Chess

[Legion]

Any chess players out there?

I used to play a bit when I was younger. I was never super good but competent enough when playing my friends and I enjoyed it. I recently downloaded the chess app for my phone and it has sort of rekindled my interest.

I just thought I'd see how many of you guys are into the game. Maybe we can get/ give advice on equipment, playing tips, etc. Oh, and since most of us are total gear freaks, post some pictures if you have a cool looking chess set for us to see!

 

[SRock]

I'm a Chess player. I took several years off but my iPhone rekindled my joy of Chess as well.

 

[rdeakle]

I enjoy playing chess, so much so that I even play against myself.

 

[Sullybob]

I like playing chess. I'm just a shade better then lousy though!

 

[KarthVader]

Used to be on the chess team in high school. I haven't played in ages though. I do collect chess sets from countries that I visit. So far, I have a set from Egypt, Greece, Mexico and India.

 

[richmondesi]

I used to play Chess regularly, and I was moderately good. When I was in NY, there was a really bright Canadian kid on the team with me, and we'd play 3 or 4 games everyday before and after games... It got pretty competitive (he was better than me at Chess, but I was better at him at baseball and was my backup). Lot's of fun though

 

[information junkie]

I have not played in years

Used to be on the chess team in high school. I haven't played in ages though. I do collect chess sets from countries that I visit. So far, I have a set from Egypt, Greece, Mexico and India.

I regret not getting one while I was in Afghanistan.

 

[blackfoot]

I used to love to play chess. Then, I played chess with my uncle. He had been on a chess team and his friend and him play a lot. They of course use the clock that I had never heard of before he introduced me. He would watch me make a move and tell me I was either making a brilliant move he had never seen before or a stupid move. It was always stupid.

My wife and I started a game, years ago. The rules were, one person made a move every night. The next night, the next person moved. I don't know what started this idea, but it was fun. The game ended when the house burnt down.

 

[r.mutt]

I enjoy chess, though i dont play it as often as i would like.

In relation to chess I'm one piece away from completing my chess set that I made out of soap (for the pieces). The the squares of the board I made out of leather, the dark squares I used red stop paste. The boarder around the squares I use Bulgarian Rosewood (expensive). I made the whole thing like a display case for straight razors. The board is the lid of the display case, the inside is covered with a maroon cloth.

I have a thread about it in the straight razor forum which i will hopefully be updating tomorrow after my critique is over.

 

[Legion]

I enjoy chess, though i dont play it as often as i would like.

In relation to chess I'm one piece away from completing my chess set that I made out of soap (for the pieces). The the squares of the board I made out of leather, the dark squares I used red stop paste. The boarder around the squares I use Bulgarian Rosewood (expensive). I made the whole thing like a display case for straight razors. The board is the lid of the display case, the inside is covered with a maroon cloth.

I have a thread about it in the straight razor forum which i will hopefully be updating tomorrow after my critique is over.

Cool. Love to see some photos!

 

[htownmmm]

I play all the time:

Wednesday night @ Borders here in Hagerstown;

Correspondence every day-I am currently playing 87 games right now.

I taught myself the game when I was 10 and have been playing off/on for 39 years-currently every year since 1997. Although I no longer have any visions of becoming a Grandmaster, I have been known to beat experts(who are not as strong as GM's) and my rating is heading towards expert level(2000) in correspondence play.

OTB(over the board) I am rated by the USCF(united states chess federation) as a Class B player(next level is A, then expert).

I always use a clock to play-any game w/o is meaningless; time is a part of the game and thinking fast on your feet when dog tired mentally is expected.

I own over 200 chess books and counting(just bought another one last night!!!!{RESISTANCE IS FUTILE} and my collection pales when compared to most. I also own 3 of the top computer programs(plus many more training and opening programs) for chess to analyze and study my games

Many of the current crop of excellent chessplayers(can/could eat Bobby Fisher for lunch!) have left chess to dominate the world of texas hold em poker as their chess skills translate very well-plus, you can make more money @ poker than you can @ chess; even @ the top levels.

So, yes, I play chess!!!!



marty

 

[richmondesi]

That's awesome Marty! You seem like the type

 

[SRock]

I've probably shared this story elsewhere on B&B but this thread is a bit more relevant since it all comes down to a chessboard.

When I was a kid I delivered newspapers. Along my route was a strange old man, we'll call him Crazy Joe. All of the neighborhood kids were scared to death of crazy Joe. One spring while I was delivering the paper a storm swooped in quickly. When I opened the screen door to place his paper between the screen and the door he yanked the door open and pulled me inside. Mind you I was about 12 at the time so I darn near crapped my pants. The fear quickly subsided when he said in his thick Polish accent, "What are you doing out here, there is a Tornado Warning. They just said on the radio that two touched down just up the road." I felt even more comfortable when he handed me the phone to call my Dad. I told my Dad where I was. He told me to take the old man and his wife into the basement and he'd be there to pick me up as soon as it was safe to do so. So, I did as my Father directed. I asked Crazy Joe and his wife to go into the basement. We grabbed a few candles, a flashlight some batteries, the phone and he grabbed what I though was a checker board.

Once we got settled in the basement Crazy Joe turned on the radio and set out his checker board. Then he started placing pieces on it and I quickly realized it wasn't a checker board but a chess board. I knew what it was, but I'd never played it. Crazy Joe said, "You play chess?" No, I told him. He then asked if I'd like to learn. Sure I said. As he started explaining where the pieces went he started telling me stories about "the old country". Joe was from Poland originally. I learned that he was an Olympic swimmer in the 30's and he won three medals. He continued on telling me how each piece can move and what they are called. About midway into a side story about his time on Poland's Olympic Team there was a knock at the door. It was my Dad, the storm had passed and it was time to go.

Over the course of that summer I frequently stopped into Joes house for stories about the Olympics, and to learn more about the game of chess. As the stories went on I learned that after the Olympics he was drafted into the Navy and while conducting maneuvers off the cost of Cuba (why in the world the Polish Navy was near Cuba I'll never know) he along with 4 friends jumped ship. Now before you decide that Crazy Old Joe is a traitor to his country let me go on. Joe said he didn't know how far off the coast they were but it took three days to make it to the Island. By the time he and one other got there they lost three of their friends at sea. Joe and the other survivor made their way North across the island and jumped right back in. They made a make shift raft and believe it or not made it to the Florida keys. his friend died shortly after their arrival in Florida making old Joe the only one of the 5 to make it to the US alive. Joe enlisted in the US Army and went on to fight in Europe during WWII. He lost his entire family in the war. After his service in the US Army was over he moved to Indiana and took a job with RCA where he met his wife. His wifes family were all from my part of Indiana and they gave them a home as a wedding gift. That is how Joe ended up in my neighborhood. He also told me that he made the chess set himself. The board looked pretty good but the pieces were very rough looking. He was very proud of that board.

So, Chess, thats what we were talking about. I spent about 6 months learning about this amazing person, learning how Crazy Joe wasn't crazy or scary or mean but how he was a patriot to his home country of Poland and an American Patriot. Joe became a mentor for me growing up and I learned a great deal from him. He was like another Grandfather to me. We had countless conversations over the next 6 years almost always over a glass of lemonade with a chess match on the side.

Anyway, in 2003 I was deployed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While I was deployed Old Joe passed away. My Dad didn't tell me because he didn't want to upset me while deployed. When I got home on leave I noticed Joes Chess Set was sitting on the table. Before I could ask my Dad said, "Old Joe passed away this spring. I wanted to tell you but I didn't want to upset you while you were deployed. His daughter came by here after he passed away and asked for you. I told her that you were away in the Air Force. She handed me the Chess Board and said her father left it to you in his will."

He left me his hand made chess set in his will. I cherish that chess board and more importantly the life lessons I learned while learning how to play chess from a great man.

Sorry so long, just reminiscing and thought I'd share.

I used to love to play chess. Then, I played chess with my uncle. He had been on a chess team and his friend and him play a lot. They of course use the clock that I had never heard of before he introduced me. He would watch me make a move and tell me I was either making a brilliant move he had never seen before or a stupid move. It was always stupid.

My wife and I started a game, years ago. The rules were, one person made a move every night. The next night, the next person moved. I don't know what started this idea, but it was fun. The game ended when the house burnt down.

At least you can laugh at such a tragedy. Who would have won, and did you start up again in the new house?

 

[blackfoot]

I've probably shared this story elsewhere on B&B but this thread is a bit more relevant since it all comes down to a chessboard.

When I was a kid I delivered newspapers. Along my route was a strange old man, we'll call him Crazy Joe. All of the neighborhood kids were scared to death of crazy Joe. One spring while I was delivering the paper a storm swooped in quickly. When I opened the screen door to place his paper between the screen and the door he yanked the door open and pulled me inside. Mind you I was about 12 at the time so I darn near crapped my pants. The fear quickly subsided when he said in his thick Polish accent, "What are you doing out here, there is a Tornado Warning. They just said on the radio that two touched down just up the road." I felt even more comfortable when he handed me the phone to call my Dad. I told my Dad where I was. He told me to take the old man and his wife into the basement and he'd be there to pick me up as soon as it was safe to do so. So, I did as my Father directed. I asked Crazy Joe and his wife to go into the basement. We grabbed a few candles, a flashlight some batteries, the phone and he grabbed what I though was a checker board.

Once we got settled in the basement Crazy Joe turned on the radio and set out his checker board. Then he started placing pieces on it and I quickly realized it wasn't a checker board but a chess board. I knew what it was, but I'd never played it. Crazy Joe said, "You play chess?" No, I told him. He then asked if I'd like to learn. Sure I said. As he started explaining where the pieces went he started telling me stories about "the old country". Joe was from Poland originally. I learned that he was an Olympic swimmer in the 30's and he won three medals. He continued on telling me how each piece can move and what they are called. About midway into a side story about his time on Poland's Olympic Team there was a knock at the door. It was my Dad, the storm had passed and it was time to go.

Over the course of that summer I frequently stopped into Joes house for stories about the Olympics, and to learn more about the game of chess. As the stories went on I learned that after the Olympics he was drafted into the Navy and while conducting maneuvers off the cost of Cuba (why in the world the Polish Navy was near Cuba I'll never know) he along with 4 friends jumped ship. Now before you decide that Crazy Old Joe is a traitor to his country let me go on. Joe said he didn't know how far off the coast they were but it took three days to make it to the Island. By the time he and one other got there they lost three of their friends at sea. Joe and the other survivor made their way North across the island and jumped right back in. They made a make shift raft and believe it or not made it to the Florida keys. his friend died shortly after their arrival in Florida making old Joe the only one of the 5 to make it to the US alive. Joe enlisted in the US Army and went on to fight in Europe during WWII. He lost his entire family in the war. After his service in the US Army was over he moved to Indiana and took a job with RCA where he met his wife. His wifes family were all from my part of Indiana and they gave them a home as a wedding gift. That is how Joe ended up in my neighborhood. He also told me that he made the chess set himself. The board looked pretty good but the pieces were very rough looking. He was very proud of that board.

So, Chess, thats what we were talking about. I spent about 6 months learning about this amazing person, learning how Crazy Joe wasn't crazy or scary or mean but how he was a patriot to his home country of Poland and an American Patriot. Joe became a mentor for me growing up and I learned a great deal from him. He was like another Grandfather to me. We had countless conversations over the next 6 years almost always over a glass of lemonade with a chess match on the side.

Anyway, in 2003 I was deployed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While I was deployed Old Joe passed away. My Dad didn't tell me because he didn't want to upset me while deployed. When I got home on leave I noticed Joes Chess Set was sitting on the table. Before I could ask my Dad said, "Old Joe passed away this spring. I wanted to tell you but I didn't want to upset you while you were deployed. His daughter came by here after he passed away and asked for you. I told her that you were away in the Air Force. She handed me the Chess Board and said her father left it to you in his will."

He left me his hand made chess set in his will. I cherish that chess board and more importantly the life lessons I learned while learning how to play chess from a great man.

Sorry so long, just reminiscing and thought I'd share.

Wow, Rob. That story was great and literally made me tear up a little. That is very cool!

At least you can laugh at such a tragedy. Who would have won, and did you start up again in the new house?

Laughter is how you survive. The first day we were allowed into what was left, we had to meet with the insurance adjuster. In the hallway, Skklog and somebody had drawn a huge smiley face on the wall in the soot. He was amused and said most people don't have that good of a sense of humour. I feel bad for them.

I think I was winning, but I am not sure. It was a full year before we got in a new home and we had forgotten about it. So, we never restarted the game. We still have the chess set. It is a small marble one LOTH bought in Tijuana. She went there a month after we started dating.

 

[htownmmm]

Great story Rob!!!

One of the main reasons I continue to play chess is because of the connections w/ people that result. Most chessplayers play one other person and they are evenly matched. However, one of them knows someone else who they cannot beat so they want to see how the new guy will do against the champ. Of course they then set up a meeting and sit back to watch the fireworks.

This is how I have met many of the gents I know today in the small town I live in. Not only have great games resulted, but the exchange of ideas and personality cannot be beat(except for here on B&B!!!!).

marty

 

[SRock]

Wow, Rob. That story was great and literally made me tear up a little. That is very cool!



Laughter is how you survive. The first day we were allowed into what was left, we had to meet with the insurance adjuster. In the hallway, Skklog and somebody had drawn a huge smiley face on the wall in the soot. He was amused and said most people don't have that good of a sense of humour. I feel bad for them.

I think I was winning, but I am not sure. It was a full year before we got in a new home and we had forgotten about it. So, we never restarted the game. We still have the chess set. It is a small marble one LOTH bought in Tijuana. She went there a month after we started dating.

Thanks Blake. Oh and what is holding you back? You guys need to get that game going again! My wife doesn't play, but I may have to teach her.

 

[nwman]

He left me his hand made chess set in his will. I cherish that chess board and more importantly the life lessons I learned while learning how to play chess from a great man.
Sorry so long, just reminiscing and thought I'd share.

now, that's a great chess story. and what a great friendship.

sadly, i've never been able to find a steady game with anyone in person. i'm only an intermediate at best but spent a lot of hours a few years ago playing chess on yahoo. however the extremely low class of humanoids there finally wore me down. likely as not if i somehow went up a piece or two my opponent would quickly knock himself off-line on purpose so as not to get stuck with a loss. what a bore.

can anyone recommend an more adult online chess experience? also, what is the best software nowadays for playing and learning the game on pc?

i also have a few chess books. while their impact on my game never seemed that great, reading about chess always seems to relax me. any new chess books out there setting the world on fire?

we should set up some kind of online chess board here on b&b. this would be the perfect crowd to find a nice friendly game. then just fire up the virtual fireplace on my tv, pour something tasty into a snifter and get lost in what someone quite accurately called the world's most violent game...

 

[htownmmm]

now, that's a great chess story. and what a great friendship.

sadly, i've never been able to find a steady game with anyone in person. i'm only an intermediate at best but spent a lot of hours a few years ago playing chess on yahoo. however the extremely low class of humanoids there finally wore me down. likely as not if i somehow went up a piece or two my opponent would quickly knock himself off-line on purpose so as not to get stuck with a loss. what a bore.

can anyone recommend an more adult online chess experience? also, what is the best software nowadays for playing and learning the game on pc?

i also have a few chess books. while their impact on my game never seemed that great, reading about chess always seems to relax me. any new chess books out there setting the world on fire?

we should set up some kind of online chess board here on b&b. this would be the perfect crowd to find a nice friendly game. then just fire up the virtual fireplace on my tv, pour something tasty into a snifter and get lost in what someone quite accurately called the world's most violent game...

Here goes:

for online playing: www.chessworld.net and iccchess.com
learning to play software: any version of chessmaster
for tournament play: fritz and rybka + chessbase or chess assistant

hope this helps; I can recommend /invite you to chessworld if you want; just send me your email(it's better if u get invited rather than come in cold.)


marty

 

[firstfloorfront]

I play as well; not very good at over the board stuff; mainly correspondence these day. Got a good double hearer going with my Brother-in-Law at the moment.

 

[taprater]

Great story rob!

I used to play but haven't in several years and I just purchased a nice marble set about a year ago but only played one game on it.

I do remember a game me and my cousin played on his parents pourch on a wonderful Ca. afternoon by the time we finished and to my surprise I won it took us 3 1/2 hours to play a single game

I need to find a new chess partner. I'm not very good but I enjoy the kind of zen it brings.