Art of Chess

We have moved

2005-02-28T18:40:00.000-05:00

The new Blog can be found here

Juniper confessed to killing ex-girlfriend and kids, inmate testifies (HamptonRoads.com/Pilot Online)

2005-01-11T07:18:00.000-05:00

Juniper confessed to killing ex-girlfriend and kids, inmate testifies (HamptonRoads.com/Pilot Online): "Juniper confessed to killing ex-girlfriend and kids, inmate testifies
By MICHELLE WASHINGTON, The Virginian-Pilot
� January 10, 2005 | Last updated 6:37 PM Jan. 10

NORFOLK � Over a game of chess in a jail medical ward, Anthony Juniper confessed to another inmate that he had killed Keshia Stephens, according to testimony today.
Juniper, 33, is standing trial for murder in the deaths of Stephens, his 27-year-old ex-girlfriend; her brother, Ruben E. Harrison III, 19; and her daughters, Nykia , 4, and Shearyia, 2. The four were found dead last January in Stephens� apartment on Kingston Avenue. If convicted, Juniper faces the death penalty.
Juniper�s chess partner, Ernest Smith, testified wearing the black-and-white stripes of the Norfolk City Jail. He said he met Juniper in the Hampton Roads Regional Jail, where they were both being held in October. "

Sasikiran wins, inches closer to chess title

2005-01-10T11:07:00.000-05:00

Sasikiran wins, inches closer to chess title: "Sasikiran wins, inches closer to chess title:
[Sports India]: New Delhi, Jan 9 : Grandmaster (GM) Krishnan Sasikiran (8.5 points) Sunday moved closer to the 3rd Parsvnath International Open Chess title with a convincing penultimate round win over GM R.B. Ramesh (7.5) here.

Following Sasikiran at 8.0 points are GMs Abhijit Kunte, Enamul Hossain, Anton Filippov and Saptarshi Roy.

Talented R. Balasubramaniam from Chennai too had his moment of glory as he made his final International Master (IM) norm with his win over M.B. Muralidharan of Kerala at Bapu Samaj Sewa Kendra here.

Significantly, all the three IM Norms of Balasubramaniam have come at the Parsvnath sponsored events in New Delhi. "

MercuryNews.com | 01/09/2005 | At chess tourney, girls call the shots

2005-01-10T11:06:00.000-05:00

MercuryNews.com | 01/09/2005 | At chess tourney, girls call the shots: "Posted on Sun, Jan. 09, 2005

At chess tourney, girls call the shots

61 PLAY IN CONTEST IN MENLO PARK

By S.L. Wykes

Mercury News

The girls who came to play at a girls-only chess tournament in Menlo Park on Saturday had no doubt they could take on any opponent. In their midst were Rozsa and Maria Ignacz, 14-year-old twins from Hungary whose chess federation ratings rank them among their age group's top players -- male or female.
But the odds are pretty good that at a tournament dominated by boys, chess matches would not have approached conclusion with the soft ``Queen, please,'' that was one girl's request.
``You know how boys play rough?'' asked Kali Navea-Huff. ``Sometimes they play chess like that, too.''"

Nation Newspaper Barbados

2005-01-08T06:40:00.000-05:00

Nation Newspaper Barbados: "UWI aiming to keep chess lead clear - Friday 07, January-2005
THE University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus will be seeking to maintain their lead when the Barbados Chess Federation�s (BCF) inaugural Tertiary and Secondary Premier League tournament continues at the 3Ws Oval Pavilion today from 7 p.m.
In Wednesday�s first round, Kofi Hinds, Christopher Boyce, Kevin Allman and former women�s champion Thea Corbin all recorded victories to put the university students on top with eight points.
Lodge, one of the two top under-20 teams from the United Insurance Inter-School tournament, are in second place on six points, with wins from Martyn Del Castilho, Craigg Clermond and Kyle St Hill.
The Barbados Community College are third on four points through victories by Dominic Del Castilho and Anthony Francis-Worrell.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, BCF�s president, Dr David Jordan congratulated the UWI students for starting a chess club.
�This is a timely occasion as tertiary institutions are recognising the importance of acknowledging sports much more into their academic programmes,� Dr Jordan said.
Queen�s College are the other team in the tournament which will be contested over five rounds. "

Birthday boy Sasikiran takes lead in Parsvnath chess

2005-01-08T06:39:00.000-05:00

Birthday boy Sasikiran takes lead in Parsvnath chess: "Birthday boy Sasikiran takes lead in Parsvnath chess:
[Sports India]: New Delhi, Jan 7 : Top seeded Grandmaster (GM) Krishnan Sasikiran chose his birthday to shoot into the lead in the 3rd Parsvnath International Open Chess tournament at Bapu Samaj Sewa Kendra here Friday.

Sasikiran, who stared the day by cutting a cake, beat International Master (IM) R.R. Laxman to take his tally to 6.5 points from seven rounds, half a point ahead of second-placed bunch of GM Abhijit Kunte, Enamul Hossain, Deep Sengupta and S. Satyapragyan.

With both players willing to fight, the game culminated in a rook and minor piece ending. Laxman had his chances to hold the top seed to a draw, but misplayed and lost the game in 66 moves in a Nimzo Indian game. "

ABS-CBNNEWS.COM

2005-01-08T06:36:00.000-05:00

ABS-CBNNEWS.COM: "Jayson places fourth in oldest chess event
By MANNY BENITEZ
TODAY Chess Columnist
International Master Jayson Gonzales missed his second grandmaster�s norm by half a point but ended his quest with a flourish at the prestigious Hastings International Congress in England�the oldest chess tournament in the world�on Thursday (Friday in Manila).
The Filipino IM posted his fourth straight win in the ninth round, with White against veteran Serbian GM Milos Pavlovic, and then drew with Black against English GM Nicholas Pert in the 10th to tie for fourth to eighth in the Challengers� section.
Gonzales, who earned his first GM norm in Spain, had a score of 7.0 at Hastings�just half a point behind Challenger champion, Uzbek GM Alexei Barsov, and his two runners-up, Ukrainian GM Valeriy Neverov and Polish IM Monika Socko norm.
Russian GM Vladimir Belov won the top prize in the Premier section of the Hastings Congress by winning the playoffs, 1.5-0.5, against Polish GM Bartosz Socko. "

Laxman emerges sole leader in Parsvnath chess

2005-01-07T08:51:00.000-05:00

Laxman emerges sole leader in Parsvnath chess: "Laxman emerges sole leader in Parsvnath chess:
[India News]: New Delhi, Jan 6 : International Master (IM) Raja Ram Laxman wrested the sole lead with 5 points from as many rounds in the 3rd Parsvnath International Open Chess tournament at Bapu Samaj Sewa Kendra here Thursday.

Playing the queen pawn opening with a symmetrical position, Chennai-based Laxman grabbed the initiative early and applied constant pressure on Preetham.

Exchanging pieces in the middle game at the right time, Laxman transposed the game into a winning knight and pawn ending and sewed up the full point in 63 moves."

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Clarke Makes A Move - to A Chess Tournament

2005-01-07T08:48:00.000-05:00

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Clarke Makes A Move - to A Chess Tournament

Monterey County Herald | 01/06/2005 | FIRST MOVE IN THE SCHWARZENEGGER GAMBIT

2005-01-06T16:12:00.000-05:00

Monterey County Herald | 01/06/2005 | FIRST MOVE IN THE SCHWARZENEGGER GAMBIT: "SCHWARZENEGGER GAMBIT

Looming over lawmakers is the governor's threat to turn to voters if Democrats ignore his appeal

By DION NISSENBAUM

San Jose Mercury News

SACRAMENTO - As a longtime chess aficionado, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger knows how to look across the playing field, think three steps ahead and only show an opponent an opening move.
Heading into the second year of his term, the Republican governor made his first move Wednesday night in what might be called the Schwarzenegger Gambit: Offer a friendly handshake, immediately put your challenger on the defensive and prepare to seize the board.
In his State of the State address, Schwarzenegger offered a hand of compromise to Democrats, but left no doubt that he plans to press ahead with his reform agenda -- with or without them.
By declaring an immediate special session, Schwarzenegger started the short clock for lawmakers to consider his contentious plans to tighten state spending controls, redraw political boundaries, overhaul bloated state retirement programs and revamp California's troubled school systems.
Looming over lawmakers is Schwarzenegger's threat to turn to voters if Democrats ignore his appeal.
'If we here in this chamber don't work together to reform the government, then the people will rise up and reform it themselves,' Schwarzenegger told lawmakers gathered in the Assembly chambers. 'And, you know something, I will join them. And I will fight with them.'
That threat has worked wonderfully for Schwarzenegger so far. He used the prospect of a workers compensation ballot measure to convince lawmakers to change the system themselves. He turned to the ballot box last fall to kill off challenges to his gambling deals w"

IOL: Sport

2005-01-06T16:10:00.000-05:00

IOL: Sport: " South Africa boasts seven chess geniuses

January 05 2005 at 06:34PM

Heinrich Stander, a grade 10 pupil from the Waterkloof Ho�rskool, made history by winning the Africa Junior Chess Championship recently in Lusaka, Zambia.

By winning this tournament, the 15-year-old has earned the title of International Master (IM) and will be awarded the title of Grandmaster.

These accolades are extremely prestigious and are sanctioned by the world chess body Fide. There are now seven IMs in South Africa.

The leading superstar IM is Soweto-based IM Watu Kobese, who was the coach and trainer of Stander.

Stander will now represent Africa in the World Junior Chess Championships of 2005.

To participate in the Africa event Stander beat 1 200 juniors. The event was held in Johannesburg in November."

ChessBase.com - Chess News - Radjabov: Kasparov is obstructing my career

2005-01-05T22:06:00.000-05:00

ChessBase.com - Chess News - Radjabov: Kasparov is obstructing my career: "Radjabov: Kasparov is obstructing my career
05.01.2005 We've heard this before: players who are not receiving the attention they feel they deserve, or who have been left out of a tournament (Linares?) it is traditional to blame it on Kasparov. Which is what Garry's 'clone', the ex wonder boy from Baku, Azerbaijan, is now doing, in an interview on the web site Day.Az. We bring you a translation."

Pandora's Box

2005-01-05T16:50:00.000-05:00

What started out so innocently a couple of month ago has developed into something akin to pandora's box.

My chess site was originally intended as a
brief overview of the different aspects of chess. It has almost developed into a second full time job.

I just couldn,t be content with just putting up another amateuirsh looking site . -
Oh No I had to dig deeper and deeper into the different subjects.

I couldn't use tables for my design-
Oh No I had to dig deeper and deeper into css style sheets. ( considering the fact I couldn't write a single line of html code 6 month ago seems like a real bright idea in hindsight)

By the way I know I am not going to win any design awards -anybody care to comment ?

And just to make sure that it will become a full time job I just couldn,t be content to let the site just sit there -
Oh No now I am determined (after all the work I have put in) that the site has to rank well in the Serach Engines.

If nothing else this project has kept me mentally alive.
Oh by the way did I mention I am actually a lousy chess player; just fascinated by it.

Finally got around to designing and publishing my review site for the Chess Commander
program. Probably one of the most useful chess software games for a pc out there for a new or inexperienced player that wants to improve his game or find a easy set into the world of email chess

deepikaglobal.com - Sports News Detail

2005-01-04T18:59:00.000-05:00

deepikaglobal.com - Sports News Detail: "Anand remains second in FIDE rating
Kozhikode, Jan 4 (UNI) Indian chess wizard Viswanathan Anand maintained second position while Russian grandmaster Garry Kasparov topped the list in the FIDE rating.

Kasparov has 2804 points, 18 more than Anand.

According to the 2005 FIDE rating list, Bulgaria's Veselin Topalov was placed third, replacing Russian grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik."

Arnold Denker, former U.S. chess champion, dies at 90 | theledger.com

2005-01-04T18:55:00.000-05:00

Arnold Denker, former U.S. chess champion, dies at 90 | theledger.com: "Arnold Denker, former U.S. chess champion, dies at 90

The Associated Press
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.
Arnold Denker, a former United States chess champion who devoted the latter part of his life to teaching the game to the next generation, has died. He was 90.

Denker died early Sunday of brain cancer, said his son, Mitchell Denker of Belleview.

Denker gained early acclaim at age 15 by winning the New York City individual interscholastic championship in 1929. In 1940 he won the first of six championships of the Manhattan Chess Club and set a world record by playing 100 opponents in 7.33 hours, beating the previous record by one hour, according to his biography."

ChessBase.com - Chess News - International Chess Tournament Vienna 1882

2005-01-03T23:57:00.000-05:00

ChessBase.com - Chess News - International Chess Tournament Vienna 1882: "International Chess Tournament Vienna 1882
03.01.2005 122 years ago a great tournament ended. In round three Wilhelm Steinitz drew after 36 moves, the first time he had conceded a draw in nine years. The first world champion ended the 18-player double round robin with 24/30, equal first with Szymon Winawer. Read all about it in this article from ChessBase Magazine 103.
The Second International Chess Tournament, Vienna 1882
By Johannes Fischer
This article appeared together with all the games of Vienna 1882 in ChessBase Magazine 103.
When Wilhelm Steinitz and George Henry Mackenzie drew after 36 moves of their game in round three of the Second International Chess Tournament in Vienna on the 12th of May 1882, it was the end of the longest winning run in the history of chess. For the last 25 games, Steinitz had gone from victory to victory � the last draw he had conceded having been nine years earlier on the 3rd of August 1873 against Philipp Meitner in the Vienna tournament, which Steinitz had won after a tie-break against Blackburne. "

Depleted field for Parsvanath International Open Chess

2005-01-03T11:12:00.000-05:00

Depleted field for Parsvanath International Open Chess: "Depleted field for Parsvanath International Open Chess:
[India News]: New Delhi, Jan 2 : The third edition of the Parsvanath International Open Chess tournament would have a depleted field despite offering the highest prize money in any open event in the country with some of the foreigners keeping away due to the recent tsunami disaster.

Only two foreign GMs -- Alexande Fominyi of Russia and D Dmitry -- of Uzbekistan -- have confirmed their participation so far for the event starting here tomorrow."

Middle school students square off in chess competition

2005-01-03T11:11:00.000-05:00

Middle school students square off in chess competition: "Middle school students square off in chess competition
1-2-05
By Jennifer Fernandez, Staff Writer
News & Record
GREENSBORO
A quiet hum settled across the cafeteria, where more than 140 middle school students squared off in pairs, hunched over the tables, eyes intent on the black and white chess boards."

Mental floss

2004-12-30T10:52:00.000-05:00

Mental floss: "
Mental floss

By MARDEE GRUENDecember 26, 2004

James Carlson (right), executive director of Bucketworks, a creative resource center, believes there's an artist in everyone.

These days everyone seems to be obsessed with physical fitness. But what about mental fitness?
James Carlson is the executive director of Bucketworks, a creativity resource center that he likens to 'a YMCA for the brain.'
Formed two and a half years ago by Carlson and several colleagues, its mission is to provide creative tools, performance and classroom space and infrastructure to the Milwaukee community 'to encourage personal growth, creative expression, artistic development and more.'
'It's like a health club where people work out at the pottery wheel or on computers, play chess, paint or take classes in leadership or business skills. I worry that public learning is in a state of emergency and think we offer an opportunity for people to learn more and more effectively,' he says."

Lansing State Journal:Masters, novices study moves at 'Chess Knight'

2004-12-29T20:20:00.000-05:00

Lansing State Journal:Masters, novices study moves at 'Chess Knight': "Masters, novices study moves at 'Chess Knight'
Enthusiasts face off weekly at Allen Neighborhood Center

By Kevin Grasha
Lansing State Journal
Buy this photo
(KEVIN W. FOWLER/For the Lansing State Journal)
No pawn: Bowen Wang (center) studies David Sundeen (left) as he prepares to make his next move during a chess match with Arnold Cauther (right) on Dec. 21 at the Allen Neighborhood Center in Lansing. Chess enthusiasts meet there nearly every Tuesday.

Advertisement

Weekly games

� The Allen Neighborhood Center hosts 'Chess Knights' every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The center is at 1619 E. Kalamazoo St. Admission is free.

� For more information, call 485-7630. The center is closed until the new year.
On a recent Tuesday evening at Lansing's Allen Neighborhood Center, 57-year-old David Sundeen sat across from two chessboards. His two opponents were both younger than 10.
He made a move on one board - a bishop takes a pawn - and then turned his attention to the next, stroking his graying beard as he analyzed the situation.
'He's a master,' said one opponent, 8-year-"

Why not

2004-12-29T15:03:00.000-05:00

"When Napoleon died, he willed that his heart be cut out and placed inside a chess table. "

Chess Mentality explored

2004-12-29T14:59:00.000-05:00

IBM Research | Deep Blue | Overview: "Some animals have gotten to be so fancy that they simulate a course of action before taking even a tentative first step. The chess master, who looks a half-dozen moves ahead, is a prime example � as is the army general or poker player who thinks through bluff and counterbluff before acting. These are only extreme examples of how to make and compare alternative plans, but they illustrate the same sort of process that we all go through when simply contemplating the leftovers in the refrigerator, trying to figure out a combination that will avoid another trip to the grocery store."

deepikaglobal.com - Sports News Detail

2004-12-29T13:31:00.000-05:00

deepikaglobal.com - Sports News Detail: "Saikiran, Navya emerge sole leaders in National U-7 Chess tourney
Kozhikode, Dec 28 (UNI) J V Saikiran of Magna Chess Academy and Navya Vyshnavi of Andhra Pradesh emerged sole leaders with seven and 6.5 points respectively in the round-seven of the National U-Seven boys and girls Chess championship here today.

Less-known Saikiran upset Tamil Nadu's S Kaushik, who scored six points, while Navya shattered the dreams of her statemate and yesterday's sole leader B Prathyusha in a fascinating game."

ChessBase.com - Chess News - The American Chess Gladiator II

2004-12-28T13:03:00.000-05:00

ChessBase.com - Chess News - The American Chess Gladiator II: "The American Chess Gladiator II
26.12.2004 In this week's Playchess.com lecture Dennis Monkroussos concludes his series on American prodigy Hikaru Nakamura, taking a closer look at his last-round war with Ildar Ibragimov in the U.S. Championship and at the concluding game of his match with Sergei Karjakin. Enjoy!"

The Japan Times Online

2004-12-23T08:18:00.000-05:00

The Japan Times Online: "Iceland tells U.S. to butt out; Fischer still welcome

REYKJAVIK (AP) Iceland has rejected a U.S. request to drop the offer of a residency permit for former American chess champion Bobby Fischer, officials said Tuesday.
The U.S. ambassador to Iceland, James Gadsden, asked the country last week to withdraw its offer because Fischer is wanted in the United States on criminal charges.
Fischer, who is being held in Japan, is wanted in the United States on charges of violating U.N. sanctions against Yugoslavia when he played a chess match there in 1992.
But on Monday, Foreign Secretary David Oddsson invited Gadsden to a meeting and told the U.S. ambassador that the Icelandic government stood by its offer, Icelandic officials said.
Gadsden was told that Iceland wanted to recognize its historic connection with Fischer, who has been held in great esteem here since winning the chess World Championship in Reykjavik in 1972.
Oddsson also told Gadsden that Fischer's alleged crime had exceeded Iceland's statute of limitations, and for that reason Iceland would not be bound by a U.S. extradition request if the chess player moved from Japan to Iceland.
Gunnar Smari Gunnarsson, Iceland's permanent secretary of state, said in an interview Tuesday: 'Nothing has been withdrawn. It is"

Yahoo! News - Iceland OKs Bobby Fischer Residency Permit

2004-12-16T09:07:00.000-05:00

Yahoo! News - Iceland OKs Bobby Fischer Residency Permit: "Iceland OKs Bobby Fischer Residency Permit

1 hour, 14 minutes ago Europe - AP

By MARI YAMAGUCHI, Associated Press Writer
TOKYO - Iceland has approved a residency permit for Bobby Fischer, embassy officials said Thursday, but the former chess champion faces hurdles in traveling there because he remains in Japanese custody and lacks a valid passport.

AP Photo

Related Links
�Bobby Fischer Web Sites

Fischer is wanted in the United States on charges of violating international sanctions against Yugoslavia, and has been detained since July 13 in Tokyo where he has been fighting a deportation order to the United States.
It was not immediately clear if he would be able to travel to Iceland. "

European and Pacific Stars & Stripes

2004-12-15T18:31:00.000-05:00

European and Pacific Stars & Stripes: "Marines forgot to bring chess set on Philippines mission, so they improvised

By Juliana Gittler, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Wednesday, December 15, 2004

Jim Schulz / S&S
Cpl. Daniel Shannon from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 moves his chess piece during a break. The chess set was improvised from small worn aircraft parts.

CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines � Arriving to a humanitarian mission without their beloved chessboard to keep them busy, some helicopter squadron Marines got creative.
Using the bottom of a wooden �7-cube� supply box for a board, spare helicopter parts for pieces and some imagination, they made their own.
�Most of the time we have a chess set we bring along with us but we forgot it,� said Cpl. Daniel Shannon, with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 from Futenma Marine Corps Air Station on Okinawa. �We kind of improvised.�
The board is drawn with red and black markers on the box. Spare helicopter parts, spray painted with black and gray primer, serve as chess pieces.
A rotor positioning motor spline made the perfect king. Bolts and other assorted pieces make up the rest.
The game provides a welcome diversion for those left behind while Marines ferry relief effort supplies. More than 600 Marines, sailors and airmen are in the region assisting relief missions after a series of storms devastated parts of the Philippines.
The small group of chess players from MMH 262 has expanded to about 20 as enthusiasts walk by and join.
�We�re not bored but we have a lot of downtime,� said Lance Cpl. Benjamin Hayward, an armorer with 3rd Force Service Support Group from Camp Hansen, Okinawa, who hands out and collects weapons each day.
Besides chess, Marines brought books, d"

taste for chess

2004-12-15T14:49:00.000-05:00

substitute the cigar for a pipe and you have my story--

Chess could be an acquired taste. It's possible, for example, to acquire it as a young boy sitting in a dark study with your grandfather. It is winter. He is leaning on the table, in his coat and tie, propping up his forehead with his left hand, lit from the side by the cone of light from the desk lamp. His cigar is adding a sweet aroma to that of the books on the wall. His right hand, with long and bony fingers, hovers above the board for a second, then swiftly descends and advances a pawn. "Checkmate," he says, smiling apologetically, as he has so many times before.

read full article here

is chess a form of art

2004-12-10T17:31:00.000-05:00

found this beautiful essay the other day:

The grace of a well played opening and the execution of a well planned endgame are as beautiful to observe as the graceful line and beauty of a well place brush stroke in a cubist painting or the atmosphere of a romantic painting or the graceful lines of a Henry Moore Sculpture ...

just a thought

2004-12-09T13:56:00.000-05:00

"Life is a battle; but it is so only in the sense that a game of chess
is--there is no seriousness in it; it may be put an end to at any inconvenient
moment by owning yourself beaten, with a careless 'Ha-ha!' and sweeping your
pieces into the box."
--Thomas Hardy (The Hand of Ethelberta)

develop your mind

2004-12-08T17:22:00.000-05:00

Based on research, Collins established that learning a second language, grasping musical keyboard concepts and even learning chess would help young minds develop at a much faster clip than through standard textbooks alone.

"We do all those," he said. "We focus on Spanish and learning musical keyboards and music and playing chess. We have great chess teams.

"I went with my team to the state competition last year, and it was marvelous to see a gymnasium full of students playing chess, trying to win a state championship."

LARGEST EVER OPEN CHESS TOURNAMENT TO BE HELD IN U.S. IN MAY 2005, ATTRACTING TOP PLAYERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

2004-12-07T11:30:00.000-05:00

HB Foundation posts $500,000 prize fund for the HB Global Chess Challenge, a Maurice Ashley-led event expected to bring more than 4,000 participants to Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Announcing that the world of chess is about to be transformed, Grandmaster Maurice Ashley revealed that the HB Foundation is sponsoring the largest open tournament ever, the HB Global Chess Challenge, which is expected to attract more than 4,000 players from around the globe. The HB Foundation has established a guaranteed prize fund of $500,000 for the tournament, which will be held May 18-22, 2005 in Minneapolis, MN.
...more

Developing Critical and Creative Thinking Through Chess

2004-12-06T13:01:00.000-05:00

Many teachers use chess as a vehicle to teach critical thinking skills. They stress to students that learning how to think is more important than learning the solution to a specific problem. Through chess, pupils learn how to invent creative solutions to problems. They learn 'how to analyze a situation by focusing on the important factors. Chess is effective because it is self-motivating. The game is intrinsically fascinating, and the goals of attack and defense, climaxing in checkmate, motivate young people to delve deep into their mental resources.

follow link in title to access very detailed analysis and statistical interpretation of results

Finely Hand-Crafted chess sets, cases and tables

2004-12-03T13:49:00.000-05:00

Nothing can display the timeless art of chess than a hand crafted, one of kind, chess set.

Chess Design by Johann Albers actually delivers on that promise.

Seldom have I seen such timeless beauty and style combined with superb craftmanship.

Designs include, solid castings in bronze, pewter, brass, stainless steel, stag. All hand finished, 24 ct. gold plate, nickel plate, high gloss lacquer, finishes that assure durability. Bases made of exotic and American woods, corian, genuine agate and onyx stone.

A pawn in the game? Make your move to a higher level

2004-12-02T20:31:00.000-05:00

A pawn in the game? Make your move to a higher level

It is well known that chess players are very superstitious,’’ said Gábor Kállai, a grandmaster, author and a head of the Hungarian Chess Federation. ‘‘When they win, they don’t change anything, even their clothes. But when they lose, they want to change everything. First, they change their pen.
.
‘‘So my Christmas gift idea for an ordinary player is a pen or, looking into the future, a pen-set — because sooner or later they will need all of them.’’
.

Chess expert moves students to enthuse

2004-12-02T11:54:00.000-05:00

Nice article on getting young kids involved in the game:

Valeriy Chernov of Westfield visits Maurice A. Donahue School twice a week to teach about a half-dozen sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders some of the ins and outs of chess.

For now Chernov is teaching kids all the basic moves for each chess piece and how to map them on a chess board. In a recent class he was showing students the different moves they can make to reach checkmate.

"It takes logical thinking and discipline to play chess. For kids, if they play they can learn to think logically," Chernov said through his granddaughter, Yekaterina Kovalenko, a junior at Chicopee High School who translates for her grandfather during the after-school class.

2004-11-30T15:59:00.000-05:00

Java-Programmable AI Tools
This program can analyse set-ups of the chess game as to win, remis and loss. Besides the safe (classic) final states checkmate and stalemate - with both sides playing actively - setups can be decided by the user (via freely definable cores). VERY INTERESTING for end games with a few pieces.

Good chess players must know a lot

2004-11-30T13:37:00.000-05:00

Good chess players must know a lot: "Good chess players must know a lot

An interesting article about the function of accuracy in the decision making :

KNIGHT MYSTERIOUS
A person will not make a fine player unless he/she is keen on the subtleties of the debut, middle-game, and endgame theory and familiar with the basics of chess strategy and tactics.
In other words, a good chess player must know a lot. However, erudition alone is not enough; the human factor, so to speak, is also highly essential.
Indeed, in order to be successful a chess player has got to be able to DO a lot on the chessboard, and you cannot do "

Play Chess Online in Real Time

2004-11-29T17:28:00.000-05:00

It is safe to say that with the development of web based chess online sites, the game of chess has risen in popularity dramatically. Whatever style you prefer can always find a willing player from beginner to master levels; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Internet Chess Club ICC
claim to have more players, including 1200 Grandmasters, than any dedicated chess site in the world. One week free trial. Need to download their interface
World Chess Network WCN
The World Chess Network is designed for players from novice to Grandmaster. You can play chess, earn a rating, access your personal game history, view games from around the world and more.Features guest lectures from Grandmasters. Free Guest Registration required
Free Internet Chess Server - FICS
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Chess Software

2004-11-29T11:03:00.000-05:00

Chess Software: "Transcendental function programming
Programming and chess have much in common.
Those who delve deep into the mysteries of chess will have discovered that a single move can alter the entire game. The ramifications go deep. Each subsequent move (or 'ply' in the jargon) is conditional upon what went before, and the great chess-masters of this world pride themselves in being able to evaluate several ply of consequences.
The elegance of a game of chess is estimated from the efficiency by which the player heads towards his goal. No move must be wasted. There must be no hesitation. There must be no turning back to correct an error. In the final stages - the deeper ply - one sees the reasoning behind the earlier, seemingly trivial moves."

mobile gaming

2004-11-29T11:02:00.000-05:00

mobile gaming: "Mobile gaming - everything to play for
by Christopher Smith
Chances are that you or someone you know is affected by the mobile gaming virus. There is a lot of it about and developments in technology are helping it to spread like wildfire. Even if you do not consider yourself a gamer you could one day be exposed to its effects. All it takes is a Java-enabled mobile phone and there are already over 150 million of them in the US alone."

Yahoo! News - Nothing like a (chess) dame, 500 years after Isabel

2004-11-29T10:47:00.000-05:00

Yahoo! News - Nothing like a (chess) dame, 500 years after Isabel: "MADRID (AFP) - Spain can trace a link between its heady days of empire, culminating in the conquest of the 'New World' in the reign of Isabel the Catholic, who died 500 years ago, and a passion for chess, protagonists of the intellectual's favourite boardgame maintain.

The game is in many respects a metaphor for Spanish history, weaving together the multi-faceted strands of the country's cultural background, built on its blend of Muslim, Jewish and Christian heritage. "

Tyler Morning Telegraph

2004-11-29T07:24:00.000-05:00

Tyler Morning Telegraph: "All Saints Episcopal School has formed a Chess Club for students in kindergarten-6th grade. The club has 24 members and is coached by Dr. Stephen Pamatmat. Students meet twice a week; on Mondays for practice matches and on Tuesdays for instruction on rules and strategies. The students are members of the U.S. Chess Federation.

The All Saints Chess Club participated in the USA Chess DFW Scholastic Grand Prix Chess Tournament in Dallas where the team placed second. Individual honors went to Jarod Pamatmat who shared first place with 4 other players and Austin Moore won third place.
The following players represented All Saints in the tournament: Samuel Davis, Kevin McKain, Austin Moore, Jarod Pamatmat and Jordan Pamatmat."

Interest in chess on the rise

2004-11-27T18:12:00.000-05:00

Interest in chess on the rise: "Interest in chess on the rise
American youngsters large part of revival
Michelle Morgante
Associated Press
Nov. 27, 2004 12:00 AM
SAN DIEGO - There may be stiff competition from video games, television and computers these days, but chess enthusiasts say the ancient game of kings is enjoying a revival among American children.

Players gathered in San Diego this week for the U.S. Chess Championship say youth membership in the U.S. Chess Federation has more than doubled since 2000 and sales of chess sets in the United States have increased steadily in the past five years."

Telegraph | News | Smart move or a cheap trick? This grandmaster wants chess to be sexy

2004-11-27T16:13:00.000-05:00

Telegraph | News | Smart move or a cheap trick? This grandmaster wants chess to be sexy: "
Smart move or a cheap trick? This grandmaster wants chess to be sexy
By Tom Parfitt in Moscow and Chris Logan
(Filed: 08/08/2004)
Partly wrapped in a fur coat that leaves very little to the imagination, Maria Manakova smiles suggestively at the camera.

This 30-year-old woman grandmaster has caused a minor sensation in the otherwise stuffy world of chess with a series of raunchy photo shoots for glossy magazines.

Reporters have dubbed her the "Anna Kournikova of chess" since she posed nude for magazines and turned up at tournaments in a skimpy blouse and high heels.

Thinking Machine 4

2004-11-26T19:35:00.000-05:00

Thinking Machine 4: "Thinking Machine 4 explores the invisible, elusive nature of thought. Play chess against a transparent intelligence, its evolving thought process visible on the board before you. "

Need to check it out . Java applet that is just plain cool . Watching the visual representation of the computer move evaluations, I found myself not caring at all about the moves I made. It truly puts the art in chess software.

Image of Chess

2004-11-26T14:43:00.000-05:00

"Chess is the game which reflects most honour on human wit" - Voltaire.

Chess has had an image problem. It conjures up thoughts of bespectacled men in anoraks hunched over boards in the upstairs rooms of grotty pubs, or spotty, gangly schoolboys who can't get a girlfriend and make do with the Sicilian Defense .

"Dysfunctionality" is the word that springs to mind. As former British champion Bill Hartston said: "Chess is not something that drives people mad; it is something that keeps mad people sane." The board's 64 squares are so much less challenging than life.

Chess was not something you could admit a passion for - until now. For Tesco has announced that sales of chess sets are booming and that its new own-brand set is selling at double the rate forecast. It attributes the sales spurt to the fact that celebrities such as Madonna play, and makes a startling claim: chess is trendy.

Portsmouth Herald Maine News: Like life, chess is learning experience

2004-11-26T14:32:00.000-05:00

Portsmouth Herald Maine News: Like life, chess is learning experience: "Like life, chess is learning experience
By Genevieve Giambanco
ggiambanco@seacoastonline.com "
YORK, Maine - The game of chess has brought about a miracle in one mother’s child.
A year ago, 13-year-old Jon Rousseau was uncomfortable in public. But on Saturday, Jon managed the first Turkey Quad chess tournament, which took place at the Parks and Recreation Department’s Grant House.

Jon, of York, is the president of the King and Queens Chess Club, which sponsors the tournament along with Parks and Recreation, according to the club director and tournament director Richard Judy.

Jon’s mother, Cynthia Rousseau, said that since her son began playing chess in the club, his social and intellectual capacities have shot from "zero to 100 percent."

The idea for the chess club came about after Judy, a chess proficient who provides in-home support for Jon, realized his client’s talent for the game. Judy and Jon then formed the club, with Jon as president.

"It’s all part of working on his social skills," said Rousseau, who preferred to keep her son’s socially impairing private.

Currently the club has 15 members - a few adults, but mostly children, she said.

Judy said he looks forward to two to three tournaments each year. The Turkey Quad had 16 players, ranging from 8-year-olds to 50-year-olds, and most were unrated, meaning this was their first tournament.

Players are rated by the U.S. Chess Foundation after the director submits a report sheet following each tournament. Tournaments are "a step above casual play," Judy said.

In the past, Judy brought Jon to a few out-of state tournaments, but that was difficult for him, Rousseau said. But since the local club’s inception, Jon has improved dramatically.

Last year Jon’s social and learning skills stagnated at the New Hampshire-based school he attended, Rousseau said. But after seeing a change in her son’s social skills, she brought him to the Aucocisco School in South Portland.

The school refused Jon at first, but then Jon spoke up for himself and asked to speak to the principal. That day, Jon earned respect from the principal, Rousseau said. After a meeting, the school gave him a second chance.

At the school, Jon has performed "110 percent" in each learning category, Rousseau said. In one semester, he jumped five grade levels in handwriting, whereas at the other school he never wrote, Rousseau said.

Rousseau provides the funding for the club and the tournament, but "it’s worth it" to her.

"How do you put a price on that?" she said, pointing toward the chess games during the tournament.

Rousseau said she has watched other kids mature dramatically in the club, too, thanks not only to Judy’s support but the adult attendees.

"They really do mentor our kids," she said.

And Judy is "really great," she said.

Judy tells the kids that chess is not just a game, it’s like life. For each move the player makes, he or she has to "live with the consequences," he said.

And he praised the game.

Anyone can play, regardless of any disability, and like physical sports, chess can be a team sport, he said. Studies have shown that chess helps with concentration and school work for those who actively play, he added.

"Parents like their kids playing chess rather than video games," he said

Peer-to-Peer Chess Software

2004-11-26T13:27:00.000-05:00

Peer-to-peer chess software enables you to play chess against remote opponents without connecting to a chess server. You simply connect directly to each other over the Internet or via any other network connection including your home Windows LAN.

Most titles give you the opportunity to connect directly to a pre-arranged player or to find an available player through available message boards.

Peer-to-Peer software may likely become the dominant chess software in the future and replace chess servers as the preferred method of playing chess on the computer

Blogger Knowledge: Promoting Your Blog

2004-11-26T11:19:00.000-05:00

Blogger Knowledge: Promoting Your Blog: "In chess, promotion occurs when a pawn reaches the eighth square. At that point, your opponent is challenged because this simple pawn takes on all the powers of a Queen�the deadliest piece on the board. Of course, the pawn may be promoted to bishop, rook, or any other piece but why? This only clues the other player in to your secret plans. That being said, however, promotions to knight can often be strategically useful depending on the situation."

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Ready to square off

2004-11-26T10:55:00.000-05:00

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Ready to square off: "Remember when the Super Bowl was played here and how tens of thousands of people came to San Diego?
How hotel rooms got snatched up?
How the Gaslamp was blitzed?
Well, none of that's going to happen when the nation's best chess players begin play in San Diego today in what's considered their Super Bowl, the U.S. Chess Championship. "

Chess: Harikrishna surges back to lead - Sify.com

2004-11-26T10:54:00.000-05:00

Chess: Harikrishna surges back to lead - Sify.com: "Chess: Harikrishna surges back to lead

Wednesday, 24 November , 2004, 20:41

Kochi: A facile win over statemate Koneru Humpy helped unbeaten Andhra youngster Pentyala Harikrishna emerge back as the sole leader with seven points at the end of the eighth round in the ongoing World Junior Chess Championship in Kochi on Wednesday."

AP Wire | 11/25/2004 | Surge of interest: Rock Hall opens Ray Charles exhibit

2004-11-26T10:52:00.000-05:00

AP Wire | 11/25/2004 | Surge of interest: Rock Hall opens Ray Charles exhibit: "Part of the Rock Hall display is Charles' chess board, and Adams said the game was one of his passions along with his music.
'He was an avid chess player, because it challenged his mind,' Adams said. 'He felt the pieces with his hands. He sometimes got so involved in a chess game he didn't want to go on stage.'"

chess middlegame

2004-11-25T23:03:00.000-05:00

chess middlegame: "Chess Middle Game
In chess, the middlegame refers to the portion of the game that happens immediately after the opening (usually the first move after the procession of moves that make up a standard opening) and blends somewhat with the endgame. During this time, players will attempt to strengthen their positions while weakening their opponent's, both by careful arrangement of the pieces for prepared attacks and defenses and by whittling away at their opponent's numbers. Oftentimes, the middlegame involves a good deal of trading; studying how to trade successfully is important"

online game sites with chess

2004-11-25T23:00:00.000-05:00

online game sites with chess: "Playing online games is the most popular entertainment activity online. Presenting content that appeals to the whole demographic market
For the more experienced player, as long as you are aware of the limitations these online game places can be a lot of fun. They provide a quick and easy platform to play chess online and best of all you can switch to a multitude of other games in an instant without ever leaving

2004-11-25T17:23:00.000-05:00

Completely new to the game?
- don’t be intimidated... The basic chess rules are easy to learn; we’ll point you to the right places to improve your skills
A novice can feel greater satisfaction upon winning his first match than any Grandmaster of the game

2004-11-24T23:00:00.000-05:00

Chess House Customers Say...: "Chess is perhaps the world's best kept secret in terms of how to improve a kid academically and provide a lifelong pursuit.'
- Aremin Hacobian, executive director of the International Academy of Chess in Boston, TCSM, August 10, 1999"

play chess online

2004-11-24T21:59:00.000-05:00

It's real chess, real fun, and you can play any time, day or night.

To get the most out of your online experience it seems vital to pick the right venue that fits you. There are a bewildering amount of choices and platforms to be played

Human vs. Human Player
in essence mimicking the real life "face to face", across the board situation

Human vs. Computer
normally all that is required to play are a web browser and in most cases a java plugin

General Online Game Sites
These sites offer a variety of games; Chess just happens to be one of the board games you can play there

Dedicated Chess Server
On these sites Chess is the only featured game..most of the time registration is required

Non Web Based
peer to peer software, intranet etc

Turn Based Play

sites that allow for play to extend beyond a single session, over long periods of time -often taking weeks to finish

Correspondence or E-mail Chess Server
email Chess is the only featured game. most of the time registration is required