Monday, December 31
IM Bill Paschall – The Best of Bronstein, Part 5 | Strategy, Tactics
The example in part five is a typical game where Bronstein exhibits his universal skills in both strategy and tactical play. David showed an ability to play many different opening systems and in this case the strategic and “Nimzovichian” Defense first essayed by Nimzovich. We see good strategic play in terms of pawn structure and coordination; a Bronstein hallmark! Unfortunately no endgame this time around as David wrapped it up tactically in the middle game with nice tactics.
Tuesday, January 1
Carlsen – Caruana World Championship, 2018, Game 12: Most Controversial Game of the Match | Opening, Strategy
This is the last classical game of the WC match 2018 and the one that was debated the most, at least in the media. The reason is simple – Carlsen agreed on a draw in a position where he had a good chance to play for the win. Well, his decision was absolutely correct and two days later we all saw why. Do not forget – a WC match is not a show, it’s all about the final result.
Wednesday, January 2
FM Dennis Monokroussos – A Brilliancy from the 2018 U.S. Championship | Strategy, Tactics
Fabiano Caruana may not have won many games (ok, any games) in the World Championship, but that isn’t much comfort to anyone not named Magnus Carlsen. (Who didn’t beat Caruana either, in classical chess.) Caruana’s play in 2018 has been outstanding, and one of his best games this year came against Varuzhan Akobian in the U.S. Championship. Akobian played the French, as usual, as Caruana came well-prepared. The entire game was a model, so much so that one might doubt Black’s play as far back as 8…b6 with 9…Qc7. It was a logical and beautiful game, a model for white players and a concern for Francophiles who would follow in Akobian’s footsteps.
Thursday, January 3
GM Eugene Perelshteyn – How to Defend Against the Two Bishops | Tactics, Endgame
It’s not easy to play vs the Bishop Pair. Yet, there’s one effective concept everyone should learn, the pawn blockade! Do you know which color to put the pawns on? Do you know when to castle or when to leave the king in the center? All of these questions are answered by this must-see video!
Friday, January 4
IM Valeri Lilov – Balancing Positional and Tactical Chess | Strategy, Middlegame
One of the greatest secrets of the masters is their brilliant ability to bring up tactical mastery, while they keep adding valuable improvements towards their position. It is important that we do both as a part of the overall, long-term plan that can advance our position and let us fight for advantage.