Monday, July 4, 2022

The Dutch Defense: Comprehensive Chess Resources (A80 - A99)

  

Mastering the Aggressive Dutch Defense

Dutch Defense: Unorthodox Attacking Chess

The Dutch Defense (1.d4 f5) is an audacious and uncompromising chess opening that has captured the imagination of generations of attacking players. By allowing White to seize the center, Black lays the groundwork for a fierce counterattack, leading to unbalanced and dynamic positions rife with tactical possibilities.

On this page, you'll find a treasure trove of resources to help you wield the Dutch Defense's aggressive potential to the fullest. 

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned Dutch practitioner, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to embrace the Dutch Defense's confrontational spirit and launch blistering attacks against White's center. Prepare to enter a world of unorthodox and attacking chess!

Dutch Defense Wikipedia Page

The Dutch Defence is a chess opening characterised by the moves:

1. d4 f5

  • A80: 1.d4 f5                                             
  • A81: 1.d4 f5 2.g3 (Fianchetto Attack)
  • A82: 1.d4 f5 2.e4 (Staunton Gambit)
  • A83: 1.d4 f5 2.e4 fxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 (Staunton Gambit)
  • A84: 1.d4 f5 2.c4
  • A85: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 (Rubinstein Variation)
  • A86: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 (Fianchetto Variation)
  • A87: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.Nf3 (Leningrad Dutch)
  • A88: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d6 7.Nc3 c6 (Leningrad Dutch, Warsaw Variation)
  • A89: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d6 7.Nc3 Nc6 (Leningrad Dutch, Matulovich)
  • A90: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 (Classical Variation)
  • A91: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7
  • A92: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 0-0
  • A93: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d5 7.b3 (Botvinnik Variation)
  • A94: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d5 7.b3 c6 8.Ba3 (Stonewall)
  • A95: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d5 7.Nc3 c6 (Stonewall)
  • A96: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d6
  • A97: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d6 7.Nc3 Qe8 (Ilyin–Genevsky Variation)
  • A98: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d6 7.Nc3 Qe8 8.Qc2 (Ilyin–Genevsky Variation)
  • A99: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d6 7.Nc3 Qe8 8.b3 (Ilyin–Genevsky Variation)

ECO for the Dutch  (Each Eco Code is Linked to 365Chess.com Games Database)

Bishop's Bounty Leningrad Dutch  Page 
Bishop's Bounty Stonewall Dutch  Page 
Bishop's Bounty Anti-Dutch Gambit Page 
Bishop's Bounty Classical Dutch Page 


Books (Free)

Dutch Defense FREE Chessable Courses

  • Short & Sweet: Leningrad Dutch- 21 Variations MoveTrainer® Opening course by FM Michiel Abeln

  • Short & Sweet: Classical Dutch- 19 Variations MoveTrainer® Opening course by GM Simon Williams - Learn the core concepts of the Classical Dutch through 19 MoveTrainer® variations presented by a Grandmaster.

  • Destroying the Dutch - 35 Variations (9 Chess Problems) - This repertoire is based on the aggressive and tricky 2. Nc3!, the main idea of which is to play a quick e4. Black is obliged to meet it with ...d5 if he doesn’t want to be worse immediately – a factor which deprives them of the chance to play the Classical or Leningrad.
  • Destroying the Dutch II: 2.Bg5! - 61 Variations (10 Chess Problems) - Discover a detailed blueprint for success against 1...f5 using the underrated 2.Bg5! move.


Dutch Defense Chess Articles

Gain a foothold in the Dutch Defense with insightful articles:

  • The Dutch Defense - Simplify Chess Article (Another Great Place to Start learning an Opening. ) Perfect for beginners, this guide explores the "whys" and "hows" of the Dutch Defense, outlining the main variations move-by-move.

  • The Dutch Defense – How to Play as White & Black - Chessable Blog - This comprehensive article offers a balanced perspective, providing strategies and variations for both White and Black players within the Dutch Defense.


Dutch Defense LiChess Studies: Immerse Yourself in the Dutch Defense

Elevate your Dutch Defense mastery with these interactive Lichess studies:

LiStudy Opening Trainer

The Dutch Defense - 11 Different Variations to 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.


Dutch Chess Puzzles: Sharpen Your Tactics

Here are some excellent resources featuring puzzles specifically tailored to different variations:

wtharvy.com

LiChess Opening Puzzles

  • Dutch Defense LiChess Puzzles - 3652 Puzzles (Broken into 14 Variations) Lichess provides a vast collection of puzzles (over 3600!) categorized by various Dutch sub-variations. This allows you to choose a specific line or practice tactics across the entire Dutch spectrum. Look for "Dutch" links halfway down the Lichess Opening Puzzles page.


Games Databases: Free Chess Game Archives

This archive offers a diverse selection of games, categorized by variations, so you can focus on specific opening lines.

Chessgames.com

365Chess.com


Dutch Defense Chess Video Lessons

This section provides a comprehensive video guide to the Dutch Defense, a dynamic opening for Black. Explore in-depth video lessons on various Dutch Defense variations, including the Classical, Stonewall, and Leningrad lines.

Dutch Defense Opening Theory -  8 Video Playlist - 3.5 hrs - Hanging Pawns - Videos on each Variation along with intro and gambits and certain attacks.

General

Classical - (Link to Classical Dutch page)


Stonewall - (Link to Stonewall Dutch page)

Leningrad (Link to Leningrad Dutch page)

  • GM Neiksans Boot Camp #9 - Dutch Defense for Black - 2.5hr - The Leningrad system is one of GM Neiksans' absolute favorite repertoires for Black against 1.d4. In this comprehensive 2.5-hour masterclass, he delves into the unorthodox positions, attacking chess, and dynamic nature of the Leningrad Dutch. With his expertise honed since his youth, GM Neiksans provides invaluable insights and guidance to help you master this variation's attacking skills and navigate the complex positions that arise. 

Dutch defense Chess Trap Videos

How to Defeat the Dutch Videos
(link to Anti-Dutch Gambits page)


Dutch Defense Game Videos -   w/ Expert Analysis

Witness the Dutch Defense in action! This section showcases a selection of real tournament games featuring the Dutch Defense, accompanied by insightful analysis from expert chess instructors.

Dutch Defense  - 53 Video Playlist  - Chess School
Dutch Defense  -  14 Video playlist  - agadmantor
Dutch Defence  - 187 Video Playlist  - kingscrusher



Vs. London System

Alekhine's Block - (Advanced Tactics)

 

Craft Your Kingside Onslaught
 Mastering Alekhine's Block

This blog post delves into the world of Alekhine's Block, a potent tactical weapon employed by the legendary Alexander Alekhine himself. We'll equip you with the knowledge and resources to unleash devastating kingside attacks!

Unleashing the Fury:

Alekhine's Block, a concept named after the fierce World Champion, involves strategically placing a piece directly in front of your opponent's kingside pawn. This audacious maneuver serves a dual purpose:

  • Restriction: It physically hinders the pawn's movement, limiting your opponent's defensive options.
  • Offensive Platform: The blocking piece becomes a powerful springboard for launching further attacks.

As Aron Nimzowitsch famously stated, "First restrain, then blockade, finally destroy!" Alekhine's Block embodies this philosophy, paving the way for a crushing kingside onslaught.



Alekhines Block Chess Articles

What is Alekhine’s Block? - ichess.net - Short Article talking about the history . (Archived)


LiChess Studies

Explore interactive training tools to solidify your understanding of the tactics concepts.

Alekhine's Block Collection of Studies

(Many Positions from famous Games with Examples and Annotations including Famous Studies by composers such as Charushin)



Games Database

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

Chessgames.com

Alekhine's Block - 98 Game Collection (All have this tactic in them)


Alekhine's Block Video Lessons


Chess with Suren

The Alekhine Block - 49 min - One of the Only Lectures found about this Tactical device. Video Below




Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Unleash the Power of Passed Pawns (Chess Strategy)

 

Mastering Passed Pawns:
 From Creation to Promotion

This comprehensive guide equips you with everything you need to learn about passed pawns in chess.

 Learn how to create passed pawns from various positions, protect them effectively, and ultimately convert them into unstoppable queens!

 Passed Pawn Wikipedia Page

What is a Passed Pawn?

In chess, a passed pawn is a pawn that has advanced beyond all of the opponent's pawns and has no enemy pawns on either the same file (vertical line) or adjacent files blocking its path to promotion.

Imagine a clear path ahead, with no enemy pawns to stop it. That's a passed pawn!

Why are Passed Pawns Important?

Passed pawns are valuable because they have a strong chance of being promoted to a powerful queen. Since only your opponent's pieces can hinder your pawn's progress, a passed pawn with proper support can be a game-winning advantage in the endgame.

Types of Passed Pawns:

There are various types of passed pawns, each with its own strategic considerations. Here are a few examples you might encounter:

  • Isolated Passed Pawn: Stands alone on a file with no friendly pawns nearby.
  • Connected Passed Pawns: Two or more passed pawns standing side-by-side on adjacent files.
  • Outside Passed Pawns: Located on the "a" or "h" file (farthest from the king), often requiring special strategies.


Passed Pawn Chess Articles

Dive deeper into passed pawn concepts with these insightful articles.

The Wayback Machine: Your Ally in Chess History

While some classic chess resources may disappear from the internet, their wisdom lives on! Here, we delve into archived articles.

Silmans Opening Archive Articles
Opening Analysis - Beating the Dragon - Karel van der Weide
Combating the Sicilian Dragon - IM Andrew Martin
Levenfish Attack - IM Andrew Martin
Dragon Forever - IM Andrew Martin
ACCELERATED DRAGON (UOGELE VARIATION) - IM John Donaldson
ACCELERATED DRAGON (NON-MAROCZY)
MAIN LINE WITH 11…Qh5
 - IM John Donaldson & Silman
Accelerated Dragon Marcozy Bind - Jeremy Silman

How to Beat a Grandmaster - IM Timothy Taylor
Part 1 - Accelerated Dragon Marcozy Bind
Part 2 - Accelerated Dragon Marcozy Bind
Part 3 - Accelerated Dragon Marcozy Bind

ChessCafe Articles
The Yugoslav Attack - 13 Page Article By IM Gary Lane
Traps in the Dragon - IM Gary Lane
The Sicilian Dragon: Yugoslav Attack (B 78) - Informant @ Chesscafe

Remember:

The Wayback Machine is a powerful tool for accessing historical chess content. Utilize it to unearth hidden gems and enrich your chess knowledge!


Passed Pawn Lichess Studies

These interactive Lichess studies provide the perfect platform to transform your passed pawns into unstoppable queens

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

Witness Passed Pawns in Action: Explore Real Game Examples

Chessgames.com (Game Collections)


Passed Pawn Lesson Videos

GM Johan Hellsten (U.S. Chess School) (These are Gold)
Discusses the strategic and tactical aspects of passed pawns in chess, using examples from his own games and famous matches. He emphasizes the importance of advancing passed pawns, removing their defenders, and the role of other pieces in supporting pawn promotion. 


Passed Pawns: What to Do? | Secret Life of Pawns - GM Varuzhan Akobian - 36 Min - Shows his game against Vietnamese GM Nguyen from the 2017 World Rapid Championship. See the crucial moments in this game where passed pawns were the focal point.

The Passed Pawn is Making a Run for It! | Secret Life of Pawns - GM Denes Boros - 50 MinsGrandmaster Denes Boros shows strong games, including his own, where a passed pawn sealed a victory.

Outside Passed Pawns

Connected Passed Pawns

Passed Pawn Endgames

Pawn Breakthroughs


Painting of a chess Pawn


Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Queens Gambit (Accepted) D20 - D29

 

Queen's Gambit Accepted Resources


Wikipedia Page 
The Queen's Gambit Accepted (or QGA) is a chess opening characterised by the moves:
1. d4 d5
2. c4 dxc4


The Queen's Gambit Accepted is the third most popular option on Black's second move, after 2...e6 (the Queen's Gambit Declined) and 2...c6 (the Slav Defense).

The Queen's Gambit is not considered a true gambit, in contrast to the King's Gambit, because the pawn is either regained, or can only be held unprofitably by Black. Black usually allows the pawn to be recaptured, and uses the time expended to play against White's center.

Books (Free)

Chess Book: 500 Queen's Gambit Miniatures by Bill Wall - 130 page PDF


Understanding the QGA A Black Repertoire with 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 - 18 Page PDF

Short & Sweet: Gledura's Queen's Gambit Accepted - FREE Chessable Course (GM Benjamin Gladura)  22 Lines with 1.5 Hr Free Video

Queen's Gambit Accepted Articles

The Queens Gambit at Simplify Chess -  Every Move Explained (Nice Page and Article)
Common Trap in the Queens Gambit Accepted - Blog Post
Best Openings for Club Players: Queen’s Gambit Accepted - ichess.net Article w/embedded Video (Nice)
Queen’s Gambit Accepted Chess Opening: For Starters - another Decent Web-page


QGA LiChess Studies

Queen's Gambit Accepted Traps - 10 Chapter Study
Queen's Gambit Accepted - 6 Chapter Study (Study at top of Page)
Queen's Gambit - 43 Chapter Study On Queens Gambit (Half is Accepted)


LiStudy  (Learn and Practice Studies here. Makes a Study Interactive)

Studies about the Queen's Gambit Accepted  - 4  Studies here 
Queens Gambit Structures  - 30 Chapters 

Games Databases

365Chess.com

Queens Gambit Accepted - all Variations from D20-D29 on this page. 

Chessgames.com

Queen's Gambit Accepted (D20-D29) - 48 Annotated Games 


PUZZLES

Queen's gambit Accepted Puzzles - 7765 Puzzles (Broken into 13 Variations Half-way down page)
QGA, Classical, 6...a6 (ECO D27) - 15 Puzzles (WTharvey.com)
QGA, Classical, 6...a6 (ECO D27) - 15 Puzzles (WTharvey.com)


Queen's Gambit Accepted Videos

Playlists


Lessons

Queen's Gambit Accepted | Prepare Like A Pro - GM Josh Sheng - 57 Min
looks at the process by which he fell in love with the queen's gambit. The QGA is easy to learn. Quickly simplify the game or enter complications! (New - 5/29/24)

Queens Gambit Accepted Part-1 - 19 Min - GM ArunChess - In this introduction video of the Queens Gambit Accepted you will get to know some of the basic ideas and plans for Black.
Queens Gambit Accepted Part-2 - 11 Min - GM ArunChess - deals with the main lines white players play with 3.e3 followed 4.Bxc4.



Queen's Gambit Part 2: Queen's Gambit Accepted - 56 Min - GM Ben Finegold -
 Discusses three games in the Queen's Gambit Accepted.


QGA Chess Traps

Chess Openings: Tricks and Traps #12 - Queens Gambit Accepted Traps - 8 Min
Chess Opening Tricks & Traps in Queen's Gambit Accepted & PUZZLE | Best Strategy, Moves & Ideas - 6 Min
Basic Opening Chess Trap | The simplest Queen's Gambit Accepted Trap - 2 Min
5 Queen's Gambit Traps Every Chess Player Should Know  - 20 Min - IM Eric Rosen


QGA Game Videos (W/Analysis)

Queen's Gambit Accepted  - 14 Video Playlist - agadmantor's Chess Channel
Queens Gambit Accepted - 10 Video Playlist - kingscrusher