Posted by on January 20th, 2010 — Posted in Chess Lessons
Tags: chess, chess engines, chess game, computer chess
Due to the innovation in technology, the old traditional game of chess can now be played online in your computer. Many chess enthusiasts found this innovation very interesting and more challenging as anyone can play chess even without an opponent around and you do not have to set up the chess pieces. Playing computer chess is accessible anytime you want at your convenience, as there are options for you to play it.
Aside from playing chess game online; it can also be played even when you are travelling. This is made possible through the electronic chess computer that is handheld. This kind of chess computer is very portable that also allows you to play against the computer or against other human opponent. This machine though portable is very useful because some of it has built in tutorial lessons and puzzles that could help improve your skill.
As we know that playing chess is a good brain exercise such as proper concentration. Concentration is important when you are playing chess so that you can think and plan for an effective move. Therefore, to keep your brain healthy and alert, you should exercise your brain regularly through playing chess against your computer or through handheld electronic chess computers. Both professional players and beginners can enjoy the challenging game of chess with these portable chess computers. This also gives a new venue in playing the game as well as new life of computer chess.
There are different types and models of electronic chess sets that are ideal to bring along especially when having long trip. Some of the electronic chess sets available are the models of Excalibur, Mephisto, Saitek and New York Times. The New York Times has created a model that is Talking Touch Chess that enables player to play the old game of chess in the 21st century manner. This portable chess computer has multi-features that include 500 game-improving puzzles. Even the most hardcore chess player will be satisfied with all the features of this portable chess computer.
Among the valuable features of Talking Touch Chess, include 136 selectable level strength tutorials for beginners, shows the rating of game played and allows player to choose the opening you want to play. In addition, you can play chess without hassle because it is handheld.
If you want to play chess in adventurous way, you can try the Ivan II The Conqueror electronic chess set. While playing the game, you will experience the barbarian times. It uses commanding tones as well as 500 vocabulary words when making a move. It also shows like a real time battle because of the clangs of swords and armors as well as the gallop of horse that you would hear. However, it can also be powerful mentor because of the intimidating commands that would challenge every player. Thus, if you are up for a challenge, try this portable chess set in a full size LCD that offers 100 levels of game.
Moreover, portable chess computers are good for learning and experimental phase of the game. You can experiment different moves at the same time learn which moves are effective. With the encouraging teaching modes, you can easily learn the game. Another good thing about this electronic gadget is that it saves in the memory unfinished game so that you can continue it anytime you want.
Posted by on December 28th, 2009 — Posted in Chess Lessons
Tags: chess, chess computer, compuet chess software, computer chess
Computers are neat electronic devices used to manipulate data. More often, computers were mostly seen in offices and other establishments. It’s because computers can make the office jobs fast and easy. During early years, people find it hard to handle files, search information and calculate numbers manually. These days, it’s not that difficult to do those tasks with the help of computers. But the very big question remains in many individuals especially chess players.
Since computers have been introduced to the world, many people were encouraged to purchase simply because they want to simplify their job which was usually done manually. But because of the unstoppable enhancement these days, there are new computer models that can perform faster than the previous models. Apart from these, the internet also introduced a number of software for a particular task. Hence, it’s not a surprise that more and more people can shop online, connect with friends and play online games.
When it comes to online games, chess is said to be the popular one. Usually, the game is being played face to face with another opponent. But in the modern chess, the game becomes interesting simply because you are free to choose. It’s either to play with a human or a computer. Unlike the traditional game, online chess software involves amazing graphics and special features. So, it is no longer a surprise to play with your friends who were better than yours. Actually, there is a number of chess software available in the past decade. But it is only recently when we are able to play with these. Only then, previous chess games are not that good compare to the recent chess games. Today, chess games on the internet are more challenging.
During early years, many people said that computers are no match to humans when it comes to chess. This is due to the fact that computers can’t come up with own decision when it comes to playing. Besides, computers are then programmed by humans. They’ve always thought they can beat computer chess software all the time. However, people’s perception logically changed when a super programmed computer chess software beat an international grandmaster in a real chess match. How was it happen? Well, this super computer has better specs which comprises of 2 GHz processors and 4 GB memory, not that bad! Likewise, this super computer software performs faster and has a larger database of chess opening and chess principles. Therefore, as the computer performs operations faster, the more it is difficult to beat.
Today, the challenging world of chess has continuously gaining its popularity for millions of chess players all over the world. Not only because of the improved features chess games have but also because of the difficult challenge a player must overcome. So, could you beat a computer in a chess game? Of course the answer is an applauding YES! As long as you apply all the things that you’ve learn it is not impossible to beat a computer opponent. Always bear in mind that even computer can performs faster than yours, it also has its flaws.
Posted by on December 6th, 2009 — Posted in Chess Lessons
Tags: chess game, chess strategies, chess strategy, chess tips
Chess is a game which is being played from the ancient times and for this fans and players are more in number. This chess is a technical game where you have to apply knowledge to tackle your opposition. One of the best ways to tackle the opposition is by developing strategies and making use of it in a correct time while playing. This kind of chess strategies varies from players to players and they develop their own strategy for playing.
Nowadays these strategies are increasing in number and they are printed in books for people to look after this, so that they can develop their strategies and improve their game. This strategy varies from books to books. There are various strategies books such as for children’s, adults, beginners and also for experienced players.
The chess strategy books for children help them to improve their knowledge and game of chess. These books contain all details from basic such as the details of the chess board, movements of each pieces and some basic idea about the chess. By reading this kind of chess books they can develop their knowledge about chess from the start and as they grow their game of chess also grows along with them.
There are some other strategies which deal with the beginners. That contains details of some advance strategies and how to make use of it while playing. These strategies include castling, which piece to move first, how to play offensive, how to play defensive and like this many strategies which helps them to gain good knowledge.
Other than these strategies books there are some other strategies books which explains in detail about the play and how great will play and their techniques. This is helpful for players who are going to next level of chess from state level or school.
Overall chess is a game which helps to think in a different manner and also develops the decision making skill.
Posted by on November 6th, 2009 — Posted in Chess Lessons
Tags: chess games, free chess, online chess, play chess
It is a well-known fact that the game of chess is a thinking game, and calls for deep and logical thinking on the part of the players.
Chess is no doubt a very easy game to learn, and any person can get an idea about the game, the pieces, the unique movements and the simple rules in not more than a couple of hours. But the real challenge lies in playing the game well, gaining expertise and saying “checkmate” as frequently as possible or at least not hearing that golden word of “checkmate” from the opponent.
Why is it so difficult to win in a chess game? The answer is simple. It is not in your hands, however skilled and expert you may be. A victory in a game of chess is only an accident and not the logical end result. The logical result in the game of chess played between two players of even capability is nothing but a draw.
Thus, one can say with confidence that as long as you, as a player, is determined not to gift the game to the opponent by ensuring that you do not make any mistakes, the opponent cannot claim victory over you. Hence, it is apt that we call victory in the game of chess an accident, than a logical outcome.
This unique feature of chess makes it so fascinating and challenging that even after 1500 years, the game is still popular and reaching out to the masses, thanks to the contribution of the Internet in the form of Online Chess.
How can one avoid making mistakes in the game?
Well. It needs a thorough understanding of the game and application of serious and logical thinking. One should think the pros and cons of each and every move, visualize the move, and finally take a decision.
One of the foremost things one should bear in mind while playing chess is to ensure that all of your pieces are well protected and are safe from the attack of the opponent. A loose piece, for example a pawn, left unguarded in the fourth rank and beyond (for white pieces) is an invitation for trouble, unless it is not a part of the tactic or trap to make the opponent make a mistake.
A golden rule, which is often not followed, is that every player should move each of his pieces at least once in the early part of the game before moving that piece for the second time. This is easier to say but very difficult, if not impossible, to put it in action. One should be aware of this golden rule and should always strive to put this rule into practice without neglecting the positional impact of the pieces in the board.
Having a fair, if not full, control over the center of the board should be one of the targets for any player. If one were to have some sort of control over the typical squares of e4, e5, d4 and d5, then it would make it easy for him to have better advantage over the board, as he can easily switch the line of attack from the king-side to the queen-side or vice versa. Without control over the center of the board, movement from one side to the other might not be feasible.
It would always be advantageous to use the castling option and move the king to safety. Not only will the King be at a safer place, the rook will get activated and can play an active role in planning an attack over the opponent. Thus, one should take advantage of the feature of castling as early as he can in the initial stages of the game.
By ensuring that these tips are followed and also thinking more than once before making a move, one can eliminate the possibility of making mistakes and in the process, do not allow an opportunity for the opponent to say “checkmate” to you.
Posted by on November 1st, 2009 — Posted in Chess Lessons
Tags: chess, chess games, chess online, free chess, online chess, play chess
Our beloved “King of Pop” Michael Jackson said that “It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white”. These lines were recognized around the world. But most of the time, we heard these lines in the game of chess. There are a lot of old folks in chess and moving first is one of these. Many players said that moving first is an advantage in the game. But for some, it remains a BIG question mark. As a follow up question, is it true that moving first is an advantage? Well, let’s find out in this article.
Chess is indeed the game of smarts. For over 1500 years, it’s really good to know that chess was then played all over the world up to now. The game involves mental concentration and serious thinking. However “first move advantage” in the game remain unchanged. Traditionally, chess is being played by two opposing humans. Regardless of skill, the first move advantage plays an important role in the game but not all the time.
As a player who enjoys being on the attack position, white is always be the best choice. Obviously, he has the queen’s pawn openings so he can launch a powerful attack against black as he wishes. Besides, the white can easily dictate and control the game easily. Let’s say for instance, you have the idea that you opponent mostly play using the Sicilian Defense which is usually on P-K4. Instead of using his favorite move, he will be forced to shift with other moves because you’ve did a counter attack against him.
Statistics shows that white more often wins against black. There are also online chess game reviews stating that white has an estimated 2% advantage over black. As expected, many chess players argue in this fact as this is just a so small that can’t even affects the game. Likewise, most players do not worry about the first move advantage as both sides have equal number of chances in moving chess pieces.
Apart from statistics, there are individuals who protest that present of the first move advantage in the game. One is Andreas Adorhan. He’s a grandmaster and an author of several books regarding first move advantage. Actually, his book entitled “Black is ok” The black pieces play more aggressive than white pieces. This book concluded that first move advantage does not totally affect the flow of the game. Whether you are playing black of white, it depends on how you manipulate your armies. Besides, even you’re playing using the first move advantage psychological factors still affect the flow of the game.
Bottom line, it doesn’t matter whether you play black of white. As long as you know how to deal with your moves and your opponent, first move advantage is regardless. Chess is a complex game. Every move has a vital role to play in order to get an excellent end result. But then, there are also moves that dictate the flow of the game. There are few chess openings that may result to similar end game but it is impossible to have similar middle game. As long as you are an expert player, it’s ok to be black. And whether what color of chess pieces you choose, your game depends on how you play.
Posted by on October 11th, 2009 — Posted in Chess Lessons
Tags: chess online, free chess, online chess
There are actually lots of games that come our way if we are only willing to explore our minds and be ready to experience the goodness that is given to us by God. There are certain things that we consider as talents – singing, dancing, poetry making, and a whole lot more. But have you considered yourself being in the tournament of your chosen field? Okay, let us make it clear for everybody to know… If you are in the midst of talent searching within you, what would be the ones which you may consider as both game and talent? Well, if you are going to ask me, I may say that it could be online chess for it really trains your mental ability to win against your opponent. In this article that we are going to discuss, there are things that you have to consider.
During our times in the school, where everything seems to be so strict, we were allowed to play nothing but chess, Chinese checkers, other board games or mental games like that of scrabble and that of games of the general. What is the common between these? It is when they require our minds to think more than we make a move. In chess, there are times when we say that great is the feeling if you are having the opportunity to say, “Check mate!” and as a matter of fact, I could still win even if nothing is left to me but king, queen and horse. I can very well say that if you know how to strategize, you can very well win the game regardless of how many chess piece you have.
The same thing is happening in this chess played online. When you open the site on how to get into this game, you will be welcomed by a statement saying that chess is indeed the game for everyone. It is like a piece of cravings wherein almost everybody tasted it… almost everyone badly needs it say, even for hundreds of years ago. Actually, if you know how to play chess in the traditional way, you can very well get into the groove here and say that life indeed is just like this game. All you have to do is trap the Kind by allowing the entire chess piece make its own respective moves. It is really interesting because just like in life, you should never quit even how painful it seems, because if neither of the opposing parties or players give up, the same results to a draw. What does it mean? It means that neither of the two wins also. It is more of a great opportunity to live life just like the way you play chess. You are the King and as such, you have to protect yourself with a lot of prayers, tactics and good intention. These characteristics may be associated with what we call as the entire chess piece. The result is that you have a good life to live in and then you may very well protect yourself from outside force and temptations.
Posted by on October 2nd, 2009 — Posted in Chess Lessons
Tags: Play Chess with Computers
The technological advances have brought forth the innovation in the board game chess. Nowadays, more people were addicted to play chess with computers at the comfort of their homes. Computer chess enthusiasts can play chess online with opponents living anywhere around the world by just sitting in front of their computer. This is the most popular ways chess players play the game today. The internet has formulated the Correspondence Chess that is all about connectivity and networking. This enables the players to widen the range of competition and interaction. When playing chess online the game is not limited in a physical venue as well as among local friends. Playing chess online could create international friendships as you can choose an opponent from the other part of the world.
If you want to play chess online, you can visit specific sites that host such online game. These sites are equipped with chess playing servers that anyone can have access on it. Some sites will oblige you to register to be a member and you can register online by filling out registration form.
Online chess can be played either in two ways by playing with live opponent or by offline opponent. Playing with live opponent means that your opponent is online at the time you are playing. However, the live version of online chess you need to finish one game with the given time and is limited only to one game. The player who lose the game should leave as well as if the time set in a specific game is completed.
On the other hand, you can still play chess in the computer although your opponent is not online. This option is more advantageous as you can extend the game or stop it if you do not want to finish the game. This means that you can control and depends on you how much time you want to spend playing the game in your own way. In addition, playing chess online with an opponent who is not online gives you the opportunity to play at the same time multiple games. You can make a move from one game to another until you finish all the games. After you have done your moves, you will appear online to your opponent. This will also gives you the chance to chat or talk online with your opponent. In this sense, you can make an agreement on making certain moves as you have about to finish your game.
There is another option of playing chess online through hybrid sites. In this option, you can play live game and the time limit is longer than playing with online opponent. What is great about these sites is that after your game, you can download and save your game for you to review it for planning more attack that is comprehensive. Playing in these sites as well do not force you to rush the game but allows you to study the detail because there is no time limit. Therefore, if you want to bring your game in a higher level, try to play chess against computer.
Posted by on September 10th, 2009 — Posted in Chess Lessons
Tags: best game, best game ever is chess, board game, board games, chess, chess best game, chess games, chess is best game, chess online, online chess, play chess
Chess is one of the ancient games, said to have been originated in India in the 6th Century A.D and spread to other countries. The game got professional recognition in the 1900s and since then world championships are regularly held across the world. In this modern age where technology has advanced so fast and the World Wide Web or the Internet has become a household necessity in many advanced countries, the ancient game of chess has not lost its charm. Instead, the technology lapped the game and took it to the masses. Analyzing the game of chess and creating the software and hardware to compete with the human brain has become the major challenge for the computer engineers. The Deep Blue Computer and the game between the computer and World Champion Garry Kasparov are memorable events in the history of chess.
Online chess has taken the world by storm and more people across the world are resorting to this game through the means of Internet, to have fun, get relaxation and in the process learn invaluable skills that will nurture and organize their life. Playing chess online eliminates the need for a partner and also gives an opportunity to play the game either with a partner in virtual chess room or with the computer at any point of time.
What is in this game that makes it the best in the world?
The game of chess is nothing but an end result of attention, concentration, focus as well as tactics and strategy. The game, played between two people either in person or through the Internet in the form of online chess, is nothing but a challenge between two brains and two minds.
In the game, there is no provision for luck or chance whatsoever. The game calls for serious thinking and analytical abilities on the part of the players. If, as a player, if you make a mistake, then it is your fault and nobody or nothing can be blamed for the mistake. You should own the responsibility for the mistake and face the consequences. This calls for application of chess strategies. How well you adopt and implement a chess strategy determines your chance for victory in the game. If your chess strategy is faulty, then you will make a mistake. In other words, the more effective your chess strategy in the game, the more the possibility of your achieving success over the opponent and utter the favorite word of “checkmate” quite often.
Learning chess strategies and deploying them effectively over the opponent in the game of chess will ensure success. For devising an effective strategy, one has to think deeply, logically, analyze the positions, assess the pros and cons, visualize the game, plan a series of moves, decide the optimal move and then execute it effectively.
This skill of devising strategies and executing it effectively can be used not just for the game of chess but also in real life when faced with problems or when faced with the task of taking decisions. The game of chess has more affinity and relationship with the life and it is this reason that this noble game has often been referred to as a “Miniature of Life”.
A person, who is an expert in the game of chess, can undoubtedly lead a perfect and organized life in which he thinks and evaluates all the pros and cons before acting.
It may not be an exaggeration to say that this ancient game will be the evergreen and everlasting game in the world as long as the humanity exists in this universe.
Posted by on September 3rd, 2009 — Posted in Chess Lessons
Tags: chess, chess games, online chess, playing chess, problem solving and chess, solving problems
One of the important skills taught in management courses is problem-solving skill. The skill of problem-solving is essential not only for management students, but for every one of us. It is one of the traits that every person should be aware of and master the same. Its use will be felt when faced with unforeseen problems at life, where a person will not take any rash decision and will apply logic and reasoning before acting on the problem.
How can one learn this invaluable trait of problem-solving skill? It is simple. Just learn the game of chess and play it regularly.
Do you think I am kidding? – Read on.
Understanding the problem is half solution to the problem – is an old adage. Before acting on the problem, one should try to understand what the problem is and what the options available for dealing with the problem are. If you do not understand the problem or make a wrong decision, then it will be your responsibility to face the consequences of the decision.
Now, coming to the game of chess, it is a fair game with no provision for any luck or chance. The game starts at equilibrium with both the players having same set of pieces, albeit of different color, same space and same capability. The objective of the game is to corner the opponent’s King and say, “checkmate”. You are not allowed to make any random moves without any forethought or analysis. If you make a wrong move, then you will be punished for the same. The punishment may be either loss of advantage, loss of an important piece or losing the game itself.
Can you visualize the similarities between the game of chess and the life where we come across many problems?
Learning the game of chess, mastering the game and playing regularly stimulates the mind, exercises your brain and teaches invaluable skills including the problem-solving skills. A chess player will have better mental strength, confidence and character than other persons and as such can be in a better position to tackle problems and take meaningful solutions.
It is for this very reason that the game of chess is recommended for children at their young age. Research has proved beyond doubt that children learning the game of chess and playing it regularly have outperformed other children in the academic career.
When the children are taught the game of chess, they turn out to be smarter, filled with self-confidence. This confidence in them will motivate them to perform better in their academics and come out with flying colors.
As part of problem solving, one has to understand the problem, assess the pros and cons of the problem, analyze the possible options for the problem, weigh the problems and visualize the consequences of each option, and then finally take a decision, which will turn out to be the most optimal and appropriate one.
A chess player does all these activities in a game of chess before deciding to make a move or implement a tactic or strategy aimed at cornering the opponent’s King. Is it not?
The beauty is that the chess player does not do this activity as a one-off affair but at the end of every move and counter move of the opponent. So, not only will he be moving the right pieces to the right squares at a time, but during the entire course of the game, which may last anywhere between 10 minutes to 5 hours, depending upon the skill of the opponent.
A game of chess or regular chess games with skilled players will definitely impart this important skill of problem-solving to the people.
Now, with online chess, anybody with knowledge of chess and having a passion to learn these invaluable traits can play chess online at any time whenever he wants to play and enrich his quality of life.
Posted by on August 28th, 2009 — Posted in Chess Lessons
Tags: chess online, play chess online
Any game or sport is worth its salt as long as it provides some sort of benefit to the person who is playing it, apart from the fun part or the entertainment part as one may visualize it. Some sort of physical and mental activity needs to be there to be categorized as a game or sport, in the first instance. Though all games do give some sort of mental exercise and training to the mind apart from its normal characteristics – such as a fit body for a football player, the only game that gives total and complete exercise to the mind is nothing but the game of chess.
This mental stimulus and the challenges it poses to the mind is what makes the game of chess called as the King of games or the Game of the Kings.
This might be the one reason that has made this board game, played since the 6th century, still the most fascinating game. Research has proved beyond doubt that playing chess enhances a person’s mental capabilities and skills. Another unique feature of the King of games is that there is no bar or restriction in terms of age. Any person of any age can play chess and reap the benefits.
What is that which is unique in the game of chess and makes it stand apart with pride as the King of Games?
Well – the game is a very fair one and there is no possibility of outside interference either in the form of luck or chance to benefit any one player’s cause against the other. It is the player who determines and writes the fate of his game. If he mistakes, then he will hear the words “checkmate” from the opponent. If he induces the other man to make mistakes, then he stands a fair chance to say “checkmate” to his opponent.
In other words, the game of chess involves application of mind for devising, visualizing, planning and executing an action plan aimed at cornering the opponent’s King. The mental concentration and attention applied to the game not only pleases a player with success, but also helps that player nurture the traits of attention, concentration, patience and decision-making capabilities, which will help him tackle real-life situations and come out with flying colors.
The game of chess helps a player train his mind. As the level of training improves, his knowledge about the game improves and he will slowly be climbing to the next step in the ladder of success. The capability of thinking slowly seeps into your character and your life style shows improvement. As a shrewd person armed with the power to think and act judiciously, one can confidently meet the many challenges in the personal life and come out with flying colors. With the trained mind, one can easily have a better control over his position in his life. He can also knowingly or unknowingly get exposed to the tactic of differentiating between a threat and an opportunity and take appropriate steps.
With the advent of the Internet, playing chess has never been so easy. There is no need to be on the lookout for a partner to play chess. One can play chess online using the Internet at the time suitable to him. He or she can choose the player having a skill set that matches his skill set. Playing with an experienced player helps him gain experience.