As a seasoned chess instructor and the CalChess Scholastic Coordinator, I encourage my fellow coaches to regularly play against their student at odds because doing so is an immensely effective teaching method. By removing some of his/her pieces or pawns, the coach simulates real-world competitive pressures while pushing the learner to sharpen their ability toContinueContinue reading “At Odds With My Student in 2026”
Tag Archives: Chris Torres chess
The Cupcake Gambit
I don’t normally partake in a potentially messy treat while trying to play speed chess. However, occasionally I find myself in a tricky and potentially sticky situation where I am offered a treat while I am otherwise engaged in a chess game. On January 1, 2024, I was enjoying a cappuccino while playing speed chessContinueContinue reading “The Cupcake Gambit”
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”
Sicilian Wing Gambit Secret Sauce: Cooked to Perfection
The Secret Sauce line in the Sicilian Wing Gambit (1.e4 c5 2.b4 cxb4 3.a3 bxa3 4.Rxa3) has produced more than its fair share of memorable chess games. On Day 9 of the Fremont Summer Chess Camp at MSJE, I even turned up the spice a little by playing it at Rook Odds! Despite starting theContinueContinue reading “Sicilian Wing Gambit Secret Sauce: Cooked to Perfection “
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 chaseContinueContinue 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 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”
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”
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”
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”
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 “
Ding – Gukesh World Chess Championship Made Understandable Part 2
After a quiet draw in Round 2 of the 2024 FIDE World Championship Match, Gukesh Dommaraju played with renewed confidence and defeated Ding Liren in an exciting Queen’s Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation which featured the unusual 7. h3. After his opponent’s surprising seventh move, Ding was out of his preparation and to make matters worse,ContinueContinue reading “Ding – Gukesh World Chess Championship Made Understandable Part 2”
Ding – Gukesh World Chess Championship Made Understandable Part 1
After suffering a loss in Round 1 of the 2024 FIDE World Championship Match, it was important for Gukesh Dommaraju to stop Ding Liren’s winning ways in the second game. The opening which started out as a Giuoco Pianissimo and evolved into an Italian Four Knights Game may seem a little elementary for the WorldContinueContinue reading “Ding – Gukesh World Chess Championship Made Understandable Part 1”
Born on this Day in 1958: International Master Emory Tate
Today is the late Emory Tate’s 66th birthday. I miss sitting across the chessboard with Emory. His uncompromising style always kept me against the ropes and his insights on chess improved my understanding greatly. But I miss talking to Emory most of all. On Friday, March 14, 2014, Emory and I had lunch together atContinueContinue reading “Born on this Day in 1958: International Master Emory Tate”
The Ghosts of Christmas Chess Camps Past
I have plenty fond memories from teaching chess at the now shuttered Achiever Institute in Fremont, California. Some of my fondest memories there occurred during Winter Break. I would organize special chess camps over Christmas vacation where the most talented young chess players in Fremont could learn, train and play chess together. Several of theseContinueContinue reading “The Ghosts of Christmas Chess Camps Past”
Making New Chess Friends at Dolores Park in San Francisco
As a chess professional, my life has often revolved around the intense world of competitive chess—tournaments, training sessions, etcetera . However, recently, I’ve found a refreshing escape from that labor intensive environment: casual chess games at (Mission) Dolores Park in San Francisco. Chris Torres hard at work reviewing games at a youth chess tournament. OnContinueContinue reading “Making New Chess Friends at Dolores Park in San Francisco”
So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 57
Black’s King just captured my Rook on f8. What move do you think I played? Be sure to analyze all of your checks, captures and threats and then let me know what you think is best. What is white’s best move?
So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 56
Recently, I found my self playing a casual chess game at Rook Odds against the Pirc Defense. I am by no means an expert on Pirc theory so I simply developed my pieces to good squares quickly. When a tactical opportunity arose, I went for it using a pattern I remember from Chernev’s “1000 BestContinueContinue reading “So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 56”
Torre Means Rook in Chess
I am not sure if I have ever mentioned it but my last name translated into English would literally mean rook. You see, the surname “Torres” has its origin in the Latin word “turris,” which means “tower.” Historically, this surname was used to designate people who lived near towers or who were associated with defensiveContinueContinue reading “Torre Means Rook in Chess”
Playing Against Chess Students
One of my favorite traditions is playing chess against my summer chess camp students. Beyond just being fun, these occasions allows me to demonstrate strategic concepts in action, providing practical examples that go beyond theory. Moreover, playing against students fosters a supportive and collaborative environment, encourages dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared passion for chess.ContinueContinue reading “Playing Against Chess Students “