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CROSSING SWORDS FIRST TIME

*Note : I am reposting the 2013 article because the display game software was no longer working. At the recent Serangoon Inter-Team competition where I partnered my students, I had the chance to cross swords with several of the juniors from the other teams. As I do not get the chance to play in tournaments often, there are few opportunities to meet them over the board. Here are some of my first impressions of their play  (I hope the parents reading about their children do not take it too personally). My first encounter was round 2, playing White against Steffi Lim. She's played in many competitions, generally quite calm, but tends to give up easily when things do not work out her way. One of the most important qualities in a chess-player is to be resilient and always being resourceful out even when things do not work out. Only this way can one improve and succeed. My next junior opponent is Carwyn Yeo, an aggressive young man who has got ambition on his eyes. He concentrates wel...
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USING YOUR TIME ON THE CLOCK

 I played a strong player last Wednesday at Asia Square. He was a young man who I perceived to be someone picking up the game over the last couple of years. When a friend of mine came by to visit the meetup, I arranged for them to play a 5 + 3 game and soon a Ruy Lopez Berlin was on the board. The game was close, both sides did not try to breach each other's defences until Black decided that White wasn't going to try. He then went to open the a-file and got into White's camp eventually creating problems which White could not solve and lost on time. He asked if I would mind playing a longer time control game say 15 + 10, as he expressed that time management was his weakness primarily  as he could not sense the critical moments in the game to think longer.  A Siclian this time. I essayed the Smith Morra Gambit, after which we were into 13 moves in the theory (which he didn't know much but managed to get it right).  Then he hung a pawn. Hmm. Then another commital move w...
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NATIONAL SCHOOLS TEAMS - AFTERTHOUGHTS

This year's event was held at Overseas Family School, a venue that no one can complain about. With its huge and spacious Hall and ample space at the Canteen for accompanying persons, much of the logistics issues involving players' transport and food were taken care of.  Pictures courtesy of Mr Ng K Kwang Some statistics : There is an increase in the number of players over 2024, 184 more than 2024. The signficant numbers are attributed to the U8 category as well as the U20+Girls. No major increases in the other cohorts.  The tournament was smoothly completed near 5pm and the entire prize-giving went without hiccups to finish just before 6.10pm. A big round of thanks go to the organising group as well as the arbiters, many of which are volunteers from the tertiary institutions and some parent volunteers. Shout out of course go to OFS for the use of the Hall and facilities. Everyone had a good time and fought hard on their games.  Tao Nan School finished 2nd on the Primary O...
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HOW TO GET TO ONE TAMPINES HUB THIS NAG

  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.  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. The hawker centre is not aircon but there are huge fans to keep air circulated there.                    ...
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ZOOM ONLINE CLASS - UPDATE

I have some enquiries for the online class. Mostly about schedules. I am currently working on having it on Mondays or Tuesdays from 8pm, but this is flexible as the session is just an hour long. Let me know what works and we can come to a consensus. A little explanation perhaps on why I chose the topics. Some may think they have no takeaways in terms of chess knowledge as there is little technical content offered in the session. My rationale is that there are lots of how-to videos available on Youtube ( if you know how to pick them) that it makes no sense to repeat them. I would rather show you how to access them. If you have questions or wish to seek advice on your improvement, I can certainly answer them or point you to the right source. Having accessed many books and YouTube clips on chess gives me a wide catalog on what is good to address your issue.  Hope you try this out ! I am planning a 10 day vacation in late Oct so hopefully we can start this going before that.
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ZOOM ONLINE CLASS FOR IMPROVERS

The idea that there could be someone who wishes to take a byte size 1 hr lesson when available is mooted in my mind for some time. This will take place over Zoom, so there is no limit on how many students can attend.   Hence I am launching this Group Class for anyone who is attracted to come in to learn for 1 hour - something for everyone so not just targetted for any level but definitely not over 1800 online rating.  Date Topic Session 1 Board Awareness and Board Vision Session 2 What to watch on Youtube? Session 3 How to study Chess Books Session 4 Playing online for improvement P1 Session 5 Choosing an Opening Repertoire that suits you Interested parties feel free to leave your comments, email me at jfan2003@gmail.com for more information regarding payment and attendance. Please leave your name or your child's name and your contact number in the email.  Currently planning for the class to take place Mondays or Tuesday evening from 8pm. Naturally I will take note o...
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