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I found this new service today and it got me wondering if some of these alternative “brain” games could improve the brain for chess. Sometimes in my study of the Sicilian Defense i have often wondered how much I can possibly improve. I seem to have plateaued and just don’t have unlimited time to break through to the next level.
Perhaps if I could somehow train my mind to think further ahead, focus better, or I might be able to see my rating improve more rapidly. Luminosity definitely has my interest peaked with this free trial as they are claiming users have reported:
- Clearer and quicker thinking
- Improved memory
- Increased alterness
- Better memory
Have any of you tried this or a similar service? I am curious to hear how what other methods you all have tried to improve your chess besides traditional study, a.k.a reading thesiciliandefense.com
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This next game is another look at the Fischer-Sozin variation with …a6 and …b5 of the Sicilian Defense played by Bruci Lopez at the USAT Playoffs. This time his opponent, FM Robby Adamson puts up a stronger showing, but still comes up short. Lopez plays virtually the same first sixteen moves for white and again demonstrates how white can build up and develop an attack against this Sicilian setup. In this game note how Black stays very cramped up and is never really able to utilize the space gained on the queenside. In both games one can see how black can never utilize the imbalances in the position for his benefit. The half open c-file is a moot point, and the space gained on the queenside did not disrupt white’s plans at all.
I think Chess Life is correct in that these games rightfully may draw some renewed interest in the Bc4 responses by white to the Najdorf Sicilian Defense. I plan on exploring some alternative ways for Black to play this position and would love to get any comment or feedback you have on this opening. Enjoy!
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The July edition of Chess Life has some great coverage of the USAT Playoffs this month. A few games in particular struck my eye as excellent illustrations of how to the play the Fischer-Sozin (B87) variation of the Sicilian Defense. The games I want to analyze are by FM Bruci Lopez (2455), the strongest player in the playoffs. Lopez plays this opening twice with White and both times provides a textbook illustration of how White should use the initiative to build up an attack. Chess Life comments on Lopez’s success, “This game might attract new adherents to the Bc4 systems.”
This statement proves very interesting and has prompted my interest in this opening. According to Chessgames.com this version of the Sicilian Defense has waned in popularity since the 70’s. Lopez’s results are fairly impressive given the overall record for this opening:
White wins 34.2%
Black wins 36.0%
Draws 29.8%