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<title>Latest Articles by percepta</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/</link>
<description>Articles at ArticleTrader</description>
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<title>Can You Learn Chess Strategies?</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/can-you-learn-chess-strategies.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/can-you-learn-chess-strategies.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ <p>You may assume that using a chess strategy would be a straight forward case of applying science and logic to any given  problem and working out  a solution.   If this were true , why do so many 5 and 6 year olds continue to astound us with their amazing grasp of  chess combinations yet they have never had a science lesson in their lives.</p><br /><br /><br /><p>No, there is more to it than logic and science.  Is it possible to learn chess strategies?  The answer to this is yes but  you must put logic to one side because it is the apparent absence of logic and science which makes chess strategies the most wonderful and thrilling  passages of play in any chess game.</p><br /><br /><br /><p>Learning chess strategies and tactics will take time.  And a good way to start is by reading as much as you can about  chess. Learn from the masters, try to find out what they were thinking  when they made that crucial move and more importantly, embed it in your mind so that it can be retrieved when you need it in a similar situation</p><br /><br /><br /><p>If you want an example check out Legal’s Mate.  An average player would never had  invented such an  fantastic move.  Nevertheless, having seen the mechanics of it,  he can now use the same strategy or  apply it to other comparable situations.  It is more likely too that you will never let the same thing happen to you.    That said, the study of chess strategies will never make up for the lack of imagination.</p><br /><br /><br /><p>Many players believe that a chess strategy when carried out is a spontaneous  creation brought on by a spark of genius.  They are however, more likely to be triggered  by an opponents error or weak play. </p><br /><br /><br /><p> Remember, when  applying a chess strategy that nothing must be left to chance. Do not assume an opponent will play along with you because this is what you have planned.  Your opponent must have no options left open unless it is to sacrifice  a piece or position to stifle your strategy.  In this case your tactic may have been stopped in its tracks but you have still gained an advantage.  Obviously you had taken this into account  in your  planning hadn’t you?</p><br /><br /><br /><p>The study of chess strategies is a must for the average player.  Knowing the mechanics of chess combinations will  help you grow in confidence and one day  the opportunity will arise when you will implement your own chess strategy.  A strategy that no one else has ever used because you and you alone have planned it.  You have accounted for all your opponents counter moves and  left no stone unturned.  There is a smirk on your face and you cannot hide it., because you know it is the beginning of  the end for your opponent.  You know something  your opponent does not know.</p><br /><br /><br /><p>.The study of chess strategies will never make up for a lack of imagination.</p><br /><p>. </p><br /><br /><br /><br />--<br /><p>The authour has been playing chess fo 40 years.  For more articles check out</p><br /><p> http://chessstrategy.blogspot.com</p><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Use Psychology to Win at Chess</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/use-psychology-to-win-at-chess.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/use-psychology-to-win-at-chess.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ <P>Have you watched any tennis or snooker recently. How many times have you seen the players stop dead before the serve or take a shot because someone in the crowd has coughed or flashed their camera. All these years practicing and a small noise can put them off so much that they refuse to play until the noise has abated. What has this got to do with chess strategies? Well I do not condone trying to put your opponent off but I have  studdied psychology at university and know that very small changes in behaviour can have a detrimental effect on your opponents concentration. And to me this is all part of the chess strategies we can use. </P><br><BR><br><P>Here is an example. I played the other day against a player I know all to well. He attacks with his bishops, usually both on the same file and this can be devastating against an opponent. Now if you have read my previous essays  you will have noted that I go against the grain and like to take at least one of my opponent's Knights out when I get the chance as I hate playing against 2 attacking knights and my opponent knew this as well. Nevertheless, 6 moves into the game and I changed strategies and exchanged his Bishop for my Knight. He was totally perplexed by this this and I could see him trying to think of another strategy he could use which would not include 2 Bishops. </P><br><BR><br><P>But more importantly was his attitude to the game. I could see from his expressions that he was desperate to beat me now but every time he developed a piece which looked threatening I would exchange it for one of my undeveloped pieces. In the end he made to uncharacteristic mistakes and lost the game.  I had totally put him off his stride and won.</P><br><BR><br><P>During most games I have anticipated my opponent's next 3 moves at least. Therefore when it comes to my move I usually play quite quickly especially if I have set a trap and my opponent has walked into it. I think it is only human to play quickly straight after she has moved to show that it was a plan and you had calculated this out from the very start  My advice: Don't do it I have lost a number of games doing this where I thought I had considered ever possible move my opponent could make only to find she knew one more and scuppered my strategy. Always take at least 1 minute to go over your next move  again. Now his piece is in position it will be easier to see if there is any flaws in your plan. This is using psychology as it shows you think out every move thouroughly and this can install negative thoughts into your opponent. </P><br><BR><br><P>By the way, on the subject of taking your time over each move, it is quite acceptable to stand up and stretch your legs. Take your eyes away from the board and rest them. Think about something else for a minute then come back to the board a little fresher. Have a look at the you and your opponents position and reevaluate it. It is amazing what you will find which you may have overlooked. Walk behind your opponent and have a quick look at the board from his end. You my be surprised and what the pattern of play looks like from this angle. Do not spill hot coffee down the back of his neck this is not acceptable. Taking a long time to  think about your next move does agitate opponents. Does it not agitate you? </P><br><BR><br><P>By the way, a short walk before any major chess game will help you feel refreshed and ready to go.  A bar of chocolate and a cup of coffee have been proven to increase your brain power so go for it. Back to the game .</P><br><BR><br><P>Never show any concern or emotions during a game of chess. Even if you lose your Queen in the first few moves. Play on as if it is a strategy and tactic which you always use. Remember it is a GAME of chess. What is the worst that could happen. Get over it and get on with the game. I have lost major pieces through my own carelessness at the beginning of many games and have fought back to win. Remember, a Queen is not usually used until the middle game as it is quite dangerous to bring her at the start as she is easily trapped. Therefore, use this knowledge to your advantage. At the beginning losing your Queen will not affect the game that much apart from psychologically. You must put it to the back of your mind and use all the pieces including the pawns to work as a unit to ultimately win the game. Take a leaf out of football,s book. How many times has a player been sent off but the team playing with only 10 men hold out for a draw or even win. This is because all the players double their efforts. the pressure is off as they are not expected to win. They work as a single unit fighting and battling for each other. Remember, your opponent is a piece up and may now be complacent. Concentrate on traps and tricks, forks and pins to get your piece back.Pounce on any mistakes she makes she makes. Try to spring an attack out of the blue on her King before she realises what has hit her. </P><br><BR><br><P>As soon as you have made a mistake do not show any emotion but put a very slight rye smirk on your face. You want her to thing this is a sacrifice and you are willing her to take the bait. Do not say anything as this would be deemed unsporting. You never know, she may refuse to take your piece if you </P><br><P>put on a good act.</P><br><BR><br><P>Finally, one of the oldest chess strataegey cons in the book to put your opponent off. Concentrate your eyes on one side of the board while planning to attack the other side. You can learn more chess strategies at: chessstrategy.blogspot.com</P><br><BR><br><P>You can do it: Use psychology</P><br><BR><br><P>For more visit </P><br><P>http://chessstrategy.blogspot.com</P><br /><br />--<br /><P>Learn how to win at chess copying the grandmasters</P><br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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