Saturday, November 12, 2022

English Opening A10-A39

 



Conquer the English Opening:
Your Free Resource Arsenal


The English Opening (1. c4)
 is a fantastic first move for White, offering flexibility and strategic possibilities.

This guide equips you with a treasure trove of FREE resources to master this dynamic opening, from beginner-friendly explanations to advanced variations.

 English Wikipedia Page

A flank opening, it is the fourth most popular and, according to various databases, one of the four most successful of White's twenty possible first moves.


Opening theoreticians who write on the English Opening divide it into three broad categories, generally determined by Black's choice of defensive setup.

  1. Symmetrical Defence: 1...c5        ECO  A30 - A39
  2. Reversed Sicilian  1...e5               ECO  A20 - A29
  3. Other Lines                                    ECO  A10 - A19

ECO CODES

A10 English opening                          1. c4
A11-A12 English, Caro-Kann defensive system   1. c4 c6
A13 English opening                          1. c4 e6
A14 English, Neo-Catalan declined        1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 d5 3. g3 Nf6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. O-O
A15 English,                                       1...Nf6 (Anglo-Indian defense)1. c4 Nf6
A16 English opening                          1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3
A17 English opening                          1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e6
A18-A19 English, Mikenas-Carls variation     1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e6 3. e4
A20 English opening                          1. c4 e5
A21 English opening                          1. c4 e5 2. Nc3
A22 English opening                          1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6
A23-A24 English, Bremen system        1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. g3 c6
A25 English, Sicilian reversed               1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6
A26 English, closed system                  1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. d3 d6
A27 English, three knights system            1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Nf3
A28-A29 English, four knights system         1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Nf3 Nf6
A30-A39 English, symmetrical variation       1. c4 c5

Bishop's Bounty - Reverse Sicilian (King's English) Page - A20-A29

Books & Courses (FREE)


Internet Archive


Flank Openings: A Study of Réti's Opening, The Catalan, English and King's Indian Attack Complex (Fourth Edition) by R. D. Keene - 193 page PDF

Starting Out The English McDonald, Neil - 61 Page PDF


English Opening CHESSABLE COURSES (Free)

Level up your English Opening game with FREE video-accompanied courses on Chessable. A unique learning platform that uses spaced repetition to help you master chess concepts and variations in a fun and effective way. 


These free courses offer in-depth analysis of various English Opening lines, presented alongside clear video instruction.

English Opening Chess Articles 

Free Resources to Empower Your English Opening:

  • The English Opening - Simplify Chess Guide - This in-depth guide from Simplify Chess covers everything you need to know, from basic opening principles to aggressive attacking lines and effective ways to counter Black's defenses. Learn to play the English Opening with confidence!

  • The Ultimate English Opening (1.c4) Guide - Chessable Blog -Delve deep into the English Opening with expert analysis, strategic insights, and more in this comprehensive guide from Chessable.

  • The Ideas behind the English Opening -  Exeter Chess Club -  Explore the core strategic concepts behind this flexible opening.

English Opening LiChess Studies

LiChess Studies provides the perfect platform for interactive learning. Here, we've curated a selection of highly-rated LiChess studies to guide you through different aspects of this dynamic opening:


  • The English Opening - 10 Chapter Study  1500 + hearts - This introductory study provides a solid understanding of the opening's core concepts with basic knowledge. It includes famous games and explores key traps to watch out for.

  • English Opening Repertoire - 48 Chapter Study - This comprehensive repertoire, developed over 6 years, equips you with a complete strategy for playing the English. With 29 games, it delves deeper into variations and strategic ideas for a well-rounded approach, focusing on a "pure English" style that avoids transpositions into Queen's Gambit lines.

  • The English Opening - 40 Chapter Study (Very Well Done) 500+ Hearts - This acclaimed study tackles the reversed Sicilian and symmetrical lines, along with exploring sidelines often encountered in practical play. It includes 5 model games to solidify your learning.

  • English Opening - Four Knights - 9 Chapter Study - This focused study equips you with the specific move order (c4, Nc3, Nf3) leading to the Four Knights variation, a popular and dynamic line within the English Opening.


Trap Studies 

We've included several LiChess studies dedicated to exposing traps commonly encountered in the English Opening. Hone your tactical vision with these interactive challenges:


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.

English Opening Chess Puzzles 
  (Practice Opening Tactics)

wtharvy.com (Curated from Actual games)

English Opening (ECO A10) - 24 Puzzles
English, Caro-Kann Defensive System (A11) 15 Puzzles
English with b3 (A12) - 10 Puzzles
English (A13) - 10 Puzzles
English (ECO A15) 1.c4 Nf6 w/o 2.Nc3 - 13 Puzzles
English (ECO A16) 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 w/o 2...e6  -  22 Puzzles
English, Hedgehog (ECO A17)  - 15 Puzzles
English, Mikenas-Carls (ECO A18) - 6 Puzzles
English, Mikenas-Carls, Sicilian Variation (ECO A19) - 15 Puzzles

English (ECO A20) 1.c4 e5 w/o 2.Nc3 - 17 puzzles
English (ECO A21) 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 - 11 Puzzles
English (ECO A22) 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 - 9 Puzzles
English, Bremen System, Keres Variation (ECO A23) -  26 Puzzles 
English, Bremen System with ...g6 (ECO A24) - 14 Puzzles
English (ECO A25) 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6  - 16 Puzzles
English (ECO A26) 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 d6 - 17 Puzzles
English, Three Knights System (ECO A27) - 14 Puzzles
English (ECO A28) 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Nf3 Nf6  - 18 Puzzles
English, Four Knights, Kingside Fianchetto (ECO A29) -  19 Puzzles

English, Symmetrical (ECO A30) 1.c4 c5  - 10 Puzzles
English, Symmetrical, Benoni Formation (ECO A31) 1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 - 21 Puzzles
English, Symmetrical Variation (ECO A32)1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e6  - 14 Puzzles
English, Symmetrical (ECO A33) 1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e6 5.Nc3 Nc6  - 10 puzzles
English, Symmetrical (ECO A34) 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3  - 16 Puzzles
English, Symmetrical (ECO A35) 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6  - 11 puzzles
English Symmetrical (ECO A36) 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 - 16 Puzzles
English, Symmetrical (ECO A37) 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.Nf3 - 15 Puzzles
English, Symmetrical (ECO A38) 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.Nf3 Nf6 - 9 Puzzles
English, Symmetrical, Main line with d4 (ECO A39) 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.Nf3 Nf6 6.0-0 0-0 7.d4  - 18 Puzzles

LiChess Puzzles
LICHESS Opening Tactics Training - 24,400 English Tactics ( English is about 1/4 of the way down the page Broken into 16 Variations)

GAMES Databases

365Chess.com 

English Opening Page (Page Showing variations)-  25,000 Games

ChessTempo.com

English Opening, Anglo-Dutch Defense (A10) - 6621 Games
English Opening, Agincourt Defense (A13)  - 11,886 Games
English Opening, Agincourt Defense, Neo Catalan Declined (A14) - 13,210 Games

Chessgames.com

English opening personal favourites =  Collection   32 Games
English Annotated  Collection  20 Games (Annotated)
Annotated English opening games 17 Games (Annotated)

English Opening Video Lessons

English Opening NM Robert Ramirez - 4 Video Playlist (75 Mins Total)


The Chess World - English Videos

The English Opening: A simple but strong opening to learn! - GM Roman Dzindzichashvili - 15 Min - the focus is on getting White an easy game using this opening. All of the lines that are examined give White a good advantage, or at least a comfortable position. This makes learning the English very easy, because we do not need to memorize a lot of different move orders.

The English Opening: How to Play The Symmetrical Variation 🎓 GM Damian Lemos - 30 Min - introduces you to the English Opening, specifically the Symmetrical Variation.
The English Opening - Chess Openings with GM Damian Lemos - 27 Min - he positional nature of the opening allows you to outplay your opponent by knowing key plans and ideas. If you’re willing to put in the work learning the English Opening, you’ll surely get rewarded.

The English Opening 💂A Complete System for White – IM Valeri Lilov (The Chess World) - 25 Min - examines a game from Yasser Seirawan in order to explain the core concepts behind the opening.
Win with The Botvinnik System in The English Opening ⚔ IM Valeri Lilov - 18 Min -  analyzes a game that was played between the very well known GM Yasser Seirawan vs GM Milan Vukic in 1979.

The English Opening | Basic Plans, Ideas & Strategies | Chess Openings | IM Andrey Ostrovskiy - 28 min - IM Andrey Ostrovskiy is sharing with you some of the major ideas and plans in the English Opening.

Reversed Sicilian - Discussion with GM Pavel Eljanov - 77 Min

The English Opening - Chess Openings Explained - 48 Min ST. Louis CC
The English | Responding to c4 - GM Yasser Seirawan - 2014.02.06 - 32 Min 
GRANDMASTER EXPLAINS: The English Opening - 46 Min - GM Eric Hansen -features a grandmaster discussing the English Opening in chess, sharing personal anecdotes, and engaging with viewers. The grandmaster reminisces about past experiences with other chess legends, analyzes various chess positions, and answers questions from the audience.

GM Eugene Perelshteyn teaches you how to play against the Symmetrical English! - 6 Min -  teaches you how to play against Symmetrical English, specifically tricky a3 move. Learn cool traps and plans for Black!
GM Eugene Perelshteyn teaches you how to play the English Opening using concepts! - 14 Min -  shares his own game vs 2350 opponent as a features game for Chess^summit website. Learn how he uses concept from his pet Accelerated Dragon and apply it to the English Opening!

Chess Opening Theory (English 4 Knights w/Bc5) (part1/2) - 33 Min  IM William Paschall
Chess Opening Theory (English 4 Knights w/Bc5) (part2/2) - 33 min  IM William Paschall
Opening Basics #10: English opening - Four knights variation - 20 Min

Chessbase India

English Opening - 55 Video Playlist - Chessbase India
(Some of the Best Lessons from the Playlist Below)


English Opening Traps


English Game Videos (w/Analysis)

English Opening  - 173 Video Playlist  -agadmantor  (Famous Games)
English Opening - 240 Video Playlist  - kingscrusher (Famous games)
English Opening  - 128 Video playlist  - Chess School  (Famous Games and Lessons)


English Opening: M Carlsen vs J Polgar London 2012. - 13 Min

Magnus Carlsen's top secret English Opening Novelty unveiled against Anish Giri - 15 Min

English Opening (Botvinnik): Garry Kasparov vs Nigel Short - 10 Min

Bobby Fischer vs Boris Spassky, Game 8 - 1972 World Ch. English Opening - 8 Min

Wesley So vs Alexander Onischuk : US Championship (2017) · English Opening - 14 Min

Hikaru Nakamura vs Sergey Karjakin : Altibox Norway (2018): English Opening - 7 Min

English Opening Brilliancies Part 1 (Botvinnik-Levenfish 1940) - 20 Min  IM William Paschall

Dream Chess impressionist image


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Saturday, October 22, 2022

Semi-Slav Defense: A Complete Chess Learning Guide D43-D49

  



Semi-Slav Defense Resources

The Semi-Slav Defense is a dynamic chess opening for Black against 1.d4. It offers a solid pawn structure, flexible development, and rich counter-attacking chances. Whether you're a beginner seeking a strong foundation or a seasoned player looking for a dynamic opening weapon, the Semi-Slav is a rewarding choice. This comprehensive guide provides all the resources you need to master this exciting opening:

  • Solid Defense: The Semi-Slav's firm pawn structure ensures Black avoids early weaknesses.
  • Flexible Development: Black's pieces have ample space to maneuver and find active squares.
  • Counter-Attacking Ideas: The Semi-Slav offers Black dynamic possibilities to challenge White for the initiative.

Let's delve into the wealth of resources available to help you master the Semi-Slav Defense!

Semi-Slav Wikipedia Page 

The Semi-Slav Defense is a variation of the Queen's Gambit chess opening defined by the position reached after the moves:
1. d4 d5
2. c4 c6
3. Nf3 Nf6
4. Nc3 e6


D43 Queen's Gambit Declined semi-Slav
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c6

D44 Queen's Gambit Declined semi-Slav, 5.Bg5 dc 
 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c6 5. Bg5 dxc4

D45 Queen's Gambit Declined semi-Slav, 5.e3 
  1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c6 5. e3

D46 Queen's Gambit Declined semi-Slav, 6.Bd3 
  1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Bd3

D47 Queen's Gambit Declined semi-Slav, 7.Bc4 
  1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4

D48 Queen's Gambit Declined semi-Slav, Meran, 8...a6 
 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Bd3 a6

D49 Queen's Gambit Declined semi-Slav, Meran, Blumenfeld variation 
 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Bd3 a6 9. e4 c5 10. e5 cxd4 11. Nxb5


Books & Courses (Free)

Free Chessable Course

  • Short & Sweet: Semi-Slav - Free Chessable Course - 27 Opening Lines w/ 50 Min Video by GM Sam Shankland will show you how to use the Semi-Slav's rock-solid structure, fluid piece development, and sharp counter-attacking ideas...against almost EVERY first move by White.

  • Short & Sweet: Sethuraman's Semi-Slav - Free Chessable Course - 16 Opening Lines w/ 37 Min Video by GM Sethuraman - a free taste of the most important variations in the Semi-Slav, all with an aggressive and attacking take. What’s more, he shows you key lines against all major variations after 1.d4.

Internet Archive

101 Chess Opening Surprises -  321 Page PDF   (Semi-Slav - pages 91- 110)

Semi-Slav Chess Articles

Delve into the theory, history, and key variations of the Semi-Slav.

For Deeper Dives:

Semi-Slav Lichess Studies

Sharpen your Semi-Slav skills with interactive training tools on Lichess:

  • Semi Slav Defence - 8 Chapter Study - Classical Meran

  • The Complete Semi-Slav- In Progress - 8 Chapter Interactive Study - Delve into the most popular Semi-Slav variation, the Meran, with this 8-chapter interactive study.

  • Semi-Slav - 9 Chapter Study - Gain a broader understanding of the Semi-Slav with this 9-chapter study that introduces you to different variations.

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

Analyze real-world Semi-Slav games and see how the theory translates into practice:

Chessgames.com

365Chess.com 

Semi-Slav Chess Video Lessons

Learn from chess masters in video tutorials that explain the Semi-Slav's key ideas and strategies.


Playlists


The Semi-Slav explained by GM Sam Shankland - 52 Min - Video from Chessable Course Above.

The Fundamental Ideas Behind the Semi-Slav - 35 Min - SmithyQ goes deep on the Semi-Slav Defense. Why should we play it and how to play it. The Semi-Slav is one of the most logical and principled ways to play against 1.d4.

How To Play The Semi-Slav! - 16 Min GM Illingworth - Goes through the main ideas behind the Semi-Slav Defense. He explains the plans for both Black and White, analyzing a game between Magnus Carlsen and David Anton Guijarro 

Chess Basics #43: The Queen's gambit declined - Slav and Semi-Slav defenses - 21 Min - Jim's Chess Channel - covers the Slav and Semi-Slav defenses to the Queen's gambit.


Botvinnik System


St. Louis Chess Club
  ( If your Looking for a Video Course on Semi-Slav here is 8 hrs worth)


Semi-Slav Game Videos w/ Analysis


Playlists


GM Analysis #21 Williams vs Sadilek - An exciting Botvinnik Semi-Slav - 33 Min GM Simon Williams

Carlsen attacks with the Semi Slav -CCT finals: Duda vs Carlsen - 17 Min IM Andreas

IM Bartholomew

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Wednesday, October 19, 2022

The Queen’s Gambit’s Kryptonite: Your Complete Guide to the Slav Defense D10 - D19

 

Unlock the Secrets of the Slav Defense

A Comprehensive Guide for Black and White


Why Explore the Slav Defense?

Here are some reasons the Slav Defense is a fascinating opening for players of both colors:

  • Rich Strategic Landscape: The Slav Defense offers a dynamic battleground with opportunities for positional maneuvering and tactical skirmishes.
  • Solid Foundation: This opening provides a strong framework, allowing players to build a solid understanding of the center.
  • Versatility: The Slav Defense caters to a variety of playing styles, from aggressive to positional.
  • As Black: Gain a solid foundation and fight for central control with a flexible opening system.
  • For White: Challenge Black's central control and create early imbalances with active piece play


Dive into the Slav Defense with these valuable resources:


Slav Wikipedia Page 

The Slav is one of the primary defenses to the Queen's Gambit.

Slav Defense Move by Move Breakdown

D10 Queen's Gambit Declined Slav defense  1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6

D11 Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, 3.Nf3
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3

D12 Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, 4.e3 Bf5
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5

D13 Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, exchange variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. cxd5 cxd5

D14 Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, exchange variation,6.Bf4 Bf5
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. cxd5 cxd5 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bf4 Bf5

---Bishops Bounty Exchange Slav Page Resources -  HERE---

D15 Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, 4.Nc3
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3

D16: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav accepted, Alapin variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4

D17: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, Czech defense
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5

D18: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, Dutch variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3

D19: Queen's Gambit Declined Slav, Dutch variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3 e6 7. Bxc4 Bb4 8. O-O

Books & Courses (Free)

  • Short & Sweet: Slav - FREE Chessable Course w/ 19 Lines (A solid FIDE Master designed beginner's guide to meeting the queen's gambit (1.d4 and 2.c4) with the classical Slav! Get up and running in no time, with this short and sweet FREE opening chess book.)

  • Short & Sweet: Chebanenko Slav - Free Chessable Course w/20 Lines by GM Alex Colovic

  • Short & Sweet: Triangle Slav - FREE Chessable Course w/ 20 Lines by GM Erwin L'Ami w/2hrs Video

Slav Defense Chess Articles

  • Slav Defense - Simplify Chess Guide - This clear explanation of the Slav Defense with three main variations provides a solid foundation for beginners.

  • The Slav Defense – A Complete Chess Opening Guide For Black - ichess.net Guide -  Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Slav Defense with over 3 hours of video lessons and Lichess studies, suitable for intermediate players. (Archived)

  • The Slav Defense – How to Play It as White and Black - Explore the Slav Defense from both sides of the board, learning Black's plans while understanding potential weaknesses to exploit as White.

  • The Slav Defense - Remote Chess Academy Guide - This guide includes a 15-minute embedded video overview and a 10-chapter Lichess study for further exploration.

  • Pawn Structure 101: The Slav Formation - Chess Simplified Guide - Nice Article -Deciphering the typical pawn formations arising from the Slav Defense is crucial for strategic decision-making. This guide helps you grasp these key structures.

Slav Defense LiChess Studies

  • Black repertoaire: Slav Defense: Introduction - 8 Chapter Study - This 8-chapter study lays the groundwork for the Slav Defense, including its close cousin, the Semi-Slav. It delves into opening lines, helping you build a solid foundation in this dynamic opening.

  • 🛡️The Slav Defense🛡️ - 8 Chapter Interactive Study - Dive deep into the Slav Defense with this comprehensive 8-chapter interactive study. It covers a wide range of variations, equipping you to handle diverse challenges at the chessboard. (2063 hearts)

  • Slav Defense🎩🎆, Updated - 26 Chapter Study (Well Done) This extensive 26-chapter study provides a treasure trove of Slav Defense knowledge. It explores various lines, showcases illustrative games, and even delves into gambit possibilities.

  • Slav Defense Theory - 9 Chapter Study -  Go beyond memorizing moves with this 9-chapter thematic study. It explores key ideas for both White and Black in the Slav Defense, often linking chapters to relevant YouTube videos for deeper understanding.

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

365Chess.com


Slav Defense Video Lessons

 

Playlists

Lessons

Learn the Slav Defense | 10-Minute Chess Openings - 7 Min - GM Levy Rozman (Gotham) - A concise introduction to the Slav's core ideas by GM Levy Rozman, emphasizing key pawn structures, piece development strategies, and common plans for Black. Video below



How To Play The Slav Defense Chess Opening - Deep Dive with GM Damian Lemos - 63 Min - A comprehensive exploration of the Slav Defense with GM Lemos. This in-depth video covers key variations in the main line and Semi-Slav lines, strategic concepts like pawn structures and piece play, and responses to various White strategies.

Slav Defense For Newbies: A Beginner’s Guide to Solid and Principled Opening Play - 30 Min - Dr. Can's Chess Clinic - Requiring relatively little rote memorization. We focus on chess principles and piece activity to explain each move, emphasizing the importance of understanding the "why" behind them. (New 6/29/2024)

Why is The Slav The Best Beginner Opening vs 1.d4 - 12 Min - ChessCoach Andreas - we dive into why the Slav Defense is considered one of the best opening for beginners against 1.d4. (New 7/8/2024)

Slav Defense Opening Traps 

St. Louis Chess Club


Ben Finegold

A collection of short lectures on various Slav Defense variations by GM Ben Finegold. This series covers key variations like the Main Line, Semi-Slav, and Chebanenko Slav, providing essential insights and strategic guidance for each variation.

Slav Defense Game Videos (With Analysis)

Playlists
  • Slav Defense - 85 Video Playlist  - Chess School
  • Slav Defense - 57 Video Playlist  - agadmator - analysis and lessons from famous games
  • Slav and Semi-Slav - 211 Video Playlist  - kingscrusher - Analysis and lessons from famous games
  • Slav Defense Rating Climb - 6 Video Playlist - 3hrs IM Alex Banzea - Playing Games and Teaching lessons about each.


A super solid Slav || Magnus Carlsen plays the very interesting Chebanenko Slav vs Boris Gelfand -16 Min

Slav is the New Black! || Caruana vs MVL || MC Invitational (2020) - 10 Min

Slav Defense Exchange Variation: Harikrishna - Firouzja (Tata Steel 2021) - 16 Min

The Exchange Slav is not so boring! | Caruana vs Duda | Norway Chess 2020 - 15 Min

Adhiban explains some deep intricacies in the Exchange Slav | Asian Online Nations Cup 2020 - 6 Min

Instructive Slav Defense Game: Efstratios Grivas vs Li Shilong - 10 Min
Instructive Slav Defense game by Kasparov: Sakaev vs Kasparov - 10 Min
Instructive Slav Defense Game: Yannick Pelletier vs Erwin L'Ami - 13 Min

IM John Bartholomew  - games with great analysis and Lessons


Carved black chess piece representing the Slav Defense strategy, permanently embedded in a stone wall, symbolizing its solidity and enduring principles in chess.
"Solidity is not the absence of ideas, but the presence of the right ones." - Emanuel Lasker


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Friday, September 2, 2022

Babson Task



 A Babson task is a direct-mate chess problem with the following properties:

   1.  White has only one key, or first move, that forces checkmate in the stipulated number of moves.

   2.   Black's defenses include the promotion of a certain pawn to a queen, rook, bishop, or knight. (Black may have other defenses as well.)

   3.  If Black promotes, then White must promote a pawn to the same piece to which Black promoted in order to complete the solution.

Babson Task Wikipedia Page

Combining 4 promotions from black with 4 echo promotions from white was the Holy Grail of chess for over a century. The greatest composers failed to compose this task. Then there was a 26 year old soccer trainer from Russia, who realized the impossible: Leonid Yarosh (source: De man die de Babson Task wilde maken - Tim Krabbé)

Articles Revisiting Tim Krabbé and Babson - Chessbase Article The perfect Babson - Chessbase Article

Babson Task - Very Nice Academic Kids Article Explaining the different types of Babson problems and History. LiChess Study THE BABSON TASK - 6 Chapter Study w/ Leonid Yarosh Composition and Bachmann Composition Videos The impossible Babson Task - 17 Min Video A Chess Composition Masterpiece ♚ The Babson Task ♚ Leonid Yarosh, 1983 - 12 Min The Most MARVELOUS Position to Ever Grace the Chess Board - 14 Min


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