Chess

Strategic depth, pattern recognition, and the art of long-term thinking

Why Chess?

Chess has been a constant companion in my life, offering a unique blend of strategic thinking, pattern recognition, and mental discipline. What draws me to the game isn't just the competition—it's the way chess mirrors the challenges I face in software engineering and problem-solving.

Every game is a lesson in planning ahead, adapting to unexpected situations, and learning from mistakes. The same principles that make a strong chess player—patience, calculation, and strategic vision—are directly applicable to building reliable software systems.

What I'm Learning

Pattern Recognition

Recognizing tactical patterns, opening structures, and endgame techniques. The more positions I study, the faster I can identify key patterns in new situations.

Calculation & Planning

Calculating variations, evaluating positions, and building long-term plans. These skills translate directly to thinking through complex software architectures and debugging strategies.

Study & Analysis

Analyzing master games, studying openings, and reviewing my own games. The process of learning from others and reflecting on my play is similar to code reviews and learning from experienced engineers.

Positional Understanding

Understanding piece coordination, pawn structures, and long-term imbalances. This strategic thinking helps me see the bigger picture in both chess and software design.

Chess & Software Engineering

The parallels between chess and software engineering run deep. Both require:

  • Long-term planning: Just as a chess player must think several moves ahead, software engineers need to design systems that will scale and evolve over time.
  • Pattern recognition: Recognizing common patterns in chess positions is similar to identifying design patterns, code smells, and architectural patterns in software.
  • Learning from mistakes: Every lost game is an opportunity to improve, just as every bug or system failure teaches us something about our code.
  • Balance of tactics and strategy: Chess requires both tactical sharpness and strategic understanding—software engineering needs both quick problem-solving and thoughtful system design.
  • Continuous improvement: There's always more to learn in chess, whether it's new openings, endgame techniques, or positional concepts. The same is true in software—the field is constantly evolving.

My Approach

Regular Play

Playing regularly to maintain tactical sharpness and apply what I'm learning in real games.

Game Analysis

Reviewing my games to identify mistakes, missed opportunities, and areas for improvement.

Study & Practice

Studying master games, solving puzzles, and working through endgame studies to deepen my understanding.

Recent Games

Chess.com 2026.02.03
White
aiyoras
Result
0-1
Black
mtmccarthy14
15+10
Chess.com 2026.02.02
White
mtmccarthy14
Result
1-0
Black
misiek5108
15+10
Chess.com 2026.02.02
White
davidx233
Result
0-1
Black
mtmccarthy14
15+10
Chess.com 2026.01.29
White
MelvS59
Result
1-0
Black
mtmccarthy14
15+10
Chess.com 2026.01.22
White
spitfire-2020
Result
1-0
Black
mtmccarthy14
15+10
Lichess 2025.12.09
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White
iora2
Result
1-0
Black
midnightconquer
5+0
Lichess 2025.12.08
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White
BeelockA
Result
1-0
Black
midnightconquer
5+0
Lichess 2025.12.08
View Game →
White
midnightconquer
Result
1/2-1/2
Black
Iraniangirl76
5+0
Lichess 2025.12.08
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White
midnightconquer
Result
1-0
Black
RobRigatoni1
5+0
Lichess 2025.12.08
View Game →
White
koreaepta
Result
1-0
Black
midnightconquer
5+0

Interested in Chess?

Whether you're a beginner or experienced player, chess offers endless opportunities for growth and learning.

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