Ready to level up your chess game? Dive into our Strategy & Tactics category for all things chess strategy! From cool openings to sneaky tactics, we’ve got tips, guides, and tricks to amp up your play. Whether you’re starting out or a seasoned player, here’s where you’ll find game-changing moves to up your chess skills.
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
Zugzwang is a German term describing a situation where the player whose turn it is to move is at a disadvantage. Any move they make worsens their position or leads to material loss. If the same position were reached and it was the opponent’s turn instead, the player might be completely fine. Taylor–Lasker, 1936 In … Read more
The Evans Gambit is a line in the Italian Game (Giuoco Piano), where White plays 4.b4, sacrificing a pawn. If Black isn’t prepared, White can have up to a 60% chance of winning. The Basics of the Evans Gambit The Evans Gambit starts with the following sequence: What is a Gambit? A gambit is when … Read more
Chess players love finding hidden tricks to catch opponents off guard. One such tricky opening is the Mikenas Defense (also called the Bogoljubov–Mikenas Defense or Queen’s Knight Defense). Starting with 1.d4 Nc6, this rare opening is perfect for players who enjoy creative, offbeat strategies. Let’s break down what makes it unique. What Is the Mikenas Defense? After 1.d4, Black … Read more
Chess openings set the tone for the entire game. While most players use popular openings like the Ruy Lopez or Sicilian Defense, the Saragossa Opening (1. c3) is a quiet but clever choice. This article breaks down its history, ideas, and why it’s worth trying. Where It Came From The Saragossa Opening got its start in 1919 … Read more
Ah, 1.d4—the opening that whispers, “I’m here for a strategic, positional grind, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” But don’t let this seemingly innocent pawn push fool you. With the right moves, you can flip the script and make 1.d4 players wish they had stuck to TikTok during their chess study sessions. Here’s … Read more
Endgames are where the magic happens in chess. When the board is stripped down to just a few pieces, every move counts. But what do you do when you’re in an unbalanced endgame? You know, those tricky situations where you’ve got a rook, and your opponent has two knights. Or maybe you’ve got an extra … Read more
Chess isn’t just about moving pieces. It’s about moving the right pieces for the right reasons. Strategy is where the game transforms from a simple pastime into a battle of wits. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be Magnus Carlsen to learn solid chess strategy. If you’re new to chess and want … Read more