Learn to build a formidable position in just 24 core lines!
Another great addition to our exclusive free Short & Sweet series, on the Botvinnik variation of the English Opening.Let
Grandmaster Simon Williams and
International Master Richard Palliser be your guide to this flexible opening system that was invented by the 5th World Champion, Mikhail "The Iron Logician" Botvinnik.
In just
over 1 hour of high-quality video instruction GM Williams explains all the ideas of this uncompromisingly strategic 1.c4-system that is so characteristic of the 5th world champion's bulldozer playing style.
It is
the opening that helped GM Simon Williams himself get to near grandmaster level from when he was a little kid, age 8, all the way up to his final GM norms. And, it is still an opening he plays today.
Get an iron grip on the center
The Botvinnik English is a fighting weapon, which offers plenty of attacking opportunities. But we only start our attack after we get our king to safety and clamp down on the center.
First, we put our pawns on c4, d3, and e4. Next, we bring the knights out to c3 and e2, while our light-squared bishop mans the long diagonal from g2. Finally, we castle to safety and begin aggressive operations.
By attacking from a position of strength, we can keep pressing forward without worrying about unpleasant surprises.
Here's what you can expect from the course:
🔨 Get fun and hyper-active positions against 1...e6 and 1...c6
🔨 Seize space and control the center against the old main line
🔨 Neutralize attempts to stop us from building our favored setup
🔨 Find the right pawn breaks to take control of the game
🔨 Attacking fun with Freddie the f-pawn!The Botvinnik English strikes the balance between stability and forceful play. So, if you like playing with controlled aggression this opening is for you!
Enjoying Short & Sweet: Botvinnik English? Check out GM Williams and IM Palliser's : The Iron English: Botvinnik Variation