I haven’t given up on compiling the list of educational games, but it was more difficult than I first thought. I have come up with a list of approximately 150 games from different sources, and I have narrowed it down to the 50 you see here. I tried to keep at least one version of each theme, but I wanted to keep the number of games manageable.
Blog
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Annotated Game: Indiana-Jones – Chessbuzz
Indiana-Jones versus Chessbuzz is another game where I take a beating from a GM on ICC. I think I’m getting a lot out these games, as I learn how GM’s take advantage of the smallest advantage and eventually dismantle the weaker player. I think the most educational part is annotating the game afterwards.
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Tactics Online
Chess Tempo is a new online tactics site, it is still in testing, but it is definetly worth a visit. It is similar to the Chess Tactics Server, but you do not have the time penalties CTS has, so you can think about the position a bit longer.
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Educational Chess Games
It is common knowledge, that in order to improve your chess game you should go over annotated master games. To get the most out of this exercise, the master games that we go over should should contain memorable patterns and/or combinations that we can later recall and apply in our own real game situations.
I am beginning to compile a list of educational games, and I would love to hear your recommendations. Leave a comment with the participants, year, venue and the lesson it is teaching, and in a future post I will make a PGN available for download which includes all these games.
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Chessbase Light 2007
Download your free copy of Chessbase Light 2007!
UPDATE: Please see the update and expanded chess database post including a download link to the latest version of chessbase light. -
Annotated Game: Martica Fierro Vs. Chessbuzz
Here’s a game I played tonight on ICC against Martica Fierro . I have attempted as part of my improvement program to annotate it, but please feel free to provide feedback.
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Chess Training for Amateurs
The Program
The following system is geared towards adult beginners with an ELO rating of 1200-1800. It is a modified version of Irina Mikhailova’s schedule which she used at the Petrosian Chess School. [1]
I have left the schedule flexible so that it can be modified based on the time you have to dedicate to chess study. For my own use, I plan on devoting 1 hour to chess at least 6 times per week for a total of 6 hours of chess study per week. If you want to add more time, simply multiply the hours per block. For example, I am using 30 minute blocks, so 1 block of study endings is equivalent to 30 minutes. If you want to devote more time simply multiply 1 hour X block for each theme.
Below are some of the differences between the original Mikahilova schedule and this version:
• Less emphasis on opening study.
• Spread across more days, but fewer hours of study per day. This is a 6 day program and the original was a 4 day program.
• Is geared towards a lower rated working adult.
• Strong emphasis on endgame studies, and contains a study endings theme which the original version did not.
• Strong focus on tactics training as the original.
• Incorporates the shortcut version of Michael de la Maza’s Seven Circles training.
• Time has been allocated for analyzing your games.
• Solving strategy session revolves around going over annotated master games.
In a nutshell, this program contains 4 of the things most chess coaches say are critical to improvement:
1. Going over annotated master games.
2. Repetition of tactical puzzles to burn in pattern recognition.
3. Playing slow games of G/30 or greater.
4. Analyzing your games, to find out your mistakes and preventing their reoccurrence.
Another benefit of the program is that it also grants structure and maximizes your chess study time.
Study Schedule
When performing the modified 7 circles training, I recommend that you use the difficulty level method, and begin with the level 10 puzzles. The first cycle will take you through the first 200 puzzles, which will range in difficulty from 10-20. You then begin the next cycle with puzzle 201, etc. I tried to keep the time per puzzle to 20-50 minutes since my block time is 30 minutes.
Seven Circles Shortcut
If you follow the schedule it should take you approximately 4 weeks to finish 1 cycle of 200 puzzles and 1000 puzzles in approximately 20 weeks.
Resources
Tactics: CT-ART 3.0, Chess Tactics Server
Study Endings: Silman’s Complete Endgame Course, Just the Facts by Lev Alburt
Solve Endings: Silman’s Complete Endgame Course, Personal Chess Trainer.
Solve Strategy: Zurich International Chess Tournament 1953
Study Strategy: Reassess your Chess by Jeremy Silman, My System by Nimzowich
Reference
[1] http://www.convekta.com/softscho/l1/lesson_3.html
[2] http://www.chesscafe.com/text/skittles148.pdf and http://www.chesscafe.com/text/skittles150.pdf -
Playing Over Annotated Master Chess Games
Purdy maintained that the best way to get better at chess was to play over annotated master chess games. Below is Purdy’s method for going over chess games:
1. Take the side of the winner (or either side if the game was a draw).
2. Cover the moves with an index card, and when it’s your turn to move select a move based on the position on the chess board.
3. Uncover the move, and compare it to your move. Review the annotations and understand why the text move is better than the move you selected.
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Advice to an Improving Adult Player
Must read advice for any adult player looking to improve their game.