Learn from Nathaniel "Nate"

Its been 6 months since I posted my last blog. Those 6 months I was so busy (until now) playing with my Rubik's Cube (if Soapstone has his Scrabble, then I have Rubik's Cube) and having fun slaughtering fish at work (as a Sushi Chef in Oceano, Peppermill Casino) like anyone else whose reading this blog, Chess keeps pulling us back!

In my own description, Chess is an "Extreme Science" that even Super GMs can't solve the mystery of Chess, everything is just "theory" and there is no certain "laws". For instance "big center vs development" who has the advantage? what do you think? the answer, it is all depends! those things controlling the center and development are just a given to solve the problem, you are the examiner, judge and a solver.

Examine the position - as an examiner we want to come out with a most rational understanding of the position (this separates from amateur and masters) the deeper you can get the better. Basic things to consider while you are examining your position are;

1.) character of the position - you should ask your self, is it close or open? as easy as that. If your answer is incorrect, then your position will be doomed! for sure.

2.) Pacing of the game - this sometimes can be determine by looking the character of the position, if the position is close the chances of positional game is too high and positional game means slow pacing, in the other way around if the position is too sharp, you should think about flying pieces around.

3.) Prioritizing pieces - it is very important for a chess player to know which piece is the best piece at any certain position (for instance, close position knight is more like preferable) keeping pieces on the board will help you to decide which to exchange.

4.) Coordination - this is very important for every aspiring chess player to improve their games up to their threshold. Imagine that chess pieces are just real Army or even elite forces like SAS, Green Berret or Commando, if you send them in Iraq without "briefing" or "coordination" from their General, they might kill each other. You are the General of your pieces and your job is to put them in a good harmony.

Judgement- after learning the position by examining on it you must have a decision by now, you can't just sit on your chair and let your opponent beat you on time. There is a player that can't make his decision because he is scared or not trusting his own brain, if you have that kind of syndrome you must stop that now! otherwise you won't enjoy the real beauty and taste of chess instead you will suffer from misery and insomnia which eventually gives you schizophrenia, if that so, I recommended you to stop playing chess, buy popcorn and DVD go home watch it and have a good life, that way you'll be enjoying your life for sure.

Things to consider rendering judgements;


a.) Opponent's last move - your opponent's move is best source of your plan, this should be easy, ask yourself "why did he play that"? then again, you must get the real idea behind on it otherwise you will be in the loosing position. Actually this part is just a common sense, your opponent is not your friend (over the board) he is sitting in front of you to destroy you, so, if he pointed a gun in your face what you gonna do? ignore it or dodge it? same as Chess, always think the idea of your opponents move.

b.) First thing firts -by examining your position you should know by now which among of your pieces needs attention, so again, it is all about you! "The closest threat is the dangerous threat" that is the saying of the Army, which I think make a perfect sense, so in application in chess you should know which would be the serious threat of your opponent then deal with it, if you think his threat is not enough to create a damage in your side ( one theory can be applied at this situation "identify the threat, counter attack and pursue your attack" by Amir Perets former Combat Instructor, Israeli Defence Forces ) and if your threat is stronger, then go!


Solving the problem - this is the most stressful part of chess, it is commonly happen when the opponent make a surprising move or offer some pieces for the "initiative" this is known as "imbalance" lots of study, pattern, and experience can save your day, but your talent, intuition and instinct at the most!

One of the brilliant example of solving problem over the board happened between Anand, V - Kramnik, V 2008 World Championship, when Anand just needs draw to win the match and Kramnik has to win. Anand play 1. e4!! which was brilliant move for the right time and right person specially Kramnik, I will tell you why, Kramnik plays 1. ... e5 2. Nf3 Nf6!? (punctuation mark is just for this topic) that is what not happen on the game but Anand knew that Kramnik's "pet line" is Petroff Defense which is notoriously drawish. Since Anand just needs draw this is perfect for him ( that is why I put 1. e4!!) and Kramnik has to win playing Petroff would be not good idea for him.


There are more lesson that I can share with you guys, just stay tune at my page and if you guys have some questions or specific questions to ask (Opening, Middlegame and Endgame) I will be happy to help you guys.

You can leave your comments here or just send me an email at nathaniel_garingo@sbcglobal.net

Next posting will be my games against Bill Case, Fischer and Fedunov.

Stay tune!