Perfect timing, Nate. In less than an hour I'm playing my first OTB tournament in, oh, something like 35 years (and I didn't play very many back then) and it's good to be reminded I'm probably not going to lose the game in the opening. I did notice one phrase in your post that reminds me you have a new baby: "Or they’re busy, you know, working or *hanging out with their family.*"
It's true that there are a lot of Stafford Gambits online, but you find the same thing if you look at the Berlin, the QGD, or whatever. Outside of classical games between GMs there are just not a lot of draws!
Thanks bro! I'm a beginner, so the opening advice really helped.
Thanks Nate: just discovered your vlog a few days ago and am really enjoying the content!
Always a good read. Thanks
Perfect timing, Nate. In less than an hour I'm playing my first OTB tournament in, oh, something like 35 years (and I didn't play very many back then) and it's good to be reminded I'm probably not going to lose the game in the opening. I did notice one phrase in your post that reminds me you have a new baby: "Or they’re busy, you know, working or *hanging out with their family.*"
Good luck!!
It's true that there are a lot of Stafford Gambits online, but you find the same thing if you look at the Berlin, the QGD, or whatever. Outside of classical games between GMs there are just not a lot of draws!