TCW Academy

Rossolimo Attack: Black does not play the Sicilian to play the meek lamb against White’s e4. It’s getting ready for some action. Then he plays the knight to c6, grabbing the exact squares that White’s f3-knight is trying to control. Oops! It’s not going to be easy it seems.

Tactics Manual for Beginners: Seeing no improvement in your game? Or maybe even after hours of studying openings, your rating still refuses to budge? Tell me, do you find it hard to see winning opportunities on the board? Do you often end up drawing even a won game? Do your opponents usually land a “surprise” […]

Positions with Imbalances: Most club players think that ‘imbalances’ is an advanced concept that only Grandmasters understand. It can’t be further from the truth. Imbalance simply means that the material on the board isn’t equal.

Wing Gambit: Sicilian Defense is one of the most common responses against 1.e4. So, if you play 1.e4 you really have two options…  

Budapest Gambit: Are you looking for an opening against 1.d4 that… Leads to fast and furious attacks by Black. Check. Avoids your opponent’s home preparation and pet lines. Check. Prevents drawish and boring play. Check.

Looking for a very sharp opening with White pieces? FM Viktor Neustroev recommends… Max Lange Attack. This is a perfect choice for attacking players that will always keep your opponent on their toes. And if they don’t know the theory the game will lead straight to a HUGE upset! ***

Scandinavian Defense: Need a low-theory, and a simple-to-play response to 1.e4? FM Viktor Neustroev recommends one of the oldest and most well-tested openings… the Scandinavian Defense.

Here’s a fun fact. Fischer beat Reuben Fine in a friendly game in just 17 moves. Opening used? Evans Gambit. Fine later said Black’s job gets more difficult in this opening since you can’t play …d6 or give up a pawn to gain equality.

Are you looking for a serious upgrade to your anti-1.d4 repertoire? If you play Queen’s Gambit Declined (QGD) with black pieces I have great news for you. FM Zaur Tekeyev is here to present a trendy novelty when it comes to QGD! ***  

Trompowsky Attack: Are you a 1.d4 player? Tired of Black knowing all the White’s plans and shifting gears into Slav, Nimzo, King’s Indian… resulting in slow, impossible-to-win positions?