The Bishops Bounty

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Chess Counting Mastery: Resources to Sharpen Your Tactical Vision

Elevate Your Chess:
Counting & Calculation (Resources)

"Pins and forks...usually occur a few times a game. Counting takes place whenever possible exchanges exist – almost every move after the early opening." - Heisman Novice Nook

Unlock the Power of Chess Counting!

As Heisman suggests, counting material and evaluating exchanges are fundamental skills for chess improvement. This comprehensive guide equips you with a variety of resources to master this crucial aspect of chess:

Counting and Calculation Chess Videos
Unlock the secrets to evaluating positions and making strong moves with video lessons from top instructors.

IM Alex Astaneh

Why counting Material is important for Chess Beginners | Chess Fundamentals | - 8 Min - IM Astaneh - sharing with you the fundamental chess skill counting. Based on practical examples you will learn how counting works and how to determine whether any sequence of exchanges leads to a gain or loss of material on any square.
Chess Vision and Calculation Training 1 | Alex Astaneh - 12 Min
Chess Vision and Calculation Training 2 | -8 min

IM Kostya Kavutskiy

Kostya’s Blueprint: is a comprehensive guide to improving chess calculation skills.

Kostya's Blueprint: Calculation - 36 Min

Kostya's Blueprint: Analytical Skill - 24 Min

Kostya's Blueprint: Wisdom - 32 Min

Kostya's Blueprint: Visualization - 28 Min

Kostya's Blueprint: Evaluation - 32 Min

The SuperGM Skill Set - Chess Calculation with GM Sam Shankland - 27 Min - Improve your calculation, sacrifices, positional play, strategy, pattern recognition, and more... with coaching from one of the top players in the world today.

Counting in Chess - 17 Min - IM Erik Kislik - how to count the material while working your way through complicated variations w/ 2 example game Variations.

Chess Math? | Learning to Count! | ChessKid - 9 Min - FM Mike Klein explains the key chess concept of counting how many pieces attack and defend your target. Learn how to make one of the most important decisions in chess by simply adding things up. Trading and Counting | Beginner Breakdown - 60 Min - St.Louis CC - a beginner chess class on trading pieces and counting their worth. When is it a good time to trade and when is it best to leave the material on the board?

NM Dan Heismith

The Counting Tactic - Back to Basics - 27 Min - An introductory video on the tactic "Counting". NM Dan Heisman describes how tactics are determined by analysis, and that a forced maneuver that wins material or checkmates is a tactic. The video then gives several basic examples of one-square Counting before progressing to multi-square tactics and more difficult Counting issues such as desperado pieces.

The Common, Important, and Not-So-Easy Tactic Counting - 29 Min NM Dan Heismith - NM Dan Heisman discusses 3 methods to keep track ("count") material during a sequence of exchanges:

How To Calculate In Chess - 32 Min IM Rozman (Gotham) - comprehensive guide on how to improve your chess calculation skills, tailored for players of all levels. It begins with fundamental concepts for beginners and progresses to advanced techniques for more experienced players.

How to Master Chess CALCULATION 💯 Best Techniques - 28 Min - provides a comprehensive guide on mastering chess calculation, detailing techniques used by top masters and methods to improve and train calculation skills. It emphasizes the importance of thinking ahead, considering candidate moves, and anticipating the opponent’s responses. The video includes examples from actual games to illustrate key concepts like the order of moves, emergency exits in complex positions, and the importance of evaluation in choosing the best line of play.

Counting trick in pawn endgames [Starter chess lesson] - 7 Min - Most king and pawn endgames are very tricky, but sometimes when there is a single long line of play, you can save energy by skipping the visualization and just counting the moves that it takes to execute the plans -- with the caveat that you should look out for opportunities to use checks to steal free moves.

Precise Chess Calculation Secrets 🕵️ with GM Bryan Smith! [Master Method] - 32 Min - can you learn to calculate long variations accurately? And how do GMs calculate them so easily 🥇?That’s the topic for this chapter from GM Bryan Smith’s “4 Pillars of Chess Strength”. Stop Counting 'Attackers' vs 'Defenders'! - 18 Min - IM Andreas Toth - In the world of chess education, it's easy to get caught up in the traditional approach of counting attackers versus defenders on the board. However, Coach Andras challenges the norm and provides an instructive chess lesson that will transform your chess strategy. Discover why you should rethink the way you evaluate positions and understand that chess improvement goes beyond mere numbers. Video Below

Friday, May 3, 2024

Classical Dutch Defense: Free Resources & Video Lessons

A captivating oil painting in the style of a Dutch Golden Age master, reminiscent of Johannes Vermeer's works. The serene scene depicts a tranquil Amsterdam canal, lined with charming gabled houses featuring red brick facades. In the foreground, a small wooden boat adorned with a richly colored rug houses two figures, intently engaged in a game of chess on an ornate, portable board. The warm, diffused light bathes the scene in a golden hue, casting soft reflections on the canal's surface. The exquisite attention to detail and vibrant colors evoke a sense of timeless beauty and nostalgia.

Unlocking the Dutch Defense: A Repository of Classical Variation Resources

The Classical Dutch ( or the Ilyin-Zenevsky System as it is also called) covers the Dutch Defense ( 1.d4 f5 ) where the Bishop is placed on e7 and the pawn on d6.

It is characterized by Black's pawn structure of f5, e6, d6, and White's pawn structure of d4, c4, e3.

This setup aims to control the center and create counterplay on the flanks.

Classical Dutch

Bishop's Bounty Main Dutch Defense Page Link

Books & Lessons (FREE)

Internet Archive

Classical Dutch by Jan Pinski - 164 Page PDF - In this book, -- Pinski delves into the secrets of the Classical Dutch, studying both the positional motives and tactical nuances for both sides1.
He deals with the theoretical main lines as well as the crafty side variations, updating the reader on all the new important wrinkles1.

Chessable

Short & Sweet: Classical Dutch - FREE Chessable Course - (18 Trainable Variations w/ 58 Min Video) - GM Simon Williams - Learn the Classical Dutch step-by-step as GM Williams guides you through his choices, giving you an overview of structures and practical play within the opening.

Classical Dutch Articles
Refine your understanding of the Classical Dutch with insightful articles:

Classical Variation (3.e6 and 6.d6) - Simplify Chess Article (Basics) - Grasp the foundational concepts of the Classical Dutch with a beginner-friendly guide.
Do You Know Your Opening's Main Ideas?: The Classical Dutch Defense - Chess.com Blog - NM Craig Clawitter - Delve deeper into the core strategic ideas of the Classical Dutch with analysis from National Master Craig Clawitter.

Classical Dutch LiChess Studies
Deepen your understanding of the Classical Dutch with these interactive Lichess studies:

The Classical Dutch -10 Chapter Study
The Dutch Defense - 10 Chapter Study (Ginger GM Study)

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.

Classical Dutch Puzzles: Sharpen Your Tactical Vision
Test your tactical prowess with these challenging puzzles:

WTHarvey.com

Dutch, Classical Variation (ECO A96) - 23 Puzzles

LiChess Opening Puzzles

Dutch Defense: Classical Variation - 375 Puzzles - Challenge yourself with a massive collection of puzzles focusing on the Classical Dutch.

Game Databases
Dive Deeper: Classical Dutch Game Databases & Collections

Game Collections

Classical Dutch - 20 Games -Practice the ideas presented in Simon Williams' "Play the Classical Dutch" and "Killer Dutch" alongside other resources.
Dutch defense - classical - 30 Games - Focus on Black's victories, particularly those achieved by GM Simon Williams.

Classical Dutch Video Lessons
Embrace the aggressive Classical Dutch! This section offers a variety of video lessons catering to players of all levels, empowering you to conquer the center with confidence.

Learn the Classical Dutch in under 25 minutes! - 24 Min - GM Simon Williams -Master the fundamentals of the Classical Dutch in a concise and informative video by GM Simon Williams.
The Killer Dutch - Rebooted - 45 Min - GM Simon Williams - Take your Classical Dutch to the next level with in-depth analysis from GM Simon Williams.
Classical Dutch - 20 Min - Explore a comprehensive guide to playing the Classical Dutch.
Opening Basics #33: Dutch defense - Classical and Stonewall variations - 23 Min- Jim's Chess Channel - Delve into the Classical Dutch alongside its close cousin, the Stonewall variation, with historical context from famous games.

Classical Dutch Game Videos (W/Analysis)
Unlock the Secrets of the Classical Dutch: Dive into a collection of analyzed games, revealing the strategic and tactical possibilities within the Classical Dutch Defense.

The Dutch Defence in Action!!! - 8 Video playlist - Gm Simon Williams

Amazing e4 pawn break || Mikhail Tal vs Segal || Dutch Defense: Classical Variation - 6 Min - kingscrusher
Rook sacrifce! - Wojtaszek vs GM Simon Williams - Dutch Defense: Classical (A96) - 21 Min - kingscrusher
GM Simon Williams Blitz Speed Run 39 - How to play the Classical Dutch! - Learn from GM Simon Williams' insights on common mistakes players make around the 2000+ level.
Longer Chess Games #31 Opening, Middlegame and Endgame lessons in the Classical Dutch - 37 Min - GM Simon Williams -Analyze a typical Classical Dutch game with GM Simon Williams, focusing on thematic plans.
Longer Chess Games #69 Dutch em Up - GM Simon Williams - Enjoy a move-by-move analysis of a Classical Dutch game against a Reti setup by GM Simon Williams.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Lessons from Paul Morphy's Immortal Games

Portrait of 19th century chess player Paul Morphy

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

A Legacy of Inspiration: How Morphy Can Improve Your Game Today

In the mid-19th century, a young American named Paul Morphy emerged, dominating chess with his inspiring style.

This comprehensive resource delves into Morphy's legendary games, offering you the chance to:

Uncover the secrets behind his mind-blowing tactical sacrifices and positional understanding.
Learn from the master himself by analyzing his most iconic victories.
Sharpen your own chess skills by incorporating the principles Morphy embodied.

Ready to elevate your chess game? Studying Morphy's legendary tactics, positional mastery, and attacking spirit will equip you for victory.

Paul Morphy Wikipedia Page Extensive History

Books (Free Morphy Classics)

Delve into the mind of a chess legend! Download FREE classic texts featuring Morphy's games with detailed annotations and historical accounts of his remarkable career. Paul Morphy, the chess champion, by an Englishman F. M. Edge. - by Fredrick Milnes Edge - 209 Page PDF (Book from 1859 , History) - Witness Morphy's meteoric rise through Europe in this captivating historical account featuring his most famous games. Morphy's games of chess, and Frere's problem tournament - by Thomas Frere -144 Page Pdf (Book of Games) - A collection of the brilliant games played by Paul Morphy, with analysis of his strategies and tactics, along with compositions from Frere's chess problem tournament. Morphy's Games Of Chess Philip Sergeant - 376 Page PDF - One of the earliest compilations of games by Paul Morphy, the great 19th century American chess prodigy, withAnnotated games and analysis by Sergeant. Morphy's games: a selection of the best games played by the distinguished champion in Europe and America - by Paul Morphy 1860 - 501 Page PDF - A comprehensive anthology of Morphy's most brilliant and important chess games played during his tours of Europe and America, annotated and analyzed. Paul Morphy: The Pride and Sorrow of Chess - by David Lawson 1976 (Updated 2010) 456 Page PDF - The definitive biography of Paul Morphy, covering his life, games, tragic mental illness later in life, and his profound impact on modern chess.

Morphy Articles (Uncover Morphy's Legacy)
Dive into the captivating life and career of Paul Morphy through insightful articles by chess historians and enthusiasts.

Paul Morphy - Edward Winter (Crazy Extensive History Here w/ Links to the 7 other Articles by Winter w/ no overlap) 10 Best Chess Games by Paul Morphy - Chessworld - (All Annotated) Top 10 Things to Learn from Paul Morphy - Chessworld - (3 annotated games) Paul Morphy: the First Modern Player - GM Jullio Becarra (Chess.com Article w/ Games) The Rook Lift: Paul Morphy's Last Gift To Chess - (Chess.com Article w/ Lots of games)

Morphy LiChess Studies (Interactive Training)
Test your skills and dissect Morphy's masterpieces through interactive studies on Lichess, a popular chess platform.

Paul Morphy's best games (annotated) - 7 Chapter Study - Seven of his most famous games fully annotated. Paul Morphy -The Great Chess Genius - 64 Chapter Study - 64 Games w/no annotations

Games Databases (Explore Morphy's Entire Repertoire)
Unearth a vast collection of Morphy's games, allowing you to filter by opening, opponent, or result and witness his brilliance firsthand.

Chess Tempo

Paul Morphy - 197 Games

Chessgames.com

Paul Morphy - 457 Games (Detailed Morphy Page Broken into these Category's) Most Played Openings Notable Games Notable Tournaments Game Collections Games Annotated by Morphy - 31 Games

Paul Morphy playing chess in the 19th century against Johann Löwenthal .

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Paul Morphy and Johann Löwenthal

Paul Morphy Video Lessons (Learn from Chess Masters)
Gain visual insights from renowned chess instructors who break down Morphy's most remarkable games and explain his thought process.

Morphy Saga - 97 Video Playlist - agadmators Chess Channel Paul Morphy - 58 Video Playlist - kingscrusher Paul Morphy - 34 Video Playlist - Chess School Paul Morphy: Part 1, Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 42 Min Paul Morphy: Part 2, Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 42 Min Paul Morphy: Part 3, Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 46 Min Paul Morphy: Part 4, Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 41 Min More Games of Paul Morphy, with GM Ben Finegold - 48 Min Ben Finegold analyzes Paul Morphy attacking games! - 1.5 hr Outrageous Chess Sacrifices and Tactics: Paul Morphy's Top Eight Chess Sacrifices of all time! - 25 Min - kingscrusher The Real Chess GOAT Gives a Masterclass on the King's Gambit - 17 Min - GM Igor Smirnov Paul Morphy Plays the Evans Gambit | Tactics Time! - 38 Min - St.Louis CC 3 Times Paul Morphy Won with the Evans Gambit in 17 Moves or Less! - 17 Min - Johnathan Schrantz 12 of Paul Morphy's Greatest Games! | The Dynamic Dozen - 57 Min - St.Louis CC Paul Morphy is Not Strong: The Refutation | Mastering the Middlegame - GM Ben Finegold - 27 Min The Games of Paul Morphy - GM Ben Finegold - 2013.08.07 - 43 Min - St.Louis CC The Legend: Paul Morphy - GM Ben Finegold - 2014.12.18 - 42 Min - St.Louis CC Paul Morphy Finishes Opponents Spectacularly! | Romantic Chess - GM Pepe Cuenca - 57 Min

Bishop's Bounty Great Chess Players of the Past Page

Friday, April 19, 2024

Anti-Dutch Gambits - A80,A82,A83

A dramatic chess scene inspired by Goya. A black king cowers under attack from white pawns, bishop, and knight, symbolizing the danger Black faces against the Anti-Dutch Gambit.

Conquer the Dutch Defense with Anti-Dutch Gambits

Feeling frustrated by the Dutch Defense's early ...f5 move, disrupting your plans for central control?

Don't back down! Embrace the fight with Anti-Dutch Gambits,
a daring opening strategy that sacrifices a pawn for rapid development
and a chance to launch a kingside attack.

This guide will introduce you to the popular Staunton Gambit and the dynamic Janzen-Korchnoi Gambit, providing the tools you need to conquer the Dutch Defense.

Lisitsin Gambit Staunton Gambit Krejcik Gambit

Lisitsin Gambit Wikipedia Page

Staunton Gambit Wikipedia Page

Bishop's Bounty Dutch Defense (Main) Page
Bishop's Bounty Stonewall Dutch Page
Bishop's Bounty Leningrad Dutch Page

Anti-Dutch Gambit Articles

Dutch Defense: Staunton Gambit, Lasker Variation - papachess
Dutch Defense: Staunton Gambit, Chigorin Variation - papachess
Dutch Defense: Dominate Early with Blackmar's Second Gambit - papachess
Mastering the Risky Dutch Defense: Krejcik Gambit, Tate Gambit - papachess

Lisitsin’s Gambit - Edward Winter - Explore the intriguing history of Lisitsin’s Gambit in chess, from its early appearances in the 1920s to contemporary discussions on its evolution.

Lisitsyn Gambit Trap: A dangerous knight charge - Réti Opening: Dutch, Lisitsyn, Rydel-Bloodgood, Polish Gambit, Dalesio Gambit.

Anti-Dutch LiChess Studies

Destroy The Dutch Defense With The Staunton Gambit - 7 Chapter Study (19 Hearts)

Opening - Staunton Gambit - 9 Chapter study (Many Model Chess Games)

Staunton Gambit Accepted - 6 Chapter Study

Interactive Dutch Defense - 11 Chapter Interactive Study (4 Lines are gambits) (Nice way to practice some lines with Info thrown at you why you should be making certain moves or why the Chess variation sucks)

The Dutch and Anti-Dutch Systems 6 Chapter Study (900 Hearts)

Dutch: Krejcik Gambit - 48 Chapter Study (Very, Very Extensive Opening Breakdown)