To be inside in a cold winter night, cup of Earl Grey on my desk, my RHP game position on the computer, the same position on my chessboard, seeking, calculating, exploring the position, then finding a small weakness in my opponents forces and slowly exploiting it to the point where I log in a few months later only to find a "game won" notice is an experience I treasure. I've lost many games in the last few decades, but the hard fought victories are well worth it. I have much to be thankful for.
Sorry to take up your time with these random thoughts folks. I suppose as one gets older, one begins to find happiness in small things. 🙂
Originally posted by moonbusMy goal is to improve by learning to think about more in depth issues.
Every victory feeds the ego and feels nice a short time; Just remember that the goal in chess is to be defeated by stronger and stronger players.
My rating feeds my ego. Recently I have made about a 100 point gain, which makes me feel good.
I find that the more I understand of strategy, the more fun it is to play. As a youth, I was fascinated by the quick and daring kill; but now, in my 'advanced middle age,' I am coming to appreciate the slow accumulation of small advantages, the slow ripening of a carefully planned assault. It almost doesn't matter whether I am on the giving or receiving end of it.