Learn The Queen's Gambit Exchange Variation
Learn the key ideas for both sides in the popular Exchange Variation of the Queen's Gambit. This video also covers the active,...
Learn the Queen's Gambit: Cambridge Springs and Orthodox Defense
Learn the key ideas for both sides in the tactical Cambridge Springs Defense and the solid Orthodox Defense. These openings...
Intro to 1.e4 Defenses for Black (1...e6, 1...c6, and 1...d5)
If Black meets 1.e4 with a move other than e5 or c5, the main idea will be to place a pawn on d5. 1...d5 is possible, but...
Intro to 1.e4 Defenses for Black (1...e5 and 1...c5)
The most common responses to 1.e4 are those that guard the d4 square. Black usually plays 1...e5 or 1...c5 to prevent White...
1. d4 Openings for Beginners (White)
The most popular alternative to 1.e4 is 1.d4. One of the main openings after d4 is the Queen's Gambit, which goes 1.d4 d5...
1. e4 Openings for Beginners (White)
One of the most common opening moves is 1.e4. Black's most solid response is 1...e5. The game frequently continues with...
1. d4 Openings for Beginners (Black)
When playing against 1.d4 most players prevent White from playing e4 with 1...Nf6 or 1...d5. If you play 1...d5 and White...
The Sicilian Nimzowitsch: The Surprising ...f5!
Before covering the crucial main line, IM Tuan Minh Le takes a look at some sidelines that you're likely to face. White...
The Sicilian Nimzowitsch Defense: When Your Opponent Backs Down
When you surprise your opponent with the Sicilian Nimzowitsch, there's a good chance that he or she will simply defend the...
The Sicilian Nimzowitsch: A Brilliant Blitz Weapon
How did International Master Tuan Minh Le score wins against Hikaru Nakamura, Anish Giri, and other top Grandmasters? He...
The Sicilian Nimzowitsch: A Sharp Double Gambit!
Time for the main lines! IM Tuan Minh Le finishes off his Sicilian series with a look at White's sharpest tries against...
How To Play The Catalan: A Master Class With Levon Aronian
GM Georg Meier walks you through the most popular defense against the Catalan among top players. Meier shows you how one...
How To Play The Catalan: Dubov's Sharp Variation
How does GM Meier like to play when he's on the Black side of the Catalan? He tries a deep check on b4 to sideline White's...
How To Play The Catalan: Caruana's Brilliant Catalan
What's the best move order to reach a Catalan? What should you do if Black aims for an e5 break instead of a c5 break? GM...
How To Play The Catalan: The Closed Catalan
Grandmaster Georg Meier is back with another installment in his world class coverage of the Catalan. See how he built up...
How To Play The Catalan: My Pet Line
GM Meier demonstrates one of the most popular lines at the top level and how he scores well with his pet variation! White...
Control The Center
Put your pieces in the ideal position to control the most important part of the board - the center. Try to attack those...
Develop Your Pieces
Take control of the game by developing your pieces rapidly to squares where they control the center. You want to develop...
Protect Your King
King safety is the most important positional factor in chess. Usually the best way to secure your king is to castle. That...
Active Pieces
An active piece has the potential to make many moves. At the start of the game, most pieces can't move at all and the knights...
Phases Of The Game
Chess games typically feature three phases. The opening is when each side focuses on developing their pieces from the back...
Your Opponent's Move
It’s important to pay attention to what your opponent is trying to do each turn. You want to watch out for any checks, captures,...
Tips And Tricks Of The London System: Bxh7
GM Aman Hambleton demonstrates a devastating trick that has won him many games in his favorite opening, the London System....
Tips And Tricks Of The London System: Common Structures
What happens in the London system when queens face off on the b-file? GM Hambleton demonstrates the key idea of forcing...
Tips And Tricks Of The London System: Black Fianchetto
How can Black cause serious problems for an inflexible London System player? GM Hambleton recommends an early g6 setup with...