How is car racing like chess?Check out this interesting article about racing strategies:
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Happy Halloween!
Hmm...I wonder what I should dress up as?(a) Witch, as usual (without the hat...it always droops down)
(b) Spongebob Squarepants
(c) Crazy chess costume
(d) Myself
Well, since I'm pretty much stuck at home doing assignments, (a), (b), and (c) sound kind of ridiculous (haha, maybe Spongebob can do my assignments for me...on second thought, that's not a very good idea). Guess I'll dress up as Hazel. As for my wonderful readers, I hope you planned something more creative :)
Happy candy hunting! Don't forget to save some for me!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Canada gets GOLD!!!
JASON CAO WINS ON TIEBREAK
Claiming the U10 gold medal and the FM title!
U10 Open
1. Jason Cao (CAN) 9.0/11.0 tiebreak 56.5
2. Jeffrey Xiong (USA, 1824) 9.0/11.0 tiebreak 54.5
3. Abhimanyu Puranik (IND, 1790) 8.5/11.0 tiebreak 55.0
Jason is only nine years old, from Saanich District in Victoria, B.C. He has been playing chess for two years, with no formal coaching. His goal is to be world champion!
Other Notable Finishes, result above 50%
Jackie Peng (U12 girls) 7.0/11.0 = 12th place
Andrea Botez (U08 girls) 6.5/11.0 = 25th place
Joshua Doknjas (U08 open) 6.5/11.0 = 32nd place
Joseph Bellissimo (U10 open) 6.0/11.0 = 51st place
Veronicka (Nicka) Kalaydina (U14 girls) 6.0/11.0 = 31st place
Janet Peng (U10 girls) 6.0/11.0 = 45th place
Roman Sapozhnikov (U16 open) 6.0/11.0 = 48th place
Terry Song (U12 open) 6.0/11.0 = 60th place
Kelly Wang (U10 girls) 6.0/11.0 = 35th place
Jerry Xiong (U16 open) 6.0/11.0 = 55th place
Congratulations to ALL members of the Canadian Team. It was a wonderful tournament to follow, and you should all be very proud. While it's great to celebrate accomplishments, you don't have to win all the time to enjoy the experience! I hope to see juniors continue to play chess in the future!
Results, Photos, and More
Friday, October 29, 2010
Camels are back!
Please read my past camel posts before reading this one.Part 1: November 25, 2009
Part 2: December 5, 2009
Part 3: December 28, 2009
Part 4: February 27, 2010
"Gamala, wake up, wake up! The sun is up!"
It had been nearly a week since the two camels' last encounter with Oscar. Days had gone by slowly, yet the warm humidity kept the camels alert on their search for the mysterious Ma'at tournament. Once again, they were starting to lose hope.
"What's the point, Gamalo? We've been walking day in and day out through this desert. Even camels cannot go on forever without food. Maybe we should head home."
"Gamala, are you really thinking of giving up now? At this point, there's no guarantee we'll even find home in time to eat."
"That's ridiculous...this is all your fault. We had a good life, a good home, and you fooled me into looking for some game we don't even know how to play. It must have been a hallucination all along."
"And yet you came with me. Did you not have some interest in this game yourself?"
"That was last week. This is now. Let's cut our losses and head back home. Can't you see, it's the only viable choice we have left. I'm completely exhausted."
Gamalo started thinking about what Gamala had said. There was definitely some truth. Getting lost in the desert was like getting lost in a never-ending cornfield on the other side of the world. No matter how hard they tried, every step looked the same, yet felt foreign. Even so, Gamalo saw something intriguing about the game of chess, the Ma'at tournament, and something told him to continue on.
"I don't know about you, but I'm not going to stop now."
Slowly, Gamalo trodded off. With teary eyes, Gamala headed the other way. Her heartfelt goodbye faded in the desert wind.
**********************************************************************************
"Hey, you there!"
A voice whispered.
"Yes, you! What a lovely camel. Please, I need your help."
Gamala turned around. A familiar face smirked. It was Oscar's opponent.
"Look, I don't know if you can understand me, but my name is Mansur. I am a chess player. I saw you watching some of my games. You must be a very smart camel. Trust me, if you give me a hand...I mean hoof...I will give you all the luxuries you will ever need, and you won't be lost anymore."
Gamala had no idea how he knew she was lost, or how he found her, but she sensed a kind of sincerity. She gently bowed her neck as Mansur approached. She wanted to show him full devotion. In her head, she envisioned all the luxuries he promised. Maybe a pearl necklace or two. Just imagine what it would be like around her neck.
Suddenly, the same neck she visioned enrobed with jewels felt stiff. No, it certainly was NOT a necklace. It was a huge metal chain, and there was no way to escape! Without hesitation, Mansur began to pull her away.
To be continued...
What do you think will happen to Gamala? Leave your comments below!
**********************************************************************************
Additional notes:
Did you know? A camel's hump is really "a giant mound of fat", allowing it to live without food for up to two weeks!
Gamala? Gamalo? These names were chosen based on the Arabic word "Gamal", meaning camel. Learn more Arabic words on this website:
http://oasis.fortunecity.com/pyramids/221/arabic.html
http://oasis.fortunecity.com/pyramids/221/arabic.html
My favourite is "wahda wahda" (slow down), though "ahlan" (hello), "shukran" (thank you), and "feen el-hammaam?" (where is the toilet?) may be more useful! I also find it interesting how some sayings have both male and female versions. Isn't it fun learning about different cultures?
Note: the site above is great because it's understandable for English-reading viewers, but it is mainly for learning to speak like an Egyptian, not write like an Egyptian!
Mansur? Ever wonder what names like this mean? Visit this site:
http://www.milligazette.com/misl/muslim_islam_islamic_baby_names_girl_boy_name.htm
http://www.milligazette.com/misl/muslim_islam_islamic_baby_names_girl_boy_name.htm
Enjoyyyyy!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Halloween Prep in Eight Easy Steps!
ARE YOU READY FOR HALLOWEEN...
..."CHECKMATE" STYLE????
STEP 1: WARM UP YOUR BRAIN.
(yes, in this game, I was the witch...can't you tell by my gleaming smile?)
STEP 2: PRACTICE CHESS AGAINST A COMPUTER.
Halloween chess game http://www.gamesforwork.com/games/play-11305-Halloween_Chess-Flash_Game
(you have to be patient, it takes a minute or two to load)
Such an adorable set, but 100% fearless! How many times do you get to play Halloween chess against the Sicilian?
Strange - I seem to see things better with the Halloween set...guess that's a sign I'm out of practice. It helps that my "opponent" likes moving the "witch" (queen) out early.
STEP 3: LEARN A NEW OPENING.The Halloween Gambit...scary...
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nxe5 wowwwww
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roz1YeJjvUY
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Knights_Game,_Halloween_Gambit
http://www.chessville.com/uco/Halloween_Gambit/Part_1.htm
"Austrian Jakob Steffen, played the gambit with his crafty clone "Brause" in thousands of chess games on the ICC-server between 1993 and 1998. He achieved a performance of over 70 %."
http://www.chessexchange.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2904
STEP 4: REFUEL.Impressive! Now who wants the purple hand (I still have my doubts of its edibility)?
http://worldsbestcookingmenu.blogspot.com/2009/10/halloween-chess-cake.html
STEP 5: CHOOSE YOUR SET.
Wooden halloween pieces. Amazing! After seeing these, I don't think I'll ever carve wood again.
http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/1359/cat/external.php
STEP 6: CHOOSE YOUR OPPONENT.
A pawn dressed up as a knight - priceless!
http://www.chess.com/forum/view/fun-with-chess/early-halloween-drawing-i-made-for-chesscom?lc=1
STEP 7: REALIZE YOU CAN'T ORGANIZE A GAME AGAINST A PAWN ON A FANCY WOODEN SET AND DECIDE TO RESORT BACK TO TOURNAMENTS.How about Chess 'n Math's Halloween Tournament (tomorrow)? - sounds like fun!
http://members4.boardhost.com/chess-math/msg/1286430732.html
...to celebrate, I even designed a witching/wizarding hat for Kiril!
STEP 8: PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK AND ENJOY THE SATISFACTION OF FIGURING OUT WHY CHESS PLAYERS SPEND THEIR WEEKENDS IN TOURNAMENTS ...WHAT A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY :)
NOW THAT'S HOW WE "CHECKMATE"!
********************************************************************************
BONUS STEP:
TRICK OR TREAT UNDER ONE CONDITION...YOU MUST SAVE SOME FOR ME! AFTERALL, ADVICE DOESN'T COME CHEAP.
p.s. I like caramels and chocolates :)
********************************************************************************
Also see my costume idea posts:
http://checkmateupdate.blogspot.com/2010/09/best-dressed.html
http://checkmateupdate.blogspot.com/2009/10/halloween-costumes-anyone.html
World Youth!
The classic joke..."What's black and white and red all over?"
No, it's not a newspaper or a skunk in a blender (http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/168440 ...that's just weird)...
It's chess + our Canadian team!!!
*******************************************************************************
Interesting historical lists: http://wycc2010.chessdom.com/history-of-the-world-youth-championships/
Canadian results: http://www.chess-results.com/tnr39336.aspx?art=25&fedb=CAN&lan=1&flag=30&m=-1&wi=1000
*******************************************************************************
More blog content coming soon (midterm, then a bit of a break)...
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Would You Rather? - my answers
Lots of questions to catch up on...
1. Would you rather play without your e-pawn or without your d-pawn?
Probably e-pawn...seems more natural for me...but doesn't make a huge difference.
2. Would you rather travel to the Olympiad (in Russia) for a meal with the Canadian team or to Victoria, B.C. for a meal in the Grand Pacific hotel + a visit to Chess in the Library?
I would have to say Victoria, because it's so beautiful, and the air is so crisp - at least from what I remember many years back. Organizers in B.C. also seem to have a lot of great chess programs starting up in the area. Of course, I'm biased because I've been to the Olympiad in the past. For those who haven't, the Olympiad is one of a kind - all sorts of cultures and grandmasters around every corner (including some of Canada's own)!
3. Would you rather play a tournament in an uncomfortably warm room or an uncomfortably cold room?
I thought I'd post this question because people keep bringing up the topic of hot/cold temperature. To clarify, I'm much more sensitive to heat! So an uncomfortably cold room would be my choice. That's what happens when you live in Canada all your life.
4. Would you rather be responsible for tournament equipment (including set-up) or tournament pairings?
Definitely equipment - no one's going to complain if you mix up the king and queen, but you'll have a mob if you screw up the pairings.
5. Would you rather -- at this moment -- completely change your white opening or completely change your black opening?
Well...if I could remember my openings...I would change white...at least I'd have a tempo on my side in case of a (minor) mistake.
6. Would you rather play a chess game underwater or in space?
In SPACE! That would be amazing - pieces floating everywhere (to distract my opponent from my new white opening!?). I'm not a big fan of water.
7. Would you rather combine chess with boxing or soccer?
I think I'd lose either way. At least in soccer I'd have a chance of coming out without a black eye.
8. Would you rather ask the neighbour in the house/apartment to your left for a game of chess, or ask the one in the house/apartment to your right? If you don't have a neighbour to both your left and right, choose either someone who lives on the same street as you, or one who lives on a nearby street!
Until recently, I would have been impartial. However, this past weekend, my neighbour to the right put on really loud music and woke me up during my nap (and I wouldn't consider myself sensitive to many sounds). Maybe a game of chess would solve the problem???
9. Would you rather rock climb with GM Nakamura or skydive with GM Carlsen?
Why do I torture myself with these questions? Either way, I'd have an extreme fear of heights. How about indoor rock climbing?
10. Would you rather have a stranger yell out "Hey! Aren't you a chess player?" from the other side of a Costco store or from across the hall in your workplace/school?
Costco :) In university, yelling across the hall...good or bad...is just asking for trouble.
Second set of questions:
1. Would you rather attend an expensive chess event with a fancy dinner banquet or attend a similar, yet less expensive event with sub sandwiches?
University student on a budget!
2. Would you rather attend a neighbourhood chess event which requires you to bike at least a couple times (yes, there are 'green' options!) or an out-of-town chess event which gives you an excuse to use the family car?
Out of sympathy for the environment, I would go for the neighbourhood option...that is, if my bike still functions properly. On campus, almost everything is in walking distance - so I brought my feet and left the bike at home.
3. Would you rather have a chess-themed holiday in January or July?
That depends - does it involve a day off school? Just kidding. I think a winter-themed chess day (with ice sculptures!) would be awesome.
4. Would you rather dress up (for Halloween) as Count Chessula or Spongebob Chesspants?
I don't think I could pull off Spongebob. I'll leave that to my students.
5. Would you rather have checkered black and white hair or checkered black and white teeth?
Hair...checkered teeth sounds too awful.
6. Would you rather live somewhere in Europe for a year, primarily to play chess, or live somewhere in Asia for a year, for the same reason?
Europe! Maybe in England. I've always wanted to go there. Major cities in France, Spain, Italy, Germany, ... are also quite lovely.
7. Would you rather record all your chess games in red or purple ink?
A lot of my lecture notes are already in purple! I find it stands out better than traditional black/blue. Of course, assignments are a different story...no red, no purple, all typed.
8. Would you rather play chess with your left eye covered or your right eye covered?
I'd cover my lazy right eye.
9. Would you rather play blitz without one of your minor pieces (your opponent gets to use all pieces = material advantage) or play blitz upside down?
I don't even play much blitz right-side-up! Poor minor piece...
10. Would you rather play Hula Chess with Jennifer Shahade or Fischer Random Chess with Peter Leko?
I really want to say hula chess, but I wouldn't be able to hula if my life depended on it.
1. Would you rather play without your e-pawn or without your d-pawn?
Probably e-pawn...seems more natural for me...but doesn't make a huge difference.
2. Would you rather travel to the Olympiad (in Russia) for a meal with the Canadian team or to Victoria, B.C. for a meal in the Grand Pacific hotel + a visit to Chess in the Library?
I would have to say Victoria, because it's so beautiful, and the air is so crisp - at least from what I remember many years back. Organizers in B.C. also seem to have a lot of great chess programs starting up in the area. Of course, I'm biased because I've been to the Olympiad in the past. For those who haven't, the Olympiad is one of a kind - all sorts of cultures and grandmasters around every corner (including some of Canada's own)!
3. Would you rather play a tournament in an uncomfortably warm room or an uncomfortably cold room?
I thought I'd post this question because people keep bringing up the topic of hot/cold temperature. To clarify, I'm much more sensitive to heat! So an uncomfortably cold room would be my choice. That's what happens when you live in Canada all your life.
4. Would you rather be responsible for tournament equipment (including set-up) or tournament pairings?
Definitely equipment - no one's going to complain if you mix up the king and queen, but you'll have a mob if you screw up the pairings.
5. Would you rather -- at this moment -- completely change your white opening or completely change your black opening?
Well...if I could remember my openings...I would change white...at least I'd have a tempo on my side in case of a (minor) mistake.
6. Would you rather play a chess game underwater or in space?
In SPACE! That would be amazing - pieces floating everywhere (to distract my opponent from my new white opening!?). I'm not a big fan of water.
7. Would you rather combine chess with boxing or soccer?
I think I'd lose either way. At least in soccer I'd have a chance of coming out without a black eye.
8. Would you rather ask the neighbour in the house/apartment to your left for a game of chess, or ask the one in the house/apartment to your right? If you don't have a neighbour to both your left and right, choose either someone who lives on the same street as you, or one who lives on a nearby street!
Until recently, I would have been impartial. However, this past weekend, my neighbour to the right put on really loud music and woke me up during my nap (and I wouldn't consider myself sensitive to many sounds). Maybe a game of chess would solve the problem???
9. Would you rather rock climb with GM Nakamura or skydive with GM Carlsen?
Why do I torture myself with these questions? Either way, I'd have an extreme fear of heights. How about indoor rock climbing?
10. Would you rather have a stranger yell out "Hey! Aren't you a chess player?" from the other side of a Costco store or from across the hall in your workplace/school?
Costco :) In university, yelling across the hall...good or bad...is just asking for trouble.
Second set of questions:
1. Would you rather attend an expensive chess event with a fancy dinner banquet or attend a similar, yet less expensive event with sub sandwiches?
University student on a budget!
2. Would you rather attend a neighbourhood chess event which requires you to bike at least a couple times (yes, there are 'green' options!) or an out-of-town chess event which gives you an excuse to use the family car?
Out of sympathy for the environment, I would go for the neighbourhood option...that is, if my bike still functions properly. On campus, almost everything is in walking distance - so I brought my feet and left the bike at home.
3. Would you rather have a chess-themed holiday in January or July?
That depends - does it involve a day off school? Just kidding. I think a winter-themed chess day (with ice sculptures!) would be awesome.
4. Would you rather dress up (for Halloween) as Count Chessula or Spongebob Chesspants?
I don't think I could pull off Spongebob. I'll leave that to my students.
5. Would you rather have checkered black and white hair or checkered black and white teeth?
Hair...checkered teeth sounds too awful.
6. Would you rather live somewhere in Europe for a year, primarily to play chess, or live somewhere in Asia for a year, for the same reason?
Europe! Maybe in England. I've always wanted to go there. Major cities in France, Spain, Italy, Germany, ... are also quite lovely.
7. Would you rather record all your chess games in red or purple ink?
A lot of my lecture notes are already in purple! I find it stands out better than traditional black/blue. Of course, assignments are a different story...no red, no purple, all typed.
8. Would you rather play chess with your left eye covered or your right eye covered?
I'd cover my lazy right eye.
9. Would you rather play blitz without one of your minor pieces (your opponent gets to use all pieces = material advantage) or play blitz upside down?
I don't even play much blitz right-side-up! Poor minor piece...
10. Would you rather play Hula Chess with Jennifer Shahade or Fischer Random Chess with Peter Leko?
I really want to say hula chess, but I wouldn't be able to hula if my life depended on it.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!
(don't mind the feathers...it's not easy drawing with a "paintbrush"!)Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Annual Top Ten List of Thank Yous:
1. Thank you to my loving family for providing me with so many opportunities.
2. Thank you to my friends for unconditional support.
3. Thank you to my relatives, especially my Aunt Elaine, who would have celebrated her birthday this upcoming October 21.
4. Thank you to my caring doctors for making me smile when I was down.
5. Thank you to my past and present chess students, their parents, and fellow instructors/volunteers.
6. Thank you to the kindest chess coaches in the world - Goran and Dave.
7. Thank you to chess organizers, especially Corinna, for inspiring Canadians of all ages.
8. Thank you to Ilana, who has been working to build a base for chess club at Laurier.
9. Thank you to my professors, classmates, and roommates for putting up with me :)
10. Thank you to my blog readers (how could I forget?)!!!
As you celebrate this wonderful holiday, remember to cherish those around you, and the opportunities you have been given :)
Olympiad Results (more later)
To clean up my blog's side bar...
Go Team Canada! - 'til next time in Istanbul, Turkey!
Congrats to our new GM, Thomas!!!
Note: For match points below, multiply by 2 to get the amount shown on the tournament website http://www.ugra-chess.com/.
Round 1
Canada (4) - Mozambique (0)
Canada (3.5) - Uganda (0.5)
Men: 1 match pt, 4 game pts
Women: 1 match pt, 3.5 game pts
Round 2
Uzbekistan (2.5) - Canada (1.5)
Canada (1.5) - Kazakhstan (2.5)
Men: 1 match pt, 5.5 game pts
Women: 1 match pt, 5 game pts
Round 3
Uruguay (2) - Canada (2)
Albania (0) - Canada (4)
Men: 1.5 match pts, 7.5 game pts
Women: 2 match pts, 9 game pts
Round 4
Canada (3.5) - Thailand (0.5)
Latvia (3.5) - Canada (0.5)
Men: 2.5 match pts, 11 game pts
Women: 2 match pts, 9.5 game pts
Round 5
Canada (2.5) - Denmark (1.5)
Canada (4) - Syria (0)
Men: 3.5 match pts, 13.5 game pts
Women: 3 match pts, 13.5 game pts
Round 6
Croatia (2) - Canada (2)
Belarus (3.5) - Canada (0.5)
Men: 4 match pts, 15.5 game pts
Women: 3 match pts, 14 game pts
Round 7
Canada (2) - Bulgaria (2)
Canada (2) - Singapore (2)
Men: 4.5 match pts, 17.5 game pts
Women: 3.5 match pts, 16 game pts
Round 8
Mongolia (1.5) - Canada (2.5)
Norway (1.5) - Canada (2.5)
Men: 5.5 match pts, 20 game pts
Women: 4.5 match pts, 18.5 game pts
Round 9
Czech Republic (3) - Canada (1)
Canada (2) - Montenegro (2)
Men: 5.5 match pts, 21 game pts
Women: 5 match pts, 20.5 game pts
Round 10
Canada (2) - Kazakhstan (2)
England (2.5) - Canada (1.5)
Men: 6 match pts, 23 game pts
Women: 5 match pts, 22 game pts
Round 11
Canada (2) - Montenegro (2)
Venezuela (3) - Canada (1)
Men: 6.5 match pts, 25 game pts
Women: 5 match pts, 23 game pts
Olympic inspiration quote:
"I am building a fire, and everyday I train, I add more fuel. At just the right moment, I light the match." - Mia Hamm, 2004
Go Team Canada! - 'til next time in Istanbul, Turkey!
Congrats to our new GM, Thomas!!!
Note: For match points below, multiply by 2 to get the amount shown on the tournament website http://www.ugra-chess.com/.
Round 1
Canada (4) - Mozambique (0)
Canada (3.5) - Uganda (0.5)
Men: 1 match pt, 4 game pts
Women: 1 match pt, 3.5 game pts
Round 2
Uzbekistan (2.5) - Canada (1.5)
Canada (1.5) - Kazakhstan (2.5)
Men: 1 match pt, 5.5 game pts
Women: 1 match pt, 5 game pts
Round 3
Uruguay (2) - Canada (2)
Albania (0) - Canada (4)
Men: 1.5 match pts, 7.5 game pts
Women: 2 match pts, 9 game pts
Round 4
Canada (3.5) - Thailand (0.5)
Latvia (3.5) - Canada (0.5)
Men: 2.5 match pts, 11 game pts
Women: 2 match pts, 9.5 game pts
Round 5
Canada (2.5) - Denmark (1.5)
Canada (4) - Syria (0)
Men: 3.5 match pts, 13.5 game pts
Women: 3 match pts, 13.5 game pts
Round 6
Croatia (2) - Canada (2)
Belarus (3.5) - Canada (0.5)
Men: 4 match pts, 15.5 game pts
Women: 3 match pts, 14 game pts
Round 7
Canada (2) - Bulgaria (2)
Canada (2) - Singapore (2)
Men: 4.5 match pts, 17.5 game pts
Women: 3.5 match pts, 16 game pts
Round 8
Mongolia (1.5) - Canada (2.5)
Norway (1.5) - Canada (2.5)
Men: 5.5 match pts, 20 game pts
Women: 4.5 match pts, 18.5 game pts
Round 9
Czech Republic (3) - Canada (1)
Canada (2) - Montenegro (2)
Men: 5.5 match pts, 21 game pts
Women: 5 match pts, 20.5 game pts
Round 10
Canada (2) - Kazakhstan (2)
England (2.5) - Canada (1.5)
Men: 6 match pts, 23 game pts
Women: 5 match pts, 22 game pts
Round 11
Canada (2) - Montenegro (2)
Venezuela (3) - Canada (1)
Men: 6.5 match pts, 25 game pts
Women: 5 match pts, 23 game pts
Olympic inspiration quote:
"I am building a fire, and everyday I train, I add more fuel. At just the right moment, I light the match." - Mia Hamm, 2004
Monday, October 4, 2010
Hazel's Jokes!
When is perpetual check a good thing?Answer: When T.A.s are grading midterms!
*cross fingers*
(for all of you who thought to yourself "A perpetual check is good when you're losing or need a draw", I think you forgot to read the title of this post!)
The lovely image above, and more jokes, can be found on ChessBase:
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Would you rather?
To be updated...slow computer...won't let me copy and paste the questions I made earlier :(
In the meanwhile, I'll post some new questions:
1. Would you rather attend an expensive chess event with a fancy dinner banquet or attend a similar, yet less expensive event with sub sandwiches?
2. Would you rather attend a neighbourhood chess event which requires you to bike at least a couple times (yes, there are 'green' options!) or an out-of-town chess event which gives you an excuse to use the family car?
3. Would you rather have a chess-themed holiday in January or July?
4. Would you rather dress up (for Halloween) as Count Chessula or Spongebob Chesspants?
5. Would you rather have checkered black and white hair or checkered black and white teeth?
6. Would you rather live somewhere in Europe for a year, primarily to play chess, or live somewhere in Asia for a year, for the same reason?
7. Would you rather record all your chess games in red or purple ink?
8. Would you rather play chess with your left eye covered or your right eye covered?
9. Would you rather play blitz without one of your minor pieces (your opponent gets to use all pieces = material advantage) or play blitz upside down?
10. Would you rather play Hula Chess with Jennifer Shahade or Fischer Random Chess with Peter Leko?
Jokes from my statistics class (credit to Dr. Shi, wording modified a bit):
Hilarious...
"I have a car with a bumper sticker, 'Baby on Board'. It is actually a threat. It should tell other drivers I have a screaming baby, a nagging wife, and I'm not afraid to die anymore!"
Answer the following in 30 seconds max:
A murderer is condemned to death. He is given a choice of four rooms. Which one would you choose?
(a) A room full of raging fires.
(b) A room full of assassins, who are equipped with guns.
(c) A room full of lions that haven't eaten in 2 months.
(d) A room full of statisticians, who will make you do exercises and bore you to death.
Next, answer the following for the choice you made:
Why did you choose (a)?
Why did you choose (b)?
Why did you choose (c)?
Why did you choose (d)?
The best choice:
(c) If the lions haven't eaten in 2 months, they are already dead!
In the meanwhile, I'll post some new questions:
1. Would you rather attend an expensive chess event with a fancy dinner banquet or attend a similar, yet less expensive event with sub sandwiches?
2. Would you rather attend a neighbourhood chess event which requires you to bike at least a couple times (yes, there are 'green' options!) or an out-of-town chess event which gives you an excuse to use the family car?
3. Would you rather have a chess-themed holiday in January or July?
4. Would you rather dress up (for Halloween) as Count Chessula or Spongebob Chesspants?
5. Would you rather have checkered black and white hair or checkered black and white teeth?
6. Would you rather live somewhere in Europe for a year, primarily to play chess, or live somewhere in Asia for a year, for the same reason?
7. Would you rather record all your chess games in red or purple ink?
8. Would you rather play chess with your left eye covered or your right eye covered?
9. Would you rather play blitz without one of your minor pieces (your opponent gets to use all pieces = material advantage) or play blitz upside down?
10. Would you rather play Hula Chess with Jennifer Shahade or Fischer Random Chess with Peter Leko?
Jokes from my statistics class (credit to Dr. Shi, wording modified a bit):
Hilarious...
"I have a car with a bumper sticker, 'Baby on Board'. It is actually a threat. It should tell other drivers I have a screaming baby, a nagging wife, and I'm not afraid to die anymore!"
Answer the following in 30 seconds max:
A murderer is condemned to death. He is given a choice of four rooms. Which one would you choose?
(a) A room full of raging fires.
(b) A room full of assassins, who are equipped with guns.
(c) A room full of lions that haven't eaten in 2 months.
(d) A room full of statisticians, who will make you do exercises and bore you to death.
Next, answer the following for the choice you made:
Why did you choose (a)?
Why did you choose (b)?
Why did you choose (c)?
Why did you choose (d)?
The best choice:
(c) If the lions haven't eaten in 2 months, they are already dead!
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