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 4.f3 has been considered as the sharpest way for White to play against the Nimzo-Indian, and in recent years this system has become a main alternative for players with White who want to avoid the more traditional lines such as 4.Qc2 (The Classical Variation) or 4.e3 (Rubinstein Variation).
In the recent encounter Adhiban-Delgado Ramirez from the World Cup, Black certainly didn't choose the most challenging setup when he tried 6...c6, but the way, in which the Indian GM treated this particular line, was still quite impressive. After 22 moves Adhiban's opponent resigned because he was mated. There's a reason why the fearless Indian player has 'the beast' as a nickname!
Exercise: Do you see the final shot which finishes the game off in style?
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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