ColonelCrockett: just a collection of factoids about chess and its personages; ie an in-depth look at Tartakower, speculation on computers, composed games etc.

One of the most entertaining books I've ever read on chess was "Karl Marx Plays Chess" by GM Andy Soltis. It probably won't make you a better player, but will you appreciate the game more.

Grim Reaper: WOW. That'd be something. Age looks to have taken its toll on Fischer, but it wouldn't be missed in many circles. Have you ever personally corresponded with either one?

Chessmaster1000: Kasparov was the first champion who was entirely professional, both politically, preparation-wise and socially. The others were a bit quirky and did not present themselves well to the public at large. Kasparov's rock and roll blitx in 1987 at St. Johns with Short was a great example of orchestrating popular chess for the masses.

BUT..best of all time..Capa and Morphy lost so few against their contemporaries. Alekhine was possessed of something special too...i'll work on resurrecting them. I'd rather see them play fischer chess, that would be something.

danoschek: at any rate, the creation of pawn accounts will spread enough chaff to blur any countermeasures we may take for those who are determined to see their numbers up.

when you say inactivity, i hope you mean moving rather than finishing games?

Bry: no way to check, so no way to win.

longest 'polygamy'???? hahaha

Excellent Mely. Give em hell.

i'd definitely play that opening again. I lost the game, but that's beside the point :)

i much prefer his chances. That's ok, losing makes us more human.

I believe Alex can force zugzwang to win. Of course anyone'd offer the draw, there's no chance to win!

if i could program better, i'd take a shot at dark..it would be a real challenge.

WhisperzQ is right...there is always a chance you'll be playing a prog. Maybe there is even one for dark chess out there. But most variants have very weak progs that 1600-1700 level players can beat consistently. Personally I am rated lowest in progable games, so I think I'm playing against progs, but it doesn't bother me, there are always ways to steer clear of them. Or, as BB said, you can take the enlightened attitude that you don't mind playing them no matter what.

bishop, the only way to be assured that you're not playing against help, consultation or electronic, is to play Dark Chess. Otherwise, it's totally up in the air. I know of many players here rated 2100+ that have admitted to cyborging. If dark doesn't suit you, try ones with weaker progs such as anti, amazons or ones where no one uses progs, like backgammon!