Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Caro-Kann Advance Variation - B12

Vibrant sunburst of colors with a pawn on the side, Text reads "Advanced Caro"


A Deep Dive into the Caro-Kann Advance Variation (3.e5)

Unleash the dynamic potential of the Caro-Kann Advance Variation!


This comprehensive guide equips you to master this exciting opening, offering aggressive possibilities for both White and Black.

Bishop's Bounty Main Caro-Kann Page

Books (Courses) FREE

This section dives into valuable, no-cost resources to jumpstart your Caro-Kann Advance Variation journey!


Chessable Courses (Free)

  • The Caro-Kann Starter Kit -  31 Line Course -  This beginner-friendly course introduces key Caro-Kann ideas and lines. Bonus: The first chapter specifically covers 12 lines in the Advance Variation.

  • The Caro-Kann for Club Players - 145 line Course -  This comprehensive course offers a broader view of the Caro-Kann, with the Advance Variation strategically weaved throughout.

  • Short & Sweet: L'Ami's Caro-Kann - 25 Lines (w/ 1hr 18 Min Video) - Learn 25 key Caro-Kann lines, including some Advance Variation insights, accompanied by a bonus video explanation.

Internet Archive


Caro -Kann  Advance  Articles 

Master the Advance Caro-Kann with Insightful Articles

 
  • Unravel the Advance Caro-Kann: Explore Black's strategies against the Advance Variation with the Botvinnik-Carls Defense (3...c5). LiChess Blog  - Nice Article

  • The Complete Caveman Caro-Kann-Master the Aggressive 4.h4 - The Kenilworthington Article -  Delve into a comprehensive analysis of the Caveman Caro-Kann (1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bf5 4. h4), a dynamic line for White in the Caro-Kann Advance Variation.  (Links to a Dozen or so Caveman Articles at Bottom of Article)

  • The Caveman Caro-Kann: Advance Variation with 4.h4 - The Kenilworthington Article - This article dives specifically into the aggressive 4.h4 move in the Caro-Kann Advance Variation, offering White a dynamic path to challenge Black's position. 

Caro -Kann  Advance LiChess Studies

Sharpen your skills with Lichess studies, allowing you to test your understanding and explore the Advance Variation move-by-move, from White's aggressive plans to Black's dynamic counter-chances.


  • Caro-Kann Advance Variation - 5 Chapter Study - This introductory study provides a solid foundation with explanations and illustrative games.

  • Caro-Kann Advance Variation In Depth - 8 Chapter Study (280 Hearts) - Delve deeper with this 8-chapter study featuring extensive analysis of the Advance Variation and its sub-lines.

  • Caro-Kann Advance Variation - 14 Chapter Study  (Bunch of Games ALL White Wins)

  • Advance Caro-Kann: The Botvinnik-Carls Defense -  40 Chapter Study (240 Hearts) - Master Black's response of 3...c5 with this 40-chapter study, featuring theory and practical examples.

  • Busting the 3...c5 Advance Caro-Kann - 8 Chapter Study - Equip yourself with White's potent strategies against the tricky 3...c5 with theory and model games.

  • Caro-Kann: advance variation, Tal variation - 9 Chapter Study  Learn from the master himself! This study explores the Tal Variation (with 9 full games) favored by Black.

    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.

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.

Bonus! Looking for a more focused training method? Check out the
LiStudy (Move Trainer) 

Caro -Kann  Advance Games Databases

Supplement your theoretical knowledge with practical experience! Here's a selection of valuable game databases brimming with real-world examples of the Caro-Kann Advance Variation:

ChessTempo.com


365Chess.com


Chessgames.com (Game Collections)

By incorporating these game databases into your study routine, you'll gain invaluable insights into the practical application of the Caro-Kann Advance Variation.

Caro -Kann  Advance Video Lessons


Playlist



Caro-Kann Defense: Advance Variation FULL GUIDE for Black - 39 min - IM Alex Banzea - This is a guide and the plans you should be employing.


Caro-Kann Defense | Advance Variation | Ideas, Plans & Strategies ⎸Chess Openings | Astaneh Chess - 35 Min - Black typically responds with 3...Bf5 and from here, we will discuss several continuations and options for black after white's fourth move:
 
Hikaru Teaches the Advanced Caro Kann | Legendary Openings 4 - 22 Min - Sped run lessons

Caro-Kann Defense - Advance Variation in Depth ⎸Chess Openings - 20 Min - Hanging Pawns - discusses various lines and strategies for both white and black pieces, emphasizing the importance of pawn structure, piece activity, and strategic planning. The presenter, Stepan, explains the main line and several sidelines, highlighting the potential for a dynamic and balanced game.

St.Louis Chess Club Lessons





GM Sune Berg Hansen 

Demystify the Caro-Kann Advance Variation with GM Sune Berg Hansen's video playlist. Gain strategic insights and repertoire guidance for both White and Black.

Caro-Kann Defense - 16 Video Playlist 

Botvinnik -Carls Defense 3..c5



Advance Tal Variation

  • Caro-Kann Advance Tal Variation for White - 12 Min - ChessGoals - we go over how to beat the Caro-Kann using the Advance Tal Variation for White.
  • CRUSH The Caro-Kann with Tal Variation - WGM Nemo Zhou - 30 min - Gotham Chess- how to crush the Caro Kann with the Tal move (h4) in the Advance Variation. Great opening for beginners and all levels.
  • BUTCHER Caro Kann with Tal's Line!! - 11 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic - demonstrates key moves and strategies, emphasizing the importance of pawn structure and piece activity. The tutorial includes specific advice on how to respond to common black responses and how to maintain initiative and pressure. 


Caro-Kann Game Videos w/Analysis


Blitz Game #16 Chess Opening: Caro Kann (Black) - 4 min - IM Miodrag Perunovic
Caro-Kann Advance 4.c3 Game Analysis - 16 Min - ChessGoals
Master Class | Caro–Kann | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 32 Min
Master Class | Caro–Kann x2!! | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 35 Min

3..Bf5


Tal Variation

Botvinnik -Carls Defense 3..c5

Short Variation 5.Be2

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Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Checkmate Patterns - Tactics

The word Checkmate created with neon lights with a lit chess piece above.

Checkmate Patterns Resource Page


Wikipedia Checkmate Patterns 


Pawns, Rooks,Queen Mate Patterns


Anderssen's Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Video lessons (Version of Mayet's mate)

Blind Swine Mate -  Articles, LiChess Study, Game Collection, Video Lessons

Backrank Checkmate -  Old Blog Post ,  Many LiChess Studies, Articles and Video Lessons

Damiano's Mate Page - Article, LiChess Studies, Video lessons

Pawn / David and Goliath Mate Page - Article, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video lessons

Dove Tail (Cozio) Mate Page -  Article, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Puzzles, Video Lessons

Epaulette Mate Page -  Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video lessons

Kill-Box Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lessons

Lawnmower Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lessons

 Lolli's Mate Page -   Article, Lichess Studies and a few Videos

RailRoad Mate Pattern Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lessons 

Swallow's Tail (Gueridon's) Mate -  Article, LiChess Study, Video Lesson

Triangle Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studie, Video lesson

Bishop Mates


Balestra Mate Page -   Article, LiChess Studies and a Few Video lessons

Boden's Mate Page -  Lots of nice Articles, Studies and Video lessons on this Mate.

Diagonal Corridor Mate Page - Article, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video lesson

Greco's Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lessons

Max Lange's Mate Page -  Article, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lesson

Mayet's Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lessons

Morphy's Mate Page -  Articles, LiChess Studies, Video Lessons

Opera Mate Page - Article, LiChess Study, Video Lessons (Opera Mate Game Info as well)

Pillsbury's Mate Page - Article, LiChess Studies, Video Lessons  ( a variation of Morphy's Mate)

Reti's Mate Page - Article, LiChess Study, Game Collection, Video Lessons

Double Bishop Mate Page - Article, LiChess Studies, Video lessons (Also Bombardier Mate)


Beginner Checkmate Patterns


Scholars Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Study, Video Lessons

Fool's Mate Page -  Articles, LiChess Study, Video lessons


Knight and Rook Mates


Hook Mate Page -  Article, Lichess Studies, Games , Several Video Lessons

Arabian Mate Page -  Articles, Several Nice Lichess Studies, Games, Puzzles, Several Video Lessons

Anastasia Mate Page - Articles, Bunch Lichess Studies, Games, Puzzles, Several Video lessons

Vukovic's Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Study, Games, Several Video lessons, Video Playlist of Games

Corner Mate Page -  Article, LiChess Study, Games, Couple Video Lessons

Knight Mates


Smothered Mates Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, game Collection, Video Lessons

Suffocation Mates Page - Article, LiChess Study, Game Collection, Video Lesson

Blackburne's Mate Page -  Articles , LiChess Study, Video Lessons


LiChess Mate Studies


Checkmate Patterns: Bishops - 44 Chapter Study (All the Mating Patterns w/ Bishops)

Checkmate Patterns: Knights - 44 Chapter Study (All the Mating Patterns w/ Knights)

Checkmate Patterns: Pawns,Rooks,Queen - 64 Chapter Study (All the Mating Patterns with Pawns, Rooks, Queen)

Mating Patterns (Part 1) - 32 Chapter Interactive Study (ChessMood Mate List )

Mating Patterns Part 2  - 10 Chapter Interactive Study  (ChessMood Mate List)

LiChess Piece Checkmate Training Page - Interactive (Q vs. B,N or Rook) (2 Bishop) (B&N Mate)


Articles Covering Many Mating Patterns


30+ Ways to Checkmate in Chess - Chessable Blog Article Showing an Example of each.

40 Checkmate Patterns Sure To Win You Games  - Chess for Sharks (Nice Article)

The Complete Checkmate Patterns List (with examples) - GM Avetik Grigoryan - ChessMood page 
36 Mating patterns w/ Explanations (Really Nice Page)

Chess Tempos Tactical Motifs Page -   Links to the Descriptions of 30 Mates (Along with other Tactics)

Top 18 Checkmate Patterns: Must-Know Checkmates for Club Players - The ChessWorld Article

Video Lessons Covering Mating Patterns


The Top 23 Checkmate Patterns | Most Important Mating Patterns In Chess | Chess Tactics and Ideas - 23 min - NM Nelson Lopez

6 Checkmate Patterns YOU MUST KNOW - 21 Min - Gotham Chess - IM Rozman


Retro 3-d T-shirt design of Chess pieces and saying "The right move is out there in the multiverse





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Friday, September 1, 2023

Philidor Defense: Your Black Chess Arsenal - C41 - Opening Theory


Demystifying the Philidor Defense
 A Treasure Trove of Resources for Black ♛
 

The Philidor Defense (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6) is a solid and strategic opening for Black, offering a comfortable alternative to the more theoretical Ruy Lopez.

While it may not be the flashiest opening, the Philidor provides Black with good chances for active piece play and a healthy pawn structure.

This comprehensive guide equips you with a wealth of FREE resources to master the Philidor Defense, regardless of your chess experience level.


Philidor Defense Wikipedia Page

The Philidor Defense (or Philidor's Defense) is a chess opening characterized by the moves:

1. e4 e5

2. Nf3 d6

 
Philidor - Black Lion (Hanham ) Variation Page

Books / Courses (Free)


Philidor Defense Chess Articles


  • Philidor Defence - Simplify Chess Opening Guide - This comprehensive guide explores each key move of the Philidor Defense, explaining the theory behind the four main variations.

  • Chess Opening Basics: The Philidor Defense - Chessable Blog Opening Guide - Get a solid foundation in the Philidor Defense with this general opening explanation and exploration of its common variations.

  • PHILIDOR DEFENSE: HOW YOU SHOULD PLAY IT - Pawn Break Guide - This article dives into strategic concepts and recommended approaches for Black players wielding the Philidor Defense.

  • The Amazing Philidor Defense!  -   International Master Alberto Chueca offers a simplified perspective on the Philidor Defense, outlining key plans for Black.

  • Lessons in Philidor's Defence  -  The Exeter Chess Club -  Provides a detailed opening guide for the Philidor Defense, suitable for players looking to expand their knowledge.

  • Black Lion Defense: The Total Guide (Only For The Brave) - In-Depth Opening Guide - Chess Journal - For those seeking an in-depth exploration, this comprehensive guide delves into the history, theory, variations, general strategy, and step-by-step approach of the Black Lion, a dynamic sub-variation of the Philidor Defense.

  • Understanding the Philidor Defense - IM Emmanuel Jimmenez - Blog post with 2/ analyzed games


Philidor LiChess Studies

Lichess studies offer an interactive way to learn and practice the Philidor Defense. Test your understanding, explore key variations, and solidify your strategic concepts with these valuable resources:


  • Philidor's Defense - 6 Chapter Study (320 hearts) - Sourced from the respected "Modern Chess Openings" (15th Edition), this study breaks down the Philidor Defense into clear chapters, making it ideal for beginners.

    Philidor's Defense - 6 Chapter Study     - This user-created study focuses on providing easy-to-understand plans for Black against specific lines played by White.

  • Philidor's Defense - 6 Chapter Study - This user-created study focuses on providing easy-to-understand plans for Black against specific lines played by White.

  • The Philidor Defense (Benjamin Finegold) - 9 Chapter Study - Dive into a detailed analysis of the main lines, Exchange Variation, Shirov Gambit, and some sidelines with renowned chess author Benjamin Finegold.

  • The Philidor Defense - 10 Chapter Study - This comprehensive study explores detailed variations with a few model games to illustrate key concepts.

  • Philidor Defense with White - 6 Chapter Study -Simple w/ White players seeking insights into common responses to the Philidor Defense.

  • Philidor Defense, Exchange Variation (White) - 9 Chapter Study - For those specializing in the Exchange Variation as White, this in-depth study offers a meticulous exploration of the main lines.

  • The Black Lion - 4 Chapter Study (114 hearts) - Explore the Black Lion variation, a dynamic sub-line of the Philidor Defense, with a few model games for practical application.


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

Delve into real Philidor Defense battles with these online databases, allowing you to witness how grandmasters and other players have handled this opening in practice: 

365Chess.com

ChessTempo.com

Chessgames.com

Chess Puzzles

Test your tactical skills with puzzles specifically designed for the Philidor.


LiChess Philidor Defense Puzzles   - 16,000 Puzzles 
(LiChess Puzzle By Opening Page - Here) 1/3 Way down page is Philidor broken into 11 variations)


WTHarvey

Philidor Defense (ECO C41) - 25 Puzzles

Philidor Defense Video Lessons


Philidor Defense Explained | Ultimate Beginner Guide to King Pawn Openings Part 1 - 18 min - Johnathan Schrantz - Part 1 covers Philidor's Defense and Damiano's Defense

Philidor Defense Lecture - 54 Min - IM Mark Esserman - Enjoy this lecture on the theory of the Philidor Defense which also includes the famous Opera Box Morphy game and Fischer vs. Benko 1963!

St.Louis Chess Club


Black Lion Defense

Fighting the Philidor

Philidor Chess Traps

Philidor Game Videos w/Analysis


Master Class | Philidor Defence | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 31 Min

Understanding Positional Drawbacks | Philidor Defense | GM Naroditsky’s - 44 Min

Deconstructing The Philidor Defence | The Sensei Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 28 Min

Philidor Defence | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 20 Min

Standard Chess #193: IM Bartholomew vs. vperboy (Philidor Defense) - 39 Min - IM Bartholomew

GM Simon Williams (Black Lion Games)




 

Disney Inspired AI image of a Black Lion with the text "Philidor" below.
"The Philidor Defense is a game by its form, an art by its content and a science by the difficulty of gaining mastery in it." - Tigran Petrosian

 

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Wednesday, August 30, 2023

4.e3 Nimzo-Indian Defense (Rubenstein System)

Mastering the Rubinstein System
 A Deep Dive into the
 4.e3 Nimzo-Indian Defense

 The 4.e3 line in the Nimzo-Indian Defense is known as the Rubinstein System.
This variation is characterized by the moves

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3.

 It is named after the Polish Grandmaster Akiba Rubinstein and is one of the most solid and classical ways for White to handle the Nimzo-Indian Defense.

Key Features of the Rubinstein System

  1. Solid Structure: By playing 4.e3, White aims to build a solid pawn structure and prepare for the development of the bishop to d3. This move supports the center and prepares for the eventual development of the knight to f3.
  2. Flexibility: The Rubinstein System allows White to maintain flexibility in the pawn structure and piece placement. White can choose to castle kingside and develop the pieces harmoniously.
  3. Avoiding Immediate Complications: Unlike more aggressive lines such as the Samisch Variation (4.a3), the Rubinstein System avoids immediate tactical complications and focuses on solid development.

Typical Plans for White

  • Development: White typically follows up with moves like Nf3, Bd3, and O-O, aiming for a solid and harmonious development.
  • Central Control: White often looks to play for d4-d5 at an appropriate moment to gain space and open the center.
  • Piece Coordination: White aims to coordinate the pieces effectively, often placing the rooks on c1 and d1 to support central and queenside operations.

Typical Plans for Black

  • Pressure on the Center: Black often aims to put pressure on White's center with moves like ...d5 or ...c5.
  • Piece Activity: Black can develop the pieces actively, often placing the knight on c6 and the bishop on b7 after playing ...b6.
  • Counterplay: Black seeks counterplay on the queenside or in the center, depending on White's setup.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages for White:

  • Solid and flexible pawn structure.
  • Avoids immediate tactical complications.
  • Good for players who prefer a strategic and positional game.

Disadvantages for White:

  • Can be somewhat passive if not handled correctly.
  • Black has various ways to counter and equalize.

The Rubinstein System is a reliable and solid choice for White against the Nimzo-Indian Defense, offering a good balance between solidity and flexibility.

 Nimzo-Indian Defence Wikipedia Page


E40 Nimzo-Indian,   4.e3
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3

E41-E42 Nimzo-Indian,  4.e3 c5
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 c5

E43-E44 Nimzo-Indian, Fischer variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 b6

E45 Nimzo-Indian, 4.e3, Bronstein (Byrne) variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 b6 5. Nge2 Ba6

E46-E48 Nimzo-Indian,  4.e3 O-O
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O

E49 Nimzo-Indian, 4.e3, Botvinnik system
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd3 d5 6. a3 Bxc3+ 7. bxc3

E50-E51 Nimzo-Indian,  4.e3 e8g8
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Nf3

E52-E59 Nimzo-Indian,  4.e3
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Nf3 d5 6. Bd3 b6

 

4.e3 - Nimzo Indian Defense Articles

Delve into the theory, history, and key variations of the 4.e3 Nimzo.


4.e3 - Nimzo Indian Defense LiChess Studies

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



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 4.e3 Nimzo Indian Defense.

4.e3 - Nimzo Indian Defense Puzzles

Test your tactical skills with puzzles specifically designed for the Halasz Gambit.

 

WTHarvey.com (Puzzle Site)


Nimzo-Indian 4.e3 c5 (ECO E41) -  14 Puzzles
Nimzo-Indian, Fischer Variation (ECO E43) - 10 Puzzles

 

LiChess Openings Puzzles 
  (Shows all the Game Moves up to The tactic as well) 

Nimzo- Indian  Normal Line -    158 Puzzles
Nimzo -Indian Normal Variation -  469 Puzzles
Nimzo- Indian St. Petersburg Variation -  60 Puzzles
Nimzo-Indian Hubner Variation -  107 Puzzles
Nimzo-Indian Reshevsky Variation - 45 Puzzles

Games Databases & Collections

Analyze real-life games featuring the 4.e3 Nimzo and see how it's played in practice.

 

Chessgames.com
Nimzo-Indian, Rubinstein Variation - 140 games ( Game Collection )

 

365Chess.com
Nimzo-Indian Page  - Links to all the Nimzo Variations (lots)

 

Chesstempo.com
Nimzo-Indian Defense, Normal Line (E40) - 1980 Games

4.e3 - Nimzo Indian Defense Video Lessons


Nimzo-Indian Defense  - 13 Video Playlist  - Chess geek  (Videos 2,3,4,7 are 4.e3 Nimzo-Indian)

Main Line of the Nimzo-Indian Defense - 27 Min - Hanging pawns - The main line of this popular defense starts after white plays e4 on move 4. This is the most solid of all options white has against the Nimzo. Unlike all the other moves he can play, e3 prepares to simply develop and castle.

ChessGeek - Nimzo Masterclass


Day 05: Improve your openings with IM Sagar Shah | Nimzo Indian 4.e3 1.5 hr - Chessbase India - IM Sagar Shah speaks about the e3 system Rubinstein system in the Nimzo Indian.

Nimzo-Indian Mainline with 4.e3 | Understanding Your Openings #6 - 27 Min - IM Andras Toth  -  Video Below- In depth look at the main line of the Nimzo-Indian defense, resulting in various topical pawn structures, opening lines and top GM sample games.


Game Videos w/Analysis

Nimzo-Indian Defence: Rubinstein System 4.e3 -  85 Video playlist - kingscrusher 

Chess School

Chess postmortem #24: Nimzo-Indian defense - Rubinstein variation - 32 Min - Jim's Chess Channel -  Recent over the board game.

IM Sielecki

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