Opening Study: Go Over "Model" Games
One of the modern trends in chess is to increased value given to dynamism. Players are more willing to sacrifice pawns or structural damage (doubled pawns, isolated pawns, etc.) in return for dynamic chances (apparently Karjakin has not gotten the memo 
). In this blog we'll go over this topic, using the Scotch Opening (1.e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4) as our template.
First we'll start out with a model game that shows how NOT to defend against the Scotch; i.e. very passively. Then we'll go over the modern way to defend against the Scotch: with maximum dynamism.
How NOT to Defend Against the Scotch
Can you find the pretty tactical exchange that decided this game in favor of Capablanca?
Answer:
How to Defend Against the Scotch
Use Your Dynamic Chances!
Can you spot Black's move that made White resign immediately?
The Scotch is especially good at highlighting static advantages vs. dynamic ones. In a lot of positions Black will have doubled c-pawns (after White plays Nxc6) and Black will have justify the static disadvantage of those doubled pawns by proving that he/she has dynamic chances.
There are times when it is right to hunker down and defend passively. But many amateurs (and masters) make the mistake of hitting the "defend button" too soon. Try to dynamic solutions to the problems that your opponent is posing to you and it will serve you well many times! Hope you enjoyed and as always feel free to comment with any questions you may have.
