Chess Engines, Creativity, and Gukesh

Chess engine analysis has revolutionized the way we approach the game, but it also poses a significant threat to our creative spirit. By providing players with access to precise evaluations and optimal move suggestions, engines often diminish the value of human intuition and original thought. Instead of exploring innovative strategies and unique ideas, players mayContinueContinue reading “Chess Engines, Creativity, and Gukesh”

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”

Betcha Can’t Solve This #Chess Puzzle! 69

My Facebook friend Michael Pasman recently became a World Champion. More specifically, Michael won first place and thus the gold medal for the Studies category in the 10th FIDE World Cup in Composing. Michael Pasman is well known in the chess puzzle community for his compositional knowledge, creativity and his high output of outstanding studies.ContinueContinue reading “Betcha Can’t Solve This #Chess Puzzle! 69”

Chess Position Worth Sharing 140

A young fan of this blog enjoyed the last Sam Loyd puzzle I shared (see: Betcha Can’t Solve This #Chess Puzzle 63) but asked if I had a “slightly easier problem by Samuel Loyd.” So, as was requested, this evening I am sharing another Sam Loyd mate in 3 that is much easier to solveContinueContinue reading “Chess Position Worth Sharing 140”

#Chess Position Worth Sharing 127

Oftentimes, an introduction to a specific situation that requires deep thought is just the inspiration we need to spark new developments in our chess ability. Here is a mate in two by Александр Ажусин that a student of mine found immensely satisfying to solve. Enjoy…

Teaching Chess Improves Chess Creativity

Last night after a long day teaching chess which culminated with a private lesson for chess prodigy Ben Rood, I came home and decided to relax by playing a couple blitz games on FICS. As usual, I won a couple and lost a couple. In the past I have noticed that I have more creative ways of handling routineContinueContinue reading “Teaching Chess Improves Chess Creativity”