Mastering Pattern Recognition in the Opening
Pattern recognition is an important tool in modern chess, as it helps you to understand better the characteristics of a position. Particularly when you have been confronted with a surprise opening system played by your opponent, it helps when you can just
The variation with 5.Bf4 is considered nowadays to be the main line against the Queen's Gambit Declined. Despite its solid reputation, matters aren't that simple for Black at all. The last couple of months some fascinating games have been played in this line and in this show I will show you the latest theoretical developments and ideas how White has managed to deliver some punches. Seemingly easy positions simply turn out to be incredibly dangerous for Black. Even (or particularly!) in symmetrical positions White's activity offers excellent tactical opportunities, as shown to you by the best players in the world, including Magnus Carlsen!
Know the Terrain Vol. 5: The Philidor Structure
The Philidor structure (White pawns on d4 and e4, Black pawns on d6 and e5), is a fundamental position in the open games. In his new training course, IM Sam Collins shows you just how much explosive power is packed into this apparently simple structure.
But first a warm-up exercise: White has just sacrificed a piece, how should he follow it up?
Move the pieces on the live diagram – solution below!
When choosing an opening repertoire, there are days when you want to play for a win with Black, when you want to bear down on your opponent’s position with a potentially crushing attack. The Najdorf is perfect for just such occasions. Strategy, combinations, attack and defence, sacrifices and marvellous manoeuvres — exciting chess is all about the Najdorf!
Robert is on air every other Thursday at 17:00 UTC (19:00 CEST / 15:00 EST)
Special attention will be paid to Intermediate Moves, Quiet Moves, Sacrifices on Empty Squares, Mating Patterns, Ignoring Opponents Threat, Calculation in Defence and Method of Comparison. Plus 50 interactive examples to test your knowledge.
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