GM Misa Pap - tag

1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 c6… The moment you play the 3…c6 move – you enter the realm of Czech Defense. The c6/d6 setup gives unmatchable solidarity to Black’s position. You don’t have to commit to any particular structure yet. And do get creative with your pawn breaks and the queen.

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 b5… That’s one of around 30 ways to reach the Blumenfeld Gambit – a peculiar position where Black is ready to sacrifice a pawn and gain massive central control in return.

Fantasy Variation vs. Caro-Kann? Caro-Kann is easily one of the most solid defenses Black can come up with. Almost ZERO holes in the position. But great chess players say, when there exist no holes, you must poke… and create them.

g4 Gambit vs. Philidor? This is the position. Just where the Pirc Defense morphs into the Philidor Defense…