Slav Defense – The Schallopp Variation (Part 1)
Posted on February 27, 2012 by William in All Articles w/ Videos, Beginner’s Corner, Chess Openings
Welcome to my 3rd Beginner Chess Openings Series on the Slav Defense. My 1st and 2nd Beginner Chess Openings Series featured the “Stonewall Attack” and the “French Defense.” These three openings represent a comprehensive opening repertoire for the beginner chess player. Examining the big picture of this beginner opening system, you will find that the general ideas and pawn formations are very similar – enabling the beginner chess player to focus more on understanding general […]
Slav Defense – Exchange Variation (Part 3)
Posted on March 17, 2012 by William in All Articles w/ Videos, Beginner’s Corner, Chess Openings, Strategy & Game Review
Parts 1 and 2 of this Beginner Chess Openings series on the Slav Defense covered the main lines associated with early Nf3, Nc3, and e3 lines. Part 3 analyzes the Exchange Variation and black’s best responses. The Exchange Variation looks harmless on the surface, but there are many subtle opening traps that can lead to a dangerous white initiative on the queenside. I recommend to respond to Qb3 with Qc7, as the queen controls the […]
Chess for Beginners: Long-term Strategy
Posted on March 16, 2012 by William in Beginner’s Corner, Classic Games (Pre 2010), General Chess Articles, Strategy & Game Review
Endgame technique is an incredibly important concept that is too frequently overlooked by chess players of all levels. Understanding critical concepts in the endgame will not only help you save draws in difficult positions, it will help you squeeze points out of materially balanced games as well. A strong knowledge of fundamental endgame themes will enable you to avoid theoretically unpleasant endgames, or subtly steer your games towards endgames where you know will retain strong […]
Chess in Business: Common Tactics to Improve Efficiency
Posted on March 15, 2012 by William in General Chess Articles
Applying organizational models in chess to the field of business is an extremely effective way to improve the efficiency of your processes. Incorporating clear concepts in chess such as coordination, focal points, and prophylaxis can turn your business skills into sharply honed tools that perform even better under pressure. Taking time to evaluate your approach to business can have an exponential effect on your results. In this article I’ll be outlining a few of my […]
Developing Intuition in Chess
Posted on March 14, 2012 by William in Beginner’s Corner, General Chess Articles
Developing intuition in chess can be achieved in two principal ways. The easy way to improve your chess intuition is through basic pattern recognition. This primarily occurs through experience, for example if you have studied/played the Najdorf Variation of the Sicilian Defense you will be very wary of allowing white to occupy the critical d5 square with a piece. Just as Kobe Bryant has trained his muscles to take jump-shots, so can the brain develop […]
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Good opening.