Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Zugzwang: When Every Move Leads to Trouble

A white king stands alone on a chessboard, surrounded by danger, any move leads to a disadvantageous position. Black pieces loom , depicting a Zugzwang situation where any move by the king is disadvantageous.

 

Zugzwang Explained: A Chess Resource Guide 

Feeling forced to make a bad move? In chess, that's Zugzwang!

This guide equips you with valuable resources to understand and practice Zugzwang, from in-depth articles and interactive puzzles to instructive game analyses and insightful video lessons.

 Good sized page on this topic with history and examples.




BOOKS (FREE)



Zugzwang Chess Articles: Sharpen Your Tactics

Dive into strategy guides, tackle challenging puzzles, and witness the power of Zugzwang in action through analyzed games.



ZugZwang LiChess Studies

Put your Zugzwang understanding to the test with this collection of interactive Lichess studies! 


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.



Game Databases

Delve into the world of real-life Zugzwang with these curated game collections:

Chessgames.com 


By studying these games, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how Zugzwang manifests in real-world chess scenarios. You'll observe how grandmasters create Zugzwang situations, exploit their opponent's limitations, and ultimately secure victory.



Tactics

Sharpen your tactical vision 

Lichess Tactics Trainer

By consistently practicing Zugzwang puzzles on Lichess, you'll develop the ability to identify these situations in your own games and exploit them for a winning advantage. So, dive in and start honing those tactics!


Zugzang Chess Video Lessons

What is Zugzwang In Chess? 🎓 Beginner Chess Lessons - GM Damian Lemos - 15 Min Damian tackles a topic that can be crucial in chess games, but is often overlooked by beginners: Zugzwang.

What Is "Zugzwang" In Chess? - 5 Min - NM Nelson Lopez In this video I show an example from a recent game where I achieved zugzwang on my opponent.  
Chess.com: Endgame Technique; Zugzwang - 4 MinGM Friedel analyzes what could be a very difficult endgame. But with the application of the principle of zugzwang, he is able to make everything clear.

Chess Endgames: Using Zugzwang!  -8 Min Video (by IM Kostya Kavutskiy) - 
Kostya Kavutskiy brings us an interesting example of Zugzwang in the endgame!

Saemich vs Nimzovich (1923) - 10 min Video -Kingscrusher.

   (The Immortal Zugzwang Game)
  Video Below



Alekhine - Nimzowitsch - 11 Min Video (With a Zugzwang Theme) - Great zugzwang ending

Rook vs Pawn Endgame Study - (1928 Reti Endgame Study)
For having so few pieces, it is really a fantastic piece which showcases opposition, zugzwang, and king shouldering. If you can master this ending you will have no problem with most Rook vs. Pawn positions!

Most Incredible Zugzwang Of All Time?! - 22Min - IM Danny RenschIM Danny Rensch as he breaks down this epic game between Stoofvlees and Stockfish during the 15th Computer Chess Championship

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Torre Attack (A46 - A48 D03) - Chess Opening Theory

 

Conquer the Center:
Mastering the Torre Attack

Seeking an exciting and effective opening for White?

  Look no further than the Torre Attack! This beginner-friendly system allows you to develop your pieces quickly and launch a powerful attack on your opponent's king. With our extensive archive of resources, including articles, video lessons, and annotated games, you'll be a Torre Attack expert in no time!


Torre Attack Wikipedia Page


The Torre Attack is a system opening for white in the Queen’s Pawn Opening, known for its distinctive setup of d4-Nf3-Bg5 within the first three moves, tailored to counter various responses by black.

or the Tartakower Variation in the Queen's Pawn Game (ECO code D03):

or the Torre Attack in the East Indian Defence (ECO code A48):

or the Torre Attack in the Indian Defence (ECO code A47):




BOOKS (Free)

Looking to bolster your Torre Attack knowledge without breaking the bank? Here are a couple of fantastic free resources to add to your chess library:

  • Beating The Anti- Kings Indians - 193 page PDF - This comprehensive PDF delves into various responses Black can employ against the King's Indian Defense, including the Torre Attack (covered in Chapter 10, pages 137-147). While the entire book isn't dedicated solely to the Torre Attack, this chapter provides valuable insights into navigating this specific opening against the King's Indian.

  • Short & Sweet: Torre Attack - FREE Chessable Course 
    This Chessable course offers a concise and effective way to learn the Torre Attack's key variations. With 30 trainable variations and 72 minutes of video instruction, you'll gain a solid understanding of the opening's core concepts and common lines. The course utilizes Chessable's spaced repetition system to help you solidify your learning and retain information for the long term.

Torre Attack Chess Articles

Here's a curated selection of articles to equip you with a thorough understanding of the Torre Attack:

  • Torre Attack – The Ultimate Opening Guide for White & Black  - Chessable Blog This comprehensive guide delves into the core concepts of the Torre Attack, from strategic ideas and common variations to handling Black's responses. Illustrative games and explanations of key tactics will solidify your knowledge and equip you to outwit your opponents!

  • Torre Attack  - Chess pathways Article w/12 min Embedded Video

  • Become a Lumbeerjack with the Torre Attack!  - Chessbase Article - The page provides an in-depth review of Simon Williams’ DVD on the Torre Attack, a less mainstream but sound chess opening strategy. It highlights the benefits of using the Torre Attack to gain an advantage over well-prepared opponents and includes various features like tactics training and a database of opening theory.

  • Play The Awesome Torre Attack - IM Alberto Chueca - This page provides an in-depth guide to the Torre Attack, a chess opening system that offers flexibility and complex play, similar to the London System. It emphasizes quick development and kingside attacks, while cautioning against potential counters involving the b2 pawn.

  • Torre Attack - ChessDoctrine.com Guide (Really Nice Guide) - This page provides a detailed overview of the Torre Attack, a chess opening characterized by the moves d4, Nf3, and Bg5. It highlights the opening’s history, strategic objectives, key variations, and differences from similar systems like the Colle System.
     


Torre Attack LiChess Studies

Lichess studies offer a fantastic way to delve deeper into the Torre Attack through interactive exploration. Here are some studies to elevate your game:

  • Torre Attack Masterclass - 2 Chapters - Analyze annotated games featuring the legendary masters Lasker and Kasparov. Learn from the greats and witness the Torre Attack in action!

  • Colle - Torre - London Systems - 17 Chapters ( Nice Study w/ A bunch of Model Games) This comprehensive study explores a group of opening systems known for their flexibility, including the Torre Attack. Gain a deeper understanding of interconnected opening ideas.

  • The Torre Attack - 8 Chapter Study (Real Well Done.) - This well-structured study provides a comprehensive understanding of the opening's core concepts.

  • torre attack - 7 Chapter Study

  • Destroy the Anti-Torre Attack - 5 Chapters - Feeling confident about your Torre Attack? This study equips you to dismantle Black's attempts to counter your strategy.

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.


Games Databases

Dive into a vast collection of Torre Attack games to witness the opening in action and glean valuable insights from real-world battles:

Chessgames.com

Torre Attack (Tartakower Variation) (D03) 1 d4 d5 2 Nf3 Nf6 3 Bg5 - 2251 Games - Browse through hundreds of Torre Attack games, allowing you to filter by player, rating, and other criteria.

Collections

Chess Tempo



365Chess.com


Annotated Games


Torre Attack Chess Video Lessons


U1400: the London, the Colle, and the Torre Attack, with GM Ben Finegold - 52 Min -Chess instructor GM Ben Finegold breaks down three popular openings for White - the London System, the Colle System, and the Torre Attack - highlighting their similarities and showcasing their potential with analysis of famous games. 
GM Jose Gonzalez - (New)

  • The Torre Attack 2023 - Introduction - 14 Min - GM Jose Gonzalez - GM Jose Gonzalez offers a complete beginner-friendly guide to the Torre Attack chess opening. Learn key concepts, move orders, pawn structures, and how to launch winning attacks!

  • Master the Torre Attack 2023 - 13 MinGM Jose Gonzalez dives deep into a trendy pawn sacrifice used by top players like Daniil Dubov. Explore how to pull it off and how Black can counter this dangerous tactic.

The Torre Attack - Plans, Structures, Patterns, Variations · Chess Openings - 55 Min - Hanging pawns - The Torre Attack is an easy to play attacking system for white. It's easy to learn and understand, and learning it will add to your attaching opening repertoire without too much effort. Beat Anyone With Torre Attack! - 23 Min - GM Damien Lemos - Torre Attack vs Queen B6 Early! [GM Damian Lemos] explores a chess game where White uses the Torre Attack to launch a successful kingside attack against Black's early Queen B6.
Opening Basics #38: Torre attack - 38 Min - Jim's Chess Channel - This video explores the Torre Attack, a chess opening for White. Learn typical setups, strategic ideas, and see analysis of a historical game to add this powerful weapon to your arsenal.

Opening Repertoire || Torre Attack - 24 Min - Chess Lessons - This video dives into this exciting chess opening, perfect for beginners who want to develop their pieces quickly and launch a fierce kingside attack.

Understand the Torre Attack - Setups with ...h7-h6 followed by ...g7-g5 & Rare Systems  1.5 Hr - GM Papaioannou  -This chess lecture by GM Papaioannou dives into the Torre Attack, a white opening with an early bishop fianchetto. He explores rare lines where black plays h7-h6 and g7-g5 early, and recommends Nc4 and bishop g3 for white to combat them.(Nice Lesson)

Beat the KID and the Grunfeld with the Torre attack! - 22 Min

Opening Repertoire || Torre Attack - 25 MinIf you are searching for promising opening that is flexible and don't need memorization then Torre Attack is good opening for you.
The Torre Attack 12 Min - Chess PathwaysThis video explores the Torre Attack, a system where white fianchettoes the light-squared bishop early. It explains white's plans for a kingside attack but also discusses how black can counter this strategy with moves like Nc4 and Knight to e4.

Black vs. Torre Attack

  • How to crush the Torre Setup -  8 Min - Robert Plunketts Chess lab - This video from Robert Plunkett's Chess Lab dismantles the Torre Setup, a White opening. Learn how Black can exploit an early Knight move and potentially punish castling kingside with a devastating tactic.

  • A simple way to face the Torre Attack - 12 Min - NM Bryan Tillis is back with chess analysis! In this game, we will explore a simple way to face the Torre Attack.
  • Torre Attack Chess Game Analysis (Black's Perspective) - 35 Min - NM Bryan Tillis - In this detailed analysis, the commentator examines a Torre Attack chess game from Black’s perspective. The discussion covers strategic moves, pawn structure, and piece placement.

Torre Attack Chess Traps



Torre Attack Game Videos (w/analysis)


Playlists
The Torre Attack Collection  - 6 Video Playlist 
- kingscrusher

Torre Attack  - 11 Video Playlist  - Axon Chess Academy (All 11 games are IM Andrew Martin)


PGN Game Downloads

TorreAttack.pgn - 1736 Games (U of Pitt Archive)



Colorful Neon Lit Glass Chess pieces

Monday, July 20, 2009

Ruy Lopez - (C70) Norwegian Defence or Wing Variation (Opening Theory)

Unveiling the Norwegian Defense: Ruy López Wing Variation

Delve into the depths of the Norwegian Defense as we unravel its mysteries and uncover its tactical intricacies. From insightful articles to expert analyses, our archive offers a comprehensive exploration of this aggressive variation.

The Norwegian Defence (also called the Wing Variation ), is an aggressive but time-consuming alternative for Black.

The game follows 3...a6 4.Ba4 b5 5.Bb3 Na5.

 The goal of the opening is to eliminate the white bishop.

A speculative sacrifice (Nightingale Gambit) is now 6.Bxf7+?!, which drives the black king out, but with accurate play, Black is supposed to be able to consolidate his extra piece.



Ruy Lopez (Wing Variation) Articles

Ruy Lopez - Norwegian Defense - Chess.com Article by IM Jeremy Silman (Article is on the Speculative Sacrifice 6. Bxf7? Nightingale Gambit by White) 

Sverre's Chess Corner Blog - Blog Posts by Norwegian Player Sverre Johnsen (and Author of THE RUY LOPEZ: A GUIDE FOR BLACK) on this Ruy Lopez Variation. (About 10 posts dealing with Different aspects of this Variation) 

Taking Risks in Chess: Ruy Lopez Nightingale Gambit - papa Chess (Pretty Nice Guide on the Nightingale Gambit 6. Bxf7 )

Norwegian Defense - Interesting Stuff -  Article on a guys games with it.

Ruy Lopez Norwegian Defense Video Lessons

Surprise Weapon Against the Ruy Lopez (Norwegian Variation) - 6 Min

Trick The Ruy Lopez with The Norwegian Variation. - 9 Min

Chess Openings: Ruy Lopez - Norwegian Def. - 16 Min

Norwegian Defense Secret Weapon 1 FM Yuriy Krykun - 10 Min

Ruy Lopez (Norwegian): 41% Make This Mistake - 13 Min 

Game Videos w/ Analysis

stockfish's King on E6 in MOVE 7! -Seer vs Stockfish -Ruy Lopez: Moprhy Defense, Nightingale Gambit - 17 Min

Ruy Lopez Norwegian Defense Stockfish14 vs Itself - 7 Min

White Svidler, P.,Black Mamedyarov, S.,Ruy Lopez Opening: Morphy Defense, Caro, Norwegian Variation - 10 Min

Ruy Lopez Opening: Morphy Defense, Caro, Norwegian Variation Event: 81st Tata Steel TOP - 13 Min

White Grandelius, N., Black Moberg, K.,Ruy Lopez Opening: Morphy Defense, Caro, Norwegian Variation - 8 Min

White Edouard, R., Black Tkachiev, V.,Ruy Lopez Opening: Morphy Defense, Caro, Norwegian Variation, - 4 Min

White Karjakin, Sergey,Black Mamedyarov, S.,Ruy Lopez Opening: Morphy Defense, Caro, Norwegian Vari - 10 Min




Monday, July 6, 2009

Chess Pattern Recognition - Tactics

"Pattern Recognition" (Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism). Distorted chessboard, giant queen with patterns/symbols, colorful vortex background (chess possibilities).
"Chess is a sea of possibilities." - Savielly Tartakower 


See Winning Moves  
 Master Chess Pattern Recognition

This guide is your one-stop shop for mastering chess pattern recognition! From classic checkmates to strategic traps, learn to identify winning opportunities and become a chess pattern recognition pro.

Bishop's Bounty Checkmate Pattern Page
(Links to Pages and Pages of Mating Pattern resources)




BOOKS & Courses (Free)


FREE Chessable Course

Basic Checkmate Patterns -  34 Mates w/ 74 min Free Video - MoveTrainer™ Tactics course by CraftyRaf & IM John Bartholomew - 

🕒 Lesson 1: Anastasia's mate, Greco's mate, Arabian mate, Hook mate,Vuković's mate, and Smothered mate
🕒 Lesson 2: Suffocation mate, Corner mate, Morphy's mate, Pillsbury's mate, Lolli's mate and Opera/Mayet's mate
🕒 Lesson 3: Damiano’s mate, Max Lange’s mate, Damiano’s Bishop mate, Dovetail / Cozio’s mate, Swallow’s tail / Gueridon mate, and David & Goliath / pawn mate
🕒 Lesson 4: Boden's mate, Balestra mate, Double knights and double bishops mate, Blackburne's mate, and the blind swine mate.
🕒 Lesson 5: Epaulette mate, Back rank mate, Lawnmower mate, Triangle mate, Killbox mate, Fool's mate, Scholar's mate and Legal's mate. 

(This is a pretty simple course you Can do in about 10-15 Mins. Use the MoveTrainer to Practice all of these problems a couple times a day until they become second nature)

(Really Cant beat this if you want to learn a bunch of these patterns. Can use there Movetrainer to practice all of these patterns)


Articles on Chess Patterns

GM Gregory Serper 
 (This is a nice set of Articles of patterns you see in games)


Mating Patterns 1 - Mate with Bishop & Rook 
Kenilworth Chess Club - 15 Famous games where a Bishop and Rook Mate pattern used.

The Complete Checkmate Patterns List (with examples) - GM Avetik 
(37 Checkmating Patterns w/ explanation and Example)


LiChess Studies 
(Some Really Nice Studies Here to Learn Each Pattern)


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.


Chess Videos on Pattern Recognition 

 (Mating patterns, Tactical Patterns, Strategic Patterns and Endgame Patterns) 

@1:23 Mate pattern #1 - Anastasia mate @6:30 Mate pattern #2 - Boden's mate @10.28 Mate pattern #3 - Blackburne's mate (called Stefansson mate in the video) @13:32 Tactical pattern #1 - Undefended bishop on b7 in hedgehog type positions @20:53 Strategic pattern #1 - Gligoric's pawn sacrifice @33:33 Technical pattern #1 - Self pushing rook + two pawns @36:06 Technical pattern #2 - Queen ending, pushing and defending against checks

@1:25 Mate pattern #4 - Anand's mate: Qf3 + h-file battery @8:45 Mate pattern #5 - Bacrot's mate: Qf7 + check on h-file @14:04 Mate pattern #6 - Stellwagen mate: Ba7-g1 diagonal, pawn g4, Qh3 mates Kg2 @19:18 Mate pattern #7 - Arabic mate (Kramnik mate in video) Rg8 or h7 with Nf6 mates Kh8 Endgame pattern #1 - Philidor positon plus thoughts on f- and g- pawns in R+p vs R

Exercises from previous videos @3:46 Strategical pattern #2 - Anand's King @20:20 Tactical pattern #2 - Loman's move @27:43 Tactical pattern #3 - Knight on the rim

Tests from earlier PR videos @6:48 Tacitcal pattern #4 - Petrosian's move @17:52 Tactical pattern #5 - Protecting b2 @23:28 Mate pattern #8 - The Karpov choke

1. Exercises from previous PR's 2. @11:33 Shutting down Spassky 3. @25:36 Engels' Superpawn


               LIchess Study games  - Game Examples from this Video




                    Game With This Pattern - 14 Min
                    Another Video of This Pattern - 16 Min