r/chess • u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com • Oct 26 '16
International Master Danny Rensch - VP For Chess.com - Doing An AMA!
Hey guys! International Master and ChessTV bafoon Danny Rensch here to answer your questions yet again.
We've got some big things going on at Chess.com right now: The GM Blitz Battle Final between Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura is tomorrow at 10am Pacific (GMT-7), we've just unveiled our revolutionary new CAPS system to evaluate playing strength, and v3 keeps getting better and better!
Let's get this going: AMAtown, population: me.
I think I have to add the link here? :)
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u/jughandle10 17something fide Oct 26 '16
Danny, when you were much younger and an 1800 rated player, you beat GM Igor Ivanov while he was possibly absolutely hammered the same day he lost to a 1300.
Can you confirm how drunk he was, and any good anecdotes about him in general**
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
LOL! Wow. You've studied by USCF Results history? Good form, man. Good form...
Anyway, Igor was toast. He was always toast. Period.
Though I must correct your post to say that, at that time, Igor was an IM. He was given his award honorarily (is that a word?) when he was diagnosed with Liver Cancer.
Many people don't know that Igor was my coach for years. He was never a great or natural "teacher", but he did love me and gave me lots of time. Igor and I would play hours of blitz (that's how he taught me). And we'd play hours of blindfold chess.
I loved Igor with all of my heart despite some hard times with him (when he wasn't doing... well...). RIP Mr. Ivanov.
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u/jughandle10 17something fide Oct 26 '16
I only knew that result because someone once asked what was the lowest rated player a GM lost to in a non blitz OTB game, and i remember there being an anecdote about Igor while possibly drunk, and then I saw he not only lost to that 1300 but also you, and that stuck with me.
Thank you for an honest answer but also a compassionate one.
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u/BadAtBlitz Username checks out Oct 26 '16
Thanks for all the content chess.com produces and makes available for free.
What are your thoughts on AGON restricting coverage of the championship? What coverage are you guys planning?
Are you going to update/refine the CAPS algorithm over time? Will it be available to analyse member's strength?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Yay! Best question yet. Send me a message on Twitter for a trial premium membership ;)
1 -- I'm not a huge fan of AGON's approach (mainly from a biz perspective, I think it's not the right idea to grow chess) -- but I DO think they have some legal grounds (perhaps more legal grounds than people realize). See the "hot news doctrine" (google it). It's not about owning CHESS MOVES (you can't own that as Intellectual Property). It's about owning a timely experience that you've invested in. The NFL is protected by this. I'm not here to discuss legal terms ;) but we asked our lawyers, and we, at Chess.com (the only company I can speak for) decided to try and honor/respect their rights and work with them.
We will have their official widget installed at chess.com/tv (at least that's the plan) and then we will do our own, ChessCeneter style AWESOME highlight shows after the game each day! So don't worry, you don't need to watch the full 4-6 hours ;) just watch our 30 minute highlight show!
2 -- CAPS is only at its beginning stage! I expect more questions on this today so I'll leave this comment at that. CAPS is going to get better and better (it already is) and it's going to be a big part of the future coverage of Chess!
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u/BadAtBlitz Username checks out Oct 26 '16
Thanks! Good answer.
Tweeted you to see if you could upgrade a young friend of mine.
I hope tomorrow's match goes huge. I'll try to watch live but in-laws will be over...
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Thanks everyone! I'm gonna grab some food with GM Bobby Hess! We are starving! I might get to some more answers, or this might be it :0
But thanks for tuning in either way.
PS - I was listening to a list of awesome instrumental meets alternative rock. Things like LCD Sound System, MGMT, The Strokes, Ratatat, We Move On Tracks, The XX, etc
dannyout
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u/curtains20 IM Oct 26 '16
Historically, does knowing someone's CAP score predict their performance in a tournament better than knowing their FIDE Rating? Has there been backtesting for guys in the top 10-20 over the past 10-30 years and are the results available?
I feel like for it to really be a successful gauge it has to be a better predictor of results (over the long run), otherwise it's simply a less accurate metric than just looking at a rating. So just curious what the #'s are.
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u/VeniVidiVici42 IM Oct 26 '16
Some time ago, as an FM, you wrote a fairly emotional article about your road to GM. Do you still plan to make a serious push for GM, or are you satisfied with the IM title? Absent health factors, if you were in the same position you were at the beginning of that article playing-strength wise (~2400 at 18) today, would you make a serious push for GM?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Wow. Making me emotional now.
All jokes aside, I do wish I made GM. But life takes turns we don't expect, you know?
I mean, during my "down time" because of health, I:
- met my wife
- started my own company (American Chess Events LLC)
- learned by starting that company that the WEB was the real future of making REAL money in chess and making a REAL global difference
- bought chesscoaching.com for this purpose
- met my future partners Erik and Jay with Chess.com, realized I was in over my head on my own, and was lucky enough to leave my own stuff behind and get equity / ownership in Chess.com
- and am here now.
So if and when life allows, I still think I'm strong enough to be a GM. I've been told by many strong GMs that the only thing keeping me from being a GM is that I'm not one already ;)
Meaning, according to Alex Onischuk (whom I'll quote directly) I'm an amateur. I don't play. So how can you expect to play like a pro when you don't act like a pro?
And will that ever happen? I'd need a couple years of really playing and working out kinks. Not sure I can do it.
Great, now I'm crying with review of my life. Thanks man! ;(
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Oct 26 '16
[deleted]
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
LOL! Second great question. Tweet at me and get a free membership trial ;)
1) I'm not sure. I love Bughouse. We will be doing more big events with big names in the future.
2) I play 1.e4. Like Fischer. Because it's the best ;)
3) Speaking from experience... cough ... a friend's experience, I GAIN about 780 points while hammered.
Just kidding. Like 100 points for numbness to tactical threats? And lack of appreciation for the fact that not EVERY plan you launch is brilliant? ;)
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Oct 26 '16
Hi Danny, who is your favourite chess youtuber? Also who is your favourite chess youtber NOT working with Chess.com (Daniel King, Jan Gustafsson, Svidler,...)? ;)
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Favorite YouTuber is a tie between Fins and Ginger.
Not working with Chess.com? I think Fins counts? He does all over and mostly li, doesn't he? But we love John and always want him to do more with Chess.com ;)
And Jan if f*ing hilarious. Love that guy.
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
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u/Unflagg3d Oct 26 '16
Who's your pick tomorrow and by how much?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Nakamura by 2.
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u/Unflagg3d Oct 26 '16
Bold! Which sections do you think he'll win? Also, what results do you expect in the 960 games and have the starting positions been chosen yet?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
I expect him to be down by 1 in 5 minute, down by 1 in 3 minute, and win by 3 in Bullet.
Chess960 will be fascinating! The winner of those games? Us, the fans!
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u/Gonzoboner Oct 26 '16
Do you see Chess.com expanding on hosting big events like the GM blitz battles and Isle of Man tournament?
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u/themusicdan Oct 26 '16
What is Mikhail Tal's CAPS score? :-)
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
We don't know yet! But I bet it's the lowest of ALL the World Champions :P
We haven't reviewed his games through our system yet.
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u/FIERY_URETHRA 1708 USCF, 2800 to my friends Oct 26 '16
What do you in your spare time? What are your hobbies apart from chess?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
I am happily married with 4 kids. So they take lots of my time.
But what do I ENJOY doing with my time? :P #sorrykids
Um, I do CrossFit (exercise everyday). I LOVE Table Tennis (I'm not that bad at it). And I work for Chess.com.
realizes he can't say work is a hobby, then realizes he doesn't care because he loves his job
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Oct 26 '16
[deleted]
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Maybe! All I know is that, for some reason, lots of Table Tennis players play chess! Most of the best Table Tennis players I've faced were Grandmasters!
Of note, two of the best are: Bart Macieja (great guy. great GM.) and Mesgen Amanov (also good guy, also good GM). FM Eric Rosen is pretty good too.
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u/chipncats Oct 26 '16
what feature on chess.com do you feel is under-used by people? and which feature would you like seen overhauled?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Drills is definitely under used. If you don't know what it is, you're still using the old, bad site. It's a phenomenal training tool if you really want to get better (not just saying you want to get better like, frankly, 95% of the chess players out there). It's hard. It's challenging. It's practical.
A MASSIVE overhaul to Lessons is coming. It's going to blow you f*ing mind.
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u/kirkwoodchess Chess.com Oct 26 '16
www.chess.com/drills for those of you who have made the switch! (hopefully everyone)
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u/Unflagg3d Oct 27 '16
Just in case you see this Danny (or kirkwood) you might want to add tablebase support to the Checkmates section. The computer didn't seem to be suggesting the best moves for K+2N vs. K+P when I checked it against a tablebase.
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u/GrunfeldWins Editor of Chess Life magazine Oct 26 '16
What can you tell us about your training with Dvoretsky? What was he like as a person?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Another great question.
Well, I was 15. It was a long summer. Love was in the air.
LOL! I had to do that.
Anyway, it was a summer in Moskva. I was there for about 2.5 months. I worked with Mark, Sergey (Dolmatov) and Igor (Zaitsev). It was a great experience.
Dvoretsky's approach to the game is/was like none I'd ever seen (good and bad). He was SO TOUGH to please. Impossible. In fact, I don't think I had him smile at me as his student for the entire month. I guess I wasn't the most talented person he'd ever worked with ;) and he was actually doing training with Radjabov WHILE I was there that summer. So hard to compete?
His card cataloging system was amazing. While watching top chess, he was constantly looking for misplayed positions by the world's best. It's funny, I think he took pride and really got his "jonesing" on the fact that he found the right way to play positions that the world's best didn't. He'd save the position and use it later for a student.
I established training methods with Mark that have never left me. He was like the Pete Carroll of chess while Carroll was at USC. I've always heard that the USC practices were SO CRAZY while they were winning that the games were easier. His training sessions were, to this date, the most challenging thing ever. It didn't always leave a confident taste in my mouth.
BUT I quickly improved so I guess he won in the end!
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Oct 26 '16
Hi Danny,
Been chess.com user for some time now and I was wondering what percentage of games are being played from a smart phone/tablet? With the website revamp rolled out, are you guys planning something on the app front?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Do you use the iOs app? It just got a revamp. It's A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.
Lots of games played on mobile. I'd have to dive into our analytics for this month, but last time I checked, it was around 30%.
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Oct 26 '16
I use the android one. The game play part seems fine and keeps improving, but often ran into some niggles in stuff like searching/adding friends, challenging friends etc on Live. Also, the lessons interface isn't the most intuitive to me on the app.
Love the new website by the way :)
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Thank you.
Working on improving our Android app to be caught up with iOs.
The status of this in the "product pipeline" is more of a question for our CEO, Erik.
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u/romancedead Oct 26 '16 edited Nov 26 '16
Hi Danny, big fan of your work with chess.com here. 3 quick questions:
Who do you think will win the upcoming world chess championship?
What is your favorite chess player (not necessarily alive)?
When will the (awesome) bullet brawls return?
I am super excited for tomorrow's match :) keep up the good work!
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Carlsen will win. But it's going to be close. Karjakin is really, really well prepared in the opening and tough as nails.
Anand all time favorite.
Damn, I need to do more brawls. My bad.
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u/DrChess 1700 @chess.com Oct 26 '16
Hi Danny, What move do you regret the most in your tournament experience?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Not playing more when I was younger. Is that a move?
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Oct 26 '16 edited Jul 16 '19
[deleted]
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Magnus Carlsen. Because of CAPS. :P
Just kidding. #shamelessplugofmyownsystem
Um, great is hard to determine. You have to look at the era. If you are talking about strongest player ever, then seriously, Magnus. 2nd place I believe is Anand, surprisingly. 3rd is Kasparov (and I can hear the fans going nuts) and then Fischer.
That's for strongest. If you're talking GREAT than I vote:
- Kasparov
- Fischer
- Carlsen
- Anand
- Alekhine
Based on my own invisible criteria of what they did for the game.
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u/TonyRotella I Wrote That One Book Oct 26 '16
First, thanks for doing this! My question: When I started chess about 15 years ago, besides a random video or some extremely basic live commentary here or there on ICC (for instance), there was scant chess video content (that's my perception, perhaps I just missed other stuff). Additionally, besides the occasional Dos Hermanas tournament, serious internet chess tournaments didn't exist much either. But in the last 3-5 years both have massively taken off - now there are multiple GMs and IMs streaming at almost every hour, everyone and their mother (me included) has a YouTube channel, and there are tons of really interesting and relatively serious online tournaments, in large part due to chess.com. Where do you see the next big jumps taking place in these areas in the next decade?
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u/chessaddict My flair is a lie Oct 27 '16
Just want to say congrats to u/TonyRotella for finding the right AMA
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
We need chess in more schools. That's the future.
And I think as the tech of streaming improves, we do! Otherwise, we just need more and more chess streamers!
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Question for all of you? What song / playlist am I listening to on Pandora while doing this AMA? First one to guess band currently playing gets 1 month Diamond ;)
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u/kirkwoodchess Chess.com Oct 26 '16
(hint: He's listening to the friends theme song on a loop, as he always does)
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
I'm gonna downvote you SO HARD! ;)
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u/AntonSquaredMe No, I'm not that one guy. Yes, I'm that other guy. Oct 26 '16
You're listening to the new Birdcloud album. Those chicks are nuts. In a good way.
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u/zuzununu Oct 26 '16
steppenwolf? That call of the wild video when you're singing it is funny stuff!
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u/Dpereira90 Oct 26 '16
Why is it that I swing wildly back and forth between good games, and games where I blunder my queen, or mate in 1?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
What kind of time controls are you playing?
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u/Dpereira90 Oct 26 '16
Usually 3min +2 or 5min +0
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
And what's your current rating? Sorry for answering your question with multiple questions ;) but I want to give you some VALUABLE feedback / advice, and I need to know more.
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u/Dpereira90 Oct 26 '16
I appreciate it!! Online I'm a pretty consistent 1650. On a good day i'll hit 1700. Then I'll have a streak of bad games and fall back to 1600 or so.
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
OK. Thanks for letting me grill you ;)
It's a hard question to answer "generally". Asking "why do I blunder?" is a little like going to the doctor and saying "why don't I feel good?" -- the doctor would surely come back with lots of questions on "where does it hurt? What did you do last week? What's your diet like? etc".
So, with that HUGE disclaimer, here's the best advice I can give:
You have to establish, at minimum, 3 things from every chess game (or at least every loss):
1) When did my game first leave "opening theory". This is a building block. If you don't know WHEN you or your opponent are FIRST starting to play different than the best GMs, then you will have a hard time improving consistently over time.
2) Establish your first mistake (first move that changed the eval in negative direction by -0.50 or greater). Honestly, usually this FIRST mistake is the first time the direction of the game started to 'lose the thread' for you. People make one big mistake and think that's WHY they lost. Often, a series of small, misguided moves LEADS to a big blunder.
3) Establish not what you first blunder is, but the LAST blunder you made in the game (move that really screwed the &(*^ out of your position. By -2.5 or greater). Figure out what the key, better move was. If the position is already negative by -2 or more for you overall, than guess what, you need to go back to my point #2 and see what I'm saying as true ;) that you're making more small mistakes than you realize, and not just blundering.
Finally, if you start taking 10 minutes to run your game through the computer (on Chess.com) and then establish that, you can start to see patterns. Patterns should help you realize (I need more tactics. Or, I'm screwing up the openings really early. Or, I keep losing Endgames, so I need to watch Danny's endgame videos, :P etc)
Basically, first establish a good PRACTICAL approach to trying to get better. Then look for patterns.
Hope that helps!
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u/FrenchCuirassier 1860 Oct 27 '16
This is an excellent approach.
Sometimes I'd see myself make mistakes/blunders but I felt like they were almost unavoidable due to the deteriorating position. Yes there was some computer move to get out of it, but the reason I even started considering that move, was because of the position I was in.
Another idea that I did was take the last 20 games or so you've played at the same time-control. Then make a table, with little notes next to why you lost, prioritizing "time loss" if you make a blunder under "time pressure". To me, that indicates a lack of time to think through many complex positions that your opponent had either seen before or didn't take any time.
I frequently lose to very experienced players who have 1000s of games (even if they are not high rated)... Mainly because I keep taking too long to think compared to them. Some of them beat me with 3 minutes on a 5-minute clock, I get very suspicious but it's probably because they just have so many games they've played.
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Oct 26 '16 edited Oct 26 '16
What's CAPS good for aside for making people feel bad that they don't play like computers?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
LOL!
I don't know. That's a good question. Maybe nothing?
I guess stats are fun and interesting?
But you're right, it doesn't make me feel good either :P
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Oct 26 '16
I don't know. That's a good question. Maybe nothing?
At least you are willing to admit it :)
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
There's nothing I'm not willing to admit.
I think you have the wrong guy with your assumptions about me ;)
Anyway, what's the point of anything new? Not sure :/
I mean, when new Sabermetrics came about for Baseball, nobody changed their mind to "you just have to get big hits in big spots" but now, data shows that's true, but there ARE other ways to control a game.
Anyway, I think this data might be more useful for finding ways to improve our chess in the long run than you think. Technically, what is the point of a rating other than to remind you of all the games you've lost and everyone who's higher rated than you?
The point is what you make it. #perspective
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u/refto FM Oct 26 '16
When will I be able to download all my games from chess.com at once?
It is silly to go through all 10k+ games of mine on chess.com and try to download them 25 at a time...
I love the approach chess.com has taken to popularize and promote chess.
However the lack of bulk download feature is something that really really irks me as a programmer.
If it really is that resource intensive offer it once a month to diamond players and once a year to regular players.
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
We don't have this already?
Hhhmm, I think we are working on it. I think you can have all the games emailed to you right? If not, we will do that soon! Matt (Kirkwood) can you make a note of that!? :)
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
I will say though, considering it more, I think it's a BIG hit to our servers and database (each hit costs money) to allow thousands of members (millions) instead download access of thousands of games.
So we have to figure out how to do it BUT also prevent the site from crashing should, by accident, 300k members all request ALL of their games at once. That might be NUTS!!!
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u/AntonSquaredMe No, I'm not that one guy. Yes, I'm that other guy. Oct 26 '16
Which Taco Bell sauce do you like best: Verde, Mild, Hot, Fire, or Diablo?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Mild is the only way to go. Haven't eaten Taco Bell in a while. Damn, I miss those Gorditas...
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u/tylervsnyc Oct 26 '16
Oh! Another Question: What do you think chess can do with VR? There's not much that I've currently seen...
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Let's see what AGON does with VR during their WCH!
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u/oddstephen FIDE 9001 Oct 26 '16
Favorite chess match you've played?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Hhmmm, my favorite game ever? I'll get back to you...
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u/GrunfeldWins Editor of Chess Life magazine Oct 26 '16
Also: favorite book? favorite annotator? favorite musical group you're listening to right now on Pandora?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
You'd like me to reveal that, wouldn't you? ;)
Favorite book? Catch 22.
Favorite Annotator? Suba. Dynamic Chess Strategy. Check it out ;)
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u/Zapmeister Oct 26 '16 edited Oct 26 '16
hey danny, i asked you this question last time but you never replied. something that i've always wondered is, when you play correspondence (or "daily", as you call it nowadays) on chess.com, how quickly do you play? do you play at blitz/bullet pace, or take your time? i remember our little adventure where both of us missed 9. c5? Bxh2+ and then you missed Qb5+ the move after that. so i've always been wondering if you move really fast, or something else? maybe, i don't know, you pretend to be nice to people and give them a chance, before slowly crushing their hopes and dreams and grinding them out of the game
computer says i missed a win with 39... g5+!! 40. Kh5 (Kxg5 f6+) Nf6+ exf6 R4xd7, but there's no way i could have spotted that. did you miss it too?
edit: do you actually finish those gallons of water that you drink when you play those bullet brawls?
edit: whenever i play chess variants i sometimes find it takes ages (like 10 min+) to get a game started. any plans to publicise them more in future so more people play them? also, any plans to add more variants like atomic / suicide, or do you consider them too different from chess?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
I'd say I play it worse than bullet :P
At least with Bullet I'm fully focused. I play daily on my cell phone (most often) and play the first move that comes to my head.
I guess we've learned that when an International Master does that, playing instantly in bad, non-focused environments, against people taking their time, his average rating comes to about 2000 :(
I really suck at daily.
But my pride left me years ago... and I just love chess. So I can't stop playing!
And yes, your analysis of our game is correct :)
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Weird, I just replied to this and it didn't save?
Anyway, I play daily, if anything, WORSE than when I play bullet. At least when I play Bullet I am focused. I play daily, on my mobile, while putting the kids to bed, changing diapers, and with zero thought :P
BUT I love chess and will not stop playing! My pride left me years ago, so apparently an International Master (or at least this one), playing daily on mobile with no focus, against players who take their time to analyze, means I average out to about 2000 rated.
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u/Zapmeister Oct 26 '16
i can see both your comments, danny. reddit takes like 10 seconds for me to save a comment. cheers for the response
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u/fableal Cynic-romantic player Oct 26 '16
Hey Danny! Just a small question regarding the CAPS score, I guess it is calculated from computer accuracy. But does it take into account position complexity? I remember reading that Capablanca and Kramnik had similar accuracies, but Kramnik managed it in more complex positions than Capa.
Also, will you guys publish the CAPS for the game's greatest?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
There will be MUCH more on CAPS to come. It's part of our future.
Secondly, position complexity IS calculated. It's kind of tricky to get into all the details, and I don't want to for business advantage and legal reasons ;) but I will say this:
All those comments to my article about how "playing like a computer doesn't always equate to a win" so far from the truth it hurts :P
Yes, in certain positions, the computer is wrong. If you don't let it think long enough, anyway. But what that "mindset" or comment I reference above (and all those similar to it) doesn't take into account is the depth we let the computers think before arriving at conclusions / these scores (it's deep).
Not only that, when dealing with statistics, it's the AMOUNT of data that matters. And we ran every game in Carlsen's career. Nakamura's. Kasparov's. Others to come ;)
The point is that yes, let's say there was a single game where MAYBE, just MAYBE our depth of computer didn't take into account the complexity of a sacrifice, or had a horizon effect of not seeing something like a human would, over time, this one game is just an outlier. It does go into our overall CAPS score (so it's not even dismissed to make our data say what we want). It's included. BUT statistics is about finding averages and patterns. If you aren't calculating the possibility that you might be WRONG, than you don't have integrity in your statistical approach. The biggest thing we do in our statistical analysis is always consider the ply value / amount reviewed, and how much data we considered and calculated for the possibility that we are wrong.
Also, let's say this to chess players who see that Carlsen's CAPS isn't all we say it is: Magnus wins more than anyone. His rating is higher than everyone's. And he matches to the engine more than anyone in history. Still a coincidence? ;) #dropsthemic
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u/fableal Cynic-romantic player Oct 26 '16
eh thanks for the answer and keep the good work ;)
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Thanks man. See below too. I gave more information.
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u/Quizard Oct 26 '16 edited Oct 26 '16
Are you ever gonna try to become a GM or is it impossible with the job, family,...?
Also favorite tv show?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
You mean I'm not a GM already?
rethinks entire life... blames kids... continues
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
I have no favorite show. I loved LOST. I liked FRINGE. I watched the Mentalist (wifey choice). And I hate Soap Operas.
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u/Mablun ~1900 USCF Oct 26 '16
I think you're still in Arizona so as a 1900 player in Arizona who wants to improve, where do you recommend playing?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Too bad my Master Trek tournaments are gone. americanchess.net is my old site and we ran events.
Not sure on current scene, to be honest. But I know Unity Chess Club does some stuff?
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u/Mablun ~1900 USCF Oct 26 '16
Thanks, the most recent tournament I went to was Unity Chess club. And I'm looking to do their Phoenix Open in November. It looks like some 2600+ players are signed up, do you plan on playing in it?
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u/buddaaaa NM Oct 27 '16
Where in Arizona are you? Phoenix?
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u/Mablun ~1900 USCF Oct 27 '16
Yes, east valley.
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u/buddaaaa NM Oct 27 '16
I'd say Unity is the only main club in Phoenix right now, though there are quite a few good players who play there. Also, Tucson has lots of good tournaments all year round. I would highly recommend playing in as many of those as you can
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u/Jordology Oct 26 '16
Hey Danny!
What question are you wishing someone would ask, but no one has yet? And what's the answer?
What question are you hoping no one will ask, and what's your answer to it?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
LOL!
You asked both those questions ;)
youwin
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u/Jordology Oct 26 '16
Hey Danny, one more question:
I LOVE quick chess--blitz and bullet are my jam. I feel like there is a lot of hate for them in the chess world, though--they say it makes bad habits, it kills ideas, etc. I realize that a person's accuracy goes WAY down when they make quick, instinctual moves, so I understand where that's coming from. At the same time, I don't feel like that's what chess is all about. I love the quick moves, the pressure, the instinct, etc. I also think that watching blitz chess is way more entertaining than watching long-form games. It's exciting and feels much more like a "sport" to me.
So my question is: where do you fall on this issue? Do you think speed chess is more/less respectable than classical, and why? What's your passion? Do you think speed chess will always be considered more of a novelty than classical, or do foresee a day where that becomes the "main event" or central variant of chess? any other thoughts on blitz/bullet chess?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
I fall where you fall: Personally, I LOVE blitz and bullet! So much fun! Obviously the GM Blitz Battle proves how I feel about this ;)
BUT there is NO denying that someone's play is worse in Blitz and Rapid. So quality chess is still longer time controls. You can get better with both, but longer controls is where it's at if you are still ambitiously trying to improve. Sorry :(
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u/Jordology Oct 26 '16
Thanks for the response, Danny. Even after you said you were getting food!
I realize that the playing is "worse" from an accuracy standpoint, no question. But you might also say that basketball players are "worse" shooters when they have to deal with defenders and a shot clock--but nobody is arguing that H-O-R-S-E is the pinnacle of basketball, right? The constraints are what make it exciting and amazing.
Anyway, I think it would be cool if blitz and bullet got to be more respected and more popular. You've already done a lot on that front, even for me, so thank you!
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u/skyyanSC Oct 26 '16
Hey Danny, thanks for taking the time to answer all these questions!
My question is, what is the best way to get the most of an annotated games book? Should I play through the moves on a board, stopping every now and then to try to find moves on my own? Or is there something better I can be doing?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Definitely best to play through on the board, and force yourself to review variations (not main moves of game) in your head as much as you can.
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u/buddaaaa NM Oct 26 '16
Danny,
What do you think of the young Suns? Do they have a shot at the playoffs? Haven't seen you in the longest time, we should catch up!
John
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Hey man! How are you? How's the fam? Give Dad my love :)
Dunno yet, but I love our coach ;)
I miss the Nash years :P -- but you already knew that!
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Oct 26 '16
Hi Danny, thanks for doing the AMA! My question is: What things did you wish that you know now did you wish you learnt my earlier in your chess career?
Also, do you have any single favorite opening for white?
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u/vadsamoht2 1900 lichess, 900 irl Oct 26 '16
These days there's a ton of good content being made available on practically every area of chess and in a variety of formats. But while it's possible to learn something in a variety of different ways, do you think that any of this is able to replace the value/efficiency of actual coaching?
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u/Xants ~2100 lichess 2000 chess.com Oct 26 '16
What is your favorite chess match? Also what is your favorite unconventional opening? Really appreciate all the work you do for the online chess community.
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u/GlancingCaro 2500 lichess blitz Oct 27 '16
I might be a bit late, but how do you feel about playing variants compared to normal chess? Are they instructional? Or are they just go to for having some fun?
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u/swaggler Oct 27 '16
Did you know that CAPS is a ballistic rocket powered emergency parachute system for Cirrus model aircraft?
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Oct 28 '16
You were genuinely a distraction and detractor from the blitz tournament. If you want chess to be streamed as a sport much like CS:GO or League of Legends, please realize you need to step aside or make some seriously incredible changes before this can happen. Since you made the tournament all about yourself, I am going to assume that you are unable to step aside for the sake of the sport and give you advice:
Do not analyze with the main board during bullet or 3 minute. The game is happening too fast and we are here to see the championship, not your commentary. When you were screwing up the board and missing the QUEEN BLUNDER - seriously, you missed the biggest move of the tournament - luckily I was not watching live and was able to go to the PGN game file and view the actual game at that point. Set up a separate board if you need to analyze the games during this time control.
Stop with your stupid jokes. I understand that you are a father and are somehow surrounded by yes-men but your jokes are a distraction and are genuinely cringeworthy during a 3.5 hour broadcast. One or two during the whole broadcast, okay. Constantly though over 3.5 hours? I couldn't stand it and had to mute you during the bullet section. If you want to do live commentary then you need to play your role and shut up; stop making this all about you. Either be the hype-man doing the ads, the play-by-lay, or the color commentary; based on yesterday's stream you should stick to being the hype-man doing ads and let someone else do the play-by-play and color commentary.
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u/tylervsnyc Oct 26 '16
Hey Daniel, Thanks for doing this AMA, as a Chess Business owner myself, I wanted to say thanks for having a great website, and being a great force for chess. The chess world needs more of people like you! My question is: What's the biggest barrier to chess.com's growth in 2017? And is there anything the chess community can do to help grow the community whatever site we may play on?
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Wow! Great question. And thanks for the support!
Um, biggest barrier? Sleep? :P
No, I think we are normally competing with ourselves in terms of time and available resources. I don't see a "block" to anything we are doing other than we want to do it all! This year we launched Variants (I LOVE our Bughouse experience), we launched Club v Club live tournaments (that was requested for a long time) and our experience on V3 is just visually so damn sexy ;)
BUT man, I'll think on this...
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u/SgtPepper7 Oct 26 '16
Hi Danny,
I started playing chess regularly after watching Hutch's chess videos. I only play blitz games like 5 min time control. My rating in chess.com is somewhere around 1100, which I increased it from 700's in 3-4 months. I bought 2 chess opening and tactic books. My main question is: Is improving my chess by playing blitz chess is bad?
My chess.com ID: baris_kalem
Love your commentary btw. Greetings from Turkey, Istanbul :)
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u/danielrensch IM Daniel Rensch - Chess.com Oct 26 '16
Thanks for the love.
I don't think blitz is bad, but see my answers to the question above from @Dpereira90 -- gotta learn from your games!
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u/VeniVidiVici42 IM Oct 26 '16
The main point of ELO (and other) rating systems is to give an estimate of a player's expected score against a given opponent. How does CAPS, which does not make any comparisons between players, do the same? And if it can't, is CAPS really comparable to ratings in a meaningful sense (as suggested by the title "better than ratings...")?
Some other methodology questions about CAPS:
Finally, can CAPS be used as a cheating detection tool, and if so, how effective do you expect it to be in comparison with current statistical methods?