Treasury of FREE Chess Articles By IM Jeremy Silman
501 Chess Articles from 2009 - 2023
So many of these Articles are Lessons, Games and Positions to Test and Teach the Reader.
Chess Books & Magazines
Recommendations on Some interesting Books
Classic Books - Here are a few that I feel will keep the reader spellbound (all are out of print and can be found online or in many used bookstores for very low prices). They discuss why players became addicted to the game, how different time periods influenced their game and their way of life, and the adventures that the chess greats regularly experienced.
Chess Books And Youth vs Old Age - Lengthy Article (Silman, Watson, Donaldson and Lakdawala )All talk Chess-books. If you want some recommendations here are 4 authors with theirs
The Best Chess Books Ever- (Lists of Books Recommended By Other Famous Players) Serwain, Donaldson, Anthony Saidy, Danny Rensch, Jack Peters , Cyrus Lakdawala, David Pruess, John Watson, Jeremy Silman. Lengthy Article with a Lot of Info on Chess Books and Authors.
Chess Moves and Only Chess Moves - Makes the case that chess is made far richer by embracing the drama, personalities, and real world stories surrounding the game and its great players. He urges readers to delve into chess history, providing an overflowing reading list for those seeking to better know the giants of the past.
Silman's Pawn Structure Insights: A Comprehensive Repository
Explore IM Jeremy Silman's in-depth analysis and instructional articles on pawn structure in chess.
From basic concepts to advanced strategies, dive into a treasure trove of lessons, games, and puzzles designed to enhance your understanding and mastery of pawn structures.
Learning Pawn Structure For Chess Players Under 2000 - 7 Positions , 3 are Puzzles (1600-2000 Rated) Mastering Your Opening's Pawn Structures- 2 Games - Instructive game demonstrating the vital need to deeply comprehend pawn structures in your openings. Illustrates how strategic essence matters more than concrete moves. Know the plans and dynamics of your structures. Classic Pawn Structure, Part 1a- 7 games - discusses what pawn structure is and why it is important. It also goes into detail about a specific pawn structure. Some of the important points from this article are that pawn structure can dictate the course of a game and that there are many different pawn structures.
Classic Pawn Structure, Part 3a - 8 Games - This is an article about the doubled f-pawn structure. It discusses the pros and cons of this structure, and gives several examples of games where it has been used.
Classic Pawn Structure, Part 3b - 14 Games, 3 Puzzles - Pawn Structure Arising from these openings ,Burn Variation of the French Defense and the Bronstein-Larsen Variation of the Caro-Kann.
Classic Pawn Structure, Part 4b - Structural similarities between the Sicilian Wing Gambit, the French Wing Gambit, and the Benko Gambit. 14 + games. In-Depth look at Lines
I Wandered Lonely As a Cloud - A game demonstrating how strategic fundamentals like square control, initiative, and pawn structure are forgotten at all levels. Uses a lower-rated game to show universal lessons about passive play and exchanging when ahead in development.
Chess Lessons Exposed: A Lesson Learned? - 2 Test, The article includes two chess positions for readers to analyze and
provides the author's commentary on the best moves in each case. In-Depth Answers
Mastering the Art of Trapping Chess Pieces: Your Ultimate Guide
Don't Let Them Escape! Mastering the Art of Trapping Chess Pieces
Have you ever captured your opponent's queen in chess? It feels amazing, right? But how do you get your opponent's powerful pieces into such a vulnerable position? That's where trapping comes in!
A trapped piece is one that can't move to a safe square. This means you can capture it easily, gaining a big advantage in the game. It might be a sneaky knight stuck between your pawns, a bishop cornered by your king, or even the mighty queen with nowhere to run!
Learning how to trap pieces is a powerful skill for any chess player. It can turn the tide of a game and leave your opponent in a difficult spot. This guide will show you how to do just that! We'll break down the basics of trapping, explore different trapping patterns, and provide you with resources to practice your newfound skills. So buckle up, chess warriors, and prepare to unleash your inner trap master!
Books (Courses)
Trapped Pieces for Intermediates- 2 page PDF - 8 Examples - This concise resource is geared towards intermediate players who want to refine their trapping skills. It provides eight clear examples of trapping tactics, ideal for focused learning.
Articles to Sharpen Your Trapping Skills
Trapping Pieces- Chess.com Article by WGM Natalia_Pogonina - A beginner-friendly guide to basic trapping tactics.
Teaching Kids how to Trap Pieces- Article From The Chess Improver Blog- An article geared towards helping young players learn about trapping.
LiChess Studies: Sharpen Your Trapping Skills Interactively
Take your trapping skills to the next level with LiChess, a free online chess platform offering interactive studies. Here are some highly-rated studies to explore:
Trapping pieces- 36 Chapter Study (Really Nice) - This comprehensive study delves deep into various trapping tactics, providing a well-rounded learning experience.
Trapping Pieces EXERCISE- 10 Chapter - Enhance your understanding by actively solving puzzles and practicing your trapping skills in this interactive study.
Trapping Pieces- 35 Chapter Study - This beginner-friendly study breaks down trapping tactics for each piece (queen, rook, etc.), allowing you to focus on specific weaknesses and improve your overall trapping strategy. Even new players can start with basic trapping patterns for pawns and knights!
Trapped Pieces - 17 Chapter Study - Learn from real-world examples! This study showcases 9 full games featuring 10 different trapping patterns used by strong players.
Game Databases: Analyze Real-World Trapping Tactics
Witness trapping tactics in action! Explore these online game Collections to see how skilled players have executed various trapping maneuvers in actual games.
Trapped Queen- 80 Game Collection - A focused collection showcasing the dramatic downfall of powerful queens. This can be particularly interesting for players who want to learn how to exploit queen vulnerabilities.
Knight trapped? Rescue it with adjacent pawn. - 4 game Collection - This specific collection can be a valuable resource for beginners who might be more familiar with basic knight movement and want to understand how pawns can be used for defense.
Tip: While exploring these game databases, pay close attention to the piece placement and the moves that led to the trapped piece. This will help you identify patterns and improve your ability to set traps in your own games.
Trapping Pieces Chess Video Lessons
Elevate your trapping skills by watching insightful video lessons from experienced chess instructors. Whether you prefer quick explanations or in-depth analysis, you'll find a lesson that suits your needs:
The ULTIMATE Trapping Technique | ChessKid - 7 Min - Ideal for beginners, this short video by ChessKid introduces basic trapping concepts in a clear and engaging way. Restraining and Trapping Bad Pieces | Chess Middlegames - 21 Min - Hanging Pawns - Dive deeper with this comprehensive lesson that explores not just trapping, but also restraining your opponent's pieces, a crucial middlegame strategy. Chess Tactics: Trapped Pieces! - 8 Min - Presented by International Master Danial Tapia, this video showcases real-world examples of trapping tactics used by Grandmasters. Analyze these high-level games and learn from the best! Trapping Bad Pieces in the Middlegame | Chess Tactics - 7 Min - Another lesson by an International Master, Kostya Kavutskiy, focusing specifically on trapping tactics within the middlegame.
8 Ways To TRAP Pieces In Chess - 14 Min - National Master Nelson Lopez breaks down eight different trapping methods in this informative video. This is a great resource for players seeking a broader understanding of various trapping techniques.(Video below)
Mastering the Baltic Defense: Your Complete Repository of Free Chess Resources
This repository delves into the fascinating world of the Baltic Defense, an uncommon yet intriguing chess opening. Often shrouded in mystery, the Baltic offers a unique approach to the Queen's Gambit Declined, immediately bringing the queen bishop out with 2...Bf5!?
Here, you'll find a treasure trove of resources to equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed to conquer the Baltic, regardless of which side of the board you find yourself on.
The Baltic Defense (also known as the Grau Defense, or the Sahovic Defense) is a chess opening characterized by the moves:
This section dives into the heart of the Baltic Defense by showcasing actual games with detailed analysis. By studying these games, you can gain valuable insights into:
Typical positional themes arising from the Baltic Defense.
Strategic ideas employed by both White and Black players.
Tactical opportunities that can be exploited in both attack and defense.
Common mistakes to avoid in your own Baltic Defense games.
Here's a curated selection of games with analysis to get you started:
The Baltic Defense - 6 Video Playlist - This playlist by Chess School delves into the Baltic Defense through a series of analyzed games, providing a comprehensive overview. Queens Gambit Symmetrical and Baltic Defences D06- 4 Min - This short video by Chess School offers a quick comparison between the Symmetrical Queen's Gambit Declined and the Baltic Defense, using a sample game.
"In chess, as in life, we are continuously faced with a battle between opposing forces. 'Chess is the struggle against the error.'
– Johannes Zukertort"
Unraveling Chess Tension: A Comprehensive Repository of Strategies and Resources
In chess, "tension" refers to those critical moments on the board where a delicate balance or intense interaction between pieces or pawns exists. It often involves threats or potential exchanges that both players need to carefully consider. Have you ever felt the thrill of a hanging piece in chess? That's tension. It's the invisible force that creates dynamic positions, challenges your strategic thinking, and separates grandmasters from beginners.
Understanding and managing chess tension is crucial for influencing the flow of the game and dictating its course. Tension can manifest in various forms, such as standoffs between opposing pieces, pawn structures leading to potential exchanges, or looming threats that require strategic decisions.
In this comprehensive repository, you'll explore the intricacies of tension in chess. We’ve curated valuable resources and training tactics to help you master this essential aspect of chess strategy. Players must navigate and resolve these tense situations by making moves that either alleviate the pressure or exploit the tension to their advantage. Mastering tension is vital for any serious chess player aiming to elevate their game.
Master Chess Tension with In-Depth Articles
Dive deeper into the world of chess tension and unlock its strategic potential with these insightful articles:
To take is a mistake - tension in the chess position - Exeter Chess Club Article - This comprehensive article explores numerous positions where capturing a piece might seem tempting, but maintaining tension on the board ultimately leads to a winning advantage. Detailed explanations accompany each example, equipping you to identify and capitalize on such situations in your own games. The Tension Question - Grandmaster Max Illingworth tackles the critical question of how to approach piece tension in a chess position. The article delves into strategies for handling this crucial element, supported by illustrative examples that bring the concepts to life.
What to do with the pawn center? - WIM energia - Learn how to leverage the power of the pawn center effectively. Women's International Master (WIM) energia presents four distinct scenarios featuring pawn centers, showcasing the diverse outcomes that can arise based on the actions taken.
Sharpen Your Skills: Interactive Lichess Studies on Tension
New to Lichess studies? These innovative tools transform learning into an interactive experience. Explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move, testing your understanding and solidifying knowledge at your own pace. Here are some studies specifically designed to hone your skills in handling tension:
Critical Moments: Tension in Center - 41 Interactive Chapter Study -Dive deep into this comprehensive study. Explore model games, delve into lessons on different types of pawn centers, and test your knowledge through interactive quizzes scattered throughout the 41 chapters.
Pawn Tensions - 13 Chapter Study - This focused study showcases various situations where maintaining tension is crucial. Through 13 chapters, you'll gain insights into scenarios where releasing tension could be a disadvantage.
Keeping the Tension - 4 Chapter Study - Learn from the masters! This study presents three insightful game examples from famous players, each demonstrating the strategic benefits of maintaining tension on the board.
Master tension in action! These Lichess studies let you explore key moments and test your skills interactively. (For a Lichess study primer, visit What Are LiChess Studies?). You'll develop strategies for handling tension and translate them into sharper decision-making during your games.
Chess Video Lessons Demystifying Tension
Unveil the Secrets of Tension: Elevate your chess game with these insightful video lessons:
Chess Tension Explained - 19 Min - Chess Goals (SmithyQ) - SmithyQ dives into the strategic importance of maintaining tension in chess. Learn why releasing tension can often benefit your opponent and hinder your own piece activity.
Tension | Chess Terms | ChessKid - 11 Min - ChessKid - Ideal for beginners, this video from ChessKid uses clear examples to explain the concept of tension and how managing it effectively can lead to advantageous positions.
How to improve your ELO quickly by learning how to handle central tension - 15 Min - Robert Plunkett's Chess Lab -Master the art of handling tension in the center by understanding primary and secondary pawn breaks, pawn value, and when to capture or maintain tension. Examples from popular openings like the Scotch Game and Queen's Gambit are included.
STOP before you chop - Beginner to Chess Master #28 - 2.5 Hr - Chess Network - Delve deeper into positional play and learn how to identify and capitalize on moments of tension. This comprehensive video focuses on situations with equal or slightly advantageous positions.
IM Andras Toth Queen's Gambit Tension Deconstructed
Improving Chess episode 3 | ft. Samay Raina | Keeping the Tension - 1.5 hr - Chessbase India - In this extended video, IM Sagar Shah provides strategies for maintaining tension throughout the game. Learn why patience is key and explore examples on how to effectively manage tension for improved decision-making. 10 Concepts About Pawn Tension - 19 Min - NM Nelson Lopez - Video Below - This video offers 10 key principles to help you navigate crucial decisions involving pawn tension - capture, push, or something else entirely?
Deconstructing Tension: Chess Game Videos with Expert Analysis
Learn from the Masters: Witness the power of tension management in action with these annotated game videos:
Mastering the Stonewall: Essential Resources & Training Materials
Unleash the Power of the Stonewall!
This formidable pawn structure is a chess warrior's secret weapon.
The Stonewall Pawn Structure, characterized by pawns on d4, c3, f4, and e3, creates a solid and dynamic foundation for your chess strategy. It excels at controlling the center, restricting your opponent's piece mobility, and launching powerful kingside attacks.
Mastering the Stonewall empowers you to:
Solidify your position: Gain a firm foothold in the center and build a fortress for your king.
Control the flow of the game: Limit your opponent's options and dictate the pace.
Launch surprise attacks: Exploiting weaknesses created by the Stonewall's pressure can lead to decisive victories.
Dive into this comprehensive guide and unlock the secrets of the Stonewall Pawn Structure with a wealth of free resources, articles, Lichess studies, video lessons, and game collections!
Pawn Structure 101: Stonewall Formation- Chess Simplified Guide (In-Depth):Ideal for beginners, this guide breaks down the Stonewall's formation step-by-step.
The Stonewall Pawn Structure- Article w/ Plans, Ideas and some Games - WGM Raluca Sgircea, IM Renier Castellanos: Offers strategic insights, plans, and illustrative games for intermediate players.
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.
How to deal with the Stonewall - 4 Chapter Study (Lesson w/ 3 annotated games) - Tackle the Stonewall head-on and learn effective strategies to counter this solid structure.
Stonewall Dutch Defense - 7 Chapter Interactive Study (500+ Hearts) Fully interactive study w/ plans, structure, and different maneuvers.- Delve into the Stonewall Dutch Defense, a popular opening that leads to Stonewall positions. Explore plans, key structures, and tactical possibilities.
Stonewall Structures (Chess Structures : A GM's Guide Chapter 6) - 8 Chapter Study - Deepen your understanding of Stonewall structures with a GM-level study featuring general plans and analysis of well-annotated games from the book "Chess Structures: A GM's Guide."
Game Databases
Chessgames.com
(Game Collections) Explore collections of classic games showcasing the Stonewall in action.
Pawn breaks: The Stonewall pawn structures- 1.5 Hr - Coach Robert - (Intermediate): This series delves into pawn breaks, starting with two "totally-blocked" pawn structures: the kingside and queenside Stonewalls. Pawn Structure 101 IM Daniel Rensch - 31 Min IM Daniel Rensch - This comprehensive guide focuses on pawn structure in chess, with a deep dive into the Stonewall formation.
Stonewall Dutch for chess beginners (explained) - 14 Min - Bad Bishop Chess Channel - (Beginner-friendly): This video introduces the Stonewall Dutch Defense, focusing on the pawn structure and the strategic ideas it creates.
Portsmouth Wing Gambit Warfare Conquer the Sicilian
The Sicilian Defense is one of Black's most popular responses to 1.e4. But what if you could disrupt their plans with an aggressive gambit right out of the gate? Enter the Sicilian Wing Gambit (also known as the Portsmouth Gambit). This exciting opening sacrifices a pawn for rapid development and quick attacking chances.
Here are some reasons to add the Wing Gambit to your chess arsenal:
Confuse your opponent: The Wing Gambit is a less common opening, throwing your opponent off-balance.
Sharpen your tactics: The gambit nature leads to sharp, tactical positions, perfect for honing your tactical skills.
Gain a quick advantage: The gambit can lead to a rapid development advantage and potential for a checkmating attack.
Let's delve into the wealth of resources available to master the Wing Gambit!
Dive into the rich theory, captivating history, and key variations of the Portsmouth Gambit.
Chess Opening Basics: The Sicilian Wing Gambit - Chessable Opening Guide - This beginner-friendly guide provides a solid foundation, explaining core ideas and plans for White in the Wing Gambit.
The Wing Gambit: Opening Guide for White & Black - Chessable Blog Guide - Go beyond the basics with this exploration of various Wing Gambit lines, potential Black responses, and its suitability for faster chess formats.
Magnus Carlsen Demolishes a GM Using Portsmouth Gambit - GM Igor Smirnov - Article w/Embedded Videos - Witness a masterclass in action! Analyze a detailed game where Magnus Carlsen himself wields the Wing Gambit to devastating effect. w/ 27 Min Video about this Opening Gambit.
Wing Gambits in Chess - By Edward Winter - Embark on a historical journey! This article delves into the Wing Gambit's rich past, tracing its lineage back to the 17th century, including famous players and showcasing interesting games that illustrate its evolution. (Very Nice)
Sicilian Wing (Portsmouth) Gambit LiChess Studies
Master the Gambit Through Interactive Training!Explore these Lichess studies to solidify your understanding of the Wing Gambit's concepts, analyze real games, and test your skills move-by-move.
Sicilian Wing's Gambit - 10 Chapter Study - A well-structured study outlining a complete opening repertoire for the Wing Gambit.
Spicy Gambits: Sicilian Wing Gambit! - 22 Chapter Study -Dive into 22 games with computer and human analysis, uncovering hidden tactical opportunities and positional nuances.
Portsmouth Gambit | Opening: Sicilian Defense - 9 Chapter Study - In this study, we will go over variations of the Sicilian Defense: Portsmouth Gambit, and look at master games with this opening. (90+ Hearts)
Karpov_ChessMood's Study - 10 Chapter Study - Delve into a comprehensive study with over 20 games linked for deeper analysis.
Wing Gambit Tricks - 8 Chapter Study - Deepen your understanding with 7 analyzed games, focusing on critical moves and positional ideas.
New to Lichess Studies?No problem! This section includes a brief explanation of these interactive tools, highlighting how they can help you test your knowledge and master the Wing Gambit concepts move-by-move.
Sicilian Wing Gambit Puzzles
Put your Wing Gambit knowledge to the test!Dive into this extensive collection of puzzles specifically designed to sharpen your tactical skills within the Sicilian Wing Gambit.
Witness the Wing Gambit in Action!Delve into these comprehensive game databases featuring real-life encounters where the Sicilian Wing Gambit was employed by both White and Black.
Wing gambit victories - 37 Games - Uncover classic games featuring successful Wing Gambit play by legendary players like Marshall, Alekhine, and Keres.
Sicilian wing gambit - 9 Games - Deepen your understanding by studying games categorized by specific thematic ideas within the Wing Gambit.
Sicilian Wing Gambit for Black - 5 Games - Learn valuable defensive strategies from Black's perspective in these Wing Gambit games.
Sicilian: Wing Gambit-2. b4-Black wins - 9 Games - Analyze games where Black successfully countered the Wing Gambit, providing valuable insights for both White and Black players.
Crush Sicilian Players With The Wing Gambit!! - 53 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic - Video Below - In-depth analysis of the Wing Gambit , offering a comprehensive guide to this aggressive opening. Various responses to the Wing Gambit, including side variations and main lines, while emphasizing the importance of activity, center control, and piece development. Includes tactical motifs, such as the Greek Gift, and strategic plans for exploiting open files and weak pawns.
Bishop's Bounty On Twitter
