Betcha Can’t Solve This #Chess Puzzle 76

It is perfectly natural to get a little frustrated when you can’t solve a chess puzzle. So, it’s important to remember that not all chess puzzles are meant to be solved. Some chess compositions are intended to be appreciated as art. Gustavus Charles Reichhelm Most chess enthusiasts are not familiar with the name Gustavus ReichhelmContinueContinue reading “Betcha Can’t Solve This #Chess Puzzle 76”

Chess as an Art-Form

A chess game can be a form of art. Winning generally takes precedence over aesthetic considerations; however, artistic positions can be strived for during the contest. The stronger a player’s ability the more likely he/she will notice aesthetic elements. Oftentimes, master level players will see several accurate possibilities and make a decision based on aestheticsContinueContinue reading “Chess as an Art-Form”

Winning Chess Moves: Koltanowski vs. Tholfsen, 1928

GM George Koltanowski, simply known as Kolty to his many friends, was the most passionate chess player I have ever met. He was always sharing his love for chess through his daily San Francisco chess column that ran for over five decades straight. His blindfold simultaneous exhibitions set world records and many new chess fansContinueContinue reading “Winning Chess Moves: Koltanowski vs. Tholfsen, 1928”

A Perfect Equilibrium of Attack and Defense in Chess

We will never have be able to witness the greatest chess players from different historic eras playing matches against each other but that doesn’t stop me from musing about such matchups. Just imagine Paul Morphy launching an all out attack against the great defender Tigran Petrosian. I like to believe that, at least for oneContinueContinue reading “A Perfect Equilibrium of Attack and Defense in Chess”

Winning Chess Moves: Shahaliyev vs Hasanzade, 2022 Azerbaijan Championship

Tonight’s chess position comes from Round 6 of the 2022 Azerbaijan Championship played on February 10 in Nakhichevan. Black (IM Toghrul Hasanzade) has just played 26…Qd6. International Master Ismayil Shahaliyev (white) finds a pretty tactic that causes black to resign immediately. What move did IM Shahaliyev play? White to move and win (Ismayil Shahaliyev vsContinueContinue reading “Winning Chess Moves: Shahaliyev vs Hasanzade, 2022 Azerbaijan Championship”

Great Chess On Display During The Practice Event for The Eade Foundation’s Spring Scholastic Chess Classic

It’s especially inspiring to witness great chess moves in scholastic tournaments. As a scholastic chess coach and tournament director, seeing young minds play brilliantly is really what it’s all about. Jay Stallings (top) and Chris Torres live-streaming during today’s practice event. Today, while running a practice event for The Eade Foundation’s Spring Scholastic Chess Classic,ContinueContinue reading “Great Chess On Display During The Practice Event for The Eade Foundation’s Spring Scholastic Chess Classic”

My Favorite #Chess Games: The Evergreen Game

I keep returning to the combination of artistry, complexity and romanticism that is the Evergreen Game. The freshness of ideas that occur with close analysis continues to intrigue and inspire each new generation of chess players who choose to explore this breathtaking game. In fact, the actual moves of Adolf Anderssen and Jean Dufresne areContinueContinue reading “My Favorite #Chess Games: The Evergreen Game”

Perfect Game at the National Elementary Chess Championship

Luke Zhao, a first grader from Fremont, played a perfect chess game at the 2010 Bert Lerner National Elementary Chess Championship in Atlanta, Georgia. Below is his game with notes by his chess coach Chris Torres. [Event “Bert Lerner National Elementary Chess Championship”] [Site “Atlanta, Georgia”] [Date “2010.05.08”] [Round “1”] [White “Jha, Kubair”] [Black “Zhao, Luke”] [ResultContinueContinue reading “Perfect Game at the National Elementary Chess Championship”