1. Standard memberbill718
    Enigma
    Seattle
    Joined
    03 Sep '06
    Moves
    3298
    02 Jan '09 18:51
    When asked what advise he would give to players of modest strength, Anatoly Karpov replied: (paraphrase) Don't forget the old games. Many lines of play that have fallen into disuse can be dangerous weapons because players have not studied there half forgotten secrets.😏
  2. washington
    Joined
    18 Dec '05
    Moves
    47023
    02 Jan '09 19:17
    Most GM's know all of the old lines and new lines played in each opening. I have heard the only way to understand the current theory is to learn the old theory. For example Nc6 instead of d6 use to be played in the sicilian defense, but after the bishop pin on the knight lead to d6 before Nc6 move order.
  3. e4
    Joined
    06 May '08
    Moves
    42492
    02 Jan '09 23:27
    Looking at the games from the past is essential.

    Modern GM's know these games. They are taking their old ideas
    and developing them into modern weapons.

    Also a lot of the old great combinations are never seen these days
    because both players know the positions that breed them.

    Two GM's can sit down and play out theory for 20 moves.
    This is because the past Masters blazed the path they are on.
    These two GM's will be aware what happens and what to do if
    one deviates. This comes from studying and knowing the games
    of the great (and not so great) players.

    You very very rarely see a copycat game at GM level. A game played
    move for move from a game played in the, say, 1920's.
    Top players know what to do and what to avoid because that have
    looked at these older games.

    However. It is not uncommon, infact it happens everyday, for weaker
    players to fall for the same opening traps players were falling into
    in the 1800's.

    Looking at the games from the past is essential.
  4. Joined
    26 Jun '06
    Moves
    59283
    03 Jan '09 00:17
    i have been looking at 1800s games lately and its great to study from them. theyre very powerful games but still understandable
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