Master the Leningrad Dutch Defense: A Comprehensive Guide to A81, A87-A89

"Behind the imposing walls lies a cunning defense."
- unknown

Unlock Black's Winning Chances
A Deep Dive into the Leningrad Dutch

The Leningrad Dutch Defense is an aggressive and tactical choice for Black, involving fianchettoing the king’s bishop and controlling the center with pawns on d6 and e6. This opening allows Black to launch a counterattack on White’s position, often leading to sharp and complex games.

• Control the center with dynamic pawn structures.
• Create opportunities for a powerful kingside attack.
• Challenge your opponent with lesser-known lines.

Dive into the ultimate collection of resources to master the Leningrad Dutch Defense, from in-depth articles and LiChess studies to comprehensive video lessons and puzzles.
Bishop's Bounty Dutch Defense Page - Link Here

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Leningrad Dutch Articles

• Leningrad Dutch: Complete Guide - IM Zaur Tekeyev - Chessworld (W/33 Min Embedded Video) General look at the Main Line, Model game and an example of how White trys to refute the Leningrad Dutch.
  
  
• Chess Opening Basics: The Leningrad Dutch Defense - Chessable Blog Guide - Get a solid foundation in the Leningrad Dutch  with this introductory guide from the Chessable Blog. This article offers a general overview of the opening's ideas and themes, perfect for beginners looking to add this dynamic defense to their repertoire.
  
  
• Leningrad Dutch by GM Magesh and GM Arun - Sharpen your tactical vision with two annotated games featuring the Leningrad Dutch on Chess.com. Gain insights from Grandmaster-level analysis and see how to exploit opportunities arising from this aggressive opening.
  
  

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Leningrad 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, perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge.

• Leningrad Dutch - Complete Repertoire - 32 Chapter Study (55 Hearts) -Created by Shreksify, this comprehensive study covers main lines, sidelines, and the Polar Bear System. It includes 10 model games and detailed lessons for various variations, making it an excellent resource for in-depth learning.
  
  
• Leningrad Dutch - 12 Chapter Study (225 Hearts) - Authored by Rnugteren, this popular study focuses on mainlines, sidelines, and gambits with detailed explanations. It’s highly rated by the community and provides a thorough exploration of the Leningrad Dutch.
  
  
• The Leningrad Dutch - 8 Chapter Interactive Study - Created by pandolf, this interactive study offers detailed discussions on plans for different scenarios. It’s designed to help players understand the strategic ideas behind the Leningrad Dutch through interactive learning.
  
  

These studies provide a structured and interactive way to master the Leningrad Dutch Defense, catering to different learning preferences and levels of detail.

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Chess Databases

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

365Chess.com

• A81: Dutch, Leningrad, Basman system 1. d4 f5 2. g3 g6 3. Bg2 Bg7 4. Nf3 c6 5. O-O Nh6 - 9 Games
  
  
• A81: Dutch, Leningrad, Karlsbad variation 1. d4 f5 2. g3 g6 3. Bg2 Bg7 4. Nh3 - 99 games
  
  
• A87: Dutch, Leningrad, main variation 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. Nf3 - 3208 Games
  
  
• A88: Dutch, Leningrad, main variation with c6 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O d6 7. Nc3 c6 - 3632 Games
  
  
• A89: Dutch, Leningrad, main variation with Nc6 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O d6 7. Nc3 Nc6 - 2959 Games

Chess Tempo

• Dutch Defense, Semi-Leningrad Variation (A81) - 6597 Games
• Dutch Defense, Leningrad Variation (A87) - 2240 Games
• Dutch Defense, Leningrad Variation, Warsaw Variation (A88) - 4895 Games
• Dutch Defense, Leningrad Variation, Matulovic Variation (A89) - 3409 Games

Chessgames.com (Collections)

• Leningrad rampage - 14 games (Where White is blown off the board)
• Leningrad Dutch - 27 Games (Bunch of Nakamura games here)
• White wins Dutch Leningrad (A88) (elo>2500) - 7 Games
• Black Wins Dutch Leningrad (A88) (elo>2500) - 8 games

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Leningrad Dutch Tactics Puzzles

Test your tactical skills with puzzles specifically designed for the Leningrad Dutch.

LiChess Opening Puzzles

• DUTCH DEFENSE: LENINGRAD VARIATION - 126 Puzzles

WTHarvey.com

• Dutch, Leningrad, Main Variation (ECO A87) - 25 Puzzles
• Dutch, Leningrad, Main Var. w/...c6 (ECO A88) - 24 Puzzles 
• Dutch, Leningrad, Main Var. w/Nc6 (ECO A89) - 24 Puzzles

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Leningrad Dutch Video Lessons 

This section equips you with a variety of video resources to master the Leningrad Dutch, a dynamic and aggressive opening for Black.

• GM Neiksans Boot Camp #9 - Dutch Defense for Black -  2.5 Hrs - Dive deep into the Leningrad Dutch with GM Neiksans. This extensive boot camp covers unorthodox positions, attacking strategies, and dynamic play. Perfect for players looking to enhance their tactical prowess and understanding of the Leningrad system.
  
  
• The Leningrad Dutch · Chess Openings - 54 Min - Hanging Pawns - Focuses on the theoretical aspects of the Leningrad Dutch. It provides a thorough breakdown of key plans and variations, making it ideal for players who want to build a solid theoretical foundation..
  
  
• Opening Basics #34: Dutch defense - Leningrad variation - 35 Min - Jim's Chess Channel - Offers a strategic exploration of the Leningrad Dutch, analyzing games played by grandmasters. This video is great for understanding the practical application of strategies in real games.
  
  
• Svitlana's Smart Moves - How to play the Leningrad Dutch Defence - 22 Min - ChessBase - Practical tips and strategic advice for playing the Leningrad Dutch. This concise video is perfect for players looking for quick, actionable insights to improve their game.

St.Louis Chess Club

• Learn the Leningrad Dutch Part 1: 7...Nc6 | Chess Openings Explained- 48 Min - Jonathan Schrantz from St. Louis Chess Club delves into the 7...Nc6 branch of the Leningrad Dutch. This video is part one of a series, offering detailed analysis and explanations of this specific variation.
   
• Learn the Leningrad Dutch Part 2: 7...c6 | Chess Openings Explained - 40 Min - In part two, Jonathan Schrantz continues his exploration of the Leningrad Dutch, focusing on the 7...c6 branch. This video provides in-depth coverage of another critical variation, making it a must-watch for serious students of the opening. 

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Leningrad Dutch Games (w/Analysis)

This section equips you with a variety of video resources to master the Leningrad Dutch, a dynamic and aggressive opening for Black.

Dutch Defence: Leningrad - 28 Video playlist - kingscrusher - Kingscrusher offers a comprehensive playlist featuring assorted games, from famous encounters to his own. This series provides a wide range of examples and in-depth analysis.

Your Chess Analyzed #6 | Leningrad Dutch Attack - 13 Min - GM Moulthun Le - Analyzes a viewer's game, highlighting a powerful kingside attack from Black in the Leningrad Dutch. This video is excellent for learning practical attacking techniques.

GM Chess Analysis #46 My first Leningrad Dutch! Ravi vs Williams - 21 Min - GM Simon Williams shares his first experience playing the Leningrad Dutch against Indian International Master Ravi. This personal account provides valuable insights and practical tips.

Dutch Defense, Leningrad - Standard chess #2 - 40 Min - ChessNetwork - After playing, I briefly review the game using the Stockfish chess engine.

The Fall of Leningrad | Tal vs Botvinnik 1960. | Game 19 - 16 Min - Agadmator (Classic Game) - Agadmator analyzes the classic game between Tal and Botvinnik from the 1960 World Championship. This historic match showcases the Leningrad Dutch in a high-stakes setting, offering timeless lessons.

The Alien Gambit: A Guide to Shocking Your Opponent in the Caro-Kann

Dare to Defy
Conquering the Caro-Kann with the Alien Gambit

Do the solid walls of the Caro-Kann Defense leave you yearning to crack the code?

  Do you crave an opening that throws Caro-Kann aficionados into disarray? Then embrace the Alien Gambit, a gambit so audacious it seems to have arrived from another planet!

This post equips you with a treasure trove of free resources to conquer the board with this aggressive approach. Whether you're a seasoned player seeking to expand your repertoire or a curious beginner yearning for an exciting gambit, dive into the world of the Alien Gambit and surprise your opponents!

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LiChess Studies

New to LiChess studies? These interactive tools are your secret weapon for mastering the Alien Gambit! Unlike traditional chess books, studies let you explore concepts and variations move-by-move, testing your understanding and solidifying your knowledge.

Here's a selection of free Alien Gambit studies on LiChess to get you started:

• Caro-Kann: Targetting f7 (Caro-Kane and Alien Gambit) - 12 Chapter Study Delve into variations and key ideas for both the Caro-Kane and the Alien Gambit.
  
  
• Alien Gambit Study: Alien Gambit Study - 12 Chapter Study (w/ 4 Games) - Master the move order and explore different lines in this comprehensive study.
  
  
• The Alien Gambit - 10 Chapter study - Learn valuable lessons with an interactive final chapter to test your skills.

For Black Players:

• COUNTER the Alien Gambit - 3 Chapter Study - A straightforward guide on how to combat the Alien Gambit as Black.
  
  
• Surviving the Alien Gambit: - 10 Chapter Study -Explore lines to play as Black, including potential pitfalls for White.

What is a LiChess study?

LiChess studies offer an interactive way to learn chess concepts through step-by-step analysis and quizzes. Take your chess learning to the next level! You can find more details about LiChess studies here: Study Chess The LiChess Way

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Alien Gambit Video Lessons

Crush EVERYONE with the Alien Gambit! - 33 Min - IM Gotham Chess - This tutorial delves into the gambit's backstory, explains its core concepts, and showcases its effectiveness through live games.

Learn the Alien Gambit with Hikaru!! - 57 Min - GM Nakamura - Take a deep dive with a chess legend! This in-depth lesson unveils the Alien Gambit's secrets.

Alien Gambit Bonjour: Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 46 Min - explores the gambit's origins, development, and practical applications.


Witty_Aliens MasterClass:

• Mastering The Alien Gambit 👽 | Tips & Tricks - 34 Min - Witty_Alien - dissects the gambit, sharing personal experiences and highlighting its impressive win rate. Expect detailed game explanations.
  
  
• The Difference Between Alien Gambit & Caro Kane Variation 👽‼️ - 21 Min  - Witty_Alien - Confused about the distinctions? This video clarifies the differences between these variations.
  
  
• The Gambit That Shocked The Chess World - Alien Gambit - 22 min - Witty_Alien - Witness how the Alien Gambit has surprised opponents! This video focuses on practical play and the importance of active pieces.
  
  
• All Alien Gambit Brilliants And Tricks ‼️👽 - 20 Min - Witty_Alien -Prepare to be amazed! This video showcases brilliant moves and tactical tricks associated with the Alien Gambit.

Black vs. Alien Gambit

• CRUSH the Alien Gambit | Easiest Beginner Guide - 4 Min (Well done Video, easy to Understand) - A beginner-friendly guide for Black players, equipping you with the tools to dismantle the Alien Gambit.
  
  
• Levy Rozman VS Russian School of Chess: ALIEN GAMBIT REFUTED! - 17 Min - WGM Dina Belenkiya - Titled Tuesday Game -  Learn from a titled player! Watch this game analysis to discover refutation strategies.
  
  
• How to CRUSH EVERYONE who uses Gothamchess Alien Gambit! - 6 Min -  ChessGoals -This video guides you through a game, highlighting key moves and strategies to counter the gambit.
  
  
• R.I.P. Alien Gambit (4/3/2024) - 10 Min - IM Alex Banzea - Don't be fooled by the title! This video offers Black players basic ideas to refute the gambit without memorizing specific lines.

Alien Gambit Game Videos (w/Analysis)

• I Unknowingly Faced the ALIEN GAMBIT - 16 Min - IM Eric Rosen
• The Alien Gambit is TOO STRONG - 6 Min - IM Eric Rosen
• Stockfish Played ALIEN GAMBIT Against An Alien Today in Chess.com | Stockfish Vs Alien| Chess Gambit - 7 Min
• PERFECT Game With The Alien Gambit - 9 Min - Gotham Chess
• Alien Gambit ONLY Match With WGM Nemo 👽 | Full Match - 1.5 hr - 14 game match

 “I think the surest sign that there is intelligent life out there in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us.”

Bishops Bounty Caro-Kann Defense Page

Silman Article Archive Part 10 - Random Lessons

  Silmans Articles on Chess.com

 Treasury of  FREE Chess Articles By IM Jeremy Silman

501 Chess Articles from 2009 - 2023

So many of these Articles are Lessons, Games and Positions to Test and Teach the Reader.

Random Lessons  

Most of the Titles Explain the Lessons

Tales Of Bishops And Knights - Lesson Comparing The strength and Weaknesses of Both.

The Time-Trouble Blues - Lesson About Time Troubles and Reasons

The Joy Of Reviewing Chess Games - Great lesson, 4 games , 2 Puzzles , History

Fixing Your Weaknesses - Couple games , Lesson

Knowing When to Pull the Trigger - 3 Puzzles, 6 Master Games -  analyzing a student's game in a Closed Sicilian opening. The importance of properly assessing winning and losing positions psychologically. He stresses tactics, imbalances, threat awareness, and cultivating the right mindset to find knockout blows in dynamic positions. The game serves as an example of seizing winning chances versus passivity.

If The Board Says ATTACK, Then ATTACK! - One game , (Lots of lessons from Opening to Endgame)

The Man Who Wouldn't Castle -   3 Master Games - Analyzes an exciting Najdorf Sicilian, Instructive game demonstrating critical lessons like choosing suitable openings, the vital need to castle, and avoiding unfocused attacks. Also highlights some common strategic errors and the importance of understanding your opponent's ideas.

Emotions vs. Cold Reason - 2 Master Games - Instructive game highlighting key skills like managing emotions, recovering from errors, deeply understanding opening structures, and converting winning positions. The game emphasizes the importance of objectivity, resilience, opening knowledge, and keeping things simple when ahead.

What Is The Initiative? - Lesson w/ positions

The Eye Of The Beholder - Lesson w/3 Games (seeking a way to come up with a creative move or idea that your opponent didn’t even imagine)

How To Play Multi-Purpose Moves - Lessons w/ 6 positions

Recognizing The Big Moment In A Game - game starts with a Center Counter opening but transposes into various other openings, creating an interesting and complex position. The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing key moments in a game where your opponent may be vulnerable or where you can seize the initiative.

Protecting Overprotection - Lesson w/ 3 example Games

The Difficult Opponent  - 3 games, 4 Puzzles (Players with equal ratings sometimes aren’t equal at all in battles against each other due to a players style)

Greed and Two King Hunts - 2 Puzzles - Lesson on Greed

Pawns, Greed, Pins, and the Center - 3 Puzzles - w/ 4 lessons (Strong Center, Pins, Greed, Pawn moves)

Rules, Homes, and a Big Decision - 2 Puzzles - w/ 3 lessons 

Space, Negativity, and Dreams  - Short Article on Space Advantage

Checks and Threats, Should You or Shouldn’t You - 6 Puzzles - Lesson on Checks and Threats


Material Imbalances, Opening Ideas, and Hanging Stuff - Lessons from 2 Amateur Games

Countdown to Mate - 3 Master Games -  analyzes a student's game, emphasizing the dangers of unnecessary checks and inactive pieces, while advising playing actively over reacting to threats.

Threats, Real & Imagined - 3 Puzzles , 3 Master games - analyzes a student's game, advising him to avoid over-responding to threats and instead play with confidence in his own position.

Cruise Control - 2 Puzzles, 1 Master Game -  analyzes a Sicilian game, advising the reader to avoid opening setup autopilot and overreaction to threats.

When Both Sides Try to Lose - Analysis of Amateur Game

Death by Dark Squares - 6 Puzzles - Analysis of Amateur Game

A Key Tactical Theme - 2 Puzzles - Deep Analysis of Amateur game

Fighting For Your Chessboard Rights! - 1 Puzzle - Analysis of Amateur Game.

Threats, Agendas, Demands, and Safety - 4 Positions from Reader games with a lesson from each.

Don't Play a Move If You Can't Back it Up! -  Detailed Analysis of reader game  (Long Article)

The Classic Bishop Sacrifice - 2 Puzzles, So in summary, while an Alapin Sicilian, the critical lessons are more general about seizing opportunities, handling defenses, and the importance of determination and resilience.

Know Your Position's Agenda - 3 Puzzles -  Analyzes a Caro-Kann game that turns into a Panov-Botvinnik, emphasizing knowing your position's needs and not reacting to superficial threats. Counterattack in the center when facing a wing attack.

Cruise Control - 2 Puzzles, 1 Master Game -  analyzes a Sicilian game, advising the reader to avoid opening setup autopilot and overreaction to threats.

Two Players, Two Different Fantasies - 3 Puzzles, (Amateur Game) The key overall messages are to adhere to opening principles, calculate responses diligently, castle early, coordinate your forces, and maintain a purpose behind each move. Rash attacks before development lead to disaster.

Cultivating a Positive Attitude  -  4 Puzzles , 3 games - Analyzes a game between two amateurs, highlighting the importance of confidence, calmness and avoiding unnecessary defenses.

Blundering

Blunders That Give Us Hidden Gold  - Great overall lesson covering all the mistakes (From opening to Endgame) of one game.

Having Fun With Blunders -  22 Puzzles,  Famous Players Blundering, Lesson on Blunders

The Rocky Horror Picture Blunder - Lesson on the use of symbols like "!", "!!", "?", and "??" , 10 Puzzles on assigning Symbols

Everyone, of Every Rating, Blunders - 5 Puzzles, 1 Game -  Lesson on Fighting from Inferior position, and Nice Endgame Lesson 

Return of the Blunder Gland, Part One -  2 Master Games - The opening was a Queen's Gambit Declined transitioning from a Caro-Kann Defense. Analyzes a beginner's game, emphasizing basic tactics like ensuring your pieces are safe and not hanging them.

The Blunder Gland: Playing Blind -  3 Puzzles -  Bunch of Lessons from an Amateur game.

Blunder Gland Redux: First Baby Steps, and Then The World - 2 Puzzles - Analysis and Lessons from Amateur game

Endgame Theory

The Two Faces Of Opposite-Colored Bishops -  Lesson w/ 4 Positions

Bishops Bounty Jeremy Silman Chess.com Article Archive - Main Page

Silman Article Archive Part 9 - Chess Puzzles

   Silmans Articles on Chess.com

Treasury of FREE Chess Articles By IM Jeremy Silman

501 Chess Articles from 2009 - 2023

So many of these Articles are Lessons, Games and Positions to Test and Teach the Reader. 

Puzzles
Group of Articles That are More Puzzle or Test focused.
(w/ Great Lessons)

A Rare And Brutal Rook Configuration - Deep Analysis of a Single game with 4 Puzzles, Tactical and Positional

Windows Of Chess Opportunity - 6 Puzzles (Tactical and Positional)

Another Important Chess Test - 5 Puzzles (Positional and Tactical)

Tests: Psychology, Tactics, And Strategy -  8 Puzzles (To test Positional and Tactical Knowledge) Lots Annotation

Test Your Tactical/Attacking Skills -  4 Puzzles , Each with a short Lesson to learn

Basic Formulas, Wonders of Defense, and King Safety  - 3 Puzzles - 3 lessons

Chaotic Chess Puzzles: Tactics Or Positional Play? -  4 Puzzles
Tactics Or Positional Play? A Beautiful Imagination! -  4 Puzzles 
Tactics Or Positional Play? The Ladies Return! - 5 Puzzles
Tactics Or Positional Play? The Ladies Teach Chess -  5 Puzzles

Parting With the Lady: Hanken's Ghost  - 11 Puzzles  (Queen Sacrifices)

Puzzle Potpourri -  14 Puzzles - Positional, Tactical, Endgame
Puzzle Potpourri, Part 2  - 10 Puzzles - Positional and Tactical Puzzles 

Balance Is Everything, Part 1 - 12 Puzzles , Positional and Tactical (Read Comments in each puzzle for Lessons)
Balance is Everything, Part 2 -  15 Puzzles , Positional and Tactical

Presents a series of chess puzzles from games that have won Brilliancy prizes.
The puzzles are meant to challenge readers and provide examples of remarkable tactics and attacks by various chess players.

Insane, Surprising, or Beautiful Finishes!   -  10 Puzzles
Insane, Surprising, or Beautiful Finishes, Part 2 -  10 Puzzles 
Insane, Surprising, or Beautiful Finishes, Part 3 -  10 Puzzles 

Bishops Bounty Jeremy Silman Chess.com Article Archive - Main Page