piqaboo wrote:I wonder if Great Carouser is paying attention?
I think he's been coaching school chess.
I am...I am. The answer to your question varies, Bloria. A lot depends on natural talent. Much can be learned but the execution and the understandings of the mechanics (read evaluation) of positions as well as the proper plans to employ are the real marks of the great masters.
Take this game snippet as a simple example:
1.e4 e5
2.Nf3 d6
3.d4 Bg4?!
4.de5! Bf3
5.Qf3 de5
6.Bc4 Nf6?
Black should try 6.... Qf6 here...but he plays the natural move that many who are unfamiliar with this classic would do under these circumstances. The fact that Qf6 is 'best' for black under the circumstances is the reason why 3....Bg4 gets a question mark...it doesn't lose material...it just forces black to unnaturally deploy his pieces after giving up the two bishops in a semi open position to White. He is probably close to losing but it takes a great master to show why.
If you are unfamiliar with this game you might take a little time to try to figure out White's next move(s) and his reasoning. Many players would justify black's last move...what would you do?
More later....
I have studied and played chess for over 35 years and was never able to become a chess master. I believe I became good enough to get some understanding of what the truly gifted can do but I can't seem to combine the necessary factors and get the desired results. Many golfers will be able to empathize with me here. You may never become a master...but it doesn't mean you shouldn't try if you enjoy the many fascinations of the game. Chess is exceptionally deep and subtle. It's wonderful brain gymnastics.
"Chess, like love, like music, has the power to make men happy." Siegbert Tarrasch
