Speelman's Agony: A Scandi and a French

Agony & Ecstasy #118

The Scandinavian is a rarely employed opening on the hightest level und guides your opponent on much less familiar terrain than for example the Sicilian, French or any 1.e4 e5 system. After 1.e4 d5 Black fights for the initiative from move one.

This week's pair of games are by Joshi Prasant, an Indian in his mid to late twenties who plays rapid games online. He writes:

I am from Nakhatrana(kutch) in India and am a pharmacist with a Master of Pharmacy qualification. I am currently working at Global Healthcare Billing Partners Pvt. Ltd. as a medical coder.

I started playing chess at age of 21 after completing my graduation. I know it late according to today's chess scenario but I am giving my best to improve my skills in chess. Currently I am unrated player but soon I will plan to play in FIDE tournaments. I am playing regularly online and training two hours a day.

Both of the games Joshi sent me were very tough battles, and he's provided an opening note to each but apart from that everything is mine.

Click or tap the second game in the list to switch

A Classical Guide to the French Defence

This DVD gives you the key to start out with the French Defence. GM Yannick Pelletier is a specialist of this opening, and believes that the most efficient way to understand its ideas, plans, and typical structures is to study classical lines.

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