Vienna 1907: Attacking the King
Attacking the King Many of the world’s best players travelled to Vienna in 1907, for a tournament full of daring attacks on the king. How can black exploit white’s central king? Vienna 1907: Mieses’ Greatest Triumph At the beginning of the 20th century, Vienna...
Strategic Sacrifices: Long-term Compensation
Strategic Sacrifices Last week, we analysed dynamic sacrifices, where the goal is to gain time, a lead in development, and/or an attack on the king. Below, we explore strategic sacrifices, where the compensation is often far less obvious. How can black sacrifice...
Dynamic Sacrifices: Good, Bad and Useful
Dynamic sacrifices Sacrifices in chess come in many different shapes and forms, and are useful in achieving a variety of goals. Below, we explore dynamic sacrifices, where the goal is to gain time, a lead in development, and/or an attack on the king. How can white...
Opposite-Coloured Bishops: Magicians of the Chessboard
A Unique Character Opposite-coloured bishops impose their own set of characteristics on the board, giving the position a unique character. Below, we explore their defensive resources and dynamic attacking power. How can black make use of the power of opposite-coloured...
Elements of Bishop Strategy: Dominating the Diagonals
Bishops and their Habits Last week, we analysed the missing bishop and the resulting weak colour complex. Today, we explore further elements of bishop strategy: creating open diagonals and the power of the bishop pair. How can black make use of the active bishop pair?...
The Missing Bishop: A Weak Colour Complex
The Bishop without an Opponent A bishop without an opponent which contests the same colour squares can be a very powerful piece. Below, we explore its ability to exploit weak colour complexes. How can white exploit a weak colour complex? Weak colour complex When one...
Elements of Knight Strategy: Beyond Outposts
Knights and their habits Last week, we analysed the relationship between knights and their outposts. Today, we explore further elements of knight strategy: restriction, the knight pair in attack, and blockade. Restriction Knights need advanced support points to be...
Knights and their Outposts: The Road to Victory
Knights and their Outposts Knights are usually at their best when they have advanced outposts in the centre. Below, we explore the powerful relationship between knights and their outposts. How can black create an outpost for their knight? Outposts: Homes for Knights...
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