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1500 questions
24
votes
7 answers
How to determine the value of a piece from scratch?
Assume we have a standard chess set setup, but we make a slight change so that (for example) pawns can now move two squares forward on any move rather than just on their initial move. Even assuming that we can still use the established point values…
DTR
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24
votes
9 answers
Best ways for improving "tactics"
I have been playing chess for a long time, and I have been around 1850-1900 ELO for quite some time. I have always wondered which are the best ways to improve the tactics.
Does playing more and more games improve chess tactics?
Playing limited…
Anshu
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24
votes
2 answers
Does white really have a win in this pawn ending, as claimed by Tim Krabbé?
Update: I emailed Tim Krabbé, and he agrees that 41. b4 bxa4 draws.
He has posted a PS about this just under his old analysis.
With respect to "Skawinski - Tomczak, European ch rapid, Warsaw 2011",
Tim Krabbé says that "White could…
user2668
23
votes
4 answers
Playing the French Defense Exchange Variation
In the French Defense Advance Variation, 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 ..., there are some clear game plans for both sides, areas where you want a pawn break, where you want to attack, etc.
However, in the French Defense Exchange Variation, 1. e4 e6 2. d4…
EPN
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23
votes
9 answers
When is castling needed?
I am a rookie in chess. I can't understand why castling is needed.
In what scenarios is castling useful?
Shubham Bhave
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23
votes
6 answers
Proven ways to improve calculation speed
I've been working on my tactics using on-line resources like Chess Tempo. I found my improvement (as measured by my CT rating) over the last few months to be encouraging, but I struggle to translate this into significant OTB results. I do find that…
firtydank
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23
votes
2 answers
What are some chess games that feature Zugzwang despite many pieces remaining on the board?
The game Saemisch - Nimzowitsch (Copenhagen 1923) has come to be known as the Immortal Zugzwang Game, as a play on Anderssen's swashbuckling Immortal Game. I am interested in finding other examples of what might be called a "grand Zugzwang," where…
ETD
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23
votes
2 answers
How do you hold a draw with a knight against a rook?
Knight and King versus Rook and King is a theoretical draw. Yet, you might lose if you don't know the method. How do you hold a draw?
user2001
23
votes
7 answers
How should rooks be developed in the opening?
The opening is definitely a weak area in my chess game and I always feel like my rooks sit unused until well into the middle game (?). Is that just how things go, or is there a strategy that allows development of the rooks in the opening?
I'm aware…
Rick Reynolds
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23
votes
7 answers
Why do chess puzzles need a unique solution?
Why do chess puzzles need a unique solution?
This is different from real games, where such situations do occur, but more frequently, there are multiple avenues to success. Contrary to what one might think, that makes chess puzzles easier, not…
Hauptideal
- 6,172
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23
votes
4 answers
Where can one find a complete chess curriculum?
Has anyone ever produced a complete chess curriculum? E.g., with textbooks, learning objectives, comprehensive syllabus, test bank, quizzes, etc.
Wassim Saeed
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23
votes
2 answers
Have there been any blunders in resignation?
We know that despite what is shown in the movies and such, most chess games don't end by a "checkmate" move and oftentimes one side realizes that they are losing and resigns before the end. Now this begs the question: Has there been any serious…
polfosol
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23
votes
4 answers
Undetectable semi-cheating?
I bet I would play already 200 ELO better if I'd only check if my move isn't a complete tactical blunder. This obviously begs the question if engine cheating can be as easily detected if
I'd only use an engine that way
I'd constantly play only the…
Hauke Reddmann
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23
votes
4 answers
Why doesn't Lichess' Stockfish suggest this bishop sacrifice?
I arrived at the following position in an online game after the opponent left a queen hanging.
[FEN "r1b2r2/pp1p1ppk/2n1p3/6B1/2P5/5N2/PQ3PPP/R4RK1 w - - 0 16"]
In the game, I played 16. Bf6 with the idea that in case he accepts the sacrifice, my…
Aloizio Macedo
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23
votes
4 answers
When moves are randomized, is there an inherent advantage to the player who goes first, or the player who goes second?
Imagine we are pitting two automated players (bots) against each other, but instead of thoughtful moves made by the players, they make completely random choices. I realize that this is not really the point of playing chess, but it sets the…
Galen
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