The Mikenas Defense begins with the rare and flexible 1.d4 Nc6. While it may seem offbeat, this sideline contains hidden landmines for the unwary. Whether you play it as Black or want to be ready against it as White, knowing these traps can flip the board in your favor early. Let’s dive into eight easy … Read more
Discover essential methods to refute gambits in chess: accept or decline them wisely, master Morra and Najdorf Poisoned Pawn defenses, and employ modern counterplay principles. Introduction The late Senior American Master Ken Smith, who passed away in February 1999, was a well-known advocate of gambits in chess. A notable exponent of the Morra Gambit against the … Read more
The Blackmar–Diemer Gambit (BDG) is a bold and controversial chess opening where White sacrifices a pawn for rapid development and attacking chances. Introduction The Blackmar–Diemer Gambit (BDG) is one of the most aggressive and debated chess openings arising after: White sacrifices a pawn early, aiming for rapid piece development, open lines, and a strong kingside attack. While rarely seen … Read more
Among the many first moves in chess, few are as whimsical, eccentric, and surprisingly rich as 1.b4, a move known by three names: The Sokolsky Opening, The Polish Opening, and—perhaps most famously—The Orangutan. This flank pawn thrust defies conventional opening principles, yet has captured the imagination of grandmasters and chess romantics for more than a … Read more
Stalemate is often a miraculous escape for one side. Here are 10 instructive examples where the losing side saved the game through brilliant stalemate tactics. No. 1 – White to play This is a practical position that could easily arise in a real game. White must save the position by forcing perpetual checks. Play continued: … Read more
This rare and unconventional opening The Grob, also known as the Spike Opening, is named after Swiss International Master Henry Grob (1904–1974), who analyzed it deeply and played it in hundreds of correspondence games. It has also seen some success in the hands of Grandmaster Spyridon and International Master Michael Basman. Why the Grob Invites … Read more
In This Article When it comes to mastering chess openings, there’s no single road to follow, only paths paved by experience, tradition, and personal style. Each opening, whether classic or offbeat, adds something valuable to our understanding of the game. Even those lines that don’t survive the test of time offer lessons worth learning. This … Read more
In the world of elite chess, where grandmasters often burst into the spotlight with flashy debuts or social media fame, Xu Xiangyu stands out in a different way, with quiet resilience, relentless growth, and a vision shaped more by long hours of practice than public attention. Born in Taiyuan, Shanxi, in September 1999, Xu began … Read more
By 2025, Kong Xiangrui, born in 2009, has become one of the most exciting young talents in Chinese chess. His journey, marked by bold decisions, relentless self-improvement, and standout international achievements, is inspiring a new generation of chess hopefuls. A Humble Beginning in Qingdao Kong was introduced to chess in Qingdao, a city known for … Read more
Back on April 11, 2025, Jiang Haochen at just 14 years old, becoming the youngest International Master in China at that time. His coach, Grandmaster Wang Rui, couldn’t hold back the excitement, pulling Jiang into a tight celebratory hug. Jiang’s response? Just a quiet, bashful smile. Started Chess at 6, International Master by 14 Born … Read more