intermediate

Volga Gambit: How Black Sacrifices a Pawn to Strangle White on the Queenside

Volga Gambit: How Black Sacrifices a Pawn to Strangle White on the Queenside

XB
July 22, 2025

This Volga Gambit (also known as the Benko Gambit) is a beautiful demonstration of how Black can generate lasting queenside...

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Positional Mastery with a Pin

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Positional Mastery with a Pin

XB
July 14, 2025

The Nimzo-Indian Defense is one of the most respected openings in chess. Named after Aron Nimzowitsch, it blends classical control...

Muzio Gambit: The Most Dangerous Gambit in Chess (Full Guide)

Muzio Gambit: The Most Dangerous Gambit in Chess (Full Guide)

XB
July 12, 2025

Among the major opening lines in chess, few are as daring, or downright outrageous, as the Muzio Gambit and especially...

Vienna Gambit: The Forgotten Firestarter in 1.e4 e5 Openings

Vienna Gambit: The Forgotten Firestarter in 1.e4 e5 Openings

XB
July 11, 2025

In the deep forest of 1.e4 e5 openings, the Vienna Gambit is a trail less trodden, but one that crackles...

Top 10 Easiest Sacrificial Mate-in-5 Combinations

Top 10 Easiest Sacrificial Mate-in-5 Combinations

XB
July 10, 2025

10 easiest sacrificial mate-in-5 puzzles from Lichess. Simple, fun, and perfect for beginners learning how to finish with flair. White...

10 Hardest Checkmate Puzzles from Real Games

10 Hardest Checkmate Puzzles from Real Games

XB
July 10, 2025

10 insanely hard checkmate puzzles, all from real games on Lichess. Can you find the mate before the masters did?...

Who Still Uses the King’s Gambit?

Who Still Uses the King’s Gambit?

XB
July 9, 2025

The King’s Gambit: daring, romantic, and mostly… extinct? Not quite. While it’s no longer a staple in elite chess circles,...

Why the Giuoco Piano Still Catches Players Off Guard

Why the Giuoco Piano Still Catches Players Off Guard

XB
June 30, 2025

Unpack the Giuoco Piano (Italian Opening), Two Knights’ Defense, and Scotch Game – classic 1.e4 e5 battles full of traps,...

Master Ruy Lopez Opening: Slow Build, Devastating Results

Master Ruy Lopez Opening: Slow Build, Devastating Results

XB
June 24, 2025

Master the Ruy Lopez (or Spanish Opening), an opening of tension, subtle threats, and long-term strategy. Learn plans, traps, and...

Don’t Be Fooled, The French Defense Hits Hard

Don’t Be Fooled, The French Defense Hits Hard

XB
June 24, 2025

Discover the French Defense – an opening of hidden power, central tension, and explosive counterplay. Learn its plans, traps, and...

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