Friday, February 20, 2009

Unlock the Bishop Pair Advantage: Essential Chess Strategy




Demystifying the Bishop Pair:
The Power of the Dynamic Duo! 


  • Dominate the Open Game: The bishop pair thrives in open positions, controlling both light and dark squares.
  • Long-Range Powerhouses: ♝♝ maneuver freely across any color, creating threats and opportunities.
  • Unleash Dynamic Attacks: Their versatility allows for both sharp tactics and powerful positional pressure.
  • Master for All Levels: Whether a beginner or seasoned player, this guide empowers you to harness the bishop pair's potential.
  • Demystify and Conquer: Learn winning strategies and transform your understanding of this dynamic duo!


  • Bishop Pair Articles


    The Bishop Pair Games - 17 Games on Chessgames.com - Games in Valeri Beim's "Lessons in Chess Strategy", chapter 7 on the bishop pair.


    How to use the Bishop pair (11 Key Concepts) - Article on ChessMood -
    Are you too quick to exchange your bishop pair, or struggling to unleash their full power? GM Gabuzyan shows 11 techniques to use to your advantage!

    What to do with the Bishop Pair - Chessbase ArticleJan Markos shows what you should do to convert the advantage of having the pair of bishops into a winning position.

    The Bishop Pair: 5 Things to Know - ChessWorld - WGM Raluca Sgircea, IM Renier Castellanos
    Playing Against The Bishop Pair: 6 Rules to Remember - ChessWorld

    The Art of the Two Bishops - GM Bryan Smith - The concept of the two-bishop advantage is explored, emphasizing how bishops can be more powerful when both are present on the board, complementing each other’s movements.


    Bishop Pair LiChess Studies

    Sharpen your bishop pair skills with these interactive Lichess studies! Perfect for all skill levels, these studies offer a variety of learning experiences:

    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.


    Bishop Pair Chess Video Lessons


    Power of the Bishop Pair | Chess Middlegames - 19 min - Hanging Pawns

    Winning with the Bishop Pair | Powerful Chess Strategy - 16 min - IM Asaf Givonutilizes practical games by himself and Tigran Petrosian to showcase the two-bishops advantage.

    The Bishop Pair Advantage | Powerful Chess Strategy - 19 Min -  IM Maximiliano Perez - elves into classic game examples demonstrating the bishop pair's power.

    The Advantage of the Bishop Pair - 25 Min  IM Astaneh

    Power of the Bishop Pair - Restricting the Opponents Mobility - 22 Min IM Astaneh - explores the bishop pair's edge, with a focus on restricting your opponent's mobility.

    The Bishop Pair, with GM Ben Finegold - 45 Min -
     Emphasizing their ability to control both color complexes and work harmoniously. He illustrates this through various game examples

    The Advantage of Two Bishops | Bishop Pair Strategy EXPLAINED - 7 Min - Coach kestony
    This is one of the best strategy lessons I have learned to win more games and play comfortably. (New 5/29/24)

    The Power of the Two Bishops - 11 Min - kingscrusher - Correspondence game analysis.

    The Pair of Bishops | Chess lesson # 111 - 27 Min NM Robert Ramirez - This comprehensive lesson by NM Robert Ramirez explores the core concepts of bishop pair play, making it ideal for players of all levels seeking to solidify their understanding.

    GM Sam Shankland


    Make Your Bishop Pair Stronger with a Simple Strategy - 6 Min GM Gabuzyan -
    Unlock a quick and effective strategy to boost your bishop pair's effectiveness.

    The Bishop Pair Advantage | Grandmaster's Choice - 60 Min GM Joel Benjamin -GM Benjamin presents a historical journey of the bishop pair advantage, showcasing games from Steinitz to Kasparov.

    GM Moun Le

    This series features three short videos by GM Moulthun Le, exploring various aspects of mastering the bishop pair.

    How to Master Your Bishop Pair #1 | Kramnik Does it Blindfolded - 7 Min
    How to Master Your Bishop Pair #2 | Utilising Tactics | Wang Hao vs Caruana - 6 Min
    How to Use Your Bishop Pair's Full Potential #3 | GM Moulthun Ly - 7 Min


    Painting of a Bishop pair on a Chess Board


    Sunday, February 15, 2009

    Caro-Kann Defence (B10-B19) - Chess Opening Theory


    Master the Caro-Kann Defense
     Complete Chess Guide to Black's Solid Choice
     (1.e4 c6)


    The Caro-Kann Defense (1.e4 c6) is a cornerstone opening for Black players, offering a solid pawn structure and a wealth of strategic possibilities.

     Whether you're a beginner seeking a reliable opening repertoire or an advanced player looking to refine your Caro-Kann knowledge, this guide is your one-stop resource. We'll delve into key variations like the Advance, Panov-Botvinnik Attack, and Exchange, equipping you with articles, video lessons, puzzles, and annotated games to master this dynamic opening.

     Let's unlock the secrets of the Caro-Kann Defense and take your Black game to the next level!


    Caro-Kann Wikipedia page 



    Books & Courses Free

    Whether you're a beginner seeking a basic understanding or an intermediate player looking to refine your repertoire, this section offers valuable materials to get you started.

    Internet Archive - Free PDF Downloads

    Chessable Courses FREE

    • Short & Sweet: Caro-Kann  9 Variations w/ 77 Min Video  by IM Sielecki -This bite-sized course by IM Sielecki uses his "Keep It Simple" philosophy to introduce you to core Caro-Kann concepts in a concise format.

    • The Caro-Kann Starter Kit -   24 Variations by TheoryHack - Designed for beginners and intermediate players, TheoryHack's Caro-Kann Starter Kit equips you with the foundational variations you need to know.

    • Short & Sweet: The Caro-Kann -  25 Variations  w/78 Min Video - GM L'Ami unveils the key variations and ideas in this course, accompanied by video lectures to solidify your understanding.

    • The Caro-Kann for Club Players - (87 Variations, 34 puzzles with a Dedicated Middle-game Chapter) by George L Smyth is a comprehensive, free course designed to elevate your Caro-Kann to club-level mastery. This course stands out for its laser focus on practical play. Analyzing the most frequently encountered Caro-Kann variations at intermediate ratings on Lichess, Smyth ensures you're well-prepared for real-world competition.


    Bonus Tip:
    Utilize spaced repetition training with a platform like Chessable to retain the knowledge you gain from these free resources!



    Caro-Kann Articles

    Articles: Delve into the theory, history, and key variations of the Halasz Gambit.




    Chess Cafe Articles


    Silmans Opening Archive


    Annotated Games

    Leko, P. (2745) - Karpov, An (2679) [B10] - Breyer Variation
    Markov, Y. - Fominyh, A. [B10] - Breyer variation
    Morozevich, A. - Bologan, V. [B12] - Tartakower variation
    Anand, V. (2774) - Bologan, V. (2650) [B17] - Steinitz Variation
    Anand, V. (2774) - Bologan, V. (2650) [B17]
    Gluzman, M. (2400) - Bareev, E. (2719) [B18] - Classical Variation
    Landa, K. (2571) - Shaposhnikov, E. (2550) [B19] - Classical Variation



    Caro-Kann LiChess Studies

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


    • Caro-Kann Defense  -  43 Chapter Study  (993 Hearts) Detailed Look at 43 Different Variations

    • Caro-Kann (Solid - Advance Guide) - 71 Chapter Study  (Lots of Stuff here) - Lessons on Classical to Advance , Games and Studys as well.

    • Study the Caro-Kann  - 30 Chapter Interactive Study  (2000 + Hearts) - Detailed Descriptions of Many variations and Specific Attacks, w/ Interactive Puzzles.

    • Caro-Kann Defense  - 8 Chapter Interactive Study  (30,000 Hearts) - Interactive Walk Through of all the Main variations.

    • Caro-Kann Study -- Part 1  - 63 Chapter Study  ( Each lesson is Followed By a handful of Model games for that Variation.)( Advance and Panov Botvinnik Attack)
    • Caro-Kann Study -- Part 2  - 34 Chapter (Lessons and Games)(Exchange and Caro Main Line)


    Listudy Page  (Practice and Learn Many of the Studys with LiChess Movetrainer Here)

    New to LiChess Studies? These interactive tools allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move. You can test your understanding, solidify your learning, and deepen your knowledge of the Caro-Kann.



    Game Databases

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

    Chessgames.com

    Caro-Kann (B10-B19)  - 75 Annotated Games


    365Chess.com

    Caro-Kann (B10-B19)  -  Page with a Link to each ECO code Variation. 



    Caro-Kann Chess Video Lessons

    Learn from chess masters in video tutorials that explain the Caro-Kann key ideas and strategies.


    Caro-Kann Playlists

    • Caro-Kann Defense 16 Video Playlist (Over 2.5 Hrs ) - GM Sune Berg Hansen (Really Nice Lessons)
    • Caro-Kann Defense  - 9 Video Playlist  (over 2 Hrs) - IM Astaneh (Really Great Lessons Here as well)
       Lessons For Black and White on Variations.
    • Caro-Kann Masterclass - 9 Video playlist - ChessGeek - By viewing these videos, you will completely learn the Caro Kann, and be able to play the caro kann defense at a very high level.
    • Caro Kann Caleb Denby - 6 Video Playlist (6 Hrs) - NM Caleb Denby - St. louis CC

    • Caro-Kann Opening Theory - 13 Video playlist - Hanging pawns - Lessons For Black and White on Variations.
    • Caro-Kann  - 48 Video Playlist   - Hanging Pawns - Games

    • Caro Kann Defence  -8 Video Playlist  - Im Alex Banzea (Mostly all Short Lesson Videos)
    • Caro-Kann Saga  - 30 Video Playlist - Im Alex Banzea  (Lots Analysed games)


    General Lessons

    Caro-Kann Defense (introduction, main variations & ideas) - 26 Min

    Caro Kann Repertoire Overview - 15 min  Palm Beach Chess  (A+ for Explaining Things)

    Fantasy Variation - Introduction by GM Vassily Ivanchuk - 28 Min

    How to CRUSH with the Caro-Kann! - 34 Min Gotham Chess

    Prep the Caro-Kann like Dubov! | Prepare Like A Pro - GM Josh Friedel - 65 Min
    Complete Guide Through Caro Kann for Black! Step by Step!! - 65 min IM Perunovic


    A complete overview of the Caro Kann Defense - GM Swapnil Dhopade - 2 hr -Chessbase India - GM Swapnil Dhopade, a world-renowned Caro Kann expert, shares his top Black responses to White's main opening lines.

    Cram the Caro-Kann Defence, Part 1 | Chess Openings Explained - 57 Min NM Prolieko
    Cram the Caro-Kann Defence, Part 2 | Chess Openings Explained - 50 Min NM Prolieko

    Playing Against the Caro-Kann

    Main Line (Classical) Variation Videos


    Advance Variation Videos


    White Side Advance


    Exchange Variation Videos


    Panov-Botvinnik Videos


    Fantasy Variation Videos


    Two Knights Variation


    Caro-Kann Chess Game Videos w/Analysis


    Playlists


    Carlsen + Caro Kann vs Nakamura | Saint Louis Rapid 2020 - 9 Min -Chessbase India
    Spasky vs Larsen 1978 - 8 min  (Caro-Kann disaster for Larsen)
    Tal vs Botvinnik - 10 min 
    Hikaru Kann - 35 Min GM Nakamura
    Nunn vs. Seirawan, 1983 | Caro-Kann - 56 Min GM Yasser Seirawan
    Aggressive Caro-Kann 😲 GM Caruana vs GM L'ami - 25 Min  - ichess
    Timman - Karpov 1994 FIDE World Championship Caro Kann - 12 Min Palm Beach Chess


    GM Naroditsky  (Really Nice Videos of Game Play with a Ton of Analysis and Lessons)

    Master Class | Caro-Kann: Exchange | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 44 Min
    Master Class | Caro–Kann | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 32 Min
    Master Class | Caro-Kann | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 41 Min
    Master Class | Caro-Kann Defense | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 30 Min
    Master Class | Caro–Kann x2!! | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 35 Min
    Master Class | Caro-Kann, Tartakower | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 23 Min
    Power of Qb6 In Caro Kann!! | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 20 Min
    Fantasy Master Class! | Caro-Kann | GM Naroditsky’s Top Theory Speedrun - 57 Min
    Handling the IQP | Caro-Kann-Exchange | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 78 Min
    Master Class | Panov Attack (Caro–Kann) | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 23 Min
    Fantasy Variation Crash Course! | Caro-Kann | GM Naroditsky’s Top Theory Speedrun - 59 min
    Master Vs Master!! CM Joins the Analysis! | Caro Kann-Fantasy | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 63 Min
    When to Sac for Mate | Caro; Fantasy Variation | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 11 Min

    Caro-Kann Defense PGN Downloads
    (Games From PGNMentor.com)
    Caro-Kann, 2.c4 - 6241 games
    Caro-Kann, Two Knights - 4152 games
    Caro-Kann, Exchange - 4680 games
    Caro-Kann Panov-Botvinnik Attack - 10847 games
    Caro-Kann, Advance - 13108 games
    Caro-Kann, 4...Knightf6 - 4993 games
    Caro-Kann, 4...Knightd7 - 7536 games
    Caro-Kann, Classical - 11208 games


    AI Created Pen and ink Beckman Style Chess Image of a woman playing Chess



    Tuesday, February 10, 2009

    Learn & Practice Skewer Tactics: Sharpen Your Chess Game

     
       

    Master the Skewer: Essential Chess Tactics Guide & Resources


    Sharpen your chess vision! The skewer is a powerful tactical weapon that can win you material and turn the tide of the game. Learn how to identify, execute, and defend against skewers with this comprehensive resource guide.

    A skewer is an attack upon two pieces in a line and is similar to a pin.
     In fact, a skewer is sometimes described as a "reverse pin".

     In a skewer, a valuable piece is attacked and forced to move to avoid being captured, leaving a less valuable piece behind it free for capture.
     
    Like pins, skewers can only be created by the long-range pieces (queen, rook and bishop).
     
      Wikipedia Skewer Page
     General info and a few examples

     

    BOOKS (Free)

    English Chess Federation - The Skewer - 6 page PDF - This concise 6-page guide provides a clear explanation of skewers with illustrative diagrams.



    Skewer Articles 

    Level Up Your Chess Tactics: In-Depth Articles on Skewers

    Skewer - Chessfox Unravel the Secrets of the Skewer! Deepen Your Chess Tactics: Dive into a comprehensive guide on the skewer tactic by Chessfox.

    The Skewer in Chess a Deadly Tactic Unleash the Power of Skewers! In-Depth Guide - Another Nice Article

    The Skewer Tactic explained by a Grandmaster! This in-depth guide by GM GABUZYAN_CHESSMOOD provides a comprehensive understanding of skewer tactics.

    Tactics: The Skewer! - 
    ChessKid: Skewers  - This interactive article from ChessKid uses puzzles and explanations to introduce the skewer concept to young learners.

    Skewer 
    Beginner-Friendly Guide to Skewers: Learn the fundamentals of the powerful skewer tactic with clear explanations and diagrams from Chess.com. 


    LiChess Studies

    Sharpen Your Skills: Practice Skewer Puzzles on Lichess

    Skewer Puzzles - 15 Puzzles (LiChess Practice Area)

    LiChess Puzzle Themes



    Games Databases

    Real-World Examples: Analyze Skewers in OTB Games

    chessgames.com



    Skewer Chess Videos

    Win More Games with Skewers! Learn powerful chess tactics with these video guides on the skewer tactic. 


    This Thanksgiving, Try a Skewer! | Beginner Breakdown - 60 Min - St.Louis CC - 
    Alex Moellering teaches a beginner chess class on skewers

    Chess Tactics: 5 Skewers You Must Know! 
    - 8 Min - A fast-paced introduction to 5 essential skewer patterns. Great for beginners and intermediate players. Master the Skewer Chess Tactic in 11 Minutes - 11 min - Chess Nerd - A comprehensive guide to mastering the skewer. Learn how to identify and exploit skewer opportunities to gain the upper hand. (New 5/29/24)

    Why The Skewer Chess Tactic Is More Important Than You Thought - 13 Min - NM Nelson Lopez -
    a comprehensive guide on the skewer chess tactic, explaining its importance and demonstrating various examples ranging from basic to master level.  (New 5/29/24)

    The absolute and relative Skewer | Chess Tactics | IM Alex Astaneh - 19 Min Video -Dive deep into the concept of absolute vs. relative skewers with International Master Alex Astaneh.

    How the Skewer can decide your Rook Endgame | Beginner Level | GM Alex Ipatov - 9 Min - Unlock the secrets of using skewers in rook endgames with Grandmaster Alex Ipatov. Perfect for beginners! 

    Introduction to basic tactical themes- Pins and Skewers - 6 min Video - Learn the fundamentals of pins and skewers, two powerful tactical weapons in chess. 

    Rook Endgame Skewer - 2 min Video  - A quick and effective lesson on utilizing the skewer in rook endgames.

    Chess tactics | Pins vs Skewers | Learn how to play Chess the right way - 10 Min - Sharpen Your Chess Vision: Pins vs Skewers with NM Robert Ramirez

     Ready to unleash the power of the skewer? Dive into the resources listed above and start practicing! With dedication and study, you'll be skewering your opponents in no time.
     
     
    A dreamlike depiction of a chess tactic - the skewer. A distorted white chess piece delivers a double attack on a melting chessboard, forcing the black king to move and leaving another piece vulnerable.

    Friday, February 6, 2009

    Ruy Lopez (Berlin Defence)(C65-67) - Opening Theory


    Ruy Lopez (Spanish) Berlin Defense

    1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6

    Wikipedia page 
     The Berlin Defence, 3...Nf6, has long had a reputation for solidity and drawishness and is commonly referred to as "the Berlin Wall"



    BOOKS (Free)

    The Modenized Ruy Lopez  Vol 1 A Complete Repertoire for White - 18 Page (Chap. 2 Birds)  PDF
    500 Ruy Lopez Miniatures By Bill Wall  - 122 Page PDF
    Easy Guide to Ruy Lopez by John Emms  - 74 Page PDF

    Free Chessable Course

    Short & Sweet: Berlin Defense MoveTrainer™ Opening course by GM Sam Shankland - 20 Trainable Variations with 32 Min of Video


    Ruy Lopez (Berlin Defense) Articles

    Berlin Defense: Complete Guide - Solid article by FM Zaur Tekeyev
    The Mortimer Trap - It's only natural that it should be rediscovered, given the recent popularity of the Berlin Defense to the Spanish / Ruy Lopez 


    Berlin Defense LiChess Studies

    Games Databases

    Chessgames.com 
    Berlin Defence Games - 1100+ Games at you can go through online.
    365Chess.com
    C65: Ruy Lopez, Berlin defence - Link Page to all the Sub- Varients and 18,000 games at 
      Annotated Games
    Svidler vs Topalov 2006 - A nicely Annotated game from the ChessVault.com
    Nisipeanu vs Topalov 2006 - Annotated by Mihail Marin 
     Hou Yifan vs Nigel Short - Washington post article on the 13 yr old girl beating Short. 



     Ruy Lopez Berlin Defense Chess Video Lessons


    Play Against the Berlin

    Berlin Defense Chess Traps

    Indian Prodigy REFUTES the Berlin Defense??! | Ruy Lopez opening TRAP - 11 Min
    Dirty Chess Tricks 63 (Trick the Berlin/Spanish/Ruy Lopez) - 15 Min
    Spanish Game: Berlin Defense chess trap 18 - 8 Min
    Chess Traps #5: Ruy Lopez Berlin Defence Trap (Fishing Pole) - 8 Min
    Mortimer Trap | Berlin Defense in the Ruy Lopez | Opening Tricks and Traps to Win Fast - 7 Min
    Dirty Chess Tricks 63 (Trick the Berlin/Spanish/Ruy Lopez) -15 Min


    Berlin Defense Game Videos /w Analysis

    Berlin Defence : GM Judit Polgar vs GM Sergey Karjakin - Spanish Game - 20 Min
    Judit Polgar defeats Garry Kasparov in the Spanish Game - Berlin defence - 17 Min
    I turned the Berlin into the MOST AGGRESSIVE GAMBIT EVER and CRUSHED Stockfish with it - 13 Min
    GM Fabiano Caruana Vs GM Pavel Eljanov - Russian Team Championship 2011 - Berlin Defense Ruy Lopez - 12 Min
    Berlin Defence : GM Judit Polgar vs GM Sergey Karjakin - Spanish Game (Berlin Defense) - 20 Min


    Pop art image of Berlin Brandenburg gate and Chess pieces