Monday, May 28
IM Valeri Lilov Opening Structure | Openings
What makes an opening successful? This question has been asked by many chess players during the years. The truth is that there isn’t one absolute answer to it. Understanding the opening requires a solid knowledge of the essential principles behind a successful structure. Tune in for IM Lilov’s lecture to learn more!
Tuesday, May 29
IM Bill Paschall An Interesting Gambit in the Hyper-Accelerated Dragon | Opening, Strategy
The author of this video defends a key variation in the 2…g6 Hyperaccelerated Dragon against an experienced Grandmaster. IM Paschall plays what he believes to be Black’s best chance in this key line , a long term pawn sacrifice. GM Antal produces an interesting novelty. Paschall goes astray over the board, but in this video we will see what Black should have done to keep White from gaining an advantage.
Wednesday, May 30
FM Dennis Monokroussos Something New Against the Semi-Slav | Tactics
Alexey Shirov has been for 30 years one of the greatest experts on the Semi-Slav, especially from the black side, but in this 2018 game with Pavel Maletin he quickly came a-cropper against the trendy 5.g3. If this can happen to a top professional like Shirov – who is, remember, practically a lifelong specialist in this opening – it can happen to all of us, too. So if you play either side of the Semi-Slav, this is an important game to study. And if you have no interest in the Semi-Slav? Have a look anyway: it’s an attractive game, and it will remind you about why you’ve avoided it!
Thursday, May 31
GM Nadya Kosintseva Tricky Pawn Endgames | Endgame
In pawn endgames there is only one way to be successful – perfect calculation! There is no place for intuition or “general principles” because a pawn endgame is never better or worse – it is always either won, lost, or draw. This simple principle is well illustrated in the three examples of this video.
Friday, June 30
GM Eugene Perelshteyn Best Games from the US Champ 2018: Aggressive Stonewall Dutch by Akobian | Opening, Tactics
Material or Activity? This is the classic question in chess. Watch how top US players battle it out in the aggressive Stonewall Dutch. Akobian sacs the exchange for a pawn and piece activity but with accurate play Onischuk should hold the equilibrium. Yet, a unbelievable tactic decides the game! Can you find it?