Bonus Video #1 - Kasparovs Wrong Move

54's Video Series #1 - The Traxler Counter Attack

BK Academy of Chess - The Philidor Position

Learn the the most important position in endgame theory, the Philidor Position (or Philidor's position), also known as the third rank defense.

In a rook and pawn ending, the rook must be used aggressively. It must either attack enemy pawns, or give active support to the advance of one of its own pawns to the queening square. ~ Siegbert Tarrasch

BK Academy of Chess - The Lucena Position

The most famous and important endgame position to learn. Named after Luis Ramirez de Lucena; however, this position was not mentioned in his chess book dated 1497. The earilist book found to have this maneuver was by Alessandro Salvio dated 1634.

BK Academy of Chess - Rook vs 3 Pawns

Learn how a rook without the help of it's king can defend against 3 far advanced pawns with their king to assist. This tutorial come from examining a composition by Richard Reti from 1929.

BK Academy of Chess - Rook vs 2 Pawns - Part V

Black can not stop the passed pawns but finds another way to draw, with constant mating threats. This composition by Moravec from 1924 demonstrates superb team work between the king and rook.

BK Academy of Chess - Rook vs 2 Pawns Part IV

Hightlighted Game # 2 rednblack

Here's a well annotated game, as Rednblack explains how he won this hard fought game for the team.

If you would like to have your game hightlighted, just send it in. It doesn't have to be anything spectacular or theorically correct. The only requirement, is the game played representing Team 54.

BK Academy of Chess - Rook vs 2 Pawns - Part III

Now contians closed caption for translation. How to play the rook vs two connected pawns in the endgame. The position analyzed comes from H. Keidanski 1914 study.

You can language of the caption by clicking the little triangle and then clicking the even smaller triangle next to the cc button

BK Academy of Chess - Rook vs. 2 Pawns - Part II

How to play the rook vs two connected pawns in the endgame. The position analyzed comes from the Tarrasch-Janowski game played in 1907. The same position as Part I but with White to move for the win. This one contains a wealth of practical advice so you pay attention. But do not be affraid Black__Knight is here to help.

Even the best grandmasters in the world have had to work hard to acquire the technique of rook endings. - Paul Keres

BK Academy of Chess - Rook vs 2 Pawns - Part I

This lesson will teach you how to play the rook vs two pawns in the endgame. The position analyzed comes from the Tarrasch-Janowski game played in 1907.

Endings of one rook and pawns are about the most common sort of endings arising on the chess board. Yet though they do occur so often, few have mastered them thoroughly. They are often of a very difficult nature, and sometimes while apparently very simple they are in reality extremely intricate. ~ Jose Capablanca

BK Academy of Chess - King & Rook vs King & Pawn - Part III

How to play king and rook vs king and pawn when the king can be cut off at the 6th rank. This video is important because it deals with a position that occurs often in chess endgames.

“In order to improve your game, you must study the endgame before everything else, for whereas the endings can be studied and mastered by themselves, the middle game and the opening must be studied in relation to the endgame”
~ Jose Raul Capablanca

BK Academy of Chess - King & Rook vs King & Pawn - Part II

This lesson teaches how to play the king and rook vs king and pawn endgame when the king and rook are behind the opponent's pawn which is supported by it's king. To get the win, you must know how to play these positions. And remember to pause the video to try to predict the moves, you'll learn better this way.

“After a bad opening, there is hope for the middle game. After a bad middle game, there is hope for the endgame. But once you are in the endgame, the moment of truth has arrived”(Edmar Mednis)

BK Academy of Chess - King & Rook vs King & Pawn - Part I

This lesson teaches how to play when your king is behind your opponent's pawn and your rook controls the promotion rank. The king is protecting the pawn so the rook can't do it alone. To get the win, you must know how to play these positions. And remember to pause the video to use your brain, you learn better that way.

“Play the opening like a book, the middle game like a magician, and the endgame like a machine” (Spielmann)

Tell me what you think by leaving a comment below, it's the easiest way to get promoted.

The Roll Call Promotions

Roll Call Promotions
Agoisgod ajadodd ayman_ss beetle74* Beren- biakuya1 BlueJay2852* Bobbybobber bosox1275 BrainFactory bryanmorgan cadalackr chardrm Cute_kitty dandof danielhellin	davidhopkins DavidKroz* dhey edwardsbailey elwe ercliderc erencx fredduaine Gameslover Geezer02151 GETadd ging ivanenko_tony Julien394 kobwebkol Lawas	malachi76* MichaelOliva mladja mz_chelsie Nikprit Nipas nubianprince opticnerve oweed27 peperodrigo philbertsky* Prayerwarrior Prismak rednblack revo2010 RoboFreak	ronsp8 rontherag Rotan RRicnesh ru5514n rulebyforce* Scandic5 senthil2010 shaatir SimonPMangio sivat tolodoxadrez tsin0125* whittalboy willmorrisusa Zweita
* The first 7 answering the call recieved a 2 rank promotion

The Official List of Awardees

For Participating in the Games Completed from 10/13 to 10/25
181818 1plus1is3 5kokakola 9bego0002** abbasmali adkhuhro agelperpan ahmed60* AHMED_OV AkifYildirim alex_2010 Alexandra9* alexinov alien_Prince AlienSwarm aliwini AnAngelofMidnite ansyori apridd aranylaci armfrancisco* ArnoldAcibar Arunava1996* bachtiarsa badboy bagwis_9 bayar88* Beenie_man bellsofdeath** BERLAGA BhnizarbhNizar biffster billionofans31 biyakski blink2 bongo6405 Briboy1 bustamove2 chandrubot Checkmaker307 Cheryl88* chess_idiot chessblabla Chessplayer0 chesspsico2 chiedenfisherman chirp55 chkm8t chris_1004 Darkkking cimbom45 cnsivaprakasam** cool_hand_luke Cormac_the_Wolf crusher1 Cute_kitty Dallen dandof* dannyboy735	DarekD davidsenjaya123* dbabudelhi DemoIsmoe DerStudent dittopacaya DjokoSusiloLiman* Dlawar_Mahmud dlermahuy doyola dubayeww ecegaurav14 econsak egonsanc Emporer_Timyerar EricBlom1 Falcon-4 florea474 FRANXISCO fredduaine* futuregm23 GEORGIOS2010 GETadd gigostar85* ging GM_DON gncabee GreatBigbang gsantovena gsarenas gudda724* hamedqm harianja_pr* hashmi677 hccag* herilg* hotranger41 houmax1981 ibenz ilaray irvano Ivanenko_Tony Javi1970Barcelonista javital jaws66 Jeanjarrgh jeffroj51 jigger_nova* jmkchess joekyzer jogglypuffpower24 jovicell judetmihaiaurelian13 just_game KAPIVARA karthik_khanna kawaled KekesiA kerin84	khaledmid* killerking2 kim-mo kim-mo kinghunter28s* KNulton* kobwebkol kruntana ktink* kudahitam kuka7071 lakhote LearnChess leoz08* little_e_dubb82 lph MadeWidana man2remix mark_90 MARTYNKJS matamata * MatrimonyVine me-daisy meharb MichaelOliva microcens mik_tal* misael93 modge* mpampis* muharem59* najeebwest neverplaychessb4 newholyfamily nic01ae norlavuaram nubianprince oleppedersen ondoyjoiel pbland petery pindol_91 pocar pon_attack Poppabearm Prayerwarrior priencejack proydu PULKIT18896 QBChess r82nd* raider53 raksaguna Ranong9** Rapma RavindraBabu* rayan147 Raza3 realantdog	Reneshin* revo2010 revs63 ridguay rjframe rob13tiger roberthak rodolfojorge rotan RRicnesh RRicnesh2 RShakya sa6011x Sagalovsky* sanford sarsaro* Scandic5 ScarletKnight94 shab221 SimonPMangio sisyphus34 Slovenija song98 Sonjaownsya sramanigs Superporter** Sylvo sz14189** TAJA* tarasbulba35 tgp th3doctor thejackbauer theshivam TheTricksta TOBIK* tolodoxadrez** tonybj topzero Torpeherceg* Torrence Tsakmaka tsin0125 Tucapel* val1465 Vigert visor_sarge** vkraizada wavery wernm_f* WHodge* ww_mm770 Wynergizer** you_dee zafari Zenek54 * zhinned
* 2 rank promotion for outstanding performance.
** Team 54's Most Valuable Players worthy of a 3 rank promotion.

BK Academy of Chess - King and Pawn vs. King Part II

This video is an excellent review for intermediate players and essential for beginners that want to advance their game to the next level.

“Openings teach you openings. Endgames teach you chess!”

(Stephan Gerzadowicz).

BK

BK Academy of Chess - The Saavedra Position

The Saavedra position is one of the best known chess endgame studies. It is named after the Spanish priest Rev. Fernando Saavedra (1849–1922), who, while living in Glasgow in the late 19th century, spotted a win in a position previously thought to have been a draw (Wikipedia).

The following is a Black__Knight composition highlighting the Saavedra position.

“In order to improve your game, you must study the endgame before
everything else, for whereas the endings can be studied and
mastered by themselves, the middle game and the opening
must be studied in relation to the endgame”
(Jose Raul Capablanca).

Recognition for Special Mission

The following are recognized for taking on a Special Mission:

rubenshein	BrainFactory	malachi76	Cheryl88	Prayerwarrior

They were the first to respond to the offer that was made to the most qualified members that were online.

54's Barn Burner of a Match Update #3

Black__Knight reviews 3 big match that are very close as they approach the finish, highlighting 5 games.

Be sure to tune back in.

Recognition for Efforts Given - Admins

I'm giving dhey and lph a 2 rank promotion for the contribution they make towards the team. However, I'm removing them from admin because they don't need to be an admin for what they do. This will excuse them of any problems that the team may be experiencing from within. Because lately, I've been noticing some things and I can't figure it out and I would hate to take it out on our admins for something they haven't done. This is to inform everyone in case you were wondering what happen. BK

BK Academy of Chess - Never Give Up #3

In this game we get a chance to discuss the Philidor defense. Check it out and leave a comment. It's the easiest way to earn your stripes.BK

Recognition for Special Mission

The following were recognized for taking on a Special Mission by responding to a 54's urgent request for Help.

GK_GM	raider53	tomo13
Geezer02151	rednblack	aranylaci
BrainFactory	AkifYildirim_	ZulhamNgah
Tania-Sabrina_	Abu3li	Sangsisu
revo2010	Ronny58	Vigert
QifengZhou	Oweed27	modge
dgrish	Scandic5	Sonjaownsya

They were the first to respond to the offer that was made to the most qualified members that were online.

Recognition for Special Mission

The following are recognized for taking on a Special Mission by responding to a 54's Urgent Request for Help.

Geezer02151	BrainFactory	Tania-Sabrina

They were the first to respond to the offer that was made to the most qualified members that were online.

BK Academy of Chess - Never Give Up #2

Black__Knight (1940) vs kLin_kingsider4 (1783)

Start: 9 Feb 2010 | Time: 1 move per 3 days

News Update - Team 54 vs Chess Unlimited

BK Academy of Chess - The Square of the Pawn

Recognition for Special Mission

The following are recognized for taking on a Special Mission by responding to a 54's Urgent Request for Help.

biffster	ibenz

This offer was made to the most qualified members that were online and Biffster and ibenz were the first to respond.

Recognition for Efforts Given

The 234 members that were promoted for their efforts given in the last 100 Completed Matches to date, as of 10/12.

• 189 received a 1 Rank promotion for their efforts
  
• 32 received a 2 Rank promotion for their outstanding performance
• 13 received a 3 Rank promotion and were awarded the VIP Award for their exceptional performance
  

1. 181818 1 Rank
2. aban1352 1 Rank
3. abbasmali 1 Rank
4. abdalmoneem 1 Rank
5. acebai 1 Rank
6. adnan1957 1 Rank
7. agaton110156 1 Rank
8. agosoxo 2 Ranks
9. AHMED_OV 1 Rank
10. ahmed60 3 Ranks
11. AkifYildirim 3 Ranks
12. ansyori 1 Rank
13. albertcamus1 1 Rank
14. alex_2010 1 Rank
15. Alexandra9 1 Rank
16. alien_Prince 1 Rank
17. aliwini 1 Rank
18. alone-boy 1 Rank
19. apridd 1 Rank
20. artas44 2 Ranks
21. armfrancisco 1 Rank
22. ArnoldAcibar 1 Rank
23. aphrodite 1 Rank
24. AussieJohn48 1 Rank
25. bayar88 1 Rank
26. bego0002 3 Ranks
27. BenaBoy 1 Rank
28. bagwis_9 1 Rank
29. bart225 1 Rank
30. bayar88 1 Rank
31. BearDBS 1 Rank
32. bellsofdeath 2 Ranks
33. BhnizarbhNizar 1 Rank
34. biffster 1 Rank
35. bIGBADBARRY1953 1 Rank
36. billionofans31 1 Rank
37. Black__Knight 1 Rank
38. blizp 1 Rank
39. Bobbybobber 1 Rank
40. bustamove2 1 Rank
41. CABERTZ 1 Rank
42. CambodianPrincess 2 Ranks
43. ChadleyMcBadley 1 Rank
44. Checkmaker307 1 Rank
45. Cheryl88 1 Rank
46. chiedenfisherman 1 Rank
47. Christen 1 Rank
48. cnsivaprakasam 2 Ranks
49. cool_hand_luke 1 Rank
50. Cormac_the_Wolf 1 Rank
51. crusher1 1 Rank
52. dandof 3 Ranks
53. daneilito 1 Rank
54. dannyboy735 2 Ranks
55. davidsenjaya123 1 Rank
56. DerStudent 1 Rank
57. dgwar 1 Rank
58. dittopacaya 1 Rank
59. EyeRonik1 1 Rank
60. dlermahuy 1 Rank
61. DonCLAUDIU 2 Ranks
62. doyola 2 Ranks
63. emanasker 1 Rank
64. Emporer_Timyerar 1 Rank
65. Eugen_pcad_ru 1 Rank
66. EyeRonik1 1 Rank
67. ezhiukas7 1 Rank
68. FB-892717790 1 Rank
69. fernandasheilla 1 Rank
70. fimadash 1 Rank
71. florea474 1 Rank
72. FRANXISCO 2 Ranks
73. fredduaine 1 Rank
74. fujimaru487 1 Rank
75. futuregm23 1 Rank
76. gigostar85 2 Ranks
77. ging 2 Ranks
78. gjsgregskyplayer 1 Rank
79. GM_DON 2 Ranks
80. gncabee 2 Ranks
81. goks 1 Rank
82. Golden91 1 Rank
83. goodeml 1 Rank
84. GM_DON 3 Ranks
85. GreatBigbang 1 Rank
86. gsarenas 1 Rank
87. gsantovena 1 Rank
88. gudda724 1 Rank
89. hamada0103520668 2 Ranks
90. hamedqm 1 Rank
91. hani8 1 Rank
92. harianja_pr 1 Rank
93. hashmi677 1 Rank
94. hccag 1 Rank
95. honour43 1 Rank
96. houmax1981 1 Rank
97. hynder 1 Rank
98. ilaray 0 1 Rank
99. irvano 2 Ranks
100. Ivanenko_Tony 1 Rank
101. iweanyi 2 Ranks
102. Javi1970Barcelonista 1 Rank
103. javital 1 Rank
104. Jeanjarrgh 2 Ranks
105. jigger_nova 1 Rank
106. jmkchess 1 Rank
107. jmelrich 1 Rank
108. jogglypuffpower24 1 Rank
109. judetmihaiaurelian13 1 Rank
110. Junbug23 2 Ranks
111. junior6 2 Ranks
112. KAPIVARA 2 Ranks
113. KARIATI 2 Ranks
114. karthik_khanna 1 Rank
115. karinokarino 1 Rank
116. KekesiA 1 Rank
117. kerin84 1 Rank
118. khaledmid 2 Ranks
119. kinghunter28s 1 Rank
120. KNulton 3 Ranks
121. kokakola 1 Rank
122. kovan 1 Rank
123. kruntana 1 Rank
124. ktink 1 Rank
125. lakhote 1 Rank
126. langbein 1 Rank
127. leoz08 2 Ranks
128. little_e_dubb82 1 Rank
129. lph 1 Rank
130. maddoctor 1 Rank
131. MadeWidana 1 Rank
132. malachi76 1 Rank
133. man2remix 1 Rank
134. Marie-Nicole 1 Rank
135. matamata 1 Rank
136. MARTYNKJS 1 Rank
137. meharb 1 Rank
138. microcens 2 Ranks
139. millaalex 1 Rank
140. Nimonnovaj 1 Rank
141. MirzaOg 1 Rank
142. mark_90 1 Rank
143. mdemesa60 1 Rank
144. misael93 1 Rank
145. Mojtabaershadi 1 Rank
146. muharem59 3 Ranks
147. nic01ae 1 Rank
148. Nikprit 1 Rank
149. norlavuaram 1 Rank
150. Okolo 1 Rank
151. OKONYE 1 Rank
152. oldindian 1 Rank
153. ondoyjoiel 1 Rank
154. Oweed27 1 Rank
155. patchouly 1 Rank
156. pindol_91 1 Rank
157. Prayerwarrior 1 Rank
158. philbertsky 2 Ranks
159. pon_attack 1 Rank
160. r82nd 1 Rank
161. raksaguna 1 Rank
162. ramv 1 Rank
163. Ranong9 3 Ranks
164. RavindraBabu 1 Rank
165. rays_of_light 1 Rank
166. Raza3 1 Rank 1 Rank
167. realantdog 1 Rank
168. Redchequer 1 Rank
169. redmountain 1 Rank
170. Reneshin 1 Rank
171. revs63 1 Rank
172. Rexagnar 1 Rank
173. rickycorong 1 Rank
174. rjframe 1 Rank
175. roadback 1 Rank
176. rob13tiger 1 Rank
177. roberthak 3 Ranks
178. rocamorro 1 Rank
179. rodolfojorge 1 Rank
180. rokade 1 Rank
181. ronaldoseno2010 1 Rank
182. rontherag 1 Rank
183. RShakya 1 Rank
184. ruthless07 1 Rank
185. Sagalovsky 3 Ranks
186. sammychan 1 Rank
187. SamsonElijah 1 Rank
188. Sangsisu 1 Rank
189. shawhusdad 1 Rank
190. SimonPMangio 1 Rank
191. sisyphus34 1 Rank
192. Socro 1 Rank
193. Sonjaownsya 1 Rank
194. Slayer_of_Kings 1 Rank
195. Special-K 1 Rank
196. sriharsha0487 1 Rank
197. Sylvo 1 Rank
198. stanislav_p 1 Rank
199. Starman_Skullz 1 Rank
200. Superporter 2 Ranks
201. sz14189 3 Ranks
202. tarasbulba35 1 Rank
203. TAJA 2 Ranks
204. tgp 1 Rank
205. th3doctor 1 Rank
206. theshivam 1 Rank
207. TheTricksta 1 Rank
208. TOBIK 2 Ranks
209. tolodoxadrez 3 Ranks
210. tomjoad 1 Rank
211. tonyjay38 2 Ranks
212. topzero 1 Rank
213. torpeherceg 1 Rank
214. trimmey 1 Rank
215. tsin0125 1 Rank
216. Tucapel 1 Rank
217. Urban_Wiz 1 Rank
218. Vigert 1 Rank
219. visor_sarge 2 Ranks
220. vkraizada 2 Ranks
221. vuminhhai2010vn 1 Rank
222. wernm_f 1 Rank
223. WHodge 2 Ranks
224. williamscothorn1106 1 Rank
225. winsammy 1 Rank
226. wuwuwuwuwu 1 Rank
227. Wynergizer 3 Ranks
228. xy2012 1 Rank
229. you_dee 1 Rank
230. Zenek54 1 Rank
231. zenmind 1 Rank
232. zino90 1 Rank
233. zoujaj 1 Rank
234. zultranz 1 Rank

Team 54 vs. Chess Unlimited

It has come down to these 4 games and it's all tied up at 52.

Stay tuned

Recognition for Special Mission

The following are recognized for taking on a special mission by responding to a 54's Urgent Request for Help in the following Match - Team 54 vs South Carolina, USA

egyption_hak2010	sriharsha0487

This offer was made to about 6 members that were online and Prayerwarrior and Cheryl88 were the first to respond.

Recognition for Special Mission

The following are recognized for taking on a special mission by responding to a 54's Urgent Request for Help in the following Match - Team 54 vs CHESS SOCIETY:

Cheryl88	Prayerwarrior

This offer was made to about 6 members that were online and Prayerwarrior and Cheryl88 were the first to respond.

BK Academy of Chess - Never Give Up

A lesson in chessboard geometry - A straight line in chess is not necessarily the shortest distance between two squares. This composition by Black__Knight is a variation of Reti's famous 1922 endgame composition, "revealing with limited material the complexities that some pawn endings can contain" (GM Paul Keres).

Please support BK Academy of Chess and earn credit by leaving a comment with your chess.com chess name.

The Official List of Awardees

This is the list of members to be promoted 1 to 3 ranks for their efforts given within the last 100 Completed Matches:

1. 181818.5
2. aban1352.5
3. abbasmali
4. abdalmoneem
5. acebai
6. adnan1957
7. agaton110156
8. agosoxo
9. AHMED_OV
10. ahmed60
11. AkifYildirim
12. ansyori
13. albertcamus1
14. alex_2010
15. Alexandra9
16. alien_Prince
17. aliwini
18. alone-boy
19. apridd
20. artas44.5
21. armfrancisco
22. ArnoldAcibar
23. aphrodite
24. AussieJohn48
25. bayar88
26. bego0002
27. BenaBoy
28. bagwis_9
29. bart225
30. bayar88
31. BearDBS
32. bellsofdeath
33. BhnizarbhNizar
34. biffster
35. bIGBADBARRY1953
36. billionofans31
37. Black__Knight.5
38. blizp
39. Bobbybobber
40. bustamove2
41. CABERTZ
42. CambodianPrincess
43. ChadleyMcBadley
44. Checkmaker307
45. Cheryl88
46. chiedenfisherman
47. Christen
48. cnsivaprakasam
49. cool_hand_luke
50. Cormac_the_Wolf
51. crusher1
52. dandof.5
53. daneilito
54. dannyboy735
55. davidsenjaya123
56. DerStudent
57. dgwar
58. dittopacaya
59. EyeRonik1
60. dlermahuy
61. DonCLAUDIU.5
62. doyola
63. emanasker
64. Emporer_Timyerar
65. Eugen_pcad_ru
66. EyeRonik1
67. ezhiukas7
68. FB-892717790
69. fernandasheilla
70. fimadash
71. florea474
72. FRANXISCO
73. fredduaine
74. fujimaru487
75. futuregm23
76. gigostar85
77. ging
78. gjsgregskyplayer
79. GM_DON
80. gncabee
81. goks
82. Golden91
83. goodeml
84. GM_DON
85. GreatBigbang
86. gsarenas
87. gsantovena
88. gudda724
89. hamada0103520668
90. hamedqm
91. hani8
92. harianja_pr
93. hashmi677
94. hccag
95. honour43
96. houmax1981
97. hynder
98. ilaray
99. irvano.5
100. Ivanenko_Tony
101. iweanyi
102. Javi1970Barcelonista
103. javital
104. Jeanjarrgh
105. jigger_nova
106. jmkchess
107. jmelrich
108. jogglypuffpower24
109. judetmihaiaurelian13
110. Junbug23
111. junior6.5
112. KAPIVARA
113. KARIATI
114. karthik_khanna
115. karinokarino
116. KekesiA
117. kerin84
118. khaledmid.5
119. kinghunter28s
120. KNulton
121. kokakola
122. kovan
123. kruntana.5
124. ktink
125. lakhote
126. langbein
127. leoz08
128. little_e_dubb82
129. lph
130. maddoctor
131. MadeWidana
132. malachi76
133. man2remix
134. Marie-Nicole
135. matamata
136. MARTYNKJS
137. meharb
138. microcens
139. millaalex
140. Nimonnovaj
141. MirzaOg
142. mark_90
143. mdemesa60
144. misael93.5
145. Mojtabaershadi
146. muharem59.5
147. nic01ae
148. Nikprit
149. norlavuaram
150. Okolo
151. OKONYE
152. oldindian.5
153. ondoyjoiel
154. Oweed27
155. patchouly
156. pindol_91
157. Prayerwarrior
158. philbertsky
159. pon_attack
160. r82nd
161. raksaguna
162. ramv
163. Ranong9
164. RavindraBabu
165. rays_of_light
166. Raza3
167. realantdog
168. Redchequer
169. redmountain
170. Reneshin
171. revs63
172. Rexagnar
173. rickycorong
174. rjframe
175. roadback
176. rob13tiger
177. roberthak.5
178. rocamorro
179. rodolfojorge
180. rokade
181. ronaldoseno2010
182. rontherag
183. RShakya.5
184. ruthless07
185. Sagalovsky.5
186. sammychan
187. SamsonElijah
188. Sangsisu
189. shawhusdad
190. SimonPMangio.5
191. sisyphus34
192. Socro
193. Sonjaownsya
194. Slayer_of_Kings
195. Special-K
196. sriharsha0487
197. Sylvo
198. stanislav_p
199. Starman_Skullz
200. Superporter.5
201. sz14189
202. tarasbulba35
203. TAJA.5
204. tgp
205. th3doctor
206. theshivam
207. TheTricksta
208. TOBIK.5
209. tolodoxadrez
210. tomjoad
211. tonyjay38
212. topzero
213. torpeherceg
214. trimmey
215. tsin0125
216. Tucapel
217. Urban_Wiz
218. Vigert
219. visor_sarge
220. vkraizada
221. vuminhhai2010vn
222. wernm_f
223. WHodge.5
224. williamscothorn1106
225. winsammy
226. wuwuwuwuwu
227. Wynergizer
228. xy2012
229. you_dee
230. Zenek54
231. zenmind
232. zino90
233. zoujaj
234. zultranz

Recognition for Efforts Given

I selected 150 matches recently started to recognize those currently making the commitment to upuphold the banner of Team 54 - never give up, never back down and taking on all comers. Therefore I award the Badge of Courage to following for their commitment:

7thSense, 71leyley, ahmed60, AlienSwarm, Batero, bellsofdeath, c_guevara_p, covuahoang, dipu123, DonCLAUDIU, EricBlom1, gncabee, goodeml, Griffndore, Hakimabdullatif, himanshutalreja13, IbrahimBeganovic, imbroglio5, KAPIVARA, khaledmid, manuelclayford, mgrecco, NGB, Nimonnovaj, nubianprince, peace123, philbertsky, PULKIT18896, Rapman, sarsaro, Sylvo, tgp, tonyjay38, Torrence, Vigert, vladimer, wernm_f, Wynergizer, yuriy_55, zhinned, a321981, adnan1957, BERLAGA, Checkmaker307, cnsivaprakasam, crusher1, davidsenjaya123, drpreet, generalgrantguy, harianja_pr, hccag, hkg18, junior6, killerking2, MatrimonyVine, maxwell4, mcaffarelli, KNulton, Milad_M, Newyorican, roberthak, rookdown, rubbikQ, tarasbulba35, acebai, agoisgod, Balarao, Biess, CORNEL5680, dandof, dhey, djmanj, GETadd, javital, kobwebkol, kudahitam, leoz08, modge, Myrna_oscar, newkingz, niro89, Nipas, priencejack, sv7410, Tania-Sabrina, bagwis_9, ktink, newholyfamily, norlavuaram, QifengZhou, Redchequer, Sallysson, Debughosh, opticnerve, philipjaques, PLM, rayan147, tomo13, tsin0125, bachtiarsa, dgrish, kim-mo, marvee, Geezer02151, MadeWidana, naoufel, revs63, ronsp8, mik_tal, Brantfany, MARTYNKJS, ru5514n

• With the following receiving double distinction for their unparalleled commitment:

Adebola, bosox1275, florea474, fredduaine 9, herilg, Jeanxadrez, jmkchess, JUCANARU, jurapura, kawaled, misael93, Nikprit, Reneshin, rumburak24, Sangsisu, soutam, Superporter, Tama103, TOBIK

David vs. Goliath

Team 54's rednblack (1811) as David vs. Chessclassic (2000) as Goliath playing the
Winawer Variation of the French Defense. As you scroll through the game, notice the annotation at the bottom of the board, by rednblack and Black__Knight (with the assistance of Wikipedia).

Recognition for Efforts Given

Today, we recognizes those that have participated in our competed vote chess games.

• Team 54 recognizes the following for participated 1 to 6 times:

blizp, fimadash, sayouka, bellsofdeath, ginko08, BearDBS, rookage, just_game, Sa_DQ, biffster, linusceoa, cool_hand_luke, ariesalyn, zino90, logicon, Swaujas1, little_e_dubb82, junior6, smr2525, tgp, Zweita, Falcon-4, kokotoni, iweanyi, priencejack, malachi76

• And double recognition is given to those that have participated in over 6 vote chess games:

rednblack, soulpower74, Marie-Nicole, cool_15, Superporter, Javi1970Barcelonista, Jeanjarrgh, lph, nubianprince, ging, Bobbybobber, c_guevara_p, Black__Knight

Vote Chess - Playing Together as a Team

My Best Tip for Playing Vote Chess

Click on the My Home link in the upper right and select My Vote Chess and you will find all of your vote chess games neatly organized by the time left to vote. This is my favorite tip becuase I was ready to quit playing vote chess until I relized this feature.

Some Basics Info

Vote Chess is played where each player votes to determine each move; the move with the most votes is played. You will not see the other votes until you cast your vote. You cannot use computers or change your vote so think carefully. If there's a tie, the first suggested move wins. You can offer a draw in addition to your move and if 50% or more votes to draw, the offer is made. (link for more info).

Playing Together as a Team

Leaving comments is encouraged. The idea is to combined our minds together to determine the best move. The more we communicate the stronger the team becomes; the goal is to make the team stronger than its strongest player. At the very least, make sure you read the comments before casting your vote (click this link for more info).

Improving Your Game

Vote Chess is an excellent tool for improving your game. Imagine how much you would learn by having a GM on our team to discuss all of our suggested moves. Lately, I've been the strongest player and I always give my insight to suggested moves. I'm not always right but you could learn things things that I excel at, such as playing positional chess or the endgame. And I sure you could teach me a thing or two because I am by far no master. This is the beauty of vote chess: playing as a team, teaching each other, and winning together.

Team Rules

Check in once per day by clicking on the My Home in the upper right, selecting My Vote Chess and you will find all of your vote chess games neatly organized by the time left to vote. If there's more than 24 hours left to vote, we discuss what to do; if less than 24 hours is left, we vote and continue our discussion, if needed. In the opening, however, we can vote at any time as long as it's a book move. And finally, never resign; if you don't want to continue playing, just don't vote.

Click this link to join in on games that have already started.

Team 54's Vote Chess Strategy

Have you noticed how well our vote chess team has been preforming? After winning 6 of it's last 7 games, the team has be catapulted to 34th place on the leaderboard. Just like our match play team, our vote chess team is also in position to take the lead.

We've been keeping 30 games in progress which could get us to the top 10; however, we would continue to lose ground to the very elite teams, THE POWER OF CHESS, and CHESS SOCIETY. Because these teams maintain around 100 and 75 games respectively. We can catch these teams because we have a higher winning percentage, but not without increasing our workload.

Hence, the team's strategy is to increase the number of games kept in progress. I would like to double the amount but that not feasible given our team's lack of interest for vote chess. Therefore, we will gradually increase our games while encouraging team participation. Each time a game is completed, we will start up two games; we've recently completed 3 games so we will add back 6 to total 33 games in process.

With that said, all comments are welcome, so let's hear them!

Honoring 54's Strongest Players

Today we honor Team 54's strongest players because without them we wouldn't be in the position we are today and would certainly not be able to compete with chess.com's strongest. Our strength lies in our core players (1400 - 1800) and our top players are often call upon to sacrifice themselves against much stronger players to make way for our core players to compete. These are the team's 54 strongest players and we are honoring them to acknowledge our appreciation for their participation on Team 54:

Sagalovsky, AlienSwarm, raksaguna, CaballeroNegro, GEORGIOS2010, suhail-sirus-alnair, niro89, egyption_hak2010, Skoumal69, rubenshein, honour43, jogglypuffpower24, sammirns, bego0002, RahulSharma, BrainFactory, artas44, Geezer02151, kokotoni, KoShwe, BhnizarbhNizar, alone-boy, chessmathter, Javi1970Barcelonista, malown, winaxpc, naoufel, Eagle65, PrismaK

Recognition for Efforts Given - Members and MVPs

We also recognized members for outstanding play from the matches we have won to date, that is as of 9/28/10. Members that have scored 2 full points in helping their team to victory. And they are rocognized as such:

MVP - Players that have done it once or twice:

COREY187, gjsgregskyplayer, blitzkid23, bayar88, 181818, 7amza, adnan1957, agoisgod, ahmed60, ajohnson37, alexinov, alfiya_tez, aphrodite, bakodakosta, bego0002, raksaguna, Rapman, rdkarloff, rettdaniel, ptbaha, qtrung, oldindian, OUZE, patprez, misael93, mrigankvjti, newtry, luckyhorse, maddoctor, manuelclayford, Marie-Nicole, marooned, MARTYNKJS, roberthak, rocamorro, rokade, rubenshein, ruthless07, Sabato_jr, chiedenfisherman, chkm8t, clinttherakam, cnsivaprakasam, dhey, dittopacaya, dkosy1359, dorseyvega, dubayeww, Eagle65, FVC123, Sagalovsky, hccag, herilg, houmax1981, jblack614, justforfriendship, KAPIVARA, KillerMatto, Konnekgame, kruntana, Scandic5, Sonjaownsya, shakirak, sumo1978, Superporter, Swaujas1, Tucapel, Unforgivableblak, val1465, zafari, zhinned, wuwuwuwuwu, Wilson56, TheBone1, Threedeezal, sz14189

MVP Gold - Players that have done it more than twice:

alien_Prince, aithomas87, Aspenite, biffster, biyakski, blink2, chinesedragon, futuregm23 , gsgarde411, irvano, jigger_nova, KNulton, logicon, Nyati, realantdog, sweetie39, sammychan, TOBIK, winsammy, zino90, zekela, 20s, tolodoxadrez, sisyphus34, TAJA, lph, Briboy1, enpasson, gudda724, joyceann0407, lakhote, linusceoa, RahulSharma, rednblack, soulpower74, Zenek54, zenmind, Zweita, bustamove2, Roberto1956, ridguay, honour43, Jeanjarrgh, dgwar, bIGBADBARRY1953, khaledmid, BearDBS, aliwini, Batero, Ranong9, Torrence

MVP Platinum - Players that have done it the most:

bagwis_9, apridd, artas44, badboy, bellsofdeath, BenaBoy, billionofans31, c_guevara_p, chesspsico2, cool_hand_luke, dandof, EyeRonik1, florea474, fredduaine, ging, goodeml, harianja_pr, ibenz, iweanyi, judetmihaiaurelian13, junior6, kanoidski_55, ktink, leoz08, little_e_dubb82, mdemesa60, meharb, nubianprince, princeT, Reneshin, revs63, steelheart_XD, WHodge, Wynergizer, shab221

In addition, all members were recognized for being with Team 54 during this special moment in our team's history. Today, Team 54 is turning from fighting all of Chess.com to building allies with Chess.com to sharpen each other as iron sharpens iron. The war will continue and we will continue to fight because that's what we do. But now we are in position to take the lead, we must learn to fight smart and that's the direction we are heading. So Today, we recongnize:

181818, 20s, 6diamondray, 71leyley, 7amza, 7thSense, a321981, abbasmali, abdalmoneem, acebai, adnan1957, agaton110156, agelperpan, agoisgod, agosoxo, ahcene18, AHMED_OV, ahmed60, Aidyl1, AirRinus, aithomas87, ajadodd, ajohnson37, AkifYildirim, Alegq, alex_2010, Alex677, alexinov, alfiya_tez, alien_Prince, AlienSwarm, AlifBuyungPrahnolly, alijim2000, aliwini, alone-boy, AMOLJINEDO, AnAngelofMidnite, anasarbescu, andrewjscott, anje4444, ansyori, aphrodite, apridd, aranylaci, ariesalyn, armfrancisco, ArnoldAcibar, artas44, Arunava1996, Aspenite, Auliffe, ayman_ss, azed, Azorath, bachtiarsa, badboy, Gary flores BADSTONITHS, Andreas Economides bagalayhenry, bagwis_9, bakodakosta, Balarao, bart225, Batero, bayar88, BearDBS, Beenie_man, bego0002, bellsofdeath, BenaBoy, Benefactor, BERLAGA, bharatlal, BhnizarbhNizar, biakuya1, Biess, biffster, bIGBADBARRY1953, Bigdaddiel, billionofans31, birdsopening, biyakski, blink2, blitzkid23, blizp, Bobbybobber, bobo1980, bodefagbuyi, bokek, bolestan, bosox1275, BrainFactory, Brantfany, Briboy1, bty743165, bubuli55, buitenzorg, bustamove2, c_guevara_p, CaballeroNegro, CABERTZ, canadianclassic, captain-learnchess, cardosorafael, cerbiat86, ChadleyMcBadley, chandrubot, Checkmaker307, Cheryl88, chessblabla, chessmathter, chesspsico2, chiedenfisherman, chinesedragon, chirp55, chkm8t, chris_1004, chrisstansell, cimbom45, clinttherakam, cnsivaprakasam, computerrat, cool_15, cool_hand_luke, COREY187, Cormac_the_Wolf, CORNEL5680, Corrnel, covuahoang, cruisey88, crusher1, cubandaddy, Cute_kitty, Dallen, dandof, daneilito, Daniellx, DanMauro, dannyboy735, dante72, DarekD, Darkkking, Daverose0106, davidhopkins, DavidPeng, davidsenjaya123, Davor--013, DemoIsmoe, Den_Bagoes, DerStudent, dgwar, dhey, dipu123, dittopacaya, DJKal3o, DjokoSusiloLiman, dkosy1359, dlermahuy, dmhnjj6, dnguy106, docofpc, docvillegas, Don1, DonCLAUDIU, dorseyvega, doyola, drpreet, dubayeww, dulitl1212, Eagle65, Eberulf, ecegaurav14, edwardsbailey, egonsanc, egyption_hak2010, emanasker, Emporer_Timyerar, enpasson, ercliderc, Ergenekon, EricBlom1, Erin2000, Eugen_pcad_ru, Evenstaroflight, Ewingwr, Extraction, EyeRonik1, Falcon-4, fanani, farrukhaziz, FB-892717790, FERDINANE, Fiercewarrior91, fimadash, flog20, florea474, FRANXISCO, fredduaine, freecoder, french_prize, fujimaru487, futuregm23, FVC123, gauravgoyal, Geezer02151, generalgrantguy, GEORGIOS2010, GETadd, GGchess1990, ghasem_1986, Ghost90, gigostar85, ging, ginko08, Giou-Fan, gjsgregskyplayer, GM_DON, gncabee, goblay, goks, Golden91, Gonashvili, goodeml, goxie, grady35, greatmac, Griffndore, Groen, Gromlini, gsantovena, gsarenas, gsgarde411, gudda724, guilhias, GuitarMetal, gumersindo, hackerma3x, Hakimabdullatif, hamedqm, hani8, happytoplay, harianja_pr, hccag, herilg, hikmet_isayev, himanshutalreja13, Hirenjobanputra, hondo4504, honour43, hotranger41, houmax1981, hSAVVAS, hwatuseke, iamokatchessatleast, ibenz, IbrahimBeganovic, ilaray, invistrike, IonescuNikolae, irBiJ175, Ironman-ua, irvano, Ivana_3, Ivanenko_Tony, iweanyi, JaredMaciej, Javi1970Barcelonista, javital, jaws66, jblack614, Jeanjarrgh, Jeanxadrez, jeffroj5, JGKArlO, jigger_nova, jmelrich, jmkchess, joekyzer, jogglypuffpower24, johnyblaze28, josero, Josh_Bradley, joyceann0407, jrfitzgerald, judetmihaiaurelian13, Julien394, junior6, jurapura, JusGeode, just_game, JustAlex, justforfriendship, K1NG, kanaan, kanoidski_55, KAPIVARA, karan_kohli, KARIATI, karthik_khanna, kawaled, keegan3, Keevinster, kerin84, khaledmid, kid_of_chess, killerking2, KillerMatto, kim-mo, KNulton, kobwebkol, kokotoni, Konnekgame, KoShwe, kotaro82, kruntana, krushgroove, ksinclair, ktink, kudahitam, kuka7071, Kyte, lajka, lakhote, lamtara, LearnChess, leoz08, LeslieW, linusceoa, little_e_dubb82, logicon, lph, luckyhorse, lvali40, lyndonmaster, maddoctor, MadeWidana, malachi76, malaiem, malown, man2remix, manuelclayford, Marie-Nicole, mark_90, markamdur, Markkkkko, marky473, marooned, MARTYNKJS, matchel, MatrimonyVine, MaungWinTun, maxwell4, mcaffarelli, mdemesa60, me-daisy, mecomoafede, meharb, Melvie, mendra, mgrecco, MichaelOliva, microcens, microchess133, mik_tal, Milad_M, millaalex, MirzaOg, misael93, misslulluby, modge, monroiking, MooniQ, morsed7878, mpampis, mr_ooo, mrigankvjti, muharem59, Myrna_oscar, najeebwest, nakodaboy, nandakingofchess, nandamgmg, naoufel, narimanom007, Naxos, neverplaychessb4, Newbie_, newholyfamily, newtry, Newyorican, NGB, Nhi_99, nick4567, Nikprit, Nimonnovaj, Nipas, niro89, norlavuaram, nubianprince, numu, nungshie, Nyati, ogunpumpy, Okolo, OKONYE, oldindian, Omganesha, ondoyjoiel, opticnerve, OUZE, Oweed27, patchouly, patprez, peace123, pepen, petereanderson, petery, petho, Petrosianic, pez97, philbertsky, philipjaques, pindol_91, piratos1510, PLM, pocar, Poketo, Polizois, pon_attack, pooja_thegreat, Poolpalace, Poppabearm, Prayerwarrior, priencejack, princeT, PrismaK, pro_amir_george, proydu, ptbaha, PULKIT18896, QBChess, QifengZhou, qtrung, questa, raakesh, Rahul777, RahulSharma, raider53, Rajeshn1976, raksaguna, rami1012, Ramonhaverlag, ramsam, ramv, Ranong9, Rapman, RavindraBabu, rayan147, rays_of_light, rcraft16, rdkarloff, realantdog, rebudu, redbaron57, Redchequer, redkinght, rednblack, Reneshin, rettdaniel, revs63, rey2009, Reyjaguar, Rick1275, ycorong, ridguay, RIZVI, rjframe, rkpant, roadback, rob13tiger, robert8867, roberthak, Roberto1956, ROBERTT92, RoboFreak, rocamorro, rodolfojorge, rokade, rontherag, rooboy166, rookage, rookdown, rotan, Roycetrentinpereira, RRicnesh, RShakya, rubenshein, RUD_UA, RulebyForce, rumburak24, ruthless07, Ryan_orourke1, Sa_DQ, sa6011x, Sabato_jr, sac36837, Sagalovsky, Sallysson, sammirns, sammychan, sanford, sarsaro, sayouka, Scandic5, ScarletKnight94, sengdao, senol34, sgtlhunter, shab221, shaimaa_natshah, shakirak, shawhusdad, SimonPMangio, simorq, sisyphus34, sk8erkid, Skoumal69, skwirlguts, Slayer_of_Kings, Slovenija, Smoothchess54, SMPL, smr2525, song98, Sonjaownsya, soulpower74, Spankinboy, Special-K, Spydervech, sridharbabu, sriharsha0487, SSCROXZZ, steelheart_XD, suffer_well, suhail-sirus-alnair, sumo1978, Superporter, sv7410, Swaujas1, sweetie39, Sylvo, sz14189, TAJA, Take_it_easy_on_me, tanishq91, tanmay_chakrabarti, tarasbulba35, Tasho, tgp, th3doctor, TheBone1, Thechampishere, theshivam, TheTricksta, Threedeezal, TOBIK, toffedaddy, tolodoxadrez, tonybj, tonyjay38, Torpeherceg, Torrence, trimmey, Troubadour, truuske, Tsakmaka, tsin0125, Tucapel, ucede, uchihamike, ukaman, Unforgivableblak, Urban_Wiz, val1465, Vigert, vkraizada, vladimer, vuminhhai2010vn, wafias, wavery, wernm_f, white_hors, whittalboy, whiZkid0, WHodge, williamscothorn1106, Wilson56, winaxpc, winsammy, wuwuwuwuwu, ww_mm770, Wynergizer, xphileprof, xropi, Ybrek, YIYO, you_dee, youmoon, yue5000, yuwnasthegreat, zafari, zazaryan, zekela, ZEMA, Zenek54, zenmind, zhinned, zino90, Zweita

Team 54's Proposal

The teams that Team 54 would like to spar with were sent this proposal:

Team 54 is looking for teams to compete with on a regular basis. Team size or strength does not matter because the goal is to provide competitive matches in which both teams have good chances at winning.

There would be no need to stress member participation or worrying about the other team "stacking the deck" because in the end the matches would be even out and this is how it would work:

1. Team 54 would issue an open match challenge for 1+ players.
2. Each challenge is accepted because in the end, the pairing would be even.
3. Once the match has been accepted and the rosters start forming, the underdog team would lock it's roster first and then the stronger team would even out the match before looking it's roster.
4. Then the process gets repeated.

In the meantime, these matches will be monitored and records will be kept to ensure the matches more competitive, more fun and more exiting to play. Your team has already accepted our challenge, now let's see how this works.

Team 54s Sparring Partners

Team 54 is looking for teams help each other as iron sharpens iron by providing competitive matches that are more fun and exciting to participate in. These are the teams that 54 is currently playing and would like to continue to spar with:

		//Checkmate\\				View
		Šahovski klub Ajdovščina				View
		abrakadabra				View
		Anime all the way				View
		Arabian Heart & Peace Loving World Citizens ..				View
		Bulgarian Chess Masters				View
		Burning Pawns				View
		celine chess dream team				View
		Central Command				View
		CHEERS!				View
		CHESS SOCIETY				View
		Chess.com's Europe Group				View
		ChessClown Team				View
		Chessaholics Anonymous				View
		Chess Maniacs				View
		Chess, Art & Rock 'n Roll!				View
		Chess n Cappuccino				View
		Chess in the City				View
		CHESS SOCIETY				View
		Chess Spartans				View
		Dr Pepper United				View
		EQUIPO ANDALUCIA				View
		Fast Players Group				View		View
		FREE IRAN				View
		Galatasaray				View
		International Team				View
		Kairav's Chess Masters				View
		kid_of_chess				View
		King's & Thing's				View
		Live and Online Meet				View
		LOVERS OF CHESS				View
		Manchester United				View
		Manila Boy Team Philippines				View
		Masters In Progress				View
		pawnpushers				View
		PHILIPPINES' FINEST				View
		Pinoy Chess Philippines				View
		Pinoy Chess Philippines				View
		Rock 'n' Roll				View
		South Carolina, USA				View
		Supreme Pawns				View
		Team Tennessee				View
		Team Algeria				View
		Team Argentina				View		View
		Team Philippines				View
		Team Syria				View
		Team Admin Star Sovietics				View
		Team Albania (not official)				View
		Team Bosnia-Herzegovina				View		View
		Team Dorset				View
		Team Europe				View
		Team Italia				View
		Team Kazakhstan				View
		Team Lebanon				View
		Team Philippines				View
		Team Romania				View
		Team Russia				View
		The best moves				View
		The Future Of Chess				View
		The Good, The Bad, and the Mighty				View
		TURK CHESS PLAYERS				View
		Unorthodox Openings				View
		We Chat Global				View
		West Ham United Fans				View

“Help your pieces so they can help you” ~ Paul Morphy