I often get asked how you can improve without a coach. In this week's Chess Questions Answered video, I gave one foolproof method of doing so, which is to study the endgame. There are others too, the main problem being that you can end up on an inefficient trajectory for much of the time. A good coach can put you on the right path, which can save a lot of effort and frustration, a bad coach can pass on their own bias and bad habits.
I never had a formal coach, which I consider to be a mixed blessing. Most of the strong local players had a strong emphasis on attacking play and tactics, which is all very well up to a point but represents only part of a good chess curriculum. Thinking back I might have derived much benefit from working with Alan Ludgate, an Irish international noted for his solid style of play and good endgame technique.
One of the things I did right was to read a lot of good books, mainly autobiographical games collections of great players. I also solved tactics problems from books, attempted the Kotov Analysis exercise and played blindfold chess. What I could have done more of is an extensive study of endgames and to develop a classical repertoire of openings, and for this some guidance might have made all the difference. As it was I dabbled with some endgames and had a hotpotch of openings that was in constant flux.
Vimeo Closing Its Video On Demand
Unfortunately Vimeo is closing its Video On Demand service in November, so I'll no longer be offering any titles through them. Those who have purchased one of my videos on this platform will be able get access to the materials at Tiger Chess by the time Vimeo closes this service. Please send me your receipts which are available here when you are logged onto your Vimeo account.
Sam's Youtube Chanel
My son Sam runs a Youtube channel in which he streams his live games on chess.com. This shows considerably more bravery than I'm able to muster, so please check it out and subscribe. I think he's doing a nice job.
Upcoming Events
This is how things look right now, with nothing in particular planned after November. If I'm invited I'll play in Nova Gorica (Slovenia) in January next year and then Maya (Portugal) in August:
September 25-27: Hull 4NCL
The 4NCL Congresses are always well run, so I'll be playing in this one. Details can be found here.
October 23-25: Scarborough Congress
I've now entered this one and booked my hotel. Details can be found here.
November 2-13: European Youth Championships, Crete
I've been appointed as one of the coaches for this event, which basically rules out the English Senior Championships because the two events only have a day's break between them.
Tiger Chess Themed Training Tournaments are organized on a weekly basis at Lichess, featuring selected opening variations. You can check out what's coming up here.
Have a good weekend.
Nigel
