Chess Scotland Noticeboard

Angus McDonald · King Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 162

Mike,

I'm not against the idea of a development squad but for us it has to be done in the most cost effective way possible as we'd rather keep the money we spend on chess focussed on playing tournaments where much can also be learned. I still think the most cost effective way (cutting out all travelling costs! and travelling time!) is to use the internet. Failing that the recent training at Dundee with a charge of £10 a head was top coaching at a very reasonable cost. Nearly equidistant from Glasgow,Edinburgh and Aberdeen also Very Happy

AMcHarg · Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 4:56 pm Post subject:

Phil Thomas · King Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 758

Mike Scott · King Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 676 Location: Edinburgh

Having a development/training squads is not necessary just for running training get togethers, rather it is a structure that would take players from ~800 grade through to >2000 plus. As players develop BOTH in grading and technical knowledge they would be moved from one squad to the next.

Being invited to be part of the next squad up would be a big feather in a players cap - it lets them know they're valued.

I do see a need for group training but the nature of that changes as players develop. By the time they are 1500+ they are certainly needing one to one coaching on a regular basis. However there is a role for 'specials' e.g. like jacqui's weekend or those organsied in the past by Jacob. Or perhaps training matches?

Perhaps, related to ANgus's comments, training could be run in parallel with designated congresses in the form of having a coach available in the analyses room to go over squad members games.

I think that a properly organised squad system would help the communication process between CS and the players. This is especially important as players move from primary to secondary school.

I take your point fully Phil that it depends on volunteers being willing to act as squad mentors and/or adminstrators.

Regards

Phil Thomas · King Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 758

AMcHarg · Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 9:41 pm Post subject:

What about loads of Chess problems chosen to illustrate certain techniques that have been taught in a particular lesson. So basically those techniques that have been taught can be practised in a real life OTB scenario where the student is not told which of the particular techniques the problem relates to and must work them out for themselves. In some cases you could introduce more than one technique into a problem.

The above is about the transition from a learning environment into a simulated game as this transition will be of extreme importance to ensure they are able to spot when an opportunity presents itself.

More advanced concepts that I can think of:

- When to trade and when to not trade
- Which pawn chains are good and which are bad
- Good Knight/Bad Knight, Good Bishop/Bad Bishop
- When is an exchange sac a good idea
- When to defend and when to attack

Also...

I think one of the most under-taught aspects of Chess is psychology. Juniors tend to suffer less from this than adults (in my experiences) but it's definately worth some sort of coaching. i.e: you are going to play somebody who is 500 elo higher than you, can you beat them? Most adults will say 'very unlikely' and as a result will not even really try, even subconciously adopting a defensive strategy, matching their frame of mind, which is destined to fail. The fact is that both sides start equal, so whether you are playing a chimp or a champ it's your game to lose. Always believe you can win, without belief then you are unnecesarily hindering your chances.

A Cool

Bek B · Pawn Joined: 24 Jul 2010 Posts: 1

HUGE thank you to Phil and Jacqui for all their hard work in regards to the trip to Wales. Don't think we'll ever fully appreciate all that they do.

Thanks also to:- all the coaches, their expertise was appreciated; to Lisa for organising the two meals and to all the players, they did us proud.

On a personal note thank you to Tom Donahue, who has given up his own time over the last few weeks to coach.

Jacqui Thomas · King Joined: 01 May 2007 Posts: 340

On a more practical point the Glorney team need to be taught the difference between a fridge & a freezer!!!

They put everything in the freezer including jars!!

AMcHarg · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 5:33 pm Post subject:

Angus McDonald · King Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 162

Talk of structures and development squads but unlikely that anyone will have the drive to establish this. Paraphrasing my view of the discussion.

In my opinion, by using the 'Internet' especially in the darker/colder winter months we will see development and progress for all juniors who wish to parcitipate.

This can be achieved at small cost (registration to a server), no travel cost and a venue which is available at all times.

I would suggest a 'trickle down structure' with the top junior talent being coached online by a GM and then some of those juniors vounteering to work online with the 800 and upwards graded juniors.

I know i.e. that Ian would be happy to work with some of the up and coming juniors, organise online tournaments for them, kibbitz their games etc. He already organises tournaments online anyway!

Finally, I also think it's important to remember that not all children have the resources or dedicated parents on hand to ferry them to training or tournaments at weekends. An 'internet' structure will get more children interested in chess though and will compliment the otb tournaments as eventually they will want to test their skills over the board.
best wishes,
Angus

AMcHarg · Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 1:49 pm Post subject:

Completely agree with Angus again. Which site/server do you/Iain/Maryann use to play online Angus?

Angus McDonald · King Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 162

Andrew,

Also agree with your comments about Belief and Psychology Smile

We use Playchess. Costs about £30/year/user. I did a deal a while back for half price use for prizes for some junior tournaments but we never took them up on it. I reckon if approached by Chess Scotland with the intention of forming a junior coaching programme in Scotland using 'playchess' then such a deal may be available. i.e. half price for 1st year of use.

Jacob Aagard and I think Steve Burns Mannion did some coaching on playchess a couple of years back which was excellent. If there was a squad of 20 I'd be prepared to pay for some online coaching. Probably cost me 1/4 of petrol expenses! Some of those 20 could then help the younger juniors??

Back to Belief and Psychology. Way back at the beginning of my children playing, their total coaching going down to events was,( cool, calm, confident, creative, castle and develop!!)

And now to replace 'myth' with mystique 'The power of the pin'
Can never be underestimated. It has mystical power. imho Smile

That's one to add to Phil's coaching list.

regards,
Angus

Angus McDonald · King Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 162

And here is a nice little lesson on line.

http://www.letsplaychess.co.uk/chessclubs/forums_thread_show_one_posteronleftstyle.asp?maxpostsshow=1&forumid=11558&ThreadID=8163086

Mike Scott · King Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 676 Location: Edinburgh

The following probably applies to all levels of chess but is more obviously true at junior level - the winner is the player making the fewest blunders.

The point here is you can make many good moves as you like and few will win the game as quickly as the single bad move will loose it.

Consequently I believe a vital part of any training is learning to reduce the blunder count.

For this I would recommend the Rowsons 7 Sins and Zebras as text books.

So learning to undertstand ones own common failures, paying attention to your opponents plans etc,

Mike Scott · King Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 676 Location: Edinburgh