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: playing chess at rook-odds
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”
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! 55
Napoleon Crossing the Alps By Jacques-Louis David. The Napoleon Opening (aka Napoleon Atrack: 1.e4 e5 2.Qf3) is considered to be a rather dubious line because white is often playing for a Scholar’s Mate in a more benign form than the more popular, but still bad, 2. Qh5. Add to the fact that white’s queen isContinueContinue reading “So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 55”
So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 52
I have often talked at length about the benefits for the chess student to play a master in a handicapped game (See: “At Odds With My Student”). However, there appears to be a benefit for the master as well. Beginning a chess game at a disadvantage against an amateur player sometimes ignites a fire ofContinueContinue reading “So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 52”