Improve your Chess via Active Learning

ACTIVE LEARNING is any strategy that involves students in doing things and thinking about the things they are doing (*)

Igor's Chess Doubles (ICD) #3 - Why Alex Yermolinsky didn't like his position?

I got a number of favorable response after posting my first set. No one who contacted me got even 20 (out of 22). Here is the next set. I will not post the answers or solution until after a week or so, to give readers a chance. You are welcome to send your solutions and explanations. Please don't use computer help. Use variations only as necessary. See my answers to ICD #1 as an example.

I hope you like these puzzles and my Chess Exam books.

Check these pairs of positions. For each pair –

1. Determine what is different between setups (A) and (B). White is always at the bottom (a1 = bottom left corner). 1 point for each pair.
2. You always have BLACK pieces, no matter Who is to move – determine if you (Black) would rather have position (A) or (B), or indifferent. Make sure you have a good reason! You get 2-10 points, depending on complexity. Adjust your score, if your reasoning wasn't 100%.

Maximum score for set #3 is 25. How will you do? Invite your friends to compete! Enjoy!

#1- my friend GM Alex Yermolinsky didn't like his position (Black) in the recent Pittsburgh Open. Can you tell me if his position was 1A or 1B?

	[3 points] #1 Easy {A       B} Black to Move
	[5] #2 Moderate {A       B} White to Move
	[5] #3 Moderate {A       B} Black to Move
	[9] #4 Hard {A       B} Black to Move

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(*Bonwell, C., & Eison, J. (1991). Active learning: Creating excitement in the classroom (ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Report No. 1). Washington, DC: George Washington University, p. 2)