Explore the four key opening choices in chess and how to play aggressively or solidly as White or Black, with examples and guidance for all skill levels. Introduction: The Four Essential Choices Before sitting down at a chessboard, every player faces four foundational decisions: These choices often reflect personal preferences, whether one enjoys attacking or … Read more
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
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