Vote Chess Tactics :)
Submitted by
TulsaDavid on Thu, 05/29/2008 at 10:47am.
If you have ever participated in a Vote Chess game, you have probably become aware that there exists a rare opportunity to learn from rated analysis. Plus, it' just plain fun to be part of discussions about plans and possibilities. However, there is also the frustration that when "the perfect move" is agreed, it runs the risk of failing due to the democratic process - the vote!
But there are a few "Vote Chess" tactics that contributing players are learning.
First, a Quick Editorial :)
There will always be a few drive-by voters who either can't read, won't read, don't care, are maverick legends in their own mind, or (to them) are simply having fun at vandalizing what could be a winning vote.
Thankfully, most, even among the lower rated players, are not that way at all. Most want to learn, listen, read, and they want to get better at chess. They have the common sense to know that there is opportunity right in front of them in these Vote Chess games. For that cause, higher rated contributers who appreciate the "give unto others" principle (grin) are happy to share time and effort in analyses. All that while dealing with the risk of the wrong vote.
Vote Chess Tactics That Worked Best In The Past
At one time the Vote Chess tactic was two-fold:
- Ask voters to wait until the discussions reached a consensus..
- Post the agreed move IN LARGE FONT.
That only worked for awhile. People still voted early. How many remember pleading "please have PATIENCE until a unified move is agreed"? Didn't work.
So reality sets in. A section of voters simply will not (or more probably) can not wait. We work. We have families. We have life. None of us can be here all the time, and even then we often can't be here long. Many who pull up the Vote Chess game have just a few minutes to vote. If they don't see the right move (whether from seeing it themselves or seeing it posted), they won't vote the right move.
Also, a few slightly less motivated (and slightly more ornery *grin*) souls found opportunity to post dumb moves IN LARGE FONT (lol). Guess what many that follow after do? :)
What Currently Works Best?
A faithful, studious, kind and patient large group still remain, and they wish to improve. I hope to be in that group, for I too want to learn. Always. True, higher rated individuals also don't have all the time in the world, but when they do and can contribute, many look to them and benefit well from their expertise. We learn!
What has been learned about vote chess tactics?
- Post the best move as early as possible. This garners more drive-by votes in the right direction early. If we are part of a Vote Chess game, we are notified when it's "our turn". That is when you will get a large percentage of votes cast, and an early correct posted move makes a difference. Without an early move votes are cast in the wrong directions, and at critical junctures that has proved fatal. The Davies game is case en pointe. At least two critical correct moves were outvoted due to not having posted soon enough.
.
- If possible, analyse the move ahead of time, ideally while it is the other team's turn. Analysing most of the possibilities will allow for posting the correct move early and will give those notified and limited in time a chance to see the right move and see why it is the right move.
. - To the lower rated voters: Please have patience and wait before voting, inasmuch as your time will allow, until you see a good move posted. If you are unsure, check the rating of those advocating a move. And look for a consensus among those you know have higher rating and/or have earned your respect.
Our team has found an improved level of unity in voting because of early posting.
Reality intervenes, life interrupts, time constraints happen, the other team can and does surprise us occasionally with unexpected moves, and there will always be an occasional maverick who simply won't agree or be a part.
But it
is making a difference. It
is working better. :)