MrPushwood's Blog

What's Wrong With Engine Analysis

2026-04-06T16:04:32.137Z

Sure, Mr Chips can provide key insights into the mistakes we've made (as well as opportunities missed). But there are some limitations to seeking Stockfish's counsel...

Let's Go Nalimov Surfing!

2025-11-17T03:42:16.241Z

Or that's what I've always called it anyway. :) It consists of entering more or less random positions into the six-man tablebase until you come up with something that resembles an actual chess problem (from days of yore). And yeah, it's pretty hit-and-miss much of the time (and you can definitely get to feeling that you've got entirely too much time on your hands). But every once in a while you do manage to stumble upon something that's actually rather nice...

GREAT GAME!

2025-10-04T01:19:22.95Z

I just got through playing one of the most interesting--and involving--games I've ever had in my life. So I thought I'd share it here--along with a few of the more absorbing variations. That's one of the virtues of correspondence chess of course: that you have ample opportunity to explore all the ramifications.

Dumb Directions On Products

2025-05-21T00:27:37.077Z

I thought that others might find this list as amusing as I did. It comes from the book pictured here; and, as the sectional intro states: "All the warnings below are taken from real products."

The Politics of Politics

2025-02-01T23:39:35.071Z

Things seem to be getting more and more polarized of late...with no end to it in sight (as the "We're right--they're wrong!" attitude takes hold of most everyone)...

FAVORITES: Lasker vs Tchigorin 1895

2025-01-06T02:39:30.675Z

A tremendous battle of 2 Bs vs 2 Ns featuring two of the alltime greats in one of the alltime great tourneys--Hastings 1895.

FAVORITES: Geller vs Kogan 1946

2025-01-06T02:33:51.677Z

Return with me to a time long ago...when Geller looked less like the Russian Bear and more like Dick Miller! :D

FAVORITES: Reti vs Rubinstein 1925

2025-01-06T02:08:06.706Z

"Who's winning?" :D

Can You Find the Mate in 4 That Smyslov Missed?

2024-07-16T04:22:23.022Z

Perhaps my favorite chess book of 'em all is this collection of Smitty's. I've long been envious of his smooth, measured style (the very antithesis of my rather hectic way of doing things). I did enjoy one moment of triumph while working my way through it however: spotting a mate the great Vassily had missed.

When Computers Sucked

2024-04-30T00:35:06.592Z

It may well seem a strange thing to recall (in these days of the Silicon Swami), but there was a time--quite a long time, in fact--when computers and their play truly stunk up the joint.

FAVORITES: Capablanca vs Treybal 1929

2024-02-10T00:25:53.995Z

A game which I've always regarded as the consummate positional masterpiece...

Overcompetitiveness in Chess

2024-01-31T00:05:18.021Z

Yep, sometimes it can really start to look like Tweedledum and Tweedledee out there...or maybe that oughta be Tweedledumb and Tweedledumb. ;)

Duncan The Subtle

2024-01-21T20:54:08.435Z

"Explore the unique and confusing chess of Canadian Grandmaster Duncan Suttles." :D

FOR YOU SCIFI BUFFS: A parody of Heinlein's "They"

2024-01-16T21:26:11.619Z

"THEY WOULD NOT LET HIM ALONE..." :)

LICHESS FORUMS: AnswerMan vs Your Neighborhood Saloon

2024-01-11T23:39:18.067Z

"Sometimes you want to go...where everybody knows your username!" :D

"Danger, danger!..."

2023-11-27T04:37:59.487Z

Recently I sat through all 83 episodes of this camp-classic weirdfest extravaganza...sorta like Batman In Outer Space. Yep, even the one with the Giant Carrot! :D

LESSONS: "8... d5! with equality"

2023-11-13T02:23:38.55Z

Way back when I gave a great deal of credence to the pronouncements found in opening books...so much so that at times it would unduly color my play.

Just how good was Tal?

2023-10-06T04:55:46.2Z

Here's the example that always comes foremost to mind whenever I think about what a huge freakin' genius that guy was... :)

The Day We Discovered The Scholar's Mate

2023-09-15T23:18:57.398Z

Return with me to those wacky days of yesteryear--back when Elvis was still alive and Elton John was still good!--as the bell for morning recess has just gone off in our sixth-grade class.

Blog Hucksterism

2023-09-08T04:01:53.081Z

It's a trend which unfortunately only seems to be increasing of late: yet another "How to improve" post that in fact says very little of note and proves to be just a come-on for the writer (whoever he may be) to hawk his wares (whatever they may be).

"WHY CAN'T ALL YOU JERKS BE NICE LIKE ME?!"

2023-09-02T23:22:00.601Z

It has unfortunately become something of a forum cliche: the guy who starts a thread wondering where all decency and civility in the world have fled (or at least the lichess part of it)...then proceeds to snarl and hiss like some wolverine the minute anyone else offers up a slightly different take on things.

Discover your Inner Fischer!

2023-08-19T17:05:42.002Z

Here are eight simple steps for you--no matter who you are!--to achieve true chess greatness.

The Lewis Flush

2023-07-27T06:13:06.608Z

We've all had our frustrations with this bewitching game. But what would it take to make you chuck set, board, clock, computer, phone and keyboard right out the window?

FAVORITES: Spassky vs Tal 1958

2023-07-15T03:31:13.966Z

In the last round--and with the Soviet championship on the line--the Magician comes surging back from the precipice (to make it two titles in a row!). :)