Apr
15
2009
I realize that most bloggers blog about current events. And … well …basically I can’t stand the news – I don’t watch the news – and I have no idea what events are current. That kind of makes me a poor blogger, huh? So what to blog about? I don’t know … I’llthink of something.
In other news, I broke my own code and bought new chess pieces. I told myself I wouldn’t buy another chess until I was ranked 1600. I’m around 1485 at the moment
I bought the set cuz it’s on clearance and I was afraid they were going to sell out. I love the set … very stylish.

Feb
24
2009
I’ve been mentally consumed lately by what chess sets I like and want to buy. I’m not in love with the one I bought. I’ve saved enough money to buy another set, but I’m nervous that I won’t be happy with that either. I don’t have enough money to buy the type of set that I really want, so I’m left trying to decide which compromises are ok. I’ve decided to self impose a new rule … I can’t buy myself a chess set until my www.chess.com rating jumps up a class:
The United States Chess Federation (USCF) classification of players:
- 2400 and above: Senior Master
- 2200–2399: Master
- 2000–2199: Expert
- 1800–1999: Class A
- 1600–1799: Class B
- 1400–1599: Class C
- 1200–1399: Class D
- 1000–1199: Class E
In general, 1000 is considered a bright beginner. A regular competitive chess player might be rated at approximately 1750. I’m currently a class C player (1457 right this moment). So, I will not buy a new chess set until my rating is 1600 or higher. That will give me time to think about what I really want … and will encourage me to get better at chess.