Comments on Dennis M's Chess Site: A Treat for the Problem-Allergic

Hi Robert, Almost a quarter of a century ago, can...

2005-02-14T04:19:00.000-05:00

Hi Robert,

Almost a quarter of a century ago, can you believe it? I'm glad that you found my old game with Smithers helpful, and I think in retrospect it was one of the better positional efforts of my early career.

Incidentally, Gallagher has an interesting discussion of the Exchange variation in his newest book on the KID (Play the King's Indian, published by Everyman Chess). He heaps scorn on those who play the line as a drawing weapon (which I didn't) - his reaction is so strong (though good-naturedly, I think) that it's actually pretty funny. In any case, the book is worth getting for the serious KID player.

Thanks for saying hello, Robert, and I hope Bill can persuade you about Ms. Rand!

Bill: Thank you for directing me to Dennis's site...

2005-02-10T22:39:00.000-05:00

Bill: Thank you for directing me to Dennis's site, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I thoroughly enjoy Maverick Philosopher as well.

Dennis: It's a Small World After All...At one of the first tournanments Jerry Weikel put on in Reno in, I believe 1982 or '83, I had admired your play and you were nice enough to chat with me for a few minutes. Later, in the bulletin you analyzed your (last round?) game in the Exchange KID, and I learned a lot about the line, and still feel comfortable meeting it today! Funny what sticks in the mind of a chess player. Love the site, and hope it continues for a long time to come.

Thanks,

Robert

Dennis, I got it before I saw R's post. You gott...

2005-02-10T22:26:00.000-05:00

Dennis,

I got it before I saw R's post. You gotta believe me! Look at the time stamp!

You have a great blog going. But you need a better title. How about something with Monomaniac, Monomania, Monoman in the title. Caissa's Crux. Caissa's Monocle. Sorry to play with your name. People must mangle it worse than they mangle mine.

Regards,

Bill

OK, I get it. The problem is an anti-problem beca...

2005-02-10T22:16:00.001-05:00

OK, I get it. The problem is an anti-problem because it is self-solving.

The idea is that it's a mate-in-6 problem that lit...

2005-02-10T22:16:00.000-05:00

The idea is that it's a mate-in-6 problem that literally anyone can solve. Hence the "anti-problem" title.

Dennis, This is too easy -- or else I am missing...

2005-02-10T22:10:00.000-05:00

Dennis,

This is too easy -- or else I am missing something. All moves forced.

1. d4 b5
2. d5 b4
3. ab a3
4. b5 a2
5. b6 a1 = Q (or whatever)
6. b7 mate

So what's the big idea? Black queens, but then gets mated with a lowly pawn?