Understanding before Moving 66: Prophylaxis (2)

by ChessBase
2/13/2022 – Herman Grooten is an International Master, a renowned trainer and the author of several highly acclaimed books about chess training and chess strategy. In the 66th instalment of his ChessBase show "Understanding before Moving", Herman continues to talk about the concept of "prophylaxis". | Photo: Tommy Grooten
Your personal chess trainer. Your toughest opponent. Your strongest ally.
FRITZ 20 is more than just a chess engine – it is a training revolution for ambitious players and professionals. Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of serious chess training, or already playing at tournament level, FRITZ 20 will help you train more efficiently, intelligently and individually than ever before. 

We continue to deal with the concept of prophylaxis. Strong players have developed the mindset of focusing on the opponent's game. Many players have the tendency to focus on their ideas but sometimes overlook the possibilities of the opponent.

In a prestigious open in Lugano (Switzerland) in the 1980s I once played against Nigel Short, who would later turn into a top player. In a complicated middlegame he had made a mistake, which made me think I could win the game.

Things looked promising indeed, but then Short came up with a diabolical ressource to find a way out of his tricky situation.

 

White wants to increase the pressure on f7 and intends to play Bf1-c4. However, White missed something. Do you see how Short parried White's threats?

This week’s show (for Premium Members only)

Links

Reports about chess: tournaments, championships, portraits, interviews, World Championships, product launches and more.

Discuss

Rules for reader comments

 
 

Not registered yet? Register