See menus left and above for more pages on this topic.

Advice from ChatGPT

I had a quick chat with ChatGPT:

Give 5 tips for beginner chess players

  1. Learn the basic moves of the pieces: Each piece has its own unique way of moving, and it's important to understand these movements before you can start playing.
  2. Develop a strong pawn structure: Pawns form the backbone of your position, and a strong pawn structure will give you a solid foundation to build on.
  3. Control the center of the board: The center of the board is the most important area, as it allows your pieces to have greater mobility and control over the board.
  4. Protect your king: The ultimate goal of the game is to checkmate your opponent's king, so it's important to keep your king safe.
  5. Learn some basic tactics: Tactics such as forks, pins, and skewers can help you gain an advantage over your opponent. Practice these tactics in different positions to improve your overall game.

Give 5 tips for improving chess players

  1. Study classic games: Analyze the games of the great players to understand their thought processes and learn from their mistakes.
  2. Focus on endgame training: Endgame technique is crucial to becoming a strong chess player, and practicing various endgame positions will help you improve your overall game.
  3. Analyze your own games: After each game, take the time to review your moves and identify areas for improvement.
  4. Learn and practice different openings: A good opening will give you a strong and harmonious development of your pieces, which is the foundation for your strategy.
  5. Play against stronger players: Playing against stronger players will expose your weaknesses and help you improve faster, and also you will learn to adapt and come up with different plans to overcome the difficulties that arise.

Give 5 tips for expert chess players

  1. Continuously improve your understanding of chess strategy: In-depth understanding of chess strategy and positional play is essential to becoming a top-level player.
  2. Keep your openings fresh: As expert players, you will likely face many well-prepared opponents. Keeping your openings varied and unpredictable can give you an advantage.
  3. Maintain your focus and concentration throughout the game: In order to make the best decisions, you need to stay focused throughout the game and maintain your concentration.
  4. Use advanced tactics and combinations: As an expert player, you should have a deep understanding of advanced tactics and combinations, such as double attacks, discovered attacks, and zugzwang.
  5. Stay up to date with recent developments in chess: The chess world is constantly evolving, with new ideas and developments arising all the time. It's important to stay informed and adapt to new trends in order to stay competitive at the highest level.

I don't disagree with much of that, but the machine needs to learn how to spell 'centre'!

On the other hand:

What is the best line for White against the Grunfeld Defense?

The Grunfeld Defense is a highly respected and sound opening for black, and there are many different lines that white can play against it. The best line for white will depend on the player's personal style and preferences.

One of the most popular and successful lines for white against the Grunfeld Defense is the Exchange Variation, which is characterized by the move d4 followed by Nf3, g3 and Bg2, with the idea of trading off black's powerful dark-squared bishop. This variation aims to neutralize Black's central pawn majority and to gain control over the d5 square.

Another solid option for White is the classical Variation, which starts with d4 Nf3 c4 g3 d5 Bg2 Nc3 O-O, this line aims to build a strong pawn center and to put pressure on black's position.

A third option is the Modern Variation, which starts with d4 Nf3 c4 g3 d5 Nc3 Bg2, this line aims to create a strong pawn center and to put pressure on black's position while keeping the option of playing e2-e3 to support the d4 pawn.

It's important to note that these are just a few examples, and there are many other lines that white can play against the Grunfeld Defense. Ultimately, the best line for white will depend on the player's knowledge, skill level, and personal style.

...That is more or less gibberish.

And:

Example: Fischer vs. Spassky (1972, Game 6)

In this game, Bobby Fischer, playing white, demonstrated a keen understanding of positional play and attacking strategy. He avoided unnecessary exchanges to keep the initiative, maintaining his pieces' aggressive placement on the board.

Key Moments:

  1. Opening Play: Fischer chose the Ruy Lopez, a solid but flexible opening.

This is possibly the game most likely to be recognised by a chess player as NOT a Ruy Lopez; Fischer chose the Queen's Gambit for the first time in his career.

PAST Training events (click for notes)

Title
DJCA squad training event SAT16th Nov 2024

A day for the Devon County Team squads U11 U14 U18

Invitation-only

Saturday, November 16, 2024 - 10:00
DJCA squad training event SUN 19th Nov 2023

A day for the Devon County Team squads U11 U14 U18

Invitation-only

Sunday, November 19, 2023 - 10:00
U18/U14 training event Sat 3rd June 2023

A day for the Devon County Team squads U9 U11 U14 U18

Invitation-only

Saturday, June 3, 2023 - 10:00
DJCA U18 Training Tournament 2021

Open to all players 13+ but will suit stronger players.

Invitation spots for strong U13 players.

All games to be played on Lichess

Players will receive coaching notes from the games

 

Saturday, February 20, 2021 - 09:30
TBGS Invitational Training Evening

Nick Butland Championship Analysis

Monday, December 9, 2019 - 17:30
TBGS Invitational Training Evening

Julian Bacon Surviving the Opening

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 - 17:30
TBGS Invitational Training Evening

Dave Regis on Endgames

Thursday, November 7, 2019 - 17:30
TBGS Invitational Training Evening

Trefor Thynne Master Commentary

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 - 17:30
DJCA Invitational Team Training Evening Thursday, January 9, 2020 - 17:30
DJCA Training Day

DJCA squad training day

Saturday, November 16, 2019 - 10:00
DJCA Junior Squad Training INVITATION ONLY

Squad members will receive an invitation by email. If you think you have been forgotten, please contact us.


This is for all players in the squad, not just those in the team selected for the South Wales & West of England Jamboree on Saturday 13th January, for which invitations have not yet been made.

  • Players to arrive for 0945, please.

Saturday, November 18, 2017 - 10:00