Lessons
Doubled Pawns: Pros And Cons
How can you tell when to accept doubled pawns? GM Fabien Libiszewski demonstrates the pros and cons in sharp Caro-Kann and Nimzo Indian variations.
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
The Complete English Defense
Join GM Simon Williams on a tour of one of his favorite openings, the English Defense. The English Defense can lead to sharp play right from the opening and Black can fight for the initiative from move one! Learn the secrets that have served GM Williams and the even the great Tony Miles in many games, even against World Champions.
The Complete Queen's Gambit Declined
Are you looking for a strategically rich, rock-solid defense against the Queen's Gambit that has been endorsed by almost all of the World Champions? Join GM Gregory Kaidanov for an in depth look at an opening that has been debated since the days of Steinitz and is still topical at the highest level today - the Queen's Gambit Declined. GM Kaidanov blends classical and modern ideas for both sides in all of the key lines and will prepare you to play with confidence against any level of competition.
The Complete Caro
Join 2018 US Champion Sam Shankland as he demonstrates one of his favorite openings, the Caro-Kann Defense. Shankland relied heavily on the Caro as he rose through the ranks and attained the Grandmaster title. Follow his in depth analysis and learn an opening you can play for your whole career.
Why Simon Loves the Sicilian Dragandorf
Join GM Simon Williams as he demonstrates a full system against 1.e4. Simon meets the Open Sicilian with the rare and double edged Dragandorf variation. He also demonstrates sharp attacking lines against every anti-Sicilian that White can throw at you!
Why Simon Loves the French Defense
GM Simon Williams has played the French Defense throughout his whole career and it has served him well, even against strong opposition. Now Simon presents an in depth course on how to handle every line of the French. It's a great system, allowing you to play for a win against all levels of opposition.
Beating the Anti-Sicilians
Join GM Ben Finegold as he shows how he defeats the anti-Sicilians in his own games. If you are trying to win big American open tournaments like Ben does you can't afford to give up too many draws, even with the Black pieces. Follow along and see how Ben creates sharp positions and attacks each sideline that White might throw at you.
The Scotch Mieses Theory and Middlegame
Learn the important Mieses Endgame! Review this course as many times as you need to in order to ensure that you can make that great claim! Good Luck...
Learning Rank
