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. 

Bishop's Bounty Pawn Breaks Page

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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

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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.

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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

• Strategies when playing with IQP - 99 Games (Collection Broken into Strategy's when playing IQP) Really Nice
  
  
• IQP, Isolated Queen Pawn, Games - 11 game Collection
  
  
• Isolated Queen Pawn (IQP) games - 21 game Collection
  
  
• IQP Great Games - 19 Game Collection
  
  
• IQP Wins. - 33 game Collection
  
  
• IQP loses - 15 game Collection
  
  
• Instructive IQP middlegames and endgames - 69 games from Baburin's "Winning pawn structures" book
  
  
• nexus IQP position - 10 Game Collection (All Showing how to reach the same position w/ Diff. openings)

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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

• IQP Isolated Queen Pawn - 18 Video Playlist - GM Zviad Izoria (Go's over many games)
  
• Isolated Queens Pawn - 16 Video Playlist - GM Sune Berg Hansen
  
  

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 - 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

• Isolated Queen Pawn Positions - GM Ben Finegold - 40 Min - A lecture covering isolated queen pawn openings
• Part 1: Isolated Queen Pawns and How to Use Them as an Advantage - 53 Min 
• Part 2: Isolated Queen Pawns and How to Punish Them - 39 Min

Remote Chess Academy

• A to Z about Isolated Pawns - Introduction - 27 Min - IM Atilla Turzo -  will teach you about how to make an attack, what should your typical plans be, when having an isolated pawn or when playing against it.
• How to play with or against an Isolated Pawn? by GM Mikhailo Oleksienko - 21 Min - you'll learn about - playing actively, how to place your pieces, what should your typical plan be when you are playing with or against an isolated pawn.

IM Andras Toth

• How to approach the d4-d5 Break in IQP Structures | The Amateur's Mind #32 - 24 Min
  
  
• Know thy Classics #5 The thematic d4-d5 breakthorugh in IQP structures - 17 Min
  
  
• Amateurs mind #19 - How to play against an isolated pawn - middle and end game strategies - 27 Min
  
  
• IQP plans and strategies - Amateurs Mind #22 - 33 Min - (Video Below)

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IQP Game Videos w/Analysis

Chess Strategy: How to play with Isolated Queens Pawn: Magnus Carlsen vs Granda Zuniga - 10 Min - kingscrusher

Lichess 45+45 League game analysis #6 - 20 min - Im Andras Toth

Don't miss this IQP Masterpiece | Karpov vs Kasparov | Intermediate Level | Alex Astaneh - 46 Min

GM Naroditsky

• Handling the IQP | Caro-Kann-Exchange | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 78 Min
• Exploding the Center | IQP | In-depth Sicilian Alapin | GM Naroditsky’s Theory Speed Run -63 Min
• IQP Strategy: Mastering Sicilian Defense | Alapin Variation | GM Naroditsky's - 68 Min Theory Speedrun

Bishops Bounty Pawn Structures Page - Here

Chess Prophylaxis - Advanced Strategy

Prophylaxis Chess Resources

In chess, prophylaxis consists of a move or series of moves done by a player to prevent their opponent from taking some action. Such preventative moves, or prophylactic moves, aim not only to improve one's position but also to restrict the opponent in improving their own.
The term prophylaxis comes from the Greek προφύλαξις, profýlaxis, "guarding or preventing beforehand".
Chess Prophylaxis Wikipedia Page - Just a General Description

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Prophylaxis Chess Articles

The Art of Prophylaxis in Chess - Nice Chessable Blog Article w/Embedded Johan Hellston Video

Prophylaxis – Learn from Anatoly Karpov - Nice article w/example games - GM Swapnil Dhopade Blog on LiChess

Prophylaxis - Chessworld Article by WGM Raluca Sgircea, IM Renier Castellanos

Understanding before Moving 65: Prophylaxis - Chessbase Article w/ 26 Min Embedded Video with IM Herman Grooten

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Prophylaxis LiChess Studies

PROPHYLAXIS - 11 Chapter study (120 Hearts)

endgame tatics prophylaxis - 24 Chapter Interactive Study 

Prophylaxis - 10 Chapter Interactive Study (Looking at Opening , Middle game and Endgame Examples)

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Chess Prophylaxis Video Lessons

IM Andrey Ostrovskiy

Improve your Chess with Prophylaxis | Prophylactic Thinking | IM Andrey Ostrovskiy - 18 Min
Improve your Chess with Prophylaxis | Part 2 | Prophylactic Thinking | - 17 Min
Improve your Chess with Prophylaxis | Part 3 | Prophylactic Thinking | - 15 min

GM Sune Berg Hansen.

Prophylaxis in Chess - The Prevention Strategy - A GM Tool - 21 min - GM Talks
The Hidden Art of Prophylaxis: Transform Your Game With This Strong Chess Tool - 22 min - GM Talks
Use Prophylaxis As Your Weapon Of Dark Empathy To Destroy Your Opponents - 20 min - GM Talks
Magnus Carlsen dominated Hikaru Nakamura with a strong concept: Prophylactic Thinking! - 20 Min -GM Talks

St.Louis Chess Club

Prophylaxis and Dynamics | Grandmaster's Choice - GM JJ Ali Marandi - 56 min - St.Louis CC
Prophylaxis: Chess Prevention | Strategy Session - WGM Sabina Foisor - 53 min - St.Louis CC
Chess Prophylaxis | Strategy Session with Jonathan Schrantz - 26 Min - St.Louis CC

Grand Master RB Ramesh - Learn Chess the right way! - Prophylactic thinking and Prophylaxis - 2hr 7 Min

Understanding Prophylaxis - Play Like a Master! - IM Valeri Lilov - 60 Min

Defense Mastery with IM Mat Kolosowski - Chapter 1 Prophylaxis - 26 Min

How to Think in Chess: 🤔 Prophylactic Thinking with GM Artur Yusupov & GM Jan Gustafsson - 24 min
Prophylaxis against Pawn Levers - Strategic Planning | Chess Middlegame | GM Alex Lenderman - 20 Min

Live Stream: Chess Prophylaxis - Chess Strategy with IM Valeri Lilov - 23 Min

Chess Strategy: Prophylaxis - 12 Min - Chess website

Destroy Your Opponents With the Magic of Chess Prophylaxis - 7 Min

Chess Lesson # 82: Prophylaxis - 15 Min - NM Rober Ramirez

Chess Strategy: Prophylactic Thinking - 17 Min - Remote Chess Academy

Pro Chess Training - GM Surya Ganguly explains Importance of Prophylaxis - 26 Min

Svitlana's Smart Moves - The prophylactic moves - 50 min - ChessBase

Chess Stream #108 A Lesson in Prophylaxis - 91 Min - GM Simon Williams

GM Alex Lenderman: Prophylactic Thinking | U.S. Chess School - 41 Min

Online Chess Survival! : Prophylaxis as a way of surviving on the chess board as long as possible! - 15 min - kingscrusher
Instructive Prophylaxis discussion! King Safety moves such as Kh1 and Kb1-a1 - 14 min -kingscrusher

Back to our favorite theme, prophylaxis - 12 Min - GM Irina Krush

CTCA Advanced - Prophylactic Thinking - 88 Mins - Cape Town Chess Academy

Evaluating a Chess Position - Chess Strategy

 

"The superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions." - Confucius

Beyond Material:
 Demystifying Chess Position Evaluation

Chess evaluation is the art of dissecting a chess position to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each player. It goes beyond simply counting pieces – it's about analyzing factors like pawn structure, piece mobility, king safety, and potential plans. By mastering evaluation, you'll gain the confidence to make informed decisions throughout the game, ultimately leading to stronger chess strategy and more wins.

This guide brings together a wealth of FREE resources to help you elevate your chess evaluation skills. We'll explore articles, interactive studies, puzzles, and video lessons created by experienced chess instructors, including Grandmasters (GMs) and International Masters (IMs). You'll learn:

• The key factors that contribute to a strong position
• How to systematically analyze a chessboard
• Practical tips and techniques to improve your evaluation skills

Let's dive into the treasure trove of resources and unlock your potential as a chess player!

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 Books & Courses (Free)

Chessable Courses

• The Art of Analysis - ICCF Master - 55 Variations - Introduces you to his simple 8-step method for independent analysis. The same type of analysis you carry out when playing and reviewing your games.

Internet Archive

• Test and improve your chess :  Lev Alburt - 136 Page PDF
  
  
• The Art of Chess Analysis by Jan Timman - 210 page PDF

 

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Chess Evaluation Articles

• How to Evaluate Chess Positions (Example)  - Long Chess.com Article by IM Jeremy Silman
  
  
• How to evaluate a position?  -  Chess.com Article by IM Mat Kolosowski
  
  
• 5 Easy Steps to Evaluate a Chess Position Like a GM - GM Noel Studer  (Chessmood Article) Nice.
  
  
• Example of How to Evaluate a Chess Position  - Chessfox guide

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Evaluation LiChess Studies

• How to analyze a chess game - 8 Chapter interactive Study  (1750) hearts)
• How to evaluate ANY position  - 6 Chapter interactive Study

 

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Evaluation Video Lessons

Evaluating Positions & Creating Plans - IM Irina Krush - 2013.10.16 - 46 Min -  Presents an intermediate-level lecture at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis.

Evaluate 📝 Chess Positions Immediately! - IM Lilov [Free Training] - 55 Min - Learn to understand what is happening in the chessboard. Knowing which pieces are active and which are passive and what the important weaknesses in the position are (to exploit and to defend) is the first and most important step in creating a winning plan.
Chess Strategy Mastery 🎓 How To Evaluate a Chess Position - GM Bryan Smith (The Chess World) - 47 Min - GM Bryan Smith analyzes a number of games in order to teach this crucial skill in chess strategy.
Get Better at Chess Evaluation And Chess Strategy with GM Damian Lemos! - 36 Min - Talks about the static and dynamic elements of a chess position.

The Amateur's Mind - The secrets of evaluating - 27 Min - IM Andreas Toth -  I am discussing a few positions and the evaluating techniques that help you to be able to better assess them!
The Amateur's Mind 18 - Decision making and assessment in chess - 52 min - IM Andreas Toth - A discussion about evaluation, preparation and analytical thinking in chess - with examples from both student games, as well as one of my own.

How to Evaluate Chess Positions? Ft. Magnus Carlsen - 13 Min - Remote Chess Academy - GM Igor Smirnov will teach you how to evaluate any chess position easily within seconds with the example of the world champion Magnus Carlsen's games.

How To Evaluate ANY Chess Position - 23 Min - Gotham Chess - A chess lesson for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players. A good strategy to evaluate a chess position in 4 easy steps! Video below

NM Dan Heisman

• Chess Evaluation Criteria - Who is better, how much & why? - 30 min - NM Dan Heisman - Ddefines evaluation and discusses position vs piece evaluation, static vs dynamic evaluation. It gives the 4 aspects of static position evaluation (material, king safety, piece activity, and pawn structure) and shows 3 examples of evaluating a position.
• Find Better Chess Moves - Evaluate Like a GM  - 33 min -  3 positions from the new book "Evaluate Like a Grandmaster" by GM Perelshteyn and FM Solon & discusses how to analyze the position & takes a stab at evaluation.
• Improve Chess Evaluation: Not All Bads are Equally Bad - 29 Min - NM Dan Heisman tries to clear up some of these common misconceptions with multiple examples.
• Evaluating Chess Pieces: Activity and Mobility - 29 Min -  Defines activity and mobility and breaks mobility down into actual and potential mobility. Then, with the help of several instructive examlpes, he shows how to achieve/measure mobility, and how to differentiate mobility (objective) from activity (subjective).
• Award Winning Chess Video: The Ways to Make Better Moves - 24 Min - To become a better player you have to make better moves. That means either knowing them (more knowledge about openings, plans, principles etc) or find them (analysis, evaluation) by comparing multiple candidate moves better.

IM Alex Asteneh

IM Alex Astaneh will teach you a method that helps you to evaluate every position by use of a method. You will learn the different factors of the evaluation method and learn how to apply it to any chess position.

• Improver - 13.Unit: Evaluation of the Position - 5 Video Playlist
  
  
• How to find the right Plan? | Evaluation Training Lesson | Improver Level | IM Alex Astaneh - 32 Min
• How to evaluate Chess Positions | Principles & Key Factors | Improver Level | IM Alex Astaneh - 20 Min

Chess.com

• Chess Strategy: How to Evaluate Positions - Part 1! - 10 Min
• Chess Strategy: How to Evaluate Positions - Part 2!  - 12 min

 

 

 

 

Alekhine's Defense B02 - B05

 

Unlock the Secrets of the Alekhine's Defense:
Your Complete Resource Guide 

The Alekhine's Defense (1. e4 Nf6) is a dynamic and aggressive chess opening where Black challenges White's central control early on.

This unconventional approach can catch your opponents off guard and create excellent winning chances with a complex and unbalanced middlegame.

Ready to unlock the secrets of the Alekhine's Defense and surprise your opponents? Let's explore the resources!

Wikipedia Page

Bishops Bounty Alekhine's Defense - 4 Pawns Attack B03 Page

Page of resources on this variation.

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BOOKS (Free)

Internet Archive

Starting Out: Alekhine's Defence by John Cox  - 97 Page PDF

Alekhine Alert!: A Repertoire for Black against 1 e4 by Timothy Taylor  - 287 Page PDF

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Alekhine's Defense Chess Articles

Alekhine Defense: How to Play as White and Black  - Chessable Blog Opening Guide ( Very nice) - This comprehensive guide covers everything from strategic concepts and tactics to specific variations for both Black and White. It emphasizes the dynamic nature of the defense and offers practical advice for all skill levels. (Great all-around resource)

The Alekhine's Defence  - Simplify Chess Guide - Another In-depth Guide To Learn this opening.

Alekhine’s Defense - Guide from IM Alberto Chueca - This article provides a quick start for Black players, focusing on the main line and core concepts behind the aggressive Alekhine approach. (Ideal for beginners who want to try the Alekhine quickly.

Alekhine's Defense: World Champion Openings - GM Bryan Smith - This in-depth guide explores the aggressive Alekhine's Defense (1...Nf6). Learn how to exploit White's space advantage and launch your own attacks, with historical examples and strategic insights.

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Alekhine's Defense LiChess Studies

Up your Alekhine's Defense with Interactive Lichess Studies!

• Alekhine's Defense: A Primer  - 10 Chapter Study  ( 100 hearts)
  
  
• The Alekhine's Defence   - 8 Chapter Study  (110 hearts)
  
  
• All lines in the Alekhine's Defense  -  55 Chapter Study
  
  
• Alekhine Defense Masterclass  - 19 Chapter Study  (Video study made for  Alekhine Defense Opening Masterclass  - 94 min )
  
  
• Alekhine Defence: The Fast Knight development! - FM Chris Dunworth - 16 Min

LISTUDY Alekhine Defense (Site Where Studies are put in and turned into Movetrainer Courses)

Alekhine's Defense   -  26 Chapters  (Can Learn and Practice all the Opening Moves here!)

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.

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Game Databases

Chessgames.com

Alekhine's Defense (B02-B05)  - 12 Annotated Games
Alekhine Defense Sadler's Collections Plus  - 103 Games
Historically Important Alekhine's Defense Games  - 38 Games
Alekhine's Defense (B02-B05)  - 12,061 Games

365Chess.com

B02: Alekhine's defence 1. e4 Nf6  - 41,400 Games
B03: Alekhine's defence 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 - 22,610 Games
B04: Alekhine's defence, modern variation 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3 - 13,000 Games
B05: Alekhine's defence, modern variation, 4...Bg4 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3 Bg4 - 5900 Games

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Alekhine's Defense Chess Puzzles

wtharvey.com

Alekhine's Defense (ECO B02)  - 8 Puzzles
Alekhine's Defense (ECO B03)  - 7 Puzzles
Alekhine's Defense, Modern (ECO B04)  - 9 Puzzles
Alekhine's Defense, Modern (ECO B05) - 13 Puzzles

LiChess Puzzle Page

Alekhine Defense -  6000+ Puzzles (Almost halfway down the Page -  w/ 13 Variations to pick from)

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Alekhine Defense Videos

Lessons

Alekhine Defense Opening Theory  - 6 Video Playlist  - Hanging Pawns
Alekhine's Defense  -  41 Video playlist  - Sibi Chess

Alekhine's Defense: Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 50 Min - History, key strategies & famous games to understand this aggressive opening.

How to Play the Alekhine Defence | Grandmaster Repertoire - 22 Min - GM Mouthun - Grandmaster Repertoire on how to play the Alekhine with Black.

Alekhine's Defense - Concepts and Quick Theoretical Overview - 60 min - Tony Rotella - I give a brief overview of the history and lore of Alekhine's Defense, why you'd want to give it a punt as Black, as well as a quick tour of the main variations.

The Alekhine Defense ♟ – Play for a Win with Black! - GM Marian Petrov - 61 Min - dives deep into the Four Pawns Variation, showing Black how to exploit an aggressive pawn structure. (Ideal for players who want to learn a specific, sharp variation.)

Alekhine Defense Opening Masterclass  - 94 min - This comprehensive video covers all 14 variations and 6 gambits within the Alekhine Defense. (Best for those who want an exhaustive exploration of every line.)

Beat 1.e4 with Alekhine's Defense!!  -  34 min - IM David Fitzsimons - analyzes how World Champion Magnus Carlsen uses the Alekhine, discussing various strategies and lines. (Perfect for players who want to learn from a master.)

Play the Alekhine Defense ♟Chess Opening with GM Damian Lemos - 27 min -focuses on core concepts like counter-attacking and pawn structure, providing viewers with the tools to navigate the Alekhine's complexities. (Solid choice for players who want a strategic overview with variations.)

Alekhine Defense Traps and Tactics

• CHESS OPENING TRAP FOR BLACK- ALEKHINE DEFENCE  - 3 Min
• 6 Best Chess Opening Traps in the Alekhine's Defense - 16 min  GM Igor Smirnov
• Dirty Chess Tricks 29 (Axe The Alekhine)  - 26 Min
• Dirty Chess Tricks 67 (g6 Alekhine)  - 17 Min
• Dirty Chess Tricks 64 (Legal Trap in Alekhine) - 12 Min

Playing Against the Alekhine's Defense

Refute the Alekhine Defence / Exchange Variation / Full Repertoire! - 35 min -Master a complete repertoire against the Alekhine's Defense, focusing on the Exchange Variation. Learn "secret" strategies and White's most effective continuations.

Chess Training 
Learn a strong Exchange Variation repertoire for White against the Alekhine's Defense. This 3-part series explores main lines and sidelines after Black's ...cxd6 capture.

• Alekhine defense for White Part 1- Exchange variation with ...cxd6 - 12 Min - In this video-series we suggest the exchange variation for a white repertoire against the Alekhine defense. In this 1st part we will see the black sidelines after ...cxd6 (except the basic 9...e5 variation).
• Alekhine defense for White Part 2 - Exchange variation with ...cxd6 - 12 Min -  In this 2nd part we will see the main line after ...cxd6 with 9...e5 .
• Alekhine defense for White Part 3 - Exchange variation with ...exd6 - 24 min - In this 3rd part we will see the solid symmetrical line for Black ...exd6.
  

Chess Tips: Crush The Alekhine Defense!!  - 43 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic -Master the Samisch Attack, a dynamic strategy to counter the Alekhine's Defense. IM Perunovic emphasizes controlling the center, exploiting weaknesses, and tactical opportunities for White.

Chess Openings: Crazy 2 Pawns Attack vs Alekhine Defense!! - 35 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic -  Explore the aggressive "Crazy 2 Pawns Attack" against the Alekhine's Defense. IM Perunovic showcases pawn sacrifices, tactical ideas, and strategies for gaining an advantage.

How to WIN against the Alekhine Defense  - 29 min  - IM Alex Astaneh -Learn winning strategies against the Alekhine's Defense! IM Astaneh emphasizes center control, development, and tactical ideas for White. He analyzes common mistakes and offers tricks like the h3 move and the d5 pawn sacrifice.

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Alekhine Defense Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Alekhine Defense - 7 Video Playlist  - agadmantor   (Famous Games)

Alekhine's Defense Chess Games - 14 Video Playlist  - Chess w/ Suren

Alekhine's Defence - Chess Opening  - 111 Video playlist  - kingscrusher



Fighting Against the Alekhine's Defense | Classical Chess - 59 Min IM Rosen

GM Naroditsky
Master Class | Alekhine Defense | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 26 Min
Master Class | Alekhine Defense | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 21 Min
Master Class | Alekhine (The Better Scandi) | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 45 Min
Queenside Vs Kingside Castle!! | Alekhine's Defense | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 28 Min
Master Class | Alekhine's Defense | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 20 Min
Four Pawns Attack | Alekhine's Defence | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 22 Min

Chess first of all teaches you to be objective - Alekhine

The Trompowsky Attack: A Complete Guide to White's Aggressive Weapon A45

"The aim of chess is not only to attack your opponent's king, but also to force him to defend badly." - Aron Nimzowitsch

The Trompowsky Attack
Unleash Chaos on your Opponent

Want to ditch complex opening theory and unleash aggressive, surprising play on your opponent?

Look no further than the Trompowsky Attack!

This exciting opening, played with the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5, offers White a unique path to victory:

• Disrupt Black's Development: White's early bishop development targets Black's knight, potentially forcing a trade that creates doubled pawns for Black. This disrupts their development and creates imbalances in the position.
  
  
• Fight for the Center: The Trompowsky often leads to dynamic positions where White can vie for control of the center and launch a quick attack.
  
  
• Sharp and Unpredictable: By bypassing common opening lines, the Trompowsky can throw your opponent off balance and create opportunities for tactical brilliance.

Whether you're a beginner seeking a dynamic weapon or an experienced player looking to surprise your rivals, the Trompowsky Attack can be a valuable addition to your chess arsenal. This comprehensive guide compiles the best resources to master the Trompowsky Attack, from articles and video lessons to puzzles and interactive studies.

Trompowsky Wikipedia Page

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Books & Courses (Free)

FREE Chessable Courses

• Short & Sweet: The Trompowsky  - -23 Trainable variations w/59 Min Video - FM Kamil Plichta- Learn a full opening repertoire with 20 core lines and a 59-minute video guide. Perfect for beginners looking for a structured approach.
  
  
• Trompowsky Tactics  -  123 Chess Tactics you can train - 81 puzzles for White, and 42 for Black. Sharpen your tactical skills with puzzles specifically designed for the Trompowsky Attack, including variations for both White and Black from Chess Miniatures.
  
  
• Trample the Trompowsky  -   36 Variations to Learn and play against Trompowsky - This repertoire for Black recommends an easy-to-remember setup aimed at controlling the center (d5, c5) and exploiting opportunities where White delays or avoids capturing on f6.
  
  
• Short & Sweet: Pseudo Trompowsky -  30  Trainable Variations w/64 Min Video -Master the fundamentals of the Pseudo-Trompowsky, a related opening with similar ideas, in just a few hours through 30 core lines and a 64-minute video.

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Trompowsky Chess Articles

This section dives into the Trompowsky Attack's rich history, key variations, and strategic ideas.

• Try the Dangerous Trompowsky Attack Today  -  Chessable Blog Guide (Very Detailed) Master the Trompowsky for White and Black with this in-depth guide - perfect for players of all levels.
  
  
• Trompowsky Attack -IM Alberto Chueca -Explore theory, strategic concepts, and typical plans for White with this comprehensive resource.
  
  
• Playing Against The Trompowsky: A Standard Response - WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos - Learn how to handle White's aggression with 3 different responses w/ game analysis to play against the Trompowsky.

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Trompowsky LiChess Studies

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

• The Trompowsky Attack - 7 Chapter Study (Detailed)  (189 Hearts) - 6 different 2nd Move Lines Explored.
  
  
• Trompowsky Attack  -  9 Chapter Interactive Study - This 9-chapter interactive study lets you explore different lines, from the engine line to different sidelines. (Test your understanding!)
  
  
• Lifetime Repertoire Trompowsky - 14 Chapter Study - (102 Hearts)Quickstart Guide  also featuring analysis and plans for 13 key Trompowsky lines.
  
  
• Trompowsky Attack: 2.. Ne4 - 7 Chapter Study  - This comprehensive 7-chapter study explores various lines, including the Main Line and responses to Black's 2...Ne4 (Edge, Bf4, Raptor variations). (Great for a deep dive!)

LiStudy Training Page 

(LiChess Movetrainer) - 

Sharpen your skills with training sets focused on specific Trompowsky Attack variations, including lines from Hanging Pawns and those inspired by GothamChess' 10-minute Trompowsky video. (For targeted practice!)

• Trompowsky Attack by Hanging Pawns  -  8 Lines To Practice here
  
  
• Trompowsky Attack  -  11 Lines to Practice here (Created from Gotham Chess 10 Min Trompowsky Video)
  
  
• Torre Attack Model games  - 8 games
  
  

New to Lichess studies? They are a fantastic way to learn chess concepts and variations move-by-move. You can test your understanding, explore different lines, and deepen your knowledge of the Trompowsky Attack at your own pace.

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Trompowsky Puzzles

Test your tactical skills with puzzles specifically designed for the Trompowsky Attack.

LiChess Openings Puzzles:

• Trompowsky Attack - 2772 Puzzles  (All Variations): Dive into a massive pool of 2772 puzzles covering the entire spectrum of Trompowsky Attack variations. (For a comprehensive challenge)
  

Individual Variations:

• Trompowsky Attack: Classical Defense - 754 Puzzles
• Trompowsky Attack: Raptor Variation - 174 Puzzles
• Trompowsky Attack: Edge Variation - 172 Puzzles
• Trompowsky Attack: Borg Variation - 60 Puzzles

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Games Databases

Examining real Trompowsky Attack games is a fantastic way to see how theory translates into practice. Here are some curated databases to get you started:

Chessgames.com (Collections)

• Black plays 2... d5 against Trompovsky  - Analyze 28 games where Black challenges White's bishop with an early pawn push.
• Defending against the Trompowski - Learn from Black's perspective with 8 games showcasing various defensive strategies.
• A45 Winning Games (White)  -  Explore 15 Trompowsky victories for White, seeing how they capitalized on the opening's advantages.
• General Trompowsky Games  - Browse 20 well-played Trompowsky games to gain a broad understanding of the opening's flow.
• Famous Trompowsky Attack Games   - Immerse yourself in 14 classic Trompowsky battles featuring renowned chess players.
  
  

ChessTempo.com

• Trompowsky Attack, General (A45) - 28,078 Games
• Trompowsky Attack, Raptor Variation (A45) - 1626 games

365chess.com

• A45: Trompovsky attack (Ruth, Opovcensky opening) 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 - 28,300 games 
  
  

Tip: When using these databases, you can filter the games by player rating, year, and specific variations to target your learning goals.

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Trompowsky Opening Video Lessons

Learn from chess masters in video tutorials that explain the Trompowsky key ideas and strategies.

Playlists

• Trompowsky - Opening Series  -  8 Video Series  -  90+ Min - Palm Beach Chess NM Bryan Tillis - This video series focuses on how to play the Trompowsky Attack for white.
• Trompowsky Attack Opening Theory  - 7 Video opening Series - 3.5 Hrs  - Hanging Pawns - Here you can find all ideas, plans and variations explained in detail for both white and black.

CRUSH People With The Trompowsky Attack!  - 34 Min  Gotham Chess - The Trompowsky Attack, a great opening for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players. Covering theory/strategy and games.

Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Trompowsky Attack! - 27 Min  The Chess Giant - In this beginners chess lesson, we hope to show that by playing this chess opening, you can improve at chess quickly and use chess opening tricks and traps to win games fast.

The Tromp-Wall Attack | Complete Guide - 46 Min   Chess Dojo -  A blueprint for playing the Tromp-Wall Attack, a hybrid system merging the Trompowsky & Stonewall openings.

Trompowski Attack: Typical Ideas for White  - 17 Min  Remote Chess Academy
The Trompowsky Attack Played by Julian Hodgson - 17 Min Remote Chess Academy


Vaganian Gambit - The Trompowsky Attack  - 32 Min  GM Boris Alterman

Starting Out: Trompowsky (1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5) - 6 Min - GM Max Illingworth - In-depth guide to the Trompowsky Attack. Strategies for white to gain a comfortable advantage by avoiding the King’s Indian Defense and creating double pawns for black. Various responses from black are discussed and emphasizes strategic play.

The Trompowsky Attack! IM John Watson on the basics of this opening - 38 Min - Watson explains the basics of the opening, its strategic content, and provides a repertoire for both inexperienced and advanced players.

Trompowsky - Levitsky Attack with IM Milovan Ratkovic - 33 Min

Black Vs. Trompowsky

• Easily Destroy Trompowsky Players!! - 42 Min  IM Miodrag Perunovic - A comprehensive guide on how to counter the Trompowsky Attack in chess, focusing on strategies with the black pieces
• How to Destroy Everyone with The Trompowsky Attack!! - 14 Min  IM Miodrag Perunovic - The aggressive h4 move, also known as the Raptor Attack, and highlights the achievements of Grandmaster Igor Miladinovic with this line.

GM Nadia Kosintseva

Variations that I am going to show you from the black's point of view are not the main lines, but still solid and, what's also good, do not require a lot of memorization on your side.

• Facing the Trompowsky and London Systems as Black 1 of 5 - 5 Min
  
• Facing the Trompowsky and London Systems as Black 2 of 5 - 5 Min
  
• Facing the Trompowsky and London Systems as Black 3 of 5 - 5 Min
  
• Facing the Trompowsky and London Systems as Black 4 of 5 - 5 Min
  
• Facing the Trompowsky and London Systems as Black 5 of 5  - 5 min

Trompowsky  Chess Traps

Trompowsky Levitsky Attack - The Levitsky Trap (trap no. 974) - 4 Min
Trompowsky Levitsky Attack - Baltic Hodgeson Levitsky Red Herring Trap (trap no. 975)- 3 Min
0978 Trompowsky - The Trompowsky Poison - 3 Min
0976 Trompowsky The Levitsky Sucker Blow - 3 Min
Trompowsky - Winning on Move 3 (trap no. 988) - 3 Min
Trompowsky - The Gallagher Trap (trap no. 977) - 3 Min
Basic Opening Chess Trap | Trompowsky | Punished for developing queen too soon! - 3 Min
Chess Trap 8 (Trompowsky Attack) - 5 Min
Trap in the 1...d5 Trompowsky - 5 Min

 

Trompowsky Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Playlists

• Trompowsky Attack   -  12 Video Playlist  - Games from Carlsen to Stockfish  - agadmator chess channel
  
• Trompowsky Attack   - 30 Videos  Playlist - Kingcrusher
  
• Trompowsky   - 8 Video Playlist   - Chessbase India
  

Grandmaster Simon Williams Plays Trompowsky Opening in Real Tournament  - 35 Min

Breaking Down The Trompowsky Attack | King's Indian | Top Theory Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 33 min - He discusses various responses to the Trompowsky, emphasizing the move 1…d5 as an underrated but solid choice. Naroditsky plays through a game, explaining strategic concepts like the importance of controlling the center, the drawbacks of certain pawn moves, and how to exploit weaknesses in the opponent’s position.

Defeating an IM with the Trompowsky Attack! - 17 Min - GM Sipke Ernst analyses a game where he played the deadly Trompowsky Attack to defeat a strong International Master.