https://youtube.com/live/iKU0AAVs0Fk?feature=share A key figure in California chess history arrived with the Gold Rush. Selim Franklin, the son of Liverpool Banker Lewis Franklin, emigrated from England on the St. George in October 1849 to San Francisco where he opened a store where miners could exchange their gold and played a role in organizing the San FranciscoContinueContinue reading “California Chess: Historical Figure, Selim Franklin”
Author Archives: chessmusings
So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 59
Playing chess at “rook odds” describes a situation where a strong chess player concedes a rook to a less skilled player at the start of the game. This material concession aims to level the playing field by providing the less skilled player with a significant advantage, thereby making the game competitive. White is prepared toContinueContinue reading “So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 59”
Unveiling a Hidden Gem: A Fresh Perspective on Paul Morphy
Through the eyes of many chess aficionados, when it comes to legendary figures in chess, Paul Morphy’s name often shines brightest. The American prodigy, active in the mid-19th century, is celebrated for his brilliant combinational play and pioneering influence on modern chess strategy. Yet, even among devoted enthusiasts, certain nuances of Morphy’s genius remain unexplored.ContinueContinue reading “Unveiling a Hidden Gem: A Fresh Perspective on Paul Morphy “
Free Summer Chess Camp 2025
Ultimate Skills Challenge 10:00 am until 3:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time Welcome to the DCM Ultimate Skills Challenge ! Follow the links below and see if you can solve all the puzzles. Regularly testing your skills through solving puzzles is essential for improving as a chess player because it sharpens your tactical awareness, enhances pattern recognition, andContinueContinue reading “Free Summer Chess Camp 2025”
Free Summer Chess Camp 2025
Thursday, July 3rd 10:00 am until 3:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time Thank you for joining us today. Please remember to click on both the links for “JOIN TOURNAMENT” in your group assignments every day to join the tournaments. If you do not join them in advance then you cannot play. Be sure to pay attention after youContinueContinue reading “Free Summer Chess Camp 2025”
Fischer vs. Geller, 1961
Bobby Fischer is widely reported as one of the greatest chess players to have ever lived. During the 1960s Fischer became a chess force to be reckoned demonstrating extraordinary skill and strategic insight that set him apart from his peers. Notably, Fischer became the first American-born World Chess Champion in 1972 by defeating Boris Spassky,ContinueContinue reading “Fischer vs. Geller, 1961”
Free Summer Chess Camp 2025
Wednesday, July 2nd 10:00 am until 3:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time Thank you for joining us today. Please remember to click on both the links for “JOIN TOURNAMENT” in your group assignments every day to join the tournaments. If you do not join them in advance then you cannot play. Be sure to pay attention after youContinueContinue reading “Free Summer Chess Camp 2025”
Capablanca vs Van Foreest, 1911
Jose Raul Capablanca (a former World Champion known for his exceptional endgame skill and simple yet effective plans) was on the defensive against Dutch Champion Arnold van Foreest (great-great grandfather of GM Jorden van Foreest, GM Lucas van Foreest and FM/WIM Machteld van Foreest). The game which took place during Capablanca’s 1911 simultaneous exhibition inContinueContinue reading “Capablanca vs Van Foreest, 1911”
Free Summer Chess Camp 2025
Tuesday, July 1st 10:00 am until 3:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time Thank you for joining us today. Please remember to click on both the links for “JOIN TOURNAMENT” in your group assignments every day to join the tournaments. If you do not join them in advance then you cannot play. Be sure to pay attention after youContinueContinue reading “Free Summer Chess Camp 2025”
Paul Morphy vs Isaac Hart, 1854
https://youtube.com/live/52FQfC5EQVk Today at the Free Online Summer Chess Camp, I lead students through an exciting chess game between Paul Morphy and Isaac Hart. The lesson is preserved on YouTube and I warmly invite my followers to immerse themselves in an enlightening journey through one of the most instructive and captivating games featuring the legendary PaulContinueContinue reading “Paul Morphy vs Isaac Hart, 1854”
Free Summer Chess Camp 2025
Monday, June 30th 10:00 am until 3:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time Thank you for joining us today. Please remember to click on both the links for “JOIN TOURNAMENT” in your group assignments every day to join the tournaments. If you do not join them in advance then you cannot play. Be sure to pay attention after youContinueContinue reading “Free Summer Chess Camp 2025”
So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 58
On Saturday, I had the pleasure to play some casual chess games at the Lathrop Chess Club. This chess gathering, which is run by my daughters, meets on the first and third Saturday afternoon of the month from 12:30 to 2:00 PM at the Lathrop Library. The Lathrop Library. Those who know me well, knowContinueContinue reading “So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 58”
In Loving Memory of Marilyn Jean Torres
Gordon and Friedl Miller welcomed baby Marilyn Miller into the world on August 7, 1949 in Pasco Washington. Marilyn had an older brother, Klaus, who traveled from Germany with his mother to start a new life in America after Gordon fell in love with her. He was an American soldier in Germany during World WarContinueContinue reading “In Loving Memory of Marilyn Jean Torres”
The 50th Annual CalChess Scholastic State Championship
The 50th Annual CalChess Scholastic State Championship took place at the Santa Clara Convention Center on March 22 and 23, 2025. I began attending this event in 1997 at the same convention center and haven’t missed a year since. Throughout the past 28 years I have witnessed many historical moments featuring Northern California’s brightest youngContinueContinue reading “The 50th Annual CalChess Scholastic State Championship”
Basic King and Pawn Endgames
Recently I posted Part 3 of my popular King and pawn endgame homework series. One of my former students (who is now a chess coach himself), commented that he found Part 2 on my blog but couldn’t find Part 1. It seems that somehow it disappeared years ago when I migrated my website. After someContinueContinue reading “Basic King and Pawn Endgames”
Puzzle Worthy Position 52
Mikhail Tal famously stated: “You must take your opponent into a deep, dark forest where 2+2=5, and the path leading out is only wide enough for one.” If a chess game metaphorically becomes a forest, International Master Emory Tate was a tiger. Sometimes, his opponent would almost escape the forest only to be ambushed byContinueContinue reading “Puzzle Worthy Position 52”
Weibel Chess Coaches Face Off in Las Vegas
Francisco Anchondo is a noteworthy chess player and an important figure in Northern California chess history. As a tournament player, he had many successful results including winning the Club Championship at the esteemed Hayward Chess Club in 1994 and 1996. Additionally, he is was part of a very elite club of Fremont chess coaches whoContinueContinue reading “Weibel Chess Coaches Face Off in Las Vegas”
Pawn Endgame Chess Homework
In June of 2008, I returned to the San Francisco Bay Area after working on a two year chess study in the Bakersfield area. Before leaving for Kern County, I was the most successful chess coach in Silicon Valley. However, upon returning several other fine chess instructors had filled the vacuum that I left whenContinueContinue reading “Pawn Endgame Chess Homework”
Betcha Can’t Solve this #Chess Puzzle! 81
Often in my youth I felt compelled to finish a chess puzzle as I would my homework; it must be done before I could rest. If my mind became too tired to solve the chess puzzle then I would admit defeat and look up the answer. As I have matured, I find the process ofContinueContinue reading “Betcha Can’t Solve this #Chess Puzzle! 81”
The Mokele-Mbembe and the Dragon
Applying ideas from one opening to another can be tricky as even small differences in a chess position can lead to unexpected outcomes. However, if you note the differences and similarities between analogous chess positions, sometimes you can apply themes from one opening to another with good effect. Side by side position comparison from twoContinueContinue reading “The Mokele-Mbembe and the Dragon”