Where is the mad man?
From a commenter on my previous post:
This is such a great game, definitely worthy of being an object of one's obsession. For now I'm focusing on less important things like work. :) (And I'm writing a book proposal, but it isn't about chess).
Eventually I might learn to actually have a balanced approach to chess. I tend to be all or nothing.
I liked your blog when you were a crazy obsessed mad man.Yes, I admit my best chess writing accompanied an almost neurotic obsession with the game. Sorry folks that person is taking a back seat for a little while. Luckily Blunderprone and Temposchlucker are blogging a lot right now, and a lot of other great stuff is out there. But I have to admit it breaks my heart a little bit to have my blog be in a down time, to not be in my A-game in chess or chess blogging.
This is such a great game, definitely worthy of being an object of one's obsession. For now I'm focusing on less important things like work. :) (And I'm writing a book proposal, but it isn't about chess).
Eventually I might learn to actually have a balanced approach to chess. I tend to be all or nothing.
posted by Blue Devil Knight at 12/15/2009 12:10:00 AM
11 Comments:
I thought you meant my husband at first.
Mrs Chessloser
There is a very fine line between. hobby and mental illness. -Dave Barry.
Balance good, karate good. Everything good. Balance bad, better pack up, go home. - Mr. Miyagi
I took a break from chess for six months both this year and last year. I'm currently doing well in a club tournament, so I'm still results oriented in feeling good about my game. The biggest change is that I'm back to enjoying the struggle: simply enjoying the moments when I'm working things out over the board.
Eventually the call of Caissa will be so loud that you cannot resist it anymore and throw yourself back into the game and hopefully also into blogging again.
Goodluck with your current works, professionally and others.
I just wish I could have time for a weekend tournament, but unfortunately I can only participate in two team matches in January & February :-(
Madness comes in waves
Happy new year,sane or mad!!!
Hi Friends and Improving Players,
After months of waiting, my book (Improve Your Chess at Any Age), is finally hitting stores next week. My author copies arrived three days ago. If you wish to see an extract, please visit Everyman Chess.
If you wish to get your copy directly from me, please send a note to rook@USMilitaryChess.org.
Best regards,
Andres D. Hortillosa
Improving Player
Hi There,
Back for for my semiannual comment:
I recently read this article in a book collection of the best science articles of 2009. It reminded me of the craziness of the Knights.
http://www.wired.com/medtech/health/magazine/16-05/ff_wozniak
perhaps there is some crazed soul to start it up again. Any takers?
Happy New Year,
Jim
ADH, Your book was on my Xmas list. My wife ( Advocate for Santa) informs me it will be here in time for my birthday next week.
Hi BlunderProne,
A review at Amazon.com, at your blog, on this blog, and anywhere else is appreciated.
Happy birthday anniversary in advance. You are lucky to have a supportive wife.
Andres D. Hortillosa
Improving Player
About 5 years ago, I took a series of lessons from a much higher rated player. He did chess puzzles obsessively, tended to his opening repertoire like a maniac, memorized thousands of endgame techniques, and played training games against his computer. He even booked up against specific opponents in the club. I couldn't match his level of intensity, and eventually gave up. I ran into him by chance the other day, and asked if he was still grinding away at his program, and he said that he was. However, it turns out his rating has not improved one whit in the entire time. I don't know exactly what the lesson is, but I would have given up chess for something else long ago.
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