Chess

(Pictured: OTB position between myself and a top player from the Cornell chess club during a simul exhibition. Note that Stockfish 11 (depth 23) evaluates White as +4.4 in this position. I did lose this game, but do note that I was winning at some point).
11/29/20, Christian Ray

Hypermodern chess in and of itself leads to fascinating, complex play. The basic theory - relinquish control of the center of the board in favor of flanking your opponent, and get them out of book and into uncharted waters. Personally, I very much appreciate lively play like this. But when I see my opponent immediately fianchetto a bishop with their first two moves, I try to make them look as foolish as possible. Continue reading...