Masterminds seek to master both their own emotions and to impose their reality on the chessboard. A Mastermind always seeks the right move, and believes that attacking is the right way. Typically choosing sharp openings, Masterminds win with fantastically deep calculations, producing combinations which are deeply hidden in correctly built-up positions. Masterminds thrive in complicated positions, where their accurate calculating ability and iron nerves give them the advantage.
Alexander Alekhine is a Mastermind
Alexander Alekhine (1892-1946), the fourth world champion, was a true Mastermind. One of the greatest attacking players ever, Alekhine could produce spectacular combinations from positions which seemed to promise no such thing. His calculation ability was phenomenal, and his combinations often included deadly and unexpected surprises at the end of a series of obvious moves: the famous “sting of the scorpion’s tail”. Most important was his ability to build up an attacking position and create complications without taking undue risks himself. Alekhine held the world championship from 1927 until 1935, when he lost a match to Max Euwe, and then from 1937 (after beating Euwe in the return match) until his death in 1946.
I was intrigued when I was sent this link on Twitter. I quite liked the questions, as there are a few chess problems to look at and to work through, not the normal options where you choose either a, b or c. According to the link, my play is similar to Alekhine’s play. Hmmmm… what do you think of the test? Take the test and let me know. Do you trust it? Some of my chess opponents had said to me that I’m an aggressive player, but not really sure if I am that kind of player. I know I like to attack, whenever I can, but only if I know I can benefit from it, depending on my position and I do like complicated positions. The scale on the above image was different. I navigated away from the link and when I returned, aggressive and calm was also on the end of the scale. My original setting was slightly to the right, more to ‘solid‘ and the same for ‘calm’. I wonder what my chess friend in South Korea is thinking, or Dan, my other chess friend? Eugene doesn’t want to play me, he is scared of me… hehe
Click HERE to take the Chess Personality ‘Test’.
Chessalee 