Miguel Ararat

Miguel Ararat is a scientist, his background includes work on molecular biology and protein science techniques, applied to neuroscience (Neuronal origin of the HEK 293 cell line), and cancer research (immune suppressive circuits in liver cancer and immunomodulation mediate by drugs). At present Miguel works as a Biotech consultant and National Chess Coach. Miguel completed his chess coaching training under Senior FIDE Trainer Efstratios Grivas guidance, (2013). Currently, Miguel coaches a group of successful scholastic players from Florida, such as Jad Helmy, James Wnek, Kira Caza and National Kindergarden Champion, Erick Zhao 1497 USCF (George Pyne also coaches Erick).

Recent news

Attacking with the Benkö Gambit - Part 2

3/14/2016 – The Benkö is an attractive weapon against 1.d4. GM Alejandro Ramirez (photo) has used this opening successfully for years. In part 1 of his two volume series on the gambit he explains what Black should do if White enters Benkö lines. In part 2 of the series he shows how Black should react if White avoids the Benkö. Good to know - not only for Benkö players.

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Alejandro Ramirez: Attacking with the Benko

5/10/2015 – The Benko Gambit is a provocative opening, in which Black sacrifices a pawn for long-term compensation. Top players like Magnus Carlsen, Garry Kasparov, and Veselin Topalov all tried this gambit occasionally or regularly. ChessBase editor Alejandro Ramirez also likes the Benko and a while ago revealed its secrets on a DVD. Which is still worth viewing.

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ChessBase Magazine Extra 228

Opening videos: Sipke Ernst brings the Ulvestad Variation up to date + Part II of ‘Mikhalchishin's Miniatures’. Special: Jan Werle shows highlights from the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 in the video. ‘Lucky bag’ with 40 analyses by Ganguly, Illingworth et al.

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Understanding Middlegame Strategy Vol 12: Reversed Colour Systems – King’s Indian/Pirc Defence

In this video course, Grandmaster Ivan Sokolov explores the fascinating world of King’s Indian and Pirc structures with colours reversed, often arising from the French or Sicilian.

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