Yesterday was the kickoff of the Delray Beach Open. I am currently participating in the under 1800 section and we got to work early in the morning at 11:30. Looking around the room it reminded me of what I've told myself in the past that chest tournaments are full of scholastic kids and older gentlemen and depending on who you play really shaves the type of game you're going to get. For reference, later on the tournament time limit was 2 hours for each player with a 5-second delay on your clock. No increment is added so you can only lose time but never add time. Game 1 (1700 Opponent): Sitting down for game one. I ended up getting the black pieces against a higher rated opponent than me. It was a nice only gentleman that ended up coming late to the game and right as he sat down he played 1. g4 the grob attack. Now earlier this week I started studying a course on the slav defense from the guys over at chessgoals.com and I'm happy that I decided to study one of their chapters that said off beat opening moves. I have probably only seen the grob attack a few times from online play with most of those games just winging how I respond to this opening. The course I was studying had a great response to this opening and I ended up getting a winning position heading into the middle game. The problem though with only studying and opening and not playing it a lot over the board or online is that you don't really get to develop the skills and how to close the game out once you get an advantage in a certain position. This holds especially true for when you're not playing with increment. I had to spend a lot of time on moves in the middle game trying to develop a plan forward, even knowing that I had a winning position. More than likely. This caused me to have some severe time trouble at the end of the game and eventually slipping up and dropping my queen with 7 seconds left on my clock. I'm excited to share this game with you guys on YouTube once the tournament is over and I have time to put together a video. It would have been nice to start off the tournament with a win but unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. (4hr+ game time)

Please head on over to the calendar tab when you get some time this week. Starting in January I will be updating it regularly so you all can know when to expect YouTube Content, Group Lessons, Opening Guides, ect. Let's make 2025 a great year!

Gracious God, Thank you for the gift of today. Refresh me. Invite me to discover your presence In each person that I meet And every event that I encounter. Teach me when to speak and when to listen When to ponder and when to share. In moments of challenge and decision Attune my heart to the whisperings of your Wisdom. As I undertake ordinary and unnoticed tasks, Gift me with simple joy. When my day goes well, may I rejoice. When it grows difficult, surprise me with New possibilities. When life is overwhelming, call me to Sabbath moments To restore your Peace and Harmony. May my living today reveal your Goodness. - Pat Bergen, C.S.J.

I know how to play but I never learned the names of moves. Can you send me a link or describe the various openings? Thanks