Week 8

 Since I started playing more chess, I have become a more formidable opponent. I learned about variants of the game of chess that can be played. I have been able to compare and contrast the experience of playing chess on a physical board versus playing online.

Lately, I have been playing games against an AI on an app called Chess. I've been using this different app because it allows me to save my games against the AI. Either the previous app I was using didn't allow one to save games with the AI or I didn't see how one could save such games. I have beat the AI enough to get to a level called "Amateur". At this level and the previous levels, I notice the AI forgoes moves that are obviously to its advantage. In many instances I have foreseen the various ways I could have been beaten in a game in the previous levels. The AI, however, apparently did not act on those moves that could have led to my defeat.

My game play is different than when I started. I did some research about chess strategy. Arranging three pawns in the shape of a triangle on the board is advantageous because it provides protection for the pawns. Dominating the center of the board is preferable. A general move a player can do is called a positional sacrifice. A positional sacrifice is sacrificing a piece for the purpose of causing the opponent to lose protection of their king. I watched several videos demonstrating how various moves can be advantageous even if not immediately obvious. The advantage of a move comes to fruition several moves later. In practice, it seems I take advantage of arranging the pawns in the shape of a triangle and am able to look more moves ahead more clearly. I find myself comparing the value of my and my opponent's pieces.