January 21, 2003

I'm not a chess master, and the number of people who know more about this game than I do is in the thousands (if not millions). Still, if you're just beginning the game, I think I've got some things to say which might help you improve your play. After all, only by analyzing where we've been can we get to where we want to be, and one of the great ways to learn to see what great moves and mistakes others have made. I'm offering you that chance.

If you would like to comment on my analysis or suggest different lines of play which I've neglected, by all means email me. I'm always happy to discuss games, and I'd be thrilled to post your contributions on the web site if appropriate.

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Various Opponents

Game One
White: Ty Davison
Black: Turguin
Opening: C68 Ruy Lopez, Exchange Variation
Excite Classic Games, April 3, 2001

Fischer liked the playing the Exchange Variation with White and so do I. Of course he's an all-time great and I'm a blunder-happy woodpusher. Still, I know a victory when I see one.

Game Two
White: Zak Smith
Black: Ty Davison
Opening: B52 Sicilian, Canal-Sokolsky Advance, 3...Bd7
Email, Game 1, 2003

After some nice set-up work, my game collapses in a spasming heap of jello. Draw, anyone?

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Al Starfy

Al is my original chessic nemesis. He's also a great example of the friends you can make via the Internet. He was the first to respond to my requests for a chess game, and we've been playing ever since. A student of the game, Al's knowledge of chess history and available literature is probably better than mine ever will be.

Game One
White: Allen Starfy
Black: Ty Davison
Opening: B07 Pirc, 150 A
E-mail, Game 1, 1997

Victory based on pawn structure. Now updated with my previously undiscovered blunder.

Game Two
White: Ty Davison
Black: Allen Starfy
Opening: B19 Caro-Kann, Classical, Spassky Variation
E-mail, Game 2, 1997

Victory based on pawn Queening.

Game Three
White: Allen Starfy
Black: Ty Davison
Opening: A23 English, Bremen System, Keres Variation
E-mail, Game 3, 1997

Victory passed on protected passed pawn and Knight outpost.

Game Four
White: Ty Davison
Black: Allen Starfy
Opening: C45 Scotch Game, Mieses Variation
E-mail, Game 4, 1997

An educational chess game though featuring undeniably uninspired play.

Game Five
White: Allen Starfy
Black: Ty Davison
Opening: A20 English Opening
E-mail, Game 5, 1997

Pretty good analysis of perhaps the best game I've played (or so I thought at the time). The game features the accelerated fianchetto variation of the English opening. Update: New analysis from Richard of East Yorkshire shows how one move for White could've turned the tide.

Game Six
White: Ty Davison
Black: Allen Starfy
Opening: C68 Ruy Lopez, Exchange Variation, Alapin G
E-mail, Game 6, 1998

Excitement aplenty as Al and I jump out of book in the early going. Danger Will Robinson! Danger!

Game Seven
White: Allen Starfy
Black: Ty Davison
Opening: A40 Queen's Pawn
FICS, Game 1, 1998

A baffling opening leads to an understandable conclusion.

Game Eight
White: Allen Starfy
Black: Ty Davison
Opening: A48 King's Indian, East Indian Defense
FICS, Game 2, 1998

My attempt to use the Grünfeld rebuffed, I try a pseudo-Grünfeld which turns out to be a King's Indian. Whatever. Update: Additional analysis from Zak Smith highlights a move Black overlooked.

Game Nine — Chess Match of the Century!
White: Ty Davison
Black: Allen Starfy
Opening: B10 Caro-Kann Defense
FICS, Game 3, 1998

A massive Caro-Kann-based struggle as two chessic titans exhibit nerves of steel in a tense battle of power. Watched by thousands.

Game Ten
White: Allen Starfy
Black: Ty Davison
Opening: A48, King's Indian, London System
E-mail, Game 7, 1998

An interesting match featuring my current favorite as Black, the King's Indian Defense.

Chess! | Strategy | top  

David Hemstreet

I met Dave through my good friend Sue. (Dave is Sue's husband.) Though we've only had a few games so far, it's clear that Dave is not an opponent to be underestimated.

Game One
White: David Hemstreet
Black: Ty Davison
Opening: B35 Sicilian, Accelerated Fianchetto, Modern Variation with Bc4
E-mail, Game 1, 1998

A good opening in the Accelerated Dragon, but muddled middlegame play leaves the game all goofed up.

Game Two
White: Ty Davison
Black: David Hemstreet
Opening: Ruy Lopez, Exchange Variation, 5. 0-0
E-mail, Game 2, 1998

The second in our series of titanic chess wars, you really couldn't pay money and expect to find a chess match any more exciting than this.

Game Three
White: David Hemstreet
Black: Ty Davison
Opening: Caro-Kann, Gurgenidze System
E-mail, Game 3, 1998

After last time's slugfest, both sides get a lot more conservative. You can guess the result, but that doesn't mean there aren't lessons to be learned.

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