With regards to #20, have you tried En Croissant yet? Open source and based off chessground, so it feels relatively snappy and can look a lot like lichess. It is still actively being developed and worked on, so there are still some tweaks that need to happen and it will take time to learn an all-new GUI, but it's a decent alternative. The more power-users that get in early and suggest features and fixes the better!
Re #6: I just picked the TLaSGM up because I have more money than sense. Obviously out of my league, but the idea for the book is fascinating. Looking forward to tilting at a windmill or two …
I don’t think it’s too hard for you. The problems range from medium to, yes, quite hard. One reason I landed on this book was that some of the famous puzzle books were preposterously hard and I was getting demoralized. I think this one is more reasonable.
I've been using Think Like a Super GM as well, its been great so far (though I'm not sure how valuable the computer evaluation component is). Congrats on the win!
Congrats on your win Nate! I was at this tournament, too, and had a great time. It was very well-run, and everyone was really friendly. It was my first time playing a bigger weekend tournament with such a long time control. Definitely exhausting but a lot of fun.
Regarding 2 & 3:
Check out the Mechanics' Institute Chess Club in San Francisco.
We have been running adult only tournmanets, and yes, we do provide pens, scoresheets, and clocks! Hopefully you can visit us too!
With regards to #20, have you tried En Croissant yet? Open source and based off chessground, so it feels relatively snappy and can look a lot like lichess. It is still actively being developed and worked on, so there are still some tweaks that need to happen and it will take time to learn an all-new GUI, but it's a decent alternative. The more power-users that get in early and suggest features and fixes the better!
I haven’t tried it, I’ll check it out!
Late to this, but congrats Nate! Amazing that you keep winning this thing. I've gotta make it to the next one you are attending.
You going to USATE this year?
Hadn't thought about it yet, although I am finally getting the itch to potentially get back to playing.
Re #6: I just picked the TLaSGM up because I have more money than sense. Obviously out of my league, but the idea for the book is fascinating. Looking forward to tilting at a windmill or two …
I don’t think it’s too hard for you. The problems range from medium to, yes, quite hard. One reason I landed on this book was that some of the famous puzzle books were preposterously hard and I was getting demoralized. I think this one is more reasonable.
Which famous puzzle books were too hard?? Yikes!
YES Jersey Mike's!!
Congratulations. I love your practical advice. Makes it all seem much more fun and possible.
I've been using Think Like a Super GM as well, its been great so far (though I'm not sure how valuable the computer evaluation component is). Congrats on the win!
Congrats on the tournament success. Great pointers through your post and yes..jersey mikes subs are great compared to others 😎
Congrats on your win Nate! I was at this tournament, too, and had a great time. It was very well-run, and everyone was really friendly. It was my first time playing a bigger weekend tournament with such a long time control. Definitely exhausting but a lot of fun.