March 11, 2022January 16, 2024 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

February 13, 2022August 26, 2023 RNFMJesse

The Scotch Gambit Chronicles 1

GM Gawain Jones: Super ideas from the GM

13/02/2022 – Super GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov placed his queen at b6 on move 15 to exchange queens. But the idea backfired… let’s find out.

Our 2nd featured game is very entertaining. GM Gawain Jones’ play is explosive and tricky. He was having trouble dealing with opponents’ better middle game position but with few tricks.. it worked. Let’s check it out. But coffee first…

CHESS BLOG No. 58 : Date: 13th February 2022

Black's game plan: Exchange queens/play endgame

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

The idea to exchange queen's is not reasonable due to white's better positioned knight at c5 square and pawns at the center. It is a nice endgame lesson about which is better: knight or bishop? Depends on position.

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

Black's Game Plan: Acquire two bishops advantage

Black's middle game strategy went well. GM Gawain Jones had a hard time finding a breakthrough. But his tricks paid off. 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

February 2, 2022August 26, 2023 RNFMJesse

The Center Game Chronicles 1

GM Mark Paragua: His game is absolutely superb

02/02/2022 – GM Mark Paragua showed his class dismantling black’s Center Game using the 12…d5 line. After move 23. Ne5, black’s position is broken. Very entertaining game…

Our 2nd featured game is played by GM Ian Nepomniachtchi and GM Pentala Harikrishna. Black used the 12…d6 line which is solid and defensive as shown… let’s find out . But coffee first…

CHESS BLOG No. 57 : Date: 2nd February 2022

Black's game plan: Play solid while pawn up

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

Taking the pawn at e4 on move 8, looks promising for black. But the compensation being pawn down when black has difficulties developing queenside pieces which is paramount to white's clear advantage in the middle game.

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

Black's Game Plan: defense is the main plan

White did all to complicate the position in the middle game. But black's play was too solid resulting in a draw.

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

January 23, 2022August 26, 2023 RNFMJesse

Beating the Queen’s Gambit 2: using 5. Bf4

Beating the Queen's Gambit 2: using 5. Bf4 line

GM Magnus Carlsen : How to tame the Queen's Gambit?

23/1/2022 – GM Magnus Carlsen demonstrated that he can play any white opening. This game, he showed how to pressure black’s center pawn and the game.

Fantastic game by GM Sergei Zhigalko by showing how to create a backward pawn in black’s central position. This is a very instructive game, so let’s enjoy it but coffee first.

CHESS BLOG No. 56 : Date: 13th January 2022

Black's game plan: disrupt the center

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

White controlled the game in the middlegame but black tried to complicate the position on move 17...Nd4. But it was a miscalculation, let's find out...

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

Black's Game Plan: develop the bishop (c8) to b7

After black's 11...c5 move, white created weakness on black's center pawn then continuously pressured it by maneuvering other pieces to control 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

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

January 13, 2022August 26, 2023 RNFMJesse

Beating the Queen’s Gambit: 5. Bf4

Beating the Queen's Gambit: using 5. Bf4 line

GM Ding Liren : the Queen's Gambit killer

13/1/2022 – It is difficult to beat the Queen’s Gambit set-up because it has solid defense and controls the center. But GM Ding Liren shows us how to win by using the 5. Bf4 variation.

Both featured games are exciting to watch and learn. See how he beat GM Magnus Carlsen and GM Levon Aronian where black was not able to recover and was not able to counter punch at all. What I noticed about GM Liren is he plays like the former World Champion GM Anatoly Karpov. But first things first, have a hot and delicious coffee first…

CHESS BLOG No. 56 : Date: 13th January 2022

Black's game plan: develop the bad bishop

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

Black's 6...b6 line is much better setup than the 6...Nbd7. However, the position was still disadvantageous when GM Ding Liren created many weaknesses on both black's kingside and queenside position.

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

Black's Game Plan: develop the knight first and control the center.

This is one of the most beautiful games I have seen. Very elegant game...truly marvelous to see GM Ding Liren play. I learned a lot from it...but 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

January 4, 2022August 27, 2023 RNFMJesse

The Anti-King’s Gambit Chronicles 3

The Anti-King's Gambit Chronicles 3

GM Hikaru Nakamura : 4...g5 line vs the King's Gambit

4/1/2022 – This featured game is a reflection of how tactical GM plays. GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave sacrificed 2 pieces to destroy black’s kingside and ended in a Queen versus 3 pieces endgame.

The 2nd featured game is played on the ICCF platform where you play your opponent via email. You notice the rating and the level of play is quite above against 1500 rated players on live games. Most importantly we learn a valuable lesson that it is a must to research chess openings. But have a delicious and hot coffee first…

CHESS BLOG No. 55 : Date: 4th January 2022

Black's game plan: destroy white's kingside

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

The 5...g5 move is a standard strategy to protect the f4 pawn but the main idea is to cramp white's position, unable to develop the bishop at c1.

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

Black's Game Plan: Attack the white king at the center

Steven Lund's rating is 1340 in ICCF tournaments but the level of play is probably Master caliber as it shows in this game. Bottom line is we learn from this game and use it against King's Gambit players.

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 30, 2021August 27, 2023 RNFMJesse

The Anti-King’s Gambit Chronicles 2

The Anti-King's Gambit Chronicles 2

GM Sergey Karjakin : 2...ef4 line vs the King's Gambit

30/12/2021 – Russian GM Sergey Karjakin played 5…Qh5 after white’s 5. Nf3. The strategy of black is to hold on to the f4 pawn then slowly build-up to pressure white’s kingside.

The 2nd featured game showed how guts and perseverance to win is possible even playing a much higher rated GM, but first, enjoy your hot and delicious coffee…

CHESS BLOG No. 54 : Date: 30th December 2021

Black's game plan: Protect the f4 pawn at all cost

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

The 5...Qh5 move wants to pressure the pinned knight but will slowly build up pieces at kingside and must make sure the f4 pawn is protected.

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

Black's Game Plan: To limit mobility of white's pieces and defend the f4 pawn.

NM King showed experience in handling the 5...Qh6 line. From start to finish, he controlled the game with his cunning style. Let's find out, BUT 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

December 24, 2021August 27, 2023 RNFMJesse

The Anti-King’s Gambit Chronicles 1

The Anti-King's Gambit Chronicles 1

GM Alexander Grischuk : 2...ef4 line vs the King's Gambit

24/12/2021 – Russian GM Alexander Grischuk showed his mastery in tackling the dangerous King’s Gambit. His technical style is amazing, slowly building his position and attacks smoothly…

GM Aleksandar Indjic beat GM Luke McShane in just 11 moves. Black’s 2…Nf6 line versus the King’s Gambit is so interesting. I can not believe a Super GM defeated flawlessly. Let’s find out.. but first, enjoy your hot and delicious coffee…

CHESS BLOG No. 53 : Date: 24th December 2021

Black's game plan: Protect the f4 pawn

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

GM Grischuk displayed vast knowledge about this 3...h6 ine. White's 6. g3 move is the deciding factor when it weakens the kingside. But there is much to learn in this game as well as how GM Grischuk's patience and calmness is one thing for us to emulate.

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

Black's Game Plan: Entice the e4 pawn to over extend

Black's opening strategy is very tricky. It is worth studying this line. Check why this game is finished in just 11 moves BUT 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

December 17, 2021August 27, 2023 RNFMJesse

The Anti-Pirc Chronicles 3

GM Tiberiu-Marian Georgescu : 5. Be3 vs Pirc Defense

17/12/2021 – Romanian GM Georgescu displayed vast understanding on 5. Be3 line versus the Pirc Defense. Despite the huge difference of rating and playing a 2600 GM is no easy task at all. Determination to win, preparedness and guts is no doubt that he has the skills of Super GM as shown in his game.

Dealing against black’s 5…Ng4 line is a bit annoying. In this game, Brazilian GM Rafael Leitao showed mastery why the move 5…Ng4 does not interfere with his plans to outmaneuver his opponent. When black’s king unfortunately stuck in the center, he did not waste time in destroying black’s kingside. Let’s find out.. but first, enjoy your hot and delicious coffee…

CHESS BLOG No. 52 : Date: 17th December 2021

Black's game plan: exchanging the inactive bishop

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

GM Georgescu played as required based on black's intention to exchange his knight at f3. But it went all smoothly for white, check his strategy and learn from it.

Black's Game Plan: Disrupt the placement of the bishop

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

This game demonstrates how to handle an annoying knight. Black lost too much tempo in employing the 5...Ng4 line. Check this game and relax while enjoying your coffee....

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 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…