Chess Personality Test
I decided to take the Chess Personality quiz (you can do it here at chessperonality.com). After all, I was interested in what I would be this time! I think the last time I took it, I was Alekhine (Mastermind). Before that, I was Carlsen (Prodigy), and before that I was Fischer (Assasin) and before that I was Karpov (Grinder).
Care to guess which one I was this time? I really thought about all the questions this time, and I think my result was correct. Here we go:
1:
Which side would you rather play in the following position (Black to move)?
I think that white should be better here, even if he is down material. White has many attacking ideas and I just don't see how black will defend against all of them (Nf5, Bxf6, Rxe7, Nc6). Thus, my answer will be:
A: White
QUESTION 2:
When you play in tournaments, do you usually score with consistent results or do you often perform on the extremes - either really well or really poorly?
I think I do consistently.
Which best describes how you think about this position in the Sveshnikov Sicilian?
I play this position as white, and not as black, so I guess my answer would be A.
A: Black has given up a critically important square (d5)
Which statement is closer to the truth:
I bring my best game when facing opponents I dislike.
OR:
I don't really notice my opponent
I will choose B.
Black has just played g5. Your first instinct is to...
I looked at my Rook on c3 and decided...
Take on g5.
Do you play gambits?
Some lines I play are gambits. I think this question is directed on how good you are with the Dynamic Element, so I will answer Yes.
How would you think about whether or not to take on g5 (as White):
Here I think that it is hard to calculate variations, so I would choose A, evaluating the position of the pieces (ROOK ON C3!)
Under serious time pressure you are more likely to:
Miss a tactic
OR
Move pieces aimlessly
I always play with some kind of plan, good or not. So I will go for A.
Which of these ideas do you prefer for White?
White should trade bishops and put a strong knight on d4 which will prevent any counterplay from black doubling rooks on the c-file by defending c2
OR
White should push d4, temporarily misplacing black's dark-squared bishop, and then start an attack on the kingside with f5 where the black king sits alone
If white pushes d4, I think that black gets enough on the queenside, so I will go with A.
You start the game out with 1.d4. Would you rather your opponent play 1...d5 or 1...f5?
f5.
You have been ahead a pawn for most of the game but after tough resistance from your opponent, you have only 5 minutes left in this position. Should you play on, or offer your opponent a draw?
Definetly keep pushing for the win.
Which statement comes closest to your feelings:
It's always a joy to be paired with someone you've crushed in the past
OR
The odds of winning are slightly higher against opponents you have previously beaten.
B
With plenty of time on your clock, what would you do in this position?
I will play Na4.
A
What do you think of the famous saying "Chess is 99% Tactics."
I disagree.
How do you feel about this wild gambit line for Black (White to move)?
NO!
After losing a game have you ever broken something or yelled out loud?
Uh...no.
White to play and castle...
0-0. Queenside is too risky after Rb8-b5.
Which is closer to the truth:
I get excited or nervous before a game
I don't worry about prizes, money, titles, or honors while playing, I just play my game
B.
How would you come up with a plan in this position as White?
I will come up with a plan based on the strenghts and weaknesses of my position.
Which is harder for you to do?
Identify my advantages and building a plan
Trade a good position for a strong attack
B.
RESULT:
SURGEON
Recommended Openings
Surgeons are tricky, practical players who use positional play to fight for a win in all positions. They don't usually gain big advantages early in the game, and sometimes even get worse positions; but the Surgeon is clever and knows how to fight. With great nerves and calculating ability, a Surgeon will uncover every hidden resource available to bring the game to a favorable conclusion.
Emanuel Lasker is a Surgeon
Emanuel Lasker (1868-1941), the second world champion, was one of the most successful Surgeons. The longest reigning world champion (27 years), Lasker's style was mysterious to his contemporaries. He was described as having a "psychological" style of play, which confused his opponents. But in fact he was simply ahead of them in his understanding of the dynamics of chess. Lasker understood how to create counterplay, how to change the theater of battle when one part of the board was weak, and how to transform advantages. His defensive and endgame technique were the key to his great results.
