The Centre - a lot more than not a lot!

I've been keeping to the schedule pretty well - in fact, even with review of material already learnt I think I am ahead of myself ... until I got to the 100+ centre games. I will now defo get behind for a bit, i think. Even with quickly going through the games they take 15-30 mins to go through each. I am not adverse to hard work, but this will be a month of slog, I fancy.

Still, I think it a good way to learn about the centre, going through master games should improve understanding (even if done more quickly than a more standard hour+) and it is also further cementing co-ordinate knowledge and I would imagine visualisation to some extent. Double still, it will still be a real test of commitment, but I am sure I will be equal to the task.

Wish me luck!

You are taking way too long to go through the games. The instructions are to quickly go over the games to familiarize yourself with the main characteristics.

Pay close attention to the moment when the center becomes defined and you will be fine. You will see the structures over and over again as you progress, so just get the main ideas. After you finish the section you will quickly recognize the various center formations and be able to associate general plans for each.

After I finished to course I moved the section to my Kindle Fire for a more leisurely review with an app called "Analyze This" while relaxing in a recliner or sitting on the porch. When starting out the most important thing is to maintain your schedule and complete each section to the best of your ability (perfection is overrated).

I am going over the games quickly, PC!

I am not putting major thought into it ala normal master games and am following the instructions of what to do in going through them quickly and noting motifs and also comparing to own repertoire etc.

However, I have been playing through the whole of the games rather than stopping after the centre is formed and the plans for each side after that have been displayed - though I didn't see the instruction to do this in the course (though mighta missed it). It sort of feels right to continue on in this way, though perhaps going deep to endgame can be avoided?

The other thing that is taking time is that I am doing it OTB so the set up and movement of the pieces (and often having to go back if I put a piece on a wrong square and don;t realise it) jacks the time up.

Like I said, I don;t mind the work - but defo gonna take some time.

Yep, definitely takes some effort doing things the old fashion way.

I didn't take any conclusions away about the endgame. I suspect the endgames are very different for each of the center formations; for example rooks coming off the board early in open and semi-open games. I'd be interested to hear any observations you make as you do your studies...

Will do when I come across them, PC - in the meantime, I have created another thread which should keep you sonically entertained in a chess way (or at least make you reach for the earplugs).