Key Concepts of Chess - Pawn Structures Vol.1 and 2
In this two-part course the emphasis will be on typical pawn-structures.
In giving courses to club chess players and playing through their games, I found that almost everyone struggled with the same kind of problem: "the opening is over, but where to go from here?"
I think that in general almost every chess player asks himself this question. The answer depends mainly on which opening is on the board, but in almost all middle game situations that arise, it is necessary to look at the prevailing plans in a given position. Many books on openings (unfortunately) lapse into a tree of variations that are almost impossible to get through, and some authors give only a brief explanation of the moves that are presented. All this was a reason for me to produce a series of articles in which I look at the middlegame positions that arise from the openings commonly used by club players.
In this video lesson I will mainly discuss the structures from the 1.e4 e5 openings. Many games then change to the Italian Game or the Ruy Lopez. Studying the various plans and concepts in these structures helps enormously in understanding these opening variants.
I once came across a book, "How to open a Chess game", in which various top players were asked how they approached openings in their games. The story of the Yugoslav grandmaster Gligoric struck me as a breath of fresh air among the many opening books I had on my desk. He shows how a certain structure, which is determined even after one move by White and Black, can be treated and what kind of guidelines are involved.
In the diagrammed position, which arises from these structures, Gligoric himself shows how the opening can be handled and how he can convert his strategic advantages into a full-blown kingside attack. Do you see the crowning glory of his play?
Attacking with the Benko Gambit
Don't give 1.d4 players an easy ride — sacrifice a pawn with 3.b5 for a lasting initiative. GM Ramirez shows you clear ideas for play in every variation.
Attacking with the Benko Gambit - Part 2
GM Ramirez completes his repertoire suggestion versus 1.d4 with powerful systems among others against the ColleSystem, Trompowsky or the declining move 3.Nf3. An absolute asset - not only for friends of the Benko Gambit!
This week’s show (for Premium Members only)
