Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Sharp & Aggressive: Mastering the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit (D00)

 

The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit
 A Sacrificial Dance for Aggressive Players

Why Play the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit?

The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit (BDG) is a dynamic chess opening known for its unorthodox pawn sacrifice on move two (1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4!). This gambit appeals to both new and experienced players for several reasons:

  • New Players:
    • Exciting and Unpredictable: The BDG throws your opponent off-balance, offering a chance to surprise them with an unfamiliar position.
    • Fast Development: The pawn sacrifice opens lines and allows for rapid development of your pieces, leading to a quick attack.
    • Learn Tactical Motifs: The BDG is rich in tactical opportunities, helping you develop your tactical vision and calculation skills.
  • Experienced Players:
    • Sharp and Aggressive Play: The BDG offers a chance to play for a win with an imbalanced position, appealing to aggressive players.
    • Test Your Opponent's Opening Knowledge: Many players are unfamiliar with the BDG, allowing you to potentially gain an early advantage.
    • Deep Strategic Ideas: While appearing reckless, the BDG has underlying strategic concepts like piece activity and central control to explore.

Whether you're a new player seeking excitement or an experienced player looking to sharpen your attacking skills, the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit offers a unique and rewarding path to victory.


 BDG Wikipedia Page 
Nice Wikipedia Page on the Main Variations.
 
It is one of the few gambits available to White after 1.d4
 
Main Line
After 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3, 
Black has five main options:

Gunderam Defence: 5...Bf5 
Teichmann Defence: 5...Bg4 
Euwe Defence: 5...e6
Bogoljubov Defence: 5...g6 
Ziegler Defence: 5...c6 

also 
Ryder Gambit: 5.Qxf3
 
Black's Options: It's important to note that Black has several ways to decline the gambit on move two (2...e6 or 2...c6), leading to more solid openings like the French Defense or Caro-Kann Defense. 


Books (Courses) Free

 

  • A beginner's blitz repertoire - FREE Chessable Course - 53 Trainable Variations - The core of the repertoire is a set of interpretations of the Blackmar-Diemer gambit - but more often than not castling queenside, rather than kingside.


Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Articles

Delve into the theory, history, and key variations of the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit.

 


BDG Blogs

  • Blackmar Diemer Gambit -  Blog with over 200 Posts Specifically on this Gambit 
  • Tom's BDG Pages   - Another Old Blog with Over 200 posts on this Gambit. (From the Creator of the BDG World magazine)
  • Play Chess Openings - Tim Sawyer Blog  - This Link is to page with 53 BDG Posts



LiChess Studies

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


Games Databases

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

  

365Chess.com


Chessgames.com


Chess Tempo

 

Extra Games



 LiChess Puzzles (Tactics)

Test your tactical skills with puzzles specifically designed for the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit.

 


Blackmar Diemer Gambit Videos


FREE ELO With The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit  - 25 Min Video - Gotham Chess - The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit, a great aggressive chess opening for beginners and intermediate players. Very tricky and full of tactics. Theory w/ 2 games analyzed.


GM Boris Alderman

Most Aggressive Chess Opening for White | Powerful Gambit - 11 Min - GM Igor Smirnov - You will learn about the Halosar Trap which happens after the following moves: 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Qf3. This variation is so aggressive that Black can get checkmate in just about 10 moves.
Brilliant Blackmar-Diemer Gambit | Journey to GM #5 | GM Moulthun Ly - 9 Min - One of my favorite attacking game I played with this unusual Gambit.

Blackmar–Diemer Gambit: Openings Explorations - 13 Min - NM Bryan Tillis - We investigate a game in the Blackmar–Diemer Gambit.
Opening Basics #40: Blackmar-Diemer gambit - 43 Min - Jim's Chess Channel - Video explains the gambit’s origins, key moves, and strategic ideas w/ some game examples.

The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit · Chess Openings - 34 Min - Hanging Pawns - Nice Guide w/ Basics, plans ideas and lines .

How to refute the Blackmar Diemer Gambit 
- 15 min - Robert Plunkett's Chess LabA simple refutation to the Blackmar Diemer gambit and why the Blackmar Diemer Gambit is unsound.

Traps


Ryder Gambit (DBL Pawn Sacrifice)

  •  GM Ben Finegold's Gambit Series: The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit - 7 Min - Introduces the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit, specifically the Ryder Gambit, in this video. He explains the move sequences, strategies, and potential traps for both white and black players.

  • Kill with 1.d4 | The Unorthodox Ryder Gambit!! - 22 Min - IM Modrag Perunovic Explores the Ryder Gambit, an unorthodox opening in chess that begins with 1.d4. detailed analysis and examples of how to play this gambit effectively, especially against opponents who are not well-versed in theory or prefer positional play.

  • Ryder Gambit - Chess Opening - 14 Min - theChessWebsite  It covers various responses and strategies for both white and black.

  • Unbelievable Traps in the Ryder Gambit! Fire Upon Fire! - 15 min - Kaspachess - some of the most interesting traps you may use in the queen's pawn opening after 1. d4 d5. The gambit in discussion is called the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Accepted: Ryder Gambit.

von Popiel Gambit  (A New Twist on the Blackmar-Diemer )

 Von Popiel Gambit!! Playlist   - 7 Video Playlist - FM William Graif


Blackmmar - Diemer Gambit Game Videos (W/Analysis)



Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Anti- London - Chess Opening Theory

 Conquer the London System:
Learn Powerful Anti-London Strategies!


Do you struggle against the ever-popular 1.d4 London System opening?

Feeling lost in a sea of white pawns?
Dive into free Chessable courses packed with actionable lines, explore insightful articles that expose the London System's weaknesses, and train your tactical vision with interactive studies.
 Gain invaluable insights from top chess instructors through video masterclasses,
 and witness practical applications in analyzed games.

  Fret no more! This page is your one-stop shop for everything Anti-London System.

 We've curated a comprehensive collection of resources designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to dismantle the London System and emerge victorious.


Books (Courses) (FREE)

 

Agadmator's Anti-London System  -  Free Chessable Course -  40 Trainable Variations

Short & Sweet: Anti-London System - Free Chessable Course - 18 Trainable Lines w/ 48 min Video - FM Viktor Neustroev (2252 FIDE)


Anti-London Articles

 

The Anti-Anti-London System  - FM Ingvar Thor Johannesson  - Like the Title says, Chess.com Article about how to bust many of the Anti-Londons Played. Especially Agadmantor's. 
(Pretty Interesting and worth a read, some tricky lines played by white that can give you a really bad position out of the gate if you just blindly play some of these Anti-Londons)

Tricky Chess Opening Against the London System – Every Move Is A TRAP! - Remote Chess Academy Article - GM Igor Smirnov   


Anti-London LiChess Studies

 

Gothamchess: Beat (Agadmator's) Anti-London  -  11 Chapter Study (The Anti-Anti-London)
ANTI⚔️ LONDON👌 GAMBIT🔥 - 23 Chapter Study - Black makes a  Crazy 3... g5 Gambit.
Anti-London | Crazy Knight Attack  - 16 Chapter Study  (1800 Hearts)
Anti-London System Lines  - 9 Chapter Study  (Study at Top of Page)


Anti-London Videos


Anti-London

Beat the London System! - 62 Min - ChessGoals - Beat the London system for Nimzo-Indian and Queen's Indian Defense players! If you like to play e6, this is the course for you. (New - 5/29/24)

Want To Crush The London System?  - 32 min - Gotham Chess

3 Secret Rare Lines to Beat the London System  - 17 Min - Johnathan Schrantz

How to beat the London System at any level  - 14 Min - IM Alex Banzea

The ABSOLUTE BEST Way to Beat the London for Nf6 Players - 25 Min - ArcG3

Beat The London System! || Learn The Ultimate Defense - 32 min - agadmantor

Learn two weapons against the London System in 10 minutes  - 10 Min - Chessbase India

An aggressive anti-London system for club players - 16 Min - The Bristol Chess Times

NEVER FEAR The London Again! FULL GM-Analysis 6... cxd4 - 45 Min - GM Jesper Thybo (New)

IM Minh Le

A repertoire for Black against the London System : The introduction and some nasty traps - 11 Min 
A repertoire for Black against the London System ( Part 2): Minor Lines - 12 Min
A repertoire for Black against the London System ( Part 3): The tricky and complex line 3.d5 - 13 Min

IM Christof  Sielecki

Fight the London System with Black Pt 1 - ...d5 Setups (Queens Gambit) - 22 Min
Fight the London System with Black Pt 2 - ...Nf6,g6 Setups (Kings Indian, Grunfeld) - 15 Min
Fight the London System with Black Pt 3 - ...Nf6 e6 Setups (Nimzo, Queens Indian) - 16 Min
Fight the London System with Black Pt 4 - London vs. other moves (1...d6,g6,f5,e6) - 18 Min

Game Videos (w/analysis)

Master Class | Defeating The London System | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky  - 28 Min
Catching the London off Guard With QB6!! | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 31 Min
The Anti-London Game Every Chess Player Should Know - 17 Min - IM Rosen
Get London Players Out of Their Comfort Zone  - 20 Min - Johnathan Schrantz

Bishops Bounty London Page - Here  

London on fire, water color, style of john singer sargent, AI Created

 

Monday, June 19, 2023

Update to Gambit Pages (New Videos) (June 2023)

 Albin Counter Gambit Page - Albin Counter Gambit Here

Opening Guides
Master the Brutal Albin Counter-Gambit - Chess Opening Guide  - 30 Min
Crush The Queen's Gambit - An Aggressive Countergambit  -  14 Min - NM Nelson Lopez

Guides Against
Annoying Openings: How to Beat the Albin Counter Gambit - 16 Min - Chessdawg
How to Easily Defeat The Albin Counter Gambit!! - 20 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic
Crush Albin Counter-Gambit - 33 Min - The Chessworld

Game Videos (w/analysis)
Holy Gambit Grail #11: Albin Countergambit   - 12 Min  - Johnathan Schrantz


Benko Gambit (Volga) Page -  Benko Gambit Page Here

Guide
The Benko Gambit: Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 54 Min

Guides Against
THE BEST Opening For Black Against 1.d4 | Benko Gambit | Chess Opening Explained - 14 Min - Coach Kestony
Crush The Benko Gambit with White!! - 31 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic (The Butcher)

Game Videos (w/analysis)

Taking Down the Benko Gambit!! | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 36 Min
Magnus Carlsen DESTROYS Prodigy Gukesh D with the Benko Gambit - 5 Min
Magnus Carlsen Plays Benko Gambit Against Grandmaster Arthur Kogan - 6 Min
Dealing with the Benko Gambit · Training Game - 46 min - Hanging Pawns
Shakhriyar Crushing the Benko Gambit - 9 Min


Budapest Gambit Page - Budapest Gambit Page Here

Guide
The simplest chess opening for Black || Budapest Gambit - 15 Min 

Guides Against
Good Opening For Black Against 1.d4 - Budapest Gambit - 16 Min - Coach Kestony
Alekhine Variation to CRUSH the Budapest Gambit - 17 Min - Chess Geek

Game Videos (w/analysis)
Holy Gambit Grail #12: Budapest Gambit - 8 Min - Johnathan Schrantz

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Conquer the King's Gambit with the Falkbeer Countergambit (C31)

 Master this Aggressive Chess Opening - Expert Resources at Your Fingertips

New to chess openings?

The King's Gambit is a popular but risky strategy for White. The Falkbeer Countergambit (C31) is Black's aggressive response, aiming to exploit weaknesses and turn the tables!

This curated page equips you with everything you need to master the Falkbeer Countergambit, with links to articles, puzzles, videos, and game analysis – all from trusted sources.

Falkbeer Wikipedia Page

In this aggressive Countergambit, Black disdains the pawn offered as a sacrifice, instead opening the centre to exploit White's weakness on the kingside. 

The Falkbeer Countergambit is a chess opening that begins:

1. e4 e5   2. f4 d5 

 Bishop's Bounty King's Gambit Page


Books (Free)

Internet Archive
Boris Aldermans Gambit Guide  - Part 1 - 30 Min , Part 2  - 34 Min  (Both Falkbeer Counter Gambit Videos Found here)


Falkbeer Counter Gambit Articles

Delve into the exciting world of the Falkbeer Countergambit with these in-depth articles:

Falkbeer Counter Gambit: A Comprehensive Opening Guide  - This Chess Journal guide equips you with a strategic roadmap to mastering the Falkbeer Countergambit.

Ernst Karl Falkbeer and his countergambit 
- ChessBase takes you on a historical journey exploring the origins of the gambit and analyzing exemplary games.


Falkbeer LiChess Studies

Sharpen your tactical vision and master the Falkbeer Countergambit with interactive LiChess studies:

How to counter the King's Gambit  - 6 Chapter Study -This interactive study on Lichess guides you through key themes, tactics, and strategic ideas in the Falkbeer Countergambit.

Falkbeer Countergambit  -
6 Chapter Study

What are LiChess Studies?

LiChess Studies are a fantastic, free resource for chess players of all levels. They're interactive training tools that allow you to explore chess concepts, tactics, and opening lines move-by-move. You can test your understanding, analyze variations, and receive feedback as you progress through the study.


Game Databases

Explore a vast collection of Falkbeer Countergambit games to enhance your strategic understanding:

Chess Tempo

King's Gambit, Falkbeer Countergambit, Accepted (C31)  - 918 Games - Chess Tempo offers a user-friendly interface to explore 918 Falkbeer Countergambit games. You can sort by rating, opening line, or other criteria to find games that match your learning goals.

Chessgames.com

King's Gambit Declined, Falkbeer Counter Gambit (C31) 1 e4 e5 2 f4 d5 - 939 Games - Can also filter for Annotated Games

365Chess.com

C31: King's Gambit Declined, Falkbeer counter-gambit 1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 - 2859 Games - Dive deep into a massive collection of 2859 Falkbeer Countergambit games on 365Chess.com. This database allows you to filter and explore a wide range of games to suit your needs.


Puzzles (Tactics)

Test your tactical skills and sharpen your vision for exploiting weaknesses in the King's Gambit with these Falkbeer Countergambit puzzles:

wtHarvey.com

Falkbeer Counter Gambit (ECO C31) - 5 Puzzles - Get started with a focused set of 5 puzzles from wtHarvey.com to solidify core tactical concepts in the Falkbeer Countergambit.

LiChess Openings Puzzles

FalkBeer Countergambit - 1647 Puzzles - Deepen your understanding with a massive collection specifically targeting the Falkbeer Countergambit on Lichess Openings.

King's Gambit Declined - Falkbeer Countergambit Accepted - 325 Puzzles
Focus on the accepted line with this set of 325 puzzles from Lichess Openings, honing your ability to punish inaccuracies after White accepts the pawn sacrifice.


Falkbeer Counter Gambit Videos

Falkbeer Countergambit | King’s Gambit Opening Theory - 20 Min - Hanging Pawns - This video dives into the exciting world of the Falkbeer Countergambit, a response to the King's Gambit that offers aggressive possibilities for Black. Learn how Black challenges White's center with a pawn sacrifice (d5) and disrupts their opening plans. The video explores the main lines arising from this move, including lines with Nf3, Nc6, and gambit continuations.

King’s Gambit Declined | Falkbeer Countergambit | Mainlines, Plans & Strategies | Chess Openings - 25 Min IM Ostrovsk - Delve deeper with video on the main lines, plans, and strategies employed in the Falkbeer Countergambit, equipping you for complex positions.

Refute the King's Gambit as Black | Falkbeer Countergambit: Tricky Opening - 20 Min - Remote Chess Academy - Learn how to exploit common mistakes in the King's Gambit and punish your opponent with the Falkbeer Countergambit.

Falkbeer Counter Gambit Chess Traps

Bizarre Opening Trap: Falkbeer Countergambit - 7 Min - IM Eric Rosen -Sharpen your tactical vision with IM Eric Rosen as he unveils surprising traps you can spring in the Falkbeer Countergambit.


Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Falkbeer Counter Gambit - Chess Opening - 16 Video Playlist - Immerse yourself in a series of 16 video analyses of Falkbeer Countergambit games by kingscrusher, learning from the play of masters.

Keres Plays King's Gambit, His Opponent Answers With Falkbeer Countergambit - 7 Min - Watch a historical game where chess legend Paul Keres faces the Falkbeer Countergambit.

Must See! King's Gambit Against Mikhail Tal Himself  - 7 Min - Witness a thrilling encounter where White plays the King's Gambit against the legendary Mikhail Tal, who responds with the Falkbeer Countergambit.
Learn more about Mikhail Tal: Great Chess Players of the Past - Tal

Crushing the Kings Gambit with Falkbeer Counter Gambit | 14 moves | Punishing Opening Blunders - 6 Min - Enjoy a quick and exciting video demonstrating how to punish inaccuracies in the King's Gambit with the Falkbeer Countergambit.

 

Oil Painting of the Center of Chess board with a falkbeer counter gambit.
"He who fears a pawn down in the King's Gambit should not play chess." - Adolf Anderssen