Studying the Endgame
I wrote a few weeks ago about spending more time on endgame study. This week, GM Davies responded to a reader on his Facebook wall that instead of buying a book on the 2. b3 Sicilian, he should study...
View ArticleMating with Knight and Bishop
Last week, I shared some of my thoughts on endgame mastery for improving chess players. I mentioned that learning the ending for Knight and Bishop against lone king could wait, since it occurs...
View ArticleTwo Pawn Advantage, Not Enough?!
With minor piece endgames, sometimes what appears to be sufficient material for a win is actually insufficient. Have a quick look at the position below. Most of us improvers would likely conclude that...
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Argumentative Souls
I’ve been writing a review of two related ChessBase DVDs by GM Daniel King. Their both on the Najdorf Variation of the Sicilian Defense. There is a lot of discussion about making the e5 and or d5 pawn...
View ArticleAn Example of a Priyome
I wrote a recent column on priyomes. This is a Russian concept for strategic positions that recur frequently. They include not just static structure (i.e., the positions of the pawns and pieces) but...
View ArticleA Simple Slip, A Ferocious Attack
I was watching Nigel’s DVD for ChessBase on the Exchange Variation of the Queen’s Gambit Declined. This is one of my favorite ChessBase DVDs. Rather than focusing on long variations, this is a DVD that...
View Article“Satisficing” as a Strategy for Rapid Games
I played a rapid game bright and early this AM. I was up by 6:30 AM and playing before 7AM. My opponent and I were pretty much equally rated. I’ve been watching Nigel’s ChessBase video on the QGD...
View ArticleCapablanca and Bishop Immobilization
Capablanca’s games are an excellent study for intermediate players who want to improve their game. His endgame skill is legendary. His positional judgment is also highly regarded. One positional motif...
View ArticleImitation, The Sincerest Form of Flattery
There is an old adage among writers. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Copying your opponent’s moves in the opening is well-known as a poor strategy. It’s common enough among novices and...
View ArticlePlaying Against The Isolated Queen’s Pawn
GM Ben Finegold delivers a very interesting lecture on the strategic ideas behind the Isolated Queen’s Pawn to advanced students at Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis. He starts by...
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