Showing posts with label Chess Lessons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chess Lessons. Show all posts

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Silman Article Archive Part 10 - Random Lessons


 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.

Random Lessons  

Most of the Titles Explain the Lessons



Tales Of Bishops And Knights - Lesson Comparing The strength and Weaknesses of Both.

The Time-Trouble Blues - Lesson About Time Troubles and Reasons

The Joy Of Reviewing Chess Games - Great lesson, 4 games , 2 Puzzles , History

Fixing Your Weaknesses - Couple games , Lesson

Knowing When to Pull the Trigger - 3 Puzzles, 6 Master Games -  analyzing a student's game in a Closed Sicilian opening. The importance of properly assessing winning and losing positions psychologically. He stresses tactics, imbalances, threat awareness, and cultivating the right mindset to find knockout blows in dynamic positions. The game serves as an example of seizing winning chances versus passivity.

If The Board Says ATTACK, Then ATTACK! - One game , (Lots of lessons from Opening to Endgame)

The Man Who Wouldn't Castle -   3 Master Games - Analyzes an exciting Najdorf Sicilian, Instructive game demonstrating critical lessons like choosing suitable openings, the vital need to castle, and avoiding unfocused attacks. Also highlights some common strategic errors and the importance of understanding your opponent's ideas.

Emotions vs. Cold Reason - 2 Master Games - Instructive game highlighting key skills like managing emotions, recovering from errors, deeply understanding opening structures, and converting winning positions. The game emphasizes the importance of objectivity, resilience, opening knowledge, and keeping things simple when ahead.


What Is The Initiative? - Lesson w/ positions

The Eye Of The Beholder - Lesson w/3 Games (seeking a way to come up with a creative move or idea that your opponent didn’t even imagine)

How To Play Multi-Purpose Moves - Lessons w/ 6 positions

Recognizing The Big Moment In A Game - game starts with a Center Counter opening but transposes into various other openings, creating an interesting and complex position. The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing key moments in a game where your opponent may be vulnerable or where you can seize the initiative.

Protecting Overprotection - Lesson w/ 3 example Games

The Difficult Opponent  - 3 games, 4 Puzzles (Players with equal ratings sometimes aren’t equal at all in battles against each other due to a players style)

Greed and Two King Hunts - 2 Puzzles - Lesson on Greed

Pawns, Greed, Pins, and the Center - 3 Puzzles - w/ 4 lessons (Strong Center, Pins, Greed, Pawn moves)

Rules, Homes, and a Big Decision - 2 Puzzles - w/ 3 lessons 

Space, Negativity, and Dreams  - Short Article on Space Advantage

Checks and Threats, Should You or Shouldn’t You - 6 Puzzles - Lesson on Checks and Threats


Material Imbalances, Opening Ideas, and Hanging Stuff - Lessons from 2 Amateur Games

Countdown to Mate - 3 Master Games -  analyzes a student's game, emphasizing the dangers of unnecessary checks and inactive pieces, while advising playing actively over reacting to threats.

Threats, Real & Imagined - 3 Puzzles , 3 Master games - analyzes a student's game, advising him to avoid over-responding to threats and instead play with confidence in his own position.

Cruise Control - 2 Puzzles, 1 Master Game -  analyzes a Sicilian game, advising the reader to avoid opening setup autopilot and overreaction to threats.

When Both Sides Try to Lose - Analysis of Amateur Game

Death by Dark Squares - 6 Puzzles - Analysis of Amateur Game

A Key Tactical Theme - 2 Puzzles - Deep Analysis of Amateur game

Fighting For Your Chessboard Rights! - 1 Puzzle - Analysis of Amateur Game.

Threats, Agendas, Demands, and Safety - 4 Positions from Reader games with a lesson from each.

Don't Play a Move If You Can't Back it Up! -  Detailed Analysis of reader game  (Long Article)

The Classic Bishop Sacrifice - 2 Puzzles, So in summary, while an Alapin Sicilian, the critical lessons are more general about seizing opportunities, handling defenses, and the importance of determination and resilience.

Know Your Position's Agenda - 3 Puzzles -  Analyzes a Caro-Kann game that turns into a Panov-Botvinnik, emphasizing knowing your position's needs and not reacting to superficial threats. Counterattack in the center when facing a wing attack.

Cruise Control - 2 Puzzles, 1 Master Game -  analyzes a Sicilian game, advising the reader to avoid opening setup autopilot and overreaction to threats.


Two Players, Two Different Fantasies - 3 Puzzles, (Amateur Game) The key overall messages are to adhere to opening principles, calculate responses diligently, castle early, coordinate your forces, and maintain a purpose behind each move. Rash attacks before development lead to disaster.

Cultivating a Positive Attitude  -  4 Puzzles , 3 games - Analyzes a game between two amateurs, highlighting the importance of confidence, calmness and avoiding unnecessary defenses.

Blundering

Blunders That Give Us Hidden Gold  - Great overall lesson covering all the mistakes (From opening to Endgame) of one game.

Having Fun With Blunders -  22 Puzzles,  Famous Players Blundering, Lesson on Blunders

The Rocky Horror Picture Blunder - Lesson on the use of symbols like "!", "!!", "?", and "??" , 10 Puzzles on assigning Symbols

Everyone, of Every Rating, Blunders - 5 Puzzles, 1 Game -  Lesson on Fighting from Inferior position, and Nice Endgame Lesson 

Return of the Blunder Gland, Part One -  2 Master Games - The opening was a Queen's Gambit Declined transitioning from a Caro-Kann Defense. Analyzes a beginner's game, emphasizing basic tactics like ensuring your pieces are safe and not hanging them.

The Blunder Gland: Playing Blind -  3 Puzzles -  Bunch of Lessons from an Amateur game.

Blunder Gland Redux: First Baby Steps, and Then The World - 2 Puzzles - Analysis and Lessons from Amateur game

Endgame Theory

The Two Faces Of Opposite-Colored Bishops -  Lesson w/ 4 Positions



Sunday, January 7, 2024

Silman Article Archive Part 8 - Chess Psychology


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 Psychology

The Huge Importance Of Chess Psychology - Lesson 4 games, 5 Puzzles

Chess Psychology - 1 game - Emphasizing  the critical role psychology plays in chess strategy. Analyzing an amateur game riddled with psychological pitfalls,  a masterclass on how to overcome fear, avoid mental rigidity, and stop reacting to threats

Chess Psychology 101 -  Lesson  , 4 Game positions

Deadly Mindsets: 'He Can't/I Can't'  - Interesting Lesson on under explained Chess Concept

Practical Chess Psychology -  Several position and 1 game - Lesson about having the right psychology to keep pushing your own plans, not overreacting to threats, being ready to punish errors, and avoiding "I must" thinking.

Highway to Chess Hell -  Discusses the critical importance of psychology and attitude in chess, advising the reader to stay confident and avoid negativity.

Dealing With Off Balance Opponents - “How Do You Deal With
Opponents That Cheat or Are Mentally Ill?”

Rules of Chess Conduct - 2 Games - Crazy Stories of Weird Chess behavior 

AI Generated Image of two Chess Players facing each other in concentration in a mirror reflected image in chairs on a giant chessboard



Thursday, January 4, 2024

Silman Article Archive Part 6 - Positional Theory

 Silmans Articles on Chess.com


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.



Positional Chess Theory


Little Things That Help Your Chess Game - Lesson w/ 5 Positional Puzzles w/Analysis
More Little Things That Help Your Chess  - 5 Positional puzzles w/Analysis
Even More Little Things To Help Your Chess Game - 5 Positional Puzzles w/ Analysis
Positional Pondering  -  2 Puzzles - Lessons focus on understanding the strategic trade-offs in a position - static versus dynamic factors, hole creation, piece centralization, and experience with structures.

A Critically Important Pattern -  2 Puzzles  - Middle-game Position To Know
No Guts, No Glory! - 2 Puzzles - Middle game Position Lesson from a Game.
An Infestation of Isolated d-Pawns - 6 Games - Lesson on Isolated d-pawn position

How To Build Winning Chess Positions -  10 Positions ( Dynamics, Pieces working together)

How to Evaluate Chess Positions (Example) -  2 Games
Timing, Your Move's Purpose, and a Hard Move to Find - 2 Puzzles - Studying 2 Positions

Exploring One of the Most Mysterious Moves in Chess - 7 Puzzles , 2 Games - The strategic idea behind the seemingly pointless Bh7+ move in chess.

Test Your Chess Understanding, Part 1 -  7 Puzzles w/ A Myriad Of Questions  (Gold)
Test Your Chess Understanding, Part 2 -  4 Puzzles + Bonus game
Test Your Chess Understanding, Part 3 -  3 Positions and You Must Answer a Myriad of Questions about  each position 

The Power of Positional Chess, Pt. 1 - Maneuvering -  1 Game - 4 Puzzles  Topic - Game by Petrosian to illustrate strong positional maneuvering.
The Power of Positional Chess (Part 2) - 5 Games, 5 Puzzles - Topic "Fetish Chess Moves"
The Power of Positional Chess, Pt. 3 -  1 Game , 7 Puzzles - Topic "Knight Retreat Maneuvers"
The Power of Positional Chess, Pt. 4 -  3 Games , 8 Puzzles - Topic "Open Files"
The Power of Positional Chess, Part 5 - 4 Games,  13 Puzzles - Topic "Closed Center Dueling Wings"
The dynamics of closed centers in chess and the importance of gaining space on the wings when the central board is locked. 

To Sacrifice Or Not To Sacrifice, That Is The Question - 2 games
How To Play Positional Sacrifices -  6 Games

How To Calculate Long-Term Advantages In Chess -  A lesson on Patterns (Positional and Tactical)

Positional Puzzles

Can You Pass This Positional Chess Test? - 8 Positional Puzzles
Test Your Positional Chess -  8 Positional Puzzles
Do You Really Understand Positional Chess? -  8 Positional Puzzles
Get Ready To Test Your Positional Chess Again - 8  Positional Puzzles
Can You Understand These Positions? -  4 Tests w/ 4 Games Positions Deeply Analyzed
What Does The Position Need? -  3 Puzzles  ,  Deep Analysis
Test Your Chess Understanding  - 4 Puzzles ,  Lots of Analysis


Mastering Squares, Part 1 -  Lesson , 1 game, 4 Puzzles (Deep Analysis)
Mastering Squares, Part 2 -  Lesson  , 1 Game , 3 Puzzles (Deep Analysis)
Mastering Squares, Part 3 -  Nice Lesson on Weak Squares , 1 Puzzle
Mastering Squares, Part 4 -  Another Advanced Lesson , 1 game
Mastering Squares, Part 5 -  Lesson , 1 Game, 1 Puzzle

You Have It, He Doesnt! Part 1 -  Understanding and Utilizing Dark Squares - 7 Puzzles
You Have It, He Doesnt! Part 2 -  Lesson On Weak Squares, Creating Holes  - 3 Puzzles

How to Train Your Brain!  - 4 Puzzles , Lesson on Weak Squares
Train Your Brain! Target Consciousness, Part 1 -  9 Puzzles , 2 games, Lesson on Weak Squares and Pawns
Train Your Brain! Target Consciousness, Part 2 -  9 Puzzles , 3 Games ,  Lesson on Weak Squares and pawns
Train Your Brain! Pushing the Lesson Home! -  10 Puzzles - On Weak Pawns or Squares

Patterns - Imbalances, Tactics, Positional Ideas, Pawn Structure
Dreams: The Secret Formula For Chess Success -  Imbalances and Patterns ,  2 Puzzles
Dreams: The Secret Formula For Chess Success, Part 2 -  2 Puzzles
Dreams: The Secret Formula For Chess Success, Part 3  - 2 Puzzles
Dreams: The Secret Formula For Chess Success, Part 4   - 2 Puzzles
Dreams: The Secret Formula For Chess Success, Part 5  -   1 Puzzles

Games That Teach Positional Concepts

More Of My Favorite Classic Chess Games  -   Lesson on Passed Pawn

Light Squares And Black's Magical a-Pawn - Lesson on Light Squares, Lesson on Annotating Games

Can a Thinker Out-think Himself? - 6 Games , 1 Puzzle - lessons are around combining positional and dynamic skills, avoiding overly complex plans, and the importance of actively improving your position rather than just reacting.

Not Letting Chess Engines Distract You From What's Important -  Nimzowitsch Game w/ Analysis from Reassess Your Chess Vol 3

Son of Nimzovich  - 2 Puzzles , 5 Master Games -  Analyzes a strong Positional game, advising readers to balance subtle maneuvers with tactical alertness and aggression when appropriate.

Imbalances - 2 Games - When to look

Weak Squares

I’m Passionate About Squares - In this article  the creation of weak squares is discussed.
I’m Still Passionate About Squares 
- However, the piece living in the weak square is sometimes so powerful 
Passionate About Squares: Oddities -  In this article we’ll take a look at "deep squares" (6th, 7th, and even the 8th!)
A Love Affair With Squares -  Article on Critical Squares

Positional   Lessons

The Eternal Battle: Bishops vs Knights  In-Depth lesson on these two Pieces.
Should You Fear Symmetry? -  Short Lesson on Positional Symmetry
Beat Your Opponent By Retreating!  - 6 Puzzles

AI Generated colorfull chess themed image.


Monday, January 1, 2024

Silman Article Archive Part 4 - Studying Old Master Games

 Silmans Articles on Chess.com


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.


Master Games


The Point of Studying Master Games, Part One - 6 Games 
The Point of Studying Master Games, Part Two - 3 Games w/Deep Analysis
The Point of Studying Master Games, Part Three  - 2 games 

How Past Masters Can Help Your Game  - 6 Games w/ 6 Puzzles  , History

Who Was The Greatest Chess Theorist? - Positions and Games of the Old Masters , History
Chess Criminals And The Games They Play  - 11 games, History

When Men Were Men  - 3 games , 2 Puzzles, History

The Greatest Amateur Game of all Time -  The shocking brilliancy played by 1500 class player Micky Mills, leaving masters speechless with his intuitive attacking masterpiece. Shows how reading the classics and embracing their lessons can help amateurs create true chess art.

Fischer - Spassky 1992 -   3 Master Games - Debate over the quality of play compared to Kasparov's matches. Delve into a detailed analysis of a brilliant game from this historic encounter and discover valuable insights into endgame study and becoming a stronger chess player.

Monster Opening Preparation, Part 2 - 6 Games, 3 Puzzles,  (Lasker, Marshall, Capa, Pillsbury)

(Games That Taught a Lesson)

My Favorite Classic Games, Part 1 - Lesson from Rubinstein masterpiece (Positional magic) , 1 Game
My Favorite Classic Games, Part 2 -  Lessons from Tigran Vartanovich Petrosian Games , 2 Games
My Favorite Classic Games, Part 3 -  Lesson on Good Bishop vs Bad Bishop , 1 Game
My Favorite Classic Games, Part 4 - Lesson on a Superior Minor Piece ,  1 Game
My Favorite Classic Games, Part 5 -  Lesson on Open Files and Rooks, 2 Games
My Favorite Classic Games, Part 6 - Lesson on "Space" Games , 1 game (Lots of Annotation)
My Favorite Classic Games, Part 7 - Lesson on strategic " Knight Relocation" , 4 games
My Favorite Classic Games, Part 8 -  Lesson on trading your fianchettoed “must-keep” dark-squared bishop , 3 Games
My Favorite Classic Games, Part 9 -  Lesson on Massive Space Gains,  2 games
My Favorite Classic Games, Part 10 - Lesson on The Big Pawn Center ,  3 Games
My Favorite Classic Games, Part 11 -  Lesson on Battle of Mutual Imbalances ,  1 Game (Nimzowitsch)
My Favorite Classic Games, Part 12 -  Lesson on the 2 Bishops, , 2 Games
My Favorite Classic Games, Part 13 -  Lesson On Knights ,  2 Games 




Old Masters
 (In Alphabetical order)

Adolf Anderssen, Mr. Slice And Dice! - 4 games, 13 Puzzles and Lots of History
Adolf Anderssen: More Slicing And Dicing! -  3 Games , 10 Puzzles , More History

Alexander Alekhine
Alexander Alekhine (Part 1): The Game of Death - 10 Puzzles
Alexander Alekhine (Part 2): Success and Despair -  13 Puzzles , 5 Games
Alexander Alekhine (Part 3): The New Plan -  19 Puzzles , 2 Games, History
Alexander Alekhine (Part 4): His Prime Years -  15 Puzzles, History
Alexander Alekhine (Part 5): Singing the Middle-aged Blues - 16 Puzzles , History
Alexander Alekhine (Part 6): His Worst “Combination” – Age + Booze -  12 Puzzles , 3 Games, History
Alexander Alekhine (Part 7): The Dark Years -  15 Puzzles , Bunch of History

photograph of Alekhine and Bogoljubow from the October 1929 Schweizerische Schachzeitung
Alekhine and Bogoljubow from October 1929

Who Was Henry Ernest Atkins? - 6 games w/  17 Puzzles (Bunch of History)

The Early Life Of Pal Benko  -  3 Pal Benko Compositions -   10 Annotated games (Notes by Pal benko) w/ History
Pal Benko: At Last, Freedom! -  4 Pal Benko Compositions -  12 Annotated games (Notes by Pal Benko)  w/History

Bisguier's Greatest Hits -  12 puzzles, One full game, Lots of History
More Of Bisguier's Greatest Hits - 14 Puzzles , One Full game , History

A Legendary Chess Zen Master Has Died (Steve Brandywine) - 2 games , Great History 

Seeking Chess Fame (Jimmy Buff) - 5 Puzzles , 1 Game  - Article about famous Blitz Player Back in the day.

A Short Look At The Great Mikhail Chigorin -  1 Annotated Amazing game - 9 Puzzles (Nice History)

Salo Flohr and the Fickle Winds of Fate -  17 Puzzles,  3 Games , History

IM John Grefe: Talent Isn’t Enough! -  1 Game - 11 Puzzles ,  History of 1973 US Champion

Kolisch: Unknown Tactical Monster -  4 Games - 22 Puzzles (Baron Ignatz von Kolisch (1837-1889)) Long Article 

George Koltanowski's Long Walk - 9 Game Positions w/ History

Positional Player vs. Tactical Player IM Cyrus Lakdawala - 5 Annotated games (By Silman and Cyrus)

Emanuel Lasker (Another Really Amazing Series)
Emanuel Lasker, Tactical Monster - Part 1 -  14 Puzzles , History
Emanuel Lasker, Tactical Monster - Part 2 -  15 Puzzles , 4 Full Games , History  (Pins and Forks)
Emanuel Lasker, Tactical Monster - Part 3 -  10 Puzzles , 1 Full Game w/ Great Analysis
Emanuel Lasker, Tactical Monster - Part 4 -  18 Puzzles , 2 Full games , Lots of History (Einstein Letter)
Key Moments In Time: Lasker’s Last Stand - 3 games , History
3 Of Emanuel Lasker's Greatest Hits - 3 Annotated games w/ History
Emanuel Lasker's Greatest Hits -  3 Annotated Games w/ History
How To Stomp Emanuel Lasker -   10 games from Simuls , 10 Puzzles
Let's Do The Lasker Stomp Again! - 8 Games From Simuls , 8 Puzzles

Photo of Capablanca and Lasker, Moscow, 1925
Capablanca and Lasker, Moscow, 1925


Frank Marshall  (This Series would actually Make a nice Book)
Frank Marshall: The Growth Of A Chess Champion -  12 Games w/ 6 Puzzles - History (Lots of Analysis)
Frank Marshall, Part 2: Fighting For The World Championship - 6 Games  w/ 2 Puzzles  - History
Frank Marshall, Part 3: Capablanca Takes The Stage  -  6 Games w/Analysis - 10 puzzles - History
Frank Marshall, Part 4: St. Petersburg 1914 And The Gods Of Chess - 5 Games w/ 3 Puzzles and History
Frank Marshall, Part 5: A Radical Change - 10 Games w/ 8 Puzzles - History

Photo of Emanuel Lasker and Frank Marshall
 Frank Marshall in 1907 title match against Emanuel Lasker. VIA ChessBase

The Brilliant, Young Samuel Reshevsky -  11 Full Games and Positions - History & Analysis w/Lessons
Samuel Reshevsky's Prime Years -  16 Full Games and Positions (Positional lessons) History (Real Nice Article)

Rudolf Spielmann, the Lethal Gentleman! -  22 Puzzles , 3 Games, History

Steinitz
Behold, The Austrian Morphy! (Steinitz) -  4 Full games w/Annotation & 19 Puzzles (Lots of History)
Steinitz Changes The Chess World -  5 Full games w/Annotation & 5 Puzzles  (Lots of History)
Steinitz: The Official World Chess Champion -  9 Full games and Quite the History lesson.

Tal's Tactical Tidal Wave  - 20 Puzzles , History (The article highlights the power of tactical play and the impact of Tal's style on the world of chess.)

The Great Siegbert Tarrasch: Puzzles And Games -  14 Game Positions and Some Interesting History.

The Downs And Ups Of GM Elmars Zemgalis (Silman's Last Article) - History and 11 Positions from His Games as Puzzles.

Johannes Zukertort, Master of Dynamics - 11 Puzzles - History


Bishops Bounty Jeremy Silman Chess.com Article Archive - Main Page

Friday, December 29, 2023

Silman Article Archive - Part 2 - Pawn Structure Articles

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.

Pawn Structure Articles

Learning Basic Pawn Structures  -  7 Positions , 3 are Puzzles  ( 1000 - 1600 Rated)

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 1b -  10 Games, 11 Puzzles  

Classic Pawn Structure, Part 2 -   6 Games - Title - A VERY BASIC BENKO

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 4a -  Wing Gambit Pawn Structure - 16 games, 1 Puzzle

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

Your Pawn Structure Is Your Friend - 7 Positions from Games and 3 are puzzles to solve. 

More Things You Need To Know About Pawn Stucture  - 7 Positions in Games  with Pawn Structures and Plans Explained

The Extremely Important Manipulation Of Pawn Structures -  2 Annotated games , 4 Puzzles to Solve

More Maroczy Madness -  Examination and Ideas of Play
More Maroczy, Making Master - 4 Famous games w/ Analysis

The Art and Science of the Isolated d-Pawn - 4 Games - IQP Theory

Doubled Pawns: Chess Pariahs Or Misunderstood? -  Nice Lesson on Doubled Pawns

Minority Attack: Turn Your Pawns Into Weapons -  Detailed Article with 7 Example Games w/Analysis

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.

How To Learn Chess Patterns - Article  About Weak Squares  (5 Games w/ 5 Puzzles)

The image is a wordcloud depicting various chess-related terms, such as "Stonewall", "Carlsbad", "Panov", "Isolani", and "IQP" (Isolated Queen's Pawn).

 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.

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Silman Article Archive - Part 1 - Study Plans , Lessons, Methods


 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.
  Many of the Articles are the size of an entire Book Chapter.


Study Plans , Lessons, Methods


Creating a Study Program  - Basic outline for Studying Chess

Mailbag: How To Improve Your Game - Instructions on making a tailor made Plan for Your self- improvement.


After the Rules, What Should Beginners Study Next? -  14 Puzzles - Lesson Covering things to Know to get up to 1000 Rating.

Teaching Chess to Children and The Rasik Variation  -  Simple discussion on teaching chess.

Test Your Chess Patterns And Concepts  -  10 test Positions

Chess Cyborg: Chess Teachers And Chess Books -  Article on Chess Teachers

Musings of a Chess Teacher, Part 1 -  6 Puzzles , 5 games , The Opening and Middlegame

Musings of a Chess Teacher, Part 2 - 4 Puzzles, 2 Games, Shows how a teacher can open your eyes to all the positional possibilities in your games.

Do Aspiring Players Need a Coach/Teacher? -  1 Game


How to Turbo-Charge Your Game -  5 Puzzles - Nice Lesson Showing Why a Chess Coach Is Worth it.


Chess Lesson Series

(About chess lessons and how a chess teacher tries to push key points home w/ lessons)

Chess Lessons Exposed: Never Say 'I Have To' -  1 game - Great lesson and very in-depth

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

Chess Lessons Exposed - 3 tests , In-Depth Answers

How to Play Against Old Guys, Pt. 1 - 3 Puzzles , 5 Games  (Weaknesses and Strengths)
How To Play Against Old Guys, Pt. 2 - 4 Puzzles , 11 Games  (Experience)


Saturday, September 23, 2023

IQP - Isolated Queen Pawn Structure - Chess Theory


Mastering the Isolated Queen's Pawn (IQP): Strategies, Studies, and Expert Insights

 Embark on a journey into the realm of the Isolated Queen's Pawn (IQP) with our curated selection of resources. From strategic gameplay advice to in-depth studies, delve into the intricacies of this complex pawn structure. Whether you're aiming to exploit its weaknesses or capitalize on its strengths, uncover the tactics that will enhance your understanding and performance on the chessboard. 



IQP Chess Articles


The Isolated Queen's Pawn - In-Depth Blogger Article

Attack and Defense in the IQP - GM Bryan Smith - Chess.com Article

Discovering the Secrets of the Complex IQP Positions - The Chessworld Article - WGM Raluca Sgircea, IM Renier Castellanos


INTRODUCTION TO THE ISOLATED QUEEN’S PAWN POSITIONS - In-Depth Pawnbreak Guide


IQP LiChess Studies

These interactive tools let you explore IQP concepts and variations move-by-move, making them perfect for active learning and solidifying your understanding.

Delve into a Variety of Themes:

  • IQP - 7 Chapter Study (7 Games w/ Great Analysis) - This study unpacks the IQP with detailed analysis of key games.

  • IQP - Model Games - 9 Chapter Study - Structured into "Playing with" and "Against" the IQP, this study offers a comprehensive exploration.

  • IQP inspiration - 17 Chapter Study - Draw inspiration from various chess books through games analyzed in this study.

  • IQP's: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly - 14 Chapter Study - This study delves into openings featuring the IQP, analyzing both its strengths and weaknesses.

  • Isolated Queen Pawn (IQP) - 12 Chapter Study (Each game is a Different Opening) -  Explore various opening approaches to the IQP with different game examples.

  • Attacking Ideas #2 - Isolated Queen Pawn - 13 Chapter Study - Sharpen your attacking concepts with the IQP through plans and illustrative games.

  • Isolated Queen Pawn: Middlegame Plans - 7 Chapter Interactive Study (Really Nice Study) -  This interactive study stands out for its engaging format, guiding you through middlegame plans with the IQP.

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.



IQP Games Databases

This section delves into the world of Isolated Queen Pawn (IQP) positions through curated game collections on Chessgames.com. Whether you're wielding the IQP or facing one across the board, these resources offer valuable insights:

Chessgames.com



Video Lessons - Conquer the Isolated Queen's Pawn (IQP)

Unlock the IQP's secrets. This curated collection provides a wealth of video lessons on the Isolated Queen's Pawn (IQP) led by renowned chess masters.


Playlists

Excelling in Isolated Queen's Pawn Positions - The IQP Masterclass - 3 hr  -Unlock the secrets of the Isolated Queen's Pawn (IQP)! This FREE masterclass by GM Sune Berg Hansen dives deep into IQP strategies, from sharp attacks to solid defense. Learn from inspiring games, explore optimal setups, and master both playing with and against the IQP. Elevate your chess with this valuable resource. (Amazing Free Resource)

GM Neiksans Boot Camp #14 - IQP Strategy - 2 hr

GM Neiksans Boot Camp #13 - Play Against an Isolated Pawn - 2hr

An Isolated Queen's Pawn Masterclass by Anatoly Karpov - 10 Min

Isolated Queen Pawn Positions | Grandmaster's Choice - GM Denes Boros - 44 Min -
talks about playing Isolated Queen Pawn (IQP) positions, and going "all in" on piece activity.

Isolated Queen Pawns | Road to 2000 - 58 Min NM Caleb Denby -
looks at positions with isolated queen pawns (IQP). See openings where the IQP arises w/ 3 GM Games Analyzed.

How to Play with the Isolated Queen's Pawn | GM Yasser Seirawan - 58 Min
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Insights into the pros and cons of the isolated Queen’s Pawn, the significance of piece placement and movement. Strategies of playing with the isolated Queen’s Pawn. Various openings leading to this pawn structure.

How to play Isolated Pawn Positions | Pawn Structures | Advanced Level | GM Alex Lenderman PT 1 - 18 Min -Gain a solid foundation in Isolated Pawns. GM Lenderman provides a clear introduction to the topic, helping you understand the unique characteristics of these structures.

How to play with Isolated Pawns | Pawn Structures | Advanced Level | GM Alex Lenderman PT 2 - 17 Min - Unleash the attacking potential! Learn effective strategies for exploiting an Isolated Pawn on the queenside, transforming a potential weakness into a dynamic advantage.

A winning Strategy against a weak Isolated Pawn | Chess Middlegame - 19 Min - IM Astaneh - Dominate the Middlegame! IM Astaneh reveals a powerful strategy: exploiting isolated pawns for a winning advantage. Watch a masterclass & learn from Karpov's game! 
The ONLY Isolated Pawn Structure (IQP) video YOU will need to watch! - 16 Min - ChessGeek -
It is a very common and classical structure which defines a whole variety of d4, c4, and e4 based openings! We will learn all about it in this video. 
GM Ben Finegold


Remote Chess Academy

IM Andras Toth