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 move 8...h5 had an enormous rise in popularity around the year 2006-2007 when expert Veselin Topalov started implement this idea into his repertoire. Black aims to slow down White's attacking aspirations on the kingside, but at the price of weakening his own position.
In this hour we will have a look at the ins and outs of this complex variation, though following the footsteps of the leading experts from the White side like Peter Leko and Leinier Dominguez are certainly a good start improving your understanding. They prefer the sharp 12.0-0-0 over castling kingside. Inspired by the recent game Aryan vs Donchenko from the Gibraltar tournament, I decided to have a closer look and used the idea at the first opportunity! I will share the key ideas for both sides by going through some recently played model games.
The live show is free to watch and available on-demand for ChessBase Premium accounts.
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.
Warming-up: Black's 14...♝e7 is considered to be a mistake. Do you see why?
Move the pieces on the live diagram — solution below!
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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 live every other Thursday at 18:00 UTC (19:00 CET / 13:00 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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