# Chess - training game 2 **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [December 26, 2008, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693 "2008-12-26T01:15:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2008, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/1 "2008-12-26T01:15:05Z")
This is the second training game arising out of [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=498220). This time I am playing Black against **Jordan** (Merry Xmas Jordan!). Once I know how experienced Jordan is, i will announce how often he can: - take a move back - ask me for advice - ask what I’m threatening I will also supply comments. Let battle commence… ---
**Author:** ![SCSimmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e495f1/32.png) [@SCSimmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCSimmons)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2008, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/2 "2008-12-26T05:37:58Z")
Eagerly awaiting the terms of engagement; meanwhile, Jordan has nonetheless already decided on his opening move. 1. e2-e4 ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2008, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/3 "2008-12-26T14:33:43Z")
OK, let’s give Jordan the right to use all 3 options twice during the game… (SCSimmons, if you would like to quote or copy the headings and moves below, spectators will be able to follow the game.) As this is a training game, spectators are welcome to join in with questions or constructive comments. However please remember this is Jordan’s game! White…Black Jordan…Glee 1. e2-e4 c7-c6 The \*\*Caro-Kann \*\*defence. Solid and reliable. Black wants to challenge in the centre with d7-d5, and also recapture with the pawn on c6, guaranteeing a Black presence in the centre. ---
**Author:** ![SCSimmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e495f1/32.png) [@SCSimmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCSimmons)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2008, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/4 "2008-12-27T03:26:12Z")
White…Black Jordan…Glee 1. e2-e4 c7-c6 2. c2-c4 ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2008, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/5 "2008-12-27T10:28:29Z")
White…Black Jordan…Glee 1. e2-e4 c7-c6 2. c2-c4 d7-d5 White sensibly challenges for the centre and tries to foil Black’s plan. N.B. If White plays either e4xd5 or c4xd5; Black replies c6xd5. This continuation offer can save time waiting for obvious recaptures. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![SCSimmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e495f1/32.png) [@SCSimmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCSimmons)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2008, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/6 "2008-12-28T05:09:28Z")
White…Black Jordan…Glee 1. e2-e4 c7-c6 2. c2-c4 d7-d5 3. Nc3 (Thanks anyway for the continuation 🙂 . I’ve noticed that Jordan very rarely initiates exchanges, unless he can see an immediate tactical advantage–eg., the opponent’s retake leaves a piece unprotected. Also, so I don’t forget if we do some analysis at the end, the other moves he considered were d2-d3 and f2-f3. Basically, he is focused on defending his e-pawn.) ---
**Author:** ![lucas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ba8739/32.png) [@lucas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lucas)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2008, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/7 "2008-12-28T10:41:13Z")
White…Black Jordan…Glee 1. e2-e4 c7-c6 2. c2-c4 d7-d5 3. Nb1-c3 d5-d4 > [@SCSimmons](#): > > I’ve noticed that Jordan very rarely initiates exchanges, unless he can see an immediate tactical advantage–eg., the opponent’s retake leaves a piece unprotected. Also, so I don’t forget if we do some analysis at the end, the other moves he considered were d2-d3 and f2-f3. Basically, he is focused on defending his e-pawn.) Jordan needed to do something about his attacked e-pawn and developing a piece towards the centre as well was a good idea. However there’s no need to be afraid of exchanges. (Some beginners will move their queen away automatically if you offer an exchange of queens - this is not necessary!) Exchanges happen all the time in chess. By capturing, you save time, since your opponent has to recapture. Here I have established my d-pawn in the centre with gain of time (the c3 knight has to move). It’s only a small advantage … but several of these add up to a big advantage. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2008, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/8 "2008-12-28T11:43:44Z")
Sorry - that last post was me. :o ---
**Author:** ![SCSimmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e495f1/32.png) [@SCSimmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCSimmons)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2008, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/9 "2008-12-28T20:15:53Z")
White…Black Jordan…Glee 1. e2-e4 c7-c6 2. c2-c4 d7-d5 3. Nb1-c3 d5-d4 4. Nc3-a4 ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2008, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/10 "2008-12-28T21:54:39Z")
White…Black Jordan…Glee 1. e2-e4 c7-c6 2. c2-c4 d7-d5 3. Nb1-c3 d5-d4 4. Nc3-a4 e7-e5 I complete a space advantage in the centre. Hint: Jordan should watch out for his knight on a4, which now has no safe retreat ☹ … Fischer said something like ‘a knight on the rim is dim’! ---
**Author:** ![SCSimmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e495f1/32.png) [@SCSimmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCSimmons)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2008, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/11 "2008-12-28T22:11:03Z")
White…Black Jordan…Glee 1. e2-e4 c7-c6 2. c2-c4 d7-d5 3. Nb1-c3 d5-d4 4. Nc3-a4 e7-e5 5. b2-b3 Defending the c4 pawn, freeing up the king’s bishop for other action, and opening the b2 square as a retreat for the knight–Jordan thanks you for the hint. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2008, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/12 "2008-12-28T22:31:34Z")
White…Black Jordan…Glee 1. e2-e4 c7-c6 2. c2-c4 d7-d5 3. Nb1-c3 d5-d4 4. Nc3-a4 e7-e5 5. b2-b3 c6-c5 This looks as if Black is wasting time, but it makes sense because: - the centre is now firmly blocked and so there’s less need to ‘rush’ in the position - the pawn move cements the advanced d-pawn, and frees up the c6 square for the N on b8 > [@SCSimmons](#): > > Defending the c4 pawn, freeing up the king’s bishop for other action, and opening the b2 square as a retreat for the knight–Jordan thanks you for the hint. 😉 He’s welcome - but there won’t be many more friendly hints! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![SCSimmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e495f1/32.png) [@SCSimmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCSimmons)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2008, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/13 "2008-12-29T15:41:20Z")
White…Black Jordan…Glee 1. e2-e4 c7-c6 2. c2-c4 d7-d5 3. Nb1-c3 d5-d4 4. Nc3-a4 e7-e5 5. b2-b3 c6-c5 6. Bc1-a3 ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2008, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/14 "2008-12-29T22:01:43Z")
White…Black Jordan…Glee 1. e2-e4 c7-c6 2. c2-c4 d7-d5 3. Nb1-c3 d5-d4 4. Nc3-a4 e7-e5 5. b2-b3 c6-c5 6. Bc1-a3 b7-b6 This shows how difficult it is to give guidelines for chess - there are many exceptions. 😕 Here Black has only moved pawns, whereas White has brought out two pieces (and attacked the c5 pawn). However the Black pawns form [a ‘pawn chain’](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_chess#Pawn_chain), which is almost impossible for enemy pieces to break. Meanwhile the advanced Black pawns have left safe squares behind themselves for the Black pieces. For example, Black will play Nb8-c6 and Bf8-d6. The White pieces on a3 and a4 have no prospects and will soon have to retreat, wasting time. :o So already Black is better. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![SCSimmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e495f1/32.png) [@SCSimmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCSimmons)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2008, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/15 "2008-12-30T20:39:27Z")
White…Black Jordan…Glee 1. e2-e4 c7-c6 2. c2-c4 d7-d5 3. Nb1-c3 d5-d4 4. Nc3-a4 e7-e5 5. b2-b3 c6-c5 6. Bc1-a3 b7-b6 7. d2-d3 ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/16 "2008-12-31T11:28:27Z")
White…Black Jordan…Glee 1. e2-e4 c7-c6 2. c2-c4 d7-d5 3. Nb1-c3 d5-d4 4. Nc3-a4 e7-e5 5. b2-b3 c6-c5 6. Bc1-a3 b7-b6 7. d2-d3 Nb8-c6 When either several (or long) pawn chains (like d3/e4, a2/b3/c4 and a7/b6/c5/d4) block each other, the position is **closed**. This usually means: - knights are better than bishops (they can jump around the pawns) - there’s less rush to castle (provided the centre is closed) - a pawn has to be used to break up a pawn chain (here White would like to play b3-b4 sometime, so Black is preventing it) ---
**Author:** ![SCSimmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e495f1/32.png) [@SCSimmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCSimmons)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/17 "2008-12-31T16:41:30Z")
Jordan wishes to use his first request for assistance: he would like to know what you are threatening on the current board. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/18 "2008-12-31T20:02:02Z")
There are two sorts of threats in chess - short term (tactical) and long term (strategical). I’m not threatening anything at present (typical of blocked positions), but I do have a clear plan … get developed and open up the position. So my next seven moves are expected to be (not necessarily in this order): Bf8-d6 Bc8-e6 Qd8-d7 g7-g6 f7-f5 Ng8-f6 OOO (or OO) The key move in all that is f7-f5, which is the best way to open a blocked position by using a well-supported pawn. ---
**Author:** ![Cyberhwk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7993a0/32.png) [@Cyberhwk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cyberhwk)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2009, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/19 "2009-01-01T04:29:41Z")
> [@glee](#): > > The \*\*Caro-Kann \*\*defence. Solid and reliable. **Bartlett** : Ahhhhh…the Evans’ Gambit. **Toby** : I MOVED MY PAWN?!?!?!?!? /Sorry ---
**Author:** ![SCSimmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e495f1/32.png) [@SCSimmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCSimmons)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2009, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693/20 "2009-01-01T17:16:29Z")
White…Black Jordan…Glee 1. e2-e4 c7-c6 2. c2-c4 d7-d5 3. Nb1-c3 d5-d4 4. Nc3-a4 e7-e5 5. b2-b3 c6-c5 6. Bc1-a3 b7-b6 7. d2-d3 Nb8-c6 8. g2-g3 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-training-game-2/478693.md?page=2)