I seriously considered recommending the London System for White as part of my White 1.d2-d4 Repertoire at the Tiger Chess Academy. It seemed to make sense as long as I did it in a limited way, only against systems where Black had committed himself to an early …e7-e6, for example after 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 … Continue reading "Why I Don’t Recommend the London" The post Why I...

“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 the position for 1 minute (watch the clock) Think about the choices in front of you and pick the one you feel it is … Continue reading "“What Say You?” The 1 Minute Challenge (41)" The post “What Say You?”...

Regular readers will be aware that my views on how, why, when, where and by whom young children should be taught chess are very different from those of most others involved in chess education. One of my particular bugbears is the idea that the way you teach younger and less experienced players is to demonstrate … Continue reading "Teaching Endings to Young Children" The post Teaching...

If the game’s rules has a “pass” option, the ability to not make a move when it’s your turn, chess might a completely different game! There would certainly be a lot of endgame positions that wouldn’t be lost. Most beginners can’t wait until it’s their turn because it means they get to take action, such … Continue reading "Whoever Moves First Will Win" The...

I am currently writing a book on the Gruenfeld Defence for Everyman Chess. It’s an opening that I have long had a fondness for, having associated with the Gruenfeld loving John Littlewood in my youth and then starting to play it myself after being billeted with Gruenfeld expert Bachar Kouatly during a tournament in Budapest … Continue reading "An Easy Gruenfeld" The post An Easy...