Saturday, July 29, 2023

Methods for Finding Tactics

 To execute a tactic, a player must identify weaknesses in their opponent's position. These weaknesses can come in many forms, and recognizing them is an essential skill for any chess player. 

  • Hanging (undefended) pieces: Pieces that are left unprotected or undefended are vulnerable to attack.
  • Under-defended pawns and pieces: Pawns and pieces that are not adequately protected can be targeted by the opponent.
  • Vulnerable king position: A king that is exposed or in a poor position can be a significant weakness.
  • Pawn weaknesses: Pawns that are isolated, doubled, or backwards can be targeted by the opponent.
  • Backward pawns: Pawns that are pushed too far forward can be weak and become an easy target for attack.
  • Weak squares: Squares that are undefended or can't be protected by pawns or pieces are potential targets for tactics.
  • Unprotected pieces: Pieces that are left undefended or that can be taken without any consequences for the opponent can be exploited.
  • Overloaded pieces: Pieces that are responsible for protecting multiple squares or pieces can be a weakness if they are forced to move.
  • Space advantage: Having more space can be a major advantage in chess, and can be exploited with tactics such as forks and pins.
  • Trapped pieces: Pieces that are trapped or unable to move can be a weakness for the player.

The more of these weaknesses you can identify in your opponent's position, the more opportunities you have to launch a tactical attack. Keep in mind that exploiting these weaknesses requires both knowledge and practice, so keep practicing and analyzing these concepts to improve your chess tactics.


Finding Tactics Chess Articles

5 Grandmaster Tips To Improve Your Tactics - Chess.com Article

Finding the Tactic in Chess Games - ichess Article w/ 40 Min Embedded Anna Rudolph Video (Real Nice)
 
Spotting And Avoiding Tactics - NM Dan Heisman Article on Chess.com

How to Improve Your Tactical Vision - GM Avetik - Lichess Blog Article


LiChess Studies


Spotting Tactics - 5 Chapter Interactive Study
Beginner Tactics - 9 Chapter Study (540 Hearts)


Chess Tactics Video Lessons


General Lessons In Spotting tactics
Squarology's "7 Signs of Tactics" Series - 11 Video Playlist - (1.5hr) Chess.com ( IM Daniel Tapia )

How to Find Chess Tactics in Quiet Positions? - 20 Min - GM Igor Smirvov
How To Spot "Hidden" Tactics In Your Games - Tricky Chess Tactics Lesson - 15 Min - NM Nelson Lopez
Recognizing Tactics in your Games | Road to 2000 - 55 Min - NM Caleb denby

NM Dan Heisman

Safety and Tactics - 44 Video Playlist  - (Really Great Tactics Playlist) Finding Tactics Below
Chess Tactics - Seeds of Tactical Destruction - how to spot tactics! - 28 Min
Chess Tactics: More Seeds of Tactical Destruction - 28 Min
Using Seeds of Tactical Destruction to Spot Chess Tactics - 29 Min
The Geometry of Chess Tactics - 29 Min


Chess Forcing Moves (Checks, Captures, Threats)

How to find tactics in chess | Using forcing moves to improve your chess thinking - 26 Min - Zibbit
Chess Tactics 101: Introduction - Forcing Moves - 14 Min - Im Kostya Kavutskiy
Forcing Moves | Beginner Breakdown - 65 Min - St. Louis Chess Club Lesson
Forcing Moves Revisited | Beginner Breakdown - 61 Min - St.Louis Chess Club
Paul Morphy's Forcing Moves & Initiative | Kids' Class - GM Josh Friedel - 27 Min St.Louis Chess Club
Learn Chess: The Forcing Moves - Checks, Captures & Threats - 28 min - NM Dan Heisman
Did you calculate correctly? | Checks, Captures & Threats Method - Exercise Solution - * Min - IM Alax Astaneh

Positions To Know

A Crucial Chess Principle About Tactics - 7 Min - NM Nelson Lopez

Unprotected Pieces

Chess Tactics: The Signals of Undefended Pieces! - 7 Mins - Chess.com Video
How to identify Hanging Pieces | Chess Fundamentals | IM Alex Astaneh - 14 Min - IM Alex Astaneh
How to identify and attack unprotected Pieces and Pawns | Chess Fundamentals | IM Alex Astaneh - 16 Min - IM Alex Astaneh
Fundamentals #3: Undefended Pieces by Max Warmerdam - 66 Min



AI Created Colorful Chess Image in a Bold Poster Style of a knight and Pawn.


Wednesday, July 26, 2023

FIDE World Cup - 2023

 

FIDE CHess World Cup LOGO


2023 FIDE World Cup  |  July 29th - August 26th

The FIDE World Cup is a direct qualification route to the 2024 Candidates Tournament.
Top players from each federation will be clashing against each other in a knockout format, vying to reach the coveted top 3 and clinch a spot in the Candidates. 


The FIDE World Cup is a biennial chess tournament organized by the World Chess Federation (FIDE).


The 2023 edition will feature 206 players in the open section, plus 103 in the Women’s competition, this event has seen its combined prize pool boosted to a whopping USD 2.5 million, the single largest one at any chess event in the world.


 The tournament is structured as a knockout, with each round consisting of two games played over two days. The player with the highest score advances to the next round, and the championship match will be played over four games.


FIDE WORLD CUP OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Players Page
(List of Men and Women)

Pairing Tree Page 

Chess.com Tournament Bracket Contest

Prizes

  • Overall winner: Six months of premium membership 
  • Second place: Three months of premium membership
  • Third place: One month of premium membership
  • Random winner: One month of premium membership

Monday, July 24, 2023

Nakhmanson Gambit - Opening Theory (C56)

 Nakhmanson Gambit Chess Resources

A Gambit Arising out of the Two Knights Defense.


1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.0-0 Nxe4 6.Nc3



Nakhmanson Gambit Articles

Nakhmanson Gambit: Opening Guide for White and Black - Chessable Blog Opening Guide 
Nakhmanson Gambit: Refutation and Traps | 5 Minute Guide - ChessTier Guide

Most SAVAGE Chess Opening After 1.e4 e5 | Nakhmanson Gambit - GM Igor Smirnov w/embedded Video 17 Min Long

Robert Ris’ Fast and Furious: The Nakhmanson Gambit - Chessbase Article w/ 30 Min Video


Lichess Studies

The Nakhmanson Gambit - 18 Chapter Study (1000+ Hearts) w/ Link to Video
Nakhmanson Gambit! - 14 Chapter Study


Game Databases

Chessgames.com 
Nakhmanson Gambit - 6 Games


Nakhmanson Gambit Videos

The Most Aggressive Gambit You've Never Heard Of | Nakhmanson Gambit - 14 Min - Johnathan Schrantz
The NEW Nakhmanson Gambit? - 16 min - Johnathan Schrantz

Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Nakhmanson Gambit! - 16 Min - Chess Giant
Learn the Evans and Nakhmanson Gambit | 10-Minute Chess Openings - 11 Min - Gotham Chess
Nakhmanson Gambit Refuted? | Answering Viewer Questions - 20 Min - Johnathan Schrantz

Never Stop Attacking: Nakhmanson Gambit Declined - 28 Min - thechesswebsite
Nakhmanson Gambit with 6...Nxc3!? - 21 Min - thechesswebsite

Nakhmanson Traps and Tactics

Nakhmanson Gambit: Chess Opening Traps To WIN FAST | Best Moves, Tricks, Tactics, Strategy & Ideas - 10 Min


Game Videos w/ Analysis

Two More Wins with the Nakhmanson Gambit - 11 Min - Johnathan Schrantz
I Beat a 2700 GM with the NEW NAKHMANSON GAMBIT - 16 Min - Johnatan Schrantz
Beating an IM with the Nakhmanson Gambit - 7 Min - Johnathan Schrantz
The Nakhmanson Gambit is SO MUCH FUN - 12 Min - IM Rosen
Magnus Carlsen Plays the Nakhmanson Gambit - 10 Min
Magnus Carlsen has a Nakhmanson Problem - 21 Min


Painting of a chess themed Stained glass window with beautiful vibrant colors and chess pieces.

Monday, July 17, 2023

Ruy Lopez (Spanish) Schliemann Defence (Jaenisch Gambit) C63 - Opening Theory

 Exploring the Schliemann Defense in the Ruy Lopez

The Schliemann Defense, also known as the Jaenisch Gambit, presents an intriguing challenge for both White and Black. Despite its name, it's not a true gambit in the traditional sense. With the knight on c6, capturing on e5 doesn't lead to a straightforward pawn grab for White. Instead, White must navigate the complexities that arise from Black's aggressive play.

In response to 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5, White has options like 4. Nc3, the Berger Variation, or 4. d3, the Safe Variation.

These moves aim to maintain control while preparing to exploit weaknesses in Black's position. Black, on the other hand, typically aims to recapture on e4 with ...fxe4, leading to dynamic play.

Chess resources offer a wealth of analysis, instructional content, and games to delve deeper into this fascinating opening. From video lessons dissecting strategic nuances to traps and tactical insights, the Schliemann Defense promises rich exploration for players seeking dynamic and aggressive options against the Ruy Lopez.

Bishop's Bounty Ruy Lopez Main Page

 Schliemann Defence WikiBook Page


Schliemann Defense Chess Articles

 Chess Opening Basics: The Jaenisch Gambit - Short Chessable Blog Article on this Opening.
Jaenisch Gambit – A Complete Guide for Black - Chessarticle.com - FM Nikhil


Schliemann LiChess Studies

Some variations on the Schliemann - 6 Chapter Study (180 Hearts)
Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense/Jaenisch - 6 Chapter Study
Schliemann Defense - 6 Chapter Study


Game Databases

 365Chess.com

C63: Ruy Lopez, Schliemann defence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5 - 6379 Games

Chessgames.com

Ruy Lopez, Schliemann Defense (C63) 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 f5 - 2600 Games


Chess Tempo

Spanish Game, Schliemann Defense (C63) - 3400 Games


Schliemann Defense Chess Video Lessons

 Schliemann Gambit: An opening overview - 7 Video Playlist - The Pawnslayer


𝐉𝐚𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐡 𝐀𝐊𝐀 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭 - 𝐑𝐮𝐲-𝐋𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐳 (𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡) - 7 Video Playlist - LevonFisch (2.5 hrs Video Total)
(LevonFisch brings you the latest edition of the five-part course that GM Sam Shankland introduced eight years ago. In the last two lessons, these principles are examined in more depth and several points of importance for both White and Black are discussed.)


CRUSH e4 with this Black GAMBIT! - 26 min - GothamChess - IM Levy Rozman

The Schliemann Gambit Part 1 Introduction! Chess Videos Chesscom - 20 Min - GM Melik Khachiyan
The Schliemann Gambit Part 2 Dealing with Prep! Chess Videos Chesscom - 23 min
The Schliemann Gambit Part 3 Bonus Review! Chess Videos Chesscom - 21 Min

SECRET WEAPON Against Ruy Lopez (Jaenisch Gambit) - 44 Min

This Gambit? A Surprise Weapon Against Unprepared Players! (EMPIRE CHESS) - 15 Min - Gm Sam Shankland
The Janisch Gambit - GM Leonid Kritz (EMPIRE CHESS) - 15 Min - GM Leonid Kritz
AlphaZero Schliemann Defence novelties for White and Black. AlphaZero Opening Novelties #2 - 18 Min - GM Mathew Sadler

Schlielman Defense Chess Traps


Exotic Trap in the Most Aggressive Gambit vs The Ruy Lopez - 9 Min - IM Eric Rosen

Spanish Schliemann Jaenisch - The Schliemann Demon Trap (trap no. 148) - 3 Min


Schlielman Defense Game Videos (w/Analysis)


Holy Gambit Grail #3: Jaenisch Gambit - 9 Min - Johnathan Schrantz

Challenging Game with the Jaenisch Gambit | Lichess Livestream | IM Andrey Ostrovskiy  

Shocking tactic in Jaenisch Gambit | 12 move chess miniature - 10 Min - Chess Viking

AI Generated watercolor Image in the style of John Singer Sargent of the Schlielman Defense Chess Position

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Elephant Gambit (Queen's Pawn Counter-gambit) - C40

Elephant Gambit Chess Resources


The Elephant Gambit (also called the Queen's Pawn Countergambit or Englund Counterattack) 

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5!?


Elephant Gambit Chess Articles

The Ultimate Elephant Gambit Opening Guide for Attacking Players - Chessable Blog Guide

Elephant Gambit | The Refutation - Chessmood Article by GM Avetik Grigoryan (Pretty In-depth)
Elephant Gambit | The Refutation - Lichess Blog Post

Elephant Gambit LiChess Studies

The Elephant Gambit - Pretty basic 4 Chapter Study (Top of Page)
Elephant Gambit | Wasp Variation - 18 Chapter Interactive Study

Elephant Gambit - (Queen Pawn Counter Gambit) - 12 Chapter Study


Tactics and Puzzles

Lichess Elephant Gambit Tactics  - 2693 Tactics (Under LiChess Opening Tactics)

King's Knight Opening (ECO C40) - 25 Puzzles - WTHarvey.com


Online Databases

365Chess.com

C40: QP counter-gambit (elephant gambit) 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5 - 1075 Games


Chessgames.com

98_C40_Elephant Gambit - 42 Games
Elephant Gambit 3.d4 black wins - 3 Games
Elephant Gambit Miniatures - 7 Games


ChessTempo.com

Elephant Gambit, General (C40) - 1600 games



Elephant Gambit Video Lessons

Watch Out for The Elephant Gambit! | Chess Openings Explained - 57 Min - St. Louis Chess Club
Tal vs Lutikov, 1964 | Elephant Gambit - GM Yasser Seirawan - 49 Min - St.Louis Chess Club
The Elephant Gambit | Queen's Pawn Countergambit | Chess Openings | Gambits | IM Andrey Ostrovskiy - 14 Min

Chess For Beginners: The Mighty Elephant Gambit for Black!! Part 1 - 25 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic
Chess For Beginners: The Mighty Elephant Gambit for Black!! Part 2 - 25 min - Im Miodrag perunovic


Tricky Elephant Gambit Repertoire - 6 Video playlist- GJ_Chess

Wasp Variation

Surprisingly Tricky, Extremely Fun - The Wasp Variation of the Elephant Gambit! - 12 Min - NM Nelson Lopez

Johnathan Schrantz

Win with the MOST COMMON Elephant Gambit Trap - 7 Min
Trick Everyone with the ELEPHANT GAMBIT - 13 Min
Scare Everyone with the ELEPHANT GAMBIT - 19 Min
I Tried Playing the ELEPHANT GAMBIT in Rapid Chess - 19 Min
Beating an IM in 9 Moves with the ELEPHANT GAMBIT - 2 Min
Holy Gambit Grail #10: Elephant Gambit - 13 Min
Always Accept this Gambit - 12 Min
Can a GRANDMASTER Refute My Elephant Gambit? - 9 Min
This Opening is an INFINITE RATING GLITCH - 8 Min

Refuting the Elephant Gambit Videos

Destroy The Elephant Gambit in Two Easy Ways!! - 8 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic
Elephant Gambit | The Refutation - Daily Lesson with a Grandmaster #75 - 30 Min - Chess Mood
The Elephant Gambit (And how to beat it every time.) - 16 Min - Hanging Pawns

Elephant Gambit Game Videos (w/Analysis)

The Elephant Gambit - 31 Video Playlist - Kingscrusher

Learn the Elephant Gambit Under the Trunk of a Grandmaster - 58 Min - GM Nakamura 
An Amazing Elephant Gambit Miniature | Max Lange vs Richard Schurig: Berlin 1855 - 3 Min
Elephant Gambit: Masseg vs Freidl - Austria 1987 - 3 Min



Watercolor Abstract Elephant in the style of Zentangle