Sterile Bishops
We have all heard of the advantage of the pair of bishops. Indeed, the two bishops are a formidable force, able to control squares of both colours, thus not allowing any hiding place for the opponent’s pieces. The bishops are particularly potent in open positions, where they can roam free and attack everything in sight. […]
An Interview with Dutch Chess Prodigies Eline Roebers and Machteld van Foreest
An interview with Dutch chess prodigies Eline Roebers and Machteld van Foreest on their training, ambitions, successes, and more.
The Best Move
Garry Kasparov’s return to competition made me think about why he struggled so much. I don’t think the main factors were age, lack of practice or time management, even though they did play a role.
Colorado Gambit: Opening Guide for White & Black
Quick overview: The Colorado Gambit is a subvariation of the Nimzowitsch Defense, arising after the move order 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nf3 f5. It is a rare opening that mostly has value as a surprise weapon. If White plays accurately, they will have a superior position. However, any stumbling by White can give Black some interesting chances. […]
The Art of Prophylaxis in Chess
Quick overview: Prophylaxis in chess is a key component for any players trying to improve. It is prominent in all phases of the game, including the opening, middlegame, and endgame. Thinking prophylactically will help players in all areas of the game, as if they can prevent their opponent from executing their plans, players can improve […]
How to Attack in Chess
as you climb the rating ladder in chess, you’re going to need to know how to create plans, and attacking plans. You can play as solid as you want, but without an attack, it is going to be hard to beat stronger opponents.
30+ Ways to Checkmate in Chess
Quick Summary This post examines 31 checkmate patterns players should study. It looks at all sorts of checkmates, with a brief history of them and practical examples from games or common positions. Ranging from basic and common to rare and complex, studying these mates will help you with your overall game. Introduction We are foregoing […]
The Vienna Game- A How to Play Guide for White and Black
The Vienna Game is a derivation of the King’s Pawn Game, arising after the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 It is far less common than the most popular second move, 2.Nf3.
The Jerome Gambit Opening Guide for White and Black
The Jerome Gambit- what is there to say about this crazy opening?
It is quite possible that you have never heard of it. That is because it is a completely refuted opening, and has never been in fashion among top players. Does that mean you should not play it?
The Tennison Gambit- How to Play it as White and Black
The Tennison Gambit can arise out of the Zukertort opening (1.Nf3 followed by …d5 2.e4) or the Scandinavian Defense (1.e4 d5 followed by 2.Nf3) whereby White offers their kingside pawn.
Chess Pattern Recognition – Improve From Zero to Hero
There is no other place to start any journey than where you are now! No matter how poorly you believe your chess pattern recognition skills are, you can improve them. To get your heroic journey off to a good start, learn: Chess tactics exist in all chess games rgardless of your skill-level. Chess pattern recognition […]
Budapest Gambit – Chess Opening Guide (for White & Black)
The Budapest Gambit arises from the Indian Defense (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4) whereby Black offers White a pawn with 2…e5, putting White’s d4 pawn under attack.