Academy

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!

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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!

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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.