openings

9 Easy Traps in Mikenas Defense

9 Easy Traps in Mikenas Defense

NM
June 19, 2025

The Mikenas Defense begins with the rare and flexible 1.d4 Nc6. While it may seem offbeat, this sideline contains hidden...

How to Defend Against Gambits in Chess

How to Defend Against Gambits in Chess

NM
June 17, 2025

Discover essential methods to refute gambits in chess: accept or decline them wisely, master Morra and Najdorf Poisoned Pawn defenses, and...

Blackmar–Diemer Gambit and 15 Ways to Win

Blackmar–Diemer Gambit and 15 Ways to Win

XB
June 17, 2025

The Blackmar–Diemer Gambit (BDG) is a bold and controversial chess opening where White sacrifices a pawn for rapid development and attacking chances....

The Orangutan Opening: When Real Rebels Start with 1.b4

The Orangutan Opening: When Real Rebels Start with 1.b4

NM
June 15, 2025

Among the many first moves in chess, few are as whimsical, eccentric, and surprisingly rich as 1.b4, a move known...

11 Tactical Traps and Pitfalls in the Grob Opening

11 Tactical Traps and Pitfalls in the Grob Opening

NM
June 5, 2025

This rare and unconventional opening The Grob, also known as the Spike Opening, is named after Swiss International Master Henry...

Building an Opening Repertoire: The Complete Guide

Building an Opening Repertoire: The Complete Guide

XB
June 5, 2025

In This Article When it comes to mastering chess openings, there’s no single road to follow, only paths paved by...

Evans Gambit: The Opening that Gives a 60% Chance to Win

Evans Gambit: The Opening that Gives a 60% Chance to Win

XB
May 16, 2025

The Evans Gambit is a line in the Italian Game (Giuoco Piano), where White plays 4.b4, sacrificing a pawn. If...

Exploring the Mikenas Defense: A Surprise Weapon in Chess

XB
April 18, 2025

Chess players love finding hidden tricks to catch opponents off guard. One such tricky opening is the Mikenas Defense (also called the...

Saragossa Opening: A Simple Guide to Chess’s Hidden Gem

Saragossa Opening: A Simple Guide to Chess’s Hidden Gem

NM
April 13, 2025

Chess openings set the tone for the entire game. While most players use popular openings like the Ruy Lopez or...

1.d4: The Great Mystery of Counterplay (And How to Crack It)

1.d4: The Great Mystery of Counterplay (And How to Crack It)

NM
February 11, 2025

Ah, 1.d4—the opening that whispers, “I’m here for a strategic, positional grind, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”...