Magus Carlson Beats Bill Gates in Nine Moves

This past Thursday, Bill Gates lost a televised chess game to Magus Carlson, the reigning world chess grandmaster in nine moves. 

Bill Gates plays the white pieces.

1.e4 ♘c6 
2.♘f3 d5 
Black plays the Nimzowitsch Defense.  This is an interesting choice. 

3.♗d3 ♘f6    
The efficient book move is 3. e5. Creating an odd pressure in the spacing of the King side. 
Some people preferred to play 3. ♗b5 .

In most opening game scenarios, positioning  the White's king bishop to obstruct the movement of the White queen pawn is not a good idea.  This obstruction is the beginning point for more bad moves.  In real life, the bishop rarely protects the pawn. 

4.exd5 ♕xd5 

5.♘c3 ♕h5 
White should have played ♘ e4 
Developing the positioning of the pieces by chasing the queen is also a good idea.

6.O-O ♗g4 
One should never maneuver their king (castling) into a possible storm.

7.h3♘e5 
Black applies more pressure to the White's king side.

8.hxg4 ♘fxg4 
White takes the bait
Black returns the favor and targets extreme pressure on H2 while displaying a simple misdirectional bait.

9.♘xe5 ♕h2
One bad move in the opening (White's third move) usually guarantee the beginning of total chaos.  The road to this category of loss is paved with good intentions and amateurish analysis. Regardless of the game, some people are so focused on the front effect that they cannot see the "subtle duality" of that move.  

Compass Rules

• Read the entire board before make a decision.
• Understand the positives and negative of any moves before concluding the next move. 

Side Notes
Regardless of this micro loss, Bill is still a big winner in life.  

If Magus and a bridge partner were playing a game of Bridge against Gates and Buffet, While it would be an interesting match, my money might be on Gates and Buffet.  

In a pseudo-predictable setting like chess, one must focus on the time factor, the space factor, the mobility factor, the force factor and the pawn structure factor (formation) .  ... When playing white, one must stay one move ahead while maintaining spatial control of the center with direct occupation of pawns and indirect control by minor pieces to force black to play reactive defense. 

As mentioned before, castling into a storm (move #6) is not a good strategy. 

Retrospectively, the amateurs are obsessed with their gadget openings while the professionals are focused on playing their games.   The budding chess players consciously decides which route to take/ 

While being fans of the late Robert James Fischer, some of us preferred to play Go (weiqi) or "Texas Hold 'Em" poker. 

Go is to chess as theoretical physics is to arithmetic.  Some people believes that life could be described as a game of Go or a game of showdown poker or a game of chess. We believed that the configuration of the situation determines the game metaphor.   ... Whether the implementer has the awareness to understand it, is a different story. Interestingly, we have seen people using the chess metaphor in a "Go game" type of setting. Strategically, their perspective will only hurt them on a long run.  Without any under-standing of the unknown that could lie in front of them, they will be grounded and pounded by the indirect forces.

Their incorrect use of a metaphor reminds us of novices bringing a penknife to a gunfight.  In most occurrences, their projected outcome will not be real.


The Bottom Line 
To thrive in any settings, the chief decision maker must know how to read the entire situation before deciding on anything relevant. 

How Things Work in the Information Economy (2)

Regardless of the flaw behind the current browser technology, the successful strategists evolve by maintaining a large toolbox.   They always stay ahead of the curve by connecting the ideas, the principals and the events in terms of the relativity while working on their contingency options.  Relying on one type of technology tool is not in their playbook. 

In summary,  the successful strategists always implemented the following strategic moves:

• Assessed the Big Tangible Picture; 
• Positioned themselves with good planning and preparation; and   
• Influence their settings by promptly deciding on the right option.   

Assess.  ... Position. ... Influence.  ... API.  ... It is that simple.   The OODA process does not always work in the field especially when the even parity between the two competitors becomes tangible.

Whenever the API process is consistently in a positive motion, the successful strategists will evolve forward.  ... 

Compass Rule 
Evolve. Don't dissolve.

The Return of a Pragmatic Solution

Click here for a possible approach to countering the "insane shooting" dilemma.  ... It is not a guaranteed winner.  But this pragmatic solution offers the individual a defensive chance to survive.

There is no perfect tool or law that will protect the individual.  While situations do matter, the individual must be able to adjust to their given situation.

Scripts, Lists and Other Miscellaneous Matters

Beside being the proponents of scripting , we like to look at our strategic processes. 


The Matrix
To gain a grand overview of a strategic situation, we preferred to use this 2x2 matrix.. ...  

During our off-hours, we started to play with it.  

After consuming two cups of Pu-Erh tea, we were able to delineate the technicalities behind Mr. Hurd's (the current President of Oracle and the former CEO of HP) unique grand strategic viewing process  and discovered the process on how everything connects. The key is to find the MCD and the relevant Compass Rules that are in play.

This model can be used to see the specifics behind the Big Tangible Picture (BTP).  It has  the potential to be a very good brainstorming tool.  Of course, we also added a Compass scripting module to this model.   

Source: ithinktowin.blogspot.com

Mark Hurd's Matrix  is more technically superior to the basic SWOT diagram. Its focus is on the connection of the many dots of relevant information while the latter is centered on the projected results of each of the four categories.  

This lattice of intelligence enables the strategist to understand the "hows" and the "whys."  With the SWOT diagram, one only focuses on the projected "whats" (as in outcomes).

Fwiw, we have transformed the Hurd's matrix into a more pragmatic brainstorming tool where we are focused on the objectives, the tactics, the competition, etc.

Side note:  The strategists who know the hows and the whys, will always prevail over the strategists who know the whats.

Other Notes 
Click here and here for some good advice on managing lists.  

Reminder:  It is important to know the differences between a script and a list. 

Another Tool for the Mobile Strategist
One of our favorite tools for organizing notes, lists and scripts is Evernote.   It is a great tool for those who are active participants in the mobile economy.  We highly recommended to everyone to use Evernote as  their prime information organizing tool. 

The Compass Rules For Competitive Play

Following is an abridged listing of our compass rules for competitive strategic play:

• Never play a game if one does not know the rules (and the various situations).  
• Never play a game that favors the competition
• Never play a game when one cannot afford the outcome of the risk consequence.  ...     

The Question of the Day

• What are the exceptions to these rules?

Hint: The answer is not directly in your copy of the Art of War. To find the answer, read the Seven Strategy Classics (aka. The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China) and the Dao De Jing.  The clues are in there.  

Whenever one is able to find the dots, he/she can reap the rewards.

Summary
You should always know your terrain before you decide to play.

The Compass Rule of API

The time that it takes to assess and position is inversely proportional to the time that it takes to influence. ... Do you know why?

Be Aware

It is time to re-protect your LinkedIn account and your other web accounts. Be aware  of the risk consequences.  Utilizing the Password Safe program is one of the many possible  counter moves.


Compass Rules: 

• When strategizing, one must think about the levels of contingencies
• The successful strategists always have a deep toolbox. 

Compass Trend (19): Thriving in the Efficient Economy

The Compass rule of the efficient economy is to have a macro roster of multi-facet players (esp in the supporting role). Sport organizations (i.e., the San Francisco Niners, the New England Patriots, etc.) have utilized them for the purpose of getting maximum cash efficiency. It is all about getting the most bang for the buck.

Whenever, a starting player is injured, another capable player (with less financial value) steps in and meets the performance standard. Idealistically, there should be no drop of efficiency.

The Real World

Finding quality people in the bargain basement of cheap labor is what Walmart and many corporations do quite well. ... To succeed in the retail marketplace, they have to be able to find the "right" lower-tier talent in order to to fulfill their field operation without ever making any full commitment.  Their labor pool are usually quite expendable and cheap.   


This is the "Dao of the Efficient Economy."  Regardless of the various innovations that one might think about, one must be extremely efficient for the purpose of saving time and resources.


Compass Rule
Thriving begins by knowing the order (of priorities) for each situation and beyond.

Preparation Precedes Performance (3)

If the infrastructure of our information society gets a glitch or if a worst case scenario occurs, what tools (not toys) reside in your "everyday carry" bag? Does each and every item serves a minimum of two purposes?

The answer is not in your copy of the Art of War or your playbook of algorithms.

Compass Rules

• Assess, Position and Influence
• Always focus on necessities not accessories.
• Proper Prior Planning (and Preparation) Prevents Poor Performance. (The 7 P's)

Sun Bin: The Art of Warfare (Military Methods) (4)

Another Story:

" ...Once upon a time, there was a small sparrow who was flying south for the winter. He became frozen solid during the flight and fell to the ground. To make matters worse, the cow crapped on him. But the manure was all warm and it defrosted him. He felt warm and was quite happy to be alive. Soon, the bird started to sing. A hungry cat strolled along, cleared off the manure, looked at the little bird and ate him.

The moral of the story is that everyone who craps on you is not necessarily your enemy, and everyone who gets you out of the crap, is not necessarily your friend. If you're warm and happy wherever you are, you should maintain a sense of quietude. "

Compass Thought
Sun Bin should have been mindfully aware of the full configuration of their situation before making a relevant strategic decision . . . Knowing the full scope of one's current situation, does matter . . .  Knowing the process model and implementing it properly is what counts.


Thoughts from the Compass Desk

Self Pity

"I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A bird will fall frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.  ..."  - D.H. Lawrence


During the book burning session, Sun Bin also realized that the impact of the deception that was implemented by Pang Juan. Focusing in self survival while showing the guise of zero-threat was his goal.He had to mindfully eradicate any trace of self pity before proceeding forward. 

Self pity was gone. Whatever pain that was felt, reminded Sun Bin that it kept him awake, angry and focused.  

In summary, the pain reminded him that he was still alive and self preservation was significant to his grand objective.


# updated on 3.12.13

Competing in the Info Economy: Understanding the Deception Game

Whether one is located in Silicon Valley or in London or anywhere else, a game of deception could be subtly implemented onto their terrain. It is quite important that he/she is always mindfully aware of what is indirectly happening around their settings.

Food for Thought

During your daily assessment of the Big Tangible Picture , are you able to identify a deception that could be operating within the confines of your settings?

Summary

If one is properly assessing their settings, then the odds of "getting spinned" are lowered.

To thrive in uncertain settings, it is important for that person to focus on completing their own priority objective while being mindfully aware of their own settings (and beyond). ... The key to strategic assessment is to pay strict attention to the right specifics while working on connecting the dots.

For the AoW audience, what chapter can you find that point?

Gaining the Informational Advantage by Knowing the Big Tangible Picture (2)

New England Patriots 45 Denver Broncos 10

When one competitor easily scores five touchdowns in the first half of the game, the serious and insightful spectator could have presumed that they have already identified the absolute weaknesses of their opposition and decided on capitalized on those opportunities.

Look at the stats and see if you have the same conclusion.

When certain strategic and tactical factors between the competition evens out, quality intelligence becomes relevant to those who want the advantage.

Compass Rule: The quantity of quality information is proportional to the quantity of strategic advantage (strategic power) that one might have.

note: There is an exception to this rule.

Additional note:

Most football fanatics knew that the Patriots were going to win. The question was: are the Patriots able to play dominance football against the Broncos? ... I presumed that the "inside knowledge" positioned the staff's preparation into a state of readiness and the team into a state of dominance.

2012 Predictions and Prognostications

wikimedia.org

In the information economy, zero sum gain is the ideal outcome for those who are interested in capitalizing the given opportunities. ... Regardless of the pseudo-positive news, most of the low to middle tier jobs are not returning to the U.S. For the time being, the opportunities are fewer in number and the pay is certainly much more modest than before.

The Ala Carte Model

Those who are on top of their "information media" mountain, do not always have to innovate. They just have to find new ways to generate new streams of revenue with their content. Building different subscriptions models and producing new content could only go so far.

The Rise of IPTV Technology

We think that the latest iptv technology will overcome cable tv in the future. The latest updates on IPTV can be found at iptvdigest.

The Continuous Rise of Automation

Any jobs that are returning to United States are being automated.

Other Predictions

• Click here for IBM's view of the future.
• Here is another view relating the possible changes for 2012.
• The name of this game is to maintain the approach of cost and operational efficiency. We expected certain U.S. cities to continually slash their budgets. It is only a matter of time that police work will be outsourced to private companies.
• Do not be surprised if on-line gaming sites becomes legalized in the U.S. and more gambling casinos are opened at various cities and towns.

Thoughts from the Compass Desk

Those who innovate, usually have a challenging time of surviving. If the innovation becomes relevant, their chances of thriving increases. Those who can't innovate, will imitate while waiting for a new opportunity.

If the imitators are able to maintain their peak performance, then they will have a fighting chance to survive.

Thriving in the information economy is about transferring innovative ideas to something that people can connect to. Are you doing it?

The Reality of Playing the Strategy Game (4)

{ We offer a thank you to Mr. TrhSkr of Tx. for the suggestion of this article. }

In the pro sport business, each previous game is studied repeatedly. Each side idealistically knows the tendencies of the other. How does one surprises their competition during the game?

The Concept

1. Understand the tendencies of of both sides.

2. Add one to two new wrinkles to the gameplan.

The design of the surprise plays is to be conceptually opposite of the implementer's tendencies while connecting toward the anticipated tendencies of the competitors.

Beside deceiving and manipulating the competitor's mindset, this tactical mean could also invigorates the implementer's team.

Implementation During the Confrontation

Influencing the competition toward one's psychological direction by targeting on their tendencies. Soon, they will believe that they really know their counterpart's decision management process. The occurrence of an anticipated situation allows the chief decision maker(s) to implement the deception.

The success usually energizes the implementer's team while demoralizing the competition. Idealistically, the outcome must be a momentum changer. They rarely lead to an immediate win.

You can find more information on this topic by reading the following Chinese strategy classics (i.e., Dr. Sawyer's Seven Military Classics of Ancient China, 100 Unorthodox Strategies, Sun Bin's Military Methods, Dr. Ames's translation of Sun Bin, etc.)

Reality Check

Do you know if your competitors are gaining market share by deceiving the customer base?

If so, how are you countering it?

Solution

Always assess the Big Tangible Picture before deciding on anything relevant.

Stay focused to one's grand objective by avoiding the feeling of fear and panic. Remember to ensure that the attributes of one's grand objective connects to the Big Tangible Picture.

Then, ask yourself the following question- who is ahead of the curve and the competition? If you want to know what are the rest of the questions, send us a note. Or ask your "loco" Sunzi reader/expert if he or she knows those questions.

Through the comprehension of the Big Tangible Picture, one feels no fear, no uncertainty, and no doubt.
#

Finding the Path of Least Resistance

source: xkcd.com

Before coming to that conclusion, can you see the Big Tangible Picture of this situation? ...

Compass Rule

The level of complexity is sometimes proportional to the level of reward.

One former mentor used to remind us that one's choice of a strategic solution is usually based on their belief in getting things done and their strategic experience. It is also greatly determines one's view of life and their level of efficiency.

Connecting the Dots and Reaping the Rewards

To understand the state of the information economy, the first step is to know how everything connects.

Technology Evolves First

It has been said that necessity is the mother of all inventions. Assumption is the father of screwups. Whether there are useless wants or significant needs, devoted (and economically-driven), the users adjusted to the new changes. Most features are rarely used.

Compass Rule: When the impact of the current technology meets the sociological and economical wants of the clients, the social-political value of the technology increases.

Click here and here for two good examples that verified the above Compass rule.

Afterthought

To stay ahead of the curve, one should not get locked into the convenience of the technology. ... Be aware of the various vendors who needs your loyalty by quietly pushing their lock-in strategy onto you.

Technology is the Opium of the Masses

Heavens know that each one of us loved our technology. Remember that it is just a tool, not the end of all means. Tools come and go. Some evolve. Most become obsolete.

Using the Chinese strategic principles as a foundation remains the constant for some people. Transforming it to something pertinent is the goal of most serious strategists. The amateurs talk about it like if it is magic. The professionals who know, don't say.

The State of the Information Economy

In the information economy, the implementation of deception is paramount.

Regardless of the times, many businesses indirectly has a myriad of Chinese strategic principles as their strategic foundation. Implementing it covertly is the key to some level of success. Most of the masses are so overwhelmed with their situation that they cannot see the various subtle influences around them. In summary, the deception would be somehow revealed. These implementers would then disappeared and wait for the next opportunity.

It all begins by knowing the Big Tangible Picture (BTP). The first step is knowing how everything connects in one's world.

So what are the rewards for knowing the BTP, he/she can anticipate "the next big change" in their competitive arena. At that moment, Then the chief decision makers are able to comprehend whether the act of profit maximization and/or cost minimization is possible.

Playing Moneyball in the Info Economy

There are three types of competitors in the information economy. There is one group who preferred to find the hidden value in their settings and beyond. The second group would rather create value. ... Members of the last group usually possessed the strategic position to wait for the finders and the creators of the value to visit their terrain.

Each group has its positives and its negatives. Today's, we will briefly focus on the topic of finding value.

Abstract
In life, most companies do not have the capability to buy the best talent. Some of them would quietly presumed that they will never be contending for the "Number One" position in their niche. They are usually focused on low risk, low rewards ventures. Basically, survival is the name of their game

Read the Big Tangible Picture (BTP) of Your Terrain and Beyond

Regardless of their business terrain, some principals utilized a risk-cost benefit type of analysis to find a low risk, low cost, medium to high reward talent. While there are others who believed in going to the ground level and "feeling" out the talent . ... There are a few who utilized both approaches "objectively". ... Interestingly, there are "number game" specialists who believed that they can replace their "non quantitative" counterparts with "new and improved" technology. ... Realistically, one can rarely replace the world class strategic experience of "talent hunting" with "new and improved" technology that constantly evolve..

Finding Talented Value at Unidentified Places

Not every brilliant thinker-doers attend the upper tier schools, they could go to the various small schools. Seeking these untapped talent means going to different places and talking to the relevant and experienced professionals. Asking them who is doing academically well and having the "out of the box" type of thinking to innovate. It is also significant to ask for that certain talent who is seeking the opportunity, whether he/she has the inkling to advance to the next level.

Ruminations from the Compass Desk
Ultra class sport strategists (like the late Bill Walsh, Bill Belichick, etc.) have always evaluated the new talent while being mindful of their cyclical value. They have always emphasized on the practice of replacing their run-downed talent one season sooner than one season later.

Regardless of the means for securing value, one must be aware that there is a timeline for everything.Compass Rule: Always be mindful of the seasonal cycle of anything relevant.

Some More Thoughts on Oakland A's Moneyball

If the prowess of the A's Moneyball process were concealed from the public for a few more years, could the A's have repeatedly reached their goal of playoffs? ... At this moment, no one knows. Our experience tells us that it would have given the A's a better possibility for getting better deals. Once the book was published, many teams refused to trade with the A's.

Those who possessed the competitive advantage, usually do not say anything to anyone.

The Compass View

(wikimedia)

Click here for an interesting story on taking various macro risks in the information economy.

Regardless of the settings, one needs to be conservative, totally focused and not expand beyond their means. ... Good times and bad times can never last forever. Things always come in cycles.

- The Nameless Compass Strategist

The Practice of Scripting

It is football season again. In our case, we belong to to that unique group of serious fans who enjoyed the x's and o's of this great game. We also preferred to know what are the best practices that are being used to enhance a team's strategic performance.

One specific practice that we have adapted from the Bill Walsh's West Coast Offense system is the 25 Play (Starter) script.

Following are some of the objectives behind the 25 Play Starter script:

1. To test the tendencies and the possible weak points of the defense with various formations, shifts and motions;
2. To identify the defensive reaction to certain plays;
3. To recognize the decision process of the defensive play caller; and
4. To use the outcome of certain scripted plays to stage the opposition at a later part of the game.
5. To determine whether it is possible to impose one's will's onto the opposition's psyche.

The starter script is one of the most well-used tools in the game of football.

Some preferred to use a 15 or 20 play starter script to pursue the immediate weaknesses of their targeted opposition. This step requires the following: profound intelligence collecting process and implementation; deep strategic assessment skills, a good plan, a deep understanding of strategic fundamentals.

In summary, the script is more about choosing what plan to follow and less about developing a plan on the spot.

You can read more about it by clicking on this link, this link and this link .

From our experience, a script of tactical moves is a good tool to use in an unpredictable setting, . Why? Ask us.

Here is a list of questions that you should always think about:

1. Have you always assessed your competition before the situation begins?
2. How do you usually assess your competition?
3. Do you know how to integrate your intelligence gathering to your script?
4. Do you ever create a starter script of tactical plays against your competition?
5. Do you know the rules for building a starter script?
6. Do you know how to use the outcome of certain scripted plays to stage the opposition at a later stage of the situation?
7. Do you know when to change the order of the script?
8. Do you know when to exit from your script and when to reuse the script again?
9. Do you know how to use the script as a psychological tool?

Compass Rules:

• A specific process does not make a strategist. It is the strategist who makes the process effectively effective.
• Good strategic assessment is the 1st step to creating a predictable setting.

Q: Do you know the key to developing a very good script?

Final Notes

Based on our experience, our customized script process is a very good planning tool. The emphasis of this script is focused on being prepared for various contingency situations.

It can also be used for scenario modeling.

In most cases, we usually re-configured the format for various strategic projects. For the Chinese strategic fanatics, we have an experimental version that is based on Sunzi's (Sun Tzu) principles of efficient competition. If you are interested in learning about this tool, send us a message by clicking on this link.

Thanks!

The Dao of Strategic Assessment #6: Assessing the Situation

Compass Rule:
Read the Big Tangible Picture (BTP) before deciding anything strategically.

Once the Big Tangible Picture (BTP) is understood, do you know what to do with the information? Can you connect your grand objective to the state of your grand settings? Do you have the determination to make the right decision?

The Next Step

There are certain situations where the underdog realistically viewed the Big Tangible Picture (BTP) and finally perceived that there are no automatic wins. He or she realized that each and every major strategic decision usually possess a dichotomy. There will be tradeoffs and compromises.

At some point of time, the underdog would also apprehend that the height of the climb for success is proportionally to the intensity of the competition.

Click here on an interesting story on Tiger Woods .

Q: If you were Tiger Woods, would you have made the decision of stressing the body intensively for the opportunity of competing and prevailing at the highest level of your sport?