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
After two rounds, the FIDE Grand Swiss in Riga has already produced an amazing amount of spectacular games. I have been particularly impressed by the game Predke-Yakubboev.
In the Makogonov Variation (5.h3) of the Kings Indian Defence White sacrificed his queen for two minor pieces, and since Black was behind in development and unable to activate his major forces, White could slowly guide all his pieces towards the black king, while making use of some hidden tactical resources. An amazing long-term sacrifice!
Exercise (taken from my analysis): White to play
You can move the pieces on the live diagram!
Strategy Training: How to Make a Plan
In every game of chess, there comes a moment when one is confronted with the question: what should I do now?
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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