Saturday Afternoon Chess/Open Thread 08-06-2016 [OregonMuse]

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 knight tours and the 8-queens puzzle. 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 pie fight on a Saturday afternoon.

Changes

Based on feedback I've received last week, I'm going to experiment with something new. I am no longer going to announce the goals of each of the problems I put up, like "How does White win material?" or "Black mates in 3". Instead, all you'll know is whose move it is, and it is up to you to find the best possible move, whether it be a checkmate, or some killer combination, or whatever.. But, I also will be providing a whited-out hint for each problem, which you can access by swiping your mouse over it, and then you can see "How does White win material?" or "Black mates in 3", etc. That's in case you get stuck. I encourage everyone to try them out without the hint first.

So let's give it a try:

What Is the BEST Move For White?

Hint: White Mates in 3

FEN: [r3rb1k/p4Rpp/1qp2N2/1p6/3n1N2/8/PP4PP/2QR2K1 w - - 0 1]

Notes on Notation

Last week, there was a comment from a moron who genuinely did not seem to understand the notation I use to describe the chess moves under discussion. I had just assumed that everybody already knew, but maybe not. So perhaps this would be a good opportunity for me to say a few words about it.

I use what is known as the algebraic notation system to record chess moves. In this system, the chessboard ranks (horizontal rows) are designated by numbers from 1 through 8, and the files (vertical rows) are designated with lower-case letters a,b,c,d,e,f,g, and h. So each of the 64 squares as a unique designation from a1 through h8. The wiki page that explains algebraic notation is really quite good.

I encourage everyone who comments on the chess thread to use algebraic notation. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. If you're used to using the old-school English Descriptive Notation, that's fine. You're actually in good company. I once read somewhere that Bobby Fischer *hated* algebraic notation. I forget his reasons, but I thought they sounded more like excuses, and that the real reason is that he had used descriptive all of his life and didn't see why he had to change. When you're the world champion, you can afford to think like this. I myself used descriptive notation for years and only switched to algebraic because everyone else already had. But after I got comfortable with it, I came to realize it really is a better system.

Having said all this, I would also encourage all of you morons use the following conventions:

1. Letters that designate pieces (K,Q,R,N,B) should be in CAPITAL LETTERS, and the files (a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h) are in small letters. So Nxf7 is correct, not nxF7.

2. There's no 'P' for 'Pawn' in algebraic notation. It's simply not necessary. So, for example, the correct way to describe moving your pawn to e5 is not 'P-e5', or even 'Pe5' but simply 'e5'. That's all you need. The convention is, if there is no piece designated, then it's a pawn move. So 'e5' is a complete, unambiguous move, as there is only one of your pawns that could ever move there at any given time.

3. I have seen chess moves in a few comments that are neither completely algebraic nor completely descriptive, but look like a weird hybrid of the two. Pleasse avoid doing this. Something like, for example, "KP-e5", which I guess means move the king's pawn to the e5 square.

4. "Queen to queen's level 3" is not a valid chess move under standard rules.

5. You don't need to use the clumsy 'e.p.' addition to designate en passant capturing. Sometimes you see it used with algebraic, but it's not necessary. So, for example, if you you have a pawn on e5, and your opponent moves a pawn to d5, then the en passant capture is described as exd6. Personally, I don't like this convention, where you designate the destination square where your pawn will end up, rather than the square of the pawn being captured (which makes more sense to me), but I'm not the world champion, so I am in no position to complain. But, whatever the case, the cumbersome 'e.p.' is superfluous.

5. The symbol for check is +, and even though the symbol for checkmate can be ++, The USCF instead recommends #, and so do I. This allows ++ to be used unambiguously as the symbol for double check.

6. There is no #6.

7. There are other systems, such as ICCF numeric notation used in correspondence games, and Smith Notation, but good luck using them, as I think few, if anyone, will understand them.

The only notation more universal is figurine algebraic notation (FAN), which looks exactly like standard algebraic, but instead of capital letters 'K', 'Q', 'N', 'B' 'R' to designate the pieces, little icons of each piece are used instead. Here is an example of a game in FAN:

Figurine algebraic isn't my favorite. It's always had a Eurotrash/UN/commie vibe to it, like Esperanto, that I've never liked. But despite my personal distaste, FAN is actually a useful universal system that any chess player can read, no matter what language is spoken. The above game, though, is a piece of a screen grab. I could never even attempt to use it on here. Pixy's software would probably have a heart attack.

Again, what Is the BEST Move For White?

Hint: White Wins A Piece

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

Best Move For White?

Hint: White Mates in 4

FEN: [1rq3nr/2p1k1pp/p2b4/3BN1p1/P1p5/6P1/1P2QP1P/R3R1K1 w - - 0 1]

A Call For Submissions

It has been suggested to me that the chess thread needs a little bit more variety. I agree, unfortunately, my time is not unlimited, so the thread is what it is because that's all the time I can spare on it.

So, in order to jazz things up a bit, I'd like to set up some sort of "readers forum" for your input. I know you're playing games against each other and some of them are fantastically interesting battles, so if you get a position where you (or your opponent) executes some brilliant tactic, or gets a sweet checkmate or combo, or you just get a position that strikes you as interesting or noteworthy, send it to me at my yahoo e-mail address, along with a little analysis of what you think is important about the position. And then I might add my own comments, kind of like GM Lev Alburt does in his Chess Life column with games readers send him.

About the only thing I would not like to receive are long, unannotated games. I just don't have the time to do the analysis and find out what would be interesting about it. Miniatures, though, should be fine. If you beat some guy in 6 moves, and wish to crow about it, I can help out with that.

Or, and this might be entertaining, if you've got a chess set that you're proud of, like you made it yourself, or it was owned by your great-grandfather, or even if you just think it looks great, send me a photo. Heck, you can even cross the streams a bit with the pet thread and send a pic of your kitteh playing chess, if you like.

In the spirit of Tom Sawyer getting the other boys to paint the fence for him, let's have some fun: send me your stuff.

Endgame of the Week

FEN: [8/p4K2/P7/8/8/8/1k6/8 w - - 0 1]

This position is from an actual game (Schlage - Ahues, Berlin 1921), and the ending was a draw. It went like this:

1.Ke6 Kc3
2.Kd6 Kd4
3.Kc6 Ke5
4.Kb7 Kd6
5.Kxa7 Kc7

Do you see why they agreed to a draw at this point? In order to queen his pawn, White needs to move his king out to the 'b' file so his pawn will have a clear path. Only he won't be able to, because Black can simply shuffle his king back and forth between c7 and c8 and White's king will be contained.

But it didn't have to be this way. Subsequent analysis determined that this position is actually a won game for White. So the only reason Black was able to get a draw out of this was because White derped it up. So your task her is to show how White can win this game, even with Black making the best possible moves.

___________

Solutions Update:

What Is the BEST Move For White?

This is a mate in 3 for white, and it's straightforward:

1.Ng6+ hxg6
2.Qh6+ gxh6
3.Rh7#

Again, what Is the BEST Move For White?

White wins a piece here by

1. Bf4!

There's not much Black can do to prevent the loss of his knight. Except by moving it, in which case he would lose his rook instead.

Best Move For White?

White has a mating attack. Black can hold out for, at the most, 4 moves:

1.Nd7+ Be5
2.Qxe5+ Kxd7
3.Qe6+ Kd8
4.Qe8# 1-0

Black could always try 1...Kxd7, but that will only get him mated 1 move earlier:

2.Qe6+ Kd8
3.Qe8#

Endgame of the Week

White forgot one of the basic rules of the endgame:

The King is a strong piece - use it!

2.Kd6? is the move that allowed Black enough time to get his king into position to bottle up White on the 'a' file. So, instead:

1.Ke6 Kc3
2.Kd5!

This in-your-face move pushes Black away just enough to prevent him from getting to c7 in time.

2...Kb4 (2...Kd3 is no help: 3.Kc6 Ke4 4.Kb7 Kd5 5.Kxa7 Kc6 6.Kb8 and wins)

3.Kc6 Ka5
4.Kb7 Kb5
5.Kxa7 Kc6
6.Kb8 and White wins

___________

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 04:50 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Checkmate!

Posted by: JT at August 06, 2016 04:51 PM (qG0hz)

2 I concede.

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at August 06, 2016 04:52 PM (+wjl1)

3 My first first! I'm a real moron!!! I didn't take the time to type my whole name though. Is that cheating?

Posted by: Subterranean JT at August 06, 2016 04:53 PM (qG0hz)

4 Yo, wood pushers!

Posted by: fluffy at August 06, 2016 04:56 PM (eiFlk)

5 My first first! I'm a real moron!!! I didn't take the time to type my whole name though. Is that cheating?
Posted by: Subterranean JT at August 06, 2016 04:53 PM (qG0hz)

The AoSHQ style guide allows you one mulligan.

Don't do it again.

Posted by: Country Boy at August 06, 2016 04:59 PM (qKX5A)

6 Jester G8

Then let me see

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 05:00 PM (bksJQ)

7 It's so damned hot I can't even think....and I've gotta go to work tonight.

Meh....at least the office is air conditioned, for some values of air conditioned.

Posted by: Your Decidedly Devious Uncle Palpatine, Still Accepting Harem Applicants at August 06, 2016 05:02 PM (N6FFY)

8 3 My first first! I'm a real moron!!! I didn't take the time to type my whole name though. Is that cheating?
Posted by: Subterranean JT at August 06, 2016 04:53 PM (qG0hz)

I hate to take away from your glory, but being first on the slow-moving chess thread is like beating the fat kid in a swimming race. The bar is way low.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 05:03 PM (VL6nX)

9 Dammit I'm back to retarded again.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 05:04 PM (0mRoj)

10
What Is the BEST Move For White?

Don't get us started.

Posted by: BLM at August 06, 2016 05:07 PM (+wjl1)

11 I am in love with the Argentina Women's Field Hockey Team.

Posted by: garrett at August 06, 2016 05:07 PM (TjcfH)

12
"I am no longer going to announce the goals of each of the problems I put up..."

*cough* Common Core *cough*

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at August 06, 2016 05:08 PM (kdS6q)

13 Where the cheerleaders at?

Posted by: chess elbows at August 06, 2016 05:08 PM (MD1dD)

14 What Is the BEST Move For White?

--

To denounce its privilege and concede to Black.
Black Pieces Matter!

Posted by: @votermom at August 06, 2016 05:08 PM (7lVbc)

15 I got the first one right away. When there is that amount of material arrayed against the opposing King, mate is in the air, and it's just a matter of finding it.

Posted by: rickl at August 06, 2016 05:08 PM (sdi6R)

16 Hole up in South Africa and Madagascar.

Posted by: garrett at August 06, 2016 05:09 PM (TjcfH)

17 15 I got the first one right away. When there is that amount of material arrayed against the opposing King, mate is in the air, and it's just a matter of finding it.
Posted by: rickl at August 06, 2016 05:08 PM (sdi6R)

Nobody likes a braggart.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 05:09 PM (0mRoj)

18 The best move for white is to jump up on the chair, drop its pants and taunt its opponent in a manner similar to the old Scottish warriors.

Posted by: southdakotaboy at August 06, 2016 05:09 PM (yh4lQ)

19
My first first! I'm a real moron!!!
Posted by: Subterranean JT at August 06, 2016 04:53 PM (qG0hz)

I hate to take away from your glory, but being first on the slow-moving chess thread is like beating the fat kid in a swimming race. The bar is way low.
Posted by: OregonMuse

Remember that kid in gym who couldn't participate in anything because he was born with a soft spot in his skull? Just to sit in the bleachers and do his homework?

This.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at August 06, 2016 05:11 PM (kdS6q)

20
Where the cheerleaders at?
Posted by: chess elbows

UT Dallas Cheerleaders at chess match

http://tinyurl.com/zqx8ny7

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at August 06, 2016 05:13 PM (kdS6q)

21 Not picking bones but in Algebraic castleing is?
I'll just go look it up.

Still facinated with Courier Chess

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 05:13 PM (bksJQ)

22 Am I missing something? Where are the answers?

I think the answer to problem 1 is Qb1 and the answer to problem 2 is h4.

Posted by: faustino at August 06, 2016 05:16 PM (Jvowd)

23 Its the same as with English Descriptive
O-O for short castleing King side
O-O-O for long Queen side

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 05:18 PM (bksJQ)

24 21 Not picking bones but in Algebraic castleing is?

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 05:13 PM (bksJQ)

o-o = king side castling

o-o-o = queen side castling

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 05:18 PM (VL6nX)

25 >>> I got the first one right away. When there is that amount of material arrayed against the opposing King, mate is in the air, and it's just a matter of finding it.

Would you have the nerves of steel to find it OTB?

I doubt I would.

Posted by: fluffy at August 06, 2016 05:19 PM (eiFlk)

26 US Women Soccer SCORE: Carly Loyd

Posted by: Nevergiveup at August 06, 2016 05:19 PM (FPzw8)

27

Roy: [grabbing Sebastian] If we don't find help soon, Pris hasn't got long to live. We can't allow that.

[Roy goes to the chess board, studying the game in progress]

Roy: Is he good?

J.F. Sebastian: Who?

Roy: Your opponent.

J.F. Sebastian: Oh, Dr. Tyrell? I've only beaten him once in chess. He's a genius! He designed you.

Roy: Maybe he could help.

J.F. Sebastian: I'd be happy to mention it to him.

Roy: [smiles and puts his hand on Sebastian's shoulder] Better if I talk to him in person. But I understand he's a sort of hard man to get to.

[Pris wraps her legs and arms around Sebastian]

J.F. Sebastian: Yes.

Roy: Will you help us?

J.F. Sebastian: I can't.

Pris: We need you, Sebastian. You're our best and only friend.

Posted by: Mortimer at August 06, 2016 05:20 PM (zu88C)

28 NGU, where you drilling this weekend?

Posted by: fluffy at August 06, 2016 05:20 PM (eiFlk)

29 22 Am I missing something? Where are the answers?

I usually post the solutions after a suitable period of time has elapsed.

I think the answer to problem 1 is Qb1 and the answer to problem 2 is h4.
Posted by: faustino at August 06, 2016 05:16 PM (Jvowd)

Ouch. Incorrect on both.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 05:21 PM (VL6nX)

30 23 Its the same as with English Descriptive
O-O for short castleing King side
O-O-O for long Queen side
Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 05:18 PM (bksJQ)

Some of the more vintage chess books using descriptive notation use "Castles" and "Castles (Q)".

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 05:23 PM (VL6nX)

31 Yes, the chess thread needs chess elbows, brilliant elbows.

Posted by: gNewt..don't like Ryan...better call Paul..Nehlen, that is.._ at August 06, 2016 05:24 PM (qB3GS)

32 Hot damn. The August issue of Chess Life has just been delivered to me. I feel like Jon up in that cartoon. Electricity is in the air!

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 05:24 PM (VL6nX)

33 Prob 1: Nxe8?

Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 05:29 PM (0mRoj)

34 One week anniversary. Still married. Still in Cancun still drunk. Champagne and lobster dinner on the beach tonight but I got a head start on the drinking about nine hours ago. It's a wonder I can find my iPad much less type on it. My sister is an angel. Don't tell her I said that cuz she's really a bitch but she did give us this honeymoon so I have to be nice.

That is all. Carry on. I'm Hunting down another Mango Tango. Is this chess? Oh sorry.

Posted by: grammie winger, waiting for the trumpets at August 06, 2016 05:29 PM (1fvpz)

35 Posted by: grammie winger, waiting for the trumpets at August 06, 2016 05:29 PM (1fvpz)

We love ya, grammie. Continue enjoying your honeymoon!

Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 05:30 PM (0mRoj)

36 Don't tell her I said that cuz she's really a bitch but she did give us this honeymoon so I have to be nice.

======

LOL how much you pay?

Posted by: Bigby's Knuckle Sandwich at August 06, 2016 05:31 PM (U0lQa)

37 I have the first one. Need to get back into chess shape for a tournament next month. And it is an adult tournament so I won't have to face a 7 year old who trains after school with a master level player.

*** SPOILERS ***

White has to get at Black fast because black is threatening Ne2+ with a fork of the king and queen. So, in a relentless attack, white does 1. Ng6+ hxg6 2. Qh6+ gxh6 3. Rh7#

Posted by: WOPR - Nationalist at August 06, 2016 05:32 PM (Ee2nz)

38 *poised to write email*

Posted by: Bigby's Knuckle Sandwich at August 06, 2016 05:32 PM (U0lQa)

39 Why are the pieces always black or white? Is there no gray area? A little wiggle room somewhere? It's almost like you chesspeople are absolutists. Or something.

Posted by: Eromero at August 06, 2016 05:32 PM (zLDYs)

40 Dershowitz said Obama can't justify the ransom, "it's just wrong"..."we allowed Iran to extort us", he/we paid to Iran.

Posted by: gNewt..don't like Ryan...better call Paul..Nehlen, that is.._ at August 06, 2016 05:35 PM (qB3GS)

41 Why are the pieces always black or white? Is there no gray area?

The Franklin Mint Chess set has pewter pieces on gray and blue bases!

Posted by: that guy who read a lot of magazines in the '80s at August 06, 2016 05:35 PM (MD1dD)

42 Uh, Franklin Mint Civil War chess set, that is.

Posted by: that guy who's too excited about the Franklin Mint to proofread his comments at August 06, 2016 05:36 PM (MD1dD)

43 Dershowitz said Obama can't justify the ransom, "it's just wrong"..."we allowed Iran to extort us", he/we paid to Iran.
Posted by: gNewt..don't like Ryan...better call Paul..Nehlen, that is.._ at August 06, 2016 05:35 PM (qB3GS)

So?

He'll still vote for The FAB. Sigh

Posted by: Nevergiveup at August 06, 2016 05:37 PM (FPzw8)

44 The St Louis Chess club has made impressive changes to their sites. From Aug 5 - 18 they are hosting the Sinqefield cup, which is part of "the grand chess tour". You can watch the games live here:

http://grandchesstour.org/live-2016-sinquefield-cup-grand-chess-tour

Or you can look through yesterdays games (since it started yesterday).

The live coverage is usually quite interesting.

Posted by: Off the reservation at August 06, 2016 05:37 PM (bkEY6)

45 Navy Says Sailors Will Be Allowed To Wear Dont Tread On Me Patches On Their Uniforms

Good

Posted by: Nevergiveup at August 06, 2016 05:39 PM (FPzw8)

46 That game in FAN was fun. I didn't see that coming at all.

Posted by: rickl at August 06, 2016 05:40 PM (sdi6R)

47 On #2 (see if i can do this algebraic thing)
N-g6++, K-d7 (d8 then Q-e8 #)
B-e6+, K-c6
A forget mating, I'll be up so much material even I couldn't loose

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 05:40 PM (bksJQ)

48 How about showing some risque chess sets?

http://tinyurl.com/hu3sdtr

NSFW

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 06, 2016 05:42 PM (Zu3d9)

49 Grammie even the Queen should get a honeymoon, enjoy

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 05:42 PM (bksJQ)

50 Skip, e8 is protected

>>> forget mating, I'll be up so much material even I couldn't loose

I think that is how I would play it.

Posted by: fluffy at August 06, 2016 05:44 PM (eiFlk)

51 Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 06, 2016 05:42 PM (Zu3d9)

Who the hell could you play against and that set be acceptable? Wow

Posted by: weirdflunkyonatablet at August 06, 2016 05:44 PM (IhXF2)

52 I was looking at the Courier Chess set but at 350$ a bit steep.
But could put something together like the nut and bolt set we saw a few weeks ago and like we did in the USAF.

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 05:47 PM (bksJQ)

53 How about showing some risque chess sets?

http://tinyurl.com/hu3sdtr

NSFW

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 06, 2016 05:42 PM (Zu3d9)

Mate in...uh...well....

Looks like everyone's already mated.

Game over.

Posted by: naturalfake at August 06, 2016 05:49 PM (HGtd0)

54 Yesterday on chess.com l played Dr_FluffinStuff.

Just thought you would all want to know.

Posted by: fluffy at August 06, 2016 05:49 PM (eiFlk)

55 Heh. Apparently Hope Solo has ticked off all of Brazil. Every time she kicks soccer ball crowd heckles her yelling "Zika!!!"

This is what started it. http://tinyurl.com/zwekxkb

Posted by: olddog in mo at August 06, 2016 05:49 PM (DktcZ)

56 48 How about showing some risque chess sets?
http://tinyurl.com/hu3sdtr
NSFW
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 06, 2016 05:42 PM (Zu3d9)

Great googly moogly. How can you tell which pieces are which?

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 05:49 PM (VL6nX)

57 53
Mate in...uh...well....

Looks like everyone's already mated.

Game over.
Posted by: naturalfake at August 06, 2016 05:49 PM (HGtd0)

Threadwinner!

Posted by: rickl at August 06, 2016 05:50 PM (sdi6R)

58 OMuse, I haven't played chess in many years, but I do enjoy these threads even though they make me feel like a lower-case moron. But I want to thank you for doing these every week because it is obvious you put a lot of time and thought into these posts. So thank you.

And grammie! I'm glad you and the Rev. winger (can we call him that?) are still married after a whole week! Love seeing you pop into the threads every once in a while. Looking forward to seeing you back on the morning threads too.

Posted by: bluebell at August 06, 2016 05:50 PM (805dc)

59 White has to get at Black fast because black is threatening Ne2+ with a fork of the king and queen. So, in a relentless attack, white does 1. Ng6+ hxg6 2. Qh6+ gxh6 3. Rh7#

How is Rh7 mate? K is still on G8. Also BxRh7. At least that's how my board looks.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 05:50 PM (0mRoj)

60 47 On #2 (see if i can do this algebraic thing)
N-g6++...

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 05:40 PM (bksJQ)

Not the best square for the knight.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 05:51 PM (VL6nX)

61 56 Looks like everyone's winning with that one

Posted by: MAx at August 06, 2016 05:53 PM (0uuiT)

62 Okay, I *think* I've got answers to all of them this week, thanks to the hints...

1. re1

2. bxa7

3. Qh5 (I'm least certain on that one)

4. The way I see it, you proceed as follows:
... 6. Ke7 Kb3
7. Kd7 Kb4
8. Kc7 Kb5
9. Kb7 ...
Black *can't* continue to b6 because he'd put himself in check. So he goes to either a5 or c5.
10. Kxa7 (and probably) Kb5
11. Kb8 Kb6
12. a7 K(a/c)6
13. a8Q+

But that assumes Black doesn't realize he'll never catch up to White's king in time to save his pawn. I've probably missed something somewhere.

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at August 06, 2016 05:54 PM (m2sZd)

63 How is Rh7 mate? K is still on G8. Also BxRh7. At least that's how my board looks.
Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 05:50 PM (0mRoj)

The f knight covers the G8 square. Bishop covers g7 and h6, not h7.

Posted by: WOPR - Nationalist at August 06, 2016 05:56 PM (Ee2nz)

64 Posted by: WOPR - Nationalist at August 06, 2016 05:56 PM (Ee2nz)

Dammit got my notes crossed. Sorry.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 05:59 PM (0mRoj)

65 For the second problem, I got
1. Bxa7 Rxa7
2. Rxb8 Rxa2
3. Rxb7

and White have a rook and five pawns vs. a rook and two pawns, which should be enough to win.

But then I looked at the hint, and Bf4 is obviously better.

Posted by: rickl at August 06, 2016 06:00 PM (sdi6R)

66 Dammit got my notes crossed. Sorry.
Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 05:59 PM (0mRoj)

Happens to everyone. I was worried even answering because invariably when I do, I mess something up trying to actually appear somewhat intelligent.

Posted by: WOPR - Nationalist at August 06, 2016 06:00 PM (Ee2nz)

67 The naughty chess set might be fun for a game of strip-chess.

....

Oh, please! Like none of you have EVER played it.....

Posted by: Your Decidedly Devious Uncle Palpatine, Still Accepting Harem Applicants at August 06, 2016 06:01 PM (ZpNh3)

68 67 The naughty chess set might be fun for a game of strip-chess.

....

Oh, please! Like none of you have EVER played it.....
Posted by: Your Decidedly Devious Uncle Palpatine, Still Accepting Harem Applicants at August 06, 2016 06:01 PM (ZpNh3)

Never have. I lead about the most boring, unfulfilling life one can imagine.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 06:02 PM (0mRoj)

69 Never have. I lead about the most boring, unfulfilling life one can imagine.
Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 06:02 PM (0mRoj)

Ha, I doubt it. Did you own mother tell you that you were dull. I represented no challenge to her parenting and I think she was a little disappointed.

Posted by: WOPR - Nationalist at August 06, 2016 06:04 PM (Ee2nz)

70 Ha, I doubt it. Did you own mother tell you that you were dull. I represented no challenge to her parenting and I think she was a little disappointed.
Posted by: WOPR - Nationalist at August 06, 2016 06:04 PM (Ee2nz)

Actually she said (screamed usually) a lot of horrible things to me.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 06:05 PM (0mRoj)

71 Fuck. You know what, I'm too stupid to play this goddamn game. Y'all have at it.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 06:07 PM (0mRoj)

72 Bet an Anna Puma designed chess set would fly.

I mean that. Literally.

"Queen" would be what, a B-29? King as a B-52? Pawns would be what, the Brewster Buffalo?

Other side could be German or Japanese or even Soviet planes.

And SMFH's Armor Chess Set would be a blast, too! Yeah, that's also literal. *grin*

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at August 06, 2016 06:09 PM (v5iqM)

73
Fuck. You know what, I'm too stupid to play this goddamn game. Y'all have at it.
Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 06:07 PM

I have a randomizer mind. Jumps around sporadically.
No good for chess.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at August 06, 2016 06:10 PM (IqV8l)

74 Y'all have at it.
Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 06:07 PM (0mRoj)

You okay? We're all stupid at this game.

Posted by: WOPR - Nationalist at August 06, 2016 06:11 PM (Ee2nz)

75 Jim, I like BOTH of those ideas! What would a P-51 be, knight, bishop, or rook?

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at August 06, 2016 06:11 PM (m2sZd)

76 P-51 would be a knight.

Posted by: WOPR - Nationalist at August 06, 2016 06:12 PM (Ee2nz)

77
48 How about showing some risque chess sets?

NSFW

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 06, 2016 05:42 PM (Zu3d9)

Pawns are pretty obvious and maybe the king and queen. Not sure about the rest...

Posted by: Spun and Murky at August 06, 2016 06:14 PM (4DCSq)

78 I think, a P-51 could be damn near any piece it wants. Who am I to argue with greatness?

*grin*

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at August 06, 2016 06:15 PM (v5iqM)

79 71 Fuck. You know what, I'm too stupid to play this goddamn game. Y'all have at it.
Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 06:07 PM (0mRoj)

Please don't give up. Most of us here suck at chess. You're not alone.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 06:19 PM (VL6nX)

80 Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at August 06, 2016 05:54 PM (m2sZd)

Well, hello! Did not know you were a chess nerd.

I have good news and bad news.

The first is that I admire your effort you put into solving the problems.

Um...

Can I ask you to please reconsider, like, all of your solutions?

Sorry.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 06:22 PM (VL6nX)

81 First one is a classic. Knight E4-G6 check, QH6 check, Rook H7 mate.

Posted by: AlaBAMA at August 06, 2016 06:23 PM (pUDQf)

82 I am in love with the Argentina Women's Field Hockey Team.

Just wait 'til Holland shows up!

Posted by: t-bird at August 06, 2016 06:23 PM (Z58Xa)

83 K at F4, sorry.

Posted by: AlaBAMA at August 06, 2016 06:24 PM (pUDQf)

84 Pawns are pretty obvious and maybe the king and queen. Not sure about the rest...

Posted by: Spun and Murky at August 06, 2016 06:14 PM (4DCSq)

I know, right? Look at the one over on the left, the one that looks like a standing "69" position. What the hell piece is that even supposed to be?

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 06:25 PM (VL6nX)

85 Can I ask you to please reconsider, like, all of your solutions?

See, Insomniac? You're not the only one!

I'm only sort of a chess nerd, OM. I'm way better at Risk.

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at August 06, 2016 06:25 PM (m2sZd)

86 @OregonMuse,

Any suggestions for PC based chess programs that actually teach the game?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 06, 2016 06:25 PM (Zu3d9)

87 I get stuck
K-c6++, Kf-f8;
Q- f3+, B-f4
pawn takes Bishop so in Algebraic f4?, f4;
Qxf4 and its all over though black Queen can throw herself on a sword.

It is absolutely pouring here

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 06:26 PM (bksJQ)

88 Try chess.com.

It's free and has some great training tools.

Posted by: AlaBAMA at August 06, 2016 06:26 PM (pUDQf)

89 Man, these are hard now. I'm pretty good with the "White to mate in 1 by using his Queen"-type of puzzles, though.

Posted by: t-bird at August 06, 2016 06:27 PM (Z58Xa)

90 Posted by: AlaBAMA at August 06, 2016 06:26 PM (pUDQf)

I took a look at them, but I have no way of judging quality....

Thanks!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 06, 2016 06:28 PM (Zu3d9)

91 74 Y'all have at it.
Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 06:07 PM (0mRoj)

You okay? We're all stupid at this game.
Posted by: WOPR - Nationalist at August 06, 2016 06:11 PM (Ee2nz)

Am I OK? No. Never have been, probably never will be. No, not everybody's stupid at this game. But I know I am and I hate the feeling.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 06:28 PM (0mRoj)

92 Just barely getting the hints, my tablet highlighting the hint starts then highlights the whole thread. But i saw enough of #3 I think.

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 06:29 PM (bksJQ)

93

Rook: P-47D with a couple of 500lb bombs.

Posted by: Arbalest at August 06, 2016 06:29 PM (FlRtG)

94 77
48 How about showing some risque chess sets?

NSFW

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 06, 2016 05:42 PM (Zu3d9)

Pawns are pretty obvious and maybe the king and queen. Not sure about the rest...

Posted by: Spun and Murky at August 06, 2016 06:14 PM (4DCSq)

++++

The back row pieces are in order. The bishop is getting a bj from what looks to be a minor. The woman riding, well not a horse but something, is a knight.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 06, 2016 06:31 PM (R+30W)

95 Any suggestions for PC based chess programs that actually teach the game?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 06, 2016 06:25 PM (Zu3d9)

Not sure. Like AlaBAMA mentioned, the online stuff is preferable. I do like the training tools at chess.com.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 06:31 PM (VL6nX)

96 For the third problem, I think Nc6+ wins the exchange.

I don't see a forced mate after Kf8, but Kd7 would be a very bad mistake.

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

97 Solutions now up.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 06:37 PM (VL6nX)

98 The back row pieces are in order. The bishop is getting a bj from what looks to be a minor.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 06, 2016 06:31 PM (R+30W)

Well, that's certainly disgusting.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 06:38 PM (VL6nX)

99
The back row pieces are in order. The bishop is getting a bj from what looks to be a minor. The woman riding, well not a horse but something, is a knight.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 06, 2016 06:31 PM (R+30W)

Well duh! Thanks!!

Posted by: Spun and Murky at August 06, 2016 06:39 PM (4DCSq)

100 Might have to not allow an A-10 Warthog chess piece though.

Unfair advantage. It'd mown down the front rank of pawns in a single pass.

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at August 06, 2016 06:40 PM (v5iqM)

101 Any suggestions for PC based chess programs that actually teach the game?

If you can still find the Chessmaster program, the Waitzkin lectures are really good. Also, the personalities built into opponents work decently. Anything out now though, like Fritz, is not for someone learning and wanting lessons.

Posted by: WOPR - Nationalist at August 06, 2016 06:41 PM (Ee2nz)

102 In the endgame, White's second move should have been Kd5 instead of Kd6.

Posted by: rickl at August 06, 2016 06:42 PM (sdi6R)

103 Just wait 'til Holland shows up!

Hah, they have a player named Naomi van As.

Posted by: Moron humor at August 06, 2016 06:42 PM (MD1dD)

104 Maybe its not bad i can't figure out the tinyerl thing.

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 06:43 PM (bksJQ)

105 On #3, why would you move your knight that close to the queen with no cover? Or am I misreading something?

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at August 06, 2016 06:44 PM (m2sZd)

106 I didn't look at the answers until now.

Posted by: rickl at August 06, 2016 06:44 PM (sdi6R)

107 Ah, wait, I did misread--curse of being dyslexic! I'll see if I can get it to make sense if I stare at it a little longer.

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at August 06, 2016 06:49 PM (m2sZd)

108 Wait, no, I didn't--shouldn't the move be Nc6+ instead of d7? d7 isn't a check square and puts you right next to Black's queen to boot.

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at August 06, 2016 06:51 PM (m2sZd)

109 Elizabeth i pondered it lots of ways but not giving up the Knight didn't make as short as giving it up.

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

110 Thanks, Skip. I *just* realized the check is there regardless because of White's queen. Oy. Been a long day.

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at August 06, 2016 06:55 PM (m2sZd)

111 105 On #3, why would you move your knight that close to the queen with no cover? Or am I misreading something?
Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at August 06, 2016 06:44 PM (m2sZd)

Because moving the knight causes Black to be put in check by the White queen on e2. So Black just can't take the knight with his queen, he has to do something about that check. He can take the knight with his king, of course, but what can White do if he does?

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 06:55 PM (VL6nX)

112
In preparation for the 'Burning Times', I have just about every conceivable board game and card decks in reserve; chess, backgammon, checkers, Chinese (is that raciss?) checkers, Monopoly, Risk, etc, etc, etc. And Hoyle's Rules.

I might get good at all of them when/if the lights go out...

Posted by: Spun and Murky at August 06, 2016 06:56 PM (4DCSq)

113 #58 thank you for your kind words, bluebell.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 06:57 PM (VL6nX)

114 Can someone please recommend a good chess trainer app for iPhone?

Posted by: Kid Tyrone at August 06, 2016 07:00 PM (j37Ud)

115 Because moving the knight causes Black to be put in check by the White queen on e2.

Finally saw that and feel like a bear of very little brain indeed. Thanks for explaining, though, OM.

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at August 06, 2016 07:03 PM (m2sZd)

116 104 Maybe its not bad i can't figure out the tinyerl thing.

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 06:43 PM (bksJQ)

++++

You just open the tinyurl link in a new tab. Your browser goes to the tinyurl website, it displays the link on a preview page that tells you where the link is going. You can then click to proceed to the real site. When you are at the preview page, you can also set it up so that your browser automatically just goes to the link without the preview in the future, if you prefer.

Example, this link goes to lichess.org (a chess site):

http://tinyurl.com/zxrzbgp

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 06, 2016 07:04 PM (R+30W)

117 I sent you an email OregonMuse! Hope it's worthwhile.

Posted by: AlaBAMA at August 06, 2016 07:06 PM (pUDQf)

118 >>> I have a randomizer mind. Jumps around sporadically.
No good for chess.

If you can focus it a bit I think it would be a great asset.

Each side has 6 different types of pieces. You have to keep your head on a swivel. Your opponent isn't going to do what you want. In theory, there should be no surprises on the board, but I get surprised all the time.

Posted by: fluffy at August 06, 2016 07:10 PM (eiFlk)

119 Sorry about my outburst earlier. I don't do well with frustration brought on by feeling like an imbecile.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 07:16 PM (0mRoj)

120 If anyone wants to get started, join chess.com for free.

Introduce yourself as a member of the Horde and I will gladly play you in a few open, unrated games.

I'm on there as fluffyPushinWood.

Posted by: fluffy at August 06, 2016 07:16 PM (eiFlk)

121 #117 I got it, thank you.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 07:16 PM (VL6nX)

122 112 ... Same here and for the same reasons. I've even thought of adding tiddly-winks. Also, we've picked up some difficult jigsaw puzzles on sale. As long as we have a table top and an oil lamp we have entertainment. The same caution is why I have certain books in good hardcover editions.

My solutions were really off the mark this week. Now to work out the moves on a board to try to understand.

Posted by: JTB at August 06, 2016 07:17 PM (V+03K)

123 Insomniac, I've been playing over two decades in a serious way and I'm hoping to become mediocre someday.

Posted by: fluffy at August 06, 2016 07:17 PM (eiFlk)

124 119 Sorry about my outburst earlier. I don't do well with frustration brought on by feeling like an imbecile.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 07:16 PM (0mRoj)

How do you think I feel?

Posted by: Joey 'Choo-Choo' Biden. at August 06, 2016 07:17 PM (VL6nX)

125 Insomniac - get yourself southwestward and I'll by you a drink. Heck I'll buy you eight. It's all inclusive.

Posted by: grammie winger, waiting for the trumpets at August 06, 2016 07:19 PM (1fvpz)

126 Hah...that first problem is clever.

Posted by: eleven at August 06, 2016 07:19 PM (qUNWi)

127 OM, Thanks for going with the different approach to the problems. More difficult but I'll learn more this way. And I love the cartoon at the top of the post.

As to the X-rated chess set and which figures are which. Does anyone really think they'll get to the game? LMAO.

Posted by: JTB at August 06, 2016 07:21 PM (V+03K)

128 My sisterr's buying. It's a sweet deal. No chess knowledge required. But pick me up a curling iron on your way. I forgot mine and I look like crap.

Posted by: grammie winger, waiting for the trumpets at August 06, 2016 07:21 PM (1fvpz)

129 I don't have the patience to do anything other than a "Beginner's Corner: White (or Black) Mates In 1". But hopefully everyone else is enjoying the new version.

Posted by: Pat* at August 06, 2016 07:22 PM (qC1ju)

130 I learned English Descriptive notation at first, and used that for years. But I eventually concluded that algebraic notation is indeed better. It's easy, and there's no reason not to use it.

Posted by: rickl at August 06, 2016 07:32 PM (sdi6R)

131 That position "Again, what Is the BEST Move For White?" is an interesting dilemma. 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).

To me, I would have to decide what is better. Keep the black peices pinned as they are and advance the pawns on the king side or trade my usable pieces in order to gain the piece advantage. A Bishop isn't terribly useful unless your piece lands on it's color.

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.

Sometime, a piece is more valuable on the board. Bf4! means you lose your rook in the ensuing swap to get black's knight.

I need that rook for the end game.

Posted by: AlaBAMA at August 06, 2016 07:36 PM (pUDQf)

132 I still don't get the tiny url thing but you know it won't kill me not to know.

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 07:38 PM (bksJQ)

133 Somehow i like the English Descriptive easier but I am going to try to get this Algebraic down correctly.

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 07:40 PM (bksJQ)

134 131
Bf4! means you lose your rook in the ensuing swap to get black's knight.

I need that rook for the end game.
Posted by: AlaBAMA at August 06, 2016 07:36 PM (pUDQf)

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.

Posted by: rickl at August 06, 2016 07:41 PM (sdi6R)

135 6P + B > 4P

It's easy to swap pawns and pick off pawns when you have that kind of advantage. Your bishop gives you enough to protect yourself until you can queen a pawn on one side of the board or the other.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 06, 2016 07:41 PM (R+30W)

136 131 That position "Again, what Is the BEST Move For White?" is an interesting dilemma. 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).

I'm not sure it's a given that rooks will be swapped. But I think you're right that perhaps it might be better for White not to make the capture, keep the pieces pinned back there, and do other stuff.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 07:41 PM (VL6nX)

137 and do other stuff.

*perks up*

Posted by: Megan at August 06, 2016 07:43 PM (MD1dD)

138 On the second puzzle -- winning a piece over on the queenside corner is great but... The threat I'm seeing is this:

1. g4!

And 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.

When that's done, white can take his pick between picking up the piece or netting two pawns with a seventh-rank fork.

Seems better than just picking off the knight to me.

Posted by: Sayyid at August 06, 2016 07:44 PM (1QPOQ)

139 132 I still don't get the tiny url thing but you know it won't kill me not to know.

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 07:38 PM (bksJQ)

++++

As long as you are able to open a link like this in a new tab:
https://en.lichess.org/

Then you can do the exact same thing with a link like this:
http://tinyurl.com/zxrzbgp

Have you tried it? There is really nothing to it.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 06, 2016 07:45 PM (R+30W)

140 136 131 That position "Again, what Is the BEST Move For White?" is an interesting dilemma. 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).

I'm not sure it's a given that rooks will be swapped. But I think you're right that perhaps it might be better for White not to make the capture, keep the pieces pinned back there, and do other stuff.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 07:41 PM (VL6nX)

++++

You have a choice to take the knight, use your bishop or rook. If you go rook, then you are definitely swapping rooks. If you use the bishop, now you have your rook pinned to protect your bishop and your bishop pinned so you don't lose your rook. Unless you back up: Bd6, so you are out but still protecting the rook. But, the opponent is likely going to swap at that point anyway.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 06, 2016 07:50 PM (R+30W)

141 125 Insomniac - get yourself southwestward and I'll by you a drink. Heck I'll buy you eight. It's all inclusive.
Posted by: grammie winger, waiting for the trumpets at August 06, 2016 07:19 PM (1fvpz)

Much as I would love to, getting to Cancun is not really feasible for me. Also, no tengo un pasaporte.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 06, 2016 07:53 PM (0mRoj)

142 140
You have a choice to take the knight, use your bishop or rook. If you go rook, then you are definitely swapping rooks.
Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 06, 2016 07:50 PM (R+30W)

And White wins after that. Bf4 is indeed a winning move.

Posted by: rickl at August 06, 2016 07:54 PM (sdi6R)

143 I end up something like this:

6k1/B1n5/2p3p1/8/6PP/2P5/PPP5/6K1 w - - 1 7

Which seems better to me than taking the knight. The open file on both sides of the board in a bishop vs. knight endgame is just brutal for black, very clearly lost even if white had three pawns less.

Posted by: Sayyid at August 06, 2016 07:56 PM (1QPOQ)

144 And White wins after that. Bf4 is indeed a winning move.

Posted by: rickl at August 06, 2016 07:54 PM (sdi6R)

++++

Agreed. Just saying the rook swap will happen, not that it's bad.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 06, 2016 07:58 PM (R+30W)

145 143 I end up something like this:

6k1/B1n5/2p3p1/8/6PP/2P5/PPP5/6K1 w - - 1 7

Which seems better to me than taking the knight. The open file on both sides of the board in a bishop vs. knight endgame is just brutal for black, very clearly lost even if white had three pawns less.

Posted by: Sayyid at August 06, 2016 07:56 PM (1QPOQ)

++++

That gives 6P + 1B vs 2P + 1N

I would rather play 6P + 1B vs 4P

That knight is more of a threat than the 2 pawns you took instead.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 06, 2016 08:02 PM (R+30W)

146 OM, good thinking problems today. I like the new format.

And I knew, without clicking, that the pie fight was from The Great Race. Well done.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at August 06, 2016 08:02 PM (hyuyC)

147 @142: White is already up two pawns in the starting position. Just about anything involving taking pieces off the board "wins after that." The question is how to press the advantage of the pin most effectively. In my humble opinion, there are better ways than immediately picking off the knight.

Posted by: Sayyid at August 06, 2016 08:04 PM (1QPOQ)

148 I can highlight what is typed by commenter and then it can go to web search, but anything with tiny url it doesn't work. If someone puts in a YouTube link it works. The new tab is what i don't get.

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 08:07 PM (bksJQ)

149 Wont swap a rook for a rook and a knight? Plus, the bishop will be right there to herd the pawns into your queenside majority.

Why give your opponent to swindle out a draw?

Posted by: fluffy at August 06, 2016 08:11 PM (eiFlk)

150 Tiny url always has worked for me.

I have the tin membership.

Posted by: eleven at August 06, 2016 08:12 PM (qUNWi)

151 These problems are cool but I still need the clues.

Posted by: eleven at August 06, 2016 08:15 PM (qUNWi)

152 148 I can highlight what is typed by commenter and then it can go to web search, but anything with tiny url it doesn't work. If someone puts in a YouTube link it works. The new tab is what i don't get.

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 08:07 PM (bksJQ)

++++

Using Pale Moon (FireFox variant): highlight the text of the link, right click, and select "Open link in new tab".

Using Slimjet (Chrome variant): highlight link text, right click, and select "Go to http://...).

Either way, Firefox or Chrome, you end up with the link opening in a new tab.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 06, 2016 08:16 PM (R+30W)

153 I'm picking up things thanks to these problems. In my games ill get tuck, try one path and if it doesn't work I try a different one. Its getting the better one first thats hard.

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 08:19 PM (bksJQ)

154 @145: Difference in style, I guess. I'd rather have the overwhelming pawn advantage, open files for my pawns, and be playing against a knight that can't guard both sides of the board than some pawns that can potentially get in the way. Either way, the position is pretty clearly won. So it's not a bad option.

My more important point was the initial one that I'd rather delay the swap and get my pawns advanced a few ranks in the meantime. You can still go with 1. g4! Kh7 2. h4 g6 3. Bf4 and pick up the piece with a few moves of additional advantage going into the race to queen.

Posted by: Sayyid at August 06, 2016 08:21 PM (1QPOQ)

155 Im stuck with a Samsung Galaxy tablet so right clicking is a mystery to me. I do think this runs on Chrome

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 08:22 PM (bksJQ)

156 155 Im stuck with a Samsung Galaxy tablet so right clicking is a mystery to me. I do think this runs on Chrome

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 08:22 PM (bksJQ)

++++

I don't know about that.

But, maybe this would work: highlight the text of the link, click your menu button, select copy. Now, open a new tab and paste it in there.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at August 06, 2016 08:28 PM (R+30W)

157 It might have worked but not as a direct web search, had to get out and copy into search block.

Posted by: Skip at August 06, 2016 08:36 PM (bksJQ)

158 My more important point was the initial one that I'd rather delay the swap and get my pawns advanced a few ranks in the meantime. You can still go with 1. g4! Kh7 2. h4 g6 3. Bf4 and pick up the piece with a few moves of additional advantage going into the race to queen.

Posted by: Sayyid at August 06, 2016 08:21 PM (1QPOQ)

Never seen you here before, but welcome and thank you for your contribution of 1. g4. I'll have to give this some thought and perhaps revisit this next week.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 06, 2016 08:45 PM (VL6nX)

159 147
@142: White is already up two pawns in the starting position. Just about
anything involving taking pieces off the board "wins after that." The
question is how to press the advantage of the pin most effectively. In
my humble opinion, there are better ways than immediately picking off
the knight.

Posted by: Sayyid at August 06, 2016 08:04 PM (1QPOQ)

That was my point. The PIN is more valuable to me than gaining the knight, which costs me a usable rook in swap. The bishop isn't as useful in the end pawn advance as the rook is, where I can move laterally to attack down a row.
Hold the pin, advance the pawns and use the bishop and king, leaving the rook to keep black stuck in the mud. You can always gain the knight later.

Posted by: AlaBAMA at August 06, 2016 08:52 PM (pUDQf)

160 Skip,

If you have a samsung tablet, you can open a new tab by touching the plus sign next to the tabs across the screen top. Once a new tab is open then paste the tiny url by holding your finger in the space at the top of the screen. You will likely get a clipboard sign. Tap it and then hit enter. Do not go to web search. Good luck.

Posted by: JTB at August 06, 2016 08:57 PM (V+03K)

161 Thanks, OregonMuse. I've been lurking around for the better part of a decade, and I probably have averaged about a two posts a year. No surprise you don't recognize the name. Few things get me fired up enough to post. A good chess quandary will do it, though.

Posted by: Sayyid at August 06, 2016 09:05 PM (1QPOQ)

162 Watching 13 Hours, should be required viewing for all Americans before they can vote. Fuck Hillary.

Posted by: Patrick Henry at August 06, 2016 09:32 PM (MHnhh)

163 I like the traditional description notation so I don't have to keep looking at a diagram to figure out which is a, b, c, d, etc. I have no intuitive idea where e6 is or how that square relates to anything else on the board without looking at a diagram, whereas K6 or K3, I can easily picture. Also, I think there is value to a notation that forces one to look at the board from white's point of view, then black's point of view instead of always looking at everything from one side of the board.
My theory, and I have no idea if it is correct, is that algebraic notation was developed for interfacing with a computer back in the days when brevity and conciseness were required because of technical limitations.

Posted by: RTW at August 07, 2016 12:16 AM (3frOv)

164 Agreeing with Sayyid on #2. I'd start with 1.g4 and 2.h4 etc. and just ignore Black's queen side pieces. The black rook and knight are going nowhere, and doing no harm. Why would I be in a hurry to swap my powerfully posted rook for those worthless pieces? Let them rot on a8 and b8. If Black decides to force the issue by playing a5 and Ra6, that will be time enough to grab the knight.

Posted by: bof at August 07, 2016 03:53 AM (Bu4wL)

165 is there a FEN generator on the web? i looked for one and one of the top results was some jackass saying "why not write it yourself?"
the obvious answers being 1) if you could write it yourself you wouldn't be asking and 2) if you write it yourself you could misinterpret or make mistakes or screw it up.
so there must be some place you can set up a position and get the FEN?

Posted by: mst3k at August 07, 2016 04:39 AM (Z53PH)

166 For the third problem, Nd7+ is not a check.

Posted by: MrX at August 07, 2016 06:32 AM (if9v9)

167 for the third game, why not Nc6+? fork/check.

Posted by: avi at August 07, 2016 10:52 AM (wwH1X)

168 166 Mr. X, Kt-Q7 puts the black king in check by the white queen.

Posted by: RTW at August 07, 2016 12:17 PM (3frOv)

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