Winning starts with what you know
The new version 18 offers completely new possibilities for chess training and analysis: playing style analysis, search for strategic themes, access to 6 billion Lichess games, player preparation by matching Lichess games, download Chess.com games with built-in API, built-in cloud engine and much more.
After dominating the rapid section of the Tata Steel India tournament in Kolkata, Magnus Carlsen continued his good form by taking the lead in the first half of the blitz category. The world number one scored 6½/9 points on Saturday, securing five wins in the first six rounds. However, he suffered a setback in round 8, losing to Arjun Erigaisi in a surprisingly quick encounter which lasted only 20 moves. Notably, by round 7, Carlsen had temporarily crossed the remarkable 2900 mark in the live blitz ratings.
Close on Carlsen's heels is Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, just half a point behind with 9 rounds still to play. Pragg's day was a tale of resilience, as he rebounded from a difficult 0/3 start to win six consecutive games, including victories against Arjun and Daniil Dubov in the final rounds. His stunning comeback keeps him in contention and places him ahead of the aforementioned Arjun and Dubov, who share third place with 5½ points each. With Pragg set to face both these rivals in Sunday's final rounds, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion.
Vidit Gujrathi also enjoyed a solid showing, finishing the day with 5 points. After struggling in the rapid section, Vidit's performance in the blitz has been more promising, leaving him within striking distance of the leaders. With blitz known for its unpredictable nature, the 30-year-old could still make a push for the top places on the final day.
Improve your pieces - a winning system you need to know
In this course, we will learn how to identify passively placed pieces in any given situation and how to improve their health by bringing them into active squares.
The tournament will conclude with the last 9 rounds of 3-minute games on Sunday, beginning at the usual start time of 9:30 CEST. The question remains whether Carlsen can replicate his feat from 2019, when he swept both the rapid and blitz sections in Kolkata, or if the likes of Pragg or Arjun can rise to challenge the perennial favourite in a potentially electrifying finale.
Magnus Carlsen | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Daniil Dubov | Photo: Lennart Ootes
The round-2 game between the two current frontrunners saw Carlsen obtaining a 26-move victory with the white pieces over Praggnanandhaa. A nice exchange sacrifice prompted Pragg's resignation.
26.Rxd6 was game over, since 26...Qxd6 fails to 27.Be5 Qxe5 28.Nd7+, with a royal fork.
The Keymer Variation - 1.Nf3 d5 2.e3
This video course features the ins-and-outs of the possible setups Black can choose. You’ll learn the key concepts and strategies needed to add this fantastic opening to your repertoire. An easy-to-learn and yet venomous weapon.
Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Kateryna Lagno emerged as the standout performer on the first day of the Tata Steel India Blitz women's tournament, finishing undefeated with a stellar 7/9 score. The experienced grandmaster secured five wins and four draws, beginning and ending her day with consecutive victories. Her final-round triumphs over Harika Dronavalli and Valentina Gunina ensured she carried strong momentum into the second half of the event.
Valentina Gunina, known for her uncompromising style, stands in sole second place with 6/9 points. True to form, Gunina avoided draws entirely, winning six games and losing three. Interestingly, all of her defeats occurred while playing with the white pieces. Sunday's final round will see her facing off against leader Lagno, with black, in a matchup that could prove pivotal in determining the tournament winner.
Aleksandra Goryachkina, with 5 points, and the Indian trio of Humpy Koneru, Divya Deshmukh, and Vantika Agrawal, each with 4½ points, also remain in contention for the top spot. The Indian players, buoyed by strong support from the local crowd in Kolkata, will be particularly motivated to climb the standings. A victory by a homegrown player would undoubtedly resonate with the enthusiastic spectators, as has been the case in previous editions of events taking place in India.
Master Class Vol.16 - Judit Polgar
In this video course, experts (Pelletier, Marin, Müller and Reeh) examine the games of Judit Polgar. Let them show you which openings Polgar chose to play, where her strength in middlegames were, or how she outplayed her opponents in the endgame.
Divya Deshmukh | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Vantika Agrawal | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Lagno's round-9 win over Gunina finished with a good-looking checkmate.
After 41...Kg7 Black is threatening mate with ...Rf4-f5. Thus, Gunina played 42.g4, but her defensive try failed to the direct 42...Rxg4
My Black Secrets in the Modern Italian
The Italian Game is considered a sound but quiet opening without early trades, giving rise to rich positions where plans are more important than forced variations. So shows black's plans on this DVD.
Gunina threw in the towel due to 43.hxg4 Rxg4#
Valentina Gunina and Kateryna Lagno | Photo: Lennart Ootes
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