The Chess Pub is definitely designed for the high-end user.  But there are many players here who contribute brilliantly without being above 1900 strength.  

Ostap and I played a theoretically interesting French game last summer that had titled players and non-titled players making very insightful comments.  I think we're both only experts.

Remember, most of these analysts use computer programs to augment their tactical acumen.  So, even if you are only 1900 by yourself, you can get into deep discussions with the help of your German friend!

And remember, there's also other places here in the pub that cater to everyone, regardless of playing strength!

Hello All:

It does make sense of course that some people have such strong opening knowledge on an openings forum. Just glad I am not alone in feeling overwhelmed sometimes.

It is a wonderful forum and as well as humbling me it also inspires me to learn more about openings. Just wish I got to practice them more! In large Open tournaments do people find that class players play more standard openings than they might do in a club tournament (usually a 1 game/week affair)? Been a while since I have been able to play in one of the big Opens.

Take care,

Gerry

Gerry1970 wrote on 04/02/08 at 17:37:17:


I expect you're talking about the "Play the Semi-Slav" thread, concerning the new book that's out.  If you found that daunting, you should visit the Dragon section of the board.  Most of their posts start 12 moves deep, and they all just seem to know what they're talking about. 

Quite a few people who post here are IMs, including fluffy and Edward Dearing. There is also your assortment of strong and not-so-strong amateurs, correspondence chess weirdos, and bone-chomping theory hounds.  This being a website devoted to chess theory, you'll find that the discussions sometimes get pretty technical.

You'll find that you can learn a lot here, though.  The forum is great for learning what lines knowledgeable people are worried about in any given system.