Tagged: Opening Theory

Vasily Smyslov a Chess Legend

Vasily Smyslov defeated Botvinnik to become the 7th world chess champion (1957-58). His reign was short since he lost the rematch the following year. Nonetheless, Smyslov remained a top chess player until he retired...

Game Spotlight: The Next Step

So, you’re in the middle of learning a new opening.  You started with the most fundamental variation.  You’re focusing on middlegame plans for both you and your opponent.  And you’ve looked at any important...

Game Spotlight: Critical Variations

As we’ve seen, there’s a way to organize to best learn a new opening.  First, start off with the most fundamental variation, and get used to the middlegame ideas involved, while respecting the ideas your...

Game Spotlight: Opening Blind

While knowing a lot of opening theory isn’t helpful at the club level (you should be spending more time on tactics and endgames), it’s still important to know some.  At least, if the position...

Game Spotlight: Planless Development

I mentioned in passing in a previous article that there was a fourth, less mentioned opening principle — develop with a plan.  Where this normally shows up as a problem is the classic junior...