Discipline in Correspondence Chess, Part 7

A Closer Look at Openings

I wasn't really sure at first about considering this article as part of the "Discipline" series, but I guess the mere fact that I am not practicing what I will soon be talking about just shows the need for "discipline" in this area of my games.

What I observed in most of my games, whether won or lost, is the lack of understanding of how my opening moves affected the development of the game. I think this can be attributed partly to the superficial understanding I have of the openings I use. This in turn can be traced to the haphazard way I employ opening moves. In a number of games that begin simultaneously, usually in a tournament in cc, I would usually employ about half as many openings as the number of games I play as white, which would usually mean three or more opening types, six in total considering my response as black. Plus the fact that I would use another set of totaly different openings if I happen to start another set of tournament games, some of which I don't even recognize the idea behind it. I am beginning to realize I won't get very far in developing my understanding and skill in the game if I continue to do this. Then add to that the lack of discipline to analyze the games as it progress, and you have a recipe for disaster, or at least getting by without getting much out of a game, which in turn makes it a lot less fun (as in any sport, lack of development of skill is one sure way to make it boring).

So on this aspect of the game, I would start making changes in such a way that I would employ a minimal set of openings, perhaps two each for white and black, a total of four, for a certain duration of time enough for me to have a deeper understanding of its pros and cons. I imagine it would be easier for white, since I can dictate more or less the opening, but it would be a bit of a trick for black since I would have to prepare and research more in anticipation of white's opening.

In addition, I would try to understand each game better by taking down notes and observations as the game progress. And this could mean making changes on my game habits, in particular, playing less games but paying more attention to it. And yet, I feel that I would be getting
more, and perhaps having more fun, by doing this rather than playing games haphazardly.

A minimal set of opening repertoire would also have an added advantage: it would provide direction for any research and study I would do to better understand the openings I would be using.

Finally, this is the first in this series where I dealt directly with the game itself, as opposed to analyzing and understanding the environment of the game, particularly as it applies to correspondence chess. It has both been a challenge and a refreshing change for me. And hopefully, the start of another something fun and wonderful.

Part 6 here

Start of series here

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Discipline in Correspondence Chess, Part 6

Plateau Season

For several months now, I had seen my rating settle in a range. Despite a conscious effort to produce games of better quality, the aspect of strategy seems to escape me. There is a certain numbness that creep in one's game after playing day after day. You become inattentive, even careless. The ratings and game results show it. And no one else knows more about what's happening than yourself, as you review your games and see how you could have won some but blundered your way and lose.

I suppose that no player is immune to this. It has probably occurred to even the better players at one point or another. And I suppose it's even more acute and pronounced in cc than otb chess. For one, cc games can drag on for weeks, your attention shifting from one game state to another, with one or two moves for each of your several games interspersed within the day. In contrast to the more concentrated type of play in otb, where outcomes can be determined within hours, and definitely within the day.

Minus the "distractions" of one's daily life (or inspite of it), in its purest sense the main cause has to be one's concentration aka mental toughness and discipline. Better players are able to discipline themselves to keep on standing where others have already fallen and let down their guard. They can allow for "off" days and probably not make moves. Or probably limit moves to more or less "harmless" ones, which would include those games wehere there are currently no other alternative moves or essentially a build-up in the opening game. And yet they can coax themselves out of a prolonged "slump". (I am making these assumptions based on what I observe other athletes do in other sports. I would surmise that this is the case for chess players also. An alternative view, if any, is appreciated from the reader).

Like I had usually intimated in previous articles on this series, recognizing the problem is oftentimes more than halfway of getting it solved. Recognizing your current state will allow you to make a better decision of how to approach your games. A day or two away from them all is sometimes all that is needed to come back refreshed and energized. A conscious mindset in front of the boards is another way of "being there". Pacing your games and not hurrying to make moves in so many games can usually bring quality results. And yet, we should not lose sight of the fact that we play chess to enjoy and to learn at the same time. If you feel compelled to make a move, it's usually a sign you should put it off, maybe even for just a few hours (for cc at least you can do that). You may probably end up making a better move and enjoy your game better, maybe even gain the upper hand! And yet, "slumps" is something that we should conciously strive to gain control over.

Like many things in life, playing chess is a paradox: you don't enjoy it half as much as when you are taking it seriously, but you can't perform half as well as when you recognize it's just a game.

Good game everyone!

Part 7 here
Part 5 here
Start of series here Read More......

The Power of Encouragement

I was playing cc the other day and my opponent on the other end who happen to be online also and trading moves with me complimented this blog I started. I had not been updating this for more than a month now for lack of time to concentrate on some articles, but now that I know at least a soul may probably come back for some new stuff, how can I not oblige? :-) not that it's a burden, but indeed an encouragement.

Expect some new things to come up within a couple of days. Now, if only I can get these paperwork out of my way.... Read More......