Monday, March 18, 2024

Stonewall Dutch Defense A92 - A95

 

Mastering the Stonewall Dutch
 Strategic Insights

Dive into the strategic world of the Stonewall Dutch, renowned for its solidity and flexibility.

 Discover articles, studies, and videos to master this dynamic opening, favored by players for its ability to dictate the pace of the game and create imbalanced positions, offering opportunities for both attacking and defensive play.


Bishop's Bounty Stonewall Pawn Structure Page 

Bishops Bounty Main Dutch Defense Page 


Stonewall Dutch Articles




Stonewall Dutch LiChess Studies

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






Games Databases

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


Chess365.com

A92: Dutch, stonewall variation 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O d5 - 1032 Games
A93: Dutch, stonewall, Botvinnik variation 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O d5 7. b3 - 561 Games
A94: Dutch, stonewall with Ba3 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O d5 7. b3 c6 8. Ba3 - 424 Games
A95: Dutch, stonewall with Nc3 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O d5 7. Nc3 c6 - 776 Games

Chess Tempo

Dutch Defense, Stonewall Variation, Modern Variation (A90) - 2920 Games
Dutch Defense, Stonewall Variation, General Variation (A92) - 353 Games
Dutch Defense, Classical Variation, Stonewall Variation (A93) - 361 Games
Dutch Defense, Classical Variation, Stonewall Variation (A94) - 437 Games
Dutch Defense, Classical Variation, Stonewall Variation (A95) - 769 Games
Dutch Defense, Modern Stonewall Variation (A97) - 2133 Games


Stonewall Dutch Puzzles & Tactics


WTHarvey.com

Dutch, Stonewall, Botvinnik Var. (ECO A93) - 10 Puzzles
Dutch, Stonewall with Ba3 (ECO A94) - 10 Puzzles
Dutch, Stonewall (ECO A95) - 10 Puzzles

LiChess Opening Puzzles

Dutch Defense : Stonewall Variation - 43 Puzzles
 


Stonewall Dutch Video Lessons


Dutch Stonewall Defense - 16 Video Playlist - (Over 10 Hrs) - japanesetutor (Think these videos might be Lessons from a book)

Stonewall Dutch IM Andrew Martin - 1hr 41 Min - 
Acomprehensive guide to the Stonewall Dutch opening in chess. He emphasizes the need for a stable, economic, and effective opening repertoire that is easy to learn and play.

The Stonewall Dutch · Chess Openings - 34 Min - Hanging pawns
Emphasizes the importance of understanding plans over memorizing theory, as the Stonewall Dutch is characterized by its pawn structure and strategic ideas for both sides. He discusses the key pawn formation (f5, e6, d5, c6), its strengths and weaknesses, and various plans for developing pieces, particularly the problematic light-squared bishop for Black.

Dutch Defense | Stonewall Attack!! - 23 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic
A comprehensive guide on the Dutch Defense, focusing on the Stonewall variation and how to effectively attack with it when playing as black

Ultra-Modern Dutch Stonewall | Fight The Catalan Without Fear!! - 41 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic -
In-depth exploration of the Ultra-Modern Dutch Stonewall, a chess opening strategy designed to combat the Catalan opening. It highlights the effectiveness of the Stonewall Dutch against the Catalan

Stonewall Dutch for chess beginners (explained) - 14 Min - Bad Bishop Chess Channel -
Intro to the Stonewall Dutch Defense - a solid opening choice for Black against 1. d4 (but also works well against 1. c4 and 1. Nf3). The main ideas and logic behind the opening, mainly from Black's perspective. Focus is on the pawn structure and ideas dependent on the structure.

Anti-Stonewall

Break the Stonewall Dutch - 9 Min - NM Bryan Tillis 
- In this game, chessable author NM Tillis breaks down a key concept in facing the Stonewall Dutch.




Stonewall Dutch Game Videos (w/ Analysis)


Aman's Stonewall Speedrun - 19 Video playlist - GM Aman Hambelton - 400-2200 Elo playing Stonewall w/ White and Black. 


Chess Stream #72 Fresh Ideas in the Stonewall Dutch - 28 Min - GM Simon Williams - featuring insightful ideas and in-depth analysis of two games.

Reykjavik Open: Facing an Indian Prodigy, Raunak Sadhwani, with the Stonewall Dutch Opening. Round 5 - 27 Min - GM Simon Williams

Play the Stonewall Dutch like Stockfish - 9 Min - ChessGoals

Exciting Dutch Stonewall | Analyze This! - GM Maurice Ashley - 48 Min Maurice Ashley analyzes members' games. (New 6/24/2024)

Opening Basics #33: Dutch defense - Classical and Stonewall variations - 23 Min - Jim's Chess Channel -
 I continue my look at the Dutch defense with the Classical and Stonewall variations, which were prominently featured in the 1951 world championship match. 3 Games Bronstein vs. Botvinnik


kingscrusher (Games with well done game analysis )

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

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

Double exposure of Leningrad landmark with a chess game inside, representing strategy and history.  pen_spark
"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



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 GuideGet 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.




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 StudyCreated 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.


Chess Databases

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

365Chess.com


Chess Tempo


Chessgames.com (Collections)



Leningrad Dutch Tactics Puzzles

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

LiChess Opening Puzzles


WTHarvey.com



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



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.

Saturday, February 17, 2024

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!



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:


For Black Players:


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




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:


Black vs. Alien Gambit



Alien Gambit Game Videos (w/Analysis)






This surreal image depicts an otherworldly chess game, where an imposing alien creature with tentacles hovers over a chessboard, challenging the viewer to a cosmic battle of wits and strategy against an array of chess pieces amidst a backdrop of vibrant nebulae and planets.
 “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.”


Thursday, January 18, 2024

Silman Article Archive Part 10 - Random Lessons


 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