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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 Neo-Archangelsk (6...Bc5) has been considered as one of the most ambitious ways for Black to meet the Ruy Lopez. Since the ensuing lines are incredibly sharp and deeply analysed, you either love or hate this opening!
In the first leg of the Candidates event Fabiano Caruana employed this variation twice and at the Magnus Invitational, the World Champion himself has also played it twice so far.
In this part of the Fast & Furious show we'll go back to the variations with Nxe5, which was in the 90s considered to be the critical challenge of Black's active development of his dark-squared bishop and is currently in the centre of attention again!
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.
As a warming-up exercise, a game I played myself ten years ago. Black to play! Can you work out the tactical complications?
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.
Many more Fast and Furious episodes are available in ChessBase Videos
