We saw some of the finest chess at the highest levels in the Candidates Tournament. Players introduced their preparations that brought new areas to the study of openings and we saw some very imaginative defensive ideas and a lot of technique that was put to work in different areas of the game. Many of the…
We had our first Seasonal Tournament last weekend on the 10th of March and it was great to have the kids be a part of a multi event tournament that makes it more fun and adds to the excitement of winning trophies across different categories. Our first event was a USCF rated Blitz tournament with…
I pull up in the parking lot of a gas station on 249 North that has a McDonalds onsite and walk inside what seems to be a usual pitstop on a long drive to gas up then some. Stepping inside an making my way in any McDonalds I see a whole set up of what…
The Legal Trap or Blackburne Trap is a chess opening trap named after French Player Sire de Legal in the 1700’s and used widely by Joseph Henry Blackburne in the 19th Century. This trap features a queen sacrifice by White followed by check mate with minor pieces if Black accepts the sacrifice. The study of…
The most widely followed Tournament of the last couple weeks concluded today in Moscow. The Aeroflot Open is an anticipated event every year drawing a the finest talents in chess from world over. The players preparing for the Candidates Tournament in little over a week were understandably absent this time around. But that’s not to…
Named after Portuguese Grand Master Pedro Damiano from the 16th Century this is one of the oldest opening in Chess. Condemned as a very weak opening this opening is never seen at top level play. However very likely encountered when facing an inexperienced opponent possibly at a Scholastic Event. Here’s an exhaustive look into the…
A most fundamental idea exploited by almost everyone against inexperienced/novice opponents is the Scholar’s Mate- also known as the Four Move Check Mate. Much as it is an exciting idea exploited by players using different variations of opening moves, here’s a look at possible alternatives and combinations and how to refute it playing black and…
Its March in 2018- the year of the World Chess Championship Match! And its this time that all eyes are on Berlin, Germany for the Candidates Tournament that’ll decide the Challenger to World Chess Champion for the Title Match in November! With a grueling schedule of double round robin format this is the most exhaustive…
