Not all chess games are timed, but every one carries an invisible clock—a reminder that the next encounter is never assured. When a player’s flag falls, the moments you intended to share are lost forever. One day, you’ll wake up to the realization that the last time you discussed linguistics with a friend during aContinueContinue reading “The Last Chess Game I Ever Played with Emory Tate”
Category Archives: Daily Chess Musings
Proud Moment for a Chess Dad
As a professional chess coach, I have experienced numerous proud moments over the past quarter century while witnessing the growth and success of countless students. From guiding gifted students to victories at CalChess State Championships, United States Chess Federation National Events and FIDE World Youth tournaments, I have watched my students shape the future ofContinueContinue reading “Proud Moment for a Chess Dad”
Amateur West Chess Championship 2025
California chess history is constantly growing. Every weekend, the San Francisco Bay Area’s many chess tournaments become living chapters of history, written not by historians but on the chessboards in chess centers, school gyms, community centers and hotel ballrooms. Each rated chess game adds a line to the evolving story—bold openings tested, grinding endgames, andContinueContinue reading “Amateur West Chess Championship 2025”
100% Accuracy Score on Chess.com
Recently, I received an interesting question from a chess student and his father. Question: Coach Chris, Can you tell us if it is humanly possible to get a 100% accuracy score on chess.com? 100.0 Accuracy Score on Chess.com Answer: Yes, it is most definitely possible to achieve a 100% accuracy score on chess.com. In fact,ContinueContinue reading “100% Accuracy Score on Chess.com”
Betcha Can’t Solve this #Chess Puzzle! 82
I spent my afternoon today revisiting a couple of my favorite chess puzzles composed by Johan Axel Åkerblom (10/21/1904 – 6/5/1980). Åkerblom was a strong chess player and a professional journalist from Avesta, Sweden. However, he is most famous for his chess compositions and his contributions in this field earned him the FIDE title ofContinueContinue reading “Betcha Can’t Solve this #Chess Puzzle! 82”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
My Brief Thoughts on Chess, Cancer and Facing Challenges
Chess has significantly improved my ability to navigate life’s challenges. However, the discipline and resilience I’ve developed through the game are now being put to the test with my wife’s cancer diagnosis. Unlike other tough times, I can’t retreat to the chessboard as an escape from reality. Instead, it’s crucial for me to stay presentContinueContinue reading “My Brief Thoughts on Chess, Cancer and Facing Challenges “
Free Online Winter Chess Camp December 31, 2024
Thank you for joining us today. Please remember to click on the link 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 you finish your first game because the next round begins right afterContinueContinue reading “Free Online Winter Chess Camp December 31, 2024”
Free Online Winter Chess Camp December 30, 2024
Thank you for joining us today. Please remember to click on the link 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 you finish your first game because the next round begins right afterContinueContinue reading “Free Online Winter Chess Camp December 30, 2024”
Nine Years Have Passed
Nine years have elapsed since the untimely departure of my dear friend Emory Tate. Though he has crossed into the threshold of the great beyond, the indelible mark he left upon my life remains a testament to his character. The laughter we shared, the wisdom he imparted, and the unwavering support we offered each otherContinueContinue reading “Nine Years Have Passed “
Puzzle Worthy Position 50
In chess and in life, it’s not a victory until you cross the finish line. Throughout the history of chess there are numerous examples of players overcoming bleak circumstances with one extraordinary move which was overlooked by their opponent. However, few are as stunning as the combination that GM Lenier Dominguez Perez used to escapeContinueContinue reading “Puzzle Worthy Position 50”
Plenty of Hidden Gems Played at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad 2024
With 1,884 participants(975 in Open and 909 in Women’s event) taking part 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad 2024 in Budapest, there is no shortage of quality chess games to play through. Many outstanding games could potentially go unnoticed so it is important for chess writers to share the hidden gems they find. Once such hidden gemContinueContinue reading “Plenty of Hidden Gems Played at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad 2024”
A Troitsky-esque Finale to a Game at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad 2024
All chess players should know that two knights alone can’t force checkmate. However, if you give the defending side one pawn, sometimes the knights can force checkmate because the single pawn’s ability to move prevents a stalemating defense. It is possible to checkmate a King with two Knights but it can not be forced. However,ContinueContinue reading “A Troitsky-esque Finale to a Game at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad 2024”