Archive for the ‘Chess Articles’ category

Online Chess Learning – An Effective Way to Treat ADHD

January 17th, 2010

For a long time, chess was considered as the game of tactics and strategies. In most individuals, chess is categorized not just a source of entertainment but a source of learning. Needless to say, chess also enhances one’s mental concentration and self confidence. Moreover, chess also teaches several skills that can be use in real life such as problem solving and dealing with different situations. More than anything else, chess enhance valuable qualities of the mind as well as human progress.

Some studies also proved that chess game can be and effective way to treat several diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, MS and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Apart from being a challenging game, learning chess games is not that difficult. As you wish, you can hire a private coach or take online chess lessons on the internet. In the last few years, medical studies have been clear findings that most kids are having ADHD. The only treatment used to lessen the effect of this mental illness is by taking drugs. But since parents have no idea about this, they’re rushing their selves and seeking for an effective solution. Similarly, doctors did all types of diagnosis. Unfortunately, they can’t guarantee 100 percent cure for this mental illness.

Chess is considered as the game of smarts. Among other board games, chess is a game that needs a huge participation of both mental and social aspects. When playing chess games, you are force to think whether you like it or not. Similarly when a child is playing the game of chess, he or she will also learn to think and plan for the future. Chess also teaches a child on how to become patient all the time. Just like in the game of chess, you have to wait for your turn. On the other side, kids will also learn how to respect other people especially when playing. Likewise, they will also learn to control their emotions and resist internal provocations. Lastly, kids will learn moral values and general vision about what’s happening in the community.

Teachers also conclude that chess is a valuable tool that teaches creative and logical thinking. Most educators proved that when a child is engage in playing the game of chess, he or she will also learn in some academic aspects like numbers and speech. According to some teachers, when a child is playing chess, he or she will lessen the probability of having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For children with ADHD, playing chess will make them realized that they’re not alone in this world. They will able to know that there are people who are willing to support them whatever they do and wherever they go.

Until now, there are still no scientific explanation about chess and ADHD. But for teachers, there’s only a single remarkable game that will encourage kids to pay attention and that is chess. The game was then played in many countries these days. As an end result, the number of children with ADHD will be lessened. And when the time comes, doctors will no longer diagnose such illness.

Become Unbeatable through Computer Chess

December 25th, 2009

Are you an avid chess player? Here’s great news for you. You can now play computer chess. Computers are definitely very popular these days. In fact, almost every household has a computer. If you can’t find an opponent, then you can turn to computer chess to amuse yourself.

Using computer chess is not only for amusement. You can also play computer chess to aid analysis, for practicing before competitions, and for research. Average consumers can now access computer chess. Chess engines are widely available online and you will simply download the game. You can learn many things from playing chess computer. If you’re having a hard time in doing the right chess opening, you can improve your skills by practicing using the chess computer and who knows, soon you can become unbeatable. Computer chess will not only teach you some strategies but also effective tactics.

Top chess players are also using chess computers to enhance their skills. Even if you’re new to chess, you can make use of the appropriate program so that you can play the game at the desired level and strength. There are online versions of chess computer but you can also install software if you like. By opting for the chess computer software, you can learn the different moves for every chess piece. Chess is an addicting game and if you try the chess computer, you will surely learn a lot.

Perhaps the best thing about the computer chess is that you can play at your preferred level. You can use it as your learning tool. Don’t get discouraged if you always lose in the games; just try to learn from your mistakes and soon you will be good at it.

Traditional chess will require an opponent but with chess computer, you can choose among the wide range of chess games – from 2-dimensional to 3-dimensional games. Some of the computer chess games are suitable for younger players especially the beginners but you can also find ones that are suitable for advanced players. Young people will surely enjoy learning the basics of the game with the colorful game boards and extra elements.

Free downloads are also offered by certain sites but the games are usually limited versions only since you will need to purchase if you want to continue playing. Advanced players can choose the computer chess games played against ultimate players. The game can teach you the latest best moves; so you see, you’re learning a lot while playing.

You can choose between the two views – the overhead and real life chess games (3-dimensional). The viewing angle can also be adjusted especially if you’re maneuvering from one position to another. If you can’t find an opponent who is better than you, you can always play chess computer. You can play the game as much as you like and at any time of the day or night. Chess is really an addicting and exciting game; you too can learn more about chess if you play computer chess online or on installed software.

Chess strategy opening moves

December 9th, 2009

As a player masters his skills in chess, the first few moves he makes follows a specific routine which can be called as openings. These routines are named to identify them in the study. A player selects a opening routine that best helps him to put his pieces according to his strategic wishes. But he has to change his routine if the opponent makes the first move and has to form a strategy around that move. There are specific numbers of routines to this kind of situation too.

Before understanding the routines of these openings we must know how a chess board is set up. There are two rows of pieces for each of the players. The front row of the player has eight pieces of pawns lined up. The back row consists of the pieces in the following order. The order starts with the queen’s rook, queen’s knight, queen’s bishop, queen, king, king’s bishop, king’s knight and king’s rook. The black and white pieces have to mirror each other so that black king faces white king.

In chess strategy opening moves only pawns or knights can be used as the first move. The most commonly used move is the opening of king’s pawn so that queen and bishop on either side of king are freed to do critical first damages to the opponent. The response to this move by player with black pieces can take two different forms. If he moves his king’s pawn two squares in front then it is called true king’s opening or if he moves his queen’s bishop’s pawn forward two squares then the combination is called Sicilian Opening. The following moves may open up several different strategies.

While king’s pawn opening is used for conservative and methodical play, the queen’s pawn opening opens up dynamic and action packed games as this frees up more pieces than king’s pawn opening .the player with black pieces also replies with the same move but this kind of opening will lead to a difficult game especially for a novice.

Unique Online Chess Sets

November 6th, 2009

Is there anyone who is fond of playing chess in your family? Or maybe, you are on your way to teach your kids or your spouse in playing the game of chess. As we all know, chess is quite a boring game. In order to assure that everyone will enjoy playing, there are a lot of unique chess sets out there to make the game more interesting to play. At this moment, we will take a short recap about them.

One of the famous chess sets found in online chess shops is the Civil war chess. This set mainly portrays people who are involved in Civil American War. As a review, Civil War chess set comprises full hand painted chess pieces that can surely grab one’s interests. But then, instead of kings and queens, Civil War chess comprises High-ranked persons like Abraham Lincoln and General Ulysses Grant. The tower is represented by stars and bars and pawns are represented by Civil Union Confederate drummers and buglers. This set also features more realistic battle grounds you will surely love and enjoy. Apart from this, Civil war chess can also be match up with other decorations at home. As you wish, you can put some props to make it more decent and appealing.

As for golf lovers, golf chess sets are excellent choices. after a long challenge and tiring steps one the golf course, why not relax with a game of two using this amazing chess set? How could you imagine if Tiger woods could be one of the chess pieces? That sounds a little bit funny but nowadays there’s no impossible with human’s creativity. Aside from golf, there are many other sports themed sets available to choose like basketball, baseball, soccer and many other sports provisions.

Dogs and cats are enemies for life! How could you imagine if they’re set to battle each other on the chess board? Think of a funny cat character like Garfield and a dog like goofy. Yes, there are cats and dogs chess sets out there and it’s pretty nice to play with them. Although they’re enemies, in the game of chess they’re warriors trying to defend their territories. Aside from dogs and cats chess set, Twilight chess is also great as if portrays the battle between werewolves and vampires. While having a piece of cupcakes, why not relax playing the game of chess with these bloody characters. As you wish, you can have it as your TRICK OR TREAT NIGHT.

There are also unique chess sets which can be played anytime anywhere like magnetic chess sets. As you wish, you can enjoy playing while on the car or in the airplane. There’s nothing to fear of about losing your chess pieces. Since it’s magnetic, these sets are very handy to carry along with your journey or vacation.

Among chess sets, the Talking Chess Trainer is the best. Apart from being a funny stuff, he will teach you more about chess game. This tool is really effective in learning chess strategies and principles. Likewise, you can also enjoy special features at the same time. Then, if you think you’re good enough you can challenge anyone and win.

Online Chess – A Review of Chess Movies

November 1st, 2009

Many people have wrong perceptions about chess. For some, chess is only categorized as an old board game. But then, there are also individuals who really appreciate the real worth of it. Needless to say, chess is being featured in some movies and films. Through the years, people are little by little learning the purpose of chess games in real life. Apart from online chess games on the internet as well as on street sides, not doubt about, chess movies have been a huge part of the community. In this article, we will take up a recap with some of the excellent chess movies of all time.

Chess aficionados have actually classified 3 gigantic films had a marvelous impact on the silver screen through the years. These films trace the rebirth of chess games in the modern world. These films include:

Chess Fever – Soviet Union 1925
Brainwash – Germany 1960
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – United States 2001

Let’s take a look with the first one. Chess fever is a 28-minute film from Soviet Union. As a short recap, this film portrays the best depictions of chess games for the previous centuries. Chess movie analysts consider this film as one of the best chess films ever. Although the chess fever is not loaded with suspense and actions, movie goers really appreciate the way it shows how people are playing chess games. In other words, Chess Fever is a silent film to express human’s addictive nature of playing chess games.

The second in our list is the Brainwash movie. This movie was based on a short story written by the famous novelist Stefan Zweig which was published in 1944. By the time, Stefan’s wife committed suicide. Actually Brainwashed film was originally entitled Die Schachnovelle which is a very dramatic movie. Most people considered this book as an excellent basis of creating a huge number of chess films. Luckily, the short story was became a movie in 1960. The movie mainly portrayed a man’s slow descent into mental illness while being imprisoned and tormented during World War 2. As a fiction written movie, Brainwashed centers man’s involvement in chess games.

Last but that the list is the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s stone. This movie was released in 2001. In the movie, chess is being presented with spectacular pictures of all time. The movie is just like the “Battle Chess” game wherein each chess piece has a powerful trick to show. How could you imagine the King’s scepter can capture a bishop or a rook? Apart from being a relaxing movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone also exposed people in chess film fashion. More than anything else, the movie teaches moral traits especially for young individuals of the community.

Obviously, there are a lot of films that feature chess games in one if their plots of themes. Take note that the above mentions are only a few of them. As we all know, chess is being respected for over 1500 years. Likewise, chess movies play an important role in promoting the real purpose of chess games not only on the board but also in reality.