Showing posts with label LiChess. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LiChess. Show all posts

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Want to Play Serious Chess Online with a Fun Team Twist? Try the Lichess 4545 League!

 

In this striking illustration, an intense chess battle unfolds, where red and white pieces face off on the chessboard amidst dynamic abstract shapes and symbols representing the strategic complexity and rivalry of the Lichess 45/45 League. The contrasting colors and bold lines capture the fierce competition and mental prowess required to excel in this prestigious chess event.

Are you a chess player who enjoys longer games but struggles to find consistent competition online?

Do you miss the camaraderie of playing on a team but find high-pressure tournaments intimidating?

Well, the Lichess 4545 League might be your perfect match!

Classical Chess with a Social Side

The Lichess 4545 League is a unique online chess competition for players of all skill levels. It combines the focus and intensity of classical chess (games with longer time controls) with the fun and support of a team environment. Here's what makes it special:

  • Compete Weekly: Play a serious chess game (45 minutes each + additional time per move) against a similarly rated opponent every week over eight rounds.

  • Team Up for Fun: Join a team of 6-8 players and cheer each other on throughout the league.

  • Fair Play Guaranteed: The league uses a Swiss-style format and rating system to ensure you face opponents with similar skills, minimizing upsets and maximizing learning.

  • Low Risk of Cheating: The league leverages Lichess's robust anti-cheating system, so you can focus on enjoying the game.

  • Completely Free: No entry fees or hidden costs! Just your love for chess.

More Than Just Chess

The Lichess 4545 League isn't just about winning or losing. It's about:

  • Building friendships: Connect with fellow chess enthusiasts from around the world through team chat and friendly competition.

  • Sharpening your skills: Analyze your games, discuss strategies with teammates, and watch other league matches to improve your chess.

  • Enjoying the challenge: Take your chess to the next level with a time control that allows for deep strategic thinking and calculated moves.

Ready to Join the Fun?

The Lichess 4545 League welcomes players of all backgrounds. Here's how to get started:

  1. Head over to https://www.lichess4545.com/team4545/ to learn more about the league and upcoming seasons.
  2. Keep an eye on the website or social media for announcements about registration.
  3. Sign up as an individual (or with friends!) and get ready to be drafted onto a team.
  4. Join your team's Slack channel and connect with your teammates.
  5. Sharpen your skills, get ready to have fun, and experience the thrill of competitive team chess!

The Lichess 4545 League offers a unique opportunity to combine the strategic depth of classical chess with the camaraderie of team competition. So, what are you waiting for? Check out the league website today and see if it's the perfect match for your chess passion!

Sunday, May 8, 2022

Unlocking Victory: The Art of Domination in Chess

 

 The Power of Piece Domination


Domination: It's not just about capturing! In chess endgames, domination gives you a powerful edge by limiting your opponent's piece movement. Imagine a knight surrounded by squares, yet unable to escape your control. That's domination in action!




Domination Articles: Mastering Control in the Endgame

Learn how to recognize domination patterns, restrict your opponent's piece movement, and ultimately secure victories you might have thought impossible.

Domination. A chess concept you should learn - chesscoachdiego - Explore the fundamentals of domination and its impact on endgame strategy.

Some classical dominations by Siegfried Hornecker - Chessbase.com - Put your domination skills to the test with 12 interactive studies by a renowned endgame composer, complete with annotations.

DOMINATION IN CHESS 
Gain valuable insights from five annotated domination examples, solidifying your understanding of this crucial endgame concept.



Domination LiChess Studies

Put your domination skills to the test with these interactive studies from Lichess. Solve puzzles and witness domination in action!

Domination in 2,545 Endgame Studies: - 10 Chapters -  Explore a range of domination concepts through 10 interactive endgame studies.

Domination (39 Endgame Studies) - 39 Chapters (Interactive)

kasparyan domination in 2545 endgames - 64 Chapters (Interactive) - Dive deep into the mastery of Genrikh Kasparyan with a whopping 64 interactive studies on domination in endgames.


Domination Videos: Learn from the Masters

Sharpen your domination skills with expert insights!  Witness domination strategies in action and gain valuable tips to incorporate into your own play.

Domination Chess Studies | Insane in the Endgame - WGM Sabina Foisor - 60 Min -Woman Grandmaster Sabina Foisor presents a exploration of domination through engaging chess puzzles.

Dominate in the Endgame! - A study by Genrikh Kasparyan - Endgame Composition 4# - 7 Min -Dive into a 7-minute endgame study by Genrikh Kasparyan and see if you can find the domination strategy that leads to victory for White.

Powerful Domination in Endgame Study by Korolkov -1948 (White to move and win) - 10 Min -Uncover the brilliance of endgame composer Vladimir Korolkov in this 10-minute video featuring a domination study with in-depth analysis..

Knight vs Bishop Endgames | Domination in Chess Endgames | Chess Studies by Reti, Troitsky and Sneft - 10 Min - Explore the nuances of knight vs bishop endgames and the concept of domination in a 10-minute lesson by renowned chess figures Reti, Troitsky, and Sneft. 


Bishops Bounty Endgame Study Page - Updated with new Videos, Lichess Studies, Articles and Endgame Study Database.


A watercolor painting depicting a black knight chess piece towering dominantly over a fallen white bishop. The black knight has an imposing, spiked form standing amidst jagged spikes bursting from the chess board, conveying a sense of danger and subjugation. The white bishop lies shattered nearby, dwarfed by the knight's powerful presence, suggesting defeat or surrender. The loose brushwork and bleeding colors create an intense, atmospheric scene focused on the conflict between the two chess pieces.



Sunday, May 1, 2022

Benko Gambit (A57 - A59) Opening Theory

 

Your Complete Benko Gambit Resource

This comprehensive archive unlocks the secrets of the Benko Gambit, equipping you with the knowledge to unleash its full potential on the chessboard.


 Wikipedia Page

The Benko Gambit (or Volga Gambit) is a chess opening characterized by the move 3...b5 in the Benoni Defense arising after:

1. d4 Nf6  2. c4 c5  3. d5 b5
However, it is a bit unusual as gambits go. Black, not White, gives up a pawn for long-term positional compensation.

ECO Code

A57 Sub-variants:

  • Benko gambit         
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5
  • Benko gambit half accepted  
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6
  • Benko gambit, Zaitsev system 
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. Nc3
  • Benko gambit, Nescafe Frappe attack 
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. Nc3 axb5 6. e4 b4 7. Nb5 d6 8. Bc4
  • Benko gambit accepted   
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6
  • Benko gambit, Nd2 variation 
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. Nf3 g6 8. Nd2
  • Benko gambit, fianchetto variation 
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. Nf3 g6 8. g3

A58 Sub-variants:

  • Benko gambit accepted
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6
  • Benko gambit, Nd2 variation
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. Nf3 g6 8. Nd2
  • Benko gambit, fianchetto variation
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. Nf3 g6 8. g3

A59 Sub-variants:

  • Benko gambit, 7.e4
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. e4
  • Benko gambit, Ne2 variation
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. e4 Bxf1 8. Kxf1 g6 9. Nge2
  • Benko gambit
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. e4 Bxf1 8. Kxf1 g6 9. g3
  • Benko gambit, main line1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. e4 Bxf1 8. Kxf1 g6 9. g3 Bg7 10. Kg2 O-O 11. Nf3

 Bishop's Bounty Benoni Defense Page


BOOKS & Courses (Free)


Short & Sweet: Benko Gambit 
FREE Chessable Course - 25 Trainable Lines w/ 2.5 hr Video by GM Swapnil Dhopade

Short & Sweet: Perrine's Benko Gambit -FREE Chessable Course - 10 Trainable Lines w/ 34 Min Video by FM Perrine

Internet Archive

The Benko Gambit 1999 - 163 Page PDF - Byron Jacobs & Andrew Kinsman
Benko Gambit Accepted ( 1988) - 114 Page PDF - Eduard Gufeld
The Benko Gambit ( 2005) - 125 Page PDF - Jan Pinski
The Benko Gambit Revealed ( 2004) - 113 Page PDF - Neil McDonald
The Modernized Benko Gambit ( 2018) - 240 Page PDF - Milos Perunovic
Play The Benko Gambit ( 2011) - 212 page PDF - Nicolai V. Pedersen
The Dynamic Benko Gambit ( 2012) - 322 page PDF - Sergey Kasparov
The Benko Gambit Move By Move ( 2014) - 189 Page PDF - Junior tay
Benko Counter Gambit (1978) - 128 Page PDF - David Levy
Winning With The Benko ( 1995) - 145 Page PDF - Byron Jacobs
Dangerous Weapons The Benoni And Benko ( 2008) - John Emms, Chris Ward
The Benko Revisited, Volume 1 ( 2022) - 774 Page PDF - Alexey Kovalchuk
The Benko Revisited, Volume 2 ( 2022) - 659 Page PDF - Alexy Kovalchuk
Mastering The Modern Benoni And The Benko ( 1990) - 168 Page PDF - Robert Bellin




Benko Gambit ARTICLES




Lichess Studies:Master the Benko Gambit

Lichess Studies are a fantastic way to explore chess concepts and variations in an interactive format. Unlock its secrets with these curated Lichess studies:

  • Benko Gambit - 10 Chapter Study - Perfect for beginners, this study focuses on the core main lines of the Benko Gambit.
     
  • ⚓️ The Benko Gambit Study ⚓️ - 20 Chapter Study  Delve deeper into Benko Gambit strategy with this comprehensive study analyzing pawn structures and showcasing illustrative games.

  • Benko Gambit: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 - 27 Chapter Study - For dedicated Benko players, this in-depth study offers a deep dive into all the major variations and nuances of the gambit.(In depth )

  •  LiStudy Benko Gambit Page
    (Link to Listudy Page To Practice Lines with LiChess 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.


Game Databases

365 Chess.com Database


Chessgames.com

 


Benko Gambit Video Lessons


Benko Gambit - 3 Video Playlist - FM James Canty   (48 Min)


The Benko Gambit: Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 54 Min   a lecture on the Benko Gambit, discussing its history, key ideas, and why it’s less popular at the top levels today. Finegold delves into the specifics of accepting the gambit, sharing insights from his own experiences and notable games, including Karpov vs. Gelfand and Nakamura vs. Bologan. 

A Detailed Guide to the Benko Gambit - 61 Min Hanging Pawns

The Benko Gambit - Chess Openings with GM Damian Lemos - 31 Min Presents a comprehensive guide explaining the key ideas, strategies, and variations of the gambit, emphasizing the importance of initiative and queenside play for black. The video covers the main lines and sub-lines, demonstrating how black can gain active play despite being a pawn down. Lemos also discusses common mistakes by white and how black can capitalize on them. He highlights the value of piece activity over material and provides insights into endgame advantages for black in the Benko Gambit.

The Benko Gambit: A positional sacrifice out of the opening! - IM Andrew Martin - 23 Min

When declining a gambit can be powerful! - IM Andrew Martin  -22 Min

Day 10: Improve your openings with IM Sagar Shah | Benko Gambit | Ft. GM Swapnil Dhopade
 - 73 MinThey provide insights on improving openings, share historical context, and discuss various strategies and positions related to the Benko Gambit

How to Play the Benko Gambit 💪 Chess Openings for Black with IM Valeri Lilov - 28 Min

Benko Gambit: Main Concepts
 - 23 Min

THE BEST Opening For Black Against 1.d4 | Benko Gambit | Chess Opening Explained
 - 14 Min - Coach Kestony will teach you the best opening for black against 1.d4 where you will be play to win

St Louis Chess Club Lessons


Nescafe Frappe attack  

  

Plans Against the Benko

  

Benko Gambit Game Videos w/ Analysis

Benko Gambit - 58 Video Playlist - Kingscrusher

Magnus Carlsen Plays Benko Gambit Against Grandmaster Arthur Kogan - 7 Min
Magnus Carlsen Plays Benko Gambit vs Alireza Firouzja - 2 Min
Classic Chess Game: Magnus Carlsen Benko Gambit crush! - 16 Min
Standard Chess #164: IM Bartholomew vs. Pschaak (Benko Gambit) - 41 Min
Blitz Chess #202: IM Bartholomew vs. IM Pichot (Benko Gambit) - 13 Min

Taking Down the Benko Gambit!! | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 36 Min

Magnus Carlsen Plays Benko Gambit Against Grandmaster Arthur Kogan - 6 Min
Dealing with the Benko Gambit · Training Game - 46 min - Hanging Pawns
Shakhriyar Crushing the Benko Gambit - 9 Min

IM Bartholomews Youtube Page (Benko Gambit search) -  Around 
20 Standard and Blitz Games 

Abstract Picture of Colorful Chess pieces with a geometric Sunburst behind them.


Thursday, March 24, 2022

Tactics Section Update 2022

 


Went Through the Entire Tactics Section 

Cleared out all of the Dead Links

Added Quite a few New Videos, Removing a lot of the Old Dated Content.
Added A Bunch of Newer Articles From Across the Internet.
Added Links to OTB Games for most of the Tactics.


NEW  Added a Books Section to each Tactic (any free PDF downloads on that tactic)
           (Many are papers 4-25 pages long or worksheets for that tactic)

NEW Added  LiChess Studies Links to the Tactics Page.


Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Pin to Win: The Ultimate Guide to Chess Pin Tactics"

A Queen wrapped in a chess board with flying pieces all around her with a clock on the wall.


Chess Pins:
 Learn, Practice, and Master the Pin

The pin is a powerful chess tactic that restricts your opponent's options and unlocks winning opportunities.

 When an attacking piece puts pressure on a defending piece, pinning it to a more valuable piece behind it, the defender faces a dilemma: move and expose the valuable piece, or stay put and remain limited. Pins can win material, deliver checkmate, or simply disrupt your opponent's plans.

Let's delve into the world of pins and explore the resources that will turn you into a pin-pointing pro!

Pin (chess)
 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

  

BOOKS (Free)


Pin Chess Articles


LiChess Pin Studies

LiChess offers a wealth of interactive studies designed to sharpen your pin tactic skills. Here's a curated selection to elevate your chess game:

Interactive 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.




Pin Puzzles

Test your pin-solving skills with a variety of puzzles designed to challenge your ability to identify and exploit pin tactics. 

WTHarvey


Expert Chess Strategies 


LiChess Puzzle Themes

  • LiChess Pin Puzzles - 220,000+ Puzzles - Explore a vast library of  puzzles on Lichess to hone your pin-solving skills.


PIN Video Lessons


Secrets of Chess Tactics | Chess Pins | Stunningly beautiful secrets revealed  - 17 Min - kingscrushe
r goes over the Pin chess tactic with numerous pinning examples

2 MOST Important Chess Tactics You Should Know | Tactics Training - 15 Min GM Smirnov - Pins and Forks 
- He starts from simple positions and gradually increases the complexity, going for more advanced level chess tactics.

The 4 most important Pins in Chess | Chess Tactics | IM Alex Astaneh - 24 Min
Based on practical examples, you will get a basic understanding of the absolute pin, the relative pin, the situational pin and the partial pin.
The Power of the Pin - Beginner to Chess Master #14 - 37 Min -
Discussed is what makes a pin so powerful in a chess game.


How To Deal With Pins On Your Knights - 19 Min NM Lopez  - Practical advice on what to do when your knight gets pinned by a bishop.

ST Louis Chess Club




Tactic the Pin - 11 Min Video 

The Power of the Pin - 9 Min Video 
Chess Puzzle Nasty Pin - 2 min Video
The 5 Most Amazing Pins in Chess - 10 Min GM Simon Williams 

Friday, November 21, 2008

Grand Prix Attack (McDonnell Attack) B21 B23 - Chess Opening Theory


Grand Prix Attack (McDonnell Attack) Resources:
 A Powerful Weapon Against the Sicilian
 

The Grand Prix Attack (1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4) is an aggressive opening that aims to create a strong pawn center and launch a kingside attack against Black. It's a great choice for players who enjoy dynamic and tactical positions.

Benefits of the Grand Prix Attack:

  • Central Pawn Advance: The f4 pawn push establishes a strong central presence and opens lines for White's pieces.
  • King Safety: Early development helps White castle kingside quickly, promoting safety and attacking potential.
  • Initiative and Pressure: The aggressive nature puts Black on the defensive from the outset.
  • Unusual and Unorthodox: This less common opening can catch opponents off guard.
  • Dynamic and Tactical Play: The open lines often lead to exciting tactical opportunities.


BOOKS (Free)

Short & Sweet: Grand Prix Attack  - FREE CHESSABLE COURSE - 20 Trainable Variations w/54 Min Video  (GM Simon Williams & IM Richard Palliser)



Gran Prix Attack Articles

This section equips you with a treasure trove of Gran Prix articles to master this aggressive opening and unlock your attacking potential.

Grand Prix Attack: Guide to Beat the Sicilian - Solid Article on Learning Attack - Uncover the core attacking plans in the GPA. This guide explores kingside pawn thrusts, optimal piece placement, and how to exploit Black's weaknesses for a decisive victory.


Playing the Grand Prix Attack Against the Sicilian - Chessable Blog Guide (Detailed) -  Delve into the rich history and strong statistical performance of the GPA. This in-depth Chessable blog post equips you with variations favored by chess masters.

Sicilian Defense: The Grand Prix Attack - Opening Guide - IM Alberto Chueca - Explore the strategic nuances of the GPA with IM Chueca. Learn key variations, gain historical context, and discover how to surprise your opponent with this aggressive opening

Grand Prix Attack - An Attacking Chess Opening - MyChessTutorStuck facing the Sicilian Defense? The Grand Prix Attack offers an aggressive escape! This guide explores its rich history, strong statistics, and variations favored by Caruana and Carlsen, making it perfect for surprising your opponent in faster time controls.

Grand Prix Attack articles from Inside Chess online.
This comprehensive guide by IM Zoran Ilic (archived) explores the opening in depth, analyzing variations, historical context, and strategic ideas to help you master this aggressive weapon against the Sicilian Defense.
Part One
Part Two

Tal Gambit - Wikipedia Page (2...d5 is the Tal Gambit)
( Nowadays, modern Grand Prix Attack players play 2.Nc3 before playing 3.f4.)While not strictly a "Grand Prix Attack" itself, the Tal Gambit (2...d5) is a closely related aggressive response by Black. Understanding this gambit will further enhance your knowledge of the opening complex and provide insights for both White and Black.


Gran Prix LiChess Studies: Sharpen Your Skills

Lichess offers a wealth of interactive studies to hone your Grand Prix Attack repertoire. Here's your personalized training ground:


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.



LISTUDY   
( Practice it with a Movetrainer)

Gran Prix   -  Gran Prix Attack against 1...c4  -  7 Variations to Learn and Practice
Defending Grand Prix  - 1 variation



GAME DATABASES

Sicilian Closed / Grand Prix Attack - 88 Games Chess games.com
B21 Macdonnel Attack [White] - 42 Games




Gran Prix Attack Chess Video Lessons

Here's a curated selection of video lessons to elevate your Grand Prix Attack against the Sicilian Defense:

How to WIN with the Grand Prix Attack! 34 Min IM Rozman (Gotham)

Grand Prix Attack ⎸Sicilian Defense Theory - 22 Min

Chess Openings - Sicilian Defense: Gran Prix Attack - 18 Min Opening Lesson

Hikaru Reveals His ENTIRE Grand Prix Preparation - 12 Min GM Nakamura

Gran Prix: System with Bb5 - 29 Min Video (Instructive Dark Sq grip game)

The Killer Gran Prix Attack - 13 Min Video (GM Gawain Jones examines opening)

Chess Openings: How to Punish Sicilian Najdorf Players with Grand Prix Attack!! - 40 Min IM  Miodrag Perunovic. - Learn how to gain the upper hand against the Sicilian Najdorf by using the Grand Prix Attack. Understand the ideas behind black's second move d6 in the Najdorf, Dragon and Scheveningen variations, and White's strategies to punish it. Discover the attacking potential and specific lines White can employ with the Grand Prix Attack to seize the initiative against the Najdorf. Study grandmaster games to see how top players have crushed the Najdorf with this opening weapon.


Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Grand Prix Attack! - 24 Min - Chess Giant -This video explores key themes and strategies to understand the Grand Prix Attack, not just memorize lines. Perfect for beginners and intermediate players! Plus, a secret opening trap revealed! 
Grand Prix Attack Secrets - 40 Min - IM Paulo Bersamina - Learn the key ideas and strategies behind the Grand Prix Attack against the Sicilian Defense. Understand the advantages of the Closed Sicilian and Grand Prix Attack lines, as well as the important pawn advances like f4 and e5 to control the center and build an strong pawn structure.

Crush the Sicilian with the Grand Prix Attack - 2.5Hr  GM King - Chessbase India - GM Daniel King provides a comprehensive tutorial on using the Grand Prix Attack as a formidable weapon against the Sicilian Defense for 1.e4 players. Learn the theory, plans and practical tips from a renowned chess trainer to effectively crush the Sicilian with the Grand Prix Attack lines.

The Grand Prix Attack with Eugene Perelshteyn! - 1 Hr - U.S. Chess School -Eugene Perelshteyn explains key concepts, tactics, and variations through a practice game and interactive Q&A, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the Grand Prix Attack.

Battling the Grand Prix with Black

Explore strategies for Black to counter the Grand Prix Attack.


Gran Prix Attack Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Gran Prix Attack - Anand vs Gefland 1996   - 36 Min Video
Magnus Carlsen Plays Model Grand Prix Attack in a Bullet Game - 4 Min
Carlsen vs Ding || MC Invitational (2020) - 7 Min
Grand Prix Attack vs Sicilian Defence : Anthony Saidy vs Bobby Fischer : New York (1968) - 22 Min


60's Style Poster with gran prix car and Chess Theme