Finding my chess style

Current Chess Study Material

Chess Steps Level 2 Extra
Polgar's LCTRW Book 4
Videos from GM Seirawan, GM Williams, and others.
Specific repertoire books (nope, not disclosing those specifics yet)

Embracing the Process

So, I've been going through that "who am I' phase of finding out the structures, plans, and approaches of openings. It's been a messy affair. In practice games I was woefully outplayed by folks that in my prime, had zero zip nada chance of defeating me.

Now, for some frame of reference. When I was playing chess and competing back in the day, it was "d4 London baby!" and "c6 because Karpov is my chess soul" and that was it. Got to a pretty nice rating that way. Then, the long layoff.

What a Difference A Few Years Have Made!

I come back and 1) the amount of chess knowledge is staggering; 2) the use of chess engines have definitely changed some of the approaches to the game; and 3) being not as young as I used to be is now a challenge to be managed. Example: the Caro-Kann is now a fan favorite with GothamChess and IM Houska's contributions to the chess world. It used to be the opening where you play it and know that White was going "now what?". Not anymore. It's too well known. I'm seeing 700 USCF break out 1...c6 versus everything without a care in the world. Keep in mind that when I was much more active, 1200 USCF was viewed as "modest". Honestly, I think 1200 USCF these days is "reasonable" because chess is so much more fleshed out and understood.

Life Parallels

In parallel, my wardrobe is undergoing a major revamp due to the 66 pound (30 kg) lost I've had over the last 15 months. I'm updating my style in my clothes. I feel great, I am looking good, and to quote Ric Flair, "am stylin' and profilin'".

This has spurred me to reexamine my chess style.

The days of swashbuckling chess for me might be here. The days of Bob Ross and embracing the "happy little accidents" is alluring me to play much more direct in my opening play. I've been trying to like the Jobava London and...I'm just not there. I feel rather meh about it. It's a great method mind you and some of the example games I have annotated have been great advertisements for it, but chess is supposed to be fun, right? And if you're in move 7 of an opening and go "ewwwww I'm already not so comfortable", that's a problem. The enticement of attack is quite strong.

Finding Your Chess Style

At my age where the gray hairs are trying to outnumber my normal ones, my perspectives about chess has to be oriented to a fun, unique style that is mine and mine alone. Chess is an art as much as it's a game. Therefore, time to paint our canvas with broad strokes. I've found my repertoire. And, I'm so happy about it.