Is this a chess skill?

Is the ability to introspect a higher skill in chess? The ability not to jump to conclusions; the ability to control those first impulses (fight or flight) till we have examined ALL angles in a balanced manner. The ability to engage the higher brain centers. To investigate first where our "adversaries" are coming from, why their statements/positions create such fears, discomfort in us. And from that introspection come to a well reasoned response. And then be able to communicate that response without fear or anxiety. Without anger or bitterness. To respond from understanding.

Is this a chess skill that we may need when we compete? Is this something we need to teach our players? Observe carefully when you are at your next competition. Your move.

Does this evaluation apply to our chess as well?

Ref: Here.

I have always felt that chess as a mental sport can do much to help our Country answer the questions raised in that article above. But don't you get the impression that we may be even further behind the rest of the Country in waking up to the awareness that something is not quite right and need fixing? Why do you think that may be so if what I say is also your observation?

A technical question for our arbiters.

When I was in Kedah, Najib made a ruling for the blitz event there. The ruling was if the player knocked down a piece or the clock, then he must correct the mistake on his own time and not press the clock. This is a good ruling as under time trouble, I have seen players knock down the clock after they have pressed it and so the opponent has to correct this on their time. The other scenario is that they will knock down their pieces and then press the clock thereby causing confusion on the board. The third scenario is that they knock down their pieces, then knock down the clock after they have pressed it.

It would be good if the arbiters can clear up this technical point up so that we can have better tournaments in the future. So my question is if this ruling also applies to rapid and classical time control? And if it does apply to rapid and classical then what are the remedies under Fide rulings if this occurs?

Thanks.

A question for the auditors.

I was informed that tomorrow's meeting will also see the presentation of accounts as well as discuss the issues brought up by Jimmy, Peter and FGM. This is a good thing.

This will show that MCF is impartial and not abusing its authority. This will also answer my question whether if MCF is a terrorist organisation in no uncertain terms.

I am still waiting for an acknowledgement from Haslinda but that is ok. I think she may be busy doing the accounts. Enough committee member have received my letter to ensure that all the accusations will be heard and a proper deliberation conducted. We are of course all holding our breath because this is an historic event.

For the accounts portion of the deliberation allow me to contribute a point as a caring and sharing member of the chess community. After all we all want transparent accounts right?

I am confident that Haslinda will present accounts that will also name the projects, the structure in the form of who the sponsors were, who had authority to negotiate on behalf of MCF, who was paid what etc. You also need to account for the trips and courses together with the proper resolutions showing authority from the main committee for usage of funds etc as well as the inflows and outflows backed by bank statements.

(I am sure that rumours of even money from Fide etc have been diverted to private accounts must be false as Haslinda has so confidently stepped up to be treasurer. That is a confident statement showing she knows where all the money has gone so it's all in good hands).

So back to the question.

Sometime after Greg became Secretary of MCF he claimed that the accounts of the previous administration was in a total mess and zeroed the accounts. I understand that to mean that MCF starts again from zero as far as the bank balance goes.

Question: What has happened to all the assets of MCF in terms of the clocks etc? That is a source of revenue for MCF. Has it gone to private personalities or elsewhere?

I hope the auditors can look into this.

Thank you.

Can our M's beat Ian?

Read here. And he is a 2100 plus. So Ian is a blessing for Malaysia isn't he? He is here to tell us to wake up and to stop listening to the lies of a number of our M's. At least Mas has the guts to play. But really all our M's should play in every Fide rated tournament in Malaysia. Then they will find their true position instead of hiding behind invented lies. Ian is a 2100. Wake up! He is making mince meat out of you guys that talk so much and walk with such swagger. Shame on you. Thank you Ian for showing this to us so convincingly.

What happens if you are a chess prodigy in Malaysia and you are not rich?

Ref: Here.

It looks like you may have a chance in Uganda. What about in Malaysia? Who would be responsible to take care of our chess talent?

Even if you can afford it by your own means and try to remain independent, you are victimised.

What about if you cannot afford the cost of development to International standards? Who do you think should be responsible? Even if an independent organisation tries to help and still remain independent, the company is sabotaged.

But they all love chess don't they? Who are they trying to kid? They are even trying to reverse selection.

Can this be what Gens Una Sumus really mean, Fide?

Ref: Here.

It appears that Fide doesn't do much if they see that a National Federation cheats their own players by doing a fraudulent selection. They also don't seem to do much to investigate suspect tournaments. So I'm getting it. Those guys have their place under the Fide sky; we are one people after all.

My question is, is there a place for people who want to play in a proper selection to measure their skill? Is there a place for people who do not want to deprive stronger players from their rightful place just because we can arrange a deal? Is there a place for real chess players?

I think we deserve an answer from Fide, don't you think? Gens Una Sumus. Is there a place for us too under your sky Fide? Does Gens Una Sumus mean that those of us that do not condone match fixing also have the right to our own Federation too? Just like they can have their own Federation that practices their culture.

Also see below.

Game plan for Malaysian Olympiad squad.

If you go to the top boards, you will see very clear team strategies. Azerbaijan vs Croatia R6, White plays to win and black plays to draw for instance. 3-1. Or you see white on one board going for win and the opponent doing the same on their white board and drawing the other 2 boards. Or all 4 boards going for draws.

Just out of curiosity I am wondering what is the Malaysian team strategy? I'm a little confused. Can anyone tell me which Captain I should refer this question to?

Is it Ek Teong, Leong or Jimmy in Dubai 1986?

Ref: Here

I am confused. Here. If it was not Jimmy who won the best board, then it would show that he has taken credit from someone else by not correcting Ilham's first post. It would also show that this modus operandi has been used for a long time. It's best we get clarification from either Ilham or Jimmy.

ps: It is true Jimmy, I am more focussed on how to bring Malaysian chess forward in today's internet world than the past. I also see that today's generation of players is the result of the inputs of the last generation. Where everyone else is moving forward, there is a glass ceiling being set up here.

Why so desperate? Why so weak?

You have already intimidated my players and their parents. I only have one player left. You have Jimmy Liew, Peter Long, Greg etc.etc.etc.etc. You have the entire chess community to find players from now. So why can't you just meet us on the chess board? Why do you need to resort to all sorts of unsavoury manner to knock us out?

You should welcome the opportunity to prove me wrong on the table yes? Why ban?

Suggestion. You can have classes on how to beat Mark Siew. Put all your brains together. You can play tag team and nobody will know. Isn't that less desperate than what you are doing now?

I invite you to my training classes. I don't keep my secrets from you. I even publisize on my blog my thoughts and my training methods.

And you have a 30 year headstart. I am just learning and still continuing to learn.

And we are also unable to train this year because Mark has STPM. What more do you want? How much more advantage do you need?

So why so desperate? Why so weak?

And then you want to take on giants overseas? You strut and you talk big. But you cannot find a way to beat a non playing chess coach on our own shores without the use of twisted rules and official power? Is this really the level of chess you have?

ps: Just for Jimmy. The you I use is the collective you. You included. Clearer now? Ref: Here.

National Close, a question.

Are we having selections for the Olympiad? Has anyone seen the written criteria? Are we improving from last years criteria? Or is it just based on last years criteria or it's all hearsay?

Note: Last year the top 10 had a selection play off.