Wednesday, January 6, 2010

1001 Arabian Knightmares


1001 Arabian Knightmares is my project. The idea is to force myself to play 1001 games with a single opening system. This way I will learn it well and not be overly surprised by variations.
I play my games primarily on FICS. I play the slowest game at the highest rating I can find. After the game I write it into my 1001 Arabian Knightmares book, and look where the mistakes are. I look where we departed from book. I look for the shots and missed shots. I look for strategic errors. And I try to see how the endgame was played. I use my own head, then Chessbase, Fritz, as well as opening books and openind Dvds to do my analysis.
I am also slowly working through Jesus de la Villa's 100 Endgames you Must Know, Grooten's Strategy for Club Players, and Palliser's 1200 tactical exercises book.
I think I am at around game 24. So I have a long way to go. It is about learning, not about ratings. Still the ratings are a measuring instrument that offers some degree of assesment.
I like that I am forcing myself to play. I read that one of the reasons kids learn so fast is that they play more.
And it is fun. Winning is fun. Losing is even fun, if I can admire the skill of the other player, and they are nice.
I try not to let the malcontented one's effect me too much. Usually this is when I am winning, but not fast enough for my oponent's liking. Usually it is an endgame where I have a clear advantage and no need to rush. I play simple practical safe moves and secure the point. It seems to drive some people nuts.
I'll keep you informed. (Imaginary readers of this unknown blog)

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