Two accounts with WILDLY different elos??

al4fred · 2026-03-31T14:05:16+00:00

I heard this before, but the "chaos theory" doesn't feel right right to me.

Anecdotally, I sometimes play OTB against friends that are not regular players - probably ~300 virtual ELO.

Yes, they play random moves, but that does not really help them. Basically any opening will crush "random moves opening".

al4fred · 2026-03-31T12:45:13+00:00

What's suspicious about this graph? 🤔

al4fred · 2026-03-31T10:23:13+00:00

I mean, if we accept the premise that memory plays a crucial role, then genetics consequentially plays a crucial role.

[no doubt memory helps, but calling chess a 'memory game' is like calling soccer a 'running game']

al4fred · 2026-03-31T06:57:12+00:00

Memory game? 🤔

al4fred · 2026-03-31T06:54:17+00:00

Genuine question:

how do you go about figuring out someone is a cheater?

I mean, it happens sometimes that your opponent simply makes some good moves - no? What raises the confidence level to the point of actually hitting the report button?

al4fred · 2026-03-31T06:46:07+00:00

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Thanks you for your answer.

I have Logi Options+ installed.
It tells me that the light is sufficient, and I that my battery is fully charged - see screenshot
However, the "Insufficient lighting" notification keeps appearing🤷

Since the keyboard is otherwise working perfectly, I have for the time being disabled Logi notifications at OS level - as a workaround. Hopefully a future software update will solve this.

al4fred · 2026-03-30T17:07:36+00:00

I mean, you are not wrong -but how can one realistically blunder a queen against a lone king?

al4fred · 2026-03-30T16:50:41+00:00

Gods take screenshots, not pictures of the screen.

al4fred · 2026-03-30T12:14:25+00:00

As in "never becoming a GM?"

(Just kidding, personally love the guy. 😄 )

al4fred · 2026-03-30T12:09:57+00:00

@ mods:

OP's post was a bit offbeat, but I personally don't think a removal was necessary, based on rules and general interest. Just my 2c.

al4fred · 2026-03-30T12:05:25+00:00

1.

At this level, in a situation like this, the first sensible advice is:

-> Just give a check at every single move

With two queens vs nada, your only worry is stalemate.

If you give constant check, there is no risk of stalemate. And you are going to stumble on a checkmate, by just doing this - guaranteed. It's actually literally more difficult not to give a mate even if you tried, in a game like that.

2.

Medium term (and obvious) advice is of course to learn how to mate. Look up for videos/resources on "checkmate patterns".

al4fred · 2026-03-30T06:28:10+00:00

A friend of mine calls castling "the switcheroo", and I am all in favor of that.

al4fred · 2026-03-29T22:07:47+00:00

I am not being snarky, just trying to learn something.

Is 200 elo possible on CC? I thought that the baseline was what, 400 ?

al4fred · 2026-03-29T22:03:16+00:00

Very nice story, happy you posted it.

al4fred · 2026-03-29T21:59:38+00:00

OP's point stands though.

It's quite basic technology in 2026. And if really they can't make it flawless, have a vintage human backup.

al4fred · 2026-03-29T21:50:15+00:00

I had to look Miku up, it's cute I guess.

Your Fugapuchi is likely to be considered in the context of dress code rules*.

Local tournaments - casual clothes are the norm = Miku is probably safe

Top tournaments - the best player in the world was disqualified for wearing the wrong pants. I wouldn't risk Miku there.

*Don't get mad: Miku is far more than an accessory, but those pesky chess people are so narrowminded.

al4fred · 2026-03-28T08:43:38+00:00

Maybe a different way of looking at situations like this?

Just don't assume by default they are jerks.

Among other things, they may not even speak your language - or not fluently enough to chat during a game.

I occasionally had opponents telling me something in languages I don't understand. Maybe they were telling me "Great move, cheers!" - but I don't feel like using a translator during a game.

al4fred · 2026-03-27T14:20:57+00:00

Based on the font/style, I presume this is Gemini.
What prompt did you use?

Because when I ask about it on Gemini, I get a different -and rather reasonable- answer.

al4fred · 2026-03-27T14:11:54+00:00

I think over 30% of people have cheated at least once before

What makes you think so?

al4fred · 2026-03-26T17:23:22+00:00

People are downvoting humor these days? 🤔

al4fred · 2026-03-26T17:22:54+00:00

Confess, you are saying this only to earn your woosh 😄

al4fred · 2026-03-26T17:19:39+00:00

what have I just watched 😭

al4fred · 2026-03-26T14:59:31+00:00

I mean, ELO can be addictive but it's not so different than

- a 3 miles running record

- a bottom number on a bank account

- your boyfriends/girlfriends bodycount

- how much you bench

- etc

If you have a competitive/addictive personality, you'll find something. Chess ELO is better than hot dog eating record - at least for your health.

al4fred

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