It’s often said that Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess is the USA’s best-selling chess book of all time. It’s easy to see why, as well. Everyone’s heard of Bobby Fischer, everyone knows what a phenomenal player he was. So who better to teach you, or your children, chess than the great man himself? When social media … Continue reading "Wrong Books (2): Bobby Fischer Teaches...

Last week, we started to dig into The Italian Opening. This week, we’ll continue our examination of this classic opening for White, examining the further development of our material under the guidance of the game’s opening principles. Before concluding our discussion of The Italian Opening, which we’ll do next week, I want to talk about … Continue reading "A Foundation for...

I gave a talk to one of the more active online clubs, Camberley Chess Club…

Some of you might have been expecting the King’s Gambit for ‘K’ but the Kan Sicilian (1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6) is something that is closer to my heart. I used it from the late 1990s with pretty good effect until I found it difficult to find time for tournaments after my … Continue reading "Kill ’em with the Kan" The post Kill ’em with the Kan...

“Part of The Journey is The End” Tony Stark (Avengers Endgame) First of all it was nice to see at least one of my readers got one of the pranks from the previous article. I won’t say which one yet. Every now and then I am part of a special endgame that stays with me for … Continue reading "Endgame Play (7)" The post Endgame Play (7) appeared first on The Chess Improver.

Some of you will be aware that I’m currently writing book reviews for British Chess News. I have two books left in my pile at the moment, both of which discuss the same (famous) position, reaching very different conclusions. You’ll recognise this as coming from Morphy – Aristocratic Allies, where our hero had to choose … Continue reading "When Grandmasters Disagree" The...

Last week, we looked at tricks and traps that can occur during the opening. This week, we will start working through your first full opening to master, The Italian Opening. Before you say, “oh no, I’m now going to have to learn something new,” take a deep breath. There’s good news! You have already learned … Continue reading "A Foundation for Beginners Thirteen" The post A...

Some of you might have been expecting the J post to be on the Jobava London (1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4) but I don’t see it as making much sense. When White blocks his c-pawn with 2.Nc3 he ‘should’ be aiming for e2-e4, but then isn’t the bishop better on g5 than f4? Instead of … Continue reading "Jab ’em with the Janowsky" The post Jab ’em with the Janowsky...

The Nun’s Priest’s Tale, Geoffrey Chaucer (1390) Native English speakers might be familiar with The Nun’s Priest’s Tale and the controversy surrounding it. When did the tale really take place? Is it possible to know for sure or will we be guessing forever? Since I am multilingual, I will not join the debate and offer … Continue reading "Syn March bigan thritty dayes...

I’m sure you’ll be aware that Nigel is currently writing a chess openings alphabet, which recently featured “Hack ’em with the Halloween”. You may also be aware that I’m writing an occasional series looking at how Stockfish recommends you tackle dodgy gambits, and the Halloween hasn’t yet been featured. So now seems to be the … Continue reading...

The Italian Game with 3.Bc4 (after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6) does not have to be played with the same maniacal intent that we saw with my posts on the Evans and Fegatello. Instead he can just play 3…Nf6 4.d3 or 3…Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d3 with a similar structure to those you get in the Ruy … Continue reading "Irk ’em with the Italian" The post Irk ’em with the Italian appeared...

“A dream becomes a goal when action is taken toward its achievement” Bo Bennett (businessman) I am going to admit it and say this is a variation I have not tried yet. It is a bit strange since I played the French defence as my main weapon against 1. e4 for a number of years. … Continue reading "French Defence, Classical Steinitz Variation Edition" The post French Defence...

As promised a few weeks ago, this is the start of a new series of articles featuring books which are frequently bought for the wrong reasons. Some of the books are excellent, but are bought by the wrong customers for the wrong reasons. Others were excellent in their day, but are now dated. Some have … Continue reading "Wrong Books (1): Modern Chess Openings" The post Wrong Books (1): Modern...

Last week, we started our examination of tricks and traps during the opening. While, you’ll rarely face a trick or trap when playing a strong. experienced player, you’re likely to encounter one when facing off against a crafty beginner. While you shouldn’t play every game worrying that your opponent may try to employ a trick … Continue reading "A Foundation for Beginners...

The Halloween Gambit with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nxe5 is undoubtedly a dubious opening, but that’s not to say it should be taken lightly as White gets time and space for his sacrificed piece. The following game is a graphic illustration in which White uses it to upset a young GM who was … Continue reading "Hack ’em with the Halloween" The post Hack ’em with the...