cambridgesprings1a
RNFMJesse

Kramnik-Cambridge-Springs

MCchessblog3

The Semi Slav: Cambridge Springs Variation Series 1

cambridgesprings1a

Black's tricky move: variation 7...Nxd5

17/09/2021 –    The  Semi-Slav: Cambridge Springs idea is to immediately attack white’s queenside at move 6…Qa5 combined with support from knight at f6 and bishop at f8. But white’s  a3 !! the move  disrupts black’s intention to damage white’s queenside. Our featured 2  games are based on black’s variation 7…Nxd5. 

cambridgesprings5

Above are Cambridge Springs Variation

nihal1

CHESS BLOG No. 31 : Date: 17th September 2021

The Cambridge Springs: 7...Nxd5 variation

First Game : Check diagram below (GAME VIEWER 1)

cambridgesprings7

GM Vladimir Kramnik used the 8. Qd2 line followed by 9. Rc1 move. But at move 11. a3, black's pressure at white's queenside diminished gradually. Thus, turned the flow in GM Kramnik's advantage.

cambridgesprings8

GM Sarin Nihal's idea is a very nice one too. At a very young age (17) and rated 2655, he will reach 2700 rating soonest.

I hope you enjoy these lessons. We will study black's 7...ed5 variation in the next chess blog: The Cambridge Springs - Series 2.

GAME VIEWER 1

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kramnik3
RNFMJesse

the-bayonet2

MCchessblog3

GM Vladimir Kramnik: The King's Indian Slayer - Series 2

kramnik2

King's Indian Defense: Bayonet variation 9. b4

14/09/2021 –    The Bayonet Attack is one of several Anti-King’s Indian systems main goal is to tame the dangerous bishop at g7. The bishop at g7 many times chessplayers call it  “The Dragon Bishop”. Another strategy is to control the center then execute an attack at black’s queenside in a methodical manner.

bayonet1b

Above are King's Indian Defense variations vs. Bayonet Attack

Series 1 of the Bayonet Attack (chess blog No. 29/dated: 09/09/2021), we discussed black variations 10…Nf4 and 11…Nf6. Today, we will check how to defend against black variations 9…a5 (GM Kasparov’s move) and 9…c6. Let’s check the games below…

kidbayonet1

CHESS BLOG No. 30 : Date: 14th September 2021

GM Vladimir Kramnik played GM Kasparov again. This game is a different variation when GM Kasparov used the 9...a5 line versus the Bayonet Attack. White's style of play here is strategic and methodical.

bayonet a5

The Bayonet Attack vs. 9...a5 line

First Game -check diagram above (GAME VIEWER 1)

bayonet c6

The Bayonet Attack vs black's 9...c6 line

2nd Game -check diagram above (GAME VIEWER 2)

GM Victor Bologan's attacking style did not materialize due to GM Loek van Wely's superb understanding of Bayonet Attack. In this game, it showed how to control the center and how to dissect diagonals that are possible for bishops to inject attack.

I hope you enjoy these lessons.. surely more lessons to come about this super interesting variation: The Bayonet Attack: 9. b4.

GAME VIEWER 1

GAME VIEWER 2

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gmvachiere lagrave1 1
RNFMJesse

john-rambo-of-chess

MCchessblog3

GM Vachier-Lagrave, Maxime: The "John Rambo" of Chess

gmvachiere lagrave1 1

The wandering king...

11/09/2021 –  Grandmaster’s responsibility before the game starts is to prepare/research upcoming opponent’s  weaknesses and strengths.  In this game between  super GM Vachier-Lagrave versus the rising star – 15 year old genius from India GM R. Praggnanandhaa, who do you think was much prepared?

 Have a coffee and food while checking this game. I am sure you’ll need brain energy to analyze positions and to gain knowledge about the variations used in the Sicilian Four Knights. That’s all for today.. Thank you, enjoy your weekend…

Sicilian  – Four Knights Variation:   is a tricky black opening that leads to unconventional movement of pieces where it delays castling. Sometimes king remains at the center sensing where the king is safer to place.

sicilian 4 knights

CHESS BLOG No. 30 : Date: 11th September 2021

The Sicilian - Four Knights: Action Pack Game

GM Vachier-Lagrave, Maxime is consistently on top of his games. Playing with genius/Indian prodigy GM R. Praggnanandhaa, we expect a wild fight - full of tactics, pieces everywhere, king unsettled surely spectators heart pumping fast due to excitement!!

midgame11

This game is unique considering the variation used in my opinion, is new and also, placing the white's king unsafe is so nerve-wracking. GM Vachier-Lagrave played like an action packed "Rambo" movie, I can't believe what I saw!!! so brilliant...

Thank you for this game..... my students will be happy to explain this to them....

GAME VIEWER 1

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kramnik1
RNFMJesse

Kramnik-KingsIndian_Slayer

MCchessblog3

GM Vladimir Kramnik: The King's Indian Slayer - Series 1

kramnik1

King's Indian Defense: Bayonet variation 9. b4

09/09/2021 –    The Bayonet Attack is one of several Anti-King’s Indian systems main goal is to tame the dangerous bishop at g7. The bishop at g7 many times chessplayers call it  “The Dragon Bishop”. Another strategy is to control the center then execute an attack at black’s queenside in a methodical manner.

bayonet1

Above are King's Indian Defense variations vs. Bayonet Attack

GM Vladimir Kramnik has contributed heaps of theoretical novelties using the Bayonet Attack. Even the great King’s Indian protagonist GM Kasparov is a victim of this super interesting “Bayonet Attack”. Let’s check the game of GM Karpov vs. GM Kasparov using the Samisch line for white and comparing it with the game of GM Kramnik vs Kasparov using the Bayonet Attack for white.  Enjoy… bon appetit…

kidbayonet1

CHESS BLOG No. 29 : Date: 9th September 2021

The Samisch Variation vs. King's Indian Defense

GM Anatoly Karpov is a solid, methodical and positional player. He used the Samisch line 5. f3 versus GM Kasparov's lethal King's Indian Defense. In this game, GM Kasparov played like the late World Champ GM Robert "Bobby" Fischer.

samisch1

First Game -check diagram above (GAME VIEWER 1)

The Bayonet Attack vs black's 10...Nf4

kidbayonet3

2nd Game -check diagram above (GAME VIEWER 2)

GM Kasparov employed all his energy using 10...Nf4 but to no avail, GM Kramnik's finesse moves "like ballet dancer" so.... smooth....super killer!!

The Bayonet Attack vs black's 11...Nf6

kidbayonet2

3rd Game -check diagram above (GAME VIEWER 3)

GM Grischuk's 11...Nf6 is another way to meet the Bayonet Attack. But GM Kramnik's superb home preparation had all the answers.

Our thanks to GM Vladimir Kramnik for his contribution about the "Amazing: 9. Bayonet Attack".

GAME VIEWER 1

GAME VIEWER 2

GAME VIEWER 3

ENDGAME CORNER - SOLVE THE PROBLEM BELOW

white bishop1, chess blogs
RNFMJesse

The_power_of_white_bishop

Memory Chisel chess blogs

The Power of the White Bishop

white bishop1, chess blogs

Amazing "GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda"

06/08/2021 – Beating the likes of 3 Super GMs (Grischuk, Gujrathi, Karjakin) and the current world champion (Carlsen) is such a feat. Newest World Cup 2021 Champ GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda is “no doubt” a contender to the World Championship Title. His style is solid (Karpov like) with deep theoretical knowledge and very calm.

But the highlight of this story remarkably his game against GM Sergey Karjakin showed mastery and brilliance to refute the Queen’s Gambit – Semi Tarrasch variation.

Now, let us check why the white bishop can become a powerful piece to win a game.

Queen’s Gambit  – Semi-Tarrasch Variation:   The aim of playing 4…c5, aiming a flexible and open game. However, the d5 pawn can become a weakness due to being isolated pawn. It is a matter of time, pawn will fall and the game with the help of a powerful white bishop.

jan duda2 2

Losing is a learning experience. It teaches you to work harder and hungrier to win...

CHESS BLOG No. 14 : Date: 6th August 2021

INTRODUCTION: THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT: SEMI-TARRASCH

QGD1

Queen’s Gambit:   Semi-Tarrasch Variation (D40)  Chess Opening Classification

GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda  vs. GM Sergey Karjakin

(Event: 2021  World Cup,  Sochi , Russia)

1:  d4       Nf6    
2: c4        d5
3: Nf3      e6         

4: Nc3     c5       (The Queen’s Gambit – Semi-Tarrasch)       
5: cxd5   cxd4          

6. Qxd4  exd5   

7.  Bg5     Be7      

8.     e3       0-0    
9.     Rd1     Nc6
10.   Qa4     Be6    (Best square for the Queen)

11.    Bb5    Qb6    
12.   Bxf6    Bxf6
13.   Nxd5   Bxd5  (d5 pawn is out)

14.   Rxd5   Bxb2  (Compensate for the d5 pawn but its meaningless due to incoming disaster)    

15.   Ke2     Bf6     (What a way to keep the king safe)

16.  Rhd1   Rac8

17.   Bc4      Qb4   (offer to exchange queens, hoping to reduce pressure)

18.  Qb3     Qxb3
19.  Bxb3

QGD3

White is advantageous here due to the following reasons:

  1. Rooks control the file.
  2. d7 square is the  landing square for rook.
  3. Bishop at d3 is eyeing f7 pawn.
  4. The bishop at f6 has no threat and can’t prevent white from attacking.
  5. White king is at the center

19.              Nb8   (frustration)
20. g4        h6      (g6 is better)
21. h4        g6         

22  g5        hxg5        
23. hxg5    Be7          

24. Re5      Nc6 

25. Rd7   

QGD4

Nothing is sweeter than to see the fruit of your labour…

Hardwork is better than Talent…

25…            Bd8

26.   Rb5    Na5

27.    Bd5    (I want you to analyze this position, how nice white’s position. What can black do here? The white bishop is POWER….

QGD5

ENDGAME CORNER - SOLVE THE PROBLEM BELOW

kasparov4
RNFMJesse

gm_kasparov

Memory Chisel chess blogs
kasparov4

Youngest ever undisputed World Chess Champion in 1985 at age 22

Grandmaster Garry Kasparov is one of the most successful and respected players in chess history. He authored “My Great Predecessors” and one of my favorite books” Fighting Chess”. 

He still coaches but if he has time, plays in Invitational Tournaments.

The King’s Indian Defense is one of the most feared black chess openings versus 1. d4. It plays a highly tactical game that if you do not defend well,  may wreck your kingside or the central control. There are several white openings that somewhat stick to methodological strategy to tame the attack of the King’s Indian Defense. Please check the image below.  

kidpositions

CHESS BLOG No. 2 / Date: 10th July 2021

kings indian1

King’s Indian: Classical Variation (E99)  Chess Opening Classification

GM Jeroen Piket vs. GM Garry Kasparov

(Event: 1989 Interpolis 13th, Tilburg, NED – Round 8)

1: d4         Nf6
2: Nf3      g6
3: c4        Bg7
4: Nc3     0-0
5: e4        d6

The  King’s Indian Defense. This is GM Kasparov’s favorite black opening when playing versus 1. d4. Its concept is to close the position, strikes the center or the king side. 

6.  Be2   e5       (white plays solid setup 
7.  0-0   Nc6        (black strikes the center)

8.   d5    Ne7     (best square for the knight)

9.   Be2   Nc6   
10. Ne1  Nd7 (This is the idea, pawn storm coming soon…)    

11. Be3   f5    
12. f3      f4   (white needs to defend accurately here)
13. Bf2   g5
14. b4    Nf6 (white must counter attack)

15. c5     Ng6 (dangerous maneuver by black) 

16: cd6  cd6
17: Rc1  Rf7 (black needs to defend the queenside)
18: a4    Bf8 (preparing rook to g7 and defending d6)

19: a5      Bd7

20: Nb5  g4 (black must counter attack)

21: Nc7   (White is creating a stress play at queenside, if you play  black, how do you respond? Evaluate the position.

kings indian2

CHESS BLOG No. 1 / Date: 7th July 2021

kidsaemisch2

King’s Indian Defense: Saemisch Variation (E80)  Chess Opening Classification

GM Smbat Lputian vs. GM Garry Kasparov

(Event: 1976 Tbilisi – Round 2)

1: d4     Nf6
2: c4     g6
3: Nc3  Bg7
4: e4     d6
5: f3      Nc6

The  Saemisch Variation. Solid yet attacking opening. This style of play will attack black’s kingside opting to castle queenside.

6. Be3   a6        (black delays castling)
7. Qd2  Rb8     (in case black will castle early queenside)

8. Rb1  0-0      Yes… this is a sign that black will strike soonest…

9.   b4?   e5      (well timed move)
10. d5     Nd4    
11. Nge2  c5    (nice move!!)
12. dc6     bc6
13. Nxd4  exd4
14. Bxd4  Re8
15. Be2           Analyze this move, What will be black’s best moves…. think 5 moves ahead….

kidsaemisch3
kramnik6
RNFMJesse

gm_kramnik

MCchessblog3
kramnik4

In year 2000, he became World Champion also undisputed World Champion in FIDE and Classical titles.

Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik has won 3 team gold medals in Chess Olympiad. He is highly theoretical  and dangerous when  using 1. Nf3 as white.

He authored my favorite book “KRAMNIK, my life and games”.

The Dutch Defense is a cunning but solid defense. Especially the Leningrad and Stonewall variation. Many white setup has been successful in diverting positions in unusual way where black is not comfortable.

antidutch

CHESS BLOG No. 4 / Date: 14th July 2021

antidutch2

Dutch Defense: Zukertort Variation (A04)  Chess Opening Classification

GM Vladimir Kramnik vs. GM Vladimir Malaniuk

(Event: 1994 Moscow, Russia – Round 9)

1: Nf3    f5   (The Dutch Defense)
2: g3      Nf6
3: Bg2   d6
4: d4     g6
5: 0-0   Bg7

The  Dutch Defense is similar to King’s Indian Defense but the strategy is different as it fights for central control. 

6.  c4      0-0      (white plays solid setup – g3 line)
7.  Nc3   Qe8        (black plans to push e5)

8.   d5     Na6     (best square for the knight)

9.   Rb1  Bd7   (the Rook at b1 supports b4 push)
10. b4    c5     

11. Be3     f5    
12. f3        f4   (white needs to defend accurately here)
13. dxc6   Bxc6
14. Qb3    Ne4 (black is not aware of white’s tactical plans)

15. Bb2     Nxc3 

16: Bxc3   Bxc3
17:    (GM Kramnik has already expected this position. What do you think his response? think 5 moves ahead. Do not guess.

antidutch3
kramnik6
RNFMJesse

quantitative_analysis

Memory Chisel chess blogs

QUANTITATIVE APPROACH IN WINNING SWISS OR ROUND-ROBIN TOURNAMENTS by FM Jesse Noel Sales

15/07/2021 – If you are a chess beginner, you may be asking what the Swiss system or round-robin tournament is? In the long run you will experience what it is all about this type of tournament system. Of course, every tournament is guided by FIDE Pairing rules; for example: playing an opponent higher rated than you or a much lower rated player, also playing either white or black would confuse you but do not worry because the computerized pairing system is proven accurate.

Now, most Swiss system/Round robin tournaments are 9 rounder or even much longer, if you noticed, it is always an odd number. Have you evaluated your playing style? Do you have a proper system to study chess openings to surprise your opponent? Are you better when handling the white or black?  These are questions to assess yourself about how ready you are to compete. Since chess is governed by a willing attitude to learn, determination and patience, be confident in playing Swiss or Round robin events.

Why are Grandmasters mentally conditioned before the tournament starts? Is it due to their deep theoretical understanding and well preparedness? But this is no secret at all, GMs have pet lines or prepared lines or noticeably some are much confident playing white other GMs prefer black.

Let us check the tabulation below:

If you are playing WHITE

 

9 Rounds Swiss System

Colour

Rd 1

Rd 2

Rd 3

Rd 4

Rd 5

Rd 6

Rd 7

Rd 8

Rd 9

Points

White

1

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

1

   7

Black

 

1/2

 

1/2

 

1/2

 

1/2

 

If you are confident that you can win the white side then think positive to win it, then try drawing black if you get lucky. This is somehow a forecasting method based on your confidence and chess preparation.  

 

If you are playing BLACK

9 Rounds Swiss System

Colour

Rd 1

Rd 2

Rd 3

Rd 4

Rd 5

Rd 6

Rd 7

Rd 8

Rd 9

Points

White

 

1/2

 

1/2

 

1/2

 

1/2

 

   6.5

Black

1

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

1

Same process if you are confident playing to win black as shown.

Based on tournaments played by World Champions GM Garri Kasparov and GM Vladmir Kramnik, both have special attachments using preferred colours either white or black. “BLACK POWER” is demonstrated by GM Kasparov in the 90’s in displaying his prowess or extraordinary skills using the Sicilian Najdorf while GM Vladimir Kramnik as well a strategist and specialist using the 1. Nf3 line as white. I admit GM Kramnik is my idol.   

kasparov3

 

Let us check the results played by GM Garri Kasparov and GM Vladimir Kramnik based on their performance using their pet lines resulting to winning the tournament due to deep preparation.

graph1

We all know that GM Kasparov is superb using black. Please check tabulation below his performance as black:

14 Round Tournament/Linares 1999

Colour

R 1

R2

R3

R4

R5

R6

R7

R8

R9

R10

R11

R12

R13

Rd14

Score

White

1/2

 

1/2

1/2

 

1/2

  

1

  

1

 

1/2

10.5

Black

 

1

  

1

 

1

1

 

1

1/2

 

1/2

 

Notice the black side strategy in effect. Using white, GM Kasparov drew 5 times.

kramnik 1

Now let us check GM Vladimir Kramnik white strategy…..

graph2

We all know that GM Kramnik is very technical and positional specialist using white. Please check tabulation below his performance as white:

Colour

Rd1

Rd2

Rd3

Rd4

Rd5

Rd6

Rd7

Rd8

Rd9

Points

White

1

 

1

 

1

 

1/2

 

1

  7

Black

 

1/2

 

1

 

1/2

 

1/2

 

Notice the white power strategy in effect. Using black, GM Kramnik drew 3 times.

I confirm that World Champions GM Kasparov and Kramnik have enjoyed this method, as well as I have applied this too in my chess games, please check below tabulation.

graph3

I prefer white because my favourite opening is 1. Nf3. Please check below result.

Colour

Rd1

Rd2

Rd3

Rd4

Rd5

Rd6

Rd7

Rd8

Rd9

Points

White

1

 

1

1/2

 

1

 

1/2

 

  7

Black

 

1

  

0

 

1

 

1

Notice the white power strategy in effect because no loss at all. By playing black I have one defeat.

I hope you have learned something about assessing your strengths in evaluating how prepared you are either using white or black to forecast high-end results. I wish you success and keep safe in your journey to become a grandmaster.  

FIDE Master Jesse Noel Sales is chess author, graduate of Bachelor of Nursing at Western Sydney University (Australia) and Founder of https://memorychisel.com (leisure, entertainment, memory & cognitive testing, brain stimulation platform).

RNFMJesse

bayonet_attack

Memory Chisel chess blogs
kramnik7

The Bayonet Attack

Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik is super theoretical when playing against the King’s Indian Defense.  His style has magic and unpredictability makes him dangerous to play with.

The Bayonet Attack is one of several Anti King’s Indian systems that creates a strategy where the bishop at g7 becomes inactive or creates a strategy not allowing black to control  the tempo in the middle game.  

bayonet3

CHESS BLOG No. 5 / Date: 16th July 2021

bayonet1

King’s Indian Defense: Orthodox Variation  (E97)  Chess Opening Classification

GM Vladimir Kramnik vs. GM Alexander Grischuk

(Event: 2012 Tal Memorial- Moscow, Russia – Round 2)

1: Nf3    Nf6   
2: c4      g6
3: Nc3     Bg7
4: e4       d6
5: d4      0-0

6.  Be2   e5     
7.  0-0    Nc6        

8.   d5    Ne7     

9.   b4     Nh5   (White is using the Bayonet Attack)
10. g3     f5      (Other move for white is 10. Re1)      

11. Ng5   Nf6   
12. Bf3    c6   (bishop at f3 controls diagonal)
13. Bg2   h6
14. Ne6  Be6  (pawn at e6 creates  a stress for black)

15. de6   Nxe4 

16: Nxe4   fxe4
17: b5        Rf6

18: Bxe4  Rxe6  
19: Qa4    d5   (critical position here)
20: Rd1    Kh7
21: cxd5  cxd5     
22: Qb3   Rb6
23: a4      a6
24:    (White to move, Analyze the position)

bayonet2
RNFMJesse

krasenkow_variation

Memory Chisel chess blogs

The Krasenkow Variation

krasenkow

Tribute to GM Michal Krasenkow

23/7/2021 – In recognition of GM Michal Krasenkow’s contribution to chess theory, I would like to thank him for this wonderful move 4. g4 “The Krasenkow Variation”.  Recently, at 57, he represented Poland in the World Cup 2021, reached the 3rd round but lost to 15 year old Indian chess  genius GM Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa  on tiebreak games. I want to share with you one of his best games using the “Krasenkow Variation”.

The Krasenkow Variation:   is an attacking chess opening variation to disrupt black’s kingside.  This variation is used especially if you know your opponent plays the Nimzo-Indian or the Bogo-Indian defense as black. Therefore, to avoid the mainlines, white must play 1. Nf3 first as first move.

krasenkow2
krasenkow3

CHESS BLOG No. 9 / Date: 23th July 2021

krasenkow4

English Opening: Krasenkow Variation  (A18)  Chess Opening Classification

GM Michal Krasenkow vs. GM Oleg M. Romanishin

(Event: 2000  Leonid Stein Memorial, Lviv, Ukraine  – Round 1)

1: Nf3      Nf6       
2: c4        e6
3: Nc3     Bb4      (In Nimzo and Bogo, this is effective but not in Krasenkow)

4: g4 !!    0-0        (4.g4 move is anti-theory)   
5: g5        Ne8      (To retreat is to surrender)

6. Qc2     d5         (Do you notice about white? its reversed Sicilian now…) 

7. b3        Be7      (it seems, Bb4 move is useless..)     

8. Rg1     c5         (black needs to counter before its too late) 

9.      e3      Nc6     

10.   Bd3    f5   
11.   gxf6   Nxf6   (Black’s kingside is vulnerable)     

12. a3        Qe8

13. Bb2     Qh5  
14. Be2      d4     
15. Nxd4   Nxd4  

16. exd4    Qh2   

17: 0-0-0   cd4     (Black is unaware of white’s tactical threat)

18:  Ne4     Qf4

19:  Bd3     Ne4 
20:  Be4      h6

21:  Bxd4    Bf6
22:  Be3      Qd6

23:  c5         Qa6 
24:  a4         Qa5 

25:                        (Analyze this position)    

krasenkow5