Twisted Tuesday - Strategy Advice

Those who know me have probably caught me staring into space sometime in the past - yes, I was one of those kids occasionally sitting in the back of the room, staring into space, and thinking to myself. Not surprisingly, I was having one of those days today. Don't get me wrong, I got a lot accomplished throughout the day, but every now and then a random idea would pop into my head, the first being the fact that 'timing of things is so important'. If you think about it, timing dictates a lot in our life. Simply the time and related circumstance of an event can cause it to succeed or fail. Likewise, in chess, when to play moves and how to manage the time on your clock can be crucial factors.

I decided to make a list of ten tips to help you manage time in chess. There are many more things that could be said, but we'll leave those for another day (or feel free to comment).

1. Calculate forced, realistic, and pattern-oriented moves first. This should be common sense, but it's so easy for the human mind to get distracted. There's really no point spending a bunch of your valuable time calculating inefficient or unrealistic options.

2. Arrive on time and remember to press your clock!

3. Really get to know the position and its underlying strategy on your opponent's time, so that you can focus on actual moves/tactics on your own time.

4. If you are constantly low on time, find out where the problem is occurring. Is it in the opening, middlegame, or endgame? Is it in your attack or defense? Does it involve certain trouble pieces? Once you know where the problem is, you can work to improve the situation.

5. Come to the game with fresh energy. Eat & sleep well + don't pressure yourself too much. A friend of mine advised me to relax an hour before each exam - something similar could apply to chess. Basically, if you feel drained and tired during your game, you will have to use extra time to organize your thoughts, not to mention your motivation.

6. Be flexible - don't get stuck on certain 'rules' like you must take 'x' amount of minutes per move. You have to adjust the way you manage your time in each situation. If it's a straightforward game and you are 99.99% sure a certain move is the best move, you don't need to spend all day looking for a better one. On the other hand, if it's a complicated game, and a crucial move, you may want to spend a larger chunk of time thinking - just don't go overboard because you still have the rest of the game to complete.

7. Practice, practice, practice! Try to include a variety of positions, opponents, tactics, strategy, and so forth into your studies/tournaments. The more patterns you're exposed to, the easier moves will come to your mind.

8. Stay calm, but never too calm! Almost everything in life is about finding a balance. If you panic, you won't be able to sort your thoughts efficiently. If you go into vacation mode, you may not be thinking at all! So try to find that balance and use it to your advantage.

9. Develop consistent habits - when I was younger, I used to bring juice, a teddy bear, and a certain set of pens & scorepads to each game of a tournament. I would write out my moves in a certain way, and sometimes even look at the board a certain way. While it may seem over the top, these habits helped me focus efficiently, because when you get used to your surroundings in a consistent way, you don't think about as many distractions. Of course, I would change things up occasionally (between tournaments) to keep myself from going insane (haha) but overall, my habits were quite regular.

Note: While there are many acceptable habits you can develop, make sure the habits themselves are not overly distracting to you or others.

10. Even though timing is important, don't let it overrule your thinking process. It's similar to a test - it's better to get 50 questions correct in a longer amount of time than 100 questions wrong in a shorter amount of time. Your first priority is to find reasonable moves. Your second priority is to find them efficiently.

Further resources:

http://chess.about.com/od/tipsforbeginners/qt/TimeManagement.htm

http://www.chess-game-strategies.com/beginners-chess.html

http://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman40.pdf

http://www.mychessblog.com/online-chess/

http://www.chesskid.com/article/view/time-is-on-my-mind

http://www.gamecentercentral.com/improve-in-chess-manage-your-time-well-and-win-chess-games-more-and-lose-less/

http://how-to-improve-in-chess.com/2011/02/12/improve-in-chess-proper-chess-time-management-3/

http://www.thechessworld.com/learn/articles/17-chess-how-tos/131-how-to-manage-time-in-chess

http://www.chessfornovices.com/becomingastrongchesstournamentplayer2.html

http://main.uschess.org/content/view/9176/341/

http://www.chess.com/article/view/time-management2

http://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman10.pdf

or search 'time management chess', 'timing moves in chess', etc... as you can see, there are many articles about this important issue :)

Good night!

Top Ten

Top 10 things a tournament organizer should consider before selecting a venue:

1. Location, location, location - nearby accommodations, transit routes, parking, residential areas, restaurants, etc.

2. Lighting - hmm was that a white piece I moved, or a black one?

3. Space - a little arm space would be nice!

4. Noise level - once I went to a tournament where the room we played in was directly below a room full of dancers; well, I guess that's only good if you want to show off your ceiling ;) Same for squeaky chairs and tables. Oh, and also consider if the sound of chess pieces + clocks will affect other conduct in the building.

5. Decor - chess players are creative thinkers, so try to make sure the atmosphere reflects that.

6. Rules - there are many rules to consider, but as an example, you don't want to have hundreds of players going through a high-rise hotel if the elevator limit is really low. You also don't want to have a junior tournament in a location more suited for adults (and vice versa).

7. Fees - everyone should know by now...you have to read the fine print!

8. Special considerations - are there different rooms for different sections or one room for everyone? Is there a stage or other feature to highlight key games? What is the connectivity and technology available in the room(s)? What about temperature/humidity? etc...

9. Reputation and past record of the venue - for instance, what other tournaments and events been held there before?

10. Instinct - be extra cautious if something doesn't feel right. If you don't like the venue, and have other suitable options, go with one of the alternatives. You'll probably run a better tournament in a location you are more comfortable with.

Anything else?

More Countdown Answers

Wow, I didn't expect to be so busy these past few weeks! I have a break now, so I'll start by posting answers to the remaining countdown questions. More posts to come this weekend...including fund recipient!

Countdown #17 - 23 - Would You Rather x 7

- Up to 7 points available

1. Would you rather play in a chess tournament on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve?

Probably Christmas Eve! I usually like to stay at home on New Year's Eve to watch the countdown under a warm blanket. On the other hand, if I stay at home on Christmas Eve, you can guess by now what I'd be doing - wrapping last minute gifts. (1 point for any appropriate answer)

2. Would you rather receive a wool sweater with a huge graphic of a chess king that says "Check me!" or an antenna hat with giant light-up pawns?

I'm not much of a sweater person. Plus, there's something compelling about things that bounce around, light up, and make you look like a bumble bee. (1 point for any appropriate answer)

3. Would you rather make a (chess-related) holiday logo for Apple or Microsoft?

Oooh tough one...I'd buy the software from Microsoft, and create the logo for Apple. As you'll find out below, I love apples in general, and the company Apple seems to have a more colour-oriented logo in general. (1 point for any appropriate answer)

4. Would you rather have a completely black and white holiday tree or a standard tree with all black and white ornaments?

Every now and then I like think up something fresh and unique. A black and white tree would certainly suit my style! (1 point for any appropriate answer)

5. Would you rather eat burnt holiday brownies or burnt holiday pie?

These options seem rather ridiculous, considering I'm not a big fan of sweets in the first place (I like to bake, and I'll have sweets here and there, but I don't enjoy them nearly as much as when I was younger). I prefer pie to brownies, especially if the pie has cinnamon in it, but burnt pie tastes awful. So brownies win by default. (1 point for any appropriate answer)

6. Would you rather go shopping on December 24 (Christmas Eve) or December 26 (Boxing Day)?

Easy choice - Christmas Eve. Before Christmas, I'm able to rationalize shopping for gifts (and delay wrapping them haha), even if it means finding my way through crowds. But after Christmas, I just want to relax and get back to other things that need to be done. True, there are some great deals on Boxing Day, but I've learned more than once that it's not worth lining up early in the morning for whatever scraps that didn't make it into Santa's bag. (1 point for any appropriate answer)

7. Would you rather spend Christmas day (substitute with another holiday if you don't celebrate Christmas) at home or with relatives/friends?

I love all my relatives and friends, but there is no better day than Christmas to spend time with my family. (1 point for any appropriate answer)

Countdown #24 - Knight Path (modified)

- Up to 5 points available

I haven't found a solution yet - have you? Here are my attempts (2 points for filling at least half the board):

Nh1 - g3 - f1 - h2 - f3 - g1 - h3 - f2 - g4 - e3 - g2 - e1 - d3 - b2 - d1 - c3 - e2 - c1 - a2 - b4 - c2 - a1 - b3 - d2 - b1 - a3 - c4 - d6 - f7 - h8 - g6 - h4 - f5 - h6 - g8 - f6 - e8 - g7 - h5 - f4 - e6 - g5 - h7 - f8 - d7 -b8 - a6 - c5 - a4 - b6 - c8 - e7 - c6 - d8 - b7 - a5 ouch so close

Nh1 - g3 - f1 - h2 - f3 - g1 - h3 - f2 - d1 - e3 - g2 - e1 - d3 - c1 - e2 - c3 - a2 - b4 - c2 - a1 - b3 - d2 - b1 - a3 - c4 - b2 - a4 - c5 - d7 - f6 - g4 - h6 - g8 - e7 - f5 - h4 - g6 - h8 - f7 - g5 - h7 - f8 - e6 - f4 - h5 - g7 - e8 - d6 (I can already see I've made a misstep somewhere) - b5 - a7 - c6 - e8 - b7 - a5

(third attempt = trying to work from the front and back)

Nh1 - g3 - f1 - h2 - f3 - g1 - h3 - f2 - g4 - e3 - d1 - b2 - d3 - c1 - e2 - c3 - a2 - b4 - a6 - c5 - a4 - b6 - c4 - a3 - b1 - d2 - b3 - a1 - c2 - e1 -g2 - h4 - g6 - h8 - f7 - d8 - e6 - f8 - h7 - g5

Na8 - c7 - e8 - f6 - d7 - b8 - c6 - a5 - b7 - d6 - b5 - a7 - c8 - e7 - g8 - h6 - f5 - g7 - h5 - f4

(unfortunately the two knights cannot connect)

The biggest problem is keeping moves flexible without boxing off certain squares, especially edges and corners. Even if you don't find a solution, this is a great exercise for students, since it involves thinking many moves in advance!

Countdown #25 - Joke IV

- Up to 5 points available

Why does Santa give chess sets without the queens and rooks?

Answer: On the busy night before Christmas, he wants to avoid major problems! (5 points for correct guess, 2 points for any creative guess)

Countdown #26 - River-crossing

- 2 points available

1. Rook and knight cross
2. Rook returns
3. Rook and one 'male' pawn cross
4. Rook and knight return
5. King and other 'male' pawn cross
6. King returns
7. King and queen cross
8. Queen returns
9. Rook and knight cross
10. King returns
11. King and queen cross
12. Queen returns
13. Queen and one 'female' pawn cross
14. Rook and knight return
15. Rook and other 'female' pawn cross
16. Rook returns
17. Rook and knight cross

(2 points for finding the entire solution)

Countdown #27 - Camel Story

- Up to 4 points available

Question 1 -What are the names of the camels and how were these names chosen?

Gamalo and Gamala. 'Gamal' means camel in Arabic. (1 point)

Question 2 - What did the camels say the chess king looked like?

A pharaoh. (1 point)

Question 3 - How did chess lose its status as a 'royal game'?

'Sandbagging'. For further information, see http://checkmateupdate.blogspot.com/2009/12/camels-learn-truth-about-chess.html (1 point)

Question 4 - What is the name of the tournament Oscar will play in?

Ma'at. (1 point)

Countdown #28 - Brain Teaser

- 2 points available

In a single move, Johnny moved his king two squares, but did not castle. How is this possible?

Johnny is playing checkers. He moved his king two squares by jumping over one of his opponent's pieces (how nice - kings can jump in checkers but not in chess!), and hopefully winning the game. (2 points)

Countdown #29 - Top Ten II

- Up to 7 points available

Top 10 ways to signal you want to resign a chess game:

1. Say "I resign".
2. Shake (1 point) hands
3. Tip down your king (1 point)
4. Stop the clock (1 point)
5. Write "you win" on your scorepad and show it to your opponent
6. Stare at your opponent angrily, then storm/stomp/run/etc. (1 point) out of the room (not a good idea!!!)
7. Sweep all the pieces (1 point) off the board (http://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/etiquette-on-resigning) (not a good idea!!!)
8. Offer to play (1 point) again
9. Spell it out using toothpicks?
10. Disconnect your computer (1 point) (not very nice, even if your opponent usually can't see you!!!)

Countdown #30 - How well do you know your blog writer?

- Up to 4 points available

Question 1 - What are my favourite colours?

I love all sorts of colours, but my favourites...
(c) Blue and purple...they're so 'cool'! (1 point)

Question 2 - What do I like to drink when I need an energy boost?

Coke Zero is okay, but a bit too bubbly to have regularly. Plain water is a bit too...plain. I never have energy drinks, so take a point off if you chose that.
(b) Vanilla cappuccino (1 point)

Question 3 - What is my favourite thing to do over the holidays?

If you took a look at one of my other countdowns, wrapping gifts is out of question. Okay...it's not so bad afterall...just not my favourite. Shops are too hectic. Visiting friends is nice, but in the end, I just want to catch up on some zzzzzzz.
(b) Sleep (1 point)

Question 4 - I was once asked what food I could live off of for the rest of my life. What was my answer?

This question was asked a long time ago, but I think my answer made sense. I love apples!
(b) Apples (1 point)

Countdown #31 - New Year

- Up to 5 points available

Five of my resolutions (1 point for each of your resolutions):

1. Aim for a healthier lifestyle - I won't list all the specific details here, but it includes drinking more water, eating daily vitamins, choosing whole grains/fruits/veggies when possible, and getting at least 6 - 8 hours of sleep most nights.

2. With first semester over, time to reorganize! Throughout January (since this post is late, I have already accomplished much of this 'reorganization'), reclean my room, get all my new course materials, sort my computer files, contact friends, ...

3. This semester, go to all my classes (unless there is a legitimate reason like illness), but leave time for other activities (at least 1 volunteer initiative and at least 1 school club).

4. Find a summer job to support my education.

5. As for my blog, throughout the next year, give out the 2010 Elaine Howie Fund, collect at least $200 for the 2011 fund, finish the camel story, think of at least five fresh new ideas for regular features on the blog, update tournament information monthly, and of course, continue to entertain my readers!

Congratulations for finishing the countdown! Hope everyone is having a great month!

Countdown #25 - 30

Anyone else exhausted from the holidays? Guess they finally caught up with me. Hope everyone has been enjoying good company and good food!

Now to make up for countdown posts...

Countdown #25 - Joke IV

Value: 5 points if guessed correctly, 2 points for any creative guess

Why does Santa give chess sets without the queens and rooks?

Countdown #26 - River-crossing

Value: 2 points

Based on content from: http://brainden.com/crossing-river.htm

Two 'male' pawns, two 'female' pawns, one king, one queen, a rook, and a knight need to cross a river using a single boat. The boat can support maximum two pieces at a time, and one piece (in the boat) must be a major piece, or the king, in order to cross.

In addition,
- the 'female' pawns don't like having the king around if the queen is not present
- the 'male' pawns don't like having the queen around if the king is not present
- the knight cannot be left with any pawns, queen, or king, unless the rook is present

How can all of them cross under these circumstances?

Countdown #27 - Camel Story

Value: 1 point for each correct answer to the following questions

Question 1 -What are the names of the camels and how were these names chosen?

Question 2 - What did the camels say the chess king looked like?

Question 3 - How did chess lose its status as a 'royal game'?

Question 4 - What is the name of the tournament Oscar will play in?

Countdown #28 - Brain Teaser

Value: 2 points

In a single move, Johnny moved his king two squares, but did not castle. How is this possible?

Countdown #29 - Top Ten II

Value: 1 point per correct blank filled in.

Top 10 ways to signal you want to resign a chess game:

(note: not all methods are necessarily recommended!)

1. Say "I resign".
2. ______ hands.
3. Tip down your ______.
4. Stop the ______.
5. Write "you win" on your scorepad and show it to your opponent.
6. Stare at your opponent angrily, then ______ out of the room.
7. Sweep all the ______ off the board. (http://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/etiquette-on-resigning)
8. Offer to ______ again.
9. Spell it out using toothpicks?
10. Disconnect your ______.

Countdown #30 - How well do you know your blog writer?

Value: 1 point for each correct answer to the following questions

Question 1 - What are my favourite colours?
(a) Red and green...Christmas spirit!
(b) Yellow and orange...now that's sunny!
(c) Blue and purple...they're so 'cool'!
(d) Any colour, as long as it's in the rainbow!

Question 2 - What do I like to drink when I need an energy boost?
(a) An energy drink, duh!
(b) Vanilla cappuccino
(c) Coke Zero
(d) Plain water

Question 3 - What is my favourite thing to do over the holidays?
(a) Shop
(b) Sleep
(c) Visit friends
(d) Wrap gifts

Question 4 - I was once asked what food I could live off of for the rest of my life. What was my answer?
(a) Ice cream
(b) Apples
(c) Whole wheat pitas and tzatziki
(d) I can't choose!

I'm Back!

Final countdown questions? - Yes, more coming December 23 and extended until December 31 due to the unexpected delay.

Answers? - The answers for previous countdowns and their point breakdown are posted below:

Countdown #1 - Mystery Image

- Up to 5 points available

Image 1: http://ratings.fide.com/calculators.phtml
(1 point)

Image 2: was on http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/search/?keywords=chess&pageSize=10&cookieCheck=1 on the day countdown #1 was posted (as a promotion for Heather's Picks)
(1 point)

Image 3: http://hhchess.sa.utoronto.ca/
(1 point)

Image 4: http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/ (side bar)
(1 point)

Image 5: http://www.chess-math.org/chess/math.htm
(1 point)

Countdown #2 - Cryptograms

- Up to 6 points available

Cryptogram #1:
“It is the aim of the modern school, not to treat every position according to one general law, but according to the principle inherent in the position." (1 point)
- Richard Reti (1 point)

Cryptogram #2:
“What is the object of playing a gambit opening? To acquire a reputation of being a dashing player at the cost of losing a game.” (1 point)
- Siegbert Tarrasch (1 point)

Cryptogram #3:
"A good sacrifice is one that is not necessarily sound but leaves your opponent dazed and confused." (1 point)
- Rudolph Spielmann (1 point)

Countdown #3 - Pawn Groups

- 2 points available

The key is to group the pawns together, yet spread the groups apart. One possibility is to place the pawns on a5, a6, b5, b6, c1, c2, d1, d2, e7, e8, f7, f8, g3, g4, h3, and h4. (2 points)

Countdown #4 - Piece Scales

- 2 points available

Given:
1 P + 2 R = 3 N
2 N = 1 N + 4 R

Find:
2 P + 1 N = ? R

Calculation:

Since 2 N = 1 N + 4 R,
1 N = 4 R

Since 1 P + 2 R = 3 N and 1 N = 4 R,
1 P + 2 R = 12 R
1 P = 10 R

So 2 P + 1 N = 2 (10 R) + 1 (4 R) = 24 R

Therefore, twenty-four rooks are needed to balance the third scale. (2 points)

Countdown #5 - (No answer required)

- No points available

Countdown #6 - Mystery Image II

- Up to 5 points available

Image 1: http://checkmateupdate.blogspot.com/2009/08/top-ten.html
August 26, 2009; top ten things chess players are good at (or think they're good at!)
(1 point)

Image 2: http://checkmateupdate.blogspot.com/2009/09/joke.html
September 1, 2009; joke about where chess players go to eat
(1 point)

Image 3: http://checkmateupdate.blogspot.com/2009/09/chess-puzzle-white-to-move.html
September 22, 2009; mate in 21
(1 point)

Image 4: http://checkmateupdate.blogspot.com/2009/11/chess-in-snow.html
November 30, 2009; pictures involving chess and snow/ice
(1 point)

Image 5: http://checkmateupdate.blogspot.com/2010/03/so-proud.html
March 7, 2010; Ontario Team Tournament results
(1 point)

Countdown #7 - Your Turn at Top Ten

- Up to 9 points available

1. Ten movies that mention the word "chess" (2 points, answers may vary)

This site contains a long list: http://chess.eusa.ed.ac.uk/Chess/Trivia/chmovies.html

2. Ten songs that mention the word "chess" (2 points, answers may vary)

Check out this forum for ideas: http://www.chess.com/forum/view/fun-with-chess/songs-about-chess

Learn more about music and chess history: http://www.chess.com/article/view/music-and-chess

3. Ten pieces of literature that mention the word "chess" (2 points, answers may vary)

A great list: http://www.oocities.com/siliconvalley/lab/7378/chess_lit.htm

(1 additional point for completing all top ten lists above)

Bonus: Ten interesting things (street names, facts, etc.) associated with the word "chess" (2 points, answers may vary)

Many possible answers, such as a street called "Chess Drive" according to http://chessdiva.blogspot.com/2008/02/cute-street-name.html

Countdown #8 - Would You Rather? x5

- Up to 5 points available

1. Would you rather play chess with Santa over candy canes and a steamy cup of hot chocolate, or play chess with Frosty over a tasty plateful of cookies and a cup of milk/chocolate milk (that you obviously took from Santa!)?

Playing chess against a snowman seems more like a 'once in a blue moon' opportunity. Plus, I'm not a huge fan of eating candy canes. (1 point for any appropriate answer)

2. Would you rather go ice skating or snowboarding after a weekend chess tournament?

Ice skating! Snowboarding is too intense after a hard set of games. (1 point for any appropriate answer)

3. Would you rather participate in a tiebreaker involving a snowball fight or a snowman-building competition?

Depends on my opponent. Against a more aggressive/less patient opponent, I would choose snowman-building. Against a passive/more patient opponent, perhaps a snowball fight! (1 point for any appropriate answer)

4. Would you rather take chess advice from an elf or a reindeer?

Neither...they're all working for Santa... (1 point for any appropriate answer)

5. Would you rather drive two hours through a blizzard to get to a chess event or walk in the cold for fourty-five minutes?

Usually I like to walk, but seeing that I can't really play a chess game as an icicle, the drive would have to do. (1 point for any appropriate answer)

Countdown #9 - Joke!

- Up to 5 points available

Why did Frosty the Snowman use icicles at the beginning of his chess game?

Answer: He wanted to play a 'sharp' opening! (5 points for correct guess, 2 points for any creative guess)

Countdown #10 - Joke II

- Up to 5 points available

Why is Santa Claus a bad chess player?

Answer: He gives away a lot of games! (5 points for correct guess, 2 points for any creative guess)

Countdown #11 - 13 - Words in Words

- Points will vary based on # words

Here are some of the words I found:

CHECKMATE

a
at, am, me, he, eh, em
mat, eat, tea, ate, hem, cat, hat, eke, cam, ace, tee, ham
mate, mack, tack, each, tame, hate, meet, meek, mace, meat, heat, hack, team, ache, came, etch, make
check, cheek, cheat, cache, teach, catch, match
checkmate

PERPETUAL

a
at, pa, la, up
ape, are, ale, put, rep, let, lap, eat, tea, ate, pet, perm, rut, tee, eel, rap, par, pep, ear, ule, pal, ere, tap
tape, lute, pulp, peer, late, pale, peel, leap, teal, tale, tarp, part, prep, reap, pear, lure, true, rape, rule, trap, purl, tree, pupa
taper, paler, later, alert, alter, pearl, upper
pulper, repeat, retape
perpetual

COUNTDOWN TO CHESSMAS!

So many possibilities! I'm not going to list them all here :D

What did you find???

Countdown #14 - Joke III

- Up to 5 points available

Why doesn't Rudolph like to play speed chess?

Answer: He always loses to Blitzen! (5 points for correct guess, 2 points for any creative guess)

Countdown #15 - 16 - Top Ten

- Up to 7 points available

1. Wrap is too small (1 point), and you must squeeze it tightly together to fit.
2. Wrap tears/breaks (1 point) while wrapping, so you have to rewrap or tape up the hole.
3. The gift itself has an odd shape (1 point), such as pointy or rounded ends.
4. Running out of tape/wrap.
5. Finding out someone used all the ribbon (1 point) for an art project. Now how will you be able to decorate the gift?
6. Realizing you wrapped the wrong gift (or gave it to the wrong person).
7. The wrap indents or creases and is hard to tape as a result.
8. Getting stuck wrapping too many gifts late (1 point) at night.
9. Throwing (1 point) away the mounds of waste wrap/tape.
10. For some people, gift wrapping (1 point) altogether!

Last minute gift guide? - post later today :D

Countdown #15 - 16

Countdown #15 - 16 - Top Ten

Value: 1 point per correct blank filled in.

Just for fun, here are some holiday gift wrapping pet peeves. Try to fill in the blanks. Can you think of any other wrapping peeves (1 bonus point)?

1. Wrap is too ______, and you must squeeze it tightly together to fit.
2. Wrap ______ while wrapping, so you have to rewrap or tape up the hole.
3. The gift itself has an odd ______, such as pointy or rounded ends.
4. Running out of tape/wrap.
5. Finding out someone used all the ______ for an art project. Now how will you be able to decorate the gift?
6. Realizing you wrapped the wrong gift (or gave it to the wrong person).
7. The wrap indents or creases and is hard to tape as a result.
8. Getting stuck wrapping too many gifts ______ at night.
9. ______ away the mounds of waste wrap/tape.
10. For some people, _______________ altogether!

I will be posting answers to countdown questions (for those following along at home) + a very last minute gift guide sometime next week. I'm sorry I haven't been able to post every day -- and will not be able to for a few more -- because my roommates and I have to conserve our monthly Internet usage. As a result, I have decided to find some way to give a small gift to all my readers (any ideas?) instead of one prize to a contest winner. Hope everyone is having a great season :)

Countdown #7

A reminder to read the contest rules (http://checkmateupdate.blogspot.com/2010/11/countdown-begins-soon.html) before attempting to send your answers :)

Countdown #7 - Your Turn at Top Ten

Value: 2 points for each list with ten items (1 point for each list with at least five correct items), bonus 1 point for completing all three lists fully

Had something important to do this morning, but since this post is quite late, I have doubled its point value (2 points per list instead of 1 point per list)!

Send lists for the following:

1. Ten movies that mention the word "chess"

2. Ten songs that mention the word "chess"
3. Ten pieces of literature that mention the word "chess"

Another bonus (2 points):

- Ten interesting things (street names, facts, etc.) associated with the word "chess"

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 :)

Top Ten!

Top 10 things that were great to see at the Canadian Open:
1. Large, bright facility (see earlier post for photos)
2. Cool ceilings!
3. Grandmasters :)
4. Monroi displays
5. Lots and lots of chess pieces & books
6. Fancy glasses of water and white tea tablets
7. CN Tower at night/Harbourfront
8. Tim Hortons x 2 :) :) :)
9. Old copies of chess articles on the walls...perfect for doing a 360 degree spin and still being entertained - ceilings, chess pieces, walls, more chess pieces...dizzy...dizzy...
10. You! (well...if you were there...)

Sixty-four squares to save the world!

(Photographs: Top, by Be Someone, Inc. Bottom, by Kevin Garrett)

Seeing chess in a new light...

What would you do if you could change someone's life? How would you feel if you could do so while playing the game you love?

Chess is often mistaken as a game solely of winners and losers. As soon as the king falls, or the clock ticks down, the game is over - and we simply move on. Does chess have to be seen this way?

Orrin "Checkmate" Hudson would disagree. Growing up in foster care with twelve other children, Hudson struggled to excel in school and life. He stole tires, joined the wrong crowd, and like other at-risk children, faced the possibility of jail, poverty - even death. He could have given up. He could have dropped out of school and vanquished all hopes. Instead, he graduated as an outstanding student and went on to start his own business. What turned his life around?

At the age of fifteen, Hudson's high school English teacher, James Edge, introduced him to chess. He was told to make the right moves and become a better person. The chess board became his visual aid to help him overcome the obstacles in his life.

After winning a couple prestigious tournaments, Hudson realized that good choices pay off. As a tribute to saving his own life, he sold his business to found Be Someone, a crime prevention program using chess for education. Since then, he has held seminars and workshops for close to 20,000 disadvantaged and at-risk youth, helping them turn away from crime, guns, and drugs, and instead realize their true potential. Hudson offers enthusiasm and a $1,000 incentive for any youth who can defeat him at chess. Furthermore, his programs help students' presentation, vocabulary, and networking skills, among others.

Mission of Be Someone: To build character, hope, and inspiration so that kids can set and achieve lifetime goals, realize their full potential, and Be Someone.

Hudson sees parallels in chess and life. He believes, through chess, people can learn that every move has a consequence. "Think about the board. The king, the pawn, the bishop, the rook, the knight, and the queen: They all have their unique combination of power. Their purpose is to stay in their lane and do what they do best." (Orrin Hudson, as quoted by Karen Leland) In other words, pieces must work together despite their "social" differences - which in life could be gender, race, academic achievement - and find the right combination.

From Hudson's viewpoint, chess can be a game in which everyone wins - and not just at the board, they win at life! The ability of chess to transform a routine of crime and drugs into a life of achievement and success makes it one of the most powerful games in history. If only people would follow Hudson's steps, and channel positive energy through chess, the world could become a better place for all.

As we reflect on our beautiful country of Canada - one that values culture, freedom, and prosperity - surely this article is worthy of careful consideration. As a way to show my positive spirit, I have compiled three top ten lists based on my research. Enjoy!

Top 10 Orrin Hudson Quotes

1. "Make every move count."

2. "Think it out, don't shoot it out."

3. "Win by choice."

4. "Push pawns, not drugs."

5. "KASH - Knowledge, Attitude, Skills and Habits - over cash."

6. "You're always in a race between disaster and education. If you get the education, you can prevent the disaster."

7. "When you play chess, all your pieces have a clear purpose. Just like in life. You have to make sure you make the right move at the right time."

8. "When you do noble things, you help out other people and society and it makes you feel good. It is a win-win situation. When the person you help out is a child that has a full life ahead of them the results of your efforts can return to society exponential rewards."

9. "Surround yourself with smart players who can make you better."
10. "Evil prevails when good people do nothing."

Top 10 Lessons People Can Learn From Chess

1. Character

2. Self-esteem

3. Respect

4. Responsibility

5. Structure/Discipline

6. Thinking/Problem-solving

7. Concentration

8. Community

9. Patience

10. Sacrifice

Top 10 Results of Learning Chess

1. Ability to set goals (and see "losing" as a valuable asset for future improvement)

2. Better grades

3. Longer attention span

4. Strategic thinking

5. Positive competition

6. Teamwork/cooperation

7. Etiquette

8. Motivation

9. Inspiration

10. Expanded world view

Hudson's non-profit organization:

Be Someone, Inc., founded 2001

http://www.besomeone.org/

Hudson has received many leadership and community service awards. He also graduated as Most Likely to Succeed and Outstanding Student in his senior year.

His life story and his book ("One Move at a Time", which teaches readers how to go for "The Big Win" of moral development) have been featured on numerous news stations, television/radio networks, periodicals, magazines, and websites, including Good Morning America, USA Today, People magazine, and CNN.

Hudson's goal is to reach out to one million children, one move at a time.

Thank you to Lexus Magazine for advising me of this story. Here is Karen Leland's article: https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/magazine/content.do#:/pub-share/magazine/html/Lexus-Lifestyle/Orrin-Hudson.html

Other websites used for research & quotes:

http://www.besomeone.org/

http://www.chess-coach.net/index.php/2009/07/17/be-someone-founder-orrin-checkmate-hudson-claims-victory-at-37th-annual-world-open-chess-tournament/

http://romenews-tribune.com/view/full_story/7698033/article-Chess-player-Orrin-Hudson-uses-game-to-teach-values?instance=home_news

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-06-15-chess-teach_x.htm

http://goddesschess.blogspot.com/2009/07/chess-mentor-orrin-hudson.html

http://www.insearchofheroes.com/internet-heroes/pages/Orrin%20Hudson%20hero.html

Top Ten!

Top 10 materials chess sets are made of:

1. Wood (90% of chess sets today are constructed out of wood! - http://www.thechesszone.com/chess_pieces_materials_manufacture)
2. Metal/pewter/brass
3. Marble
4. Plastic
5. Glass/ceramic
6. Alabaster (http://ezinearticles.com/?Materials-to-Consider-When-Choosing-a-Chess-Set&id=1036329)
7. Jade & other precious gemstones
8. Gold & silver
9. Ivory, leather, & other animal-derived materials (but please avoid if possible to protect the animals)
10. Computer pixels/electronic

And don't forget to choose from one of many cool chess themes!

Top Ten!

Top 10 things chess players might say to their opponents

Start with something basic:

1. "Good game"
2. "Check"/"checkmate"
3. "Draw?"
4. "I adjust"
5. "Hello"

Add a little misfortune:

6. "You can't do that" (for illegal moves)
7. "Excuse me...you're stepping on my new shoes."

And finish off with the extreme cases:

8. "Be afraid...be very, very afraid..."
9. "You are getting sleepy...very, very sleepy..."
(the day hypnotists play chess - or the day chess players become hypnotists)

Or not...

10. Nothing...???
(actually more common than some of the other ones above)

More top ten coming up this spring/summer :D

Top Ten!

Top 10 ways to spend reading week
1. eat
2. sleep
3. play/teach chess
4. watch the olympics
5. visit friends
6. update blog
7. anticipate all the tough times ahead (exams, assignments, ...)
8. celebrate the holidays (well, sort of...)
9. eat and sleep some more...
10. read? ...it IS reading week after all...

Top Ten!

Top 10 things to bring to a chess game:

1. pen/pencil
2. scoresheet
3. board & pieces

4. clock

5. water bottle

6. tylenol
7. kleenex

8. a smile :)
9. a teddy bear :) (if anyone remembers, awhile back, I used to have a lucky teddy bear)
10. yourself!

Smiley graphics: http://www.cybergifs.com/faces/indexr1.html

Top Ten

Top 10 new year resolutions (for chess players)
1. Play in 'x' number of tournaments in 'x' number of locations
2. Raise rating by 'x' number of points (or improve one class)
3. Obtain a certain norm or title
4. Win a particular tournament
5. Finish 'xth' place (or better) in a particular tournament (or win 'x' number of games)
6. Qualify for a particular tournament
7. Learn a new opening
8. Meet a chess idol
9. Start a chess blog :)
10. Avoid traffic ;)

Feel free to add more via the comment link below...

Top Ten

The chess player's top 10 ways to stay warm this winter:

1. Play chess! While skiers and snowboarders are out catching colds, chess players can enjoy the warmth of their local indoor chess club.

2. Play blitz/rapid. The fast pace sure generates some heat!

3. Play a super grandmaster. Trust me, you won't have time to think about the cold.

4. Remember to shake hands with your opponent. Perfect for melting the frost before an important match.

5. Travel to a tournament abroad, such as the 19th annual North American Open in Nevada (December 26 - 29) http://www.chesstour.com/nao09.htm

6. Make sure the organizer has turned on the heater (if possible). You may be fine at first, but nobody likes coughing five hours later.

7. Dress warmly. I know you want to wear your patriotic chess t-shirt, BUT please don't forget a sweater!

8. Don't stay in one spot the whole time. By moving around every so often, your body generates much needed heat. When not playing a game, also look for opportunities to get some exercise.

9. Eat properly. Hot foods and drinks are good choices to re-energize. Eat regularly to regulate your metabolism and keep warmer!

10. Enjoy yourself. You are much more likely to feel cold for extended periods of time when you get tired or bored. Have fun and time will just fly by!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Top 10 things to be thankful for:
1. Family
2. Friends
3. Food/Water
4. Shelter (our homes and neighbourhoods)
5. Our country
6. Human rights/Freedom
7. Education
8. Jobs/Financial security
9. Life
10. Chess!

Top Ten

Top 10 reasons why you were late for your game:
1. you slept in
2. you were stuck in traffic
3. you couldn't find the location
4. you got off at the wrong transit stop
5. you got the start times mixed up
6. your last game ended late and you needed a break
7. you lost track of time (for instance, playing too many blitz games)
8. you had other commitments
9. you were trying to throw off your opponent
10. it was daylight savings

Top Ten is back!

Top 10 things to do BEFORE a game:
1. review openings *note: understand, don't just memorize*
2. review tactics
3. play some practice games
4. grab a wholesome breakfast/lunch/dinner
5. sleep!!!!
6. check the standings and make sure your pairings didn't change...as they sometimes do
7. take a walk
8. chat with your fellow players or organizers
9. take a washroom break
10. wish a good game/good luck to your opponent (shake hands)

Top 10 things to do DURING a game:
1. concentrate
2. analyze
3. plan
4. move! (well...you have to)
5. remember to press your clock
6. be mindful of your time control
7. be respectful to your opponent and others
8. take small breaks to refresh, especially if you start to feel tired
9. notate your game for future reference
10. have fun!!!!

Top 10 things to do AFTER a game:
1. stop the clock
2. shake hands with your opponent
3. offer to analyze the game with your opponent in the skittles room *note: don't forget to clean up your tournament board/area before going to the skittles room!*
4. analyze the game
5. make mental notes about key points you can learn from your game (you can also make notes on your score sheet)
6. take a break to refresh and relax
7. recheck the standings
8. eat something
9. congratulate others for doing well in their games
10. prepare for your next game!

Top Ten

For a little laugh...

Top 10 things chess players are good at (or think they're good at!)

1. Staring at plastic...or wood...depending on their style

2. Reading books

3. Writing blogs

4. Thinking while blindfolded

5. Withstanding the sound of a ticking clock (no wonder we can never get up in the morning!)

6. Talking in code (a.k.a. 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3....)

7. Eating bananas (they always seem to be in supply at Guelph tournaments...thanks Hal!)

8. Dreaming (of cash, and titles, and all that good stuff)

9. Arguing

10. Checkers