Saturday, December 28, 2024

Evans Gambit (C51-C52): A Dynamic Weapon for White


The Ultimate Evans Gambit
Resource Hub
Tactics, Games, and More


The Evans Gambit (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4) is an aggressive chess opening that arises from the Giuoco Piano .

White offers a pawn to disrupt Black's development and gain a lasting advantage in the center. The resulting positions are sharp and tactical, favoring players who enjoy dynamic play.

Elevate your game with our collection of Evans Gambit resources.
From classic games to modern analysis, our archive provides everything you need to master this aggressive opening.


Wikipedia Page

Animated diagram of the Evans Gambit
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4. b4


Bishop's Bounty Giuoco Piano Page


BOOKS & Courses (Free)

Short & Sweet: Kalyan's Italian Game Free Chessable Course - 11 Trainable Variations - GM Arjun Kalyun - Whatever type of game you're looking for - the Italian has it - quiet, safe, tactical, daring, simple, and complex. This course offers 11 trainable variations to equip you with a well-rounded understanding of the opening.

Short & Sweet: Krykun's Italian Game - Free Chessable Course - IM Krykun guides you through the critical moves, standard structures, and must-know strategies in the Italian Game. All packed in just 20 core lines and 1 hour and 12 minutes of video-sync instruction.


Evans Gambit Articles

Dive Deep into Dynamic Play:
Sharpen your understanding of the Evans Gambit with these insightful articles

A Rare Appearance From the Evans Gambit - Chess.com Article GM Short vs. GM L'Ami

The Conquest Attack in the Evans Gambit Declined - Kenilworth CC - (Archived Article)


The Evans Gambit at Simplify Chess - Embark on a move-by-move exploration of the main lines in this gambit. Gain a deep understanding of how to effectively wield this dynamic opening as White.

Evan’s Gambit Theory (Accepted and Declined) | A Definitive Guide - Nice Guide at RagChess offers a comprehensive guide to the Evans Gambit, including ideas, common mistakes, and the main lines for both the Accepted and Declined variations.

Welcome to the Evans Gambit - Website devoted to the Evans. While this website might be archived, it still offers valuable historical context and explanations of the Evans Gambit's main lines. (Archived)

Evans Gambit – How to Play as White and Black - Chessable Blog Opening Guide (In-depth) - Chessable's in-depth blog guide delves into strategies for both sides of the Evans Gambit. Learn how to maximize your chances as White and handle the gambit effectively as Black.

GM Boris Altermans Blog (Annotated games)
Evans Gambit Pt 1 - Annotated Fischer,Robert James - Boatner,J [C51]
Evans Gambit Pt 2 - Annotated Fischer,Robert James - Fine,Reuben
Evans Gambit Pt 3 - Annotated Morphy,Paul - Hampton,Thomas Inglis
Evans Gambit Pt 4 - Annotated Morphy,Paul - De Riviere,Jules Arnou
Evans Gambit Pt 5 - Annotated Morphy,Paul - Morphy,Alonzo


Evans Gambit LiChess Studies

Sharpen your Evans Gambit skills with these interactive learning experiences on Lichess:

  • The Evans Gambit - 25 Chapter Study (Very Indepth) (150 hearts) Dive deep with this comprehensive study featuring detailed lines, defenses, and expert instruction.

  • Evans Gambit🔋🔌, Updated - 10 Chapter Study (250 Hearts) - Master key Black responses after move 5 with this highly rated study.

  • Evans Gambit (Anderson Variation) - 5 Chapter Study (Variation for Black)

  • Kota's Evans Gambit Guide - 7 Chapter Study - Get a solid foundation in the Evans Gambit with this study covering the basics and several variations with model games.

  • Black vs the Evans Gambit - 7 Chapter Study (Black Variations) Learn how to handle the Evans Gambit effectively as Black, focusing on the Lasker Defense Lines and featuring model games between Grandmasters.

  • Evans Interactive Simulator - 14 Chapter Interactive Study This interactive study allows you to explore the Evans Gambit move-by-move, testing your understanding of opening principles, tactics, and positional ideas. (Great for beginners on Lichess studies!)

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

Evans Gambit (C51) 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bc4 Bc5 4 b4 - 1687 Games
Evans Gambit (C52) 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bc4 Bc5 4 b4 Bxb4 5 c3 Ba5 - 1101 Games

Game Collections
(Curated Collections of games below on Chessgames.com )

365Chess.com

ChessTempo.com


Chess Puzzles

Test your attacking prowess and defensive skills with these Evans Gambit puzzles:

LiChess Opening Puzzles

WTHarvey.com

Chess puzzles from the Evans Gambit (ECO C51) - 8 Puzzles from OTB Games


Evan's Gambit Video Lessons

Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of the Evans Gambit with this comprehensive video library:

Learn The Ultimate Chess Opening || The Evans Gambit! - 30 Min Explore the core concepts and attacking potential of the Evans Gambit.
The Evans Gambit | Italian Game Theory - 36 Mins Hanging Pawns

Evans Gambit for the new generation - 17 Min GM Simon Williams

Attacking Ideas in the Evans Gambit - 25 Min GM Igor Smirnov - Sharpen your attacking skills with a Grandmaster guide to tactical opportunities in the Evans Gambit.

Chess Openings: Evans Gambit Accepted! - 40 Min IM Miodrag Perunovic - In-depth analysis of the Evans Gambit Accepted, a chess opening that is considered one of the most interesting and reliable gambits.

How To Play The Evan's Gambit | Grandmaster Repertoire - 31 Min GM Moulthun - Learn key ideas and main lines directly from a Grandmaster's perspective.

Evan's Gambit: Chess Opening Strategy, Tactics, Tricks, Traps & Ideas | Best Moves to Win Fast - 10 Min - Get a quick overview of strategies, tactics, and common traps in the Evans Gambit.

Crazy Crab Chess

This comprehensive series by Crazy Crab Chess delves deep into the Evans Gambit, covering theory, strategy, and tactics. (Total Time: ~2 Hours)

(GM Boris Altermans Gambit Guide Videos)

Grandmaster Boris Alterman investigates perhaps one of the soundest of the romantic gambits from the 18th century that is still used at top level in the game today - The Evans Gambit

(IM Alex Astaneh)

(NM Nelson Lopez)

Avoid common pitfalls with these video lessons highlighting mistakes players make at different skill levels.

Evan's Declined

  • Evans Gambit Declined - 18 Min - Chesswebsite - We look at many variations if your opponents decide to decline the Evans Gambit.

  • Chess Openings: If You Decline My Evans Gambit, You'll Lose!! - 30 Min IM Miodrag Perunovic - A comprehensive guide on how to play the Evans Gambit in chess, focusing on scenarios where the gambit is declined. It discusses various responses to the declined gambit, including counter-gambits and strategic moves to maintain an advantage.

Black Responses to Evan's

Evans Gambit Traps and Tactics


Torre Attack Game Videos (w/analysis)


Playlists
The Torre Attack Collection - 6 Video Playlist
- kingscrusher

Torre Attack - 11 Video Playlist - Axon Chess Academy (All 11 games are IM Andrew Martin)


PGN Game Downloads

TorreAttack.pgn - 1736 Games (U of Pitt Archive)

Colorful Neon Lit Glass Chess pieces

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

The Scotch Game: A Comprehensive Resource Guide for White (C44-C45)

 


Feeling hemmed in by the Ruy Lopez? 
 Unleash Your Inner Tactician with the Scotch

  • Dynamic and Aggressive: The Scotch Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4) is a fantastic opening choice for White players who crave dynamic positions and tactical opportunities. It avoids the complex lines of the Ruy Lopez while offering a rich battlefield for attacking chances.

  • Suitable for All Levels: Whether you're a beginner looking for an exciting first opening or a seasoned player seeking new ideas, the Scotch Game offers something for everyone. Its clear development plans and central focus make it easy to learn, while its tactical depth provides a challenge for experienced players.

  • Master the Scotch with Free Resources: This comprehensive guide equips you with all the tools you need to conquer the center and launch a fierce attack. We'll explore key variations, sharpen your tactical vision with puzzles, and provide video lessons from Chess GMs to elevate your game.

Let's explore the Scotch Game together!
Scroll down to discover articles, puzzles, video lessons, and more!


Scotch Game Wikipedia Page 
This page offers a solid foundation for understanding the opening's main lines, variations, and key ideas.
 

 Wikipedia Links To All the Variation Explanations

Books & Courses (FREE)

FREE Chessable Course

  • The Scotch Gambit Starter Kit Everything’s covered in just 31 trainable variations. Meaning you can start playing and winning with the Scotch Gambit in the next hour or two.

Internet Archive

500 Scotch Miniatures By Bill Wall - 107 Page PDF


4 Opening Systems to Start With - 50 page PDF - Free Exeter Chess Club PDF (Public Domain E-BookThis booklet gives you a repertoire to play when you are starting out in chess. It also gives you some alternatives if for some reason you don't like my first choice. The core of the repertoire is to play as White the Scotch Gambit.



Scotch Chess Articles and Lessons

Deepen your theoretical knowledge of the Scotch Game with a collection of in-depth articles from chess experts.

  • Scotch Game -  Chess Simplified GuideThis guide explores how to play White and Black in the Scotch Game chess opening, including aggressive strategies and effective counters.

  • The Scotch Opening and Attacking opening for White - Big article on iChess.net - This guide explores why the Scotch is a great opening for various chess styles, how to play it effectively, and variations like the Four Knights and Mieses. (Archived)

  • Chess Opening Basics The Scotch Game - on the Chessable Blog  (Decent Article) - This guide breaks down the core ideas behind the Scotch Game chess opening, making it easy for beginners to understand development and gain space in the center.

 

Scotch Lichess Studies

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

  • Scotch Gambit - 11 Chapter Study - Nice Look at the Different Lines.

  • Scotch Game - 7 Chapter - This quick Lichess study provides a concise overview of the main Scotch Game lines. (Good for beginners)
      
  • Scotch Game w/ Ideas and Outcomes:  - 40 Chapter Study (Interactive)  (Really Well Done) (1100 Hearts) - This comprehensive Lichess study delves into the key ideas and outcomes of various Scotch Game and Gambit lines, featuring interactive puzzles for practice. (Comprehensive guide for all levels)

  • The ultimate Scotch gambit guide - 19 Chapter Study - Lines, and model games


LiStudy   (Learn and Practice opening with Movetrainer)

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 of the Scotch Game. Find the Lichess study that best suits your needs and start mastering the Scotch Game today!

Scotch Game Chess Puzzles 

Sharpen Your Scotch Game Tactics! Test your skills with a collection of puzzles featuring typical tactical motifs and attacking chances that arise in Scotch Game positions.

(WTHarvey - 10,000 Chess Puzzles) 

Scotch Game (C45) - 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 (10 Puzzles)

LiChess Opening Puzzles

Italian Game: Scotch Gambit - 2221 Puzzles 
Scotch Game - 24,000 Puzzles (Can break down puzzles to 17 variations on main page)



Games Databases

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

365Chess.com


Chessgames.com




Annotated Games 
 Deep Fritz - Kramnik, Vladimir (2807) [C45] 



Scotch Game Video Lessons 

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


Scotch Game Opening Theory - 6 Video Playlist
- Hanging Pawns

ST Louis Chess Club Videos 

The Scotch Game - Chess Openings Explained  - 45 MinJonathan Schrantz teaches the Scotch Game, an underestimated opening that releases tension in the center early. Besides two notable games, the Goering gambit and the Dubois-Reti defence are also covered.
Let's Do Scotch! | Chess and Psychology - IM Dorsa Derakhshani - 52 Min
Dorsa Derakhshani takes you inside her head as she relives her games in the Scotch Game or Scotch Opening.

Opening Problems | Scotch | French | King's Indian - GM Yasser Seirawan - 50 Min 
- Intermediate-level lecture at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis. Club member Ken West asks for help in the Scotch

Nick Risko
Series on the Scotch Game or Scotch Opening.

 
A Magical Chess Opening for ALL Levels - 16 Min (Potter Variation)  IM Rozman - 
The Scotch, in particular the Potter Variation. A very easy opening for beginners who are looking to get good at chess.

Chess Openings: How To Play The Scotch Gambit - Quickstarter Jedi Guide - 31 Min

Attack with the Scotch and Giuoco Piano! - GM Roman Dzindzichashvili - 35 Min

DOMINATE with Black against the Scotch Gambit! (EMPIRE CHESS) - 16 Min - 
GM Victor Mikhalevski demonstrates the perils awaiting any unprepared player with the black pieces against the Scotch Gambit along with several impressive examples of successful defense.


Scotch Gambit 

Scotch Gambit  - 11 Video Playlist - FM James Canty III

 

Goring Gambit 

Goring Gambit Series 10 Video Playlist - AS Chess School

Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Goring Gambit! - 21 Min - The Chess Giant - Solomon Rodell explores this aggressive gambit (1.e4 c6 2.Nf3 3.d4 exd4 4.c3!). Learn how to punish Black's unusual defense!

The NEW (and better!) Danish Gambit | Repertoire: Goring Gambit - 32 Min - FM William Graf - Surprise your opponent with a sneaky gambit! Graif explores this aggressive line (1.e4 Nf3 3.c3 4.d4!) for White in the Danish Gambit. Sacrifice for a tempo and dominate the center! (You Transpose to the Scotch)

Attacking Chess Gambit against 1.e5 (Goring Gambit) - 30 Min - I
n-depth tutorial on the Goring Gambit, an aggressive chess opening strategy against 1.e5.

Chess Opening for Black (Goring Gambit) - 20 Min - A
 comprehensive guide on how to counter the Goring Gambit in chess when playing as black.

Scotch Game | Göring Gambit - 21 Min - Hanging Pawns - The Göring Gambit is a very aggressive, highly provocative and slightly unsound continuation for white. He gives up a full pawn for development and an attempt for a deadly initiative.  
(New - 6/10/2024)

Scotch Game Traps


Black Side of the Scotch

 GJ_Chess


How to play against the Scotch  -  24 Min - NM Robert Plunketts lab -
I go over all the main options and some of the trickiest options for black on how to play against the Scotch opening

Scotch Game - A Short, Simple Repertoire for Black - 21 Min - A brief, easy-to-remember repertoire for Black against the Scotch Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4).

Chess Opening For Black against E4 | Scotch Game - 6 Min - Coach Kestony 

My SECRET Anti-Scotch Opening System [No Theory] - 19 Min - GM Igor Smirnov - You will cut down on a lot of opening theory by learning a single variation that can be played against all these lines. The London Defense variation, which occurs after 4...Bb4+ in the Scotch Gambit, forces White to react to the check, thus limiting their choices. You will also learn the common opening mistakes to avoid, middlegame plans, typical attacking ideas, and some deadly traps


Scotch GAME VIDEOS (w/Analysis)

Scotch Opening  - 60 Video Playlist - Chess School
Scotch Game  - 12 Video Playlist  - agadmantor
Scotch Game  - 68 Video playlist - kingscrusher


This Guy Just Demolished a Super GM with SCOTCH GAMBIT - 12 Min
-
Awonder Liang just won an incredibly beautiful game with the Scotch Gambit against Levon Aronian

GM Naroditsky
Amazing Game Videos w/ Lots of Analysis and GM lessons.

Watercolor Chess image of a Bottle of Scotch and two chess pieces on a chess Board
"Fortune favors the bold." - Virgil (Poet)


The Stonewall Attack - Opening Theory


Conquer the Center:
Master the Stonewall Attack !

Want to dominate the center of the board and launch crushing attacks? The Stonewall Attack, a dynamic opening for White after 1.d4, is your answer! This opening helps you build a rock-solid pawn structure, giving you a strong foundation to control the game. Here's what makes it so powerful:

  • Quick Development: Get your pieces out fast and put pressure on your opponent.
  • Central Control: Dominate the center, making it difficult for Black to find good squares.
  • Space Advantage: Gain more space on the board, making it easier to maneuver your pieces.
  • King Safety: The pawn structure provides excellent protection for your king.
  • Simplified Structure: Focus on coordinating your pieces with a clear pawn plan.
  • Pressure on Black: Constrict your opponent's options and force them to react to your threats.
  • Kingside Power: Create opportunities for powerful pawn storms that put Black's king in danger.

Dive into the resources below and unlock the secrets of the Stonewall Attack!


 Stonewall Attack Chess Articles 

Delve into the theory, history, and key variations of the Stonewall Attack.


The Kenilworth Chess Club

  • The Stonewall Attack - This lecture by National Master Yaacov Norowitz explores the Stonewall Attack, a powerful chess opening for White. He covers key concepts, variations, and illustrative games, making it a valuable resource for players looking to master this strategy. (Archived)
  • Yaacov's ICC Games with the Stonewall - 36 games you can play through with a Viewer (Archived)
  • Supplemental Stonewall Games. - 4 classic Stonewall Games (Archived)

The Battering Ram - Chess.com article by GM Vinay Bhat - on one of the main ways to combat the Stonewall Attack.


Stonewall Attack: A Sure and Steady Opening - Chessable Blog Opening Guide -
general Overview of the Opening and plans w/ 8 Min Embedded Video.





Stonewall Attack LiChess Studies 

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


  • Stonewall Attack  - 10 Chapter Interactive Study  (1395 hearts) Lean with a fully Interactive Study, Main Lines, main Defenses and Model games.

  • Stonewall Strategies - 12 Chapter Study (49 hearts) - Goes through Full games showing the Different Strategy's Play out and explanations.

  • Stonewall Attack (Black) - 4 Chapter Study - Show 4 Different ways to play against the Stonewall.

LiStudy  (LiChess Move Trainer Site )

Stonewall Strategy's - 11 Chapters to Learn and Practice

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

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


365Chess.com

D00: Queen's pawn, stonewall attack 1. d4 d5 2. e3 Nf6 3. Bd3  - 2136 Games

ChessTempo.com

Queen Pawn Game, Stonewall Attack (D00) - 2271 Games

Chessgames.com

Stonewall attack - 8 games 
f-ck stonewall attack  - 5 games (all are 0-1 Black Victory)
Stonewall Opening - 434 games


Stonewall Attack Video Lessons

Playlists


EASY & Powerful Chess Opening for Beginners 2024 -  12 Min - GM Igor Smirnov -
Shares one of the easiest chess openings to learn for beginners. At the same time, it's a powerful chess opening for White after 1.d4.

Stonewall Attack - Beginner Breakdown - 36 Min - St.Louis Chess Club
Mike Kummer looks at scholastic player Grayson Marks's games. Grayson has been playing the Stonewall Attack with white.

Opening Basics #35: Stonewall attack - 36 Min - Jim's Chess Channel Rarely seen at the top level, this aggressive opening is still played at the club level. It gives white a quick attack in exchange for some structural deficiencies, and leads to interesting play.

The Best Stonewall Lesson to Easily Understand - 14 Min The main ideas behind the Stonewall Attack, for White.

Learn the Stonewall Defense & Attack | 10-Minute Chess Openings - 9 Min -Gotham

Chess Beginner to Master Series - Section 2 - Stonewall Attack Opening for White - 70 min - Chess w/ Coach mark
We will discuss the pawn structures, early development, attacking ideas, and how to handle black's response to this opening.

IChess Stonewall Attack Series

Stonewall Legacy Series 

Introduction - 6 min Video
Baltic Defense - 10 min Video
The Baltic Trap 4...Nc6! -5 min Video
Horowitz Defense - 10 min Video
Teichmann Defense - 11 min Video
Mainline with 5....Bd6 -11 min Video
Mainline with 6....Qc7 - 7 min Video
Bg4 Lines - 10 min Video

Beating the Stonewall 

Study the key ideas, typical plans, and critical lines for punishing the Stonewall and seizing the initiative.


Stonewall Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Stonewall Chess Opening -  16 Video playlist  - kingscrusher
Stonewall Attack Speedrun (600 to 2300) -  9 Video playlist  - NM Robert Ramirez (Over 18 hrs of Video) (New - 6/11/2024)


Standard Chess #260: aaaaaaa101 vs. IM Bartholomew (Stonewall Attack) - 66 Min
The Stonewall Attack To Learn From | Harry Nelson Pillsbury vs Jean  - 5 Min  - Chess School
Crushing With The Stonewall Attack | Akiba Rubinstein vs Richard Reti - 5 Min - Chess School
Stonewall Brilliancy | Henry Edward Bird vs John Wisker  - 6 Min - Chess School
I Almost Lost To The Stonewall! | Speed Run Series | GM Moulthun Ly
 - 24 min - GM Moulthun ly

Shutting DOWN The Stonewall Attack | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky  - 28 min - analyzes a chess game where he explains his mistakes and better alternatives, focusing on the Stonewall Attack and the King's Indian defense.

PGN Game Downloads

Stonewall Attack - 60 games (From U of Pitt Chess Archive)


A Stonewall built of white chess pieces in a vibrant Pop Art style, symbolizing the strength and solidity of the Stonewall Attack chess opening.
"The cautious seldom err." - Confucius