Tin Can phones
I recently got a funny programming project request that deals with connecting 2 computers for data transfer over a secure network connection. The program has to be written in PHP. It is strange because by today’s standard there are ready made hardware and software solutions for that particular task. In essence it’s like connecting two rooms with a telephone line. Easily done and you can even pay a contractor for that. However, the client requires a custom solution which means building the connecting programs from ground up. The result is analogous to using 2 tin can phones to communicate between two rooms. Primitive but workable.
I’ve taken up the job as the pay is equivalent to a month’s salary for me (with advance payment on acceptance). For 2-3 days work, that’s good pay. Also, easy ad-hoc programming projects like these are rare. I am also very lucky the project has been passed around to others for around 6 months but no one could complete it. I am confident of finishing it as the solution is technical but simple. Something like checkmating with Knight and Bishop.
I have to sacrifice though. I’ll have to give a miss to the Cheras Challengers (FIDE rated) tourney starting tomorrow. Was looking forward to that. 
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If is “like checkmating with Knight and Bishop” then it’s not so simple and must be careful for every detail…
Checkmate with Bishop and Knight is difficult if you have not seen it done before. Figuring it out yourself is of course difficult or seemingly impossible.
On the other hand if someone has already shown you, then you already know the technique and you can force the mate like a robot.
Same thing in this project. I can solve it almost without thinking because I’ve already memorised the technique from past work.
But you are right, just like N+B checkmate which must be done within the 50 move rule, I must be careful not to be overconfident. I have to be fast yet avoiding mistakes to complete this work within 3 days.
No chess, no nothing until the work is done
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