Chess on cpmachado

Fac Vivere

cpmachado@protonmail.com (Carlos Pinto Machado) — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 17:58:01 +0000

I ought to revisit old half dead projects, and it was so this weekend. Today, a storm hits the coast of my dear country. The weather could be worse, but it’s not a day to be outside. It is not pouring dogs and cats, but the wind is strong and merciless.

My darlings sleep and rest, while I leave the comfort of home for the cafe. It’s half empty and the sun shades float, until one has just flown. There’s some rustle and cries of the desperate workers trying to close them. They worry as it might break inside the glass windows.

Another return to chess?

cpmachado@protonmail.com (Carlos Pinto Machado) — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 10:57:44 +0100

TL&DR: After last year’s troubled tournament, I’ve not touched a chess set properly. Some days ago decided to return to it.

Last Sunday, I went for a stroll trying to figure out the mess that we call life, when the urge for the bitter caffeinated drug forced a stop. Passing through the old corner, I was informed that there was a chess enthusiast in the crowd.

Due to pressing issues, I didn’t chat too much with this curious fellow, but it made me think about chess. Chess appeared as a true and proper hobby, a refuge from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Amidst the eight by eight board, anyone is transported to a different world, of certainty, beauty and rigor.

Mirandela Open 2022 - Round 5

cpmachado@protonmail.com (Carlos Pinto Machado) — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 14:31:14 +0100

TL&DR: Managed to recover throughout the day, and played the following. Had a completely lost game, but my opponent blundered and I managed to win. It was an unsavory victory, as my opponent accused me of cheating. It put things in perspective.

Results #

Mirandela Open 2022 - General Results

Number of rounds: 9

+ 2 - 4 = 3

Points: 3.5 / 9

Balance: -2

Rating Change: 12.4

Mirandela Open 2022 - Round 3 and 4

cpmachado@protonmail.com (Carlos Pinto Machado) — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 15:13:13 +0100

TL&DR: I got sick, and had to request a bye for round 3, and was unable to play round 4. I had to remove myself from the tournament.

Results #

Mirandela Open 2022 - General Results

Number of rounds: 9

+ 2 - 4 = 3

Points: 3.5 / 9

Balance: -2

Rating Change: 12.4

Aftermath or The End? #

As I wrote in the post, “A night in pain”, shortly after round 2, I was stricken by illness. I can’t compete, and it really saddens me. I’ve requested a bye for round 3, but I had faith that I could play round 4.

Mirandela Open 2022 - Round 2

cpmachado@protonmail.com (Carlos Pinto Machado) — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 16:13:04 +0100

TL&DR: The second round of the Mirandela Open 2022 went horribly. Beyond reason, and in pure emotion, failure was short of disaster. Drama for everyone, given and sold.

There would have been a time for such a word.

Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,

Creeps in this petty pace from day to day

To the last syllable of recorded time,

And all our yesterdays have lighted fools

The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Mirandela Open 2022 - Round 1

cpmachado@protonmail.com (Carlos Pinto Machado) — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 10:53:16 +0100

TL&DR: My return has been ridden with issues, decided to go to Mirandela Open 2022, and lost the first game for the same reasons as always. Talking about the experience

Experience is merely the name men gave to their mistakes.

– Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

Results #

Mirandela Open 2022 - General Results

Number of rounds: 9

+ 2 - 4 = 3

Points: 3.5 / 9

A return to chess

cpmachado@protonmail.com (Carlos Pinto Machado) — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 11:29:08 +0000

TL&DR: A plan to return to play chess properly, after a year and a half of “sacking” pieces. #

In writing, you must kill your darlings.

– William Faulkner

Background #

Been away from chess, since the disease spread like wildfire through this world of ours.

My last chess tournament was over the weekend, when all got shutdown back in March 2020.

Over time, I’ve been in a sea of troubles, and unable to play a single game over the board. The online game is different, and has a different feel to it, as many can attest. Nevertheless, my dedication faltered over this time. I’m steadily getting worse.