The everything CHESS thread

[TheIronMaiden]

Gukesh is the Youngest Chess World Champion!

[mrkajz44]

Did I see that right? Ding basically just blundered away a very likely draw in the final game to lose the whole thing? What a finish to a fairly exciting match (yes, a few boring draws in there).

Wild conspiracy theory: Ding hated being world champion due to the pressure and exposure it gave him. He used the entire match to show he could still be champion, but then graciously handed it away in the final game.

Either that, or he finally let his time troubles catch up to him

[FireGilbert]

Wow I thought that was definitely a draw and didn’t stay up to watch the ending.

Had to be time trouble and fatigue. Can’t see Ding turning down an opportunity to make $1 million for three weeks of work. Do understand what he was trying. If the Rooks are traded it removes some tactical complications and forces a drawn bishop end game. Didn’t realise it also forced a bishop trade and a winning pawn end game.

Is a good end game lesson for us. Bishop and pawn vs Bishop and 2 pawns should be a draw because you can sac the Bishop for the extra pawn. Without the bishops it’s more than likely a winning end game because of the extra pawn.

[chemgear]

[FireGilbert]

How is everyone’s chess journey going? Feels like I haven’t had as much time to play lately and my rapid and blitz ratings have stalled. Did have a great classical accomplishment the other day though reaching my highest rating by beating my first ever Lichess 2000 who is currently ranked 921. Am making it a goal to find time for more classical and get into the top 1000.

Also got my 3rd smothered mate in this blitz game. Not as satisfying as calculating a four move mate but I’ll take it.

[Superfraggle]

Originally Posted by FireGilbert

How is everyone’s chess journey going?

Up and down. Hit new peaks in rapid and blitz on chess.com, but my OTB tournaments have been really hit-or-miss lately. Just finished the Calgary International tournament and my results were horrific.

[FireGilbert]

Originally Posted by Superfraggle

Up and down. Hit new peaks in rapid and blitz on chess.com, but my OTB tournaments have been really hit-or-miss lately. Just finished the Calgary International tournament and my results were horrific.

This tournament? https://calgarychess.com/CCC/event/event/9164

Wow you are over 2000 FIDE

[Superfraggle]

Originally Posted by FireGilbert

This tournament? https://calgarychess.com/CCC/event/event/9164

Wow you are over 2000 FIDE

I wish, haha. There were lower sections (u2000 and u1600) that only ran for 7 games. I was in the u2000 section.

https://calgarychess.com/CCC/event/event/9152

[TheIronMaiden]

I am pretty well stuck at 1100 ELO chess.com and have been for a year. serves me right for not grinding any new openings. That said, the puzzles are fun and I've been playing mostly those the last couple of months.

[Brodie66]

I won a game by allowing my queen to get forked. Apparently it was the only winning move.