Learn & Practice Skewer Tactics: Sharpen Your Chess Game

 

   

Master the Skewer: Essential Chess Tactics Guide & Resources

Sharpen your chess vision! The skewer is a powerful tactical weapon that can win you material and turn the tide of the game. Learn how to identify, execute, and defend against skewers with this comprehensive resource guide.

A skewer is an attack upon two pieces in a line and is similar to a pin.
 In fact, a skewer is sometimes described as a "reverse pin".

 In a skewer, a valuable piece is attacked and forced to move to avoid being captured, leaving a less valuable piece behind it free for capture.
 
Like pins, skewers can only be created by the long-range pieces (queen, rook and bishop).
 
  Wikipedia Skewer Page
 General info and a few examples

 

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BOOKS (Free)

English Chess Federation - The Skewer - 6 page PDF - This concise 6-page guide provides a clear explanation of skewers with illustrative diagrams.

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Skewer Articles 

Level Up Your Chess Tactics: In-Depth Articles on Skewers

Skewer - Chessfox - Unravel the Secrets of the Skewer! Deepen Your Chess Tactics: Dive into a comprehensive guide on the skewer tactic by Chessfox.

The Skewer in Chess a Deadly Tactic - Unleash the Power of Skewers! In-Depth Guide - Another Nice Article

The Skewer Tactic explained by a Grandmaster!  - This in-depth guide by GM GABUZYAN_CHESSMOOD provides a comprehensive understanding of skewer tactics.

Tactics: The Skewer! - ChessKid: Skewers  - This interactive article from ChessKid uses puzzles and explanations to introduce the skewer concept to young learners.

Skewer - Beginner-Friendly Guide to Skewers: Learn the fundamentals of the powerful skewer tactic with clear explanations and diagrams from Chess.com. 

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LiChess Studies

Sharpen Your Skills: Practice Skewer Puzzles on Lichess

Skewer Puzzles - 15 Puzzles (LiChess Practice Area)

LiChess Puzzle Themes

• Skewer Puzzles - 87,000 Puzzles

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Games Databases

Real-World Examples: Analyze Skewers in OTB Games

chessgames.com

• Skewer Tactic - OTB Examples  - 32 games -Lesson on Different types of Skewers (Type of Skewer next to each Game)
  
  
• Skewer goes all the way through (ESS) - 24 games 
  
  
• Skewer Check Tactic-- OTB Examples - 8 Games 

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Skewer Chess Videos

Win More Games with Skewers! Learn powerful chess tactics with these video guides on the skewer tactic. 

This Thanksgiving, Try a Skewer! | Beginner Breakdown - 60 Min - St.Louis CC - Alex Moellering teaches a beginner chess class on skewers

Chess Tactics: 5 Skewers You Must Know! - 8 Min - A fast-paced introduction to 5 essential skewer patterns. Great for beginners and intermediate players. Master the Skewer Chess Tactic in 11 Minutes - 11 min - Chess Nerd - A comprehensive guide to mastering the skewer. Learn how to identify and exploit skewer opportunities to gain the upper hand. (New 5/29/24)

Why The Skewer Chess Tactic Is More Important Than You Thought - 13 Min - NM Nelson Lopez - a comprehensive guide on the skewer chess tactic, explaining its importance and demonstrating various examples ranging from basic to master level.  (New 5/29/24)

The absolute and relative Skewer | Chess Tactics | IM Alex Astaneh - 19 Min Video -Dive deep into the concept of absolute vs. relative skewers with International Master Alex Astaneh.

How the Skewer can decide your Rook Endgame | Beginner Level | GM Alex Ipatov - 9 Min - Unlock the secrets of using skewers in rook endgames with Grandmaster Alex Ipatov. Perfect for beginners! 

Introduction to basic tactical themes- Pins and Skewers - 6 min Video - Learn the fundamentals of pins and skewers, two powerful tactical weapons in chess. 

Rook Endgame Skewer - 2 min Video  - A quick and effective lesson on utilizing the skewer in rook endgames.

Chess tactics | Pins vs Skewers | Learn how to play Chess the right way - 10 Min - Sharpen Your Chess Vision: Pins vs Skewers with NM Robert Ramirez

 Ready to unleash the power of the skewer? Dive into the resources listed above and start practicing! With dedication and study, you'll be skewering your opponents in no time.

 

 

Ruy Lopez (Berlin Defence)(C65-67) - Opening Theory

Ruy Lopez (Spanish) Berlin Defense

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6

Wikipedia page 
 The Berlin Defence, 3...Nf6, has long had a reputation for solidity and drawishness and is commonly referred to as "the Berlin Wall"

BOOKS (Free)

The Modenized Ruy Lopez  Vol 1 A Complete Repertoire for White - 18 Page (Chap. 2 Birds)  PDF
500 Ruy Lopez Miniatures By Bill Wall  - 122 Page PDF
Easy Guide to Ruy Lopez by John Emms  - 74 Page PDF

Free Chessable Course

Short & Sweet: Berlin Defense MoveTrainer™ Opening course by GM Sam Shankland - 20 Trainable Variations with 32 Min of Video

Ruy Lopez (Berlin Defense) Articles

Berlin Defense: Complete Guide - Solid article by FM Zaur Tekeyev
The Mortimer Trap - It's only natural that it should be rediscovered, given the recent popularity of the Berlin Defense to the Spanish / Ruy Lopez 

Berlin Defense LiChess Studies

Black Repertoire - Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense - 29 Chapters
Berlin Defense variations: Ruy Lopez  - 9 Chapters
Berlin Defense: Chess Opening Study - 17 Chapters

Games Databases

Chessgames.com 
Berlin Defence Games - 1100+ Games at you can go through online.
365Chess.com
C65: Ruy Lopez, Berlin defence - Link Page to all the Sub- Varients and 18,000 games at 
  Annotated Games
Svidler vs Topalov 2006 - A nicely Annotated game from the ChessVault.com
Nisipeanu vs Topalov 2006 - Annotated by Mihail Marin 
 Hou Yifan vs Nigel Short - Washington post article on the 13 yr old girl beating Short. 

 Ruy Lopez Berlin Defense Chess Video Lessons

Ruy Lopez - Berlin Defense ⎸Chess Openings - 20 Min
The Berlin Defence in the Ruy Lopez - GM Yasser Seirawan  - 48 Min
GM Sam Shankland: The Berlin Defense | U.S. Chess School - 52 Min  Chess Dojo
The Ruy Lopez | Berlin Defense | Chess Openings | IM Andrey Ostrovskiy - 15 Min
Beat the Ruy Lopez with the Berlin Variation - GM Leonid Kritz - 15 Min

Play Against the Berlin

How To Play Against The Berlin Defense ⚔ Chess Openings For White - 16 min - GM Gufstason

Berlin Defense Chess Traps

Indian Prodigy REFUTES the Berlin Defense??! | Ruy Lopez opening TRAP - 11 Min
Dirty Chess Tricks 63 (Trick the Berlin/Spanish/Ruy Lopez) - 15 Min
Spanish Game: Berlin Defense chess trap 18 - 8 Min
Chess Traps #5: Ruy Lopez Berlin Defence Trap (Fishing Pole) - 8 Min
Mortimer Trap | Berlin Defense in the Ruy Lopez | Opening Tricks and Traps to Win Fast - 7 Min
Dirty Chess Tricks 63 (Trick the Berlin/Spanish/Ruy Lopez) -15 Min

Berlin Defense Game Videos /w Analysis

Berlin Defence : GM Judit Polgar vs GM Sergey Karjakin - Spanish Game - 20 Min
Judit Polgar defeats Garry Kasparov in the Spanish Game - Berlin defence - 17 Min
I turned the Berlin into the MOST AGGRESSIVE GAMBIT EVER and CRUSHED Stockfish with it - 13 Min
GM Fabiano Caruana Vs GM Pavel Eljanov - Russian Team Championship 2011 - Berlin Defense Ruy Lopez - 12 Min
Berlin Defence : GM Judit Polgar vs GM Sergey Karjakin - Spanish Game (Berlin Defense) - 20 Min

Interference - Chess Tactic

Burn's Brilliant Queen Sacrifice!

In a stunning turn of events, Burn played the incredible 33...Qg4!! This daring move leaves his queen seemingly hanging, threatened by three of White's pieces! However, this is a cunning trap.

If White falls for the temptation to capture the queen with 34.Bxg4 or 34.hxg4, Black immediately wins a piece with 34...Bxd2.

Another tempting capture, 34.Qxg5+, also backfires after 34...Qxg5 35.Rxg5+ Kh6. Black escapes with a piece up thanks to the king's flight to h6.

MacDonald, realizing the danger, chose 34.Rxg4 instead. However, even after this defense, Burn continued his precise play with 34...Nf3+ 35.Kg2 Nxd2 36.Rxg5+ Kh6 37.h4 Nxb3 38.Rf5 Nxa5. While a pawn down, Burn's strong position ultimately led to victory in just 11 more moves.

Sharpen Your Chess Vision
 Mastering the Interference Tactic

Is an opponent's piece seemingly untouchable? Don't give up!
 The interference tactic can be your secret weapon.

This powerful move involves sacrificing a piece to block your opponent's defenders, opening up unexpected opportunities to capture that valuable piece. Think of it as a strategic "distraction" that allows you to gain the upper hand. New to chess? This tactic might seem counterintuitive, but it can be incredibly effective!

  Let's explore some fantastic free resources to help you master interference and elevate your chess game.


Wikipedia Interference Page
General Info on this tactic with examples.

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Interference Chess Articles

• Interfering in Chess: How To Block Defenders - Chess Journal - lesson will be focused on Interference, also known as blocking the defender w/ 3 detailed Examples.
  
  
• What Is Interference in Chess? - Nice Explanation with showing it in action and where to find opportunities.
  
  
• Do You Know This Rare Chess Tactic? -  GM Gserper Blog - Article on Interference w/ 6 Game examples 
  
  
• Grimshaw - A type of interference where two black pieces arriving on a particular square mutually interfere with each other. Wikipedia page with description and examples.
  
  
• Novotny(Nowotny) - A Grimshaw brought about by a sacrifice on a particular square where it could be captured by 2 opposing pieces. Wikipedia page with description and examples.

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Interference LiChess Studies

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

• Interference Study - 7 interactive Problems
• Interference: Two ways to Interfere - 6 Chapter - Educational Study
• Interference Lessons  - 17 Chapter Study

Puzzles

Practice Puzzles Interference - Very Nice Site with 30 Interactive Puzzles

Interference Puzzles - ChessGo.in  -  7 Levels of Difficulty - (9 Puzzles per page) Can print each page as well. (63 Puzzles)

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Games Databases 

Explore Real Chess Battles Featuring Interference Tactics!

Here, we delve into real games where chess masters have wielded the interference tactic to their advantage.

Chessgames.com

• OTB Games with interference Tactic   6 Games
  
  
• Anthoney Miles vs Craig William Pritchett 1982 - Another OTB game with a nice Novotny as the last move.
  
  
• Novotny, Plachutta and other interferences - 11  Games 
  
  
• Interference or Obstruction - 54  Games 

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Interference Chess Video Lessons

Secrets of Chess Tactics | Interference Tactic Stunningly beautiful secrets - 27 Min - Kingscrusher - his video delves into the core concept of interference, explaining how disrupting the connection between two squares can unlock winning opportunities and even checkmate!

AMAZING INTERFERENCE TACTICS! - 10 Min - chess diagnostic - Sharpen your problem-solving skills with this video that explores interference tactics as a method to decipher complex chess positions. This lays a solid foundation for tackling even more challenging puzzles later on.

Obstruction or Interference: the most elegant Chess tactic you will learn - 15 Min - NM Robert Ramirez - Want a concise yet informative lesson? This video by NM Robert Ramirez offers a clear explanation of interference tactics with 5 practical exercises to solidify your understanding.

Closing out those lines to your advantage | Interference | Chess Tactics 101 - 13 Min - Lesson w/ 5 GM game examples.

Interference Tactics | Chess Tactics | Line Closing | Cutting The Lines Of Communication - 17 Min - Chess Shaastra -This comprehensive guide from Chess Shaastra provides in-depth explanations and a variety of examples to showcase the power of interference in various chess positions.

Most SPECTACULAR Interference Ever ⚠️ SERIOUSLY | Chess Puzzles -7 Min

10 Levels of Tactics: The Interference - 32 Min - The Chess Nerd - This comprehensive guide offers a structured approach to learning interference tactics. The video features ten levels, each catering to a specific ELO range, with numerous chess problems to practice your newfound skill.Video Below

Interference Game Videos w/ analysis 

Greatest Interference Chess Move Of All Time?! Koskinen vs. Kasanen, 1967  - 2 Min

Weak Squares: Unmasking Your Opponent's Hidden Vulnerabilities

 

Master Chess Strategy: Weak Squares

Weak squares are vulnerable squares your opponent can exploit
 (think: chinks in your armor!).

Mastering them is a double-edged sword.
 Learning to identify and exploit your opponent's weak squares can turn the tide of the game, while fortifying your own weaknesses creates a solid foundation.

Ready to conquer your opponent's weak squares?
Let's dive into some helpful resources!


Bishop's Bounty Color Complexes Page

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Weak Squares Chess Articles

Mastering Weak Squares: Lessons & Analyzed Games

Elements of Chess Strategy - Weak and Strong Squares - WikiBooks Article - Seizing squares is just as important as taking pawns, or getting a lead in development, or getting a better minor piece, and so on.

Weak Squares in Chess: Everything you need to know! - Chessmood Guide - GM Gabuzyan Hovhannes - This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of weak squares, including how to identify them, exploit them in your attacks, and defend your own weaknesses. (Easily a 10 Min Read)

Dark and Light Square Weaknesses - WGM Natalia Pogonina - exploiting weaknesses on squares of a particular color (light or dark) in your opponent's camp. This can be a valuable strategy for players looking to refine their positional understanding. (Target Audience: Intermediate/Advanced)

The Weak Dark Square Complex - Chess.com Article - explores the concept of the "weak dark square complex," a common positional weakness that can arise in certain chess structures. The article analyzes three games to illustrate how to exploit this weakness effectively. (Target Audience: Intermediate/Advanced)

Weak Squares: How to Convert Positional Advantage - WGM Raluca Sgircea, IM Renier Castellanos - the importance of identifying and exploiting weak squares in your opponent's position. Three annotated example games showcase how this strategy can be put into practice.

Weak Squares? Who Cares? - GM Daniel Naroditsky - The article challenges the traditional chess principle of avoiding weak squares, suggesting that they can be exploited or even intentionally created under certain conditions.

Weak Squares: Positional Understanding in Chess - ECOACHESS - Lesson on Identifying and taking advantage of weak squares w/ 3 annotated famous games.

Mastering Squares - Im Jeremy Silman- offers a lesson on weak squares, including a puzzle to test your understanding. It's a good choice for players looking for a concise introduction to the concept with an opportunity to apply their knowledge.

KingsBishop (Weak Squares and Outposts Series)

• Weak Squares and Outposts Part 1 - Alexander Alekhine - Alekhine lays the groundwork, exploring basic concepts with 2 analyzed games.
• Weak Squares and Outposts Part 2 - Optimal Utilization - 2 Analyzed Games
• Weak Squares and Outposts Part 3 - Judit Polgar - Judit Polgar takes center stage, showcasing her mastery with 2 famous game analyses.
• Weak Squares and Outposts Part 4 - Mikhail Botvinnik - 3 analyzed Games
• Weak Squares and Outposts Part 5 - Considerations - Allowing an Outpost for Positional Compensation
• Weak Squares and Outposts Part 6 - Bobby Fischer - Learn from Bobby Fischer's strategic genius with 3 analyzed games focused on weak squares and outposts.
  
  

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Lichess Studies: Interactive Weak Squares Exploration!

• Weak Squares - 10 Chapter Study - This study provides a focused exploration of weak squares with practical examples. Ideal for players seeking a concise introduction.
  
  
• Weak pawns, weak squares -  33 Chapter Study (Very In Depth) This comprehensive study offers a deep dive into the topic, covering all lessons without filler. Perfect for players looking for a thorough exploration.
  
  
• Weak Squares - 29 Chapter Study - This well-structured study presents clear lessons with 15 exercises to solidify your learning. Great for players who want to test their understanding through practice.

New to Lichess Studies?

These interactive tools are an excellent way to learn and practice chess concepts. Studies allow you to explore variations move-by-move, test your understanding with questions, and receive immediate feedback.

Ready to take your chess game to the next level? Start exploring these Lichess studies and master the art of exploiting weak squares!

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Weak Square Chess Video Lessons

Here's a curated list of amazing free video lessons to elevate your understanding and application of this critical concept:

Chess lesson on weak squares! - 6 Video Playlist -  Lesson  (80 Min) - This comprehensive playlist from a chess enthusiast lays the groundwork for understanding weak squares.

How to Use Weak Squares 6 Min GM Molton - Sharpen your skills with GM Molton's practical guide on identifying and utilizing an outpost strategy.

Hanging Pawns 
Explore the concept of weak color complexes and how grandmasters exploit them with these in-depth lessons.

• Weak Color Complexes | Chess Middlegames - 20 Min - Hanging Pawns
• Weak Squares and Outposts | Chess Middlegames - 25 Min - Hanging Pawns 

IM Boroljub Zlatanovic

• Weak Squares in Chess Part 1 - 18 Min 
• Chess Strategy: Weak Squares Part-2 - 17 Min - a game played by one of the greatest chess players ever, Aron Nimzowitsch.

How to attack Weak Squares in a castled Position - 18 Min GM Dejan Bojkov - Master attacking strategies for castled positions with GM Bojkov's guidance.

Improve your chess with IM Sagar Shah | Weak squares imbalance 2 hr - Sharpen your overall chess skills with IM Sagar Shah. This 2-hour session focuses on tactics, weak squares imbalance, and user game review, offering a holistic approach to exploiting weak squares.

How To Use Weak Squares In Chess (Simul Commentary) - 28 Min - Learning by example is powerful! This instructive game commentary demonstrates how to exploit weak squares effectively.

How to Exploit Weak Squares in Chess - Become a Master Series PART 9 - 3 hr - In this series we are learning the basic principles and strategical concepts in chess on live stream and today's subject are weak square positions in chess. (Stream)

Playing on Strong & Weak Squares | WFM Ellen Nilssen - 62 Min - Gain a deeper understanding of strong and weak squares through detailed analysis in this extensive lecture 

 How to exploit Weak Squares, Outposts and King Activity in pawn endgames 005 - 32 Min - Elevate your endgame skills with this lesson on exploiting weak squares and other crucial factors in pawn endgames.

Chess Strategy - Weak Color Complex in the Endgame - 9 Min

 IM Alex Asteneh

• Be aware of Weak Squares - 21 Min - This clear and concise explanation by IM Astaneh provides a solid foundation for beginners.
• Weak Squares | Part I | Chess Strategy | Chess Middlegame | IM Alex Astaneh - 22 Min - IM Astaneh delves deeper into identifying and managing weak squares.
• How to identify and protect Weak Squares 11 Min -Learn valuable insights on protecting your own weak squares while exploiting your opponent's.
• Masterpiece on how to use Weak Squares | Capablanca - Mieses - 13 Min
• How to play against Weak Squares | Karpov - Polgar - 6 Min - Study the masters! Analyze classic games showcasing how legendary players exploited and defended weak squares.