Chess opening repertoire discussion by National Master Kevin Pacey
I've made a model for chess styles inspired by parts of Secrets of Endgame Strategy by Lars Bo Hansen (Gambit, 2006), Winning with Chess Psychology by Benko & Hochberg (McKay, 1991) & Secrets of Practical Chess by Nunn (Gambit, 1998). It's like Hansen's model in his books, expanded. Style is a set of tendencies (tastes/fortes) that can show in cases of near equivalent available choices; any may affect a game's character a long time. The avg. # of cases per game is uncertain, ...
Updated 12-10-2015 at 04:13 PM by Kevin Pacey
After you are satisfied with the repertoire you have selected, and are studying it in an ongoing way (and practicing/testing it in blitz and/or offhand games, perhaps), as much as your time and inclination allows, it's time to think about: 3. Your form as a player (and person): Even before you enter a tournament, any number of factors may work against your having good chess form. Examples: [1]- poor diet [2]- sleep poorly during tournaments, or in general ...
Updated 02-11-2021 at 02:05 PM by Kevin Pacey
The following (both Parts 1 & 2) is based partly on old chesstalk posts of mine: How does a player prepare his openings or prepare for games? Much has been written about these subjects, but I will try to sum up what I think is some very useful advice for players below grandmaster level especially. First, before thinking about tournament play, try to figure out if you have a suitable repertoire. To check this, or to build a custom made repertoire from scratch, first ...
Updated 02-09-2021 at 02:23 AM by Kevin Pacey
The following is a suggested repertoire for sharp or solid play. All or some of it can be used, even by an intermediate or advanced level player wishing to specialize. Much of it I have played myself: White: 1.e4 (only) vs. 1...c5: Sharp option: (chosen in spite of any homework since anti-Sicilians generally far less potent) Open Sicilians, including: Sozin (Bc4) setups (i.e. if Black aims for Classical, Scheveningen or Najdorf Sicilian), ...
Updated 09-12-2015 at 10:55 AM by Kevin Pacey
Based on an old chesstalk post of mine (in response to someone doubting people had time to learn opening theory, and also doubting there being a variety of playable openings not requiring learning lots of theory): At the risk of giving away secrets my competitors don't already know (e.g. from CANBase), I can show my 'core' repertoire (what I use when I'm not given to occasional whims of infidelity to it). I generally have used these openings 10+ times in my career. I know I could ...
Updated 11-08-2016 at 01:09 AM by Kevin Pacey