Noob vs Noob UNPLUGGED #2 | Scandi, Smith-Morra, and Scotch Steinitz! | Casual chess + jazz ♟️🎵😌

#unplugged #jazz #scandinavian #smithmorra #scotch 

Sometimes, I just like unwind by not thinking too hard, play a couple of quick casual unrated games, while listen to some slow jazz! 😌♟️🎵

I normally have Tuesdays off and this morning, I played three casual unrated games while having my morning coffee. ☕😊 You never quite know what you're going to when not logged in - sometimes it'll be a beginner, sometimes, it'll be an experienced player trying out some openings!

Today, I had a couple of easy wins against the Scandinavian, and then the Sicilian using the Smith-Morra Gambit. The last game I used the Steinitz Variation against the Scotch Game, which often allows me to win a pawn out of the opening. And then, it's a battle in the middle- and endgames! I'm not so great with rook and pawn endgames, or pawn and king endgames, and it was an exciting battle that I managed to pull through!

Oh, and some exciting news!

My copy of "May the Best Player Win" by Kyla Zhao arrived in the post yesterday afternoon from the US! Check out my book review from last week to see whether you might consider buying a copy.

I've been in correspondence with the author, and next week, we're going to record an interview / "in conversation" video about her book, chess, and life. Do you have a question that you'd like Kyla to answer? If so, put it in the comments and I'll pass it on to her for the interview!

Game 1: https://www.chess.com/analysis/library/xV3FewiKY
Game 2: https://www.chess.com/analysis/library/2kMwchZwxA
Game 3: https://www.chess.com/analysis/library/24NL1EPyRg