Taking on the Grunfeld Defense

GM Ding, Liren: His solid game and excellent opening knowledge is his advantage

11/06/2022 – GM Liren Ding is such a special talent. He plays like World Champ Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov. His high level understanding of chess openings and robust endgame knowledge is amazing. In this game, he showed how to beat the Grunfeld Defense in entertaining fashion.

The 2nd featured game employed the 10. Rb1 line. GM Andreikin showed confidence in beating the Grunfeld Defense. But enjoy your hot and delicious coffee first…

CHESS BLOG No. 64 : Date: 11th June 2022

1st Game : Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 1)

White game plan: Create weaknesses at black's kingside

GM Ding Liren played spectacularly on how to create weaknesses in black's kingside. Very educational game, it is recommended to learn this game if you want to beat the Grunfeld Defense.

2nd Game: Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 2)

White Game Plan: Attack black's kingside

GM Dmitry Andreikin showed his expertise to dismantle the Grunfeld Defense. You will learn a lot from it. Let's find out.... but have a hot , delicious coffee first...

GAME VIEWER 1

GAME VIEWER 2

ENDGAME OR MIDDLE GAME - SOLVE THE PROBLEM BELOW

PLEASE THINK 5 MOVES AHEAD: USE YOUR ANALYTICAL SKILLS

WINNING IS EVRYTHING BUT IN LOSING YOU LEARN EVERYTHING

ENJOY THE GAME: BUT HAVE A HOT & DELICIOUS COFFEE

March 17, 2022January 1, 2023 RNFMJesse

Beating the Semi-Slav 2

FM Jesse Noel Sales: Fantastic attacking game

17/03/2022 – There is a saying “Fortune always favors the Brave”. FM Jesse Noel Sales executed a diversional tactic to create imbalance at black’s queenside. But the real plan was kingside assault.

Our 2nd featured game, GM Teimour Radjabov maturely displayed patience to outmaneuver young Super GM Alireza Firouzja in a cat and mouse game. Let’s check it out. But coffee first…

CHESS BLOG No. 60 : Date: 17th March 2022

White game plan: Control the center then attack

1st Game : Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 1)

There is always luck when you play bravely as demonstrated by FM Jesse Noel Sales in this game.

2nd Game: Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 2)

White Game Plan: Quick development

Black manages to find the breakthrough in penetrating black's kingside. Let's find out.... but have a hot , delicious coffee first...

GAME VIEWER 1

GAME VIEWER 2

ENDGAME CORNER - SOLVE THE PROBLEM BELOW

PLEASE THINK 5 MOVES AHEAD: USE YOUR ANALYTICAL SKILLS

WINNING IS EVERYTHING BUT IN LOSING, YOU LEARN EVERYTHING

ENJOY THE GAME: BUT HAVE A HOT & DELICIOUS COFFEE FIRST

March 11, 2022January 1, 2023 RNFMJesse

Beating the Semi-Slav 1

GM Magnus Carlsen: Great theoretical contribution by the World Champion on Semi-Slav

11/03/2022 – GM Magnus Carlsen showed his mastery in beating the Semi-Slav. He gave away 2 pawns in order to create a breakthrough that leads to a fantastic win versus GM Ding Liren.

Our 2nd featured game is one of the best games I have seen on how to beat the Semi-Slav. GM Ding Liren is two pawns up but has no value at all due to delayed development. There is a saying ” Two pawns up is not enough to win a game”. Let’s check it out. But coffee first…

CHESS BLOG No. 59 : Date: 11th March 2022

Black's game plan: Grab all free pawns but backfired

1st Game : Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 1)

Black is 2 pawns up but white has all the good moves. In this game, two pawns up is not enough to win a game.

2nd Game: Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 2)

Black's Game Plan: Pawn up but needs development

Black's plan is to develop pieces and control the center. Let's find out.... but have a hot , delicious coffee first...

GAME VIEWER 1

GAME VIEWER 2

ENDGAME CORNER - SOLVE THE PROBLEM BELOW

PLEASE THINK 5 MOVES AHEAD: USE YOUR ANALYTICAL SKILLS

WINNING IS EVERYTHING, BUT IN LOSING, YOU LEARN EVERYTHING

ENJOY THE GAME: BUT HAVE A HOT & DELICIOUS COFFEE FIRST

December 6, 2021January 1, 2023 RNFMJesse

The Anti-Pirc Chronicles 2

GM Kateryna Lagno : 5. Be3 line vs. The Pirc Defense

06/12/2021 – Black used the 2…g6 line to divert the game in a different Pirc Format. Although it has similar make-up, the difference lies on execution. GM Kateryna Lagno has vast experience and understanding on this line as it is shown in Game 1. A chess prodigy, she became WGM at the age of 12.

Ukrainian GM Olexandr Bortnyk handled the 4. Be3 line fiercely against a very talented teen GM Nihal Sarin from India. It is an exciting game, both wanted to win but time is also a part of the game which is the deciding factor on the outcome of this fantastic game. But first, enjoy your hot and delicious coffee…

CHESS BLOG No. 51 : Date: 6th December 2021

Black's game plan: develop the queenside first

1st Game : Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 1)

GM Lagno showed her expertise in dismantling black's defense. The decision of black to not castle resulted in a king hunt. Let's find out....

Black's Game Plan: Control the center

2nd Game: Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 2)

GM Nihal Sarin's strategic piece play gained him the upper hand. But due to time pressure, he mishandled the position and the game.

GAME VIEWER 1

GAME VIEWER 2

ENDGAME CORNER - SOLVE THE PROBLEM BELOW

PLEASE THINK 5 MOVES AHEAD: USE YOUR ANALYTICAL SKILLS

WINNING IS EVERYTHING BUT IN LOSING, YOU LEARN EVERYTHING

December 1, 2021January 1, 2023 RNFMJesse

The Anti-Pirc Chronicles 1

GM Nikita Vitiugov: 5. Be3 line vs. The Pirc Defense

01/12/2021 – The Pirc Defense is very similar to King’s Indian Defense but on 1. e4 opening classification. Russian GM Nikita Vitiugov displayed a systematic approach to attack black’s kingside.

GM Hikaru Nakamura is well aware about the dangerous white’s 5. Be3 line. He delayed castling at kingside to develop first the queenside pieces and pawns. Let us check how American GM Jeffery Xiong makes it so simple to beat GM Nakamura. This is a one sided game. But let us have a hot…delicious coffee…

CHESS BLOG No. 50 : Date: 1st December 2021

Black's game plan: Castle early then develop pieces

1st Game : Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 1)

GM Richard Rapport castled early but this triggered automatic response from GM Nikita Vitiugov to attack the kingside. He did it in elegance and great accuracy that placed black's position irreparable. Let's see what happened...

Black's Game Plan: Delayed castling

2nd Game: Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 2)

It is pretty obvious that GM Hikaru Nakamura is aware of white's 5. Be3 intentions: to attack black's castled king. Therefore, he delayed castling but GM Jeffery Xiong is well prepared. Let's find out....

GAME VIEWER 1

GAME VIEWER 2

ENDGAME CORNER - SOLVE THE PROBLEM BELOW

PLEASE THINK 5 MOVES AHEAD: USE YOUR ANALYTICAL SKILLS

WINNING IS EVERYTHING BUT IN LOSING, YOU LEARN EVERYTHING

November 24, 2021October 8, 2022 RNFMJesse

The Anti-Caro-Kann Chronicles 3

GM Peter Svidler: Fantastic Counter-Attack

24/11/2021 – Some GMs tolerate attacks on their territory, but it comes with precision and courage to acquire those skills. GM Peter Svidler is one of these grandmasters who possess excellent patience to repel attacks but of course it comes with a great plan.

GM Peter Svidler used his line 10. Bb4 which is a different line to previous Anti-CaroKann Chronicles 1 & 2. These 2 featured games are exciting and have a huge sense of unpredictability mostly in the climax part. Yes, the result always ends well to those who are patient.. but coffee first…

CHESS BLOG No. 49 : Date: 24th November 2021

Black's Game Plan: 11...f6 line

1st Game : Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 1)

GM Volodymyr Onyshchuk is a feisty competitor. This game has unpredictability as to who's going to win. Both GMs worked hard but there is a great reward to those who are patient.

GM Svidler: 13. Bd3 long range planning

2nd Game: Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 2)

To attack must be planned, study all possibilities and always have a Plan B just in case it doesn't work. But in this game, the attack backfired and it was too late to regroup as well. Enjoy the game...cheers..

GAME VIEWER 1

GAME VIEWER 2

ENDGAME CORNER - SOLVE THE PROBLEM BELOW

PLEASE THINK 5 MOVES AHEAD: USE YOUR ANALYTICAL SKILLS

November 21, 2021October 8, 2022 RNFMJesse

The Anti-Caro-Kann Chronicles 2

GM Sanan Sjugirov: The Visionary GM

21/11/2021 – The featured Game 1, has shown elegance and exceptional tactical flair as executed by GM Sjugirov’s deep understanding of the opening. Easily he will reach 2700 rating in no time. Check his game history, he beat world champ GM Magnus Carlsen, GM Wesley So, GM Fabiano Caruana and some top 10 Super GMs.

GM Kovalenko dared his opponent to attack his king while still at the center. Indeed, GM Bartel accepted the challenge and wasted no time. When the smoke cleared, only one man was standing. But coffee first combined with coconut cake…yum!!

CHESS BLOG No. 48 : Date: 21st November 2021

White's Game Plan: 13. Qe1

1st Game : Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 1)

GM Sjugirov's idea here mainly is to weaken the c6 pawn. His dynamic play is amazing, worthy of checking all his games to adapt his style.

The 2nd Game Plan: White's 11. c3

2nd Game: Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 2)

GM Kobalenko's 13...Qb7 line avoided the threat of the rook at c1 but allowed his king at the center. If you are playing white, What do you plan to do? YOUR MOVE....

GAME VIEWER 1

GAME VIEWER 2

ENDGAME CORNER - SOLVE THE PROBLEM BELOW

PLEASE THINK 5 MOVES AHEAD: USE YOUR ANALYTICAL SKILLS

November 15, 2021October 9, 2022 RNFMJesse

The Anti-Caro-Kann Chronicles 1

GM Wesley So: Solid Line versus the Caro-Kann

15/11/2021 – I find the Anti-Caro-Kann line by GM Wesley So educational. You will learn about the roles of each piece and when to strike. Amazing super strategic Game 1.

The featured 2nd game is an example of how tactical GM Wesley So when he wants to. He plays smooth, calm and unsuspecting but so dangerous when he fires the first shot combined with deadly combo. Let’s find out, but coffee and music are a perfect combination!!!

CHESS BLOG No. 47 : Date: 15th November 2021

The 1st Game Plan: White's 11. Rc1

1st Game : Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 1)

White's game plan 11. Rc1 waits for black to castle. By striking 12. c4, black can't castle queenside. Both GMs search for advantage in a battle of strategy and endgame technique.

The 2nd Game Plan: White's 11. c3

2nd Game: Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 2)

This is a different line at move 11. Still a wait and see strategy by GM Wesley So if when black reveals its intention. Very entertaining game, a must see... Enjoy....your coffee and music...

GAME VIEWER 1

GAME VIEWER 2

ENDGAME CORNER - SOLVE THE PROBLEM BELOW

GM Richard Rapport: Anti-French Strategy and Game Plans., chess blogs

November 13, 2021October 9, 2022 RNFMJesse

The Anti-French Chronicles 3

GM Richard Rapport: Anti-French Strategy and Game Plans.

13/11/2021 – Not just I create chess blogs and share it to all chess players worldwide. But I learned a lot too. GM Richard Rapport’s clever execution of Anti-French 5. exd5 is self explanatory. To go for the endgame, pressure the center and the b7 pawn. as shown in Game 1.

GM Misraddin Iskandarov’s Anti-French is a similar set-up to Game 1. But it defers when the queen goes to b3 to pressure the b7 pawn. Let’s find out and enjoy the game. But coffee combined with music is best.

CHESS BLOG No. 46 : Date: 13th November 2021

GM Richard Rapport strategic: 5. ed5

1st Game : Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 1)

White's game plan is easy to understand. Exchange early queens and then pressure the center and the b7 pawn. The culprit behind black's delayed development is the bishop at c8. Let's find out and learn.

GM Iskandarov's 10 Qb3: another theory

2nd Game: Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 2)

Black's 4..cd4 creates a different scenario. But GM Iskandarov found a way to place a strategic position for the queen at b3. Same plan, pressure the center and the b7 pawn. It worked!!!

GAME VIEWER 1

GAME VIEWER 2

ENDGAME CORNER - SOLVE THE PROBLEM BELOW

November 10, 2021October 9, 2022 RNFMJesse

The Anti-French Chronicles 2

GM Anton Guijarro: 2. Nf3 versus the "French Defense"

10/11/2021 – GM Anton Guijarro inspired chess players and gave honor to Spain especially when he beat Super GM Fabiano Caruana (USA) in theoretical fashion. At move 6. Bb5, obviously a prepared line undeniably with a bad motive to outplay black as shown in game 1.

The featured game 2 has all the ingredients of strategy and tactical play. GM Aleksandar Indjic is an extraordinary talent. He can reach 2700 rating in no time with his chess skills. A good coffee deserves your thirst for chess knowledge..cheers.

CHESS BLOG No. 45 : Date: 10th November 2021

GM Anton Guijarro's fantastic: 6. Bb5

The exchange of bishop at b5 to the knight at d7 embodied white's plan to close the position where white's two knights successfully controlled the center. This game is a must see how GM Fabiano Caruana was outsmarted by the Spanish GM. Bravo!! GM Guijarro..

Black's 3...d4 move: Reversed Nimzowitsch

This game is an example of a reversed Nimzowitsch Opening. GM Aleksandar Indjic showed his deep understanding based on his game plan. I enjoyed it. Amazing!!!