Monday, July 6, 2009

Chess Pattern Recognition - Tactics

"Pattern Recognition" (Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism). Distorted chessboard, giant queen with patterns/symbols, colorful vortex background (chess possibilities).
"Chess is a sea of possibilities." - Savielly Tartakower 


See Winning Moves  
 Master Chess Pattern Recognition

This guide is your one-stop shop for mastering chess pattern recognition! From classic checkmates to strategic traps, learn to identify winning opportunities and become a chess pattern recognition pro.

Bishop's Bounty Checkmate Pattern Page
(Links to Pages and Pages of Mating Pattern resources)




BOOKS & Courses (Free)


FREE Chessable Course

Basic Checkmate Patterns -  34 Mates w/ 74 min Free Video - MoveTrainer™ Tactics course by CraftyRaf & IM John Bartholomew - 

๐Ÿ•’ Lesson 1: Anastasia's mate, Greco's mate, Arabian mate, Hook mate,Vukoviฤ‡'s mate, and Smothered mate
๐Ÿ•’ Lesson 2: Suffocation mate, Corner mate, Morphy's mate, Pillsbury's mate, Lolli's mate and Opera/Mayet's mate
๐Ÿ•’ Lesson 3: Damiano’s mate, Max Lange’s mate, Damiano’s Bishop mate, Dovetail / Cozio’s mate, Swallow’s tail / Gueridon mate, and David & Goliath / pawn mate
๐Ÿ•’ Lesson 4: Boden's mate, Balestra mate, Double knights and double bishops mate, Blackburne's mate, and the blind swine mate.
๐Ÿ•’ Lesson 5: Epaulette mate, Back rank mate, Lawnmower mate, Triangle mate, Killbox mate, Fool's mate, Scholar's mate and Legal's mate. 

(This is a pretty simple course you Can do in about 10-15 Mins. Use the MoveTrainer to Practice all of these problems a couple times a day until they become second nature)

(Really Cant beat this if you want to learn a bunch of these patterns. Can use there Movetrainer to practice all of these patterns)


Articles on Chess Patterns

GM Gregory Serper 
 (This is a nice set of Articles of patterns you see in games)


Mating Patterns 1 - Mate with Bishop & Rook 
Kenilworth Chess Club - 15 Famous games where a Bishop and Rook Mate pattern used.

The Complete Checkmate Patterns List (with examples) - GM Avetik 
(37 Checkmating Patterns w/ explanation and Example)


LiChess Studies 
(Some Really Nice Studies Here to Learn Each Pattern)


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.


Chess Videos on Pattern Recognition 

 (Mating patterns, Tactical Patterns, Strategic Patterns and Endgame Patterns) 

@1:23 Mate pattern #1 - Anastasia mate @6:30 Mate pattern #2 - Boden's mate @10.28 Mate pattern #3 - Blackburne's mate (called Stefansson mate in the video) @13:32 Tactical pattern #1 - Undefended bishop on b7 in hedgehog type positions @20:53 Strategic pattern #1 - Gligoric's pawn sacrifice @33:33 Technical pattern #1 - Self pushing rook + two pawns @36:06 Technical pattern #2 - Queen ending, pushing and defending against checks

@1:25 Mate pattern #4 - Anand's mate: Qf3 + h-file battery @8:45 Mate pattern #5 - Bacrot's mate: Qf7 + check on h-file @14:04 Mate pattern #6 - Stellwagen mate: Ba7-g1 diagonal, pawn g4, Qh3 mates Kg2 @19:18 Mate pattern #7 - Arabic mate (Kramnik mate in video) Rg8 or h7 with Nf6 mates Kh8 Endgame pattern #1 - Philidor positon plus thoughts on f- and g- pawns in R+p vs R

Exercises from previous videos @3:46 Strategical pattern #2 - Anand's King @20:20 Tactical pattern #2 - Loman's move @27:43 Tactical pattern #3 - Knight on the rim

Tests from earlier PR videos @6:48 Tacitcal pattern #4 - Petrosian's move @17:52 Tactical pattern #5 - Protecting b2 @23:28 Mate pattern #8 - The Karpov choke

1. Exercises from previous PR's 2. @11:33 Shutting down Spassky 3. @25:36 Engels' Superpawn


               LIchess Study games  - Game Examples from this Video




                    Game With This Pattern - 14 Min
                    Another Video of This Pattern - 16 Min



Monday, June 29, 2009

The Colle System D05 - Opening Theory

 

The Ultimate Colle System Resource Hub
 Master a Beginner-Friendly Opening for White



 This curated resource hub provides everything you need to master this

  • Learn core concepts through articles and video lessons.

  • Explore key variations with annotated games.

  • Develop your pieces quickly, control the center, and launch powerful attacks - perfect for building your chess skills!

  • Wikipedia Page 
    A good tool for avoiding book variations, for blitz play , or for forcing opponents to think for themselves early on. These days it is considered totally innocuous, and is rarely seen at Master level or above.

    Colle system
    D05 Sub-variants:

    Queen's pawn game
    1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6

    Queen's pawn game, Zukertort variation
    1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nbd2 c5 5. b3

    Queen's pawn game
    1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3

    Queen's pawn game, Rubinstein (Colle-Zukertort) variation
    1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3 c5 5. b3

    Colle system
    1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3 c5 5. c3 




    BOOKS (Free)


    Colle, London And Blackmar Diemer Systems ( 1979) -  58 Page PDF
    - TD Harding

    First Adventures w/ The Colle System  - Exeter Chess Club - 28 Page PDF -
     Learn key attacking ideas, combinations, and endgame strategies to outmaneuver your opponents with this comprehensive guide by David Regis.

    Colle Zukertort - Modules from the Book "Moment of Zuke"



    Colle Chess Articles : Simple Yet Powerful

    Learn the Colle System's deceptive simplicity and hidden attacking potential with these curated articles for all skill levels. 

    • Quick-Start Guide to the Colle Zukertort, a Chess Opening System for Players of Any Strength - article on Chess.com (Opening Guide) : This guide provides a 15-minute crash course on the Colle Zukertort variation, a mainline Colle System approach. Learn the core moves and how to integrate it into your overall opening repertoire. 

    • Colle System: A Simple, Strong Opening Choice - Chessable Blog Opening Guide: This article emphasizes understanding positional concepts and middlegame strategies over memorizing complex opening lines. It highlights the Colle System's ability to lead to aggressive attacks and queenside expansion, making it suitable for players of all levels. 

    • Colle System (Underrated Opening) - Opening Guide w/ Embedded Video - Remote Chess Academy: This article explores the Colle System's deceptive simplicity and surprising effectiveness. It delves into an "underrated strategy" that can catch experienced opponents off guard while being easy to learn for players new to the system. 

    • Colle System Chess Opening Part-2 - Remote Chess Academy: for further insights into this versatile opening system.

    • Play The Solid Colle System! - Opening Guide - IM Alberto Chueca: offers a guide to the Colle System, emphasizing its ability to establish strong central control and create solid attacking opportunities for White. He highlights the system's approval by chess legends and its effectiveness in the hands of chess masters. 

    • Colle System: Complete Guide for both Colors, with Plans, Moves, and Ideas - The ChessWorld: Learn clear plans and key moves for both White and Black in the Colle System. This beginner-friendly guide includes a 20-minute video lesson by GM Lemos, making it a valuable resource for all skill levels. (Bonus: Explores Black's responses!)



    Colle 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.

    Listudy 

    With Listudy you can improve your chess skills with the help of spaced repetition.


    Colle Puzzles 

    Test your tactics

    LiChess Openings Puzzles


    Chessgames.com

    Queen's Pawn Game (D05) 1 d4 d5 2 Nf3 Nf6 3 e3 e6 - 2194 games 

    Collections



    Colle Chess Video Lessons


    Colle - Zukertort System


    Simon Williams - The Colle-Koltanowski System - 10 Min GM Simon Williams

    Win with the Colle Opening by IM Andrew Martin - 15 Min

    Phoenix Attack Variation of the Colle System - 10 Min


    Chess Audio Books


    Jim's Chess Channel


    Colle Chess Traps


    How To Play Against the Colle


    Colle Game Videos (W/Analysis)


    Colle System  - 16 Video Playlist 
    - Chess School

    PGN Game Downloads

    Colle-pg.zip - 790 Games from the U of Pitt archive


    Dark forest with Chess pieces walking down a path with famous Michael Tal Quote.




    Friday, May 1, 2009

    Kings Indian Attack ( A07 - A08) - Opening Theory

    Unleash Your Inner Attacker:
     King's Indian Attack 


    • Dominate the Chessboard:
      Carve out a powerful position and launch a dynamic attack on your opponent's king with the King's Indian Attack.

    • Flexible Opening: The KIA isn't a rigid sequence of moves, but a strategic approach that adapts to your opponent's choices. Great for both aggressive and positional players.

    • Free Resources: Learn the KIA for free with articles, video lectures, chess puzzles, and even downloadable games! Websites like Chess.com, Lichess, Chessable, and YouTube are great places to start.

    General Opening Knowledge and History.


    Books and Courses (Free)

    This section arms you with valuable books and free online courses to jumpstart your King's Indian Attack journey.


    Chessable Courses (Free)

    Short & Sweet: The King's Indian Attack - 26 Trainable Variations w/ 2hours Video
    (FM Plichta shows us the secrets to his KIA set-up based on the moves 1. e4 2. d3 3. Nd2 4. Ngf3 5. g3 6. Bg2 7. O-O.)

    Short & Sweet: King's Indian Attack FM Plichta distills the point-getting lessons from his analysis and over-the-board adventures into 29 core lines w/ 2 hours of video.

     

    Kings Indian Attack Chess Articles

    This section curates insightful articles and analyses to illuminate the strategic nuances and tactical possibilities within the King's Indian Attack (KIA).

    Kings Indian Attack - Simplify Chess Page - This comprehensive guide details how to reach and play the KIA against common responses like the French, Sicilian, and Caro-Kann Defenses. It unpacks the strategic rationale behind each move, giving you a solid understanding of the KIA's core concepts.


    The King’s Indian Attack – How to Play It as White and Black - Nice Chessable Blog Opening Guide - (Beginner Guide ) This Chessable blog post serves as a beginner-friendly guide to the KIA, explaining the opening's core principles for both White and Black.

    Chess Opening Basics: The King’s Indian Attack - Chessable blog Article (Nice) - Another Chessable blog offering, this article delves into the basic ideas of the KIA, making it a great starting point for those new to the opening.

    The Kings Indian Attack - Complete Guide -   ichess.net This extensive guide from ichess.net offers a deep dive into the KIA, featuring illustrative games and embedded video lectures (total duration: 1.5 hours). (Archived Article)

    How to Play the King’s Indian Attack  - Pretty Nice (In-depth Guide) Chessfox.com
    Chessfox.com provides what's likely the most in-depth guide on this list, offering a detailed exploration of the KIA's various aspects.

    Beating The Kings Indian Attack with the French - This resource provides valuable insights from Black's perspective, featuring an article and video by GM Fabian Libiszewski on how to combat the KIA with the French Defense.

    The Kings Indian Attack This entry offers notes from a lecture by FM Steve Stoyko, featuring analysis of 9 annotated games that showcase the KIA in action.


    GAMES DATABASES

    This section highlights valuable game databases where you can delve into thousands of KIA games played by masters and enthusiasts.

    365Chess.com

    A07: Reti, King's Indian attack (Barcza system) 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 - 34,386 Games
    A08: Reti, King's Indian attack 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 c5 3. Bg2  - 3833 Games

    ChessTempo.com

    King's Indian Attack, General (A07) -  33,789 Games
    King's Indian Attack, Sicilian Variation (A08) -4337 Games

    Chessgames.com (Collections)

    King's Indian Attack (A07-A08)  - 67 Annotated Games
    The King's Indian Attack - 32 Games  
    King's Indian Attack Compilation - 56 Games 



    Kings Indian Attack Chess Puzzles

    WTHarvey.com

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

    LiChess Opening Puzzles

    Kings Indian Attack LiChess Puzzles -  2510 Puzzles (Broken into 9 Variations) Halfway down Page


    KIA LiChess Studies

    This section delves into the world of Lichess studies, a fantastic resource for honing your King's Indian Attack (KIA) repertoire. Here's a curated selection to enhance your KIA mastery

    • KIA -  13 Chapter LiChess Study  (141 hearts) -This well-regarded study offers detailed lessons within a focused 13-chapter format, making it ideal for players seeking a structured learning experience.

    • KIA Openings - 6 Chapter Study (Setups vs French Mostly)

    • King´ s Indian Attack (KIA) - 46 Chapter Study (62 heart Study) This in-depth study offers a comprehensive exploration of the KIA, covering setups against various responses, the roles of different pieces, and even featuring model games to illustrate key concepts.

    • King's Indian Attack!  - 8 Chapter Interactive Study  (3056 hearts)  This highly-rated interactive study provides a dynamic learning experience. Test your understanding and solidify your knowledge by actively practicing against different Black responses.

    • On kings Indian Attack  - 36 Chapter Study  (Short Lessons w/ a lot of Example games)

    • KIA VS FRENCH  -  36 Chapter StudyFocusing specifically on the KIA against the French Defense, this study offers in-depth analysis with well-annotated games, equipping you to handle this common Black response. 
        

    Unfamiliar with Lichess Studies?

    Lichess studies are fantastic tools for chess improvement. They allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move. You can test your understanding by attempting to solve critical positions and review explanations for the correct moves. This interactive approach fosters deeper learning and knowledge retention compared to passive reading alone.



    Annotated Games

    Petrosian vs Pachman 1961 [A04] - (archived)



    Chess Video Lessons - Deepen Your KIA Expertise

    Whether you're a beginner seeking foundational knowledge or an experienced player aiming to refine your repertoire, these resources cater to all learning styles.

    Lessons

    King's Indian Attack | Chess Opening - 10 Video Playlist  - NM Robert RamirezThis playlist by NM Robert Ramirez offers a structured approach, featuring lessons, analyzed games, and even a chess speed run showcasing the KIA's effectiveness across various skill levels.


    King's Indian Attack | Beginner Kids' Class - GM Dariusz Swiercz - 60 Min St.Louis CC -Aimed at beginners, this St. Louis Chess Club class by GM Dariusz Swiercz provides a clear introduction to the KIA, emphasizing its versatility, attacking potential, and key concepts for playing as White.

    Kings Indian Attack Mainline 14 Min - NM Bryan Tillis - Focus on the KIA mainline with NM Bryan Tillis! This video tackles key moves, structures, and tactical ideas to exploit against various Black defenses, including the French, Sicilian, and Caro-Kann.

    Petrosian on the King’s Indian Attack with IM Bill Paschall - 26 Min -This video delves into the KIA's strategic nuances, emphasizing strong points and piece positioning. IM Bill Paschall concludes with an analysis of Petrosian's renowned endgame technique in the context of the KIA.

     Dzindzichashvili! - 38 Min -Want quick victories with White? GM Roman Dzindzichashvili demonstrates how to use the KIA to exploit weaknesses and create winning chances.

    GM Damian Lemos - offers a three-part series on the KIA:


    Kings Indian Attack Game Videos (W/Analysis)

    Witness the KIA in Action: Analyzing Masterful Games - 


    Extensive Playlists

    Kings Indian Attack - Fischer vs. Tal   - 11 Min

    Magnus Carlsen vs Hikaru Nakamura || Blitz chess 2018 - 12 Min

    Longer Chess Games #61 The Kings Indian Attack - 33 Min GM Simon Williams


    PGN Game Downloads

    Kings Indian Attack.zip (Comprehensive) - 4410 Games (U of Pitt Archive) 

    Water color painting of a King's Indian Attack Chess position




    Wednesday, April 29, 2009

    Sicilian - Smith-Morra Gambit (B21) - Opening Theory

     

      Smith-Morra Gambit:
     A Comprehensive Guide


    Discover the strategic nuances of the Smith-Morra Gambit, a dynamic chess opening favored by tactical enthusiasts.

    Learn why fearless players embrace this aggressive approach to the Sicilian Defense.


    • Thrive on sharp, tactical battles
    • Dictate the pace of the game
    • Catch opponents off guard and navigate unfamiliar territory
    • Say goodbye to dull pawn structures
    • It offers endless possibilities for excitement and growth

    Smith-Morra Gambit Wikipedia Page 

     General Info About this Opening
    1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Nxc3

     


    Smith Morra Gambit Articles

    Explore insightful articles and comprehensive guides on the Smith-Morra Gambit and Learn strategies, mainlines, and effective counterplay against this aggressive Sicilian Defense approach.

    The Smith-Morra Gambit opening for White & Black - Chessable Blog -Delve into this comprehensive guide on the Smith-Morra Gambit, covering strategies for both players. Explore model games, instructions on how to play it, and effective ways to counter it.

    Smith Morra Gambit - Amazingly solid gambit! - IM Alberto Chueca - Provides an in-depth analysis of the Smith-Morra Gambit, highlighting its popularity and solidity. Gain insights into mainlines, plans, ideas, and sample games to master this dynamic opening strategy.

    Smith-Morra Gambit: Complete Guide - The Chess World - Uncover the secrets of the Smith-Morra Gambit with this comprehensive guide. Featuring plans, traps, and an embedded 44-minute video with GM Kriszian Szabo

    Smith Morra Gambit Article  Simplify Chess Guide -Explore the dynamic world of the Smith-Morra Gambit with this aggressive opening strategy against the Sicilian Defense. Dive into theory, key variations, and strategic ideas to harness the tactical opportunities and seize the initiative.

    A Bust to the Smith-Morra Gambit - Gain valuable insights into countering the Smith-Morra Gambit with this USCF Theory Article. Discover strategies to effectively play against this aggressive opening and turn the tables on your opponent.


    Books (Free Download)

    The Smith Morra Gambit Part 1 - 22 Page (PDF) - Free Printable Guide


    Blogs

     

    The Smith-Morra Gambit opening for White & Black -  In-depth Opening Guide on Chessable Blog

    GM Boris Altermans Blog ( Morra Gambit Lessons)
    Morra Gambit Pt 1
    Morra Gambit Pt 2
    Morra Gambit Pt 3
    Morra Gambit Pt 4
    Morra Gambit Pt 5
    Morra Gambit Pt 6
    Morra Gambit Pt 7


    Smith-Morra Gambit Blog that goes over this gambit in great detail with plenty of illustrations. Several Posts Talking extensively about certain Lines.



    Smith-Morra Gambit LiChess Studies

    Smith-Morra Gambit  - This is the Listudy page  (Practice The opening here and Links to 2 Lichess Studys)

    Smith Morra by GM Moulthun Ly  - 11 Chapter Study  (In-depth - 294 hearts)

    Learn Chess Openings Deeply - Smith Morra -  29 Chapters (Super In-Depth) (149 hearts)



    Annotated Games

    Kolenbet - Schipkov, B. [B21] - Annotated by B. Schipkov


    Smith-Morra Gambit Games List- Here are also 40+ games that are all Smith-Morra Gambits played by greats such as Fischer and Tal. (Viewable Online)

    Chessgames.com

    Sicilian, 2.f4 and 2.d4 (B21)  - 23 Annotated games  


    Smith-Morra Video Lessons

    The Smith-Morra Gambit Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 45 Min - GM Ben Finegold discusses the Smith-Morra Gambit and how it is rarely seen at the Grandmaster level, it remains a strong opening for white against the Sicilian Defense. W/ a lesson and Analysis of 3 High level Master Games.

    Smith-Morra Gambit -¸Sicilian Defense Theory - 19 Min


    The Ultimate Guide To The Smith Morra Gambit - 54 Min Anna Crammling

    How to Win Quickly with the Smith-Morra Gambit! - GM Denes Boros - 21 Min

    Smithรข€“Morra Gambit | Interesting Ideas & Plans - 19 Min In this video lesson, the RCA guest coach IM Mat Kolosowski talks about one of the most popular chess openings, the Smith–Morra Gambit (also called as the Morra Gambit) from the Sicilian Defence.


    GM Moulthun Le


    Smith-Morra Traps

    A Deadly Chess Trap in The Smith Morra Gambit!!
     - 7 Min - IM Miodrag Pernuvic

    8 Deadly Smith Morra Gambit Traps - 6 Min

    Smith-Morra Gambit, Sicilian Defense Theory, Traps - 21 Min - GM Igor Smirnov
    You'll learn the common setup for White, typical ideas, and some interesting traps. GM Smirnov will also show you an interesting trap that Black can use against White, which ends the game in just a few moves.

    Dealing w/ Anti- Sicilians
     

    Smith-Morra Game Videos w/Analysis

    Playlists



    Analyze this Smith-Morra Game! - GM Yasser Seirawan - 36 Min - St.Louis CC - Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan reviews a 1700 rated game in the classroom. Some say that the Smith-Morra has been refuted, but it's still fun to play in the Club. Watch this game and find out why.

    Sicilian Defence, Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted - 45 Min - Chess network

    Battling the Smith Morra Gambit | Classical Chess - 38 Min IM Rosen

    Drop The Hammer |  (Smith-Morra Gambit) - IM John Bartholomew

    Smith Morra Gambit Great Prep | Mosadeghpour vs Alekseenko - 13 Min GM Moulthun

    Smith Morra Gambits Only - 34 Min GM Nakamura

    Mikhail Tal crushes Sicilian Defence with Smith-Morra - 11 Min - Kingscrusher


    PGN Game Downloads

    Smith-Morra Games PGN - 2150 games (U of Pitt Archive)