Staring Out

This blog is going to be a forum to explore, reflect on, and analyze chess games and themes, typically relating to the great players of the past and present (maybe, occasionally including my own humble praxis...). Having played a lot of tournament chess over the years (and a lot more online blitz) I am constantly surprised to learn how little players tend to know about the history of the game and the magnificent marvels that the great players have left us as their legacy. There are few better ways to learn the game than by studying the moves of the greats--many of them are worthy of slow, repeated digestion, like sipping a fine vintage wine or viewing a magnificent painting. Hopefully, by posting and analyzing, I'll learn something from the games I share, and with any luck, readers will learn something too, while enjoying the rich positions and ideas the masters have left us.