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 231

Videos: Nico Zwirs examines two Petroffs from the 2026 Candidates. Robert Ris has a tip against the Caro-Kann Advance Variation with 3…c5. Fiona Sieber reveals a surprise weapon against the Najdorf. ‘Lucky Bag’ with 40 analyses by Ganguly, L'Ami et al.

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ChessBase Magazine 231

From the 2026 Candidates Tournament, featuring a video review by Dorian Rogozenco, to Jan Werle’s opening video on the French Tarrasch Defence, and Oliver Reeh’s tactical column ‘Top Grandmasters at Work’. Analyses by Giri, So, Wei Yi and many others.

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