Playing Chess

Logic Challenge

2011-11-18T06:22:00.001-08:00

Logic Challenge - Just for fun: Four participants in a chess tournament will be selected from a group of six players; Adams, Baker, Collins, Donaldson, Evans and Fitzgerald. The participants will be seeded in rank order from first through fourth with first considered the highest seed. The seeding of the tournament is to be made according to the following considerations:

+Collins cannot be seeded lower than Adams, Baker or Evans
+Baker cannot be seeded lower than either Adams or Evans
+Evans cannot be seeded lower than Adams
+If Donaldson participates in the tournament, then Evans must be the tournament’s second seed
+If Fitzgerald participates in the tournament, then Baker also participates with Fitzgerald seeded higher than Baker.

Which one of the following could be a complete and accurate list of the players participating in the tournament, and their seeds?
(a) first Collins; second Evans; third Fitzgerald; fourth Donaldson
(b) first Fitzgerald; second Baker; third Collins; fourth Adams
(c) first Collins; second Baker; third Evans; fourth Donaldson
(d) first Fitzgerald; second Evans; third Donaldson; fourth Baker
(e) first Collins; second Fitzgerald; third Baker; fourth Adams

Notes from around the shop: We have been donating lately to our local food bank and want to encourage everyone to do the same in your own area. News reports indicate that millions of families are in need this season and numerous local food banks are reporting acute shortages. Even a modest contribution will be greatly appreciated. You can find your nearest Feeding America (formerly called Second Harvest) food bank by visiting "feedingamerica.org"

Featured Product of the Month: Classic Collectors Combo - this is a striking combination product including handsome wooden pieces with fancy leather (not felt) pads, a new chessboard and underneath a storage box for keeping your new pieces safe when not in use. But then again, why would you ever want to put such a beautiful chess set away? See this gorgeous combo here

The correct answer to the Logic Challenge is (e)

Please visit the Chess Right Chess Shop today.

Happy Birthday Samuel Reshevsky

2011-11-18T06:21:00.001-08:00

Current Events: The 2011 Women\'s World Championships are under way. Read more about the competition at http://www.wwcc2011tirana.com/
Also see more photos on the FIDE website.

Historic Note: This November marks the 100th anniversary of the birthday of Grandmaster Samuel Reshevsky, famous chess player of the mid-twentieth century. Born in Poland in 1911, Reshevsky learned to play chess when he was four years old and was competing with accomplished players by the time he was eight (shown here at age of eight giving simultaneous exhibitions against several grand masters of France). He went on to win numerous chess matches, including eight US Chess Championships. He competed internationally as well, and although he was a recognized Grandmaster, he still "kept his day job" as an accountant. His later years were marked with a fierce rivalry with Bobby Fischer. Reshevsky died in New York in 1992. Wikipedia has an interesting page on him, or you can also read a quick summary of his life here.

Please celebrate by visit our shop at www.ChessRight.com today!

2011-10-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

FIDE and the 2011 World Chess Cup
In September 2011, The World Chess Federation (FIDE) held their annual World Chess Cup competition in Russia. Peter Svidler won the first game of the final and then held draws in the remaining three games to defeat Alexander Grischuk and claim victory. Read more about it here.
Then, during October, the FIDE held their 82nd Congress in Poland. Read about it and check out the pictures

Chess in the Movies
There are numerous references to chess in movies, such as the scenes of “Wizards Chess” in the first Harry Potter movie. Here is an excerpt from a review of a black-and-white Russian movie from 1925 called “Chess Fever”:
“CHESS FEVER is a comedy about a man who, though soon to be married, already has a mistress – chess. His bride-to-be, knowing nothing of the game but seeing that his heart resides on the sixty-four squares of the chessboard, freaks out and storms onto the snow-covered streets in hysteria. The poor women – already over the edge – sees chess everywhere: on billboards, on the streets, and even played in an apothecary where she seeks poison so she can end the nightmare. What she doesn’t know is that a now famous tournament (Moscow 1925) is being held just blocks away. Suffice it to say that Capablanca (yes, the real Capablanca!) saves the day, and film footage of Marshall, Torre, Reti and other legends makes this a must own for any true fan of chess.” … check out this link to read more of this review

Something unique:
The world’s first competition specifically for disabled chess players is being held in Dresden, Germany. Find the link for details on our Playing Chess page or take this direct link.

Featured Product of the Month:Have you seen our vertical chess boards? Now you can combine your chess game with your wall art - and never give up your precious horizontal workspaces again. You can let everyone know about your interest in chess and perhaps you can even hook a new chess partner from some unexpected source. Don’t miss this unusual chess board

Keep playing chess!
www.ChessRight.com

Chess Openings, and more

2011-09-21T06:07:00.000-07:00

Chess Openings
Most chess games start with two players rather quickly executing some memorized moves. This is called the "Opening." For example, the most familiar chess opening is called the Ruy Lopez Opening, or the Spanish game.
But at some point, the pace of the game slows down as the players rely less on rote and more on considered reaction. The interaction of the pieces - called "the position" - requires analysis and thoughtful contemplation. This is the "middle game," the traditional image of players taking their time between moves, analyzing the situation, hoping for some insight and inspiration to turn the position into opportunity.
Trying a few new opening gambits will change the circumstances in the middle game. If you are looking to break out of the plateau where your chess game has stalled, the best prescription would be to try a few new openings. Here are some possibilities:

Traditional openings
Some unusual openings

Try something new and see where things lead. If the new opening doesn’t help your game, you can always go back to your favorite or try another.
National Chess Day
Mark your calendars and plan on having a little fun. National Chess Day is coming up, October 8th 2011. Email us and let us know what you are going to do to celebrate.
Chess Tournaments
Check out our "Playing Chess" page for a free game of chess against the computer, then find a chess tournament from around the world - many of these contests offer prizes, all offer an opportunity to meet new chess friends. Check back often for new postings.
Featured Product

Stallion Knight Chess Pieces - This is a top quality set for a remarkable price, making it our Pick of the Month. The king stands a bold 4 inches tall. Set comes with double queens, used for pawn promotions. The raised head of the knights, or 'laughing knight' style, gives this set its name. Pieces are padded with leather - not felt - which usually denotes more expensive sets.
Pair this up with your favorite chess board, or may we recommend? The 2.2 inch Rosewood / Maple board makes a perfect pair with this chess set. Order both together and use the coupon code “SeptSpecial” (no spaces) to receive $15 off your order.
Keep Playing Chess!

Evolution of Chess Strategies - and other thoughts

2011-05-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

EVOLUTION OF CHESS STRATEGIES
I have been in an interesting discussion recently about breaking the rules of chess play. No, we aren’t talking about the basic rules like how each piece moves. The discussion has been about rethinking those moves we learned by rote as chess novices. It all started over here at the Celebrate Chess blog. Please jump on over and add your comments.

SPRING CLEANING
Lots of tidying up around the chess shop lately. A large number of products have been withdrawn based on my most recent communications with my suppliers. The 2011 wall calendars are totally sold out (except the one I use here by my computer) and they have been withdrawn. I will be looking for a new premium item to offer in the shop on certain purchases. What would be good?

WHAT IS CHESS CAMP?
With summer just around the corner, the question of summer camp for the kids is coming up at kitchen tables all across the fruited plain. Some chess camps are day camps, others are sleep-over camps. I recommend that you should look for a chess camp that also offers some additional summer activities like swimming and tennis. To find more on chess camps, try www.uschess.org

FEATURED PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

A favorite chess set here is the "Dragon’s Castle Combo" chess set. This eye-catching combo includes a striking sculpture of a knight on horseback battling a dragon. Inside the statue’s base, which looks like a stone castle, is a chess board and decorative chess pieces depicting kings, queens and noble knights. As our Featured Product for May, this set is on a special price this month of $107.00 -- this price includes shipping anywhere in the United States.

Visit Chess Right Chess Shop to find a chess set just right for your game.

Competitiveness

2011-03-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

Against the constant politically-correct drumbeat of cooperation and teamwork, competition (particularly in individual sports and competitive games) remains one way to move towards self-reliance, goal orientation and personal achievement.

But can competitiveness be overdone? I don't see why not .. everything else can!

Here are a few interesting thoughts about competitiveness.

Product Notifications for February 2011

2011-02-25T08:41:00.001-08:00

COMING SOON: ChessRight is currently negotiating with the National Museum of Scotland to offer their authentic museum-quality reproduction of the Isle of Lewis Chessmen. Please watch for that new product in the upcoming weeks.
LAST CALL: The Chess-themed wall calendars for 2011 have been selling well, but their time is almost done. If you are interested in one of these calendars for your home or office, please place your order quickly. These calendars will be withdrawn soon.

See all the beautiful chess sets at www.ChessRight.com today.

HISTORIC CHESS PIECES UNEARTHED

2011-02-25T08:40:00.001-08:00

Recent excavations at James Madison’s Virginia estate have unearthed fragments that are believed to be parts of the President's chess set.
The news story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_madison_s_chess_pawns
Although several of the founding fathers were very fond of chess, most famously Benjamin Franklin, few people in Colonial America played chess. It is therefore fairly likely that these chess pieces would have belonged to the fourth President, and not some other member of the household.
In connection with this archaeological find, ChessRight.com is offering a new poster of Chess in the Revolutionary Era (http://chessright.com/product_info.php?products_id=395). Although James Madison is not pictured, the historic detail of the poster (including the pre-Staunton style pieces) shows the game to be taking place in the Tea Room at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home, around 1783. The Yahoo news story tells us that Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, fellow Virginians, played chess often. Perhaps James was not in attendance on this particular day because he was busy writing the US Constitution (which would be adopted in 1787).

Be sure to visit www.ChessRight.com soon.

Knights Tour

2011-02-25T08:39:00.001-08:00

KNIGHT'S TOUR
Q: Is it possible for a knight to tour an entire chessboard in such a way that it visits each square exactly once?
A: Visit http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/4287/title/A_Magic_Knights_Tour for the solution.

Please visit www.ChessRight.com today

Auld Lang Syne

2011-01-19T11:19:00.000-08:00

New Year’s Resolutions: Many of us make them, many of us don’t. Whether you do or do not, the idea is to set a goal for yourself, something you want to improve in your life.
Personally, I find I spend a certain amount of time around the year end reflecting on my life, my friends and my intentions - where I am now and where I meant to be by this time - I think the requisite renditions of “Auld Lang Syne” help to set this reaction into motion. This is a bad practice because I already am prone to depression from the advancing dark days, when there’s not enough sunlight to keep up my spirits anyway. Then add to the darkness the “comparing mind” and my ruminating about the way things might have been, and it’s an annual recipe for disaster ... and a difficult frame of mind for playing chess. (See "Losing Sucks" - looks like I'm not the only one!)
For those of you who don’t know what “Auld Lang Syne” is actually about, I’ll sum up. The words are taken from a Scottish poem. (Easy tip: there is only one Scottish poet that most folks are expected to know - so remember the name *Robert Burns* and you have mastered the entire topic. See? I told you it was easy.) “Auld Lang Syne” means something like “Old Times’ Sake” or could be translated loosely as “Once Upon a Time.” The line “We’ll take a cup of kindness yet for Auld Lang Syne” is trying to encourage us to look back upon our memories with kindness, letting our reminiscences mellow with age, that sort of thing.
If you are one of the people who make New Year’s Resolutions, statistics say that you are generally interested in losing body weight (or getting fit) and/or saving money. So basically, the idea is to reverse the momentum - we want more money and less weight, and not the other way around like we did last year. That’s my attempt at a joke, so let’s not take any personal offense if “we” doesn’t include you.
Tournaments: Visit our "Playing Chess" page for a calendar of tournaments worldwide.
Product of the Month: Speaking of calendars, it’s time to hang the new 2011 calendars. Chess Right Chess Shop has two different styles of Chess-Themed Calendars - which one will you choose? Why not buy both - one for your home and one for your office?

Merry Christmas

2010-12-22T15:25:00.001-08:00

Chess Boxing

2010-12-17T18:16:00.000-08:00

Chess-Boxing? Here is the link ... for more about chess-boxing. They say they are looking for more participants worldwide in all skill levels and are offering to pay expenses.

The Holidays are coming ...

2010-11-19T16:13:00.000-08:00

We are told that the holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve - are the most festive time of the year. I certainly love the strings of colored lights that push the advancing darkness back, at least a little. But some of the not-so-delightful rituals of the season are the family gatherings. Maybe your family is the perfect picture of warmth and congeniality that would make Norman Rockwell smile. If so, good for you. For the rest of us, take heart. Here are some tips for surviving these get-togethers.

Psychologists say that it is important to learn to listen to each other. (I’m not sure how this bit of advice and guidance is supposed to help, since listening is the fastest way to rediscover how wrong they really are!) We are instructed to find ways to communicate respectfully and build connections. One important step that is supposed to reduce the confrontational quality of our family holiday gatherings is to surrender our personal desire to be right. Psychologists won’t say this, but I can tell you that the only good way to win a family argument is to outlive your antagonists.

I would like to add a thought to this list of suggestions - Bring out a chess set! Chess is really a fabulous game to introduce into your holiday festivities. Lousy weather is not a factor. Chess is exceptional in its capacity to span the generations (Junior can challenge Grandpa), to cut across many ages (from elementary school children to adult), and to allow the girls to compete with the boys. Chess can channel the competitiveness and maintain a certain level of sportsmanship. It’s got lots of possibilities - and with luck you can whomp your arrogant brother-in-law at last.

So stop by Chess Right Chess Shop (at http://www.ChessRight.com) before you head out to your family get-together and find a chess set just right for your game. Drop us a note with your purchase and we can send your selection via expedited shipping (for an upgraded fee).

We are pulling for you.

FEATURED PRODUCT:

The Einstein Touch Chess Computer is priced right for the holidays at just $34.00 plus shipping. Check it out at http://chessright.com/product_info.php?cPath=32&products_id=381 today.

We have many new products arriving so please check back with ChessRight.com often.

Looking for something in particular? Need replacement pieces? Let us know and we can help you search.

Keep playing chess!

What's New in October?

2010-10-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

Several fun calendar dates arrive(d) in October 2010. "Binary" day was October 10th (10.10.10) and "Palindrome" day is coming up on October 20th (10-20-2010). While these are fun moments to observe on the calendar, did you remember to observe National Chess Day on October 9th?

Also in current events in chess ....

- The International Chess Federation (FIDE) re-elected Kirsan Ilyumzhinov for another term as their president.

- The Ukraine chess team was undefeated in the 2010 Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, while the Russians swept the Women's Division.

There are plenty of other chess competitions and tournaments coming up. Check the listings at our Playing Chess page for an event near you (current standing as grandmaster not required).

What's New at ChessRight.com?

- Check out our newest book, "Paul Morphy Confederate Spy," by Stan Vaughan. Contains historical fiction, political intrigue and some fully annotated chess games. Publisher's suggested price: $18.95 but currently discounted to $17.50 at ChessRight Chess Shop.

- We have added a NEW Alice in Wonderland chess set . These brightly colored chess pieces are based on the beloved characters from Lewis Carroll's 1865 classic. This has been a popular theme for chess pieces for many years. This new set offers an economical alternative to the Studio Anne Carlton's Alice In Wonderland chess Set.

Please visit ChessRight to find the chess set just right for your game!

New Distributor for Lord of the Rings Handpainted Chess Set

2010-09-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

LORD OF THE RINGS CHESS PIECES

Recent changes here at the Chess Right Chess Shop include a new distributor for Studio Anne Carlton's handpainted Lord of the Rings chess pieces. This set is offered on the House of Staunton website for $299.00 (plus $8 handling charges, plus shipping costs). Through this exciting new arrangement, we can offer this same set of Tolkien's beloved characters for half the price ... for a limited time! See our special offer now.

But WAIT! (as the TV pitchmen would say) We aren't finished yet!
Enter the coupon code "Blog" at checkout to receive an additional 10% off your purchase.

Not interested in that set? That's OK - this coupon has been coded to take 10% off ANY purchase of ANY item(s) totalling $150.00 or more. This coupon code is offered on this blog only and will expire at the end of October 2010. So visit Chess Right Chess Shop today to take advantage of this special 0ffer -- for yourself or to get an early start on your Christmas shopping for that special someone.

We are celebrating this exceptional special and we want you to join in the savings - please visit Chess Right Chess Shop today. (Remember: enter the coupon code "Blog" at checkout to get 10% off any purchase of $150.00 or more while this offer lasts).

Chess and Tennis?

2010-08-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

Chess and Tennis may sound like an unlikely combination, but that’s just what the Chess Club of St. Louis has done!
The news story suggests that the Chess Club wanted to celebrate their second year in their new facility, so they have constructed a giant chess board the size of a tennis court. Last month (July 2010), tennis star Lindsay Davenport played some exhibition tennis on this oversized chess board as part of the Chess Club’s grand celebration.
However, it’s more than just a two-year anniversary in their facility. The St. Louis Chess Club proudly hosted the US Chess Championship in May 2010. Read more about it: (http://saintlouischessclub.org/content/2010-us-championship)
More current chess tournaments have been added to our "Playing Chess" page to find a competition near you. While you are there, you can go a few rounds against the chess computer, watch some chess videos, or visit some of our links to other chess sites.

Take this opportunity to rethink your chess board. We have many beautiful chess boards which your favorite chess pieces will appreciate and enjoy. For guidelines on what size your chess board should be, please check out these tips:
http://chessright.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html
It may not be enough to play tennis on, but you can get a lightweight, weather-proof chess board with six-inch squares. Our Nylon Chessboard is suitable for use indoors or outdoors.

Please stop by Chess Right Chess Shop to see all the beautiful chess boards.

Patriotism and American History

2010-07-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

July is the month we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, considered to be the birth of the U.S. The founding fathers expected the observance would be July 3rd, when they voted to accept the resolution, not July 4th when they formally signed the document, which they considered a mere formality.

The Battle of Gettysburg also happened in July, another historic moment in the development of our country. This month’s featured product is our Deluxe Civil War chess set which will be “on special” all this month for the reduced rate of $114.00 - that’s 20% off our everyday low price of $142.50 and still includes shipping and the free book. This is a beautiful decorative chess set with an etched glass board that sits raised off the tabletop on four horse head columns. Very eye-catching! Check it out.

There were some difficulties here with our Fourth of July celebrations, and we never did get the directions to the local fireworks right. But we did grill burgers and dogs in the back yard.

We here at Chess Right know a little something about what it is like to be deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Less than 1% of the American population is currently serving in the military, and even fewer have been deployed to the war. So perhaps you are one of many Americans who may be looking for ways to support our troops but don’t know anyone serving at the war? We support the Megachess Signature Chess Program! If you are interested in organizing an event, or just looking for an event near you, please contact us for more information. Or, as an alternative, your local veterans’ hospital would be grateful to accept your donation of a gently used chess set (just mark your donation “Sets for Vets”). To learn more about “Sets for Vets,” visit: http://www.uschesstrust.com/programs-and-resources/sets-for-vets-program/
July is a great month for family vacations and pool parties. As always, we hope you have fun and stay safe, and of course, keep playing chess! Be sure to visit Chess Right Chess Shop for the chess set just right for your game.

Chess Variants

2010-06-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

The game of chess is centuries old and still played all over the world. I suspect if an inventor were to pitch chess in its modern form to Milton-Bradley, or Parker Brothers, or any other major distributor of toys and games, it would probably be turned down as “too complicated.” Luckily, we will never need to test my theory as the game is already well established.
Chess is so well received world-wide that many variants have also been introduced over the years. As summertime comes and schools let out, this is a season for having some extra fun. So perhaps this is a good time to try your hand at one or more of these great chess variants - just for the fun of it.
One of the popular chess variants is called Bughouse, or Tandem Chess. In this game, two teams of two players each face off over two chess boards. As chess pieces are captured and removed from one chess board, the player passes the captured piece to his partner who has the option to place the piece anywhere on his playing board.
Andernach Chess calls for the piece making a capture to change color. For example, if your bishop captures my rook, I lose my rook but I gain a bishop on that square. In Suicide Chess, the object of the game is to lose all one’s chess pieces. Capturing moves are mandatory. There is no check - the king is captured like any other piece. Kung-fu Chess is a variant without turns. Either player can move any piece at any time without waiting for his opponent to move.
When non-traditional pieces are added, these are referred to as “fairy chess pieces” whether they are shaped like fairies or not. For an example of “fairy chess pieces,” check out our Seirawan chess pieces. This chess variant adds four new pieces, two to each team, the elephant and the hawk, but is played on a traditional (8 by 8) chess board. Instructions for playing this chess variant will be posted at ChessRight soon.
Other chess variants use different boards, such as a hexagonal board that was very popular in the 1930s. I’m curious about the three bishops in the diagram since none of the chess sets I own would support this configuration. Other variant shaped boards include boards shaped like the infinity sign, cylinders and, of course, our favorite 3-D Chess (reminiscent of the multilevel board from Star Trek but much more familiar and playable). Our 3-D Chess set is one of our best selling products and lots of fun and has recently restocked so we have sets ready to ship.

Some chess variants use both new pieces and unique playing boards. We recently got some more Dragon Chess boxes back in stock. In this variant, there are four new pieces, two dragons added to each team, with a board consisting of the 124 playing squares. Instructions for playing Dragon Chess are included in each box, or you can use the central 64 squares on the playing board for a traditional chess game.
If you are looking to add a little fun to your chess game this summer, try one of these games. Or send us your favorite variant for us to try and to share. By changing the rules to the chess games, even if only for a little while, the beginners can challenge the more experienced players for a chance to upset the natural order of things. Summer chess can be fun again.
Visit Chess Right Chess Shop for all your chess needs.

COLLECTING

2010-05-16T13:54:00.001-07:00

From Grandma collecting pictures for her scrapbook in an old shoe box to the fellow that collects antique cars in his garage, and back yard, and front yard, people love to collect things that have meaning for them.

SOMETIMES CHESS SETS ARE PART OF A COLLECTION.

The new arrival of the Santa Fe train chess set with diesel vs steam is just such a collectible. The train enthusiast that goes loco for all things locomotive will be thrilled to add this chess set to his train collection. Here he can show off his affection for trains while keeping his strategy skills sharp with friends, neighbors and family.

The boy who always wanted to grow up to be a fireman, especially if he did, will appreciate the Red Hats of Courage chess set or the Policemen vs Firemen chess set to add to the memorabilia he is already accumulating.

The World War Two veteran (or the history buff that loves collecting relics from that historic conflict with the Nazis) would delight in adding our World War II chess set to his archives.

SOMETIMES CHESS SETS ARE THE COLLECTION.
With so many attractive chess sets, the hardest part is picking just one. If you are not already collecting keepsakes and memorabilia with a theme, and if you love playing chess, it’s likely that you are a candidate for amassing a marvelous chess set collection. It starts off modest enough - perhaps you got a plastic chess set when you were young. Then you saved up and bought the main wooden chess set that you prefer to play, usually a traditional Staunton style. Then you added a small travel chess set to go with you on vacation. Soon, it just builds. Perhaps you like the look and feel of a stone or glass chess set so you buy one. Perhaps you find a decorative set that amuses and delights you, like a golf- or other sports-themed set or a set depicting a favorite period in history, and you buy one of those, too. Then, of course, you will need another chess board - or maybe even a chess table - to display your new decorative set. Then another chess set catches your eye at a flea market or yard sale, at such a bargain price that you just can’t pass it up. That set will need a new chess board, too. Perhaps one of your friends or relatives passes a chess set along to you when they are cleaning out the attic. And so it grows and grows.

We here at Chess Right Chess Shop encourage this sort of hoarding behavior. Chess sets can be so beautiful, and many folks think you are so smart just to have a chess set on display. (Sure, we all know a few chess players that are as dumb as a box of rocks, but that’s not the impression that most folks have. And there’s no reason to make any changes in that public image, thanks anyway.)

Chess is a classic game of strategy, little wonder it’s called the “Game of Kings.” Chess sets come in a variety of styles and material, from intricately carved wooden Staunton-style pieces to cast metal or hand-painted stone figures. It's highly unlikely that the game will be going out of style any time soon. So we say, “Collect away!” and let the admiring compliments roll in.

Please visit Chess Right Chess Shop to purchase a beautiful chess set just right for your collection

Chess Pieces from Film Canisters

2010-05-02T14:30:00.001-07:00

Very creative ... take a look: http://www.garieinternational.com.sg/clay/chess.htm

Alice in Wonderland

2010-04-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

The recent release of Tim Burton’s movie of “Alice in Wonderland” has brought a renewed interest in the 1865 novel by Lewis Carroll. This new movie tells a tale of Alice’s return to Wonderland several years after her initial visit. Critics have been divided in their opinions about this new movie, but the original tale remains a classic part of our culture.
Studio Anne Carlton has updated and re-released their popular Alice in Wonderland hand-painted chess set. Please visit our website to see this new set and read one recent review of this new set. Add this delightful chess set to your home decor and get some conversations started.
Visit Chess Right Chess Shop to see all our beautiful chess sets and find the set just right for your home.

THE IDES OF MARCH

2010-03-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

THE IDES OF MARCH
Calling all Classicists! “The Ides of March” refers to the middle of the month, the 15th of March, a day that was once celebrated with a parade in honor of Ares, the God of War. History holds that on the 15th of March in 44 B.C., Julius Caesar, Roman dictator for life, was assassinated in the capital city of Rome. A seeress had warned Caesar of this event, in the phrase later coined by Shakespeare, “Beware of the Ides of March!”
So it is fitting for the month of March that we here at Chess Right should welcome TWO new decorative chess sets with Roman themes. From the Studio of Anne Carlton, the Roman Chess Men are made of durable polyresin and ground stone. Our introductory price: $104.00 includes shipping anywhere in the U.S. and comes with a money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied. From the Studios of Ital Fama, the Roman Bust Chessmen are cast in metal by Italian artisans. Our introductory price: $426.00 includes shipping anywhere in the U.S. and comes with several options and premiums (please see our store for details).
Choose either one of these sets to add a bit of classic history to your home and your chess game. Now you can help Caesar renew his quest for world domination.
To add a quick note of perspective to our current national situation, Cicero was a Roman orator of the same approximate historical time period as Julius Caesar. Cicero had warned of the dangers to the Roman Republic when the citizens learned they could “vote open the doors of the Treasury.” One quote attributed to Cicero urges that “The budget should be balanced, the treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced … the mobs should be forced to work and not depend on government for subsistence.” Sounds like something that could just as well have been said in our own era, doesn’t it?

TIME CHANGE
A new video about Speed Chess has been added to the page called “Playing Chess” (as have some more announcements regarding upcoming tournaments around the U.S.). If Speed Chess looks like something you could enjoy, please be sure to check out our assortment of chess clocks for the one that fits your style and budget.

Visit ChessRight.com today for these and many more chess products!

Impossible Chess Set

2010-03-09T13:07:00.001-08:00

What's New for February?

2010-02-16T10:14:00.000-08:00

These tough economic times have taken a toll on us again here at Chess Right. For the fourth time in the last six months, we have lost a supplier. We still have more than 200 items for sale on our site, and if you don't see what you are looking for online, ask us. We actually have many more items that are not posted online. But if you have had your eye on one of our many beautiful chess sets and don't see it on our site anymore, you will know what happened -- that item is no longer available. In some cases, there are still a few inventory items remaining before we discontinue so you may need to act quickly.

What's that? Did I hear you say that you'd love to "act quickly" for one of our chess sets but you're short of money? Consider a visit to our newest partner, America One. They are still making personal loans, even if your banker isn't. While we hope you will use your new-found funds to purchase one of our chess sets, that's really not required. These loans can be for any reason. See our website for links to all the details.

TOURNAMENTS: We have begun adding upcoming tournaments to our new "Playing Chess" page, along with links, videos and resources on how to play chess and how to play better chess. Please check back often to see upcoming chess tournaments. Maybe you can compete for some of the prize money, or perhaps you will enter one of these tournaments just to have fun meeting other chess players.

FEBRUARY'S FEATURED PRODUCT: In February, we commemorate Presidents' Day -- observed this year on Monday, February 15th, 2010. Our featured product is the American Revolutionary War Chess Set from the Studios of Anne Carlton.
This product is sold elsewhere for $199.00 plus shipping and handling. Our excellent price is $169.00 plus $15.00 for shipping anywhere in the U.S. Total cost delivered to you is $184.00 with all the Studio Anne Carlton quality and satisfaction guarantees. And who knows? Maybe you can rewrite history ...

Claymation

2010-02-04T08:20:00.001-08:00

For traditional and unusual chess sets, visit www.ChessRight.com today!

(Sorry, none of our sets can do the fun animations seen in this video. At least, not in this universe, possibly in some parallel universe ...

Questions and Answers about Playing Chess

2010-01-16T15:54:00.000-08:00

Q: Where can I learn to play chess? I want to know the rules of the game and how the pieces move.

A: You can learn about the basic moves on a website called “Chess is Fun” (http://www.princeton.edu/~jedwards/cif/intro.html) which will show you how to set up the chess board, how each piece moves and will give you the basic rules of chess. It will even help you learn some strategies.
You may also want to view the video tutorial on our new “Playing Chess” page (http://chessright.com/playingchess.htm) called “How to Play Chess: The Pieces” for instruction on the fundamentals.

Q: I want to learn to play better chess. Where can I go to get better at chess?

A: Children as young as five years old can learn to play chess, but folks will spend a lifetime trying to learn to master the game. That is the beauty of the “Game of Kings” -- that it will always be challenging and there is always another level to achieve. The best way to get better at playing chess is to play regularly, play as often as time allows, and play against people who are better than you are.
Personally, I have a very competitive nature. Sometimes I think I’m a little too competitive, and it’s important to know that about myself. For me, I find it practical to practice by playing chess against the computer. If you think you would benefit from playing against the computer also, I have put a computer game on our “Playing Chess” page (http://chessright.com/playingchess.htm) which is free and limitless, no strings attached. Please come over and help yourself any time, day or night.
Also, from time to time, I will be posting links and resources on chess strategies on the “Playing Chess” page to help improve your skills in chess. Right now, there is a video on the page about Knights Openings that may be of interest. English is apparently a second language for the makers of this video, so all GrammarNazis are warned to stay away. But the strategies discussed in the video are understandable and may even prove to be helpful.
Check back to our new “Playing Chess” page often as these resources are subject to change.

Keep playing chess!
Visit Chess Right Chess Shop today

Fabulous short film from Pixar

2009-12-19T19:43:00.001-08:00

Skinny old man playing chess ... a must-see:

Geri's Game

Delightful

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-15T08:51:00.001-08:00

Chess Pie Recipe

2009-11-30T09:45:00.000-08:00

CHESS PIE
Ingredients:

3 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup light cream
1 9 inch pie pastry

Directions for Chess Pie:

1. Beat eggs until light and frothy. Gradually beat in white sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Beat until fluffy.

2. Beat in vanilla, salt, and flour. Stir in light cream, mix well.

3. Place pastry in pie pan, crimping edges. Pour filling into pie shell.

4. Bake at 400F for 10 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 300F. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until filling is set.

November products

2009-11-17T10:02:00.000-08:00

The weather is turning cooler as winter approaches. The leaves, once colorful displays, are now slippery messes along the sidewalks and roadways. More and more time is spent indoors now. Soon the holidays will be upon us all. However you choose to celebrate the year’s end, in all likelihood you will have friends and family, neighbors and guests visiting your house. Little wonder that this season (not Spring Cleaning) is the busiest time of the year for rug cleaning services.
At this time of year, many folks take a look around their houses. The
décor of your home says a lot about you. What do you see in yours? As our new home page at www.ChessRight.com reminds us, nothing says “status” like a chess set and, whether deserved or not, chess players have reputations for being brainy types and shrewd negotiators. Incorporating chess themes into home decorating is an easy way to grab a little of that respect for yourself.
The easiest way, of course, is to proudly display your favorite chess set. You might be able to get a “do you play?” invitation for a match from a neighbor. Chess is one of the most popular games in the world, and friendly chess matches are a highly pleasant way to spend many a dark winter evening. But where can you display your set? Finding an empty flat surface can be challenging in some homes. If yours is one of those homes where the horizontal surfaces have been filled long ago, consider a chess table. From modest wooden side tables to beautiful inlaid game tables, Chess Right has something for almost any budget. Please visit our gallery of beautiful chess tables.
Need funds? Try our new partners at: AMERICA ONE .. use this link:
Unsecured Loans – FAST – SIMPLE – APPROVED!
We have found a new product to help you display your favorite chess set. Must-see our latest find! These vertical chess boards hang on the wall. Your chess set stays on display as the fine work of art it really is, whether or not a game is in progress. Take a look at these unique chess boards on Chess Right website. A vertical chessboard will surely intrigue your visitors and help keep those flat surfaces clear. We have several varieties to choose from, so please look around.

Keep playing chess!

National Chess Day

2009-10-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

Did you know the U.S. has an official National Chess Day? The observance first began in South Carolina as a state event. In 1976, President Gerald Ford (the 38th President of the United States) declared October 9th to be National Chess Day. This year marked the 32rd annual observance of this occasion since that Presidential declaration.

In celebration of National Chess Day, many chess clubs offer tournaments, expositions, public events and educational programs in their communities to raise awareness of the game of chess. The 2009 US Womens Chess Championship in St Louis, however, observed chess day as a day of rest from the competition to interact with some community activities. You may watch the video recap of the closing rounds of the US Womens Championship at http://main.uschess.org/content/view/9755/556/

Here at the Chess Right Chess Shop, we believe that nothing raises chess awareness more than a Megachess(R) game in a public setting, such as a park, shopping mall, public library or community center. Our best selling Megachess(R) set is our “School Special” with the 25 inch king (direct link: School Special). If your chess club would be interested in buying one of these eye-catching chess sets, please contact us! We have a number of fund raising tools and techniques and we can often negotiate discounts with the supplier for qualified nonprofit organizations.

OUR CHALLENGE: Take your club s Megachess(R) set to the busiest neighborhood park in your area and just play a game. Put up an easel with your club’s name and the words “Open Game” and “Membership Drive.” If you don t get at least one new member, you can return your Megachess(R) package for a refund. No one has ever returned their package because this works better than anything your club has ever tried.

More recently, our Megachess(R) supplier has partnered with Operation Interdependence to send these oversized chess sets to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. If you or your group would be interested in sponsoring a Megachess(R) set for a deployed unit, please let us know and we will get you set up with their “signature chess program.”

The Clinton Library

2009-09-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

This summer, I took a trip into Little Rock to see the Clinton Library. When I asked, I was informed that the presidential library had three chess sets on display. One that was particularly interesting was a decorative chess set with caricatures commemorating the Belfast peace accords. I remember that news announcement, sometime during 1997 I think it was. I was working for a British fellow in those days, a short guy with an oversized ego. I think everyone has met at least one of those in their lives.

This set (called “The Northern Ireland Political Chess Piece Process.") was designed by Belfast sculptor Anto Brennan and produced by his company Open Windows Productions. As it was a gift to the library from President Clinton, the staff did not know any of the details whether this was given to the President or by whom, but furnished me with this photo. The photo may be a little difficult to read; on the Nationalist / Irish side: King is Bernie Ahern, the Irish Prime Minister; Queen is Mary McAleese, President of Ireland; Bishop is Sean Brady; Knights are John Hume and Seamus Mallon; Rooks are Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams; with paramilitary pawns. On the Loyalist / UK side: King is Tony Blair, British Prime Minister; Queen is Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of England; Bishop is Robin Eames; Knights are Dr. Ian Paisley and David Trimble; Rooks are David Irvine and Dr. Mo Mowlam; with pawns depicting the R.U.C.

Enlarge picture: Belfast Chess Set

Please note: the center column, entitled “Rules of the Game of Chess,” has been left blank.

I found another chess set on the top floor of the exhibit and was able to snap this photo somewhat surreptitiously (I’m pretty sure the security people said no photos were allowed) so the photo quality isn't so very good:

Enlarge photo: Rulers of the Sea

This set is called “Rulers of the Sea” with a nautical theme. It was a gift to the President and the First Lady from the artist, Alexander C. "Doc" Cullison of Washington, D.C., on the occasion of President Clinton's first Inauguration in 1993.

New Chess Image

2009-09-05T14:12:00.001-07:00

I have been working with my new digital camera and my Paint Shop software. I would say that the results have been tasty, but the play on the words is too much even for me. But you can zoom off to the chess shop in a twinkling if you click on this link: www.ChessRight.com (I put the image on the shipping page. No reason. Can't figure out where else it should go ...)

2009-08-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

What are the benefits of membership in the US Chess Federation?

The U.S. Chess Federation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the study of the game of chess in a number of ways. The group strives to provide information, knowledge and support to all chess players regardless of age or skill level, from novices to professional players. They view chess as an enjoyable pastime, as an art form, and as a means of improving society.
The USCF supervises a number of chess tournaments every year, including the US Chess Championship and other national events. The group also participates in international events, linking US chess players with players from around the world.
One of the most visible benefits of membership in the U.S. Chess Federation is a subscription to their monthly magazine, “Chess Life.” The organization also publishes a bi-monthly magazine called “Chess for Kids.” In both publications, the USCF offers current articles and information which are of interest to chess players. The 110th US Open was held in Indianapolis in early August; so the current edition of “Chess Life” contains stories about the competition, the players, and the winners as well as upcoming events and articles about improving your own chess play.
According to the organization’s website, there are over 80,000 current memberships, and about half of their members attend some kind of school. So the USCF is very interested in supporting chess programs in schools, from pre-school programs to college level. The group encourages the proliferation of the game, with thousands of affiliated local clubs and organizations across the U.S. The USCF website offers official rules of the game, a glossary of chess terms and a brief chess history available to all, as well as various books and services for their members.
The organization also offers to pair members for correspondence chess matches, either by mail or email. To get started, players are asked to rate themselves into the following scale:
Class D / Novice (rating of 1399 and below)
Class C / Intermediate (rating of 1400 to 1599)
Class B / Strong (rating of 1600 - 1799)
Class A / Very Strong (rating of 1800 - 1999)
Of course, the more honest the self-assessment, the better the group can match up an opponent of similar skill levels. Through playing in rated matches, a chess player may increase his rating to:
Candidate Master (rating of 2000 - 2199)
Master (rating of 2200 - 2399)
Senior Master (rating of 2400 or higher)

Chess Right Chess Store is offering a number of free memberships in the USCF with qualifying purchases. Please look for these great premium offers on selected chess sets in our store. We are also offering a great price on the US Chess Federation Official Rule Book (look in category “Books, etc.” for the yellow king piece on the cover).

Chess Quote

2009-08-08T12:19:00.001-07:00

Avoid the crowd. Do your own thinking independently. Be the Chess player, not the Chess piece.

** Ralph Charell **

Beautiful designer chess set!

2009-08-07T06:46:00.000-07:00

This is the "Alice" set by designer Yasmin Sethi.

See more about this chess set on the designer's website.

It does not appear to be available for sale. My guess is it is just a prototype. So admire it from the pictures ... then cruise over to www.ChessRight.com to find a beautiful chess set to own.

Here's another chess reference

2009-08-02T14:08:00.001-07:00

For those of you who aren't familiar with the "Have Gun Will Travel" classic 1958 TV series, the lead character is Palladin, played by a young Richard Boone; not really a bad guy, or let's just say he is working for the good team, mostly. The chess symbol on his holster is also on his calling card - the knight.

Richard Boone is best loved around here for his role as Smaug the Dragon in the animated movie of "The Hobbit." More on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien here!

Chess, like classic TV, can be enjoyed year after year. Visit www.ChessRight.com for your heirloom chess set!

The Chess Pieces

2009-07-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

What do the chess pieces mean? Is there some sort of symbolism?
There are thirty-two pieces in a chess set; eight pawns, two castles or “rooks,” two knights, two bishops, one queen and one king of each color. Their meanings refer back to the Middle Ages when the game was brought into Europe by the Muslim Moors.
The king and queen are the monarchy, exactly as they appear. The bishops were the representatives of the Church, very much a part of everyone’s life in the Middle Ages. The knights were mounted warriors, thus the use of the horse’s head to represent this piece. These are the only professional soldiers in the game. The castles refer to the king’s home. The pawns are the peasants, the foot soldiers, and like every society there are more of them than any of the other pieces.
Interestingly, the term “freelance” comes from this same period. Originally, the term referred to any knight who was not sworn to any army, but was “free” to carry his own “lance” (weapon) for anyone who would pay him.

If the chess pieces came from the Moors, why is there a cross on top of the king? And why would the queen be so powerful in a Muslim game?
The Europeans put the cross on the king’s head as something of a modification in defiance of their Moorish neighbors. It was their way of taking this game and making it their own. But relations between Christians and Muslims in the Moorish occupation of Spain were not as hostile as this may sound. See our new poster on our website for an historic chess game in the Spanish court. (www.ChessRight.com  Books, etc.  POSTER: King Alfonse X)
As for the queen, when the game first came into Spain, that piece was originally the king’s vizier, his most trusted counselor. Many scholars believe that the powerful queen that served as the inspiration for the modern chess piece was Queen Isabella of Spain, although in those days the piece did not move quite like the modern game piece.

Chess Duel

2009-07-11T14:47:00.001-07:00

More on the Benefits of Chess

2009-07-09T05:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.blinklearning.com/Cursos/c26_c225_Benefits_of_Chess.php

More about Chess and Kids

2009-07-08T13:20:00.001-07:00

This article suggests that kindergarten is not too soon to begin reaping the benefits of learning to play chess:

Summertime!

2009-06-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

Summertime is every school kid's favorite time of year. The days grow longer and the pace of life slows down.

Some folks believe that school should stay in session year-round claiming that students forget their lessons during this break. Others defend summer vacation as a necessary time to relax and recharge. Rather than let your brain get lazy, there are chess camps to build your game during the summer. Another choice might be to take some online chess classes such as those offered at Anatoly Karpov's International Chess School.

Many families make the most of this time to travel on their summer vacations. This was always my favorite part of summer, whether my destination was a beach, a mountain or a museum. I like getting away for a while, seeing the scenery and visiting new places.

If you are lucky enough to have travel plans this summer, don't leave your chess game behind. At www.ChessRight.com, we have several inexpensive travel kits to help pass the extra hours waiting for your connection. Or buy one to keep your kids quiet in the back seat of the car!

Whatever your summer plans, your travel chess game can go with you. No batteries required!

Pegged Travel Set -- $24.95 plus shipping

Magnetic Chess Set -- $32.95 plus shipping

So come visit our store at www.ChessRight.com and take a look at the beautiful travel chess combos we have to offer. At these great prices, you are assured of being able to find something just right for your summer game.

Keep playing chess!

www.ChessRight.com

Two Totally Excellent Chess Videos

2009-05-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

Chess Players are the Villains!

2009-05-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine offered me several books this past week. I have a lot of books but there always seems to be room for more. So I took a look -- these were detective novels. Generally, I don't read a lot of detective stories although I admit to a great weakness for Stacy Keach's portrayal of TV detective Mike Hammer, and of course Sherlock Holmes. Nevertheless, I took one along for some potential summer reading.

Edgar Allen Poe is reputed to have written the first detective story in the modern genre with The Murders in the Rue Morgue (1841). Poe uses the chess motif in some of his works, but clearly with little technical expertise and not much liking. He referred to the game as "frivolous" and compared it unfavorably with checkers. It was Edgar Allen Poe who began the image of the chess aficionado as the nearly-machine-like semi-human villain with many schemes and few emotions.

The first Grandmaster of modern detective fiction would have to be Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, writing his famous Sherlock Holmes stories some fifty years after Poe's works. While Doyle's personal opinion of the game of chess is not known, he plays to his readers' prejudices and confines his chess references to his villains and scoundrels. In "The Adventure of the Retired Colourman" (around 1898), the title hero is an avid chess player who murders his chess partner. While Doyle uses the moves of the chess matches in the story to foreshadow the action in the story, Holmes also uses the chess games as a clue to solving the murders. Holmes declares that an interest in chess is "[a] mark, Watson, of a scheming mind."

One of the more technically proficient recountings of a game of chess in a detective novel was penned by Agatha Christie in The Big Four (1927). In this story, a chess master was murdered by a strong electrical shock dealt him in the third move of his Ruy Lopez opening. In anticipation of his opening, the electical connection was rigged to the square on the board through the floor from the apartment below. Unlike the other two stories mentioned here, Agatha Christie's chess player is the victim, not the scheming villain.

Ian Fleming portrays one of his villains in From Russia with Love (1957) as a Russian Grandmaster but the description of the actual chess play is nonsense and incidental to the story.

So it appears that chess players have a negative image in modern detective novels. Chess players are the villains, more often than otherwise. It remains curious to me that Sherlock Holmes was not portrayed as a chess player, given his penchant for logical thinking. Holmes remains a popular figure among chess players -- who apparently admire him more than he admired chess players.

This popular decorative chess set captures the characters of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle detective stories of the many adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock is accompanied on his adventures by his faithful companion Doctor Watson, while the rest of the set features other leading characters from the famous stories including Mrs. Hudson and Inspector Lestrade, others. These carefully designed pieces are based on the original drawings that appeared in the Strand Magazine to accompany the Sherlock Holmes stories. Enhance your own reasoning skills through playing chess .... whenever a worthy opponent can be found. You will find this set on sale today at our website. Please purchase your set from www.ChessRight.com while this sale lasts!

Keep playing chess!

Army Chess Tournament 2009

2009-05-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

The annual Army chess tournament was held in April 2009, and the inter-service chess tournament just concluded a week of competition as of May 9th. The winner is .... Specialist Jhonel Baniel of the Army Medical Department. Read more about it:

Military Chess Tournament

The NATO Chess Championships will be held in Hammelburg, Germany during June. Good luck to all the participants from all of us at www.ChessRight.com!

Tips for Buying the Right Chess Board

2009-04-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

FINDING THE RIGHT SIZE CHESS BOARD

Many of the beautiful chess sets at www.ChessRight.com come without chess boards. While this gives you the opportunity to select a board that compliments your good taste, it also presents a challenge to get a board that fits your chess pieces. Sure, the boards with the smaller squares cost less. But if you get the board too small, it will be difficult to play as the pieces tend to get knocked over in the heat of battle when they are too close together. So it's always OK to round up a little to give your pieces room to play.

THE NUMBERY WAY:

There is a mathematical formula to compute the proper relationship between the size of your chess pieces and the size of the squares of the playing board that will best fit your needs. First, determine the diameter at the widest part of the chess pieces; usually this means measuring the base of the king.

This measurement should be 78% of the width of the squares of the board.

Or, to express it as an equation: W_k = .78 (W_sq) where W_k is the widest part of the chess king, and W_sq is the ideal width of the squares on the board.

For example, if the base of the king is 1.75 inches, which is a common size, you would enter 1.75 / .78 into your calculator and the resulting answer is 2.243 which rounds off to 2.25 inches.

THE REFERENCE TABLE:

For those of you whose calculator batteries are dead, here are a few of the more common sizes of base diameters and the corresponding square sizes.

King Base	Board square
1.5	2
1.75	2.25
2.0	2.5

THE SHORTCUT:

If your eyes start to glaze over at the first sign of mathematical calculations, and you aren’t organized enough to remember where you put this handy table, don’t despair. For most of the common sizes of chess pieces, there is a simple fix that is just for you! Yes, you still have to know the base diameter of the king. Then just add AT LEAST a half-inch and you will come out to the proper size of the squares for your chess board.

A WORD ABOUT LARGER PIECES

This process I have described works just fine on most standard size chess pieces, such as you might see in a tournament. When dealing with larger chess pieces, where the king stands 5 inches or taller, these formulas and short cuts may not yield the best results. The larger pieces usually come with manufacturer’s recommendations and often take the height as well as the width of the piece into account.

So come visit our store at www.ChessRight.com and take a look at the beautiful chess boards we have to offer. Many come in assorted sizes. So if you see something that you like but it’s not in the proper size, just give us a call. We may be able to help you buy the chess board that is just right for your game.

Keep playing chess!

www.ChessRight.com

Learn the Sicilian Defense in this 5 min video

2009-03-18T17:04:00.001-07:00

Sicilian defense

Daylight Saving Time

2009-03-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

March is here and Daylight Saving Time has arrived. It’s frequently albeit incorrectly called Daylight Savings Time, possibly because that may be somewhat easier to say. Besides, no daylight is actually saved by the adjustment of our clocks. The First Day of Spring is still a way off, but most of us have already set our clocks forward an hour. There are still some communities in the U.S. that don’t participate in this ritual each March.

Whenever someone mentions time to a chess fanatic, all thoughts turn to “clocks” and then to “Chess Clocks!” Chess Right Chess Store has an assortment of chess clocks (starting at $29.95) to help you find the chess clock just right for your game. Then, please take some time to look around our newly designed shop and check out our new merchandise.

Keep playing chess!

Benjamin Franklin and "the Turk"

2009-02-25T05:32:00.000-08:00

In 1783, Benjamin Franklin received an invitation to play chess against a chess-playing machine called "the Turk." This supposed chess-playing machine was a life-size figure of a man seated in front of a chessboard, invented by Baron Wolfgang von Kempelen who called it his "automaton." Although Benjamin Franklin knew that the technology was not available in those days for a truly automated chess-playing machine, nevertheless the illusion was so excellent that no one of the time could guess how the moves were communicated to the player inside (yes, there was a player inside), nor the mechanisms that made the arms move. In fact, it appears some extensive optical illusions were used to prevent the audience from seeing the player inside when "the Turk" was apparently opened for viewing.
We know that Benjamin Franklin accepted the invitation. Neither the specific moves nor the ultimate results of the game are reported in Franklin's letters (which suggests that he probably lost). "The Turk" defeated all but a few of the finest chess players of the time. However, we also know that Franklin enjoyed the game against his mechanized opponent immensely and took some interest into the workings of the automaton.
Today, there is no automated "Turk" to challenge us to a game of chess. There may be a niche for something like it at state fairs -- I remember my daughter playing checkers with Rudolph the Reindeer years ago at a fund-raiser for the local zoo. But we do have real automated chess-playing machines available to help us build our skills in chess, or to pass those times when we cannot find a worthy opponent.
Visit www.ChessRight.com to see our selection of the electronic chess games, starting at $57.00 plus shipping.

Keep playing chess!

More Brain-Age thoughts

2009-01-12T14:21:00.000-08:00

I was looking at some herbal / drug supplements that promote themselves as being able to help brain focus, improve memory, increase concentration. The over the counter compounds appear to cost $15 to $20 per month. The prescription drugs don't advertise their prices, but are probably more. Classes for improved study skills or helping attention deficit school kids appear to cost hundreds of dollars.

To make matters worse, the FCC filed suit against the company that sold "Focus Factor" and obtained a million dollar settlement for what they claimed were exaggerated claims and overstated benefits. So there is some lingering concern whether or not these various "solutions" will even work as advertised.

The cost of the OTC supplements seems to be the least expensive option. But actually a chess set from www.ChessRight.com is a whole lot less, and does all the same functions without the spectre of drug interaction, exaggerated benefits or FCC lawsuit.

There are many beautiful chess sets at www.ChessRight.com less than $100 and many more are less than $150. Purchase a chess set, play chess regularly and save the $15 to $20 per month that you don't need to spend on brain improvement supplements. Your chess set will pay for itself in about six months. The lifetime of enjoyment and continued benefits will be free.

In the interest of a full legal disclaimer: Reported side effects of playing chess regularly include increased self-confidence, expanded social contacts and improved sportsmanship.

New Year's Resolution

2009-01-08T06:35:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year again. Every year I go through this reflective process about (1) what went right during the past year, (2) what went wrong / could have been done better, and (3) what I am going to do differently in the coming year to make this next year better than the year before.

This year, I have gotten very interested in this new science of the aging of the human brain. In recent years, there have been a number of products that have come to market that are supposed to help with focus, memory and concentration. Some of these products are herbal / drug supplements, some of them are software packages that offer to stimulate one's brain with puzzles and patterns, and there are some books appearing that claim to be able to lower your brain age and keep your wits sharp.

This is all very interesting -- but not altogether necessary. Chess players already know the secret to keeping their brains active. Play chess regularly! Get a cool chess set from www.ChessRight.com with all the money you will save from NOT buying those brain-oriented supplements.

From that point, it's a simple New Year's Resolution: Hang a notice in the local library and offer to whomp some butt. If the game doesn't get too rowdy that it distracts the other patrons, the library staff will probably be happy to have the match right there in the library (maybe even taking bets amongst themselves in their little back room behind the checkout counter!) This will help your chess game, you will meet new people, and you will keep your brain active. An active brain is a happy brain. There is no knowing where your active brain will lead you in 2009! Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-26T05:09:00.000-08:00

The holiday was certainly pleasant for all of us. The weather here was mild and sunny, not like the many travelers stranded in airports around the country.
At last, Paul got the chess set in the dramatic dragon box from www.ChessRight.com's home page and Santa. He is thrilled and has put it on a prominent display in our den.

"Merry Christmas to everyone from www.ChessRight.com and best wishes for a successful and prosperous New Year 2009!"

Chess Tournament

2008-12-18T13:19:00.000-08:00

Chess Association for Arkansas Schools ("CAAS") is a state organization of parents and educators working to develop and improve chess play throughout the schools of Arkansas. The goals of this organization include (1) rewarding study and practice, (2) encouraging critical thinking, and (3) cultivating creative problem solving.

The CAAS held a chess tournament in November. The tournament organizer was Carm Proct of the Wilbur Mills Education CoOp (pictured at right). She has been organizing chess tournaments since 1999. Presently, the Wilbur Mills Education CoOp hosts two chess tournaments per year, with approximately 200 players between the fourth and sixth grades, and about 85 players at the junior high and senior high levels. Both individual and team play is encouraged at these tournaments.

Congratulations from all of us at www.ChessRight.com to Josh Elander of Searcy, AR for his first place win in the 11th - 12th Grade Division, and to the two eighth graders, Patrick McKenzie and Josh Lovitte, for their second and third place trophies in their division.

The senior high regionals will be held in February 2009, and the state finals will be in April. You can learn more about CAAS by visiting their website.

See our Squidoo lenses!

2008-12-11T07:31:00.000-08:00

Check out all three lenses ...

Visit Online Shopping: chess-shop

Read this interesting essay on Chess Themes in Literature

Stop by ChessRight for more about the benefits of Playing Chess

and, if you hurry, there is still time to visit our main store at www.ChessRight.com for your Christmas shopping today

How to Play Chess: The Pieces

2008-12-03T06:28:00.001-08:00

This video covers the basic moves of the various chess pieces. (for the Novice)

Learn Chess at 5min.com

Visit Chess Right Chess Store to get your chess set today, and play chess often!

Chess in the News

2008-11-20T06:11:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting annual event for chess players!

Princeton University students challenge prison inmates to chess matches:
Prison chess

Local chess tournament

2008-11-18T06:06:00.001-08:00

The Ahlf Junior High School Chess Team took first place in the Chess Association for Arkansas Schools Regional Tournament on October 25th. Congratulations to the students and coach for that excellent achievement!

Finding Fun in Tough Economic Times

2008-11-06T07:06:00.000-08:00

If the news media is to be believed (and that's a whole separate issue), many of us are feeling the economic pinch these days. Paying the mortgage and keeping gas in the tank are a couple of those "must-have" items in the family budget. Having fun is often one of the line items that gets cut in tough times. It may be good for the financial health, but it's depressing and not-so-good for the mental health.

But it doesn't have to be that way. It's not necessary that we should all sit on the edges of our cots and do nothing. That is not really a workable plan, not in the long term. What is necessary is that we should find ways to entertain ourselves for less, to enjoy ourselves in different ways than we have done before. In other words, we need to find fun and enjoyable ways to spend more time for less money.

Although this may seem counter-intuitive, consider this: Buy a new chess set from www.ChessRight.com and start playing chess regularly.

What's that you say? Chess sets are expensive! How can that be a great way to save money?

Think it through! There are many lovely chess sets at www.ChessRight.com for less than $100, or under $150. You don't have to buy a fancy, expensive set to start having fun. Once you have purchased the set of your choice, there is NO additional cash outlay to have months, even years of enjoyment. Challenge one of your neighbors to play chess with you -- you've always wanted to get one-up on your arrogant neighbor and here is a socially-acceptable way. Put up a notice on a bulletin board at the local grocery store, community center or library and meet someone new to challenge to a friendly (yes, let's keep it friendly) game of chess.

The point is that, once you have purchased the chess set of your choice, you don't have to spend any more money to enjoy hours and hours of fun, challenging family and friends, and keeping your mental health through these troubling times. So come on by www.ChessRight.com and buy the chess set that's just right for your game.

Caitlyn takes the stage

2008-10-24T18:05:00.000-07:00

Check out this video: Caitlyn at ChessRight . com

Come see all the decorative chess sets for sale at www.ChessRight.com/ today! See for yourself how the hardest part is picking which one to buy.

Chess Joke

2008-10-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

People coming into the park were amazed to see an old man playing chess with a dog.

"What a clever dog!" one woman exclaimed.

The old man looked up from the chess board and replied, "No, not really. I have already beaten him two games to one."

Quotable Quote from www.ChessRight.com

2008-10-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

" ... Chess is not merely an idle amusement; several very valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life, are to be acquired and strengthened by it, so as to become habits ready on all occasions."
--- Benjamin Franklin, 1786

Start strengthening the qualities of YOUR mind! Buy a chess set from www.ChessRight.com today and play chess regularly.

Some chess pieces are weighted (video)

2008-10-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

Check out this video: Some chess pieces are weighted

Visit ChessRight.com to buy the chess set that is just right for your game.

What does a standard chess set include? (video)

2008-10-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

Chess Right 1

Come by to see all the beautiful chess sets for sale at www.ChessRight.com and buy yours today!

What does a standard chess set include?

2008-10-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

All chess sets are expected to contain at least 32 chess pieces with sixteen pieces of each of two colors; each “team” should have a king, a queen, two bishops, two knights, two rooks and eight pawns. Some chess sets come with four queens. This “extra” queen is intended for use in a maneuver called “pawn promotion.”

The term “chess set” doesn’t always means that a chess board is included. There is no way to tell from the words, so it is important that you know before purchasing a chess set whether or not the board is included. If the set you are buying does not include a board, one will need to be purchased separately.

Please visit www.ChessRight.com to see all our beautiful chess sets, chess boards and other chess equipment for sale.

Do Smart People Play Chess? Or Does Playing Chess Make People Smart?

2008-10-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

Mastering the moves of the chess pieces is only a small part of the game. Children as young as five have the cognitive development, the eye-hand coordination and the dexterity to be able to move the six different pieces around the chess board properly. However, becoming skilled at the strategies for winning at chess requires a great deal more.
Certainly, the first capabilities tested are the abilities to concentrate and analyze. Any lapse in concentration or failure to correctly analyze the situation on the chess board will most likely result in a loss. All chess players experience losses, even the grandmasters of the game, so players also learn the consequences of their decisions, and to win and lose gracefully.
There are more talents exercised through playing chess than just these first obvious few. Studies conducted over the past thirty years have been discovering that playing chess affects a number of aptitudes; from spatial relationships to persistence and focus, exercising both numerical and verbal skills, all working together when playing chess. A 1992 study in New Brunswick, Canada found that primary school children showed significant improvement in their problem solving skills when chess was added to their regular mathematics curriculum. Other studies, from Venezuela to Zaire, have found improvements in students’ memories and increased IQ scores among teenagers who play chess regularly.
The benefits of playing chess are not confined to school age children. In this Information Age, we are all bombarded continuously with incoming information of all types from many sources, some more credible than others. Data that used to take substantial commitments of time and specialized skill to dig out is now available in a fraction of a second from an Internet search on a home computer. The ability to analyze and manage multiple considerations is a skill that can make the difference between responding with agility to new situations and becoming mired in information overload. These torrents of information, whether the subject is managing your business or monitoring family health options, must be met with critical thinking to sort out the useful information from the spurious. Then, the new data needs to be adapted into our current plan, as appropriate. Nowhere are these skills (critical thinking, analysis, managing multiple considerations, adapting to new data, decision making, and planning / thinking ahead) better honed than from engaging in regular games of chess.
After all is said, chess is a game. In addition to exercising these many abilities and skills, chess is still a moment of sportsmanship and recreation. Playing games with people provides opportunities to develop social bonds and offers a diversion from the stresses of the day. With so many benefits, it’s easy to understand why chess is increasing in popularity. For years, people have associated playing chess with smart people. Now, the evidence is suggesting that playing the game of chess is not attracting smart people so much as it is contributing significantly to the abilities and skills of the people who participate in playing chess on a regular basis.
Buy your new chess set at ChessRight.com today, for yourself or for that special child in your life. We can make the world a smarter place -- one chess set at a time.