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 RTU Open in Riga was won by GM Alexander Donchenko. Despite a poor start of 1½/3, the German player bounced back with six straight wins to clinch the title.
His first-round victory with Black against the London System was quite instructive, as he sacrificed his pawn on b7 to develop a massive initiative. The idea has been played in earlier games as well, and fascinatingly, it seems like the white king isn’t able to find a safe place on the board. In this week’s F&F show, you will become acquainted with the thematic attacking motifs of this particular line.
Exercise: To get in the right mood, it’s your turn to strike with Black!
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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