How often is a novice chess player honored by having his analysis of an ongoing game published? As often as he likes ... if he has a weblog....

The following are the opening moves of a game I've just started with an old college buddy who lives a long way away. We're playing over email, allowing "infinite" time to play each move, and we're allowed to consult computer chess programs to avoid blunders and generate some ideas. The game is not meant to be a masterpiece of strategy and tactics. The regular email moves are a conduit for us to pass along news and happenings to each other. It is a way for us to keep in touch.

Still, for anyone who might be interested, I submit the following analysis. By the way, should you come up with a great idea, that's what the "comments" section is for. You should do the same for Bill. Oh yeah, that's right. Bill doesn't have a weblog. Too bad....

Alekhine's Defence. Not an opening I'm very comfortable with. Let's see how it develops.

According to my research, this is known as the Hunt Variation. From what I can tell, the move I selected at this point abandoned the "opening book". It was a natural move for me, trying to shore up the over-advanced pawns that I foresee will cause me some headaches soon. They are sitting out front with big bullseyes painted on them. I suppose the move my computer suggested, Bf4 would have done the same thing.

Both of us have cleared the way for castling. I am not really happy with my position at this point. I seem to have temporarily solidified the advanced pawns with my pieces, but pieces trapped behind over-advanced pawns can not really be considered developed. As for my plans, I'm looking at some of the threats I may be able to muster against Black's kingside. The bishops guarding the pawns do have a slippery little outlet to that flank.