Stonewall Pawn Structure - Chess Strategy

Mastering the Stonewall:
 Essential Resources & Training Materials

Unleash the Power of the Stonewall!

This formidable pawn structure is a chess warrior's secret weapon.

The Stonewall Pawn Structure, characterized by pawns on d4, c3, f4, and e3, creates a solid and dynamic foundation for your chess strategy. It excels at controlling the center, restricting your opponent's piece mobility, and launching powerful kingside attacks.

Mastering the Stonewall empowers you to:

• Solidify your position: Gain a firm foothold in the center and build a fortress for your king.
• Control the flow of the game: Limit your opponent's options and dictate the pace.
• Launch surprise attacks: Exploiting weaknesses created by the Stonewall's pressure can lead to decisive victories.

Dive into this comprehensive guide and unlock the secrets of the Stonewall Pawn Structure with a wealth of free resources, articles, Lichess studies, video lessons, and game collections!

Bishop's Bounty - Stonewall Dutch Page
Bishop's Bounty - Stonewall Attack Page

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Stonewall Articles 

Learn the Stonewall: Essential Reading

• Pawn Structure 101: Stonewall Formation -  Chess Simplified Guide  (In-Depth):Ideal for beginners, this guide breaks down the Stonewall's formation step-by-step.
  
  
• The Stonewall Pawn Structure - Article w/ Plans, Ideas and some Games - WGM Raluca Sgircea, IM Renier Castellanos:  Offers strategic insights, plans, and illustrative games for intermediate players.
  
  
• Chess Structures in Practice – The Stonewall  - Annotated Game -Showcases a well-annotated game featuring the Stonewall, suitable for players studying practical application.

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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.

• How to deal with the Stonewall -  4 Chapter Study (Lesson w/ 3 annotated games) - Tackle the Stonewall head-on and learn effective strategies to counter this solid structure.
  
  
• Stonewall Dutch Defense - 7 Chapter Interactive Study (500+ Hearts) Fully interactive study w/ plans, structure, and different maneuvers.- Delve into the Stonewall Dutch Defense, a popular opening that leads to Stonewall positions. Explore plans, key structures, and tactical possibilities.
  
  
• Stonewall Structures  (Chess Structures : A GM's Guide Chapter 6) - 8 Chapter Study -  Deepen your understanding of Stonewall structures with a GM-level study featuring general plans and analysis of well-annotated games from the book "Chess Structures: A GM's Guide."

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Game Databases

Chessgames.com 

(Game Collections) 
Explore collections of classic games showcasing the Stonewall in action.

• Stonewall Structure - 3 Game Collection
• PAWN STRUCTURE - 3 Famous Stonewall games

Database

Dutch, Stonewall (A95) 1 d4 f5 2 c4 Nf6 3 g3 e6 4 Bg2 Be7 5 Nf3 O-O 6 O-O d5 7 Nc3 c6 - 328 Games

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Stonewall Pawn Structure Video Lessons

Delve into Stonewall pawn structure theory, strategic ideas, and tactical opportunities with expertly crafted video guides.

Stonewall Structure | Must Know Pawn Formations #1 | GM Moulthun Ly - 15 Min - (Beginner-friendly): This video walks you through various common middgame pawn structures, starting with the Stonewall.

Pawn breaks: The Stonewall pawn structures - 1.5 Hr - Coach Robert - (Intermediate): This series delves into pawn breaks, starting with two "totally-blocked" pawn structures: the kingside and queenside Stonewalls.

Pawn Structure 101 IM Daniel Rensch - 31 Min IM Daniel Rensch - This comprehensive guide focuses on pawn structure in chess, with a deep dive into the Stonewall formation.

Stonewall Dutch for chess beginners (explained) - 14 Min - Bad Bishop Chess Channel - (Beginner-friendly): This video introduces the Stonewall Dutch Defense, focusing on the pawn structure and the strategic ideas it creates.

The Amateur's Mind #12 : How to play rigid structures (Stonewall, Symmetrical English) - 28 Min - IM Andras Toth  Video Below - (Advanced): This video offers insights into playing with "rigid structures" like the Stonewall and Symmetrical English openings.

Bishops Bounty Main Pawn Structures Page - Here

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: Preventive Strategies

Stop Your Opponent Before They Start
 Master Chess Prophylaxis

Feeling overwhelmed by your opponent's threats?
 Wish there was a way to shut down their plans before they even get off the ground?

 This guide introduces you to Chess Prophylaxis, a powerful strategy used by top players to think ahead and make moves that prevent your opponent from attacking or gaining an advantage.

  Learn from articles, puzzles, and video lessons by Chess Masters, and discover how to control the flow of the game with proactive thinking. Take your chess to the next level and become a master of prevention!

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 - Examples of Opening, Middlegame and Endgame Prophylaxis w/ Model game.
  
  
• 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 - How it works w/ 3 Detailed games.

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Prophylaxis LiChess Studies

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

• PROPHYLAXIS - 11 Chapter study (120 Hearts) - Examples in the Opening, Middlegame and Endgame.
  
  
• Endgame Tactics Prophylaxis - 24 Chapter Study (Use the Computer to solve Positions)
  
  
• 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 | Part 1 | Prophylactic Thinking | IM Andrey Ostrovskiy - 18 Min - Dive into the topic of prophylaxis. Prophylactic thinking in chess
• Improve your Chess with Prophylaxis | Part 2 | Prophylactic Thinking | - 17 Min -  This time we draw our attention to the importance of the active prophylaxis.
• Improve your Chess with Prophylaxis | Part 3 | Prophylactic Thinking | - 15 min - Will focus on how prophylactic thinking helps to reduce your opponent’s resources and at the same time increases your advantage.

GM Sune Berg Hansen.

• Prophylaxis in Chess - The Prevention Strategy - A GM Tool - 21 min - GM Talks - Sune gets to play a nice prophylactic game in the Swedish League against a strong IM. Nice Carlsbad Pawn Structure Lesson as well.
• The Hidden Art of Prophylaxis: Transform Your Game With This Strong Chess Tool - 22 min - GM Talks - The various prophylactic moves are explained in depth in this video from the highest level. Nepomniachtchi, Ian vs. Ding, Liren
• Use Prophylaxis As Your Weapon Of Dark Empathy To Destroy Your Opponents - 20 min - GM Talks - Another World Championship Game.
• Magnus Carlsen dominated Hikaru Nakamura with a strong concept: Prophylactic Thinking! - 20 Min -GM Talks -  This is a small masterpiece and very instructive.

St.Louis Chess Club

• Prophylaxis and Dynamics | Grandmaster's Choice - GM JJ Ali Marandi - 56 min - Prophylaxis is the prevention of your opponent's ideas. See JJ's own games that demonstrate prophylaxis.
• Prophylaxis: Chess Prevention | Strategy Session - WGM Sabina Foisor - 53 min -  Shows examples of prophylaxis, which like medicine, is preventive care in chess. See moves that stop an opponent from following through with a plan.
• Chess Prophylaxis | Strategy Session with Jonathan Schrantz - 26 Min - Prophylactic moves preventing the opponent from taking action somewhere on the board w/ 4 Example Games.

Grand Master RB Ramesh - Learn Chess the right way! - Prophylactic thinking and Prophylaxis - 2hr 7 Min - Live Stream with one of the top Chess Coaches in the World.

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 - Takes two excellent games of GM Sergey Dolmatov to explain the details behind the way of thinking that will catapult your chess knowledge.

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 - , IM Valeri Lilov will teach you how to think prophylactically. Ask yourself every move "what does my opponent want to do?” is only the first step. Next, you need the ability to find a good move that prevents the opponent from carrying out that plan!

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 - We are going to start with a few positions to make sure you understand prophylaxis in its simplest form and then we are going to analyze one of Capablanca’s games where he took this idea to a whole new level.

Chess Strategy: Prophylactic Thinking - 17 Min - Remote Chess Academy - Manuel Ocantos will show you some examples of prophylactic moves in the chess openings Benoni Defense and the Ruy Lopez. He also shows you a couple of interesting games played by Karpov, Kasparov, and Nimzowitsch.

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

Svitlana's Smart Moves - The prophylactic moves - 50 min - ChessBase - Svitlana shows us the smartest moves in difficult situations, and explains how to approach a rough position like this.

Chess Stream #108 A Lesson in Prophylaxis - 91 Min - GM Simon Williams - A lesson from a stream with Bjorn (about 1700 ELO) in 'prophylaxis'. Prophylactic moves are aimed at not just improving one's position but preventing the opponent from improving their own.

GM Alex Lenderman: Prophylactic Thinking | U.S. Chess School - 41 Min - intro to Prophylactic Thinking and 10 Examples.

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 - Recording of CTCA Advanced session presented by Dione Goredema. 17/6/2021

Nakhmanson Gambit - Opening Theory (C56)

 Nakhmanson Gambit Chess Resources

A Gambit Arising out of the Two Knights Defense.

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.0-0 Nxe4 6.Nc3

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Nakhmanson Gambit Articles

Nakhmanson Gambit: Opening Guide for White and Black - Chessable Blog Opening Guide 
Nakhmanson Gambit: Refutation and Traps | 5 Minute Guide - ChessTier Guide

Most SAVAGE Chess Opening After 1.e4 e5 | Nakhmanson Gambit - GM Igor Smirnov w/embedded Video 17 Min Long

Robert Ris’ Fast and Furious: The Nakhmanson Gambit - Chessbase Article w/ 30 Min Video

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Lichess Studies

The Nakhmanson Gambit - 18 Chapter Study (1000+ Hearts) w/ Link to Video
Nakhmanson Gambit! - 14 Chapter Study

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Game Databases

Chessgames.com 
Nakhmanson Gambit - 6 Games

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Nakhmanson Gambit Videos

The Most Aggressive Gambit You've Never Heard Of | Nakhmanson Gambit - 14 Min - Johnathan Schrantz
The NEW Nakhmanson Gambit? - 16 min - Johnathan Schrantz

Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Nakhmanson Gambit! - 16 Min - Chess Giant
Learn the Evans and Nakhmanson Gambit | 10-Minute Chess Openings - 11 Min - Gotham Chess
Nakhmanson Gambit Refuted? | Answering Viewer Questions - 20 Min - Johnathan Schrantz

Never Stop Attacking: Nakhmanson Gambit Declined - 28 Min - thechesswebsite
Nakhmanson Gambit with 6...Nxc3!? - 21 Min - thechesswebsite

Nakhmanson Traps and Tactics

Nakhmanson Gambit: Chess Opening Traps To WIN FAST | Best Moves, Tricks, Tactics, Strategy & Ideas - 10 Min

Game Videos w/ Analysis

Two More Wins with the Nakhmanson Gambit - 11 Min - Johnathan Schrantz
I Beat a 2700 GM with the NEW NAKHMANSON GAMBIT - 16 Min - Johnatan Schrantz
Beating an IM with the Nakhmanson Gambit - 7 Min - Johnathan Schrantz
The Nakhmanson Gambit is SO MUCH FUN - 12 Min - IM Rosen
Magnus Carlsen Plays the Nakhmanson Gambit - 10 Min
Magnus Carlsen has a Nakhmanson Problem - 21 Min

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

 

 

 

 

Italian Game, Rousseau Gambit C50 Opening Theory

 Rousseau Gambit Resources

Wikipedia Page
The Rousseau Gambit (or Ponziani Countergambit)
is a chess opening that begins with the moves:
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4 f5
White has three main choices in the Rousseau Gambit:
1. Defend the e4 pawn with d3 and trust the extra tempo will make itself felt.
(With This move Black can Transpose into the Lucchini Gambit)
2. Accept the gambit with 4.exf5.
3. Strike back in the center with 4.d4.

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Rousseau Gambit Chess Articles

Rousseau Gambit in the Italian Game - Guide w/ Embedded video by GM Igor Smirnov
Rousseau Gambit: Where Italian Game and King’s Gambit Meet - Chessable Blog Opening Guide
Lucchini Gambit: A Little Known Chess Opening - Chessable Blog Opening Guide

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Rousseau Gambit LiChess Studies

Rousseau Gambit - 12 Chapter Study (at Top)
Rousseau Gambit - 11 Chapter interactive Study (80 hearts)
Rousseau Gambit vs. Italian - 25 Chapter Interactive Study
Super Cool Rousseau Gambit Traps! - 5 Chapter Study
Rousseau Gambit in the Italian Game - 5 Chapter Study (Just 5 games Played By Guys 2000+)

Lucchini gambit - 4 Chapter Study (1100 hearts)

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Game Databases

Chessgames.com

Italian Gambits (C50-C55 actually) - 2 Games in this collection

365Chess.com

C50: Rousseau gambit 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 f5 - 104 games

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Rousseau Gambit Video Lessons

Learn This INSANE NEW Gambit!! - 26 min - Gotham Chess
The Rousseau Gambit | Risky Opening Choice for Black in the Italian Game | IM Alex Astaneh - 10 Min
The MOST AGGRESSIVE Gambit Ever? - 34 min - Johnathan Schrantz
The BEST Chess Opening Against 1.e4 - Every Move is a Trap! -19 min GM Igor Smirnov
The BEST Chess Opening Against 1.e4 | TRAPPIEST Gambit for Black - 14 Min GM Igor Smirnov

Lucchini Gambit

(If White Plays Rousseau Gambit Declined. and on move 4.d3 black can transpose to this Gambit)
Lucchini Gambit - Every Move is a Trap - 16 min - TheChesswebsite
Lucchini Gambit - Accepted Variation - 13 min -TheChesswebsite
Top 10 Traps in the Lucchini Gambit | Chess Opening Tricks, Moves, Strategy & Tactics - 9 Min

Rousseau Gambit Chess Traps

Italian - Rousseau Gambit - Equal but in Chains (trap no. 58) - 4Min

Rousseau gambit Game Videos (W/Analysis)

Facing the Rousseau Gambit (3...f5?!) | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. artur74blef - (1376) - 35 Min IM John Bartholomew
Morphy vs the Rousseau Gambit | Learn Giuoco Piano Ep.1 - 10 Min
Discovering a New Opening Trap | Lucchini Gambit - 4 Min - Im Eric Rosen
Lucchini Gambit || Stockfish 8 vs Stockfish 14 - 8 Min

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 Telling What it is.

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
The Minority Attack in Action - iChess Article
Who's afraid of the Big Bad Minority attack? - Long Exeter Chess Club Article

Pawn Structure 101 - Part 2: The Minority Attack - Chess Kid Video 

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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)

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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

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Carlsbad Video Lessons

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

Master the Carlsbad Pawn Structure - The Full Course with GM Sune Berg Hansen - 3 Hrs

GM Neiksans Boot Camp #32 - Carlsbad Structure - 2 Hr

Lesson on the Carlsbad Pawn Structure - 8 Min - NM Bryan Tillis

Top Ten Middlegame Ideas #4: Minority Attack - The Carlsbad structure - 35 Min - Jim's Chess Channel

Carlsbad pawn structure / Chess strategy explained - 12 Min - Bad Bishop Channel

St.Louis Chess Club

Queen's Gambit Declined, Exchange | Carlsbad Structure - Chess Openings Explained - 39 Min
Minority Attack! | Pawn Structure - GM Yasser Seirawan - 32 Min St.Louis Chess Club
Minority Attacks in the Carlsbad Structure | Road to 2000 - 64 Min
Heavy Piece Carlsbad Endgames | Insane in the Endgame - GM Denes Boros - 55 Min

Chess Dojo

Why the Minority Attack is for Commoners w/ Kaspar/SuperBaguette33 | Dojo Lessons - 24 min
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
IM Kassa Korley: Revisiting the Carlsbad | US Chess School 4.07.2021 - 56 Min

Carlsbad Game Video Lessons

What Is The Carlsbad?? | Queens Gambit Declined | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 37 Min
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

Reti Opening A04 - A09

 

Reti Opening Chess Resources

Wikipedia Page
The Réti Opening is a hypermodern chess opening whose "traditional" or "classic method" begins with the moves:

1. Nf3 d5   2. c4

BOOKS (Free)

Easy Guide to the Réti opening by Angus Dunnington -  130 Page PDF
The Modern Réti: An Anti-Slav Repertoire by Alexander Delchev - 216 Page PDF

Short & Sweet: The Réti  - FREE Chessable Course  - 22 Trainable Lines by IM Alkhatib 

Reti Opening Chess Articles

The Reti Opening: The Ultimate Chess Opening Guide -  Real Nice Guide from ichess.net  (Annotated Games, 3 Embedded Videos with over 1.5 hrs)
The Réti Opening  - another Guide by Simplify Chess, explains move by move
Réti Opening  - Guide by IM Alberto Cheuca

BLOGS

The Réti Opening: How to Play It as White and Black - Nice Guide on Chessable Blog

Nakamura's Secret Weapon Against the Réti Opening - Introduction (Part 1) - LiChess Blog Post
Nakamura's Secret Weapon Against the Réti Opening - The Ideal Center (Part 2) - LiChess Blog Post

Reti LICHESS Studies

The Reti Opening  -  23 Chapters  (296 Hearts)
COMPLETE GUIDE ON THE RETI - 16 Chapters   (63 Hearts)
RETI OPENING - 1.Nf3 - 10 Chapter Guide  (514 Hearts)
The Butcher Beats the Reti  -  10 Chapter Study (Playing against the Reti)

LiStudy  

Use Listudy to better memorize openings.
Play against your opening repertoire and learn them playfully and with scientifically effective methods.
Reti Studies- Mainline Variations  -  12 Lines to Practice and 3 Model games
Zukertort/Reti Opening Variations - 11 Lines to Practice

GAMES Databases

365Chess.com

A04: Reti opening 1. Nf3  -  316,000 Games
A05: Reti opening 1. Nf3 Nf6  - 143,000 Games
A06: Reti opening 1. Nf3 d5  - 86,000 Games
A07: Reti, King's Indian attack (Barcza system) 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 - 34,000 Games
A08: Reti, King's Indian attack 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 c5 3. Bg2  - 3800 Games
A09: Reti opening 1. Nf3 d5 2. c4  - 19,500 Games

Chessgames.com

Reti Opening (A04-A06) - 80 Annotated Games
King's Indian Attack (A07) - 65 Annotated Games
King's Indian Attack (A08)  - 2 Annotated Games  
Reti Opening (A09)     - 7 Annotated games

Chess PUZZLES

Reti Opening, King's Indian Attack (ECO A07) -  14 Puzzles wtharvey.com

Reti Opening Video Lessons

GM Neiksans Boot Camp #12 - Reti Opening  - 1hr 45 min  Great Video
Réti Opening: Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 50 Min  - GM Ben Finegold
Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Reti Opening / Reti Gambit!  - 16 Min Chess Giant
Reti Overview  - 14 Min   (Palm Beach Chess) NM Bryan Tillis

Reti Opening Mastermind with IM Milovan Ratkovic Part 1  - 24 Min

Reti Opening Mastermind with IM Milovan Ratkovic Part 2  - 25 Min

Reti Opening Masterclass: Typical Plans and Strategy for White - 27 Min IM Alex Banzea
Chess Opening: Reti Gambit  - 20 Min   thechesswebsite  (Way to mess with French defense Players)
Crush The French - The Reti Gambit! - 9 Min GM Denes Boros
Crush The French - The Reti Gambit II - 10 Min GM Denes Boros

Reti Chess Traps

Chess Opening Traps #10: Reti Opening Trap - 10 Min Kingcrusher
2 GMs fell for this trap in the Reti| Expert Aleksander Delchev speaks about his favourite opening - 21 Min

Reti Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Reti Opening  -  81 game Playlist  -  agadmator's Chess Channel
Reti - Chess Opening  - 60 Game Playlist  _ Kingcrusher   (Annotated famous games)
Reti Gambit - Chess Opening  - 16 game Playlist  - Kingcrusher   (Mostly Blitz games by him )
Reti  - 8 Game Playlist   - Chessbase india   (More Recent top level games)

Fischer Wins with the Reti | Kids' Class - GM Varuzhan Akobian  - 32 Min
Richard Réti & Judit Polgár Hypermodern Games | Games to Know by Heart - WGM Sabina Foisor -52 Min

100 Repertoires: Reti updates from my OTB tournament! - 33 Min - FM Nate Solon
( 4 Reti Games from His Tournament Win w/ Analysis )

IM John Bartholomew 

Standard Chess #6: DAG87001 vs. IM Bartholomew (Reti Opening) - 41 Min
Blitz Chess #392: IM Bartholomew vs. IM Carlo D'Amore (Reti Opening) - 18 Min
Blitz Chess #386: IM Bartholomew vs. IM Johann Echavarria (Reti Opening) - 16 min
Blitz Chess #180: FM Sagit vs. IM Bartholomew (Reti Opening) - 17 min
Blitz Chess #377: GM PROFESSORSMITH vs. IM Bartholomew (Reti Opening) - 25 min
Blitz Chess #410: IM Bartholomew vs. ansatsu (Reti Opening) - 13 Min
Blitz Chess #21: IM Pichot vs. IM Bartholomew (Reti Opening) - 9 Min

IM Greg Shahade

5 minute chess #47: Greg Shahade vs GM Emre Can - (Reti Opening) - 8 Min
5 minute chess #41: Greg Shahade vs IM Oleg Krivonosov - Reti Opening - 11 min
5 minute chess #49: Greg Shahade vs Z-Integrator (Reti Opening) - 12 Min
5 minute chess #74: IM Oleg Krivonosov vs IM Greg Shahade - Reti Opening - 9 Min