Showing posts with label Chess Opening Lesson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chess Opening Lesson. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Silman Article Archive Part 5 - Opening 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. 


Chess Opening Theory


Advanced Chess Books on Openings - Article about Book Strengths and List at end of recommendations.

Picking a Reptertoire  - Some Basic Advice on Different Opening Systems

Creating an Opening Graph - provides a blueprint for managing opening complexity - create an opening graph to identify key lines, variations, and ideas you need to know. This simplifies study and allows you to build an opening repertoire tailored to your style and memory.

Opening Prep And Troll Attacks -  Great info on Opening Prep
Opening Failures And How to Avoid Them - Beginner Lesson
Castling Early And Piece Coordination  - Beginner lesson
Opening Questions And A Dream Mate  - General Opening Questions from readers.
You Can't Always Get What You Want - 6 Games - Long Conversation about openings.
Picking an Opening by Style - 2 games - Short Article on Chess Style

You Must Know Your Opening Basics! -  1 game, 1 Puzzle -  Lesson on understanding your openings at a fundamental level, not just memorize moves. Learn the ideas behind plans so you can adapt when opponents deviate. Master games help cement this understanding.

Learning An Opening - 1 Game - Analysis and General Lesson on Learning an Opening.

Monster Opening Preparation -  6 Games - the page titled "Monster Opening Preparation" by IM Silman discusses the importance of thorough opening preparation for chess professionals. It highlights two main aspects of opening preparation:

  1. Normal Opening Preparation: This includes the process of selecting and preparing new openings. It involves studying recent results, memorizing main lines, and understanding the tactical and positional patterns within the chosen system. For complex openings, players may invest significant time looking for fresh and explosive ideas. The article references a game from the 2008 World Championship Match between Kramnik and Anand to illustrate this point.

  2. Opening Preparation Based on Desperation: Sometimes, opening study focuses on saving a favorite line that has been refuted by opponents. This requires faith in one's chosen system and a commitment to discovering ways to make it viable again. IM Silman shares a personal experience of dealing with an opponent's surprising opening line and subsequently developing a strong response to it.

The article highlights the need for in-depth preparation in chess and how strong opening knowledge can impact the outcome of games, as seen in various examples from World Championship matches and Silman's own games.

Of Non-Theory and Non-Memorization - 3 games - When facing the inevitable “leaving the theoretical pathways” move

To Master an Opening You Need to Embrace Defeat! - 6 Games , 13 Puzzles, King's Indian Defense

1.d4 Nc6 and the Philosophy of Odd Openings - Master game - Lesson on Any reasonably sound opening is quite playable at the club level, and that includes various gambits and some rather odd/bizarre systems of development – they all need to be taken seriously!


Advanced Lesson  1800 +  -  Choosing and playing a specific chess opening system.
Riding the Winds of Fashion, Part 1 -  4 Games, 9 Puzzles -  Hübner Variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense
Riding the Winds of Fashion, Part 2 -  11 Games , 8 Puzzles - the Hübner Variation of the Nimzo-Indian opening and its evolution in chess. In Part Two of the series,he explores the concept of keeping the center fluid while playing this opening. White has various ways to achieve this, aiming to utilize the power of the bishops. The article also discusses the pros and cons of embracing fashionable opening systems, highlighting the need to stay updated with rapidly changing theory.
Riding The Winds Of Fashion, Part 3  - 21 Games (Mostly About the  4.f3 Nimzo Indian)

Benoni
Chess Patterns Are For Everyone (Benoni) - 3 Benoni games 
The Mighty Benoni - 6 games , 3 Puzzles  -  Nice Lesson from a Full game

If You Putter, Your Game Will Sputter - 1 Puzzle , 8 Master games  - (Amateur game)(analysis focuses heavily on the Modern Benoni opening and the resulting middle-game positions.)  The key messages are to play purposefully, in accordance with your opening, avoid passivity, maintain pressure when ahead, find direct winning lines in endgames, and believe in your own skill. Overly complex or cowardly moves lead to trouble.

Black Knights Tango - The Mexican Defense - 3 games - Theory and some history on the Tango

Budapest Gambit
The Budapest!? - 2 Lines in the Budapest and Book Resources
The Budapest Gambit Revisited  -  Ideas for Black and White (3 Analyzed games)
The Blunder Gland and The Fajarowicz - 3 games w/ bunch of Analysis on the Fajarowicz (Budapest gambit)

Caro-Kann

Caro-Kann (Reaping The Whirlwind!) - Lots of Caro Stuff (Main Lesson on when Opponent Deviates in an Opening)
Caro-Kann (Swinging for the Fences) - Analysis and Lessons from a Full game (Advance Variation)
Caro-Kann Mega-Theory - 4 Master games - Lots of Analysis-  lesson appears to be a discussion about the challenges and intricacies of playing a highly theoretical and complex opening variation in chess, emphasizing the importance of staying updated with the latest theory to excel in such positions.
Kt Maneuvers Against the Advance Caro-Kann - 6 Games - STRATEGIC SUMMATION for 3…Bf5 in the Caro Advance w/ Knight Lessons
Caro-Kann Advance Variation - 2 Games - Short Article on a line in the Advance

Finishing Off A Wounded Opponent - 2 Puzzles, 5 Master Games - (Amateur Game) - A tactical Caro-Kann game illustrating key attacking ideas like striking decisively when ahead, calculating forcing variations thoroughly, and precisely converting winning endings.

The Tale of a Technical Wizard  - 3 Master Games -The article discusses some typical plans and ideas for both sides in the Caro-Kann Defense. Analyzes a student's love of bishops, advising him to know his strengths and have patience converting technical endings.

Apocalypse In the Caro-Kann - 8 Puzzles, 1 Master Game-  In-depth analysis of a Caro-Kann game highlighting common strategic errors like emotional decisions, underestimating minor pieces, and declining to trade queens. The game shows how inexperience and emotions can undermine performance despite creativity.

The Fog of War & The Caro 2 Kts - Advice on overcoming "calculation fog," Guides readers to better board vision via game study, pattern recognition, and using imbalances. Analyzing an instructive example gone awry, Silman emphasizes avoiding fixation on unsound tactical ideas. A deep dive into the Caro-Kann's Two Knights Variation concludes this rich offering.

Colle

Winning a Dead Won Game -  1 Puzzle, 1 Master Game - while containing general lessons on precision and calculation, the game specifically focuses on opening and middle-game concepts in the Colle System, making it an instructive example for those playing this solid 1.d4 opening.
Colle, Caro, Top 10 List - 1 game ,3 Questions (Colle Book recommendations)

Imbalances and the Exciting Chigorin Defense - 3 Games 

English Opening, Botvinnik System - Detailed Analysis of One game w/ many reference games. Lessons learned from game

French Defense

Playing Goliath: What Goes Wrong - Really In-depth French Defense lesson
The Deadly French Defense -  3 Games from 2018 Olympiad (Lots of Analysis and Puzzles)
The Pawn Center: Strength or Weakness? - 4 Games  - Lessons about the French and the pawn Center
The Right Way to Study an Opening (French) - 9 Games - Core Lesson is to truly understand your openings by absorbing key plans and ideas from master games. This leads to better middle-game play. (Long lesson , Over 20 pages)
Chess Earnings & the French Defense - 1 Game - Basic French Analysis


Grunfeld

A Rare Line in the Grunfeld - Analysis of Grunfeld line with 3 Games
The Opening That Didn't Like Bobby Fischer (Grunfeld) -  17 Fischer Grunfeld Games


The Jaenisch/Schliemann Gambit - 6 Games - In-Depth look at this Gambit

Has The King's Indian Attack Been Forgotten? -  18 Full Games w History

KID

The King’s Indian Defense: Too Hot For You? - 3 Full games , KID Basics Lesson
Knowing, and Following, the Opening’s Correct Plan - KID - 4 games.  Lesson of One Game from Opening to Endgame

Identical Twins: the KIA and the London System - 2 Puzzles , 1 master Game - An instructive London System Game highlighting key ideas like exploiting inaccuracies, precise move order, psychological draw offers, and resilient defending.


Latvian Gambit - SPLAT THE LAT? Not Quite! -  Analysis of Latvian Gambit Lines

Nimzovich Defense, the Swing! -  Analysis w/ 2 Games

The Fried Liver's Identical Twin (Two Knights- Philidor) -  2 games - Lesson on How Similar Openings have subtle but very important differences.

Philidor's Ghost Is Alive and Well -  2 Puzzles , 6 Master Games - Discover the fascinating world of the Philidor Defense in chess with this article. Explore its historical origins, key positions, and tactical intricacies. Learn how to use this opening effectively and avoid common mistakes as you delve into the captivating strategies of the Philidor Defense.


A Pirc Quirk - 3 Games - Some Pirc Opening Theory

Ruy Lopez

Ruy Lopez, Norwegian Defense - 6.Bxf7 sacrifice variation in the Ruy Lopez Norwegian Defence
Chigorin Ruy Lopez and the Mystery of Statistics - 3 games Analyzed (Fisher one also.)

Finnish Defense & Tournament Prep - 1 Game, 2 Questions - Scandy line, Tournament Prep

Sicilian Defense

Accelerated Dragon, Maroczy Bind  -  Quick look at this Opening
Death By Accelerated Dragon - 5 Games , 3 Puzzles - The lesson covers opening prep, greed, initiative versus material, passivity, endgame transitions, and stubborn defense. Proper middle-game understanding stems from fundamentals. (Over 20 Page Article)
Anti-Sicilian & Planning - an Anti-Sicilian Try
Singing Those Old Dragon Blues! - Yugoslav Attack 
Driving Down The Mega-Theory Highway (Najdorf) - THE PROS & CONS OF SICILIAN NAJDORF MEGA-THEORY
Najdorf 6.Bd3 & High Initial Rating - 2 Games , 2 Questions, - Opening Fashions
The Wrath of Too Many Kans - 4 Games - Kan Sicilian
Uncooperative Opponents & Computer Symbols - 4 games - White has many other ways to avoid black’s heavy preparation after 1.e4 c5.
More Maroczy & Making Master - 4 games - Sicilian Dragon Maroczy Bind

Tiptoe Through the Tulips - 3 Puzzles , 6 Master Games - (Strong Amateur Game) - A  Sicilian Game demonstrating the power of aggressive attacks as well as psychological factors like the draw offer. Keys include striking decisively with the initiative, challenging enemy threats, and precise conversion of advantages.


Smith-Morra Gambit  -  Shows 3 Lines for the Smith-Morra for Black 



AI Generated Chess Image of 2 oposing sides facing off over a chess board with a duality to the image where one side is blue and the other red




AI Generated Chess Image of 2 oposing sides facing off over a chess board with a duality to the image where one side is blue and the other red


Sunday, August 27, 2023

QGD - Tartakower Defense - D58- D59 Opening Theory

 This is one of the most topical and famous positions in the Queen's Gambit Declined (QGD), 7...b6 introduces the Tartakower Variation.

Black is aiming to fianchetto his bishop to b7 and to finish his development by placing the knight on d7.

Tartakower Defense Chess Articles


Tartakower Defense - Wiki Page with  General Explanation of Defense

Queen's Gambit Declined (Orthodox/Tartakower Variation): Light Square Letdown? - Old Blog post Talking about the Middlegame of this Opening.


Tartakower Defense LiChess Studies


QGD Tartakower: Anti Tartakower Variation - 1 Chapter Study

Queen's Gambit Declined Tartakower - 13 Chapter Interactive Study 

QGD- Tartakower Defense - 7 Chapter Study  (Study Created from St.Louis CC Video At Bottom (Don't be Sweet)


Games Databases

 

365chess.com

D58: Queen's Gambit Declined, Tartakower (Makagonov-Bondarevsky) system 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 h6 7. Bh4 b6 - 7000 Games

D59: Queen's Gambit Declined, Tartakower variation 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 h6 7. Bh4 b6 8. cxd5 Nxd5 9. Bxe7 Qxe7 10. Nxd5 exd5 11. Rc1 Be6 - 350 games

Efim Geller - Tartakower Defense (Black) - 60 games
Alexander G Beliavsky - Tartakower Defense (Black) - 70 Games 
Lajos Portisch - Tartakower Defense (White)  - 25 games

ChessTempo.com

Queen's Gambit Declined, Tartakower Defense, General (D58) - 5500 games

Queen's Gambit Declined, Tartakower Defense, Makogonov Exchange Variation (D59) - 1500 games

Chessgames.com

D58 QGD: Tartakower / General [Black] - 44 games (Curated Collection)
d4 : QGD : Tartakower Variation - 26 Games (Curated Collection)

Queen's Gambit Declined, Tartakower (Makagonov-Bondarevsky) Syst (D58) - 2700 games
Queen's Gambit Declined, Tartakower (D59)  - 656 Games


Tartakower Defense Puzzles (Tactics)


LiChess Tartakower Defense Puzzles - 131 Puzzles


Tartakower Defense Video Lessons


Tartakower Defense for club players  - 60 Min - IM Matt Bobula
Tartakower Defense in practice - 32 Min - IM Matt Bobula

𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧❜𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 : 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝟎𝟏 | 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐧𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐡 - 22 Min - GM Sam Shankland

Don't Be Sweet: Play the Tartakower! | Chess Openings Explained - 60 Min - St.Louis Chess Club

Tartakower Defense Opening Theory - 33 Min - Hanging pawns

Queens Gambit Declined Part 3 Tartakower Variation - 22 Min - Robert Plunketts Lab
Queens Gambit Declined Tartakower, To play h6 or not to play - 9 Min - Robert Plunketts Lab

Guide To Making Plans In Chess - Queen's Gambit Declined Plans (PART 1) - 26 Min - NM Nelson Lopez

Tartakower Defense Game Videos ( w/ Analysis)


Queen's Gambit Declined, Tartakower variation - Standard chess #26 - 49 Min - Chess Network

Beating the Queen's Gambit in the British Chess Championship (1998), with GM Nigel Short - 54 Min

AI Generated Colorful Abstract Chess Piece Image


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

Master the Schliemann Defense: A Bold Opening for Aggressive Players - papa Chess - Move by move guide, statistics, pawn structure and tips.

Mastering the Schliemann Defense: Möhring Variation - papa Chess

Chess Opening Basics: The Jaenisch Gambit - Short Chessable Blog Article on this Opening.


Jaenisch Gambit – A Complete Guide for Black - Chessarticle.com - FM Nikhil - Guide on the Gambit for Black and White.

The Jaenisch/Schliemann Gambit - IM Jeremy Silman - Both of the ways of dealing with this are shown with detailed example games. 
 One is 4.Nc3, which leads to serious complications . The other is 4.d3, a quiet positional line.

Openings for Tactical Players: Ruy Lopez, Schliemann (Jaenisch) Gambit - GM Gregory Serper 
- give you some general ideas about the key lines of this gambit variation as well as to show some typical tactical ideas.



Schliemann LiChess Studies


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.


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

Playlists


Lessons

CRUSH e4 with this Black GAMBIT! - 26 min - GothamChess - IM Levy Rozman - Lesson on the Theory w/ 2 games fully analysed

GM Melik Khachiyan

SECRET WEAPON Against Ruy Lopez (Jaenisch Gambit) - 44 Min - explains key concepts, strategies, and responses to common moves by white, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively employ the Jaenisch Gambit in their games.

This Gambit? A Surprise Weapon Against Unprepared Players! (EMPIRE CHESS) - 15 Min - Gm Sam Shankland 
- creates a repertoire that can help the player deal with all the important lines of this opening,

The Janisch Gambit - GM Leonid Kritz (EMPIRE CHESS) - 15 Min -  
Grandmaster Leonid Kritz explains one of white's most common responses with 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5 4. d3 - declining the pawn to steer play towards a more rational game.

AlphaZero Schliemann Defence novelties for White and Black. AlphaZero Opening Novelties #2 - 18 Min - GM Mathew Sadler

The Most Aggressive Gambit Against Ruy Lopez [TRAPS Included] - 11 Min
- GM Igor Smirnov shares with you the most aggressive gambit against the Ruy Lopez chess opening.

Schlielman Defense Chess Traps


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, April 4, 2023

Conquer the King's Gambit with the Falkbeer Countergambit (C31)

 Master this Aggressive Chess Opening - Expert Resources at Your Fingertips

New to chess openings?

The King's Gambit is a popular but risky strategy for White. The Falkbeer Countergambit (C31) is Black's aggressive response, aiming to exploit weaknesses and turn the tables!

This curated page equips you with everything you need to master the Falkbeer Countergambit, with links to articles, puzzles, videos, and game analysis – all from trusted sources.

Falkbeer Wikipedia Page

In this aggressive Countergambit, Black disdains the pawn offered as a sacrifice, instead opening the centre to exploit White's weakness on the kingside. 

The Falkbeer Countergambit is a chess opening that begins:

1. e4 e5   2. f4 d5 

 Bishop's Bounty King's Gambit Page


Books (Free)

Internet Archive
Boris Aldermans Gambit Guide  - Part 1 - 30 Min , Part 2  - 34 Min  (Both Falkbeer Counter Gambit Videos Found here)


Falkbeer Counter Gambit Articles

Delve into the exciting world of the Falkbeer Countergambit with these in-depth articles:

Falkbeer Counter Gambit: A Comprehensive Opening Guide  - This Chess Journal guide equips you with a strategic roadmap to mastering the Falkbeer Countergambit.

Ernst Karl Falkbeer and his countergambit 
- ChessBase takes you on a historical journey exploring the origins of the gambit and analyzing exemplary games.


Falkbeer LiChess Studies

Sharpen your tactical vision and master the Falkbeer Countergambit with interactive LiChess studies:

How to counter the King's Gambit  - 6 Chapter Study -This interactive study on Lichess guides you through key themes, tactics, and strategic ideas in the Falkbeer Countergambit.

Falkbeer Countergambit  -
6 Chapter Study

What are LiChess Studies?

LiChess Studies are a fantastic, free resource for chess players of all levels. They're interactive training tools that allow you to explore chess concepts, tactics, and opening lines move-by-move. You can test your understanding, analyze variations, and receive feedback as you progress through the study.


Game Databases

Explore a vast collection of Falkbeer Countergambit games to enhance your strategic understanding:

Chess Tempo

King's Gambit, Falkbeer Countergambit, Accepted (C31)  - 918 Games - Chess Tempo offers a user-friendly interface to explore 918 Falkbeer Countergambit games. You can sort by rating, opening line, or other criteria to find games that match your learning goals.

Chessgames.com

King's Gambit Declined, Falkbeer Counter Gambit (C31) 1 e4 e5 2 f4 d5 - 939 Games - Can also filter for Annotated Games

365Chess.com

C31: King's Gambit Declined, Falkbeer counter-gambit 1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 - 2859 Games - Dive deep into a massive collection of 2859 Falkbeer Countergambit games on 365Chess.com. This database allows you to filter and explore a wide range of games to suit your needs.


Puzzles (Tactics)

Test your tactical skills and sharpen your vision for exploiting weaknesses in the King's Gambit with these Falkbeer Countergambit puzzles:

wtHarvey.com

Falkbeer Counter Gambit (ECO C31) - 5 Puzzles - Get started with a focused set of 5 puzzles from wtHarvey.com to solidify core tactical concepts in the Falkbeer Countergambit.

LiChess Openings Puzzles

FalkBeer Countergambit - 1647 Puzzles - Deepen your understanding with a massive collection specifically targeting the Falkbeer Countergambit on Lichess Openings.

King's Gambit Declined - Falkbeer Countergambit Accepted - 325 Puzzles
Focus on the accepted line with this set of 325 puzzles from Lichess Openings, honing your ability to punish inaccuracies after White accepts the pawn sacrifice.


Falkbeer Counter Gambit Videos

Falkbeer Countergambit | King’s Gambit Opening Theory - 20 Min - Hanging Pawns - This video dives into the exciting world of the Falkbeer Countergambit, a response to the King's Gambit that offers aggressive possibilities for Black. Learn how Black challenges White's center with a pawn sacrifice (d5) and disrupts their opening plans. The video explores the main lines arising from this move, including lines with Nf3, Nc6, and gambit continuations.

King’s Gambit Declined | Falkbeer Countergambit | Mainlines, Plans & Strategies | Chess Openings - 25 Min IM Ostrovsk - Delve deeper with video on the main lines, plans, and strategies employed in the Falkbeer Countergambit, equipping you for complex positions.

Refute the King's Gambit as Black | Falkbeer Countergambit: Tricky Opening - 20 Min - Remote Chess Academy - Learn how to exploit common mistakes in the King's Gambit and punish your opponent with the Falkbeer Countergambit.

Falkbeer Counter Gambit Chess Traps

Bizarre Opening Trap: Falkbeer Countergambit - 7 Min - IM Eric Rosen -Sharpen your tactical vision with IM Eric Rosen as he unveils surprising traps you can spring in the Falkbeer Countergambit.


Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Falkbeer Counter Gambit - Chess Opening - 16 Video Playlist - Immerse yourself in a series of 16 video analyses of Falkbeer Countergambit games by kingscrusher, learning from the play of masters.

Keres Plays King's Gambit, His Opponent Answers With Falkbeer Countergambit - 7 Min - Watch a historical game where chess legend Paul Keres faces the Falkbeer Countergambit.

Must See! King's Gambit Against Mikhail Tal Himself  - 7 Min - Witness a thrilling encounter where White plays the King's Gambit against the legendary Mikhail Tal, who responds with the Falkbeer Countergambit.
Learn more about Mikhail Tal: Great Chess Players of the Past - Tal

Crushing the Kings Gambit with Falkbeer Counter Gambit | 14 moves | Punishing Opening Blunders - 6 Min - Enjoy a quick and exciting video demonstrating how to punish inaccuracies in the King's Gambit with the Falkbeer Countergambit.

 

Oil Painting of the Center of Chess board with a falkbeer counter gambit.
"He who fears a pawn down in the King's Gambit should not play chess." - Adolf Anderssen

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