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

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

BLACKMAR DIEMER GAMBIT - D00

 

BDG Wikipedia Page - Here
Nice Wikipedia Page on the Main Variations.
 
It is one of the few gambits available to White after 1.d4
 
Main Line
After 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3, 
Black has five main options:

Gunderam Defence: 5...Bf5 
Teichmann Defence: 5...Bg4 
Euwe Defence: 5...e6
Bogoljubov Defence: 5...g6 
Ziegler Defence: 5...c6 

also 
Ryder Gambit: 5.Qxf3
 
It is easy for Black to decline the gambit on the second move with 2...e6 (leading to a French Defence) or 2...c6 (leading to a Caro–Kann Defence)

Books (Courses) Free

 

A beginner's blitz repertoire - FREE Chessable Course - 53 Trainable Variations - The core of the repertoire is a set of interpretations of the Blackmar-Diemer gambit - but more often than not castling queenside, rather than kingside.


Articles

 

Blackmar-Diemer Gambit - Article on Gambiter Blog
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Declined - Vienna Defence 4...Bf5 [D00] - Chess Publishing Article on this Line

BDG Blogs

Blackmar Diemer Gambit -  Blog with over 200 Posts Specifically on this Gambit 
Tom's BDG Pages   - Another Old Blog with Over 200 posts on this Gambit. (From the Creator of the BDG World magazine)

Play Chess Openings - Tim Sawyer Blog  - This Link is to page with 53 BDG Posts


LiChess Studies

 

BLACKMAR-DIEMER GAMBIT  -  12 Chapter Study - (282 hearts) (Top of page)
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit (In Progress)  - 44 Chapter Study (65 hearts)  Looks at all of Blacks Defences


Games Databases

  

365Chess.com

D00: Blackmar-Diemer gambit 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. e4 - 1274 Games
A45: Blackmar-Diemer gambit 1. d4 Nf6 2. f3 d5 3. e4     - 191 Games

Chessgames.com

Blackmar Diemer Gambits  - 8 Games (All 1-0)

Chess Tempo

Blackmar-Diemer Gambit, General (D00)  -  Over 170,000 Games (2200+ Rating with Popularity Graph)
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit, Gedult Gambit (D00) -  1. d4 d5 2. e4 dxe4 3. f3   (400+ Games)
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit, Von Popiel Gambit (D00) - 1. d4 d5 2. e4 dxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5  (5100+ Games)
 

Extra Games

Chess_Olympiads_1990_till_2012 - 9 Games Played 


 LiChess Puzzles (Tactics)

BLACKMAR DIEMER GAMBIT - 2846 Puzzles
von Popiel Gambit - 193 Puzzles
 


Blackmar Diemer Gambit Videos


FREE ELO With The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit  - 25 Min Video - Gotham Chess

The NEW Blackmar-Diemer Gambit?  - 24 Min - Johnathan Schrantz

Alterman GGuide Blackmar Diemer gambit part1 - 28 Min
Alterman GGuide Blackmar Diemer gambit part2 - 24 Min
Alterman GGuide Blackmar Diemer gambit part3 - 27 Min

Most Aggressive Chess Opening for White | Powerful Gambit - 11 Min - GM Igor Smirnov
Brilliant Blackmar-Diemer Gambit | Journey to GM #5 | GM Moulthun Ly - 9 Min

GM Ben Finegold's Gambit Series: The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit - 7 Min

Blackmar–Diemer Gambit: Openings Explorations - 13 Min - NM Bryan Tillis

Opening Basics #40: Blackmar-Diemer gambit - 43 Min - Jim's Chess Channel

The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit · Chess Openings - 34 Min - Hanging Pawns

How to refute the Blackmar Diemer Gambit  - 15 min - Robert Plunkett's Chess Lab

Traps

Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Opening Trap - Sacrifice Queen - Checkmate in 7 moves - Chess Opening Tricks - 3 Min - NM Nelson Lopez

 Amazing Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Tricks | Tricks, Traps And Blunders - 7 Min - Chess School

Chess Opening Traps #5: Halosar Opening Trap - Blackmar–Diemer Gambit - 15 Min - kingscrusher

Ryder Gambit (DBL Pawn Sacrifice)

 Kill with 1.d4 | The Unorthodox Ryder Gambit!! - 22 Min - IM Modrag Perunovic

Ryder Gambit - Chess Opening - 14 Min - theChessWebsite
Unbelievable Traps in the Ryder Gambit! Fire Upon Fire! - 15 min - Kaspachess

von Popiel Gambit  (A New Twist on the Blackmar-Diemer )

 Von Popiel Gambit!! Playlist   - 7 Videos - FM William Graif

Win every time as White with the VON POPIEL GAMBIT!! - 32 Min - FM William Graif
Universal & Aggressive Chess Opening for White | Powerful Gambit - 17 Min - GM Igor Smirnov
The von Popiel Gambit Trap Nobody Knows About - 6 Min - Johnathan Schrantz

Game Videos (W/Analysis)

2 PERFECT Von Popiel Gambit wins in Titled Tuesday - 19 Min - FM William Graif
Blitz Game #23 Chess Opening: Blackmar-Diemer Gambit (Black) - 6 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic

Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: Nazarenus vs Besson-Switzerland 2004 - 5 Min - Chess School

All Out Attack Using Blackmar-Diemer Gambit - 7 Min - Chess School

Master Class | Blackmar–Diemer Gambit | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 24 Min


Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Anti- London - Chess Opening Theory

 Conquer the London System:
Learn Powerful Anti-London Strategies!


Do you struggle against the ever-popular 1.d4 London System opening?

Feeling lost in a sea of white pawns?
Dive into free Chessable courses packed with actionable lines, explore insightful articles that expose the London System's weaknesses, and train your tactical vision with interactive studies.
 Gain invaluable insights from top chess instructors through video masterclasses,
 and witness practical applications in analyzed games.

  Fret no more! This page is your one-stop shop for everything Anti-London System.

 We've curated a comprehensive collection of resources designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to dismantle the London System and emerge victorious.


Books (Courses) (FREE)

 

Agadmator's Anti-London System  -  Free Chessable Course -  40 Trainable Variations

Short & Sweet: Anti-London System - Free Chessable Course - 18 Trainable Lines w/ 48 min Video - FM Viktor Neustroev (2252 FIDE)


Anti-London Articles

 

The Anti-Anti-London System  - FM Ingvar Thor Johannesson  - Like the Title says, Chess.com Article about how to bust many of the Anti-Londons Played. Especially Agadmantor's. 
(Pretty Interesting and worth a read, some tricky lines played by white that can give you a really bad position out of the gate if you just blindly play some of these Anti-Londons)

Tricky Chess Opening Against the London System – Every Move Is A TRAP! - Remote Chess Academy Article - GM Igor Smirnov   


Anti-London LiChess Studies

 

Gothamchess: Beat (Agadmator's) Anti-London  -  11 Chapter Study (The Anti-Anti-London)
ANTI⚔️ LONDON👌 GAMBIT🔥 - 23 Chapter Study - Black makes a  Crazy 3... g5 Gambit.
Anti-London | Crazy Knight Attack  - 16 Chapter Study  (1800 Hearts)
Anti-London System Lines  - 9 Chapter Study  (Study at Top of Page)


Anti-London Videos


Anti-London

Beat the London System! - 62 Min - ChessGoals - Beat the London system for Nimzo-Indian and Queen's Indian Defense players! If you like to play e6, this is the course for you. (New - 5/29/24)

Want To Crush The London System?  - 32 min - Gotham Chess

3 Secret Rare Lines to Beat the London System  - 17 Min - Johnathan Schrantz

How to beat the London System at any level  - 14 Min - IM Alex Banzea

The ABSOLUTE BEST Way to Beat the London for Nf6 Players - 25 Min - ArcG3

Beat The London System! || Learn The Ultimate Defense - 32 min - agadmantor

Learn two weapons against the London System in 10 minutes  - 10 Min - Chessbase India

An aggressive anti-London system for club players - 16 Min - The Bristol Chess Times

NEVER FEAR The London Again! FULL GM-Analysis 6... cxd4 - 45 Min - GM Jesper Thybo (New)

IM Minh Le

A repertoire for Black against the London System : The introduction and some nasty traps - 11 Min 
A repertoire for Black against the London System ( Part 2): Minor Lines - 12 Min
A repertoire for Black against the London System ( Part 3): The tricky and complex line 3.d5 - 13 Min

IM Christof  Sielecki

Fight the London System with Black Pt 1 - ...d5 Setups (Queens Gambit) - 22 Min
Fight the London System with Black Pt 2 - ...Nf6,g6 Setups (Kings Indian, Grunfeld) - 15 Min
Fight the London System with Black Pt 3 - ...Nf6 e6 Setups (Nimzo, Queens Indian) - 16 Min
Fight the London System with Black Pt 4 - London vs. other moves (1...d6,g6,f5,e6) - 18 Min

Game Videos (w/analysis)

Master Class | Defeating The London System | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky  - 28 Min
Catching the London off Guard With QB6!! | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 31 Min
The Anti-London Game Every Chess Player Should Know - 17 Min - IM Rosen
Get London Players Out of Their Comfort Zone  - 20 Min - Johnathan Schrantz

Bishops Bounty London Page - Here  

London on fire, water color, style of john singer sargent, AI Created

 

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

  

Sunday, March 5, 2023

Alekhine's Defense - 4 Pawns Attack B03

Created A page for this Variation and have added a link to it on my Alekhine's Defense Page.



Chess Board Image of Alekhine Defence 4 pawns attack set up.

 Link On Sidebar under Opening Theory links


Wednesday, January 18, 2023

QGD Tarrasch Defense D32-D34

 

The Tarrasch Defense is a chess opening characterized by the moves:

1. d4 d5
2. c4 e6
3. Nc3 c5
This is a Variation of the Queens Gambit Declined


BOOKS (Free)

Short & Sweet: Tarrasch Defense  - FREE Chessbale Course  - GM Jordan van Foreest - 10 Trainable Lines w/30 Min Video
Short & Sweet: Ganguly's Semi-Tarrasch -  FREE Chessable Course - GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly - 33 Trainable Lines w/44 Min Video


Tarrasch Defense Chess Articles 

TARRASCH DEFENSE -  Chess Pathways Article
Refutation of the Tarrasch Defence - Short Article by GM Alex Colovic
Queen’s Gambit Declined – Taking Down the Tarrasch Defense  -  ichess.net Article


BLOGS

The Semi-Tarrasch – How to Play, Attack and Counter (as White & Black) - Opening Guide on Chessable Blog


Tarrasch Defense LiChess Studies

Some Tarrasch defense ideas  - 64 Chapter Study  (64 Heavily Annotated games ++ )
D34: Tarrasch Defence - 12 Chapter Study


Chess PUZZLES

Queens Gambit Declined Tarrasch Puzzles - 602 Puzzles   Lichess


GAMES Databases

365Chess.com

D32: Queen's Gambit Declined, Tarrasch defence 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 - 7490 Games
D33: Queen's Gambit Declined, Tarrasch, Schlechter-Rubinstein system 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. g3  -  4413 Games
D34: Queen's Gambit Declined, Tarrasch, Prague variation, 7...Be7 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. g3 Nf6 7. Bg2 Be7 - 4437 Games


Chessgames.com

Queen's Gambit Declined, Tarrasch (D32)  - 15 Annotated Games
Queen's Gambit Declined, Tarrasch (D33)  - 6 Annotated Games
Queen's Gambit Declined, Tarrasch (D34)  - 14 Annotated Games


Tarrasch Defense Chess Video Lessons

Tarrasch Defense Theory  -  14 Video Playlist  - Jozarov’s chess channel
Tarrasch Defense - Queen's Gambit Declined - 14 Min Thechesswebsite
Tarrasch Defense Opening Theory - 27 Min Hanging Pawns
Win with Tarrasch Defense with IM Marcin Sieciechowic  - 33 Min


The Semi-Tarrasch Opening explained by Leinier Domínguez - 2hr Video

Von Hennig Schara Gambit

The Von Hennig-Schara Gambit: Perfect! | Chess Openings Explained - 50 Min ST.Louis CC
GM Ben Finegold's Gambit Series: Von Hennig-Schara Gambit - 6 Min
How to play the Tarrasch Defense Correctly -D34 Tarrasch Defense, Advance Variation -b3 continuation - 20 Min - Jozarov’s chess channel
DIRTY CHESS OPENINGS! - The Von Hennig Schara Gambit!- Opening Traps and Common Mistakes by White - 51 Min - Jozarov’s chess channel
Tarrasch Defence: Hennig Schara Gambit Chess Opening : Leela Chess ID 467 vs Stockfish-6 - 11 Min Kingcrusher
FM Dennis Monokroussos - Hennig Schara Gambit Tactics - 30 Min


Against the Tarrasch

Positional Play: Beating The Tarrasch Defense! - GM Damian Lemos - 27 Min


St.Louis Chess Club

The Dubov Tarrasch | Road to 2000 - NM Caleb Denby - 57 Min


Tarrasch Game Videos Analyzed

Queens Gambit: Tarrasch Defence - Chess Opening - 24 Game Playlist - Kingscrusher
Tarrasch Defense  - 22 Video Playlist   - agadmator's Chess Channel


Most Attacking Chess Game - 7 (Von Hennig-Schara Gambit) - 15 Min
Jaime Sunye Neto vs Garry Kasparov - Tarrasch Defense: Symmetrical Variation - 9 Min 
Tarrasch Defense (D34) : Anatoly Karpov vs Garry Kasparov  - 44 Min Kingscrusher
Tarrasch Defence: Garry Kasparov vs Miguel Illescas-Cordoba - 9 Min

 IM Christof Sielecki (w/live Commentary)
Blitz Chess #4844 vs Muha750 Queens Gambit Tarrasch White - 13 Min
Blitz Chess #1386 with Live Comments Queens Gambit Tarrasch Variation - 9 Min
Blitz Chess #3536 vs JustKID Queens Gambit Tarrasch White - 8 Min
Blitz Chess #4962 vs MOMO1404 Queens Gambit Tarrasch White - 13 Min

IM John Bartholomew 
Standard Chess #57: fanta6 vs. IM Bartholomew (Tarrasch Defense) - 46 Min
Standard Chess #116: Boesemine vs. IM Bartholomew (Tarrasch Defense) - 42 Min
Blitz Chess #301: IM Bartholomew vs. IM Kassa Korley (Semi-Tarrasch Defense) - 16 Min
Standard Chess #150: IM Bartholomew vs. opus55 (Tarrasch Defense) - 7 Min
Standard Chess #211: IM Bartholomew vs. racketeer (Tarrasch Defense) - 53 Min
Blitz Chess #140: IM Bartholomew vs. IM Bryant (Tarrasch Defense) - 18 Min


Impressionist Painting of a Man Studying a Chess Board

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Updated Sicilian Defense (Dragon and Acc. Dragon) on Sidebar


 Sicilian Defense Dragon and  Sicilian Accelerated Dragon Pages

    - Better Organized 
    -  Added FREE Chessable Course Links
    -  Added Some New Articles
    -  Added LiChess Studies
    -  Added Quite a few Video Lesson Playlists and Game Playlists

A Metal Dragon behind a chessboard

Saturday, January 7, 2023

Unleash the Beast: Mastering the Sokolsky Opening (Polish or Orangutan)

A Winslow Homer-inspired watercolor landscape. A thoughtful orangutan studies a chessboard with contrasting colored pieces. Sunlight streams through a window, casting a warm glow on the scene.
"The beauty of a move lies not in its appearance but in the thought behind it."
 - Emanuel Lasker


 

Ideas of the Sokolsky Opening
 Surprise Your Opponent 


The Sokolsky Opening (1.b4),

also known as the Polish Opening or Orangutan Opening,
might be the perfect weapon to add to your arsenal!

This "offbeat" first move, where you push your pawn out two squares on the queenside (b-file), might seem unusual, but it has a hidden purpose.

 By playing 1.b4, you aim to:

  • Control the queenside: This pawn move helps you claim space on that side of the board, giving you a strong foothold and potentially restricting your opponent's options.
  • Fianchetto your dark-squared bishop: Later in the game, you'll likely develop your dark-squared bishop diagonally to a long diagonal (usually f2), giving it more attacking power.
  • Prepare a kingside attack: The Sokolsky Opening aims to eventually launch a coordinated attack on your opponent's king on the other side of the board (kingside).

While not a common sight at the highest levels, the Sokolsky Opening has a surprising charm. Grandmasters like Magnus Carlsen and Boris Spassky have even dabbled in its unorthodox approach, showcasing its potential for surprise and strategic depth.

 Polish Opening Wikipedia Page


Polish Opening Chess Articles

Polish Opening Theory, History & Key Variations for Beginners & Advanced Players Explained!



Polish Opening LiChess Studies

These Polish Opening (1.b4) studies offer a dynamic way to explore key concepts, variations, and famous games, perfect for both beginners and seasoned players.

  • Polish Opening System - 5 Chapter Study  (149 hearts) - This basic overview provides a solid foundation for the Polish Opening, covering a few common defenses from Black

  • Polish/Orangutan/Sokolsky Opening - 15 Chapter Study (28 hearts) - Dive deeper with 15 lines of opening repertoire, equipping you to handle various Black responses.

  • Polish Opening (AKA Orangutan) -14 Chapter - Study the moves of the masters! This 14-chapter exploration features famous games played by Grandmasters.

  • Orangutan Adventures - 21 Chapter - Embark on a 21-chapter journey through Orangutan games played at the Master level.

  • Polish Opening Traps (Sokolsky Opening) Orangutan -  10 ChapterSharpen your tactical vision with 10 chapters focusing on common Polish Opening traps, all derived from miniature games.

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools allow you to learn move-by-move, test your understanding by solving variations, and gain a deeper grasp of the Polish Opening's intricacies.



Games Databases

Delve into real-life chess battles featuring the Polish Opening (1.b4)! Analyze games played by masters and gain practical insights into how the opening unfolds.

365Chess.com

Chess tempo

  • Polish Opening Games  - 1300 Games  - Focus on recent Polish Opening games, allowing you to see how the opening is played in the modern chess world.

365Chess.com


Polish Opening Puzzles : Sharpen Your Orangutan Tactics!

These puzzles are specifically designed to challenge you with tactical motifs that arise frequently in the Polish Opening (1.b4).

LiChess Opening Puzzles

  • Polish Opening Puzzles  - 2489 PuzzlesThis massive collection throws a variety of Polish Opening positions at you, ensuring you encounter all the key variations.

Polish Opening Puzzle Variations


Polish Opening (Orangutan) Chess Video Lessons

Expand your chess knowledge with a treasure trove of Polish Opening (1.b4) video lessons!

Blacks Repertoire vs. the Polish

Polish Opening Chess Traps


Polish Opening Game Videos (Analyzed)


The TRICKY Orangutan Opening and how to deal with it  - 10 Min IM Rosen
 - 
 I play the Orangutan (also known as the Polish) Opening beginning with 1.b4!? I played the first few moves in ultra-aggressive fashion and end up trapping my opponent before move 10.

Master of Preparation - 1.b4!! Anish vs Magnus - 14 Min

Orangutan Opening - Standard chess #24  - 49 Min   Chess Network

LIVE Blitz Chess Commentary #91: Polish (Sokolsky) Opening  - 13 Min  - Chess network

Bobby Fischer plays 1.b4!  - 7 Min  agadmantor

15 Min Chess #33 with Live Comments - Sokolsky Opening (Orang Utan 1.b4) - 27 Min IM Christof Sielecki
15 Min Chess #115 with Live Comments Orang Utan Sokolsky Opening - 35 Min IM Christof Sielecki

How To Win With 1.b4! In 17 Moves - Sokolsky vs. Strugatsch, 1958 - 10 Min - Miniature from 1958 where the Polish player, Sokolsky, uses 1.b4 to devastating effect as he sacrifices two bishops for a glorious attack!

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