u/JohnWickDaLegend

So I was wondering how one is intended to work with it? I've bought the book but it seems like one has to calculate from the initial position of the match we are given and only one or two moves in, he presents another diagram after like two moves or so.

Are we supposed to calculate for two to three moves, stop and go to the next diagram? Or does he want us to fully calculate everything?

I am asking since otherwise he would not have given us multiple diagrams for the entire variation, with multiple tasks inbetween.

Hey guys, I really want to get into Python and I am willing to put some proper time into it.

Therefore I am looking for a book which teaches proper fundamentals as well as more advanced stuff. Ideally something which is less of a 'code this thing fast af' and more of a thorough and structured approach.

Appreciate all recommendations!

I've already posted a question regarding another calculation/tactics books, but since I feel confident enough to do it, I would like to grind through Aagard's book (big stress on grind, I know it's not made for 'the average player')

For reference my lichess tactics rating is at 2633 (although I know you cannot just convert that number to pure playing strength)

Any experiences with the book? Any specific way you guys worked with it?

I am looking for a calculation/tactics focused book with proper difficulty and Aagard's book looks like a potential choice for me. Otherwise Ramesh's book could be an interesting choice too.

Has anyone bought this book and worked with it? I really, really enjoy calculation and combinations, therefore my thought process was to buy this book, in order to improve my overall calculation ability. (This includes finding candidate moves too)

I know this might be a rather unorthodox question, but please induldge me here:
Anything physical is out of the question and that an extremely successful academic career is still possible at an older age BUT,

I do have one hobby/game at my current age with which one could become a professional player in, nevertheless I have my reservations for some other reasons. (for this particular hobby)

Does anyone know of late 'starters'/'bloomers' in a particular hobby/game who went on to become extremely successful? It can be anything really.

Once again, I do understand the slim chances and the implications.

But to me, self - improvement is to finally let go of regrets. This the way I have chosen for myself.

So my question is three - fold:

1. Why aren't the dragon sicilian and the king's indian played a the top level anymore?

I understand that both are ideal openings when looking for something 'sharp' or 'aggressive'. Also I understand that the Yugoslav attack might be very hard for black to play against (dragon), same for the Sämish variation (KID).

Nevertheless I would like to know as to why these openings have fallen out of favour.

2. Other than these two, which openings, while being objectively sound (not gambits please), provide a sharp game? Both for white and black in this case.

I had taken a look at the Kalashnikov sicilian before, yet I have now taken a look at the Shveshnikov as well. (Against 1.e4)

Najdorf might be a little iffy given the huge theoretical implications, although the Shveshnikov could be an issue, in regards to that, as well.

Against 1.d4 I'd like to play either the Grunfeld or the KID, the latter is still up for debate.

Also any ideas for white? I'm definitely willing to play 1.e4, so perhaps some ideas in regards to that as well please.

3. Between the three sicilians: Najdorf, Shveshnikov, Kalashnikov

Which of these three is the most aggressive/dynamic?

Could you describe the character of each position in these openings and their plans? How can black initiate 'dynamic' play? (Under the assumption that white allows such a thing to happen vs a closed sicilian e.g.)

First up, sorry Particular, you are a legend, but I gotta be objective here, no agenda posting. Also his stats/strength etc. is only compared to other BASE LEVEL Hashira, not their EOS counterparts.

TL;DR : Tengen is second strongest in base, 7th or 8th strongest EOS.

Now to get to the actual stats, stated/supported by the author (while admitting that her scaling was NOT meant to be taken too seriously, but since that's all we have) :

- Fastest in pure movement speed

- Second strongest physically (if we use the arm wrestling contest as our feat)

- His overall physique/resilience was explicitly praised by Muichiro in the manga

- Implied to have the second or third fastest 'technique/combat speed', based on the fact that he uses 'regular swords', whereas Mitsuri uses a literal whip. Mitsuri got the statement 'Her technique is even quicker than Tengen's.' implying that Tengen was already very fast, yet she uses a literal whip which is faster by the underlying physics of the weapon, not because of her speed itself. Shinobu is faster though in that regard.

- Second oldest and second most experienced Hashira, whereas experience was clearly stated to be a factor in one's demon slaying capabilities

- Stated to have incredible senses due to his Shinobi upbringing, got incredible hearing/echolocation, as well as a clear poison resistance

- Musical Score technique, basically a different/probably weaker version (not stated though) of STW, which allows him to perfectly counter his opponent due to him being able to read his techniques like a musical score

- In the data books, his swordsmanship was praised as impressive, only two other people (cannot remember who the other two were)

- Uses two large nunchaku swords which are laced with explosive powder, demon damaging explosives and wisteria laced kunai

- Was able to go toe to toe with an upper moon while having no mark, no HTA, no STW as well as no red nichirin blades, poisoned to the point of not being able to go for the neck + missing a hand + having the 'weakest' state of the Kamaboko squad in their hunt for the UPMs (compared to their later stats/feats); Basically pure base stats + techniques only against an UPM (who has/had the potential of being a higher rank/stronger)

- Carried the fight between UPM 6 and him + Kamaboko squad, while heavily poisoned, consistently saving/protecting Tanjiro and almost ended the fight in an instant at the beginning.

- Overpowered Gyutaro in a few exchanges, more than just being his equal, albeit a smaller point to adress

Now I would like to adress some counters by some of the community:

- 'Tengen got cut due to him being weak, other Hashira would NOT have been cut as easily'

In the aforementioned data books, Tengen (by extention the author) stated himself that he was underestimating Gyutaro and therefore got cut in their exchange. Any other Hashira would have died rather quickly after said cut.

- 'Tengen got cut even after said first exchange.'

Yes and no, the actual cuts from the anime were anime original, so the only injuries he had sustained where the initial cut + losing his hand and eye in exchanges where he was HEAVILY nerfed by poison.

- 'It was only UPM 6, not that strong.'

Realistically, no one else would have survived this matchup, albeit Gyomei has a very good chance too. Keep in mind, as stated in the manga, Gyutaro and Daki actually got a BOOST from Gyutaro transferring his eye to her, so Tengen and the squad were fighting a stronger version of these demons. Also, Gyutaro does/did have the potential if not actual power to be stronger/have a higher rank, he simply remained where he was as to keep his sister around (To be fair, this is not quite clear and definitely up to interpretation).

- 'He himself said that he is weak/compares himself in a negative light.'

A non issue, he suffers from trauma and self - esteem issues due to having killed his siblings in a brutally set up deathmatch. (Would have been nice to see in the anime ngl, for backstory purposes)

- 'Tengen is a bum.'

Nah he'd mog.

(As a side note, Tengen could be switched out for most other Hashira in their respective fights, barring Gyomei, since he brings the stats and feats with him, whereas most Hashira would not be able to just be switched in into his fight with Gyutaro. This is of course based on the assumption that Tengen gets all the boosts à la HTA, DSM, Red nichirin and potentially STW in the UPM 1 - 3 fights)

My personal perspective on his scaling, up for debate if anyone wants to.