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

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Unleash the Monster: The Frankenstein-Dracula Variation

Frankenstein-Dracula Gambit

 
The Frankenstein-Dracula Gambit:
Sacrifice a Knight, Steal Their Soul

Picture this: three moves in, you’ve tossed your knight into the abyss, your queens on the prowl, and your opponent’s already sweating bullets. This isn’t just an opening—it’s the Frankenstein-Dracula Gambit, a bloodthirsty beast from the Vienna Game that’ll rip the board apart and leave your rivals stunned. Named by chess madman Tim Harding for its monstrous chaos, this gambit’s all about one thing: sacrificing early, striking fast, and hooking your foe into a tactical nightmare they can’t escape.


It kicks off with 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bc4 Nxe4—Black grabs a pawn, smug as can be. Then you unleash the hook: 4. Qh5. Bam—queen’s out, guns blazing, daring them to blink. What follows is a wild ride of traps and mayhem, tailor-made for players who live to gamble and watch their enemy's squirm.

  • Sacrifice Like a Mad Genius: You ditch a knight on move three—pure insanity that’ll make your opponent think you’ve lost it, right before you prove them wrong.

  • Queen Unleashed Early: Move four, and your queen’s already in their face, turning the game into a high-stakes brawl most players can’t handle.

  • Traps That Bury Fools: Packed with nasty surprises—think checkmate threats and pinned pieces—that’ll catch 99% of club players napping.

  • Chaos Is Your Ally: The board turns into a horror movie—wild, messy, and perfect for outplaying cautious scaredy-cats.

  • Bragging Rights Included: Play a gambit named after Frankenstein and Dracula—win or lose, you’ll sound like a badass just for trying it.

Think you’ve got the guts to play it? Scroll down—I’ve lined up free videos, articles, and databases to turn this gambit into your secret weapon.


Articles

LiChess Studies

Master the Gambit Through Interactive Training! Explore these Lichess studies to solidify your understanding of the Frankenstein-Dracula concepts, analyze real games, and test your skills move-by-move.

Game Databases

Witness the Frankenstein-Dracula Variation in Action! Delve into these comprehensive game databases featuring real-life encounters where the Frankenstein-Dracula Gambit was employed by both White and Black.

365Chess.com

Chessgames.com (Collections)

Video Lessons

An Overlooked Opening: Frankenstein-Dracula Variation! (Vienna Game) - 15 Min - Chess Vibes
This video analyzes the Frankenstein-Dracula variation in the Vienna Game, a complex chess opening. It explores tricky traps, main lines, and calmer alternatives, showing how both White and Black can create exciting gameplay. The video also features a game between two high-level players, demonstrating the variation in action.

The Most Underrated Chess Gambit (Frankenstein-Dracula Variation) - 25 Min - Chess Sensei - Breaks down the key moves, tactical traps, and strategic concepts for both White and Black, highlighting the risky but potentially rewarding nature of this variation.

ICC Chess.FM presents: Alterman's Frankenstein-Dracula variation - 31 Min - GM Boris Aldeman - ICC - Grandmaster Boris Alterman provides an in-depth analysis of this complex and tactical variation, exploring its various lines and strategic nuances. The video is geared towards intermediate to advanced chess players seeking to expand their opening repertoire.

The Scary Frankenstein Dracula Variation!! - 28 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic - Dive into the chaotic world of the Frankenstein-Dracula Variation in chess, where early knight sacrifices and daring attacks create incredibly complex positions. This video explores the tactical intricacies of this wild opening, showcasing trapped knights and messy, thrilling games that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Learn how to navigate this aggressive line and add a surprising weapon to your chess repertoire.

This Frankenstein Dracula game is EDUTAINMENT - 12 Min - Chess network -  The featured game is the Vienna Game, specifically the Frankenstein-Dracula variation played between Moises Kupferstich and Harry Andreasen in 1953. Despite the beginner-like nature of this variation with white quickly threatening checkmate on f7, like the Scholar’s Mate idea, this line can be seen played by top-level players.

Game Videos w/ analysis

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Amos Burn: A Chess Legend

Amos Burn circa 1890

libro di scacchi, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Who Was Amos Burn?

Amos Burn (1848–1925) was one of the most influential chess players of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for his tenacity and strategic brilliance, Burn left a lasting legacy in the chess world. This post dives into his life, notable games, and resources to explore his contributions further.

Amos Burn’s Legacy in Chess

Amos Burn was not only a formidable player but also a prolific chess writer. His games and writings continue to inspire chess enthusiasts today. Below, we’ve curated a list of articles, games, and videos to help you learn more about this chess legend.

Articles About Amos Burn

Notable Games by Amos Burn

Videos Featuring Amos Burn’s Games

Why Amos Burn Matters Today

Amos Burn’s contributions to chess extend beyond his games. His writings and strategic insights continue to influence players and theorists. By studying his games and life, modern chess enthusiasts can gain a deeper appreciation for the evolution of chess strategy.

Explore More About Amos Burn

If you’re passionate about chess history, Amos Burn is a figure worth studying. Dive into the resources above to learn more about his life, games, and enduring legacy.


Monday, December 30, 2024

Zwischenzug (Intermezzo): The Surprise Weapon in Your Chess Arsenal

A brightly lit library with towering bookshelves. Three open books lie on a table: a cunning fox leaping for a crow (Zwischenzug), a butterfly flitting amongst flowers (Intermezzo), and a classic chess knight (In-between Move).
"When you see a good move, look for a better one." - Emanuel Lasker

 
Zwischenzug Chess Resources

Have you ever been outmaneuvered in chess, feeling like your opponent pulled a rabbit out of a hat?

That surprise move might have been a Zwischenzug (pronounced "tvee-SHEN-tsoog"), also known as intermezzo, a powerful chess tactic that throws a curveball into your opponent's plans.

  Instead of making the expected move, like capturing a piece, a Zwischenzug inserts an unexpected move that creates a new threat or disrupts your strategy. Mastering this tactic will transform you from a predictable player to a cunning strategist, allowing you to exploit unexpected opportunities and gain a significant advantage.

Zwischenzug Wikipedia page
 With explanations and examples

German "in-between move". An unexpected move tossed into an expected series of moves.



BOOKS (FREE)


ZWISCHENZUG – GERMAN; INTERMEZZO; ITALIAN IN-BETWEEN MOVE - 2 Page PDF Handout - Couple Examples w/ 6 Puzzles

Chess Tactics and Combinations - 84 Page PDF - Exeter Chess Club - Short Violent Games of Chess Organized by Theme. (Page 34 Intermezzo)




Zwischenzug Chess Articles 

Gain a comprehensive understanding of Zwischenzug with informative articles that explain the concept, showcase examples, and offer strategic insights.



Annotated Game Databases

Analyze real-world applications of Zwischenzug by studying annotated games from renowned players, featuring both winning and defensive maneuvers.


 FM Asa Hoffman vs NM Jim West - From Jim West's Blog (Annotated by both players)

Chessgames.com



Lichess Studys

Test your newfound knowledge and sharpen your tactical vision with interactive LiChess studies that present a variety of Zwischenzug scenarios.

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.


Zwischenzug Puzzles

Put your skills to the test with challenging puzzles designed to hone your ability to identify and execute Zwischenzug opportunities.

ChessGo.in

LiChess Puzzles


Zwishenzug Video Lessons

Learn from the best! Renowned chess instructors take center stage in video lessons, offering clear explanations and practical guidance on mastering Zwischenzug.


St. Louis Chess Club Videos


Game Video's w/ Analysis

Chess Tactics: Zwischenzug: Lichtenhein vs Morphy - 5 Min

Zwischenzug! || Nakamura vs Carlsen - 10 Min



Close up Picture of Chess Pieces in a abstract Design

Saturday, December 28, 2024

Evans Gambit (C51-C52): A Dynamic Weapon for White


The Ultimate Evans Gambit
Resource Hub
Tactics, Games, and More


The Evans Gambit (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4) is an aggressive chess opening that arises from the Giuoco Piano .

White offers a pawn to disrupt Black's development and gain a lasting advantage in the center. The resulting positions are sharp and tactical, favoring players who enjoy dynamic play.

Elevate your game with our collection of Evans Gambit resources.
From classic games to modern analysis, our archive provides everything you need to master this aggressive opening.


Wikipedia Page

Animated diagram of the Evans Gambit
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4. b4


Bishop's Bounty Giuoco Piano Page


BOOKS & Courses (Free)

Short & Sweet: Kalyan's Italian Game Free Chessable Course - 11 Trainable Variations - GM Arjun Kalyun - Whatever type of game you're looking for - the Italian has it - quiet, safe, tactical, daring, simple, and complex. This course offers 11 trainable variations to equip you with a well-rounded understanding of the opening.

Short & Sweet: Krykun's Italian Game - Free Chessable Course - IM Krykun guides you through the critical moves, standard structures, and must-know strategies in the Italian Game. All packed in just 20 core lines and 1 hour and 12 minutes of video-sync instruction.


Evans Gambit Articles

Dive Deep into Dynamic Play:
Sharpen your understanding of the Evans Gambit with these insightful articles

A Rare Appearance From the Evans Gambit - Chess.com Article GM Short vs. GM L'Ami

The Conquest Attack in the Evans Gambit Declined - Kenilworth CC - (Archived Article)


The Evans Gambit at Simplify Chess - Embark on a move-by-move exploration of the main lines in this gambit. Gain a deep understanding of how to effectively wield this dynamic opening as White.

Evan’s Gambit Theory (Accepted and Declined) | A Definitive Guide - Nice Guide at RagChess offers a comprehensive guide to the Evans Gambit, including ideas, common mistakes, and the main lines for both the Accepted and Declined variations.

Welcome to the Evans Gambit - Website devoted to the Evans. While this website might be archived, it still offers valuable historical context and explanations of the Evans Gambit's main lines. (Archived)

Evans Gambit – How to Play as White and Black - Chessable Blog Opening Guide (In-depth) - Chessable's in-depth blog guide delves into strategies for both sides of the Evans Gambit. Learn how to maximize your chances as White and handle the gambit effectively as Black.

GM Boris Altermans Blog (Annotated games)
Evans Gambit Pt 1 - Annotated Fischer,Robert James - Boatner,J [C51]
Evans Gambit Pt 2 - Annotated Fischer,Robert James - Fine,Reuben
Evans Gambit Pt 3 - Annotated Morphy,Paul - Hampton,Thomas Inglis
Evans Gambit Pt 4 - Annotated Morphy,Paul - De Riviere,Jules Arnou
Evans Gambit Pt 5 - Annotated Morphy,Paul - Morphy,Alonzo


Evans Gambit LiChess Studies

Sharpen your Evans Gambit skills with these interactive learning experiences on Lichess:

  • The Evans Gambit - 25 Chapter Study (Very Indepth) (150 hearts) Dive deep with this comprehensive study featuring detailed lines, defenses, and expert instruction.

  • Evans Gambit🔋🔌, Updated - 10 Chapter Study (250 Hearts) - Master key Black responses after move 5 with this highly rated study.

  • Evans Gambit (Anderson Variation) - 5 Chapter Study (Variation for Black)

  • Kota's Evans Gambit Guide - 7 Chapter Study - Get a solid foundation in the Evans Gambit with this study covering the basics and several variations with model games.

  • Black vs the Evans Gambit - 7 Chapter Study (Black Variations) Learn how to handle the Evans Gambit effectively as Black, focusing on the Lasker Defense Lines and featuring model games between Grandmasters.

  • Evans Interactive Simulator - 14 Chapter Interactive Study This interactive study allows you to explore the Evans Gambit move-by-move, testing your understanding of opening principles, tactics, and positional ideas. (Great for beginners on Lichess 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.


Games Databases

Chessgames.com

Evans Gambit (C51) 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bc4 Bc5 4 b4 - 1687 Games
Evans Gambit (C52) 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bc4 Bc5 4 b4 Bxb4 5 c3 Ba5 - 1101 Games

Game Collections
(Curated Collections of games below on Chessgames.com )

365Chess.com

ChessTempo.com


Chess Puzzles

Test your attacking prowess and defensive skills with these Evans Gambit puzzles:

LiChess Opening Puzzles

WTHarvey.com

Chess puzzles from the Evans Gambit (ECO C51) - 8 Puzzles from OTB Games


Evan's Gambit Video Lessons

Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of the Evans Gambit with this comprehensive video library:

Learn The Ultimate Chess Opening || The Evans Gambit! - 30 Min Explore the core concepts and attacking potential of the Evans Gambit.
The Evans Gambit | Italian Game Theory - 36 Mins Hanging Pawns

Evans Gambit for the new generation - 17 Min GM Simon Williams

Attacking Ideas in the Evans Gambit - 25 Min GM Igor Smirnov - Sharpen your attacking skills with a Grandmaster guide to tactical opportunities in the Evans Gambit.

Chess Openings: Evans Gambit Accepted! - 40 Min IM Miodrag Perunovic - In-depth analysis of the Evans Gambit Accepted, a chess opening that is considered one of the most interesting and reliable gambits.

How To Play The Evan's Gambit | Grandmaster Repertoire - 31 Min GM Moulthun - Learn key ideas and main lines directly from a Grandmaster's perspective.

Evan's Gambit: Chess Opening Strategy, Tactics, Tricks, Traps & Ideas | Best Moves to Win Fast - 10 Min - Get a quick overview of strategies, tactics, and common traps in the Evans Gambit.

Crazy Crab Chess

This comprehensive series by Crazy Crab Chess delves deep into the Evans Gambit, covering theory, strategy, and tactics. (Total Time: ~2 Hours)

(GM Boris Altermans Gambit Guide Videos)

Grandmaster Boris Alterman investigates perhaps one of the soundest of the romantic gambits from the 18th century that is still used at top level in the game today - The Evans Gambit

(IM Alex Astaneh)

(NM Nelson Lopez)

Avoid common pitfalls with these video lessons highlighting mistakes players make at different skill levels.

Evan's Declined

  • Evans Gambit Declined - 18 Min - Chesswebsite - We look at many variations if your opponents decide to decline the Evans Gambit.

  • Chess Openings: If You Decline My Evans Gambit, You'll Lose!! - 30 Min IM Miodrag Perunovic - A comprehensive guide on how to play the Evans Gambit in chess, focusing on scenarios where the gambit is declined. It discusses various responses to the declined gambit, including counter-gambits and strategic moves to maintain an advantage.

Black Responses to Evan's

Evans Gambit Traps and Tactics


Torre Attack Game Videos (w/analysis)


Playlists
The Torre Attack Collection - 6 Video Playlist
- kingscrusher

Torre Attack - 11 Video Playlist - Axon Chess Academy (All 11 games are IM Andrew Martin)


PGN Game Downloads

TorreAttack.pgn - 1736 Games (U of Pitt Archive)

Colorful Neon Lit Glass Chess pieces