Sorry to everyone who checked the blog yesterday for a Thursday post. Blogger was not allowing access to accounts for most of yesterday, and also this morning.
See http://status.blogger.com/
I will add an extra post to what I have planned later this weekend or Monday. In the meantime, check out some of the Chess in the Library posts below (find links at the bottom of this blog)!
Have a nice day!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Wacky Wednesday - Personality Quiz
Let's try something new for a change. Personality quizzes are popular in magazines, so why not include them in a blog?
What type of 'chess animal' are you?
For each of these questions, choose the answer that suits you best!
Question 1: How do you usually win your games?
(a) Brilliant checkmate
(b) Long, drawn-out endgame
(c) Perhaps win some material, then use the advantage later on to checkmate
Question 2: What is your first instinct when you realize a king's castle is open?
(a) That king is not safe!
(b) There may be a way to get an advantage!
(c) What a great chance to attack!
Question 3: If there was one type of piece you feel you couldn't play without, what would it be?
(a) Queens
(b) Minor Pieces (Knights or Bishops)
(c) Pawns
Question 4: When you see yourself playing black against a higher-rated opponent, what result do you tend to anticipate?
(a) Loss
(b) Draw
(c) Win
Question 5: If your position gets closed, you immediately
(a) Decide on a new plan
(b) Try to open up the position
(c) Reorganize your pieces, but let the closed structure remain
Total up your points:
Q1 (a) 3 points (b) 1 point (c) 2 points
Q2 (a) 1 point (b) 2 points (c) 3 points
Q3 (a) 3 points (b) 2 points (c) 1 point
Q4 (a) 1 point (b) 2 points (c) 3 points
Q5 (a) 2 points (b) 3 points (c) 1 point
Score:
5 points - 8 points
You're a bear -
You tend to sit back and wait for something to happen. You like solid structures and calm positions. However, if your opponent causes too many disruptions, you unleash your inner strength. To improve, bring your strength to the next level - take initiative as soon as there is an opportunity - don't wait for your opponent to make the first attack, otherwise you risk getting too passive.
9 points - 11 points
You're a chameleon -
No one really knows what's on your mind. You 'change the colour' of each of your games by adding unique twists and turns. Sometimes you choose to stay calm like a bear, sometimes you push ahead like a lion, and sometimes you do something really extraordinary. To improve, be aware of your tendencies and situations, then match various styles to appropriate positions.
12 points - 15 points
You're a lion -
You are always on the prowl for a fresh way to attack. You like unbalanced, unclear positions. People fear your fierceness, and may try to hide or fight back. Either way, you are always ready for a challenge. To improve, keep up with tactical themes, and make sure to build your attacks thoroughly (rather than spontaneously). Of course, not all positions call for an immediate attack, so be patient - even lions need up to 20 hours rest per day!
Wasn't that fun?
(Note - this quiz is just for fun, not for serious training. You should consult your instructor or further resources before determining your precise style. Quiz was designed by Hazel :) Hope you liked it - more to come in the future!)
What type of 'chess animal' are you?
For each of these questions, choose the answer that suits you best!
Question 1: How do you usually win your games?
(a) Brilliant checkmate
(b) Long, drawn-out endgame
(c) Perhaps win some material, then use the advantage later on to checkmate
Question 2: What is your first instinct when you realize a king's castle is open?
(a) That king is not safe!
(b) There may be a way to get an advantage!
(c) What a great chance to attack!
Question 3: If there was one type of piece you feel you couldn't play without, what would it be?
(a) Queens
(b) Minor Pieces (Knights or Bishops)
(c) Pawns
Question 4: When you see yourself playing black against a higher-rated opponent, what result do you tend to anticipate?
(a) Loss
(b) Draw
(c) Win
Question 5: If your position gets closed, you immediately
(a) Decide on a new plan
(b) Try to open up the position
(c) Reorganize your pieces, but let the closed structure remain
Total up your points:
Q1 (a) 3 points (b) 1 point (c) 2 points
Q2 (a) 1 point (b) 2 points (c) 3 points
Q3 (a) 3 points (b) 2 points (c) 1 point
Q4 (a) 1 point (b) 2 points (c) 3 points
Q5 (a) 2 points (b) 3 points (c) 1 point
Score:
5 points - 8 points
You're a bear -
You tend to sit back and wait for something to happen. You like solid structures and calm positions. However, if your opponent causes too many disruptions, you unleash your inner strength. To improve, bring your strength to the next level - take initiative as soon as there is an opportunity - don't wait for your opponent to make the first attack, otherwise you risk getting too passive.
9 points - 11 points
You're a chameleon -
No one really knows what's on your mind. You 'change the colour' of each of your games by adding unique twists and turns. Sometimes you choose to stay calm like a bear, sometimes you push ahead like a lion, and sometimes you do something really extraordinary. To improve, be aware of your tendencies and situations, then match various styles to appropriate positions.
12 points - 15 points
You're a lion -
You are always on the prowl for a fresh way to attack. You like unbalanced, unclear positions. People fear your fierceness, and may try to hide or fight back. Either way, you are always ready for a challenge. To improve, keep up with tactical themes, and make sure to build your attacks thoroughly (rather than spontaneously). Of course, not all positions call for an immediate attack, so be patient - even lions need up to 20 hours rest per day!
Wasn't that fun?
(Note - this quiz is just for fun, not for serious training. You should consult your instructor or further resources before determining your precise style. Quiz was designed by Hazel :) Hope you liked it - more to come in the future!)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Twisted Tuesday - Puzzles
These are the puzzles I selected for the OGCC this past weekend (+ added the rhymes). Try them for yourself!
Kindergarten - Grade 1
"I really want to take the knight, but after 2. Kc2 the game is tight. Can I win material in three? Help me, help me, what can you see?"
Grade 2
"When I got his queen, my advantage grew. Now I have mate in two!"
Grade 3
"Two knights patiently wait, for the next two moves become checkmate!"
Grade 4
"My access to black's king seems quite low. But wait, isn't he on the back row?"
Grade 5
"A few moves here and there - I'm sure to get to his king - beware!"
Grade 6
"Now we're starting to get in the groove. Tell me, tell me, what's the best move?"
Grade 7 - 8
"Pieces, pieces, point east and west. Which move here is the best?"
Grade 9 - 12
"A couple ways to end this game. More or less, the checkmate's the same."
Kindergarten - Grade 1
"I really want to take the knight, but after 2. Kc2 the game is tight. Can I win material in three? Help me, help me, what can you see?"
Grade 2
"When I got his queen, my advantage grew. Now I have mate in two!"
Grade 3
"Two knights patiently wait, for the next two moves become checkmate!"
Grade 4
"My access to black's king seems quite low. But wait, isn't he on the back row?"
Grade 5
"A few moves here and there - I'm sure to get to his king - beware!"
Grade 6
"Now we're starting to get in the groove. Tell me, tell me, what's the best move?"
Grade 7 - 8
"Pieces, pieces, point east and west. Which move here is the best?"
Grade 9 - 12
"A couple ways to end this game. More or less, the checkmate's the same."
Monday, May 9, 2011
Marvelous Monday - Joke!
How does chess relate to furniture?Answer: There are winners, losers, and "drawers"!
Looking for chess table designs like the one above? http://www.thisnext.com/tag/wood-chess-table/
Thursday, May 5, 2011
More Stuff Soon!
Hey Readers!!!
How is everyone doing? Hope you aren't under the weather - I hear a lot of illnesses are going around & it's been raining like crazy in Toronto. Let's cross our fingers for a sunny weekend!
You may be wondering why there has been a delay in blog posts. I've been extremely busy with errands + preparing activities for the OGCC (this Saturday). Time just seems to fly by! However, I do have plans starting next week to keep this blog fresh & up to date:
Weekday Posts -
Marvelous Mondays
* Begin each week with a "Checkmate!" classic - joke, quote, top ten, would you rather?, ...
Twisted Tuesdays
* Come back for brain teasers, puzzles, variants, strategy, ...
Wacky Wednesdays
* Reserved for newer features like chess libs, personality quizzes, contests, art/animations, ...
Totally Thursdays
* News, written pieces, links, visits/photos, gift guides, ...
Weekend + Friday Posts -
* surprise posts = a variety of chess-related topics, games, jokes, etc. depending on my mood
Monthly Posts -
* tournament and link updates
* camel story continuation
* player or game of the month
+ other fun stuff :)
- feel free to send in your games, photos, suggestions, etc.
If you're attending the OGCC, hope to see you there! If not, have a nice weekend & check back next week for more exciting posts!
Hazel
How is everyone doing? Hope you aren't under the weather - I hear a lot of illnesses are going around & it's been raining like crazy in Toronto. Let's cross our fingers for a sunny weekend!
You may be wondering why there has been a delay in blog posts. I've been extremely busy with errands + preparing activities for the OGCC (this Saturday). Time just seems to fly by! However, I do have plans starting next week to keep this blog fresh & up to date:
Weekday Posts -
Marvelous Mondays
* Begin each week with a "Checkmate!" classic - joke, quote, top ten, would you rather?, ...
Twisted Tuesdays
* Come back for brain teasers, puzzles, variants, strategy, ...
Wacky Wednesdays
* Reserved for newer features like chess libs, personality quizzes, contests, art/animations, ...
Totally Thursdays
* News, written pieces, links, visits/photos, gift guides, ...
Weekend + Friday Posts -
* surprise posts = a variety of chess-related topics, games, jokes, etc. depending on my mood
Monthly Posts -
* tournament and link updates
* camel story continuation
* player or game of the month
+ other fun stuff :)
- feel free to send in your games, photos, suggestions, etc.
If you're attending the OGCC, hope to see you there! If not, have a nice weekend & check back next week for more exciting posts!
Hazel
Thursday, April 28, 2011
A 'Handy' Brain Teaser
How many hands might you find at a standard chess game involving two people?Assume there are no other people around, and pieces do not have hands.
(Answer below)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
V
Answer: Eight! Two hands per player and two sets of hands on a chess clock (if it is analog).
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
V
Answer: Eight! Two hands per player and two sets of hands on a chess clock (if it is analog).
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
GM Mark Bluvshtein at WLU
This event was held quite awhile ago (Mar. 30), but I thought I should post these photos anyway:
Mark did a great job communicating with participants. Above, he answered a question before the start of this participant's game. As you can see, when Mark speaks, he commands attention of everyone around him - people were so interested in what he had to say!
Mark made his way around the simul tables at a very fast pace. Sometimes he would stop at a board, but rarely stand directly in front of it. Above, you can see his angled posture - ready to take down his next opponent!
Making another move...
...and proceeding once again.
I would call this my 'front row seat', at least for a simul. Notice the intensity!
The camera on my phone has a cool black and white option. Personally, I think photos look very artistic in black and white.
My 'front row seat' view in black and white.
Here he comes!
Crowds grew quite large throughout the simul. Students, faculty members, even parents and people from the community! Above, my photo got squeezed out by the crowd, but I love it!
More crowds!
People were literally standing everywhere!
This photo was a bit of a joke. My friend didn't want me to take a picture of him playing his game, so we agreed his hand could be famous instead :)
There were a bunch of cool Laurier posters that completely roll up after use (talk about convenient storage!) and a microphone for announcements + speeches. At the microphone above is Dr. Hasan Shodiev, a physics professor interested in promoting chess at Laurier. He organized the whole event!
We also had a few journalists and photographers! Smile!
Even that chair was intimidating :)
A few people rolled their eyes when I took this photo, but I couldn't help it. It was a beautiful day in a beautiful building!
Mark's sponsors donated an assortment of chess equipment, including this giant display board, for use in the WLU Chess Club next year. I will be the incoming president of the club, and will work with Dr. Shodiev to organize activities + a team. I was surprised when Mark said there wasn't really a chess team he could play on when he was at York University, yet this simul alone gave him a lot of positive energy. Therefore, I hope to see chess increase at the academic level (especially in universities) in the future!
Thanks to GM Mark Bluvshtein and Dr. Hasan Shodiev for an amazing event!
P.S. Mark won all his games!
Mark did a great job communicating with participants. Above, he answered a question before the start of this participant's game. As you can see, when Mark speaks, he commands attention of everyone around him - people were so interested in what he had to say!
Mark made his way around the simul tables at a very fast pace. Sometimes he would stop at a board, but rarely stand directly in front of it. Above, you can see his angled posture - ready to take down his next opponent!
Making another move......and proceeding once again.
I would call this my 'front row seat', at least for a simul. Notice the intensity!
The camera on my phone has a cool black and white option. Personally, I think photos look very artistic in black and white.
My 'front row seat' view in black and white.
Here he comes!
Crowds grew quite large throughout the simul. Students, faculty members, even parents and people from the community! Above, my photo got squeezed out by the crowd, but I love it!
More crowds!
People were literally standing everywhere!
This photo was a bit of a joke. My friend didn't want me to take a picture of him playing his game, so we agreed his hand could be famous instead :)
There were a bunch of cool Laurier posters that completely roll up after use (talk about convenient storage!) and a microphone for announcements + speeches. At the microphone above is Dr. Hasan Shodiev, a physics professor interested in promoting chess at Laurier. He organized the whole event!
We also had a few journalists and photographers! Smile!
Even that chair was intimidating :)
A few people rolled their eyes when I took this photo, but I couldn't help it. It was a beautiful day in a beautiful building!
Mark's sponsors donated an assortment of chess equipment, including this giant display board, for use in the WLU Chess Club next year. I will be the incoming president of the club, and will work with Dr. Shodiev to organize activities + a team. I was surprised when Mark said there wasn't really a chess team he could play on when he was at York University, yet this simul alone gave him a lot of positive energy. Therefore, I hope to see chess increase at the academic level (especially in universities) in the future!Thanks to GM Mark Bluvshtein and Dr. Hasan Shodiev for an amazing event!
P.S. Mark won all his games!
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