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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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We all know Capablanca's endgame acumen, but GM Eugene Perelshteyn tells us that another world champion is equally deserving of our attention. Here Smyslov methodically overruns Gligoric, as Perelshteyn shows you how to envision a winning plan before starting your endgame journey. Even a doubled pawn can be enough for victory! | 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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In today's Member Analysis video, Roman reviews a variation of the Exchange Ruy that seems to offer "little action" after the queens are traded off early on. However, as he highlights, nothing could be further from the truth! The theory of how the great American Champion, Bobby Fischer, played the line for both sides proves that there is much theory to know, and that neither player should lose focus in the opening... | Watch video
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Enough examples of the "other things" Capablanca did well, let's review some endgames! Grandmaster Bojkov heard your call! Today he analyzes two of the Cuban World Champ's finer ending achievements, with victories over Riumin and Reshevsky, the late Capablanca displays for us his flawless technique and amazingly accurate execution of even the smallest of endgame advantages... | 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 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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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
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Another video lecture by Grandmaster Bojkov, another gem by the third world champion reviewed today for our members! Here we watch Capablanca play the white side of the Reti System against Lilenthal in 1936, and though details of how Capablanca outplayed his opponent are slightly advanced, what's clear is that Capa's patience and willingness to convert on the smallest of advantages separated him from his peers by leaps and bounds. | Watch video