First blog

Chess

Introduction

I've been thinking of starting a blog about my journey into the world of chess for some time. I am a beginner or at least was about a year ago. This summer I have had nearly been dead to it. But as winter comes and my triathlon training eases up I can again get back to it.

Kristen was eager to play the other day and she beat me two games in a row. Tonight, 11-11-11, I checkmated her and then she resigned the 2nd game. The rust is falling off of me. She is a great opponent but can sometimes be a sore looser (grumpy). I hope we can both advance together. Jessica is good to play against too but is around less.

I have several computer games to compete against. One on my PC and one on my iPod touch.

Last winter I got all the books from the library on chess. Read some of each of them but not all of one. I got some books for Christmas and a Fischer book. I will list them later. Anyhow I have those resources. Got a DVD that Susan Polgar did for beginner children. It was good for me by reinforcing the basics. I now have her as a Facebook friend or I am a fan I guess. She posts links to so much world chess news and I don't have the time to view it all.

So anyway someday I might like to compete in a low key tournament here in Greenville after going to a few of the local chess clubs meetings. I would like to get a ranking or numerical value as to my level of expertise. I know that the top players (Grandmasters) are at the 2600 to 2800 level. I wonder if I am up to a 500 level yet?! I want to slowly over the years improve my skill and my ranking and see where it goes. I have no goal of 1000 level or a title that they have for the more advanced levels.