Ask the Chessperts!

In this area, you can ask us or any other visitors any questions that you might have about chess. Check back soon for your answers! Click here to submit your questions.

My son is only 4 and he plays chess very well. Do you know of any National competitions that he can get involved in at this age?
lynn deweese <lynn.deweese@cox.net>
scottsdale, az USA -

what is the effect of castling and when is it most effective time for castling.And could you send me chess rules please.
bongani nkambule <2552665@uwc.ac.za>
pretoria, SA South Africa -

I cannot download your different web sections. Clicking on Click Here, gets me to, This Page Can't be Shown, or something to that effect. Any advice? Elie Avidor
Elie Avidor <ebr8j@virginia.edu>
charlottesville, VA USA -

When was the first time a person competed vs.a computer in chess?
Victor Chavez
Culver, ca USA -

Hello, I want to teach my 6year old daughter chess and therefore I'm looking for good software that can teach and play with them. Are there any recommandable ones? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance! Thomas.
Thomas Buder <tbuder@biologie.uni-erlangen.de>
Erlangen, Germany -

Not really a chess question, but I could not find a webmaster address. Love your site and want to recommend it to the 3rd-5th graders in my chess program. But I cannot seem to get to the details -- web page just locks. I did not have this problem last year.
Steve Kraft <skraft@express-times>
Bethlehem, PA USA -

I'm having the same problems as some others in that I cannot get the links that say "click here to begin" to work. I click and I get a 'cannot find server' error. I am using IE 6.0. Thanks.
Shreeraj Sutaria <ssutaria@econanalysis.com>
Los Angeles, CA USA -

Dear chessperts, I always Play a great game of chess but, most of the time I always seem to mess it up. I don't know what I am doing wrong,but if you could write me back it would be great.Thanks!!!!!!!!
Jacob derman <jackrisa@earthlink.net>
cathedral city, C.A. USA -

I could not get your links to work under "How to Play" etc. click here. I got the list of what is included but that was as far as I could go. Is there a problem at my end or yours? Thanks!
Linda Firestine <lmfteach@epix.net>
Tunkhannock, PA USA -

Is there such a move as a 3,4,5,6,or7-move check-mate
Levi Youngs
Schoharie, N.Y. USA -

Comment: Basic Strategies: skewer. What the picture is showing is a one move to chessmate position. White just has to move the rook on H1 to E1 and he wins the game. There is no reason to move the pawn and capture the rooks.
Mark Wolff <catcatdog1987@yahoo.com>
Earlton , NY USA -

What is a swiss round tournment?
Mark Wolff <catcatdog1987@yahoo.com>
Earlton , NY USA -

My 5-year-old twins have developed a passion for chess, beyond my ability or time to teach them further. Are there any good software programs that can teach and play with them? Keep in mind it would have to all visual and audio--they can't read yet. Thanks.
Jauchart <Jauchart@yahoo.com>
Palo Alto, CA USA -

I am a teacher to PS 20 in Manhattan. The school is PreK-6 grades. We are interested in having our children learn to play chess. Who can I contact to have someone come to our school and teach our children. Thanks! Arnold Messinger
Arnold Messinger <amessin@nycteach.net>
NY, NY USA -

Hey Landon or Bryant. Please e-mail me cause I don't know your e-mail address.
William Sheng <ewiper2000@yahoo.com>
Corvallis, OR USA -

Do you know any good books I can buy which has hints or tips?
Dhiviya Tharan <dhiviya@btinternet.com>
Newtown, Powys UK -

Do you know any good openings which will put me in a good position throughout the game, any tricks and any endings whichwill get me out of trouble?
Dhiviya Tharan <dhiviya@btinternet.com>
Newtown, Powys UK -

Your site "chess for kids" has "How to play". There we are supposed to click "here" to see the explanation on board, and basic terms but it doesn't work. I don't know who take care of the website. Please make them be aware of it. Thanks.
eunmee koh <ekoh@tlhu.edu>
Denver, CO USA -

Are you having trouble with your website? The only section that loads up is the first. Is there a fee that has to be paid to access the info?
john whelan <jowhe@prodigy.net>
north babylon, ny USA -

CAN YOU PLACE MY WEBSITE ON ANY OF THE YOUTH CHESS SITES PLEASE www.iconchessfoundation.com Thanks
Malik Johnson <thecuteicon@aol.com>
washington DC, DC USA -

I have a book titled chess strategy (Coles)I don't understand the notations for moving the pieces can you help Here are soom examples There are 2 kings and one rook in this ex. R-R7confines king to last rank and mateis quickly done by R-R7, K-Kt1; 2.K-Kt2.continued ex.2... K-B1 3. K-B3 K-K1 4.K-K4 K-Q1 5.K-Q5 K-B1 6....K-Kt1 7.R-QB7 K-R1 I know the K means king and R means rook what does B1 Qb7 Kt1 and all that mean
Bob <lineman@Megasoftnet.com>
Royal oak, MI USA -

Why is Chess called Chess? What are the origins of that word as it relates to the game we now know and how long ago was that word first used to refer to this game?
G Schlesak <GSchlesak@hotmail.com>
Chicago, IL USA -

I am a parent who is trying to launch a chess club at my child's school. Can we print out and give copies of your "How to Play" "Special Moves" and other sections for use by the students? Please let me know if this is acceptable. Thank you.
Mary Margaret Allegro <mmsallegro@netscape.net>
Gainesville, va USA -

I am a rated uscf 1100 player. I think that your chess puzzles are a little bit too easy for me. Can you please change them for harder puzzles. Plus, there's a flaw too. There's a button that "type your answer here" that square. I have to delete it to type your answer in and I think that it's kind of a pain in the butt, and if you take it "type your answer here' it would make people's lives easier and happier. THanks
Anynomous
CA, CA USA -

This is just a comment. For those people who want to play chess on the internet, check out Yahoo! chess. They have MANY ROOMS AND IT"S FREE!!! AND YOU GET A RATING AFTER 20 games, and plus after the games you played, you can e-mail the game history so you can look after them and improve. AND MORE!! IT"S WELL WORTH LOOK INTO!!! I"M SERIOUS!!
No Name <No name>
CA, CA USA -

Have anybody try to beat someone without your rooks or knights?I try it I beat my friend.E-mail me if you try to do that
Billy Stoner <nintendopro2000_@hotmail.com>
cumberland, md USA -

I've never been to a torament before how is it.e-mail me.
Billy Stoner <nintendopro2000_@hotmail.com>
cumberland, md USA -

hi everyone.My friend play's chess but he isn't a compition to me but I have been taught that sometimes the weakest player can beat the storngest player.e_mail me if you think that's right or not.See ya
Billy Stoner <nintendopro2000_@hotmail.com>
cumberland, md USA -

I am a 1300 chess player. I am trying to improve my chess game so I am looking for some good books to read. I prefer the ones that says about the idea of a move, why one move is good or why that move are bat but not only becose the variations. So I will be gratefull if you could sugest me some books of any topic.
Alek <lodrigal@yahoo.com>
USA -

Hi i was wondering if someone could help me out by emailing me a syllabus for teaching chess to kids in grades 1-3. thanks a lot
mark <marky2300@cs.com>
berlin, ma USA -

You move your pawn that is diagnal to your Queen. Then they move the knight that is on the opposite side of your Queen. Then you move your queen as far diagonal as you can. Then they move the same knight they did before. Then you move your Queen diagonal and capture the pawn that is diagonal to their king. Is that CHECKMATE? OR CAN THEY CAPTURE MY QUEEN?
Soren Coponen <sorencoponen@hotmail.com>
Greer, SC USA -

At a recent chess tourney thye had a separte competition for girls and boys (ages 9-14). I had a parent of our kids state that this was sexist. I recall hearing that there is a differnce in ability. Can you give me some info on this?
jamie McIsaac <jmcisaac@smcdsb.edu.on.ca>
Orillia, Canada -

If you change a pawn to a queen but you have your queen still, can you do that by flipping your rook over? If so, how many queens can you have on the board at a time? Thanks!
Ms.Batzel's Chess Club <tanyab@laredo.aps.k12.co.us>
Aurora, CO USA -

When you get your pawn to the opposite side and switch it with your Queen, do you put your Queen back in its original spot, or where it was exchanged?
zak <fbramson@WaukeshaK12.wi.us>
Waukesha, wi USA -

i didn't understand very well the difference between checkmate and stalemate, could'n the exemple you had given in inthe section "how to play" for stalemate be a checkmate in the first place? If it could'n, why?
Ella <joanafomm@yahoo.com>
USA -

This is not a question but a comment,I asked a couple questions over a month ago and never received an answer. Whats up??
Terry Taylor <hills@nac.net>
Newton, NJ USA -

What is the leagal age to start competitions in chess
Jayne <Sjnizzie@aol.com>
Edinburgh, UK -

Can you give emailaddress of Vishwanathan Anand,Garry Kasparow,Anatoly Karpov,Bobby fisher& V.Kramnic
ajayprabhu <ajayprabhu@rediffmail.com>
Mumbai, USA -

What are the current (1/01) world rankings & ratings of the 3 Polgar sisters (Judith, Zsa Zsa, & ?) ?
chess lady <chesslady@earthlink.net>
Pittsburgh, PA USA -

You have your black king and a rook. I have my king, a rook and a pawn. White: King g2; pawn g3; rook g4. Black: King f8; rook a6. White move. Can I win?
Carlos Juarez <carlosjuarez@ono.com>
Alicante, Spain -

Hello,i find very interesting your site.Could you please tell me, how can i prevent blunders?İ blunder commonly.How can i get a better concentration? İ played in a simple tournament too.
Cengiz Genceli <agenceli@hotmail.com>
Istanbul, Turkey -

What are the best moves to make at the beginning of the game
Terry Taylor <hills@nac.net>
Newton, NJ Sussex -

Please tell me what the term draw by 3 fold repetition means ? Thankyou Terry Taylor
Terry Taylor <hills@nac.net>
Newton, NJ USA -

Please tell me what does the term-draw by 3 fold repetition mean???????????? Thankyou Terry Taylor
Terry Taylor <hills@nac.net>
Newton, NJ USA -

I am starting a chess club at the middle school here and need a list of the benefits of chess for kids. I know that it increases perception and ability to concentrate. Any others? Thanks! Mrs. Wood
Mrs. Wood <lwood@eastampton.k12.nj.us>
Eastampton, NJ USA -

What CD (software) might be the best to teach K-2nd graders how to play chess. The video should include, of course, how the pieces move and good animation to keep the kids interested. Note: "Maurice Ashley Teaches Chess" is great, but a little too violent in its descriptions. Thank you! Brian
Brian Young <byoung1@telcordia.com>
Great Meadows, NJ USA -

Sorry....please ignore the last mail. espresso productions Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, Hammersmith, London W6 9RL Tel: 020 8237 1225 · Fax: 020 8237 1201 Email: phodge@espresso.co.uk · Internet: www.espresso.co.uk 15th September 2000 Dear web editor, I am a writer for Espresso Productions, a broadband service for schools that delivers educational modules and websites to classrooms. It does this by means of a high-speed Internet link via satellite, which is then stored on the school's hard drive. This commercial service includes video material and interactive exercises specifically designed for the educational needs of school children. We won the Bett 2000 judges award for Innovation (Europe's leading technology exhibition). With your permission, we would like to include downloaded pages from your websites in our 'Chess' section. Although we are offering a web experience for schools, they will not be connected live to the web. As we are supplying an educational product we have to make certain modifications to the pages including the removal of advertising. We update our service regularly and would naturally modify your site if and when necessary. Your pages will be fully credited, i.e. we will provide details of the author and the homepage address. We will also link to your site in Espresso's 'Staffroom' site for teachers. To date we have been given permission for over 100 websites, including the Canterbury Environmental Education (Kent NGFL) site, the Argosphere site, the Telegraph newspaper, the Jamboree site, the Ginn site and the Public Records Office. The pages in question are from the 'Chess for Kids' website, located at: http://tqjunior.thinkquest.org/6290/ The site is a fantastic resource for children. It has obviously been designed by someone who has experience of teaching children as the graphics, the navigation and the way in which the information is presented is first class. It would be a valuable resource for any primary classroom. Our experience shows that inclusion of websites in Espresso for Schools provides valuable free advertising for websites. Most website owners place a high value on attracting new users. Teachers and children who learn about your website through using Espresso for Schools will then wish to connect at home, and show it to their families. Not only does Espresso provide you with exposure to a new audience; it also adds credibility. Espresso is trusted and respected by teachers and pupils alike. For these reasons, the web site owners featured in our 'best of the section have been happy to work with us. If you would like to find out more about us, please visit our website at http://www.espresso.co.uk We are currently using satellite technology to transmit Espresso into schools we make periodic broadcasts normally weekly, containing news reports from TV and the web, curriculum related television programmes, new activities for classes of children and new or updated websites. We can, therefore update any changes you make to your site on a regular basis. We may use other means to transmit Espresso to schools in future, such as the Internet, ADSL, cable, CD ROMS etc. If, for any reason, you would like us to stop using your material, we would ask that you let us know in writing and give us 14 days to make the necessary arrangements. I'd be really grateful if you could give me an answer as soon as possible. You can call me on 00 44 (0)20 8237 1225, fax me on 00 44 (0)20 8237 1201 or e-mail me at phodge@espresso.co.uk Many thanks, Paul Hodge If you are happy to proceed, I would be most grateful if you could please sign and return a hard copy of this letter/email to us. I agree that pages from the 'Chess for Kids' website, located at: http://tqjunior.thinkquest.org/6290/ may be incorporated into the Espresso for Schools commercial service. Company______________________________ Name ________________________________ Title__________________________________ Signature _____________________________ Date _________________________________
Paul Hodge <phodge@espresso.co.uk>
London, UK -

espresso productions Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, Hammersmith, London W6 9RL Tel: 020 8237 1225 · Fax: 020 8237 1201 Email: phodge@espresso.co.uk · Internet: www.espresso.co.uk 15th September 2000 Dear web editor, I am a writer for Espresso Productions, a broadband service for schools that delivers educational modules and websites to classrooms. It does this by means of a high-speed Internet link via satellite, which is then stored on the school's hard drive. This commercial service includes video material and interactive exercises specifically designed for the educational needs of school children. We won the Bett 2000 judges award for Innovation (Europe's leading technology exhibition). With your permission, we would like to include downloaded pages from your websites in our 'Chess' section. Although we are offering a web experience for schools, they will not be connected live to the web. As we are supplying an educational product we have to make certain modifications to the pages including the removal of advertising. We update our service regularly and would naturally modify your site if and when necessary. Your pages will be fully credited, i.e. we will provide details of the author and the homepage address. We will also link to your site in Espresso's 'Staffroom' site for teachers. To date we have been given permission for over 100 websites, including the Canterbury Environmental Education (Kent NGFL) site, the Argosphere site, the Telegraph newspaper, the Jamboree site, the Ginn site and the Public Records Office. The pages in question are from the XXX website, located at: www.xxx.com The site is a fantastic resource for children. It has obviously been designed by someone who has experience of teaching children as the graphics, the navigation and the way in which the information is presented is first class. It would be a valuable resource for any primary classroom. Our experience shows that inclusion of websites in Espresso for Schools provides valuable free advertising for websites. Most website owners place a high value on attracting new users. Teachers and children who learn about your website through using Espresso for Schools will then wish to connect at home, and show it to their families. Not only does Espresso provide you with exposure to a new audience; it also adds credibility. Espresso is trusted and respected by teachers and pupils alike. For these reasons, the web site owners featured in our 'best of the section have been happy to work with us. If you would like to find out more about us, please visit our website at http://www.espresso.co.uk We are currently using satellite technology to transmit Espresso into schools we make periodic broadcasts normally weekly, containing news reports from TV and the web, curriculum related television programmes, new activities for classes of children and new or updated websites. We can, therefore update any changes you make to your site on a regular basis. We may use other means to transmit Espresso to schools in future, such as the Internet, ADSL, cable, CD ROMS etc. If, for any reason, you would like us to stop using your material, we would ask that you let us know in writing and give us 14 days to make the necessary arrangements. I'd be really grateful if you could give me an answer as soon as possible. You can call me on 00 44 (0)20 8237 1225, fax me on 00 44 (0)20 8237 1201 or e-mail me at phodge@espresso.co.uk Many thanks, Paul Hodge If you are happy to proceed, I would be most grateful if you could please sign and return a hard copy of this letter/email to us. I agree that pages from the 'XXX' website, located at: www.xxx.com may be incorporated into the Espresso for Schools commercial service. Company______________________________ Name ________________________________ Title__________________________________ Signature _____________________________ Date _________________________________
Paul Hodge <phodge@espresso.co.uk>
London, UK -

Hidey ho!! Hi, I was wondering what a stalemate is? thanks so much I love this site!!
Novice Chess Player <najmah@gol.com>
Melbourne, Vic Australia -

hi! i was just wondering if anybody knows about the move, i think it's called, the queen sacrifice? i knew it before but then i stopped playing for a while. it was my faverite move and i have been trying to figure it out on my own, but i can't get it. if an e 1 nows what i'm talking about please e-mail me. thanx:)
Laura <l9623@home.com>
Shamong, NJ USA -

In Puzzle 10, White has sacrificed his Queen for the attack. The move Nxf7, although it does fork the enemy Queen and Rook, is NOT the best move. After Nxf7, Black's Queen moves and all White gets is a Rook. With Bxf7, mate occurs, with is obviously much better.
The Chessperts <alphaomega@proaxis.com>
Corvallis, OR USA -

What is wrong with Nxf7 in puzzle 10?
Toby Fieldrod <rkenyon@mb.sympatico.ca>
Winnipeg, MB Canada -

Hi, I very much enjoyed your chess quiz. I have a question on #5. I saw the pawn move, but I opted for Nd5, attacking the Queen; when she moves, I'd play Nxc7+, forking the King and Rook. How do you determine which is the better move? Please e-mail me. Thanks so much, Ed
Ed Hirsch <presence@gnaccess.com>
Albany, CA USA -

How do I get into a tornament on this site or is this site just to show kids how to play chess?
Colby Nathan <tides@cyborstours.com>
Kennebunk, ME USA -

How do I play the game of chess online? I want to play and can't seem to find a site that'll allow play. Help!
Jennifer <JJL421@aol.com>
Rutland, VT USA -

The King IS your highest piece. When it reaches the other side of the board, nothing happens. You may be thinking of a Pawn, which promotes to a Bishop, Knight, Rook, or Queen. You can never have more than 1 King.
The Chessperts <alphaomega@proaxis.com>
Corvallis, OR USA -

If the king reaches the other side of the chess board do you get your highest piece?
Jennifer Yi <Penguin8383@aol.com>
Princeton, NJ USA -

hi i always have trouble checkmating with 2 bishops and a king. can you give me some stragety on this? last time, i spent 45 moves trying to checkmate my opponent! just e-mail me, thanks, lauren
lauren <lulubell83@yahoo.com>
CA USA -

hi
lauren <lulubell83>
CA USA -

No, 'crown' isn't a legal move. You may be thinking of castling, a move described in our 'How to Play' section.
The Chessperts <alphaomega@proaxis.com>
Corvallis, OR USA -

Is there a move called "crown" in chess?
chelsea <chelsea@cswnet.com>
heber springs, ar USA -

I am interested in teaching my four and a half year old how to play chess. Are there any sites or books on how to teach young children the game? Any help would be much appreciated. thanks in advance!
Kurt. <marhue@home.com>
Canada -

Where can I find chess chat rooms for kids?
Hannah <hassefour@earthlink.net>
W. Chicago, IL USA -

do schools in europe still have chess as a subject? Do you know Mr. Snyder
allicat <Jackman001@aol.com>
spokane, WA USA -

How do I forsee my opponents moves faster?
Ronald Chau <jchau@dana.wanet.com.au>
Perth, WA Australia -

I love your site and want to use it in the classroom environment but some of your "click here" hotlinks aren't working so I can't see all your material.
S.A. Stout <s.a.stout@worldnet.att.net>
Montgomery, AL USA -

Our URL is: http://tqjunior.advanced.org/6290
The Chessperts <alphaomega@proaxis.com>
Corvallis, OR USA -

Could you please tell me what's your URL?
Anthony Tan <majef@tm.net.my>
Malaysia -

Computers usually have easier levels with which you can play. Try setting yours down until you find a level that's good for you. After some practice, try playing the next level up, and eventually, you'll get the "feel" of how computers play, and it won't be so hard.
The Chessperts <alphaomega@proaxis.com>
Corvallis, OR USA -

how do you beat the computer in chess ?
Donald Boehm II <chess40@gamespotmail.com>
danbury, tx USA -

I am interesting in finding a chess newsletter delivered daily with chess a visual chess problem to solve, chess tips, or chess trivia. Do you know of any places on the Web where they can be found? Thanks!
Ron Rushing <rwr50@rose.net>
Thomasville, GA USA -

I am looking for a source for a Large (3' - 4') outdoor chess set - to be set up alongside a beautiful beach in the Caribbean. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Michael A Picot <michaelapicot@email.msn.com>
Miami, FL USA -

There are three ways to get out of check: capture the checking piece, move the King, or block the check with another piece. To find out how the King moves, look under "How to Play" at this site. To have the King "jump" a checking piece is not an option available to the defending player.
The Chessperts <alphaomega@proaxis.com>
Corvallis, OR USA -

some of my students that play in my classroom feel it is legal to have the king jump the opponet's piece that has them in check. I told them no it can't, can you explain the rule so I can pass it on to them. thanks
warren <wdhatawaqy@lycosmail.com>
college station, tx USA -

When a Pawn reaches the end of the board, it can change to ANY piece except the King. In other words, you could have 9 Queens on the board at once, by promoting all your Pawns to Queens. You could do the same with Bishops, if you wanted. It's just not easy to get all your Pawns to the end safely!
The Chessperts <alphaomega@proaxis.com>
Corvallis, OR USA -

When one moves a pawn to the opposite side and reclaims a bishop previously captured as the choice, this sometimes results in two bishops on the same color square for one's side. Is this correct? (This assumes, of course, that there is not a rook or queen to reclaim.)
Trudy <trodean@iglobal.net>
TX USA -

Although playing casual or speed games with other players shouldn't degrade your playing style, you definitely won't see as much of an improvement as you would if you played longer, more concentrated games, with stronger players than yourself. Unfortunately, many people don't have the opportunity to practice against really strong players. I would suggest checking out the Internet chess systems (www.chessclub.com or www.chess.net) or playing games against chess tutor software like Chessmaster or Power Chess. Still, nothing can take the place of real, over-the-board experience. Playing in tournaments at the state and national level are the best opportunities to meet and play very strong competition. Plus, the extended time controls at large tournaments can often help you to concentrate on doing your best. Practice makes perfect!
The Chessperts <alphaomega@proaxis.com>
Corvallis, OR USA -

I am a casual player but am starting now to study chess in greater detail hoping to improve my game. I play at a local coffeehouse where the other players, good friends of mine, enjoy the game but do not take the game seriously enough to develop any sort of plan. My question is, will it hurt my game to play others who are playing for fun and thus not posing much of a challenge?
Matthew Karls <mkarls@netscape.net>
Saginaw, MI USA -

Yes, there is a rule called the "fifty-move-rule". After 50 moves have been played by both sides without a Pawn moving or any capture being made, either player can cliam a draw. Also, if you have less then 5 minutes on your clock, you can make an "insufficient losing chances" claim. If the position is close to a draw when the claim is made, (as in your case with the rooks,) then the game is automatically declared drawn.
The Chessperts <alphaomega@proaxis.com>
Corvallis, OR USA -

I have a question about the clock. Say I have 5 minutes left on my clock while my opponent has 15. We both have 1 rook. I offer a draw but he declines because he can win if he just moves his rook around because he has more time. Is there any rule against this? Thank you.
Kane Vickers <Kane9119@aol.com>
Birmingham, AL USA -

A great place to start is our How to Play section, which teaches the rules of chess, step by step. Another excellent resource is Chess for Dummies by James Eade. 4 1/2 is an early age to learn how to play the game, so it will take some effort and patience on your part to teach him the rules. Check the junior section of your local library for other books and materials. Also, many elementary schools host weekly chess clubs that would probably welcome you and your son. Chess is lots of fun, and we're sure you both will enjoy learning!
The Chessperts <alphaomega@proaxis.com>
Corvallis, OR USA -

My 41/2 yr old son has expressed interest in learning chess. I do not know how to play. Any recommendations on books that explain chess for young players?
aj coopersmith <aj coopersmith@hotmail.com>
greenwich, ct USA -

The normal King's Gambit Declined line is 1. e4 e5 2. f4 Bc5. This move controls the weakened a7-g1 diagonal, and if White tries to capture on e5, 3. Qh4+ produces a quick death. After developing the Bishop, Black continues by playing d6, Nc6, Nf6, and 0-0. Good luck in your future games!
Bryant and Landon Brownell <alphaomega@proaxis.com>
Corvallis, OR USA -

I was wondering what the best way to decline the king's gambit is? I've been looking, but a lot of ways leave you with a bad position.
Julian Rosen <julianrosen@yahoo.com>
Corvallis, OR USA -

I'll never be good at chess, so I'll comment on your website. WOW! Am I ever impressed! How many hours did you boys spend on creating this information? I wish you were here so you could teach me to create my own! I'll vote FIRST PLACE for your entry!
Janice <gerhard.langohr@t-online.de>
Crailsheim, Germany -

The first thing to keep in mind is that tournaments should be a lot of fun. Try not to get uptight and concerned about the results; just do your best and enjoy playing. To prepare, read through our Tournament Play section and familiarize yourself with scorekeeping and chess clocks.
If the tournament is USCF rated, you will be assigned a rating after it is completed. You can see your rating after a few weeks at the USCF web site.
Bryant and Landon Brownell <alphaomega@proaxis.com>
Corvallis, OR USA -

I'm excited about my upcoming first tournament. Is there anything I should do to prepare? How do I get a rating?
Adrian Moss <adrian@pinsonet.com>
Pinson, AL USA -

You can check out the USCF tournament search engine at: http://www.uschess.org/tla/ Select your state, and you will receive a list of upcoming tournaments in your area. In Oregon, the scholastic coordinator is Fred Gonzalez, PO Box 1096, Beaverton, OR, 97075.
Bryant and Landon Brownell <alphaomega@proaxis.com>
Corvallis, OR USA -

How can I find out about scholastic chess activities in my area?
Helen
Corvallis, OR USA -