Scandinavian Defense (Center Counter Defense) (B01) - Opening Theory

 

Scandianavian Defence (Center Counter Defense) Resources

Wikipedia Page 

The Scandinavian Defense, also known as the Center Counter Defense, is a chess opening that begins with the moves 1.e4 d5. It is a hyper-modern defense, meaning that it aims to control the center with pieces rather than pawns. This defense is characterized by the move d5, which aims to support the pawn on e5, and it is a good choice for players who like to play aggressively and counterattack.

The main idea of the Scandinavian defense is for Black to gain space in the center and try to attack the white pawns on e4 and d4. Black's pawn on d5 also aims to exert pressure on e4, which could become a weakness if not properly supported.

The most common continuations for Black after 1.e4 d5 are 2.exd5 Qxd5 and 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4. The first move allows Black to develop their queen early and apply pressure on e4, while the second move allows Black to develop their knight and gain control of d5.

The Scandinavian Defense can be a solid choice for Black, but it also requires a good understanding of the middle game and the ability to counterattack, as it can lead to complex and tactical positions.

BOOKS & Courses (Free)

Internet Archive

Center Counter Defense: The Portuguese Variation - 98 Page PDF

Chessable Courses (Free)

IM John Bartholomew's Scandinavian (FREE version) - (Teaches 56 Lines and you can use the Movetrainer to practice them.)

Short & Sweet: Scandinavian - 13 Lines w/37 Min Video - IM Robert Ris 

Short & Sweet: Scandinavian for White - 10 Lines w/ 53 Min Video - IM Miodrag Perunovic

Scandinavian Defense Chess Articles

Scandinavian Defense - Simplify Chess - Nice Article with the what, why and moves explained.
Beating The Scandinavian Defense – Beginner Chess Openings - Thorough Article with Several Embeded Videos. (Good read if you face this opening a lot)

Centre-Counter Tutorial - Chesscorner.com
The Anti -Portuguese System -by Michael Goeller
Annotated Recent Game Article - from Chess Publishing

CHESS PIECE: SCANDINAVIAN SECRETS - Blog post Refuting the Qa5 line of the Scandinavian by Bobby Ang
Scandinavian Defense – Kadas Gambit  - Remote Chess Academy Article w/embedded Videos
How To Play The Scandinavian Defense: 3…Qa5 - Hercules Chess Guide

Scandinavian Defense – How to Play As White and Black - Chessable Blog Opening Guide (Nice Guide)

Scandinavian Defense LiChess Studies 

Comprhensive Study Scandinavian - 15 Chapter Study  (400 hearts)
Scandinavian Defense (Traps for White) - 12 Chapter Study
Scandinavian opening traps  - 29 Chapter Study  (150 Hearts)
The scandinavian defence - 11 Chapter Study  (Just Showing all the Variations)
Scandinavian Defense (White)  - 13 Chapter Study 

LiStudy Scandinavian Page -  6 Studies (At Bottom of Page) Set up to use the Movetrainer here to Learn or Practice opening. Can also Play opening Against Computer.

GAMES DATABASES

Miniatures in the Scandinavian - 16 Games
Annotated Recent Game Article - from Chess Publishing

365Chess.com

B01: Scandinavian (centre counter) defence 1. e4 d5 - 62,000 Games ( Broken down to 13 Sub Variants) 

Chessgames.com

Scandinavian (B01)  - 36 Annotated Games

chesstempo.com

Scandinavian Defence, General, B01  - 19,500 Games

Scaninavian Defense Video Lessons

Lessons

Scandinavian Defense Opening Theory -6 Video playlist - Hanging Pawns  (About 3 hrs)

How to Play the Scandinavian Defence | Grandmaster Repertoire - 32 min GM Moulthun
How To CRUSH Opponents with the Scandinavian Defense! - 33 Min IM Rozman

Destroy Everyone With the Scandinavian Defense (3...Qd6!) - 18 Min

Attacking with the Scandinavian Defense 16 Min IM Eric Rosen

Play Scandinavian Defense - 33 Min  - IM Marcin Sieciechowicz

Playing Against

Crush the Scandinavian Defense - 10 Min IM Rosen
Finally! An Answer to the Scandinavian Defense by GM Bryan Smith - 36 Min
Hacking the Scandinavian - GingerGM's Spicy Openings and Gambits - 18 Min
PUNISH THE SCANDINAVIAN DEFENSE | IM Miodrag 'The Butcher' Perunovic - 106 min
This ONE Move CRUSHES The Scandi | Dojo Lessons feat. DeanG - 14 min
How to beat the Scandinavian Defense-Part-1  -  10 Min GM Arun

Three POWERFUL Attacking Ideas to CRUSH the Scandinavian Defense - 16 Min - GM Jose Gonzales -The strategies presented in this video are well-known to strong players. Adopt these powerful lines to effectively counter this solid defense. (New 5/29/24)

St Louis Chess Club

The Scandinavian Defense: Solid, Sharp, or Suspect? - Chess Openings Explained - 48 Min
Fallout from Scandinavian Defense Tournament - Beginner Breakdown - 38 Min

Scandinavian Opening Traps

7 Best Chess Opening Traps in the Scandinavian Defense - 28 Min 
op 5 Chess Opening Traps in the Scandinavian Defense [White & Black] - 16 Min
Traps against the Scandinavian defence aka "Center-Counter" opening -12 Min

Scandinavian Game Videos (W/analysis)

Scandinavian defense - 17 Video Playlist - Agadmantor
Scandinavian Defense - 33 Video Playlist - Chess School
PLAY ALL Scandinavian Defence (Center Counter) - Chess Opening - 74 Video Playlist - kingscrusher

Magnus Carlsen Plays His Old Favourite Blitz Opening; Scandinavian Defense 
Scandinavian Defense - 33 Video Playlist - Chess School
PLAY ALL Scandinavian Defence (Center Counter) - Chess Opening - 74 Video Playlist - kingscrusher

Magnus Carlsen Plays His Old Favourite Blitz Opening; Scandinavian Defense - 7 Min
Dmitry Andreikin vs Fabiano Caruana 2014 - 30 Min
Vishy Anand vs Loek Van Wely - Tata Steel (2013) - Scandinavian Defense (B01) - 33 Min

GM Naroditsky

How To CRUSH The Scandinavian Defense | The Sensei Speedrun |- 16 Min
Attacking The Scandi Kingside | The Sensei Speedrun  - 16 Min
Natural Developing Moves | Scandinavian Defense: Modern | - 30 Min
The Risks of Queenside Castle | Scandinavian Defence | The Sensei Speedrun - 37 Min
Master Class | Scandinavian Defense | Chess Speedrun - 38 Min
Master Class | Scandinavian Defense | Chess Speedrun  - 40 Min

IM John Bartholomew (Well Annotated Games)

Recent Theory Practice in the 3...Qd8 Scandinavian - 47 Min
 GM Z-Integrator vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 21 Min
IM Bartholomew vs. TOuchlighter (Scandinavian Defense) - 28 Min
Aruminos vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 18 Min
hek vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 36 Min
Belalugosi vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 36 Min
GM Humpy Koneru vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 44 Min
SnapCracklePop vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 48 Min
IM MWeston vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 18 Min
alakhine101 vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 45 Min
Twin Ports Open [Round 1]: Pratik Nehete vs. IM Bartholomew  - 28 Min
NM Andrew Titus vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 78 Min
GM Stefan Kristjansson vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 19 Min
GM Eric Lobron vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 16 Min
GM narkissos vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 15 Min
IM Luca Shytaj vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 20 Min
stalyansky vs. IM Bartholomew (Scandinavian Defense) - 37 Min

PGN Game Downloads

scand-pg.zip -(1.e4 d5) - 4905 Games (U.of Pitt Archive)

Mastering the Halloween Gambit - Unleash the Spooky Surprise! (C46)

"Chess is a fairy tale of 1001 blunders." - Savielly Tartakower 

 

Beyond the Pawn Gambit
 The Halloween Gambit's Knight Sacrifice

The Halloween Gambit isn't your typical chess opening. Instead of a pawn, White offers a knight early on for a single pawn in the Four Knights Game. This aggressive gambit aims to shock opponents and gain a lasting advantage in development and control of the center.

Overview

White initiates the Halloween Gambit by sacrificing a knight on move four (4.Nxe5). This bold move aims to chase away Black's knights and gain significant space for White's pieces. Typical continuations for White after 4...Nxe5 include 5.d4 and 5.f4, striving for a quick development lead and central control.

The gambit remains a popular choice at club level, where it can lead to extremely complicated and difficult to calculate positions.

Explore the Halloween Gambit's Dark Secrets

Halloween Gambit Wikipedia Page 

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Books (Courses) Free

• Surviving the Halloween Gambit - Free Chessable Course - 9 Trainable Lines - equips you with 9 trainable lines to handle the Halloween Gambit with confidence.
  
  
• Thematic Tactics: Halloween Edition - Free Chessable Course -  16 Tactical Lines - Inside this free little mini-course there are 13 Halloween themed tactics puzzles

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Halloween Gambit Articles

Delve into the theory, history, and key variations of the Halloween Gambit.

• Halloween Gambit (Opening Guide for White & Black) - Chessable Blog Guide (In- Depth) - Quick overview to the gambit , history and main ideas for both sides.
  
  
• A Deep Dive: The Halloween Gambit Analyzed by Tim Krabbé - Nice Article on Chess Cafe  -Irish and Halloween gambits. In-depth look at these unusual openings and their place in both online and over-the-board chess play.
  
  
• Tricks and Treats in the Halloween Gambit  -  Another Good Article - The article invites readers to explore the Halloween Gambit
  
  
• Black to Move: A Guide to Countering the Halloween Gambit -  Short but sweet Article - Couple LiChess Studies Showing the finer points of countering this gambit.

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Halloween Gambit LiChess Studies

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

• The Halloween Gambit Refuted - Short study with 3 Refutations
  
  
• The Halloween Gambit - 8 Chapter Interactive  Study - Nice Explanation with 4 different Variations to Practice interactively.
  
  
• The Halloween Gambit - 7 Chapter Study - Shows Different lines w/ nice Explanations.
  
  
• Halloween Gambit - 12 Chapter Study (Well Done) - Shows 10 different Variations from move 4 with nice detailed Explanations.

LiStudy Page. (LiChess Movetrainer Page)

• Halloween Gambit - (Interactive Page to Practice opening Lines)

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.

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Games Databases

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

Chessgames.com (Collections)

• 8 Halloween Gambit Games 
  
  
• Halloween Gambit -Let's Sack a Knight on Move 4 -  80 games
   (Links at top of Page to Many More Games and Halloween Gambit Resources)

ChessTempo.com

Four Knights Game, Halloween Gambit (C46) - 172 games

365Chess.com

C46: Four knights, Schultze-Mueller gambit 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nxe5 -53 Games 

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Halloween Gambit Chess Videos

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

• Halloween Gambit: How Scary Is It? | Chess Openings Explained - 39 Min - St. Louis CC - Nice Lesson for Beginners on the Halloween gambit by Johnathan Schrantz.
  
  
• Chess Openings- Halloween Gambit - 11 Min Video  - Chess Web Site - We look at the different options white has and how black can defend correctly. We also look how bad things can get for black if he does not defend correctly.
  
  
• Halloween Gambit ReCharged!! - 16 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic - In-depth analysis of the Halloween Gambit in chess, exploring tactical ideas, refutations, and variations.
  
  
• The Halloween Gambit - Ideas and Concepts | The Best Win Rate in the Four Knights Game! - 15 Min - NM Nelson Lopez -  In this video I'll break down the ideas and concepts behind the Halloween Gambit and why you should give it a try!
  
  
• Dangerous & Rare Chess Opening | Halloween Gambit - 12 Min Video - GM Igor Smirnov - Explore the Halloween Gambit, its uncanny effectiveness, and the devastating attacks it unleashes on unsuspecting opponents.
  
  
• The Halloween Gambit | Four Knights Game | Chess Openings | Gambits - 12 Min - IM Andrey Ostrovskiy brings to you the Halloween Gambit, which arises out of the Four Knights Game.

Reverse Halloween Gambit

GM Ben Finegold Demonstrates the Reverse Halloween Gambit - 9 min - Ben Claims it is the most Unsound opening ever and he invented it.

Refuting Halloween Gambit

• Refuting unsound Gambits | Halloween Gambit - 12 Min IM Andras Toth - In this series I will show you how to play correctly against gambits which I consider to be unsound.
  
  
• Halloween Gambit and Holiday - REFUTED! - 27 Min - Provides three solutions to refute it, emphasizing practical ideas that give back the piece to gain a better or equal position and an all-out refutation where one keeps the piece and tries to win.
  
  
• Halloween Gambit refutations [Advanced chess lesson] - 14 Min - Coach Robert - Two main lines, the second of which is objectively stronger but slightly more difficult to remember than the first lazy line.

Game Videos w/Analysis

IM Eric Rosen

• Beating Strong Players with the Reversed Halloween Gambit 14 Min IM Rosen
  
  
• The Scariest Halloween Gambit... - 10 Min - IM Eric Rosen - I play the black side of a Halloween Gambit against ChessWeeb (GM Denes Boros) (New - 6/15/2024)
  
  
• DOUBLE Halloween Gambit - 15 Min IM Rosen
  
  
• Beating People Quickly with the Halloween Gambit - 40 min - Three games in a row, all of which featured some version of the Halloween Gambit.

Hikaru plays the Halloween Gambit👻 - 64 Min GM Nakamura

Magnus Carlsen SHOCKED his opponent with the Halloween Gambit! - 12 Min

Toughest Game Yet!! Danya Is Sweating?!! | Halloween Gambit | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 39 Min

Winning in 12 moves with the Halloween Gambit - 5 Min - Johnathan Schrantz - Blitz game

PGN Game Downloads 

HWeen-pg.zip - 3308 Games (U Pitt FTP Server)

Nimzo-Indian Defense Arsenal: Strategies & Resources for Black and White

Demystifying the Nimzo-Indian
 A Resource Guide

New to chess openings?
The Nimzo-Indian Defense offers a flexible and dynamic approach for Black, perfect for controlling the center and launching attacks.

Experienced players can sharpen their repertoire with in-depth articles, strategic breakdowns, and video lectures from Grandmasters. This archive equips Black and White players with the knowledge to master this exciting opening.

Nimzo-Indian Wikipedia Page
 General opening theory, History and Variations

Bishops Bounty 4.e3 Nimzo-Indian Defense Page Link
(Page just for this Variation)

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BOOKS (Free)

Free Nimzo-Indian Defense  Chessable Courses

• Nimzo-Indian Defense- Tournament Edition -  37 Trainable Variations
• Short & Sweet: Nimzo-Indian - 21 Trainable Variations  by IM Sieleki
• Short & Sweet: Nimzo-Indian - 25 Trainable Variations by WFM Keetman
• Short & Sweet: Nimzo-Indian Defense - 31 Trainable Variations GM Ganguly
• Short & Sweet: La Nimzo Clásica - 30 Variations GM Fernandez (SPANISH)

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Nimzo-Indian Chess Articles

The Nimzo-Indian: An Essential Guide to One of the Best Chess Openings - Huge Article with 6 Imbedded Videos done By several GM's   (Very Nice Place to Start)

How To Play The Nimzo Indian Defense Chess Opening - Hercules Chess

A Pawn Sacrifice Revisited - IM Andrew Martin

Nimzo-Indian Defence  - Simplify Chess Opening Guide 

Nimzo-Indian Defense  - Opening Guide by IM Alberto Chueca

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Play, Attack, and Counter as White & Black  - Chessable Blog Opening Guide ( very nice)

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Nimzo-Indian LiChess Studies

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

• Nimzo-Indian Defense  - 39 Chapter Guide  (500 hearts)
• The Complete Guide to the Nimzo  - 6 Chapter Study  (56 hearts)
  
• Nimzo Indian defense - 7 Chapter Study showing Main Lines
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• Playing against the NIMZO-INDIAN - 9 Chapter Study
• QGD vs Nimzo Indian - 3 Chapter Study

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Games Databases

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

365Chess.com

• E20 - E59 Nimzo-Indian Defense - (Lists Broken Down by ECO Code)  

Chessgames.com

• Nimzo-Indian (E20-E59)  - 74 Annotated Games

Annotated Nimzo-Indian Games

Bacrot, E. vs Anand, V. (E20) - Boris Schipkov
Lautier, J. vs Korchnoi V. (E20) - Boris Schipkov
Timman vs Karpov (E21) - Inside Chess GM Yasser Seirawan
Volkov, S. vs Sakaev, K (E25) - Boris Schipkov
Khalifman, A vs Anand, V. (E42) -Boris Schipkov
Malakhov, Vladimir - Nielsen, Peter Heine [E46] - Boris Schipkov
Aleksandrov, Aleksej (2630) - Lugovoi, Alexei (2540) [E48]
Van Wely, Loek (2681) - Acs, Peter (2591) [E48]
Lugovoi, Aleksei - Balashov, Yuri [E52]
Aleksandrov, A. (2620) - Adams, M. (2745) [E55]
Khalifman A vs Anand V [E55]
Goldin, Alexander (2618) - Ye Jiangchuan (2676) [E61]

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Nimzo Indian Chess Video Lessons

Playlists

• The Nimzo - indian defense explained - 36 Video Playlist - Jozarov's Chess Channel
• Nimzo-Indian Defense  - 13 Video playlist  - Chess Geek
• Improve your openings with IM Sagar Shah - 23 Video Playlist - Chessbase India -  (First 6 Days Videos Nimzo-Indian - 8.5 Hrs !)

I Played This Aggressive Opening For 20 Years And Even Defeated GMs -  24 Min - GM Igor Smirnov - reveals a secret variation that serves as a solid opening system for Black. This variation eliminates the need to master the complex theories of the Nimzo-Indian Defense and can be played against all of White's responses. It also offers the opportunity to launch a powerful kingside attack.

WIN GAMES with the Nimzo-Indian Defense! - 37 Min IM Rozman  - In-depth look at the Nimzo-Indian Defense. Explains the key moves and strategies, emphasizing that this defense is not a quick-win scheme but a solid and strategic approach. The video covers various lines and responses, including the main lines with e3 and queen c2, and offers practical advice on how to handle different situations that may arise during a game.

Use This Repertoire for White And CRUSH The Nimzo-Indian! - GM Jan Gustafson- 20 Min

Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Nimzo-Indian Defense! - 20 Min

Chess Openings Uncovered Ep 4 - The Nimzo Indian - 53 Min - ChessExplained - IM Christof Sielecki

Chess Coach  IM Andreas Toth

• Intro into the Nimzo-Indian - Understanding Your Openings #5 - 28 Min
• Tricky sidelines in the Nimzo-Indian - Understanding Your Openings #5 - 15 Min
• Nimzo-Indian Mainline with 4.e3 | Understanding Your Openings #6 - 27 Min
• Nimzo Indian Defence | Lines Against Qc2 | Understanding Your Openings #9 - 17 Min
• The Anti Nimzo Indians | Understanding Your Openings - 13 Min
• The Amateur's Mind, Classical OTB analysis - NImzo Indian Defence - 8 Min

 St Louis Chess Club

• The Nimzo-Indian Defence, Classical Variation - Chess Openings Explained - 44 Min 
• Play the Nimzo-Indian Defence - GM Varuzhan Akobian - 24 Min GM Akobian
• Weaken White with the Nimzo-Indian | Grandmaster's Choice - IM Dorsa Derakhshani - 2 HR
• Entertaining Nimzo-Indian & King's Indian - Beginner Breakdown - 52 min

(f3 Nimzo Series) NM Caleb Denby

• Fight with the f3 Nimzo-Indian: Part 1 | Chess Openings Explained  - 64 Min
• Fight with the f3 Nimzo-Indian: Part 2 | Chess Openings Explained - 57 Min
• The f3 Nimzo-Indian: Part 4 | Chess Openings Explained- 58 Min
• The f3 Nimzo-Indian: Surprising Ne8! | Chess Openings Explained  - 65 Min
• The f3 Nimzo-Indian: Perplexing Bishop Retreat | Chess Openings Explained  - 66 min
• The 4.f3 Nimzo-Indian Defence | Road to 2000  - 57 Min
• The f3 Nimzo-Indian: ...c5 (Dark Sq. Plan) | Chess Openings Explained  - 68 Min
• The f3 Nimzo-Indian: More 4...c5 | Chess Openings Explained- 57 Min
• The f3 Nimzo-Indian: Odds & Ends | Chess Openings Explained  - 59 Min

Nimzo-Indian Game Videos w/ Analysis

Playlists

• Nimzo-Indian  - 160 Video Playlist  - Kingscrusher    (Famous Games)
• Nimzo-Indian Defense  -  108 Video Playlist  - agadmantor  (Famous games)
• Nimzo-Indian Defense  - 91 Video Playlist  - Chess School
• Nimzo Indian  - 82 Video Playlist  - Chessbase India - (Lessons and Games)
  
• GM Akobian vs Nimzo Indian - 6 Video playlist - ( All are 30-40 Min Lectures at St. louis CC)

GM Naroditsky

• Master Class | Nimzo-Indian Defence | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 47 Min
• Nimzo-Indian Positional Break Down | Queen's Indian | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 18 Min

Ivanchuk vs Karpov - 11 Min Video
Anand vs Kramnik - 11 Min Video
Kasparov vs Chuchelov - 8 Min Video
Portisch vs Fischer - 8 min Video
Topalov vs Aronian - 11 Min Video
Reshevsky vs Donner - 9 Min Video
Morozevich vs Carlsen - 10 Min Video
Murshed vs Bradbury - 9 Min Video

The Ponziani: Free Chess Opening Resources (C44) - Opening Theory

 

Unlock the Power of the Ponziani 

The Ponziani Opening (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.c3) is a flexible chess opening for White that offers a solid foundation for an active and dynamic middlegame. It's perfect for players who enjoy fighting for central control and creating tactical opportunities.

Here are some key reasons to study the Ponziani:

• Solid and Flexible: The Ponziani offers a safe opening structure that can be adapted to various playing styles.
  
  
• Rich in Tactics: The Ponziani often leads to unbalanced positions with hidden tactical opportunities for both sides.
  
  
• Surprise Weapon: Less common than other openings, the Ponziani can catch your opponents off guard and give you an edge.

Let's delve into this comprehensive collection of resources to help you master the Ponziani Opening!

Wikipedia Page 
General Opening Info and History. 
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc3 3.c3

 

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BOOKS (Free)

Ponziani Opening: How to Win This Chess Opening - Free 7-page PDF guide exploring key variations of the Ponziani Opening.

The Devious Ponziani - FREE Chessable Course -Master over 70 Ponziani variations with 56 interactive training exercises using the Move Trainer.

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Ponziani Chess Articles

Ponziani Opening – How to Play as White & Black - Comprehensive Guide by Shawn Sedice on The Chessable Blog - This in-depth guide explores Ponziani variations, provides model games, and offers strategic tips for both White and Black players.

Ponziani Opening -  This article introduces the Ponziani Opening, explaining key variations and showcasing example games to help you get started.

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Games Databases

365Chess.com Links To Games 

 

• Ponziani opening

• 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 

• Ponziani, Caro variation

• 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 d5 4. Qa4 Bd7 

• Ponziani, Leonhardt variation

• 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 d5 4. Qa4 Nf6 

• Ponziani, Steinitz variation

• 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 d5 4. Qa4 f6 

• Ponziani, Jaenisch counter-attack

• 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 Nf6 

• Ponziani, Fraser defence

• 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 Nf6 4. d4 Nxe4 5. d5 Bc5 

• Ponziani, Reti variation

• 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 Nge7 

• Ponziani, Romanishin variation

• 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 Be7 

• Ponziani counter-gambit

• 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 f5 

• Ponziani counter-gambit, Schmidt attack

• 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 f5 4. d4 d6 5. d5 

• Ponziani counter-gambit, Cordel variation

• 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 f5 4. d4 d6 5. d5 fxe4 6. Ng5 Nb8 7. Nxe4 Nf6 8. Bd3 Be7

 

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Ponziani 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.

• The Ponziani Guide: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6  - 35 Chapter Study (288 Hearts) - Explores 17 critical variations arising after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.c3, with analysis and 15 annotated model games.
  
  
• Ponziani Traps - 10 Chapter Study - Each Chapter is Detailed Trap analysis. Master 6 Ponziani Traps.
  
  
• PONZIANI OPENING - 10 Chapter Study ( 1500 Hearts) - Unravel Black's Defenses: A detailed exploration of common Black replies to the Ponziani

LISTUDY Ponziani Page

Ponziani Opening - 2 Studys -Utilize the LISTUDY Move Trainer to interactively learn and practice Ponziani variations.

 

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Ponziani Chess Video Lessons

The Ponziani Series - 11 Videos Playlist - Combined almost 2 hrs  

• Ponziani Deep Dive: Master the Ponziani Opening with strategic insights, potential traps, and variations. (The Chess Giant)

Chess Opening: Ponziani Opening - 33 Min - chesswebsite - Ponziani 101: Learn key strategies, traps, and counterplays in the Ponziani Opening.

The Ponziani Scheme: It's Legal | Chess Openings Explained - 55 Min - St.Louis CC - Understand the Ponziani's core ideas and principles, not just memorization.

 

A great opening for beating sub-2000 playersVideo Pt 1 - 10 min 

More on the Ponziani Pt2 - 9 Min Video -  I go over a couple more lines of the Ponziani, as well as black's main refutation.

Ponziani Opening: Instructive Winning Strategy - 18 Min IM Rosen - instructive chess game in the Ponziani Opening.

A Beginner Lesson in the Ponziani Opening - 25 Min IM Rosen

• Getting Started with the Ponziani: A beginner-friendly lesson on playing the Ponziani for White.

The Ponziani Opening Explained - 20 min - GM Sune Berg Hansen

•  Ponziani Masterclass: GM Hansen walks you through the most important lines after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.c3.

How to Crush an Olympic Medallist with the Ponziani! | Grandmaster's Choice - GM Denes Boros - 71 Min - GM Denes Boros (New - 6/1/24)

•  Ponziani Middlegame Mastery: Learn practical middlegame strategies with GM Boros using 2 example games.

Play Against the Ponziani

• Counter the Ponziani Opening! | Harrison Keyser Plays The People! - 8 Min
  
  
• Beating the Ponziani | Chess Grandmaster Repertoire - 14 Min GM Moultan - Recommendations on how to counter this.
  
  
• Revealed: This is how you crush the Ponziani Opening as Black 🆘 - 20 min GM Sune Berg Hansen - A complete repertoire for black against the Ponziani Opening its variation or opening.
  
  

Ponziani Chess Trap Videos

• Everyone Should Know this Ponziani Opening Trap - 12 Min IM Rosen
  
  
• Ponziani Opening TRAPS | Chess Tricks to WIN Fast | Brilliant Moves, Tactics, Ideas & Strategy - 7 Min - Some secret Ponziani variations that you can use to win more games. Most of these traps are for white & there is one line for black as well.
  
  
• Top-4 Ponziani Opening Traps | Nasty Tricks to Win Fast - 10 Min GM Igor Smirnov 
  
  

Ponziani Game Videos (w/Analysis)

• Ponziani Opening: Instructive Winning Strategy - 18 Min - IM Eric Rosen
  
  
• Ponziani Opening | The Sensei Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 31 Min
  
  
• Overpowering a Passive Ponziani - 28 Min - IM Eric Rosen
  
  
• Magnus Carlsen vs Pentala Harikrishna - Tata Steel (2013) - Ponziani Opening - 47 Min

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 PGN Downloads 

 Ponzpq.zip - 665 Games (U Pitt ftp Server)

"The purpose of playing is to win;
 the purpose of practice is to learn." - Siegbert Tarrasch