Saturday, January 3, 2009

Unlocking Free Chess Resources: A Comprehensive Repository of Free Online Books

Exploring Free Chess Books: Your Ultimate Resource Repository

Delve into a treasure trove of free chess resources with our comprehensive repository of online books. From tactical masterpieces to strategic insights, discover a wealth of knowledge curated to elevate your chess game.


Unleash a Library of Chess Knowledge: Exploring the Internet Archive

The Internet Archive is a digital goldmine for chess enthusiasts! Explore a vast collection of free chess books, from timeless classics to modern strategy guides. Utilize their search function to find specific titles or browse by category to discover hidden gems.

 Internet Archive - The Internet Archive is a vast digital library offering free access to millions of books, websites, videos, and other cultural artifacts.


Treasure Hunt for Free Chess Books: Google Books to the Rescue!

Did you know Google offers a treasure trove of free chess books in the public domain? Search for titles by strategy, tactics, openings, or endgames and download PDFs for convenient offline study.

Google Search of Books in Public Domain 

(These Books are still Here, just enter Captcha on Googles site and download starts for some or click "Ebook - Free" Button for others) 

(Click link to Download PDF Version of Book)


Strategy and Instruction Books
Build a Chess Mastermind: Foundational Strategy & Instruction Books

Sharpen your strategic thinking and chess fundamentals with this collection of free books! Explore core chess concepts, tactics, and opening principles to develop a well-rounded understanding of the game.


  1. The Complete Guide to Chess Master: Chess Tactics, Chess Openings and Chess Strategies - 144 pg
  2. Chess Praxis - By Howard Staunton
  3. The Chess Tournament - By Howard Staunton
  4. The Chess-player's Companion -By Howard Staunton
  5. The Modern Chess Instructor - By William Steinitz
  6. Mr. Blackburne's Games at Chess - By Joeseph henry Blackburne
  7. The Laws and Practice of Chess -By Howard Staunton, Robert B. Wormald, Robert Bownas
  8. Chess Strategy - By Eduard Lasker 
  9. Chess Studies Comprising 1000 Games - By George Walker
  10. Laskers Chess Magazine Vol 2 -  By Emanuel Lasker
  11. Analysis of the game of Chess - Philidor
  12. The Book of Chess - By Howard Staunton
  13. The American Chess Players Handbook - By Howard Staunton



Chess Player Books
Learn from the Legends: Explore Books Featuring Games of Chess Masters

Immerse yourself in the games of chess greats! This section curates books featuring games played by legendary figures like Morphy and Marshall. Analyze their moves, strategies, and thought processes to elevate your own chess skills.

Morphys Games of Chess By Paul Charles Morphy, Johann Löwenthal

Marshals Chess Swindles - By Frank J Marshal (Over 125 Tourn. and Match Games)


Chess Opening Books
Chart Your Chess Course: Free Books to Conquer Chess Openings

Unravel the mysteries of chess openings with free books dedicated to this crucial game phase. Learn about popular openings, strategic concepts, and how to develop a strong opening repertoire to gain an early advantage.

  1. Chess Openings -By Frank James Marshall
  2. Modern Chess Openings  - By Griffith and White  (Pretty old book of openings but FREE)
  3. The Chess Openings considered critically and practically - By Henry Bird
  4. Chess Openings For Beginners - By Cunningham
  5. Positions in the Chess Openings most Freq. Played - Thomas Long
  6. Chess Players Compendium (Practical Guide to Openings) - By William Cook
  7. Synopsis of the Chess Openings - By William Cook
  8. Chess Openings - By Fredrick Longman
  9. The Chess Openings - By Ginsburg
  10. Jaenisch's Chess Preceptor - Jaenisch and Valker 
  11. The Chess Openings (Notable positions and problems) - By Bird


Chess Endgame Books
Mastering the Final Frontier: Free Books to Dominate Chess Endgames

Don't let your winning positions slip away! Delve into free endgame books to refine your skills in converting advantages and securing victories. Learn essential endgame principles and practice key techniques.

  1. Chess Endings - By Freebourough
  2. Chess Symposium - By Halpern  (100 Endgame Studies)
  3. Select Chess Endgames from Actual Play - By Freebourough


Chess Problem Books (Tactics Books)
Sharpen Your Chess Vision: Free Tactics Books to Boost Your Game

Chess tactics are the heart and soul of the game. Hone your tactical skills with free problem books packed with puzzles and exercises. Test your pattern recognition, calculation abilities, and develop the sharp eye of a chess master.

  1. A Selection of Popular Two Move Chess Problems -  Brownson (100 problems)
  2. A Collection of 200 Chess Problems -  By Francis Healey
  3. Chess Problems  - By Pierce (Hundreds of Problems)


(Page of Internet Archive Downloads, Free Chessable Tactics Courses , ETC)

 

Chess Tournament Books
Learn from the Best: Analyze Classic Games with Free Tournament Books

Step back in time and witness the brilliance of chess masters in action. Explore free tournament books that showcase historical chess battles, allowing you to analyze the games of legends and uncover valuable strategic insights.

  1. International Masters Tournament  Manhattan Chess Club 1918 - (Marshall and Capablanca present)
  2. London Intern. Tourn. 1883  (Bird and Winawer present)
  3. The Hastings Chess Tourn. 1885
  4. The Monte Carlo Tourn 1903 - (Tarrasch, Marshall, and Maroczy)


Want to delve deeper? Explore even more chess resources on the Blog! Many of our sidebar topics offer links to additional chess books and shorter PDFs at the top of each page. Discover a wealth of chess knowledge to supplement your learning journey.

 
A stack of old Chess Books with chess pieces on top of the stack.



Monday, December 22, 2008

Kings Gambit (C30-C39) - Opening Theory


Master the King's Gambit: A Complete Guide for All Levels

Sharpen your attack and dominate the center with the King's Gambit! This legendary chess opening is perfect for players who crave aggressive possibilities and dynamic battles.

Here's what you'll find in this comprehensive guide:

  • Master the Fundamentals: Gain a solid understanding of the King's Gambit's core concepts, including the pawn sacrifice and the fight for central control.
  • Level Up Your Skills: Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious beginner, we offer resources tailored to your needs. Find free books, informative articles, video lessons, and interactive puzzles to elevate your King's Gambit game.
  • Dominate the Center: Learn powerful strategies to control the center of the board, a crucial element for success with the King's Gambit.
  • Leave Your Opponents Reeling: Explore the tactical possibilities unleashed by the King's Gambit and discover how to exploit weaknesses for a winning advantage.

Kings Gambit Wikipedia Page 
For a general overview of the opening and its variations along with its history. 
Fischer Defense Wikipedia Page
Page Devoted to the Fischer Defense to the Kings Gambit 

Bishop's Bounty Falkbeer Counter Gambit Page



BOOKS (Free)

Here's a treasure trove of free books to equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to dominate the opening:


A BUST TO THE KING'S GAMBIT - Bobby Fishers 2 page PDF Get a glimpse into the legendary Bobby Fischer's perspective on the King's Gambit. This short but insightful PDF might offer surprising counter-arguments to White's gambit.

500 Kings Gambit Miniatures by Bill Wall - 100 Page PDF -  Learn from the greats! Explore a collection of 500 miniature games featuring the King's Gambit, allowing you to witness tactical brilliance and strategic maneuvers in action.

The Gambit by M. Yudovich - 251 Page PDF - Delve deeper with this comprehensive book on gambit play in chess. While not solely focused on the King's Gambit, it provides valuable insights into the underlying principles and strategic considerations relevant to the opening.

How To Play The Chess Openings by Eugene A. Znosko-Borovsky - 164 Page PDF - Gain a foundational understanding of chess openings in general, including the King's Gambit. This book offers a solid starting point for beginners unfamiliar with opening theory.

Modern Chess Openings 14 - 546 Page PDF - For the truly ambitious, this massive volume by a renowned chess publisher provides in-depth analysis of various chess openings, including extensive coverage of the King's Gambit and its variations.

 

Kings Gambit Chess Articles

The King's Gambit offers a vast landscape of strategic possibilities and tactical intricacies. Here, we've curated a collection of informative articles to enhance your understanding and sharpen your King's Gambit skills:


Article about a line in Kieseritzky Gambit -  Dive into a specific line within the King's Gambit with Ignacio Martin's insightful article. This might be particularly helpful for players seeking to explore less common variations.

Kings Gambit - Simplify Chess provides a comprehensive guide that covers all the major points and variations of the King's Gambit. This is a great resource for players seeking a foundational understanding of the opening.

Variations of the Kings Gambit - This article from the Exeter Chess Club offers a clear breakdown of the King's Gambit's main variations. Explore responses like the Accepted Gambit, the Counter Gambit (Falkbeer), and the Just Develop approach. Gain a solid understanding of the strategic choices Black has after 1. e4 e5 2. f4.

King’s Gambit: How to Play the Most Aggressive Chess Opening -Delve into an extensive guide by ichess. This resource incorporates embedded videos for a more interactive learning experience, perfect for visual learners who prefer a multimedia approach.

Play the Exciting, Fighting King’s Gambit Now Embrace the aggressive spirit of the King's Gambit with Chessable's in-depth blog guide. This comprehensive resource provides a deep dive into the opening, potentially appealing to players seeking a more advanced understanding.

 

Kings Gambit LiChess Studies
Lichess offers a fantastic platform to hone your King's Gambit skills through interactive studies. Here's a treasure trove of resources to boost your tactical awareness and strategic understanding:

  • King's Gambit - 10 Chapter Study - Build a solid foundation with this 10-chapter study covering core King's Gambit concepts (960 hearts). 

  • King's Gambit Opening Traps - 10 Chapter Study - Sharpen your tactical vision with a 10-chapter exploration of common King's Gambit pitfalls for both White and Black (280 hearts).

  • Ultimate King's Gambit Traps List - 22 Chapter Study - This comprehensive 22-chapter study equips you with a vast arsenal of King's Gambit traps.

  • King's Gambit for Black - 4 Chapter Study - Considering playing the Black side? This 4-chapter study delves into effective responses to the King's Gambit, giving you a well-rounded understanding.

  • King's Gambit, everything you need to know - 16 Chapter Study For a thorough exploration, embark on this in-depth 16-chapter study that covers everything you need to know about the King's Gambit (280 hearts).


(Kings Gambit Chess Puzzles)

Ready to put your King's Gambit knowledge to the test? Dive into a selection of puzzles designed to sharpen your tactical awareness and decision-making skills:


LiChess Opening's Puzzles 

Delve Deeper with Lichess Openings Puzzles:
For a more comprehensive exploration, Lichess offers dedicated puzzle sections for the King's Gambit Accepted and the King's Gambit Declined . Each section can be further broken down by specific variations, allowing you to focus on specific lines.



WTHarvey.com




By actively solving these puzzles, you'll develop the tactical vision and problem-solving skills necessary to dominate your opponents in King's Gambit games.

 

Game Databases

Theory is essential, but nothing beats learning from the greats! Here, we delve into valuable game databases where you can witness the King's Gambit come alive in real chess battles:

365Chess.com

C30 King's Gambit  1. e4 e5 2. f4  (16,408 Games)

C31 King's Gambit Declined, Falkbeer counter-gambit  1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 (2857 Games)

C32 King's Gambit Declined, Falkbeer, 1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5 e4 4. d3 Nf6 5. dxe4 (424 Games)

C33 King's Gambit Accepted  1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4  (8712 games)

C34 King's Gambit Accepted 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 (6695 Games)

C35 King's Gambit Accepted, Cunningham defence 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 Be7 (800 Games)

C37 King's Gambit Accepted, Quaade gambit 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. Nc3 (366 Games)

C38 King's Gambit Accepted 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. Bc4 Bg7 (366 Games)

C39: King's Gambit Accepted
1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. h4 (906 Games)

Chessgames.com

This site provides a curated collection of 100 annotated King's Gambit games (C30-C39). Studying these annotated games with expert commentary allows you to:

  • Witness Strategic Maneuvers: Understand how grandmasters handle the opening's complexities.
  • Learn from Tactical Brilliance: Discover hidden tactical opportunities employed by the best players.
  • Improve Your Decision-Making: Analyze critical junctures in the games and see how masters navigate them.

Kings Gambit C30-C39 - 100 Annotated games 

 

King's Gambit Video Lessons

Learning by watching can be a fantastic way to grasp chess concepts. Here's a curated selection of video lessons to elevate your King's Gambit understanding:

King's Gambit Opening Theory - 10 Video Playlist - Hanging Pawns (4 hrs) This comprehensive playlist provides a deep dive into King's Gambit theory, perfect for players seeking a thorough exploration.

King’s Gambit: Powerful Chess Opening Weapon for White! - 23 Min GM Igor Smirnov - Get a quick yet insightful overview of the King's Gambit's strengths and strategic possibilities from Grandmaster Smirnov.

GRANDMASTER EXPLAINS: The King's Gambit - 43 Min - GM Eric Hansen - Benefit from GM Hansen's expertise as he breaks down the King's Gambit for a clear and engaging learning experience.

King's Gambit Masterclass - 1.5 hr - IM Andras Toth - Live Stream (New 6/30/2024)

(St Louis Chess Club Videos)

(3-part series by Johnathan Scrantz, 122 minutes total):
Embark on a captivating journey with this three-part video series that explores various aspects of the King's Gambit.


King's Gambit Opening Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 65 Min  - Renowned chess instructor GM Finegold's lectures are known for their depth and clarity. This video offers a valuable opportunity to learn from his experience.

(Blacks Response Kings Gambit Videos)

Crushing the King's Gambit | GM Naro's Opening Lab - 53 Min - Take a deeper dive with GM Naroditsky as he explores various strategies for Black against the King's Gambit. This comprehensive video equips you with the knowledge to handle White's different approaches and potentially turn the tables on your opponent.

Refute the King's Gambit as Black | Falkbeer Countergambit: Tricky Opening - 20 Min GM Igor Smirnov -This video delves into the Falkbeer Counter Gambit (1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5), a dynamic and aggressive response that challenges White's gambit directly.

Allgaier Kings gambit (5.Ng5) Refuted - Chess Audio Books

(Fischer's famous 'refutation' of the King's Gambit.)

Kings Gambit Opening Traps & Tactics

8 Deadly TRAPS in the King’s Gambit | Chess Opening Tricks to WIN FAST - 12 Min - Learn how to exploit common pitfalls your opponents might fall into with this exciting video on King's Gambit traps.

Chess Traps #3: King's Gambit Declined Trap - 6 Min - Focus on a specific trap in the King's Gambit Declined to add another weapon to your arsenal.

Kings Gambit Game Videos (W/Analysis)

  • King's Gambit - 20 Video Playlist Witness historical King's Gambit games analyzed by the popular chess YouTuber agadmator.

  • The Kings Gambit collection - 117 Video playlist - Dive into a massive collection of King's Gambit games analyzed by the YouTuber kingscrusher.

  • King's Gambit - 75 Video Playlist Explore another extensive playlist featuring King's Gambit games with analysis, provided by the Chess School channel.


Bonus Videos:

Chess Speedrun | King's Gambit | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 33 Min - Watch GM Naroditsky play a King's Gambit game with commentary, offering insights into practical decision-making.

Learn the King's Gambit opening with GM Hikaru - 60 Min - Gain valuable instruction from the ever-popular GM Hikaru Nakamura in this in-depth King's Gambit video lesson.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Free Guide to the Discovered Attack: Chess Tactics!

Enhance Your Chess Tactics: 
Mastering the Discovered Attack

The chessboard is a battleground of cunning strategy and tactical brilliance. Among the weapons in your arsenal, the discovered attack stands out for its deceptive power.

With a simple move, you can unleash a double threat, often leaving your opponent scrambling for defense. This guide equips you with a treasure trove of resources to master this tactic and elevate your chess game.

This section dives into a variety of resources, from free books and articles to interactive studies and video lessons. So, whether you're a seasoned player or a curious beginner, you'll find the perfect tools to hone your discovered attack skills. Let's explore!



BOOKS (FREE)


English Chess Federation Discovered Attacks - 6 Page PDF
This concise guide from the English Chess Federation provides a clear explanation of the discovered attack concept along with 12 problem worksheets to test your newfound skills.



Discovered Attack Chess Articles


Introduction to Chess Tactics: Discovered attack - (Nice Article with examples and Quiz): This article offers a clear introduction to discovered attacks, including examples and a quiz to test your understanding. It even delves into double checks and windmills for a well-rounded learning experience.

The Dreaded Discovered Attack - Improve your discovered attack mastery with IM Silman's insightful lesson on Chess.com. This resource dives deep with various examples and scenarios to solidify your tactical understanding.

10 Discovered Attack - Problems  Sharpen your skills with this collection of 10 discovered attack puzzles.

Collection of discovered-attack exercises - Test your newfound knowledge with another set of 24 discovered attack exercises.

Discovered Attack: How To Make Your Opponent “Discover” That They’re About To Lose - Chess Journal Article - Spice up your learning with this engaging article from Chess Journal. It showcases 3 practical examples to help you see how discovered attacks can turn the tide in your favor.


Anime female in a dramatic pose over a chessboard, purple background."
Sometimes, the greatest strength lies in
revealing the power hidden within the shadows.



Games Databases

Analyze real-world examples!



Discovered Attack LiChess Studies 


New to Lichess studies?
These interactive tools are fantastic resources for exploring chess concepts and variations move-by-move. Perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge, Lichess studies let you work through positions at your own pace. Here are some great options to hone your discovered attack skills:

  • Discovered Attack -  10 Chapter  Interactive Examples - (Lichess Mate Practice Page): Get started with this 10-problem interactive page 

  • Discovered Attacks and Checks - 60 Chapter Interactive Study - Delve deeper with this comprehensive 60-chapter interactive study that explores both discovered attacks and checks. (Highly recommended!)

  • Discovered Attack - 12 Chapter Interactive Study -This 12-chapter study offers a fully interactive experience, including windmills and discovered checks, to truly solidify your understanding.

  • Beginner Tactics Discovered Attack - 32 Chapter Study - This 32-chapter study caters to beginners by providing a more lesson-based approach with analysis for each position.


Discovered Attack Chess Video Lessons

Expand your visual learning with these informative video lessons on the discovered attack:

Chess lesson # 27: Discovered check and attack | Chess Tactics | Learn Chess the right way  -10 Min - NM Ramirez explores various scenarios where discovered attacks and checks can be applied, highlighting their effectiveness in gaining material advantage or delivering checkmate.

Creating multiple Threats with the Discovered Attack | Chess Tactics | IM Alex Astaneh - 20 Min -IM Alex Astaneh dedicates 20 minutes to demonstrating the power of the discovered attack. This lesson delves into the tactic's nuances, helping you understand why it's such a valuable weapon in your chess arsenal. 
The 5 Most Amazing Discovered Checks in Chess - 9 Min GM Williams - Take a fascinating journey through chess history with GM Williams! This 9-minute video breaks down the five most incredible discovered checks ever played, showcasing the brilliance of legendary players like Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand. 

Chess Tactics Discovered Attacks - 6 Min  Solidify your foundational understanding of discovered attacks with this clear and concise 6-minute video explanation.

Chess for Beginners with GM Ronen Har-Zvi (Discovered Attack!) - 30 Min -New to chess? GM Ronen Har-Zvi delivers a beginner-friendly 30-minute lecture (Video Below) at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, covering discovered attacks in all their forms.