Aperture

Daniil Dubov's Brilliant Opening Ideas

There's no more creative superstar today than Russian GM Daniil Dubov. GM Romain Edouard brings you four of Dubov's most amazing opening ideas!

GM

Romain Edouard

4 lezioni

Maestro

The Sicilian Nimzowitsch Variation

How does IM Tuan Minh Le compete in blitz with the top players in the world? He uses the rare and sharp Nimzowitsch Variation of the Sicilian! In this course Minh Le, along with NM Sam Copeland explains his favorite variation and all of its complications.

Learn the Queen's Gambit Exchange Variation

The Exchange Variation is a popular way for White to meet the Queen's Gambit Declined. White fixes the pawn structure at an early stage and often prepares the minority attack. This course also examines the active Tarrasch Defense and the solid Semi-Tarrasch.

Learn the Queen's Gambit Declined

The Queen's Gambit Declined is an extremely solid opening for Black and it's no coincidence that it's been played by nearly every World Champion. Learn the plans and tactics for both sides.

Learn the Queens Gambit: Cambridge Springs and Orthodox Defense

Frequently in the Queen's Gambit Black aims for an early c5 to contest the White pawn center. However, two solid systems, the Cambridge Springs Defense and the Orthodox Defense feature a Black pawn triangle on c6, d5 and e6. The Cambridge Springs features many traps and the Orthodox is extremely solid. This course explains the key ideas and tactics in both key variations.

Tips And Tricks Of The London System

Grandmaster Aman Hambleton has played both sides of the London System for years. He knows that many players try the London to reach an easy to play, quiet position, but there are tricks for both sides that can win quickly against an unprepared opponent.

Learn the Ruy Lopez: Tricky Systems

Learn about some of the less popular, but nevertheless, interesting variations in the Ruy Lopez. These include the romantic Schlieman Variation, the positional Exchange Variation and the exciting Open Variation.

Learn the Closed Sicilian

Don't want to jump into an open game with immediate tactics in the Sicilian? Try the Closed Sicilian, where White can delay a tactical skirmish and start a powerful kingside attack, but Black is not without good counter chances.

How To Win With The Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation

Want to learn an opening that doesn't require too much theory and was a favorite of Bobby Fischer? IM Keaton Kiewra teaches you what you need to know to play either side of the fascinating Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation!

How To Win With The Ruy Lopez 5.d4

Looking for a way to fight for an edge against solid 1.e4 e5 players? Why not try the Ruy Lopez with 5.d4 and learn about it from one of the world's leading experts. IM Keaton Kiewra will show you the ins and outs of one his favorite openings!

Learn the Sicilian with 2...e6

2...e6 is a flexible move that can lead to the Sicilian Tiamanov, the Sicilian Kan, the Pin Variation and even the Sicilian Four Knights. Watch this video to learn how to play either side of this flexible Sicilian setup.

Learn the Sicilian: Alapin Variation

The Alapin Variation of the Sicilian Defense is a logical attempt for White to avoid the complexities of the Open Sicilian. White aims to control the center, but risks falling behind in development. Learn the key ideas in this important variation for both sides.

Learn the Sicilian Dragon

The Sicilian Dragon is a fire-breathing opening! If you're looking for a complicated and fighting line to play against 1.e4, this might be the line for you. If you play 1.e4 and want to know how to handle the Dragon, you'll also want to take a look.

Learn the Ruy Lopez Marshall Attack

Learn how to play the Ruy Lopez Marshall Attack for both White and Black. The Marshall gives Black great attacking chances at the cost of a pawn, leading to exciting play.

Learn the Semi-Slav Defense

The Semi-Slav is one of Black's best counter-attacking options against 1.d4. Some lines are solid and others are among the most complicated in all of chess.

Learn the Ruy Lopez Berlin Defense

In the Berlin Defense White can force a complicated endgame or head for open play. It's considered one of Black's most solid defenses against the Ruy Lopez.

Learn the King's Indian Defense

The King's Indian Defense is possibly Black's best way to play for a win against 1.d4. White gets a space advantage, but Black frequently gets a powerful kingside attack in a blocked position.

Learn the Sicilian Sveshnikov

The Sicilian Sveshnikov is a sharp variation in which Black accepts a backward pawn in return for active pieces and complicated play.

Guide to the Alekhine's Defense

Are you tired of deep theory in many main lines? Join NM Sam Copeland as he demonstrates the exciting and practical Alekhine's Defense, an opening that he has played successfully for years!

Learn the Sicilian Najdorf

The Najdorf is a sharp and complicated opening full of attacking potential for both sides. This is a great opening if you enjoy imbalances, opposite-side castling, and if you need to play for a win as Black.

Play the Tarrasch Defense

If you are looking for an active answer against 1.d4 (and almost everything except 1. e4) - you should watch the course that explains the most important ideas of the Tarrasch Defense. IM Mat Bobula is an expert on the opening and demonstrates one of the most dynamic ways to meet the Queen's Gambit in a 10 part series.

Play the Scotch Game

The Scotch is an opening full of traps on both sides of the board, and if you play it you need to know how to spot them. Join Grandmaster Alex Delchev on a tour of each line of the Scotch and be ready to try it out in your own games!

The Fighting Dragon

Join IM Keaton Kiewra on a tour of his favorite opening, the Dragon Sicilian. The Dragon has long been a favorite of attacking stars, including Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura. You'll see their games and more in this detailed examination of an exciting opening.

How to Play the Philidor Defense

Join GM Ben Finegold on an instructive tour of the Philidor Defense. If you want to play with a pawn on e5, but don't want to work through hours of Ruy Lopez theory, this could be the line for you!

CCSCATL

10 lezioni

Maestro

Pirc Defense for Black

Join GM Mackenzie Molner as he demonstrates one his favorite openings, the Pirc Defense. GM Molner has played the Pirc with success against countless opponents, including strong Grandmasters. It's also an opening that many chess stars like World Champion Kramnik play in must-win situations. Follow along and learn this fascinating opening.