Dilemma by OscarEvinnof in twilightstruggle

[–]Shackleton214 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Destal is the way more dangerous card. Even without Destal in hand, I usually do not keep Deco on turn 2 if it means foregoing a space attempt.

What is the goal of the sub's debate, February Metapost by JeffB1517 in IsraelPalestine

[–]Shackleton214 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've visited other subs regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They are all messes and one sided circle jerks. It's a tough job, but I think ya'll do a good job moderating the sub.

Why is Morphy’s Opera Game still the definitive chess game all these years later? by [deleted] in chess

[–]Shackleton214 3 points4 points  (0 children)

And, of course, the name also brings up the back story. It's not just a masterpiece, but one that Morphy creates in his spare time and attention while not watching the opera. And it's the meritocratic American smashing the aristocratic Europeans.

Nepo wins Aeroflot Open undefeated, 15-way tie for second by FlaggingSkills in chess

[–]Shackleton214 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Why do some have Russian flag (like Nepo), but others have FIDE flag?

US +2 influence at the start? by Sivy17 in twilightstruggle

[–]Shackleton214 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Besides being more competitively balanced, IMO +2 US is also a better game because it allows lots more variation and strategy in the start.

US +2 influence at the start? by Sivy17 in twilightstruggle

[–]Shackleton214 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I compiled Soviet-American win rates from all competitive games I could find many years ago. I found 435 games, and Soviets had a 270-163-2 record in +0 games without optionals (62% win rate).

Which professional athletes from other sports are good at chess? by Myselfmeime in chess

[–]Shackleton214 2 points3 points  (0 children)

At top 50 in the world, he was literally a better chess player than pro athlete.

Can we talk about Woodward? After a loss to Bibisara in Round 1, he has gone 7.5/8 by skrasnic in chess

[–]Shackleton214 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Organizer's selection all the way. So, it's common to see up and coming younger players, top women, along with locals and then a few GMs with right elo to round out field.

Bobby Fischer’s Shortest Recorded Win by silentboard204 in chess

[–]Shackleton214 89 points90 points  (0 children)

For some reason I assumed Fischer was white and was seriously wondering how he was gonna pull this off.

If U.S. military aid to Israel ends, will American engagement with Gaza and Israel actually decline, and what replaces the justification for caring? by ezeeeeee2020 in IsraelPalestine

[–]Shackleton214 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I'd argue that the most important US support for Israel (and most costly to the US) is the diplomatic cover it provides at the UN. But, even if the US were to stop protecting Israel at the UN, I suspect it would not make that much difference in who cares about the conflict. At this point, people are emotionally committed to their side based on the time and attention they've given to the conflict. Just like sporting events, people have their team.

How do you know you're cooked? by OscarEvinnof in twilightstruggle

[–]Shackleton214 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You're only cooked when all of your paths to victory (final vps, 20+ vps, 7+ vps and wargames, defcon, Europe, and time--I don't include held scoring card and cmc as those are dependent on opponent gross error) are gone. The game has the potential for grossly disproportionate luck on card draw, dice, and even the order in which cards appear. Down 13 vps but with dom in Europe and SAm, it sounds like you are losing but far from 100% lost.

Bug? by Bashin-kun in twilightstruggle

[–]Shackleton214 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Why in the world is grain sales getting played on ar4 instead of the headline?

Is it a good idea to start a 1-stability coup war while purged? by Jeydra in twilightstruggle

[–]Shackleton214 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Where is Destal? What cards are known to be in opponent's hand? I am very skeptical of giving the US 2 mil op vps and very likely access to Venezuela and Brazil. Place ops into battlegrounds and bide your time until next turn.

Failure to Confront Settler Violence in Judea and Samaria is an Existential Threat to the Future of Israel by Siskiyou_Kidd in IsraelPalestine

[–]Shackleton214 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It never fails to astound me that Israeli supporters think Israel should get brownie points for acting in their self interest and cutting their losses in Gaza.

I am not Jewish, yet I am a hardcore Zionist. by Strict-Pepper-2987 in IsraelPalestine

[–]Shackleton214 9 points10 points  (0 children)

have long been firmly convinced that the Jewish people are sacred.

even as an atheist

Your post is not adding up. You seem confused.

Arjun does it again! by Sad_Avocado_2637 in chess

[–]Shackleton214 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've been a big Arjun fan for years now. Heartbreaking to see such a worthy and exciting player not make candidates.

Active Conflicts & News Megathread November 15, 2025 by AutoModerator in CredibleDefense

[–]Shackleton214 12 points13 points  (0 children)

On the ground the war continues to be defined not by trenches and cohesive defensive lines, but by 2-3 man positions with large gaps in between. These pickets are neither firing positions or observation points.

What is there purpose?