RCC 4 – January 27, 2025
Getting better at playing an infinitely complex game
Russell Harrison
The “Caissa Self-Improvement Industrial Complex” is a self-perpetuating juggernaut that has only expanded apace with the widening reach of online chess portals offering a bewildering variety of study courses, books, and training tools such as tactical puzzles for players of all aptitudes and interests. One cannot be a member of these types of websites without often being subject to a whirlwind of training offers and suggestions in one’s inbox. Stating my personal experience as a middle-aged chess enthusiast coming back to the game after a long pause in activity, it can be daunting to separate one’s perspective from the proverbial forest and the trees.
The myriad of “tips,” “secrets,” and “strategies” one can employ to become a better — or indeed worse — player is conditioned by what opportunities one comes across on their chess journey. Separating the wheat from the chaff is a meaningful pursuit. This website is in part dedicated to the task of providing as much information as possible in areas of study and consideration I may have on a personal level as well as conveying what nuggets of improvement our readers can point out to us in terms of feedback. We cannot promise we will put you on the path to be your cafe’s resident chess maven or even grandmaster status, yet anything to add to one’s appreciation of chess is a worthy venture.
Your feedback as we discuss the finer points of getting better at chess is welcomed.
Posted by Russell Harrison in References and Tips
(RCC 4)
