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.
Master Chess Tension: A Guide with Resources & Training Tactics
In chess, "tension" refers to a situation on the board where there is a delicate balance or a critical interaction between pieces or pawns. It often involves a threat or potential exchange 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 board's flow and dictating the game's course.
Tension can exist in various forms, such as a standoff between two opposing pieces, a pawn structure that could lead to pawn exchanges, or a potential threat that requires both players to make strategic decisions.
In this comprehensive repository, we'll delve into the world of tension, equip you with valuable resources, and provide training tactics to hone your skills.
Players must navigate and resolve these tense situations by making moves that either alleviate the pressure or exploit the tension to their advantage.
Understanding and managing tension is a crucial aspect of chess strategy, as it can influence the dynamics of the position and determine the course of the game.
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!
Wing Gambits in Chess - This article by Edward Winter discusses the history and development of the Sicilian Wing Gambit in chess, including notable games and players associated with the opening. It traces the gambit back to Greco in the 17th century, looks at claims of authorship by Bird and Marshall, and includes analysis of sample games showing interesting ideas and theoretical developments over time. (Very Nice)
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)
Bishop's Bounty On Twitter
