| How to Make a Chess Board Posted: 23 Nov 2020 12:00 AM PST Packed with strategy and excitement, chess is a super fun and challenging battle of wits between you and your opponent. But you don't have to be a grandmaster chess player (or even a master carpenter) to make your own awesome chessboard that you can play with. All you need are a few tools and some quality wood or 2 sheets of black and white paper. With some careful measurements and patience, you'll be checkmating other players on your handmade board in no time. [Edit]Wooden Chessboard - Use dark and light-colored boards about thick. Choose 2 different colors of wood to create the alternating pattern of a chessboard. Go with 1 darker and 1 lighter board, each measuring the same thickness.[1]
- For example, you could use maple and mahogany boards, or pine and cedar.
- Visit your local hardware or home improvement store to find quality wooden boards you can use for your chessboard.
- Measure and cut 4 strips with a circular saw. Take a ruler or tape measure and a pencil to mark your cut lines so the strips are measured evenly. Use a circular saw to carefully cut the strips out of the boards.[2]
- Be super cautious using the circular saw to cut your strips. Follow your guidelines and don't rush it.
- The width of the boards isn't really important because you'll cut them down to size shortly.
- Mark cut lines and rip the strips down to wide sticks. Use your ruler or tape measure and pencil to mark your cut lines on the strips. Cut them down to even sticks using your circular saw so you end up with 8 total strips—4 dark and 4 light colored ones.[3]
- The smaller sticks can be trickier to cut with a circular saw, so use extra caution so you don't risk injuring yourself.
- Pro tip: you can ask one of the staff members at a hardware store if they're able to cut your boards into to wide sticks to save you the trouble!
- Arrange the strips in an alternating pattern and apply wood glue. Lay the strips down on a flat surface like a desk or work table. Arrange them in alternating dark and light colors and line them up evenly. Take your wood glue and add a line along the outer edge of each of the strips. Spread the glue around the edge to create an even layer. Then, press the strips together to form an even square.[4]
- If there's any excess glue that oozes out between the strips, wipe it up with a cloth before it has a chance to dry.
- Clamp the edges of the board with bar clamps and let the glue dry. Take your bar clamps and attach them to the outer edges of the board. Tighten them until the wooden strips are firmly fastened together, but not so tight that it causes the wood to buckle or warp. Check the packaging of the glue for specific drying times and allow it to fully dry and harden.[5]
- Some wood glue may recommend that you leave it clamped for a full 24 hours to allow it to dry completely.[6]
- Cut out strips with an alternating pattern from the board. Once the glue is dry, take your ruler or tape measure and pencil and make guidelines across the alternating pattern. Use your circular saw to make the cuts perpendicular to the original strips so you have even strips with alternating light and dark squares.[7]
- Arrange the strips to form a checkerboard pattern and apply wood glue. Lay the strips of alternating colored squares on a flat surface like a desk or work table. Line them up evenly to create the classic checkerboard pattern. Spread a line of wood glue to the outer edges of the strips and spread it around to form a thin, even layer. Press the strips together and make sure they're still lined up evenly.[8]
- You're almost there! Doesn't it look good?
- Wipe up any excess glue with a cloth before it has a chance to dry.
- Clamp the board together and let the glue dry. Take your bar clamps and attach them to the outer edges of the board just like you did with the strips before you cut them. Allow the glue to fully dry according to the recommended time on the packaging.[9]
- It's super important that the glue fully dries and hardens so it's strong enough to keep your board connected.
- If you want to add a border to the edge of your chessboard, measure the length of the sides of your board and cut 4 strips from wood. Spread an even, thin layer of wood glue to the edge of the strips and clamp them into place until the glue dries.[10]
- Sand the board with increasingly fine-grit sandpaper until it's smooth. Once the glue is fully dry, take sandpaper or an electric sander and start sanding the surface with 80-grit sandpaper. Work your way up to a fine 120-grit sandpaper and go over the surface of your board evenly to polish it smooth.[11]
- You can sand the board by hand with sandpaper, but an electric sander is much quicker and easier.
- Apply wood finish over the board and let it dry to complete the board. Choose a wood finish that you like and wipe a thin layer over the surface of your board to seal the wood and add to the final look of it. Allow the wood finish to fully dry according to the directions on the packaging and your board is all finished![12]
- Look for wood finish at your local hardware store or home improvement store.
[Edit]Paper Chessboard - Use a square sheet of black paper and a square sheet of white paper. Choose 2 sheets of paper, one white and one black, to create the classic checkerboard pattern. Use square paper so to make measurements easier and more exact.[13]
- If you don't have square paper, trim the paper so it measures .
- You can also use construction paper if you want a sturdier board.
- Measure and draw lines spaced out 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) apart. Use a ruler and a pencil to draw straight lines across the paper. Make sure the lines are evenly spaced apart from each other so you can use them for your board. Draw the lines on both sheets of paper as well. A regulation chessboard has squares that are between 2 to 2.5 inches (5 and 6.5 centimeters), so measure your lines so they match an official board.[14]
- Cut out the strips of paper with a pair of scissors. Take a pair of scissors and cut along the lines that you marked. Cut out all of the strips from both sheets of paper.[15]
- Make sure the strips are neat and even!
- Arrange the black strips in a row on a flat surface. Place your strips of black paper on a flat surface like a desk or table. Line them up so they're even and facing the same direction.[16]
- Slide the white strips horizontally between them to form a pattern. Take 1 strip of white paper and weave it between the bottom edges of the strips of black paper to form an alternating black and white pattern. Continue weaving the remaining strips of white paper between the black strips until you've formed a square with the classic checkerboard pattern.[17]
- Make sure all of the edges of the board are even.
- Cover both sides of the board with clear tape. Pull off a strip of clear tape and lay it over the surface of the paper chessboard. Cover the entire surface with strips of clear tape, then flip the paper board over and cover the other side.[18]
- When you're finished you'll have a laminated paper chessboard you can use immediately!
[Edit]Warnings - Circular saws can cause serious injury if they aren't used properly. Use them with caution or ask someone with experience to assist you.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Wooden Chessboard - Dark and light-colored boards about thick
- Ruler or tape measure
- Pencil
- Circular saw
- Wood glue
- Bar clamps
- Sandpaper (optional: electric sander)
- Wood finish
[Edit]Paper Chessboard - 1 sheet of white paper and 1 sheet of black paper
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Clear tape
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Steam Vegetables in an Instant Pot Posted: 22 Nov 2020 04:00 PM PST Say goodbye to mushy, overcooked vegetables! If you have an Instant Pot, use the steamer basket to perfectly cook almost any type of vegetable. Steam a batch of your favorite veggie or mix a flavorful assortment in the basket. Since most vegetables finish steaming by the time the Instant Pot pressurizes, you'll have delicious, perfectly cooked vegetables in no time. [Edit]Ingredients - of water
- of vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, green beans, or a mix
- Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Makes 4 servings - Pour of water into an Instant Pot and put a steamer basket into it. If you don't have a steamer basket, set the metal trivet that came with your Instant Pot into the appliance. You could also use a metal colander or strainer.[1]
- In a pinch, you can put the vegetables into the water, but they'll become a lot softer as they cook.
- Cut of fresh vegetables to create evenly steamed pieces. Get out the vegetables you'd like to use and cut them into florets or rounds. For example, if you're using broccoli or cauliflower, chop them into florets. To use carrots or eggplant, slice them into rounds. You could also steam:[2]
- Green beans
- Bell pepper cut into strips
- Halved Brussels sprouts
- Zucchini slices
- Asparagus
- Leave potatoes, sweet potatoes, and beets whole to steam them. You don't need to peel root vegetables like beets, sweet potatoes, or carrots before you put them into the appliance. Just prick the outsides of the potatoes or sweet potatoes with a fork before you put them into the steamer basket.[3]
- If you'd like to steam whole ears of corn, peel off the husk and silky strands.
- If your recipe calls for potato chunks or diced potatoes or sweet potatoes, feel free to cut them.
- Don't defrost vegetables if you're using frozen produce. Since the vegetables steam as your Instant Pot pressurizes, there's no need to defrost frozen veggies. Simply pour the quantity you want to steam right into the steamer basket.[4]
- Keep in mind that frozen vegetables will be a little softer than if you steamed fresh vegetables.
- Put the vegetables in the basket and close the Instant Pot lid. Arrange all of your fresh or frozen vegetables into the basket and check that they're not touching the water. If they are, pour out some of the water or raise up the steamer basket. Then, close the lid and turn clockwise until it locks.[5]
- Remember to plug in your Instant Pot so it's ready to go!
- Turn the steam release valve to "Sealing" and select "Manual/Pressure Cook." Look at the valve on top of the lid and switch it to "Sealing" so it closes. If the valve is open, the appliance won't heat properly. Then, program your Instant Pot to "Manual/Pressure Cook" on "High."[6]
- The high heat and pressure that builds up in the appliance steams your vegetable medley in almost no time.
- Set the timer for 0 minutes for most veggies. Press the "-" button to set the cook time. Even though you're setting the appliance to 0, your Instant Pot builds up steam and pressure, which perfectly steams your vegetables.[7]
- It should take 5 to 10 minutes for your Instant Pot to come to pressure, which is why you don't need to program extra time for your vegetables to cook.
- Add to the cook time if you're steaming starchy vegetables like potatoes. Since these vegetables take longer to cook than tender vegetables, add time to the "Manual/Pressure Cook" setting on "High." In general, add:[8]
- 3 minutes for corn on the cob
- 4 minutes for chopped parsnips or winter squash
- 4 to 7 minutes for diced potatoes or sweet potatoes
- 15 minutes for whole beets or 8 minutes for quartered beets
- 15 to 18 minutes for whole potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Turn the valve to "Quick Release" when the machine beeps. Once the Instant Pot pressurizes and beeps, wear oven mitts to switch the valve to "Quick Release." Always use caution and keep away from the hot steam that releases.[9]
- You can press the "Cancel" button to stop the cooking cycle once the floating valve drops.
- Remove the lid and lift out the steamer basket. To take the lid off, turn the handle counterclockwise to pull the lid off and away from you. Then, put on oven mitts to pull the steamer basket out. Now, you can enjoy your steamed vegetables or season them with your favorite spices or seasoned oil.[10]
- Try to work quickly so your steamed vegetables don't cool too much.
- Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
- If you'd like to keep the vegetables separate as they steam, put small, individual steamer baskets into the Instant Pot. You can usually fit about 3 small baskets into the appliance.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Instant Pot pressure cooker
- Steamer basket
- Spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven mitts
- Serving dishes
[Edit]References |
| How to Play Pickle Posted: 22 Nov 2020 08:00 AM PST Pickle is a fun recess game where 2 players try to tag runners as they sprint between bases. Pickle can also refer to Pickleball, which is a game played by 2 teams on a court with a net, similar to tennis. To play either game, you'll need the right equipment and some friends to play with! [Edit]Playing Recess Pickle - Set up two bases apart. In an open area with plenty of space, set up bases for each thrower. You can use actual baseball bases if you have them, or you can lay down any object that won't float away and is easily visible, like a traffic cone or small bin.[1]
- Select 2 players to be the designated throwers at each base. 2 players will serve as the designated throwers, and will stay at their specific base permanently until they switch with a runner. They can throw the ball back and forth to one another, but they aren't allowed to leave their assigned base unless they have to pick the ball up off of the ground in the event of an inaccurate throw.[2]
- You can use a soft dodgeball, tennis ball, or football to play pickle.
- Start the game with 2 throws back and forth while the runners wait. The rest of the players are runners, and start the game by standing in between the 2 throwers. The throwing players initiate the start of the game by taking 2 practice throws back and forth.[3]
- Pickle is a good game if you have a large group. You can easily fit up to 15 players between the bases.
- Play by running between the bases while the thrower tries to catch you. After the third throw, runners can sprint in either direction to reach one of the bases. The throwers lob the ball back and forth to one another while trying to tag runners before they reach a base. To tag a player, all you have to do is touch them with the ball while you're still holding it. A player is only safe if they are standing on or behind a base.[4]
- Runners count how many times they can run back and forth between bases. The runner with the most runs back and forth is the winner after everyone has been tagged out.
- Switch with the thrower after you've been tagged 3 times. If you're a runner and you've been tagged 3 times, switch places with the last thrower to tag you. That thrower then becomes a runner, and you become the thrower until you've tagged a different runner 3 times.[5]
[Edit]Playing Pickleball - Get the right equipment and find 3 friends to play with. While you can play with only 2 players, pickleball is almost always played by 2 teams, with 2 players on each team. You'll also need a ball and paddles. A pickleball looks like a whiffle ball with slightly smaller holes. It is also a little harder. Pickle paddles look like ping pong paddles, except they're more rectangular and larger on each side. [6]
- You can purchase a pickleball ball and paddles online or in a sporting goods store.
- Find a pickleball court or make your own. There may be pickleball courts at a nearby beach or park. You can play there, or draw your own court with chalk and a collapsible net. A pickleball court is and divided in half by a net. Each side is divided into three zones, with the left and right serving boxes flush against the base line on each side.[7]
- The area in between the net and the serving boxes is called the kitchen.
- Serve underhand from behind the base line near your serving box. Every serve in pickleball must be made underhand. To serve, stand behind the base line of your serving box. Lob the ball in front of you with your nondominant hand, and firmly strike the bottom of the ball with your paddle. Your serve must bounce in the serving box on the opposite corner from where you're serving.[8]
- If a serve bounces in the kitchen, it is a fault and the next serving player serves.
- A fault is a mistake, and means that the serving team has failed to score by serving incorrectly, sending the ball out of bounds, or letting the pickleball ball bounce. The serve moves to the player on the left after every fault.
- Let the ball bounce once before returning a serve. You are not allowed to hit a ball in the air before letting it bounce during the first return. The pickleball ball must bounce at least once on each side before either team is allowed to hit the ball mid-air. If the returning team doesn't let the ball bounce once, the opposing team scores a point and continues to serve. [9]
- If the serving team doesn't let the ball bounce, it is a fault and play stops. Moving clockwise, the next player serves.
- Alternate servers after every fault. Each time a serving team fails to score, move the serve clockwise. So if a team fails to score when the player on the right is serving, the serve moves to the player on the left of the same team. If the serving team fails to score again, the serve moves to the left again and the player on the right serving box of the opposite side gets to serve.[10]
- A side out is a term in pickleball that means the serve is going to the opposing team after a team has failed to score twice.
- Move up to the kitchen after the ball has bounced on each side. After the ball has bounced once on each side of the court after the serve, each player can hit the ball mid-air. This means that each player should move up towards the kitchen so that they can return the ball quickly and prevent the pickleball ball from bouncing twice or bouncing out of bounds.[11]
- You are not allowed to hit the ball while standing in the kitchen, so stand on the edge of your serving box, closest to the net.
- Understand the rotation by tracking scores and faults. In pickleball, only the serving team can score and the serve only moves after a fault. This means that every round in pickleball results in a score or a fault. If a serving team scores, the same player continues to serve until a fault has occurred.[12]
- A game is usually over when a team has won 2 sets. A set is won by scoring 11 points.[13]
- Award points to the serving team for scoring. There are a few ways for the serving team to score in pickleball. A point is awarded if the ball bounces more than once on the opposing team's side of the court, the ball bounces once on the opposing team's side and isn't returned, or if the opposing team knocks the ball out of bounds without hitting the serving team's side. A point is also awarded if the opposing team hits the net.[14]
- If the serving team knocks the ball out of bounds, lets it bounce twice on their side, or hits the net, it is a fault and the serve rotates to the left.
- Announce the score and serving player number prior to each serve. Each player announces three numbers before serving. The first number you'll announce is your team's score, followed directly by the opposing team's score. The last number that you shout is the serving player's number, with player 1 on the right and player 2 on the left.[15]
- A sample score announcement might be "4-5-2." This means that the serving team has 4 points, the opposing team has 5 points, and the player on the left is serving.
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