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MatPlus.Net Forum General Developing new talent
 
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(1) Posted by Steven Dowd [Sunday, Mar 31, 2013 20:09]

Developing new talent


I believe there is one good way to look for the new potential problemist in your club.

You can of course eliminate entirely anyone who whines when you set up a problem, "How did the king get THERE???" (or any such variation of the "Couldn't Happen in a Real Game Gambit.")

Look for the kid who, in blitz games, doesn't get tired of the guy who won't resign (you know, the guy who goes down a rook and five pawns in the ending and is looking for an stalemate) by promoting all his pawns to queens but instead chooses various minor promotions, especially all of one kind of piece or an AUW. The guy who picks all queens has no imagination.

If you note a cycle, sign him up for your country's national problem magazine immediately.

And a happy beginning of April to all my friends and none of my enemies. :)
 
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(2) Posted by seetharaman kalyan [Sunday, Mar 31, 2013 21:19]

I would rather go for the guy who wont resign but is on the lookout for the stalemate defence :)
 
 
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(3) Posted by Steven Dowd [Sunday, Mar 31, 2013 23:23]

Those guys just end up composing long helpmates with wiggling bishops. Write 'em off.
 
   
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(4) Posted by seetharaman kalyan [Monday, Apr 1, 2013 13:59]

:)
 
   
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(5) Posted by Geir Sune Tallaksen Østmoe [Monday, Apr 1, 2013 22:09]

Hmm. Both guys sound like me in my early career. What does that make me? :)
 
   
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(6) Posted by seetharaman kalyan [Tuesday, Apr 2, 2013 09:05]

>>>>Hmm. Both guys sound like me in my early career. What does that make me? :)

Please tell us :)
 
   
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(7) Posted by Kevin Begley [Tuesday, Apr 2, 2013 11:54]; edited by Kevin Begley [13-04-02]

I guess that makes us (both) untalented problemists, Geir. ;-)
I could maybe live with that, if I had your OTB chess talents.

I was once a "practical studies only" whiner -- didn't even care to solve miniature #2 problems (until I realized how much solving them improved my coffeehouse blitz style).

I would suggest an alternative strategy: look for talented tactical players with little interest in openings, or rating/competition.
Introduce them to a few beautiful unorthodox problems; and, explain how problems have their own value (beyond mere training purpose), and are appreciated (by many) on an artistic level.

Finally, dispel two common myths:
1) Problem enthusiasts need not waste their time developing a high Elo rating (though, undoubtedly, those so inclined may profit from the endeavor!), and
2) Solving difficulty is not the highest goal of every problem composition.

The first point is important, because players tend to presume that problems come from retired Grandmasters (e.g., Pal Benko).
As a result, many candidates will not even consider problems as a better vehicle for their interests in chess.

The second point (what constitutes beauty in a problem) they should be free to answer for themselves.
The trouble is, problem competitions and Judges will try to herd them.
 
   
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(8) Posted by Hauke Reddmann [Wednesday, Apr 3, 2013 14:56]

Geir wrote: "Hmm. Both guys sound like me in my early career. What does that make me? :)"

My Evil Twin[tm] :-)

Hauke
 
   
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(9) Posted by Kevin Begley [Wednesday, Apr 3, 2013 18:27]; edited by Kevin Begley [13-04-03]

That can't be Hauke -- the evil twin of a problem composer is always completely identical. :-)
 
   
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(10) Posted by Hauke Reddmann [Thursday, Apr 4, 2013 11:48]

Depends on the twinning method :-)
 
 
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MatPlus.Net Forum General Developing new talent