11 Comments
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Dr Patzer's avatar

This is the best chess content I’ve read in a long time. Words to live by. Just brilliant!

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Nick Vasquez, MD's avatar

Thank you!

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Jennifer Shahade's avatar

I love this post and thanks for sharing your experience in this as an MD! I have increasing appreciation for the importance of being "less wrong" when watching kids / students games. I want them to make luft so bad, even when it's not forced. The reason is to avoid being less wrong later. The right amount of neuroticism pays on the chess board! Or as i said in Chess Queens, playing chess is like walking around constantly trying not to fall flat on your face.

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Nick Vasquez, MD's avatar

That's very kind of you! I greatly appreciate your comment and thanks for reading!

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Andy Lee's avatar

Well said. I think of chess as being really similar to American football - if you block and tackle a lot of things go well. If you miss a tackle, well, that's that.

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Nick Vasquez, MD's avatar

A good analogy!

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Brad's avatar

As a recovering perfectionist, I really enjoyed this post. I have spent a lot of time at the board trying to find the one "best" move, but finding something practical is usually the way

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Southernrun's avatar

Absolutely love this post!!! I will implement the be less wrong mentality and see where it leads. Thank you

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John Z's avatar

Great food for thought and spot on the button as usual! I must be a typical 'Adult non-Improver' - I rate well over my level solving tactics puzzles (finding the win), but find that the blunder preventer puzzles as in Aimchess put me firmly back in my place.That's the thing about being in a rut though. At least I know where I am! - and in line with your advice I know what I need to work on. Thanks!

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testnameignore's avatar

Fantastic article. I look forward to the follow up articles.

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Gerard ‘t Hart's avatar

Excellent article, thank you

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