I have been finding Wolff's problems on weak squares pretty difficult. I guess that's because I hadn't thought about 'em much before. Also, I am very busy with work so have been very tired when I get home. My admiration for those of you who held down full-time jobs while finishing the circles continues to grow. I hope I can manage it.
I have had a string of crappy games, too. This is partly because I have been trying to incorporate some of the new info from Wolff into my games (space, weak squares, etc). Hopefully it means I am migrating to a new local maximum in my skills. I have noticed in other Knights that this often entails taking a few hits on the way.
>I have had a string of crappy games, too.
ReplyDeleteI hate that, too. I know that it is a common phenomena for anyone attempting to play differently, but still it's not much compensation :-).
It simply takes time to value these things. How important is a hole in your front of your pawn. When does it matter and when not.
ReplyDeleteWhen revelations come it is easy to overestimate them.
Tempo, it is exactly that: I need to learn the relative importance of all these things. I have begun to undervalue material considerations for positional stuff (and I don't really have a good understanding of the latter anyway). This has bitten me in the ass. For instance, I have learned that it is better to have a backwards pawn than to lose a bishop :)
ReplyDelete"I have begun to undervalue material considerations for positional stuff "
ReplyDeleteHeisman has an article about this called something like "The principle of tactical dominance".
A case can always be made that "tactics flow from good positions." Indeed, Fischer's comment is quite true. However, I'm not sure at our level how much position plays a part in good tactical threats. Your opponent is likely to play just as equally as you in terms of position, but I think tactics and recognizing them is critical. In fact sort of a reverse statement can be made. If you recognize tactical threats of your opponent, you wont end up with a crappy position, because you'll still have material equality....and material is everything.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be upset if you are having trouble with Wolff's problems. They may not actually be good excercises for you. I've found some books "speak to me" more than others. A lot of that has to do with the authors style of writing and method of teaching.
Hi! A bit of a random, but related post here! I'm intending to start De La Maza's program after my exams (in a couple of months) and after a bit of research I found these blogs - I was wondering how would I go about joining the Knights Errant? I can't find a link to some central blog or somewhere to post to let others know if you are about to embark on this perilous journey...
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Matt
hi anonymous/matt! it's not hard to become a knight errant. you just start a blog, and if you are following MDLM's plan or any other tactical plan, you are automatically a knight errant if you so desire. if you really want to find a central blog, i would check out Man de la Maza's. he was the founder of the group. good luck with your exams and with starting the chess studies.
ReplyDeleteMatt, Temposchlucker maintains a post that describes how to be a Knight Errant. Welcome to the chess blogosphere, and best of luck!
ReplyDelete