Sicilian Defense Dragon Variation , Yugoslav Attack (B75 - B79)

"Face your dragons and your dreams will take flight."

 

The Yugoslav Attack
 Unleashing the Dragon Slayer in Sicilian Chess

The Yugoslav Attack is one of the most aggressive and popular responses to the Sicilian Dragon Variation. It is characterized by a series of moves that set up a powerful kingside attack for White. The key elements of the Yugoslav Attack include:

1. White's kingside fianchetto with 6.Be3: This move prepares to support a pawn storm on the kingside.
2. The pawn move 7.f3: This move supports the center and prepares for a kingside pawn push.
3. The queen move 8.Qd2: This move sets up for queenside castling and connects the rooks.
4. Queenside castling (0-0-0): Usually occurring on move 10, this move places the king on the queenside, allowing White to launch a full-scale attack on the kingside.
   
   

 The key idea behind the Yugoslav Attack
 is White's aggressive setup with opposite-side castling, aiming for a kingside attack while Black typically seeks counterplay on the queenside.

Key Ideas and Plans

• White's Strategy: White aims to launch a powerful kingside attack, often involving moves like h4-h5, g4, and Bh6 to open lines against Black's king. The move 9.Bc4 places the bishop on a strong diagonal, targeting the f7 square and preventing Black from playing ...d5 easily.
• Black's Counterplay: Black typically seeks counterplay on the queenside, often involving moves like ...a6, ...b5, and ...Rc8. The fianchettoed bishop on g7 plays a crucial role in defending the king and exerting pressure on the center and queenside.

Main Line Continuations

1. 9...Bd7 10. O-O-O Rc8: This is one of the main lines where Black develops the rook to the open c-file, preparing to counter-attack on the queenside. White usually continues with 11.Bb3 to avoid the discovered attack on the bishop.
2. 9...Bd7 10. O-O-O Qa5: Another popular line where Black immediately pressures the queenside. White typically responds with 11.Bb3, and the game can proceed with moves like 11...Rfc8 and 12.h4 Ne5.

Conclusion

The Yugoslav Attack in the Sicilian Dragon is a highly theoretical and sharp line, requiring both sides to be well-prepared. White's aggressive intentions are met with Black's solid defensive resources and counter-attacking chances, making it a rich and complex battleground

WIKIPEDIA PAGE
Sicilian Defence, Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack, 9.Bc4

• B75 5.Nc3 g6 6.Be3 Bg7 7.f3 (Yugoslav Attack)

• B76 5.Nc3 g6 6.Be3 Bg7 7.f3 0-0

• B77 5.Nc3 g6 6.Be3 Bg7 7.f3 0-0 8.Qd2 Nc6 9.Bc4

• B78 5.Nc3 g6 6.Be3 Bg7 7.f3 0-0 8.Qd2 Nc6 9.Bc4 Bd7 10.0-0-0

• B79 5.Nc3 g6 6.Be3 Bg7 7.f3 0-0 8.Qd2 Nc6 9.Bc4 Bd7 10.0-0-0 Qa5 11.Bb3 Rfc8 12.h4

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Yugoslav Attack Articles

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

Fire on the board: The Yugoslav Attack in the Sicilian Dragon - WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos - Intro and discussion of the Attack with 3 annotated Games showing how Black can defeat this variation.

Sicilian Dragon: Black’s Fantastic Win Against the Yugoslav Attack - Article w/ 13 Min Embedded Video and ideas for Black  - Remote Chess Academy

Destroy Your Rivals: Chess Yugoslav Attack! - Im Aberto Chueca - Main variations and Ideas for White and Black

Karpov and the Yugoslav Attack in Sicilian Dragon - Chess.com Article - Karpov vs. Kortchnoi   Candidates 1974 (finale)

Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack, Modern Line - ragchess- Opening Guide for Main Line

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Games DataBases

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

Chessgames.com

Sicilian, Dragon, Yugoslav Attack (B77) - 1340 Games

365Chess.com

• B75: Sicilian, dragon, Yugoslav attack 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Bg7 7. f3 - 19,725 Games 
  
  
• B76 : Sicilian, dragon, Yugoslav attack, 7...O-O - 12,224 games (2 Sub-Variations)
  
  
• B77: Sicilian, dragon, Yugoslav attack, 9.Bc4 - over 9000 Games (Broken into 3 Subvariations) 
  
  
• B78 : Sicilian, dragon, Yugoslav attack, 10.O-O-O - 6115 games
• B79 : Sicilian, dragon, Yugoslav attack, 12.h4 - 679 Games

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Yugoslav Attack LiChess Studies

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

SicilianDragon/Yugoslav Attack: Variations Overview - 10 Chapter Study - Theory on different Variations.

Yugoslav Attack - Variations - 12 Chapter Study  (top of Page) - Main Lines, old Lines and drawing Lines with very In-depth Analysis and explanations.

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 Yugoslav Attack.

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Puzzles

Test your tactical skills with puzzles specifically designed for the Yugoslav Attack.

'Tactics in the Sicilian' series - 13 chess puzzles from the Sicilian, Dragon, Yugoslav Attack (ECO B77)

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Sicilian Yugoslav Attack Video Lessons

Sicilian Dragon (part 1), Yugoslav Attack | Sicilian Defense Theory - 31 Min - Hanging Pawns - Going over the most popular variation of the Dragon, the Yugoslav Attack (starting with 6. Be3)

Ultra-Aggressive Sicilian Dragon, Yugoslav Attack - Chess Openings Explained - 45 Min - See two games featuring the Yugoslav Attack, the Dragon's "ultimate test."

The Sicilian Dragon | Yugoslav Attack | Motifs and Strategies | Chess Openings -28 Min IM Astaneh - The main lines of the Yugoslav Attack in the Sicilian Dragon, which is not just the mainline for white against the Sicilian Dragon, but it is the toughest challenge for Sicilian Dragon players to face.

Sicilian Dragon Variation Plans and Pawn Structure, Yugoslav Attack (Chess Openings) - 17 Min - Mostly about the Sicilian dragon plans but with a section about the most dangerous setup for white, the Yugoslav attack.

Sicilian Dragon - Yugoslav Attack Theoretical Developments (Reddit OOTW Updated) - 77 Min -  The DEEPEST dive possible into all of the hottest new tech in the Yugoslav Attack variation of the Sicilian Dragon.

Chess Openings Abridged #1: Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation; Yugoslav Attack - 6 Min - Video Below - A new abridged format! Nick Risko introduces the ideas of chess openings quickly, so you can use them right away. (New 6/22/2024)

Yugoslav Attack Game Videos (W/analysis)

Karpov vs. Korchnoi | Candidates Final 1974 - GM Ben Finegold - 45 Min (Game 1 Yugoslav Attack)
Winning after 18 moves with the Yugoslav Attack | Tal vs Sviridov - 10 Min IM  Astaneh
Yu Yangyi Destroys Sicilian Dragon With Yugoslav Attack - 3 Min
Waiting Game Against the Sicilian Dragon Yugoslav Attack | Rapid Game - 21 Min
Monstrous YUGOSLAV ATTACK! -Stockfish 14 vs Leela C Zero - Dragon Sicilian-Yugoslav Attack Main Line - 20 Min
Sicilian Dragon: Black’s Fantastic Win Against the Yugoslav Attack - 13 Min
MVL vs Nakamura Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack - 13 Min
Anatoly Karpov vs Evgeny Gik - Moscow 1968 - Sicilian Defense: Dragon (B77) - 7 Min
Bobby Fischer slayed the Sicilian Dragon - vs Larsen 1958 - 5 min
GM Christopher Ward Amazing Immortal Sicilian Dragon Game - vs Philip Morris - 12 Min
Garry Kasparov vs Jeroen Piket - Tilburg 1989 - Sicilian Defense: Dragon (B77) - 9 Min

RagChess Videos

• The Deadly Yugoslav Attack on the Sicilian Dragon Variation - 15 Min - A game I played in real time of my successful attack on my opponent, shredding his kingside open.
• How to Play the Sicilian Dragon vs the Yugoslav Attack - 16 Min Video - How to play against the Yugoslav, Acc. dragon and Hyper Acc. dragon.
• My Chess Tournaments | Sicilian Dragon Vs Yugoslav Attack | US Amateur East Recap | Game 6 - 14 Min - game recap and analysis

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!
  
  

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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-Gambi t   - 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.

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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 Study -  This 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

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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.

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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

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Albin Counter Gambit Video Lessons

Playlist

• Albin Counter Gambit Theory   - 8 Video Playlist - Jozorov's Chess Channel

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) - C omprehensive 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 - D iscusses three unorthodox variations in the Queen's Gambit. E xplains the key ideas and strategies behind these variations, including various traps and tactical motifs

How to Win in Blitz Chess with The Albin Counter-Gambit!! - 33 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic -  detailed explanation of the Albin Counter-Gambit, an aggressive opening for Black against the Queen's Gambit, covers key ideas and strategies behind this gambit, including various traps and tactical motifs that can arise from it.

Tremendous pressure with The Albin Gambit! - IM Andrew Martin - 25 Min -  in-depth analysis of the Albin Counter-Gambit, an aggressive opening for Black against the Queen's Gambit.

Albin Counter Gambit with IM Milovan Ratkovic - Exclusive Preview - 25 Min -  explains how Black sacrifices a pawn in exchange for very good development and an advanced d4-pawn.

Crush The Queen's Gambit - An Aggressive Countergambit   -  14 Min - NM Nelson Lopez -  in-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 -  key ideas and strategies behind the Albin Counter-Gambit, including various traps and tactical motifs

Playing Against Albin

• Annoying Openings: How to Beat the Albin Counter Gambit - 16 Min - Chessdawg -  easy to remember repertoire to challenge the Albin Counter Gambit.
• How to Easily Defeat The Albin Counter Gambit!! - 20 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic -  a comprehensive guide on how to counter the Albin Counter Gambit in chess. It discusses various strategies, including specific moves and responses to common tactics employed by opponents using this gambit.
  
  
• Crush Albin Counter-Gambit - 33 Min - The Chessworld -  a comprehensive guide on how to counter the Albin Counter-Gambit in chess, focusing on strategies from a white player’s perspective.
  
  
• Chess Openings: Who's afraid of the Albin's Countergambit? - 25 Min  - Chessexplained -  strategies for white players to counter this gambit, emphasizing the importance of being prepared due to its potential as a practical weapon for black players. The presenter outlines two main approaches for white
  
  
• A Completely Pointless Refutation of the Albin Countergambit - 22 Min - Johnathan Schrantz -  a very rare sacrificial line against the Albin Countergambit that some have described as the d4 version of the Nakhmanson Gambit

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Albin Counter Gambit Traps

• Chess Traps #3: Lasker Trap - Albin Counter Gambit - 4 Min
  
  
• Albin Counter Gambit Trick! 22000 fooled and counting! Queen's Gambit opening trap | Beginner traps - 4 Min - NM Nelson Lopez
  
  
• Trap Tuesday - Albin Counter Gambit - 34 Min - In-depth analysis of the Albin Counter Gambit, a chess opening strategy for black against d4. It discusses various traps, particularly the Lasker Trap, and explores different lines and responses that can arise from this gambit. 
  
  
• 4 Best Chess Opening Traps Against The Queen’s Gambit (The Albin + Refutation) -14 Min GM Smirnov -  You will learn the practical traps you can use in this opening variation. You will also learn how to refute the Albin Countergambit if you are playing 1.d4 as White.

Albin Counter Gambit Game Videos (w/analysis)

Playlist

• Albin Counter Gambit - Chess Opening   - Playlist of 96 Videos  - Kingscrusher (Famous and Personal Albin Games w/ Analysis)

The Albin Counter-Gambit: Morozevich Destroys 💥 Gelfand With This Weapon! - 22 Min GM Alderman -  detailed analysis of a game where Alexander Morozevich uses the Albin Counter-Gambit to defeat Boris Gelfand . A comprehensive explanation of the key ideas and strategies behind the Albin Counter-Gambit, including various traps and tactical motifs.

The Albin Counter Gambit according to Alexander Morozevich (career results)  - 77 Mins - Chess Audio Books 
Longer Chess Games #44 - The Albin Counter Gambit in Action!  - 40 Min -Ginger GM - I nsightful commentary and analysis of the game, highlighting key ideas and strategies behind the Albin Counter Gambit. 

Palm Beach Chess

• Spicy Albin Counter Gambit Live Exploration  - 15 Min 
• Albin Countergambit & Origin - Openings Explorations  - 14 Min -
• Albin Countergambit Blitz and Analysis  - 12 Min -  provides ideas within the opening, and points out mistakes and room for improvement. 

Holy Gambit Grail #11: Albin Countergambit    - 12 Min  - Johnathan Schrantz -  successfully employs the Albin Countergambit to achieve a victory. Explains the key ideas and strategies behind the Albin Countergambit, including various traps and tactical motifs

Standard Chess #96: IM Bartholomew vs. IM Anatoly Sidorov (Albin Countergambit)  - 35 Min  - IM John Bartholomew -  Bartholomew opts for a no-frills, queens-off approach to simplify the position and outplay his opponent in the middlegame.

Blitz Chess #158: IM Bartholomew vs. GM Zablotsky (Albin Counter-Gambit)  - 15 Min - IM Bartholomew -  Bartholomew wins a pawn with a clever tactic on move 18, but converting it to a win proves challenging, leading to a tricky endgame.

PGN Files

470 Games  - From Univ. Pitt Archive (PGN File)

“I don’t believe in psychology. I believe in good moves.” – Bobby Fischer

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.

Chess Tactics Books

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.

 

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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)

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 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!

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 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

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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.