I'm up for a game too. ICC 1900 in 15 minute and 5 minute, 1980 FIDE. Finger inafewminutes on ICC for current ratings.

So which two volunteers will be the next to take the plunge? I'm wanting to watch another one of these games

I'll play a malko960. Was just over 2000 when I played my last tourney 10-15 yrs ago, probably worse now lol.

I'm up for this one still:

1. Nf3 d5
2. b4

2. ... resigns

gg. now who wants to play a real opening?

I'm still open, but I'm not nearly as good as any of you. I'd be happy to be a second game while two more experienced players played as well, as I would be an easy victory, but it would be like "Chess Master vs Chess Amateur" and may be interesting. If no one is interested then I'm cool with that too, but I also want to see a game started.

I'd be willing to give it a try. I'm about 2150 fide.

So we have like 5 people expressing interest, and though only 2 are needed there's no game yet. The only way this works is for someone to take control and just do it. Don't worry about being narcissistic or whatever, just state that you will be playing the next game, and when someone else does the same (or you guys send out PMs) just make the thread and go. This thread is getting boring.

I like MarkD's idea of two games. What about these?

lkasigh vs Uitje

MarkD vs XaQMorphy

Yeah, I'll play his opening too. I don't understand it, but I am guessing the point is to go out of book immediately and since I don't know much book I'm fine with that.

If he agrees then I'll start it.

Edit: I'd probably prefer to play a regular opening actually.

So maybe you guys could just play s game of chess and decide the opening that way like normal. Make white/ black random and go from there. Good luck!

I brought up that opening because Tex and I had a game started on chess.com. I haven't played a game since May but figured I would have fun with that one. No biggie, looks like 2 others are interested in getting a match going.

Are you guys all Canadians?

I'm in. Create the thread and tell me what colour I am and I'll play.

Woah, watch the insults!

I am interested in a game.

Took most of the summer off from chess but am looking to get back in the swing of things. This seems like a fun way to get a good game in that I can learn from.

I am rated 1872 USCF. I don't mind any format. Books, databases, nothing, etc.

ttt for anyone interested in a Malkovich game. They're always fun to watch.

ttt = ?

ttt is message board lingo for "to the top", basically meaning to revive an older thread to the top of the forum.

oh... so like "bump" but one character less and infinitely more confusing... gotcha

I think that, to prevent king size delays like in lkasigh vs Uitje that cause spectators' interest to drop, some kind of time control should be introduced.

Turn-based control like 3 days per move would allow games to be still too long; however, not everyone can play every day. So I think time per match plus per-move increments, like 40 days per game + 12 hours per move, would work better.

The increment can't be smaller because making a move just after the opponent is known to go to sleep could cause their timeout Likewise, the time per game can't be much bigger because it would then last over 4 months. Or maybe even an increment-heavier control like 20 days per game + 1 day per move can work better.

Well, it's Thanksgiving (and Christmas in a month) time; I'm a bit too bored...

The reason why I didn't apply is that I feel that there are many players much stronger than me, many weaker ones, but few similarly rated (1600-1800)

Plus I've always liked watching others play more than playing myself

The player pool is so small that perhaps it's worthwhile to set up deterministic colours (the stronger player gets Black) or even draw odds (the weaker player gets Black but can win by drawing).

As far as my strength, I don't know precisely where I'm standing:
My chess.com ratings:
Blitz 1367
Std 1612
Online (corr) 1916
Tactics 1605

Chesstempo:
Tactics (blitz) 1500 (RD 43)
Endgame (theory) 1560 (RD 96)

If you're asking to play, I've done more than my fair share of these but don't mind stepping up if no one else will. My chess.com ratings are close to yours, too:
Blitz 1580
Std 1700 (based on 8 games)
Online 2027

I can play, and I don't mind you as the opponent (with random colours) as I hope to learn something in the process. I guess the subforum as a whole should also voice their opinions and suggestions, as it's for their entertainment too.

I don't think either of us will be slowing the game down, and I'm totally OK with the good old forum format.
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That said, I have an idea: for the purpose of 'increased interactivity' and letting the audience know our immediate thought processes when making moves, the game can be held on FICS(/ICC) with a longer time control than classical (e.g. G/300 + 300 sec increment, so that players have time to type live comments in) in several short (1-2-hour) live sessions with adjournment (+ sealed moves told to observers, but not the opponent, at the end of each session).

The 'whisper' command allows players to post comments in the observer chat away from opponent's eyes and also allows observers to chat away from both players' eyes. I guess, observers can also copy the chat log and paste it onto the forum, so that those who were offline don't miss the course of events. For convenience, the text chat can be held on Skype instead of FICS.

I'm not sure if this setup is worth the effort, though.

Yeah, I'm not sure we could really coordinate ourselves and enough people to make this worthwhile.

So if we are to do this the regular old forum way, there are a few rules to iron out. Are we playing with the rules for CC on chess.com (can't ask others or a computer for help, but can consult databases and books, and can work out variations on another board), or like an OTB game with long time controls (can't use anything but your mind)?