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
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
Chess openings are a lot like pizza toppings, as there are plenty to choose from, but only a few are universally loved. Let’s explore the best first moves in chess, ranked by popularity. “Why?” Tier Moves that scream, “I play chess for fun, not to win.” 10. 1.Nc3 (1%)The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack’s more eccentric cousin. Sure, … Read more
What’s the deal with everyone discussing the Cow Opening? This article will delve into its origins, its creator, and how to employ it effectively.
Roughly 100,000 games have been played using the Alien Gambit just in January 2024. Many Grandmasters are falling victim to it. Why has it become a hot trend in chess?
Have you heard of the Siberian Trap in chess? No, it’s not a weapon used to hunt tigers. It’s a tricky maneuver used to win a queen or deliver checkmate.