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The Monthly Chess Instructor Red Hot Pawn Edition

The Monthly Chess Instructor Red Hot Pawn Edition

Only Chess

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I don`t like tactic number 2.

I wouldn`t consider capturing a hanging queen a tactic.

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Originally posted by National Master Dale
I don`t like tactic number 2.

I wouldn`t consider capturing a hanging queen a tactic.
Yes ... That's a mistake by me. The bishop isn't supposed to be on f1. Sorry

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I`m stuck on tactic number 8.

1 edit
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Originally posted by National Master Dale
I`m stuck on tactic number 8.
I did all these in one night, so there could be a mistake. Isn't there a fork there?

11-27 are all book positions, so I now that they are right. The others I did hastily. I thought I got them right, but as you have shown in number 2, I do make mistakes.

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Is number 8 supposed to be Qb3 since white is attacking b7 and f7?

Anyways if thats the answer I didn`t think that was really great since I consider taking on b7 a waste of time.

I think I would play Be2 myself.
Qb3 does seem ok too but merely seems like a move to me.

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Originally posted by National Master Dale
Is number 8 supposed to be Qb3 since white is attacking b7 and f7?

Anyways if thats the answer I didn`t think that was really great since I consider taking on b7 a waste of time.

I think I would play Be2 myself.
Qb3 does seem ok too but merely seems like a move to me.
Yes, the fork of b7 and f7 was the idea. I should have put more time into those.

I was going to take my time and work them all out on paper, but writing all the fen's by hand after creating them would have taken even more hours. I just took a note of what tactics I wanted to use on paper and created the ones that I couldn't think of in reference. I literally created those on winboard seconds before I posted them, because I had intended to do a lot more. I was going to pick more plan positions and annotate a whole game, but I was already drained at that point. If people really are interested, I will feel that it is worth the effort and make the next one much better. I don't see the point in putting 3-6 hours or multiple days into this if it will just go unread and pass on in a day or two though.

In fact, I thank you and the others that posted just for looking.

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Thank you as a novice player, this kind of blog is VERY useful for me.

I know this must have taken ages to put together so many thanks!

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No 21 took a while as I had a couple of plans to pick up the knight before noticing the mate in three.

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A lot of effort, well done.

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Wow great job Paul! I just rec'd your first post... I'm afraid that's about all I can do to show my appreciation!

Anyways, about Lasker's Defense, I recall Anand playing it as black in the final game of the 2010 WCC...



I watched it on kingscrusher's YouTube channel and he referred to it as a "drawing weapon", played by Anand in order to reach the rapid playoff. Although maybe it's reputation has changed in recent times...

I don't really pay much attention to top level chess (just the big tournaments for me thanks) so I was wondering if anyone knew if it's come into vogue as a result of Anand's victory? Sort of like how the Berlin Defense had a renaissance after Kramnik-Kasparov...

OK, now the last bit... You're expecting us to think for ourselves here, oh jeez... Here are my scattered thoughts:



The position looks about even to me after this. Personally I'd take black however, as white looks a bit overextended, could just be my biased chess temperament though. Both sides will probably castle queenside in time, both sides will have their rooks connected no problem, both sides will have chances.

Well, great job again Paul, please keep this up. And for the record, I enjoyed the endgame section!

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Thanks for all the great feedback. I will try to do this again (better) next month, although it may end up being a Holiday 2010 edition. 🙂

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Push for merit and content.

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The first section is now written.

I am going to wait and post it all at one time though.

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pushed for content

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I told Greenpawn yesterday that I have finished the opening section, some of the tactics, and one ending for the new one.

He persuaded me to publish it in istallments to make it an easier read.

I may post the opening section later today or tomorrow.