- Joined
- 27 Dec 04
- Moves
- 128551
26 Dec 08
Originally posted by adramforallI subscribed to this site couple of years ago and I was not satisfied. The promised materials were delayed or missing and there was not feedback from the staff at all. I could only use tactics and How Good Is Your Chess, clearly too little value for the money I spent. I do hope they have improved from that time.
http://improveyourchess.com/
Has taken a few members from 1500 to 2000+ in a short space of time.
26 Dec 08
Of course we all are individuals who think by themselves (I hope so, at least). But to think what? there are different qualities of thought; and to improve, I believe one has to get advice from others. This does not mean one merely stupidely repeats the lessons, neither that he has no personality or whatsoever. it just means, except maybe for genius (but still I am not sure) that others' opinion are sometimes pretty helpful. That's all I meant.
26 Dec 08
2 edits
Originally posted by Macpoits really really interesting macpo, can i ask you why you play 1.d4, its not a trick question, i just want to understand your thought process and why you choose that move. because its a good move? well ok, but so is 1.e4, because it leads to...positions i am familiar with, positions i like, positions i know some theory and plans for, positions that statistically have proven winning for me, its a solid and safe move, it puts pawn in the center and facilitates the development of my dark squared bishop, it may lead to a half open c file that i can use later, etc etc etc. can you see how answering some of these questions lets us get to know ourselves strengths and weaknesses, what you think. (actually i do also agree that seeking help is also good)
Of course we all are individuals who think by themselves (I hope so, at least). But to think what? there are different qualities of thought; and to improve, I believe one has to get advice from others. This does not mean one merely stupidely repeats the lessons, neither that he has no personality or whatsoever. it just means, except maybe for genius (but still I am not sure) that others' opinion are sometimes pretty helpful. That's all I meant.
27 Dec 08
Actually I play d4 because I am interested in positional games. this is my very individual taste, no doubt; but I've never said the contrary. I didn't say there are no individual preferences. I just say that the path to improve is to seek for good advice from better players. 🙂
27 Dec 08
Originally posted by Macpoyes its quite understood that advice is good, now if we may proceed just a little further, you state that you are interested in positional games, is this because you have a good positional understanding and hope to outplay your opponent in positional themes because of your greater awareness of such? or that you have suffered detriment as a result of more 'tactical type of positions? or that it perhaps simply suits you're temperament as you have stated, you like solid positions which still have a degree of dynamic potential? also let me ask you, do you like pawn play where pawns play a significant role with the pieces supporting or do you like piece play where the pawns support the pieces, or do you like endings where greater technique may win the day, or do you prefer mating attacks on the king, going past the point of no return perhaps with a few timely sacrifices, because when we are able to answer such questions with regard to ourselves and our temperament, does it not make for greater chances of success?
Actually I play d4 because I am interested in positional games. this is my very individual taste, no doubt; but I've never said the contrary. I didn't say there are no individual preferences. I just say that the path to improve is to seek for good advice from better players. 🙂