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

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Chess Counting Mastery: Resources to Sharpen Your Tactical Vision

Abstract geometric shapes and numbers representing the concept of counting chess pieces and their value.

Elevate Your Chess:
 Counting & Calculation (Resources)

"Pins and forks...usually occur a few times a game. Counting takes place whenever possible exchanges exist – almost every move after the early opening." - Heisman Novice Nook

Unlock the Power of Chess Counting!

 As Heisman suggests, counting material and evaluating exchanges are fundamental skills for chess improvement. This comprehensive guide equips you with a variety of resources to master this crucial aspect of chess:

Counting and Calculation Chess Videos

Unlock the secrets to evaluating positions and making strong moves with video lessons from top instructors.

IM Alex Astaneh

IM Kostya Kavutskiy

Kostya’s Blueprint: is a comprehensive guide to improving chess calculation skills.

The SuperGM Skill Set - Chess Calculation with GM Sam Shankland - 27 Min - Improve your calculation, sacrifices, positional play, strategy, pattern recognition, and more... with coaching from one of the top players in the world today.

Counting in Chess - 17 Min - IM Erik Kislik - how to count the material while working your way through complicated variations w/ 2 example game Variations.

Chess Math? | Learning to Count! | ChessKid - 9 Min -  FM Mike Klein explains the key chess concept of counting how many pieces attack and defend your target. Learn how to make one of the most important decisions in chess by simply adding things up.
Trading and Counting | Beginner Breakdown - 60 Min - St.Louis CC - a beginner chess class on trading pieces and counting their worth. When is it a good time to trade and when is it best to leave the material on the board?

NM Dan Heismith

  • The Counting Tactic - Back to Basics - 27 Min - An introductory video on the tactic "Counting". NM Dan Heisman describes how tactics are determined by analysis, and that a forced maneuver that wins material or checkmates is a tactic. The video then gives several basic examples of one-square Counting before progressing to multi-square tactics and more difficult Counting issues such as desperado pieces.

How To Calculate In Chess - 32 Min IM Rozman (Gotham) - comprehensive guide on how to improve your chess calculation skills, tailored for players of all levels. It begins with fundamental concepts for beginners and progresses to advanced techniques for more experienced players.

How to Master Chess CALCULATION 💯 Best Techniques - 28 Min - provides a comprehensive guide on mastering chess calculation, detailing techniques used by top masters and methods to improve and train calculation skills. It emphasizes the importance of thinking ahead, considering candidate moves, and anticipating the opponent’s responses. The video includes examples from actual games to illustrate key concepts like the order of moves, emergency exits in complex positions, and the importance of evaluation in choosing the best line of play.

Counting trick in pawn endgames [Starter chess lesson] - 7 Min - Most king and pawn endgames are very tricky, but sometimes when there is a single long line of play, you can save energy by skipping the visualization and just counting the moves that it takes to execute the plans -- with the caveat that you should look out for opportunities to use checks to steal free moves.

Precise Chess Calculation Secrets 🕵️ with GM Bryan Smith! [Master Method] - 32 Min - can you learn to calculate long variations accurately? And how do GMs calculate them so easily 🥇? That’s the topic for this chapter from GM Bryan Smith’s “4 Pillars of Chess Strength”.

Stop Counting 'Attackers' vs 'Defenders'! - 18 Min - IM Andreas Toth
- In the world of chess education, it's easy to get caught up in the traditional approach of counting attackers versus defenders on the board. However, Coach Andras challenges the norm and provides an instructive chess lesson that will transform your chess strategy. Discover why you should rethink the way you evaluate positions and understand that chess improvement goes beyond mere numbers.




Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Lessons from Paul Morphy's Immortal Games

Portrait of 19th century chess player Paul Morphy
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
 

A Legacy of Inspiration: How Morphy Can Improve Your Game Today


In the mid-19th century, a young American named Paul Morphy emerged, dominating chess with his inspiring style.

This comprehensive resource delves into Morphy's legendary games, offering you the chance to:

  • Uncover the secrets behind his mind-blowing tactical sacrifices and positional understanding.
  • Learn from the master himself by analyzing his most iconic victories.
  • Sharpen your own chess skills by incorporating the principles Morphy embodied.

Ready to elevate your chess game? Studying Morphy's legendary tactics, positional mastery, and attacking spirit will equip you for victory.


Paul Morphy Wikipedia Page Extensive History

Books (Free Morphy Classics)

Delve into the mind of a chess legend! Download FREE classic texts featuring Morphy's games with detailed annotations and historical accounts of his remarkable career. Paul Morphy, the chess champion, by an Englishman F. M. Edge. - by Fredrick Milnes Edge - 209 Page PDF (Book from 1859 , History) - Witness Morphy's meteoric rise through Europe in this captivating historical account featuring his most famous games.  Morphy's games of chess, and Frere's problem tournament - by Thomas Frere -144 Page Pdf (Book of Games) - A collection of the brilliant games played by Paul Morphy, with analysis of his strategies and tactics, along with compositions from Frere's chess problem tournament. Morphy's Games Of Chess Philip Sergeant - 376 Page PDF - One of the earliest compilations of games by Paul Morphy, the great 19th century American chess prodigy, withAnnotated games and analysis by Sergeant. Morphy's games: a selection of the best games played by the distinguished champion in Europe and America - by Paul Morphy 1860 - 501 Page PDF - A comprehensive anthology of Morphy's most brilliant and important chess games played during his tours of Europe and America, annotated and analyzed. Paul Morphy: The Pride and Sorrow of Chess - by David Lawson 1976 (Updated 2010) 456 Page PDF - The definitive biography of Paul Morphy, covering his life, games, tragic mental illness later in life, and his profound impact on modern chess.

Morphy Articles (Uncover Morphy's Legacy)

Dive into the captivating life and career of Paul Morphy through insightful articles by chess historians and enthusiasts.

Paul Morphy - Edward Winter (Crazy Extensive History Here w/ Links to the 7 other Articles by Winter w/ no overlap) 10 Best Chess Games by Paul Morphy - Chessworld - (All Annotated) Top 10 Things to Learn from Paul Morphy - Chessworld - (3 annotated games) Paul Morphy: the First Modern Player - GM Jullio Becarra (Chess.com Article w/ Games) The Rook Lift: Paul Morphy's Last Gift To Chess - (Chess.com Article w/ Lots of games)

Morphy LiChess Studies (Interactive Training)

Test your skills and dissect Morphy's masterpieces through interactive studies on Lichess, a popular chess platform.

Paul Morphy's best games (annotated) - 7 Chapter Study - Seven of his most famous games fully annotated. Paul Morphy -The Great Chess Genius - 64 Chapter Study - 64 Games w/no annotations


Games Databases (Explore Morphy's Entire Repertoire)

Unearth a vast collection of Morphy's games, allowing you to filter by opening, opponent, or result and witness his brilliance firsthand.

Chess Tempo

Paul Morphy - 197 Games

Chessgames.com

Paul Morphy - 457 Games (Detailed Morphy Page Broken into these Category's) Most Played Openings Notable Games Notable Tournaments Game Collections Games Annotated by Morphy - 31 Games
Paul Morphy playing chess in the 19th century against Johann Löwenthal .
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Paul Morphy and Johann Löwenthal 

Paul Morphy Video Lessons (Learn from Chess Masters)

Gain visual insights from renowned chess instructors who break down Morphy's most remarkable games and explain his thought process.

Morphy Saga - 97 Video Playlist - agadmators Chess Channel Paul Morphy - 58 Video Playlist - kingscrusher Paul Morphy - 34 Video Playlist - Chess School Paul Morphy: Part 1, Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 42 Min Paul Morphy: Part 2, Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 42 Min Paul Morphy: Part 3, Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 46 Min Paul Morphy: Part 4, Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 41 Min More Games of Paul Morphy, with GM Ben Finegold - 48 Min Ben Finegold analyzes Paul Morphy attacking games! - 1.5 hr Outrageous Chess Sacrifices and Tactics: Paul Morphy's Top Eight Chess Sacrifices of all time! - 25 Min - kingscrusher The Real Chess GOAT Gives a Masterclass on the King's Gambit - 17 Min - GM Igor Smirnov Paul Morphy Plays the Evans Gambit | Tactics Time! - 38 Min - St.Louis CC 3 Times Paul Morphy Won with the Evans Gambit in 17 Moves or Less! - 17 Min - Johnathan Schrantz 12 of Paul Morphy's Greatest Games! | The Dynamic Dozen - 57 Min - St.Louis CC Paul Morphy is Not Strong: The Refutation | Mastering the Middlegame - GM Ben Finegold - 27 Min The Games of Paul Morphy - GM Ben Finegold - 2013.08.07 - 43 Min - St.Louis CC The Legend: Paul Morphy - GM Ben Finegold - 2014.12.18 - 42 Min - St.Louis CC Paul Morphy Finishes Opponents Spectacularly! | Romantic Chess - GM Pepe Cuenca - 57 Min

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Improving Your Worst Piece - Chess Strategy

 

A knight trapped no more! This image symbolizes the power of strategic thinking and improvement in chess.

Unleash Your Weakest Warrior:
Resources to Improve Your Worst Chess Piece


Is there a piece on the board feeling a little lost? Don't resign them to the sidelines! This post provides articles, videos, and strategic tips to help you identify and activate your weakest piece, turning a potential liability into a game-changing asset.



Essential Articles on Activating Your Worst Pieces

Explore expert articles diving into proven strategies for activating your worst-placed chess pieces and unlocking their hidden potential.


The Biggest Secret Of Positional Chess - Chess.com Article by GM Gregory Serper - Unlock the biggest secret of positional chess with GM Gserper! Discover how to transform your game by improving your pieces strategically, one move at a time.

3 Ways To Improve Your Pieces - Chess.com Article by IM Koysta Kavutskiy - 
Unlock the power of your pieces with three expert tips ! Learn how to strategically position your rooks, bishops, and knights for maximum impact on the board.

Good and Bad Pieces - Chess.com Article by WGM Natalia Pogonina - 
Discover the secrets of piece evaluation with WGM Natalia_Pogonina! Learn to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each piece to dominate the board.


Video Lessons: Turning Liabilities into Assets

Level up your piece activation skills with video lessons from renowned coaches. Learn to identify and reposition underutilized pieces for greater board control.


The One Positional Chess Idea You MUST KNOW - 17 Min - Epic Chess -Learn the top secret to positional chess - improving your worst piece. This video teaches a key positional strategy to activate underutilized pieces for maximum impact.

Improving the Worst Piece IM John Ludwig - 29 Min - Palm Beach Chess - IM John Ludwig analyzes a Karpov masterpiece, providing a masterclass on identifying and activating your worst-placed piece for better control.

Improving your worst-placed piece [Beginner-Intermediate chess lesson] - 2hr - Coach Robert   (Beginner's Guide to Piece Activation)Coach Robert's comprehensive guide helps beginners visualize pieces as controllable "fields" to identify poorly-placed pieces and plan maneuvers for optimal activation.


Improve Your Worst Piece! - 16 Min - Chess to Impress

When stuck, look for the worst piece! · Daily Chess Test #9 - 15 Min - Hanging Pawns -Test your skills at identifying and improving bad or suboptimal pieces to create a winning plan in these instructive positions.

How To Fix Bad Pieces In Chess! - Chess Strategy Explained - 15 Min -Dr. Can's Clinic - Dr. Can explains a key chess strategy - recognizing and reactivating poorly-placed pieces to turn liabilities into assets on the board.

Turn Your BAD Pieces Into HAPPY Pieces! - Chess Strategy Deep Dive #3 - 18 Min - Dr. Can's Clinic - 
Dive deep into the vital skill of piece improvement. Learn to identify bad pieces and find multi-purpose moves to fix weaknesses while activating your forces.


Saturday, March 30, 2024

Want to Play Serious Chess Online with a Fun Team Twist? Try the Lichess 4545 League!

 

In this striking illustration, an intense chess battle unfolds, where red and white pieces face off on the chessboard amidst dynamic abstract shapes and symbols representing the strategic complexity and rivalry of the Lichess 45/45 League. The contrasting colors and bold lines capture the fierce competition and mental prowess required to excel in this prestigious chess event.

Are you a chess player who enjoys longer games but struggles to find consistent competition online?

Do you miss the camaraderie of playing on a team but find high-pressure tournaments intimidating?

Well, the Lichess 4545 League might be your perfect match!

Classical Chess with a Social Side

The Lichess 4545 League is a unique online chess competition for players of all skill levels. It combines the focus and intensity of classical chess (games with longer time controls) with the fun and support of a team environment. Here's what makes it special:

  • Compete Weekly: Play a serious chess game (45 minutes each + additional time per move) against a similarly rated opponent every week over eight rounds.

  • Team Up for Fun: Join a team of 6-8 players and cheer each other on throughout the league.

  • Fair Play Guaranteed: The league uses a Swiss-style format and rating system to ensure you face opponents with similar skills, minimizing upsets and maximizing learning.

  • Low Risk of Cheating: The league leverages Lichess's robust anti-cheating system, so you can focus on enjoying the game.

  • Completely Free: No entry fees or hidden costs! Just your love for chess.

More Than Just Chess

The Lichess 4545 League isn't just about winning or losing. It's about:

  • Building friendships: Connect with fellow chess enthusiasts from around the world through team chat and friendly competition.

  • Sharpening your skills: Analyze your games, discuss strategies with teammates, and watch other league matches to improve your chess.

  • Enjoying the challenge: Take your chess to the next level with a time control that allows for deep strategic thinking and calculated moves.

Ready to Join the Fun?

The Lichess 4545 League welcomes players of all backgrounds. Here's how to get started:

  1. Head over to https://www.lichess4545.com/team4545/ to learn more about the league and upcoming seasons.
  2. Keep an eye on the website or social media for announcements about registration.
  3. Sign up as an individual (or with friends!) and get ready to be drafted onto a team.
  4. Join your team's Slack channel and connect with your teammates.
  5. Sharpen your skills, get ready to have fun, and experience the thrill of competitive team chess!

The Lichess 4545 League offers a unique opportunity to combine the strategic depth of classical chess with the camaraderie of team competition. So, what are you waiting for? Check out the league website today and see if it's the perfect match for your chess passion!

Saturday, February 17, 2024

The Alien Gambit: A Guide to Shocking Your Opponent in the Caro-Kann

Dare to Defy
Conquering the Caro-Kann with the Alien Gambit

Do the solid walls of the Caro-Kann Defense leave you yearning to crack the code?

  Do you crave an opening that throws Caro-Kann aficionados into disarray? Then embrace the Alien Gambit, a gambit so audacious it seems to have arrived from another planet!

This post equips you with a treasure trove of free resources to conquer the board with this aggressive approach. Whether you're a seasoned player seeking to expand your repertoire or a curious beginner yearning for an exciting gambit, dive into the world of the Alien Gambit and surprise your opponents!



LiChess Studies


New to LiChess studies?
These interactive tools are your secret weapon for mastering the Alien Gambit! Unlike traditional chess books, studies let you explore concepts and variations move-by-move, testing your understanding and solidifying your knowledge.

Here's a selection of free Alien Gambit studies on LiChess to get you started:


For Black Players:


What is a LiChess study?

LiChess studies offer an interactive way to learn chess concepts through step-by-step analysis and quizzes. Take your chess learning to the next level! You can find more details about LiChess studies here:  Study Chess The LiChess Way



Alien Gambit Video Lessons


Crush EVERYONE with the Alien Gambit!  - 33 Min - IM Gotham Chess -  This tutorial delves into the gambit's backstory, explains its core concepts, and showcases its effectiveness through live games.

Learn the Alien Gambit with Hikaru!!  - 57 Min - GM Nakamura - Take a deep dive with a chess legend! This in-depth lesson unveils the Alien Gambit's secrets.

Alien Gambit Bonjour: Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 46 Min  explores the gambit's origins, development, and practical applications.


Witty_Aliens MasterClass:


Black vs. Alien Gambit



Alien Gambit Game Videos (w/Analysis)






This surreal image depicts an otherworldly chess game, where an imposing alien creature with tentacles hovers over a chessboard, challenging the viewer to a cosmic battle of wits and strategy against an array of chess pieces amidst a backdrop of vibrant nebulae and planets.
  “I think the surest sign that there is intelligent life out there in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us.”