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 chaseContinueContinue reading “California Dreamin’ on Such a Wing Gambit Play”
Tag Archives: chess
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 OddsContinueContinue 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.ContinueContinue 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 FranciscoContinueContinue 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 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 “
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
2025 US Amateur Team West Chess Tournament
Attending the 2025 US Amateur Team West Championship chess tournament In Milpitas, California was an absolutely delightful experience. This chess tournament always brings together a vibrant mix of familiar faces and opportunities for new friendships. Wandering the hallways, I could see how reuniting with old friends added a comforting sense of camaraderie to the eventContinueContinue reading “2025 US Amateur Team West Chess Tournament “
Chess Game Worth Sharing! 2
Unless you are an expert on 20th Century Hungarian chess history, the name Arpad Foldeak likely doesn’t ring a bell. In my personal library, I am fortunate to have two notable books by Földeák. The first is his groundbreaking treatise on the Chess Olympiad entitled “Chess Olympiads 1927-1968.” The second book is a really excellentContinueContinue reading “Chess Game Worth Sharing! 2”
Winning Chess Moves: Yakubboev vs V. Rameshbabu, 2025
Vaishali Rameshbabu is not just an Indian chess grandmaster; she’s a trailblazer in the world of chess. Alongside her brother, Praggnanandhaa, they have etched their names in history as the first brother-sister duo to both hold the prestigious Grandmaster titles. Their remarkable achievements don’t stop there; they also made waves as the first siblings toContinueContinue reading “Winning Chess Moves: Yakubboev vs V. Rameshbabu, 2025”