David's Chess Journey - Installment 69

A Prodigal Returns

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of the Chess Dojo community and program. After a year away, I've decided to give it another go. I'm not going to be as strict on myself this time and still primarily play because that is what I enjoy, but I do think that the Dojo is the best program out there and an amazing community of people who love chess and encourage me in my journey. So much so that this blog was initially titled "David's Dojo Journey." If you haven't checked it out, I think they are running a good deal right now, so it is a great time to do so. I don't get anything for making that recommendation! I'm looking forward to getting back in the community and seeing where it takes me. If you are part of the Dojo around my level and want to spar or work through a game, send me a message and I'd love to connect.

I Don't Want to Be Mean, But . . . . .

I had the great privilege of a titled player roaming into the chat room for my Lichess4545 game this morning and providing a lot of commentary that I was able to look through after the game. I still have a lot of time to spend with the comments as they are like gold to somewhat at my level who only sees a small fraction of what titled players see. But, this comment was amazing and made me LOL:

"okay i dont want to be mean but i dont know what Bf3 is." That was in response to 20. Bf3 in the game below. I have seen the look in the eyes of the coaches that I have been privileged to have help me at different points in my journey, but to see a comment like this in writing made was really great. As I've said many times, chess at my level is a lot of fun because anything goes:) I hope you enjoy the game. It was an enjoyable win.

So far I'm 3-2-0 this season. I have won every game with White and lost every game with Black. The interesting thing about my losses with Black is that I knew the variation of the Caro that we were going to play, did a good amount of prep, and still was significantly outplayed and lost both those games. Additional data points that the opening is really not that important at my level.

The SWAP Method

My Lichess4545 captain, @johnjpershing, sent me a note of encouragement before the game below where I lost in the fantasy variation of the Caro that I reframed as the SWAP method, and I think it is a great and simple framework for beginners like myself to follow:

S**urvive until the middlegame. I like this because it makes clear that the point for a player at my level is just to get through the opening with an equal position.

W**atch out for tactics. It has been said a good amount that chess is 99% tactics. So, taking time to look for your opponent's tactical ideas (as well as those for yourself) makes good sense.

A**void hanging a piece. This is a solid blunder check for players at my level. I've dropped more pieces for free than I care to admit when this is not on my list.

P**revent pinned and forked pieces. Another great blunder check, particularly re Knights for folks at my level.

I didn't apply the SWAP method in the game below where I lost in the fantasy variation of the Caro, but I still think it is a solid framework and look forward to one of you titled players turning it into a Chessable course for beginners like me! I'm not sure if anything else is needed on the pre-move checklist for folks at my level. Would be interested in what everyone things.