-
GM Sam Shankland brings his coverage of the sharp Semi-Slav, Queen's Gambit Declined to a close today by providing an overview of the main line, 6.Bd3 Meran Variation. Though he doesn't dive too deeply into all the complex options available for both white and black, he does provide some general tips on the position and suggest his recommendations for Advanced Players to study further on their own time. Enjoy! | Watch video
-
In part 2, GM Kaidanov reviews the popular 2...d5 variation for black. He highlights the important principals for white to remember while developing into the middlegame, and shows many of the common tactics that can occur in the variation/structure that arises. In addition, he quickly ties up a few "loose ends" from the 2...Nf6 and 4.g3 variation, displayed in the previous video. | Watch video
-
As instructive as it is heartwarming, in this video lecture GM Melik Khachiyan talks about his decision to walk away from high level competition after learning a hard, yet valuable lesson from Grandmaster Alex Shabalov. When Melik finds himself "disrespecting the game" in the critical position, he realizes that his run as a top Grandmaster has come to an end, and decides to focus on his successful career as a chess coach/trainer. | Watch video
-
Patterns do exist, even in compositions! Don't believe us? Watch International Master Rensch's latest installment to the Beauty and Entertainment series, and you just might. In rapid fire succession, Danny provides you with interesting examples of imagination, creativity, but also common patterns that can and do occur in practical games. Enjoy a lesson from one of his own games in which he failed to find a creative solution to his problem... | Watch video
-
In eerily similar fashion to both Mieses and Steinetz, Schlecter finishes off his opponent with complete domination on the dark-squares, a powerful pony versus a horrific light-square bishop, and the ability to expand as he pleases on both sides of the board. As usual, FIDE Master Liu keeps us engaged with his clear cut, easy to follow explanations of how they did it. Enjoy! | Watch video
-
In this epic King and Pawn Endgame battle, Rubinstein possessed one small, positional advantage on the kingside, and he turned it into a forced win! Realizing how the tiniest of weaknesses can come back to bite you is one thing all members should be learning from this excellent series by GM Bojkov. Stick around for the second game and watch the Good Doctor make one tough decision (...c5) after another (Knight trade for Bishop on d2). Enjoy! | Watch video
-
Today GM Sam Shankland gives his recommendations for black in the main line Meran Variation (6.Qc2) of the Semi Slav. He focuses on black's e5-pawn break, the "dos and don'ts" of that idea, when it works out to a draw, and when black can achieve some real fighting chances. He provides example games of his own, as well as from other Top Level GMs. | Watch video
-
Today you will learn two of Danny's three most important lessons for life... and some chess too! IM Rensch continues this ongoing video series with several extremely difficult, and deep composition puzzles for our members to solve. He provides more advice on how to improve your "concrete calculation skills" and explains why you need the ability to evaluate and calculate at the same time. | Watch video
-
The long awaited sequel arrives just in time for another Chess.com Video Author to bring you black's perspective next month! Players who enjoyed Roman's take on the 5.h3 Variation of the Pirc Defense have more to sink their teeth into, while players looking for black's side to the story will have to wait with patience. Dzindzi breaks down why he is no longer worried about a variation that used to scare him. He reveals an amazing novelty for white in the process... | Watch video
-
Grandmaster Khachiyan moved into the last round of the 2012 Western States Open in a massive tie for first place. Where did that leave him? In a must win situation! Realizing his opponent was likely fatigued from the previous game, Melik decided the best strategy would be to "mix it up" with tactics and tricks. When his opponent shows great resourcefulness, Melik must show good Rook Endgame technique to put the game away... | Watch video