Approximately sixteen years ago, I uncovered a hidden gem in the Sicilian Wing Gambit (1.e4 c5 2.b4). This new opening trap, now famously dubbed the “Secret Sauce” by my chess students, unleashed the clever sequence 1.e4 c5 2.b4 cxb4 3.a3 bxa3 4.Rxa3. Position after 4. Rxa3 a.k.a. the start of the Secret Sauce trap. NoteContinue reading "Sicilian Wing Gambit: Secret Sauce"
California Chess: Historical Figure, Joseph Redding
Last time, we discussed the important role Selim Franklin played during the California Gold Rush era in establishing a culture of chess in Northern California and later becoming the best chess player in the region. Today, we will look at who he figuratively passed the torch to. Joseph Redding was born on September 13, 1859Continue reading "California Chess: Historical Figure, Joseph Redding"
Betcha Can Solve This #Chess Puzzle! 3
Chess problems don't need to be overly complex or daunting to be valuable; often, the simplest puzzles can offer fresh insights and deepen our understanding of the game. Even straightforward positions can reveal elegant ideas, subtle tactics, or positional themes that we might overlook in more complicated scenarios. Such is the case with this particularlyContinue reading "Betcha Can Solve This #Chess Puzzle! 3"
California Dreamin’ on Such a Wing Gambit Play
One of the first Sicilian Defense: Wing Gambit games Richard Shorman showed me was played by Charles Maddigan. Mr. Shorman described Charles Maddigan as a talented young man from Oakland who “played chess the right way.” Apparently, Maddigan went to the University of California at Berkeley in the early 70’s but dropped out to chaseContinue reading "California Dreamin’ on Such a Wing Gambit Play"
So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 61
On Saturday, I had the opportunity to visit the Lathrop Chess Club. As per usual, there was no shortage of young players eager to challenge me to a casual game of chess. I had time for only two games and below I will share my best effort. Oftentimes, I play chess games at Rook OddsContinue reading "So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 61"
So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 60
Photo from the Lathrop Chess Club meeting on 8/2/2025. Last Saturday, at the Lathrop Chess Club, I played a nice opening trap which brought my opponent to the point of resignation after just seven moves. I am sharing this chess trap, not so much as to encourage my readers to play the Grob Opening (1.Continue reading "So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 60"
California Chess: Historical Figure, Selim Franklin
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 FranciscoContinue reading "California Chess: Historical Figure, Selim Franklin"
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 toContinue 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.Continue 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, andContinue 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 youContinue 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,Continue 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 youContinue 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 inContinue 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 youContinue 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 PaulContinue 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 youContinue 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, knowContinue 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 WarContinue 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 youngContinue reading "The 50th Annual CalChess Scholastic State Championship"