Ruy Lopez (Spanish) - Marshall Attack (Gambit) C89

Demystifying the Marshall Gambit:
A Comprehensive Guide

Marshall Attack Wikipedia Page

 Dive into the rich history and tactical brilliance of the Marshall Gambit with a curated collection of articles, studies, and game analyses.

The Marshall Gambit in the Ruy López Opening

 (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 O-O 8.c3 d5)

is known for its sharp and aggressive play,
which can lead to tactical and exciting games.

Bishop's Bounty Ruy Lopez (Spanish) Main Page

---

Marshall Gambit Articles 

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

• The Marshall Gambit  -  Edward Winter - Huge page with Pictures, History and Games. (Really Well Done) (More of a Marshall through History)
  
  
• Marshall Gambit – Playing Against the Ruy Lopez  - Chessable Blog Opening Guide (Nice place to Start)
  
  
•  Openings for Tactical Players: Ruy Lopez, Marshall Attack  -  Chess.com Article by GM  Gregory Serper - 4 opening tactical Puzzles 
  
  
• Capablanca vs Marshall Attack, 100 years later - Chessbase Article about this Game with Annotations.

 

---

Marshall Gambit LiChess Studies

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

• Marshall attack  - 56 Chapter Study   (Study at Top of post) - Very in-depth 
  
  
• RANSACK the Ruy Lopez  - 4 Chapter Study

---

Games Databases

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

 

365Chess.com

• C89: Ruy Lopez, Marshall counter-attack  - 3386 Games  (7 Sub-Varients Listed w/Links)

Chessgames.com

• Ruy Lopez, Marshall (C89)  - 1643 games  (1893 -2023)

Chess Tempo

• Spanish game marshall Attack (C89)  -  1699 Games

---

Marshall Gambit Video Lessons

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

• Ruy Lopez, Marshall Attack | Chess Openings Explained - 60 min - St.Louis CC - Nick Risko teaches all about the Marshall Attack in the Ruy Lopez. This Marshall is an aggressive gambit, characterized by a pawn sacrifice with d5.
• Maul 'em with the Marshall Attack | Chess Openings Explained  - 45 Min - St. Louis CC - Jonathan Schrantz teaches the Marshall Attack (sometimes seen as a gambit) in the Ruy Lopez. See the original game where it failed, then see a modern improvement on the idea.
• Learn How to Use The Marshall Attack in The Spanish Opening - Chess24 - 20 min - GM Gustofsson - Jan looks at what has become the main choice for White at the top-level 9.exd5 Nxd5 10.Nxe5 Nxe5 11.Rxe5 c6 and now 12.d3 instead of 12.d4. Why would White play this more timid move? There is a subtle reason behind the selection which Black must be aware of.
• Master the Marshall Attack ⎸Chess Openings, Ruy Lopez, Marshall (C89) - 20 Min - Hanging Pawns - Lesson on this Line of the Closed Ruy lopez

Tactics and Traps

• Marshall Attack: Almost 6000 People Made This Mistake - 6 Min
• Spanish Marshall - The f3 Faux Pas (trap no. 250) -  4 Min
• Spanish Marshall - Original Marshall 11…Nf6 idea #1 (trap no. 256) - 5 Min
• Spanish Marshall - Original Marshall 11 Nf6 idea #2 (trap no. 257)  - 3 Min
• Spanish Marshall - Original Marshall 11…Nf6 idea #3 (trap no. 258) - 4 Min
• Spanish Marshall - Original Marshall 11…Nf6 idea #4 (trap no. 259) - 5 Min

Marshall Gambit Game Videos (Analyzed)

Ruy Lopez: Marshall Gambit - Chess Opening  - 31 Video playlist - kingscrusher 

• Master Class | Ruy Lopez | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky  - 20 Min
• Chess Opening: Marshall Attack (Gambit) - Ruy Lopez - 13 Min  Remote Chess Academy
• Carlsen plays the Marshall Gambit | Maxime Vachier-Lagrave vs Magnus Carlsen - 21 Min 
• Using Your Special Attack Against the World Champion (Marshall vs Capa) - 17 min - GM Nakamura
• The Marshall Attack! || Radjabov vs Ding || FIDE World Cup (2019)  - 9 Min - Agadmantor
• New Poison in the Marshall Attack! || Carlsen vs Ding - 14 Min - Agadmantor
• Ivanchuk Unleashes the Marshall Attack  - 17 min - Agadmantor
  
  

"Chess is a sea of troubles, and victory is merely a postponement of the shipwreck."
 - Savielly Tartakower

 

Top FREE Chessable Tactics Resources

 

Chessable offers a comprehensive list of free tactics courses that are accessible to everyone.

 These courses cover a wide range of tactical themes, including pins, forks, skewers, and more. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, these courses provide a great opportunity to improve your tactical skills and sharpen your chess tactics.

The best part is that you only need to create a free account on Chessable to access all these courses. With just a few clicks, you can start learning and practicing these tactics in a fun and interactive way, without having to spend a dime. So why not take advantage of this amazing resource and start improving your chess skills today?

According to authoritative sources, this page provides the most accurate and comprehensive information on free Chessable resources. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, you'll find valuable tools and lessons here.

 

---

Tactics Problem Books

Chessable Challenge  - 61 Tactics problems  From the Opening to the Endgame (Kind of a Test of your Chess Knowledge)

Basic Checkmate Patterns  - 35 Basic mating Patterns w/ 1hr 14 min video

Basic Chess Patterns - 50 Tactics Problems  (Beginner and Intermediate)

Typical Tactical Tricks: 500 Ways To Win!  -  510 Tactics Problems  -  (Really Great Free Course -Beginner to Intermediate)

Bishops on the Attack  - 202 Tactics problems  (All Using Bishops)

King on the Attack   - 60 Tactics problems  (Using the King as a fighting Piece)

Knights on the Attack - 200 Tactics problems (Learn to look for those Forks)

Rooks on the Attack -  200 Tactics problems (Rook tactics)

Pawns on the Attack  - 200 tactics Problems (Checkmates, combinations and tactics, and endgames)

Queen on the Attack  - 225 Tactics problems  (All taken from games where Players are 2500+)

Tactical Resources: Creative Attack & Defense - 38 tactics problems (High Quality positions to practice attacking and Defending)

Tactical Resources: Creative Attack & Defense 2  -  38 tactics problems

Tactics Madness   - 55 Tactics Problems - From User Submitted games

Cool & Forcing Combinations  - 45 tactics problems

Trompowsky Tactics 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 -  123 Tactics problems  from this opening

Dodgy's 1. e4 e5 Tactics  -  249 Tactics  Problems 
( Learn Openings and tactics that arise in them)
Scotch Game and Scotch Gambit
Italian Game (Giuoco Piano)
King’s Gambit
Vienna Game
Danish Gambit

---

Tournaments

(These Are Free courses with Analysis of the Games and Normally a Tactic from that game to practice)

World Chess Championship 2021: Carlsen vs. Nepomniachtchi  -  2hr 50min Free Video, 100 positions to practice. Amazing Analysis of these games.

Tournament Tactics: Tata Steel Chess 2020  - 3hr 21Min Free Video, 146 Tactics to practice

Champions Chess Tour 2021  -  54hrs Free Video  -  823 trainable Variations   (Pretty Amazing Free Course)

Chessable Masters Tournament  - 4hr 31 Min Free Video -  65 trainable variations

2021 Superbet Chess Classic | Grand Chess Tour -  110 Trainable variations

#TwitterChessTournament Tactics  -  65 Trainable Variations   (Amateur Tournament w/Tactics)

Olympiad Tactics 2018  -  112 Trainable Variations 

Champions Chess Tour 2021 [ESP]  - 394 trainable Variations  (Course in Spanish but the Chess is pretty universal)

Razor-Sharp Tactics: Women’s World Rapid & Blitz 2022  -  109 Trainable variations ( NEW Course Broken down into East , Medium, Hard Tactics)

 (All of these courses can be used for Free with their Movetrainer. You can set it to Woodpecker them as well. For Free you can run 5 courses at any one time and practice till your hearts desire )

 

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.

Alekhine's Defense - 4 Pawns Attack B03

Alekhine's Defense B02 - B05 

 Link On Sidebar under Opening Theory links

Carlsbad Pawn Structure - Chess Strategy

Unlocking the Carlsbad Pawn Structure:
A Comprehensive Resource Hub

Discover an extensive collection of resources dedicated to the Carlsbad pawn structure.

From articles and video lessons to annotated games and studies , delve into the nuances of this strategic framework and elevate your understanding of chess strategy.

Bishops Bounty Main Pawn Structures Page - Here
Bishop's Bounty Minority Attack Page - Here

Carlsbad Chess Articles

• The Carlsbad Structure – Complete Lesson - The Chess World
  
  
• PLANNING IN THE CARLSBAD STRUCTURE – BOTVINNIK-KERES 1952 (1) - Pawn break
  
  
• Carlsbad Pawn Structure - Chess.com Article - The article highlights the importance of the Carlsbad structure due to its rich possibilities for both sides and its occurrence in multiple openings, including the Nimzo-Indian, Caro-Kann, and Scandinavian defenses. Key plans within this structure include the minority attack, the central break with e3-e4, and the Pillsbury Attack.
  
  
• Mastering Mini-games - FM Nate Solon - Article on Why The Minority Attack is not The Most Important Thing to Learn with the Carlsbad
  
  
• THE MINORITY ATTACK BY NIGEL DAVIES - Chess Cafe Article - explains the minority attack, a crucial middlegame plan in chess.
  
  
• Who's afraid of the Big Bad Minority attack? - Long Exeter Chess Club Article - The article provides examples of games where the minority attack was effectively used and discusses various defensive strategies to counter it.
  
  
• Pawn Structure 101 - Part 2: The Minority Attack - Chess Kid Video - 13 min
  
  

---

LiChess Studies

• Carlsbad Structure - 5 Chapter Study (Info and Annotated games)
• Minority Attack - 7 Chapter Study
• Carlsbad `pawn Structure` ' - 16 Chapter Study (Top of Page)
  
  

---

Games Databases

Chessgames.com

• Pawn Structures - 246 Games - 16 Carlsbad games (Incredible Collection with many Pawn Structures)
  
  
• Middlegame Strategy - 177 games (With the Carlsbad Structure)

365Chess.com

• D17: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, Carlsbad variation - 1344 games

---

Carlsbad Video Lessons

Advanced - 6.Unit: Carlsbad Structure - 6 Video Playlist - GM Alex Lenderman
Carlsbad Structure - 17 Video playlist - GM Sune berg Hansen - amazing playlist

• Master the Carlsbad Pawn Structure - The Full Course with GM Sune Berg Hansen - 3 Hrs - a comprehensive guide on the Carlsbad Pawn Structure. It is a collection of edited videos by GM Sune Berg Hansen, providing detailed instruction on this chess strategy.
  
  
• GM Neiksans Boot Camp #32 - Carlsbad Structure - 2 Hr - provides an in-depth analysis of the Carlsbad structure, a crucial pawn structure in chess that has been tested for over a century.
  
  
• Lesson on the Carlsbad Pawn Structure - 8 Min - NM Bryan Tillis - This pawn structure often occurs from the Exchange Queen's Gambit, Exchange Caro-Kann, and in this game, it came from an Alekhine Defense
  
  
• Top Ten Middlegame Ideas #4: Minority Attack - The Carlsbad structure - 35 Min - Jim's Chess Channel - Key ideas of the Minority Attack, focusing on the Carlsbad structure. It uses historical games, such as Flohr-Euwe 1932, to illustrate these concepts.
  
  
• Carlsbad pawn structure / Chess strategy explained - 12 Min - Bad Bishop Channel - an explanation of the Carlsbad pawn structure, a well-known structure in chess theory
  
  

St.Louis Chess Club

• Queen's Gambit Declined, Exchange | Carlsbad Structure - Chess Openings Explained - 39 Min - the Carlsbad pawn structure, a common formation in the Queen's Gambit Declined.
  
  
• Minority Attack! | Pawn Structure - GM Yasser Seirawan - 32 Min St.Louis Chess Club - Delves into the five structural elements of chess: Space, Material, Time (Development), Pawn Structure, and King Position. The focus is on the importance of the minority attack within pawn structures.
  
  
• Minority Attacks in the Carlsbad Structure | Road to 2000 - 64 Min - Caleb Denby discussing minority attacks within the Carlsbad pawn structure w/ three famous GM games.
  
  
• Heavy Piece Carlsbad Endgames | Insane in the Endgame - GM Denes Boros - 55 Min - Dissects two major piece endgames by Anatoly Karpov and Harry Nelson Pillsbury from the Carlsbad structure.
  
  

Chess Dojo

• Why the Minority Attack is for Commoners w/ Kaspar/SuperBaguette33 | Dojo Lessons - 24 min - reviewing a game played in the Dojo. The video discusses the Minority Attack
  
  
• Two Games in the Carlsbad Structure | GM Kraai's Game Review #19 - 16 Min
  
  
• Kaspar's Karlsbad | Dojo Lessons - 23 Min
  
  
• IM Kassa Korley: Dissecting the Carlsbad | USCS Class 11.10.20 - 90 Min - He goes over several instructive games in the Carlsbad structure of the Queen's Gambit Declined.
  
  
• IM Kassa Korley: Revisiting the Carlsbad | US Chess School 4.07.2021 - 56 Min - He analyzes several instructive games, highlighting key strategies and tactics that can be employed within this pawn structure.
  
  

Carlsbad Game Video Lessons

• What Is The Carlsbad?? | Queens Gambit Declined | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 37 Min - In-depth analysis of the Carlsbad pawn structure within the Queen's Gambit Declined. GM Naroditsky explains the key concepts and strategies associated with this structure, making it accessible for players of all levels.
  
  
• AlphaZero g-pawn attack against the Queen's Gambit Carlsbad structure - Opening Strategies #7 - 14 Min
  
  
• Blitz Chess #4592 vs Johnhendra QGD Exchange Carlsbad White - 11 Min IM Christof Sielecki
  
  
• Magnus Carlsen vs Wesley So / Caro-Kann: Exchange variation / Carlsbad structure - 12 Min
  
  
• A masterpiece chess miniature! || Caro-Kann: Two knights attack (Carlsbad structure) - 15 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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

---

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)

---

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.

---

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

Chess Fortress Guide - Save Your Endgame

King Feeling Trapped? ♚

Secrets of Chess Fortresses. 

Feeling the pressure in the endgame with your king under attack? Don't resign just yet! Chess offers a remarkable defensive strategy called a fortress that can turn a losing position into a well-deserved draw.

A fortress is a strategically crafted defensive position in the endgame where your king is virtually impregnable. By cleverly utilizing the remaining pieces and pawns on the board, you can create a safe haven for your king, making it impossible for your opponent to deliver checkmate.

Here's what makes a chess fortress so powerful:

• Impenetrable Defense: The fortress utilizes your remaining pieces and pawns to create a zone around your king that your opponent simply cannot penetrate.
• Draw Potential: By securing your king and creating a stalemate situation, you force a draw even if you have less material than your opponent.
• Strategic Maneuvering: Building and maintaining a fortress requires precise piece placement and calculated moves to maximize its effectiveness.

Get ready to transform from an endgame underdog into a fortress-building champion!

We’ll take a look at the various resources available to help you master the art of fortresses.

First, you can learn more about fortresses by checking out the Wikipedia page dedicated to the topic. This page contains a wide variety of positions and is a great starting point for anyone looking to learn more about fortresses.

Wikipedia Chess Fortress Page

---

---

Chess Fortress Articles

Here, you'll find a curated selection of articles to help you understand and master the art of Chess Fortresses:

The Basics:

• Chess Fortress – 7 Must-Know Positions  -  FM Yuriy Krykun -  What is it, how to build one, and how can this knowledge help from the practical point of view? 7 Must Know Endgame Positions.
  
  
• Fortress - Chess.com Definition page w/ examples

Building Your Arsenal:

• Fortress - FM Michel Coto - Some of the Most important Fortresses you should Know.
  
  
• How To Build A Chess Fortress - GM Gregory Serper - Building a fortress can save a seemingly lost position. Therefore any tournament player should know these typical positions where a huge material advantage is not enough to win the game!

Beyond the Basics:

• Was Magnus Carlsen Wrong About Chess Fortresses? - GM Gregory Serper - What he probably meant is that even though fortresses do exist in chess, the majority of the positions that look like a fortress can be penetrated. Several Examples
  
  
• How To Break Fortresses - GM Daniel Naroditsky - Examine three crucial fortress-breaking methods that will often enable you to overcome even the stoutest resistance.

---

LiChess Fortress Studies

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move, perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge.

• Fortresses in Pawn Endgames: - 37 Chapter Interactive Study - From simple Fortresses to Detailed Studys w/ Interactive Puzzles at the end. (Very Detailed and in-depth study)
  
  
• Fortresses  -  16 Chapter Study -  Different types w/ puzzles at the End.
  
  
• The great Fortresses  - 14 Chapter Study - All the Basic Fortresses you should Know.
  
  
• Fortresses  - 9 Chapter Study - Explore fortresses built around bishops and pawn walls, along with real-game examples to see these strategies in action.
  
  
• 10 Elementary Fortresses  - 12 Chapter Study - This study provides a solid starting point for beginners, focusing on fundamental fortress principles.
  
  
• Endings: Fortress  - 4 Chapter Study
  
  

---

Chess Fortress Video Lessons

The Fortress | Endings for Tournament Players - GM Varuzhan Akobian  - 45 Min -This comprehensive lecture by GM Akobian lays the groundwork, explaining the concept of fortresses and demonstrating various positions where material disadvantage can be overcome with a well-constructed fortress.

You Can't Penetrate the Fortress! Draw! | Endgame Exclam!! - GM Varuzhan Akobian 46 Min - Identifies positions where a player is down material, but can manage a draw with the fortress technique. See how the stronger side can't force the King out of the corner structure.

Don't Let Her In! Queen vs. Fortress | Insane in the Endgame - GM Alex Shabalov - 56 Min - A chess endgame class focusing on fortresses to defend against queen attacks.

GM Johan Hellsten: Fortresses | U.S. Chess School 4.20.2021  - 64 Min -  Deepen your understanding with this focused lecture by GM Hellsten, featuring a detailed discussion of 14 essential fortress examples.

5 Chess Fortresses You Must Know | Chess Ending | ChessMaster2000  - 16 Min - Gain valuable insights from this video as it unveils five crucial fortress formations you should be familiar with.

How to build a Fortress in Chess | Must-Know defensive Method for the Endgame - 17 Min  IM Ostrovskiy - Main method of making a draw in the opposite colored Bishop endgame, the so called “Fortress”.

How to build a chess fortress | must-know defensive patterns - 10 Min NM 

FM Chris Wallis Lecture: End Game Fortresses  - 67 Min 

Building a Fortress | Forts in Chess | ChessKid - 10 Min - Explains the important concept of fortresses on the chessboard: what they are, how to set them up, and why you would want to use them.  (New - 6/1/24) Beginner


Hamersmith Chess Club

• Endgame Series, Episode 2, Fortresses: Bishop vs Rook  - 10 Min
  
• Endgame Series, Episode 2, Fortresses: Pawn vs Bishop   - 6 Min
  
• Endgame Series, Episode 2, Fortresses: Rook vs Queen  - 12 Min
  

Endgame Studies

• Endgame Studies #3 Presentation Studies based on fortresses - 60 min - There are a bunch of fortress positions that are, or should be, an important part of your endgame knowledge. In this class, I will showcase these fortresses and show how they have been used in studies.
• Found A Brilliant Puzzle With An Unusual Fortress - 3 Min - Analysis of an amazing chess puzzle where White draws with the help of an unusual fortress!

Fortress Game Videos w/ Analysis

Endgame Fortress Brilliancy: Grandmaster Paul Benko vs International Master Bonin  - 3 Min

Chess Fortress: Hans Ree vs Vlastimil Hort 1986 Never give up!!!  - 3 Min

Fortress to Believe in! || Nakamura vs Carlsen  - 15 min

Endgame Fortress Brilliancy : Grandmaster Grigory Serper vs GM Hikaru Nakamura - 6 Min

Tigran's Fortress | Fischer vs Petrosian | (1971) | Game 5  - 12 Min

"I don't believe in fortresses." - Magnus Carlsen