Friday, February 8, 2008

Hypermodern. Deception at it's finest?

I got pretty stiff last night and have the headache to show for it. Since I've been porky about my blogs I figured I'd push through and post some thoughts about Hypermodern theory. One its good to put my ideas out there for criticism and two I figure writing helps with your speech. I will probably revise this a few times but my initial thoughts will follow. So here goes.

Hypermodern theory in chess is the idea that you control the center of the board with pieces instead of centralized pawns. Pawns should be used as an aid to developement and not a part of developement. Pawns in the center become targets. This allows you to develope your whole army and allow the opponent a chance to over-extend his own pawns. Thus becoming targets for your already developed pieces.

Many players are allured to the Hypermodern openings because it developes positional play and prevents the immediate tactics of 1.e4 and 1.d4. When a game is drawn into positional play subtle moves become important and to most aggressive players it's very dull. 1.e4 allows the opening of the bishop and queen allowing many sharp lines. No wonder this is the most popular opening. You start your attack from the very beginning! Its also no wonder that 1.e4 is the most studied move as well. Many openings and theories come from just this one single move. 1.e4 is the most popular with d4,c4,and nf3 to follow.

Many positional players use Hypermodern openings. But not only is there a postional advantage, there is another deeper advantage to this opening thought. Since 1.e4 is the standard opening move for most games the usual reply is 1.. c5 or 1.. e5. White has obviously studied 1.e4 immensely so he is expecting c5 or e5. So why not open up with something off the wall that will throw off their game!? Something like 1..Nf6 (Alekhine) or 1.. Nc6 (Nimzovich). Both hypermodern openings, both with sound replies and most of the time the opponent doesn't expect these defenses and loses on different levels. One they enter territory unknown to them , two they lose on time, and three you immediately take control of the game.

Ask any of the of the cats I hang out with what my motto is and they will reply,'All warfare is based on deception.' I believe Hypermodern theory to be not only viable in positional views but also in the ideas that you can deceive someone into parts of the game they are unfamiliar and uncomfortable with. In turn giving you an immediate advantage.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

'bout time.

Its been a minute since I posted here and thought I'd give some quick updates. I drug myself in a bit late this morning (there was traffic... really) so I have to make the updates short.

Chess: My CTS rating is up a bit and I maxed out at 1489 but now its back down to 1450. I'll get it back up. Soon I'll post some good games of mine from ICC. I luv that site. Its pretty blood. :P

Money: I'm broke and about to sell my call. I don't need it and it only causes me problems. I had to borrow money from Pop but ended up skunking him outta 50$. I'll get it back to him this week.

That's is for now. Now to just chill and be forced to listen to a couple of ragtails on the other side of my cubicle. Ack... they make the day sooooo long.