Logic Challenge

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)

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Happy Birthday Samuel Reshevsky

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chess Boxing

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 ...

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?

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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