Chess Team re-evaluates tactics

Chess team members met from 2:30 to 5:00 on 10/27/14.  The practice discussed how best to defeat Mason in the upcoming GMC matches.  A main problem toward winning is the end of matches, specifically checkmating, or at least stalemating.

“One aspect of the game we need to work on before the GMC match with Mason is using every piece in the game, especially the pawns and rooks,” coach Dr. Keith Brackenridge said.

Many other tactics were discussed, including how to avoid a 4-move checkmate, and using knights effectively to fork other pieces.  Almost every aspect of the game was addressed and prioritized, since there are only 90 individual games in a season.

“One of the things that I’m glad we’re working on is silent matches with partners, otherwise known as bughouse matches.  They require a lot of cooperation,” freshman Victor Lim said.

The concepts time, material, and position and being able to play with the advantage or without it were also reviewed.  Rooks and pawns are usually left at the end of a game, so members learned how to use them well.

“If we work well on these things, we can win against Mason,” Brackenridge said.

For more information on checkmates click here.