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"Do Nothing" as Grand Strategy

NM Roger Williamson - 19/12/2023

  • General
  • Middle Game
  • Endgame

The Skillful Warrior   Does not rely on the enemy’s   Not coming,  But on his own  Preparedness.  He does not rely on the enemy’s  Not attacking,  But on his own   Impregnability.   Sun-tzu, ‘The Nine Changes’ The Art of War    In ‘Do Nothing’ we looked at the necessity for doing nothing when appro...

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Do Nothing!

NM Roger Williamson - 07/11/2023

  • Endgame
  • General
  • Middle Game

Blackadder:  Am I jumping the gun, Baldrick, or are the words "I have a cunning plan" marching with ill-deserved confidence in the direction of this conversation?  Baldrick:  They certainly are, sir!  Blackadder:  Well, forgive me if I don't jump up and down with glee. Your record in this department...

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Do Something!

NM Roger Williamson - 05/11/2023

  • Middle Game
  • General
  • Endgame

Baldrick:  Oh, sir! Poor little Mildred the cat, what's he ever done to you?  Blackadder:  It is the way of the world, Baldrick. The abused always kick downwards. I am annoyed, and so I kick the cat, the cat [loud squeak] pounces on the mouse, and finally, the mouse--  Baldrick:  Argh!  Blackadder:...

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Rook and Pawns: How to Draw 3 vs. 4 on the Kingside

NM Roger Williamson - 09/08/2023

  • Endgame

Play chess for any length of time and eventually you will be asked to defend this position: Black to play. We’ve all either been told or just feel this should be defendable for black, despite black being a pawn down. ‘All rook endings are drawn’ is a humorous generalisation, but it’s also a mantra y...

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