jovanaeric's Blog

Confidential Chess Files: Queen

2026-04-30T18:54:50.436Z

We are reaching the point from which there is no going back. After the rook’s networking idea, the remaining two pieces have yet to set their stories in motion. The queen marches next, setting the first shift.

Confidential Chess Files: Rook

2026-04-16T18:12:35.565Z

After wrapping up minor pieces with the bishop last time, we now turn our attention to the so-called major pieces – traditionally considered more valuable.

Confidential Chess Files: Bishop

2026-04-02T16:32:59.113Z

Following our two-week schedule, we meet again to continue the personified stories of each chess piece. After uncovering the knight’s code in the last blog, we now approach the halfway point, as the bishop is about to take center stage.

Confidential Chess Files: Knight

2026-03-18T17:46:23.113Z

After the pawn’s entry diary, we continue our series exploring the true stars of the chessboard and highlighting their unique roles. The piece narrative format follows the same structure of personified stories, each telling us about their journey on the chess battlefield.

Confidential Chess Files: Pawn

2026-03-05T17:21:39.749Z

We are entering serious territory now, as I’m starting a series exploring each piece in what is essentially a hybrid style. Each of them will be personified, with their stories told in the first person. We will study their typical day in the chess office while introducing the human elements of what we actually think, struggle with, or have epiphanies about during the game. Fiction and realism combined into one.

Chess Problems We’ve Been Crushing On (Valentine’s Edition)

2026-02-13T23:13:38.207Z

Today’s topic will be far from academic and closer to vibrant. Occasionally coherent, but I can’t promise too much. We will go over imaginary chess letters that carry deep questions and require spirited answers. When loose meets profound, new portals of knowledge may open on shaky fundamental ground. And yes, the letters may be inspired by February 14, but that’s probably a bit of a stretch.

How to Say No with Prophylaxis

2026-01-19T18:34:04.716Z

You are sitting at the board, clenched like a statue, working on the fantastic variation that will teleport you high on the rating ladder, as that is the noble dream of too many. While the plan is bordering on extraterrestrial intelligence, your analysis stops at move 1. Baby steps, you might think. But the ticking clock doesn’t let you gain weight and height in a single game of growth, so the fallen vision of coming up with a titanic setup vanishes into thin air.

Endgames In the Open

2026-01-10T13:10:21.204Z

Endings force clarity. Perhaps this is why many people don’t enjoy studying or entering endgames, as the blunt truth about the stakes on the board is not an all-time favorite job for those hiding behind complexity. Fewer pieces on the board, empty squares full of potential for decisive blows, and stripped illusions that the game could somehow be finished somewhere in the middle. Much like the aging process, when maturity and “wisdom” hit you whether you like it or not.

The Center Is Not Where Power Lies

2025-12-19T21:30:09.698Z

Controlling the center often paints a target.