Learning the game of chess requires time and study. Tactics and strategies take practice and repetition. When one is learning to play, first timers generally fall into one of two categories when it is their turn:
1) They are anxious to make the move they've already determined to make.
2) They are careful to reevaluate and over analyze the new board.
To become a good player, however, neither of these approaches is good technique. A good chess player must learn to balance careful board analysis with his or her preconceived plans. Tournament chess play, generally includes a play clock. Good players learn to manage the clock. Moves require careful thought, but too much thought on a few moves may cost too much time. Making the best move in an appropriate amount of time is ideal. Making the best move in too much time will lose the game but so will making the worst move in no time.
Similarly in life, we must learn to manage the clock. This can be applied to your lifetime, your education and career stage, your family life and composition, and even your work day itself. What is the goal of your life? How are you managing the clock on accomplishing that goal? Have you developed a long-term plan? Are you properly analyzing your progress and your opportunities?
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Weak Squares
In the game of chess, there are various tactics and strategies of play. These depend on the stage of the game (opening, middle game, end game). Mastery of the game of chess requires diligent study of not only the stages of the game as they unfold but also tactics and strategies. There are a variety of development books, training videos, tutors, and websites dedicated to study of puzzles and concepts fundamental to improving one's game.
Several years ago, I borrowed a chess book and read it a number of times. I was able to grasp and implement almost every concept presented in the book except for the chapter discussing "Weak Squares". The concept is simple enough - vulnerabilities exist in the form of landing posts inviting the opponent to attack. The identification of the squares and implementation of the concept is quite a different story. I learned to develop my pieces, station them in principle posts, couple them together, but I could not figure out where my weak squares were (this is still my problem).
(Spiritual) Life Application 1
No matter what stage of life you are in (young, middle aged, old, etc.) and no matter what your position (student, employed, unemployed, employer, married, single, divorced, parent, etc.), you have weak squares. These are not just weaknesses that you struggle with; these are weak points in your life where the enemy is allowed to post his minions to inhibit your progress, distract your attention, or divert your resources. Identifying your weak squares is no simple task and defending them requires a significant amount of effort. While weaknesses are errors or sins (just as the stranded pawn or piece), weak squares are innocent looking habits that lead to sinful behaviors (just like an unprotected square on which an enemy knight can perch on your king side where you've castled). Consuming pornographic material is a weakness (sin). Driving a routine pathway home in which you pass by tempting billboards could be a weak square (habit that can lead to sinful behavior). It is easy to spot and work on weaknesses, but these are really symptoms of the weak squares of your life.
(Spiritual) Life Application 2
No matter what stage of life you are in (young, middle aged, old, etc.) and no matter what your position (student, employed, unemployed, employer, married, single, divorced, parent, etc.), you have goals (spiritual maturity). In order to attain these goals, you must identify a path to victory. In chess, you can never prepare for every possible scenario that will face you, but you can practice and prepare for types of situations. Your opponent also has weak squares, and you must know how to identify them and capitalize on them in order to be the victor. The path to accomplish your goals is much like this chess strategy; you can't wait until an opportunity arises - you may not be able to identify it or you may miss it. You must be actively looking for opportunities to advance while playing at the top of your game (living in Godliness).
Several years ago, I borrowed a chess book and read it a number of times. I was able to grasp and implement almost every concept presented in the book except for the chapter discussing "Weak Squares". The concept is simple enough - vulnerabilities exist in the form of landing posts inviting the opponent to attack. The identification of the squares and implementation of the concept is quite a different story. I learned to develop my pieces, station them in principle posts, couple them together, but I could not figure out where my weak squares were (this is still my problem).
(Spiritual) Life Application 1
No matter what stage of life you are in (young, middle aged, old, etc.) and no matter what your position (student, employed, unemployed, employer, married, single, divorced, parent, etc.), you have weak squares. These are not just weaknesses that you struggle with; these are weak points in your life where the enemy is allowed to post his minions to inhibit your progress, distract your attention, or divert your resources. Identifying your weak squares is no simple task and defending them requires a significant amount of effort. While weaknesses are errors or sins (just as the stranded pawn or piece), weak squares are innocent looking habits that lead to sinful behaviors (just like an unprotected square on which an enemy knight can perch on your king side where you've castled). Consuming pornographic material is a weakness (sin). Driving a routine pathway home in which you pass by tempting billboards could be a weak square (habit that can lead to sinful behavior). It is easy to spot and work on weaknesses, but these are really symptoms of the weak squares of your life.
(Spiritual) Life Application 2
No matter what stage of life you are in (young, middle aged, old, etc.) and no matter what your position (student, employed, unemployed, employer, married, single, divorced, parent, etc.), you have goals (spiritual maturity). In order to attain these goals, you must identify a path to victory. In chess, you can never prepare for every possible scenario that will face you, but you can practice and prepare for types of situations. Your opponent also has weak squares, and you must know how to identify them and capitalize on them in order to be the victor. The path to accomplish your goals is much like this chess strategy; you can't wait until an opportunity arises - you may not be able to identify it or you may miss it. You must be actively looking for opportunities to advance while playing at the top of your game (living in Godliness).
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