How to decide what Move to Play in Chess, after the Opening

How to decide what Move to Play in Chess, after the Opening

1. Count the Material (Pieces & Pawns)
2. Analyze the Pawn Structure
3. Improve the Position of your Pieces
4. Make sure your own King is safe
5. Calculate the next 2 to 3 moves to carry out your Plans
6. Remember CCT (C--> Check, C--> Capture, T--> Threat)

Advantages & Importance of Playing & Analyzing Grandmaster (GM) Chess Games

Playing through and Analyzing GM Games (especially Annotated Games) is very Important:

1. Easiest and Simplest way to learn new Topics and Concepts in Chess.

2. You can improve your Tactical ability by understanding how GMs create such tactics, how they calculate, what kind of blunders they make, how to punish opponent's mistakes.

3. Openings - Learn how GMs play certain openings and certain variations, why and how the GM is playing a particular variation.

4. Positional Chess - in certain types of positions, how GMs are selecting a particular move, why they selected that move, how they bring their Pieces to good Sqs, how they Convert a Better Position to a Win.

Playing through Grandmaster chess games is important for improving your chess because it exposes you to high-level strategic ideas, tactical patterns, and positional understanding, allowing you to learn from the best players in the world and identify areas where you can improve your own game, especially when you actively analyze and understand the reasoning behind their moves; essentially, it provides a roadmap to better chess thinking by observing expert decision-making processes. 

Key benefits of studying Grandmaster games:

Strategic insights:

Learn complex strategic concepts like pawn structures, piece placement, and king safety by observing how Grandmasters navigate critical situations. 

Tactical awareness:

Develop your tactical vision by identifying and analyzing intricate tactical motifs and combinations employed by Grandmasters. 

Opening repertoire:

Gain knowledge about different opening principles and variations by studying how Grandmasters play specific openings. 

Understanding positional play:

Learn to assess subtle positional advantages and disadvantages by observing how Grandmasters exploit subtle imbalances in the position. 

Developing intuition:

Repeated exposure to high-quality chess decisions helps improve your chess intuition and ability to recognize good moves on the board. 

Important points to remember when studying Grandmaster games:

Choose annotated games:

Look for games with detailed annotations from strong players to understand the thought process behind each move. 

Focus on specific aspects:

Depending on your current playing level, focus on studying specific aspects of the game like opening principles, middlegame strategy, or endgame technique. 

Active analysis:

Don't just passively watch the game; actively try to analyze the position and think about alternative moves, comparing them to the Grandmaster's choices. 

Consider your playing level:

If you are a beginner, studying older Grandmaster games might be more accessible than modern games, as the complexities may be less extreme. 

Below are two good Online Collections

https://www.chess.com/library/collections/the-best-chess-games-of-all-time-annotated-KWuSgD8A

https://gameknot.com/best-annotated-games.pl

Here is a link for PGN File of GM Games Collections: https://www.pgnmentor.com/files.html

Below are links of Game Collections from Chessgames.com

Most Instructive Chess Games> https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chesscollection?cid=1039534

Annotated Games> https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chesscollection?cid=1009580

TVCHESS3JAQUES's favorite games> https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chesscollection?cid=1035660

Here are very useful links on the best Chess Books on Game Collections

https://www.chess.com/blog/joelcato/instructive-game-collections

https://www.chessbox.in/learn-chess/top-50-popular-chess-books-you-must-have-in-your-collection/

https://kaabilkids.com/blog/chess-books-every-chess-player-should-read/

https://www.chess.com/blog/SamCopeland/25-books-guaranteed-to-improve-your-chess

Here are some good Books to buy

https://www.amazon.in/MAMMOTH-WORLDS-GREATEST-CHESS-REISSUE/dp/1472146220

https://www.amazon.in/MAMMOTH-WORLDS-GREATEST-CHESS-GAMES/dp/1849013683/ref=asc_df_1849013683/

https://www.amazon.in/Most-Instructive-Games-Chess-Played/dp/0486273024

1000 Best Short Games> https://www.amazon.in/dp/0671538012

For more information on the Best Chess Coaching, contact us on www.nageshchess.com

 

Top 10 Ways to Improve Quickly in Chess

Top 10 Ways to Improve Quickly in Chess

Chess is a game of strategy, patience, and continuous learning. Here are the top ten ways to quickly improve your chess results:

1. Study Basic Openings: Familiarize yourself with the most common chess openings. Understanding the principles behind them helps set a strong foundation for the rest of the game.

2. Analyze Your Games: Review your games, especially the losses. Identify mistakes and missed opportunities. Use tools like chess engines for deeper analysis.

3. Solve Tactics Daily: Regularly practicing chess puzzles and tactics sharpens your ability to spot combinations and threats quickly.

4. Learn Endgames: Study basic endgames such as king and pawn versus king, and rook endgames. Knowing how to convert small advantages can win you many games.

5. Play Regularly: Consistent practice is key. Play games online or over-the-board to apply what you’ve learned and gain practical experience.

6. Review Grandmaster Games: Watching games played by grandmasters can provide insights into advanced strategies and techniques.

7. Use Chess Software: Programs like ChessBase and online platforms like Lichess or Chess.com offer tools and resources for training and improvement.

8. Take Lessons: Consider getting a coach or following structured courses. Personalized guidance can address your specific weaknesses and accelerate improvement.

9. Join a Chess Club: Being part of a chess community provides opportunities for practice, discussion, and learning from stronger players.

10. Maintain Physical and Mental Health: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest enhance cognitive function, helping you think more clearly and perform better in games.

Improving in chess requires dedication and continuous effort. By following these practical tips, you’ll see your skills and results improve significantly. 

For Professional Chess Coaching, Contact us on www.nageshchess.com

3 Strongest Chess Moves: CCT (Check, Capture, Threat)

3 Strongest Chess Moves: CCT (Check, Capture, Threat)

How to Practice Chess everyday

HOW TO PRACTICE CHESS EVERY DAY

1. Play with others. 
Best is OTB (Over The Board) or otherwise Online on Lichess.
During OTB write down the Moves in a Scoresheet.
For Online select Timecontrol 5+3 or 5+5.

2. Practice and Solve Puzzles on Lichess.
https://lichess.org/training
https://lichess.org/streak
https://lichess.org/storm

3. Learn Theory.
Topics from Chess class.

Read Articles from Chess Websites and Blogs.
Memorize Opening Moves.
Memorize the Endgame Positions and Techniques.
Read through the eBooks from the NCA Online Library (links is on the Links Page).

4. Watch Grandmaster Analysis Games Videos.
http://chessworldin.blogspot.com/2020/12/best-youtube-channels-for-chess.html

Two Strongest Moves in Chess - Check and Capture

 

How to analyse any position in Chess

1. Material - To check the number of pieces and pawns on the board.
2. Pawn weaknesses - Whether White or Black has weak pawns (doubled, isolated, backward, hanging).
3. Weak squares and strong squares – Whether White or Black has weaksquares and strong squares (usually in the centre).
4. Knight must try to control and occupy strong squares.
5. Bishops -> Open diagonals (especially pointing towards enemy King).
6. Rooks -> Open Files -> Double the Rooks -> 7th Rank.
7. Whether the Middle Game or Endgame is better for White and Black.
8. Is your King or the enemy King in a weak position?
9. Are there any checks?
10. Are there any captures?

Online Chess Coaching by Itech Chess Academy

Why Online coaching?
1. Coaching will be interactive and real time with professional certified chess trainers.
2. Classes will be at comfort of your own home at convenient timings.
3. More affordable since it saves time.

How does it work?
1. Coaching will be done online over the Internet.
2. Both student and coach share the same desktop screen on which the training chess board is displayed.
3. Both student and coach converse with each other just as in any normal phone call.
4. Assignments and Homework is given to ensure consistent practise.
5. Regular tests are conducted to appraise the performance and progress of students.

What is the duration of each session?
1. Each session is of 1 hour duration.
2. Timings of the sessions will be at fixed time slots which are as per mutual convenience.
3. In case a session is cancelled, an alternative session is organized.
4. Normally, about 4 to 8 coaching sessions per month is recommended.

What does the Student need to have?
1. A Computer, preferably a Desktop (Laptop is also ok).
2. If Webcam is also there it is good.
3. The computer needs to have a good Internet connection (Broadband/Cable).

How much does this cost?
1. Cost of training is per session.
2. In case the student signs up for bulk number of classes, attractive discounts are given.
3. Please write an email to the Chess Master at nageshjs@gmail.com to get more details on the Fees.

How is the Payment made?
1. Payment is made online through credit card, paypal or funds transfer.
2. Account Details for making Payment will be sent by email.
3. Coaching Fees has to be paid in advance.

ICA Basic Course

Itech Chess Academy - Chess Basics Course

1. What is Chess
2. History of Chess
3. Chessmen
4. About the Chessboard
5. Chess starting position
6. Movement of Chess Pieces and Pawns
7. How to capture Pieces and Pawns
8. Importance of the Centre
9. Check and Checkmate
10. Value of Pieces and Pawns
11. Rules of Castling
12. Pawn Promotion
13. DRAW
14. En-Passant
15. Rules of Chess
16. Chess Notation Symbols
17. Files and Ranks
18. How to record a Position
19. How to record a Game
20. Play chess online against the computer
21. Chess Glossary

Chess Benefits Poster

Chess Links

Online Playing
ICC :: ChessCube :: Chess :: ChessHere :: InstantChess :: Lichess

Information
ChessBase :: TWIC :: ChessCafe :: NewInChess :: ChessOPolis :: ChessCorner :: ChessDom :: ChessManiac :: ChessVibes

Turn-based Chess
ChessWorld :: RedHotPawn :: GameKnot

Chess Blogs
ChessworldIn :: SusanPolgar

Online Database
ChessGames :: LaMecca :: ChessLab :: ECODb :: ChessLive :: OpeningsDb

Official
FIDE :: AICF :: KCA

Correspondence
ICCF :: AICCF

General
WorldChampions :: ChessResults :: ChessVideos :: EnPassant

Tactics Practice
ChessTempo :: IdeaChess :: ChessTactics :: CTS :: WikiBooks :: Top10 :: MCB :: ChessEBook :: Exeter :: TotalChess :: TopPDF :: TacticsServer

Chess playing Programs
ChessCentral :: Fritz 5.32 :: FreeChess :: Pawn

How to Practise Chess

Chess practise is very important for improvement of your game. But, it is not so easy to find a good forum for regular practise.

Below are a few possibilities.

1. Join a Chess Club
This would be the best option. Practise with other players; if chess clock is also available, it would be great. After the game, analyse the game for a few minutes with the opponent.

2. Play through Grandmaster games
Grandmaster games are the easiest way to practise chess. If the games have explanatory analysis, it would be very instructive. Each master has his typical style and games by the greatest players should be studied closely.

3. Online Playing
There are several websites where one can play with other users who would have logged in. Some of the better sites in my knowledge are below:

[a] ICC (Internet Chess Club) - one of the best sites for online chess. You have to download the client software called Dasher (latest version here) through which the user can login to the ICC server. However the free trial is only for 30 days after which, serious users can pay the subscription for continued usage.

[b] Chess Cube - an excellent user interface; which however take a while to load due to Flash being used in the site. Also users who do not have the Flash components may need to install these from the Adobe website. Registration is free but you need to confirm the email. You can continue playing for free, but subscription will give you lot more features.

[c] Chess Here - a good site which requires free registration. Online playing for free is restricted to limited number of games.

[d] Gameknot - a good site which offers both online as well as turn-based chess. Registration (free) is required to login.

4. Turn-based chess
A good option for players who are not able to devote long hours to real time practise is turn-based chess. Here you have a certain number of days for each move. You can start several concurrent games at the same time and make your move when you are logged in. Even if you logout, your moves are saved, which your opponent can respond to, when he logs in. Some of the better sites are:

[a] Chessworld - one of the best sites with rich functionalities. Registration is free, however there are lot of restrictions on free usage. Subscription will unlock the full features.

[b] RedHotPawn - another very good site with several innovative features like leagues and clans. It also has a Blitz microsite to play online chess. Registration is free, again, there are restrictions on free usage. Subscription will unlock the full features.

Top 10 Tips for playing Better Chess

1. Material - Take good care of all your material (pieces and pawns). Before you touch anything, make sure that your next move is safe. And before capturing the enemy pieces or pawns, be careful if they are having support. And remember the values of the pieces (Q=9, R=5, B=3.5, N=3, P=1).

2. Visualize - Before actually playing any move, make it first in your mind and try to see the position. How can the opponent play then? What would be a good move for you to respond with? This is very important and MUST be done before each and every move you play.

3. Mobility - Try to keep ALL your pieces active. Most of the quick losses in the opening phase are due to bad development of pieces. So, try to develop all your pieces effectively. If you are finding it difficult to think of a good move, try to improve the position of your piece which is not doing anything useful.

4. Check and Capture - the two most powerful moves in chess! Before every move, take special care to think of all the Checks and Captures that are possible in the position. And think how to counter them.

5. Opening phase
Some of the important points to remember are:
a) Development is like a race! Try to bring out all your pieces quickly to control the Center.
b) Occupy the center with pawns. Then develop your Knights, then Bishops, do Castling and finally connect the Rooks.
c) Complete your development before attacking. Do not be in a hurry!
d) Do not waste time moving the same piece again and again. Also, do not exchange pieces unnecessarily.
e) Be careful in moving pawns. Moving too many pawns weakens the position.

6. Time - Most of the games are played with a chess clock. Balance your time properly and do not spend too much time on a single move, even if it is a difficult position. Do not play too fast either, take your time for every move. In case of time pressure, concentrate on the position and keep an eye on the clock.

7. Think - If you cannot find a satisfactory move in a position, then think more! Many games are lost due to hasty decisions. After you make up your mind on the move you want to play, spend a few more minutes to double-check if everything is ok for this move. Take your opponents moves seriously and try to think what is the idea he may have in his mind. And how can you spoil his plan?

8. Calculate - Chess is 99% tactics. Try to calculate the moves ahead in your mind before making a move. Do it slowly and try to see the position clearly in your mind. Try to recognize patterns and remember the winning techniques in each pattern.

9. Mindset - Try to be balanced and calm in your mind, irrespective of whom you are playing. If you are playing a stronger player, do not start the game thinking how you are going to face him. And if you are playing a weaker player, do not be over-confident. Try to be confident and calm irrespective of the opponent.

10. Endgame - Use the King well. Do not resign even if you are down in material. Learn your Endgame technique well and practice it often. Remember that a Draw is better than a Loss!

Top 10 Tips for playing well in Tournaments

1. Registration - Find out by when you need to register to the Tournament and take care to complete and confirm your registration well in time. If possible, complete paying the entry fees as well. And carry your registration confirmation copy to the Tournament.
In case of Age-category tournaments, it is useful to carry a copy of the Birth certificate.
In case of Rated tournaments, it is useful to carry your Registration card.

2. Contact Person - Note down the Names and contact numbers of the important people for the Tournament like the Organizers, Arbiters and Committee members. Also, collect directions how to get to the Tournament Hall. Which route to take (if you are driving yourself)? Which Bus/Train to take (if you are taking public transport)? Do all this before itself and do not leave it to the last day!

3. Sleep - Get adequate sleep before the tournament. Good rest helps in thinking well. Even during the tournament, sleep on time and ensure that you are fresh for the next game. Carry some drinking water with you and some snacks in case the game is going to be a long one.

4. Result - Do not get affected by the result. If you win, no need to get excited. If you lose, no need to get depressed. Try to approach the next round with a balanced mindset. After all, it is only a game! After the Tournament is over, try not to miss attending the Prize distribution (even if you may not have won anything).

5. Equipment - Try to take your own chess-set, chess-clock, scoresheet-pad and pen to the tournament. Be prepared and carry your equipment to every round. It is important to play with the correct chess set, so ensure that your pieces are of the standard size. After a game, MAKE SURE YOU COUNT ALL YOUR PIECES AND PAWNS BEFORE YOU PACK YOUR SET.

6. Time Control - Set your clock to the correct time and make sure the clock is functioning properly (specially important in case of Analog clocks). If there is any time-control that requires the clock to be readjusted, do not forget this. In case you want to claim a draw in a drawish position and you are down to the last 5 minutes, call the Arbiter to observe your board to support your draw claim.

7. Writing - Write all the moves neatly and clearly on the scoresheet. When the game is completed, write the result accurately, put your signature and take your opponent's signature near the result. After the game, preserve your scoresheet so that you can analyse the game later with your coach. Even if you can stop writing for the last 5 minutes (in rapid games), try to tick the move numbers on your scoresheet. This helps in draw claims.

8. Pairing - Check your pairing before every round. Also, your table number and colour of pieces you will be playing with. It is annoying to be asked whether you are white or black. Most of the tournaments are swiss league - you can play all the round irrespective of win or loss.

9. Arbiter - In case of any doubt or clarification, always ask the Arbiter (or Tournament Director) immediately. Do not assume anything. If if it seems silly, better to be safe than sorry. After the game, DO NOT FORGET TO REPORT THE RESULT TO THE ARBITER. In case of any dispute or confusion, do not start arguing with your opponent, go to the Arbiter immediately.

10. Etiquette - Do not leave your board too long. In case you need to visit the toilet, complete and return to the board quickly. Avoid unnecessary conversation with others in the tournament hall. Maintain silence and speak in low voice. Maintain good behaviour over the board - do not make unpleasant sounds or faces. Greet your opponent before the game and shake hands after the game is over (even if you have lost!).

Chess Notation Symbols

Click on the image to view a larger version of it.