Sunday, March 27, 2022

Unlock Sharp Chess! Learn the Exciting Albin Countergambit D08 - D09

 

Unleash the Fury!
Explore the Exciting Albin Countergambit

Seeking an aggressive edge in the Queen's Gambit?

This aggressive approach can be quite effective if played correctly, but it also carries some risks. Black has several ways to respond to the gambit, and navigating these variations requires a good understanding of the opening's strategic themes.

 The Albin Countergambit (1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5) throws tradition out the window, sacrificing a pawn for rapid development and a ferocious kingside attack.  This gambit sacrifices a pawn for rapid development and a ferocious kingside attack, perfect for players who enjoy imbalanced positions and tactical battles. However, wielding this double-edged sword effectively requires a good understanding of its strategic themes and potential pitfalls. 

  • Sharp Weapon: Counter the Queen's Gambit with an aggressive pawn sacrifice!
  • Dynamic & Unbalanced: Enjoy imbalanced positions and tactical battles? The Albin Countergambit is for you!
  • Rapid Development: Get your pieces out quickly and launch a kingside attack!



Albin Counter Gambit Articles

  • Openings for Tactical Players: Albin Countergambit - (by GM GSerper Blog) - This article delves into the tactical possibilities of the Albin Countergambit, showcasing both classic and modern lines for aggressive players.

  • The Albin Counter Gambit: Morozevich-Mengarini Variation - (Annotated Games) - Explore three highly annotated games featuring Alexander Morozevich, a renowned Albin Countergambit player. Witness his mastery of the opening in action! (Archived page)

  • Albin Counter-Gambit -by GM Magesh and GM Arun Gain insights from Grandmasters Magesh and Arun as they dissect five annotated games, ranging from the play of the old masters to the modern approach of Morozevich.

  • Albin Counter-Gambit Continued... - by GM Magesh and GM Arun - This article takes a unique perspective, exploring how White can effectively counter the Albin Countergambit itself! Analyze two annotated games featuring strategic responses to the gambit.

  • Wikipedia Page On the Albin  -  This comprehensive Wikipedia entry provides a general history of the Albin Countergambit, outlining its main variations and offering a solid foundation for further exploration.



Albin 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 of the Albin Countergambit.

  • 14 High level games Annotated Albin Counter Gambit  -15 Chapter Study - This in-depth study by a strong player features 14 annotated games, some with detailed analysis, providing valuable insights into practical play.

  • Albin Counter-Gambit - 11 Chapter Study -  Explore 8 annotated games in this comprehensive study, gaining valuable strategic and tactical ideas for the Albin Countergambit.

  • Opening - Albin Countergambit - 7 Chapter Study Delve into two main opening lines for Black against the Albin Countergambit. Additionally, analyze five games played by the renowned Albin Countergambit expert, Alexander Morozevich.

  • How to beat the Albin - 6 chapter Study - Thinking of playing White? This study equips you with strategic guidance by analyzing all of White's common 4th moves against the Albin Countergambit.

  • Against D4. Albin countergambit Part 1 - 23 Chapter Interactive StudyThis extensive, well-structured study by a strong player provides model games and explores how Black can effectively counter various White lines after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5.

  • Albin Traps - Small Study - Sharpen your tactical awareness with this study exploring potential pitfalls for both White and Black in the Albin Countergambit.

Deepen Your Chess Knowledge with LiChess Studies!

The interactive Albin Countergambit studies showcased here are just a taste of what LiChess studies offer. Take your chess learning to the next level! This page provides a comprehensive overview of what studies are, how they work, and how you can leverage them to improve your chess: Study chess, the lichess way


Chess Puzzles 

Sharpen your tactical vision in the Albin Countergambit with these puzzles!

wtharvy.com


QGD, Albin Counter Gambit (ECO D08).   - 9 Chess Puzzles 

LiChess Opening Puzzles


Albin Counter Gambit - 2768 Puzzles - Dive into a massive collection of 2768 Albin Countergambit puzzles, perfect for players of all skill levels. Hone your tactical skills and identify winning opportunities in various Albin Countergambit scenarios.




Games Databases

Delve into real chess battles featuring the Albin Countergambit to see how top players handle the opening in practice!

Chessgames.com

Queen's Gambit Declined, Albin Counter Gambit (D08) - 660 Games 
QGD: Albin Countergambit-Black wins - 18 games (Collection)

365Chess.com Database

D08: Queen's Gambit Declined, Albin counter-gambit 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 - 3500 Games (Broken into 7 Subvariations)

D09: Queen's Gambit Declined, Albin counter-gambit, 5.g3 - 1200 Games

ChessTempo.com

Queen's Gambit Refused, Albin Counter (D08) - 1152 Games
Queen's Gambit Refused, Albin , Modern Line (D08) - 509 Games
Queen's Gambit Refused, Albin , Normal Line (D08) - 1615 games

Queen's Gambit Refused, Albin , Fianchetto Variation (D09) - 841 Games
Queen's Gambit Refused, Albin , Fianchetto Variation Be6 Line(D09) - 402 games
Queen's Gambit Refused, Albin , Fianchetto Variation Bg4 Line(D09) - 374 Games



Albin Counter Gambit Video Lessons


Playlist


CRUSH The Queen's Gambit in 6 Moves: THE ALBIN - 24 Min IM Rosman - Theory w/ 3 Games analyzed

The Albin Counter-Gambit · Chess Openings - 25 Min (Hanging Pawns) - Comprehensive guide to the Albin Counter-Gambit, . Explains the opening’s history, key ideas, and main lines, emphasizing its usefulness for developing tactical skills and dynamic play. He also discusses various responses and strategies for both black and white

Queen's Gambit Part 3: Albin-Counter, Baltic & Chigorin - 45 Min GM Finegold

How to Win in Blitz Chess with The Albin Counter-Gambit!! - 33 Min

Tremendous pressure with The Albin Gambit! - IM Andrew Martin - 25 Min

Albin Counter Gambit with IM Milovan Ratkovic - Exclusive Preview - 25 Min

Crush The Queen's Gambit - An Aggressive Countergambit  -  14 Min - NM Nelson Lopezin-depth analysis of the Albin Counter Gambit,  It discusses various traps, such as the Lasker Trap, and explores different lines and responses that can arise from this gambit.

Master the Brutal Albin Counter-Gambit - Chess Opening Guide  - 30 Min

Playing Against Albin


Albin Counter Gambit Traps


Albin Counter Gambit Game Videos (w/analysis)


Playlist


The Albin Counter-Gambit: Morozevich Destroys 💥 Gelfand With This Weapon! - 22 Min GM Alderman

The Albin Counter Gambit according to Alexander Morozevich (career results) - 77 Mins

Longer Chess Games #44 - The Albin Counter Gambit in Action!
 - 40 Min -Ginger GM

Palm Beach Chess


Holy Gambit Grail #11: Albin Countergambit   - 12 Min  - Johnathan Schrantz

Standard Chess #96: IM Bartholomew vs. IM Anatoly Sidorov (Albin Countergambit) - 35 Min  - IM John Bartholomew
Blitz Chess #158: IM Bartholomew vs. GM Zablotsky (Albin Counter-Gambit) - 15 Min - IM Bartholomew


PGN Files

470 Games - From Univ. Pitt Archive


A close-up oil painting of a chessboard depicting the central pawn structure of the Albin Countergambit chess opening. Black's kingside pawn (e5) stands isolated and defiant in the center, challenging White's control over the key squares.
“I don’t believe in psychology. I believe in good moves.” – Bobby Fischer

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, March 22, 2022

Chess Tactics Books

A grand library with endless bookshelves holds a chessboard mid-game, bathed in sunlight.  This image evokes the vast knowledge and strategic thinking required to master chess.

From Beginner to Brilliant:
Free Chess Tactics Books & Courses to Supercharge Your Skills


       Chess tactics are the secret weapons that separate good chess players from great ones.

This repository is your one-stop shop for absolutely FREE resources to hone your tactical skills!

Whether you're a complete newcomer or a seasoned player looking to sharpen your edge, this guide has something for everyone.

We'll explore free downloadable chess tactic books, online courses packed with puzzles, and even hidden gems from the internet archive.

 


FREE PDF Downloads


Chess Tactics Art - 538 Pages of Chess Tactics Knowledge - This massive resource delves deep into the world of chess tactics, offering a wealth of knowledge for players of all levels.

Course In Chess Tactics - 195 Page PDF - Structured and engaging, this PDF provides a step-by-step approach to mastering tactics, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate players.
 
Tactics in the Chess Opening - 97 Page PDF - Learn how to exploit tactical opportunities that arise from common chess openings with this focused guide.

Chess Tactics and Combinations - 84 page PDF - This comprehensive PDF dives deep into the world of tactical motifs and combinations. With 84 pages of content, it offers a valuable resource for players looking to identify and exploit tactical opportunities in their games. (Target audience: Beginner to Intermediate)


 Free Chessable Tactics Courses

Take your tactics training to the next level with these interactive courses on Chessable! Chessable's unique spaced repetition system ensures long-term knowledge retention, making it a powerful tool for sharpening your tactical skills.

Free Chessable Tacics Courses -  Latest Post With List 3/9/2023  (Includes List of all the Tournament Tactics Courses)


Basic Checkmate Patterns - 34 paterns to Learn

Everyone's First Chess Workbook: Free Lesson - 42 fork Problems to train

Typical Tactical Tricks: 500 Ways To Win! - 500 tactics problems from Beginner to Intermediate

Bishops on the Attack -202 Tactics involving Bishops
Queen on the Attack - 225 Tactics involving the Queen
Pawns on the Attack - 200 tactics Involving Pawns
Rooks on the Attack - 200 Tactics involving the Rook
Knights on the Attack - 200 knight Tactics

Cool & Forcing Combinations - 45 Forcing Combinations Lesson

Basic Chess Patterns - 50 Tactical Patterns to learn from Combinations to Mating

Tactics Madness - 55 Tactics from user submitted games
 
Train Anytime, Anywhere! Access all these courses for free and utilize Chessable's Movetrainer feature for spaced repetition practice (like the Woodpecker Method). Run up to 5 courses simultaneously for Free and sharpen your tactics to your heart's content!


 Chess Books on the Internet Archive

Unearth hidden gems! The Internet Archive offers a vast collection of free chess books, including classics and lesser-known treasures. Whether you're a beginner seeking foundational knowledge or a seasoned player looking for a specific tactic, you might find the perfect resource here.


How To Calculate Chess Tactics- 178 Pages 
 
Mastering Chess Tactics - 97 Page
 
A Course in Chess Tactics - 193 Page 
 
Coffeehouse Chess Tactics: An astonishing trip into the world of competitive chess - 136 Page
 
Chess Tactics - Volume 2 - 151 Pages (Beginning Text Russian - Most of book just Diagrams)
 
Chess Tactics for Advanced Players by Yuri Averbakh - 327 Page
 
Chess Visualization Course - Book 1: General Tactics by Ian Anderson - 328 Page
 
The Chess Combination from Philidor to Karpov - Learn Tactics from the Great Champions by Raymond Keene - 91 Pages
 
Chess Tactics for Champions - A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Tactics and Combinations the Polgar Way - Judit Polgar 360 Pages
 
Chess Exam and Training Guide: Tactics - Rate Yourself and Learn How to Improve! by Igor Khmelnitsky - 209 Pages
 
Chess Puzzles Book Compilation (Spanish) - 238 Page
 
1001 Winning Chess Sacrifices And Combinations - 1115 Pages (One on each page)
 
A Modern Guide To Checkmating Patterns Vladmir Barsky - 1104 Pages


 

Tip: Explore the specific tactics or openings you're interested in on the blog sidebar! You might find free PDFs ranging from 4 to 50 pages directly linked on those pages. These resources offer focused dives into that particular topic.


A Stack of Ancient Looking leather bound Books with two chess pieces sitting atop them.


Removing Defender - Chess Tactic


 "Removing the Defender" (Removing The Guard) Chess Resources
Unlock Hidden Attacks


Forget brute force attacks! The "Removing the Defender" tactic, also known as "Removing the Guard," is a sneaky chess weapon that lets you exploit weaknesses and snag valuable pieces.

 Imagine a heavily guarded treasure chest – by eliminating the guard (the defender), you open up a path to capture the riches within (the valuable piece). This tactic doesn't rely on overpowering your opponent, but rather exploiting their defenses for a material advantage.

Mastering it will sharpen your tactical vision like a laser, leading to more wins and improved overall chess skills.


Undermining (chess) Wikipedia Page

Undermining (also known as removal of the guard, or removing the defender) is a chess tactic in which a defensive piece is captured, leaving one of the opponent's pieces undefended or under-defended.


BOOKS (FREE)

Chess Tactics and Combinations - 84 page PDF - Really Nice PDF Created By the Exeter Chess Club on tactics.

Internet Archive




Removing the Defender Chess Articles

Removing The Defender - Chess.com Article - with Explanations, Examples , Famous Games w/ Remove the defender Tactic and puzzles to test you knowledge at the end.

How to Identify and Remove a Defender in Tactical Combinations - ChessFox -Nice In-depth Article (Teaches two ways to remove defenders w/ multiple examples of each)

Removing The Defender: What It Is and How To Do It - Chess journal Article - Teaches Capture, Distract, Block or Interfering.

Removing the Defender - IM Mateusz Bobula
- Blog Post - 4 Puzzles w/ 6 Min Embedded Video Lesson by Him.



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.



Games Databases

Chessgames.com

15 OTB Exercises - From Historic Games 

Deflection/Undermining Tactics-- OTB Examples - 21 games


Tactics & Puzzles


Capture The Defender Lichess Tactics - 30,000 + Puzzle Tactics Under this Heading

Chess Tactical Motifs - Removing the Guard Exercises - 5 Exercises to Practice


Remove The Defender Chess Video Lessons


Chess Kid Series


Chess Tactics: 2 Removing the Defender 
 - 4 Min Video 

Chess Tactics: Removing the Defender - 6 Min - IM David Pruiss - 
presents the important "Removing the Defender" tactic, and all of its different facets. (New - 5/30/24)

Remove the Defender! - Chess Middlegame Strategies Tutorial - 13 Min - Jozerv's Chess Channelchess tutorial videos with the subject of removing defenders to gain great attacking possiblities.

Removing the Defender | Chess Beginner Tactics 13 Min - IM Astraneh - What is removing the defender? Removing the defender is a chess tactic in which a defensive piece is captured/ removed, leaving one of the opponent’s pieces or squares undefended or under-defended. Video below