Posted on by Spike

Press your clock

An interesting insight into Mahmoud Dairi’s early chess life …

I have gone through phases of losing every single game in my first year playing, then to the the charity phase when I was offering minor pieces (and major ones sometimes) for no return in the second year to the phase of enjoying the game as I have started to actually win some games.

That said, I have developed a couple of new syndromes which cost me 5 games this season.

1- Trying to win in a fancy way rather than simple chess

2- Seeing checks that do not exist (which confused my opponent too)

3- Rushing and making moves to unintended square (example Bc3) while recording the intended squares (Bb2) on the scoresheet then looking at the board wondering who moved this bishop

Therefore the plan was as long as I remember not to do these 3 things, I should be good.

My game with Wolf yesterday was an equal game from start to move 38 when he got his king into the sight my Bishop. I was low on time but from that moment onwards, his position was falling apart. I got to move 51 with less than a minute but I didn’t need more than 10 seconds as every single move is going to play itself. I didn’t have to think anymore.. I needed to press the clock. I didn’t and I flagged in a completely winning position.

Now I am adding 4- Press the clock to my to do list.

One Reply to “Press your clock”

  1. Indeed, Mahmoud, the increment should make it unnecessary to lose on time, but it still happens even if the player doesn’t forget to press the clock.
    At least the increment eliminates application of the contentious FIDE law 10.2 (‘not trying to win by normal means’). This is often hard to interpret. If you had been using an analogue clock in your game and realised you couldn’t possibly deliver mate before the flag fell, you could possibly have claimed a draw if White wasn’t trying to win ‘by normal means’ but just trying to outdo you on time. Some positions are theoretical draws but in your game could White claim that you might blunder your rook?
    Here is one of many inconclusive discussions on the subject.
    https://www.ecforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=362

    Thank goodness for increments.

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