Chess Based Website
An old but interesting book by GM Pal Benko (1928-2019). I’m by no means an expert in psychology, but my experience as a chess player and coach has given me a lot of insight into the temperament of others through their chess. Let’s discuss Passive vs. Assertive vs. Aggressive in chess. There is a place … Read more
Šahovski Informator is the long-time publisher of Chess Informant, Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, Encyclopedia of Chess Endings, and many other references loved by chess players worldwide for over half a century. Encyclopedia of Chess Miniatures (ECM) is one of those “other” reference titles. I’ll be upfront: at 50 USD one can say ECM is not essential, because it isn’t. … Read more
The big news in the chess world is the decision to pause the FIDE Candidates Tournament held in Yekaterinburg, Russia after the first half. The winner of the Candidates Tournament will challenge World Champion Magnus Carlsen in the next title match. Logo for the 2020 FIDE Candidates Tournament Starting the event was questionable in the … Read more
In Part 1, we discussed 1.e4. Part 2 was all about 1.d4. Now it’s time to talk about the so-called Flank Openings. Since I have discussed 1.c4 previously, I’ll focus on other moves, starting with… 1.Nf3 — Definitely NOT for keeping things simple Former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik was the most successful exponent of 1.Nf3. … Read more
Harry Nelson Pillsbury. Photo: World Chess Hall of Fame Harry Nelson Pillsbury (1872-1906) was one of the world’s best players, but died at only 33 years old. U.S. Champion from 1897 until his death, he was the top American player between Paul Morphy and Frank Marshall. Pillsbury won the celebrated Hastings 1895 tournament ahead of World Champion … Read more
Mariya Muzychuk. Photo: @MariyaMuzychuk Mariya Muzychuk was born in Lviv, Ukraine in 1992. The Ukrainian Women’s Champion of 2012 and 2013 has won a pile of medals in European and World Team Championships, and in Chess Olympiads. Still, her greatest achievement was becoming Women’s World Chess Champion in 2015! Simultaneously, she earned the International Grandmaster title. … Read more
Maybe you dream of raising your rating 100-200 points…achieving a rating of 2000…winning a Club or National Championship. I have done each of these things, when a year or two before it seemed unlikely. There are endless chess books, websites, and coaching options available to players who want to get better. All of these tools … Read more
My elementary school, though I’m not sure they offer chess instruction. Photo: ThisIsTheBronx.info We have been blindsided by a pandemic that has changed our lives. Schools have a tough road ahead — positive outlook notwithstanding. Parents are concerned about sending their children back to school; teachers are nervous about returning as well. Not that I … Read more
Author: IM John Donaldson 143 Pages. Summit Publishing, 1991 Get it for under $10 on Amazon! Note: I may receive a commission on products purchased through Amazon links on this page. Thanks for your support! What’s in a game collection? Now in my 20th year of teaching chess, more than ever I’m convinced most improving … Read more
Chess strategy and tactics are intertwined … but ask yourself this: which side of the equation receives most of the focus in lessons and classes? Definitely tactics. And for a lot of coaches, it’s not even close. However … What does it take for a student to gain proficiency in tactics? I only know one … Read more