dc)

66 "Sad that that parenthetical codicil is necessary nowadays."

I KNEW IT!

Local morning sports radio show call themselves "The Morning Musers." Three-man team. All guys. The term "muse" never shook me.

Hoorah!

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 06:31 PM (9ym/8)

67 Nah. Not the olympics. The olympics is tennis and (men's!) volleyball, and fencing, and shit.

Real olympics should either be track and field events or the kind that show off girls' butts a lot.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at August 13, 2016 06:32 PM (mgbwf)

68 Oops, did I spill the beans? I didn't realize OMuse hadn't fessed up yet.

Here I am spoiling the chess thread and I don't even play chess.

Posted by: bluebell at August 13, 2016 06:33 PM (805dc)

69 One of my buddies is in Knoxville, Iowa for some NASCAR(?) race this weekend. Judging by his pictures, they know how to eat out there. Brisket, ribs, steak tips, all looked great. Oh, and that Muslim chick in the hijab won a Bronze medal as part of our Fencing Team, she's all over the sports media now, a true modern heroine. Lastly, last I saw, the USA is at 998 total Summer Olympics Gold medals all-time, could hit 1,000 tonight. Nearest competitor is Russia/S.U., with under 500.

Posted by: Lincolntf at August 13, 2016 06:33 PM (2cS/G)

70
Children Of Men (2006), any good?

Posted by: Mister Magoo's at August 13, 2016 06:33 PM (lN+xb)

71 Slow day today. Everybody must be watching the Olympics.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 06:29 PM (ZwjQ/)

Once you start playing games like this

http://preview.tinyurl.com/d9e4m4d

Chess becomes too difficult because of its simplicity. That's not a slam. You tend to over think. You tend to protect non existent flanks and threats.

Posted by: Tim in Illinois. at August 13, 2016 06:35 PM (WVsWD)

72 Magoo, good book, never saw the movie, but it would make for a good one.

Posted by: Lincolntf at August 13, 2016 06:36 PM (2cS/G)

73 I see the pitfalls and prize on 4 but its black Queen with the potential to end in tears

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 06:36 PM (bksJQ)

74 The carpets aren't the same. The one the girls alone is sitting on has a heavily orange centre that doesn't seem to match any in the salon where they all seem to have mixed-colour designs on them.

A tiled floor in the one but the salon one looks like well-polished hardwood. It's hard to tell because it's so shiny but that seems to me to indicate that it isn't tile but hardwood.

Spacing between the carpets is different as well. There's alot more shiny floor between the carpets in the salon than in the girls' one.

Unfortunately, I can't tell about any of the other furniture like the tables and 'couches' lining the window side because the salon painting isn't as closeup and detailed as the girls' one.

If it is the same room, maybe the girls' one is by a third set of windows that's outside of the frame in the salon painting? Like girls' window; the two guys' window; and the third window in the salon background but I think it's more likely a smaller "sitting" room or the like.

See you later on the ONT; dinner etc. beckons.

Posted by: andycanuck at August 13, 2016 06:39 PM (LdMbv)

75 Its hot thats why I've been sitting inside watching Olympics and now Pearl Harbor and stuck with the chess puzzles I can't figure out

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 06:40 PM (bksJQ)

76

Magoo, good book, never saw the movie, but it would make for a good one.

Well, Children of Men stars Clive Owen who is a fine actor.

Posted by: Mister Magoo's at August 13, 2016 06:40 PM (lN+xb)

77 Children Of Men (2006), any good?

Posted by: Mister Magoo's at August 13, 2016 06:33 PM (lN+xb)

Yes. Haven't read the book, but the movie is quite good.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 06:42 PM (ZwjQ/)

78 No Olympics for me, just late to the thread. Been feeling off this afternoon.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 13, 2016 06:44 PM (0mRoj)

79
"Do not play chess on the road!"

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MdR-MU2jYgE

Posted by: Spun and Murky at August 13, 2016 06:44 PM (4DCSq)

80
Yes. Haven't read the book, but the movie is quite good.

Ironic.

heh

Posted by: Mister Magoo's at August 13, 2016 06:45 PM (lN+xb)

81
Any thoughts on The Other Guys (2010) or Knockaround Guys (2001)?

Posted by: Mister Magoo's at August 13, 2016 06:46 PM (lN+xb)

82 The Black piece on f6 can only be a rook or pawn. It's not tall enough (compared to the White queen on f4) to be a queen. Black has a bishop on g7 and the other has been captured. Similarly, there's a Black knight at h8, and the remaining one is in the captured pile.

Posted by: Golfboy at August 13, 2016 06:50 PM (T/zYO)

83
Are there any books for a 13 year old that can help here? He's a voracious reader
-------------------

Ah books, the things that saved Ben Carson.

You know, they don't have to be "The Enlightenment for 13-Year-Olds." They could be Dickens or Austen or P.G. Wodehouse or Jerome K. Jerome or Saki or Oscar Wilde.

Posted by: iforgot says God bless Fleegle at August 13, 2016 06:52 PM (5o5ek)

84 Problem 4
R-h1 ck, K-g1;
R-h8 ck, KxR;
Q-h1 ck, K-g1;
Q-h8 mate

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 06:52 PM (bksJQ)

85 Awesome ladies tennis final. Puerto Rico wins gold. Monica Puig. Beats # 2 in world. The German had better legs though. Seems they always do. Steffi Graff was a butterface with all time best legs.

Posted by: Joe Hallenbeck at August 13, 2016 06:53 PM (MNgU2)

86 "It's 6:30 pm in the DC area and still 96 degrees, with approximately 285% humidity."

Bluebell's numbers are correct but if you are outside, they feel understated. It's been like this for a week or more. Most people are just staying inside. Where the hell is October when you need it?

Posted by: JTB at August 13, 2016 06:56 PM (V+03K)

87 Yeah it is 4 Q-h7 mate.
Was playing it in my head because its a pain scrolling upand down on my tablet

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 06:56 PM (bksJQ)

88 As a 13 year old I loved westerns books, are you hoping for reading to learn or just to keep up the interest to read?

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 06:59 PM (bksJQ)

89
Hamilton wins!

Oops, never mind. F1 is on their Euro, month long vacation.

I miss BackwardsBoy and Costanza Defense being around...

Posted by: Spun and Murky at August 13, 2016 07:00 PM (4DCSq)

90 Ok, everyone is gone so that can only mean.......

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 07:07 PM (bksJQ)

91
Children Of Men (2006), any good?

Posted by: Mister Magoo's at August 13, 2016 06:33 PM (lN+xb)

Yup. Good flick.

Good: The cinematography and actiony scenes are frickin' awesome, in some cases downright groundbreaking. Great performances. The mood that they establish throughout the film is grim, but absolutely perfect for the plot.

Bad: Total lefty cocksuckery in most of the film, including some really dated political visual cues (believe me, you'll know it when you see it, and funny thing is they were dated when the movie was released). Which is ironic, because a lot of what the film criticizes are the ONLY proper things that a responsible government could do in the situation presented in the story.

Ugly: All of the DVD extras that aren't specifically about the technical part of the film. A lot of flamboyantly communist cocksucker propaganda.

Despite the bad and the ugly, it's not enough to kill the film. Definitely worth seeing.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at August 13, 2016 07:07 PM (LuZz8)

92
Where the hell is October when you need it?

x2

Posted by: Mister Magoo's at August 13, 2016 07:08 PM (lN+xb)

93 84 Problem 4
R-h1 ck, K-g1;
R-h8 ck, KxR;
Q-h1 ck, K-g1;
Q-h8 mate

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 06:52 PM (bksJQ)

Right, and now that you know how it's done, you can use the same procedure to solve the silly problem, the one with all the rooks.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 07:09 PM (ZwjQ/)

94 Pagden's Enlghtenment and why it matters or some such is excellent...but formyountomread and interpret to the 13 year old....unless he/she is quite precocious

Posted by: Patrick Henry at August 13, 2016 07:09 PM (u+0lh)

95 If its not a new thread everyone went to see Ghostbusters II before itx no longer in theaters

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 07:10 PM (bksJQ)

96
Any thoughts on the other movies, ITC?

Posted by: Mister Magoo's at August 13, 2016 07:12 PM (lN+xb)

97 I didn't get 3 till I saw the answers. The problem 4 solution I've used in games. Been playing lots, maybe 10 games a day.

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 07:12 PM (bksJQ)

98 "Hamilton wins!

Oops, never mind. F1 is on their Euro, month long vacation.

I miss BackwardsBoy and Costanza Defense being around..."

Denny?

What happend to Costanza and BB?

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 07:13 PM (9ym/8)

99 This is only the 2nd time I saw Pearl Harbor movie. Jon Voight playing a progressive I'm sure he loves to hate.

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 07:15 PM (bksJQ)

100
BigBadWolf (Romeo13) hasn't been around for a while, either.

Posted by: Mister Magoo's at August 13, 2016 07:17 PM (lN+xb)

101

Denny?

What happend to Costanza and BB?

I think BB got 'soft banned' by Maet for a political outburst, pending some contrition and Costanza, I think got tired of all the acrimony.

Posted by: Spun and Murky at August 13, 2016 07:20 PM (4DCSq)

102 The game in the Thomas Crown scene followed Zeissl vs. Walthoffen, Vienna 1898. See a replay of the game here, with lively commentary:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GhlTwROhPg

Posted by: Golfboy at August 13, 2016 07:23 PM (T/zYO)

103 Costanza, I think got tired of all the acrimony.
Posted by: Spun and Murky at August 13, 2016 07:20 PM (4DCSq)

Actually it was the pool and the accompanying shrinkage that did it.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at August 13, 2016 07:23 PM (ej1L0)

104 OK I don't understand the problem 2 solution. Why after rc8 + rc8 would white not go pc8 to become a queen?

Posted by: PaleRider at August 13, 2016 07:24 PM (Jen0I)

105 Insomniac, are you okay?

Posted by: bluebell at August 13, 2016 07:24 PM (805dc)

106 I've come to the conclusion I'll never be a chess player of any skill, what with my eyes glazing over on the problems. So I leave this memory of a homecoming party here:

https://twitter.com/TheRealBuzz/status/764434907661758464

Posted by: Brother Cavil, That Guy at August 13, 2016 07:29 PM (vyqqu)

107 105 Insomniac, are you okay?

Posted by: bluebell at August 13, 2016 07:24 PM (805dc)

Now that's a loaded question. My stomach started giving me problems all of a sudden starting mid-to-late afternoon - nausea, discomfort and such. Nothing too severe, but just enough to take the starch out of me

Posted by: Insomniac at August 13, 2016 07:31 PM (0mRoj)

108 "Insomniac, are you okay? "

He better be. We got court dates.

Of course, I'm falsely accused in all of them. I swear to God she looked eighteen.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 07:33 PM (9ym/8)

109 I completely forgot about the chess thread. I'll check it out shortly.

OT, I went back and looked at the Weasel Zippers post about Iron Fist and it looks like he died a couple of days ago. RIP.

https://tinyurl.com/zp3q6t8

Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 07:33 PM (sdi6R)

110 >>>Oh,
and that Muslim chick in the hijab won a Bronze medal as part of our
Fencing Team, she's all over the sports media now, a true modern
heroine.
Posted by: Lincolntf at August 13, 2016 06:33 PM (2cS/G)<<<

Obviously my teammates were racist, Islamophobic bigots who sucked on purpose so I wouldn't win gold and be more popular than I already am.

I should have awarded the gold simply for being here, and I hate everyone for not simply giving in to me.

Oh, and it's also the Joos fault.

Posted by: bitch in a burqa at August 13, 2016 07:34 PM (H9MG5)

111 104 After 1.Rc8+ Rxc8 2.c8(Q)+ Kxc8, White is a bishop down with no more threats. Black has an easy win. After the solution line, White is up by a knight and pawn for a bishop, and can fight for a win.

Posted by: Golfboy at August 13, 2016 07:35 PM (T/zYO)

112 BigBadWolf (Romeo13) hasn't been around for a while, either.

Posted by: Mister Magoo's at August 13, 2016 07:17 PM (lN+xb)

Actually... the name was changed to protect.. the guilty...

Due to real life stuff... I've needed to change nicks a couple of times...

Strange how even a nick in a game, can suddenly start to impact your real life... let alone what you are writing no a political blog...

Should be able to keep this one for awhile... as this is the only place I use this nick...

Posted by: Don Quixote, aka BB Wolf, aka Romeo13 at August 13, 2016 07:36 PM (qf6WZ)

113 My stomach started giving me problems all of a sudden starting mid-to-late afternoon - nausea, discomfort and such. Nothing too severe, but just enough to take the starch out of me"

You may have the Zika.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 07:37 PM (9ym/8)

114 108 "Insomniac, are you okay? "

He better be. We got court dates.

Of course, I'm falsely accused in all of them. I swear to God she looked eighteen.
Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 07:33 PM (9ym/

Heh. Bit of an uphill battle on that one.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 13, 2016 07:38 PM (0mRoj)

115 113 My stomach started giving me problems all of a sudden starting mid-to-late afternoon - nausea, discomfort and such. Nothing too severe, but just enough to take the starch out of me"

You may have the Zika.
Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 07:37 PM (9ym/

Seems unlikely. My head's still enormous.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 13, 2016 07:39 PM (0mRoj)

116 Well, Insomniac, I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling well. You need to rest and relax and drink lots of fluids. Maybe take something for your upset tummy? Go to bed early and sleep as long as you can. And feel better.

Did you just say "yes, Mom?"

Posted by: bluebell at August 13, 2016 07:39 PM (805dc)

117 "Heh. Bit of an uphill battle on that one."

Shit.

*heads for Mexico*

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 07:40 PM (9ym/8)

118 Despite the bad and the ugly, it's not enough to kill the film. Definitely worth seeing.

The way you describe it sounds like "despite the monotony, the lack of storyline, and the hard system crashes all the damn time 'No Man's Sky' is a pretty awesome game"

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at August 13, 2016 07:41 PM (6FqZa)

119 Insomniac not felling well? I'm diagnosing lack of sleep.

Posted by: Joe Hallenbeck at August 13, 2016 07:41 PM (MNgU2)

120 >>>Seems unlikely. My head's still enormous.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 13, 2016 07:39 PM (0mRoj)<<<

Should've stayed out of the water.

Posted by: Rio at August 13, 2016 07:41 PM (H9MG5)

121 116 Well, Insomniac, I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling well. You need to rest and relax and drink lots of fluids. Maybe take something for your upset tummy? Go to bed early and sleep as long as you can. And feel better.

Did you just say "yes, Mom?"
Posted by: bluebell at August 13, 2016 07:39 PM (805dc)

Thanks, you're very kind. And no, I didn't say "yes, Mom" but a slight eye roll might have occurred.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 13, 2016 07:41 PM (0mRoj)

122 Wasn't sure I was getting the Algebra on problem 2 till I played it out on my board

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 07:42 PM (bksJQ)

123 Should've stayed out of the water.
Posted by: Rio at August 13, 2016 07:41 PM (H9MG5)

That would have turned me into the Toxic Avenger.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 13, 2016 07:43 PM (0mRoj)

124 "Seems unlikely. My head's still enormous."

You mean like Elaine Benes "enormous"?

Birds run into your head?

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 07:43 PM (9ym/8)

125 Eye roll? Are you sure you're not one of my kids?

I've got to run now, but I hope you feel better soon. Especially since Ricardo is counting on you keeping him out of jail.

Posted by: bluebell at August 13, 2016 07:43 PM (805dc)

126 124 "Seems unlikely. My head's still enormous."

You mean like Elaine Benes "enormous"?

Birds run into your head?
Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 07:43 PM (9ym/

Pretty much. It pulls in objects already in low-level orbit.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 13, 2016 07:44 PM (0mRoj)

127 I don't know much about chess, but I do know a little bit about art. Marcel Duchamp painted a number of chess-themed canvases and later "retired" from art in order to play chess exclusively.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at August 13, 2016 07:45 PM (AroJD)

128 Problem 1 has to be one of those stupid en passant things.

Without it, 1. a4xb5 a6xb5 and then what?

With it, 1. a5xb5 (black any pawn move) 2. b7#

Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 07:45 PM (sdi6R)

129 "Insomniac not felling well? I'm diagnosing lack of sleep."

Not likely. Lawyers wander in, wander out. Bill the fcuk out of you. Take every damn holiday off and them some. Worse than bankers.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 07:46 PM (9ym/8)

130 129 "Insomniac not felling well? I'm diagnosing lack of sleep."

Not likely. Lawyers wander in, wander out. Bill the fcuk out of you. Take every damn holiday off and them some. Worse than bankers.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 07:46 PM (9ym/

Hey now. We only plunder one client at a time, not the whole population at once.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 13, 2016 07:47 PM (0mRoj)

131 Am I wrong to feel happy the dnc got hacked? Would I feel at different if it was the rnc? Probably not.

Posted by: freaked at August 13, 2016 07:48 PM (BO/km)

132
Posted by: Don Quixote

Oh it's you!

And you're here all along.
Good.

Posted by: Mister Magoo's at August 13, 2016 07:48 PM (lN+xb)

133 "Pretty much. It pulls in objects already in low-level orbit."

I am sorry to hear about that, Insom'. I mean that.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 07:48 PM (9ym/8)

134 Problem 2: I would happily swap rooks and win the knight. I would feel very confident with a bishop and pawns in that endgame.

Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 07:48 PM (sdi6R)

135 If anyone just watched the "bike race" can you explain to me what the hell that was?

I man on an electric bike leads the women for the first five laps then he pulls off and they race for three more. Wth is this!?!?

Posted by: weirdflunkyonatablet at August 13, 2016 07:51 PM (xsb3I)

136 Oops. I scrolled down and saw that OM quoted me from last week. *blush*

And that was "Rerun", not Problem 2. I haven't gotten to that one yet.

Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 07:53 PM (sdi6R)

137 I would happ'ly swap rooks and win the knight

Posted by: Shakespeare Schumer rockin' the iambic pentameter at August 13, 2016 07:55 PM (UOgBc)

138 I man on an electric bike leads the women for the first five laps then he pulls off and they race for three more. Wth is this!?!?
Posted by: weirdflunkyonatablet
--------------

It's so they don't have to stop and ask for directions...

*ducks*

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at August 13, 2016 07:57 PM (yddCj)

139 (OT from any topic that has ever existed):
Anybody know why so many Cuban women athletes have first names that start with a 'Y'? It's such a rare usage in Spanish.

Posted by: t-bird at August 13, 2016 07:59 PM (w35Hj)

140 133 "Pretty much. It pulls in objects already in low-level orbit."

I am sorry to hear about that, Insom'. I mean that.
Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 07:48 PM (9ym/

Heh. It's not really a big deal, except the telecom companies show up from time to time to retrieve their satellites.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 13, 2016 07:59 PM (0mRoj)

141 >>>(OT from any topic that has ever existed):

Anybody know why so many Cuban women athletes have first names that start with a 'Y'? It's such a rare usage in Spanish.
Posted by: t-bird at August 13, 2016 07:59 PM (w35Hj)<<<

Why ask "y"?

Try Bud Dry.

Posted by: some stupid old commercial at August 13, 2016 08:04 PM (H9MG5)

142
115
You may have the Zika.
Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 07:37 PM (9ym/

Seems unlikely. My head's still enormous.
Posted by: Insomniac at August 13, 2016 07:39 PM (0mRoj)

That, right there, was pretty funny (in a morbid kinda way)!

Posted by: Spun and Murky at August 13, 2016 08:05 PM (4DCSq)

143 Keirin
bicycle race. A bs made up gambling thing from Japan. Wiki has a good description of this cluster&#%@.

Not to mention the $3 million bribe to get it recognized.

Posted by: weirdflunkyonatablet at August 13, 2016 08:05 PM (xsb3I)

144 I love football season, but I hate commercials. It's the only time of year I subject myself to them.

Posted by: DangerGirl and her 1.21 gigawatt Sanity Prod at August 13, 2016 08:06 PM (+eR2D)

145 Jeebus, that was an awful rendition of the National Anthem before Cowboys/LA (groan) Rams game.

Posted by: dogs everywhere, howling in agony at August 13, 2016 08:09 PM (H9MG5)

146 51 Not just a chess scene, one of the most erotic scenes ever without showing the beast with two backs. Jewison is a master director. He made two of the sexiest movies of the last half of the 20th century, The Thomas Crown Affair and Moonstruck.
Posted by: Locke Common at August 13, 2016 06:18 PM (I6Am+)
=====

Rollerball

Posted by: San Franpsycho at August 13, 2016 08:09 PM (EZebt)

147 OK, I'm stumped by Problem 2.

Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 08:10 PM (sdi6R)

148 Yeah, 'Boys!

Opening kickoff returned for a TD.

Posted by: a T-Rex trying to ~~rub one out~~ clap at August 13, 2016 08:11 PM (H9MG5)

149 Apparently they had a crash in the women's bike race earlier today. Some dang Frenchie knocked down another rider causing two more to crash.

The crash damaged the track. Delayed race to repair hole in the track with duct tape.

Because of course they did.

Posted by: weirdflunkyonatablet at August 13, 2016 08:12 PM (xsb3I)

150 I'd forgotten that back in the day, Faye Dunaway was quite a hottie.

Yes she was and I haven't forgotten.

Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 08:13 PM (sdi6R)

151 Jewison also directed Fiddler on the Roof. Not bad for a goy.

Other Peoples' Money might be the movie of his I like best.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at August 13, 2016 08:13 PM (6FqZa)

152
Problem 1 has to be one of those stupid en passant things.

Without it, 1. a4xb5 a6xb5 and then what?

With it, 1. a5xb5 (black any pawn move) 2. b7#
Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 07:45 PM (sdi6R)
---------------------

It's the best game evah. There is only ONE move that each side can take right up to the end.

Posted by: iforgot says God bless Fleegle at August 13, 2016 08:14 PM (5o5ek)

153 111. Oh right. If you don't draw the black king out he just takes out whatever the pawn was promoted to. I suck at chess, sure do appreciate you all pointing out what I missed. I really need to get an app on the computer so I can have it point out all my oops moves.

Posted by: PaleRider at August 13, 2016 08:14 PM (Jen0I)

154 g'early evenin', 'rons

Posted by: AltonJackson at August 13, 2016 08:14 PM (KCxzN)

155 Rollerball
Posted by: San Franpsycho at August 13, 2016 08:09 PM (EZebt)

Jonathan!....Jonathan!.....Jonathan!

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at August 13, 2016 08:14 PM (ej1L0)

156 Instapundit reminds us that Portlandia is BONED.
http://tinyurl.com/jslzxlx

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at August 13, 2016 08:17 PM (6FqZa)

157 Black will run for queen and get it but white's pawn that is c3 on that graph will checkmate black before the black queen is positioned to save the day.

Posted by: jcurtis at August 13, 2016 08:18 PM (YcqBB)

158 Problem 2 is a little like a combo I put on someone in the opening round of the HB Global in 2005.

The endgame position is one of my routine favorites to stump my beginning students with. Maybe I should get a new student or two so I can have the pleasure of watching them attempt to grapple with it.

Posted by: Philip at August 13, 2016 08:20 PM (8GGXh)

159 3. That little thing Dunaway does at around the 4:00 mark? I believe that's a "touch-move" and McQueen should've called it.

She touched it and it moved.

Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 08:21 PM (sdi6R)

160 I took my baby on a Saturday bang
Boy is that girl with you
Yes we're one and the same.

Now I believe in miracles
And a miracle has happened tonightBut, if you're thinkin' about my baby
It don't matter if you're black or white.

Posted by: Mortimer at August 13, 2016 08:22 PM (zu88C)

161 Problem 2 the pawn promotion is to a knight with a fork attackon the king and queen and while not checkmate gives you a knight and two pawns vs bishop

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 08:24 PM (bksJQ)

162
Instapundit reminds us that Portlandia is BONED.
http://tinyurl.com/jslzxlx
Posted by: boulder terlit hobo

It will be one of Hillary's infrastructure rebuilding programs.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at August 13, 2016 08:26 PM (IqV8l)

163 Cookies and cream icecream with pretzels

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 08:26 PM (bksJQ)

164 OK, Problem 3 also has me stumped.

Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 08:28 PM (sdi6R)

165 I always liked Fay, watched 3 Days of the Condor a few days ago.

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 08:30 PM (bksJQ)

166 LA might want to send the Rams back to St. Louis.

They let Dallas look real good on their first offensive drive. Up 14-0 now.

Posted by: a T-Rex trying to ~~rub one out~~ clap at August 13, 2016 08:33 PM (H9MG5)

167 Problem 3 you sacrifice a rook to the queen so white queen can check king with help from white bishop

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 08:33 PM (bksJQ)

168 I think I got Problem 4.

1. Rh1+ Kg8
2. Rh8+ KxRh8
3. Qh1+ Kg8
4. Qh7#

Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 08:34 PM (sdi6R)

169 I did not approve these Rams.

Posted by: lucius quintus of ostia at August 13, 2016 08:35 PM (6FqZa)

170 White queen takes black bishop checkmateing

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 08:35 PM (bksJQ)

171 141 >>>(OT from any topic that has ever existed):

Anybody know why so many Cuban women athletes have first names that start with a 'Y'? It's such a rare usage in Spanish.
Posted by: t-bird at August 13, 2016 07:59 PM (w35Hj)<<<

Why ask "y"?

Try Bud Dry.

Posted by: some stupid old commercial at August 13, 2016 08:04 PM (H9MG5)

++++

There is someone who hangs around here who might ask, "Y-not?"

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 13, 2016 08:42 PM (R+30W)

172 I looked at the answer to Problem 2. Holy shiite.

Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 08:44 PM (sdi6R)

173 And now, thanks to the Nalimov Tablebase for 6-Piece Endgames, we know that this is a win for White. Black cannot stop the queening of at least one of the two remaining pawns.

++++

True, but playing out the endgame at that point isn't exactly a slam dunk. If you aren't very careful black can snag a draw.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 13, 2016 08:46 PM (R+30W)

174 I never would have guessed that in a million years.

Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 08:47 PM (sdi6R)

175 Another Saturday night and I ain't got nobody...

Posted by: A deceptively strong weasel at August 13, 2016 08:49 PM (BO/km)

176 1. Rh1+ Kg8
2. Rh8+ KxRh8
3. Qh1+ Kg8
4. Qh7#

Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 08:34 PM (sdi6R)

Good, and now you can use this technique to solve the silly problem with all the rooks. Basically in both problems, all you're doing is getting the rooks out of the way so you can bring your queen in.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 08:50 PM (ZwjQ/)

177 Any serious chess nutts.....
Check out ;
chesstempo.com

The finest, most complete, chess problem resourse, and training database ever made available online! Most is free. Check it out.....thank me later!

Posted by: Jerry at August 13, 2016 08:50 PM (bBjHO)

178 I didn't look at the hint to Problem 2 before peeking at the answer, but it is not especially helpful.

A better hint would be: "You don't *have* to promote your pawn to a queen."

Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 08:53 PM (sdi6R)

179 Am I the only one who saw The Thomas Crown Affair in the theater when it was issued?

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at August 13, 2016 08:54 PM (9mTYi)

180 Damn. This Cowboys offense looks sharp, even with Dak Prescott under center. Sure, it's probably not against LA's finest, but still.

Posted by: a T-Rex trying to ~~rub one out~~ clap at August 13, 2016 08:54 PM (H9MG5)

181 Problem 4 might be the first hard one I have got without help or hint. Some past weeks I'd stare for a hour and not get any completely.

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 08:55 PM (bksJQ)

182 "Am I the only one who saw The Thomas Crown Affair in the theater when it was issued?"

Pierce Brosnan was pretty good.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 08:57 PM (9ym/8)

183 At #33 Discobobby

"Animal Farm" is perfect for a boy that age.
"1984" and "Brave New World" may be good for later like when he is 16 or 18.

Posted by: navybrat at August 13, 2016 08:59 PM (w7KSn)

184 "This Cowboys offense looks sharp, even with Dak Prescott under center. Sure, it's probably not against LA's finest, but still."

Just turned over.

The Rams never belonged in STL. Sorry. They didn't.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 09:02 PM (9ym/8)

185 Oh.

Traveling Blue.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 09:02 PM (9ym/8)

186 Well, THAT was a nail biter.

Posted by: fluffy at August 13, 2016 09:04 PM (eiFlk)

187 TCA came out in 1968 so a bit old for my age to watch it on original run

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 09:06 PM (bksJQ)

188 The Rams never belonged in STL.

Woody Strode played for the Rams. In Cleveland.

Posted by: Stringer Davis at August 13, 2016 09:08 PM (tIja6)

189 Goffy looked a little rough there.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 09:08 PM (9ym/8)

190 Would seem the 1999 version gets better reviews than the 1968

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 09:10 PM (bksJQ)

191 This afternoon we watched Clinton Cash on YooToob. This was my apolitical wife's idea.

She has discovered Hildebeast's health problems, also.

Posted by: fluffy at August 13, 2016 09:10 PM (eiFlk)

192 186 Well, THAT was a nail biter.

Posted by: fluffy at August 13, 2016 09:04 PM (eiFlk)

Nice game, fluffy. You shoulda won it, though, I think.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 09:11 PM (ZwjQ/)

193 Well been up since 4am calling it before the ONT shows up.
Good night horde

Posted by: Skip at August 13, 2016 09:11 PM (bksJQ)

194 >>> You shoulda won it, though, I think.

My opponent was uncooperative ;--)

Posted by: fluffy at August 13, 2016 09:16 PM (eiFlk)

195 While a Family Innocently Slept, the Roomba Was Smearing a 'War Zone of Poop' All Over the Living Room

http://tinyurl.com/z9eh42b
PJ Media

*giggle*

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 13, 2016 09:18 PM (R+30W)

196
Are Roombas quiet?

Like sneaky little shits?

Posted by: Mister Magoo's at August 13, 2016 09:29 PM (lN+xb)

197 195 While a Family Innocently Slept, the Roomba Was Smearing a 'War Zone of Poop' All Over the Living Room

http://tinyurl.com/z9eh42b
PJ Media

*giggle*

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 13, 2016 09:18 PM (R+30W)

Oh, Lord. One of my cats has decided that he prefers the living room carpet to the litterbox. That would totally happen here if I had a Roomba. As it is, I just use paper towels and an anti-odor spray.

Yesterday I bought him a brand new litterbox and put it in the living room. We'll see how that works.

Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 09:30 PM (sdi6R)

198 194 >>> You shoulda won it, though, I think.

My opponent was uncooperative ;--)

Posted by: fluffy at August 13, 2016 09:16 PM (eiFlk)

If I may offer some advice:

I think you waited way too long to pick off that advanced pawn. There was a point earlier where you were trying to use your queen to protect your 'f' pawn, as well as try to stop the advanced pawn. I think you should've let your 'f' pawn go and then it would've been easier to take my advanced pawn and not have to trade your rook for my bishop to do it.

At least, that's the way I remember it.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 13, 2016 09:33 PM (ZwjQ/)

199
She has discovered Hildebeast's health problems, also.
Posted by: fluffy

She can get the six trillion dollar woman health plan

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at August 13, 2016 09:33 PM (IqV8l)

200 179 Am I the only one who saw The Thomas Crown Affair in the theater when it was issued?
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at August 13, 2016 08:54 PM (9mTYi)

I saw it in DVD but it would have been worth a theater ticket to me.

Posted by: Joe Hallenbeck at August 13, 2016 09:36 PM (MNgU2)

201 Hasta, Skip-bo.....

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 13, 2016 09:36 PM (9ym/8)

202 Women's 100 meter final in a few seconds.

Posted by: Joe Hallenbeck at August 13, 2016 09:37 PM (MNgU2)

203 Hot Netherlands runner.

Posted by: Joe Hallenbeck at August 13, 2016 09:39 PM (MNgU2)

204 American gets second. Great American story .

Posted by: Joe Hallenbeck at August 13, 2016 09:43 PM (MNgU2)

205 I don't normally keep tabs on celebs but I watched that video on TMZ and Johnny Depp sure seems to be an A-one drunken asshole. His wife appears to have to walk on egg shells around him, he is that much of a dick.

Posted by: washrivergal at August 13, 2016 09:43 PM (CFc5L)

206 I don't get the first one.

Posted by: eleven at August 13, 2016 09:47 PM (qUNWi)

207 I just played a game against my computer. I had a decent position, then stupidly lost a knight. I resigned on the 19th move, because it was pointless to go on any further.

Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 09:48 PM (sdi6R)

208 I'm listening to Bob Dylan's epic 7/29/65 recording session, when he recorded "Tombstone Blues", "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry", "Positively 4th Street", and "Desolation Row". That was a fine day's work, to put it mildly.

Posted by: rickl at August 13, 2016 09:53 PM (sdi6R)

209 I don't play chess, but I love that painting.

Posted by: Pug Mahon at August 13, 2016 10:13 PM (z8MyO)

210 RE: 13 year old books. Looking to help explain why these are our core values, why all _this_ the left denigrates matters. Sorry, on phone now.

Posted by: Discobobby at August 13, 2016 10:16 PM (ywKik)

211
Perhaps this was noted by someone else, but there are way too many Black pieces that were captured by White in that painting for the number of pieces that Black still has on the board.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at August 13, 2016 10:26 PM (BK3ZS)

212
Oops, belay #211 (sorry)!

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at August 13, 2016 10:28 PM (BK3ZS)

213 Thomas Crowne Affair Chess Set

This one on pintrest is very close, if not exact:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pin___.com/736x/97/a1/d9/97a1d9570a3c946ffad041f667303727.jpg

Unfortunately, it lists as no longer available at the site that was selling it.

D.GOOCH

Posted by: GOOCH at August 14, 2016 12:15 AM (aA/cG)

214 Too bad pixy mangled that URL, otherwise I'd be able to see the chess set, Mr. Gooch.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 14, 2016 08:56 AM (S2qL1)

215 Depends on what Black's last move was. It could be mate in 3.

If:
1. ... P-N4

Then:

2. PxP e.p. P-R4
3. P-N7 mate

Lots depends on what Black's last move was. Now could White get into the position he's in and Black still have a Pawn on N2...not my monkey, not my circus.

Posted by: surfdude621 at August 14, 2016 11:21 AM (6R080)

216 OM, Try this one:

http://tinyurl.com/gvky87o

D.GOOCH

Posted by: GOOCH at August 14, 2016 12:13 PM (cxLzw)

217 Thanks, Mr. Gooch, that set looks pretty much like the one in the movie, except the colors. Good catch.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 14, 2016 01:06 PM (S2qL1)

218 http://tinyurl.com/gvky87o
D.GOOCH
Posted by: GOOCH at August 14, 2016 12:13 PM (cxLzw)

Also, did that site listing tell you what kind or type of set it was, like Selunus or Barleycorn or whatever?

I'd like to look at the original listing, if you still have the link. Thank you.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 14, 2016 03:55 PM (CehCK)

219 Posted by: Discobobby at August 13, 2016 05:57 PM (0i5Sw)
Western History, Post Medieval era isn't taught until the 9th or 10th grade in most schools. The Enlightenment will be taught during that grade level. Most of my recommendations would be for a very advanced 13 year old reader. But, if you're interested, flag me later on. FYI I'm developing an online AP European History and AP World History class if he would be interested. Western History is a fascinating and significance subject which finds itself shoved aside by diversity fanatics.

Posted by: I'd rather be surfin at August 14, 2016 10:25 PM (JYyPI)

Processing 0.04, elapsed 0.0517 seconds.
14 queries taking 0.0217 seconds, 227 records returned.
Page size 126 kb.
Powered by Minx 0.8 beta.