The Initiative Masterclass with IM Bence Szabo

IM Bence Szabo…

Much like in boxing, chess is not about going into a wild fit of attacking blows or covering your head while cowering in a corner…

What’s it about then?

It’s about CONTROL.

It’s about not letting your opponent breathe for a second…

It’s about making every move build to consistent threats…

It’s less about prophylaxis but more about paralysis.

It’s called taking the initiative where you call the shots and your opponent passively responds to them.

Watch a few games of Bronstein, Keres or Kasparov, and you will understand what initiative means.

Initiative is a double-edge sword though.

Do it right, and you can end the game with a swift, clever combination that is being talked for ages.

Do it wrong, and your opponent’s material advantage stares you right in the eye.

So, what is the right way to take the initiative in chess?

In his latest course The Initiative Masterclass, IM Bence Szabo is here to teach you exactly that—starting from how to sense the “moment” to trading material for development…

He goes through some of the best games by the most aggressive players in chess history, and dissects them move by move to find out the key factors behind a great initiative.

This is not merely a course. It’s around 10-hours journey.

Here’s what you will learn:

• Sense the moment. To be good at tactics, you have to smell them from miles away…like Fischer did when he sacrificed his queen against Byrne. Szabo shows you how to do that through 3 games of his choice.
• “I don’t give a damn!” That’s what you say to your opponent’s threat because you know what, your threat is faster and deadlier than his. Remember, taking the initiative is when you act and your opponent reacts.
• Never let it slack. Many a lower-rated player launch an attack too early, which fizzles out in the next few moves. If you grab the initiative, don’t let it go. Szabo shows you how it is not about attacking on every move but a fight in time instead.
• Draw him out in the open. Let’s make one thing clear. If you could draw the enemy king out in the center, even by sacrificing a few pieces, do know you are winning… almost every time. Master this technique by studying two of the best games of Nezhmetdinov in Chapter 6.
• Break through the center. Unless you open up the center, your pieces can never release their full potential. Look for holes in your opponent’s position. Once you see any, it’s time get those central pawns ready for action.

Here’s the thing though.

If you are more of a defensive player, this course is NOT for you. However, if you want to keep your opponent dancing on his toes on every move, you will love this.

Every chapter tackles a new concept, with 17 chapters in total.

Every video will range from 30-40 minutes—neither too long to lose your attention nor too short to lack substance.

Study this course for the next couple of days, do the exercises and see your rating skyrocket in the next few months.

Outline:

• Chapter 1. Sensing The Moment
• Chapter 2. Keeping Up The Momentum
• Chapter 3. Ignoring The Threat
• Chapter 4. Fight for The Initiative
• Chapter 5. Developing The Attack
• Chapter 6. King in the Center
• Chapter 7. Breakthrough in the Center
• Chapter 8. The Castled King
• Chapter 9. The Battering Ram I
• Chapter 10. The Battering Ram II
• Chapter 11. Pawn Structure Sacrifices
• Chapter 12. Sacrifice for Development
• Chapter 13. Typical Attacking Themes I
• Chapter 14. Typical Attacking Themes II
• Chapter 15. Typical Attacking Themes III
• Chapter 16. Typical Attacking Themes IV
• Chapter 17. Intuitive Sacrifice

Meet the Author

IM Bence Szabo [2406 FIDE]

Is a Hungarian International Master and an active tournament player. Bence previously held National and European Youth Champion’s title. IM Szabo has over 10 years of coaching experience with some of his top students becoming National Champions in different age categories and claiming various international norms and titles. Bence works as a head coach in one of the largest chess schools in Hungary. He has worked with multiple medal-winning Olympic Grandmasters and other top talents.