Dedicated to Istvan Toth (1935 - 2025), much loved.

I dedicate this, my latest club-game to my late Father in Law - "Istvan Toth", who sadly passed away 5 days ago at the time of writing.  It was always a great pleasure to play Istvan or Nagy-Papa as he was fondly known by my wife and kids, at chess.  Istvan was actually a great card player and had spent a lot of time playing during his National Military Service in Hungary.  Although he knew how the pieces moved he knew very little chess and had no coaching, so he was essentially self-taught. 

When we started playing chess, I was also quite inexperienced and most of our games consisted of coffee-house infused, rampant, gung-ho, "edge of your seat", King's Gambits ... !!  I would often practice King-hunting Istvan's King, and if I managed to checkmate him - he always sportingly conceded and never refused to play another game ...   On other occasions, I, myself would get the raw end of the deal and end up losing to Istvan, who managed to swindle me on more than one occasion ... (the wily old fox) !!  But again, despite his wins, he always agreed to allow me to take revenge - this was typical of the 'kind-hearted' man he was. Always willing to help out around the house ... and always up for a game in the late winter evenings ... 

But what was great about this was the fact that I could hardly speak any Hungarian at the time and he certainly couldn't speak a word of English, apart from his favourite catchphrase:  "This is funking good !!!"  (I think he may of meant something more obscene, but I preferred his version ... ) .  So last Wednesday on 5th November, a day after his passing, I was determined to get a win for the old boy!  I felt that it would be a fitting tribute to someone who was a great influence on me and played a huge part in my life ... I think that he realised that we all loved him ... On the evening of the game, I somehow felt more confident than usual and certainly more excited and honored to be playing this particular game in his memory... Perhaps Istvan was looking down on me and egging me on?  


Here is the game, and the win I got as White.  

Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack: Classical Variation

My opponent resigned on move 41.

See you in the next world Istvan ... !
Much Love. 

Draw for Black or mate in 2?

Here is a position from a game I recently played as Black.  The board is actually facing the way that White would have seen it ... In a time scramble, I could not find a way to win, so had to settle for the draw and the loss of a few rating points ... 

Is there a mate in two for Black instead of a draw?

You will become a great chess tactician if you can see two moves ahead here. 

CLUE:  Black is close to mate here, but what is the next move??. Without looking at the solution, try and devise a series of moves in your head that you can play to attack the opponent's king for a favourable outcome ...

Show Solution

Solution: 1. .. Ne6+ 2.Ke4 Qd4#

Bowdler Attack - The Bishop was up for grabs ... !

In this, my latest game on the FIDE online Arena, I had decide whether it was safe enough to capture the Bishop on offer.  In the game, I calculated that I could not take the Bishop, when in actual fact after looking at the chess.com analysis - I could take it!! 

Personally I would like to improve my approach to facing the Bowdler Attack as Black as I have had to face it many times before and I've never really done that well against it?  Eventually, my opponent got his Bishop trapped (although I think this was avoidable).  They also allowed their Rook to be exchanged for my Bishop ... the mating net was obviously coming ...  

Bowdler Attack

As usual, any comments welcome ... 

 

The endgame bamboozled me !!

I had a few rapid-play games online today.  The shocking result in my last game was that I could only manage a draw - when in fact I had a won endgame.  I think that to really improve my chess, I need to start getting to work on practicing winning endgames.  I feel that its OK to do a few endgame lessons, but when it comes to playing real games over the board, the pressure is far more intense, especially when you are up against the clock.  I've included the analysis from Move 59 of where I went wrong in this game - with a 4 vs 3 pawn majority :) 

Won endgame only drawn!  

Breaking down the walls ...

I have attempted to solve many tactical puzzles over the years, where you are encouraged to look for ways to 'break through' the castled King's defenses through the city walls ... When you have at least two pieces aimed at the pawns around the castled enemy King, it is always worth trying to imagine what you could do once those pawns have been eliminated.  Ask yourself - what possible tactics can I try, after I've effectively broken in ... Here is the critical position that was reached during my game this evening. 

As you can see, there is a possibility of winning the g and f pawns for the Bishop, but how do you follow this up?  The key is to have a look at the remaining Black pieces to see what can potentially be exploited.  In this case, I could see that the Queen and the Bishop are lined up along the 7th rank, so effectively I get to skewer the Queen and the Bishop, meaning I win the Bishop back once the Queen moves .. !!  So the net result is two pawns profit ...   

Here is the beginning of this little combination ... it was considered a brilliancy by chess.com's analysis.  

Unfortunately after

22. Bxg6 fxg6

23. Rxg6+ Kh8

24. Rg7 

my opponent tried to counter with 24. ..Nd5? threatening my Queen, but this made the eval bar max out in my favour, because I can then counter again with Queen 25. Qe5!!  My opponent then resigned ... Here is the full game ... 

Caro-Kan

Grand Prix Attack - f7 pin

I find that, when playing the Grand Prix Attack as White, having the Bishop aiming at f7 is a very useful lever and establishes a pin.  In my recent online game, my opponent eventually dealt with the Bishop, but by then I had a slight initiative and managed to get a Queen and Rook battery. 

FIDE online chess arena   

Game against Sophia-BOT on chess.com leads to confinement!!

So, my latest mission is to beat Sophia-BOT on chess.com. This is so far proving to be a real challenge and I haven't managed it yet!! (Although I've managed to get two draws). In the latest 'drawn' game, I spent time at the end Reviewing the game using the analysis on chess.com, and it appears that if I'd played the ending correctly, I'd actually of won ... but instead my King was subjected to 'confinement' ..! If you are relatively new to chess, then the chances are that you won't have experienced this yet ...

Confinement

Confinement is a technique used by an enemy King to 'confine' your King to either the 'a' file or the 'h' file, normally when you are trying to promote a Rook's pawn. The problem is that, if you make an attempt to leave the 'a' file for the 'b' file, or the 'h' file for the 'g' file, leaving way for the pawn to promote, then the enemy King will make a beeline for the the "corner, promotion square" where they are guaranteed a draw. So, in summary, with accurate play there is no win for the side with a Rook's pawn if the enemy King is well placed enough to dive into the corner square where the pawn wants to be.

Game against Sophia-BOT (2300)

Mistake in the Endgame ...

Here is the mistake I made in the endgame. Instead of taking on h5, I should have actually played h4! This would have guaranteed a win.

Here is the continuation when playing for a win ...

c3 Sicilian - won endgame

So, just one small mistake in my last game on FIDE online, but the endgame was eventually won by Black here ... 

Here is a "c3 Sicilian" 

As usual, any comments welcome 

Budapest Gambit: Fajarowicz Variation - (Blitz Trap)

Although this particular version of the Fajarowicz can be easily refuted ... it's still a nice one to play when playing bullet or blitz 😀

Fajarowicz Variation - Trap 3

It also works if the White Knight was developed on c3 ... 😀

Budapest Gambit: Fajarowicz Variation - (Trap 2)

Here is situation where White is wary of Bishop b4+ and so they prevent that check with a3.  However they are still not aware that Black takes a massive lead in development by exchanging White's e-pawn for their d-pawn ... The result is decisive after White unwittingly develops their Knight to f3!!  

Fajarowicz Variation - (Trap 2)

Shockingly - White loses their Queen to two minor pieces ... !  

Budapest Gambit with offbeat continuation

Here is a nice offbeat lime from the Budapest Gambit ... Its great to play when your opponent is expecting you to play a standard Budapest Gambit variation and instead you pull the 'Fajarowicz variation' out of the drawer for novelty value 😋 I have to say, I'm a great fan and this variation is especially effective when White is unclear as to what they are doing ...  

Budapest Gambit: Fajarowicz Variation (basic)

Mate in 10 moves! 
 
Please send me your games and I will add them to the Blog ... 

Owens Defense leads to a win

I find that beginner chess players like to exchange piece a little too readily ... However, you have to be really careful when you exchange fianchettoed Bishops!  The reason for this, is because huge, light-squared or dark-squared holes (weaknesses) are left behind as a result of losing the fianchettoed Bishop.  So, if you are on your "chess learning journey", remember as a general rule to preserve your fianchettoed Bishops unless there is a very good or valid reason to exchange them ... !! 

Please add any interesting games (PGN) to the comments and I can publish them here on the blog ... 😀

A game of chess without ANY mistakes at last !!!

What was it Fischer said?   "All that matters on the chessboard is good moves".

So, here is a game of chess I played as Black recently, 'without' - I am pleased to report ANY mistakes or blunders - just good moves.  I've been aiming for this for quite some time so it was nice to play back the review on chess.com to finally get this nice result ... 

Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack

French Defense: Milner-Barry Gambit

I have researched a few lines in the Milner-Barry Gambit - and I can see that there is a chance to win a Bishop for two pawn in some lines.  I am currently investigating this line, which looks better for White ... It's worth noting that this opening arises out of the French Defense - Advanced Variation.  

French Defense: Milner-Barry Gambit (classic)

French Defense: Milner-Barry Gambit (variation)

French Defense: Trap (3) - Knight sacrifice

Bishop and Queen Mate

Here is a clever checkmate that White can use against the French Defense ... Might be worth remembering this sneaky Knight sacrifice ... !

French Defense: Trap (2) - Queen Sac!

Queen Sac

French Defense: Trap (1) for White to play

French Defense - Trap (1)

Here is an excellent, offbeat trap that White can use against the French Defense.   Obviously not everyone is going to fall for it ... but it's quite neat ... 

Francis 2300 BOT on chess.com ---> beaten

So, despite blundering my Queen in what should have been the final few moves of the game .. I still managed to win the two vs one pawn endgame 😆

My blunder was simply due to a lack of concentration ... but I knew that if I played the endgame correctly, I should win the it with a Knight's pawn.  However, if I'd only had a Rook's pawn left, then the game would have simply been drawn ... 

Greg_B against Francis 2300 on chess.com  

So 6 Master BOTS beaten and 4 left to play ... 😃

Game against Oscar 2100 BOT was a lucky win!

Oscar, a BOT on chess.com could have actually won my Queen in this game, however I wanted to practice resilience training - and to be honest I love a 'chess challenge' 😉  



In chess, and with a tactical mindset you should always be thinking about  sacrifice in any given position.  With the passed 'h' pawn I realised that on move 30. I could play Ng6+ (considered a Brilliancy from chess.com's analysis ... ) and either win the exchange or queen the pawn.  After I managed to queen the pawn - mate followed shortly afterwards.  What a wild game ... !!! 

Losing Queen may not be the end ...

 Here is a game where I overlooked my Queen getting trapped ... ! Oh Dear ... So when this happens, you have to take what you can get ... and psychologically you are actually in a better position than your opponent because you are 'already lost', and they are 'already won' ... However, there is an old adage in chess that I learnt back in 1995 ... and that is "You have to be able to win a won game" ... !!  This is easier said than done ...

When players are not as strong, they feel that they need to protect their second-most important asset - instead of going on the attack ... with her!  Big mistake ... and it costs games as in the following example, where, instead of getting their Queen trapped they got their King trapped ... which was a far worse outcome !! 

How to beat Arjun (2300) on chess.com

Arjun on chess.com

Arjun is very tricky, because although he plays very dubious and unconventional opening moves, he's tactically very strong.  In the game I managed to win, Arjun started by playing 1. ..a5 in response to my 1.e4 move, so I knew this didn't look right!  I think that to beat Arjun, you have to play very solidly and pick off a couple of his pawns ...

Once you have won the middlegame, the secret is not to become too passive when finishing him off, otherwise Arjun will find a way of 'swindling' you ... The endgame can be tricky, so keep your wits about you at all times ... In the game I played, I managed to cut Arjun's King off from his two passed pawns, to make it impossible for him march them forwards and create new Queens ... hence the win was simple after that.

Here is the game I played as White vs Arjun (2300)

I still maintain that my chess is improving from playing BOTs and plan to 'level up' to a 2450 BOT in the near future, which is presumably near GM strength? 

How to beat Fatima (2000) a BOT on chess.com

So today I played Fatima again, aware that I'd lost every game to her in the past ... Could I turn things around finally?  Well, it started off badly and I lost at least two games when she played her Scotch 'Terrorist Attack' against me, despite me blogging about this opening in the past!  

The question is - am I learning anything at all from these miserable defeats?  The answer is of course a resounding 'YES'!!  The computer analysis on chess.com will always advise you exactly where your first blunder, miss or mistake took place, in order for you to improve on it in your next game ... In this game on move 7, I kept thinking that taking the Knight on c6 was the correct move, but actually playing Knight b5 was much better ... The analysis showed me that Fatima actually blundered on the move after, by moving her Rook to b8 instead of her King to d8.   

Here is the game that I played after learning from the chess.com analysis ... 

The result of my efforts was 89.7% accuracy and a simple checkmate ... although I think I was fortunate that Fatima sacrificed her Queen in this game !!   

Kalashnikov Sicilian - "open 'g' file causes havoc!"

In this, my latest game on Fide Online Arena I managed a fairly decisive win. I got an early 'd5' pawn move in which is normally considered promising in the Sicilian ... My opponent had an opportunity to take on f5 but seemed to miss it?  So this resulted in an open 'g' file as in the following ... 

FIDE Online Arena - September 2025

Any comments are welcome ... !

Grand Prix win with King's assistance

It is worth noting here that, when Black overstretched I was able to get move the King into the game by covering the f3 square on move ? ...   It's definitely true to say that slightly less experienced players tend to forget that their King is both a defensive and an attacking piece ... !  So, always look at King moves and consider these seriously before moving your other pieces out of place ... 

    

Endgames: Distant Opposition

How can White maintain a draw in the following example?

The secret with 'the opposition', (when Kings fight each other for territory) is to maintain an odd number of squares between you and your opponent's King. 

So, in the following example ... What is the correct move for White? 

Show Solution

Solution: 1. Kg1! maintaining three squares (i.e. an odd number) between Kings

Beating Sakura's Petroff on chess.com

Here is a quick tutorial on how to beat Sakura-BOT on chess.com.  Obviously she's not the strongest BOT and makes mistakes ... therefore it's just a case of knowing how to capitalize on these.  I managed to gain a passed pawn in this game ... but at one stage I had her Bishop for three of my pawns. Remember, if you want to claim a valid and legitimate win, you must not seek out help or hints from the engine.  You must try and play unassisted ... ! 

Greg_b vs Sakura-BOT

I think that, if you follow the opening 5 -> 10 moves from my game, you will probably get a similar game, given that she always seems to play the same opening moves.  Give it a try ... ! 

Here's the conclusion ...
 

As usual, any comments welcome.  

Learning the Petroff (Analysis - Day 4)

Before I start the analysis for Day 3 - I have found a great 'Blitz trap' online that's worth learning ... I think for Rapid-play however, it's DEFINITELY unsound - 😏 

Remember only play this in a Bullet or Blitz game for novelty value ... 

Serious Game with Sakura-BOT

But now back to the game with the Bot.  I think I had a draw here, but I tried to keep the game going by playing Kc1 on move 52 instead of Ka2 - really I didn't want the draw!!!  However Sakura-BOT is too strong and wanted to show me that she's still the boss ...  😣

Learning the Petroff (Analysis - Day 3)

How did Fischer deal with the Petroff?  

Fischer vs Maciel German

Courtesy of Kingcrusher!  

Learning The Petroff (Analysis - Day 2)

 I am still trying to beat ... Sakura a 2200 rated Bot on chess.com that plays The Petroff.  I've been looking on youtube.com and I've found a slightly different approach that was demonstrated on the previous post. 

So instead of playing 5.d4 I am going to try and play 5.Nc3 to aim for a completely different game ... After Black captures the Knight on c3, the aim here is to recapture Black's Knight with the d pawn.  White eventually castles Queenside in some lines.  Let's see what happens when I play this against Sakura

Here is the game that I lost ... 👎




But at least I got to an endgame ... just couldn't work out how to win ... maybe I need to study this type of game a bit more to arrive at a concrete plan ... ?? 

Let's have another go ... 

Here is the analysis to get a draw against Sakura 😊

Beating Joseph Votto-BOT

I am not sure who Joseph Votto is in real life, but the BOT version of him was fun to play against ... 😋

Here is my game against him which was a French Defense ... 

He gave me too much space and I capitalized on it ... 

Learning the Petroff (Analysis - Day 1)

I am currently trying to beat Sakura, a Bot on chess.com who likes to play the Petroff as Black.  I have studied the Petroff when Black plays the Stafford Gambit line, however I’m not so sure about the line that Sakura plays and how to break it?  Here is the classic Petroff position after the first few moves of the opening.  

As can be seen, Black has an annoyingly solid Knight on e4, which is difficult to dislodge.  I am going through chess.com analysis to check the best move for White here in an attempt to learn something!  

Petroff Analysis - 1
Classic Petroff

Ahmed (2200) Bot on chess.com beaten with White

Here is a game against Ahmed a bot on chess.com - He sac'ed his Queen for a minor piece and a Rook?

I was just in time, as he had 4 pawns for my Rook !!  

Beating Noam (2200) from chess.com

I played Black and Noam seemed to just give up a piece??  

I find that the reviews are excellent on chess.com - I managed a rating of 81.8% accuracy, but should strive for better ... !  

I played Noam with the Black pieces but will try with the White pieces tomorrow ... 

Beating Nora (2200) from chess.com with Black

Here is my win against Nora today with the Black pieces.  



As my son mentioned, she likes to bring her Queen out early - so you just need to ward off the transparent threats and quietly develop.  Easy.😉

Beating Nora (2200) again with the White Pieces

Here is another game from my son against Nora - a 2200 bot on chess.com 
He got another win !!!  




He loves the Kings Gambit ... :)

Grand Prix Attack - skewer leads to win!

Here is a simple win where the Bishop effectively gets skewered to the Queen ... 

I now need to analyse the game, as I suspect I went wrong somewhere in the opening ... So even after a win you should still strive for better ... !

 

Transpose to what you already know!!

It didn't take too long for me to realise that in this game, I could easily transpose from a routine Scotch Game into a "Scotch Blumenfeld Attack" ... !!

Obviously Black forgot about his dark-squared Bb4+ resource ... which I was expecting early on TBH. 


Here is a VERY simple game with an early resignation, as I can probably save my Knight on a8 ... 

Admittedly it helps for me to stick to what I already know, so I wanted to try and steer towards a Blumenfeld attack 'IF' there was a strong possibility of this event occurring ...   !

Modern Defence Trap

Here is a great trap I recently learnt online when Black plays The Modern Defence ...

As Black, you either lose your Queen in two possible ways - or you get mated!   

The Endgame Is Not a Bore: A Study Plan for Tactical Endgames

Welcome back, fellow tacticians! Many players view the endgame as a slow, technical grind—a phase where tactics take a backseat to dry, positional maneuvers. This is a dangerous misconception. In fact, endgames are full of explosive tactical opportunities that can turn a lost position into a draw, or a small advantage into a crushing win.

Today, we're going to change your perspective on the endgame. We'll explore the unique tactical motifs that define this phase of the game and provide you with a structured study plan to sharpen your endgame killer instinct !! 😃

The King Is Now a Tactical Piece

The most significant change in the endgame is the role of the king. No longer a piece to be protected at all costs, the king becomes a powerful attacking and defending unit. Its ability to create threats and participate in tactical combinations is a core element of endgame play. An active king can:

• Support a passed pawn: Escorting a pawn to promotion.

• Attack opponent's pawns: Creating a new weakness or winning material.

• Participate in tactical forks and skewers: The king's presence can create double attacks that win the game.

Essential Endgame Tactical Motifs

While many tactical themes from the middlegame (like forks and pins) still apply, the endgame introduces several unique motifs that every aspiring tactician must master:

• Pawn Breakthroughs: Sacrificing a pawn (or two!) to create a new, unstoppable passed pawn. These combinations can be deep and surprising. The pawn breakthrough is perhaps the most quintessential endgame tactic.

• Zugzwang: This is the most famous endgame motif. It's a position where any move a player makes leads to a worse position. Being able to spot a zugzwang and maneuver your opponent into it is the hallmark of a strong endgame player.

• King Opposition: The strategic maneuver of placing your king directly opposite your opponent's king with an odd number of squares in between. This is often used to restrict the enemy king or gain a key tempo.

• The Power of Passed Pawns: A passed pawn is a potential queen, and tactics revolve around its advance and the opponent's attempts to stop it. This includes sacrifices to clear a path or create a diversion.

• Stalemate Tricks: In a losing position, a tactical player can use stalemate as a life-saving resource. This often involves sacrificing pieces to create a position where the opponent's king is not in check but has no legal moves.

---

Your Endgame Tactical Study Plan

Don't just watch videos or read books—you need to actively practice these concepts. Here is a five-stage study plan to transform your endgame skills.

Stage 1: The Fundamentals (Rating 0-1000)

Your first goal is to master the absolute basics. Without this foundation, the rest of the plan is useless.

1. King & Pawn vs. King: Learn how to win with a lone king and pawn. Master the "rule of the square" and the concept of opposition.

2. Basic Mates: Know how to checkmate with a queen and a rook against a lone king. This is a non-negotiable skill.

3. Rook & King vs. King: Learn the "bridge" technique (Lucena Position) for winning and the "fence" (Philidor Position) for drawing. These are the most common and important endgame concepts.

• Study Resources: The Lichess and Chess.com endgame lessons are perfect for this. They are interactive and will test you on the fundamental positions.

Stage 2: Pawn Endgames (Rating 1000-1400)

Pawn endgames are the purest form of calculation. Mastering them will dramatically improve your tactical vision.

1. Key Squares: Learn about key squares—the squares that a king must occupy to win a pawn endgame.

2. Passed Pawns: Study pawn breakthroughs and how to create and stop a passed pawn.

3. Famous Studies: Explore classic puzzles that showcase tactical endgame ideas. The Réti endgame study is a perfect example of a paradoxical king maneuver. A quick search will show you how White's king appears to chase a pawn from afar but instead targets both pawns at once.

• Study Resources: "Silman's Complete Endgame Course" is a fantastic book that categorizes endgames by rating level, making it easy to know what to study next.

Stage 3: Minor Piece Endgames (Rating 1400-1800)

Now you'll add knights and bishops to the mix, where a deeper understanding of piece coordination and unique tactical motifs becomes key.

1. Bishop vs. Knight: Learn the strengths and weaknesses of each piece. For instance, a knight can fork a king and another piece, while a bishop can skewer pieces from a distance.

2. Same-Color Bishop Endgames: Understand why these are often drawn and the tactical ideas that can turn a position into a win (e.g., creating two weak pawns).

3. Knight vs. Pawn Endgames: These are full of forks and surprising traps. Practice puzzles where a lone knight must stop a pawn or where a knight must escape a trap.

• Study Resources: "Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual" is the undisputed bible of endgame theory, but it's a dense read. Use it as a reference for specific topics as you encounter them in your games. Online tools like Chessable's "100 Endgames You Must Know" are also great.

Stage 4: Rook Endgames (Rating 1800-2200)

Rook endgames are the most common and arguably the most difficult to master. They are full of tactical subtleties.

1. Cutting Off the King: Learn how to use your rook to restrict the enemy king, a key principle of rook endgames.

2. Rook Lifts and Back-Rank Attacks: The ability to lift a rook to the 7th rank for a devastating attack or back-rank check is a critical tactical skill.

3. Rook vs. Pawns: Study situations where a rook has to fight against multiple pawns, a classic endgame tactical puzzle.

• Study Resources: "Endgame Strategy" by Mikhail Shereshevsky is an excellent book that focuses on the plans and ideas behind the moves, not just the technical details.

Stage 5: Endgame Master (Rating 2200+)

At this level, you are not just learning, but refining your knowledge. You'll be ready to tackle the complexities of Queen endgames and the most difficult studies.

1. Advanced Queen Endgames: These are extremely complex and tactical, often involving perpetual check, pawn races, and king attacks.

2. Endgame Studies: Solve composed endgame studies (like the Saavedra Position) that challenge your calculation and creativity to the limit. These positions are specifically designed to test your understanding of unexpected tactical resources.

• Study Resources: Continue to work through "Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual" and play through the endgames of Grandmaster games. Analyze a game by a legendary endgame player like Capablanca or Karpov and try to understand the tactical and positional ideas behind their every move.

By following this plan, you'll discover that endgames are not just about technique—they are about a different kind of tactical play, one that requires patience, foresight, and a keen eye for the unexpected. Start today, and you'll find that the game of chess is just beginning when the pieces start to disappear.

Choosing Your Weapon Against 1.e4: A Guide for Black

Welcome back to The Chess Tactician! Today, we're shifting our focus from the white side of the board to the black. For many players, the biggest strategic decision of a game is made on move one. When your opponent opens with the most common move in chess, 1.e4, what's your response?

This seemingly simple question opens up a world of strategic possibilities. Choosing the right opening for Black isn't just about memorizing a few lines; it's about finding a system that fits your playing style, whether you prefer solid, tactical, or aggressive positions. Let's break down some of the most popular responses and weigh their pros and cons.

1. The Classical Response: 1...e5

The most traditional and arguably most logical response to 1.e4 is 1...e5. This move immediately challenges White's control of the center and mirrors White's pawn structure.

• Pros:

  • Fundamental: Leads to classic, open positions that are excellent for learning core chess principles like central control, development, and king safety.

  • Variety: This move can lead to a huge number of different openings, including the Ruy Lopez, Italian Game, and Scotch Game, giving you flexibility to steer the game in a direction you like.

  • Soundness: Historically, 1...e5 has been considered the most principled reply. It avoids allowing White to immediately dominate the center and keeps the game on a firm strategic footing.

• Cons:

  • Theory-Heavy: The main lines of openings like the Ruy Lopez are incredibly deep. You'll need to invest significant time to master the nuances and common tactical motifs.

  • Tactical Traps: In less common lines, particularly against the King's Gambit or the Scotch Gambit, you can find yourself in difficult positions if you don't know the proper defenses.

2. The Sicilian Defense: 1...c5

After 1...e5, the Sicilian Defense is the most popular and feared response. It's a hyper-modern approach that immediately creates an asymmetrical position.

• Pros:

  • Unbalancing: The Sicilian immediately takes the game out of the symmetrical, open positions of 1...e5 and into a strategically complex and dynamic game. This is perfect if you want to play for a win.

  • Fighting Chance: Black often has excellent counter-attacking chances, and the positions can be very sharp and tactical.

  • Flexibility: The Sicilian has many variations (Najdorf, Dragon, Scheveningen, Sveshnikov) which allow you to specialize in a system that suits your style.

• Cons:

  • White's Attack: White has many aggressive options against the Sicilian, such as the 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Open Sicilian, which can lead to complex and dangerous attacks against Black's king.

  • Theory-Intensive: Just like 1...e5, the Sicilian Defense is a vast ocean of theory. You will need to know many main lines and sidelines to avoid being out-prepared by a well-read opponent.

3. The French Defense: 1...e6

The French Defense is a solid, positional opening that prepares to challenge White's central control on the next move.

• Pros:

  • Solidity: The French Defense is known for creating robust pawn structures and minimizing the risk of a quick tactical knockout.

  • Asymmetry: Like the Sicilian, it immediately creates an asymmetrical position, often leading to a closed or semi-closed game where strategic plans are paramount.

  • Good for Positional Players: If you prefer patient, strategic games over tactical melees, the French Defense is an excellent choice.

• Cons:

  • The "Bad" Bishop: The biggest drawback of the French Defense is the 'problem' light-squared bishop on c8. It is often hemmed in by Black's own pawn on e6 and can be difficult to develop effectively.

  • Passive at First: Black's setup can be passive in the early stages, giving White a space advantage. You must be prepared to defend and wait for your counterplay to materialize.

4. The Caro-Kann Defense: 1...c6

A close relative to the French Defense, the Caro-Kann is another solid, semi-closed opening that focuses on a strong pawn structure.

• Pros:

  • Pawn Structure: The Caro-Kann aims for a classic pawn triangle (d5, e6, c6) that is very difficult for White to break down.

  • Bishop Freedom: Unlike the French Defense, the Caro-Kann's light-squared bishop is not hemmed in and can be developed easily.

  • Safety: It is generally considered a safer and less tactical option than the Sicilian, leading to solid positions and fewer sharp attacks in the early game.

• Cons:

  • Less Counterplay: The Caro-Kann's solidity often comes at the cost of immediate counter-attacking chances. Black's positions can be more passive and require careful maneuvering.

  • White's Space Advantage: As with the French, White often gets a space advantage in the center. Black must be patient and look for opportunities to chip away at it.

Conclusion: Find Your Style

Ultimately, the "best" response to 1.e4 is the one that best suits your individual playing style.

• For the ambitious, tactical player: The Sicilian Defense is your fighting weapon.

• For the classicist who values sound principles: 1...e5 and its rich history await.

• For the patient, positional player: The French and Caro-Kann are your steady, reliable choices.

Whatever you choose, remember that the most important thing is to understand the core ideas and plans behind the opening. Dive into the theory, play some games, and find the 1... move that you feel most confident about.

What's your go-to response to 1.e4? Let us know in the comments below!

Learning an Opening as White

🎯 Choose Your Opening

First, you need to pick an opening. Don't try to learn everything at once. Choose one opening and stick with it. It's often best to start with an opening that's popular and well-established. For example, as White, you might choose to play the Ruy Lopez (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5) or the Queen's Gambit Declined (1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6). These openings have a rich history, are strategically sound, and have been tested by the best players in the world.

Once you have a general idea, consider what kind of position you want to play. Do you prefer open, tactical games or closed, positional battles? The Ruy Lopez, for instance, often leads to complex, strategic positions, while the Scotch Game (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4) tends to be more open and tactical.

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📖 Master the Main Ideas

Instead of memorizing a long series of moves, focus on understanding the main goals and plans of your opening. Why do you make certain moves? What are you trying to achieve?

• Pawn Structure: How does the pawn structure change? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your pawns and your opponent's?

• Piece Development: Where do your pieces belong? Do you want to put your knight on c3 or d2? Where is the best square for your bishop?

• Key Squares: What are the most important squares on the board for you and your opponent?

• Common Tactics: What are the typical tactical motifs in this opening? Think about pins, forks, and discovered attacks.

For example, in the Queen's Gambit Declined, White's main goal is to challenge Black's control of the center and exploit the weakness of the d5-pawn. The plan often involves a minority attack on the queenside or a kingside expansion.

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♟️ Utilize Modern Tools

Gone are the days when you could only study openings with books (although I still have a vast collection at my disposal, and still refer to them 😜).  Now, we have amazing resources at our fingertips.

• Databases: Use a chess database like Lichess or ChessBase to look at grandmaster games. This will show you the most popular and successful moves, and you'll see how top players handle the opening.

• Opening Explorer: These tools let you see a tree of moves and the win/loss percentages for each. This can help you find promising sidelines or a response to an unusual move by your opponent.

• Engine Analysis: Don't rely on engines too much, but they can be a useful tool for checking your analysis and finding mistakes. Use an engine to understand why a certain move is good or bad, but don't just blindly follow the engine's top recommendation.

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🧠 Practice and Review

The best way to learn an opening is to play it.

• Blitz and Rapid Games: Play a lot of shorter games. This will help you get a feel for the opening and its common positions. Don't worry about winning or losing; the goal is to practice.

• Annotate Your Games: After you've played a game, go back and analyze it. Where did you go wrong? What did you forget? Where did you make a mistake in the opening? This is the most crucial step in learning.

• Create Your Own Opening File: Keep a document or a study on Lichess where you can save the main lines and your own analysis. Add your own thoughts and discoveries. This will help you to remember what you have learned and to have a reference for future study.

Remember, learning an opening is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and effort. But by following these steps, you'll be well on your way to becoming a master of your chosen opening. Good luck! ♟️

Grand Prix Attack - easily winning

The Grand Prix Attack can be a very tricky opening to deal with for the uninitiated.  Here is the end position when I was White and it was my move ...  My opponent resigned on the spot ... 

Actually - I was convincingly losing this game as early as move 10 according to the engine !!!  

The e5 pawn turned out to be a challenging unit for Black to deal with - and all my piece swooped down on the Kingside ...

Here is the full game .. 

   

Probability of this game having ever have been played before?

Fun Fact:  In summary, the likelihood of a chess position after 23 moves for both White and Black having occurred before is for all practical purposes zero. The number of possible games and positions is so vast that every game played is essentially a unique creation.

I find this quite astonishing! 

Two wins - each in 8 moves ... !

Here are two examples where tactics one the day - very rapidly ... !!  

The first game is a Budapest Defense with a Smothered Mate Trap:

Game (1)



It's also worth mentioning that chess.com rates my performance 100% ! 

The second game is an example of a Discovered Attack: 

Game (2)

Admittedly, these wins were against weaker opponents, however I had a third win against a player who was appreciatively higher graded than me on FIDE Online Arena.  This theme was The Trapped Piece



Game (3)

So, if you are tactically minded, you will naturally be searching for patterns, or ways of creating those patterns and traps that your opponent might easily fall into unwittingly.  It's easy when you know how! 


   







  

  

A Champion's Checklist: How to Prepare for a Chess Tournament

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The thrill of a chess tournament is unlike anything else. But to perform your best when it counts, it's not enough to just be good at chess. You need a comprehensive preparation strategy that covers every aspect of your game—from your opening repertoire to your physical and mental state.

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1. The Chess-Specifics: Sharpening Your Skills ♟️

• Don't Cram: The most common mistake players make is trying to learn new openings or complex theories a week before a tournament. Instead, focus on what you already know. Go over your existing repertoire, and make sure you're confident in the main lines and typical plans.

• Tactics, Tactics, Tactics: Regularly solving tactical puzzles is the single best way to stay sharp. It's the chess equivalent of a warm-up. A few days before the event, solve puzzles you know are within your skill level to build confidence and get your brain into a tactical mindset.

• Revisit Your Past Games: Analyze your recent tournament games to identify recurring weaknesses. Did you struggle in a particular type of endgame? Do you consistently get a bad position from a certain opening? This is your chance to address those issues.

• Endgame Essentials: Many games are decided in the endgame. Make sure you have a solid grasp of fundamental endgames like king and pawn vs. king, or basic rook endgames. A single pawn can be the difference between a win and a draw.

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2. The Mental Game: Mind over Matter 🧠

• Set Realistic Goals: Are you aiming to win the tournament, or simply improve your rating? Do you want to try out a new opening or just play solid chess? Having clear, achievable goals will help you manage expectations and reduce anxiety.

• Practice with a Clock: If you're used to playing online with quick time controls, be sure to practice with a real clock under the same time controls as the tournament. This will help you get comfortable with the pressure of the ticking clock and prevent time trouble.

• Stay Calm and Focused: Develop a routine to manage stress. This could be anything from a pre-game walk to a few minutes of deep breathing or meditation. During the game, if you feel overwhelmed, take a brief walk away from the board to clear your head.

• Let Go of the Past: It's easy to get discouraged after a loss or a blunder. The key is to forget about it immediately and focus on the next game. Dwelling on a bad result will only hurt your performance in the rounds to come.

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3. The Physical Side: A Strong Body, a Strong Mind 🏃‍♂️

• Get Your Rest: Tournament chess can be physically and mentally draining, with long games and multiple rounds a day. Ensure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night in the days leading up to and during the tournament.

• Eat and Hydrate Smart: A hungry or dehydrated mind is an easily distracted one. Pack light, energy-boosting snacks like nuts or fruit, and bring plenty of water. Avoid heavy meals before a game, as they can make you feel sluggish.

• Physical Activity: Regular exercise, even a short walk before a game, can improve blood flow to the brain and help you stay alert and focused for the long hours at the board.

By following this comprehensive approach, you'll be well on your way to a successful and enjoyable tournament experience!

Chess: A Guide to Life's Great Game

Beyond the checkered board, the timeless game of chess offers more than just a battle of wits. It's a crucible for developing essential life skills, a mental gymnasium that sharpens the mind and provides a unique advantage in the real world. At The Chess Tactician, we believe the lessons learned from a well-played game can translate into a life well-lived.

So, what are these hidden benefits, and what advantages does a person who plays chess well truly have?

Life Skills Forged on the Chessboard:

1. Strategic Thinking and Planning: Every move in chess is a part of a larger plan. Players learn to think several steps ahead, anticipate their opponent's responses, and formulate long-term strategies. This skill is invaluable in business, project management, and personal goal-setting. You learn to visualize the endgame and work backward, meticulously planning each step.

2. Patience and Perseverance: A single game can last for hours, and victory often requires immense patience. You learn to wait for the right moment to strike, to endure a difficult position, and to not give up even when things look bleak. This resilience is a superpower in a world that often demands instant gratification.

3. Problem-Solving and Critical Analysis: Chess is a continuous series of complex puzzles. Each turn presents a new challenge: "How do I defend this attack?" "What's the best way to exploit this weakness?" Players learn to deconstruct problems, analyze variables, and choose the most effective solution from a myriad of possibilities.

4. Empathy and Perspective-Taking: To play well, you must constantly ask, "If I were my opponent, what would I do next?" This requires you to step into their shoes, understand their perspective, and predict their intentions. This skill translates directly to better communication, negotiation, and building stronger relationships in all areas of life.

5. Decision-Making Under Pressure: In a tense endgame with the clock ticking, you have to make crucial decisions with incomplete information. Chess teaches you to stay calm under pressure, to trust your instincts, and to make the best possible choice with the resources you have.

The Chess Player's Advantage:

A person who knows how to play chess well possesses a powerful, often subtle, advantage in life. They are more likely to:

• Approach challenges with a calm, analytical mindset: They see problems not as insurmountable obstacles, but as puzzles to be solved.

• Exhibit superior foresight: They can anticipate the long-term consequences of their actions and make choices that lead to better outcomes.

• Bounce back from setbacks more effectively: They understand that a single loss is not the end of the game, and that a mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve.

• Think more creatively and outside the box: The vast number of possible moves in a game encourages flexible and imaginative thinking.

• Have a greater sense of discipline and self-control: They have trained their minds to focus and to resist impulsive actions.

So, the next time you sit down for a game, remember you’re not just moving pieces; you're building a foundation for a lifetime of strategic success.

Ready to gain your advantage? Check out our latest tactics puzzles and strategy guides on this Blog!

Chess: The Ultimate Mental Workout 🧠

Chess isn't just a game; it's a powerful tool for cognitive enhancement that can sharpen your mind in numerous ways. From improving your memory to boosting your strategic thinking, the benefits of playing chess extend far beyond the chessboard.

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Sharpen Your Tactical & Strategic Thinking

At its core, chess is a game of tactics & strategy. Every move you make, you must consider its short-term & long-term implications and anticipate your opponent's responses. This constant forward-thinking trains your brain to plan meticulously and evaluate different scenarios, a skill invaluable in everyday life, from career planning to problem-solving.

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Boost Your Memory and Concentration

Playing chess requires an incredible amount of focus and memory. You have to remember a vast number of openings, middle-game plans, and endgame techniques. Simultaneously, you must remain highly concentrated on the board, as a single lapse in focus can lead to a catastrophic mistake. This rigorous mental exercise strengthens your ability to concentrate for extended periods and recall complex information.

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Enhance Your Creative Problem-Solving

While chess is a logical game, it also demands immense creativity. When faced with a difficult position, you often have to find an unconventional or surprising solution to break through. This process of generating novel ideas under pressure encourages a creative mindset, teaching you to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to problems.

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Improve Your Decision-Making Skills

In chess, every decision matters. You must quickly analyze the pros and cons of each move and make the best choice with a limited amount of time. This continuous practice in weighing options and making decisive choices under pressure hones your judgment and risk assessment skills, empowering you to make better decisions in all aspects of your life.

So, next time you're looking for a way to improve your mental acuity, consider picking up a chessboard. It's a fun and challenging way to give your brain the workout it deserves! ♟️

Online Chess Addiction

Beware:  Addiction to online chess may well damage your grades …. !! 

This is nothing new, but many of us improving chess players want to see a massive growth in our online chess grades (either Blitz, Bullet or Rapid-play formats) in as little time as possible.  Sure … if chess is the only thing you do all day, then you may well see the sort of gains most of us can only dream of, but the reality for most of us, is that we have a day job.  

It’s great to look forward to a game or two in the evenings, as long as we promise to focus on the game itself, and not just the outcome!  (After all, we learn more from our losses than our wins).  

Over the last two decades, I found that being continually distracted by my online grade and whether it was going up or not, did my chess no good at all!  In fact, this kind of attitude can lead to addiction issues … such that we “chase our grade” even when we are tired and unlikely to beat players hundreds of ELO points below us … 

On top of this, I am sure that addiction may well lead to disillusionment.  How many players have simply quit chess after a bad losing streak??  

The Reality … 

Being a chess addict myself in the past … I had to completely re-evaluate my approach when I realised:  

a) The number of games played has no correlation to a grade increase 

b) I could not maintain the required concentration levels over sustained periods and needed to take more breaks … (meaning I normally won my first 5 games and lost my second five).  

c) My grade went down instead of up!! 

Correcting the problem 

So, to deal with the issue, you to adopt a pragmatic approach and become very disciplined:  

Step 1) Play fewer games:  Up to 5 in one sitting.  

Step 2) Be sure to analyse lost games (a necessary evil) 

Step 3) Try and enjoy chess for what it is … a tactical and strategic battle … NOT a grade levelling up game … like console games 

Step 4) Study more games played by the masters / today’s professionals to see what they do differently … 

Step 5) Consider getting a chess tutor and spend as much time learning as playing!  

Here is an interesting article on Chess Addiction for those who might be interested … 

Finally… remember, ‘chess improvement’ is more likely to be a marathon and not a sprint!!  Addiction, in order to improve rapidly is normally more harmful than good!