Showing posts with label Free Chess Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Free Chess Books. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

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 6, 2008

The Scotch Game: A Comprehensive Resource Guide for White (C44-C45)

 


Feeling hemmed in by the Ruy Lopez? 
 Unleash Your Inner Tactician with the Scotch

  • Dynamic and Aggressive: The Scotch Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4) is a fantastic opening choice for White players who crave dynamic positions and tactical opportunities. It avoids the complex lines of the Ruy Lopez while offering a rich battlefield for attacking chances.

  • Suitable for All Levels: Whether you're a beginner looking for an exciting first opening or a seasoned player seeking new ideas, the Scotch Game offers something for everyone. Its clear development plans and central focus make it easy to learn, while its tactical depth provides a challenge for experienced players.

  • Master the Scotch with Free Resources: This comprehensive guide equips you with all the tools you need to conquer the center and launch a fierce attack. We'll explore key variations, sharpen your tactical vision with puzzles, and provide video lessons from Chess GMs to elevate your game.

Let's explore the Scotch Game together!
Scroll down to discover articles, puzzles, video lessons, and more!


Scotch Game Wikipedia Page 
This page offers a solid foundation for understanding the opening's main lines, variations, and key ideas.
 

 Wikipedia Links To All the Variation Explanations

Books & Courses (FREE)

FREE Chessable Course

  • Short & Sweet: Scotch Game - (Chessable) offers you 16 free trainable variations for you to test the waters of one of the most daring and exciting openings to ever grace the board.

  • Short & Sweet: Scotch -  WIM Fiona Steil-Antoni & by IM Alex Astaneh -  you're able to sample the finest Scotch repertoire for free, with 10 starter lines w/ 50 min Video that give you a taste of what you can come to expect in the full course.

  • Short & Sweet: Scotch for Black - CM Juan AlmaguerEverything’s packed into 12 MoveTrainer® variations and 32 minutes of video. So you can pick up the basics and start winning with the Mieses Variation on the same day if you like.

  • The Scotch Gambit Starter Kit Everything’s covered in just 31 trainable variations. Meaning you can start playing and winning with the Scotch Gambit in the next hour or two.

Internet Archive

500 Scotch Miniatures By Bill Wall - 107 Page PDF


4 Opening Systems to Start With - 50 page PDF - Free Exeter Chess Club PDF (Public Domain E-Book) This booklet gives you a repertoire to play when you are starting out in chess. It also gives you some alternatives if for some reason you don't like my first choice. The core of the repertoire is to play as White the Scotch Gambit.



Scotch Chess Articles and Lessons

Deepen your theoretical knowledge of the Scotch Game with a collection of in-depth articles from chess experts.

  • Scotch Gambit The Complete Guide - Learn a quick and aggressive way to play the Scotch Opening with the Scotch Gambit in this ChessTIER guide. Perfect for players who enjoy sharp tactics.

  • Scotch Game -  Chess Simplified GuideThis guide explores how to play White and Black in the Scotch Game chess opening, including aggressive strategies and effective counters.

  • The Scotch Opening and Attacking opening for White - Big article on iChess.net - This guide explores why the Scotch is a great opening for various chess styles, how to play it effectively, and variations like the Four Knights and Mieses. (Archived)

  • Chess Opening Basics The Scotch Game - on the Chessable Blog  (Decent Article) - This guide breaks down the core ideas behind the Scotch Game chess opening, making it easy for beginners to understand development and gain space in the center.

 

Scotch Lichess Studies

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

  • Scotch Gambit - 11 Chapter Study - Nice Look at the Different Lines.

  • Scotch Game - 7 Chapter - This quick Lichess study provides a concise overview of the main Scotch Game lines. (Good for beginners)
      
  • Scotch Game w/ Ideas and Outcomes:  - 40 Chapter Study (Interactive)  (Really Well Done) (1100 Hearts) - This comprehensive Lichess study delves into the key ideas and outcomes of various Scotch Game and Gambit lines, featuring interactive puzzles for practice. (Comprehensive guide for all levels)

  • The ultimate Scotch gambit guide - 19 Chapter Study - Lines, and model games


LiStudy   (Learn and Practice opening with Movetrainer)

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 of the Scotch Game. Find the Lichess study that best suits your needs and start mastering the Scotch Game today!

Scotch Game Chess Puzzles 

Sharpen Your Scotch Game Tactics! Test your skills with a collection of puzzles featuring typical tactical motifs and attacking chances that arise in Scotch Game positions.

(WTHarvey - 10,000 Chess Puzzles) 

Scotch Game (C45) - 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 (10 Puzzles)

LiChess Opening Puzzles

Italian Game: Scotch Gambit - 2221 Puzzles 
Scotch Game - 24,000 Puzzles (Can break down puzzles to 17 variations on main page)



Games Databases

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

365Chess.com

Scotch Game Guide - 43,000 Games
C45: Scotch game 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 - 29,515 games
C44: King's pawn game 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 - 324,000 Games

Chessgames.com

Kings pawn game c44 -  27 Annotated games
Scotch game c45  - 50 Annotated games




Annotated Games 
 Deep Fritz - Kramnik, Vladimir (2807) [C45] 



Scotch Game Video Lessons 

Learn from chess masters in video tutorials that explain the Scotch's key ideas and strategies.


Scotch Game Opening Theory - 6 Video Playlist
- Hanging Pawns

ST Louis Chess Club Videos 

The Scotch Game - Chess Openings Explained  - 45 MinJonathan Schrantz teaches the Scotch Game, an underestimated opening that releases tension in the center early. Besides two notable games, the Goering gambit and the Dubois-Reti defence are also covered.
Let's Do Scotch! | Chess and Psychology - IM Dorsa Derakhshani - 52 Min
Dorsa Derakhshani takes you inside her head as she relives her games in the Scotch Game or Scotch Opening.

Opening Problems | Scotch | French | King's Indian - GM Yasser Seirawan - 50 Min 
- Intermediate-level lecture at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis. Club member Ken West asks for help in the Scotch

Nick Risko
Series on the Scotch Game or Scotch Opening.

 
A Magical Chess Opening for ALL Levels - 16 Min (Potter Variation)  IM Rozman - 
The Scotch, in particular the Potter Variation. A very easy opening for beginners who are looking to get good at chess.

Chess Openings: How To Play The Scotch Gambit - Quickstarter Jedi Guide - 31 Min

Attack with the Scotch and Giuoco Piano! - GM Roman Dzindzichashvili - 35 Min

DOMINATE with Black against the Scotch Gambit! (EMPIRE CHESS) - 16 Min - 
GM Victor Mikhalevski demonstrates the perils awaiting any unprepared player with the black pieces against the Scotch Gambit along with several impressive examples of successful defense.


Scotch Gambit 

Scotch Gambit  - 11 Video Playlist - FM James Canty III

 

Goring Gambit 

Goring Gambit Series 10 Video Playlist - AS Chess School

Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Goring Gambit! - 21 Min - The Chess Giant - Solomon Rodell explores this aggressive gambit (1.e4 c6 2.Nf3 3.d4 exd4 4.c3!). Learn how to punish Black's unusual defense!

The NEW (and better!) Danish Gambit | Repertoire: Goring Gambit - 32 Min - FM William Graf - Surprise your opponent with a sneaky gambit! Graif explores this aggressive line (1.e4 Nf3 3.c3 4.d4!) for White in the Danish Gambit. Sacrifice for a tempo and dominate the center! (You Transpose to the Scotch)

Attacking Chess Gambit against 1.e5 (Goring Gambit) - 30 Min - I
n-depth tutorial on the Goring Gambit, an aggressive chess opening strategy against 1.e5.

Chess Opening for Black (Goring Gambit) - 20 Min - A
 comprehensive guide on how to counter the Goring Gambit in chess when playing as black.

Scotch Game | Göring Gambit - 21 Min - Hanging Pawns - The Göring Gambit is a very aggressive, highly provocative and slightly unsound continuation for white. He gives up a full pawn for development and an attempt for a deadly initiative.  
(New - 6/10/2024)

Scotch Game Traps



Chess Trap 27 (Counter-Trap Against Scotch Gambit) - 12 Min

Deadly Scotch Game Trap | Hyper-Aggressive Opening for White - 7 Min

Chess TRAPS in the Scotch Gambit opening! ♔ Paul Morphy ♕ QUEEN Sac! - 3 Min

Scotch gambit chess opening - strong attacking traps you should know - 15 Min
We take a look at Scotch gambit game and some amazing attacking options and "traps" white has prepared for player playing the black pieces by not allowing him to castle.

Best Chess Opening for White After 1.e4 | Scotch Gambit Traps - 16 Min - GM Igor Smirnov - Out of the 3 most common responses of Black, 2 moves are huge mistakes and lose the game for Black immediately.


Black Side of the Scotch

 GJ_Chess


How to play against the Scotch  -  24 Min - NM Robert Plunketts lab -
I go over all the main options and some of the trickiest options for black on how to play against the Scotch opening

Scotch Game - A Short, Simple Repertoire for Black - 21 Min - A brief, easy-to-remember repertoire for Black against the Scotch Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4).

Chess Opening For Black against E4 | Scotch Game - 6 Min - Coach Kestony 

My SECRET Anti-Scotch Opening System [No Theory] - 19 Min - GM Igor Smirnov - You will cut down on a lot of opening theory by learning a single variation that can be played against all these lines. The London Defense variation, which occurs after 4...Bb4+ in the Scotch Gambit, forces White to react to the check, thus limiting their choices. You will also learn the common opening mistakes to avoid, middlegame plans, typical attacking ideas, and some deadly traps


Scotch GAME VIDEOS (w/Analysis)

Scotch Opening  - 60 Video Playlist - Chess School
Scotch Game  - 12 Video Playlist  - agadmantor
Scotch Game  - 68 Video playlist - kingscrusher


This Guy Just Demolished a Super GM with SCOTCH GAMBIT - 12 Min
-
Awonder Liang just won an incredibly beautiful game with the Scotch Gambit against Levon Aronian

GM Naroditsky
Amazing Game Videos w/ Lots of Analysis and GM lessons.

Watercolor Chess image of a Bottle of Scotch and two chess pieces on a chess Board
"Fortune favors the bold." - Virgil (Poet)


Friday, December 5, 2008

Pawn Structure


Pawn Structure Chess Resources:
 A Comprehensive Guide

 Pawn structures are the foundation of chess strategy.

Understanding how to manipulate and exploit pawn formations is crucial for developing strong positional play.

This guide compiles a wealth of resources to help you master pawn structures in chess.


Wikipedia:
Provides a starting point with an overview of the 20 major pawn formations

1 Caro formation     
2 Slav formation
 3 Sicilian – Scheveningen
4 Sicilian – Dragon         
5 Boleslavsky hole
 6 MarĂłczy Bind     
7 Hedgehog 
8 Rauzer formation
 9 Boleslavsky Wall
 10 d5 chain          11 e5 chain
12 Modern Benoni formation
 13 Giuoco Piano – Isolani formation
14 Queen's Gambit – Isolani formation
 15 Hanging pawns
16 Carlsbad formation 17 Panov formation
 18 Stonewall formation
19 Botvinnik system   20 Closed Sicilian formation

Jeremy Silman Chess.com  Article Archive
  Pawn Structure Articles
(20 Articles Here)


Pawn Structure Books (Free)

Internet Archive


Additional Resources:


Pawn Structure Chess Articles

Understanding Pawn Structures:


  • Chess Pawn Moves and Structures - Chessable Blog Guide  (Real Nice)Unveiling the importance of pawn structure in chess strategy. This Chessable Blog guide explores pawn movement basics and how pawn formations influence your game.

  • The Complete Guide To Pawn Structures - Chess Simplified Guide
     (Pages and Pages on all the Different Types of pawn Structures)Demystify pawn structures, the backbone of chess strategy! This in-depth guide from Simplify Chess explores various pawn formations, equipping you with the knowledge to dominate the middlegame.

  • Pawn-structures: Why pawns are the soul of chess - Chessfox dives into the concept of pawn structures, explaining why they are considered the foundation of successful chess strategy. Learn how pawn formations influence piece mobility and overall game plans.

  •  Pawn Types - General Info at Wikibooks on The different pawn types Doubled, Hanging, Passed etc. (Beginners)

  • Introduction To Chess: Pawns - Don't underestimate the pawn! Mark Lowery unveils the power hidden within these unassuming chess pieces. Explore pawn moves, captures, promotion, and their strategic significance.


Playing with Specific Pawn Structures:


  • Carlsbad Pawn Structure - Unpack the strategic ideas behind the Carlsbad pawn structure, a common middlegame formation in chess. This Chess.com guide explores plans for both White and Black.

  • INTRODUCTION TO THE ISOLATED QUEEN’S PAWN POSITIONS - Friend or foe? Understand the complexities of the isolated queen's pawn, a common chess structure with both strengths and weaknesses. Learn how to handle it effectively on Pawnbreak.

  • Best Chess Formations to Win Games Consistently - Big Article on Chessable Blog - Beyond the pawns themselves - formations hold the key! Explore the fascinating world of chess formations in this Chessable blog post. Discover how pawn structures like the Carlsbad and the Slav influence your strategic thinking.
Bishop's Bounty Doubled Pawns Page
Articles,LiChess Studies,Video lessons

 Advanced Strategy:




Pawn Structure LiChess Studies

Deepen your understanding of pawn structures with these in-depth 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.



 Pawn Structure Video Lessons


General Understanding Pawn Structures

Easy Structure - 7 Video playlist  - GM Sune Berg  ( 2 hr ) e vs c Pawn Structure Series
Pawn Structure Chess.com - 30 Video Playlist -  Short Lessons on the Different Structures

IM Andrew Martin, Pawn Structure: How and Why it Matters - 2 Hr -  New

Chess Fundamentals #4: Pawn Play -  85 min John Bartholomew
How To Use Pawns In Chess -35 min GothamChess
Pawn Structures I - 45 Min 
Chess Openings: Introduction to Opening Pawn Structures - 27 Min - NM Dan Heisman
A Positional Discussion about Pawn Structures and Dynamism - 20 Min - IM Andreas Toth

Pawn Structure Principles - Full Guide With Timestamps - 38 Min NM Nelson Lopez

Pawn Structure Deep-Dive Video Lessons

1 -2 - Caro / Slav  Pawn Structure Lessons

Caro Pawn structure - Lasker v Capablanca - 15 Min
Planning in the French and Caro-Kann Structures | Road to 2000 - 55 Min
Caro Kann Pawn Structure Ideas - In 12 Minutes - 12 min
Understanding the structure from the Caro-Kann Defense and the Scandinavian Opening - 12 Min GM Hansen
Chess Pawn Structure : Pawn structures in depth - The Caro Formation - 9 Min - Kingscrusher

Chess.com Caro - Slav Pawn Structure Series -  Intro #1 , Video 2Video 3,  Video 4 , Video 5 , Video 6 ,Final Video

3 - Sicilian – Scheveningen

Chess Pawn structures in depth: The Scheveningen Structure - 6 Min
Pawn Structure 101 Scheveningen 6 e4 Central Pressure  - 34 Min IM Rensch
Pawn Structure 101 Scheveningen 8 Tactical Finale Chess - 29 Min IM Rensch
Pawn Structure 101 Scheveningen 7 White s Slow Play Chess - 32 Min IM Rensch
Pawn Structure 101 Scheveningen 8 Tactical Finale Chess - 29 Min IM Rensch


4 - Sicilian – Dragon 

Chess Pawn structures in depth: The Dragon Formation - 5 Min
#1 Guide To Sicilian Dragon Pawn Structures - 17 Min
Sicilian Dragon Variation Plans and Pawn Structure, Yugoslav Attack  - 17 Min
Sicilian Pawn Structures with IM Mat Kolosowski - 62 Min



6 - MarĂłczy Bind 

GM Neiksans Boot Camp #5 - Maroczy Bind - 3 hr
Pawn Structure #1: MarĂłczy Bind | Strategy Session with Jonathan Schrantz - 48 Min
Maroczy Bind Pawn Structure in Chess (Middlegames) - 18 Min
The Maroczy Bind from "Pawn Structure Chess" by Soltis [advanced chess lesson] - 68 Min
Maroczy Bind Secrets with GM Liem Le Quang FIDE 2720 - 57 Min
How To Play the Maroczy Bind | Dojo Lessons feat KirkD (1700) - 17 Min IM 
 Recognition of pawn structures- Maroczy bind-The Maroczy Hop - 20 min
 Recognition of pawn structures- Maroczy bind- Nc2 idea by white - 12 Min
 Recognition of pawn structures- Maroczy bind-c5-e5 break through - 11 Min
Destroy The Maroczy Bind with Black! - GM Dzindzichashvili - 30 Min
Live Stream: Dealing with the Maroczy Bind in the Dragon - GM Ron Henley - 48 Min
Top Ten Middlegame Ideas #6: Maroczy Bind - Introduction - 24 Min
Learn to Develop a Long-Term Chess Strategy With the Maroczy Bind - GM Damian Lemos - 25 Min
Chess Gym : Maroczy Bind - 36 Min 
Crushing the Sicilian đź’Ş with the Maroczy Bind - IM Valeri Lilov - 31 Min


7 - Hedgehog Pawn Structure

Hedgehog Pawn Structure In Chess (Middlegames) - 15 Min
Exploring the Hedgehog - GM Yasser Seirawan - 41 Min
Poke Holes in the Hedgehog! | Secret Life of Pawns - GM Mauricio Flores - 51 Min
Introduction to the Hedgehog - 2hr IM John Batholomew

Why the Knight Goes to d7 in the Hedgehog | Dojo Lessons - 15 Min IM Kavutskiy
The Hedgehog - GM Ben Finegold - 49 Min
GM Neiksans Boot Camp #38: The Hedgehog - 2 Hrs


9 - Boleslavsky Wall

Chess middlegame planning - Boleslavsky wall for black - d5 pawn breakthrough - 10 Min
Chess middlegame planning - Boleslavsky wall for black - 10 Min
Chess middlegame planning -Boleslavsky wall - Minority attack - 11 Min
Chess middlegame planning - Boleslavsky wall - Exploiting weaknesses - 11 Min
Chess middlegame planning - Boleslavsky wall - Kingside attack - 11 Min


10  -  d5 chain 

Chess Strategy: Chess Pawn structure series: The d5 vs. e5 pawn chains - 17 Min
Understanding Pawn Chains ♙♙ IM Valeri Lilov - 21 Min


11   e5 chain


13 -14 - Isolated Queen Pawn Formations

Bishops Bounty Isolated Queen Pawn Structure Page - Articles, Lichess Studies, Games Databases and Video lessons


15 Hanging Pawns

Introduction to Hanging Pawns | Pawn Structures | IM Alex Astaneh - 7 Min
Winning with Hanging Pawns | Pawn Structures | IM Alex Astaneh - 20 Min
How to play against Hanging Pawns | Pawn Structures  | IM Alex Astaneh - 29 Min
How to play with Hanging Pawns| Advanced | GM Alex Lenderman - 16 Min
How to play against Hanging Pawns | Part 1 | Advanced Level | GM Alex Lenderman - 18 Min
How to play against Hanging Pawns | Part 2  | Advanced Level | GM Alex Lenderman - 16 Min
Hanging Pawns | Chess Middlegames - 35 Min


16 - Carlsbad Pawn Structure Lessons

Carlsbad Pawn Structure and Minority Attack - 24 Video Playlist  - Assorted Video's From YouTube
Carlsbad Structure17 Video Playlist   - FULL PLAYLIST (Videos Below Are in it)
Advanced - 6.Unit: Carlsbad Structure - 6 Video Playlist - GM Alex Lenderman
GM Neiksans Boot Camp #32 - Carlsbad Structure - 2 hr
Master the Carlsbad Pawn Structure - The Full Course with GM Sune Berg Hansen 3 hr 

Bishops Bounty Carlsbad Page  -   Post of Articles, Games, Lichess Studies and Video Lessons  (Most of the best Video Lessons I left above)

17 - Panov Formation


18 - Stonewall Formation

Bishops Bounty Stonewall Pawn Structure Page - Articles Games, LiChess Studies and Video lessons


19 - Botvinnik system 

The Botvinnik Formation | Chess Quick Study | #1 - 6 Min



20 -Closed Sicilian formation