There is the cliche that the individual is playing chess and not checkers. Usually, they are lying as they react poorly to an unexpected course of events. to quote the Fundamentals of chess 1883. “The only way to get smarter is by playing a smarter opponent.” It does help to be able to plan a few steps into the future but in short, steel sharpens steel. With all of the options that one has with the opening stages of play, using moves such as the now popular, queen’s gambit Sicilian defence, danish gambit and ” The Reti trap”. The Reti trap is my personal favourite opening play at the current moment. Playing the sport more frequently also helps me in the long run by exercising my brain and also has a lot of immediate benefits. The problem-solving, planning and foresight benefits keep me on my toes with my day-to-day.
A knowledge of tactics is the foundation of positional play. This is a rule which has stood its test in chess history and one which we cannot impress forcibly enough upon the young chess player. A beginner should avoid Queen’s Gambit and French Defence and play open games instead! While he may not win as many games at first, he will in the long run be amply compensated by acquiring a thorough knowledge of the game.
Richard Reti
Some of the best chess openings for beginners are
It is the mathematical synteny of probability and statistics which captures the pitch of my curiosity. It also touches on the realities of cost-benefit analysis and how to navigate them. During a tournament in the 1920s, a newspaper reporter asked Richard Reti how many moves ahead he could read. Reti replied, “I only see one move ahead: The right one.” Chess tournaments would be great to meet great players and hone my skills in the game. For times and dates, have a look at the calendar below, download the chess app from chess.com and book a spot on Sundays between 3 pm and 4 pm.