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January 13, 2012
In this week's lesson, Dennis takes a break from his series on the Ruy Lopez to present some excellent king and pawn endgame play from Akiba Rubinstein. The video is a lot of fun and highlights the decisive impact of even tiny advantages in pawn endgames. As always, let us know what you ... [Read More]
January 6, 2012
In this week's lesson, the Quick Ruy Lopez continues, with the second half of Dennis' coverage of 9.Nbd2 in the Open Ruy. He analyzes the variation 9.Nbd2 Nc5 10.c3 d4 11.Bxe6 Nxe6 12.cxd4 Ncxd4 and then moves on to the main lines, 13.Ne4 and 13.a4. Let us know what you ... [Read More]
January 3, 2012
We had some sound problems with Dennis' new installment of the Quick Ruy Lopez series. Sorry for the inconvenience. The video has now been fixed, so check it ... [Read More]
December 30, 2011
Dennis continues the Quick Ruy with installment XVI, the first of a two part discussion of 9.Nbd2. He presents some sparkling play from Kasparov for your chess enjoyment. As always, let us know what you ... [Read More]
December 23, 2011
This week brings the continuation of Dennis' series on the Quick Ruy Lopez. In part fifteen of his epic series, Dennis takes a look at the 9.Be3 line of the Open Ruy. This is a key line, so check it out and let us know what you ... [Read More]
December 19, 2011
Dennis' epic series on the Ruy resumes with the Quick Ruy Lopez XIV: 9.Qe2 Open Ruy. Dennis examines three possibilities for black: the wild/dubious 9...g5, the very sharp and deep 9…Be7 10.Rd1 Nc5 and the old and solid 9…Be7 10.Rd1 0-0. Fun viewing for players of all openings and required for players who get into the Spanish Game for either side. As always, let us know what you ... [Read More]
December 9, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis takes a look at a little known game from 1988 between Mikhail Tal and Boris Spassky. Though it was a blitz game, it features exciting and instructive play from both sides. The game saw Tal employ the Austrian Attack against the Pirc, leading to sharp play. Beyond the exciting tactics, there's good information for dealing with pawn structures that feature multiple pawn islands. ... [Read More]
December 2, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis takes a look at a recent game between child GMs Parimarjan Negi and Anish Giri. The game features an impressive attacking effort from Negi who sustains the pressure even once the queens leave the board. The video also provides an overview of a weapon for white players fearful of the French Defense. As always, check it out and let us know what you think! ... [Read More]
November 25, 2011
In this week's belated Thanksgiving episode, Dennis takes a look at how to respond to provocation in the opening. He examines the game Zoltan Almasi - Guseinov, 2011. Almasi reacts to a provocative knight move from Guseinov, with interesting results. Take a look and as always, let us know what you ... [Read More]
November 22, 2011
In this week's lesson IM Renier Castellanos takes a look at clean and straightforward play from Michael Adams. Adams is known for using simple chess at the very top level and this Bogo-Indian against Huzman is no exception. Check it out and let us know what you ... [Read More]
November 18, 2011
In honor of Mikhail Tal's 75th birthday last week, Dennis brings us a classic example of the former champion's genius. Dennis presents a 1987 blitz game against Miguel Quinteros in which Tal provides a model of attacking play against the Pirc. This one is exciting and to the point, so check it out and let us know what you ... [Read More]
November 11, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis takes a look at white plans involving e4 against the Stonewall Dutch. If you're looking for balanced coverage, this is the place to find it, as Dennis presents the idea from both perspectives. He begins with one of his own games and then follows it up with a classic: Flohr - Botvinnik, 1933. As always, let us know what you ... [Read More]
November 6, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier takes a look at the game Smirin - Abasov, 2011, a tense struggle in the Tarrasch variation of the French Defense. The game highlights the incredible creativity of Israeli GM Ilya Smirin. As always, let us know what you ... [Read More]
November 4, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis presents Vallejo the Attacker, a discussion of two games by the fiery Spanish GM Francisco Vallejo Pons. These games not only entertain, but if you want to play along, they will stretch your ability to calculate. Good viewing, whether you want to kick back and enjoy or you want to put on your thinking cap and work hard. As always, let us know what you ... [Read More]
October 28, 2011
In this week's video, Dennis continues his soup to nuts take on the Ruy Lopez, with the Quick Ruy Lopez XIII, an examination of 5.Nc3, d4 ideas on moves five and six, and the tricky Riga variation. As always, let us know what you ... [Read More]
October 23, 2011
In his newest lesson, Renier takes a look at the Guimard variation of the Tarrasch French Defense. The Tarrasch is one of the key lines of the French Defense and the Guimard constitutes a bold try for equality for black. Renier, as always, provides entertaining commentary and important analysis. Good viewing for players of both sides of the French ... [Read More]
October 22, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis presents the Quick Ruy 12, covering the 5.d3 & 6.d3 lines. The line has a long history spanning all the way to Steinitz - Blackburne, 1876, but is still popular. It was used in a clash between Carlsen and Topalov last year. Check it out and let us know what you ... [Read More]
October 15, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis takes a look at an old game to show an idea that might just be getting its day in the sun. He analyzes Plaskett - Short, 2000, to examine using an isolated queen pawn against the French defense. The idea may be coming back into style with the release of the recent book, Fighting the French: A New Concept. Take a look and let us know what you ... [Read More]
October 6, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis presents a personal highlight, an exciting game he played against former U.S. champion Walter "Mr. Six Time" Browne. The game features exciting home preparation (with the help of Jay Whitehead) and a complicated struggle. Great analysis and an interesting story, what more could you ask for? Check it ... [Read More]
September 30, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis takes a look at Jakovenko - Gelfand, 2011, which after a novelty on move 37(!) ended up in a fascinating rook ending. Dennis discusses many thematic endgame ideas: centralizing the king, the power of passed pawns, and more. If you think rook endgames are boring, guess ... [Read More]
September 22, 2011
Dennis is back with analysis of your games and answers to your questions. The September edition of Viewer Games and Questions is a whopper, coming in at almost 70 minutes of exciting chess analysis. He covers lines in the English, Scotch, and King's Gambit, as well as an example of how to play against an IQP in the endgame.
Even better, Dennis has a bonus video this week. He provides advice on counter-attacking against the King's Gambit through ... [Read More]
Even better, Dennis has a bonus video this week. He provides advice on counter-attacking against the King's Gambit through ... [Read More]
September 17, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis continues his series, the Quick Ruy Lopez, with an analysis of black's sidelines after 4.Ba4. He studies the Norwegian variation (4...b5 5.Bb3 Na5), the Delayed Schliemann/Jaenisch (4...f5), and the Steinitz Deferred (4...d6). This is a good wrap up for white players looking to fend off pesky sidelines and black players who want to mix things up. Dennis covers a wide variety of ideas for both colors, but don't worry, he keeps it straightforward and easy to follow. ... [Read More]
September 11, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier takes a look at the recent game Andreikin - Dreev, an exciting struggle in the Panov Attack line of the Caro-Kann. Andreikin exhibits sharp attacking play and Renier's video has a lot to teach us about cracking the Caro-Kann. Must watch for players of both sides of the Panov ... [Read More]
September 8, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis presents a just-played brilliancy from the 2011 FIDE World Cup. The game, between titans Gata Kamsky and Peter Svidler, features a spectacular combination and a cold-blooded rook move. Check it out and as always, let us know what you ... [Read More]
September 2, 2011
This week’s show covers the impressive win by Marc Esserman over Loek van Wely from this year’s US Open, a nice hatchet job using the Smith-Morra Gambit. Dennis also includes a couple of his old speed chess wins in the Gambit, and offers some advice for Black as to how to, and how not to, decline ... [Read More]
August 26, 2011
Dennis takes a look at the game Karpov - Georgiev, Biel 1994, an exciting QGD that features tactical fireworks from one of the all-time greats, Anatoly Karpov. Dennis focuses on the relevant pawn structures as well as a fight over the effectiveness of black's light-squared bishop. The positional struggle culminates in an exciting tactical denouement. As always, let us know what you ... [Read More]
August 23, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis takes a look at the Exchange Variation of the Ruy Lopez. The line is a former favorite of yours truly and a great option for anyone hoping to learn about positional play or the fundamentals of endgame strategy. Dennis know these lines well, so pay attention!
Also, Dennis has an extra special treat for his viewers this week...another video! He takes a look at some more games in the Schliemann variation of the Ruy Lopez ... [Read More]
Also, Dennis has an extra special treat for his viewers this week...another video! He takes a look at some more games in the Schliemann variation of the Ruy Lopez ... [Read More]
August 15, 2011
In this week's lesson, IM Renier Castellanos takes a look at Cheparinov - Vallejo, 2011 from the recent tournament in Baku. The game is a modern Benoni that features the opening's typical middlegame ideas and then an instructive endgame. There's something to learn in all phases here, so check it out. As always, Renier provides incisive analysis. ... [Read More]
August 12, 2011
Test your calculation and imagination this week, in which FM Dennis Monokroussos gives a lesson in resourcefulness in blitz. During a recent blitz game, Dennis shows how at a critical point in the game he finds an interesting idea to challenge his opponent and eventually unravel his position. Play along with Dennis and see if you can calculate the variations and best moves for each side as he navigates you through the ... [Read More]
August 6, 2011
Renier is back with an analysis of the exciting game Korobov - Smirin, 2011, a tense struggle in the King's Indian Bayonet Attack. The game features fighting on every part of the board with kingside/queenside attacks and skirmishes in the center. An exciting and complex endgame follows. There's something to learn in every phase here, so pay ... [Read More]
August 4, 2011
This week, Dennis presents the August edition of Viewer Games and Questions. He covers a number of opening topics, mostly about offbeat lines like the Budapest, Trompowsky, and Grand Prix Attack. He also discusses several middlegame and endgame ideas, like the principle of two weaknesses. This lesson is a potpourri of good chess advice and analysis, so check it ... [Read More]
July 30, 2011
Zibbit recently posted a new PPV video lesson, Lessons #1 - Endings, Biel and WTC <2>:
All the top players in the world are providing us with new games in Biel, Dortmund and the World Team Championships. FM Ingvar Johannesson has chosen three game fragments from these recent games for short lessons in important endgame principles including pawn endings, rooks on the 7th and king safety. This lesson should be suitable up the 2000 elo level.
Special Offer: Between now and end of day ... [Read More]
All the top players in the world are providing us with new games in Biel, Dortmund and the World Team Championships. FM Ingvar Johannesson has chosen three game fragments from these recent games for short lessons in important endgame principles including pawn endings, rooks on the 7th and king safety. This lesson should be suitable up the 2000 elo level.
Special Offer: Between now and end of day ... [Read More]
July 29, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis takes a look at a recent game from the Biel International Chess Festival. The game, Morozevich - Shirov, features wild tactics from two players known for their creative (and uncompromising!) play. If you want to learn about handling material imbalances or are just looking for a wild ride, check it out! ... [Read More]
July 24, 2011
This week, FM Dennis Monokroussos concludes the Berlin Endgame series. In this video he takes a look at two very high-level games in the line 9.Nc3 Ke8 10.h3 h5, showing some different plans and giving a general idea of where things stand at the moment.
Check it out here: Quick Ruy 9: Berlin Ending ... [Read More]
Check it out here: Quick Ruy 9: Berlin Ending ... [Read More]
July 19, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier takes a look at the game Radjabov - Harikrishna, 2011, a tense struggle in the Italian Game. The game remains quiet but very tense for a long time before the tactical fireworks commence. Great for players who want to learn about attacking in the long term. As always, let us know what you ... [Read More]
July 16, 2011
In this week's lesson Dennis takes a break from his series on the Ruy Lopez to give us some slugfests. He takes a look at GM Beliavsky's efforts against the vicious Velimirovic attack in the Sicilian Sozin. Named after the famous Yugoslav Grandmaster Dragoljub Velimirovic, the line features vicious pawn attacks from both sides. Dennis invites the viewer to join in the analysis. As always, let us know what you ... [Read More]
July 8, 2011
In this week's video, Dennis brings us The Berlin Endgame, part 2, a portion of his ongoing series on the Quick Ruy Lopez. There's a lot of important (and subtle) theoretical content here that Dennis illustrates using recent high-level play. Must watch for Berlin players as well as people who want to learn the subtleties of endgame strategy. As always, be sure to let us know what you ... [Read More]
June 30, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis brings us the Quick Ruy 7: The Berlin Endgame. We've finally reached the dreaded Berlin Defense, and Dennis starts with one of the most famous opening -> endgame transitions in all of chess. As a new Ruy player, I'll be watching this one and taking notes. You should ... [Read More]
June 30, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier presents the game Salgado - Smirin, 2011, a Sicilian Kan slugfest. The game builds on earlier videos on the tenatcious Sicilian line and contains a number of exciting attacking ideas. Check it out and let us know what you ... [Read More]
June 24, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis presents two nice wins vs. the Caro-Kann. He shows a nice (and instructive way) to make black's life miserable in the Classical Caro-Kann. Required viewing for those of us (like me) who use the Caro as well as for those of you looking for a solid way to get a nice position for white. ... [Read More]
June 21, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier takes a look at some new ideas in the Rossolimo, a popular anti-Sicilian line (1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5). Renier takes a look at a recent top-level game and presents some exciting opening analysis. If you're looking for a fresh weapon against the Sicilian or just want to see some exciting opening play, check it ... [Read More]
June 16, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis brings you the sixth installment of his series on the Quick Ruy Lopez. This edition is the second part of his analysis of the sidelines to the Berlin defense. These lines are important for players of the white side of the Ruy as well as Berlin adherents who might be looking to trip their opponent up in sidelines. This is shaping up to be an epic opening video series, so check it out. As always, let us know what you ... [Read More]
June 12, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis presents part five of the Quick Ruy Lopez. He covers the sidelines of the Berlin Defense in the first of a series of videos on the dreaded Berlin Wall. If you're looking for a new weapon as black or want a better idea of the critical lines from white's perspective, check it ... [Read More]
June 10, 2011
Zibbit aka FM Ingvar Johannesson gives an overview of which lines black needs to know about to play the Benoni. There is also a brief summary of key themes such as fighting against the Nd2-c4 manoeuvre in the Fianchetto and what to avoid such as the e5 break in the Knaak variation. Finally some advice about early move orders and which lines can possibly be cut out with those. Here is the link: Benoni - Into and overview for black.
This 40 minute video will only set you back 4 video credits, which is probably about ... [Read More]
This 40 minute video will only set you back 4 video credits, which is probably about ... [Read More]
June 6, 2011
In this week's lesson, IM Renier Castellanos takes a look at positional play in the Slav Defense. He examines the game Quang - Bruzon, 2011, with a focus on the theme of the bishop pair and key pawn structures. Positional play is the foundation of good chess, so pay ... [Read More]
June 3, 2011
In this week's video, Dennis answers your questions and looks at your games in the June 2011 edition of Viewer Questions and Games. Topics covered include opening lines like the Winawer French and the English opening as well as middlegame themes like essential pawn structures and minority attacks. These videos cover a wide range of topics and are of interest to players of all levels. Enjoy and let us know what you think! ... [Read More]
May 31, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier presents New Ideas in the Sicilian Kan, Part 2. He takes a look at another game of Dmitry Andreikin's, this time against Lazaro Bruzon, one of Cuba's top players. For cutting edge opening information and top-level play, check this ... [Read More]
May 27, 2011
Dennis is back with the May 2011 edition of Viewer Games. These games look at the art of attack and counterattack. All three games focus on a similar theme: the race between a kingside attack and a counter in the center or on the queenside. Check it out and let us know what you ... [Read More]
May 22, 2011
Renier is back with a lesson on new ideas in the Sicilian Kan. He takes a look at the exciting game Dominguez - Andreikin, with an eye toward key opening and early middlegame ideas. Be sure to check it out and let us know what you ... [Read More]
May 20, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis takes look at the first game of the Candidates Final match between Grischuk and Gelfand. The game is both exciting and instructive, with Dennis taking a look at important ideas surrounding queenside majorities. This is shaping up to be an epic match, so be sure to check out Dennis' coverage of the first ... [Read More]
May 13, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis continues his discussion of the Spanish game with part 4 of the Quick Ruy Lopez. This video is also the third part on the Jaenisch/Schliemann and will be the concluding lesson on this pugnacious line. These videos provide a solid foundation for players facing the Ruy Lopez against opponents of all strengths. Check it ... [Read More]
May 9, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier takes a look at the game Rublevsky - Areschenko from the 2011 Russian Team Championship. Rublevsky employs a very tricky move order in order to get the kind of position he wants against an expert in the Sicilian Najdorf. The finesse leads to a tense middlegame in which white applies a tremendous amount of pressure. Check it ... [Read More]
May 7, 2011
This week Dennis presents the third part of his series on the Quick Ruy Lopez. Dennis takes a look at some more critical lines in the Jaenisch. ... [Read More]
May 6, 2011
IM Greg Shahade, aka curtains, is starting an opening series in which he gives a very basic outline of his entire opening repertoire. Most of the videos will be released through the Pay-Per-View program, but to give you a sample of what the videos are like he has released the first one for free.
In this free sample video, he shows a rare but effective way to handle one of the most common ... [Read More]
In this free sample video, he shows a rare but effective way to handle one of the most common ... [Read More]
April 29, 2011
In this week's video, Dennis presents part two of his series, the Quick Ruy Lopez. Dennis takes a look at the sharp Schliemann defense a.k.a. the Jaenisch (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5!?). Black often sacrifices a pawn (or two) for a vicious kingside attack. ... [Read More]
April 25, 2011
In this week's lesson, IM Renier Castellanos presents a lesson from Larry (Christiansen). He takes a look at the recent game, Christiansen - Shabalov, from the 2011 U.S. Championship. The game is a tense Sicilian Dragon, so check it out if you're a fan of ... [Read More]
April 23, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis provides the first part of a quick overview of the Ruy Lopez. The Ruy is one of the game's oldest and strongest openings, and is must-learn. If you haven't played it, for black or white, watch this lesson, and give it a ... [Read More]
April 14, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis presents a series of games he played in a recent tournament in Downers Grove, Illinois. He covers practical topics like blunders and time trouble as well as examines games in the Rossolimo Sicilian and Schliemann. Check it out and let him know what you ... [Read More]
April 11, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier takes a look at Quang - Cheparinov, 2011. The game features a complicated King's Indian Defense. Renier takes a deep-look at the middlegame as well as provides analysis of the game as a whole. Watch it and let us know what you ... [Read More]
April 8, 2011
In this week's video, Dennis takes a look at some sparkling play from Judit Polgar in the 2011 European Championships. Dennis studies four of her games, covering the spectrum from sharp attacking middlegames to tense and subtle endgames. Check it ... [Read More]
April 6, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier takes a look at new trends in the MacCutcheon variation of the French Defense (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Bb4). He takes a look at a recent game Igor Glek played in the Bundesliga. Required viewing for players who get into the French for either ... [Read More]
April 4, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier takes a look at a critical pawn structure: hanging pawns. He examines their role in the Queen's Gambit, but the analysis is critical to understanding the pawn structure more generally. If you're looking to brush up on your middlegame play, check this ... [Read More]
April 1, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis has another viewer games show (and he fields a few questions). Dennis takes a look at a tricky rook ending as well as two exciting struggles, one of which was a tense simul game a viewer played against Nigel Short. Dennis also addresses the always tricky question of choosing an opening ... [Read More]
March 25, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis takes a look at YOUR submissions in the March edition of Viewer Games. He looks at a variety of opening set-ups, including the London System, the advance Caro-Kann, and the King's Gambit. He even talks about the tricky subject of positional exchange sacrifices. This video is chock full of content, so watch it ... [Read More]
March 21, 2011
In this week's lesson, IM Renier Castellanos takes a look at the game Vuckovic - Movsesian from the 2011 Aeroflot Open. The game was a tense Rubinstein Nimzo-Indian with chances for both sides. Be sure to check it ... [Read More]
March 18, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis takes a look at the Exchange Slav, suggesting this line is about more than a quick draw. Dennis analyzes three games and suggests that the line leads to interesting possibilities for both sides. Must watch for 1.d4 players and those of you who employ the Slav! ... [Read More]
March 13, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier takes a look at the game Bologan - Salgado, 2011 and shows us some fireworks in the Rossolimo Sicilian. The game is sharp and complicated, with both sides playing on a razor's edge. Salgado is an up and coming Grandmaster from Spain, so keep an eye out for him at future tournaments. ... [Read More]
March 11, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis takes a look at Paulsen - Tarrasch, 1888. The game is a shining example of how to play the black side of the Advance French. Along with the game, Dennis discusses Tarrasch's famed dogmatism as well as the German great's career. Good chess and good history. Check it ... [Read More]
March 6, 2011
In his newest video, Renier takes a look at dealing with the Taimanov Sicilian. Using the 2006 Olympiad game Charbonneau-Anand, he examines a positional way for white to handle this tenacious opening. This is a great lesson for players on either side of the sicilian as well as people who want to learn more about using a space advantage (or working with a disadvantage!). ... [Read More]
March 4, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis presents World Champion Follies, a whirlwind tour of catastrophic games by world champions. Feeling bad about losing in under fifteen moves? Watch some of the best players of all time completely fall apart and feel better about your own ... [Read More]
March 1, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier takes a look at attacking the uncastled king. He examines tactical play in the Modern Benoni, so you know this is going to be a wild ride. Check it ... [Read More]
February 27, 2011
Only 24 more hours to purchase video credits with a 20% bonus! Click here to see how to take advantage.
Because we are ADDING this 20% bonus on top of the existing volume bonuses, you can get amazing deals whether you are making a small purchase or a large purchase. I'm not sure we will ever offer a promotion this generous again, so if you are interested in buying video credits for the first time or are looking to stock up, now is the ... [Read More]
Because we are ADDING this 20% bonus on top of the existing volume bonuses, you can get amazing deals whether you are making a small purchase or a large purchase. I'm not sure we will ever offer a promotion this generous again, so if you are interested in buying video credits for the first time or are looking to stock up, now is the ... [Read More]
February 24, 2011
In this week's video, Dennis answers your questions! He takes a look at a couple Ruy Lopez lines, as well as how to meet a pawn storm, and how to think about corresponding squares. This video has material on all phases of the game, so make sure to check it out. And remember: Dennis is here to answer YOUR questions! ... [Read More]
February 22, 2011
It has been over 5 months since we launched the PPV program, and it has been a huge success. In that time our PPV producer, curtains, has produced over 150 amazing videos and over one hundred members have purchased credits!
We wanted to say thanks to everybody by offering a 20% bonus on all video credits purchased until 2/28. That bonus is in addition to the volume bonus! That means you can get up to a 35% bonus of video credits.
This offer applies to everybody! Whether you have never bought video credits or you are a premium member, everybody gets the ... [Read More]
We wanted to say thanks to everybody by offering a 20% bonus on all video credits purchased until 2/28. That bonus is in addition to the volume bonus! That means you can get up to a 35% bonus of video credits.
This offer applies to everybody! Whether you have never bought video credits or you are a premium member, everybody gets the ... [Read More]
February 21, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier takes a look at playing against an isolated center pawn. This is an especially tricky situation and advice on handling these middlegames varies widely. If you're looking to improve your middlegame play, what better way than by learning about a critical pawn structure? ... [Read More]
February 18, 2011
In this week's video, Dennis presents Busting the Blumenfeld! He takes a look at the exciting game Cheparinov-Salgado Lopez as a way of revealing attacking solutions to this tricky black gambit. This game is crazy, so kick back and ... [Read More]
February 12, 2011
In this week's video, Dennis takes a look at your games. He covers five games, all of them from the black side. The discussion ranges from questions of chess psychology, to play in the Berlin Defense, and since almost every game reaches a rook ending, he also focuses on those tricky situations. This is a marathon session with a lot of fantastic content, so kick back and ... [Read More]
February 6, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier explains the Samisch King's Indian, an aggressive try for white in this combative opening. Along the way, Renier tells us about exchange sacrifices and attacking the castled king. Must watch if you get into the King's Indian Defense for either ... [Read More]
February 4, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis takes a look at some exciting tactics. They range in difficulty from easy to extremely difficult. Play along or if you'd prefer, just watch the video straight through and enjoy the ride. Sit down, grab a cold one, and tune in because it's tactics ... [Read More]
February 1, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier takes another look at quiet play against the Caro-Kann. He examines an impressive game in the Advance Variation of the Caro-Kann. This is must-watch for 1...c6 players and may give a useful antidote to players having trouble cracking the uber-solid Caro-Kann. Let us know what you ... [Read More]
January 28, 2011
In this week's lesson Dennis takes a look at Korchnoi's sensational victory against Fabiano Caruana in Gibraltar. The 79-year-old Korchnoi shows remarkable flair against the 18-year-old phenom. Sick of being paired against kids? Want to see the old guys get some revenge? Check this ... [Read More]
January 24, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier takes a look at an exciting Scotch Game between Alexei Shirov and former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik from the 2011 Wijk Aan Zee tournament. The game featured an unusual line from the Scotch as well as a nice combination of advance preparation and hard work over the board. As always, Renier provides entertaining and instructive commentary. ... [Read More]
January 22, 2011
Dennis takes a look at the Botvinnik Semi-Slav's use in van Wely - Smeets, 2005 and how it improves on a 1996 struggle between Azmaiparashvili and Shirov. The game is a very deep theoretical struggle and Dennis uses it to not only explore a fascinating opening line but also to talk about the very notion of deep theory. Take a seat and let Dennis be your guide to the farthest reaches of the known chess ... [Read More]
January 16, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier takes a look at a recent game of his against GM Bator Sambuev. The game is an exciting French Defense, featuring the solid Tarrasch variation. Let us know what you ... [Read More]
January 13, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis examines a classic: Game 5 of the 1972 Spassky - Fischer World Championship. The game features an incredible blockade in the Nimzo-Indian and sparkling middlegame/endgame play. Check it ... [Read More]
January 9, 2011
In this week's lesson, Renier takes a look at Rao - Kotronias from the recent Hastings Masters. Black doesn't get his king out of the center and allows white to get a ferocious attack in the Sicilian. Prasanna Rao is a rising star and Renier's analysis makes for exciting viewing. Let us know what you think! ... [Read More]
January 7, 2011
In this week's lesson, Dennis takes a look at Kaidanov - Onischuk from the 2002 Chicago Open. GM Kaidanov employs some very surprising ideas to break through black's dreaded Nimzo-Indian blockade. If you're looking for creative chess, this is the place to find ... [Read More]
December 31, 2010
In this week's video, Dennis presents Lessons from Blitz, an examination of the wild positions that arise in games with extremely short time controls. Check it ... [Read More]
December 27, 2010
In this week's lesson, Renier takes a look at a positional sacrifice in the Sicilian Najdorf. He examines how the idea, attributed to Bronstein, plays out in practice. This makes for great holiday viewing, so make sure to check it ... [Read More]
December 23, 2010
In this week's lesson, Dennis takes a look at Fischer's play in the Najdorf Sicilian to examine the strength (or weakness) of the d5 hole. Required viewing if you get this opening with black or ... [Read More]
December 22, 2010
In this week's lesson, IM Renier Castellanos talks about keeping the balance. Renier takes a look at an equal middlegame/endgame to understand how to avoid mistakes or press for the win in a relatively balanced position. This video is all about subtle play, so make sure to take ... [Read More]
December 19, 2010
In this week's lesson, Dennis answers your questions and analyzes your games. He covers a variety of topics, ranging from the Blackmar-Diemer, to the more staid Ruy Lopez, to the eternal struggle between bishop and knight. Be sure to check this one ... [Read More]
December 13, 2010
In this week's lesson, Renier looks at Michael Adams' quiet play against the Caro-Kann. White calmly works to control black's pawn breaks and gets a satisfying bind. If you're a white player who's having trouble against the solid (but tenacious) Caro-Kann, pay attention. Similarly, if like yours truly, you use this defense as black, take heed so this doesn't happen to ... [Read More]
December 9, 2010
In this week's lesson, Dennis discusses exciting tactics in the Von-Hennig Schara Gambit, a wild line he first covered over a year ago. Dennis covers the key ideas in the line and provides a nice overview of a blitz mainstay or a classical time-control suprise weapon. ... [Read More]
December 6, 2010
In this week's lesson IM Renier Castellanos provides his thoughts on some critical King's Indian Defense theory. The discussion features one of Renier's games and is a follow-up to his earlier video on the KID. ... [Read More]
December 2, 2010
In this week's video, Dennis answers more of your questions. He covers topics ranging from the Benko declined to material imbalances and chess psychology. This is a great (and diverse) set of questions, so make sure to check it ... [Read More]
November 26, 2010
In this week's lesson, Dennis Monokroussos takes a look at a Larry Evans brilliancy. Loved by chess players around the world, Evans passed away on Monday. He was one of the top American players of his era, and by all accounts, a great guy. Hope you enjoy Dennis' ... [Read More]
November 19, 2010
In this week's lesson Dennis Monokroussos analyzes a brilliant computer game. Attack and defense remain in balance throughout and fireworks abound. Who says computers have no heart?
We also have a bonus video this week! Dennis recorded a follow-up to last week's lesson on K + P opening theory. He addresses an interesting viewer ... [Read More]
We also have a bonus video this week! Dennis recorded a follow-up to last week's lesson on K + P opening theory. He addresses an interesting viewer ... [Read More]
November 15, 2010
In this week's video, IM Renier Castellanos looks at a recent game he played against a strong Grandmaster. The game features a critical line of the King's Indian Defense and Renier takes the opportunity to provide an overview of this dynamic (and aggressive!) opening. If you play either side of the KID, make sure to check out Renier's ... [Read More]
November 12, 2010
In this week's lesson, Dennis examines two theoretical lines and the King and pawn endings to which they lead. Both endings are winning for the stronger side, but Dennis suggests that the loser had a much better alternative in avoiding the endgame. He covers a line of the Two Knights Defense as well as a Dragon Sicilian. Instructors often encourage thinking about openings in terms of the middlegame pawn structures they produce, but Dennis suggests you should also consider endgame ... [Read More]