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Castling in Chess 960. New castling rules for Fischer Random Chess. (8x8, Cells: 64) [All Comments] [Add Comment or Rating]
Gary Gifford wrote on Fri, Apr 21, 2006 08:39 PM UTC:
Mats: You wrote: 'An average player can study the Berlin defense and
become practically invincible.'

If there was such a thing as stand-up comedy for chess, that would be a
great line.  It certainly is not even the least bit true.  Such a premise
is non-sense.  If it were true we'd be seeing plenty of Berlin Chess
Defenses being played.  But we are not seeing that.  And, even if it was
true White could play a first move of one of these: f4, c4, d4, Nf3, or Nc3.... and then
the Berlin cannot even be played.  So, what keeps black 'practically
invincible' in these instances?

You seem to overlook that there is more to chess than understanding an
opening.  Tactics and Strategy are crucial.  Can you solve mate-in-3 and
mate-in-4 problems rapidly in your mind?  I doubt it.  And knowing the
Berlin Opening (or another opening) well will not help you to these ends.

I look forward to seeing your games published in Chess Life where you can
demonstrate that you are nearly invincible with the black pieces.