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Are you constantly playing opponents who play solid, boring lines, hoping to trade everything right away and never spicing it up? GM Leonid Kritz has, and he shows how methodical probing and switching of ideas can still keep some life in the position. He continues his series by showing how to counter the plans of his previous videos. Kritz admits you sometimes have to allow some weaknesses, but you play to win, don't you? | Watch video
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GM Bojkov completes his epic 13-part series with two more great wins from the endgame maestro Capablanca. In the first example, the Cuban world champion centralizes his forces before marching his extra pawn to victory against Ragozin. In the second, Capablanca's king goes on a sojourn before he carves out openings in an otherwise blocked position against Ravinsky. | Watch video
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GM Gregory Kaidanov, our "cultural attaché", is back with a new series focusing on the world's elite players. Here he shows some brilliant planning by six-time Russian Champion Peter Svidler. Kaidanov shares some anecdotes about Svidler's style of play and his gift of gab. Kaidanov also reminisces about his chance to repeat titles at the 2003 Aeroflot Open. | Watch video
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The ever-modest GM Gregory Kaidanov begins his video series on positional play with, what else, a loss! He builds an attacking position despite playing against the isolated queen pawn, but loses his initiative when white creates a giant outpost. Kaidanov warns students to be critical of all exchanges, while showing how backward knight moves (Silman's favorite!) can sometimes save the day. | Watch video
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Melik walks us through a recent game of his where he used his "backup opening" to defeat his lower rated opponent, IM Amanov. He talks about the positional strengths and the flexibility behind his opening choice, and why he feels it's a solid one for players looking from a different approach to 1.e4. Take notes on his opening advice, and enjoy the instructive finish. | Watch video
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IM Kiewra is back this month to continue his series on the Fighting Dragon! He reviews a game in the Chinese Dragon between GMs Zhigalko and Bu Xiangzhi. As to be expected with Keaton, he does a great job highlighting the patterns of each position, the tactical motifs that repeat themselves consistently, and he provides insight into what the top Dragon players think about each idea / position. | Watch video
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GM Perelshteyn continues his series on practical endings this weekend with the review of a famous "squeezing" by the fourth World Champion. He begins by reminding us why basic, technical rook endings are "must knows" before you can execute practical plans at a high level. He then challenges us to develop the same winning plan that Alekhine developed in his own game against Thomas. | 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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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