Anti-Sicilian 1

THE ANTI-SICILIAN 1

GM ROGELIO "JOEY" ANTONIO, Jr.: THEORY AND PRACTICE

08/Jan/2023 – GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio, Jr. showed his master class using the 4. Qd4 line against FM Christopher Castellano Accelerated Dragon. It is a classic endgame masterpiece showing elegance in using 2 knights versus 2 bishops in an endgame which I consider relevant to use as chess endgame material for students.

The 2nd featured game showed how to handle the 5…a6 line used by GM Salgado Lopez, Ivan of Spain versus GM Sargissian, Gabriel of Armenia. White illustrated how to break black center that caused black’s delay in development. But have a hot & delicious coffee first…

CHESS BLOG No. 66: Date: 08 January 2023

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

White game plan: Take advantage of black's delayed development

GM "Joey" initiated his first strategy by playing the 4. Qd4 line which is a headache if you do not know how to handle the situation if you play the black side.

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

White Game Plan: Attack the kingside while king at the center

GM Sargissian played aggressively at move 6. e5, attacking the knight at f6 has caused congestion at black's center. But coffee first...enjoy...

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 EVERYTHING BUT IN LOSING YOU LEARN EVERYTHING

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

December 11, 2022May 23, 2025 RNFMJesse

Beating the Queen’s Gambit Declined using the 6. Bf6 Line

Beating the Queen's Gambit (QGD) Using 6. Bf6 Line

FM Jesse Noel Sales: SOLID PREPARATION

11/Dec/2022 – FM Jesse Noel Sales likes to play 3-minute BLITZ Chess at Lichess.org. Encountering a grandmaster (GM) in a fast-paced game is nerve wrecking. GM Odessacoach is a very strong player, but I need to focus, use my experience and some tricks to rattle the GM. It is a win-win to play with grandmasters either a win or loss. You will learn a lot and gain confidence.

The 2nd featured game played at lichess.org is an attacking game. It’s like the famous quote “NEVER RETREAT, NEVER SURRENDER”. Playing in 3 minutes BLITZ is enjoyable but if you want to win; you need opening preparation.

CHESS BLOG No. 65: Date: 11 December 2022

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

White game plan: Use "TIME ATTACK" STRATEGY PLAYING BLITZ

GM Odessacoach has a high rating of 2644. To beat the GM, I must beat myself first by not thinking negatively due to fear. Let it go by flow, use prepared lines and TIME ATTACK. But Coffee first...

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

White Game Plan: Attack black's kingside

My opponent at lichess.org plays fast chess. In order to win, I needed to complicate the position by continuing pressure at black's kingside.

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 EVERYTHING BUT IN LOSING YOU LEARN EVERYTHING

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

October 8, 2022May 23, 2025 RNFMJesse

Beating the Grunfeld with 4.Bg5

Beating the Grunfeld with 4. Bg5 line

FM Jesse Noel Sales: SOLID PREPARATION

8/10/2022 – FM Jesse Noel Sales consistent opening preparation and solid play showed how to handle the 4. Bg5 line against the Grunfeld Defense. It is one of many sub-lines to deviate from the main variation. Black’s 17…b6 move suddenly collapses black’s position.

The 2nd featured game is played at chess.com. I played a strong blitz player in an exhibition game for 3 minutes. Black’s 16…Bd7 move is a mistake, but I missed the follow-up move 17. d5. But enjoy your hot and delicious coffee first..

CHESS BLOG No. 64 : Date: 8th October 2022

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

White game plan: Control the center then take-over black's queenside

GM Richard Bitoon is known as an attacking player. My best asset is preparation, checking opponent's games in Chessbase and other sources. White's opening set-up is solid and has unpredictable ideas to occupy black's queenside.

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

White Game Plan: Same idea to penetrate the c7 square

My opponent at chess.com is a fast blitz player. This is our first time to play and there are similarities with my game vs GM Richard Bitoon. Black's 16... Bd7 move is not preferred move but 16...Be4 is best.

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 EVERYTHING BUT IN LOSING YOU LEARN EVERYTHING

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

June 11, 2022May 23, 2025 RNFMJesse

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

May 6, 2022May 23, 2025 RNFMJesse

The King’s Indian Attack

The King's Indian Attack

GM Arjun Erigaisi: Genius and Future World Champion

6/05/2022 – GM Arjun Erigaisi has shown that he can reach 2700 FIDE Rating by beating Super GMs. This game illustrated how deep GM Erigaisi’s level of endgame understanding.

The 2nd featured game is entertaining to watch because GM Wesley So may have underestimated his young opponent. Any tactical move by GM Wesley So did not intimidate the young GM Arjun Erigaisi. But enjoy your hot and delicious coffee first…

CHESS BLOG No. 63 : Date: 6th May 2022

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

White game plan: Control the center and play solidly

GM Erigaisi displayed high level endgame play in this game. He is such an all around player even on opposite colored-bishops endgame is not a hindrance to win.

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

White Game Plan: Wait for black's opening strategy

GM Wesley So did everything to complicate the position. But GM Erigaisi is such a tough nut to crack. 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 EVERYTHING BUT IN LOSING YOU LEARN EVERYTHING

ENJOY THE GAME: BUT HAVE A HOT & DELICIOUS COFFEE

April 13, 2022May 23, 2025 RNFMJesse

The Catalan System 1

GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov: Creative play, lots of tactics

13/04/2022 – GM Mamedyarov delayed castling to set-up an attack at black’s kingside. When the g-file is opened, black cannot stop white from destroying the kingside. This game is a masterpiece.

The 2nd featured game is also exciting to watch. Interestingly, white’s strategy is to delay black’s bishop at c8 to develop. White’s pawn at c6 has caused a ripple effect at black’s inferior position. But enjoy your coffee first…

CHESS BLOG No. 62 : Date: 13th April 2022

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

White game plan: Delay castling, attack the kingside

GM Mamedyarov is so good in tactics. Check the 12. g4 move, it is amazing game, exciting and lots of ideas to learn about the Catalan.

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

White Game Plan: Pressure black's queenside

GM Ding Liren showed his vast knowledge in using the Catalan. After the move 11. c6, black had a difficult position. 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 EVERYTHING BUT IN LOSING, YOU LEARN EVERYTHING

ENJOY THE GAME: BUT HAVE A HOT & DELICIOUS COFFEE

March 31, 2022May 23, 2025 RNFMJesse

How to beat the Panov-Botvinnik_Attack

How to beat the Caro-Kann Panov-Botvinnik Attack?

FM Jesse Noel Sales: Fantastic Strategy

31/03/2022 – Limiting black’s piece development is the scope of white’s plan. After 13. Bb5 move, black has difficulty coordinating his pieces. 1993 US Champion GM Alexander Shabalov blundered on move 19, his queen was trapped at f7 square.

Interestingly, white’s strategy is to play reversed Slav defense. GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov showed his class by pressuring his opponent relentlessly. Let’s check it out. But coffee first…

CHESS BLOG No. 61 : Date: 26th March 2022

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

White game plan: Minimize black's piece movements

Black chose to take the d5 pawn with Nxd5. White controlled the middle game and won due to black's huge blunder.

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

White Game Plan: Queenside development/play like black

GM Mamedyarov played the Slav defense as white which is one move ahead. 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 MEAN EVERYTHING

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

March 26, 2022May 23, 2025 RNFMJesse

Beating the Semi-Slav 3

FM Jesse Noel Sales: Amazing strategy to win

26/03/2022 – Preparation is essential when you want to achieve greatness in your chess career. Have a strict time to study chess, nobody would help you… but you only. Lucky if someone offers you free training but no one does that. Only people with a good heart will be able to share that knowledge without compensation. Focus on what you want to do for yourself with no distractions.

Our featured games showed how significant it is to prepare well in your openings. Self study works but there is more to that to be able to beat much stronger players. Let’s check it out. But coffee first…

CHESS BLOG No. 61 : Date: 26th March 2022

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

White game plan: Strike the kingside but use decoy....

After the move 14.c5, black cannot find a way to stop FM Jesse Noel Sales to win this game....

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

Black Game Plan: Coordinate pieces at queenside

Black allowed the move 20. f4, but the sun sets unproductively for black. 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 17, 2022May 23, 2025 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, 2022May 23, 2025 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...