Open Steem Blitz 960 Arena

As always congratulations to the winners!

@stayoutoftherz and @Foxconn_mars was far ahead of the crowd.
winners.PNG

Evaluation

While I was simply outplayed in most games, I continue to give pieces away and lose winnable games in the last moments. I attribute some of my bad play to a lack of ability to focus. Its always fun but it could be more fun if I was winning more. Of course I will continue to play and I am sure my ability to focus is just around the next counter. However if you fail to see that a pawn can take your queen that not necessarily a lack of focus, It A Blind Spot.

I did make an observation this week, it appears that the pieces are place in the same position for both players. Also the variant 960 games does present more of a challenge to develop your pieces. I will now use the 20 seconds before the game to formulate a strategy to develop my pieces in these games. So more observation means more knowledge and with that I will claim a little improvement in the 960 game.

Plan for next week

I am not sure if lichess offer casual play for Blitz 960 variant but if it does I will simply get some practice. I have become much more comfortable with Blitz times and expect some immediately result there but it obvious to me I need lots of practice with bullet and 960 variant.

Game Stats

It was a slightly smaller field this time but it was still a strong field.
stats.PNG

Strategy

Just keep playing and enjoying the competition.

@rodrook

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You are improving!

Not fastest enough :)

Keep practicing, but especially slow games. Maybe you can consider being coached. I could help you with that!

Thanks @eniolw I appreciate the encouragement and will always accept good advice. I also got some good tips from @schamangerbert and invitation to practice. But I am sure my chess play decline is a natural progression of age as I will be 67 this year. However I will keep practicing, playing, improving and keep playing because I really enjoy the game.

I have been undefeated in some big tournaments and defeated strong players playing blindfold but I won’t return to that form again. I still play a very strong game @ 10/10 and above. :)

Playing chess is real brain food and keeps your brain young.
There are also really good training sessions on lichess, under "learn" go to "practice" and you can learn to identify and practice certain motifs like pin, fork, skewer. Will help you find them faster in the games!

Yes my brain needs more food. The pressure is going to be on to improve with all the great advice. :) Lichess is great it has so many options to play and learn.

It's encouraging to hear this. Well, I wish you the best :)