Grunfeld Defense (D80-D99) Opening Theory

The Grunfeld Defense:
 Dynamic Play from the Start!

Tired of dull chess openings?

The Grunfeld Defense injects excitement into your games!

Black strikes back immediately! Unlike some passive openings, the Grunfeld Defense allows Black to fight for the center from the get-go. This creates an open and dynamic battlefield, perfect for players who love tactical battles and strategic maneuvering.

This curated list equips you to:

• Master the Grunfeld's core ideas:
  Learn key variations and strategic concepts to navigate the Grunfeld's complexities.
• Sharpen your tactics:
  The Grunfeld is a tactical minefield, and this guide provides resources to hone your tactical skills.
• Dominate the chessboard:
  Unleash the Grunfeld's full potential and surprise your opponents with this aggressive opening!

Is the Grunfeld Defense right for you? If you're a player who enjoys sharp positions and tactical battles, then the Grunfeld Defense is a great opening to explore!

Grunfeld Wikipedia Page

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5.

Grunfeld Defense

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Books & Courses (Free)

Fantastic free resources available online to delve into the Grunfeld Defense!

FREE Chessable Courses

• Short & Sweet: Grünfeld Defense - 55 Trainable Lines w/ 3+hr Video - GM Peter Svidler
  
  
• Short & Sweet: Grünfeld Defense - 10 Trainable Lines w/ 48 Min Video - IM Alex Astaneh
  
  
• Short & Sweet: The Hybrid Grünfeld-Slav - 11 Trainable Lines w/ 39 Min Video - FM Christoph Kuberczyk
  
  
• Short & Sweet: The Harry Attack - 12 Trainable Lines w/59 min Video (Beat the Gruenfeld) GM Simon Williams

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Grunfeld Chess Articles

Opening Guides

Grunfeld Defense – The Definitive Guide To A Dynamic Chess Opening - ichess Opening Guide (Indepth w/ embedded Video) Step by step Instruction, Most Important Variations (Archived Article)

Grunfeld Defense – How to Play (as White & Black) - Chessable Blog Opening Guide (In-Depth) Idea & Strategies with most of the Variations Covered with a bit of History.

How To Play The Grunfeld Defense: For The Attacking Player - Hercules Chess
Grünfeld Defense - Opening Guide - IM Alberto Chueca - Nice Guide with Opening Variations, Example games, Talk about Pawn Structures  and a few Embedded Videos.

Variation Articles

Grunfeld Defense: Exchange Variation Classical Bc4 Analysis. - ichess Article (Archived) 
 
A Lazy Counter To The Grunfeld - Lichess Blog Article - GM Max Illingworth - See how to stop Black employing his usual Grunfeld plans with an annoying check

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Gruenfeld LiChess Studies

The Grunfeld Defense - 9 Chapter Study ( 600+ hearts)
Grünfeld Defense - 16 Chapter Study
Grunfeld Defense - 22 Chapter Study (Can go to Listudy and do this Course below)

Grunfeld, Three Knights Variation (Black) - 11 Chapter Study

LiStudy (Study and Practice Moves from lines here)

Grunfeld Defense - 16 Chapters to learn and Practice
Grunfeld - 21 Chapters to learn and practice
lichess grunfeld - 22 Chapters (Course from above)

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Grunfeld Games Databases

Chessgames.com

Neo-Grunfeld Defense (D70-D99) - 49 Annotated games

365chess.com

D80: Gruenfeld defence 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 - 43,000 Games
D81: Gruenfeld, Russian variation 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Qb3 - 499 Games
D82: Gruenfeld, 4.Bf4 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bf4 - 3945 Games
D83: Gruenfeld, Gruenfeld gambit 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bf4 Bg7 5. e3 O-O - 1597 Games

 ChessTempo.com

Gruenfeld Defense, General (D80) - 32,000 Games

Gruenfeld Defense, Russian Variation, Accelerated Variation (D81) - 400 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Brinckmann Attack (D82) - 2800 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Brinckmann Attack, Grünfeld Gambit (D83) - 2000 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Brinckmann Attack, Grünfeld Gambit Accepted (D84) - 300 Games

Gruenfeld Defense, Exchange Variation (D85) - 15,000 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Exchange Variation, Nadanian Attack (D85) - 200 games
Gruenfeld Defense, Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation (D85) - 6700 Games

Gruenfeld Defense, Exchange Variation, Classical Variation (D86) - 4600 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Exchange Variation, Spassky Variation (D87) - 1600 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Exchange Variation, Spassky Variation (D88) - 900 Games

Gruenfeld Defense, Three Knights Variation (D90) - 3500 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Three Knights Variation, Petrosian System (D91) - 6000 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Three Knights Variation, Hungarian Attack (D92) - 2100 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Three Knights Variation, Hungarian Variation (D93) - 2300 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Three Knights Variation, Paris Variation (D94) - 500 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Three Knights Variation, Vienna Variation (D95) - 470 games


Gruenfeld Defense, Botvinnik Variation (D95) - 300 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Russian Variation (D96) - 3600 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Russian Variation, Hungarian Variation (D97) - 1400 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Russian Variation, Szabo (Boleslavsky) (D97) - 480 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Russian Variation, Smyslov Variation (D98) - 500 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Russian Variation, Smyslov Variation (D99) - 180 Games

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Grunfeld Chess Puzzles

wtharvey.com

Grunfeld (ECO D80) - 7 puzzles
Grunfeld, 4.Bf4 (ECO D82) - 8 Puzzles
Grunfeld Gambit (ECO D83) - 8 Puzzles
Grunfeld (ECO D85) - 9 Puzzles

Lichess Tactics  (Grunfeld Tactics Puzzles A bit over halfway down page)

Grünfeld Defense: 2,692 Puzzles
Exchange Variation: 1,073 Puzzles
Three Knights Variation: 960 Puzzles
Stockholm Variation: 209 Puzzles
Brinckmann Attack: 100 Puzzles
Russian Variation: 77 Puzzles

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Grunfeld Chess Video Lessons

Grünfeld Defense Opening Theory - 7 Video playlist  - Hanging Pawns

Grunfeld Defense Theory Taught by Super GM Peter Svidler! - 20 Min

Master The Grunfeld with US Chess Champion Sam Shankland - 80/20 Tactics Multiplier - 42 Min

The Grünfeld Defence - Chess Openings Explained - 39 Min - St.Louis Chess Club

GRANDMASTER EXPLAINS: Grunfeld Chess Defence - 21 Min - GM Eric Hansen

The Complete Gruenfeld Defense with New Secrets and Novelities 1 - 2hr 6 Min - GM Roman Dzindzichashvili
The Complete Gruenfeld Defense with New Secrets and Novelities 2 - 51 Min - GM Roman Dzindzichashvili

Learn the basics of Grunfeld Defence - GM Markus Ragger (Elo: 2656) - 104 Min - Chessbase India
Basics of Grunfeld by GM Abhijeet Gupta | (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5) - 86 Min - Chessbase India

Grunfeld Defense Opening Traps

Bonus video - Opening trap in the fianchetto Grunfeld - 15 Min - Jims Chess Channel
Chess Opening Traps in The Grunfeld Defence - 5 Min

Grunfeld Defense Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Grunfeld - 107 Video Playlist- kingscrusher
Grunfeld Defense - 16 Video Playlist  - Jazarov's Chess Channel
Grunfeld Defense - 50 Video Playlist  - Chess School
Grunfeld Defense - 45 Video Playlist  - agadmantor

GM Naroditsky

Master Class | Grünfeld Defense | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 31 Min
Amazing Game!! 95% Accuracy! | Grunfeld Defense | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 70 Min
What's a Tabia? | Grunfeld Theory: Fianchetto System | GM Naroditsky’s Top Theory Speedrun - 45 Min
Master Class | Grünfeld Defence | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 33 Min

IM John Bartholomew

Standard Chess #242: xyjan vs. IM Bartholomew (Grunfeld Defense) -57 Min
Standard Chess #97: NC vs. IM Bartholomew (Grunfeld Defense) - 42 Min
Standard Chess #36: IM Bartholomew vs. hood (Grunfeld Defense) - 32 Min
Standard Chess #33: ratakela vs. IM Bartholomew (Grunfeld Defense) - 26 Min
Blitz Chess #122: IM Bartholomew vs. GM Artemiev (Grunfeld Defense) - 15 Min
Blitz Chess #4: IM Bartholomew vs. GM DonaldDraper (Grunfeld Defense) - 15 Min
Blitz Chess #187: GM Khachiyan vs. IM Bartholomew (Grunfeld Defense) - 16 min
Blitz Chess #365: IM Bartholomew vs. IM Igor Teplyi (Grunfeld Defense) - 21 Min

PLAYING THE GRUNFELD DEFENSE - 25 min - GM Eric Hansen
Nakamura vs. Karjakin | Gruenfeld Defense - GM Varuzhan Akobian - 2013.10.03 - 37 Min - St.Louis CC
Akobian vs. Hansen | 2010 Las Vegas | Gruenfeld - GM Varuzhan Akobian - 43 Min - St.Louis CC

Conquer the King's Gambit with the Falkbeer Countergambit (C31)

 Master this Aggressive Chess Opening - Expert Resources at Your Fingertips

New to chess openings?

The King's Gambit is a popular but risky strategy for White. The Falkbeer Countergambit (C31) is Black's aggressive response, aiming to exploit weaknesses and turn the tables!

This curated page equips you with everything you need to master the Falkbeer Countergambit, with links to articles, puzzles, videos, and game analysis – all from trusted sources.

Falkbeer Wikipedia Page

In this aggressive Countergambit, Black disdains the pawn offered as a sacrifice, instead opening the centre to exploit White's weakness on the kingside. 

The Falkbeer Countergambit is a chess opening that begins:

1. e4 e5   2. f4 d5 

 Bishop's Bounty King's Gambit Page

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Books (Free)

Internet Archive
Boris Aldermans Gambit Guide  - Part 1 - 30 Min , Part 2  - 34 Min  (Both Falkbeer Counter Gambit Videos Found here)

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Falkbeer Counter Gambit Articles

Delve into the exciting world of the Falkbeer Countergambit with these in-depth articles:

Falkbeer Counter Gambit: A Comprehensive Opening Guide  - This Chess Journal guide equips you with a strategic roadmap to mastering the Falkbeer Countergambit.

Ernst Karl Falkbeer and his countergambit  - ChessBase takes you on a historical journey exploring the origins of the gambit and analyzing exemplary games.

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Falkbeer LiChess Studies

Sharpen your tactical vision and master the Falkbeer Countergambit with interactive LiChess studies:

How to counter the King's Gambit  - 6 Chapter Study -This interactive study on Lichess guides you through key themes, tactics, and strategic ideas in the Falkbeer Countergambit.

Falkbeer Countergambit  - 6 Chapter Study

What are LiChess Studies?

LiChess Studies are a fantastic, free resource for chess players of all levels. They're interactive training tools that allow you to explore chess concepts, tactics, and opening lines move-by-move. You can test your understanding, analyze variations, and receive feedback as you progress through the study.

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Game Databases

Explore a vast collection of Falkbeer Countergambit games to enhance your strategic understanding:

Chess Tempo

King's Gambit, Falkbeer Countergambit, Accepted (C31)  - 918 Games - Chess Tempo offers a user-friendly interface to explore 918 Falkbeer Countergambit games. You can sort by rating, opening line, or other criteria to find games that match your learning goals.

Chessgames.com

King's Gambit Declined, Falkbeer Counter Gambit (C31) 1 e4 e5 2 f4 d5 - 939 Games - Can also filter for Annotated Games

365Chess.com

C31: King's Gambit Declined, Falkbeer counter-gambit 1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 - 2859 Games - Dive deep into a massive collection of 2859 Falkbeer Countergambit games on 365Chess.com. This database allows you to filter and explore a wide range of games to suit your needs.

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Puzzles (Tactics)

Test your tactical skills and sharpen your vision for exploiting weaknesses in the King's Gambit with these Falkbeer Countergambit puzzles:

wtHarvey.com

Falkbeer Counter Gambit (ECO C31) - 5 Puzzles - Get started with a focused set of 5 puzzles from wtHarvey.com to solidify core tactical concepts in the Falkbeer Countergambit.

LiChess Openings Puzzles

FalkBeer Countergambit - 1647 Puzzles - Deepen your understanding with a massive collection specifically targeting the Falkbeer Countergambit on Lichess Openings.

King's Gambit Declined - Falkbeer Countergambit Accepted - 325 Puzzles - Focus on the accepted line with this set of 325 puzzles from Lichess Openings, honing your ability to punish inaccuracies after White accepts the pawn sacrifice.

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Falkbeer Counter Gambit Videos

Falkbeer Countergambit | King’s Gambit Opening Theory - 20 Min - Hanging Pawns - This video dives into the exciting world of the Falkbeer Countergambit, a response to the King's Gambit that offers aggressive possibilities for Black. Learn how Black challenges White's center with a pawn sacrifice (d5) and disrupts their opening plans. The video explores the main lines arising from this move, including lines with Nf3, Nc6, and gambit continuations.

King’s Gambit Declined | Falkbeer Countergambit | Mainlines, Plans & Strategies | Chess Openings - 25 Min IM Ostrovsk - Delve deeper with video on the main lines, plans, and strategies employed in the Falkbeer Countergambit, equipping you for complex positions.

Refute the King's Gambit as Black | Falkbeer Countergambit: Tricky Opening - 20 Min - Remote Chess Academy - Learn how to exploit common mistakes in the King's Gambit and punish your opponent with the Falkbeer Countergambit.

Falkbeer Counter Gambit Chess Traps

Bizarre Opening Trap: Falkbeer Countergambit - 7 Min - IM Eric Rosen -Sharpen your tactical vision with IM Eric Rosen as he unveils surprising traps you can spring in the Falkbeer Countergambit.

Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Falkbeer Counter Gambit - Chess Opening - 16 Video Playlist - Immerse yourself in a series of 16 video analyses of Falkbeer Countergambit games by kingscrusher, learning from the play of masters.

Keres Plays King's Gambit, His Opponent Answers With Falkbeer Countergambit - 7 Min - Watch a historical game where chess legend Paul Keres faces the Falkbeer Countergambit.

Must See! King's Gambit Against Mikhail Tal Himself  - 7 Min - Witness a thrilling encounter where White plays the King's Gambit against the legendary Mikhail Tal, who responds with the Falkbeer Countergambit.
Learn more about Mikhail Tal: Great Chess Players of the Past - Tal

Crushing the Kings Gambit with Falkbeer Counter Gambit | 14 moves | Punishing Opening Blunders - 6 Min - Enjoy a quick and exciting video demonstrating how to punish inaccuracies in the King's Gambit with the Falkbeer Countergambit.

 

"He who fears a pawn down in the King's Gambit should not play chess." - Adolf Anderssen

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

Demystifying the Marshall Gambit:
A Comprehensive Guide

Marshall Attack Wikipedia Page

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

The Marshall Gambit in the Ruy López Opening

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

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

Bishop's Bounty Ruy Lopez (Spanish) Main Page

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Marshall Gambit Articles 

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

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

 

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Marshall Gambit LiChess Studies

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

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

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Games Databases

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

 

365Chess.com

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

Chessgames.com

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

Chess Tempo

• Spanish game marshall Attack (C89)  -  1699 Games

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Marshall Gambit Video Lessons

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

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

Tactics and Traps

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

Marshall Gambit Game Videos (Analyzed)

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

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

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

 

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

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack (1.b3) Explained: Hypermodern Chess Weapon

 

Unlock the Power of 1.b3
Guide to the Nimzo-Larsen Attack

 Surprise your opponents and dominate the center with the dynamic Nimzo-Larsen Attack (1.b3).

This hypermodern opening fianchettoes the light-squared bishop, aiming for long-term pressure on the kingside. 

This comprehensive guide offers free resources, video lessons, and everything you need to master this hypermodern chess weapon!

Nimzo - Larsen Wikipedia Page 
1. b3

Nimzovich-Larsen attack, modern variation           
 1. b3 e5         27%        < 2000 >     33%
Nimzovich-Larsen attack, Indian variation 
            1. b3 Nf6        10%       < 2000 >    16%
Nimzovich-Larsen attack, classical variation   
        1. b3 d5         31 %       < 2000 >      25%
Nimzovich-Larsen attack, English variation   
        1. b3 c5             5%       < 2000 >       5%
Nimzovich-Larsen attack, Dutch variation   
           1. b3 f5             1%       < 2000 >       1%
Nimzovich-Larsen attack, Polish variation   
           1. b3 b5            > 1%    <  2000 >     >1%
Nimzovich-Larsen attack, symmetrical variation 
     1. b3 b6           3%        < 2000 >      2.5%

(Percentages Above are a rough Estimate of How often each variation is Played by people under 2000 and over 2000 off LiChess Database  (( 25 Million+  1.b3 Games)  This is Rough , not including Transpositions etc and all the other crazy Moves)

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BOOKS (Free)

• Short & Sweet: 1. b3  -  FREE Chessable Course -  26 Trainable Lines w/59 min Video  - GM Adhiban Baskaran  

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Nimzo-Larsen Attack Chess Articles

Delve into the theory, history, and key variations of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack.

• Chess Opening Basics: The Nimzo-Larsen Attack  - Opening Guide Chessable Blog - Basic Overview of the Opening w/ History and Famous games.
  
  
• Larsen’s Opening: 1.b3 Guide for White & Black  -  Chessable Opening Guide - Overview w/ Look at Main variations
  
  
• Larsen’s Opening by Bill Wall  -  Old Text page By Bill Wall w/ PDFs of a Bunch of Annotated Games
  
  
• Nimzo-Larsen 1.b3 surprise opening system reloaded!  - LiChess Blog Article - 16 Min Embedded Vide w/ 2 Magnus Carlsen Games
  
  
• How amateur chess players respond to 1.b3 (Larsen’s Attack) -  Nice Article Breaking Down Variations into How Often you see Lines Played in Chessbase
  

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Nimzo-Larsen Attack 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.

• The Nimzo-Larsen Attack - 7 Chapter Study   (300 hearts) - Basic Intro Showing the Variations
  
  
• The Nimzo-Larsen Attack  - 19 Chapter Interactive Study  (100 hearts) Interactive showing Different Lines and Blunders by Black.
  
  
• The Nimzo-Larsen Attack move by move - 60 Chapter Study  (All Games)
  
  
• Nimzo-Larsen as black  - 3 Chapter Study  - Pretty basic study w/ 3 options to play (Not very Detailed)
  
  
• Beat the Nimzo-Larsen Attack with the Lc0 Gambit  - 6 Chapter Study  (50 hearts) - Study built on a Gambit Line learned from A hikaru game.

LISTUDY 
(Learn Openings Here and Practice them with Movetrainer or Play them against Computer)

Nimzo-Larsen Attack  -  5 Studys here To learn and Practice Opening

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Game Databases

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

Chessgames.com 

• Nimzovich-Larsen Attack (A01) 1 b3  - 4933 Games

365Chess.com

• A01: Nimzovich-Larsen attack 1. b3  - 15,446 Games  (Broken Down into 7 Variations)

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Larsen's Opening Video Lessons

Beat Black with Larsen’s Opening 1.b3: A Positional Powerhouse ⚔ - GM Damian Lemos (Chess Openings) - 41 Min -  it’s solid and flexible… but we're here to tell you that 1.b3 (aka Larsen’s Opening) can also be a stone-cold killer.

Larsen's Opening: 1.b3 | Chess Openings Explained - 57 min - St.Louis Chess Club - See three of the most classic games of Larsen's Opening.

The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack: Lecture with GM Ben Finegold - 57 Min  - GM Ben Finegold - lectures on the opening move 1.b3, a quite playable way for White to begin a game. Covers 4 famous games.

Learn the Larsen Opening (1.b3)  - 18 Min   - Chess Geek - cover both the d5 classical system and the e5 modern system! Plus we look at a game example of the Larsen's Opening

Nimzo Larsen Attack (Modern Variation) in Hindi - Strategies and Ideas - 18 Min - Hindi Chess Videos

GM Igor Smirnov

• 1.b3 Chess Opening for White (More POWERFUL Than You Think!) - 18 Min - You will learn the common ideas for White if Black plays 1...e5 or 1...d5, which are the most common replies. GM Igor Smirnov tests your knowledge at the end with the famous game where the Indian grandmaster Adhiban Baskaran beat David Navara in just 9 moves in this opening.
  
  
• 1.b3 Part - 1 by GM Igor Smirnov  - 33 Min - this part contains the explanation for Black's reply 1...e5 for 1.b3.
  
  
• 1.b3 Part - 2 by GM Igor Smirnov  - 20 Min - In this second part of the video 1.b3 I will showing you the variation or the reply 1...d5 for the white's first move which often leads to the Queens Indian opening.
  
  

Playing Against 1. b3

• GM Eugene Perelshteyn teaches you how to face 1.b3 Larsen's Opening - 15 Min - GM Eugene Perelshteyn - We like our recommendation 1…e5 because it both takes the center, and takes away White’s positional idea of f2-f4 with a grip on e5. Get comfortable with this opening for Black, and White cannot hope to get an advantage!
  
  
• An Easy and Effective System Against 1. b3!  - 10 Min  GM Jesse Kraai  (Chess Dojo) - Explores an easy and effective system against 1.b3 that can solve all of your problems!
  
  
• WIN IN 3 MOVES | Beat the Nimzo-Larsen Attack (1. b3) - 20 Min - Jonathan Schrantz - Can you really beat the Nimzo-Larsen Attack (1. b3) in just 3 moves? Turns out you can... and in just three moves! Learn how to win chess games with this tricky and trappy chess opening.

1.b3 Traps

• Insane traps for 1.b3! Win their Queen or Checkmate! - 8 Min
  
• Top 3 Favourite 1.b3 Opening Traps | GM Moulthun Ly  - 6 Min
  
• Dirty Chess Tricks 35 (Knock out the Nimzo-Larsen - 1) - 17 Min

Nimzo-Larsen Attack Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Playlists

• Nimzo-Larsen Attack - 6 Video Playlist  - Chess School  (Famous Games)
  
• The Nimzovich-Larsen attack  - 38 Video Playlist - kingscrusher (Famous games w/ lessons)

Aman plays 1.b3 every game | TITLED TUESDAY - 1.5 hr - GM Aman Hambelton  -(New - 6/7/2024) 

Master Class | Nimzowitsch–Larsen Attack | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 21 Min

Master Class | 1.B3!! Nimzo-Larsen | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky  - 33 MIN

Bobby Plays 1.b3 | Fischer vs Filip | Palma de Mallorca Interzonal (1970)  - 11 Min

Boris Spassky's 17-move crush of Bent Larsen's 1.b3  - 8 Min

EVERYONE loses to this opening  -  10 Min - GM Aman Hambelton  (Speed run )

This Is Nimzo–Larsen Attack Or Fischer's Shiny Zwischenzug - 6 Min

Praggnanandhaa Plays Larsen's Opening Against An Experienced Opponent - 7 Min

When the beast goes 1.b3! | Adhiban vs Praggnanandhaa - 12 Min

FM James Canty III

Fighting The Nimzo Larsen - 1. b3 - Game Analysis  - 13 Min   
Crushing 1. b3 - The Larsen System - Game Analysis  - 8 Min
Tate Memorial Round 4 - Nimzo Larsen System  -  24 Min
Tate Memorial Round - 6 - Nimzo Larsen - 20 Min

IM John Bartholomew

Standard Chess #29: robwilby vs. IM Bartholomew (Nimzo-Larsen Attack) - 25 Min
Standard Chess #223: IM Bartholomew vs. seeuingoa (Nimzo-Larsen Attack) - 30 Min
Blitz Chess #244: Hultin vs. IM Bartholomew (Nimzo-Larsen Attack) - 20 Min
Blitz Chess #455: IM Bartholomew vs. GM Melikset Khachiyan (Nimzo-Larsen Attack) - 21 Min
Blitz Chess #143: IM Joorge vs. IM Bartholomew (Nimzo-Larsen Attack) - 17 Min
Blitz Chess #60: GM Mareco vs. IM Bartholomew (Nimzo-Larsen Opening) - 12 Min
Blitz Chess #455: IM Bartholomew vs. GM Melikset Khachiyan (Nimzo-Larsen Attack) - 21 Min

"The beauty of a move lies not in its appearance
but in the thought behind it." - Aron Nimzowitsch

Color Complex Chess: Conquer Your Opponent's Weak Squares

 

"The control of squares is the soul of chess." - Siegbert Tarrasch

Color Complex Chess Resources:
 A Comprehensive Guide

This post dives into the world of color complexes in chess, providing a curated list of resources to help you master this strategic concept.

Color complexes refer to weaknesses on squares of the same color, often exploited by maneuvering your pieces and exploiting your opponent's limitations.

By understanding and exploiting color complexes, you can gain a significant advantage over your opponent and elevate your chess game.

Bishop's Bounty Weak Square Page

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Books (Free)

Free Lesson: Light & Dark Magic - Color Complexes in Chess - 6 Lines w/13 Min Video - (FREE Chessable Course by GM Axel Smith): Get a taste of this concept with a free chapter from a renowned chess instructor.

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Chess Color Complex Articles

Master the Art of Exploiting Weak Squares:

• Color Complex in Chess - Chessbase India Article w/ 2 Nice annotated games - Learn the basics with clear explanations and practical examples.
  
  
• Taking Advantage of the Weak Square Complex - Ichess Article w/ Annotated Alexander Alekhine game. (Archived Article)
  
  
• Weak squares - (Large Exeter CC Article with Many Annotated Games):Dive deep into the concept of weak squares with a comprehensive collection of annotated games for practical application.
  
  
• Yaacov Norowitz Lecture on Color Complexes - Kenilworth CC Lecture - Master Yaacov Norowitz explores "color complexes" (square strategy) in blitz chess. Learn how controlling light & dark squares guides strategy and action in fast games. Bonus: 2 annotated games!

Bonus:

• COLOR COMPLEXES AND THE BANGIEV METHOD - (Article Explaining in Layman's Terms IM Bangeiv's Square Strategy Method): Explore a strategic method that utilizes color complex ideas.

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Game Databases

Analyze Real-World Color Complex Exploits

Chessgames.com: Your Chess Laboratory

Chessgames.com provides a valuable resource for analyzing real-world chess games. Here, we explore collections featuring games that showcase the practical application of color complexes and weak squares:

• Weak color complex -  3 Games  - Delve into 3 well-chosen games that demonstrate the exploitation of weak color squares in action.
  
  
• Weak Squares -  15 games - This extensive collection offers a broader perspective, allowing you to analyze various scenarios where weak squares play a decisive role.

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Color Complex LiChess Studies

Sharpen Your Skills with Interactive Learning

Master Light & Dark Squares:

• Light and Dark Squares | Master color complex - 21 Chapter Interactive Study - In-Depth  (2000 Hearts):This in-depth study provides a comprehensive exploration of color complexes with 9 detailed interactive exercises to test your understanding.
  
  
• Unlock Color Complexes: Light & Dark Squares Explained - 21 Chapter Study -( Detailed Positions and Explanations) This study offers a wealth of knowledge with detailed positions, explanations, and accompanying lessons for each chapter.
  
  
• Weak Squares and Color Complexes - 2 Chapter Study - This introductory study provides a clear explanation of color complexes along with a game demonstrating practical application.

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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Color Complex Video Lessons

Color Complexes: Strong Pieces and Weak Squares! - 14 Min -  some tips and tricks he recently learned about how to evaluate positions based on strong or weak color complexes.

Color Complexes Simplified - 40 Min - delves into the strategic imbalance of color complexes, how to understand them and how to apply them in your games.

Lesson 9 - Weak Colour Complex - Higher-Level Chess Course - 21 Min - delves into the concept of a weak color complex and its strategic importance in chess. 

Attacking a Color Complex - GM Sam Shankland - 43 Min  ST. Louis Chess Club - presents a game between Alexander Grischuk and Boris Gelfand from 2010 Linares in which he analyzes attacking a color complex.

Chess Strategy - Weak Color Complex in the Endgame - 9 Min

MKS Chess

Lessons highlighting International Master Alexander Bangievs square strategy theory

• Chess lesson : square strategy theory - 15 Min
  
• Chess lesson : square strategy theory - basic principles - 25 Min
  
• Chess lesson : square strategy theory, basics_2 - 7 Min
  
• Chess lesson : square strategy theory, basics_3 - 10 Min
  
• Chess Lesson : Square strategy theory - the control zone - 13 Min
  
• Chess lesson : Square Strategy Theory - complete game - 20 Min

IM Yaccov Norowitz

Discusses his unique approach to chess strategy, focusing on the concept of harmony between light and dark squares on the chessboard.

• Chess Harmony EXPLAINED - 12 Min - Colors and Harmony ideas discussed
  
• IM Yaacov Norowitz Harmony in Chess Part 1 - 19 Min
  
• IM Yaacov Norowitz Teaches Harmony in Chess Part 2 - 15 Min

How Fighting for Color Complexes and Squares Leads to Winning Positions - 18 Min - FM Peter Giannatos Charlotte CC - Video below - talks about how color complexes and certain squares in a position can lead to a dominant game, which ultimately finish off in a tactical blow.

Game Videos

Magnus Carlsen shows us a simple light-square strategy | 44th Chess Olympiad - 20 Min

Chess Improvement Game: Bishops and Color Complexes - 14 Min - a chess improvement guide focusing on the use of bishops and color complexes. The presenter shares a personal game to demonstrate strategic concepts learned from chess literature, particularly the exploitation of weak squares and the management of bishops.