Sunday, May 8, 2022

Unlocking Victory: The Art of Domination in Chess

 

 The Power of Piece Domination


Domination: It's not just about capturing! In chess endgames, domination gives you a powerful edge by limiting your opponent's piece movement. Imagine a knight surrounded by squares, yet unable to escape your control. That's domination in action!




Domination Articles: Mastering Control in the Endgame

Learn how to recognize domination patterns, restrict your opponent's piece movement, and ultimately secure victories you might have thought impossible.

Domination. A chess concept you should learn - chesscoachdiego - Explore the fundamentals of domination and its impact on endgame strategy.

Some classical dominations by Siegfried Hornecker - Chessbase.com - Put your domination skills to the test with 12 interactive studies by a renowned endgame composer, complete with annotations.

DOMINATION IN CHESS 
Gain valuable insights from five annotated domination examples, solidifying your understanding of this crucial endgame concept.



Domination LiChess Studies

Put your domination skills to the test with these interactive studies from Lichess. Solve puzzles and witness domination in action!

Domination in 2,545 Endgame Studies: - 10 Chapters -  Explore a range of domination concepts through 10 interactive endgame studies.

Domination (39 Endgame Studies) - 39 Chapters (Interactive)

kasparyan domination in 2545 endgames - 64 Chapters (Interactive) - Dive deep into the mastery of Genrikh Kasparyan with a whopping 64 interactive studies on domination in endgames.


Domination Videos: Learn from the Masters

Sharpen your domination skills with expert insights!  Witness domination strategies in action and gain valuable tips to incorporate into your own play.

Domination Chess Studies | Insane in the Endgame - WGM Sabina Foisor - 60 Min -Woman Grandmaster Sabina Foisor presents a exploration of domination through engaging chess puzzles.

Dominate in the Endgame! - A study by Genrikh Kasparyan - Endgame Composition 4# - 7 Min -Dive into a 7-minute endgame study by Genrikh Kasparyan and see if you can find the domination strategy that leads to victory for White.

Powerful Domination in Endgame Study by Korolkov -1948 (White to move and win) - 10 Min -Uncover the brilliance of endgame composer Vladimir Korolkov in this 10-minute video featuring a domination study with in-depth analysis..

Knight vs Bishop Endgames | Domination in Chess Endgames | Chess Studies by Reti, Troitsky and Sneft - 10 Min - Explore the nuances of knight vs bishop endgames and the concept of domination in a 10-minute lesson by renowned chess figures Reti, Troitsky, and Sneft. 


Bishops Bounty Endgame Study Page - Updated with new Videos, Lichess Studies, Articles and Endgame Study Database.


A watercolor painting depicting a black knight chess piece towering dominantly over a fallen white bishop. The black knight has an imposing, spiked form standing amidst jagged spikes bursting from the chess board, conveying a sense of danger and subjugation. The white bishop lies shattered nearby, dwarfed by the knight's powerful presence, suggesting defeat or surrender. The loose brushwork and bleeding colors create an intense, atmospheric scene focused on the conflict between the two chess pieces.



Thursday, May 5, 2022

Italian Game - Giuoco Piano (C50 - C54)

Conquer the Italian Game (Giuoco Piano) with These Resources!


The Italian Game is a family of chess openings beginning with the moves:

1. e4 e5  2. Nf3 Nc6  3. Bc4

Wikipedia Article (Giuoco Piano)

The Giuoco Piano  also called the Italian Game, is a chess opening beginning with the moves: 

 1.e4 e5  2.Nf3 Nc6   3.Bc4 Bc5

The Giuoco Piano can be divided into three major variations based on White's fourth move:

the Main Line (4. c3)
the Evans Gambit (4. b4)           Bishops Bounty Evans Gambit Page Link
the Giuoco Pianissimo (4. d3)


ECO Code

C50    King's pawn game          1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4
C51    Evans gambit declined  1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4
C52    Evans gambit                   1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5
C53    Giuoco Piano                    1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3
C54    Giuoco Piano                    1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4


BOOKS (Free)


Short & Sweet: Italian Game Free Chessable Course - 13 Trainable Variations

Short & Sweet: Krykun's Italian Game - Free Chessable Course - 25 Trainable Varations


Italian Game Chess Articles

Giuoco Piano at Simplify Chess - In-depth Article Explaining every Move of the Main Lines

The Italian Game at Simplify Chess - In-depth Looking at all lines

The Italian Game at Simplify Chess - In-depth Looking at all lines


GETTING STARTED WITH THE GIUOCO PIANO - Interactive page Explaining every Move of Lines and traps (Pretty Neat)

Giuoco Piano Opening Explained: The Moves, The Why and Variations - Real nice page to get an Overview of the opening.

The Evans Gambit at Simplify Chess -  In-depth Look at this Gambit

Evan’s Gambit Theory (Accepted and Declined) | A Definitive Guide - Nice Guide at RagChess

The Italian Game – Best Openings for Beginners (#1) - ichess.net Page with beginner opening tips.

Italian Game Opening  - Guide by GM Marian Petrov  (Lots Links at Bottom to resources)

Playing the Italian Game like a Pro! (Includes Giuoco Piano) - Chessable Blog Opening Guide

Italian Game LiChess Studys

The Italian 🍕🎏 Game - 15 Chapter  Study
Opening Master - Italian Game: - 9 Chapter Study
The Italian game - 11 Chapter Interactive Study  (You play the moves)
Italian game opening traps - 28 Chapter Study


Listudy page

Italian Game -  7 Variations to Learn and Practice Here.


Game Databases

365Chess.com

C50: King's pawn game 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 - 75,000 games
C51: Evans gambit declined 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 - 3400 Games
C52: Evans gambit 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5 - 1500 Games
C53: Giuoco Piano 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 - 17,000 Games
C54: Giuoco Piano 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4 - 5200 Games


Chessgames.com

Giuoco Piano (C50) as White- Viswanathan Anand -  48 Games 
Giuoco Piano (C50) as Black - Levon Aronian - 38 Games


Italian Game Video Lessons

 Most All of the Evans Gambit Videos  are on my Evans Gambit Page Here.

Video Playlists

Italian Game Opening Theory Playlist  28 Videos by IM Astaneh (over 6 hrs)
Italian Opening Playlist - 7 Videos by IM Perunovic   (3.5 Hrs)
Italian Opening Playlist - 7 Videos by IM Perunovic   (3.5 Hrs)
Italian Game - Opening Theory  - 28 Video Playlist  - Chessfactor  (all Lessons)
Italian Game Theory  - 9 Video Playlist  - Hanging Pawns


A Brief History Of The Giuoco Piano - Chess Openings - 20 min IM Koysta Chess Dojo
The Evans Gambit | Italian Game Theory - 36 Min Hanging Pawns
November 17, 2019 Stream Analysis: Italian Game - 49 Min GM Ben Finegold
Attack with the Scotch and Giuoco Piano! - GM Roman Dzindzichashvili - 35 Min
Hidden line in the Italian Game | Crushing Chess Opening for White - 21 Min GM Igor Smirnov
Sync Chess #27: Learn the Italian Game with Eric Rosen and Gauri Shankar - 23 Min
Learn the Italian game with IM Joachim Nilsen - 26 Min
The Italian Game - Beginner Breakdown - 39 Min St Louis CC Lesson
Italian Game Explained | Ultimate Beginner Guide to King Pawn Openings Part 2 - 24 Min 

Giuoco Piano | Italian Game Theory - 30 Min  Hanging Pawns


Grandmaster Pia Cramling Chess Opening Class: The Italian Game - 35 Min
Grandmaster Pia Cramling Chess Opening Class: Tactical Lines in The Italian Game - 66 Min

Anish Giri teaches the Italian | 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 - 2 hr
Italian Game: Basic Repertoire for White -  1hr 40 Min GM Nieksans

Italian Game Traps & Tactics

Early Tactics in the Italian Opening - 20 Min IM Rosen
Chess Secret Traps in the Italian Opening 🤓 with GM Damian Lemos - 27 Min
5 Best Chess Opening Traps in the Italian Game - 18 Min GM Igor Smirnov
Crush the ITALIAN Game with this DEADLY Trap - 13 Min GM Igor Smirnov


Italian Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Italian Game  - 135 Video Playlist  - agadmantor (Famous Games)
The Guioco Piano Collection  - 6 Video playlist - Kingscrusher


The most STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL Giuoco Piano Opening game in Chess History! - 28 Min
Know Your Giuoco Piano | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. mishtup (1797) - 37 Min  IM Bartholomew
Italian Game: Giuoco Piano | The Sensei Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 14 Min
Not So Quiet Giuoco Piano | Carlsen vs Nakamura: - 9 Min
Standard Chess #168: IM Bartholomew vs. klojo (Giuoco Pianissimo) - 43 Min
Standard Chess #23: IM Bartholomew vs. hek (Giuoco Pianissimo) - 30 Min

GM Daniel Naroditsky

Italian Game: Giuoco Piano | The Sensei Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 14 Min
The Italian Game | The Sensei Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 20 Min
Sacking the Queen!?! | Italian Game | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naro - 52 Min


AI Generated Paint splatter chess pieces


Sunday, May 1, 2022

Benko Gambit (A57 - A59) Opening Theory

 

Your Complete Benko Gambit Resource

This comprehensive archive unlocks the secrets of the Benko Gambit, equipping you with the knowledge to unleash its full potential on the chessboard.


 Wikipedia Page

The Benko Gambit (or Volga Gambit) is a chess opening characterized by the move 3...b5 in the Benoni Defense arising after:

1. d4 Nf6  2. c4 c5  3. d5 b5
However, it is a bit unusual as gambits go. Black, not White, gives up a pawn for long-term positional compensation.

ECO Code

A57 Sub-variants:

  • Benko gambit         
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5
  • Benko gambit half accepted  
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6
  • Benko gambit, Zaitsev system 
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. Nc3
  • Benko gambit, Nescafe Frappe attack 
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. Nc3 axb5 6. e4 b4 7. Nb5 d6 8. Bc4
  • Benko gambit accepted   
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6
  • Benko gambit, Nd2 variation 
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. Nf3 g6 8. Nd2
  • Benko gambit, fianchetto variation 
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. Nf3 g6 8. g3

A58 Sub-variants:

  • Benko gambit accepted
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6
  • Benko gambit, Nd2 variation
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. Nf3 g6 8. Nd2
  • Benko gambit, fianchetto variation
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. Nf3 g6 8. g3

A59 Sub-variants:

  • Benko gambit, 7.e4
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. e4
  • Benko gambit, Ne2 variation
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. e4 Bxf1 8. Kxf1 g6 9. Nge2
  • Benko gambit
    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. e4 Bxf1 8. Kxf1 g6 9. g3
  • Benko gambit, main line1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. e4 Bxf1 8. Kxf1 g6 9. g3 Bg7 10. Kg2 O-O 11. Nf3

 Bishop's Bounty Benoni Defense Page


BOOKS & Courses (Free)


Short & Sweet: Benko Gambit 
FREE Chessable Course - 25 Trainable Lines w/ 2.5 hr Video by GM Swapnil Dhopade

Short & Sweet: Perrine's Benko Gambit -FREE Chessable Course - 10 Trainable Lines w/ 34 Min Video by FM Perrine

Internet Archive

The Benko Gambit 1999 - 163 Page PDF - Byron Jacobs & Andrew Kinsman
Benko Gambit Accepted ( 1988) - 114 Page PDF - Eduard Gufeld
The Benko Gambit ( 2005) - 125 Page PDF - Jan Pinski
The Benko Gambit Revealed ( 2004) - 113 Page PDF - Neil McDonald
The Modernized Benko Gambit ( 2018) - 240 Page PDF - Milos Perunovic
Play The Benko Gambit ( 2011) - 212 page PDF - Nicolai V. Pedersen
The Dynamic Benko Gambit ( 2012) - 322 page PDF - Sergey Kasparov
The Benko Gambit Move By Move ( 2014) - 189 Page PDF - Junior tay
Benko Counter Gambit (1978) - 128 Page PDF - David Levy
Winning With The Benko ( 1995) - 145 Page PDF - Byron Jacobs
Dangerous Weapons The Benoni And Benko ( 2008) - John Emms, Chris Ward
The Benko Revisited, Volume 1 ( 2022) - 774 Page PDF - Alexey Kovalchuk
The Benko Revisited, Volume 2 ( 2022) - 659 Page PDF - Alexy Kovalchuk
Mastering The Modern Benoni And The Benko ( 1990) - 168 Page PDF - Robert Bellin




Benko Gambit ARTICLES




Lichess Studies:Master the Benko Gambit

Lichess Studies are a fantastic way to explore chess concepts and variations in an interactive format. Unlock its secrets with these curated Lichess studies:

  • Benko Gambit - 10 Chapter Study - Perfect for beginners, this study focuses on the core main lines of the Benko Gambit.
     
  • ⚓️ The Benko Gambit Study ⚓️ - 20 Chapter Study  Delve deeper into Benko Gambit strategy with this comprehensive study analyzing pawn structures and showcasing illustrative games.

  • Benko Gambit: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 - 27 Chapter Study - For dedicated Benko players, this in-depth study offers a deep dive into all the major variations and nuances of the gambit.(In depth )

  •  LiStudy Benko Gambit Page
    (Link to Listudy Page To Practice Lines with LiChess MoveTrainer)

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.


Game Databases

365 Chess.com Database


Chessgames.com

 


Benko Gambit Video Lessons


Benko Gambit - 3 Video Playlist - FM James Canty   (48 Min)


The Benko Gambit: Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 54 Min   a lecture on the Benko Gambit, discussing its history, key ideas, and why it’s less popular at the top levels today. Finegold delves into the specifics of accepting the gambit, sharing insights from his own experiences and notable games, including Karpov vs. Gelfand and Nakamura vs. Bologan. 

A Detailed Guide to the Benko Gambit - 61 Min Hanging Pawns

The Benko Gambit - Chess Openings with GM Damian Lemos - 31 Min Presents a comprehensive guide explaining the key ideas, strategies, and variations of the gambit, emphasizing the importance of initiative and queenside play for black. The video covers the main lines and sub-lines, demonstrating how black can gain active play despite being a pawn down. Lemos also discusses common mistakes by white and how black can capitalize on them. He highlights the value of piece activity over material and provides insights into endgame advantages for black in the Benko Gambit.

The Benko Gambit: A positional sacrifice out of the opening! - IM Andrew Martin - 23 Min

When declining a gambit can be powerful! - IM Andrew Martin  -22 Min

Day 10: Improve your openings with IM Sagar Shah | Benko Gambit | Ft. GM Swapnil Dhopade
 - 73 MinThey provide insights on improving openings, share historical context, and discuss various strategies and positions related to the Benko Gambit

How to Play the Benko Gambit 💪 Chess Openings for Black with IM Valeri Lilov - 28 Min

Benko Gambit: Main Concepts
 - 23 Min

THE BEST Opening For Black Against 1.d4 | Benko Gambit | Chess Opening Explained
 - 14 Min - Coach Kestony will teach you the best opening for black against 1.d4 where you will be play to win

St Louis Chess Club Lessons


Nescafe Frappe attack  

  

Plans Against the Benko

  

Benko Gambit Game Videos w/ Analysis

Benko Gambit - 58 Video Playlist - Kingscrusher

Magnus Carlsen Plays Benko Gambit Against Grandmaster Arthur Kogan - 7 Min
Magnus Carlsen Plays Benko Gambit vs Alireza Firouzja - 2 Min
Classic Chess Game: Magnus Carlsen Benko Gambit crush! - 16 Min
Standard Chess #164: IM Bartholomew vs. Pschaak (Benko Gambit) - 41 Min
Blitz Chess #202: IM Bartholomew vs. IM Pichot (Benko Gambit) - 13 Min

Taking Down the Benko Gambit!! | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 36 Min

Magnus Carlsen Plays Benko Gambit Against Grandmaster Arthur Kogan - 6 Min
Dealing with the Benko Gambit · Training Game - 46 min - Hanging Pawns
Shakhriyar Crushing the Benko Gambit - 9 Min

IM Bartholomews Youtube Page (Benko Gambit search) -  Around 
20 Standard and Blitz Games 

Abstract Picture of Colorful Chess pieces with a geometric Sunburst behind them.


Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Englund Gambit for White & Black: A Complete Guide (A40)

  

Englund Gambit
Explore the Possibilities


The Englund Gambit (1. d4 e5?!)

A daring chess opening that throws traditional positional play out the window.

 Black offers a pawn for rapid development and tactical possibilities, creating an imbalanced but exciting game.

 While not considered sound opening theory for White to accept, the Englund Gambit can be a powerful weapon in the right hands.

 ( An Interesting , if suspect opening against guys who like to play the London.)

Main Variations

  • 2.1 Blackburne–Hartlaub Gambit (1. d4 e5 2. dxe5 d6 )
  • 2.2 Soller Gambit
  • 2.3 Felbecker Gambit
  • 2.4 Zilbermints Gambit
  • 2.5 Englund Gambit main line




Books (Free)

Beat Bad & Pesky Openings - FREE Chessable Course - ( 9 Trainable lines on Defeating the Englund - Chapter 8)


Englund Gambit Articles

Dealing with the Englund - Chessbase Article - Matthew Lunn analyses and explains how to counter a dubious gambit

Englund Gambit Full Guide - 365Chess.com - Very nice opening Guide w/ Links to Games

Exploring the Englund Gambit Against 1.d4 - GM Igor Smirnov - Nice Article w/ Lessons on several gambits, 3 Deeply Annotated games and a 12 Min Embedded Video.


LiChess Studies

Englund Gambit Traps - 7 Chapter Study


Games Databases

Analyze real-life Englund Gambit games from masters to see how theory translates into practical play.

365Chess.com

A40 Queen's pawn, Charlick (Englund) gambit - 1000 Games 

Chessgames.com

Englund Gambit-White wins - 7 Games 


Englund Gambit Video Lessons

WIN IN 8 MOVES: The Englund Gambit - 35 Min - GothamChess - A comprehensive guide on the Englund Gambit. The video includes theoretical explanations, subscriber games, and practical tips for playing the Englund Gambit successfully.

The Extremely Dodgy ENGLUND GAMBIT 24 Min Kingcrusher - 
in-depth analysis of the Englund Gambit. It explores various lines and traps associated with the gambit, highlighting its potential for quick victories as well as its inherent dangers, key moves, and strategic ideas.
    The Englund Gambit | Mainline and Traps | Chess Openings | IM Andrey Ostrovskiy - 10 Min How To Play: The Englund Gambit | ChessKid - 5 Min - Learn how to play and win with the Englund Gambit. FunMasterMike even has a few tricks up his sleeves on how to stop this opening. (Beginner) (New - 5/29/24)

 Chess Tips: Chessbrah Aman's Undefeated Opening for Black! Scary Englund Gambit!! -42 Min IM Miodrag Perunovic - a comprehensive guide on how to play the gambit, including various lines and responses to White’s moves. (Video below)




Zilbermints Gambit


Englund Gambit Traps


Playing Against the Englund


Game Videos w/ Analysis

This Englund Gambit Queen Sacrifice is TOO STRONG - 21 Min IM Rosen

Master Class | Ending The Englund Gambit | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 30 Min

I can't stop winning with the Englund Gambit - 8 Min GM Aman Hambleton

Is the Englund Gambit a Meme Opening? - 40 Min GM Nakamura

TESTING AMAN'S UNDEFEATED OPENING | GM Eric Hansen - 11 Min

UNDEFEATED OPENING? | GM Aman Hambleton - 24 Min