David Smith
@datasmith.bsky.social
Chess player and organizer. We run a group on lichess.org that tries to duplicate the feel of a weekly meeting of serious players in a country pub. DM me for details.
When not doing chess stuff I sing, play the violin, hike, birdwatch, camp, cook and more
When not doing chess stuff I sing, play the violin, hike, birdwatch, camp, cook and more
Stop playing blitz? 😁
Seriously though, playing blitz is generally considered a poor way to improve your game. To stop blundering in it you need to improve your understanding of both tactics and strategy by playing slower time controls.
Seriously though, playing blitz is generally considered a poor way to improve your game. To stop blundering in it you need to improve your understanding of both tactics and strategy by playing slower time controls.
September 22, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Stop playing blitz? 😁
Seriously though, playing blitz is generally considered a poor way to improve your game. To stop blundering in it you need to improve your understanding of both tactics and strategy by playing slower time controls.
Seriously though, playing blitz is generally considered a poor way to improve your game. To stop blundering in it you need to improve your understanding of both tactics and strategy by playing slower time controls.
What time control are you playing at? If we are talking anything faster than 15+10 or so the game is mostly about blunders. To improve strategic understanding one has to play slower games. YMMV of course 😁
August 25, 2025 at 10:36 PM
What time control are you playing at? If we are talking anything faster than 15+10 or so the game is mostly about blunders. To improve strategic understanding one has to play slower games. YMMV of course 😁
This is so elegant - and easy enough for me to appreciate it 😉
August 16, 2025 at 6:46 PM
This is so elegant - and easy enough for me to appreciate it 😉
As Ron points out, with B on the move, ...h5 freezes the k-side pawns and B will be able to deal with the q-side at leisure. Once that taken care of, B can likely turn this into a win since the white king is tied to the black pawns on e4 and d5 while B is free to roam share.google/41YItN8DfcRx...
Why Canadians need ‘the right to roam’
A right-to-roam movement has never developed in Canada the way it has in the U.K. Here’s how it could benefit Canadian society as a whole, including reconciliation efforts with the Indigenous.
share.google
August 11, 2025 at 1:31 AM
As Ron points out, with B on the move, ...h5 freezes the k-side pawns and B will be able to deal with the q-side at leisure. Once that taken care of, B can likely turn this into a win since the white king is tied to the black pawns on e4 and d5 while B is free to roam share.google/41YItN8DfcRx...
g4 should create a kingside passer for W. While the B king is dealing with that threat, W will create a second passed pawn on the other wing (a4-b5-a5-b6 etc).
August 11, 2025 at 1:30 AM
g4 should create a kingside passer for W. While the B king is dealing with that threat, W will create a second passed pawn on the other wing (a4-b5-a5-b6 etc).
lichess org of course 😁 Munroe is, among other things, a programmer and is likely a fan of open source projects like lichess
July 5, 2025 at 1:56 AM
lichess org of course 😁 Munroe is, among other things, a programmer and is likely a fan of open source projects like lichess
This must have been a bit of a surprise for Gus. I am expecting to see you post something much wilder on both sides when you play your second French in a classical game 😉
July 4, 2025 at 5:51 PM
This must have been a bit of a surprise for Gus. I am expecting to see you post something much wilder on both sides when you play your second French in a classical game 😉
Autocorrect translated Rowson into Robeson! Sorry about that Jonathan.
April 4, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Autocorrect translated Rowson into Robeson! Sorry about that Jonathan.
His proposed sales pitch for chess: Play chess! It is extremely difficult and absolutely maddening. You will definitely screw up and possibly feel like an idiot, but you will love it. Hurry while stocks last!
April 4, 2025 at 12:07 PM
His proposed sales pitch for chess: Play chess! It is extremely difficult and absolutely maddening. You will definitely screw up and possibly feel like an idiot, but you will love it. Hurry while stocks last!
Have fun. And if you are looking for other places to play classical time controls, check out HCC: lichess.org/team/club-de...
Club d'échecs de Hemmingford Chess Club team
Weekly play on Thursdays. Classical tournaments but also the odd blitz or analysis evening. Friendly club atmosphere. Serious chess with a social side. …
lichess.org
April 3, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Have fun. And if you are looking for other places to play classical time controls, check out HCC: lichess.org/team/club-de...
What a good idea Ron! Funnily enough we just happen to have just such a tournament starting this week 😁 Details here for anyone interested: lichess.org/@/Hemmingfor...
HCC Spring 2025 Tournament
The Hemmingford Chess Club announces its Spring 2025 classical tournament starting the week of March 17th. Please join us !
lichess.org
March 15, 2025 at 10:41 PM
What a good idea Ron! Funnily enough we just happen to have just such a tournament starting this week 😁 Details here for anyone interested: lichess.org/@/Hemmingfor...
Our next event begins March 18th and we would love to have you join us: lichess.org/@/Hemmingfor... Registration deadline to participate in round one is Sunday March 16th.
To play, please complete the registration form here: forms.gle/4r1jHpPGkWBo...
To play, please complete the registration form here: forms.gle/4r1jHpPGkWBo...
HCC Spring 2025 Tournament
The Hemmingford Chess Club announces its Spring 2025 classical tournament starting the week of March 17th. Please join us !
lichess.org
March 9, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Our next event begins March 18th and we would love to have you join us: lichess.org/@/Hemmingfor... Registration deadline to participate in round one is Sunday March 16th.
To play, please complete the registration form here: forms.gle/4r1jHpPGkWBo...
To play, please complete the registration form here: forms.gle/4r1jHpPGkWBo...
Is this a money league? Most of us play chess for fun and to learn. I would personally love the chance to play(and probably lose) games against a GM. Their presence enriches your league
February 8, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Is this a money league? Most of us play chess for fun and to learn. I would personally love the chance to play(and probably lose) games against a GM. Their presence enriches your league
This is brilliant but can you give me a hint where to find this option? It is not immediately obvious to me. Thx
February 3, 2025 at 2:09 AM
This is brilliant but can you give me a hint where to find this option? It is not immediately obvious to me. Thx
I watched this game so I won't give any spoilers but Chris is right, there are trades coming. The players made it to move twenty before the first pawn or piece was captured
January 16, 2025 at 2:47 AM
I watched this game so I won't give any spoilers but Chris is right, there are trades coming. The players made it to move twenty before the first pawn or piece was captured