Classic Confusion
You’ll recognise this position, I’m sure. If not, then you should certainly read on. At least one book describes this much anthologised position as the most important pawn ending ever….
Planning for Victory (5)
“All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.”Sun Tzu These days we are enjoying some…
Busch-Gass Gambit
The other day one of my clubmates asked me about the Busch-Gass Gambit, which, I must admit, was a new one on me. There are a few videos around so…
“What Say You?” The 1 Minute Challenge (71)
“A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer”Bruce Lee A quick reminder how it works: Have a look at…
Maidenhead Trebuchet
Here’s a question for you. Yes, it’s another pawn ending. White to move: what would you play here? Make your choice before you read on. This position arose in a…
Opening Selection
If you had a friend – or a pupil – who was just starting to play competitive chess, what openings would you advise them to play? To the best of…
Half Nelson
Endings with rooks against passed pawns are often exciting and difficult to get right. I chanced upon this game from the first round of the Major Open in Leicester, between…
“What Say You?” The 1 Minute Challenge (70)
“A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer”Bruce Lee A quick reminder how it works: Have a look at…
Leicester Folly
As I write this article, the British Championships are taking place at my Alma Mater: De Montfort University, Leicester. It was the City of Leicester Polytechnic when I was there,…
Chess Heroes: Puzzles Book 1
The latest volume in my Chess Heroes series, designed to take students up to about 1500 strength, has just been published on Amazon. To refresh your memory about the structure,…