In the recent World Senior Championships in Durres, Albania, I only got to play 5 games with 2 wins and three draws. In one sense this was disappointing but in another I had plenty of time to reflect on my chess and how to improve. I've made no secret of the fact that I've struggled to contend with modern computer based preparation, which is not a particular issue at club chess but is a serious problem when you face well prepared juniors. I have now concluded that the right answer is to play flexible openings.
What is meant by the term 'flexible'? As I discuss in this week's Chess Questions Answered video, I think there are two distinct meanings plus area of overlap. Flexibility can refer to a pawn structure which has yet to be defined and whilst other players use it to describe multiple options within a particular opening. Quite often these two things come together, a flexible pawn structure offering lots of ways to proceed and very few forcing lines.
Should club players use this approach? Actually I think that only part of it is suitable, they are better off using fixed pawn structures because the plans are more clearly defined. On the other hand it's useful to have various options and a lack of forced lines because that will encourage developing general skills rather than just memorizing computer moves. Openings which fit this bill feature heavily amongst my recommendations, for example lines like the Queen's Gambit Declined and French Defence as Black.
Video Discounts
This week's discount is 40% off buying the Black Queen's Gambit Declined Repertoire using the code 'may1to9'. This is an advanced, stand-alone opening course based around the Tartakower Variaton (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 Be7 5.Nf3 h6 6.Bh4 0-0 7.e3 b6) and the Semi-Tarrasch Defence (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 c5 or 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 c5). It features 14 hours of video which explain key games and has a pgn (portable game notation) file of recommended variations that can be built upon, extended and memorized.
Last week's discount was 40% off buying Creating an Improvement Plan using the code 'april24may2', and this is still valid until tomorrow. In this series of videos I draw on my coaching experience to show how players can diagnose their strengths and weaknesses, then target the most important areas to make the most effective use of their efforts.
Upcoming Events
This is how things look right now, with the World Senior Team Championships behind me. I've said I'm available for the European Senior Team Championships (August 26 to September 5) but don't know if I'll be selected for any of the teams.
July 7-12: South Wales International, Bridgend, Wales
I've accepted an invitation to this event and look forward to playing!
August 1-9: British Championships, Coventry, UK
I've accepted an invitation to this one (the Championship itself) and look forward to playing.
Have a good weekend.
Nigel
