Rook Endings

Rook endings really highlight a major weakness in my game that I intend to remedy with continued focus and study. I find that my natural inclination to attack, attack, attack doesn't work so well in these types of endgames. I will need to learn the proper balance between attack and defense to become artful at this sort of game finish. Also, there are 746 rook problems that comprise rook or rook + pawns endgames in the Convekta database, so these mini-circles will take more time to complete than other mini-circles. However, once I master this section, I will have conquered nearly half of the entire database of problems.

1st mini-circle: 67%, Convekta ELO: 2219
2nd mini-circle: 72%, Convekta ELO: 2220

Pawn Endings Resumed

Beginning last weekend, I have completed 2 mini-circles of pawn endings. I'm quite pleased with my performance compared to what I was able to do last year (see prior posts from that time period).

1st mini-circle: 73%, Convekta ELO*: 2303
2nd mini-circle: 75% Convekta ELO*: 2307
3rd mini-circle: 78% Convekta ELO*: 2323
4th mini-circle: 79% Convekta ELO*: 2330
5th mini-circle: 82% Convekta ELO*: 2353
6th mini-circle: 84% Convekta ELO*: 2392
7th mini-circle: 86% Convekta ELO*: 2381
8th mini-circle: 89% Convekta ELO*: 2419**


*To those unfamiliar with Convekta software, as you work through problems, you establish an ELO. In my opinion, there is little bearing between this rating and a person's true chess skill. However, it's a good way to monitor progress.

** Final Mini-circle

A Man Has An Idea

The idea attracts others, like-minded. The idea expands. The idea becomes an institution. - Top Dollar

Pawn Endings: Mini-Circle #7

Completed 380 out of 380.

Slow, but sure progress. I'm still looking for that "quantum leap" where it all starts to click. Ah well, Mini-circle #8, here I come. Into the breach!

Mini-circle #7: 76%
Mini-circle #6: 74%
Mini-circle #5: 73%
Mini-circle #4: 72%
Mini-circle #3: 72%
Mini-circle #2: 69%
Mini-circle #1: 68%

Caissa's Interruptus

I've had some life events recently (nothing tragic, fortunately - more like a butt-load of different opportunities, each with its own potential reward and peril - kinda like a Tal game!) that have placed chess on a back burner. I'm still working endgame puzzles (mini-circle 7 will be done here shortly), but I've pretty much quit going to chess club. I am participating in Chessville's Fall 2006 Online Chess League tournament. Anyway, I'm not completely MIA, but like many of the old bloggers, I'll be only sporadically updating this site.

Pawn Endings: Mini-Circle #6

Completed 380 out of 380.

I'm beginning to get the hang of these. The patterns are starting to pop into my head. However, I find myself often second guessing the pattern and scoring lower. A few more circles, and hopefully I can then move on to Rook endings.

Mini-circle #6: 74%
Mini-circle #5: 73%
Mini-circle #4: 72%
Mini-circle #3: 72%
Mini-circle #2: 69%
Mini-circle #1: 68%

Pawn Endings: Mini-Circle #5

Completed 380 out of 380.

Looks like 7 mini-circles won't cut the mustard. I'll have to plan for more mini-circles. I won't move on to rook endgames until I've hit 90%.

Mini-circle #5: 73%
Mini-circle #4: 72%
Mini-circle #3: 72%
Mini-circle #2: 69%
Mini-circle #1: 68%