The Stonewall Attack - Opening Theory

Conquer the Center:
Master the Stonewall Attack !

Want to dominate the center of the board and launch crushing attacks? The Stonewall Attack, a dynamic opening for White after 1.d4, is your answer! This opening helps you build a rock-solid pawn structure, giving you a strong foundation to control the game. Here's what makes it so powerful:

• Quick Development: Get your pieces out fast and put pressure on your opponent.

• Central Control: Dominate the center, making it difficult for Black to find good squares.

• Space Advantage: Gain more space on the board, making it easier to maneuver your pieces.

• King Safety: The pawn structure provides excellent protection for your king.

• Simplified Structure: Focus on coordinating your pieces with a clear pawn plan.

• Pressure on Black: Constrict your opponent's options and force them to react to your threats.

• Kingside Power: Create opportunities for powerful pawn storms that put Black's king in danger.

Dive into the resources below and unlock the secrets of the Stonewall Attack!

Stonewall Attack Wikipedia Page

Bishops Bounty Stonewall Pawn Structure Page
Bishop's Bounty Dutch Stonewall Page

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 Stonewall Attack Chess Articles 

Delve into the theory, history, and key variations of the Stonewall Attack.

The Kenilworth Chess Club

• The Stonewall Attack - This lecture by National Master Yaacov Norowitz explores the Stonewall Attack, a powerful chess opening for White. He covers key concepts, variations, and illustrative games, making it a valuable resource for players looking to master this strategy. (Archived)
• Yaacov's ICC Games with the Stonewall - 36 games you can play through with a Viewer (Archived)
• Supplemental Stonewall Games. - 4 classic Stonewall Games (Archived)

The Battering Ram - Chess.com article by GM Vinay Bhat - on one of the main ways to combat the Stonewall Attack.

Stonewall Attack: A Sure and Steady Opening - Chessable Blog Opening Guide - general Overview of the Opening and plans w/ 8 Min Embedded Video.

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Stonewall Attack LiChess Studies 

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

• Stonewall Attack  - 10 Chapter Interactive Study  (1395 hearts) Lean with a fully Interactive Study, Main Lines, main Defenses and Model games.
  
  
• Stonewall Strategies - 12 Chapter Study (49 hearts) - Goes through Full games showing the Different Strategy's Play out and explanations.
  
  
• Stonewall Attack (Black) - 4 Chapter Study - Show 4 Different ways to play against the Stonewall.

LiStudy  (LiChess Move Trainer Site )

Stonewall Strategy's - 11 Chapters to Learn and Practice

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

Analyze real-life games featuring the Stonewall Attack and see how it's played in practice.

365Chess.com

D00: Queen's pawn, stonewall attack 1. d4 d5 2. e3 Nf6 3. Bd3  - 2136 Games

ChessTempo.com

Queen Pawn Game, Stonewall Attack (D00) - 2271 Games

Chessgames.com

Stonewall attack - 8 games 
f-ck stonewall attack  - 5 games (all are 0-1 Black Victory)
Stonewall Opening - 434 games

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Stonewall Attack Video Lessons

Playlists

• How to play the Stonewall Attack - (Playlist of 13 Video Stonewall Series) Assorted Videos
  
• Aman's Stonewall Speedrun - Playlist of 19 Videos - GM Aman Hambelton (400-2200 Rating - Each game being a live lesson in how to play this opening.)

EASY & Powerful Chess Opening for Beginners 2024 -  12 Min - GM Igor Smirnov - Shares one of the easiest chess openings to learn for beginners. At the same time, it's a powerful chess opening for White after 1.d4.

Stonewall Attack - Beginner Breakdown - 36 Min - St.Louis Chess Club - Mike Kummer looks at scholastic player Grayson Marks's games. Grayson has been playing the Stonewall Attack with white.

Opening Basics #35: Stonewall attack - 36 Min - Jim's Chess Channel - Rarely seen at the top level, this aggressive opening is still played at the club level. It gives white a quick attack in exchange for some structural deficiencies, and leads to interesting play.

The Best Stonewall Lesson to Easily Understand - 14 Min - The main ideas behind the Stonewall Attack, for White.

Learn the Stonewall Defense & Attack | 10-Minute Chess Openings - 9 Min -Gotham

Chess Beginner to Master Series - Section 2 - Stonewall Attack Opening for White - 70 min - Chess w/ Coach mark - We will discuss the pawn structures, early development, attacking ideas, and how to handle black's response to this opening.

IChess Stonewall Attack Series

• Beginner Chess Openings - ⚔️ The Stonewall Attack - Greek Gift Sacrifice - 10 Min - FM Will Stewart explains the classic Stonewall Attack structure and plans.
• Beginner Chess Openings - ⚔️ The Stonewall Attack (Part 2) - Zukertort System - 10 Min - FM Will Stewart reviews a few Black set-ups that could cause problems for White.
• Stonewall Attack Beginner Chess Openings Series - Managing the Sidelines (Part 3) - 10 Min - a few side variations by black and the best common plans for white.
• Chess Openings for White - Stonewall Attack - Part 4 - How to Beat a Fianchetto Defense - 12 Min - Features none other than former World Chess Champion Mikhail Botvinnik employing the Stonewall Defense with the black pieces in Groningen 1946 against Herman Steiner.

Stonewall Legacy Series 

Introduction - 6 min Video
Baltic Defense - 10 min Video
The Baltic Trap 4...Nc6! -5 min Video
Horowitz Defense - 10 min Video
Teichmann Defense - 11 min Video
Mainline with 5....Bd6 -11 min Video
Mainline with 6....Qc7 - 7 min Video
Bg4 Lines - 10 min Video

Beating the Stonewall 

Study the key ideas, typical plans, and critical lines for punishing the Stonewall and seizing the initiative.

• How To Beat The Stonewall Attack! - 12 Min GM Max Illingworth - Discover GM Max's solution, which allows Black to gain a very nice advantage with straightforward, strong central play!
  
  
• My Top 3 Systems Against the Stonewall | Grandmaster Repertoire - 6 Min - GM Moulthun Ly - Three favorite systems to play against the Stonewall. Despite the name there are more than one way to poke holes in this opening. Aggressive, Positional and Breaking open the Center.
  
  
• Trickiest line against Stonewall Attack - 14 Min - GJ_Chess - A cool tricky line against Stonewall Attack opening, where black can trick white in the opening move order & get winning position very quickly.
  
  
• How to crush the stonewall setup - 8 Min - Jim Plunketts Chess Lab - Title says it all.

Stonewall Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Stonewall Chess Opening -  16 Video playlist  - kingscrusher
Stonewall Attack Speedrun (600 to 2300) -  9 Video playlist  - NM Robert Ramirez (Over 18 hrs of Video) (New - 6/11/2024)

Standard Chess #260: aaaaaaa101 vs. IM Bartholomew (Stonewall Attack) - 66 Min
The Stonewall Attack To Learn From | Harry Nelson Pillsbury vs Jean  - 5 Min  - Chess School
Crushing With The Stonewall Attack | Akiba Rubinstein vs Richard Reti - 5 Min - Chess School
Stonewall Brilliancy | Henry Edward Bird vs John Wisker  - 6 Min - Chess School
I Almost Lost To The Stonewall! | Speed Run Series | GM Moulthun Ly - 24 min - GM Moulthun ly

Shutting DOWN The Stonewall Attack | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky  - 28 min - analyzes a chess game where he explains his mistakes and better alternatives, focusing on the Stonewall Attack and the King's Indian defense.

PGN Game Downloads

Stonewall Attack - 60 games (From U of Pitt Chess Archive)

"The cautious seldom err." - Confucius

Master the Doubled Pawn: A Chess Strategy Guide

 

Doubled Pawns in Chess: Friend or Foe?

Doubled pawns can be a double-edged sword in chess. While they might seem like a weakness, they can also create unique opportunities for both offense and defense. This post will guide you through the world of doubled pawns, providing resources to understand their impact on the game and how to use them to your advantage.

What are Doubled Pawns?

Doubled pawns occur when two pawns of the same color occupy the same file (vertical column) on the chessboard. This can happen due to various openings, captures, or pawn promotions. 

Understanding the Impact of Doubled Pawns:

Doubled pawns can have both positive and negative consequences:

• Disadvantages:
  • Weaker squares: The file in front of the doubled pawns becomes weaker, as there's no pawn to defend it.
  • Limited mobility: Doubled pawns can restrict your pawn structure and limit your piece movement.
  • Endgame weakness: Doubled pawns are generally considered a weakness in the endgame, as they can be difficult to defend.
• Advantages:
  • Central control: Doubled pawns can help solidify control over the center of the board, creating a strong base for your pieces.
  • Open files: Doubled pawns can create open files for your rooks, potentially increasing their attacking power.
  • King safety: In some cases, doubled pawns can provide additional protection for your king.

Learning More About Doubled Pawns:

Here are some resources to delve deeper into the world of doubled pawns and how to use them strategically:

Doubled Pawn Wikipedia Article 

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Doubled Pawn Articles

Chess.com Article by GM Gserper

• The Truth About Doubled Pawns - - Endgame Positions w/ doubled Pawns
  
  
• The Truth About Doubled Pawns, Part 2 - investigation of the so-called 'weakness' of doubled pawns, Ruy Lopez Exchange endgame
  
  
• The Truth About Doubled Pawns, Part 3 - cases of a pair of doubled pawns is almost the same as having just one pawn. 2 positions from games and 2 Puzzles to solve.
  
  
• The Truth About Doubled Pawns, Part 4 - Doubled Pawns in the opening and Middlegame. Nimzowitsche's idea of Blockade.
  
  
• The Truth About Doubled Pawns, Part 5 - Concluding our discussion about the positives and negatives of doubled pawns we cannot miss the numerous games played by Botvinnik. He was probably the first world class chess player who loved to have doubled pawns. 7 Games of his.

Doubled Pawns: Chess Pariahs Or Misunderstood? - IM Jeremy Silman - 4 Rules with examples and explanations of how to handle Doubled Pawns.

Doubled Pawns Structure – 3 Things to Know  -  WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos - Middlegame Doubled Pawn Structure

(Archived Articles - takes a min to Load)

• Doubled Pawns: Plans  - ichess.net Article (Archived) 
• Doubled Pawns: Advantages & Disadvantages - ichess.net Article (Archived)
  
  

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Doubled Pawns LiChess Studies

• [CHESS STRATEGY] Doubled Pawns  - 14 Chapter Study 
  
  
• Intermediate: Doubled Pawns - 7 Chapter Study - Nice study with a lot of analysis and explanations.
  
  

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 Collections

Doubled pawns - 17 Games (Each Game labeled as Bad or Good w/ Doubled Pawns)

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Doubled Pawn Video Lessons

Learn from the Chess Masters: Doubled Pawns Strategies

• Doubled pawns | Improve your technique and positional play - 14 Min NM Robert Ramirez - you will learn what doubled pawns are, when they represent a weakness, and also what benefits they can offer.
• The Advantages of Doubled Pawns -54 Min IM Eric Rosen - shows 4 games where doubled pawns led to a winning advantage.
• Pawn Structures: Double, TRIPLE the Pawns! | Secret Life of Pawns - IM Vitaly Neimer  - 44 Min - shows two games where pawns were doubled and even tripled. Learn to avoid weakening your structures.
• Doubled Pawns | Double King-Pawn Openings - 43 Min GM Ben Finegold - a lecture on doubled pawns at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis
• What to do with Doubled Pawns in the Center? - 18 Min  - GM Ivan Sokolov will take a look at the advantages of doubled pawns in the center.
• Exploiting Doubled Pawns around an opponents King - 11 min - Kingscrusher
  
  
• Matisons vs Nimzovich - 6 min Video - (Who better than Nimzovich to show how to play against doubled pawns)
  
  
• Explaining Doubled Pawns Step by Step - 13 Min  GM Hikaru Nakamura - Hikaru walks us through a game against a 600 and shows us when doubling your pawns can be a good thing.

"The tiniest pawn can upset the most perfectly laid plans." - Bobby Fischer 

Bonus: Dive Deeper into Pawn Structures.

Learn more about the impact of pawn placement on your chess strategy.

  Bishop's Bounty Pawn Structure Page

Caro-Kann Exchange Variation: B13 Resource Guide

 

The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists." - Japanese Proverb

 The Exchange Variation of the Caro-Kann Defense 

The Caro-Kann Defense is a solid and popular opening for Black, known for its strategic depth and flexibility.

 The Exchange Variation, characterized by the early exchange of pawns in the center, offers both sides unique opportunities for dynamic play.

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5

Overview of the key ideas and strategies for both sides:

White's Strategy

• Development and Control: White often develops the bishop to d3 and the knight to f3, aiming to control the e5 square and restrict Black's light-squared bishop.
  
• Kingside Play: White may focus on kingside play, leveraging the extra tempo and space advantage to generate an initiative.
  
• Minority Attack: White can also consider a minority attack on the queenside, especially if Black delays or mishandles development.

Black's Strategy

• Piece Development: Black typically aims to develop the knights to c6 and f6, and the bishop can be placed on f5 or g4, depending on the situation.
  
• Pawn Breaks: Black has two main pawn break ideas: the minority attack with ...b5 or the central break with ...e5. The latter can be prepared with ...f6 but is often played directly.
  
• Structural Considerations: Black must be cautious about the pawn structure and potential weaknesses, particularly the e6 square if the light-squared bishop is not developed outside the pawn chain early.

General Considerations

The Caro-Kann Exchange Variation is often seen as a positional and strategic battle, where both sides have chances for dynamic play. While traditionally considered passive, modern developments have shown that Black can achieve active play and counter chances.

Players like Bobby Fischer and Vladimir Kramnik have successfully used this variation, illustrating its potential for both sides to innovate and create imbalances

Bishop's Bounty Caro-Kann Main Page

Caro-Kann Advance Variation Page
Caro-Kann Apocalypse Attack Page
Caro-Kann Alien Gambit Page
Caro-Kann Fantasy Variation Page

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Books & Courses

Delve into the theory, history, and key variations of the Fantasy Variation.

• The Caro-Kann for Club Players - Free Chessable Course -  97 Trainable Variations - Nice Free Course to get acquainted with the Caro-Kann. repertoire  based on the most commonly played moves on lichess at intermediate ratings, 3 Lines of the Exchange.
  
  
• The Caro-Kann Starter Kit - Free Chessable Course - 24 Trainable variations -  One Small section on the Exchange.
  
  

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Exchange Caro-Kann Articles

Delve into the theory, history, and key variations of the Exchange Caro-Kann.

• The Caro-Kann: Exchange Variation - Chessworld Article - General Description w/ 3 nice, annotated games.

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Exchange Caro-Kann Lichess Studies

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

• 🔮 Instructive Caro-Kann Games 🎵 - 18 Chapter Study - All the Games here are Annotated. 3 Exchange games.
  
  
• Caro-Kann: Exchange Variation - 12 Chapter Study - (3470 Hearts) - Detailed looks at three lines of the Exchange Variation. (Nice Study)  (Interactive Version of this Study)

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Game Databases

Analyze real-life games featuring the Exchange Caro-Kann and see how it's played in practice.

365Chess.com

• B13: Caro-Kann, exchange variation 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 - 28,815 Games - (Broken into 8 Different Exchange Variations w/ Links)

ChessTempo.com

• Caro-Kann Defense, Exchange Variation (B13) - 16,781 Games

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Puzzles

Test your tactical skills with puzzles specifically from Exchange Caro-Kann games.

WTHarvey.com

• Caro-Kann, Exchange (ECO B13) - 25 Puzzles

LiChess Opening Puzzles

• Caro-Kann Defense: Exchange Variation - 4484 Puzzles

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Exchange Caro-Kann Videos

Learn from chess masters in video tutorials that explain the Exchange Caro-Kann's key ideas and strategies.

• Caro-Kann, Exchange Variation | Chess Openings Explained - NM Caleb Denby - 51 Min - St.Louis CC -  The exchange Caro-Kann and how to play against White's main line Bd3 and the Panov-Botvinnik Attack.
• Exchange Variation 3. exd5 (Caro-Kann Defense) - 15 Min - ChessGeek - Explores the Exchange Variation of the Caro-Kann Defense, offering a fresh perspective on a traditionally uneventful opening. Introducing innovative strategies to make the game more dynamic and engaging.
  
  
• Caro-Kann Defense | Exchange Variation ⎸Chess Openings | IM Alex Astaneh - 15 min - Explores the Caro-Kann Defense, specifically the Exchange Variation. Covering key strategies, common moves, and potential pitfalls for both black and white players.
  
  
• GM Eugene Perelshteyn: Exchange Caro-Kann Structures | U.S. Chess School 12.30.2021 - 54 Min -Discusses the Exchange Caro-Kann structure, which can arise from various openings, including the London System.   The importance of understanding pawn structures, the role of the bishop, and strategic plans for both sides are highlighted. Video Below
  

Game Videos w/ Analysis

Playlists

Caro Kann Exchange variation - 8 Video Playlist - Assorted Annotated games from different Content Creators. ie. Chessbase, GM Daniel King, etc.
Caro-Kann Defence: Exchange Variation - Chess Opening - 26 Video Playlist - Assortment of Games, from Blitz Games to Classics from Alekhine to Kasparov. 

• Master Class | Caro-Kann: Exchange | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 44 Min - (always instructive deeply analyzed Games from Gm Naroditsky.)
  
  
• Following Fischer's Footsteps: A Miniature in the Exchange Caro-Kann with GM Eugene Perelshteyn - 15 Min - Is it important to study classics? GM Perelshteyn's answer is resounding, yes! Watch and learn how knowing the plan from Fischer-Petrosian enabled White to get a nice opening advantage.

ChessGoals 
 Full games from the ChessGoals Caro-Kann Middlegame Course!

• Caro-Kann Middlegame Course | Exchange Variation Game 1 - 21 Min 
• Caro-Kann Middlegame Course | Exchange Variation Game 2 - 16 Min 
• Caro-Kann Middlegame Course | Exchange Variation Game 3 - 11 Min
• Caro-Kann Middlegame Course | Exchange Variation Game 4 - 12 min

Lessons from Paul Morphy's Immortal Games

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

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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.

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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)

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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

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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

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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

Bishop's Bounty Great Chess Players of the Past Page