UPDATE FROM NSI REVIEWS

After reviewing the games of the 3 students, my general observations is:

UNDERSTANDING OF THE OPENING VARIATIONS

It is unfortunate that the students started with me only in 2025, so they had very little time to digest the opening notes given to them. The only way to bring their understanding to speed is to play several 5 + 5 (ie 5 min + 5 sec increment) games, review them with the notes and do it again. Owing to pressure from homework, this was not entirely done. Hence the opening positions ended with the first 12 moves in favour of the opponent.

Trying to equalise from an inferior position is not an easy task. My opinion is to avoid getting into such positions in the first place. This can be done with some time reviewing the opening moves with the LiChess opening explorer to uncover the better lines to play.

CHOICE OF THEORETICAL OPENINGS

Fanciful openings adopted by the current GMs are of course fun to watch and games from these openings are commented on at Youtube by the influencers. However to keep track of the latest trends is a time consuming affair, not an approach I would recommend given the students' shortage of time for chess play and study. My recommendation is to keep the openings solid and simple, eschewing the complicated labyrinth of the Sicilian, Spanish and mainstream lines in favour of offbeat yet playable sidelines which can be prepared well. Owing to the short time control, opening mistakes are often unforgiving.

FOCUS

Concentration is key to make oneself aware of the opponent's intentions in their moves. Lapses in concentration is often fatal as I have witnessed many students hung mate in 1s. The reason why I insist on them arriving at the board and go through a meditative process ( the Drill) is to prepare their mind for battle. Not many follow this and ended up paying dearly for their mistakes.

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HOW TO PARK AND GET TO TAMPINES HUB THIS NSI

To get to Tampines Hub the best way from the Central and West, take the PIE and exit at 3B and drive towards Tampines Ave 2. You can go via Tampines Ave 7 and join Tampines Ave 4, then turn right at the junction of Ave 5. There is less traffic on this route than if you are to come from the Simei Exit and up Tampines Ave 5. The EW(2) line station is also quite close. DT32 is not ready yet. As for parking, there is an open car park just after the Hub. Drive past the Hub, turn round the corner and you'll see the entrance on the Ave 5 curve. This is a coupon parking carpark and open-air (60cts 1/2 hr) and has about 200+ lots. The other place to park is across from the Tampines Hub at Block 858-864 which is open to public 7am to 7pm coupon parking. You can enter this carpark from St 83 Block 864 and navigate towards Block 859. If you go round till you see a green sign on your left, the road leads to the Drop Off and North Plaza Carpark entrance. Proceed straight in to...

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THOUGHTS OF A CHESS ADDICT

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