Queens Gambit is a Queen’s Pawn Opening that starts with 1.d4 d5 2.c4. This is one of the most popular queen’s pawn openings played at any level. It is most popular because it offers a lot of variations and many interesting and solid setups to play the game. Even if you don’t know the exact opening lines, it is natural…
Nimzo Indian Defense
Nimzo Indian defense is a queen’s pawn opening that starts with 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4. Perhaps this is the most complex opening in chess, allowing flexibility to play various different set-ups and sharp play. Black’s idea is to give up his bishop for the knight in order to give double pawns to white. Because of this exchange…
Stalemate in Chess: How to avoid stalemate?
Many of my chess games ended up in draws. During the initial learning stage, I used to end up in lots of stalemate positions. Some of you may think – what is stalemate and how to avoid stalemate positions. In chess, when the player to move has no legal move and his king is not in check, it is called…
Elephant Gambit Chess Opening
Elephant Gambit is a King’s Pawn Opening that starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d5. Black’s second move looks logical from the perspective of opening principles. Black moves his center pawn challenges opponent’s center pawn and opens up a way for his bishop. But this opening doesn’t really work too well for black. Perhaps that is why, before today you may…
Latvian Gambit Chess Opening
Latvian Gambit is a king’s pawn opening that starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5 . Black goes against all opening principles by playing 2…f5. White can capture either of the pawns with 3.Nxe5 or 3.exf5. Secondary consideration can be given to 3.Bc4 This is 17th century opening which proved dubious once the development of modern chess picked up the pace.…
Petrov Defense Chess Opening
Petrov Defense is a King’s Pawn Opening that starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6. Instead of defending his e5 pawn, black counter-attacks white’s e4 pawn. This opening is less popular at top levels, but very much playable. White can accept the challenge and go 3.Nxe5, or 3.d4 or keep calm and play positionally with 3.Nc3 White plays 3.Nxe5 After 3.Nxe5,…