Secrets of the Carlsbad

GM Melikset Khachiyan

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Learn the key plans in one of the most important pawn structures!

The Carlsbad pawn structure can be reached from many openings, most frequently the Queen's Gambit Declined and related systems. It has been played from both sides by many world champions and is even a favorite of the super chess engine AlphaZero! Join GM Melik Khachiyan as he demonstrates some of the lesser-known, but essential plans for both sides in this dynamic structure. Improve your knowledge of the Carlsbad pawn structure today!

Here is what you will learn:

Learn World Champion Botvinnik’s favorite attacking plan in the Carlsbad!
Learn how Mikhail Tal attacked when he played a Carlsbad!
Learn the essential Pillsbury attack from a game played by Pillsbury himself!

"Great job GM Khachiyan. You really know how to analyze games!" - Chess.com member daggerdragons

Pillsbury vs Showalter

The Carlsbad is an important topic and GM Melikset Khachiyan chimes in with an instructive lesson on the opening system from a Harry Nelson Pillsbury game. Even though this game was played more than 100 years ago, its opening ideas are relevant today. Learn the crucial plans for both sides in this popular opening as GM Khachiyan reviews the most important lines.

17 min

5 Challenges

Botvinnik vs Larsen

How did two of the most famous 20th-century Grandmasters handle the Carlsbad pawn structure? GM Melikset Khachiyan shows you an educational game between Mikhail Botvinnik and Bent Larsen in the relevant pawn structure. How does Botvinnik get the better of Larsen in this match-up? GM Khachiyan explains how Larsen failed to maintain the needed tension between the white and black pawns.

15 min

5 Challenges

Mikhail Tal Tackles The Carlsbad

Who better to learn the Carlsbad pawn structure from than the great Mikhail Tal? GM Melikset Khachiyan continues his series on the Carslbad structure with an enlightening game from the former world champion. Learn how both sides planned their strategies in this hard-fought, lesser-known game.

15 min

5 Challenges

Lessons