Support




Contact
Ace:
aceofspadeshq at gee mail.com
CBD:
cbd.aoshq at gee mail.com
Buck:
buck.throckmorton at protonmail.com
joe mannix:
mannix2024 at proton.me
MisHum:
petmorons at gee mail.com
Powered by
Movable Type





Saturday Afternoon Chess/Open Thread 04-30-2016 [OregonMuse]


chess city 525.jpg
"Come To Chess City!"


Good afternoon morons and moronettes, and welcome to the Sunday 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 outside passed pawns and Modern Chess Openings. And, for those of you who aren't, you can use this thread to talk about checkers, or tiddlywinks, or Tigglypuff, or whatever you wish. Only please try to keep it civil. Nobody wants to get into a pie fight on a Saturday afternoon.

“Nowadays, because of computers, a 13-year-old would probably know more than Bobby Fischer knew when he retired.”
--Garry Kasparov


Endgame Study

This is another one whose solution eluded me. And after I saw it, I said "duh". Hopefully, you'll do better. It's White to play and win.


20160430 - Endgame Study.jpg
FEN: [2R5/8/8/8/8/5p2/6Pp/1k1K4 w - - 0 1]

One Knight Too Many

Over on our awesome chess.com group, GOOCH asks:

I think one of my weaknesses is the middle game in general and, in particular, dealing with knight threats. I have trouble arresting their march into my territory, despite good pawn structure, and knights are almost always behind my most frequent blunders. Anyone have any good tips on this they'd like to share? I'm open ears...

Yeah, no doubt about it, knights are tricksy little guys. For example:


20160430 - 3 Knights Tango.jpg
FEN: [7n/k1K5/7n/1q6/2P5/8/8/7n w - - 0 1]

This position is one of the ones found in the Lomosomov Tablebases, a giant database that contains all 7-piece endings:

7-man tablebases were calculated in 2012 on Computer Science department of Moscow State University. Calculations were done on supercomputer named Lomonosov...The tablebases contain the exact evaluations (draw or moves to mate) for all positions with no more than 7 pieces on the board. The total number of positions in the tables – more than 500 trillions (500 000 billions).

There's an Android app that allows you to train on endgame positions. This is where this problem came from.

And I have not been able to solve this it. I can only get so far: after I queen the pawn, which is easy, I can usually figure out a way to force the Black king into a fork and pick off one of the knights. But then Black manages to bury the king in one of the corners with the knights right next to him, and once that happens, I don't see any way how to pry him out.

Actually, I don't even know if forcing a mate from this position is possible within the constraints of the 50-move rule. So perhaps this problem is of theoretical interest only.


Yoot Chess

In United States chess, things are definitely looking up:

Benjamin Kwon does not look like a gladiator, but you should see him play the Fried Liver Attack, a wildly aggressive chess opening that wages an all-out assault on the opposing player’s king. The opening is not for the fainthearted.

On a recent Friday afternoon, he beamed as he rattled off the first moves for both sides: pawn to E4, pawn to E5, bishop to C4, and so on, until he got to the real moment of attack, knight to G5. This is where the Fried Liver Attack gets hairy. “Nothing can block it,” he said, his face lighting up.

Benjamin Kwon is 6 years old.

According to the current ratings list, Kwon's is only 684, so he's not exactly a phenom. But he's conversing about chess topics intelligently so you know he's going to get better. And not just Kwon. These days, many schools all across the country have chess integrated into the curriculum.

Chess is even used as a tool to reform juvenile criminals based on the theory that it cultivates habits of thinking that will help them make better decisions with their lives.

And because of this, because we're finally accessing a huge talent pool, we're eventually going to be cranking out champions. Only from the bottom up. Right now, 3 out of the top 10 players in the world are from the United States (So, Nakamura, Caruana). And this is only the beginning.

Thanks to CBD for the tip.

White Mates in 5


20160430 - mate in 5.jpg
FEN: [1k1r4/pp5p/7p/1N1p1pq1/P2N3b/2P4P/1P2Qn2/R3RK2 w - - 0 1]

This problem is a good one to remember. The move sequence of the solution, and the piece configuration at the end, is one that comes up a lot in chess, and if you play enough chess, you'll eventually see this theme, or variations on this theme, occur in your games. Chess is mainly pattern recognition, and this is one pattern you should be able to recognize.

Thanks to 'Burn the Witch' for this problem


Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory

There's not an actual chess club anywhere close to where I live (which is odd, this being a college town), but I did find a group of old guys who meet at a senior center every Wednesday morning for chess. And since I'm not all that younger than most of them, I fit right in. Here's a game I played at the senior center earlier this week. I managed, with great skill, to completely eff the whole thing up. This is the position after 11 moves:


20160430 - snatching defeat.jpg
After 11.Ng5
FEN: [r2q1r1k/ppp2p1p/2np3Q/2bNp1Np/2B1P1b1/3P4/PPP2PPP/R4RK1 b - - 0 11]

At this point, I figure I have a completely won game. Black will realize that the pressure on his pawn on h2 is irresistible, and even without that, there's a Big Gaping Hole where his king-side defenses used to be. So I sat there, patiently waiting for his resignation. Instead, he hit me with this:

11...Qxg5

OK, fine, Black wants to drag it out a bit. The pressure is now off his h2 pawn, but it cost him his queen. He's still lost.

12. Qxg5 Rg8

Remember that Big Gaping Hole I spoke about earlier? Well, it kind of works both ways, doesn't it? Now what am I going to do with my queen?

13. Qh6

Perhaps better was 13. Qf6+, but if 13...Rg7, I'm not sure what would be a good follow-up. He's threatening Rag8 and now I've got a rook battery staring down my throat.

13...Bh3
14. Qf6+?

And here my troubles begin. I should have played 14. g3 and let him have the exchange. I can afford it.

14...Rg7
15. Kh1??

Bzzzt! Wrong! 15. g3 was mandatory. What was I thinking? Now I'm busted.

15...Bxg2+
16. Kg1 Bxe4+
17. Qg5 Rxg5# 0-1

I see 3 takeaways from this:

1. Many times, the way to refute a sacrifice is to return the material at the appropriate time for a lasting positional advantage.

2. If you think you've got the game won, sit back, take a deep breath, and re-examine the position for counterattacking chances you might have to face. Don't be like the wide receiver whom the instant replay shows looking at the end zone as the ball slips through his fingers.

3. If you think you've lost, look again.

Despite my maladroit blundering, I still think I have a won game at the original position. But it wouldn't have been as quick as I thought, and I would've had to guard against counterattacks.

I was flustered at how quickly my I was able to turn a totally winning position into poo. So I totally missed 17.Qxg7+ Kxg7 18.dxe4, which puts me, basically, up a rook. White's 18th suggests that instead of 16...Bxe4+, Black should have played 16...Bf3+. OK, so I never had the slam dunk I thought I had. Dang chess.


___________

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 05:01 PM




Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 first?


JUMP THE QUEEN !!!

Posted by: jake at April 30, 2016 05:00 PM (zmJiJ)

2 This stupid thread has me trying to learn this abominable game. Playing on chess dot com, I took the lessons and started to play the computer. I really suck at this. Just for kicks, played a game against expert level computer. Game over in 11 moves. Heh.

Posted by: chiefjaybob, who hates everyone at April 30, 2016 05:16 PM (cgH9o)

3 4th

Posted by: AmeriDan at April 30, 2016 05:19 PM (FeObC)

4 Endgame Study
Isn't this just a rook and king finish? I don't see the black pawns helping. It's two turns to promote on f1 or g1. Only one to promote on h1, but the long diagonal would still be obstructed. Rb8+ forces ...Ka1 or ...Ka2. Follow up with Kc2 (getting off the first rank, and any check from promoted pawns), threatening Ra8#, so the black king must march towards the rook.

I must be missing something that makes this not a standard rook mate exercise. (It has been a long time since I've played, and I was never particularly good.)

Posted by: redsweater at April 30, 2016 05:20 PM (IMo04)

5 Guys, I'm signed up on chess dot com at the basic (free) level. Do you think it is worth getting one of the paid memberships that will offer their TV features, etc.? I'm still studying the real basics so the paid features may be more than I can use right now. Don't know if watching GM games on their TV coverage would be helpful or frustrating.

Posted by: JTB at April 30, 2016 05:21 PM (V+03K)

6 On the first puzzle, why not ignore the pawns?

1. Rb8+ leads to 1. ...Ka2 or ...Ka1
2. Kc2

At this point nothing Black does with the pawn situation will help (at least in my very rusty estimation). Neither 2. ...fxg2 or ...h1=Q will make a difference once White plays 3. Ra8#.

Yes? No? PIE???

Love the chess thread btw. Been a long time lurker.

Posted by: BachInBraque at April 30, 2016 05:21 PM (KOHXb)

7 for your end game study, whites move is rook to B8, yes?

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 30, 2016 05:21 PM (V2Yro)

8 Your second problem with King and pawn vs King, queen and three knights. Is it white to play and win?

Posted by: Ironwood at April 30, 2016 05:23 PM (WLOZI)

9 This thread needs more cowbell.

Posted by: The Bruce Dickinson at April 30, 2016 05:24 PM (OF/aZ)

10 Chess is hard.

Posted by: AmeriDan at April 30, 2016 05:25 PM (FeObC)

11 Also guys the first puzzle is not so simple. The black king can continue to run after the initial Rb8+.

Posted by: Ironwood at April 30, 2016 05:26 PM (WLOZI)

12 I'm starting to play every day on my tablet, but need to study badly
Now back to the top for the puzzle games

Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 05:27 PM (PFZvJ)

13 7 for your end game study, whites move is rook to B8, yes?

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 30, 2016 05:21 PM (V2Yro)


OK, that's a start. What happens after that?

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 05:27 PM (e8ge6)

14 Challenging problems......fun and makes you think.

Thanks!

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at April 30, 2016 05:27 PM (ej1L0)

15 Nice cityscape though.


**just lurking, trying to see If I could get into this game**

Posted by: AmeriDan at April 30, 2016 05:27 PM (FeObC)

16 8 Your second problem with King and pawn vs King, queen and three knights. Is it white to play and win?

Posted by: Ironwood at April 30, 2016 05:23 PM (WLOZI)


Yes.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 05:28 PM (e8ge6)

17 4 Challenging problems......fun and makes you think.

Thanks!
Posted by: Hairyback Guy


Thinking is hard.

Posted by: AmeriDan at April 30, 2016 05:29 PM (FeObC)

18 BachInBraque has the Endgame at comment 6, seems to me.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at April 30, 2016 05:29 PM (R+30W)

19 11
Also guys the first puzzle is not so simple. The black king can continue to run after the initial Rb8+.
Posted by: Ironwood at April 30, 2016 05:26 PM (WLOZI)


Not if White plays 2. Kc2.

Posted by: BachInBraque at April 30, 2016 05:29 PM (KOHXb)

20 Why can't you just use a pellet gun for chess? Seems like it would make it much more fun.

Posted by: Tinfoilbaby at April 30, 2016 05:30 PM (6Ll1u)

21 "One Knight Too Many"

What's that supposed to mean?

Don't make me go all Curtis Lemay on you.

Posted by: Coach Bobby "Suge" Knight, Strategic Air Command at April 30, 2016 05:31 PM (Ndje9)

22 18
BachInBraque has the Endgame at comment 6, seems to me.



Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at April 30, 2016 05:29 PM (R+30W)

Thanks Anon, but redsweater had it first at 4.

Posted by: BachInBraque at April 30, 2016 05:34 PM (KOHXb)

23 Ummm...pawn to kings night 4...then hop the bishop. Yatzee! Thats the best move...the best.

Posted by: Donald Trump at April 30, 2016 05:36 PM (aRUb8)

24 OK, so on 1. Rb8+, then Black's response is 1...Ka2 (not 1...Ka1, because 2. Kc2 and mate next move).

So then the suggestion on the table is 2. Kc2

Black's response is 2...Ka3, and White has accomplished nothing. There's no mate next move. What next?

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 05:38 PM (e8ge6)

25 Since it is a Chess thread...

Former CA Gov. Pete Wilson endorsed Ted Cruz. Wilsom was admittedly a squish, but he was very, very anti-Illegal Alien and won a double-digit victory over Jerry Brown's sister (then CA Treasurer) in '94 by supporting Prop. 187. He also appointed Janice Rogers Brown to the CA Supreme Court.

Posted by: The Political Hat at April 30, 2016 05:39 PM (vBeA5)

26 I understand they get their kicks above the waistline in Chess City

...sunshine.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at April 30, 2016 05:40 PM (39g3+)

27 Puzzle 1
R - Kn8 ck
K - R2
K - B2
p - R8 (Q)
R- R8 mate

Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 05:41 PM (PFZvJ)

28 Not specific to chess but to classic games in general. I mentioned in the last book thread that I got a copy of 'The New Complete Hoyle, Revised. It covers just about any classic board or card game you can think of. I didn't even remember how to play checkers or solitaire, so it has been helpful as I glance through it. My copy was used from 1991. If you are in my never knew or can't remember, it might be worth a look.

Posted by: JTB at April 30, 2016 05:43 PM (V+03K)

29 Is this the draughts thread?

Posted by: Edgar Allan Poe at April 30, 2016 05:44 PM (4m41+)

30 2. Kc2

I think Black goes Ka3 at that point.

Posted by: t-bird at April 30, 2016 05:45 PM (OLNwX)

31 27 Puzzle 1
R - Kn8 ck
K - R2
K - B2
p - R8 (Q)
R- R8 mate
Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 05:41 PM (PFZvJ)


I don't think so. Black would not move "P-R8(Q)" with a mate staring him in the face. He would move K-R3 and poof, no more mate-in-1.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 05:46 PM (e8ge6)

32 I think Black goes Ka3 at that point.

Posted by: t-bird at April 30, 2016 05:45 PM (OLNwX)


Exactly.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 05:47 PM (e8ge6)

33 No idea how popular they are but a couple of the local elementary schools have chess groups for their students and the county library started a chess group for kids in grades 1 through 6. Wish it translated into groups for older but beginner players.

Posted by: JTB at April 30, 2016 05:48 PM (V+03K)

34 I'll work on it some more.

Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 05:50 PM (PFZvJ)

35 So, looks like everyone got the first move of the endgame. 1. Rb8+ is correct. But what do you do next?

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 05:54 PM (e8ge6)

36 R-h8. There's no way for Black to promote pawns after that.

Posted by: craig at April 30, 2016 05:56 PM (4n5bA)

37 36 R-h8. There's no way for Black to promote pawns after that.

Posted by: craig at April 30, 2016 05:56 PM (4n5bA)


Wait, so instead of 1.Rb8+, you're proposing 1.Rh8, is that right?

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 05:58 PM (e8ge6)

38 WHY DOES WHITE GET TO MOVE FIRST???

Posted by: AL SHARPTON at April 30, 2016 05:59 PM (4m41+)

39 White mates in 5 is a smother mate.

Posted by: fluffy at April 30, 2016 06:00 PM (2hcmo)

40 Heh. Shut your pie-hole, Al.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 06:00 PM (e8ge6)

41 39 White mates in 5 is a smother mate.

Posted by: fluffy at April 30, 2016 06:00 PM (2hcmo)


Yup. Very good.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 06:01 PM (e8ge6)

42 White mates in 5 is a smother mate.

I just found the fork on the Queen and Rook, so I'm happy. That's really the limit of my ability.

Posted by: t-bird at April 30, 2016 06:04 PM (ANVXm)

43 I think Craig at 36 was proposing 2. Rh8, which would whittle Black's material down to one lone king and win eventually. Key word: eventually.

Man oh man am I rusty. Didn't even think about 2. ...Ka3. Back to the drawing board...




Posted by: BachInBraque at April 30, 2016 06:04 PM (KOHXb)

44 16 8 Your second problem with King and pawn vs King, queen and three knights. Is it white to play and win?

Posted by: Ironwood at April 30, 2016 05:23 PM (WLOZI)


Yes. Also, keep in mind that I do not know the answer. So if you get it, you probably should be running the chess thread instead of me.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 06:07 PM (e8ge6)

45 I think Craig at 36 was proposing 2. Rh8

But if I capture the white pawn, how do you stop the promotion without dying?

Posted by: t-bird at April 30, 2016 06:10 PM (ANVXm)

46 Hey Al, White moves first because of privilege, didn't you learn anything in lefty school?

Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 06:11 PM (PFZvJ)

47 In your game I'd try 13.Qh4. The queen is safe from attack, covers h3, and retrains the possibility of Qf6+ in case Black plays Bf3. After that I'd think about challenging the Black bishop with Ne3 or Nf6.

Posted by: bof at April 30, 2016 06:12 PM (Bu4wL)

48 43 I think Craig at 36 was proposing 2. Rh8, which would whittle Black's material down to one lone king and win eventually. Key word: eventually.

Posted by: BachInBraque at April 30, 2016 06:04 PM (KOHXb)


OK, so according to you, what we have so far is:

1. Rb8+ Ka2
2. Rh8

Now, work on that.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 06:13 PM (e8ge6)

49 Is there no one who will save Prince's millions from the clutches of Obama's revenue minions?

Green peace?

Code Pink?

Planned Parenthood?

Move on.org?

LGBT?

420?

SEIU?

NAACP?

RIAA?

ASCAP?

AMA?

Is all that money and are all those recordings just going into vanish into the bureauocracy?

Where is an Al Sharpton grade agitator when you really need one? Help us Jesse, you're our only hope!

Thank you, Ace.

Am I banned now?

Posted by: 80's music fan at April 30, 2016 06:16 PM (j/tOh)

50 This is not chess but can be considered military strategy. o has appointed a female to be the next Dean of West Point. She is currently a professor of social sciences and has a Masters in political Science. NO, the Military has been socially engineered more than enough.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 30, 2016 06:19 PM (CriMx)

51 1. I got Rb8+ in the first problem, but still haven't figured out how to force a win. It looks like Black can march up and down the a-file until there's a draw by repetition. Moving the rook to h8 or b1 lets Black play fxg2.

2. I got the mate in five pretty quickly.

3. If 13. Qf6+ Rg7 14. Qxg7+ Kxg7, then you have 15. Nxc7 putting you up the exchange and a pawn with a much better pawn structure. In this situation I would start looking to trade material and head for the endgame.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 06:21 PM (sdi6R)

52 The answer is yes, it is going to disappear because nobody has standing to claim it.

Posted by: 80's music fan at April 30, 2016 06:24 PM (j/tOh)

53 First puzzle, Rg8+, Ka2; Ra8
If PxP then Rxa2 and pawn on B2 pinned
If Pc2, Kf2 threatening mate; Kh3 to avoid mate then Rh8+, Kg4, Rh1 and whichever pawn moves is captured by the rook.

Posted by: Witch Doctor at April 30, 2016 06:25 PM (vg/JH)

54 But if I capture the white pawn, how do you stop the promotion without dying?

I have again proven how bad I am at chess.

Posted by: t-bird at April 30, 2016 06:25 PM (yddCj)

55 #53 DING DING DING!
Winner, winner chicken dinner!

That pawn pin is why you had to do the initial check: to force the Black king to the 2nd rank in order for the pin to work.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 06:29 PM (e8ge6)

56 #26: One town's very like another when your head's down over your pieces, brother

Posted by: labrat at April 30, 2016 06:29 PM (hAbrX)

57 52 The answer is yes, it is going to disappear because nobody has standing to claim it.

Posted by: 80's music fan at April 30, 2016 06:24 PM (j/tOh)


Yeah, from what I've read, it doesn't sound like Prince put a lot of thought into estate planning.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 06:31 PM (e8ge6)

58 I am thoroughly confused by #53.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 06:33 PM (sdi6R)

59 Thank you, Ace.

Posted by: 80's music fan at April 30, 2016 06:16 PM (j/tOh)


Ace is not here.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 06:34 PM (e8ge6)

60 Twitchy reporting that Green Zone walls in Iraq breeched. Iraqi Parliment taken over by mostly peaceful protesters.

Posted by: AmeriDan at April 30, 2016 06:35 PM (FeObC)

61 OK, I see it now, but I think Witch Doctor is looking at the board in a mirror.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 06:37 PM (sdi6R)

62 AmeriDan- To add to your post, this was done by Al-Sadr. Everybody remember him?

Posted by: Ben Had at April 30, 2016 06:39 PM (CriMx)

63 58 I am thoroughly confused by #53.
Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 06:33 PM (sdi6R)


I think there is a typo on #53. Ra8 should be Rh8.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 06:39 PM (e8ge6)

64 Yeah, from what I've read, it doesn't sound like Prince put a lot of thought into estate planning.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 06:31 PM (e8ge6)


For his conservator, it's a Tirple Pain.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 30, 2016 06:40 PM (49Lge)

65 Want to get really confused? Look up chess notation on Wikipedia.

Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 06:42 PM (PFZvJ)

66 62 AmeriDan- To add to your post, this was done by Al-Sadr. Everybody remember him?

Posted by: Ben Had at April 30, 2016 06:39 PM (CriMx)


You mean ol' Bani Al-Sadr?

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 06:42 PM (e8ge6)

67 65 Want to get really confused? Look up chess notation on Wikipedia.

Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 06:42 PM (PFZvJ)


Or, you can do what I did and switch to Algebraic Notation. It's simple, neat, and unambiguous. I really think it's the best system.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 06:45 PM (e8ge6)

68 Hot town, Sadr in the city.


Where my head used to be, gettin' dirt and gritty.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 30, 2016 06:45 PM (49Lge)

69 61 OK, I see it now, but I think Witch Doctor is looking at the board in a mirror.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 06:37 PM (sdi6R)

++++

You're right. He has the A-H notation reversed.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at April 30, 2016 06:46 PM (R+30W)

70 AmeriDan- To add to your post, this was done by Al-Sadr. Everybody remember him?

Posted by: Ben Had at April 30, 2016 06:39 PM (CriMx)

You mean ol' Bani Al-Sadr?
Posted by: OregonMuse


Yea, that was back when we were playing real world chess. Didn't our boys chase him back to Iran?

Today, we're playing checkers. Well, not TFG. He's golfing... seriously.

Posted by: AmeriDan at April 30, 2016 06:49 PM (FeObC)

71 Did no one have a stray bullet for ole Mooktar?

Posted by: Ben Had at April 30, 2016 06:50 PM (CriMx)

72 One thing I've learned from chess.com is that more of you need to stop lurking and comment.


And of course, most of the members of the group need to accept more challenges!


And here's a shout-out to a lurker, Hi TexCat who really shouldn't be lurking!

Posted by: Burn the Witch at April 30, 2016 06:52 PM (Wckf4)

73 Seriously, all you people who are afraid or too embarrassed to play, you really shouldn't be. It's about having some fun.


You haven't played until you've played with me and watched me piss away a good position or advantage in material.


Good times.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at April 30, 2016 06:54 PM (Wckf4)

74 Just started reading what someone said is Don Delillo's best, "The Names."

And yes, it's good. Really good.

Posted by: the littl shyning man at April 30, 2016 06:54 PM (U6f54)

75 70
Well, not TFG. He's golfing... seriously.
Posted by: AmeriDan at April 30, 2016 06:49 PM (FeObC)


With all the rounds he's played, how come I've never heard any of his scores? They are better-guarded secrets than anything the State Department has. Maybe they're kept in the same place his college transcripts are.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 06:54 PM (sdi6R)

76 I set the first puzzle up at ChessVideos dot TV. I can't get black to cooperate.

Posted by: Great Reagan's Ghost at April 30, 2016 07:02 PM (kfoLf)

77 Obama= Continually whacking his white balls.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 30, 2016 07:04 PM (CriMx)

78 I'm not going to even DREAM of playing in the Moron group until I can beat the computer in level 1. Then, maybe. MAYBE......

Posted by: chiefjaybob, who hates everyone at April 30, 2016 07:05 PM (cgH9o)

79 >>> I'm not going to even DREAM of playing in the Moron group until I can beat the computer in level 1. Then, maybe. MAYBE......

Come play with us.

https://youtu.be/CMbI7DmLCNI?t=27

Posted by: fluffy at April 30, 2016 07:11 PM (2hcmo)

80 CUT IT OUT!!!!!

Posted by: chiefjaybob, who hates everyone at April 30, 2016 07:17 PM (cgH9o)

81 Or, you can do what I did and switch to Algebraic
Notation. It's simple, neat, and unambiguous. I really think it's the
best system.
Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 06:45 PM


If unambiguous is what you seek, Reverse Polish Notation deserves a peek.

;-)

Posted by: Duncanthrax the Geek at April 30, 2016 07:18 PM (OF/aZ)

82 Saturday afternoon cheese thread, eh?

You gormets and your high dollar foodstuffs.


I"ve never seen cheese look anything like what you have in the pitchers.

Just give me an ordinary cheddar or colby. mozzarella for the pizza.

Posted by: Skandia Recluse at April 30, 2016 07:22 PM (Qi8xE)

83 Ah, I forgot that the rook and king checkmate only works via zugzwang, so it needs to be against a lone king.

Posted by: redsweater at April 30, 2016 07:24 PM (IMo04)

84 If Pc2, Kf2 threatening mate; Kh3 to avoid mate then Rh8+, Kg4, Rh1 and whichever pawn moves is captured by the rook.
Posted by: Witch Doctor at April 30, 2016 06:25 PM (vg/JH)

This doesn't make any sense to me. K can't move to f2.

Posted by: Insomniac at April 30, 2016 07:27 PM (0mRoj)

85 Our vacation to Chess City was a bust until we all decided to vacate the moonshine -soaked Dollywood hills

Posted by: derit at April 30, 2016 07:27 PM (OC+TJ)

86 With all the rounds he's played, how come I've never heard any of his scores? They are better-guarded secrets than anything the State Department has. Maybe they're kept in the same place his college transcripts are.
Posted by: rickl


I hear his Participant Thropy case is overflowing.

Posted by: AmeriDan at April 30, 2016 07:27 PM (+jksT)

87 good evening everyone
how are you all doing?

Posted by: chemjeff not @ Fapplebee's at April 30, 2016 07:27 PM (5p18q)

88 82 Saturday afternoon cheese thread, eh?

Just give me an ordinary cheddar or colby. mozzarella for the pizza.
Posted by: Skandia Recluse at April 30, 2016 07:22 PM (Qi8xE)


Sorry, we're fresh out.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 07:29 PM (sdi6R)

89 and last time I went to Chess City, I got rooked

Posted by: chemjeff not @ Fapplebee's at April 30, 2016 07:29 PM (5p18q)

90 Posted by: Witch Doctor at April 30, 2016 06:25 PM (vg/JH)

Can someone who knows the answer translate? My head hurts trying to mirror without reversing (and then, "no, maybe he's mirroring AND reversing...")

Posted by: t-bird at April 30, 2016 07:32 PM (Z58Xa)

91 What if your rooks show up drunk?

Kinda hard to win.

Posted by: eman at April 30, 2016 07:33 PM (MQEz6)

92 Mass transit in Chess City, in fact all its municipal services, tend to be a bit spotty

Posted by: derit at April 30, 2016 07:34 PM (OC+TJ)

93 1. Rb8+ Ka2
2. Rh8!

If fxg2, Rxh2 pins the g pawn.
If f2, Ke2 and both pawns are covered.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 07:35 PM (sdi6R)

94 Mass transit in Chess City, in fact all its municipal services, tend to be a bit spotty

Keep missing my stop on the Knight buses.

Posted by: t-bird at April 30, 2016 07:36 PM (oFSUK)

95 The Chess City pawn riots in '67 were pretty bad.

Posted by: eman at April 30, 2016 07:36 PM (MQEz6)

96 Do they have Checker cabs in Chess City?

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 07:37 PM (sdi6R)

97 Thanks, rickl.

Posted by: t-bird at April 30, 2016 07:38 PM (oFSUK)

98 You know we're goin' to chess city where it's 8 to 1
You know we're goin' to chess city where it's 8 to 1
You know we're goin' to chess city where it's 8 to 1
You know we're goin' to chess city where it's 8 to 1 now
8 pawns for every piece...

Posted by: Jan and Dean at April 30, 2016 07:39 PM (ntObR)

99 Few don't intuit that the GLAAD headquarters is located in Knights Towers, Chess City

Posted by: derit at April 30, 2016 07:39 PM (OC+TJ)

100 Damn checkercrats got hold of Chess City years ago you know, that's why it's such a hellhole now.

Posted by: qdpsteve at April 30, 2016 07:39 PM (ntObR)

101 Endgame study. Rb8 check. Seriously? Took me less than 5 seconds to figure this one out.

Posted by: Steve D at April 30, 2016 07:40 PM (CZjLT)

102 I also had a version of that Jan and Dean song back when I lived in a roach-filled apartment...

Well they're gonna crawl all over the silverware
And then they're gonna laugh because they don't care!!

You know I'm goin' to roach city where it's 100 to 1
You know I'm goin' to roach city where it's 1000 to 1
You know I'm goin' to roach city where it's a million to 1
You know I'm goin' to roach city where it's infinity to 1, now

...roa-ches for every man!!

Posted by: qdpsteve at April 30, 2016 07:42 PM (ntObR)

103 Greens commited suicide en mass at sight of Chess City's zero light pollution. The residents of CC were unconcerned and said, "It's no surprise--that's what cults do."

Posted by: derit at April 30, 2016 07:43 PM (OC+TJ)

104 101 Endgame study. Rb8 check. Seriously? Took me less than 5 seconds to figure this one out.
Posted by: Steve D at April 30, 2016 07:40 PM (CZjLT)

Nobody likes a braggart, now.

Posted by: Insomniac at April 30, 2016 07:44 PM (0mRoj)

105 84 If Pc2, Kf2 threatening mate; Kh3 to avoid mate then Rh8+, Kg4, Rh1 and whichever pawn moves is captured by the rook.
Posted by: Witch Doctor at April 30, 2016 06:25 PM (vg/JH)

This doesn't make any sense to me. K can't move to f2.

Posted by: Insomniac at April 30, 2016 07:27 PM (0mRoj)

++++

He reversed all the notation after the initial Rg8+, Ka2. Just imagine the board with the letters running H-A instead of A-H.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at April 30, 2016 07:46 PM (R+30W)

106 Atari Boy (as Sadr is contemptuously nick-named for his video-game habits in the past) is pure trouble, but in a way that reflects Iraq's problems, not accounts for them.


He's the Al Sharpton to Iraq's Freddie's Fashion Mart - at least as far as being a loathsome idiot rabble-rouser. He's feared and loathed by many Shi'a in Baghdad and elsewhere - and not just the denatured, urbanized, sophistimicated ones.


Though when fear of Sunni evil and violence is high, these same Shi'a see him and his JAM (militia) as at least on their side of the divide, and temporarily useful.


His status as a tool of Tehran also earns him contempt and suspicion - unless fear of Sunni evil makes Tehran's anti-Sunni influence, too, temporarily useful.


He also has a speech impediment that makes him mumble. Not good for a demagogue rabble-rouser.

Posted by: rhomboid at April 30, 2016 07:46 PM (QDnY+)

107 And chess geeks, isn't Persia the home of chess? So Persian shenanigans in Mesopotamia are a pertinent topic. Kinda.


Just trying to find a tie-in, even in an open thread.

Posted by: rhomboid at April 30, 2016 07:49 PM (QDnY+)

108 101 Endgame study. Rb8 check. Seriously? Took me less than 5 seconds to figure this one out.
Posted by: Steve D at April 30, 2016 07:40 PM (CZjLT)


Rb8+ is the easy part. Everyone got that. The trick is to figure out what comes after that.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 07:50 PM (e8ge6)

109 107 And chess geeks, isn't Persia the home of chess?

Posted by: rhomboid at April 30, 2016 07:49 PM (QDnY+)


Actually, India is reputedly the home of chess.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 07:51 PM (e8ge6)

110 With the three knights problem, I got this far:

1. cxb5 (any N move)
2. b6+ Ka6

If Ka8, White promotes the pawn and mates in three.

So this turns into K+Q vs. K+3N, which is theoretically even in material. Just thinking about it makes my brain hurt.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 07:52 PM (sdi6R)

111 If fxg2, Rxh2 pins the g pawn.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 07:35 PM (sdi6R)


And now you see why 1. Rb+ was necessary; it was to force the Black king up to the 2nd rank to make that pin effective. This is what gives White the time he needs to snag both Black pawns.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 07:54 PM (e8ge6)

112 Chemjeff when you went to chess city and got rocked what did you have to pawn to get out of there?

Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 07:55 PM (PFZvJ)

113 So this turns into K+Q vs. K+3N, which is theoretically even in material. Just thinking about it makes my brain hurt.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 07:52 PM (sdi6R)


Right, and this is why it might be one of those "theoretical" endgames where it's mate in 143 or 257 or something like that.

I don't think I can even hope to solve it.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 07:57 PM (e8ge6)

114 112
Chemjeff when you went to chess city and got rocked what did you have to pawn to get out of there?

Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 07:55 PM (PFZvJ)

To cover my bail, I had to write a hot check, mate

Posted by: chemjeff not @ Fapplebee's at April 30, 2016 07:57 PM (5p18q)

115 Rick, who are you on chess.com? We need to play.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at April 30, 2016 07:57 PM (Wckf4)

116 You guys ever talk about boobs or guns here in the chess thread?

Posted by: Weasel at April 30, 2016 07:59 PM (e3bId)

117 A friend and I used to play the Fried Liver all the time. The problem with it is that if your opponent knows it, you are screwed. It's a cheapo opening and is 100% counterable all of the time. We used to know all the variations, even the ones not found in the books, and many times, countering the findings in those books. The Fried Liver loses every time. We found only one very obscure path where you might be able to come out somewhat even, but your pieces are not in the best places.

Posted by: MrX at April 30, 2016 08:01 PM (if9v9)

118 I need lots of practice before a live human, I'm getting creamed often by my tablet.

Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 08:02 PM (PFZvJ)

119 116 You guys ever talk about boobs or guns here in the chess thread?

Posted by: Weasel at April 30, 2016 07:59 PM (e3bId)


This actually a chess/open thread, so theoretically, such conversations may occur.

We're big on theory here on the chess thread.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 08:02 PM (e8ge6)

120 Some book title suggestions for guaranteed, instant bestsellers of chess strategy to the general public:

Story of O-pening
Tropic of Checkmate
Karma Chaturanga
Endgames: Chasing the Queen

Posted by: derit at April 30, 2016 08:04 PM (OC+TJ)

121 Why oh why don't ace, Maet and others love me enough to let me try doing a poker thread?!?!?

Posted by: qdpsteve at April 30, 2016 08:04 PM (ntObR)

122 115 Rick, who are you on chess.com? We need to play.
Posted by: Burn the Witch at April 30, 2016 07:57 PM (Wckf4)


Um, I haven't actually joined yet. I should, though.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 08:05 PM (sdi6R)

123 No Weasel, swords, halberds,quarter staffs and oh masonry is about it.

Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 08:05 PM (PFZvJ)

124 For a timekiller, I suggest the World Golf Tour Golf simulator. Free, easy to learn. Just go to WGT.com and sign up.

Posted by: Lincolntf at April 30, 2016 08:06 PM (2cS/G)

125 118 I need lots of practice before a live human, I'm getting creamed often by my tablet.

Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 08:02 PM (PFZvJ)


Of course, the humans you're afraid of playing are also getting creamed often by their tablets, so you've got nothing to lose.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 08:07 PM (e8ge6)

126 102

"...that's a long distance dedication to Captain Whitebread's first apartment, back in 1985.
Now...on with the countdown!"
(Ace's Coast-to-coooaaaast!)

Posted by: Captain Whitebread On The All-Night Request Line at April 30, 2016 08:11 PM (rJUlF)

127 So this turns into K+Q vs. K+3N, which is theoretically even in material. Just thinking about it makes my brain hurt.

So if White blunders and loses his queen, does K+3N vs. K lead to mate? I assume it would.

When I was learning the game, I practiced the four mates with minimum material. K+Q vs. K and K+R vs. K are easy and straightforward. K+2B vs. K is trickier but doable. It usually involved some trial and error, though.

But K+B+N vs. K gave me fits. I always dreaded having it come up in an actual game. I don't know if I could pull it off without violating the 50 move rule.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 08:12 PM (sdi6R)

128 John loved chess but was at that awkward stage where "normal" people didn't want to play against him and he got spanked by the dedicated players since 4 kids and a two-hour round trip every day for work didn't really leave time to practice.

I tried to be an opponent for him but appear to be unable to remember and learn from my mistakes so wasn't able to provide any sort of challenge (and never would have been able to).

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 30, 2016 08:12 PM (GDulk)

129 Speaking of Obama's golf swing, there's no way that dude can hit double digits. Maybe from the ladies tees on a short course.


Maybe.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at April 30, 2016 08:15 PM (Wckf4)

130
Ever hear of the Dogmuch Clan, aka, the Sopranos of Gaza City?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doghmush_clan

And this guy Abu Qatada? Ca you imagine a foreign court barring you from deporting some terrorist ahole? smh

Posted by: Bruce With a Wang! at April 30, 2016 08:16 PM (iQIUe)

131 Barak has to be one of those guys that openly cheats at golf

Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 08:31 PM (PFZvJ)

132 Polliwog, how are you doing?

Posted by: chemjeff not @ Fapplebee's at April 30, 2016 08:36 PM (5p18q)

133 I love this thread, but I have to admit, my eyes glaze over at chess these days. So many moving parts...

I could handle this when I was younger. Now, not any more.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, hither and yon at April 30, 2016 08:36 PM (D0J8L)

134 131
Barak has to be one of those guys that openly cheats at golf

Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 08:31 PM (PFZvJ)

Skip no doubt. I am sure that there will be some tell-all book after Obumbles is out of office, by some secret service agent or similar, describing what a raging narcissist he is

Posted by: chemjeff not @ Fapplebee's at April 30, 2016 08:37 PM (5p18q)

135 Just play some short games for fun then BC.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at April 30, 2016 08:40 PM (Wckf4)

136 Posted by: chemjeff not @ Fapplebee's at April 30, 2016 08:36 PM (5p18q)

Pretty well. The Knit'n Kitten website went live recently so I'm busy trying to be professional and make a creditable effort at growing it both as a business and as a non-profit organization.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 30, 2016 08:41 PM (GDulk)

137 The All-Night Request Line

1976's Penny Irving

NSFW

http://preview.tinyurl.com/zof6wm8

Posted by: derit at April 30, 2016 08:41 PM (OC+TJ)

138 there's no way that dude can hit double digits.

He now identifies as a Good Golfer. We should applaud his achievement.

Posted by: t-bird at April 30, 2016 08:46 PM (ZxmMG)

139 OM, you disappoint me. Not a word about the just-concluded US Championship. And you call this a chess thread.

I suppose it must have been because you thought that such an obvious topic to cover that you wanted to avoid the low-hanging fruit out of principle.

Posted by: Philip at April 30, 2016 08:50 PM (RLp/M)

140 /pokes thread

It's dead, Jim.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, hither and yon at April 30, 2016 08:55 PM (D0J8L)

141 Polliwog, I saw your website, it looks fantastic!
I still have to get a birthday present for my sister. Maybe a scarf? What do you think?

Posted by: chemjeff not @ Fapplebee's at April 30, 2016 08:57 PM (5p18q)

142 It's just playin possum.

Posted by: freaked at April 30, 2016 08:57 PM (BO/km)

143 I'm trying the K+2B vs. K mate against my computer. I'm up to 22 moves and trying not to stalemate Black. If memory serves, you're supposed to be able to do it in 17 moves from any position.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 08:58 PM (sdi6R)

144 Bangkok ...

Posted by: Oriental setting at April 30, 2016 08:59 PM (AftC4)

145 I just can't get that fucker into the corner.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 09:00 PM (sdi6R)

146 139 OM, you disappoint me. Not a word about the just-concluded US Championship. And you call this a chess thread.

Posted by: Philip at April 30, 2016 08:50 PM (RLp/M)


Sigh. You're right. I probably should have said something.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 09:00 PM (e8ge6)

147 Shit. He got loose.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 09:03 PM (sdi6R)

148 Ricki that's been bugging me also

Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 09:04 PM (PFZvJ)

149 I have no idea how to do this. It's been years since I tried it.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 09:04 PM (sdi6R)

150 Sigh. Made the mistake of going to Reddit to check out TigglyPuff memes and fled shortly after, when I saw that fracking is like totally destroying the water and evil corporations don't care. I guess rich evil CEOs just drink Evian.

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at April 30, 2016 09:04 PM (FQKBL)

151 barb, yeah, don't go to reddit for politics, you will regret it

Posted by: chemjeff not @ Fapplebee's at April 30, 2016 09:06 PM (5p18q)

152 Rich evil CEOs drink fresh squeezings of prole

can I haz PhD now?

Posted by: derit at April 30, 2016 09:09 PM (OC+TJ)

153 Shit. He got loose.

Are you using your king, too? That's probably the only way to keep him from squirting out.

Posted by: t-bird at April 30, 2016 09:09 PM (9mTYi)

154 I'm 30 moves in and no end in sight. I was one move from stalemate, but not checkmate, and now I'm starting over from scratch.

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

155 Posted by: chemjeff not @ Fapplebee's at April 30, 2016 08:57 PM (5p18q)

If there's still time before her birthday I might even be able to make something specifically for her. Email me at info @ g mail .org (minus spaces naturally) and we can see what can be worked out.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 30, 2016 09:11 PM (GDulk)

156 Speaking of Obama's golf swing, there's no way that dude can hit double digits. Maybe from the ladies tees on a short course.


Maybe.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at April 30, 2016 08:15 PM (Wckf4)



If he golfs as well as he throws a baseball..

Posted by: TheQuietMan at April 30, 2016 09:11 PM (45oDG)

157 No! Honestly, brain. info @ knitnkitten. org. Sorry about that.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 30, 2016 09:16 PM (GDulk)

158 Polliwog, well her birthday was a month ago I'm a terrible brother

Posted by: chemjeff not @ Fapplebee's at April 30, 2016 09:19 PM (5p18q)

159 50 moves and I give up. I would have certainly lost on time by now.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 09:20 PM (sdi6R)

160 Yeah, in K+B+B v. K, you need to use your king as an active, fighting piece to force the checkmate.

I can do K+Q and K+R by rote. But K+B+B I have to think about, and there's *no way* I could ever do it in 17 moves. Let me give it a try here, let's see how I do.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 09:21 PM (e8ge6)

161 Sigh. Made the mistake of going to Reddit to check out TigglyPuff memes and fled shortly after, when I saw that fracking is like totally destroying the water and evil corporations don't care. I guess rich evil CEOs just drink Evian.
Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at April 30, 2016 09:04 PM (FQKBL)

151 barb, yeah, don't go to reddit for politics, you will regret it

Posted by: chemjeff not @ Fapplebee's at April 30,
2016 09:06 PM (5p18q)


Actually, it's a decent source of news and politics if you know which sub-reddits to go to.

I'm actully a mod on four sub-reddits.

http://reddit.com/u/ThePoliticalHat

Posted by: The Political Hat at April 30, 2016 09:24 PM (vBeA5)

162 160 Yeah, in K+B+B v. K, you need to use your king as an active, fighting piece to force the checkmate.
Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 09:21 PM (e8ge6)


Well sure, that goes without saying. Like I said, I was one move from stalemate but that's as close as I got.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 09:26 PM (sdi6R)

163 I am carefully rationing any and all further use of my brain - trying to keep the level of activity as close to zero as possible. I'm hoping it'll last longer this way.

Posted by: Weasel at April 30, 2016 09:27 PM (YtZB9)

164 Damn. Stalemate.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 09:28 PM (e8ge6)

165 I am carefully rationing any and all further use of my brain - trying to
keep the level of activity as close to zero as possible. I'm hoping
it'll last longer this way.

Don't forget to keep your fluids up.

Posted by: dartist at April 30, 2016 09:29 PM (qmou8)

166 I'd like to ask all of you to pray (or offer positive whatevers) for our son.

He's decided to leave the hood where he's been living, and move June 1 to an apartment complex out of the city. No roommate. No drama.

He came by today and told me that all the gunfire Every.Fucking.Night. in his "neighborhood" had gotten to him. Badly.

He said if it wasn't for his sweet dog waking him up by licking his face while he hears the gunfire and relives Helmand Province, he didn't know what he would do.

First he's shared with me about the shit he's been living through in Savannistan.

There are literally several people/hood rats shot per night near where he lives.

Black Lives Matter my ass.

/rant

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 30, 2016 09:31 PM (FsuaD)

167 Oops. Forgot to look for an open thread. *facepalm*

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 30, 2016 09:32 PM (FsuaD)

168 #77 He has one white and one black, but the white goes first because privilege.

Posted by: Miley's Tongue at April 30, 2016 09:32 PM (bIGOo)

169 Praying Jane.

Posted by: PaleRider at April 30, 2016 09:35 PM (wYRTH)

170 Dang. I used to be able to do this.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 09:36 PM (e8ge6)

171 167 Oops. Forgot to look for an open thread. *facepalm*

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 30, 2016 09:32 PM (FsuaD)


This is a combination chess + open thread, Jane, so it's all good.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 09:37 PM (e8ge6)

172 Jane, This is an open thread. Prayers offered and wishes for the best outcome.

Posted by: JTB at April 30, 2016 09:38 PM (V+03K)

173 This is a combination chess + open thread, Jane, so it's all good.


Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 09:37 PM (e8ge6)


Thanks.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 30, 2016 09:38 PM (FsuaD)

174 I did it in 28 moves! I had to try hard to avoid a stalemate.

There is no way I could do K+B+N vs. K in an actual game.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 09:41 PM (sdi6R)

175 Jane don't know what you can do as often people need to do decide for themselves, good or bad.

Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 09:41 PM (PFZvJ)

176 This is a combination chess + open thread, Jane, so it's all good.

Are you kidding? I hate this thread!

Posted by: Black King at April 30, 2016 09:41 PM (9mTYi)

177 Son said he was sick and tired of walking his dog at night waiting for some hood rat to shoot at him with the ol' gun held sideways. He said it was a matter of time before one of the bastards killed him.

I've prayed and prayed since he decided to move to the (expensive) apartment near the Hysterical District. His vet roommate is away all the time, works nights, and doesn't get home until the wee hours in the morning. Son is the one who has witnessed the shootings, and even gave first aid to a "victim" until the po-po and amberlamps arrived.

So, his dad and I are relieved as hell he's moving.

It's been almost like Afghanistan his living there for us. Jeebus.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 30, 2016 09:42 PM (FsuaD)

178 Posted by: chemjeff not @ Fapplebee's at April 30, 2016 09:19 PM (5p18q)

Lol, I have that problem with my own sister. She's great at giving gifts, I am...less so.

Well, then either you can decide there's no hurry and we can design something especially for her, or you can get something already made and I will ship it to her Monday with a nice card. Either way works for me.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 30, 2016 09:43 PM (GDulk)

179 174 I did it in 28 moves! I had to try hard to avoid a stalemate.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 09:41 PM (sdi6R)


Nice work! Now you're ready for the B+N mate.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 09:43 PM (e8ge6)

180 So, I've just fed son and three of his buddies tonight, and I'm off to bed.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 30, 2016 09:44 PM (FsuaD)

181 I'm not liking the chess game I have on my tablet, can't set up a board past original set up.
So much to do tomorrow as I worked today so have to squash everything into 1 day.

Posted by: Skip at April 30, 2016 09:45 PM (PFZvJ)

182 Are you kidding? I hate this thread!

Posted by: Black King at April 30, 2016 09:41 PM (9mTYi)


Heh. Yeah, you're kind of on the short end of the stick a lot, aren't you?

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 09:45 PM (e8ge6)

183 Thanks for letting me crash the Chess thread.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 30, 2016 09:45 PM (FsuaD)

184 #166 Oh Jane, that's awful. Prayers for you both.

Posted by: Miley's Tongue at April 30, 2016 09:46 PM (bIGOo)

185 Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 30, 2016 09:31 PM (FsuaD)

Thoughts & Prayers

Posted by: The Political Hat at April 30, 2016 09:47 PM (vBeA5)

186 Well I figured the white rook should move to force the king to move on the first thread. And then I couldn't see how it ever got to a win for white, so I made a tasty lentil, ham and veggie soup to finish out the chilly wet day.

Posted by: PaleRider at April 30, 2016 09:50 PM (wYRTH)

187 Ever try K+R v. K+N?


That shit is haaaard.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at April 30, 2016 09:55 PM (Wckf4)

188 Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 30, 2016 09:31 PM (FsuaD)

I'm glad he's getting the hell out of there.

Posted by: Insomniac at April 30, 2016 09:55 PM (0mRoj)

189 Thoughts prayers for D'oh Boy and for Jane's peace of mind. Glad to hear he's got his exit strategy in place.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, hither and yon at April 30, 2016 09:57 PM (D0J8L)

190 187 Ever try K+R v. K+N?

That shit is haaaard.
Posted by: Burn the Witch at April 30, 2016 09:55 PM (Wckf4)


How is that not a draw?

Unless Black plays really, really crappy.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 09:57 PM (e8ge6)

191 188
Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 30, 2016 09:31 PM (FsuaD)



I'm glad he's getting the hell out of there.

Posted by: Insomniac at April 30, 2016 09:55 PM (0mRoj)


Hell, yeah. It's actually out in suburbia, and he can walk to the big Kroger next to the complex. There's countryside around and relative peace and quiet. And he so very much needs that. No more gunfire every night. It breaks my heart to know that he's been keeping his flashbacks to himself, but so great to know that his pup is there to comfort him and pull him through.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 30, 2016 09:58 PM (FsuaD)

192 Our prayers are with you, Jane. Sounds like A-stan is less dangerous than your son's neighborhood..

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 09:59 PM (e8ge6)

193 ***"How is that not a draw?"***


I think it has to be a certain position. Been a long time, but I saw an exercise that included it a long time ago.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at April 30, 2016 10:00 PM (Wckf4)

194 192
Our prayers are with you, Jane. Sounds like A-stan is less dangerous than your son's neighborhood..


Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 09:59 PM (e8ge6)


One of his vet buddies from his university, told us in January, that he was more afraid of being in our son's neighborhood than his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

And this poor guy is on 80% disability and has two purple hearts.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 30, 2016 10:01 PM (FsuaD)

195 I think it has to be a certain position. Been a long time, but I saw an exercise that included it a long time ago.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at April 30, 2016 10:00 PM (Wckf4)


I just pulled out Keres' Practical Chess Endings. Keres says R v. N is a draw except in "extraordinary circumstances."

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 10:03 PM (e8ge6)

196 Son was on his middle school chess team, and used to play chess with his dad nearly every night.

I have no idea why they quit.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 30, 2016 10:04 PM (FsuaD)

197 Prayers up, Jane. Glad he's getting out of there.

Posted by: Captain Whitebread On The All-Night Request Line at April 30, 2016 10:05 PM (rJUlF)

198 ***"I just pulled out Keres' Practical Chess Endings. Keres says R v. N is a draw except in "extraordinary circumstances."***


Like I said, it was a certain position.


Log on and let's play. You've been slacking in the playing department.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at April 30, 2016 10:06 PM (Wckf4)

199 Glad to hear your son is moving to safer digs, Jane. That will be one less burden upon you, too.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 30, 2016 10:06 PM (+y3Tj)

200 Sorry to hear about your son Jane. I've been following his story since he enlisted.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at April 30, 2016 10:08 PM (Wckf4)

201 ONT!

Posted by: Jane D'oh at April 30, 2016 10:12 PM (FsuaD)

202 Log on and let's play. You've been slacking in the playing department.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at April 30, 2016 10:06 PM (Wckf4)


No I haven't. I've been playing a lot of online chess with 'Bonedaddi'.

I hate to keep refusing your offers, but I'm about to sit down with Mrs. Muse and get the checkbook caught up, and no, that is not a euphemism.

And please stop mocking me by clucking like a chicken.

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 10:14 PM (e8ge6)

203 Pro tip: playing the computer in the easiest level while three-quarters liquored-up results in checkmate in less than 30 moves. On to the ONT!

Posted by: chiefjaybob, who hates everyone at April 30, 2016 10:17 PM (cgH9o)

204 And in useless news here at Peon Manor, I spent more time today futzing with a little Honda 80 cc dirty bike motor salvaged from the dump (read: Free!). I had got the exhaust valve out of it last night, and went to polish it up today. Uh-oh! It was badly bent, and wobbled fiercely when I spun it in the lathe. Having nothing to lose, I kept tapping it with a hammer, until the runout was too small to see clearly. Then I coated it with valve grinding compound, chucked the end of the stem in my cordless drill, and pulled[/i[ on the drill while it spun, to lap the seat and valve together. That's a major no-no, but I didn't have a working rubber suction cup tool to do the proper oscillating lap technique. Nevertheless, I got contact between the valve and seat all the way around, and called it good. Did a quick lap on the intake valve, too, although it wasn't warped.


Put the engine back together, clamped it into the big vise on the outside workbench, sprayed a shot of ether into the carb, and worked the kickstarter by hand. Zoom-zoom! It started right up, and idled for a good quarter-minute on the fuel I'd put into the carb bowl yesterday while vainly trying to start it. It didn't quit on its own, I had to shut it down by unplugging the magneto.


So I am pleased as punch.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 30, 2016 10:19 PM (+y3Tj)

205 Oh-oh.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 30, 2016 10:20 PM (+y3Tj)

206 Lucky for you the corgis just ran off to the ONT.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 10:25 PM (sdi6R)

207 Nobody left here AOP. Not to worry.

Posted by: chiefjaybob, who hates everyone at April 30, 2016 10:26 PM (cgH9o)

208 Saved by the bell!

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 30, 2016 10:26 PM (+y3Tj)

209 Missed the barrel by >< that much!!

Posted by: chiefjaybob, who hates everyone at April 30, 2016 10:29 PM (cgH9o)

210 I've been trying to figure out K + Kt + Kt vs. K on a 3 x 4 board...

Posted by: RTW at April 30, 2016 10:41 PM (3frOv)

211 I want to see what the "duh" answer is to puzzle one. I can't solve it.

Posted by: Great Reagan's Ghost at April 30, 2016 11:23 PM (kfoLf)

212 OK, I got K+2B vs. K in 11 moves that time.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 11:26 PM (sdi6R)

213 I started the kings and bishops from their original squares, and got it in 17 moves. I think I'm starting to get the hang of this.

Posted by: rickl at April 30, 2016 11:38 PM (sdi6R)

214 211 I want to see what the "duh" answer is to puzzle one. I can't solve it.

Posted by: Great Reagan's Ghost at April 30, 2016 11:23 PM (kfoLf)


Here is the solution:

1. Rb8+ Ka2 2. Rh8 fxg2 (2... f2 3. Ke2) (2... Ka1 3. Rxh2 f2 4. Ke2) 3. Rxh2
1-0

Posted by: OregonMuse at April 30, 2016 11:56 PM (e8ge6)

215 duh

Posted by: Great Reagan's Ghost at May 01, 2016 12:09 AM (kfoLf)

216 K+3N v. K + Q

That Android app you pointed to says mate in 46. Not much margin to work with, though each capture starts the count-to-50 over again.

Thanks for making me look it up! I didn't know FIDE removed the "exceptions to 50" stuff that computers found.

Posted by: DangerDad at May 01, 2016 12:25 AM (+SABX)

217 Chess puzzle:

1. R-b8+ K-a1 or a2
2. K-c2 any legal move
3. R-a8++

The Kingside pawns are a distraction. Nice puzzle, since the first thing I looked at was how to stop the black pawns from Queening. Couldn't see a way to do that. I then noticed how constricted the Black King is, then it was easy to see.


Posted by: jbarntt at May 01, 2016 03:25 PM (qI7fD)

218 Oh, the puzzle I referred to in post 217 was the first one, endgame study.

Posted by: jbarntt at May 01, 2016 03:28 PM (qI7fD)

219 Re:217

Uh, no. That would look something like

1. R-b8+, K-a2 (a1 would be mate in two)
2. K-c2, K-a3
3. K-c3, K-a4
4. K-c4, K-a5
5. K-c5, K-a6
6. K-c6, K-a7

and now the black king is threatening the rook. It isn't mate and once you have to move the rook, black can queen a pawn.

Correct soln involves getting the pawns out of the way I think.

1. R-b8+, K-a2
2. R-h8

At this point black can move the king or a pawn. Any king move just results in RxP. Same with queening the pawn (although RxQ.)

That leaves the pawn on f3. It can either go to f2 or g2 taking the white pawn. If it takes the white pawn, then RxP and the last pawn is pinned to the king. If he pushes past to f2, K-e2 and now both pawns are under attack. They will both be gone in a couple moves and then it is a normal K+R vs K mate.

Posted by: MDrop at May 01, 2016 04:51 PM (HK7P2)

220 219
Re:217



Uh, no. That would look something like ....

-----

You are correct, I was under time pressure

Posted by: jbarntt at May 01, 2016 07:17 PM (qI7fD)

221 Thanks to OM for posting my question here. I'd appreciate any advice on dealing with Knights, and in the middle game especially. D.GOOCH

Posted by: GOOCH at May 02, 2016 12:51 AM (KXfV3)

222 For the Mate in Five, I had
Qe5+ Ka8
Nc7+ Kb8
Na6+ Ka8
Qb8+ Rxb8
Nc7x

Sorry, if I did it wrong. I am a newbie.

Posted by: AldenPyle at May 02, 2016 09:16 AM (IR3b2)

(Jump to top of page)






Processing 0.03, elapsed 0.0325 seconds.
15 queries taking 0.0121 seconds, 231 records returned.
Page size 118 kb.
Powered by Minx 0.8 beta.



MuNuvians
MeeNuvians
Polls! Polls! Polls!

Real Clear Politics
Gallup
Frequently Asked Questions
The (Almost) Complete Paul Anka Integrity Kick
Top Top Tens
Greatest Hitjobs

The Ace of Spades HQ Sex-for-Money Skankathon
A D&D Guide to the Democratic Candidates
Margaret Cho: Just Not Funny
More Margaret Cho Abuse
Margaret Cho: Still Not Funny
Iraqi Prisoner Claims He Was Raped... By Woman
Wonkette Announces "Morning Zoo" Format
John Kerry's "Plan" Causes Surrender of Moqtada al-Sadr's Militia
World Muslim Leaders Apologize for Nick Berg's Beheading
Michael Moore Goes on Lunchtime Manhattan Death-Spree
Milestone: Oliver Willis Posts 400th "Fake News Article" Referencing Britney Spears
Liberal Economists Rue a "New Decade of Greed"
Artificial Insouciance: Maureen Dowd's Word Processor Revolts Against Her Numbing Imbecility
Intelligence Officials Eye Blogs for Tips
They Done Found Us Out, Cletus: Intrepid Internet Detective Figures Out Our Master Plan
Shock: Josh Marshall Almost Mentions Sarin Discovery in Iraq
Leather-Clad Biker Freaks Terrorize Australian Town
When Clinton Was President, Torture Was Cool
What Wonkette Means When She Explains What Tina Brown Means
Wonkette's Stand-Up Act
Wankette HQ Gay-Rumors Du Jour
Here's What's Bugging Me: Goose and Slider
My Own Micah Wright Style Confession of Dishonesty
Outraged "Conservatives" React to the FMA
An On-Line Impression of Dennis Miller Having Sex with a Kodiak Bear
The Story the Rightwing Media Refuses to Report!
Our Lunch with David "Glengarry Glen Ross" Mamet
The House of Love: Paul Krugman
A Michael Moore Mystery (TM)
The Dowd-O-Matic!
Liberal Consistency and Other Myths
Kepler's Laws of Liberal Media Bias
John Kerry-- The Splunge! Candidate
"Divisive" Politics & "Attacks on Patriotism" (very long)
The Donkey ("The Raven" parody)
News/Chat