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Alekhine’s Defense: Is It Right For You?
An Offbeat Opening Against The King’s Pawn Opening Alekhine’s Defense is an opening choice which Black can play against 1. e4, characterized by Black replying with 1. …Nf6. Named after the fourth world chess champion Alexander Alekhine. The move was introduced by him at an important tournament in Budapest in 1921. Back then, it must have been quite a surprise... -
King's Pawn Opening: What To Know Before You Use It
The e Pawn vs. the d Pawn The player with the White pieces makes the first move in chess. Therefore, they are tasked with making the first decision about the character of the battle to follow, and often the King's Pawn Opening is the choice! The two most popular first moves for White at all levels are 1. e4 (the... -
Choosing the Perfect Chess Clock for You
In our modern society, we all have many demands made upon us, and keeping control involves efficient use of our time. Chess clocks allow you to be more productive with your chess training and make you a better player. Before bullet chess, speed was not as important in chess. However, since the introduction of bullet chess, blitz and rapid has become slow games. -
Why The Chess Middlegame Can Take You To The Next Level
The Importance Of The Middlegame This post is all about taking your Chess Middlegame to the next level. Specifically - which area of the game to give your focus in order to get the most “bang for your buck” when it comes to time spent vs. increase in rating. Of course, every chess player is different. But for most players... -
Making Use of Draws in Chess
Chess is similar to test cricket in that draws are an accepted part of the game. The main difference is that in chess, draws are reached in hours, but in test cricket, they are reached after days of play. In both instances, the play leading to the draw is valued and enjoyed. The advantage can swing from one side to the other. -
The King's Indian Defense - Is It The Right One for You?
A Combative Black Chess Opening Against 1. d4 Are you an aggressive, attacking chess player? Maybe you love playing an Open Sicilian (such as the Sicilian Sveshnikov, Sicilian Dragon, or Sicilian Najdorf) when White plays 1. e4. But if White instead chooses to push the queen's pawn on move one, you need another way of playing with the Black pieces... -
Ravage and Reap Rewards With Rooks in Chess
Rooks in chess are known as major pieces and, like the queen, are excellent for attacking and defending. All chess players must learn to balance attack and defense with their rooks. Fortunately, getting more from your rooks is not tricky. There are guiding principles to help you use the rooks in chess to their fullest potential. -
Modern Defense
Return to the basics with the Modern Defense, and you will get a defense that works against virtually every opening move by White. The Modern Defense is a simple, robust, dynamic chess opening leading to exciting games. We got so enamored with openings and caught up in all the glitz and glamor of intricate variations, but at their essence, openings are about reaching a playable middlegame.