Petrov's Defense (Russian Defense) C42 - C43

 

Unveiling the Petrov's Defense:
 A Chess Bastion of Balance ♜

Petrov Wikipedia Page

The Petrov's Defense (also known as the Russian Defense) is a well-respected chess opening (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6) known for its solidity and rich strategic possibilities.

Classified under ECO codes C42 (for lines other than 3. Nxe5) and C43 (for the Classical Variation 3. Nxe5), the Petrov's Defense offers Black a balanced and flexible approach against 1.e4. Here are some reasons to consider the Petrov's Defense in your opening repertoire:

• Solid pawn structure: The Petrov's Defense leads to a well-developed pawn structure for Black, providing a strong foundation for strategic maneuvers.
• Dynamic counterplay: Despite its positional nature, the Petrov's Defense holds potential for dynamic counterplay and tactical opportunities.
• Adaptability to White's choices: The Petrov's Defense offers flexibility, allowing Black to adapt their strategy based on White's third move.

Whether you're a club player or a seasoned competitor, the Petrov's Defense is a rewarding choice for those seeking a reliable and strategically rich opening. Let's embark on a journey to explore the captivating world of the Petrov's Defense!

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Books & Courses (Free)

FREE Chessable Courses

• Short & Sweet: The Petroff - by IM Christof Sielecki   w/ 21 Trainable Lines
  
  
• Short & Sweet: Damiano Petroff - by FM Kamil Plichta w/23 Trainable Lines
  
  
• Petroff Defense: Cochrane Gambit - by NM ZukertortsGhost  w/11 Trainable Lines
  

Internet Archive

• Beating the Petroff by Vassilios Kotronias, Andreas Tzermiadianos - 244 page PDF

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Petrov Defense Chess Articles

• The Petroff Defense – A Complete Opening Guide For Black -This comprehensive guide, although archived, offers a wealth of information for Black players, featuring embedded videos, multiple LiChess studies with annotated games, and in-depth variations. (Archived)
  
  
• Petrov Defense - This user-friendly guide breaks down the Petrov's Defense move by move, explaining key concepts and covering the 3 main variations for Black.
  
  
• Petrov Defense: Opening Guide for White & Black -  Chessable Blog (Enormous Guide ) This extensive guide delves into the Petrov's Defense from both sides, providing a well-rounded understanding for players of all colors.
  
  
• Cochrane Gambit: Adding Spice to the Petroff - Another Nice Article on the Chessable Blog - This article explores the Cochrane Gambit, a dynamic option for White within the Petrov's Defense.
  
  
• The Petroff: dependable or dangerous? - Chessbase Article -  This article analyzes 6 deeply annotated games and includes a 10-minute video, offering insights into the strategic implications of the Petrov's Defense.
  
  
• The Petroff Defense by GM Arun and GM Magesh - Article on Chess.com - This article by renowned GMs provides practical guidance with 3 analyzed games, making it a valuable resource for players seeking immediate improvement.

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Petrov Defense LiChess Studies

• Petrov's Defense/Russian Game -  15 Chapter Study - This in-depth study delves into variations, gambits, and illustrative games, providing a well-rounded understanding of the Petrov's Defense.
  
  
• Petrov's Defence, aka Russian Defence  - 60 Chapter Interactive Study  This interactive study offers a comprehensive exploration of all major variations, allowing you to test your understanding move by move.
  
  
• Petrov's Defense Study -- Part 1 - 51 Chapter Study - This in-depth study covers all the main lines, gambits, and model games (including 31 chapters dedicated to model games), providing a deep dive into the core concepts.
  
  
• Boden - Kieseritzky Gambit - 4 Chapter Study By IM Eric Rosen -This study explores this gambit, which can be seen as a reversed Stafford Gambit.
  
  
• Urusov Gambit - 7 Chapter Study - This study examines the Urusov Gambit, a dynamic gambit line for White.
  
  
• Cochrane Gambit - 11 Chapter Study - This study analyzes all the 5th move options Black can play in response to the Cochrane Gambit.
  
  

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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Petrov Chess Puzzles

The Petrov's Defense may be known for its strategic depth, but tactical opportunities are abundant as well! Here's a strategic selection of resources to hone your tactical skills in the Petrov's Defense:

WTHarvey.com (30,000 Puzzles)

• Petrov Defense (ECO C42) - 18 Puzzles 
  
  
• Petrov, Modern Attack (ECO C43) - 11 Puzzles 
  
  

LiChess Opening Puzzles

Russian Game Puzzles - 19,834 Puzzles (Picks from All the Variations )

• Stafford Gambit - 4546 Puzzles
• Modern Attack  -  1612 Puzzles
• Damiano Variation - 656 Puzzles
• French Attack  - 233 Puzzles
• Karklins-Martinovsky Variation - 43 Puzzles
• Italian Variation  - 3943 Puzzles
• Classical Attack  - 894 Puzzles
• Cozio Attack  - 429 Puzzles
• Paulsen Attack - 101 Puzzles
• Three Knights Game - 3452 Puzzles
• Nimzowitsch Attack - 684 Puzzles
• Cochrane Gambit - 312 Puzzles
• Millennium Attack - 83 Puzzles

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Games Databases

365Chess.com

C42: Petrov's defence - 40,396 Games (Broken Down into 21 Variations)
C43: Petrov, modern (Steinitz) attack - 5757 Games (Broken Down into 7 Variations)

Vladimir Kramnik playing the Petrov Defense (C42) - 93 Games

Chessgames.com

COCHRANE GAMBIT - 31 game Collection

Petrov Defense (C42-C43)  - 32 Annotated Games

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Petrov Defense Video Chess Lessons

Petrov Defense Opening Theory - 7 VIDEO PLAYLIST - 2.5 hrs Hanging Pawns - This comprehensive playlist delves into the core concepts, variations, and strategic ideas behind the Petrov's Defense.

How to Play Petrov Defense (Russian Defense) | Best Chess Openings for Black - 28 Min - This beginner-friendly video introduces the Petrov's Defense, guiding you through main variations, potential traps, and illustrative games.

The Petroff Defense - Chess Openings by GM Damian Lemos - 32 Min -Lemos offers a foundational understanding of the Petrov's Defense, explaining opening moves, strategic plans, common traps, and theoretical developments.

Master Fabiano Caruana's Chess Opening 🎓 The Petroff Defense [Deep Dive] - 20 Min -Gain insights from a master! GM Lemos explores Caruana's preferred lines in the Petrov's Defense, including novelties, and analyzes instructive games to solidify your understanding.

Chess lesson # 35: Petrov Defense (Russian Defense) | Chess openings the right way - 15 min NM Ramirez -NM Ramirez provides a well-structured lesson on the Petrov's Defense, emphasizing key strategies, responses to various scenarios, and the importance of fighting for the initiative while keeping theory manageable.

Petrov Defense Chess Traps

• Bizarre Trap in the Petroff Defense - 15 Min IM Eric Rosen
  
  
• 5 Best Chess Opening Traps in the Petrov Defense | Stafford gambit, Anand was tricked and more - 15 Min GM Igor Smirnov
  
  
• Chess traps 10 in the opening Russian defense game or Petrov defense Video for Beginners - 1 Min

Cochrane Gambit

• Chess Tips: Crush The Petroff Defense with The Awesome Cochrane Gambit!! - 50 Min IM Miodrag Perunovic -Learn how to counter the Petrov's Defense with the aggressive Cochrane Gambit. IM Perunovic showcases illustrative games featuring Grandmasters who have employed this gambit successfully.
  
  
• Get Cocky with the Cochrane Gambit | Chess Openings Explained - 54 Min St. Louis CC - This in-depth exploration by the St. Louis Chess Club delves into the gambit's strategic ideas, tactical puzzles, and critical games, highlighting its potential and inherent risks.
  
  
• The Cochrane Gambit | Opening Deep Dives - 83 Min IM David Pruess -offers a theoretical perspective on the Cochrane Gambit, followed by a deep analysis of high-level games featuring this dynamic opening variation.

Urusov Gambit

The Unbeatable Urusov Gambit - Chess Openings Explained - 49 Min St. Louis CC -  Intrigued by the Urusov Gambit? Jonathan Schrantz of the St. Louis Chess Club explains the gambit's key concepts and how it can lead to a quick victory if Black is unprepared.

Chess Openings: Smash 'em with The Urusov Gambit!! - 44 Min  IM Miodrag Perunovic - provides a detailed analysis of the Urusov Gambit, a dynamic opening for White in the Petrov's Defense. He covers various responses for both sides, emphasizing development and tactical possibilities.

Petrov Defense Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Petrov's Defense - 56 Video Playlist  - agadmantor's 
Petrov's Defence  - 48 Video Playlist  - Chess School
Petrov's defence (Petroff's defence aka Russian Game) - 17 Video playlist - kingscrusher

Standard Chess #239: IM Bartholomew vs. Neverness (Petroff Defense) - 39 Min

Carlsen STOMPS ☠️ Karpov's Petroff Defense (Magnus Carlsen vs Anatoly Karpov) - 13 Min

Kramnik vs. Caruana: Candidates 2018 | Strategy Session - GM Yasser Seirawan - 66 Min

Cochrane Gambit Games
USING ALL MY PAWNS TO ATTACK | Eric tries the COCHRANE GAMBIT - 7 Min GM Hansen
Just Wow! Topalov Goes For Cochrane Gambit Against Kramnik Himself - 8 Min
You Won't Believe Your EYES! The COCHRANE GAMBIT in Top Engine Level -Dragon vs Sf - TCEC 22 Finals - 18 Min
Magnus got Cocky with the COCHRANE GAMBIT! - Carlsen vs Yu Yangyi - Petrov Defense - 15 Min

"The Petroff Defense is not a shield, it's a springboard for counterattack." - Emanuel Lasker

Hippopotamus Defense: A Solid & Surprising Weapon for Black (A00)

Unleash the Power of the Double Fianchetto!

This post dives deep into the Hippopotamus Defense (A00), a unique and flexible opening system for Black. Want a solid yet dynamic opening that keeps your options open? The Hippo might be perfect for you!

What You'll Learn Here:

This comprehensive guide equips you with everything you need to master the Hippopotamus Defense:

• Understanding the Hippo: We'll explore the core concepts and strategic ideas behind this exciting opening.

• Free Resources Galore: Dive into a treasure trove of free resources to enhance your Hippopotamus knowledge, including articles, annotated games, video lessons, and interactive studies.

• Dominate Your Opponents: Learn how to utilize the Hippo's double fianchetto structure and control the center for a powerful middlegame.

• Fight Like a Champion: Discover strategies for both playing the Hippo as Black and facing it as White.

 Hippopotamus Wikipedia Page

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Books (Free)

Get Started with the Hippo for Free!

The Hippopotamus Defence: Free Lesson - (Free Chessable Course) - This interactive course on Chessable introduces you to the Hippopotamus Defense with 15 trainable variations to solidify your understanding.

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Hippopotamus Defense Chess Articles

This section curates insightful articles to guide you through the Hippopotamus Defense:

• Starting out the Hippopotamus defence -  This article provides a beginner-friendly introduction to the Hippo, including 10 annotated games to illustrate key concepts.
  
  
• Hippopotamus, Anyone? - This article offers a clear explanation of the Hippopotamus Defense with a well-annotated game for practical application.
  
  
• The Double Fianchetto Solution - GM Alex Colovic's Blog  -- In this article, Grandmaster Alex Colovic showcases the Hippo's potential with 5 games he played as Black using this dynamic opening.

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Hippo LiChess Studies

Master the Nuances of the Hippo with Interactive Studies:

• Hippo Defence -  9 Chapter study -This study lays the foundation, guiding you through the Hippo setup, standard positional breaks, and analyzing 7 famous games with annotations to enhance your understanding.
  
  
• Hippopotamus Defense - 14 Chapter Study - Delve deeper with this in-depth study covering the Hippo setup, valuable strategic tips, alternative Black move orders, and exploring 11 annotated games to broaden your strategic arsenal.
  
  
• Destroying fast games with the Hippopotamus Opening - 9 Chapter Study -Unleash the aggressive potential of the Hippo! This study explores the exciting Garcia Variation (fianchettoing the bishop to b7, rook on a7, and queen on a8) with 9 illustrative games featuring this powerful setup.

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Games Databases
Chessgames.com Collections

Explore a variety of Hippopotamus Defense games to enhance your strategic understanding:

• Hippopotamus Defence - 38 Games - Delve into a collection of 38 games featuring the Hippopotamus Defense in action. Analyze how different players handle this opening and uncover strategic themes.
  
  
• Hippopotamus: The Resurgence - 16 Game - Witness the Hippopotamus Defense's comeback in popularity! This collection showcases 16 games where the Hippo has been employed in recent chess.
  
  
• Modern/ Hippo - 16 games - See how the Hippopotamus Defense can arise from the Modern Defense opening. This collection explores 16 games that demonstrate this opening transition.

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Hippopotamus Defense Video Lessons

Explore a comprehensive video library covering the Hippopotamus Defense at all skill levels:

Hippopotamus Defense Series - 22 Video Playlist - Chessgiant - Dive deep into the Hippo with this comprehensive playlist covering theory, personal and grandmaster games, key principles, and strategic ideas.

Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Hippopotamus Defense - 13 Min Chessgiant - Unleash the Hippo! This video explores the setup, common plans, and surprising attacking potential of this flexible opening.

Hippopotamus Defense (Setup, Ideas, and Examples) - Chess Openings - 14 Min - Chess Geek -Master the core concepts of the Hippo. Learn how it controls the center indirectly and explore example games featuring this unique approach.

Andrew Martin - The Hippopotamus system of defense - 14 Min Chessbase -Get a sneak peek into IM Andrew Martin's course on the Hippopotamus Defense system.

Hippopotamus system|Universal chess opening|Nona Gaprindashvili - 26 Min - Witness a masterclass in the Hippo as World Chess Champion Nona Gaprindashvili demonstrates its effectiveness.

Play the Hippopotamus with black! - 30 Min - Is the Hippo right for you?  I give you Super Gm games and engine analysis against all these different approaches by white.

Palm Beach Chess

Welcome to the Palm Beach Chess Beginner Chess Openings Series on the Hippo! Learn the Hippo step-by-step with this beginner-friendly series. Each part focuses on a specific strategic idea.

Universal Chess Opening: The Hippo Beginner Ideas Series Part 1 - 23 Min
Universal Chess Opening: The Hippo Beginner Ideas Series Part 2 - 13 Min
Universal Chess Opening: The Hippo Beginner Ideas Series Part 3 - 14 Min
Universal Chess Opening: The Hippo Beginner Ideas Series Part 4 - 17 Min
Universal Chess Opening: The Hippo Beginner Ideas Series Part 5 - 15 Min
Universal Chess Opening: The Hippo Beginner Ideas Series Part 6 - 23 Min
Universal Chess Opening: The Hippo Beginner Ideas Series Part 7 - 32 Min

Double Fianchetto

Dominate with the Double Fianchetto! IM Valeri Lilov (Webinar Replay) - 55 Mins - Unlock the secrets of the Double Fianchetto system, a rising star in chess openings, with IM Valeri Lilov's free webinar replay. Learn aggressive strategies, positional dominance techniques, and how to exploit a central advantage for powerful attacks.

Spike Ernst
The highly flexible “double fianchetto system” has almost ZERO theory and allows you to easily learn the PLANS of elite GMs to gain an easy advantage!  This system offers a low-theory approach with high potential for gaining an advantage.

• Double Fianchetto System with GM Sipke Ernst - Part 1 - 19 Min
  
• Double Fianchetto System with GM Sipke Ernst - Part 2 - 41 Min

Crack the Hippopotamus!

Learn strategies to dismantle the Hippopotamus Defense with expert guidance. 

• How to Fight the Hippopotamus Defense - 21 Min - ChessNetwork - Learn how to exploit weaknesses and develop a plan to crack the Hippo.
  
  
• Slay the Hippopotamus 🦛 | Prepare Like A Pro - GM Elshan
   Moradiabadi - 52 Min - St Louis Chess Club - GM Elshan Moradiabadi reveals methods to overcome the solid Hippopotamus Defense.
  
  
• How to beat Fianchetto Defences in Chess. The two Fianchettos (part 1) - 42 Min - EndGame Strategies -  These video parts explore strategies to defeat openings featuring double fianchetto setups (bishop placements on b7 and g7 for Black). Gain an edge by exploiting weaknesses and securing a positional advantage.
  
  
• How to beat Fianchetto Defences in Chess. The two Fianchettos (part 2) - 9 Min - EndGame Strategies

Hippo Game Videos (W/Analysis)

Don't Mess With The Hippo - 4 Min IM Eric Rosen - See IM Eric Rosen crush a lower-rated opponent with an aggressive Hippo display in a blitz game.

Magnus Carlsen plays the Modern Defence going into the Hippo || vs Kovachev 2003 - 8 Min - FIDE CM Kingscrusher - Analyze a game where Magnus Carlsen employs the Hippo after opening with the Modern Defense.

learn the HIPPOPOTAMUS with HIKARU's games ! | Double Fianchetto - 4 Min - Study 3 games from Hikaru Nakamura showcasing attacking strategies with the Hippo.

Winning With Hippopotamus Defense | Laszlo Barczay vs Borislav Ivkov: Sousse Interzonal 1967 - 4 Min - Chess School Lecture - Explore a classic game featuring a victory with the Hippopotamus Defense.

How to beat Hikaru's Hippo Opening: 2019 FIDE Chess World Cup Round 1.2 - 16 Min Chess.com - Witness Parham Maghsoodloo dismantle Hikaru Nakamura's favorite opening in a blitz game analyzed by IM Danny Rench.

Praggnanandhaa Faces The Most Solid Hippopotamus Defense - 6 Min - Analyze a dramatic super blitz game where Praggnanandhaa overcomes a well-structured Hippo.

Double Fianchetto Beautiful Attacking Chess! : Stockfish 8 vs Leela ID 514 - 15 Min - kingscrusher analysis - Witness an exciting attacking game featuring the Double Fianchetto system, related to the Hippo.

Taming the Hippo Defense | Develop Your Instincts | GM Naroditsky's DYI Speedrun - 55 Min - Playing 3 Games with Deep Analysis of Each.

IM John Bartholomew Games 
(All Games analyzed by IM Bartholomew as well, can hear his thought process as he plays with an analysis after each game)

• Standard Chess #49: FM Alex Dunne vs. IM Bartholomew (Double Fianchetto) - 43 Min
• Blitz Chess #306: IM Le Quang Long vs. IM Bartholomew (Double Fianchetto) - 12 Min
• Blitz Chess #269: IM David Strauss vs. IM Bartholomew (Double Fianchetto) - 18 Min
• Blitz Chess #237: IM Bartholomew vs. GM Zong-Yuan Zhao (Double Fianchetto) - 14 Min

 

Additional Resources

Interested in learning more about the Modern Defense, a close relative to the Hippopotamus Defense? Check out our archive on The Modern Defense Chess Opening: Modern Defence (Robatsch Defence) B06

The Modern Defense and the Hippopotamus Defense share strategic concepts and pawn structures. Exploring the Modern Defense can offer valuable insights for playing the Hippopotamus effectively.

Chess Calculation, Sharpen Your Chess Vision

 

Chess Calculation, Sharpen Your Chess Vision!

Elevate your chess game with potent resources to:

• Master calculation: See multiple moves ahead and identify hidden opportunities.

• Dominate the board: Make strategic decisions based on accurate calculation.

• Unlock your potential: Become a more tactical and confident chess player.

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Books (Free)

The Inner Game Of Chess How To Calculate And Win by Andrew Soltis - 362 Page PDF - This comprehensive book delves into the intricacies of calculation, helping you develop winning strategies.

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Chess Calculation Articles - Deepen Your Understanding

Dive into these insightful articles and hone your calculation skills!

Tactics and Calculation Training - ChessWorld -A beginner-friendly introduction to calculation skills.

10 Ways to Improve Your Calculation Skills - WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos - Expert insights from top players.

Improving Calculation for Club Players  GM Alex Colovic

How To Calculate In Chess - Chess.com Article - Straightforward guide with clear explanations.

5 Rules for Mastering Chess Calculation - FM Yuriy Krykun - Master the key principles for effective calculation.

How to Improve Calculation Skills in Chess - Unlock hidden opportunities and dominate the board with these proven techniques. Nice Articles

Calculation for Beginners - Chess Improver Article (Nice Article )

How to Calculate in Chess: Complete Guide - article w/ 30 Min Embedded Video

Make Chess Calculation Simple and Easy - Article w/27 Min Embedded Video GM Damian Lemos - Accessible guide featuring video instruction by a Grandmaster.

4 Important Elements of an Effective Chess Calculation Technique - chessfox - Structured approach to refine your calculation skills.

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Calculation LiChess Studies: Sharpen Your Calculation Skills!

Advanced: Calculation - 51 Chapter Study - pushes your boundaries and refines your skills.

Beginner: Foundation: Game Play - 24 Chapter Study - lays a solid foundation, with the final ten chapters focusing on identifying candidate moves.

Beginner: The Move Selection Process: - 3 Chapter Study -  The Move Selection Process" (3 chapters) provides a clear introduction to making strategic decisions.

No matter your skill level, Lichess offers the perfect study to elevate your calculation game!

Lichess Studies Explained: These interactive lessons allow you to explore chess concepts, test your skills, and improve your play through puzzles, analysis, and explanations.

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Chess Calculation Videos: Master Calculation with These Videos!

Take your chess skills to the next level with these insightful videos on calculation!

How to Master Chess CALCULATION 💯 Best Techniques | Chess Improvement & Training - 28 min - Unlock the secrets of chess masters! Learn powerful calculation techniques and training methods to dominate the board.

How To Calculate In Chess - 32 Min IM Levy Rozman - This comprehensive lesson by IM Levy Rozman (Gotham) equips beginners, intermediate, and advanced players with essential calculation skills.

Calculation, logical thinking and decision-making in chess - FM Alisa Melekhina - 73 Min - FM Alisa Melekhina dives deep into the critical skills of calculation and decision-making, helping you navigate key strategic choices in your games.

Precise Chess Calculation Secrets 🕵️ with GM Bryan Smith! [Master Method] - 32 Min - GM Bryan Smith unveils his method for calculating variations with clear end goals, using a detailed analysis from one of his games.

Chess Calculation Made Easy with GM Damian Lemos - 27 Min - Get a taste of GM Damian Lemos' 3-hour course on calculation, where he teaches you to quickly find the best squares for your pieces.

The SuperGM Skill Set - Chess Calculation with GM Sam Shankland - 27 Min - This exclusive preview from GM Sam Shankland's course offers a unique training experience. Pause the video at critical moments and analyze positions like you would in a real game, then get valuable feedback from a 2700-rated player.

Powerful Chess Calculation 👊Techniques by GM Nadya Kosintseva!! [Master  Method] - 61 Min -Former Russian Champion GM Nadya Kosintseva shares her method for efficient calculation, enabling you to analyze positions quickly and accurately.
 
Training & Calculation Secrets to Achieve Tactical Mastery! - IM Lilov (Webinar Replay) - 66 Min - IM Lilov reveals training secrets and calculation shortcuts to help you convert winning positions and avoid blunders. Learn powerful sacrifices and tactical patterns to elevate your game.

Grandmaster Tips - The Art of Deep Calculation -32 Min - GM Josh Friedel - determine when deeper calculation is necessary, how to make it more manageable, and how to know when you can safely end your line. Three training examples which allow you to test your skills. (New 5/29/24)

IM Alex Astaneh (3 Part Series):

Master calculation methods step-by-step! In this three-part series, IM Alex Astaneh introduces you to core calculation techniques, including Scanning Method, Checks, Captures & Threats Method, with exercise solutions and practice problems.

How to calculate the best Moves in Chess | Calculation Techniques | IM Alex Astaneh - 23 Min - In this first video of the series, IM Alex Astaneh brings to you one of the most important topics in chess, which is the topic of calculation.
How to calculate the best Moves in Chess | Scanning Method - Exercise Solution | IM Alex Astaneh - 13 Min
-in this second video of the series on Calculation, IM Alex Astaneh is discussing with you the solutions of the exercises from the previous video. Based on two examples, you will learn how the Scanning Method is applied correctly.
Calculate the best Moves in Chess | Checks, Captures & Threats Method | IM Alex Astaneh - 22 Min - In this third video of the series on calculation, IM Alex Astaneh is continuing the series with another interesting calculation technique, which is the checks, captures and threats method.

U.S. Chess School

Finding Difficult Moves in Calculation | U.S. Chess School w/ IM Kostya Kavutskiy | 4.17.23 - 49 min 

Calculation and Evaluation Guide | U.S. Chess School w/ GM Magesh Panchanathan 4.24.23 - 61 Min

Calculation & Evaluation Guide Pt 2 w/ GM Magesh Panchanathan - 65 Min

GM Magesh Panchanathan: Calculation Process | U.S. Chess School 11.4.2021 - 49 Min

GM Magesh Panchanathan: Calculation and Evaluation | U.S. Chess School 12.2.2021 - 42 Min

GM Yaro Zherebukh: ClassicAra Strategy and Calculation | U.S. Chess School 3.14.2022 - 53 Min

Chess Dojo (Calculation Videos)

Chess Dojo offers a wealth of resources to hone your calculation skills!

How To Calculate Lines & Knowing When to Stop | Dojo Lessons - 11 min IM Kavutskiy - Learn from IM Kostya Kavutskiy as he dissects a real game example, highlighting common struggles players face when calculating variations. Gain valuable insights on knowing when to stop calculating and make the best move.

Advanced Calculation Lesson | w/ Dortam - 1.5 Hr IM Kavutskiy - Dive deep into a 1.5-hour advanced calculation lesson with IM Kavutskiy. Three challenging exercises will push your boundaries and refine your ability to see multiple moves ahead.

Kostya's Blueprint: Calculation - 36 Min IM Koysta Kavutskiy -Embark on a comprehensive journey with IM Kostya Kavutskiy's new series on calculation. This 36-minute video explores the five key components of calculation: analytical skill, visualization, evaluation, wisdom, and time management. Develop a well-rounded approach to calculation and dominate the board!

IM Andras Toth Calculation Videos

Unlock your hidden calculation potential with insightful videos by IM Andras Toth!

A secret mental trick to calculation - The Amateur's Mind - 15 Min 

How to Get Better at Chess | Exploring Calculation Techniques | The Amateurs Mind #27 - 26 min

Perfect your calculation: Keep track of the little details! - 12 Min

How to use Studies to Enhance Calculation Skills | The Amateurs Mind #30 - 22 min
Mastering Calculation - A lesson with David (Fide 1873) - 64 Min

The Practical Side of Calculation - Inside My Head #42 - 27 Min

How to master Calculation? What difference can a coach make? - 25 Min - Explore the benefits of chess coaching and how it can accelerate your mastery of calculation.

Mastering Corresponding Squares - Dominate King & Pawn Endgames (Free Resources)

 

Unleash the Endgame Advantage:
 Mastering Corresponding Squares in Chess

Struggling to convert winning pawn endgames?
 Corresponding squares are your secret weapon! This guide unlocks everything you need to master this powerful endgame concept, transforming you from a passive defender to a ruthless endgame king.

What are corresponding squares?
 Imagine two squares on the chessboard with a magical connection. When your king occupies one, your opponent's king is forced to occupy the other! This strategic dance creates winning opportunities you won't want to miss.

Wikipedia Page

Bishop's Bounty - King & Pawn Endgame Page

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BOOKS (Free) - Mastering Endgames

Unlock the secrets of pawn endings and explore crucial endgame concepts with these comprehensive and insightful free books.

Internet Archive
Your gateway to a vast digital library, offering free access to millions of books, movies, music, websites, and more.
Secrets Of Pawn Endings by Karsten Muller, Frank Lamprecht  - 288 page PDF - This book delves into the intricacies of pawn endgames, exploring various pawn structures, theoretical positions, and winning techniques.
Comprehensive Chess Endings - Volume 4: Pawn Endings - by Yuri Averbakh, Nikolai Kopayev - 328 Page PDF -As part of the "Comprehensive Chess Endings" series, this volume focuses specifically on pawn endings. In-depth analysis of pawn-related endgames, including theoretical positions and strategic considerations.  (Chapter 10 Theory of Corresponding Square System)

Endgame Magic - by John Beasley; Timothy Whitworth -196 Page PDF - This book explores various endgame themes and techniques.  (Chapter 13 Corresponding Squares)

Dvoretsky S Endgame Manual 3rd Edition - 408 Page PDF  - this manual is considered one of the most authoritative works on endgames. (Chapter 1 Corresponding Squares)

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Corresponding Squares Chess Articles - Unlock Endgame Secrets

Master the art of endgame maneuvering:

Corresponding Squares - Simplify Chess Article (Step by Step Guide)

Endgame Strategy: Corresponding Squares - Nice Article from Charlotte Chess Center w/ exercises - Delve into the intricacies of endgame strategy with a focus on corresponding squares, a crucial concept often determining victory or draw in king and pawn endgames, explained through practical examples and insightful analysis.

Theory of corresponding squares - Chessbase Article - This article explores the concept of corresponding squares, essential in endgame theory, shedding light on its application and significance through illustrative examples and practical analysis Lasker and Reichhelm. The Ultimate Example of corresponding squares! - Chess.com Blog Post of Example in a game.

Learn the magic of conjugate squares in endgames - Nice Article and Explanation (In Spanish) Google translate is your friend .

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Corresponding Squares LiChess Studies

Sharpen Your Endgame Technique

Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual - 9 Chapter Study - Master corresponding squares with this structured study based on the Chapter in Dvoretsky manual.

King & Pawn Warfare 3/20 - 10 Chapter Study - Sharpen your king and pawn endgame skills with targeted practice on corresponding squares.

Corresponding Squares and Triangulation - 17 Chapter Study

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Corresponding Squares Video Lessons

Master endgame strategies with insightful video lessons on corresponding squares by top chess experts.

Corresponding Squares | National Master's Choice - NM Caleb Denby - 64 Min - teaches the concept of corresponding squares. Understanding the analogous spaces to each square is important while navigating the endgame.

The Beautiful Geometry of Corresponding Squares | Endgame Class - NM Caleb Denby - 58 Min -  follows up to his class on "Corresponding Squares" with a session on the different systems to determine corresponding squares. Don't be afraid to watch this advanced class twice.

Corresponding Squares 3 | Endgame Class - NM Caleb Denby - 58 Min - National Master Caleb Denby caps off a trilogy of advanced classes on corresponding squares.

Private Coaching with FM Alessandro Manzone #19: Key Squares and Corresponding Squares - 1.5 hr - In this lesson, we go over some basic chess endgame principals, since I've been butchering a lot of endgames lately. Specifically, we cover opposition, key squares, and corresponding squares.

Study Chess with me - Mastering Mined Squares (endgame strategy) - 18 Min - in this video, we move to the section on mined squares, and important theme of pawn endgames, with some instructive examples and a fantastic trap at the end..

Pawn endings - Corresponding squares -5 - 18 Min - Very important and interesting thing in practical pawn endgames. You will enjoy corresponding squares from the example taken out from Dvoretsky endgame manual. 

GM Oliksiyenko Videos

• Getting to the bottom of corresponding squares! - 15 Min 
  
  
• Another example of corresponding squares - 11  Min 
  
  
• Corresponding squares | Oleksiyenko - 8 Min 

Color Complex Chess: Conquer Your Opponent's Weak Squares

 

"The control of squares is the soul of chess." - Siegbert Tarrasch

Color Complex Chess Resources:
 A Comprehensive Guide

This post dives into the world of color complexes in chess, providing a curated list of resources to help you master this strategic concept.

Color complexes refer to weaknesses on squares of the same color, often exploited by maneuvering your pieces and exploiting your opponent's limitations.

By understanding and exploiting color complexes, you can gain a significant advantage over your opponent and elevate your chess game.

Bishop's Bounty Weak Square Page

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Books (Free)

Free Lesson: Light & Dark Magic - Color Complexes in Chess - 6 Lines w/13 Min Video - (FREE Chessable Course by GM Axel Smith): Get a taste of this concept with a free chapter from a renowned chess instructor.

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Chess Color Complex Articles

Master the Art of Exploiting Weak Squares:

• Color Complex in Chess - Chessbase India Article w/ 2 Nice annotated games - Learn the basics with clear explanations and practical examples.
  
  
• Taking Advantage of the Weak Square Complex - Ichess Article w/ Annotated Alexander Alekhine game. (Archived Article)
  
  
• Weak squares - (Large Exeter CC Article with Many Annotated Games):Dive deep into the concept of weak squares with a comprehensive collection of annotated games for practical application.
  
  
• Yaacov Norowitz Lecture on Color Complexes - Kenilworth CC Lecture - Master Yaacov Norowitz explores "color complexes" (square strategy) in blitz chess. Learn how controlling light & dark squares guides strategy and action in fast games. Bonus: 2 annotated games!

Bonus:

• COLOR COMPLEXES AND THE BANGIEV METHOD - (Article Explaining in Layman's Terms IM Bangeiv's Square Strategy Method): Explore a strategic method that utilizes color complex ideas.

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Game Databases

Analyze Real-World Color Complex Exploits

Chessgames.com: Your Chess Laboratory

Chessgames.com provides a valuable resource for analyzing real-world chess games. Here, we explore collections featuring games that showcase the practical application of color complexes and weak squares:

• Weak color complex -  3 Games  - Delve into 3 well-chosen games that demonstrate the exploitation of weak color squares in action.
  
  
• Weak Squares -  15 games - This extensive collection offers a broader perspective, allowing you to analyze various scenarios where weak squares play a decisive role.

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Color Complex LiChess Studies

Sharpen Your Skills with Interactive Learning

Master Light & Dark Squares:

• Light and Dark Squares | Master color complex - 21 Chapter Interactive Study - In-Depth  (2000 Hearts):This in-depth study provides a comprehensive exploration of color complexes with 9 detailed interactive exercises to test your understanding.
  
  
• Unlock Color Complexes: Light & Dark Squares Explained - 21 Chapter Study -( Detailed Positions and Explanations) This study offers a wealth of knowledge with detailed positions, explanations, and accompanying lessons for each chapter.
  
  
• Weak Squares and Color Complexes - 2 Chapter Study - This introductory study provides a clear explanation of color complexes along with a game demonstrating practical application.

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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Color Complex Video Lessons

Color Complexes: Strong Pieces and Weak Squares! - 14 Min -  some tips and tricks he recently learned about how to evaluate positions based on strong or weak color complexes.

Color Complexes Simplified - 40 Min - delves into the strategic imbalance of color complexes, how to understand them and how to apply them in your games.

Lesson 9 - Weak Colour Complex - Higher-Level Chess Course - 21 Min - delves into the concept of a weak color complex and its strategic importance in chess. 

Attacking a Color Complex - GM Sam Shankland - 43 Min  ST. Louis Chess Club - presents a game between Alexander Grischuk and Boris Gelfand from 2010 Linares in which he analyzes attacking a color complex.

Chess Strategy - Weak Color Complex in the Endgame - 9 Min

MKS Chess

Lessons highlighting International Master Alexander Bangievs square strategy theory

• Chess lesson : square strategy theory - 15 Min
  
• Chess lesson : square strategy theory - basic principles - 25 Min
  
• Chess lesson : square strategy theory, basics_2 - 7 Min
  
• Chess lesson : square strategy theory, basics_3 - 10 Min
  
• Chess Lesson : Square strategy theory - the control zone - 13 Min
  
• Chess lesson : Square Strategy Theory - complete game - 20 Min

IM Yaccov Norowitz

Discusses his unique approach to chess strategy, focusing on the concept of harmony between light and dark squares on the chessboard.

• Chess Harmony EXPLAINED - 12 Min - Colors and Harmony ideas discussed
  
• IM Yaacov Norowitz Harmony in Chess Part 1 - 19 Min
  
• IM Yaacov Norowitz Teaches Harmony in Chess Part 2 - 15 Min

How Fighting for Color Complexes and Squares Leads to Winning Positions - 18 Min - FM Peter Giannatos Charlotte CC - Video below - talks about how color complexes and certain squares in a position can lead to a dominant game, which ultimately finish off in a tactical blow.

Game Videos

Magnus Carlsen shows us a simple light-square strategy | 44th Chess Olympiad - 20 Min

Chess Improvement Game: Bishops and Color Complexes - 14 Min - a chess improvement guide focusing on the use of bishops and color complexes. The presenter shares a personal game to demonstrate strategic concepts learned from chess literature, particularly the exploitation of weak squares and the management of bishops.