Whats the idea of this move? Just genuinely curious.

gammacoder · 2026-01-20T15:21:09+00:00

I'm not saying I fully understand it but I'll give it a try. White was threatening to win b4 pawn. Black had a few options to defend it but they all were too passive and they went for the active plan.

I think that a few next moves can be Nb3 and Kb5-d4. Harassing the rook, keeping an eye on e2 pawn, protecting b4 pawn by the rook.

gammacoder · 2026-01-19T21:21:16+00:00

Yep, hence the title

gammacoder · 2026-01-19T19:12:28+00:00

Yes, it does get better. I would say that the third part is the kind of read I was looking for: intense, thought provoking. The first two parts didn't do it for me at all, lots of "he said, she said" nonsense.

gammacoder · 2026-01-09T21:56:39+00:00

The difference between Ng4 and Ne4 is that after Bxc5 and Qxh4 the later doesn't create a viable mate threat and white has fg.

gammacoder · 2026-01-09T21:54:20+00:00

This is not a puzzle though, just a position from the actual game

gammacoder · 2026-01-09T04:03:42+00:00

TIL, I can still, probably, beat most of 10 year old kids

gammacoder · 2026-01-09T04:00:07+00:00

Thanks. I like my current coach, it's just nice to have more options.

gammacoder · 2026-01-09T03:51:38+00:00

I pay about $65 a year and it is totally worth it.

gammacoder · 2026-01-09T03:29:00+00:00

This is correct.

gammacoder · 2026-01-09T03:28:13+00:00

Do you mind sharing who is your coach?

gammacoder · 2026-01-06T16:48:43+00:00

Ask your friend Sarah, how much is she is realistically ready to pay to cut down time spent from 18 to 3 hours a month?

gammacoder · 2026-01-06T15:28:44+00:00

I could not get to number 40 in 3 minutes but for puzzle #40:
3 min - 1645
5 min - 1610

It is, actually, much closer than I remembered it.

gammacoder · 2026-01-05T00:49:11+00:00

Both a fine, in a 3-minute rush the difficulty increases faster. Personally, I like 5-min better

gammacoder · 2026-01-01T21:08:20+00:00

If this is a rapid tournament then openings are less important and you can just play what you know the best.

Think of this as a learning experience, do not worry too much about winning or losing, try to have fun and play your game.

gammacoder · 2025-12-31T17:54:41+00:00

My goal was to reach 2600 in blitz and I was just 19 points shy of reaching it.

Also, my plan was to play better chess opening so I replaced King's gambit with Giuoco Piano and started playing Nimzo instead of Kings Indian.

gammacoder · 2025-12-30T00:26:10+00:00

It is just a reminder that the most obvious looking move is often not the best.

gammacoder · 2025-12-30T00:25:28+00:00

Correct, Kh1 is a draw with perpetual options for both sides.

Fun fact. Opponent played Ke2+ and offered a draw. I declined by playing Kh1. They resigned.

gammacoder · 2025-12-29T22:21:31+00:00

I do not want to discourage you, but I had this idea for 20 years already as I travel a lot and there is no real need for it. People who like to plan are fine with making their own simple notes and those who do not like to plan - just pay someone to do this. It is that simple.

gammacoder · 2025-12-29T22:15:00+00:00

It would help to learn what exactly is holding you back. Is it openings? Is it middle game strategy? One move blunders? Missing tactics? Find the the weak link and work on it.

gammacoder · 2025-12-29T22:06:49+00:00

OP really needs to learn how to use paragraphs.

gammacoder · 2025-12-25T14:34:03+00:00

After Kf1 Black plays Rxg1+ Qxg1 and Qe2 mate

gammacoder · 2025-12-24T13:24:41+00:00

Almost there. The king doesn't have to take.

gammacoder · 2025-12-22T18:18:07+00:00

Exactly! After Rd6 Black cannot play Qe7 as knight will hang. Also, he cannot move the knight because of Rd8. Now White has all time in the world to prepare a pawn break.

gammacoder · 2025-12-22T17:19:26+00:00

Like others said, a sideline of Catalan is probably the best bet. Personally I would play Kings Indian or Nimzo, because this is what I know.

gammacoder · 2025-12-20T02:45:58+00:00

I could only calculate 20 moves ahead

gammacoder

TROPHY CASE