I have watched the dramatic rise of Tlai1992 and James Woodley from mere 1200 rated players in September to 1600+ players in less than a month. It occurred to me that there are many players who are rated where Tlai and JW were but who have not been able to improve their game in the fashion that these rising stars have. Therefore, I thought it might be a good idea to start a thread where these two players, now among the best on the site, could offer advice and guidance to players who just short weeks ago thay struggled to defeat, but now have mastered chess skills far beyond those of their recent equals.
I thought we could start out with a quiz on some particular general principles that will aid the less experienced player. I address these questions to Tlai1992 and hope he will give prompt answers so that it can benefit the many players who are unable to perform at his level:
1. Explain what a weak square is and how it should be exploited.
2. Explain why having the Bishop pair is considered an advantage and how the Bishop pair should be used for maximum effect.
3. Explain the concept of the "absolute seventh" and why it is an almost certain winning advantage in an endgame.
4. Explain the concept of a backward pawn, the half-open file and what strategy one should use when an opponent has a backward pawn on a half-open file.
5. Explain and discuss where a Knight should be ideally deployed for maximum effect and where on the board a Knight is at it's weakest under normal conditions.
I had already posted this quiz in the Contumelious Clan Goad of the Day, but as it's possible Tlai missed it there I give him a chance to answer the questions here. Please no book answers; explain it in terms the players in the 1200's like you recently were can understand and use in their games. The purpose of the thread is to share chess knowledge as a rising tide floats more boats or something like that. Please others feel free to use the thread to ask your own chess related questions to our new superstars.
If for some reason, Tlai cannot answer the questions I'll post the answers tomorrow. Please no one else answer the questions until then. Tomorrow's post will concentrate on asking James Woodley how to execute four move checkmates, as he has won over 20 games with them here at RHP; a truly amazing feat! Until then, we humbly ask these players to help their less fortunate brethen and share their newly obtained chess knowledge.
Originally posted by RavelloAs you advised, I sent the following PM to Tlai1992 and JW:
You may invite them with a Pm,kindly asking to answer these interesting questions,since I've never seen them posting in this Forum.
I have recently started a thread in the Chess Forums entitled "Advice on Chess Strategy from Tlai and James W". I invite you to contribute to the thread in the hope that it will aid players not has fortunate as you in developing their game. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
no1Marauder
I'm sure they will not hesitate to share their newfound chess knowledge with lesser players as they have advanced far beyond them.
Originally posted by no1marauderare u acusing these two players as cheaters?
I have watched the dramatic rise of Tlai1992 and James Woodley from mere 1200 rated players in September to 1600+ players in less than a month. It occurred to me that there are many players who are rated where Tlai and JW were but who have not been able to improve their game in the fashion that these rising stars have. Therefore, I thought it migh ...[text shortened]... ese players to help their less fortunate brethen and share their newly obtained chess knowledge.
I have a question. I learned to play blitz and otb quick style games. As I play more here I run across many different types of openings I just don't see otb. I used to play A hypermodern style fianchetted king's bishop whenever my opponent used a romantic opening say the king's pawn game. What I want to know is, is it wise to fianchette both bishops against a romantic style, or should I just fianchette one(which) and try say bringing out the opposing knight in the hopes that a center pawn push will later open the board up? Sorry I'm not up on the technical terms. When you answer this please remember I'm blonde.
Nyxie
Originally posted by NyxieThat question is too broad to answer. Say you fianchettoe'd both bishops from move one, white would be on move 5 by the time you'd completed this operation. The possible moves white could have made in that time is immense (runs into thousands!). There are no general rules that work in all circumstances.
I have a question. I learned to play blitz and otb quick style games. As I play more here I run across many different types of openings I just don't see otb. I used to play A hypermodern style fianchetted king's bishop whenever my opponent ...[text shortened]... erms. When you answer this please remember I'm blonde.
Nyxie
You should find an opening that you like and study lots of games by GM's to get ideas. Learn the plans and play them. Once you've been playing an opening for a while you won't concern yourself with such grandious questions as you'll be aiming to reach positions you know are good for you.
There are openings which fianchetto both bishops, but obviously not in the first 4 moves. I forget the name but you might want to check this one out....
Game 749173
I really like this line for black. I don't know what it's called but im sure someone else knows 😉
EDIT:- Oops, he didn't fianchetto both bishops, doh! It's an nice line though 😕
Originally posted by marinakatombYour a kind soul marinakatomb, But I was really hoping james or tlai would field this one.
That question is too broad to answer. Say you fianchettoe'd both bishops from move one, white would be on move 5 by the time you'd completed this operation. The possible moves white could have made in that time is immense (runs into thousands!). There are no general rules that work in all circumstances.
You should find an opening that you like and ...[text shortened]... ally like this line for black. I don't know what it's called but im sure someone else knows 😉
Nyxie
Originally posted by no1marauder1. Explain what a weak square is and how it should be exploited.
I have watched the dramatic rise of Tlai1992 and James Woodley from mere 1200 rated players in September to 1600+ players in less than a month. It occurred to me that there are many players who are rated where Tlai and JW were but who have not been able to improve their game in the fashion that these rising stars have. Therefore, I thought it migh ...[text shortened]... ese players to help their less fortunate brethen and share their newly obtained chess knowledge.
2. Explain why having the Bishop pair is considered an advantage and how the Bishop pair should be used for maximum effect.
3. Explain the concept of the "absolute seventh" and why it is an almost certain winning advantage in an endgame.
4. Explain the concept of a backward pawn, the half-open file and what strategy one should use when an opponent has a backward pawn on a half-open file.
5. Explain and discuss where a Knight should be ideally deployed for maximum effect and where on the board a Knight is at it's weakest under normal conditions.
1 is a square (probably wood) that has been weakened by the weekly tornado that ran through their trailer park. It should be exploited by banging a piece really hard on the square thus knocking it out and hopefully the rest of the board will follow suit. This is a well known tactic amongst trail park patzers.
2 because two bishops brings you closer to god. This can be used be asking god to srike your opponent down with either a heart attack or have him hit by lightning in a freak electrical storm.
3 Giving the opponent anything with Absolute is a sure way to gain a winning advantage. 7 mixed drinks with absolute is a definite winner.
4 A backward pawn is a shrimp that...never mind that is a prawn. A backwards pawn is one that is facing the wrong direction. If your opponent has a half open file with a backward pawn that's great. Since the pawn is facing the other way, take the empty absolute bottle and hit it over the head.
5 a knight should ideally be placed on the edge of the board cause everybody in trailer parks knows Bruce Pandolfini is always wrong.
how did I do? Did I pass?
Feivel
