December 1, 2021January 21, 2024 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, 2021January 17, 2024 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, 2021January 16, 2024 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, 2021January 15, 2024 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, 2021January 14, 2024 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, 2021January 13, 2024 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!!!

GAME VIEWER 1

ENDGAME CORNER - SOLVE THE PROBLEM BELOW

November 6, 2021January 13, 2024 RNFMJesse

The Anti-French Chronicles 1

GM Gadir Guseinov: 2. Nf3 versus the "French Defense"

06/11/2021 – GM Gadir Guseinov is one of the top players representing Azerbaijan. His teammates are Super GMs Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Teimur Radjabov, Rauf Mamedov and Arkadij Naiditsch will be top contenders for the 2022 World Chess Olympiad. GM Gadir Guseinov’s play is mysteriously dangerous as shown in our featured 2 games.

I chose his 2. Nf3 setup versus the French Defense because it brings pieces out coordinately and always ahead of tempo as well. Study his games if you like his style. His king is always safe and plays methodically. Enjoy your coffee…

CHESS BLOG No. 44 : Date: 6th November 2021

Black played the 3...de4 capture

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

The climax of the game when black played 7...b6. GM Gadir Guseinov did not waste time on creating more weaknesses, a little bit of this and that, when the opportunity came with the move 16. Bg5!!! The game is over.

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

Black played the solid 3...Nf6 which is typical of the French Defense theme. GM Gadir Gusheinov castled queenside in the intention of moving the g pawn to disrupt black's kingside position. Upon reaching the tactic move 18. Bg7!!! black has no option but to resign after a few moves.

GAME VIEWER 1

GAME VIEWER 2

ENDGAME CORNER - SOLVE THE PROBLEM BELOW

November 2, 2021January 13, 2024 RNFMJesse

The Anti-Sicilian Chronicles 3

GM R. Praggnanandhaa: Super Alapin 2. c3

02/11/2021 – There are 69 chess grandmasters in India. Chess is the 2nd most popular sport next to Cricket. Having a large population and millions play chess in a country, where inborn chess genius is not scarce. Teen genius GM R. Praggnanandhaa is one of the rising chess superstars in India.

I was amazed by his choice of Alapin line 6. g3 against black’s 2…Nf6 variation. The game is so instructive from opening to endgame. The other featured game was played by GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov as if watching a “James Bond” movie, full of action and entertaining. But first…a good coffee…

CHESS BLOG No. 43 : Date: 2nd November 2021

GM R. Praggnanandhaa: 6. g3 line

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

To all beginners and experts, this game is a must study. See how a teen GM showed how to control diagonals and files. This game I awarded "5 stars".

GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov: 4. Bc4 line

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

Two GMs play like "Rambo' Style", GM Vachier-Lagrave, Maxime and GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov. These 2 GMs place the king in the center or just side steps. Very entertaining and action packed game ...enjoy...

GAME VIEWER 1

GAME VIEWER 2

ENDGAME CORNER - SOLVE THE PROBLEM BELOW

GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio: Lethal Alapin 2. c3, chess blogs

October 30, 2021January 12, 2024 RNFMJesse

The Anti-Sicilian Chronicles 2

GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio: Lethal Alapin 2. c3

30/10/2021 – Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio, Jr. of the Philippines has vast experience using the Alapin 2. c3 variation. A well prepared GM, many times Olympian and Philippine Champion contributed so much in Philippine Chess. His style is very strategic, creates weaknesses then overwhelms it with attack.

His 2 games illustrated why Alapin 2. c3 is a reliable white opening to counter the Sicilian Defense. Beating the likes of GM Mark Paragua and IM Roderick Nava explains that nothing is certain when playing GM “Joey”. You must take courage and research more to outwit him in the opening, otherwise, you end up losing as shown in these games.

CHESS BLOG No. 42 : Date: 30th October 2021

GM Mark Paragua: 2...Nf6 line

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

The chosen line of GM Paragua to exchange pieces at an early stage delayed piece development. GM "Joey" took advantage and did not waste time and won.

IM Roderick Nava: 2...d5 line

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

IM Roderick Nava played the game consistently til middle game. After the exchange of rooks in the endgame, GM Antonio Jr., cleverly finds ways to place his king in a strategic position to capture black's important b pawn to win the game. This is a highly educational game for you to study. But coffee first....

GAME VIEWER 1

GAME VIEWER 2

ENDGAME CORNER - SOLVE THE PROBLEM BELOW

October 25, 2021January 12, 2024 RNFMJesse

The Anti-Sicilian Chronicles 1

The dangerous "Alapin Variation"

25/10/2021 – The Sicilian Defense is considered the most aggressive black chess opening versus 1. e4. Many World Champs have used it to win the title such as GM Gary Kasparov, GM Robert “Bobby Fischer and GM Mikhail Tal. Even super genius GM Judit Polgar’s Sicilian play is so entertaining to watch and learn. But the emergence of Anti-Sicilian variations in GM Level tournaments, Alapin 2. c3, now a perfect weapon to tame the wild Sicilian Defense.

Our featured two games explained why the Alapin variation is so cunning when both World Champ GM Magnus Carlsen and GM Welsey So attempted to win but with Alapin’s systematic approach and tactical flare, white successfully delivered. It’s just nice chess games to learn and be entertained as well. But coffee first…

CHESS BLOG No. 41 : Date: 25th October 2021

GM Wesley So: 2...Nf6 line

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

The 2...Nf6 line is preferable to play against the Alapin set-up. However, In this game, black's delayed development and uncastled king is more than enough for the teen GM to take advantage and win against GM Wesley So.

GM Magnus Carlsen: 2...d5 line

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

GM David Smerdon of Australia playing board 1 in 2016 Chess Olympiad had big shoes to fill. It's like a David vs Goliath match. But using his favorite Alapin 2..c3 versus World Champ GM Magnus Carsen, he controlled the position and had a chance to annihilate the black king. Luckily, black found a drawing move that forced a perpetual check.