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| White to move and win! |
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| White to move and win! |
My name is Bryan Castro and I love chess! I'm still a patzer but I hope to not be some day. However, I still think I can share what I think about chess. I hope you enjoy my site!
There is a section with games. Here you can find games of mine which I have found interesting or instructive. Also, I have commented on several master games. I have made my commentary accessable to the beginning or intermediate player, since I consider myself an intermediate player and I find that there is much analysis out on the web, but a lot of it is advanced. To read these games, you will need to know Algebraic Notation (the U.S. Chess Federation has a good page explaining Algebraic Notation).
In Articles, you can find interesting material which I have written.
Finally, there is a page of links to the chess world on the World Wide Web. I've only put the sites which I found useful, fun, or interesting. However, there is a link to Chessopolis, which will pretty much have everything else! On your way out, please sign my guestbook.
Enjoy!
April 19, 2005
It's been a while! A new career and a child have knocked me out of chess for a little while. As I get back into it, I have found an effective way to get more out of your chess study.
As you go through a game or a position from a book, play a few moves in your head, without moving the pieces. This will help you train your visualization skills which you need to calculate in a game situation. For example, I will set up the position on the board and read the first 3-4 moves and commentary without moving the pieces--trying my best to understand what's going on and visualize the actual position. Then, when you think you have it and understand what the author is trying to say and can truly see it in my mind's eye, I will make the moves on the board. Sometimes, I miss something, but the process will become easier with practice.
The key is to push yourself to make it challenging (of course, make sure you understand what you are reading too). Start off with only one 1-2 moves ahead if you need to. Eventually, you may be able to play through games with only the diagrams in the book!
Improve your chess visualization! Chess Eye is a cool program that my friend Jan Matthies had a part in creating. Basically, you'll be able to visualize the chessboard and pieces better after working on Chess Eye.
April 27, 2005
I have written an instruction article highlighting some thoughts I had on concentration in chess and how to improve it. Check it out in the Articles section.
May 22, 2004
It has been a while since I updated this page. However, I'll be putting more content on soon. Things have been quite busy, but I have started playing chess again and will be updating the site more often.
August 27, 2003
I added a problem to the Problems section of the website. I hope to add more regularly.
August 9, 2003
I wrote a new article on quick wins (and losses) in the opening. Check it out.
July 1, 2003
Looking for a chess tutor? I am now giving lessons. Click here for more info.
May 27, 2003
New links added.
February 22, 2003
I played a great game (in my humble opinion) today against a tough opponent. Check it out.
October 19, 2002
GM Eduard Gufeld passed away on September 23, 2002. I have annotated one of his best games against former World Champion Mikhail Tal. Check it out!
October 8, 2002
I've started a new Yahoo! Group focusing on the Smith-Morra Gambit. I hope to share analysis, games, and further our knowledge of this fun opening. If you are interested in the Smith-Morra, check out the group!
Last updated April 27, 2005
Bryan Castro
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