Chess for Children

I am coaching an elementary school chess club. It is wonderful.

The first day they learned how the pieces move.

The second day they learned en passant, castling, and notation.

Next week I hope to show them the "Overkill Mates" Q+R vs. K, Piece valuations, and general principles.

Go forth children! Swipe those hanging pieces! Then attack or trade down and win!

Mu ha ha ha ha!

Humble

"God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

I have been playing the Caro-Kann and Slav as black, and the London as white for about a half a year now. I am doing this because I just don't care as much about chess right now. The London-Slav-Caro Kann suits my easy going, risk managing style just fine.

But Mihail Marin is such a temptress! I will soon own his complete English repertoire, and I can feel myself being pulled into the vortex of advanced opening preparation.

I am only an 1800 on chess cube for crying out loud. That probably is like a 1500 USCF. Why should I be ashamed of playing the London? Why should I dream of taking up with the English?

I am tempted because Mihail Marin's style suits my own imagined style. Can a person of my low level and lack of real tournament even claim to have a style? At any rate, I buy books, so that is good for chess. Let me dream.

I plan to stick with the London, and use the English when the fancy strikes me.

I plan to stick with the Caro-Kann, and use the Accelerated Dragon, when I'm in the mood.

I plan to stick with the Slav, and use the Semi-Slav when I'm adventurous.

Call me tedious or tenatious, but I am doing what I want to do.