Showing posts with label Beginner Chess Videos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beginner Chess Videos. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Checkmate Patterns - Tactics

The word Checkmate created with neon lights with a lit chess piece above.

Checkmate Patterns Resource Page


Wikipedia Checkmate Patterns 


Pawns, Rooks,Queen Mate Patterns


Anderssen's Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Video lessons (Version of Mayet's mate)

Blind Swine Mate -  Articles, LiChess Study, Game Collection, Video Lessons

Backrank Checkmate -  Old Blog Post ,  Many LiChess Studies, Articles and Video Lessons

Damiano's Mate Page - Article, LiChess Studies, Video lessons

Pawn / David and Goliath Mate Page - Article, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video lessons

Dove Tail (Cozio) Mate Page -  Article, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Puzzles, Video Lessons

Epaulette Mate Page -  Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video lessons

Kill-Box Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lessons

Lawnmower Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lessons

 Lolli's Mate Page -   Article, Lichess Studies and a few Videos

RailRoad Mate Pattern Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lessons 

Swallow's Tail (Gueridon's) Mate -  Article, LiChess Study, Video Lesson

Triangle Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studie, Video lesson

Bishop Mates


Balestra Mate Page -   Article, LiChess Studies and a Few Video lessons

Boden's Mate Page -  Lots of nice Articles, Studies and Video lessons on this Mate.

Diagonal Corridor Mate Page - Article, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video lesson

Greco's Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lessons

Max Lange's Mate Page -  Article, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lesson

Mayet's Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lessons

Morphy's Mate Page -  Articles, LiChess Studies, Video Lessons

Opera Mate Page - Article, LiChess Study, Video Lessons (Opera Mate Game Info as well)

Pillsbury's Mate Page - Article, LiChess Studies, Video Lessons  ( a variation of Morphy's Mate)

Reti's Mate Page - Article, LiChess Study, Game Collection, Video Lessons

Double Bishop Mate Page - Article, LiChess Studies, Video lessons (Also Bombardier Mate)


Beginner Checkmate Patterns


Scholars Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Study, Video Lessons

Fool's Mate Page -  Articles, LiChess Study, Video lessons


Knight and Rook Mates


Hook Mate Page -  Article, Lichess Studies, Games , Several Video Lessons

Arabian Mate Page -  Articles, Several Nice Lichess Studies, Games, Puzzles, Several Video Lessons

Anastasia Mate Page - Articles, Bunch Lichess Studies, Games, Puzzles, Several Video lessons

Vukovic's Mate Page
- Articles, LiChess Study, Games, Several Video lessons, Video Playlist of Games

Corner Mate Page -  Article, LiChess Study, Games, Couple Video Lessons

Knight Mates


Smothered Mates Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, game Collection, Video Lessons

Suffocation Mates Page - Article, LiChess Study, Game Collection, Video Lesson

Blackburne's Mate Page -  Articles , LiChess Study, Video Lessons


LiChess Mate Studies


Checkmate Patterns: Bishops - 44 Chapter Study (All the Mating Patterns w/ Bishops)

Checkmate Patterns: Knights - 44 Chapter Study (All the Mating Patterns w/ Knights)

Checkmate Patterns: Pawns,Rooks,Queen - 64 Chapter Study (All the Mating Patterns with Pawns, Rooks, Queen)

Mating Patterns (Part 1) - 32 Chapter Interactive Study (ChessMood Mate List )

Mating Patterns Part 2  - 10 Chapter Interactive Study  (ChessMood Mate List)

LiChess Piece Checkmate Training Page - Interactive (Q vs. B,N or Rook) (2 Bishop) (B&N Mate)


Articles Covering Many Mating Patterns


30+ Ways to Checkmate in Chess - Chessable Blog Article Showing an Example of each.

40 Checkmate Patterns Sure To Win You Games  - Chess for Sharks (Nice Article)

The Complete Checkmate Patterns List (with examples) - GM Avetik Grigoryan - ChessMood page 
36 Mating patterns w/ Explanations (Really Nice Page)

Chess Tempos Tactical Motifs Page -   Links to the Descriptions of 30 Mates (Along with other Tactics)

Top 18 Checkmate Patterns: Must-Know Checkmates for Club Players - The ChessWorld Article

Video Lessons Covering Mating Patterns


The Top 23 Checkmate Patterns | Most Important Mating Patterns In Chess | Chess Tactics and Ideas - 23 min - NM Nelson Lopez

6 Checkmate Patterns YOU MUST KNOW - 21 Min - Gotham Chess - IM Rozman


Retro 3-d T-shirt design of Chess pieces and saying "The right move is out there in the multiverse





Monday, June 19, 2023

Update to Gambit Pages (New Videos) (June 2023)

 Albin Counter Gambit Page - Albin Counter Gambit Here

Opening Guides
Master the Brutal Albin Counter-Gambit - Chess Opening Guide  - 30 Min
Crush The Queen's Gambit - An Aggressive Countergambit  -  14 Min - NM Nelson Lopez

Guides Against
Annoying Openings: How to Beat the Albin Counter Gambit - 16 Min - Chessdawg
How to Easily Defeat The Albin Counter Gambit!! - 20 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic
Crush Albin Counter-Gambit - 33 Min - The Chessworld

Game Videos (w/analysis)
Holy Gambit Grail #11: Albin Countergambit   - 12 Min  - Johnathan Schrantz


Benko Gambit (Volga) Page -  Benko Gambit Page Here

Guide
The Benko Gambit: Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 54 Min

Guides Against
THE BEST Opening For Black Against 1.d4 | Benko Gambit | Chess Opening Explained - 14 Min - Coach Kestony
Crush The Benko Gambit with White!! - 31 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic (The Butcher)

Game Videos (w/analysis)

Taking Down the Benko Gambit!! | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 36 Min
Magnus Carlsen DESTROYS Prodigy Gukesh D with the Benko Gambit - 5 Min
Magnus Carlsen Plays Benko Gambit Against Grandmaster Arthur Kogan - 6 Min
Dealing with the Benko Gambit · Training Game - 46 min - Hanging Pawns
Shakhriyar Crushing the Benko Gambit - 9 Min


Budapest Gambit Page - Budapest Gambit Page Here

Guide
The simplest chess opening for Black || Budapest Gambit - 15 Min 

Guides Against
Good Opening For Black Against 1.d4 - Budapest Gambit - 16 Min - Coach Kestony
Alekhine Variation to CRUSH the Budapest Gambit - 17 Min - Chess Geek

Game Videos (w/analysis)
Holy Gambit Grail #12: Budapest Gambit - 8 Min - Johnathan Schrantz

Friday, March 24, 2023

Sicilian Defence, Najdorf Variation B90 - B99 - Opening Theory

 

Explore the Najdorf:
 Free Resources & Insights 

A Dynamic Powerhouse:

The Sicilian Najdorf (1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6) is renowned for its aggressive possibilities and sharp tactical battles. This dynamic opening choice has been a weapon of choice for many legendary chess grandmasters, including Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov, who wielded it to dominate their opponents. (Learn more about the history and variations on Wikipedia: Sicilian Defence, Najdorf Variation Wikipedia page.)

Are you seeking an opening that injects fire into your chess games? Do you crave sharp positions brimming with tactical possibilities? Then look no further than the Sicilian Najdorf! This exciting and challenging opening offers a path to victory for players who relish dynamic battles and outsmarting their opponents.

Empower Your Chess Journey:

This comprehensive guide equips you with a treasure trove of free Sicilian Najdorf chess resources, articles, annotated games, video lessons, and strategic insights. Whether you're a seasoned player seeking to refine your Najdorf repertoire or a newcomer eager to explore its potential, this collection offers valuable tools to elevate your chess game.



BOOKS (Free)

Internet Archive

500 Sicilian Miniatures Collection II by Bill Wall - 109 Page PDF

How to Beat the Sicilian Defence - 352 page PDF


FREE Chessable Courses

Short & Sweet: Giri's Najdorf Sicilian - 24 Trainable lines w/44 Min Free video

Short & Sweet: Colovic's Najdorf Sicilian  - 20 Trainable Lines w/ 50 Min Free Video

Short & Sweet: Cheparinov's Najdorf Sicilian  - 19 Trainable Lines w/ 57 Min Free Video



Najdorf  Chess ARTICLES

SICILIAN NAJDORF  - Chess Pathways Article w/embedded Video

Chess Opening Basics: The Najdorf Sicilian  - Chessable Blog Opening Guide

Sicilian Najdorf – How to Play, Attack & Counter as White & Black - Chessable blog Opening Guide

Sicilian Najdorf – How to Play, Attack and Counter - Chess Klub Opening Guide w/ Video

How to Play the Sicilian Najdorf   -  RagChess Guide


Najdorf LiChess Studies

Getting Started with Lichess Studies:

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools function like digital chess books, guiding you through Najdorf variations with explanations and challenges. 


  • The Sicilian Najdorf Variation - 5 Chapter Study (1000+ hearts)    This user-favored study (indicated by "hearts") provides a solid introduction to main Najdorf variations with concise explanations.

  • Sicilian Najdorf  - 8 Chapter Study  Variations w/ a pawn Structure lesson

  • The Sicilian Defense, Najdorf Variation 6. Be2  - 9 Chapter Study  - This study explores the "I don't want Fireworks Variation" with clear analysis, making it suitable for players seeking a more positional approach.

  • The Sicilian Najdorf   - 10 Chapter study  (700+ hearts) (Well Done with an interactive chapter)

  • VERY DETAILED! Sicilian Defense: Najdorf  - 8 Chapter Study - This study lives up to its name, offering in-depth explanations for a deeper understanding.

  • Sicilian Najdorf Repertoire  - 38 Chapter Study (1600+ HeartsConsidered the "Gold Standard" on Lichess, this comprehensive study covers themes, lines, and analyzed games.


Additional Resources:


NEW - Lichess Openings Page Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation 
Lichess now offers a dedicated Najdorf page with variations, win/loss statistics, and board diagrams for further exploration.

LiStudy (LiChess Movetrainer)


Game Databases

Analyze real-life games featuring the Najdorf and see how it's played in practice.


365Chess.com


Chess Tempo


Chessgames.com (Collections)


Sharpen Your Najdorf Tactics: Puzzles and Training

Test your tactical vision in the Najdorf with these resources:

Chess Puzzles by Bill Harvey (wtharvey.com):

Sicilian, Najdorf (ECO B90)  -   25 Puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf, Zagreb (Fianchetto) Variation (ECO B91)  - 21 puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf, Opocensky Variation (ECO B92)  - 25 Puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf, 6.f4 (ECO B93)  - 25 Puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf 6.Bg5 (ECO B94)  -  9 Puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf, 6...e6 (ECO B95)  - 10 Puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf 7.f4 (ECO B96)  - 10 puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf 7...Qb6 (ECO B97)  - 10 Puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf 7...Be7 (ECO B98) - 10 puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf, 7...Be7 Main line (ECO B99)  - 11 Puzzles


Lichess Najdorf Puzzles: Dive into a vast pool of Najdorf puzzles (over 7300!) on Lichess to solidify your tactical understanding.

SicilianNajdorf Variation 
- 7300 Puzzles


Najdorf Video Lessons


Dive deep into Najdorf  Video playlists

Playlists

  • Najdorf Sicilian - 18 video playlist - FM James Canty III - Learn key Najdorf concepts and variations through games and analysis

  • Sicilian Najdorf  -  46 video playlist  - Chessbase India - Explore the Najdorf in depth with a comprehensive video playlist by Chessbase India, featuring games and instructional content.

  • Najdorf Sicilian - 11 Video playlist - Robert Plunketts Chess Lab - Master the Najdorf with a focused 10-video series . (all lessons dedicated to the Najdorf).


Lessons

GM Neiksans Boot Camp #21 - Sicilian Najdorf for Black - 3.5 Hrs -  Gain valuable insights from GM Neiksans on playing the Najdorf effectively as Black.

6th Move Options Against Najdorf TIER LIST | GM Moulthun Ly  - 20 Min -Demystify White's options after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 with GM Moulthun Ly's tier list (20 minutes).

How to Play the Sicilian Najdorf - Chess Openings Explained  - 47 min  St.Louis CC -Master the "Cadillac" of openings with St. Louis Chess Club's video guide, delving into the Najdorf and the English Attack.
 

Falling in love with the Sicilian Najdorf with GM Daniel King - 1.5 hr  Chessbase India In this session he will explain to you the key concepts of the opening and tell you as to how he fell in love with the Sicilian Najdorf!
Learn the 6.Bg5 Najdorf! | Prepare Like A Pro - GM Josh Sheng  - 52 min - Prepare for the aggressive 6.Bg5 line in the Najdorf 

NM Caleb Denby


White Against Najdorf


Sicilian Najdorf  Traps and Tactics


Najdorf Game Videos -  (W/ Analysis)


Sicilian Defence: Najdorf   -  232 Video playlist - kingscrusher - This extensive playlist by Kingscrusher offers a treasure trove of Najdorf games for your viewing pleasure.


Kasparov's Masterpiece in Sicilian Najdorf  -  14 min  - GM Igor Smirnov

Kasparov CRUSHES 😲 Anand with the Sicilian Najdorf (Anand vs Garry Kasparov) - 33 Min

The Deadly Najdorf in 2021 | Understanding Practical Chess - FM Thalia Cervantes - 53 Min tours games from the online 2021 Magnus Carlsen Invitational where the Najdorf was played.

 Anish Giri teaches the Sicilian Najdorf  - 2hr  - Chessbase india   Nice Video in Playlist - How did his lines impact the final standings of Tata Steel Masters 2021? In this video we discuss all the Najdorf games from the tournament with the man himself.

 Najdorf by Dorsa | Chess Openings Explained - IM Dorsa Derakhshani - 52 min - shares two of her Najdorf games against fellow Saint Louis University students Benjamin Bok and Robby Kevlishvili.

A painting of a giant Bishop on a frozen lake high in the Mountains.
"The hardest game to win is a won game." - José Raúl Capablanca

  

Monday, July 18, 2022

Attraction (Magnet Attack) - Advanced Chess Tactics

 

Unleash the Magnet Attack
 Mastering Chess Attraction Tactics

Imagine dangling a tempting piece in front of your opponent's king,
a forbidden fruit they can't resist.


In chess, this maneuver is known as Attraction (or Decoy Sacrifice).

 It's a powerful tactic where you strategically sacrifice material to lure a key enemy piece, often the king, to a vulnerable square where it becomes exposed and ripe for exploitation.


Attraction Chess Articles

ATTRACTION AND DEFLECTION – CHESS TACTICAL PATTERNS - interactive Article with examples.

Mate in Two: Magnet Attack Puzzles - 5 Puzzles on ChessKids



LiChess Studies

Explore interactive training tools to solidify your understanding of the opening's concepts.

LiChess Tactics Practice Area - 10 Attraction Tactics


Attraction - 16 Chapter Study - 12 Attraction Positions
[Motif - Attraction] - 18 Chapter Study - Nice Selection of Positions with detailed Analysis and Lessons.
[
Magnetic Attack - 18 Chapter Study - Examples broken into different Themes.

Chess Tempo Tactic: Attraction - 11 Chapter Interactive Study - Starts at 1000 ELO problem then keeps stepping up to the last being 2000 ELO
J] Attraction Tactics 
- 14 Chapter Interactive Study - Positions, Games and Compositions fully Interactive.


Game Databases

Analyze real-life games featuring the Attraction Tactic and see how it's played in practice.

Chessgames.com

DECOYS: ALIGNMENT: "ATTRACTION" - 18 Games



Attraction Video Lessons



Bishops Bounty Deflection Page
-  Many argue that These Two Tactics overlap or are essentially the same thing. So here is my page on Deflection.

Oil painting of a pawn gazing into a mirror, reflecting a powerful king. Vivid blue hues and geometric shapes create a striking illusion.
"The lure is often stronger than the truth." 

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

The Devious Decoy Tactic: A Comprehensive Guide

 

The Decoy Tactic:
 A Masterful Way to Lure Your Opponent


Sharpen your chess arsenal with the art of the decoy!

This comprehensive guide equips you with valuable resources to master this deceptive tactic. Explore articles, puzzles, video lessons, and real game examples to identify decoy opportunities, calculate variations, and outsmart your opponents.

The Decoy Tactic in Action:

  • Lure the Big Guns: You aim to tempt your opponent's most valuable pieces, like the king or queen, away from their safe zone.
  • Sacrifice Smartly: You offer a less valuable piece, often a pawn, to create an attractive target for your opponent.
  • Snap the Trap: Once your opponent takes the bait, their captured piece becomes exposed, creating an opening for an attack.
  • Exploit the Weakness: This attack can take many forms, like a fork, pin, skewer, or even checkmate!
  • Calculated Advantage: You need to think strategically and consider different scenarios to ensure your sacrifice leads to a clear benefit.



Decoy Chess Articles


Introduction to Chess Tactics: Decoys - Chess Strategy Online Article - This article provides a good overview of the decoy tactic, including how to identify opportunities to use it and how to calculate the consequences of a decoy sacrifice. 5 Example Problems at the end.

Tactics 101: Devious Decoy Sacrifices – Baiting the Wins - Real Nice Article w/ Different Piece Decoy Explanations and examples.



Decoy LiChess Studies

Sharpen your tactical vision with these exceptional Lichess studies on the decoy tactic!


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


Chessgames.com

These collections of games from Chessgames.com features games where a decoy tactic was used to win the game. Studying these games can help you see how decoy tactics are used in practical play.




Decoy Chess Video Lessons


Decoys: Dupe the Defender | Beginner Breakdown - NM Ralph Tan - 58 Min - St.Louis Chess Club
 -  a chess class on decoys. A decoy is a tactic that lures an enemy piece off its square and away from its defensive role.

Chess Tactics: Decoy - 9 Min
- TheChessWebsite - in-depth explanation of the decoy tactic in chess, which involves luring an opponent’s piece to a disadvantageous square, often through sacrifice. The presenter, Kevin from thechesswebsite.com, demonstrates various scenarios where decoys can be effectively used to gain material advantage or to expose the opponent’s king to a mating pattern.

Chess lesson # 38: Decoy vs Deflection | Chess tactics with National Master Robert Ramirez - 9 Min - In this video, National Master Robert Ramirez explains the chess tactics of deflection and decoy. He clarifies the differences between the two, provides examples, and demonstrates how to practice these tactics. Deflection involves distracting a defender to achieve an objective, while a decoy lures an opponent’s piece into a disadvantageous position.

Trapping your Opponent with a Decoy | Chess Tactics | Improver Level | IM Kostya Kavutskiy - 9 Min - a lesson on the decoy tactic in chess, explaining its distinction from deflection and demonstrating its application through classic game examples. He emphasizes the importance of observation skills in identifying decoys and provides tips for spotting such tactics in play.

28 Days To Better Chess Tactics - Day 21 - Decoy Attacking Chess - 7 Min - provides insights into advanced chess tactics focusing on the decoy technique. It features three positions from famous games, demonstrating how to use decoys to gain a tactical advantage. The presenter explains each position, highlighting the importance of forcing moves and the consequences of different decisions.

Chess Tactics, Decoy, Examples - 5 Min

Secrets of Chess Tactics | Decoy Tactic Stunningly beautiful secrets revealed | Everything you need! - 30 Min - Kingcrusher - delves into the intricacies of chess tactics, specifically focusing on the decoy tactic. It provides definitions, distinguishes between decoy and deflection, and presents numerous examples from chess history to illustrate the tactic’s effectiveness. 


A playful Disney-style illustration depicts a frog using a fishing pole to dangle a worm over a chessboard, attempting to lure his fish opponent's piece into a decoy tactic trap.
"The decoy is one of the chief tricks in the tactics of chess." - Max Euwe


Monday, July 4, 2022

Alekhine's Block - (Advanced Tactics)

 

Craft Your Kingside Onslaught
 Mastering Alekhine's Block

This blog post delves into the world of Alekhine's Block, a potent tactical weapon employed by the legendary Alexander Alekhine himself. We'll equip you with the knowledge and resources to unleash devastating kingside attacks!

Unleashing the Fury:

Alekhine's Block, a concept named after the fierce World Champion, involves strategically placing a piece directly in front of your opponent's kingside pawn. This audacious maneuver serves a dual purpose:

  • Restriction: It physically hinders the pawn's movement, limiting your opponent's defensive options.
  • Offensive Platform: The blocking piece becomes a powerful springboard for launching further attacks.

As Aron Nimzowitsch famously stated, "First restrain, then blockade, finally destroy!" Alekhine's Block embodies this philosophy, paving the way for a crushing kingside onslaught.



Alekhines Block Chess Articles

What is Alekhine’s Block? - ichess.net - Short Article talking about the history . (Archived)


LiChess Studies

Explore interactive training tools to solidify your understanding of the tactics concepts.

Alekhine's Block Collection of Studies

(Many Positions from famous Games with Examples and Annotations including Famous Studies by composers such as Charushin)



Games Database

Analyze real-life games featuring the Alekhine's Block Tactic and see how it's played in practice.

Chessgames.com

Alekhine's Block - 98 Game Collection (All have this tactic in them)


Alekhine's Block Video Lessons


Chess with Suren

The Alekhine Block - 49 min - One of the Only Lectures found about this Tactical device. Video Below




Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Englund Gambit for White & Black: A Complete Guide (A40)

  

Englund Gambit
Explore the Possibilities


The Englund Gambit (1. d4 e5?!)

A daring chess opening that throws traditional positional play out the window.

 Black offers a pawn for rapid development and tactical possibilities, creating an imbalanced but exciting game.

 While not considered sound opening theory for White to accept, the Englund Gambit can be a powerful weapon in the right hands.

 ( An Interesting , if suspect opening against guys who like to play the London.)

Main Variations

  • 2.1 Blackburne–Hartlaub Gambit (1. d4 e5 2. dxe5 d6 )
  • 2.2 Soller Gambit
  • 2.3 Felbecker Gambit
  • 2.4 Zilbermints Gambit
  • 2.5 Englund Gambit main line




Books (Free)

Beat Bad & Pesky Openings - FREE Chessable Course - ( 9 Trainable lines on Defeating the Englund - Chapter 8)


Englund Gambit Articles

Dealing with the Englund - Chessbase Article - Matthew Lunn analyses and explains how to counter a dubious gambit

Englund Gambit Full Guide - 365Chess.com - Very nice opening Guide w/ Links to Games

Exploring the Englund Gambit Against 1.d4 - GM Igor Smirnov - Nice Article w/ Lessons on several gambits, 3 Deeply Annotated games and a 12 Min Embedded Video.


LiChess Studies

Englund Gambit Traps - 7 Chapter Study


Games Databases

Analyze real-life Englund Gambit games from masters to see how theory translates into practical play.

365Chess.com

A40 Queen's pawn, Charlick (Englund) gambit - 1000 Games 

Chessgames.com

Englund Gambit-White wins - 7 Games 


Englund Gambit Video Lessons

WIN IN 8 MOVES: The Englund Gambit - 35 Min - GothamChess - A comprehensive guide on the Englund Gambit. The video includes theoretical explanations, subscriber games, and practical tips for playing the Englund Gambit successfully.

The Extremely Dodgy ENGLUND GAMBIT 24 Min Kingcrusher - 
in-depth analysis of the Englund Gambit. It explores various lines and traps associated with the gambit, highlighting its potential for quick victories as well as its inherent dangers, key moves, and strategic ideas.
    The Englund Gambit | Mainline and Traps | Chess Openings | IM Andrey Ostrovskiy - 10 Min How To Play: The Englund Gambit | ChessKid - 5 Min - Learn how to play and win with the Englund Gambit. FunMasterMike even has a few tricks up his sleeves on how to stop this opening. (Beginner) (New - 5/29/24)

 Chess Tips: Chessbrah Aman's Undefeated Opening for Black! Scary Englund Gambit!! -42 Min IM Miodrag Perunovic - a comprehensive guide on how to play the gambit, including various lines and responses to White’s moves. (Video below)




Zilbermints Gambit


Englund Gambit Traps


Playing Against the Englund


Game Videos w/ Analysis

This Englund Gambit Queen Sacrifice is TOO STRONG - 21 Min IM Rosen

Master Class | Ending The Englund Gambit | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 30 Min

I can't stop winning with the Englund Gambit - 8 Min GM Aman Hambleton

Is the Englund Gambit a Meme Opening? - 40 Min GM Nakamura

TESTING AMAN'S UNDEFEATED OPENING | GM Eric Hansen - 11 Min

UNDEFEATED OPENING? | GM Aman Hambleton - 24 Min


Saturday, April 9, 2022

Always a Move Ahead: The Ultimate Guide to Initiative Chess

 

 
"Only the player with the initiative has the right to attack." - Wilhelm Steinitz


Don't Get Stuck Reacting
 Seize the Initiative and Control the Chessboard!

 

Are you tired of constantly playing defense? Do you dream of dictating the pace of the game, forcing your opponent to scramble and react to your threats?

The secret weapon you need is initiative. In chess, initiative is the lifeblood of an aggressive and dynamic playstyle. It allows you to control the flow of the game, putting your opponent under constant pressure and creating opportunities for powerful attacks.

But how do you master this crucial skill? Don't worry, we've got you covered! This ultimate guide compiles a treasure trove of resources to transform you into an initiative chess master.

We'll delve into articles, video lessons, game collections, and more, all designed to help you:

  • Grasp the core concept of initiative and its importance in all phases of the game.

  • Develop tactical skills to create continuous threats and force your opponent to react.

  • Learn from the masters with expert analyses of iconic initiative-driven games.

  • Build a comprehensive training arsenal to hone your initiative chess and dominate the competition.

So, buckle up and get ready to unleash your inner chess predator! With these resources, you'll be well on your way to controlling the board and dictating the terms of victory.

 


Initiative Chess Articles

Sharpen Your Chess Arsenal: Must-Read Articles on Initiative

What Is The Initiative? - Chess.com Article by Im Jeremy Silman -Unravel the core concept of initiative and discover how to translate it into lasting advantages, with practical examples from real games. (Focuses on both understanding and application)

Initiative  - Chess.com Article by WGM Natalia Pogonina

Initiative - GM Rashad Babaev
Explore the concept of initiative through the lens of GM Rashad Babaev, featuring analysis of three illustrative games.

Material for Initiative - GM 
Magesh Chandran Panchanathan -Delve into the aggressive strategy of sacrificing a pawn for initiative in the French Tarrasch variation, analyzed through three games.

The Struggle for the Initiative in the Opening - WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
Demystify the art of fighting for the initiative in the opening phase, with expert guidance


Initiative: 10 Reasons Why You Should Gain It in Your Games - thechessworld article - Discover 10 compelling reasons why prioritizing initiative should be a cornerstone of your chess strategy

Maintaining a Strategic Initiative - GM Mihail Marin - Chessmood Article
Embark on a deep dive with GM Mihail Marin as he explores the art of maintaining a strategic initiative. Learn to balance strategy and tactics through historical game analysis and Polugaevsky's thought process.
 

Modern Chess Magazine Issue 1 - 67 Page PDF  (Fighting for the initiative (by GM Boris Chatalbashev Article page 13-21) ( Free Issue) 

 


Initiative Games Collection

Studying games where initiative plays a central role is an excellent way to hone your skills. Here are some resources packed with inspiring examples:

Chessgames.com Collection

Sacrifice and Initiative (Sokolov) - 81 Games from Sokolov's Book

 


Initiative Chess Video Lessons

This curated list offers a variety of resources, from bite-sized explanations to in-depth explorations:

The initiative in chess - 10 Video Playlist ( about 2.5 hrs worth of videos)


How to Think About The Initiative in Chess -  23 Min   IM John Bartholomew 
- I demonstrate how a single pawn sacrifice in the opening led to a string of small, annoying threats that snowballed to a victory.

Chess.com - Initiative vs. Material
 - 4 Min
displaying examples of when the initiative and the ability to remain active was more important than the gaining of material.

Fischer shows how to grab the INITIATIVE | Sensing the moment in a chess game - 37 Min -  IM  Szabo 
-  explains this with a couple of interesting games - one played between Paul Keres and Mikhail Botvinnik, and the other between Donald Byrne and Bobby Fischer.

Sacrificing Pawns for the Initiative | Chess Middlegames - 22 Min Hanging Pawns

Chess Tips: The Initiative - 14 Min IM Rozman (Gotham Chess) - Grasp the core concept of initiative with clear explanations from a renowned chess instructor.

GM Alex Lenderman: The Importance of Initiative | U.S. Chess School 3.17.2022 - 55 Min -
discusses the importance of initiative in chess, using his own games as examples. He emphasizes that even at the GM level, playing against initiative can be challenging, even if the position is objectively equal.

Level up your chess! #1 The initiative in chess by GM Mykhaylo Oleksiyenko - 66 Min
Learn from a Grandmaster! Analyze historical games and see how even world champions can struggle when they lose focus on initiative.

Understanding Imbalances in Chess - Initiative - 12 Min FM Dalton Perrine

Initiative in Chess by IM Boroljub Zlatanovic - 14 Min
So how important is initiative? And how to keep and maintain the initiative? Watch the video and learn now!

Fundamentals #8: Initiative | Max Warmerdam | World Online Schools - 68 Min
A comprehensive guide on the concept of initiative in chess, focusing on its importance in various openings and how to maintain it throughout the game.

Take the Initiative and punish Opening Errors! - GM Damian Lemos - 24 Min
See how a top Grandmaster like Magnus Carlsen utilizes initiative to exploit opening mistakes. Learn to prioritize piece activity and capitalize on your opponent's weaknesses.

Importance of Initiative in Chess - 2hr 15 Min  GM Ramachandran Ramesh  (Starts at 12 Min) (Long Live Stream on the Topic with it being a lesson w/ Q&A as well. Free lesson from one of Indias Most famous Trainers.

How To Use The Initiative In Chess - 14 Min - GM Max Illingworth
Sharpen your skills with this new addition! Analyze a game between top players, focusing on how to effectively translate initiative into concrete advantages. (New - 6/3/24)

Attacking Chess - Seize the Initiative with Aggressive Play - 30 Min - NM Dan Heisman -
defines the initiative in chess and shows three games as examples
 

St. Louis CC Lectures

Paul Morphy's Forcing Moves & Initiative | Kids' Class - GM Josh Friedel - 27 Min - Witness initiative in action as GM Friedel breaks down a classic game by the legendary Paul Morphy.

Quickly! Take the Initiative! - FM Aviv Friedman - 32 Min  (Video below) - Two inspiring games where one player kept applying pressure and attacking. (Beginner)