Does the thought of recording chess moves deter newcomers?

By Fred_Mandrake at 22:10 on 26/11/09

Re-post

I just think that there must be many potential chess club members in Tiverton and that maybe some of them are cautious about joining our club because we 'write down our moves'. Learning the notation takes about 2 minutes flat and nobody should be deterred from joining us because of this.

Another fear for some people is the thought of having to 'know the openings'. Again, that is overplayed. Many naturally gifted players have a very limited knowledge of the openings.

If you are thinking of joining us, just do it. Do not be deterred by the above.

Wednesdays, 7.00, Blundell's School, Preparatory dept. Last door on the left hand side, and up the stairs. We are friendly and welcoming. Cya there.

By Fred_Mandrake at 22:10 on 26/11/09
Report
Fred, I think it's worth mentioning that the modern way of recording is much easier than the old way. No more 'pawn to king 4' where 'king 4' is a different square depending upon which sifde of the board you sit.

The so called 'algebraic method' uniquely defines the squares by using a-h along the bottom of the board and 1-8 along the side - both written from White's side of the board. All of our boards have these numbers and letters written on the board anyway so it really is very easy.

For example Bc4 means your bishop has moved to the c4 square. Just remember that 'x' means 'take' and N stands for knight (to avoid confusion with K for King) and you are virtually there.

In fact, in friendly games you do not even need to record. Just come along and enjoy your chess.

By JamesAustin1 at 09:41 on 27/11/09
Report
ditto

By MrDiplomacy at 09:58 on 27/11/09
Report
A member of the Tiverton Chess Club has emailed me with this note: "We need to make any prospective new chess players aware that they would be wellcome ; we are a friendly club and there is no need for any new members coming along to write down their moves."
I could not agree with that more!

By JamesAustin1 at 20:19 on 27/11/09
Report
The great thing about chess is it is a pool in which a gnat can bathe or an elephant drink .And we all know that is good .

By Harrythedog1 at 19:23 on 28/11/09
Report