“Could we just do Muse Chess and get it over with?” –muselover
Request granted!
White: Bookworm, Alice, Hypatia, Purple Panda, Red-tailed HAWK, earthgirl, …
Black: IBCF, ZVX, The Man For Aeiou, Taiwan Hippo Fan
The game so far (double-check at the bottom of the thread — the GAPA may not have included the latest moves):
Game 1.1 — OVER, White Won
###pgn###
1. d4 d5
2. e3 Nf6
3. Bd3 c6
4. a4 Qd7
5. Qf3 e5
6. Ne2 e4
7. Bxe4 d5xe4
8. Qf4 Bd6
9. Qg5 Ng4
10. O-O c5
11. Qxg7 Rf8
12. Qxh7 Qc7
13. Qxe4+ Be6
14. d5 Bxh2+
15. Kh1 f5
16. Qxe6+ Kd8
17. e4 Qh7
18. Bg5+ Kc7
19. g3 f5xe4
20. d6+ Kc6
21. d7+ Kc7
22. d8(Q)+ Rxd8
23. Bf4+ Rd6
24. Qxd6+ Kc8
25. Qe6+ Kd8
26. Rd1+ Nd7
27. Bg5+ Kc8
28. Qe8+ Kc7
29. Bf4+ Ng4e5
30. Bxe5+ Nxe5
31. Qxe5+ Kc6
32. Qd6++
%%%pgn%%%
Game 1.2
###pgn###
1. d4 d5
2. e3 Nf6
3. Bd3 c6
4. a4 Qd7
5. Qf3 e5
6. Ne2 e4
7. Bxe4 d5xe4
8. Qf4 Bd6
9. Qg5 Ng4
10. O-O c5
11. Qxg7 Rf8
12. Qxh7 Qc7
13. Qxe4+ Be6
14. d5 Bxh2+
15. Kh1 Nf6
16. Qh4 Bxd5
17. Qxf6 Bc4
18. Nb1c3 Rg8
19. b3 Qc6
20. Qxc6+ Nxc6
21. b3xc4 Rh8
22. Nf4 Rd8
23. Nh3 Bb8
24. Nd5 f6
25. Nxf6+ Kf7
26. Bb2 Ne5
27. Bxe5 Bxe5
28. Rb1 Kxf6
29. f4 Bd6
30. Kg1 Rh7
31. Rb1d1 Ke7
32. Kf2 b6
33. Rh1 Rd8h8
34. Rh2 Rg7
35. Re1h1 Rf8
36. Ng5 Rxg5
37. g3 Rg5f5
38. Ra1 Be5
39. Ra3 Bb2
40. Rd3 Rh8
41. Rxh8 Bxh8
42. Rd5 Rf6
43. Rh5 Bg7
44. Rh7 Kf7
45. Rh5 Ke7
46. g4 Rd6
47. Rd5 Re6
48. Kf3 Rh6
49. Rh5 Rxh5
50. g4xh5 Ke6
51. e4 Kf6
52. Kg4 Bh6
53. f5 Ke5
54. Kf3 Bc1
55. Kg4 Kxe4
56. f6 Bh6
57. f7 Ke5
58. f8Q Bxf8
59. Kg5
%%%pgn%%%
C+Ped from my original post on Beavo’s Mostly Harmless Board Game:
Muse Chess:
One side:
Pawns: HPBs
King: Chad
Queen: Urania
Bishops: Mimi, Bo
Knights: Aeiou, Crraw
Rooks: Pwt, Feather
Other side:
Pawns= Pies
King= Koko
Queen=Coco-shnelli
Bishops= Baby Rabbit w/ Big Pointy Teeth, Tim the Enchanter
Knights= Zaphod Beeblebrox, Vogon
Rooks= Mr. Green, Devil (the dog)
FIRST POST!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for doing it! Anyone want to play against me? Wait… what will the pieces be? Kokopelli’s king, Urania’s queen… what else?
Muse Chess? Is that different from normal chess?
I’m decent at normal chess. Nothing special.
Hee hee.
I don’t know how to play even REAL chess.
first post?
boo hoo.
Whoops. Not first post.
this is, confusing.
I used to be pretty good at chess, but I haven’t played in awhile. Perhaps I’ll challenge my dad to a game this evening…brush up my skills
(6) Unlike everything else on the blog.
(2) If I were designing a Muse chess set based on “normal” chess pieces… Hm… Well, pawns would be pies, for one side at least. I suppose Kokopelli would have to be one of the Kings, and the other — Chad? That would make sense, as the Chadium umbrellas repel Koko’s pies in Attack of the Smart Pies. Chad’s Queen would have to be Aeiou, and Koko’s — Urania?!
As for the others, Bo strikes me as Rook-like. Feather is about the right size to be a Knight. Mimi and Pwt could be Bishops. Crraw as the other Knight? Knights do fly over other pieces, in a way.
Of course, Muse chess could be a different game entirely. I could offer some suggestions…
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!
8- Feather can fly (I think!) too!
You’ll have to help yourselves. I certainly don’t know what’s going on.
thanks, Robert. That’s just right.
*I advance knight to E4.*
Maybe I can help a little. Here’s what a conventional chessboard looks like, in diagram form. (Note that none of the Knights can move to e4 on the first move, though the white Pawn/Pie/Bunny can.)
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
13- Two of them can on their second move, though. Provided the pawn/pie/bunny hasn’t yet
I don’t think I’ve played chess in a while…
Yay! Chess! Anyone want to play me? Anyone want me to teach you how to play Chinese chess so that I can beat the living daylights out of you because I’m really good at it? Wait–we can’t really play chess over the blog, can we? Poo.
So is it like normal Chess? If so, any one for a game?
16- I’ll play you! Regular chess, that is. I think I’ll keep my living daylights inside me, thank you very much.
I wish we could play chess on the blog. Maybe we could keep a chessboard by the computer, and just type in where we want to move.
Example:
Raynpho says: pawn to E4 (Both players move pawn to E4, on their own board)
IBCF posts: pawn to E6 (both players move pawn to E6, on their own board)
Etc. Or would that be too confusing?
18- We could try playing that way. Who wants to move first?
19- You can choose, black or white? But not now, I have to go
We can play later, possibly.
20- I’ll be black. Black is eeeviiiil. Moi-hahahahaha.
And HOW exactly do we play chess over the blog?
I vote paker-ish calvinball-ish style chess, which is ever so much easier to play virtually…
That could be hard.
“My queen kills your king. I win!”
-13 sorry, I meant f3.
-16 unfortunately, you’re challenging a master, IBCF.
Sorry if this is confusing anyone. I just thought of a random idea, really.
22- The way Raynpho suggested would probably work.
23- You can do that. But I like traditional strategic chess.
I think I will shout out moves.
ROOK TACKLES KING!
no. I don’t know how to play, but that’s never stopped me before.
One simple chess offshoot that you might try sometime (either here or at home):
– all the pawns move like pawns in chess;
– all the “back row” pieces move like queens.
There are no kings; instead, the game is played to the last piece, as in checkers.
Games tend to be violent in a way that might appeal to the RPGers among us.
I’ll play someone in Chess! I call White! (Chad!)
29 – I’ll have to try that soon…*evil grin*
I’ve never been good at virtual chess, but the idea of “MB chess” is intriguing. I’ll definitely be lurking.
(30) Let’s get a game going, though it may be hard to keep track. Also, I think anybody should be able to make a move — but once you’ve moved for a color (black or white), you may make future moves only for that color for the rest of the game. Fair enough?
All right, Bookworm. If you’ll move for White, I’ll make a move for Black. Then we can see what happens.
My post got snipped!
-23 as IBCF says, it’s good to use strategy.
32- I’ll move for black. Your move, Bookworm.
I’ll do my best to play and make an ocasional move, but I don’t really have a chessboard with me here. Maybe I can find one on the web or play off of the one above. It sounds like fun…
I like Robert’s idea of anybody playing for a team, but once you’re commited you stick with your side.
Here’s a trick that might help: a way of quickly writing down chess positions so they can be reconstructed on a board. Pieces are abbreviated as follows: P=pawn, R=rook, N=knight, B=bishop, Q=queen, K=king. White pieces are in upper-case (capital letters); black pieces in lower-case. You go row by row, starting with the black side at the board (the “top” in conventional chess diagrams). Numerals refer to the number of empty squares between pieces in a row.
For example, if you have this position —
— you’d record it like this:
r2qk2r
pp2bppp
2n1p3
1B1n3b
3P4
5N1P
PP3PP1
RNBQR1K1
Not as good as having a diagram to look at, but much better than nothing.
That’s terrific! And it means I don’t have to resort to drawing those iniscule little diagrams each time someone moves.
Thanks awfully!
30, 32- Alright! You can both be on Black! I’ll make my move! Pawn d2 to d4! The Board:
RNBQKBNR
PPP1PPPP
8
3P4
8
8
PPPPPPPP
RNBQKBNR
39- Pawn d7 to d5.
RNBQKBNR
PPP1PPPP
8
3P4
8P4
8
PPP1PPPP
RNBQKBNR
40- Pawn e2 to e3.
RNBQKBNR
PPP1PPPP
4P3
3P4
3P4
8
PPP1PPPP
RNBQKBNR
Lower-case letters for the black pieces, please.
If I’ve followed the game so far, the moves are as follows:
1. d4, d5
2. e3, …
and the position looks like this:
rnbqkbnr
ppp1pppp
8
3p4
3P4
4P3
PPP2PPP
RNBQKBNR
Right?
41- Bishop f8 to b4. Check.
RNBQKBNRPPP2PPP
4P3
1b1P4
5p3
8
ppp1pppp
rn1qkbnr
42- Right. And I just misread Bookworm’s move, but he seems to have given me a lucky break (he didn’t eat my poor widdle pawn).
Black players: Before recording the position, please turn the board around so that square a1 (White’s Queen’s Rook) is at the lower left. That’s the convention.
(43) I don’t think that’s a legal move. The black pawn at e7 hasn’t moved yet and still blocks the bishop at f8.
Raynpho’s design for Muse chess pieces:
43-Bishop c1 to d2.
RN1QKBNR
PPPB1PPP
4P3
1b1P4
5p3
8
ppp1pppp
rn1qkbnr
(46) Bookworm, please read post 44. Black’s last move was impossible, and you’re recording the rows upside-down.
The game so far:
1. d4, d5
2. e3, Bb4+ (impossible)
3. Bd2, …
(In chess notation, “+” means “check” and “++” means “checkmate.”
Aw, nuts. I thought I moved the pawn at e7. I went from d7 to d5??? *implodes*
Okay, then I take that back. It would be unfair to switch the pawns. I move my knight from g8 to f6.
RNBKQBNRPPP2PPP
3P4
4P3
5P3
2n5
pppp1ppp
r1bkqbnr
All right, revised game and position follow. But please start recording the position uniformly (black rows at top, white rows at bottom). I can’t police every move.
[Move number. White’s move, Black’s move]
1. d4, d5
2. e3, Nf6
3. …
(White to move.)
rnbqkb1r
ppp1pppp
5n2
3p4
3P4
5P34P3PPP2PPP
RNBQKBNR
49- Sorry, Robert, but shouldn’t it be like this?
rnbqkbrppp1pppp
5n2
3p4
3P4
4P3
PPP2PPP
rnbkqbnr
I wanted to keep the move I made in post #40. I thought that would only be fair…And I just moved my knight from g8 to f6.
Yes, I kept your move from post 40.
You’re right about the third row: it’s 4P3 instead of 5P3.
Bottom row (White’s first row) should be in upper case, with the king to the right of the queen (queen on square d1, king on square e1 — queen always starts on her own color): RNBQKBNR.
And don’t forget the empty square (numeral 1) where black’s knight used to be.
45 – Which one is which? What about the other muses?
And again I ask would anyone care to play?
(52) Adeia,
Are you trying to start a second game? You can join the White “team” on the game currently in progress, if you like. (See comment 49.)
(45) Beautiful chess set, Raynpho! Are you going to design white pieces, too?
(52) Adeia, regarding the chess pieces, see comment 9. Raynpho hasn’t yet completed the white pieces.
The Pieces:
Chad : Kokopelli. (King)
Aeiou : Urania. (Queen)
Mimi : Pwt. (Bishop)
Craww : Feather. (Knight)
*Blank* : Bo. (Rook)
*Blank* (Bunny?) : Pie. (Pawn)
30:
MEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I call black…
Prepare to face your Chesslike DOOOOM!!!!!!!!!!
Brendan,
There is a game in progress. It’s White’s move. See comment 49. You may join a team, if you like.
Adeia seems to be trying to start a second game (53), but I think this thread would get awfully complicated with so much going on.
Suggestion: Pi chess!
Although that seems like it would be very hard to record, being circular and having 8 colors and all. I shall have to think on that one…
Not that I’m on here enough to carry out a game…
OOOOOOOOOOOh! How about we rename this thread “Chusse”…Like a weird combination of Muse and chess?
Anyway, I recorded the present position of the board, but am finding it very difficult to visualize. As soon as I’ve overcome my laziness and drawn it, I’ll post a move. I’m playing for the white side…
(59) So far it seems more like “Mess,” but that could change.
Muse Chess, Game 1
White: Bookworm and others
Black: IBCF, ZVX, and others
Last move: Black, comment 48.
Last recap: comment 49.
In the interest of keeping the game from grinding to a halt, the GAPA hereby steps in and makes a move for White: Bishop from f1 to d3 (3. Bd3, …)
New position, with Black to move:
rnbqkb1r
ppp1pppp
5n2
3p4
3P4
3BP3
PPP2PPP
RNBQK1NR
Your move, Black!
OK. I’m on black. It’s white’s move, and I’ll have to formulate a plan…
Let’s see how it looks with periods instead of numerals for empty squares:
rnbqkb.r
ppp.pppp
.....n..
...p....
...P....
...BP...
PPP..PPP
RNBQK.NR
Hm, not awful. I don’t think I could play from it, though, and the numerals are quicker to set up on a real chessboard.
oh, sorry for the double post, d7 to d5!
(64) See post 40. That was Black’s first move.
53- Thanks, Robert! I’ll design the white pieces… as soon as I get around to it. Which will be soon, I hope *procrastinator*
The only thing is, Bo will have to be rook for both teams. Unless something else (or a different muse) takes the spot for white rook.
I suppose Kokopelli’s puppy, Devil, could be the black rook. Remember him?
67- Oh yeah! I’ll have to find a reference for him. Maybe in the muse fanpage comic archive…
He was in October 2001 and November/December 2002.
There’s a picture of him in the Muse Glossary: https://musefanpage.com/NewFiles/glossary.html .
Thanks
I suppose I don’t have any excuse for putting off making the rest of the pieces, then…
c7 to c6.
rnbqkb1r
pp2pppp
2p2n2
3p4
3P4
3BP3
PPP2PPP
RNBQK1NR
White’s turn to move!
This is a sloooooow game.
We need more people on the White team to move when Bookworm isn’t around — Brendan? Adeia? Hypatia? anybody?
74- I would play, but not having a real chessboard, I’m not entirely sure what this entire thing looks like. If someone could give me a list of all the moves, I could set it up on my computer.
The game so far:
1. d4, d5
2. e3, Nf6
3. Bd3, c6
4 …
(1. White pawn from d2 to d4; Black pawn from d7 to d5
2. White pawn from e2 to e3; Black knight from g8 to f6
3. White Bishop from f1 to d3; Black pawn from
c8c7 to c64. White’s turn to move.)
76- Technically, the pawn can’t go from c8 to c6, being on c7 originally, but OK.
a2 to a4.
rnbqkb1r
pp2pppp
2p2n2
3p4
P2P4
3BP3
1PP2PPP
RNBQK1NR
Bear in mind I’m not too great at Chess.
d8 to d7 (queen).
rnb1kb1rpp1qpppp
2p2n2
3p4
P2P4
3BP3
1PP2PPP
RNBQK1NR
rnb.kb.r
pp.qpppp
..p..n..
...p....
P..P....
...BP...
.PP..PPP
RNBQK.NR
White’s turn to move.
d3 to f5, (Bishop).
rnb . kb . r
pp . qpppp
. . p . . n . .
. . . p . B . .
P . . P . . . .
. . . . P . . .
. PP . . PPP
RNBQK . NR
I hope that’s legal!
It’s legal. Are you sure that’s your move?
I’m really bad at Chess! Do you think I should?
80- Bookworm, NO.
82- No. You’re pretty much saying, “Hey, here I am two squares from the Black Queen with no one covering me. Capture me!”
Well, if it’s recorded in the GAPAs notes, it’s too late to change it. Oh well.
ARGH!!! I keep commenting on stuff that doesn’t exist. Ignore my last post. And post 83.
(The GAPA has taken his notes offline, because Alice posted first.)
Does another member of the White team (i.e., Alice) want to overrule Bookworm’s move? That might set a bad precedent. But now that Alice has pointed out the weakness of the move to Black, I suppose she should suggest a better one. I’ll also let Black do the same thing at some point — but just once each. Alice?
Oh, great. d1 to f3.
rnb1kb1r
pp1qpppp
2p2n2
3p4
P2P4
3BPQ2
1PP2PPP
RNB1K1NR
I know there is a game in progress, but can this thread still be used to discuss chess?
Does anyone have specific strategies/tactics they use in games?
In almost all other games I am very timid, but I almost always take an aggressive stance in chess — it puts me in a much better position and I am able to achieve more with the game.
(88) This GAPA is going to bed. The game so far, in standard notation:
1. d4, d5
2. e3, Nf6
3. Bd3, c6
4. a4, Qd7
5. Qf3, …
Black to move.
(89) I think that’s a good approach. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
At the top of the thread you’ll find something that will make your lives a bit easier.
Ooh, very nice! *lurks*
e5
So noted: Black pawn to e5.
White’s turn to move.
White knight: e2
*COUGHROCADECOUGH*
what do we do here? I’m confused.
(96) Look at the position (on the player at the top of the thread), and make a move if you want to and if you haven’t made another move for the opposite side. Or ignore the game and talk about chess in general.
(95) And Hypatia joins the White team.
6. Ne2, …
Black’s turn to move.
I’ll join the white team, too.
How does the new board work? Do the GAPAs update it, or do you type the move in the little box at the bottom?
We have to update it ourselves, unfortunately, on the basis of moves posted down here on the thread.
WHOA! What does the board at the top do? I didn’t want to hit any of the buttons and ruin the whole game!
Red-tailed HAWK
Never fear, HAWK: it’s just a player, like the ones that play music. You can’t hurt it or the game.
Looks like white needs help. *Sets up chess board*
Okay. It looks to me like the board is as follows.
rnb1kb1r
pp1q1ppp
2p2n2
P2P4
3BPQ2
1PP1NPPP
RNB1K2R
And it’s black’s turn to move.
Red-tailed HAWK
101-Alright! That does help. Thank you!
Red-tailed HAWK
e5 to e4 (pawn).
rnb1kb1rpp1q1ppp
2p2n2
3p4
P2Pp3
3BPQ2
1PP1NPPP
RNB1K2R
104-Nice move, IBCF!!! A fork, yikes! I can see black is doing very well. I hope I can help white a bit!
White: D3 to E4 (bishop)
rnb1kb1r
pp1q1ppp
2p2n2
3p4
P2PB3
4PQ2
1PP1NPPP
RNB1K2R
Red-tailed HAWK
Black: d5 to e4 (pawn).
rnb1kb1rpp1q1ppp
2p2n2
8
P2Pp3
4PQ2
1PP1NPPP
RNB1K2R
Mwahahaha.
I’ll join black, but I think I’ve missed too much of the game to make any sense of it at this point. Maybe I’ll make a move later
107- You should join white. White needs help.
WHITE: F3 to F4 (Queen)
rnb1kb1r
pp1q1ppp
2p2n2
8
P2PpQ2
4P3
1PP1NPPP
RNB1K2R
Now now, IBCF. I’m just trying to save white after you discovered the fork! I didn’t leave the pieces such that a fork was possible!
Red-tailed HAWK
108-Some people might rather join the side that is doing better. However, I joined white to help
Red-tailed HAWK
Black Pawn to d3. White Bishop Captured.
White Pawn to d3. Black Pawn Captured.
Wait–white didn’t move their queen, they took our pawn with their bishop, and then we took their bishop with the pawn on d5. Then white moved their queen. Could you change the chess board up there?
Black: Bishop on f8 to d6.
rnb1k2rpp1q1ppp
2pb1n2
8
P2Pp3
4PpQ2
4P3
1PP1NPPP
RNB1K2R
111- I already made that move on post #106.
Sorry! I was on my Treo and must have missed it. I’ll correct the sequence above. Hold on, please…
Right. We’re up to date now. Comments 111 and 112 are invalidated. We regret the inconvenience.
115- Thank you very muchly. *waits for white*
Can I help? So far I’ve been lurking.
WHITE: F4 to G5 (Queen)
IBCF, you have nine rows on your board (post 113): I fixed it:
rnb1k2r
pp1q1ppp
2pb1n2
6Q1
P2Pp3
4P3
1PP1NPPP
RNB1K2R
Red-tailed HAWK
It’s White’s turn to move. You may join the white team and make a move, if you like.
May I join the white team?
Wait. There are a lot of people on the white team. I think I’ll join the black team.
122- Aw, join the white team. Come on.
Black: F6 to G4.
rnb1k2rpp1q1ppp
2pb3
6Q1
P2Pp1n1
4P3
1PP1NPPP
RNB1K2R
(If you give the numbers of the moves, it will help me to keep track of them when I’m moderating under unfavorable conditions.)
123- (That was the knight that moved).
WHITE move #10
0-0 (Castling. The white King jumps to G1 and the rook hops over onto F1.)
rnb1k2r
pp1q1ppp
2pb1n2
8
P2Pp3
4PpQ2
4P3
1PP1NPPP
RNB2RK1
Red-tailed HAWK
123 – Fine, I’ll join the white team. *sigh*
124- So, the next moves will be number #10.
f3 to f4. (pawn)
h2 to h4.
OK, ZVX wins.
Except there isn’t an f3. f2 to f4 would work, though.
So say the US Chess Federation:
x = Take or Capture
0-0 = K-side castle
0-0-0 = Q-side castle
+ = check
# = checkmate
! = good move
? = bad move
?? = blunder
This game is going to get really difficult to play with teams — because if one team wants to make a plan, it’s going to be impossible to keep it a secret from the opposing team and still have the other players on the team know what it is.
129-There’s nothing on f3.
130-Nooooo!
Where did the board go at the top?
Red-tailed HAWK
Hm… Castling seems to have crashed my diagram-making software. I may have to find another plug-in…
Robert-Oh no! I’m sorry to have caused a problem!
Red-tailed HAWK
I was wrong: it wasn’t you or the castling, HAWK, it was Black’s illegal move in post 129.
ZVX, did you mean black pawn at c6 to c5?
right, sorry, I was thinking upside down.
Comments to WHITE team:
1.) I usually like to make an “escape hatch” in the castle, which helps evade checkmates if a rook or a queen gets to the last row (1) and somehow eliminates our rook. Basically, it’s just moving the current pawn in h2, to h3. When there isn’t another (better) move to take, I highly suggest doing that.
2.) What is our strategy? I know that black will be able to see everything we write here, but is there a general way we would like to continue our gameplay?
137-Oh good, thank you… I think he did mean c6 to c5.
Panda’s right: it will be virtually impossible to keep our plans a secret. Unless…
I have your e-mail, Panda!
But that wouldn’t be fair, since others don’t have that option. Phooey!
I do have an idea, but there’s no way to tell you except by doing it!!
Red-tailed HAWK
OK, then:
Move 10 — White castles, Black moves pawn from c6 to c5 — correct?
I have the position as follows (HAWK, your diagrams show the white queen in the wrong place). Please verify it:
rnb1k2r
pp1q1ppp
2pb4
6Q1
P2Pp1n1
4P3
1PP1NPPP
RNB2RK1
And it’s now White’s turn to move.
Just a note for the whole piece-designing thing; how does one portray Mimi from the side? Almost as difficult as Koko from the front, methinks.
(140, 133) You’ll just have to make moves so strong that they don’t have to be kept secret. You can call it the “Mostly Harmless” strategy.
It’s White’s move.
Robert-Yours is correct.
WHITE move number 11: G5 to G7 (white Queen takes black pawn)
This diagram shows black’s move ten (C6 to C5) and white’s move eleven, G5 to G7.
rnb1k2r
pp1q1pQp
3b4
2p5
P2Pp1n1
4P3
1PP1NPPP
RNB2RK1
Red-tailed HAWK
Well, I’m still not quite sure how to do the chess notation, but ph3?
(Pawn from h2 to h3, as I described in previous post). Hm. Is that how to say it?
145-Wait! I’m trying to help get us out of this pit we’re in.
Red-tailed HAWK
(145) You’d just say “h2-h3” or, more succinctly, “h3” (because nothing else can move to that square). Pawns don’t get their own alphabetical symbol; they’re just designated by the square they’re sitting on.
Rt-H – sorry, I didn’t see your post when I posted mine. I liked the pawn move because it aided getting black’s knight, but your move is great.
HAWK moved first, so that’s the one I entered.
Black’s turn for move 11.
YIKES! Black is SO CLOSE to giving us a checkmate. Please, give me a chance! We have to balance staying away from a checkmate with staying on the offensive.
Red-tailed HAWK
OK, I missed a lot of stuff in the few minutes I was gone, but I’ll watch now.
Rt-H — I don’t see the urgent checkmate. I see many moves which could lead to a checkmate eventually, but I don’t think we are in immediate danger. But I definitely agree, we should balance offensive attack and defensive moves.
I can see many ways *we* can checkmate, but they are all done in a number of moves and, of course, depend on where black moves. Whatever we decide to do, it requires coordination of moves between team members, so we are all on the same page.
If only we had a way of contacting Hypatia and Bookworm…
‘Tis still Black’s turn to move.
153-I can’t give you my e-mail, though…
Black: h8 to f8, rook. (Turn: 11).
rnb1kr2pp1q1pQp
3b4
2p5
P2Pp1n1
4P3
1PP1NPPP
RNB2RK1
White’s move.
Queen g7 to h7.
Black: Queen on d7 to c7. (Turn: 11).
Whites turn.
White turn 13: H7 to E4 (Queen takes pawn) Check!
Red-tailed HAWK
C8 to e6 (Bishop blocks queen). (Turn 13).
Rt-H — great move!
I played two games of chess with my dad this evening, it was fun!
I’ll think about the game whilst drifting around in sleep tonight, but I think it’s a bit late for me to make a good move at this state of awareness.
*falls asleep and collapses onto floor*
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
White move 14: D4 to D5 (Pawn)
Red-tailed HAWK
On the diagram at the top, has anyone noticed that hitting the button with the up and down arrows lets you toggle between Black’s and White’s view of the board?
(The button with righthand arrows pointing toward a vertical bar takes you to the position of the latest recorded move.)
Yeah, I noticed. It’s nifty!
Bishop: d6 to h2. Check. (Turn 14).
White’s next move is forced (he has to move the King to h1 to get out of check), so I’ve recorded it; now it’s Black’s turn again.
The GAPAs have already moved the King, so… Pawn: f7 to f5.
170- Oops! Nononononononono!
Very early in the game, I allowed White to take back one move that would have instantly lost a piece. I said at the time that I would allow Black to do the same thing once during the game. Would you like to invoke that privilege now?
Yes! Please!
White move 15: E4 to E6 (Queen captures bishop, putting king in check)
Red-tailed HAWK
172-Would letting black take this back get them further than what white was allowed to take back?
Red-tailed HAWK
Instead, I move the knight on g4 to f6.
174, 175, 176- Oops…didn’t see HAWK’s posts…
When white was given the chance to take back a move, they were just saving a piece. They weren’t saving themselves from check (or checkmate). Just thought I’d mention that.
Red-tailed HAWK
178- Aye, but the piece they had saved could have made a big difference in the game. What piece did they save, anyway?
It was a bishop, probably one you soon after captured. I think it’s fair to say this is a different situation. It would be a very big lucky break for black if the move is recalled.
Red-tailed HAWK
As far as I’m concerned, a stupid blunder, instantly recognized, is a stupid blunder, instantly recognized. And a sound strategy doesn’t depend on hoping that your opponent makes a big booboo. It works even if en doesn’t throw away a piece.
I’m going with Nf6, because (1) Black is entitled to take back one move, and if not now, when?; (2) White couldn’t checkmate Black immediately anyway, because the Queen has no backup and can’t do it alone; (3) this way, even if White ultimately loses, en can say that en really won.
180- *sigh* Fine, I concede, as I know that nobody will leave the game satisfied if I’m allowed to take back the move. But if you win, you don’t get the right to brag about it.
King from e8 to d8. Your move, white.
Besides, White has a perfectly good response.
181, 182- D’oh! D’oh! D’oh! D’oh! D’oh! D’oh! D’oh! D’oh! D’oh!
182-Is this it?
White move 15: E4 to H4 (Queen)
Red-tailed HAWK
Hm. Sorry, Musers, I have to get back to work. Another Administrator will have to step in and sort things out, if any are willing.
Ack, I’m confused. Personally, I think we should let Black take back their move, because it doesn’t really matter, does it?
Bishop: e6 to d5. (Turn: 16).
*feels like a cheating villain*
Stop the game for a couple of minutes. I have an idea.
189- An idea? Oh, good.
What’s your idea? Please do tell. I’m rather confused.
Look up at the top of the thread.
192- Thank you, Robert.
Version 1.1
*white’s move*
Version 1.2
As I said before, Bishop: e6 to d5. (Turn: 16).
(Just thought I’d note–I’m perfectly willing to sacrifice a bishop and a queen).
-193 it’s perfectly good if it helps black win. as always.
Hey, neat.
After these games are over, I’d like the teams to stick around for a post-mortem. I’ve noticed some interesting things about them that I want to point out.
Now I really have to get back to work. I won’t be able to update the charts for the next few hours, so you’ll have to follow along on your boards at home. See you later!
1.2: Qh4xf6.
Version 1.2:
Bishop on e5 to d4.
198-There is no bishop on e5.
Red-tailed HAWK
Ackh! This is so confusing. So, there are currently two versions of the same game?
*confuzzlement*
200-I think Robert was just showing us how it would have been. We seem to be going with the second version, the one where black takes back a move to avoid check.
I’m waiting to see why IBCF is trying to move a bishop that doesn’t exist!
Red-tailed HAWK
200-Exactly!
(201) *returns for 10 seconds of moderation*
HAWK, I thought you might enjoy playing both games out to their bloody conclusions — like parallel universes. Black is waiting for a move in Game 1.1.
201-I think he meant Bd5c4. IBCF?
204- Right. That one.
203-Oh, okay! Thank you. For some reason there’s a glitch when you come to move 14 on the first game. The Pawn won’t move. I’ll work on a move, it might take a minute since I can’t see waht the board actually looks like.
Red-tailed HAWK
Game 1.2, White move 18: B1 to C3 (Knight)
Red-tailed HAWK
Version 1.2, turn 18:
Rook on f8 to g8.
Game 1.1, White move 17: E3 to E4 (Pawn)
Red-tailed HAWK
Version 1.2, Turn 19: Bc1d2.
Game 1.2, White move 19: B2 to B3 (Pawn)
Red-tailed HAWK
210-What?
Red-tailed HAWK
212-Never mind. Let’s take your move, (Post 211), as the true one, not Post 110!
Version 1.2, turn 19:
Queen on c7 to c6.
um….. can someone fill me in on the current position of all the pieces? I will join black if I know what is happening>?
215- Please don’t move on version 1.2. It might not seem like it, but I know exactly what I’m doing.
ok… if you say so. I will be patient. *gets bored very quickly* *goes to look for a kokovention thread* *will return eventually*
AHHHH! Emergency move!
V. 1.2 White move 20: F2 to F3
Red-tailed HAWK
??? What was wrong with taking the queen?
You all probably think I’m a stupid crazy person for not moving the Queen, but I’m not.
Red-tailed HAWK
Don’t even need to say the coordinates–Hasta la vista, queen. *takes queen with own queen*
Good one, Rt-H! I’ve been worried black might move there for awhile, but I’m glad you caught it!
219-Ah! *Stupid* Since black took a bigger break than we did, now we get to take this move back
Sorry, I was in a rush to make sure we weren’t in a checkmate. Can we take it back?
Red-tailed HAWK
Things are moving too quickly! What are we going with?
221-Please do anyway.
Red-tailed HAWK
223- Oh, fine. You can.
The deal was one move each. Beyond that, it’s up to the two teams.
223- Wait–a bigger break? That was nowhere near checkmate!
225-Thank you.
White move 20: F6 to C6 (Queen) (Check)
Take the queen, IBCF! I know you want to
Red-tailed HAWK
Okay, do you or do you not want to take the move back? I’m okay with either.
And on that exciting note, this GAPA must tune out for at least another hour. Others may moderate, but the diagrams will not be updated until I return.
Knight: b8 to c6. Takes queen.
I am playing faster than I do in real life. And I was afraid we were going to end up with a checkmate. Thus my hasty move
229-I would. And I think 228 is our new move. Right, teammates?
Red-tailed HAWK
*returns* *is STILL confused and bored* *leaves*
Version 1.1
Queen: c7 to h7 (turn 17)
It’s now White’s turn to move in both games.
V. 1.1 White’s move 18: C1 to G5 (Bishop) Check!
Red-tailed HAWK
V 1.1: King: D8 to c7.
I’m gonna lose.
237- No, I’m not. Optimism, IBCF, optimism!
Ah, this is too confusing. *brain dies*
On a brighter note, I just beat my dad in a game of chess.
Congratulations, Pan!
Much hinges on White’s next move…
240-Exactly why I’m still thinking about it! I know I can’t mess up again…
Red-tailed HAWK
Oh, and yes, Congratulations, Panda!
Red-tailed HAWK
White: V. 1.1, move 19: G2 to G3 (Pawn)
Red-tailed HAWK
Hm! You’re a braver hawk than I am. I’d have traded queens. Let’s see what happens now.
V 1.1
Pawn on f5 to e4. Takes white’s pawn.
I think there’s something really strange about playing chess on the computer. I always do way better when I’m looking at a real chess board. I’m not sure what about the tangible pieces and board helps me, but it seems so much easier.
Take the knight, HAWK! Takeittakeittakeittakeittakeit! Muahahahaha!
I suspect HAWK is after bigger prey.
V. 1.1 White’s move 20: D5 to D6 (Check)
*Gulp* *Hits submit*
Red-tailed HAWK
Exciting! Now, while you wait for a response, how about a little progress on the long-neglected v. 1.2?
V. 1.2 White’s move 21: B3 to C4 (Pawn takes bishop)
Red-tailed HAWK
King from c7 to c6.
v.2:
Rook on g8 moves to h8, to protect bishop in front of king
Every time I try to send in my move, two of the lights go out in my DSL box. I am sending this to see if it still does it.
Red-tailed HAWK
Maybe your DSL box is trying to give you advice.
255-Maybe! That would be scary.
My posts seem to be disappearing left and right. On different threads even. Oh no, why must the dear internet go when I am blogging?
Red-tailed HAWK
Chessplayers —
I’ve got a busy afternoon but should be able to log in for about 1 minute every hour to post any new moves you all happen to make. Don’t expect updates any more often than that, though.
This is my 1:00 (blog time) check-in. As of now, it’s White’s turn to move on both boards.
*vanishes*
*checks in at 2:00* *vanishes*
Hawk, are your posts still vanishing? Anyone else on white want to move? Bookworm? Purple Panda?
259-Nope, they seem to go through now. Wait a minute…
Red-tailed HAWK
This is a tough move to make. I’m going to let it sit in my brain for bit and I’ll come back.
Red-tailed HAWK
*yawns* *looks at watch*
This game appears to be seriously stalled. To get it unstuck, and to free HAWK from the agony of overthinking, the beneficent GAPA recommends a three-move medicinal dose of Chess-Lax, the chess laxative, as follows:
20. Pawn to d7, check (from the Queen)
Black has to play King to d7 (forced).
21. Pawn to d8, turns into a Queen, with check.
Black’s Rook has to take the new Queen on d8
22. Bishop to f4, check
Black’s turn to move.
What say you, White team? Does it work for you?
Sorry I haven’t been much help to the games…it’s just really difficult for me to come into a game like this, taking breaks in between and coming back trying to re-asses the situation.
V 1.2: White: Turn 22: Nf4!
I think that if MBers are going to play chess as a team sport, they’re going to have to enjoy the game for its own sake and stop caring so much about who wins. (That’s hard for serious chessplayers to do, I know. One-on-one games are probably better for them.)
263-Thank you so much!!! I was considering that, but I was overthinking it big time. Let’s go with those moves. You’re right.
265-I’ll trust you know where you’re going with that
Red-tailed HAWK
Robert (266): Enjoying the game for its own sake. Hm. Not sure how to do that. Now that I think about it, I probably fall under the category of a “serious chess player.”
*sigh*
All right, Black: game
1.21.1 is once again afoot. White moves the pawn from d6 to d7, putting you in check from the white queen. Black’s move on both boards!263- V 1.1: My rook moves to d6 to protect the king. But please, no more hints for HAWK on v 1.1.
V 1.2: Rook on a8 to d8.
269- Hey, what??? Bookworm just made a move, didn’t he?
269- I do everything you say I do to the end of post #263.
v. 1.2 Bf4
opps, post 270 wasn’t up yet.
273-IBCF already moved.
Red-tailed HAWK
Let’s get v. 1.2 straightened out. (Please start numbering your moves again.)
(265) 22. White: Knight to f4
(270) 22. Black: Rook from a8 to d8 (submitted before TMFA’s move but moderated at the same time)
Right so far? Anything else?
276- Right. Hurry up, white.
276-I was about to suggest a great move, but my board doesn’t match that at the top. I need to fix that!
Red-tailed HAWK
Next game, I think I’ll keep a real chess board of the game, which I think might help me think about strategy and maybe suggest moves. We’ll see.
279-I’ve been keeping V. 1.2, or I thought I was, on a real chess board. But clearly something’s wrong; they don’t match!
Oh, and I keep meaning to mention: I apologize for being so late sending my piece. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll get it done. I thought I could do it Wednesday, but I haven’t had time. I’ve barely been able to keep up with the Chess game when I do pop in here
Red-tailed HAWK
We can’t see your board, so I suppose you’ll have to change it and use our position.
You can go back through the thread and replay it if you think I’ve made a mistake. It’s all in there somewhere.
281-Ah, I’ve located the problem. I had moved a piece to see what things would look like if I had actually moved it there. But I never did move it. It’s a shame, it was a good move
*Pies self*
Red-tailed HAWK
280- Can’t you just move now? This chess game’s been making me nervous. I couldn’t go to sleep last night, trying to think up new strategies.
It was confusing for a while there when the games diverged — especially as the players didn’t always give the correct moves (or even possible moves) first time around.
IBCF wants White to move in v. 1.2. If White is paralyzed, the GAPA reserves the right to step in and supply a move for en.
V. 1.2 White’s move 23: F4 to H3 (Knight)
Red-tailed HAWK
All right, Musers. If White can’t or won’t move, the beneficent Administrator hereby declares White’s next move to be Knight from f4 to h3.
286-AHAHAH!
I’m glad we’re on the same page, Robert! I trust my move is logical if you also chose it!
Red-tailed HAWK
284- Actually, I’m more concerned about v 1.1. There’s still a good chance of me winning, you know.
v 1.2:
Bishop: h2 to b8.
White to move.
V. 1.1 White’s move 24: E6 to D6. (Queen) Check
Red-tailed HAWK
v. 1.1 – move 24: Black is forced to move the King to c8.
White to move on both sides.
Is HAWK still online? Because if not, the chess GAPA might as well go to bed.
We’ll give him ten minutes.
Methinks he’s gone.
Four minutes, and then I’m offline. Moderation may be a bit slow tomorrow. Too bad — things are exciting here.
TMFA, you use standard notation and terminology. Do you play in tournaments?
Right, lads and lasses: this GAPA is gone — as most of you are, judging by the leaden stillness hereaouts. Sweet dreams, and see you on the morrow!
297- no. I just really, really like chess.
296- Darn. Wish HAWK didn’t live way over on the east coast.
I had to take a shower before I could move. Good night, Robert!
I will post a move tomorrow morning. I think I’ll go to bed, especially if there won’t be any moderation now anyway. But I shall post it tomorrow!
Red-tailed HAWK
Raynpho’s design for white:
Awww.
302-Wow, amazing!
Why don’t we give the GAPAs a rest? Already they say moderation may be slow. What if we agree to not move in the game, or post in general, so the GAPAs can have a break? At least we can do this for the fourth of July!!! Let’s see if we can be mature enough (and caring enough) to give them a break.
Red-tailed HAWK
The GAPA doesn’t really mind. If he gets tired of moderating, he can always just stop.
Alright, I’ll move:
V. 1.1 white move 25: D6 to E6. Check
Red-tailed HAWK
V 1.1:
King: C8 to D8. (Turn 25).
V 1.2: White: Turn 24: Nd5!
V 1.2: Black: Turn 24: f6
V 1.2: White: Turn 25: Nxf6+!
V. 1.1 White move 26: Rd1+ Check
Red-tailed HAWK
v 1.1
Knight: b8 to d7. (Turn 26).
v 1.2
King from e8 to f7.
V. 1.1 white move 27: Bg5+ Check
Red-tailed HAWK
Black’s move on Board 1.1, White’s move on Board 1.2.
(For some reason, this thread has been closed for the past few hours. We regret the inconvenience.)
V 1.2: White: Move 26: Bb2!
315-No problem.
316-Great move! I’m going to let you take that game for a while; you seem to be doing well, and know what you’re doing, so I won’t interfere!
Red-tailed HAWK
317-Thanks, Hawk!
It’s now Black’s turn to move on both boards.
V 1.1:
King from d8 to c8. (Turn: 27)
V 1.2:
Knight from c6 to e5. (Turn: 26)
V 1.2: White: Turn 27: Bxe5!
White move 28, V. 1.1: E6 to E8 (Queen) Check
Red-tailed HAWK
Board 1.1: Black is forced to move the King to c7; White’s move. Board 1.2: Black’s move.
V 1.2:
*takes bishop on e5 with bishop on b8*
White’s turn to move on both boards.
White move 29, V. 1.1: Bf4+ Check
Red-tailed HAWK
Kb6
That should be Black move 29, V. 1.1: Kb6
V 1.1:
Knight from g4 to e5.
328- I disagree. I think we should move the knight.
329- thats a better move then mine. Let’s use that.
Actually, I think I’d have moved the other knight (on d7) to e5. But 329 it shall be.
332- Wouldn’t have made a difference. The worst possible outcome would be the same.
The worst possible outcome never quite seems to happen in these games, for either player. It’s been interesting to watch.
White’s move, on both boards.
V. 1.1 White’s move 30: Bxe5+ Check
Red-tailed HAWK
Nxe5
337- No! I have a better plan. Just wait…
V. 1.1 White’s move 31: Qxe5+ Check
I’m leaving for a bit, but I’ll be back. Fear not!
Red-tailed HAWK
Dangit dangit dangit! TMFA, that will lead to checkmate!
(340) If you can see a plan that doesn’t lead to checkmate, I can always split off another variation and let you test it. But I’m not sure Black has anything much better at this point.
(If at move 27 Black had played Kc7 instead of Kc8, White might have eventually run out of checks. Since then, though, I don’t think Black has had much choice.)
341- Fine, then…
V 1.1
King c7 to c6.
IBCF, I’ve created “1.1 Variations” in case you want to look for a better move than 30. … Nxe5. But if you move the King, Qe6+ still wins.
White’s move 32, V. 1.1: Qd6# Checkmate
I don’t know where IBCF is going with the “variations” board. I will be very interested to see! *Excited*
Red-tailed HAWK
(344) HAWK, let me show you a variation I noticed a few moves back. (It’s on the viewer now.)
25. Qf8+ Kd7
26. Rd1+ Ke6
27. Rd6++
This is confusing.
345-Wow! That was a much faster way of checkmating. Much easier, safer.
You seem an excellent chess player.
Red-tailed HAWK
No, I know what I should have done. I should have moved my king to c8 instead of c6 on turn 31. Then I might have won. Not sure if you knew this, HAWK, but if you had not checked me for one turn, you would have lost.
If you had done that, then
32. Qxc5+ Qc7
33. Qf8+
and mate on the next move (see viewer). Or
32. … Kb8
33. Rd8++ (mate)
349- Not so. I could have moved in my queen to protect.
348-Oh, I knew. That’s why I kept putting you in check every single move
*Holds out wing* Aw, go ahead and shake it; just not too hard
You’re a good chess player, you know. Very good.
Red-tailed HAWK
(349) I don’t think so, with the Rook staring down the d file. Look at the variation viewer.
351- *shakes HAWK’s
handwing* You’re a great chess player, too. And since you’re so good, you will no longer recieve mercy in v. 1.2…hehehe…IBCF and HAWK —
I’ll show you one more game 1.1 variation and then let you get on with game 1.2.
Suppose that on move 27, instead of playing Kc8, Black had played Kc7. Then White’s only check would have been Kd6+. Then Black’s King could have gone to c8 — and White would have had no more checks, because the black Knight guards both the Pawn at c5 and the square f8. Have a look!
What would you have done then, HAWK?
354- He certainly would have moved his king away from my queen’s wrath, and my little scheme would have been ruined.
You mean Kg2? He could have done that anyway.
Congratulations to both sides on an exciting, hard-fought game!
353-
354-That’s an interesting point, and I would have run out of checks that way. But, Qd6+ isn’t the only check; I could still move Bf4+.
356-Agreed, IBCF fought long and hard, and kept me very unsure of how the game would end! Every time I could think of the best possible move in a situation, IBCF would use it.
I likely won’t have frequent blog access until Tuesday. IBCF, could we wait until then to start any new games? Bookworm seems to be active in V. 1.2, so could that keep you busy until I get back? I would like to play again. I also think a little rest for our brains wouldn’t be a bad idea. Mine is fried. My brain played out random chess moves the whole time I was trying to get to sleep last night!
Red-tailed HAWK
(357) If 28. Bb4+, then Black plays 28. … Kd8, and the only check is to move the Bishop back where it was (or to take the Knight with the Rook).
Don’t start a new game (2.0, lets call it) untill I get back on Satuday!
357- Sure, I’ll wait. Now, where is Bookworm…?
V 1.2: White: Turn 28: Rb1!
V 1.2: King f7 to f6. (Turn 28).
As it has now been more than nine hours since the last move, the GAPA takes the liberty of moving for White:
Pawn from f2 to f4 (29. f4)
Bishop e5 to f6. (Turn 29)
Isn’t your King already on f6? (Oddly, the chess-diagram software appears to let you capture your own King, but even in Muse Chess I don’t think we can count that as a legitimate move.)
365- Er, wrong direction. I meant d6. Eh heh.
30. King to g1.
(Don’t worry. I promise not to make more than one more move, just to give you something to do, but some other members of the White team had better show up soon.)
I am reminded of the ches issue of Muse…. when did that come out again?
You mean the one with “Harry Potter’s Chess Teacher”? September 2002.
Rook from h8 to h7. (Turn 30)
31. Rook from b1 to d1.
371- Darn you, Robert.
King: f6 to e6. (Turn 31).
Hey, you don’t stretch your chess muscles if your opponent makes things easy for you.
Are you sure you want to move Ke6? What if White plays Knight to g5 check, forking your King and your Rook?
am I allowed to join now? I have reviewed all moves and know where we are. if that would make things too confusing, then I dont have to.
As far as I’m concerned, anybody should be able to join at any time — but the current players may have other ideas. Which team do you have in mind?
In any case, I don’t think you’d better post a move until we’re sure whether IBCF really meant to post his last one.
I can play for whoever will have me, or not at all if that would mess everything up. I can be patient
Let’s put you on the White team then — but no moves just yet, please.
Alice, Hypatia, Purple Panda — feel free to move for White in game 1.2. I’ve just been doing it because nobody else has been. (But not yet, please.)
In my GAPA capacity, I’ll be happy to discuss strategy and tactics with either side. The position looks pretty clear at this point; I don’t think either White or Black has many secrets from the other.
ok! that’s fine by me, if they dont mind having another player. I have some ideas, but will do nothing just yet
thank you robert!
373- Good point. King to e7 (Turn 31).
I’m much better at Chinese Chess than international chess.
32. Kf2
Attention! Earthgirl, Alice, Hypatia et al. Does anybody want to make a move soon?
I would like to move! May I offer a different move in place of 381, or not? If so, Ng5!
[Sorry, BW — I’m on my Treo and couldn’t edit the file if I wanted to. I am curious, though, about why you think moving the Knight to g5 is a better move. What exactly does it accomplish?]
Just for fun, let me explain to you how I look at this board, and what I look for.
First, there’s how many pieces each side has (the balance of material, a chessplayer would say). White has two Rooks; so does Black. White has a Knight; Black has a Bishop. Knights and Bishops are about equally powerful, so that’s balanced, too. The big difference is that White has three extra Pawns — and they’re all alone on their part of the board, with no black Pawns lying ahead of them.
That’s a crucial advantage and should be enough for White to win. By pushing the Pawns toward the other side of the board, White might be able to promote at least one of them to a new Queen. If not, then Black might be forced to trade one or more pieces for a Pawn or two. In the best-case scenario, White might be able to use the Pawns to smother Black’s King back on his first row (the eighth rank, in chess terminology).
Ideally, then, White would like to exchange off all the pieces — the Rooks, the Knight, and the Bishop — and then march the Pawns across to victory. Black, of course, wants to keep as many pieces on the board as possible in order to stop the Pawns and generally find ways to annoy White. So that’s one basic difference of strategy right off the bat.
To move the Pawns forward, White will need to support them with the White pieces, including the King. That’s a little risky, as it could expose the King to attack by the Black pieces. But White has a wall of Pawns to protect the King, and good, strong Rooks and Knight. It’s probably worth it as long as White doesn’t make any big mistakes.
The Pawns on the left side of the board (from White’s point of view) aren’t in such good shape. Unlike Black’s Pawns, which stand side by side, White’s Pawns can’t link up to support one another. They’re isolated. The Pawns on the c file are also doubled — and isolated doubled pawns are much weaker than singlets. If Black could find a way to attack them with a Rook (say, from behind), en could just pick them off one after the other, munch, munch. Not good.
One key is the d5 square. If White moves the Rook to d5 and Black then decides to capture it with the Black Rook, then White can recapture with the c Pawn — undoubling the weak Pawn and adding another Pawn to the marching wall. Advancing the other Pawn to c4 would then support the Pawn on d5. As an alternative, d5 would make a good, strong outpost for the Knight. It’s a white square, so the black Bishop can’t touch it.
The one thing White does NOT want is for Black to get a rook behind the White lines. The two most likely ways to do that are on one of the open files, the d file or the h file. So White wants to keep those files as closed as possible, either by guarding them with Rooks (as the Rook on d1 is doing now) or by blocking them with another piece (the Knight on h3). That’s one reason not to move the Knight yet. Another one is that a Knight move will be more powerful if White can deliver it while putting the black King in check. (Black, of course, wants VERY MUCH to get a Rook behind White’s Pawns, probably by doubling up the Rooks on an open file.)
I see a few other odds and ends in the position, but those are the main things, for both sides — just in case you’re curious (which, I’m betting, you aren’t any longer).
I wanted to threaten the Black Rook on h7!
I see. And after Black moves the Rook to another square, what has White accomplished?
I’ll tell you what, Bookworm: You go ahead and make White’s next move if you’re around when the time comes. I’ll wait for you (though if Alice or Hypatia or earthgirl gets there first, I won’t chase her away). But please think about what you’re doing and how it helps you toward your goals.
I played chess with my dad again this evening. And I beat him again
Muse Chess has reminded me to play chess more often, and I think I’m getting better…my rustiness seems to be wearing away.
Robert: Does the chess program you use to keep track of the games (at the top of the thread) allow you to make en passant captures?
It’s Black’s turn to move.
(387) En passant captures are no problem. It’s a very clever program, except that it gets indigestion if you feed it an impossible move (though, oddly, it seems to let you capture your own pieces).
Okey-Dokey! Once Black moves, I’ll be next! I now have a better idea!
Black?
Maybe the GAPA will have to move for Black now.
Will You?
Black moves Pawn from b7 to b6.
This move defends the Pawn at c5 from possible attack a few moves down the line, and strengthens the b Pawn against a possible Rook attack along the b file.
V 1.2: White: Turn 33: Rh1!
34 – Black Rook moves from d8 to h8; White’s turn to move.
Rh2!
Black’s 34th move: Rook to g7; White’s turn.
It looks as if White wants to shift the action to the h file. If Black wants to hang on to ens Rooks, that seems like a good place for Black not to be.
I’m on white right? if so, p on e3 to e4
((are we playing that if you get a pawn to the opposite side of the board, you get to reclaim a piece that got captured? that was the reason behind that move:if we get that pawn to the other side, we can reclaim our queen!))
(398) Black’s Bishop takes the pawn on f4 (35 … Bxf4); White’s turn to move.
Yes, Pawns that reach the far side of the board can be turned into other pieces — usually, but not necessarily, Queens.
(Black’s reasoning for this move: White’s e Pawn no longer protects the pawn on f4. White’s Knight appears to guard the Pawn, but White will lose the Rook at h2 if the Knight moves. Thus, Black has a chance to break up White’s formidable wall of Pawns.)
Nooooo… There goes my plan…
*Thinks* *Has Idea* Pawn g2 to g3! (Reasoning: Defends my Rook without losing Position, and Challenges Bishop!)
35 – Black’s Bishop takes the Pawn at g3, check.
The Pawn was defended only by the white King but was attacked by Black’s Bishop and Rook, so there was nothing to keep Black from taking it.
Bookworm — after the game, we can create a separate diagram and explore your plan, if you like.
I’m sooo sorry bookworm!
thank you for having ideas to save us all!
I will wait until foolproof insparation strikes me untill I make another move. nice one Robert
Ok! I have an insparation!!! Kr1 ((were using the bottom board, right?))
earthgirl — Do you mean King to g1? I’ll assume so.
(Yes, we are using the bottom board. The middle board now has the position Bookworm had reached with his plan.)
Move 37 – Black’s Bishop takes the Rook at h2, check (in fact, it’s a double check — ever seen one of those?); White’s turn to move.
V 1.2: White: Move 38: Kxh2!
V 1.2 Vari: White: Move 35: Re1h1!
38 – Black moves his Rook to h4 (38. … Rh4)
35 (variation, for Bookworm) – Black moves his Rook to f8 (35. … Rf8).
36 (Variation) Ng5!
White’s turn to move in the “real” game (bottom board, v. 1.2).
36 (Variation) – Black’s Rook takes White’s Knight on g5 (36. …Rxg5).
It looks as if things are about to get exciting.
It’s still White’s turn to move in the main game (bottom board) — anybody?
Fine, I’ll move. I hope I don’t, like, kill the game or anything.
c2 to c3.
Thanks! Now, if some members of the Black team will just show up…
Pawn f4 Captures g5! (In the Variation!)
It can’t, because the white King would be in check from the black Rook.
Botheration! *Decides to Wait*
I’ll play! I’m not very good, though, and I might get confused and make a move that doesn’t work. So please be patient with me. Hehe.
So I’m black?
Okay, well, I’m not going to move until I get officially assigned a king.
(417) I’ve added your name to the Black team. Your King and position are on the bottom board. You may move at will.
(Purple Panda is on the White team, as you may have noticed.)
I concede the variation!
(412) Black’s Rook takes the white Pawn on e4 (39. … Rxe4).
(419) I wouldn’t — not on the position’s own merits, anyway. After checking Black with a Rook and taking the Pawn on a7, White has four Pawns for a Bishop, and a Rook on the seventh rank. Black will have a lot of trouble stopping those Pawns, if White plays patiently. I think most tournament players would call it a win for White.
Of course, if you’re just tired of playing and want to do something else, that’s different.
I’m still following the game, but I don’t think I can make any moves. It’s a bit too choppy for me — I think I’m more of a solo player, especially if I can’t communicate plans to other teammembers.
And yes, it definitely looks like a White win. At least, if nobody makes a “brainless blunder.” This is one of my favorite setups, because I love coordinating pawns. If it’s thought out carefully, pawn-plan-idea-things can be really powerful.
(421) Pan — As Bookworm has resigned, I’d say you could take over the White pieces entirely and play for the win. Nobody would object. I’d be happy either to keep moving for Black or to turn Black over to THF. Although I’ve said I think White can win, Black is still kicking and can certainly make trouble.
Wow, really? That seems like an awfully big responsibility. I definitely don’t have the brain to do it right now, as I’m about to go to sleep, and I’m going to be gone from 8:15-12:30 tomorrow, but when I get back I’ll set up a chess board and take a look. I don’t want to hold other people up, though. So in the meantime, other people can go ahead and play, and if the game’s still going tomorrow, I’d love to play.
White *can* win, but Black still can, too. It’ll certainly take concentration.
Also, what is the extra board for? I know two of them were made because a move-14-blunder, but what of the other? *confuzzlement*
The bottom board contains a blunder by White at move 35. The middle board does not. By clicking the arrows on the players, you can march through the games move by move and see where they diverge.
Please take over for me, Pan! I would much appreciate it!
Tell me when Game2 starts. this is confusing.
I’ve simplified things a little. Game 1.1 is over. Game 1.2 (which diverged from 1.1 at move 14) continues, with Purple Panda playing White and me playing Black.
I’ll start a separate thread for Game 2 soon — or maybe intersperse some problems to solve first.
Robert, Bf4. Thats all I’m saying.
rook to G4 on next move.
(428, 429) Thanks for the ideas, but I think a lot depends on what White does first.
So, just to make sure, we’re playing on the bottom board, right?
I just got home (sorry it took so long, I had to bike and there were a lot of hills), so I’m going to set up the board.
Er, wait. There isn’t a middle board anymore. Never mind, then!
*sets up*
g3
(I really haven’t learned chess notation very well at all, so correct me if I make mistakes)
Purple Panda — “g3” means moving a Pawn to square g3, but you already have a Pawn there. What are you trying to do?
The pawn was on g2, at least when I looked at the board last. I was moving the pawn from g2 to g3.
(434, 435) I’m the culprit. I added Pan’s move when I moderated her post.
Aha! Sorry — I should have checked the transcript.
So, who are the active players on the Black team?
ZVX and IBCF were playing for a while, but they haven’t moved lately. THF joined the team but hasn’t moved yet. I’ll make the next move for Black just to keep things going: Rook from g5 to f5.
Ra1
(Rook from h1 to a1).
Wow…400 POSTS ON A TOPIC I THOUGHT UP! YIPPEE!
It’s Black’s turn to move. (I’ll move eventually if nobody else does, but I have work to do now.)
THF is at camp until 4:00, and we’re going on a picnic dinner after that so she won’t be back for awhile, if you were waiting for her.
Black decides to live dangerously and play ens Bishop to e5 (38. … Be5).
Kr1
Sorry, eaeatTRPV: Purple Panda has a monopoly on White moves at the moment.
ok, well, let’s say that that was a suggestion which is now useless lince the black players (robert…) have seen it.
I’m back!
Ra3
Sorry, Purple Panda! I was very busy at work today and went out afterward, so I haven’t been able to post Black’s move — which, by the way, is Bishop to b2 (39. … Bb2).
Gahck. I was worried about that. *grumbles*
Rd3.
I’m going to be gone for the majority of the day today (8:15-4:00 for volunteering, then I’m visiting my mom in the hospital and biking all the way home), but I’ll check back before I leave at 8, in case anyone moved.
40. … Rh8.
Please don’t turn black over to me, mainly because if you did it would just be a game between me and my sister. And also because I’m horrible at chess.
But I am playing, for sure.
Pan has returned!
(452) Yes, I’m always looking for someone to play chess with me, because my dad isn’t always home, but THF never wants to. She says she’s not very good and I’ll win, but I think she’ll get a lot better just by playing.
Oh, and when I said White could win, I meant white could win. My confidence = *brain explosion*
Rxh8. (Is that how to notate a capture? Rh8, capturing the rook currently on h8.)
Black plays Bishop takes Rook (41. … Bxh8).
Yes, your notation was impeccable. And don’t worry about your confidence: you’re doing fine.
Rd5.
Black moves the Rook to f6 (42. … Rf6).
It was probably a mistake for me to trade away the other two Rooks. For Black’s 39th move, I probably should have moved this Rook back to f7, preventing a check along the h file. Still, this variation is interesting, too.
Rh5
I was a bit hesitant about the trade, but ultimately decided it was a good decision. I’m always sad to see rooks go, though, as my favorite piece is the rook.
43. … Bg7
I like Rooks, too. They’re so solid.
Rh7.
I’ll be gone the majority of the day today, too, but I can check the game around 4:00 because my mom’s hospital room has internet.
Until then!
Black’s King moves to f7, protecting the Bishop (44. … Kf7).
Say hi to your mother! We exchanged e-mail messages yesterday. It was good to hear that things are going well.
*skips in*
I even brought my chess set with me, so I can set it up here at the hospital! Yay for preparation!
I also brought it in hopes of getting Mom to play chess with me, though I unfortunately will be unsuccessful. She’s not much of a chess player. (I’ve probably gotten her to play chess with me ONCE in my entire life — I was eight or nine and beat her in a four-move checkmate. Upon reflection, I probably should have let her win so she would play with me again sometime in my lifetime. Unfortunately, I hadn’t thought of that before.)
So, I just pulled out my chess board to set it up and my mom said: “Oh, my God.”
Me: “What?”
Mom: “I just think that’s hilarious. You carrying your chess set all over town. Don’t you think that’s just a bit hilarious?”
Then, as I set up the pieces, she laughed at me.
*sigh*
Rh5.
Pan, if you don’t mind me asking, why are you at the hospital?
462 (Kokonilly): I just finished volunteering at the Children’s Hospital and then I walked over here to visit my mom in another hospital.
463 – Do you mind if I ask why your mom is in the hospital?
Hi, Pan! I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to play while you were at the hospital, but work kept me busy all day, and I’ve just finished supper. Black very boringly moves the King back to e7 (45. … e7).
464 (Kokonilly): She’s getting a dendritic cell vaccine. Being a “lab rat,” as she calls it.
465 (Robert): No problem! Dinner at 10:00 at night? You must have had a lot of work. *sends happy work-energy-happiness waves*
I REALLY don’t trust my brain at this hour — I’ll almost certainly miss something if I move, so I’ll do it first thing tomorrow morning.
g4.
I won’t be away nearly as long today, and I might even be able to stop at the library at around 2:00 to check the game.
Oh, there goes my library addiction again. Though, it wouldn’t be about books!
46. … Rd6
It’s a good thing we both like Rooks: I have a hunch they’re going to be very busy.
Actually, I think I might like it if you didn’t like your Rook. In fact, if you HATED your Rook, you might want to move it somewhere like, say, d5. That would be really fantastic, in my opinion. Though, I suppose, if you hated it that much, it would be long gone by now.
Rd5.
Robert, May I suggest b5?
Rooks are one of the most powerful pieces on the board to win an endgame. ♥ Rooks and Queens.
470 (TMFA): What’s the advantage in that move?
472- I’m not telling you that.
47. … Re6
(Sorry, TMFA: I think I’ll stick with the Rook for a while.)
Pawn have so little REpect!
I have the utmost respect for Pawns. That’s why I’m reluctant to hurl them to instant doom.
I’m talking in general. there REALLY importent in the end game, but most get captured in the start.
Robert-
We’re on our way to Michigan now, so I won’t be able to take my turn until either late tonight or tomorrow morning — sorry!
(We’ve been packing all morning and now I’m currently stealing internet from my dad’s work while he’s gathering together some things for the trip.)
PP,
It doesn’t matter. Have a good trip!
Kf3.
We arrived last night around 1:00 am, at which point I decided my brain was in no shape to think, let alone find a place on the porch where we could use the library’s internet. The drive took a lot longer than we expected, but rain + night + construction = slow driving.
Hi, Pan! You’re finding all the right moves. In positions like this, the player with the weaker position (in this case, Black) keeps probing for weaknesses in hopes that the other player will get impatient and try to do something aggressive before the weaknesses are fixed. But you’ve shown admirable patience.
48. … Rh6
What will Pan do?
Well, one thing she has to avoid doing is repeating moves too many times. If the same position occurs three times, then Black can claim a draw. Under current conditions, any rational Black player would be quite happy with a drawn game.
Rh5.
I’m usually good in defensive games, though sometimes I can make a really careless move, which is what I’m worried about. It’s fun to play this way, because then I can play out the game on my own chessboard, which isn’t an option in a non-virtual game while the other person is playing on the same board.
Also, the chess board at this house is flamablamablous. Contrary to our cheap plastic set at home, this one is made from wood and it’s really pretty and happy and fun to play with. The pieces actually have weight, which makes everything so much better. (As in, I don’t have to hold them down in the wind.)
I would be really sad with a drawn game. I would rather lose than have a draw, just because it’s fun to continue to think about the game to the bitter end. That is, if we’re not playing in a tournament or anything.
I don’t get it…
*sigh* this is a bit boring, no offense PP! you’r doing GREAT!!! I thik I will have to get my dad or sister to play me. oh well
Robert, move!
TMFA: What’s the hurry?
Will someone explain this to me?
488- I want game2!
489- It’s a game of chess.
Black takes White’s Rook (49. … Rxh5).
(Sorry about the delay. I was on my Treo earlier in the evening and couldn’t see the “board.”)
I could have kept the Rooks dancing around for a while, but I was getting a little tired of their sparring. The Pawn-and-Bishop ending will be tough for Black, but it will be good practice for Purple Panda.
8~ Craww should be a rook, since he’s a crow, heavens!
(492) Good point!
uh-oh, Robert!
How do you notate a pawn capture? Pxh5? xh5? Pawn captures Black’s Rook on h5.
Black King to e6 (50. … Ke6).
From here on, it should be a fairly straightforward mopping-up operation for White — but you never know.
e4.
51. … Kf6
Kg4.
52. … Bh6
f5.
53. … Ke5
Kf3.
54. … Bc1
Robert, I commend you on your ability to play chess late at night. My brain just turns to mush after 9:30/10:00.
Sorry for taking so long with my move — I’ve had a busy day and am trying to decide between two moves. And, indecisive as I am, it’s taken awhile. But fear not! I shall dream about it all night and post again in the morning.
That’s fine, Pan — take your time. It’s a tricky position for White, suddenly.
At some point we might want to backtrack to White’s 53rd move, or earlier, and explore other possibilities. It’s been very interesting.
Kg4.
Backtracking sounds like a great idea — it’s always fun to explore other possibilities.
55. … Kxe4
It does not look good for White. I’ve been playing through all of the possibilities and, in the words of my dad, “it looks pretty bleak.” *sigh*
f6.
56. … Bh6.
Yes, letting Black’s King in was a mistake. As I said, we can go back and see where White went wrong and find better moves.
f7.
It still doesn’t look good. But, analyzing the game in the end should be fun!
57. … Ke5
f8Q.
58. … Bxf8
Kg5.
This is quite a depressing game. For White, at least.
Yes, I’m afraid White is doomed. I don’t think we need to play that variation any further.
Where do you think things went wrong? I think there are a few points at which White could have made stronger moves. 37. Rh7+ might have worked better. Or 38. Kf3. With three strong Pawns on the King side and doubled Rooks on the h file, I don’t see why White should try to switch the action to the Queen side. Marching those Pawns down the board was the straightforward course, with the Rooks and King helping.
My dad and I played out the game in many different variations last night, and the best-case-scenario for White was that White had just a King, and Black had a King and a Queen. The worst was White had a King and Black had a King, Queen, and Bishop.
37. g3 was the first move I ever made in the game. So I doomed it from the beginning? *headdesk*
I’m just looking at possibilities. White’s 37th move was a tricky one, and it was easy to go wrong.
It’s good that you and your father stay up analyzing positions. That can help your game a lot. In this case, Black can trade the Bishop for the h Pawn and send the King over to mop up White’s Queenside Pawns. There’s not much Black can do.
After White’s King takes Black’s Bishop, it follows Black’s King over to take Pawns, but if Black plays carefully, it will end up with a Queen. At least, that’s how it ended up last night.
Yes. One extra Pawn is all it takes.
It was the Pawn currently on c5. White’s King slowly moves through Black’s Pawns, and Black’s King has already taken the Pawns on c4 and c2, clearing the path for Mr. c5.
After that, White’s King is looking at many running-away-from-Black moves. At least he’ll get some exercise before his ultimate death. Wait, no! I have a better idea. While being chased around by Black’s King and Queen, White’s King shouts: “Ooh, look! A bird!” to distract Black, then he runs away and lives happily ever after. I like that ending much better.
What about 51. Ke4? I think White’s King needs to get in front of those Pawns and eventually over to the Queen side. (Notice how Black’s King made a beeline for the center right after the exchange of Rooks.)
I think the white King throws away his crown, scrunches himself down, and disguises himself as a Pawn. Black eventually gets tired of looking for him, and he lives out his life in peace as a humble but happy peasant-soldier.
Yes, I think I spent too much time trying to work with the Kingside Pawns, and that time probably would have been better spent on the other side. Black’s Bishop and King immediately made it difficult to get to the other side of the board, forcing White into a weaker position.
#24 you can’t take or kill a king you can “attack” it but not not take it