Trompowsky Attack

Trompowsky Attack
ECO Code A45

1. d2-d4 Ng8-f6
2. Bc1-g5 The idea is to exchange B for a N and create doubled pawns for Black. Also this avoids various other openings with lot of theory
2. ..... Nf6-e4
3. Bg5-f4 c7-c5
4. f2-f3 Qd8-a5+
5. c2-c3 Ne4-f6
6. Nb1-d2 c5xd4
7. Nd2-b3 Qa5-b6
8. Qd1xd4 Nb8-c6
9. Qd4xb6 a7xb6
10. Nb3-d4 e7-e5
11. Nd4xc6 e5xf4
12. Nc6-d4 Bf8-c5
(=)
Read more on Wiki, Chess
Opening Theory on Chess.com
Play through GM Games on Chessgames: Click Here & Here
How to counterattack the Trompowsky

Removing the Defender

The Schliemann (Jaenisch) Gambit

The Schliemann or Jaenisch Gambit is one of Black's most aggressive responses to the Ruy Lopez. In this series, GM Melikset Khachiyan (Melik) provides you with all of the essential theory, concepts, and examples you need to master this opening.

Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Dealing with Prep
Part 3: Bonus Review
Part 4: vs GM Chirila
Part 5: Chucky's Example
Part 6: New White Weapon
Part 7: Final Review
Part 8: My Schliemann Gambit
Part 9: Back to the Schliemann

Neglecting Development of your Pieces

In the opening, bring your Pieces out quickly for Center control. The Pieces must be developed quickly without wasting time by making unnecessary pawn moves.

Sample Game 1
Opening: Giuoco Piano
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4 f6?
Correct move is ....Bc5 or ....Nf6
4. Nh4 g5??
5. Qh5+ Ke7
6. Nf5#
1-0
Black made 2 unnecessary pawn moves and did not develop pieces properly

Sample Game 2
Opening: Ruy Lopez
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5 Nf6
4. 0-0 Nxe4
5. d4 Nd6
6. Bxc6 bxc6
7. dxe5 Nb7
8. Nd4 Be7
9. Nf5 Bf8?
10. Re1 g6?
11. Nd6+! Bxd6
if 11....exd6 12.exd6+ Be7 13.Rxe7+ wins
if 11....Ke7 12.Bg5+ Ke6 13.Qg4+ wins
12. exd6+ Kf8
13. Bh6+ Kg8
14. Qd4 f6
15. Qc4#
1-0
Black wasted time by moving the same pieces again and again

Sample Game 3
Opening: Kings Gambit Declined
1. e4 e5
2. Nc3 Nc6
3. f4 Bc5
4. Nf3 d6
5. f5? 
Better is 5.Bc4
5. .... Nf6
6. h3? d5!
Black opens up the center for a strong attack
7. Nxe5? Nxe4! threatening Qh4+
8. Nf3 Qh4+!!
9. Nxh4 Bf2+
10. Ke2 Nd4+
11. Kd3 Nc5#
0-1

White wasted time moving unnecessary pawns

How to use the King effectively in the Endgame

White: M. Tal
Black: G. Lisitsin
USSR Championship 1956
Sicilian Defense, Dragon Variation (ECO Code B71)

1. e4 c5
2. Nf3 d6
3. d4 cxd4
4. Nxd4 Nf6
5. Nc3 g6
6. f4 Nc6
7. Nxc6 bxc6
8. e5 Nd7
9. exd6 exd6
10. Be3 Be7
11. Qf3 d5
12. 0-0-0 Bf6
13. Bd4 0-0
White has a slightly better position due to the space advantage but Black has counter chances
14. h4 Rb8
15. Qf2 Rb4
16. Bxf6 Nxf6
17. a3 Qb6
18. Qxb6 Rxb6
Both players have reached the Endgame early. It is instructive to observe how Tal takes advantage of Black's dark square weaknesses during the rest of the game. Also the best pieces to occupy weak squares are Knight and King.
19. Na4! Rb7 
20. Bd3 Nh5 
21. Rhf1 Re7 
22. f5 gf5 
23. Rfe1 Rfe8 
24. Re7 Re7 
Now the White King moves up the board to occupy the weak dark squares
25. Kd2! Ng3 
26. Kc3 f4 
27. Kd4 Bf5 
28. Rd2 Re6 
29. Nc5 Rh6 
30. Ke5! Bd3 
31. cd3 Rh4 
32. Kd6 Rh6 
33. Kc7 Nf5 
The White King is fully participating in the fight and is now an important attacking piece
34. Kb7 Nd4 
35. Rf2 a5 
36. Rf4 Ne6 
37. Rg4 Kf8 
38. Kc6 Nc5 
39. Kc5 Re6 
40. Kd5 Rb6 
The position has changed to a winning position for White, he is a pawn up with a passer on d3. All this was possible due to effectively using the King
41. b4 ab4 
42. ab4 Ke7 
43. Kc5 Rf6 
44. Rd4 Rf5 
45. Kc6 Rf6 
46. Kc7 Rf5 
47. Re4 Kf6 
48. Kc6 Rf2 
49. g4 h5 
50. gh5 Kg5 
51. b5 f5 
52. Rb4 f4 
53. b6 f3 
54. b7 Black Resigns
1-0
Play through this game on Chessgames
Below is an instructive Video on important points to use the King effectively

Chess Couples

Here are some photos of various chess masters and their spouses
14 famous Chess Couples
Strongest Chess Couples

Secrets of the Soviet Union

Here are two insightful articles on why the Soviet Chess Players were so good.
Part 1
Part 2

Ways to Improve your Chess

Every Chess Player is trying to improve their game. There are many ways to do this. Below links help you to improve your chess - follow the steps and start winning more games.
8 Shortcuts To Chess Improvement
From Beginner to Chess Expert in 12 Steps
10 Tips to Winning Chess
5 Ways to Improve Your Chess
10 secret obstacles

Bobby Fisher's Gem of a Chess Game

Studying each and every one of Bobby's victories yields a fascinating and wonderfully instructive peak into the inner workings of a chess legend. In this article, I would like to explore one game in particular that is representative of Bobby's genius: the sixth match-game. We will break the game down into its three phases, and try to come as close as possible to understanding what made Bobby Fischer tick.

Beautiful Chess Pieces Museum in Paraguay

For centuries artisans have used chess pieces to show their craft and to portray people and events from history. Chess pieces reflect the history, culture and thought of the times they were made in. They also show the skills of the artists who created them. When Yamil Duba visited a museum in Paraguay he met Don Quixote, Christoph Columbus, and others.

Click Here for the full article on ChessBase

Caro Kann Defense, Exchange Variation (ECO Code B13)

Caro Kann Defense
Exchange Variation (ECO Code B13)

1. e4 c6
2. d4 d5
3. exd5 cxd5
4. Bd3 Nc6
5. c3 Nf6
6. Bf4 Bg4
7. Qb3 Qc8
8. Nd2 e6
9. Ngf3 Be7
10.0-0 Bh5
11.Rfe1 Bg6
12.Bf1 0-0
Equal Position

Vienna Game / Gambit

Vienna Opening
ECO Code C28-C29

1. e4 e5
2. Nc3 Nf6
3. f4 d5
4. fxe5 Nxe4
5. Nf3 Be7
if 5.....Bg4 6.Qe2 Nxc3 7.dxc3 Nc6 8.Bf4 Qd7 9.Qe3 a6 10.0-0-0 0-0-0 (=)
6. Qe2 Nxc3
7. dxc3 c5
8. Bf4 Nc6
9. 0-0-0 Be6
10. h4 h6
11. g3 Qa5
Unclear Position
More about Vienna Game: on Wiki, TCW
Play through Grandmaster Games: Regular, Gambit

Larsen Opening

Compiled by my student Abhiram Koushik

1. b3 e5
2. Bb2 d6
3. g3 g6
4. Bg2 Bb7
5. e4 Nc6         
6. Ne2 N8d7               
7. d4 0-0
8. d5 Nb8
9. Nd2 Nd7

WGM Padmini Rout

Compiled by my student Arushi A Singh

PADMINI ROUT (Women Grandmaster)

Born- January 5th, 1994
Bhubaneswar, Orissa.
Title(s) - International Master (2015), Women GrandMaster (2007)
FIDE rating- 2446
Number 40 ranked woman in April 2015.
Peak rating- 2454(march 2015)
She has won 5 Asian & 4 National Titles.

AWARDS AND HONOURS
She was honoured with EKALAVYA AWARD by Orissa government in 2009.

ACHIEVMENTS
1. She was Asian Youth Girls Chess Champion in 2005 & 2006.
2. National U13 Girls Chess Champion in 2006.
3. The World U14 Girls Champion in 2009.
4. Continental Asian Junior Girls Champion in 2009.
5. 3rd position in World Junior Championship(girls 2010)
6. In 2011 she finished 3rd in the Asian Individual Women Chess Championship.

EDUCATION
She studied at D.A.V public school
In Candrashekpur, Bhubaneshwar.

How to Attack in Chess

1. Attack with maximum force. Try to bring as many pieces as possible to the attack.
2. Try to open lines (files and diagonals) for your attacking pieces to gain entry to the opposition position.
3. Rook --> Open files; Bishop --> Open diagonals
4. The most powerful attack is when you attack the enemy King.
5. Strong control of the centre is required before you launch an attack. Centralize your pieces.
6. Try to gain a space advantage by bringing all your pieces to good squares. If any of your pieces are not doing anything useful, try to bring them to good squares.
7. While attacking, play in such a way as to create continuous difficulties to the opponent. Set difficult problems to the opponent by tactics.

Recognize the Master

Can you recognize this German FM who set the latest World Record for largest number of Blindfold Simultaneous Chess Games. In 2011, he played 46 opponents at Sontheim an der Brenz, Germany.

Good Knight vs Bad Bishop

The Black Bd7 is bad because it is blocked by its own pawns.
Step 1: Improve the position of the King and include it in the fight.
1. Kf2 Ke7
1... Kf7 black tries to bring the king to f5 2. Ke2! Kg6 3. Ne3! this controls f5 3... Kg5 4. g3! Black king is stopped and white king walks to queenside 4... Kg6 5. Kd3 Kf7 6. Kd4 Ke7 7. Kc5 Kd8 8. Kb6 Bc8 9. Nc2 Kd7 10. Nb4! winning the a6-pawn
2. Ke3 Kd8 
3. Kd4 Kc7
4. Kc5 white has reached his first aim: The dominance of his king over opponent`s king
4... Bc8
5. Nb4 Bb7
6. g3! not allowing d4 Bc8
7. Nd3 Bd7
8. Nf4! aims for h5. The knight attacks will bring the black pawns forward 
8... g6 
9. Nh3! aims for Ng5 h6
10. Nf4 g5
11. Nh5 Be8 
12. Nf6 Bf7
12... Bd7?? 13. Nxd7 Kxd7 14. Kb6
13. Ng4! h5
14. Ne3 Bg6 now the bishop is free. But it doesn`t help very much 
15. h4! this fixes the pawn h5 gxh4
15... g4 16. Ng2 Be8 17. Nf4 Bf7 18. b4 with Zugzawng
16. gxh4 now there is a third weakness on h5 Be4 
black bishop tries to hinder the knight coming to f4 
17. Nf1 Bf3
18. Nd2 Be2
19. Nb3! this way, using the weakness on e6, he will reach f4 Bg4
20. Nd4 Bh3 black cannot hold the control over e2 
21. Ne2 Bf5
22. Nf4! now the knight attacks both pawn weaknesses Bg4
23. b4! Zugzwang! Kd7 black gives up the king opposition 
24. Kb6 now a6 is lost Bf3
25. Kxa6 now another pawn gets lost, either b5 or e6 
Black Resigned
Play through the above example on Chess.com, PositionalDetails
Sample GM Games: G1, G2, G3, G4, G5

How to make a Plan in Chess

ClickHere to read an excellent article on How to make a Plan in Chess

White to Play and Mate in 1 Move

Nagesh Chess Academy Website has introduced a new section for Puzzles and Tactics. ClickHere to find several Puzzles on White to Play and Mate in 1 Move.

Doubled Pawns

Doubled Pawns are an important Pawn weakness in Chess.

If your opponent has Doubled Pawns, below are the Plans to be followed.
1. Occupy the square in front of the doubled pawn weakness, preferably with Knight.
2. Try to exchange pieces so that weakness can be easily exploited in the Endgame.
3. Attack the doubled pawn with your pieces and tie down the enemy pieces to its defense.

If you have Doubled Pawns, below are the Plans to be followed.
1. Try to get rid of the doubled pawn by pushing it and exchanging it. 
2. Occupy important squares that are controlled by the doubled pawns and control more space.
3. Control the half open files with Rook, push the pawn on files next to it and try open the file completely.

ClickHere to play through the Example Game

Cohn vs Rubinstein on my Lichess study
More on Doubled Pawn: Wiki, Chess.com, CGM

THE HOLE

Any weak square in the Center is called as a Hole. The best piece to occupy a Hole is a Knight because it can control many squares remotely.

Sample Game:
W: D.Janowski
B: A.Kupchik
Havana International Masters Tournament, 1913
1. d4 d5
2. c4 e6
Queens Gambit Declined
3. Nc3 Nf6
4. Bg5 Be7
5. e3 Nbd7
6. Bd3 dxc4
7. Bxc4 Nb6
Black aims to occupy d5 with his N, but this is passive. Better move for Black is c7-c5 attacking White's pawn center.
8. Bd3 Nfd5
9. Bxe7 Qxe7
10. Nf3 0-0
11. 0-0 Bd7
12. Rc1 
White has nicely developed his pieces
12. ....c6
13. Ne4 f5?
This is a positional mistake since it weakens the e5 square
14. Nc5 Be8
15. Ne5
White N's have occupied the holes on c5, e5 and dominate the position
15. .... Rb8
Waste of time, Rc8 was better
16. Re1 Rf6
17. Qf3 Rh6
18. Qg3 Rc8
19. f3 Rc7
20. a3 Kh8
21. h3 g5
22. e4 f4
23. Qf2 Ne3
Better move was Nf6 planning Nd7
24. Rxe3! fxe3
25. Qxe3 Nc8
26. Ng4 Rg6
27. e5 Rg7
28. Bc4 Bf7
29. Nf6 Nb6
30. Nce4
White prepares for the final King side attack
30. .... h6
31. h4 Nd5
32. Qd2 Rg6
33. hxg5 Qf8
34. f4 Ne7
35. g4 hxg5
36. fxg5 Black Resigns
1-0
More about Holes on ChessStrategies

Recognize the Master

Guess who is this Chess Player?

Clue: He was India's first International Master

CANDIDATE MOVES

The best possible moves in a chess position are known as Candidate Moves. Strong players don’t waste time in thinking of all possible moves. Instead, they focus only on the candidate moves.
In order to think of the candidate moves, the following points should be kept in mind.

1. Identify the weaknesses in the opponents position (for example unprotected pieces and weak pawns) and consider moves that help take advantage of them.
2. Consider moves that help your pieces occupy strong squares.
3. Think of moves that improve the position of any piece that is not developed, or on a weak square.
4. Consider all Captures.
5. Consider all Checks.

After getting your candidate moves, take one candidate move and calculate the next 2-3 moves for both you and your opponent by visualizing the position in your head. At the end of this sequence, visualize the position and store it in your mind. Then, do the same for the next chosen candidate move.
Usually you need to think of 3-4 such candidate moves, though in tactical position there might only be 1-2 candidate moves.
It is not important to think about too many moves in a position, but it is important to analyze 2-3 moves deep for every candidate move.

Example of Candidate Moves

More about Candidate Moves: Wiki, BYC, Chesscorner, CSE

Below is a good video

Skewer

Skewer is a tactical move in chess wherein if the attacked piece moves, another of his pieces behind can be captured.

More about Skewer on Wiki, ChessCorner, Chess.com, TCW, About

Top 10 Chess Openings

Below is my list of the top 10 chess openings which are listed based on their popularity and importance in regular practice.

KING PAWN OPENINGS
1. Ruy Lopez
2. Sicilian Defence
3. Giuoco Piano
4. Modern Defence

QUEEN PAWN OPENINGS
5. Queens Gambit
6. Kings Indian Defence
7. Nimzo Indian Defence
8. Dutch Defence

OTHER OPENINGS
9. English Opening
10. Reti Opening

Below are some useful links on the top chess openings
10 most powerful chess openings
Top chess openings
Top 10 popular chess openings
Top 10 powerful openings
Top 10 white openings

How to calculate Chess Tactics

Click here for an excellent article on WikiHow on how to calculate chess tactics. You will learn how to think of the best 2 to 3 moves, visualize them in your mind, think of the opponents response to each of them and the best option to select.

Ruy Lopez

RUY LOPEZ

(ECO Code C60-C99)

Modern Variation (ECO Code C99)

1. e2-e4 e7-e5
2. Ng1-f3 Nb8-c6
3. Bf1-b5 a7-a6
4. Bb5-a4 Ng8-f6
5. 0-0 Bf8-e7
6. Rf1-e1 b7-b5
7. Ba4-b3 d7-d6
8. c2-c3 0-0
9. h2-h3 Nc6-a5
10. Bb3-c2 c7-c5
11. d2-d4 Qd8-c7
12. Nb1-d2 c5xd4
13. c3xd4 Na5-c6
White has a slight plus

Other good links: Wiki, Chesscorner, Chess, Exeter,
Online Database on 365Chess
Play through Ruy Lopez games on Chessgames

Good Bishop in the Endgame

White to Play and Win
1. Bf6+ Kc8
2. Be7 Bf2
3. Bd6 Bh4
4. Be5! Bg5
if 4..... Kd8; 5. Bf6+ Bxf6; 6. Kxf6 Ke8; 7. e7 Kd7; 8. Kf7 +-
5. Bf6 Bd2
if 5..... Bxf6; 6. Kxf6 Kd8; 7. Kf7 +-
6. e7 followed by e8(Q)
(+-) 

White to Play and Win
1. Bh4 Kb5
2. Bf2 Ka6
3. Bc5! Bg3
4. Be7 Kb5
5. Bd8 Kc6
6. Bh4! Bh2
7. Bf2 Bf4
8. Ba7 Bh2
9. Bb8 Bg1
10. Bg3 Ba7
11. Bf2!

(+-)

SMITH-MORRA GAMBIT (ECO Code B20)

The Smith-Morra Gambit is played by White as an interesting response to the Sicilian defense.

1. e2-e4 c7-c5
2. d2-d4 c5xd4
3. c2-c3 d4xc3
4. Nb1xc3 Nb8-c6
5. Ng1-f3 e7-e6
6. Bf1-c4 a7-a6
White has given the gambit in which he has sacrificed a pawn to get an attacking position.
7. 0-0 Ng8-e7
8. Bc1-g5 f7-f6
9. Bg5-e3 b7-b5
10. Bc4-b3 Ne7-g6
11. Nf3-d4 Nc6xd4
12. Be3xd4 Bf8-d6
White has an attacking position but Black is a pawn up.
_______________________________________________________________
Read more on Smith-Morra on Wiki, TheChessWebsite
Play through Grandmaster games on Chessgames

Petroff Defense

Petroff Defense
Modern (steinitz) attack (ECO Code C43)
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nf6
3. d4 Nxe4
4. Bd3 d5
5. Nxe5 Nd7
6. Nxd7 Bxd7
7. 0-0 Bd6
8. c4 c6
9. cxd5 cxd5
10. Nc3 Nxc3
11. bxc3 0-0
(=)
Read about the Petroff Defense here. Play through the opening moves here. Here is a List of Master Games.

Opening Traps in Chess

The Opening stage of the Chess game is very important. Having knowledge of the Opening Traps helps to catch the opponent in a quick win. 

Apart from the basic Fools mate, Scholars mate, there are several such traps.

Check this List of Traps to start with. Then the 3 most effective traps. Play through a Good Collection of Opening Traps and some more Advanced Traps. Download eBooks like 700 Traps & 101 Strategies. Also go through this List of Videos of Opening Traps.