We tried team chess the first time around, and it eventually turned into one-on-one games. This time, let’s start with two-player games.
Results so far:
Purple Panda vs. TMFA: 2-0
Midnight Fiddler vs. Agrrrfishi: …
Adeia vs. Red-tailed HAWK: …
Taiwan Hippo Fan Raynpho vs. ZVX: …
Eragon vs. Logogeo96
###pgn###
1. a4 f5
2. c4 h5
3. Nc3 Rh6
4. b3 g5
5. a5 Nf6
6. e3 Bg7
7. a3
%%%pgn%%%
——————————
Board 2: The Man for Aeiou (White) vs. Purple Panda (Black)
Game over — Black won.
###pgn###
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. d4 e5xd4
4. Bb5 Qf6
5. O-O Bd6
6. Na3 a6
7. Bd3 Ne5
8. Re1 Nh6
9. Nxd4 Bc5
10. Nb5 a6xb5
11. Nxb5 O-O
12. Re3 Bxe3
13. f2xe3 c6
14. Nd6 Qxd6
15. Bd2 Ne5g4
16. h3 Qh2+
17. Kf1 Qh1+
18. Ke2 Qxg2+
19. Ke1 Qf2++
%%%pgn%%%
——————————
Board 3: Adeia (White) vs. Red-tailed HAWK (Black)
###pgn###
1. a4 e5
2. b3 d5
3. h3 Be7
4. d3 Nc6
5. g4 Bh4
6. Rh2 Bf6
7. f3 Bh4+
%%%pgn%%%
——————————
Board 4: Raynpho (White) vs. ZVX (Black)
###pgn###
1. e4 Nf6
2. Nc3 e5
3. d3 Bd6
4. Nf3 O-O
5. Nb5 Nc6
6. h3 a6
7. c4 Nb4
8. Bd2 c5
9. Nxd6 Nh5
10. a3 Qf6
11. Nf5 g6
12. Nh6+ Kh8
13. a3xb4 Nf4
14. b4xc5 d6
15. Ng4 d6xc5
16. g4xf6
%%%pgn%%%
——————————
Board 5: Eragon (White) vs. Logogeo96 (Black)
###pgn###
1. e4 b5
2. Nf3 Ba6
3. Qe2 b4
4. b3
%%%pgn%%%
—————————–
(For reference, the squares are coded like this:)
BLACK
a8 b8 c8 d8 e8 f8 g8 h8
a7 b7 c7 d7 e7 f7 g7 h7
a6 b6 c6 c6 e6 f6 g6 h6
a5 b5 c5 d5 e5 f5 g5 h5
a4 b4 c4 d4 e4 f4 g4 h4
a3 b3 c3 d3 e3 f3 g3 h3
a2 b2 c2 d2 e2 f2 g2 h2
a1 b1 c1 d1 e1 f1 g1 h1
WHITE
How long has this been up?
I completely stink at chess, but i could give it a try…..but please be patient with me, I’m not very good, and it’s been ages since I last played.
I will!
The games will be most fun with players of similar strengths. Please rate yourself A, B, or C. (There’s no need to get more detailed than that; self-rating is imprecise anyway.)
I’d guess that TMFA would rate himself an A and that Midnight Fiddler gives herself a C. How about you, Agrrrfishi?
(1) Not long.
Yes, A.
I’m kind of a B-C, in between there. I’ve been playing for a while, but never on the computer, so I might need a bit of help figuring it out.
Another thing, I’m going to be gone from the 26th of this month to the first of August, with no possibility of internet access. I’m not sure how long these games will last, but whoever I play against (I’d like to, if anyone else wants to play with me) will have to be patient with me there.
(7) These games can go on for years, as far as I’m concerned. Why don’t we match you up with Agrrfishi? *tosses a coin* The coin toss gives White to Midnight Fiddler.
TMFA, I think you and Purple Panda would make good opponents, if she wants to play.
One thing all players need to do is to learn chess notation. GAPAs are going to be adding these moves to the virtual boards, so please make our jobs as easy as possible.
Hahaha! Black is my lucky color, even though you’re probably going to beat me in fve minutes!
Notation? What kind of notation?
On the original chess thread, see the letters and numbers in the boxes to the right of the chessboard diagrams? That’s chess notation. It tells what the moves are. Another diagram at comment 13 will help.
8~ Okay. And I’ll have to dig out my “learn to play chess” book for the chess notation……I think it’s down in the barn. Until then, humor me, I’ve never played online before. *is somewhat nervous*
Agrrrfishi, do you mind if we start tomorrow? I have to get off the computer, and I’ll get the book that has chess notation tomorrow. Thanks! I’ll be on sometime in the afternoon, probably, or at night; that’s when I usually get some time for the computer.
Why has the entire blog gone into boldface print???? It’s strange.
9~ Ah, if I’m lucky. I seriously haven’t played in years, and even then it was against my dad. (who always beats me. ALWAYS.)
Wikipedia has a good article on algebraic chess notation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algebraic_chess_notation
Okay, I sort of get chess notation, I’ve seen it before, but never used it.
When I make a move in the middle of the game, say, a pawn on 4d. do I simply say, “4d to 5e” (if I’m taking someone)? In other words, do you call the piece you are moving by the square it is currently on, and then to where it is to go? (I’m assuming that this is the most logical solution, but I just want to make sure.)
BTW, the boldface has stopped, it was just weird for a moment…..
(14) The square is named “d4” (letters come first).
You may specify both the square you’re moving from and the one you’re moving to. In standard notation, though, you just specify the square you’re moving to (unless it’s unclear which of two pieces is moving there). If no piece is specified, then it’s understood that a Pawn is moving. So “Be5” means you’re moving a Bishop to square e5, but simply “e5” means you’re moving a Pawn there.
When you post a move, please specify which board you’re on (Board 1 in your case) and the number of the move. (Check the game record next to the diagram if you’re in doubt.)
15~ Oh. Oops. But if you only specify the square you’re moving to, then how do you know which piece? I suppose you use an abbreviation for the piece (as in your example, B for bishop). what are the other abbreviations? r for rook, K for King, Q for queen, etc? And pawn has no letter?
(16) Exactly. Use capital letters for pieces: K = King, Q = Queen, R = Rook, N = Knight (because “K” is the King), B = Bishop.
Okay, I’m going off to bed, it’s after midnight. (I should be practicing now, no?
)
Anyway, I’ll start tomorrow…..thanks for the help Robert, and go get some sleep, it’s way too late to be awake. (Even though I am still, heh, I’m a hypocrite)
See you tomorrow!
As MF advised, I’m signing off now and going to bed. Launching this chess tournament has kept me up later than I’d planned. Maybe Rosanne will be around to moderate for the even-later-night shift. Good night, everybody!
White, Board 2, Move 1.
Queen’s Gambit Opening:
d4
oooohh!!!! when I come back from summer camp I’ll sign up!
(20) Hold on, TMFA! We don’t know who your opponent is or whether you’re White or Black.
*Walks in room*
*Raises wing* I’d be happy to play! Unless the list at the top means I’ve been disqualified.
I like the idea of having separate boards. It was much too confusing when multiple people were playing in the same game, and I was always afraid any plan I made would be spoiled when someone else tried to move in a way they found useful.
It looks like Robert is choosing sides for people, so I don’t need to come up with a suggestion. This thread is looking much easier–the benefit of experience!
I should be back in the afternoon. Perhaps somebody else will come to play a game by then.
Oh, and I guess I’d be a B, or perhaps an A. More like a B, but it depends what everybody else is really.
Red-tailed HAWK

I’d love to play!
I don’t know what to rate myself, though. I’ve been playing for awhile, but only against family members so I really don’t have any way to compare.
Righto: Purple Panda vs. TMFA on Board 2. The coin toss assigns White to Pan. Now to find an opponent for HAWK.
11-That would be fine. Can we start later? Right now I have to abaysit. But I promise I’ll learn the notation as fast as possible.
How would you play chess here?
Watch and see, Grasshopper.
I’ll play HAWK! I’m a B/C depending on the day…
(29) Done, Adeia! The coin toss gives you White.
Midnight Fiddler, Purple Panda, and Adeia may move whenever they are ready.
I’ll play on black!
I’m going to be very boring and move e4.
Board 2: 1. e4
I want to play, but I’m not a very good chess player.
I guess chess isn’t too popular here.
sorry if I’m wrong, but I’d expect the game to start earlier in a more chessy community. In chess you must dominate the board in Muse blog you dominate the world. quite similar
Maybe I’ll play. *thinks it over* Naw, no. Better not. *leaves*
Board 2, black, e5
Shoot… I go first… I’m always black….
ummm … Board 3, move 1… a2 to a4
If I knew how to play I would ,but (glares at Mom) somebody… I’m not saying who …didn’t pay attention when Grandpa taught her.
Your turn HAWK!
(sorry for double post)
I think there should be Muse Mancala. It’s realy fun.
I know this has nothing to do with chess, but I had to say something.
(33) THF, I’ll take that as a sign-in and put you on Board 4 as White against ZVX — your move!
Board 2: 2. Bc4
Board 2, move 2 d5!
I mean e5. no !. Thats Something else.
(44) e5 was your first move, TMFA. Are you moving d5 for your second move?
d5.
I’m really excited to play this, even though/especially because I haven’t gone all the way to the end of a chess game in years.
1. e4
Board 2: 3. Bxd5.
Nf6
26~ I’m ready to start now, I’m not sure if you’re on though, since I just got here myself and haven’t been scanning the recent comments bar…..
Board 1: First move: a4. (pawn)
I’m very confuzzled…how do you do chess notation again?
See comment 13. Or fake it and we’ll try to figure out what you mean.
Maybe this will help:
Reminder: K = King, Q = Queen, R = Rook, N = Knight (because “K†is the King), B = Bishop
52` Looking at the board from the White’s side, count 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 towards the Black’s side of the board. Then, also from the white’s side, go a,b,c,d,e,f,gh from left to right along the bottom of the board. It makes a grid, so that each box has it’s own combination of a letter and number, like a4. (the square four squares up from the White’s side, to the far left. Where my oawn is right now.)
Actually, Robert, it’s easier to tell what the chess notation is from the white’s side, Agrrrfishi and I could swap, since I have a very basic idea of the chess notation and could probably bumble my way from black’s side. (Note, this isn’t an insult to Agrrrfishi, but if it would make it easier I’m game to try it.)
Oh, yeah, like Robert’s comment.
Two a4 and two e4 opening moves. Interesting.
Board 2: 4. Bb3.
(52) It helped me to draw out my own chessboard and label each square (a1, b1, c1, &c) because I kept getting ranks and files transposed in my head. I then played along with the games on the first thread using scraps of paper labeled K, Q, B, N, and R as appropriate, leaving the pawns blank. The combination of visuals and physical placement helped secure the layout reasonably well in my mind.
It took me awhile to get used to the chess notation, but I think I’ve figured it out now. The only thing I would have to look up would be more uncommon moves like queenside castling or en passant moves, though I think it would be easy to memorize them as well.
Nxe4
Oh! I get it now! Thanks! The diagram realy helps, too. But I think I’ll stick with black.
Ok.. let’s see, how about f5?
Board 1: c4?
See you later, Mom just cam in and told me to get OFF THE COMPUTER.
h5
Board 2: 5. Qh5.
Oh. So the players type in the piece and spot where they want it to be moved on here and the GAPAs move them on the boards? Cool. Sounds kind of complicated though.
Fiddler, TMFA, HAWK, and ZVX — it’s your move.
Board 3: 1. e5
Red-tailed HAWK

g7
I mean g6
Board 3 move 2: b2 to b3
Board 3: 2. d5
Red-tailed HAWK

If ZVX doesn’t show up today, we’ll find another opponent for THF.
Board 3 move 3 : h2 to h3
Board 2: 6. Qxe5+
Be7
Board 2: 7. Qxh8+
Bf8
Board 2: 8. Qxh7.
Board 2 move 8 black Nf6
Board 2: 9. Qxf7#
Checkmate!
So, what do we do now?
You could analyze it a little. For example, White would have had a harder time if Black had played 8. … Qf6 instead of 8. … Nf6.
Then we’ll have to find you another
victimopponent.Yes, definitely.
In move 5, Black should have moved Nd6 instead of g6 to avoid the checkmate, because in moving g6 he exposed his Rook, which allowed me to fork his King, Rook, and Knight.
Wow. That was fast.
I need to look harder.
New Game?
I’ll be white this time.
e4.
(82) I think 5. … Qf6 would have been better, though, because it would have saved the pawn while counterattacking the white pawn on f2.
I’ve set up another game with TMFA, if you’re up for it.
Midnight Fiddler? Where are you…?
Robert- Yes, that would have been a good move.
Board 2: 1. e5.
It’s more difficult to be Black in terms of notation, because you have to count backwards or flip the board around.
It’s easy to flip the board on the diagram, though — just hit the button with the up and down arrows.
Board 2: 2 Nf3
Board 2: 2. Nc6.
Robert- Thanks! I forgot about that.
Turns to move: Midnight Fiddler, Red-tailed HAWK, The Man for Aeiou, ZVX.
Could somebody else take over posting these reminders, please? I really don’t have time. (Unfortunately, they do seem to be necessary.) Thanks.
Has anyone seen the Fiddler lately? *searches far and wide*
She probably took a wrong turn at the 18th Century.
Knight to f3. Sorry about the late posting, oh GAPAs.
(94) ZVX, do you mean Nf6? (Look at the diagram in comment 53.)
93-This is most likely true.
-95
and yes, I did mean Nf6.
d4
Board 2: 3. … exd4.
Bb5
Board 2: 4. … Qf6.
Board 4: Nc3
Board 3: 3. be7
Red-tailed HAWK

Helpful GAPA hint for strengthening your chess: If you can find an understanding friend, try playing without Queens. Just take them off the board before the game begins.
Many people are afraid to trade Queens and will tie themselves in knots to avoid it. If you can learn to play and win without a Queen, then you won’t do that. And if you ever find yourself under a fierce attack, forcing an exchange of Queens or other powerful pieces is a good way to calm things down. There are a lot of advantages to feeling at home in a Queenless middle game.
Whats the notion for castling?
105 (Robert): Queen trades can be really fun sometimes, because it requires you to get more creative when strategizing, and it always makes the game more interesting.
106 (TMFA): Kingside castling is 0-0, and Queenside is 0-0-0.
board 2, move 5: 0-0
Board 2: 5. … Bd6.
*wishes Fiddler would come back*
To move: Midnight Fiddler, Adeia, and ZVX. (Board 2 doesn’t need a reminder, as it’s moving along nicely.)
Na3
Board 2: 6. … a6.
Board 3 move 4 : d2 to d3
Your turn HAWK!
Board 3: 4. nc6
Red-tailed HAWK

All,
At least one of the boards is still moving very slowly, and I suspect that some players may be getting frustrated.
Your thoughts, please: Before starting a game, should opponents agree on how many moves a day they plan to make and whether to announce plans to be offline for a while? Are there other ways to keep things on this thread moving smoothly?
Board 2, move 7: Bc3
(117) Bd3, I assume you mean, and so have entered it.
116 (Robert): I think players should announce absences of ~10 hours or more (or something like that), and planning how many moves per day is probably a good idea, too. Whenever a chess player is on the blog, they should look at the thread to see if it’s their move — it shouldn’t be difficult because they can just look at the boards at the top of the thread.
Board 2: 7. … Ne5.
Re1
Board 3 move 5 g2 to g4
Wheres Panda?
I’ll play, if it’s not too much trouble and another C shows up. I think I mostly understand the notation.
I usually come on the blog 1-3 times a day, so that’s probably how many moves I’ll make.
THF, would you like to restart your game with Raynpho as your opponent?
*is very miffed*
WHERE is Fiddler!?!
how do you play? agrrrfishi, would you like to play?
126- I would, but I’m already playing with someone. Maybe later.
SORRY FOR THE ABSENCE…
pawn to e4.
THF, if you don’t like my slow playing, you can choose another opponent. I won’t be offended.
I am really sorry it took me so long to move! I went sailing today, but it took about five hours longer than I thought it would. Ah, well. The Chicago-Mackinac sailing race (a really famous sailing race from Chicago to Mackinac Island celebrating its 100th year) just finished, and I’m in the vicinity of Mackinac, so I took my family’s Sunfish out into the middle of the lake and watched all of the huge boats with their spinnakers out. I sort of lost track of time… *looks guiltily down at feet*
Next time, though, I shall bring a watch!
Board 2: 8. … Nh6.
128 – I don’t mind, but it would be nice if you took a bit less time to play.
I would normally just play, but for some reason I can’t see the board on the screen, and since I have to go to bed as soon as I’ve posted I don’t have time to collect the information and set up the game on a tangible chess board. Sorry… hehe
(128, 130) Ah, the board disappears if one posts an illegal move. I forgot to check after I posted ZVX’s move. Since e4 is impossible, I’m assuming he meant to say e5.
129- THAT’S AWESOME! I wish I was there.
Okay all, I’m VERY sorry that I’ve been gone without a notice, I honestly thohgt I’d be on yesterday, and more the night before so when the phone stopped working (and thus no internet) I couldn’t announce that I was going to be gone…..
Anyway, I’ll be gone again for over a week with no chance of internet, I’m at our friend’s house right now, and only on here for a minute.
Board one: N c3
That’s all for now, but I’ll continue when I return!!!!
Nxd4
I cant see the board! ! ! ! ! ! !
It is your turn again HAWK
sorry for the double post but I just got an idea!
We could have an archive of finised chess games. The reason I am suggesting this is because I know wacthing other people helps my figure out new stratgies and so it might help people who aren’t familiar with chess to learn!
Board 3: 5. bh4
Red-tailed HAWK

Eragon if you are reading this MOVE YOUR CHESS PIECE! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Board 2: 9. … Bc5.
Turns to move: Agrrrfishi, The Man for Aeiou, Adeia, Taiwan Hippo Fan, and Eragon.
Board 4: Pawn to… erm… *counts squares* d6
Nb5
(142) TMFA, did the correct Knight move? Either one could have gone to b5.
143- yes, thank you!
Board 2: 10. …a6xb5.
Turns to move: Agrrrfishi, The Man for Aeiou, Adeia, ZVX, and Eragon
(Oh, and the THF/ZVX board needs to be fixed)
(141) THF, did you mean d4? Your pawn can’t move to d6, which is why the board disappeared. (145) Thanks for catching that, Pan!
Nxb5
pe4 did i do that right? pawn to e 4 ?
Board 5 move 1: Pawn to E4
(146, 141) I’d guess she meant either d3 (counting rows from the wrong side of the board) or f4 (switching columns with rows), but there’s no way to know until she tells us.
(148, 149) Yes, indeed. Or in standard notation, 1. e4.
Why 1 e4? 1=pawn 2=Bishop 3=Knight 4=Rook 5=Queen 6= King?
(151) The one indicates it’s the first set of moves. B = Bishop, N = Knight, R = Rook, Q = Queen, K = King. You don’t include a letter for the pawn.
(150) I guess I was thinking upside down and backwards, in sort of sideways fashion.
152-Heehee… Well, I think you were just thinking of the best possible move!
Red-tailed HAWK

Board 3 move 6: Rh2
Your turn HAWK!
Board 2: 11. … 0-0.
Turns to move: Agrrrfishi, The Man for Aeiou, Red-tailed HAWK, Taiwan Hippo Fan (to confirm move), and Logogeo96.
Rh6
Pawn to B5! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
149- Could you move a little more often?! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
To move: Midnight Fiddler, TMFA, Red-tailed HAWK, THF, Eragon.
THF doesn’t want to find internet right now (as she’s busy drawing violins), but I dragged her over to look at the board, and she says her move is d3.
To move: Midnight Fiddler, TMFA, Red-tailed HAWK, ZVX, Eragon.
Knight to F3.
Bishop to A6! ! ! ! ! ! !
Re3
Board 2: 12. … Bxe3.
To move: Midnight Fiddler, TMFA, Red-tailed HAWK, ZVX, Eragon.
f2xe3
Moves: I’m on it, for once.
f8(bishop) to d6.
Board 3: 6. bf6.
To move: Midnight Fiddler, Purple Panda, Adeia, THF, Eragon.
Red-tailed HAWK

I reserve a slot for next time!
Queen to G 5
(170) Impossible move.
Board 2: 13. … c6.
Turns to move: Midnight Fiddler, The Man For Aeiou, Adeia, THF, Eragon
Nd6
Board 2: 14. … Qxd6.
Sorry I ‘ve been band from the computer
board 3 move 7 f2 to f3
THF and I spent the day making a Muse chess set! We only had time to make the white team (and we didn’t even finish the whole thing), and it turned out really well. We made them out of clay and baked them in the oven.
We didn’t have enough of one color to make all of the pieces the same, so we had to figure out a way to distinguish between the two teams. Each piece has a solid-color base (Black, or White, depending on the team) to distinguish it from the other team. The top of the piece is the same color(s) as the Muse, so it’s a much more colorful chess set and I think it looks flamablamablous that way.
We didn’t use the same characters as the set designed on the previous chess thread, but we have very good reasons to our Muse-piece characters.
KING: Bo for one team, Feather for the other. We decided Kokopelli and Urania wouldn’t sit in a castle very readily, especially Kokopelli. They would want to be in the middle of the action. Bo and Feather would both be quite content just moving one space at a time, taking in all of the action.
QUEEN: Kokopelli is the Queen. He can move all the way across the board in just one move, he’s in the middle of all the action, and is a very important piece who can do a lot of damage. This is exactly what Kokopelli would want to do, so we decided he was the best for this position.
ROOK: Chad and Urania are Rooks. They are both very solid characters who think things through, and I think that is exactly what the Rook represents. They also have a strong impact on the game.
KNIGHT: Crraw as one, Pwt as the other. Crraw can fly, so he was the obvious choice for one Knight, and Pwt chases him, also doing leaps and bounds above other pieces. Crraw, as a bird, can go strange and crazy directions (as the Knight does), and Pwt just follows him.
BISHOP: Aeiou and Mimi are the Bishops — they are sensible but cautious characters, just like Bishops. Bishops are also stronger in the endgame, with more places to go, and longer distances. Mimi and Aeiou are both more than capable of surviving until the end, when all of their patience will have payed off.
PAWN: Pies are Pawns — strong and steady, and hurled into action right at the beginning of the game.
176-I like your reasoning… Can’t wait to see pictures!
Bd2
Board 2: 15. … Ng4.
Purple Panda — Which Knight?
Robert — The one on e5.
h2
Do you mean h3?
183- no, h2
I mean yes, h3
Board 2: 16. … Qh2+.
Kg1
That’s Kf1, I assume.
188-yes.
Turns to move: Midnight Fiddler, Purple Panda, Red-tailed HAWK, Taiwan Hippo Fan, Eragon.
Okay, I’ll move…….
Board 1: b2.
OK – Board 1: 4. b3
Agrrrfishi’s turn to move.
Queen to G5.
(193) Your Queen can’t move there. It can move only to e2. Look at the diagram in comment 53 if you’re not sure of the notation.
TMFA (and Robert, on the other thread) (and ZVX too)- THF and I are starting our journey back to Pittsburgh today and have been “closing the cottage” (cleaning, moth-balling, etc.) for the winter for the past few days. The chess board was boxed up yesterday and I don’t trust myself to move in either game without setting it up anymore. I’ll be driving all day today, stopping at my grandparents’ house this evening, where I’ll probably have internet (and hopefully a chess board) and can post a turn. If not, I will absolutely be able to play when I get home tomorrow afternoon.
We’re dropping THF at camp tomorrow, where she won’t be able to play for a week, so that will be a problem — I’ll talk to her about what she wants to do, but someone might want to take over for her.
Farewell, all! Happy Chessing!
See Yah!
HAWK it’s your turn!
Agrrfisi? I think it’s your turn to move……
Turns to move: Agrrrfishi, Purple Panda, Red-tailed HAWK, Taiwan Hippo Fan, Eragon.
It’s looking as if our chess tournament has run out of steam.
I’d play, if there’s one open sometime.
Board 2: 17. … Qh1+.
THF is at camp now, but she told me to tell everyone that someone else can take over her game, since she’ll be gone for so long. metal gear, board 4 is still just starting — are you interested?
*flings steam pies at tournament*
board 1- g5
Kf2
(201) Let’s let Raynpho replace THF on Board 4.
(203) TMFA, your King can’t move to f2, because it would be in check from White’s Knight. The only possible move is Ke2.
204 (Robert): Good idea! I hadn’t see his post on the other thread.
Also, don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about our other chess game — I just want to confer with my dad, and he’ll be home from his business trip in a few hours, hopefully.
Board 2: 18. … Qxg2+.
Turns to play: Midnight Fiddler, The Man For Aeiou, Red-tailed HAWK, Raynpho, Eragon.
Oh wow, no moves since I left?
(207) ZVX — Would you like me to move for White until Raynpho arrives to take over?
So, ZVX would be playing for white and black? That seems a bit strange…
No, ZVX is just playing Black. I’d play White until Raynpho shows up to take over for THF. It’s just a way of keeping things moving, but I don’t insist.
Oh, I missed the “me” in your post. *headdesk*
So I’m playing ZVX for now? Okay. I’ll probably mess up whatever THF had going, but…
Board 4: 4. Nf3
Is that correct notation?
Perfect! ZVX’s turn to move on Board 4.
206- By the way, I am a she.
It’s fine though, apparently people in general seem to think “Raynpho” is more masculine than feminine. I can’t really tell anymore.
You can always add “male” or “female” symbols to your name if you want to be unambiguous:
♂
♀
214 (Raynpho): Sorry! I think I knew that at one point, but I must have forgotten. Yet another opportunity for this: *headdesk*
Remember Brave Sir Robin? She always had a hard time with that, and kept trying to think of ways to change it so people knew she was a girl. I don’t think she ever decided on anything, though.
I’m castling Kingside. (If you look at the board, I can’t castle Queenside.)
216- I’ve had trouble with that too.
Board 1: a5
Board 4: 5. Nb5
216- It’s alright
215- Hm, maybe… *ponders*
Where in the world is HAWK? It’s been 9 days!
Anyone seen him?
((GRRRRR!!!! I missed the start of a new game!!!!!!! are we still play8ing teams or are there many one on one games? can I get incorporated?))
Ke1
Eragon PLEASE MOVE! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
g1 to f6…
To move: Raynpho!!
(224) Sorry, ZVX, but I didn’t understand that move. Do you mean you’re moving the Knight from b8 to c6 (“Board 4, 5. … Nf6”)? Or something else?
“Your opponent is desperately awaiting your next move on Entry Filed under: Fan Page / MuseBlog business”
What?
TMFA: I’m not going to move tonight, because I’ve been under anesthesia all day and had a hard time recovering…I can barely walk by myself, so I definitely don’t trust myself to play chess. I’ll play first thing tomorrow morning, though!
Actually, upon looking at the board, I remember my plan, and feel relatively sure that this move is okay.
Board 2: 19. … Qf2++.
(228) Checkmate! Nice work, Pan. You’ve got a good killer instinct, and you keep your eye on the King. TMFA will have to be more careful not to give away his pieces.
ARGH! TWICE IN A ROW!
Turns to move: Agrrrfishi, Red-tailed HAWK, ZVX, and eragon.
New game on Saterday. that gives you a day+ to rest.
TMFA, aren’t you interested in playing anyone else?
233- find me another A.
Robert (229): It’s really weird — I’m really aggressive in Chess, but so timid in almost every game I play. Strange…
Board 1: Qg6
(236) Sorry, Agrrrfishi! 5. … Qg6 is not a possible move. Your Queen is blocked by Pawns and other pieces.
(224, 225) ZVX — Your last move was also impossible; the game can’t go on until you correct it.
Sorry! Nf6?
(234) TMFA, why don’t you play Taiwan Hippo Fan when she comes back? (When will that be again, Purple Panda? And will she stick around? TMFA is eager to play.)
(235) Pan, I was wondering whether you’d like to play me on a special “chess lesson” thread. The only catch is that I would want to comment on the game as it unfolded, so that anyone following it could learn from it. Or, if you’d rather, we could start by analyzing your game with TMFA. I think everybody benefits from explanations like that.
Robert (240): THF will be home on Saturday, but she’ll probably be exhausted at that point and won’t play a turn until Sunday.
A chess lesson thread sounds like fun! So does analyzing my game with TMFA. I always like doing things like that — I do it every game with my dad, so we always set out several hours for our games. Both/either of those sound great.
(241) Pan — I’ll create the lesson thread. Let’s start by looking at your latest game (of course, TMFA may join in, too, if he likes). When we’re done, we can start a game of our own.
By the way, in the bookstore the other day I saw a book called How to Beat Your Dad at Chess, by Murray Chandler. It was about various ways to checkmate your opponent and looked good. Of course, you do beat your father nowadays, so you might not need it…
Robert (242): Great! Usually, when I analyze with my dad, we just randomly discuss different moves and possibilities. Is there a more organized way we should do it here, like move-by-move?
That sounds like a really fun book! My dad and I are about evenly matched, actually — I do usually beat him, but I think we’re still very even opponents. Our games usually take many hours to finish. (And then, many hours to discuss how we kept foiling each other’s brilliant plans.)
238- Forgive me, I meant Nb8 to Nc6. Sorry for the confusion, but I do end up saying that a lot, don’t I?
Robert (240): THF will stick around…she doesn’t have any other trips this summer and can play for months if necessary. But I don’t think she would rate herself and A, as TMFA requested. Her first post on this thread was, “I want to play, but I’m not a very good chess player.” She would enjoy playing anyone, though.
Board 4: 6. h3
Board 5: Queen to G5
(247) I’m afraid that’s an impossible move, eragon. The only Queen move White has on Board 5 right now is 3. Qe2.
247- You’d have to move your knight first! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
242~ Hmm, that sounds good. I’ve never beaten my dad at chess. Most recently I was beaten by a ten year old.
Humph.
Board four: Pa7 to Pa6.
Your move, Raynpho!
ATTENTION RED-TAILED HAWK: YOUR MOVE IS AWAITED
THIS ANOUCMENT COURTESY OF YOUR COMMENT IS AWAITING MODERATION
Board 4: 7. c4
Board Four: Nc6 to B4.
that would be queen to f6! Ok, here, i want to move my queen, which is the center left piece to move diagonnaly one space left/up. does that work? because my kinght is on f6. i do want my queen to move toward the knight, but only one space toward it. not all the way to it.
(255) As Robert pointed out earlier, the only possible move for your Queen is Qe2, which I’ve added to the board. See if that’s what you want.
(255) Eragon, your Knight is on f3: six squares over from the left (a-b-c-d-e-f) and three squares up from the bottom (1-2-3). Your Queen starts out on square d1 (four squares over, a-b-c-d, and in the first row) and can move one square up and to the right (not left) to reach e2.
Queens can’t jump over other pieces; only Knights can do that. So your Knight blocks your Queen from going any farther than that.
Board 4: 8. Bd2
For the last time:HAWK fly over here and make your move!!!!!!!!
If anyone sees him please tell him to get over here and move.
Oh! I thought it went like this: Letters down and numbers right. | letters|
|
_ _ _ NUMBERS _ _ _
Oh dang. Something went wrong. Well, what I mean is I thought letters went from top right to bottom right, and numbers went from left to right on the bottom. But its is the opposite of what I was thinking. Correct? Yes, thank you Lady Bunniful. That is what I had in mind.
hmmm… Pc7 to c5.
(262) Properly written:
Board 4: 8. … c5
(261) Eragon, it looks like this:
BLACK
a8 b8 c8 d8 e8 f8 g8 h8
a7 b7 c7 d7 e7 f7 g7 h7
a6 b6 c6 c6 e6 f6 g6 h6
a5 b5 c5 d5 e5 f5 g5 h5
a4 b4 c4 d4 e4 f4 g4 h4
a3 b3 c3 d3 e3 f3 g3 h3
a2 b2 c2 d2 e2 f2 g2 h2
a1 b1 c1 d1 e1 f1 g1 h1
WHITE
Board 4: 9. Nxd6
Whew! I’ve been wondering why Black didn’t take that Knight with the Pawn on a6. Now the Knight has escaped, with a vengeance.
Sorry for the delay.
I’ll move tomorrow. I don’t have a lot of time now and my brain wouldn’t be up to thinking about chess now.
Red-tailed HAWK

265- There was a reason I didn’t take that Knight. The plan is being set into action. However, I can’t disclose it to Raynpho.
Board Four: Nf6 to h5.
WARNING: this could be extremely damaging…! *evil sniggers*
Board 4: 10. a3
267- Great. Now I have a strange aftertaste in my mouth…
Adeia/HAWK’s board is pretty.
Turns to move: Midnight Fiddler, Red-tailed HAWK, ZVX.
Board Four: Qd8 to e6
*more evil sniggers.*
(270) ZVX — do you mean Qe7, or Qf6?
oops, Qf6. That was stupid…

Board 4: 11. Nf5
*Major suspicion*
Could The GAPS Of Very Much Brain please post a ‘Logogeo is wanted’ thingamjiggy on the blog? Eragon Of Lots Of Nerdieness Out.
Maybe it’s just me, but I find the “So-and-so is wanted!” threads slightly bothersome…
They push the threads that I want to easily access off the front page and the “Most Recent Posts” sidebar faster, and I don’t really understand what difference it makes. Surely you could post on the random thread, so that when the person logged on again they could see it when they checked that thread? Or, maybe, you could just assume that they’ll check this thread when they get on if they’re dedicated enough to the game.
Just a thought…
(275) Sorry, Meow, but it seems to be the only way to provoke some of these chess “players” into making a move.
276 – They don’t seem very dedicated to the game, then…
It’s wouldn’t matter as much if their opponents didn’t really want to play, but most of them do.
Can I play a game?
Kokonilly — I’ll try to find you an opponent. How would you rate yourself: A, B, or C? (A is at the top, as in school.)
280 – Hmm, I would say B. Average, not too good, not terrible. Of course, I’ve been comparing myself to chess club people who live, breathe, and eat chess, so I don’t really know.
ooh….can i play kokonilly?
im not really good, but i know how to play
ive been playing against the computer the last couple of days
and the computer always wins
shucks
(282) peary,
I’ve created a board for you and Kokonilly on the Chess 3 thread; Kokonilly is White and so will move first.
Turns to move on this thread: Midnight Fiddler, Red-tailed HAWK, ZVX.
thanks Robert!!!
*heading over to Chess 3 thread*
board four- g7 to g6, pawn.
Board 4: 12. Nh6+
Board Four: Kg8 to h8.
Pawn to B4! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Board 4: 13. axb4
Still confident?
pawn b4
290- Yup. Thanks!
Board Four: Nh5 to f4.
Still cocky?
(291) Eragon, I’m afraid that’s an impossible move. Black’s pawn is on b4; there’s no way to move one there. You must have had another move in mind.
293- What if he wanted to take the pawn?
He can’t: pawns take on the diagonal, and there isn’t one in the right place to capture Black’s pawn on b4.
Board 4: 14. b4xc5
292- I would have to say yes. I keep feeling there’s something utterly awful lurking just around my next move, but somehow, I feel optimistic about the whole thing. Or if you prefer, “cocky.”
*does the polka*
Virtually, of course. I don’t dance in real life.
Turns to move: Midnight Fiddler, Red-tailed HAWK, ZVX, Eragon (Boards 1 and 2, should we close down your games? players have been active on other threads but not here).
Oops, I meant pawn to B3. Sorry.
296- Yes, there is definitely something nasty just waiting to happen. *evil*
Board Four: Pd7 to d6.
Turns to move: Midnight Fiddler, Red-tailed HAWK, Raynpho.
(299) The move is written simply “14. … d6” (there is no letter symbol for “pawn” in algebraic notation, and in general it’s necessary to record only the square to which the pawn is moving).
Board 4: 15. Ng4
Oh, I’m quite sure there is, no worries! *pats ZVX on head*
Midnight Fiddler, Agrrrfishi has been waiting for your move since August 7. If you’ve lost interest in the game you have the option of resigning, but it’s impolite to keep your opponent waiting so long.
302~ I’m sorry, I didn’t realize it was my turn….oops!
Board one: Pawn to E3.
Sorry again Agrrrfishi!!!
RtH Sorry, I haven’t moved in a long time. I’ll move as soon as I can! Sorry Adeia!
Has my opponent been around? It’s probably too early to complain, but ZVX usually moves in less than 4 days. I can’t recall- has ZVX been active elsewhere on the blog?
Hey ZVX? It’s your turn! Eh, I’m just being impatient, but it’s been 6 days.
*innocent whistle*
I’m here, opposer of my brilliant plans.
301-
do not be so jovial.
d6 to c5
Board 4: 16. g4xf6
“Be not so jovial,” thou says. Says I, “What utter folly. Joviality is the cream of life.”
/end strangespeak
why didn’t I see that? I’ve beaten a chess master in real chess!
Has HAWK still not moved yet?
can I get a new partner?
RtH, if you’re still around, it’s your move on the chess game. Or tell us if you’d rather give your spot to someone else.
(309) Adeia,
I’ll play with you if you like, or you can start a new game with someone else.
My move, as Black: 7. …Bh4+ (in chess notation, “+” means “check”).
I’d continue the game if you wish. Robert moved where I was considering moving, so I am in no way offended; I had abandoned the thread for some time. So if you so desire, I would continue with the game as it is.
Red-tailed HAWK

HAWK, you left Adeia hanging for a month while ignoring at least a dozen reminders that it was your turn to move. She’s requested a new opponent, and I’ve set her up with Syllabub on a board on the Chess 3 thread. It’s up to Adeia whether to continue this game, but in any case I’d say you owe her an apology.
Bg7
On the “don’t forget these threads”, could some credit be given to me as the guy who had the idea for this thread? (Even though I hardly ever go on it…)
(315) The names on Don’t Forget These Threads are for those who requested the thread be listed on DFTT, not who had the idea for the thread.
316- Oh.
313-That is true to some extent. However, I think it is highly unfair to say I have been letting Adeia hang and have been “ignoring” reminders.
To all: Bloggers need to realize they have no clue when it comes to what is going on in my life. If they did they wouldn’t pick on me so. They’d have a little sympathy. So please, although I may appear to be an easy target for personal attacks, please refrain. If you knew what was going on in my life you’d have some sympathy and understanding.
It’s upsetting to see how bloggers are behaving to and around me, but I know it’s because they don’t know what’s going on in my life. So please just remember this in the future.
Red-tailed HAWK

ZVX?! Your turn!
*must see opponent’s bounceback to tragic capture of Queen*
ZVX? g_g
…
*scratches head* The chess threads are dying.
Sad, isn’t it? Only two games played to completion.
Quite. *sigh*
BOARD ONE: a3
Hurrah! Somebody moved! Turns to move: Agrrfishi, Adeia, ZVX, Logogeo96.
ZVX?…
*switches around pieces*
CHECKMATE, HA!
…
If I dance, will it catch your attention? *dances*
People are really busy. MuseBlog Chess is a great idea, but it’s slow-moving when people are loaded up with homework…
324-But wait. The move’s illegal.
Red-tailed HAWK

326- No, I realize that. I’m just impatient.
… and a procrastinator.
(326) HAWK — Which move is illegal?
Turns to move: Agrrfishi, ZVX, Adeia, Logogeo96.
‘Kay, this whole thread kind of dwindled down to nothing.
…
Mhmm. The last move in the game between me and ZVX was made August 29th… so I hope it’s fairly on-topic if I ask when ZVX’s last post was? I haven’t seen him around the blog for quite a while, it seems… ;__;