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To bring his short series on high level chess preparation to a close (for now), GM Finegold reviews a game from the highest of levels! He displays the critical moments of the game Aronian-Anand from Wijk aan Zee, 2013. Ben highlights the world champ's amazing preparation, how Anand applied what he knew about the line into his game against Armenia's #1, and why it's important to prepare and memorize "ideas" as opposed to "variations" when you start analyzing very complex positions. | Watch video
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GM Melikset Khachiyan plays an old foe and gives a clinic on how to slowly pick apart the "Stonewall" pawn formation. He also gives sage advice on what to do when you are surprised out of the opening. The methodical effort includes play on both sides of the board, and involves both knights retreating to the first rank! The final zugzwang idea is a picturesque and fitting finish to this tense positional struggle. | Watch video
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GM Kaidanov reviews a very nice win in the career of Magnus Carlsen over Leinier Dominguez. The game highlights the importance of being aggressive with your pawns, gaining space early and often, and thinking critically in terms of what the position needs, and not just castling or playing other "principled moves" because they are normally correct. Follow those steps, try to guess the moves, and maybe you can play like Magnus! | Watch video
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GM Bojkov reviews another great game by the legendary Gligoric today, and in doing so, he highlights Gligoric's ability to convert on a material advantage with precise technique and accurate calculation. The balance displayed by the Yugoslavian Grandmaster to attack the kingside, yet always maintain a watchful, "tactical eye" on the queenside is amazing. A rook lift to remember is executed in this one, so take notes! | Watch video
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Want to know exactly how to challenge the Stonewall pawn formation without having your queen's bishop stifled? Should I develop via Bb7 or Bd7? What about my other bishop? Should I play Be7 or Bd6? GM Dzindzi explains all, recommending piece and pawn structures for black while discouraging other setups. This otherwise placid opening can lead to serious problems for black if he is caught off guard! | Watch video
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Today Ben Finegold presents part 2 of his series on Grandmaster Preparation, highlighting the benefits of being well prepared, not only for what might happen on the board, but for the practical aspects of being confident, using less time than your opponent, and taking that experience into future games. He reviews a sharp game in the Sicilian that ultimately leads to an interesting, and rather peculiar Rook Ending. | Watch video
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Today IM Rensch faces off against National Master Evan Rosenberg in an exciting game that goes down to the wire! The new "video format" features the time of both players to add to the excitement, and we look forward to your feedback! After Danny misplays the opening he finds himself fighting on the worse side of an IQP position. Does he have enough in the tank to stage a comeback, or does he fall just short? Watch and find out! | Watch video
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Fans of the Budapest Gambit will appreciate GM Melikset Khachiyan's treatment of a topical anti-Grunfeld variation. Melik shows how his savvy preparation, with the help of his trusty sidekick Houdini, netted him an outpost deep in White's territory. As white ran low on time, the grandmaster showed once again how knights can compete with bishops. | Watch video
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Making his Chess.com video debut today, GM Leonid Kritz discusses the effective strategy of winning games not by coming up with brilliant attacking plans, but rather by taking the mindset into every position that you must stop your opponent's counterplay first and foremost. He provides a wonderful example game in the Rossolimo Sicilian, and highlight the critical decisions he made (like not castling long) along the way to victory. Enjoy! | Watch video
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Today GM Perelshteyn starts a new series on the endgame. He defines the difference between knowing "theoretical endgame positions" and being able to play "practical endgames" at a high level. He then reviews one of the most well-known examples of great technique where White converts an extra pawn flawlessly by setting practical goals and showing patience. Eugene provides many instructional tips along the way. | Watch video