Zwischenzug (Intermezzo): The Surprise Weapon in Your Chess Arsenal

"When you see a good move, look for a better one." - Emanuel Lasker

 
Zwischenzug Chess Resources

Have you ever been outmaneuvered in chess, feeling like your opponent pulled a rabbit out of a hat?

That surprise move might have been a Zwischenzug (pronounced "tvee-SHEN-tsoog"), also known as intermezzo, a powerful chess tactic that throws a curveball into your opponent's plans.

  Instead of making the expected move, like capturing a piece, a Zwischenzug inserts an unexpected move that creates a new threat or disrupts your strategy. Mastering this tactic will transform you from a predictable player to a cunning strategist, allowing you to exploit unexpected opportunities and gain a significant advantage.

Zwischenzug Wikipedia page
 With explanations and examples

German "in-between move". An unexpected move tossed into an expected series of moves.

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BOOKS (FREE)

ZWISCHENZUG – GERMAN; INTERMEZZO; ITALIAN IN-BETWEEN MOVE - 2 Page PDF Handout - Couple Examples w/ 6 Puzzles

Chess Tactics and Combinations - 84 Page PDF - Exeter Chess Club - Short Violent Games of Chess Organized by Theme. (Page 34 Intermezzo)

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Zwischenzug Chess Articles 

Gain a comprehensive understanding of Zwischenzug with informative articles that explain the concept, showcase examples, and offer strategic insights.

• Chess Tactics Simplified: The Zwischenzug! - Nice Article with Examples at Bottom
  
  
• ZWISCHENZUG: THE TACTICAL PATTERN THAT CAN SAVE YOU - Article with examples
  
  
• Tactics 101: The Incredible Intermezzo (a.k.a. Zwischenzug) - Nice Article
  
  
• Zwischenzug: An Unexpected Tactic of Grandmasters - The Chess Journal Article
  
  
• Zwischenzug - Chess Kid Article w/ Embedded Video
  
  
• Zwischenzug – the intermediate move - Chessbase Article - Nice Explanation w/ 8 Annotated games with this tactic. (Nice)

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Annotated Game Databases

Analyze real-world applications of Zwischenzug by studying annotated games from renowned players, featuring both winning and defensive maneuvers.

 FM Asa Hoffman vs NM Jim West - From Jim West's Blog (Annotated by both players)

Chessgames.com

• Chess Games with a Zwischenzug - 43 games (Some nicely annotated games here)
• Chess Games with a Zwischenzug -  14 Games
• In-Between Move Tactic-- OTB Examples - 25 Games 

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Lichess Studys

Test your newfound knowledge and sharpen your tactical vision with interactive LiChess studies that present a variety of Zwischenzug scenarios.

• LiChess Zwischenzug Study - LiChess Basic Tactics Area 
  
  
• Zwischenzug - 9 Chapter Study w/ Instruction - Well Done
  
  
• Intermediate: Tactics Internalized - Zwischenzug - 5 Chapter Interactive Study
  
  
• In between/ Zwischenzug/ Intermezzo - 29 Chapter Study -  All Positions
  
  
• The Intermezzo Practice Set - 26 Chapter Interactive Study - Broken into Themes - Save, Sacrifice, Threaten and Trade

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move, perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge.

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Zwischenzug Puzzles

Put your skills to the test with challenging puzzles designed to hone your ability to identify and execute Zwischenzug opportunities.

ChessGo.in

• Intermezzo Puzzles - 72 Puzzles (Broken into 8 Pages - by Difficulty) Printable

LiChess Puzzles

• Intermezzo - 55,425 Puzzles
  
  

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Zwishenzug Video Lessons

Learn from the best! Renowned chess instructors take center stage in video lessons, offering clear explanations and practical guidance on mastering Zwischenzug.

• Zwischenzug – Winning with in-between moves - 20 Min - A very important tactical motif in the middlegame – the zwischenzug.
  
  
• The Volatility of In-Between Moves - 9 Min  IM John Bartholomew -  Game between IM Jha Sriram and GM Rajaram Laxman (from the excellent book "Mastering Chess Strategy" by GM Johan Hellsten)
  
  
• Chess Lesson # 44: Zwischenzug | Learn & Master In-between Moves | Intermezzo | Intermediate Moves - 14 Min NM Rober Ramirez - In this lesson, you will learn this tactic and then apply your knowledge by solving some exercises.
  
  
• Zwischenzug | Can you find the solutions to these five positions? - 15 min - GM Daniel King gives you five puzzle positions to solve. (New 6/20/2024)

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St. Louis Chess Club Videos

• Chess for Beginners with GM Ronen Har-Zvi (Intermediate Moves | Forcing Moves) - 32 Min - Discusses intermediate and forcing moves in chess, focusing on the concept of intermediate moves. He uses puzzles to illustrate how these moves can be used to gain material advantage.
  
  
• In-Between Moves and Zwischenzugs - WGM Jennifer Shahade -53 Min - Explores in-between moves in a lecture for intermediate level players.
  
  
• Zwischenzug | Puzzler's Paradise - IM Vitaly Neimer -  35 Min - International Master Vitaly Neimer presents puzzles with a theme of zwischenzug
  
  
• Intermezzo: Put Your Plans on Hold! | Beginner Breakdown -  61 Min - Talks about the Zwischenzug, also known as an "intermezzo" or "intermediate move," which describes a move that is played instead of and before the expected move and poses an immediate threat that the opponent must answer.

Game Video's w/ Analysis

Chess Tactics: Zwischenzug: Lichtenhein vs Morphy - 5 Min

Zwischenzug! || Nakamura vs Carlsen - 10 Min

Chess Tactics - Learning to Count

“Pins and forks and removal of the guard usually occur a few times a game. Counting takes place whenever possible exchanges exist – almost every move after the early opening.” - Heisman Novice Nook 

Videos

Why counting Material is important for Chess Beginners | Chess Fundamentals | - 8 Min IM Astaneh

Chess Vision and Calculation Training 1 | Alex Astaneh - 12 Min

Chess Vision and Calculation Training 2 | -8 min

IM Kostya Kavutskiy

Kostya's Blueprint: Calculation - 36 Min 

Kostya's Blueprint: Analytical Skill - 24 Min

Kostya's Blueprint: Wisdom - 32 Min

Kostya's Blueprint: Visualization - 28 Min

The SuperGM Skill Set - Chess Calculation with GM Sam Shankland - 27 Min

Counting in Chess - 17 Min

Chess Math? | Learning to Count! | ChessKid - 9 Min

The Counting Tactic - Back to Basics - 27 Min

How To Calculate In Chess - 32 Min IM Rozman (Gotham)

Chess Basics: Count Attackers & Defenders! - 26 Min

How to Master Chess CALCULATION 💯 Best Techniques - 28 Min

The Common, Important, and Not-So-Easy Tactic Counting - 29 Min NM Dan Heismith

Counting Material During Exchanges - 3 Methods - 29 Min NM Dan Heisman

Counting trick in pawn endgames [Starter chess lesson] - 7 Min

Precise Chess Calculation Secrets 🕵️ with GM Bryan Smith! [Master Method] - 32 Min

The Stonewall Attack - Opening Theory

Conquer the Center:
Master the Stonewall Attack !

Want to dominate the center of the board and launch crushing attacks? The Stonewall Attack, a dynamic opening for White after 1.d4, is your answer! This opening helps you build a rock-solid pawn structure, giving you a strong foundation to control the game. Here's what makes it so powerful:

• Quick Development: Get your pieces out fast and put pressure on your opponent.

• Central Control: Dominate the center, making it difficult for Black to find good squares.

• Space Advantage: Gain more space on the board, making it easier to maneuver your pieces.

• King Safety: The pawn structure provides excellent protection for your king.

• Simplified Structure: Focus on coordinating your pieces with a clear pawn plan.

• Pressure on Black: Constrict your opponent's options and force them to react to your threats.

• Kingside Power: Create opportunities for powerful pawn storms that put Black's king in danger.

Dive into the resources below and unlock the secrets of the Stonewall Attack!

Stonewall Attack Wikipedia Page

Bishops Bounty Stonewall Pawn Structure Page 

Bishop's Bounty Dutch Stonewall Page 

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 Stonewall Attack Chess Articles 

Delve into the theory, history, and key variations of the Stonewall Attack.

The Kenilworth Chess Club

• The Stonewall Attack - This lecture by National Master Yaacov Norowitz explores the Stonewall Attack, a powerful chess opening for White. He covers key concepts, variations, and illustrative games, making it a valuable resource for players looking to master this strategy. (Archived)
• Yaacov's ICC Games with the Stonewall - 36 games you can play through with a Viewer (Archived)
• Supplemental Stonewall Games. - 4 classic Stonewall Games (Archived)

The Battering Ram - Chess.com article by GM Vinay Bhat - on one of the main ways to combat the Stonewall Attack.

Stonewall Attack: A Sure and Steady Opening - Chessable Blog Opening Guide - general Overview of the Opening and plans w/ 8 Min Embedded Video.

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Stonewall Attack LiChess Studies 

Explore interactive training tools to solidify your understanding of the opening's concepts.

• Stonewall Attack  - 10 Chapter Interactive Study  (1395 hearts) Lean with a fully Interactive Study, Main Lines, main Defenses and Model games.
  
  
• Stonewall Strategies  - 12 Chapter Study (49 hearts) - Goes through Full games showing the Different Strategy's Play out and explanations.
  
  
• Stonewall Attack (Black) - 4 Chapter Study - Show 4 Different ways to play against the Stonewall.

LiStudy  (LiChess Move Trainer Site )

Stonewall Strategy's  - 11 Chapters to Learn and Practice

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move, perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge.

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GAME DATABASES

Analyze real-life games featuring the Stonewall Attack and see how it's played in practice.

365Chess.com

D00: Queen's pawn, stonewall attack 1. d4 d5 2. e3 Nf6 3. Bd3  - 2136 Games

ChessTempo.com

Queen Pawn Game, Stonewall Attack (D00) - 2271 Games

Chessgames.com

Stonewall attack - 8 games 
f-ck stonewall attack  - 5 games (all are 0-1 Black Victory)
Stonewall Opening - 434 games

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Stonewall Attack Video Lessons

Playlists

• How to play the Stonewall Attack - (Playlist of 13 Video Stonewall Series) Assorted Videos
  
• Aman's Stonewall Speedrun - Playlist of 19 Videos - GM Aman Hambelton (400-2200 Rating - Each game being a live lesson in how to play this opening.)

EASY & Powerful Chess Opening for Beginners 2024 -  12 Min - GM Igor Smirnov - Shares one of the easiest chess openings to learn for beginners. At the same time, it's a powerful chess opening for White after 1.d4.

Stonewall Attack - Beginner Breakdown - 36 Min - St.Louis Chess Club - Mike Kummer looks at scholastic player Grayson Marks's games. Grayson has been playing the Stonewall Attack with white.

Opening Basics #35: Stonewall attack - 36 Min - Jim's Chess Channel - Rarely seen at the top level, this aggressive opening is still played at the club level. It gives white a quick attack in exchange for some structural deficiencies, and leads to interesting play.

The Best Stonewall Lesson to Easily Understand - 14 Min - The main ideas behind the Stonewall Attack, for White.

Learn the Stonewall Defense & Attack | 10-Minute Chess Openings - 9 Min -Gotham

Chess Beginner to Master Series - Section 2 - Stonewall Attack Opening for White - 70 min - Chess w/ Coach mark - We will discuss the pawn structures, early development, attacking ideas, and how to handle black's response to this opening.

IChess Stonewall Attack Series

• Beginner Chess Openings - ⚔️ The Stonewall Attack - Greek Gift Sacrifice - 10 Min - FM Will Stewart explains the classic Stonewall Attack structure and plans.
• Beginner Chess Openings - ⚔️ The Stonewall Attack (Part 2) - Zukertort System - 10 Min - FM Will Stewart reviews a few Black set-ups that could cause problems for White.
• Stonewall Attack Beginner Chess Openings Series - Managing the Sidelines (Part 3) - 10 Min - a few side variations by black and the best common plans for white.
• Chess Openings for White - Stonewall Attack - Part 4 - How to Beat a Fianchetto Defense - 12 Min - Features none other than former World Chess Champion Mikhail Botvinnik employing the Stonewall Defense with the black pieces in Groningen 1946 against Herman Steiner.

Stonewall Legacy Series 

Introduction - 6 min Video
Baltic Defense - 10 min Video
The Baltic Trap 4...Nc6! -5 min Video
Horowitz Defense - 10 min Video
Teichmann Defense - 11 min Video
Mainline with 5....Bd6 -11 min Video
Mainline with 6....Qc7 - 7 min Video
Bg4 Lines - 10 min Video

Beating the Stonewall 

Study the key ideas, typical plans, and critical lines for punishing the Stonewall and seizing the initiative.

• How To Beat The Stonewall Attack! - 12 Min GM Max Illingworth - Discover GM Max's solution, which allows Black to gain a very nice advantage with straightforward, strong central play!
  
  
• My Top 3 Systems Against the Stonewall | Grandmaster Repertoire - 6 Min - GM Moulthun Ly - Three favorite systems to play against the Stonewall. Despite the name there are more than one way to poke holes in this opening. Aggressive, Positional and Breaking open the Center.
  
  
• Trickiest line against Stonewall Attack - 14 Min - GJ_Chess - A cool tricky line against Stonewall Attack opening, where black can trick white in the opening move order & get winning position very quickly.
  
  
• How to crush the stonewall setup - 8 Min - Jim Plunketts Chess Lab - Title says it all.

Stonewall Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Stonewall Chess Opening -  16 Video playlist  - kingscrusher
Stonewall Attack Speedrun (600 to 2300) -  9 Video playlist  - NM Robert Ramirez (Over 18 hrs of Video) (New - 6/11/2024)

Standard Chess #260: aaaaaaa101 vs. IM Bartholomew (Stonewall Attack) - 66 Min
The Stonewall Attack To Learn From | Harry Nelson Pillsbury vs Jean  - 5 Min  - Chess School
Crushing With The Stonewall Attack | Akiba Rubinstein vs Richard Reti - 5 Min - Chess School
Stonewall Brilliancy | Henry Edward Bird vs John Wisker  - 6 Min - Chess School
I Almost Lost To The Stonewall! | Speed Run Series | GM Moulthun Ly - 24 min - GM Moulthun ly

Shutting DOWN The Stonewall Attack | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky  - 28 min - analyzes a chess game where he explains his mistakes and better alternatives, focusing on the Stonewall Attack and the King's Indian defense.

PGN Game Downloads

Stonewall Attack - 60 games (From U of Pitt Chess Archive)

"The cautious seldom err." - Confucius

Kings Gambit (C30-C39) - Opening Theory

Master the King's Gambit: A Complete Guide for All Levels

Sharpen your attack and dominate the center with the King's Gambit! This legendary chess opening is perfect for players who crave aggressive possibilities and dynamic battles.

Here's what you'll find in this comprehensive guide:

• Master the Fundamentals: Gain a solid understanding of the King's Gambit's core concepts, including the pawn sacrifice and the fight for central control.

• Level Up Your Skills: Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious beginner, we offer resources tailored to your needs. Find free books, informative articles, video lessons, and interactive puzzles to elevate your King's Gambit game.

• Dominate the Center: Learn powerful strategies to control the center of the board, a crucial element for success with the King's Gambit.

• Leave Your Opponents Reeling: Explore the tactical possibilities unleashed by the King's Gambit and discover how to exploit weaknesses for a winning advantage.
  
  

Kings Gambit Wikipedia Page 
For a general overview of the opening and its variations along with its history. 
Fischer Defense Wikipedia Page
Page Devoted to the Fischer Defense to the Kings Gambit 

Bishop's Bounty Falkbeer Counter Gambit Page

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BOOKS (Free)

Here's a treasure trove of free books to equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to dominate the opening:

A BUST TO THE KING'S GAMBIT - Bobby Fishers 2 page PDF -  Get a glimpse into the legendary Bobby Fischer's perspective on the King's Gambit. This short but insightful PDF might offer surprising counter-arguments to White's gambit.

500 Kings Gambit Miniatures by Bill Wall - 100 Page PDF -  Learn from the greats! Explore a collection of 500 miniature games featuring the King's Gambit, allowing you to witness tactical brilliance and strategic maneuvers in action.

The Gambit by M. Yudovich - 251 Page PDF - Delve deeper with this comprehensive book on gambit play in chess. While not solely focused on the King's Gambit, it provides valuable insights into the underlying principles and strategic considerations relevant to the opening.

How To Play The Chess Openings by Eugene A. Znosko-Borovsky - 164 Page PDF - Gain a foundational understanding of chess openings in general, including the King's Gambit. This book offers a solid starting point for beginners unfamiliar with opening theory.

Modern Chess Openings 14 - 546 Page PDF - For the truly ambitious, this massive volume by a renowned chess publisher provides in-depth analysis of various chess openings, including extensive coverage of the King's Gambit and its variations.

 

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Kings Gambit Chess Articles

The King's Gambit offers a vast landscape of strategic possibilities and tactical intricacies. Here, we've curated a collection of informative articles to enhance your understanding and sharpen your King's Gambit skills:

Article about a line in Kieseritzky Gambit -  Dive into a specific line within the King's Gambit with Ignacio Martin's insightful article. This might be particularly helpful for players seeking to explore less common variations.

Kings Gambit - Simplify Chess provides a comprehensive guide that covers all the major points and variations of the King's Gambit. This is a great resource for players seeking a foundational understanding of the opening.

Variations of the Kings Gambit - This article from the Exeter Chess Club offers a clear breakdown of the King's Gambit's main variations. Explore responses like the Accepted Gambit, the Counter Gambit (Falkbeer), and the Just Develop approach. Gain a solid understanding of the strategic choices Black has after 1. e4 e5 2. f4.

King’s Gambit: How to Play the Most Aggressive Chess Opening -Delve into an extensive guide by ichess. This resource incorporates embedded videos for a more interactive learning experience, perfect for visual learners who prefer a multimedia approach.

Play the Exciting, Fighting King’s Gambit Now - Embrace the aggressive spirit of the King's Gambit with Chessable's in-depth blog guide. This comprehensive resource provides a deep dive into the opening, potentially appealing to players seeking a more advanced understanding.

 

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Kings Gambit LiChess Studies
Lichess offers a fantastic platform to hone your King's Gambit skills through interactive studies. Here's a treasure trove of resources to boost your tactical awareness and strategic understanding:

• King's Gambit - 10 Chapter Study - Build a solid foundation with this 10-chapter study covering core King's Gambit concepts (960 hearts). 
  
  
• King's Gambit Opening Traps - 10 Chapter Study - Sharpen your tactical vision with a 10-chapter exploration of common King's Gambit pitfalls for both White and Black (280 hearts).
  
  
• Ultimate King's Gambit Traps List - 22 Chapter Study - This comprehensive 22-chapter study equips you with a vast arsenal of King's Gambit traps.
  
  
• King's Gambit for Black - 4 Chapter Study - Considering playing the Black side? This 4-chapter study delves into effective responses to the King's Gambit, giving you a well-rounded understanding.
  
  
• King's Gambit, everything you need to know - 16 Chapter Study For a thorough exploration, embark on this in-depth 16-chapter study that covers everything you need to know about the King's Gambit (280 hearts).

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(Kings Gambit Chess Puzzles)

Ready to put your King's Gambit knowledge to the test? Dive into a selection of puzzles designed to sharpen your tactical awareness and decision-making skills:

• King's Gambit: Allagier & Kiesertisky (C39) - 1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Nf3 g5 4.h4 (10 Puzzles)
  
  
• 25 Lichess Kings Gambit Puzzles - This interactive study offers 25 unique positions testing your understanding of various King's Gambit scenarios.

LiChess Opening's Puzzles 

Delve Deeper with Lichess Openings Puzzles:
For a more comprehensive exploration, Lichess offers dedicated puzzle sections for the King's Gambit Accepted and the King's Gambit Declined . Each section can be further broken down by specific variations, allowing you to focus on specific lines.

• King's Gambit Accepted - 13,360 Puzzles (Can be broken down to 25 Variations)
• King's Gambit Declined - 6598 Puzzles  (Can Also be broken down to 12 Variations)

WTHarvey.com

• Falkbeer Counter Gambit (ECO C31) - 5 Puzzles
  
  
• King's Knight's Gambit (ECO C34) - 5 Puzzles

By actively solving these puzzles, you'll develop the tactical vision and problem-solving skills necessary to dominate your opponents in King's Gambit games.

 

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Game Databases

Theory is essential, but nothing beats learning from the greats! Here, we delve into valuable game databases where you can witness the King's Gambit come alive in real chess battles:

365Chess.com

C30 King's Gambit  1. e4 e5 2. f4  (16,408 Games)

C31 King's Gambit Declined, Falkbeer counter-gambit  1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 (2857 Games)

C32 King's Gambit Declined, Falkbeer, 1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5 e4 4. d3 Nf6 5. dxe4 (424 Games)

C33 King's Gambit Accepted  1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4  (8712 games)

C34 King's Gambit Accepted 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 (6695 Games)

C35 King's Gambit Accepted, Cunningham defence 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 Be7 (800 Games)

C36 King's Gambit Accepted, Abbazia defence (classical defence, modern defence[!]) 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 d5  (1210 Games)

C37 King's Gambit Accepted, Quaade gambit 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. Nc3 (366 Games)

C38 King's Gambit Accepted 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. Bc4 Bg7 (366 Games)

C39: King's Gambit Accepted 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. h4 (906 Games)

Chessgames.com

This site provides a curated collection of 100 annotated King's Gambit games (C30-C39). Studying these annotated games with expert commentary allows you to:

• Witness Strategic Maneuvers: Understand how grandmasters handle the opening's complexities.
• Learn from Tactical Brilliance: Discover hidden tactical opportunities employed by the best players.
• Improve Your Decision-Making: Analyze critical junctures in the games and see how masters navigate them.

Kings Gambit C30-C39 - 100 Annotated games 

 

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King's Gambit Video Lessons

Learning by watching can be a fantastic way to grasp chess concepts. Here's a curated selection of video lessons to elevate your King's Gambit understanding:

King's Gambit Opening Theory - 10 Video Playlist - Hanging Pawns (4 hrs) This comprehensive playlist provides a deep dive into King's Gambit theory, perfect for players seeking a thorough exploration.

King’s Gambit: Powerful Chess Opening Weapon for White! - 23 Min GM Igor Smirnov - Get a quick yet insightful overview of the King's Gambit's strengths and strategic possibilities from Grandmaster Smirnov.

GRANDMASTER EXPLAINS: The King's Gambit - 43 Min - GM Eric Hansen - Benefit from GM Hansen's expertise as he breaks down the King's Gambit for a clear and engaging learning experience.

King's Gambit Masterclass - 1.5 hr - IM Andras Toth - Live Stream (New 6/30/2024)

(St Louis Chess Club Videos)

(3-part series by Johnathan Scrantz, 122 minutes total):
Embark on a captivating journey with this three-part video series that explores various aspects of the King's Gambit.

• Adventures in the King's Gambit: Part 1 - Chess Openings Explained - 40 Min 
• Adventures in the King's Gambit: Part 2 - Chess Openings Explained - 45 Min
• Adventures in the King's Gambit: Part 3 - Chess Openings Explained - 37 Min

King's Gambit Opening Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 65 Min  - Renowned chess instructor GM Finegold's lectures are known for their depth and clarity. This video offers a valuable opportunity to learn from his experience.

(Blacks Response Kings Gambit Videos)

Crushing the King's Gambit | GM Naro's Opening Lab - 53 Min - Take a deeper dive with GM Naroditsky as he explores various strategies for Black against the King's Gambit. This comprehensive video equips you with the knowledge to handle White's different approaches and potentially turn the tables on your opponent.

Refute the King's Gambit as Black | Falkbeer Countergambit: Tricky Opening - 20 Min GM Igor Smirnov -This video delves into the Falkbeer Counter Gambit (1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5), a dynamic and aggressive response that challenges White's gambit directly.

Allgaier Kings gambit (5.Ng5) Refuted - Chess Audio Books

(Fischer's famous 'refutation' of the King's Gambit.)

• "A Bust to the King's Gambit" - part 1 - 10 Min
• "A Bust to the King's Gambit" - part 2 - 10 Min
• "A Bust to the King's Gambit" - part 3 - 5 Min

Kings Gambit Opening Traps & Tactics

8 Deadly TRAPS in the King’s Gambit | Chess Opening Tricks to WIN FAST - 12 Min - Learn how to exploit common pitfalls your opponents might fall into with this exciting video on King's Gambit traps.

Chess Traps #3: King's Gambit Declined Trap - 6 Min - Focus on a specific trap in the King's Gambit Declined to add another weapon to your arsenal.

Kings Gambit Game Videos (W/Analysis)

• King's Gambit - 20 Video Playlist - Witness historical King's Gambit games analyzed by the popular chess YouTuber agadmator.
  
  
• The Kings Gambit collection - 117 Video playlist - Dive into a massive collection of King's Gambit games analyzed by the YouTuber kingscrusher.
  
  
• King's Gambit - 75 Video Playlist  - Explore another extensive playlist featuring King's Gambit games with analysis, provided by the Chess School channel.
  
  

Bonus Videos:

Chess Speedrun | King's Gambit | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 33 Min - Watch GM Naroditsky play a King's Gambit game with commentary, offering insights into practical decision-making.

Learn the King's Gambit opening with GM Hikaru - 60 Min - Gain valuable instruction from the ever-popular GM Hikaru Nakamura in this in-depth King's Gambit video lesson.

Master the Doubled Pawn: A Chess Strategy Guide

 

Doubled Pawns in Chess: Friend or Foe?

Doubled pawns can be a double-edged sword in chess. While they might seem like a weakness, they can also create unique opportunities for both offense and defense. This post will guide you through the world of doubled pawns, providing resources to understand their impact on the game and how to use them to your advantage.

What are Doubled Pawns?

Doubled pawns occur when two pawns of the same color occupy the same file (vertical column) on the chessboard. This can happen due to various openings, captures, or pawn promotions. 

Understanding the Impact of Doubled Pawns:

Doubled pawns can have both positive and negative consequences:

• Disadvantages:
  • Weaker squares: The file in front of the doubled pawns becomes weaker, as there's no pawn to defend it.
  • Limited mobility: Doubled pawns can restrict your pawn structure and limit your piece movement.
  • Endgame weakness: Doubled pawns are generally considered a weakness in the endgame, as they can be difficult to defend.
• Advantages:
  • Central control: Doubled pawns can help solidify control over the center of the board, creating a strong base for your pieces.
  • Open files: Doubled pawns can create open files for your rooks, potentially increasing their attacking power.
  • King safety: In some cases, doubled pawns can provide additional protection for your king.

Learning More About Doubled Pawns:

Here are some resources to delve deeper into the world of doubled pawns and how to use them strategically:

Doubled Pawn Wikipedia Article 

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Doubled Pawn Articles

Chess.com Article by GM Gserper

• The Truth About Doubled Pawns - - Endgame Positions w/ doubled Pawns
  
  
• The Truth About Doubled Pawns, Part 2 - investigation of the so-called 'weakness' of doubled pawns, Ruy Lopez Exchange endgame
  
  
• The Truth About Doubled Pawns, Part 3 - cases of a pair of doubled pawns is almost the same as having just one pawn. 2 positions from games and 2 Puzzles to solve.
  
  
• The Truth About Doubled Pawns, Part 4 - Doubled Pawns in the opening and Middlegame. Nimzowitsche's idea of Blockade.
  
  
• The Truth About Doubled Pawns, Part 5 - Concluding our discussion about the positives and negatives of doubled pawns we cannot miss the numerous games played by Botvinnik. He was probably the first world class chess player who loved to have doubled pawns. 7 Games of his.

Doubled Pawns: Chess Pariahs Or Misunderstood? - IM Jeremy Silman - 4 Rules with examples and explanations of how to handle Doubled Pawns.

Doubled Pawns Structure – 3 Things to Know  -  WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos - Middlegame Doubled Pawn Structure

(Archived Articles - takes a min to Load)

• Doubled Pawns: Plans  - ichess.net Article (Archived) 
• Doubled Pawns: Advantages & Disadvantages - ichess.net Article (Archived)
  
  

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Doubled Pawns LiChess Studies

• [CHESS STRATEGY] Doubled Pawns  - 14 Chapter Study 
  
  
• Intermediate: Doubled Pawns - 7 Chapter Study - Nice study with a lot of analysis and explanations.
  
  

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move, perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge.

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Game Collections

Doubled pawns - 17 Games (Each Game labeled as Bad or Good w/ Doubled Pawns)

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Doubled Pawn Video Lessons

Learn from the Chess Masters: Doubled Pawns Strategies

• Doubled pawns | Improve your technique and positional play - 14 Min NM Robert Ramirez - you will learn what doubled pawns are, when they represent a weakness, and also what benefits they can offer.
• The Advantages of Doubled Pawns -54 Min IM Eric Rosen - shows 4 games where doubled pawns led to a winning advantage.
• Pawn Structures: Double, TRIPLE the Pawns! | Secret Life of Pawns - IM Vitaly Neimer  - 44 Min - shows two games where pawns were doubled and even tripled. Learn to avoid weakening your structures.
• Doubled Pawns | Double King-Pawn Openings - 43 Min GM Ben Finegold - a lecture on doubled pawns at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis
• What to do with Doubled Pawns in the Center? - 18 Min  - GM Ivan Sokolov will take a look at the advantages of doubled pawns in the center.
• Exploiting Doubled Pawns around an opponents King - 11 min - Kingscrusher
  
  
• Matisons vs Nimzovich - 6 min Video - (Who better than Nimzovich to show how to play against doubled pawns)
  
  
• Explaining Doubled Pawns Step by Step - 13 Min  GM Hikaru Nakamura - Hikaru walks us through a game against a 600 and shows us when doubling your pawns can be a good thing.

"The tiniest pawn can upset the most perfectly laid plans." - Bobby Fischer 

Bonus: Dive Deeper into Pawn Structures.

Learn more about the impact of pawn placement on your chess strategy.

  Bishop's Bounty Pawn Structure Page

Free Guide to the Discovered Attack: Chess Tactics!

Enhance Your Chess Tactics: 

Mastering the Discovered Attack

The chessboard is a battleground of cunning strategy and tactical brilliance. Among the weapons in your arsenal, the discovered attack stands out for its deceptive power.

With a simple move, you can unleash a double threat, often leaving your opponent scrambling for defense. This guide equips you with a treasure trove of resources to master this tactic and elevate your chess game.

This section dives into a variety of resources, from free books and articles to interactive studies and video lessons. So, whether you're a seasoned player or a curious beginner, you'll find the perfect tools to hone your discovered attack skills. Let's explore!

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BOOKS (FREE)

English Chess Federation Discovered Attacks - 6 Page PDF - This concise guide from the English Chess Federation provides a clear explanation of the discovered attack concept along with 12 problem worksheets to test your newfound skills.

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Discovered Attack Chess Articles

Introduction to Chess Tactics: Discovered attack - (Nice Article with examples and Quiz): This article offers a clear introduction to discovered attacks, including examples and a quiz to test your understanding. It even delves into double checks and windmills for a well-rounded learning experience.

The Dreaded Discovered Attack - Improve your discovered attack mastery with IM Silman's insightful lesson on Chess.com. This resource dives deep with various examples and scenarios to solidify your tactical understanding.

10 Discovered Attack - Problems -  Sharpen your skills with this collection of 10 discovered attack puzzles.

Collection of discovered-attack exercises - Test your newfound knowledge with another set of 24 discovered attack exercises.

Discovered Attack: How To Make Your Opponent “Discover” That They’re About To Lose - Chess Journal Article - Spice up your learning with this engaging article from Chess Journal. It showcases 3 practical examples to help you see how discovered attacks can turn the tide in your favor.

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Games Databases

Analyze real-world examples!

• OTB Games with Discovered attack Tactic - 57 Games
• More OTB Games w/ Discovered Attack - 52 Games 
• Discovered Attack with Check - 19 Games

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Discovered Attack LiChess Studies 

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools are fantastic resources for exploring chess concepts and variations move-by-move. Perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge, Lichess studies let you work through positions at your own pace. Here are some great options to hone your discovered attack skills:

• Discovered Attack -  10 Chapter  Interactive Examples - (Lichess Mate Practice Page): Get started with this 10-problem interactive page 
  
  
• Discovered Attacks and Checks - 60 Chapter Interactive Study - Delve deeper with this comprehensive 60-chapter interactive study that explores both discovered attacks and checks. (Highly recommended!)
  
  
• Discovered Attack - 12 Chapter Interactive Study -This 12-chapter study offers a fully interactive experience, including windmills and discovered checks, to truly solidify your understanding.
  
  
• Beginner Tactics Discovered Attack - 32 Chapter Study - This 32-chapter study caters to beginners by providing a more lesson-based approach with analysis for each position.

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Discovered Attack Chess Video Lessons

Expand your visual learning with these informative video lessons on the discovered attack:

Chess lesson # 27: Discovered check and attack | Chess Tactics | Learn Chess the right way  -10 Min - NM Ramirez explores various scenarios where discovered attacks and checks can be applied, highlighting their effectiveness in gaining material advantage or delivering checkmate.

Creating multiple Threats with the Discovered Attack | Chess Tactics | IM Alex Astaneh - 20 Min -IM Alex Astaneh dedicates 20 minutes to demonstrating the power of the discovered attack. This lesson delves into the tactic's nuances, helping you understand why it's such a valuable weapon in your chess arsenal. 
The 5 Most Amazing Discovered Checks in Chess - 9 Min GM Williams - Take a fascinating journey through chess history with GM Williams! This 9-minute video breaks down the five most incredible discovered checks ever played, showcasing the brilliance of legendary players like Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand. 

Chess Tactics Discovered Attacks - 6 Min  - Solidify your foundational understanding of discovered attacks with this clear and concise 6-minute video explanation.

Chess for Beginners with GM Ronen Har-Zvi (Discovered Attack!) - 30 Min -New to chess? GM Ronen Har-Zvi delivers a beginner-friendly 30-minute lecture (Video Below) at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, covering discovered attacks in all their forms.