Chess Games with Conceptual Explanations for

Intermediate Players: Learn the theories from GM

games
- Karthik PM
Preface
Chess Games with Conceptual Explanations contains ten Grand Master’s
games with explanations along with fifteen other games to educate players
about the strategies used in chess. After reading this book you’ll be able to:
*Understand the principles of chess openings and opening strategies
*Understand strategies like space, weak squares, weak pawns, pawn lever,
tempo, etc.
*Understand the types of the center
*Understand how to play with and against the open center
*Understand how to play with and against the closed center
*Understand how to play with and against the static center
*Understand how to play with and against the mobile center
*Understand how to play with and against the dynamic center
*Understand the minor pieces (Bishop vs Knight)
*Understand psychological mistakes and solutions
*Understand why important it is to calculate every move
*Understand the exchange value of pieces
*Understand the activity of pieces
*Understand what is weakness and what is not
*Understand gaining points alone cannot win the game
*Understand what is the best defending strategy
Contents
Game #1. Benko Pal C Vs Ivkov Borislav
Tournament – Tel Aviv ol (Men) fin-A 1964. Round - 5 Rating – Benko
2515, Ivkov 2520 Opening – Queen’s Gambit Declined With Bf4
Game #2 Gligoric, Svetozar Vs Padevsky, Nikola
Tournament – Moscow ol (Men) fin-A 1956 Round – 2 Rating –
Svetozar 2575, Nikola 2430 Opening – Nimzo Indian: Rubinstein
Game #3. Tal, Mihail Vs Bronstein, David
Tournament – URS-ch39 leningrad 1971 Round – 4 Rating – Tal 2620,
Bronstein 2590. Opening – Caro-kann exchange variation and Panov-
Botvinik attack
Game #4. Anand, Vishwanathan Vs Mestel A. Jonathan
Tournament - Lloyds Bank op 09th 1985 Rating – Anand 2385, Mestel
2585. Opening – Sicilian Dragon – Yugoslav Attack.
Game #5. Garry, Kasparov Vs Evgeny, Bareev
Tournament – Novgorod Rating – Kasparov 2805, Bareev 2675 Opening
– Slav Defence, a4, Bf5 Main line with Qe2
Game #6. Bronstein, David VS O’Kelly de Galway
Tournament – Hoogovens Ratings – Bronstein 2565, O’Kelly 2575
Opening – Reti and converted French d3 system
Game #7. Ruban, Vadim VS Magam Badals
Tournament – Santa Clara 1991 Ratings – Ruban 2575, Magam 2490
Opening – Queen’s Gambit Accepted main line with Qe2
Game #8. Hoang Thanh VS Bojkovic, Natasa
Tournament – EU-cht women 2011 Rating – Hoang 2446, Bojkovic
2396 Opening – London system
Game #9. Damljanovic, Branko VS Lin Ta
Tournament – WCHT 2nd Rating – Branko 2555, Lin Ta 2415 Opening –
Grunfiel Exchange with Nf3
Game #10. Planinec, Albin VS Sofrevski Jovan
Tournament - YUG-ch Ratings – Albin 2520, Jovan 2440 Opening –
Converted English Opening
Opening Traps
Game #1.
Game #2.
Game #3.
Game #4.
Game #5.
Game #6.
Game #7.
Game #8.
Game #9.
Game #10.
Game #11.
Game #12.
Game #13.
Game #14.
Game #15.
80 Points for better chess!
Game #1. Benko Pal C Vs Ivkov Borislav
Tournament – Tel Aviv ol (Men) fin-A 1964.
Round - 5
Rating – Benko 2515, Ivkov 2520
Opening – Queen’s Gambit Declined with Bf4
1. d4, Nf6; 2. c4, e6; 3. Nf3, d5; 4. Nc3, Be7; 5. Bf4
Chess opening theory has evolved over the centuries. Much of that theory
has involved the best means of controlling the center of the board.
For our first game, we will look at the Queen's Gambit. The Queen’s
Gambit is an opening where white gives away a pawn on c4 to gain more
central space and take over the e4 square. While giving away a pawn may
seem counter intuitive, capturing that pawn will not give black any material
advantage, since black cannot support the pawn on c4 and must eventually
give it back. As a result, most players choose not to capture the c4 pawn
and, by doing so, lose control of the center by trying to defend that pawn.
For that reason, some players may capture the pawn on c4 but choose to
give it back in favor of developing pieces.
c5; 6. dxc5
Black is trying to make some room for his Queen to develop. Usually
players make the mistake of playing Nc6 in these types of positions, making
development of the Queen difficult. A popular opening principle says
"Never block your pieces in a way that they can’t develop and come out
of the board."
Qa5
However, capturing back the pawn on c5 is a good idea.
7. Nd2
This move looks like white is breaking the opening principle “Never play a
piece twice in the opening”. However, this is not a bad move and every
principle has its own exceptions. White is trying to bring his Knight to “b3”
thereby giving “f3” square to his white bishop in order to start an attack on
the Queen side.
Qxc5
Black has recaptured the pawn on “c5”. Playing simple is a key to not
making errors in the game, but you need to "think complicated" to play the
best game!
8. a3
White is trying to gain more space by playing “b4” in the next move. Space
gives you excellent squares for your pieces.
dxc4; 9. e3, O-O;
Black has just opened the d file so that he can place his Rook on d8 and
directly pin the Knight on d2, creating some threats.
Usually players look forward to developing their own pieces in all possible
ways.
10. Bxc4, Rd8
Black is directly threatening Rxd2, followed by Qxc4 which would give
him two pieces for a Rook. It’s a great idea to have two minor pieces
against a single rook.
11. Rc1!
White tries to develop his rook to a semi open file. A file which is not
blocked by his own pawn is the best file for the rook. Files which are
blocked by their own pieces are considered "semi-open" files since the
pieces can be easily moved from that file.

By playing Rc1, white is indirectly

threatening black’s Queen on c5. This is called an X-ray attack. White has
indirectly stopped the Rxd2 threat by playing Rc1.
(Rxd2??; 11.Qxd2, Qxc4; 12. Ne4!!, Qxe4; 13. Rxc8+, Bf8; 14.Rxf8!,
Kxf8; 15. Qd8+, Ne8; 16. Bd6+, Kg8; 17. Qxe8#)
Nc6
A natural looking move, but this Knight development allows black to regain
his threat Rxd2
12. b4
White gained some space on the queen side by playing b4 and thereby
controlling a key square c5, but usually in the opening one should not make
lot of pawn moves and allow other pieces to sit idle. Qe2 or Be2 would
have been preferred. However, b4 is not a blunder.
When we try to attack without developing all our pieces and without
castling, it is known as an unprepared attack or premature attack.
Premature attacks may lead to serious errors (like unexpected checks, etc.).
Qf5!
Black has excellently placed his queen on f5 facing the d3 square which is
weak. A square which cannot be protected by a pawn any longer is
called a weak square. Weak squares in the opponent’s camp allow our
pieces to occupy them easily which may lead to a disaster for the opponent!
13. Bg3
Not giving any chance for that e pawn to be deflected.
Nh5
Trying to gain a double bishop advantage. Having two bishops is a better
idea than having a bishop and knight. Two bishops allows you to control
maximum squares from the corner of the board and control both the
colors. It is recommended to have bishops in any open positions to gain
more of an advantage. Since Knights can jump over pieces, they are
considered superior to Bishops in closed positions.
14. Bc7!
Not allowing the opponent to get the double bishop advantage and vacating
the square so that g pawn can move to g4 and create a double attack
between the Knight and Queen
Rd7
Attacking the bishop to stop the double attack on g4. However, if g4 is
played, the black queen can simply move thereby there making a counter
attack on c7.
15. g4
Created a double attack so we can gain either piece.
Qf6?
I don’t think this is a perfect continuation since the black queen has
occupied the f6 square which left the knight on h5 trapped. Proper
continuation would be (Qg6; 15. gxh5, Qg2; 16. Qf3, Qxf3; 17. Nxf3,
Rxc7). However, we should not rely on engine moves since they only have
permutation combination methods. Human brains are best in creating ideas
and imaginations, which an engine won’t do!
16. b5
Since capturing h5 will simply lead to Rxc7 and weaken the pawn structure,
white chooses to attack another knight, leaving the knight on h5 trapped.
Rxc7; 17. bxc6, Rxc6, 18. Ncb1?
White tries to defend the a3 pawn from the bishop and thought that he could
capture the Knight on h5 in the next move. However, the thinking is right,
here comes an excellent variation from black.

Just think for 10 to 15 minutes before moving

on to next move.
b5!!
An excellent idea for dislocating the bishop so that the black Queen can
come to e5 and attack the bishop later and allow the Knight to come back to
f6.
19. Bxb5
However, not capturing the pawn on b5 still leads to (18. Bd3, Rxc1; 19.
Qxc1, Bb7; 20. Rg1, Rc8; 21. Qd1, Qb2 - +)
Rxc1, 20.Qxc1, Bb7; 21. Rf1, Qe5!; 22. Qc4
White could have some hope on Be2, but he played Qc4, supporting the
Bishop.
Rc8!
Trying to remove the support of the bishop as well as threatening Rc8 later.
23. Qd3?
Trying to keep the support to the bishop
Rc8+; 24. Ke2, Nf4#
Try to develop your pieces as soon as possible and castle as soon as
possible. Don’t start an attack without developing most of your pieces.
Game #2 Gligoric, Svetozar Vs Padevsky, Nikola
Tournament – Moscow ol (Men) fin-A 1956
Round – 2
Rating – Svetozar 2575, Nikola 2430
Opening – Nimzo Indian: Rubinstein

1. d4, Nf6; 2.c4, e6; 3.Nc3, Bb4

Here comes the popular Nimzo Indian defense against the Queen Pawn
opening. The idea in this opening is for black to gain the initiative by
starting an attack by playing c5, followed by Qa5 and Ne4, exerting utmost
pressure on c3. White tries to defend that pressure and seek out any
possible counter attacks on the king side.
4. e3
Most intermediate players don’t realize that doubled pawn is not always a
weakness. Some may think if black captures on c3 in this position, white
will end up with doubled pawn and that is a weakness. Actually, taking
Bxc3 will open the b file for the white Rooks. After several moves, either of
the c pawns usually gets exchanged and the weakness will be cleared.
The idea of e3 is simply to develop the white bishop and the castle as soon
as possible.
c5
Black follows his plan, countering the center. It is usually a great idea to
control the center or to remove the opponent’s piece which is controlling
the center. Either way, we gain some pressure in the center. This move also
allows black’s queen to develop.
5. Bd3, O-O; 6.Nf3, d5
After developing essential pieces on the king side (Knight and Bishop),
Black tries to gain some central space by pushing his pawn to d5. Space is
our territory, we can gain more space by pushing our pawns as much
as possible, but be careful about your pawn’s safety. Pawns are usually
called walls; if you have narrowed walls you have no space to live, if
you have broader walls you have more space to enjoy.
7. O-O, Nbd7; 8.a3
White has just followed yet another rule of chess, Castle as soon as
possible. Black also just developed and followed another rule: Give every
piece a chance to develop once in the opening. White has played a3 – a
good move to gain a double bishop advantage by exchanging the
opponent’s bishop for our knight
cxd4
Countering the Knight on c3, with an idea to capture back the knight with
pawn and gain better pawn structure.
9. Nxd5!

A brilliant move. It’s not a sacrifice as it

looks. If black captures the Knight, I’m going to capture the bishop.
exd5; 10.axb4, dxc4; 11.Bxc4
If black captures the knight with a knight, after cxd5 black loses a pawn.
Therefore, by capturing with a pawn and opening the e file for his rook,
white regains the material after axb4, and black has captured the c4 pawn
and gained a better pawn structure. It has been said that a doubled pawn is
not a weakness, yet an isolated doubled pawn is a weakness most of the
time. Most of the time – not all the time. All the principles in chess have
their own exceptions, but as of now just remember this rule. Bad pawn
structure will give your bishops power to dominate the board (especially
when you have the Bishop pair). Here, White has also been gifted a file
for his rook.
Nb6!
dxe3? This will give black a miserable position and a hard time developing
its bishop after Bxe3. Since Nb6 would lead to Qxd8, Rxd8; Bxb6 + -. Nb6
is a good idea to open the diagonal for his bishop and threaten white’s
bishop on c4
12. Bb3, dxe3; 13.Bxe3, Nbd5
White has just retained the diagonal and escaped from Knight’s threat to
capture it, dxe3 allowed black to exchange his weak pawn on d4, which will
be captured right after any other move. White has recaptured the pawn with
the bishop, which was a great idea because it developed a piece.
Conversely, fxe3 would have been wrong since a weak pawn would be
created and the opportunity for development would be lost.
Nbd5 allowed black to safeguard his own Knight from the immediate threat
of Qxd8, Rxd8; Bxb6. Black has also tried to place the Knight in the center,
also threatening Nxe3
Knights are meant to be in the center. Unlike Bishops, knights are a short
range piece, the closer it is placed to the corner, the more it is inactive. So
the knights are usually placed in the center.
14. Bc5
White wants to retain his pair of bishops and wants to move it. Developing
a piece with an attack is called as tempo. A tempo gives the opponent
fewer choices to make good moves. Thereby, we can easily predict the
opponent’s move and give ourselves the initiative to attack.
Re8; 15.Re1
Here comes another theory: "Exchange the opponent’s good pieces if
possible". This usually applies most to the minor pieces, and this time to
the opponent’s rook. Check for the active pieces of the opponent to know
which are good, and then try to exchange if possible.
Rxe1+; 16.Qxe1, b6; 17.Bd4, Bb7
Black has just exchanged the piece, white has regained it, black wanted to
develop his bishop on the long diagonal (a8-h1) and thereby create a tempo
by playing b6, and Bb7.
18. Rd1!
Creating an X-ray attack to the Queen and directly threatening Bxf6 to
weaken the kingside of the opponent.

Qc7
Trying to escape from the attack of the Rook.
19. Be5
This move gives a tempo to white, Bxf6, Nxf6; Qe5, Qxe5; Nxe5 might
have given white a pawn up. However, Be5 is not a blunder; white keeps
his initiative.
Qe7; 20.Rd4!
Here is a popular idea to consider: Rook lift. White creates an opportunity
to bring his rook to the King side and also an opportunity to double with the
Queen. This makes it more active. When more of your pieces are active,
there are more opportunities to attack
Rd8; 21.Qd2, Rd7; 22. g4!!
Creates a direct threat to deflect the Knight from f6 by playing g5, so that
the Knight on d5 is less supported and we can capture by Bxd5 directly. It
also gains some squares like f5 and h5 from the opponent.
Qe6
Adds more support to d5
23. h3
Supports g4 pawn
Qc6?
Trying to create some threats along a8-h1 diagonal, usually this is a good
idea. But here is a great move to consider in this position.
24. b5!!
Gaining a tempo by attacking the Queen, if the white Queen captures b5,
Ba4! Will lead to loss of an exchange to black.
Qe6; 25.Bxf6, gxf6

Excellent exchange. As you see now, black

has nothing to play in this position, moving any of his pieces to attack
would just leave him a piece down; the only hope is on f5.
26. Nh4!!
Directly stops f5. White has also spotted a weak square in the opponent’s
camp to occupy. A weak square is a square which cannot be protected
by a pawn.
Where should you search for weak squares? 3rd and 4th rank for white and
5th and 6th rank for black.
If you look at this position, you may find lot of PINs which white uses to
dominate the game!
f5, 27.Nxf5; Qe5
Black resigned after this move.
Here comes the puzzle for you. Don’t look at Bxd5, Bxd5; Rxd5, Rxd5;
Qxd5, Qxd5; Ne7+. You have a better move and variation.

Re4!!, Deflecting the Queen to play Qg5+ followed by Qg7

Game #3. Tal, Mikhail Vs Bronstein, David
Tournament – URS-ch39 Leningrad 1971
Round – 4
Rating – Tal 2620, Bronstein 2590.
Opening – Caro-Kann exchange variation and Panov-Botvinik attack

1. e4, c6
A usual reply for e4 with c6 determines the opening as Caro-Kann. Most of
the players tend to play this opening in intermediate and advanced levels in
chess too.
2. c4!?
Usually white replies with d4 in this position, controlling some key squares
like e5 and c5. This c4 makes it hard for the opponent to push his pawn to
d5 which is the basic idea of Caro-Kann defense.
d5!
An intermediate player may think that d5 looks ugly since exd5, cxd5,
cxd5, Qxd5, Nc3! and white gains a tempo. However, this variation is
wrong since after white plays cxd5, black will not recapture it with the
Queen but , instead, will develop his Knight to f6 (enabling black to capture
the pawn with the Knight and not lose a tempo).
3. exd5, cxd5; 4.d4
Since white knows “first take is a mistake" (i.e., capturing first without
any valid reason is a mistake), capturing the opponent’s piece unnecessarily
allows the opponent’s piece to occupy that particular square. In this
position, if you capture the d5 pawn, one of the opponent’s pieces will
capture it back and occupy that square. White also wants to develop his c1
bishop and control some central squares, played d4.
Nf6; 5. Nc3, Nc6; 6. Bg5
Basic theory has been followed: Develop your pieces as soon as possible.
Bg4
Black is trying to gain a tempo by developing a piece and attacking an
opponent’s piece. If white could defend the threat and develop a piece, it
would be a good idea.
7. Be2
Just developed a piece and blocked the threat, thereby compensating the
tempo.
Bxe2; 8. Nxe2!
We should always try to develop minor pieces first, hence capture with the
Knight. Black did make a small mistake – Black has just captured the
bishop and allowed the opponent’s knight to be developed. The "first take is
a mistake" rule applies here. If you see the last two moves of black, black
has played the Bishop and then the bishop again which means a wasted
opportunity to develop some other piece. If you see white’s last two moves,
white has played the bishop and then recaptured with the Knight. That
means white used the opportunity to develop a piece.
dxc4
Black has captured the pawn on c4 for free. Actually, it is not for free and
white has gained several tempos for that pawn. However, if you remember
the Queen’s Gambit, the c4 pawn can be captured later at anytime.
9. d5!
White has gained some central space by controlling the c6 and e6 square in
the opponent’s camp and also gained a tempo by attacking the Knight
directly
Ne5
Knights are meant to be in the center. (Na5??, Bxf6, exf6, Qa4 + -) Na5
directly threatens Nd3+, thereby breaking the King’s Castle and wasting
several tempos of the white to get his rook developed.
10. O-O
White has successfully castled following the rule "Castle as soon as
possible".
 Black has not initiated his process of
developing his kingside bishop, which is a great strategic mistake. Know
the rule: “Having extra pawns alone cannot make your game win". You
should also take the King’s safety, piece development, etc., into account
h6
Another pawn movement which is not useful to develop black’s piece.
However, just because it attacks the bishop doesn’t mean black has gained a
tempo since the h6 move is not allowing any of the opponent’s pieces to be
developed.
11. Bf4!
White is trying to keep the initiative. Bf4 is defending the bishop itself as
well as forcing the opponent to protect his knight tempo.
Ng6; 12. Qa4+, Qd7; 13. Qxc4!
While black is busy protecting his knight, white comes with the beautiful
idea of forking the pawn which was given long ago.
Even after Qxc4, Black has not developed his kingside bishop and castled.
This is what happens if you delay getting castled.
Rc8; 14. Qb3
Black has also gained a tempo now by developing his rook on open file and
attacking the queen. However, the sad part is white has had a lead in
development for several moves and one tempo is not enough.
e5
Another tempo-looking move, if white moves his bishop anywhere, black is
going to develop his bishop and get castled in the next move. In such a case,
black would be fine.
15. dxe6! (en passant capture)
Capturing the opponent’s pawn in this position will slow down the
opponent in developing his pieces since the opponent wants to recapture the
pawn. This move also demonstrates a new rule: Open as many lines as
possible if the opponent’s king is in the center. Lines means files and
diagonals. The more open the position is, the more dangerous for the
king to be in the center.
Qxe6, 16. Qxb7
However, trying to protect the b7 pawn and capturing fxe6 will also leave
you with a weak e6 pawn and weak g6 squares which cannot be protected
easily.
Bc5
Trying to get castled so that black can hold his position for longer.

However, here comes an excellent tactic

which would push black’s position into a more miserable one.
17. Nd4!!
Directly attacking the Queen and sacrificing the Knight to get an open e file
for white’s rooks. This is also known as square vacation.
Bxd4; 18. Rae1
However, just moving the Queen to d7 also pushes the black into a
breathless position after Re1+. Sometimes we may exchange the queen for
two pieces and a pawn. That is 9 points and 9 points for both, but in this
position white gains 9 points and black only gains 8, which is better for
white.
O-O;
Be5 could have been a better alternative, Bxe5, O-O; Bg3, Qc4; Qxa7. This
variation would have given two pawns for White.
19. Rxe6, fxe6; 20. Bd6, Rfd8; 21. Bc7, Rf8; 22. Nb5, Be5; 23. Bxe5,
Nxe5; 24. Qxa7.
Usually when you get some material advantage, trying to get some pieces
exchanged will lead to a good endgame advantage which decides the game
point. Try to exchange pieces when your material is more than enough
to win the game.
This rule doesn’t mean to chase the opponent to get an exchange but to
exchange whenever it is possible.
Game #4. Anand, Vishwanathan Vs Mestel A.
Jonathan
Tournament - Lloyds Bank op 09th 1985
Rating – Anand 2385, Mestel 2585.
Opening – Sicilian Dragon – Yugoslav Attack.

1. e4, c5; 2. Nf3, d6; 3. d4, cxd4; 4. Nxd4

The most popular modern chess opening starts with c5 as the reply to e4.
The idea behind this move is to stop d4 right away so that white cannot gain
more central space. However, in some openings, like the French defense
and Caro-Kann defense, black allows the white to play d4 then tries to
break it by pushing c5 later.
Nf3 allows the white to push d4 so that both the bishops will get activated;
however, without Nf3, white can play d4 (cxd4, Qxd4, Nc6) and gain a
tempo for black. We can discuss these openings in detail later.
Nf6
Directly threatening to capture on e4 and developing a knight. Tempo.
5. Nc3
Defending the threat and developing the knight. Tempo. As you see, both
players gained a tempo and compensated each other so that no one is taking
the lead. Try to develop the piece to defend a threat in the opening.
g6
The most popular Sicilian variation, Dragon, starts with g6. However, there
are some other options like a6 or e6. g6 is the favorite of many players.
6. Be3
The main variation of dragon for white, Be3, allows the white queen to
develop to d2. Thereby, white can castle on the Queen side. This allows a
pawn storm on the king side. (Pawn attack)
Bg7; 7. f3, O-O; 8. Qd2, Nc6; 9.g4
Black has just castled to safeguard the king, white has followed his plan to
O-O-O. Black is trying to develop all his pieces which is always a great
idea. White has started attacking on the king side by g4 without castling the
king yet. However, white will castle in next move.
Most intermediate players are afraid of opponent’s pawns marching towards
their army.
Just because the opponent’s pawn has come to the front doesn’t mean
the game is lost.
Just because our pawns have gone to the front doesn’t mean we’ve
won.
Pushing the pawns gives more of a space advantage to us, which means
more squares for our own pieces and also restricts the opponent’s pieces
from some squares.
There is also a disadvantage in pushing pawns too far forward despite
gaining space. Sometimes those pawns will become a target to the opponent
and may get attacked easily. However, a well-protected pawn in the front
gives you good space.

Be6!
Developing another piece. As you can see this move offers the Bishop for
the Knight. Nxe6 and then black is left with a doubled pawn in the center. Is
it a weakness? No. A connected doubled pawn is not a weakness, as we
have already discussed. Nxe6 allows black to open his f file for his rook,
and the pawn on e6 will take control of the d5 square from the white Knight
on c3 (helping in the middle game).
10. O-O-O, Ne5
White could have started his attack by h4 or g5. But he knows the rule to
castle as soon as possible. We should not always look for an immediate win.
Ne5 allows the c file to be opened and occupied by his Rook. This also
makes the knight go to the center. Knights in the center create more
opportunity for the attack.
11. h4
White has started his attack on the king side. The main theme in the Sicilian
dragon is for white to open the h file by pushing h4 and h5, later capturing
on g6. Thereby white gains an open file right away attacking the h7 pawn.
At this point we must learn what a "pawn lever" is. A pawn lever means
offering a pawn in exchange for the opponent’s pawn. When we create a
pawn lever it opens some particular line for our pieces. You should include
a pawn lever in your plans to make this work.
Bc4!
An excellent idea of exchanging both the bishops from the opponent.
Usually in Sicilian dragon, Black’s g7 bishop will play a vital role in
defending the kingside and also attacking the opponent by its long diagonal.
The only way to trade that bishop easily is with White’s Black bishop.
By playing bishop to c4 now, black threatens Bxf1, Rxf1, Nc4!! Thereby,
the attack on the Queen is doubled and the bishop and black can exchange
bishops.
12. Bh3!
White knows the importance of his black bishop and avoids the exchange.
Ba6!
Directly threatening Nc4 to exchange the black bishop.
13. b3
Directly stopping Nc4. However, this slightly weakens the kingside.
Particularly a3 and c3 squares. However, black cannot make use of those
squares easily.
Qa5!
Developing a piece with an indirect threat. Threatening Nxf3, Nxf3, Nxe4!!
Followed by Qa3+
14. Kb1
We should look for counter attacks in chess to win the game. The best way
to defend a position is not to just "defend", but to counter attack. Black
counters beautifully, making it hard for white to keep his attack on the king
side.
Qa3?

The idea of the move is excellent. Nxf3,

Nxf3, Nxe4 followed by mating threat on b2. However, white has a solid
counter attack variation at this point.
15. g5!
Directly attacking the Knight on f6 and gaining space, However, Nxf3 will
not work now since (Nxf3, Qf2!!, Nxd4, gxf6) thereby gaining a material.
Nh5; 16. f4, Nc6; 17.Bg4!
Bg4 directly threatens Bxh5 followed by Nf5. As you can see, Bxh5
directly weakens the pawn structure on the kingside. However, there are
some usual moves like f5 to consider in this position. Pawn lever theory
applies here.
Nb4!
Threatening Ng3, Rg1, Nxe4!!.
18. Bxh5!
Exchanging the troublemaker and weakening the pawn structure.
gxh5; 19. Nf5
Threatening to capture on e7 or to exchange the bishop on g7. Why should
white exchange that bishop? As we already discussed, that bishop is
dangerous in the dragon opening. Eliminating that bishop will make it hard
for black to attack.
Rfe8;
(Bxc3?, Nxe7+; Kg7, Qxc3+) +-
20. Nxg7, Kxg7; 21. Qd4+
After weakening the dark squares by eliminating the bishop, white choses
to play in that diagonal with an idea of Bc1 and Bb2 later.
e5?;
Kg8 might have lasted longer.
22. Qxd6! Rac8
Black is trying to destroy the defender of a2. Passive moves will now
destroy white’s position. Find good attacking moves.

23. Qf6+, Kg8; 24. Rd7

Directly threatening Qxf7 and then Qg7.
Rf8; 25. g6!!
At this move, black resigned, considering (hxg6, Rg1, Rxc3, Rxg6, fxg6,
Qg7#)
Game #5. Garry, Kasparov Vs Evgeny, Bareev
Tournament – Novgorod
Rating – Kasparov 2805, Bareev 2675
Opening – Slav Defence, a4, Bf5 Main line with Qe2

1. d4, d5; 2.c4, c6

When the Queen’s Gambit is declined by playing c6, it is known as the Slav
Defense.
3. Nf3, Nf6; 4.Nc3, dxc4
The gambit has been accepted at the later stage; however, the pawn on c4 is
vulnerable and cannot be defended.
5. a4!
Straight away stopping the b7 pawn which could come and defend the pawn
on c4.
Bf5!
Black knows that any effort towards saving the pawn on c4 will put black’s
position into misery, thereby just following the opening rule of
development!
For example: If black tries to protect the c4 pawn by playing Be6, Black
will lose the valuable square on e4. Black’s bishop will be blocked after
Ng5. Later on, black’s white bishop should find another square!
6. e3, e6; 7.Bxc4, Bb4!
Black finds an excellent weak square on the opponent’s camp on b4 for his
bishop, however, this will not severely affect the opponent, but cause some
trouble.
 8. O-O, Nbd7; 9. Qe2, Bg4!?
I would always suggest to go for a castle as soon as possible; however, Bg4
is not a bad move just another way of playing!
10. h3!
Driving away the bishop to gain a tempo. If he captures the knight, then
white would enjoy the pair of bishop advantage.
Bxf3; 11.Qxf3, O-O; 12. Rd1!
It is a good idea to keep the rook in an open file or a file to be opened!
Having the bishop pair is an advantage, especially in an open position.
When you know you have the bishop pair advantage, you should try to open
the position. Rd1 has an idea of e4 followed by d5 later on, thereby opening
the file for the rook as well as opening the position for the bishops!
Qa5
Directly creating pressure on c3.
13. e4!
Defending c3, as well as controlling the center. Later on, white can create
king side space by pushing e5.
Having two or more ideas in a single move will be appreciated.
 e5!
Black has just stopped white from gaining kingside space. Black’s next
threat is to capture the pawn on d4 followed by Ne5 and removing the
double bishop advantage.
However, white has a solid move on the Queen side.
14. d5!!
An excellent idea of creating a central passed pawn and also gaining central
and queen side space.
A well protected passed pawn in the center is a winning resource.
Blockaded passed pawn in the center may turn into a weakness.
You should know these two points in handling the central passed pawn, as
having it is an advantage. However, it may also turn into a disadvantage!
Nb6; 15.Bb3, Bxc3; 16.bxc3
Two Knights never work out well, especially against two bishops!
However, the game is equal. It is difficult for the black to handle white’s
attack hereafter.
Chess is a game of mistakes. Force the enemy to make mistakes by
attacking.
cxd5; 17.exd5, Rac8; 18.c4!?
Try not to block your bishop with your own pawns.
Usually no one should block their bishop by placing their own pawn in the
same color of the bishop. However, in chess, all principles have their
exceptions!
In this position, white may threaten c5 later in the game.
Things to do when you block your bishop with own pawns:
1. Try to bring the Bishop outside of the pawn chain by moving the
bishop.
2. Try to move the pawns that are blocking the diagonal of the Bishop
3. Try to exchange the Bishop
Nxc4 will open the diagonals for both the bishops. Having an extra pawn
does not necessarily make you win! However, Nxc4 will be more
appropriate, but makes things harder to withstand.
Rfe8?!
Casual development threatening e4

19. Bd2, Qa6.

Black adds additional pressure on c4 pawn, now the black’s queen is more
or less out of the game. There are no pieces except the black knight on the
king side defense. Taking the pawn on c4 will met by Bg5, Nd7; Qg4!! + -
20. d6!!
White is opening the Queen’s diagonal towards the b7 pawn and also
occupying enemy’s camp by controlling additional squares. This also stops
the black Queen from penetrating towards the kingside.
Restrict the opponent’s pieces from coming to the side where you’re
attacking.
Nbd7; 21. Be3, Rc6!
As I already mentioned, a passed central pawn may become a weakness if it
is blocked. In this position, the d6 pawn in blocked by the Knight and
attacked by Rook and Queen. There is no way to defend the pawn; it
became vulnerable.
A Knight is the best blockading piece, since it does not lose its mobility
while blocking the opponent’s pawn.
22. a5!!
A brilliant counter threat of Ba4!
Rxd6?
White has a strong move, Ba4, where the pressure on d7 will be worse for
black and allow white’s position to open with double bishops.
23. Ba4!!, Rxd1+; 24.Rxd1, Rd8
Increasing pressure on d7 makes black’s position vulnerable. Taking the
Queen for defense will leave b7 pawn and also the game. The strong pin
means the knight can’t go anywhere, way to defend is Rd8, however, so the
Knight will still become pinned!
Pair of bishops usually compensates for a pawn against two knights, but in
this position, it does more than what we can imagine.
 The best way of defending the position is
not to defend, but to counter attack.
There is no scope for black to counter attack in this position.
25. c5!
This move allows white to create a passer if black would capture on a5. It
also stops black from playing b6. Additionally, it also controls the d6 square
where white can place the rook and start attacking all the sides! It also helps
in breakthrough by pushing a6 followed by c6 later on!
h6; 26.Qf5
Directly adding pressure on d7!
g6; 27. Qc2
Created some weakness in the opponent’s camp, now attacking h6 pawn
with the bishop!
Qxa5; 28. Rd6!!
White could have captured the pawn on h6, however, white is seeking for
the best possible variations on the board. Now after Bxd7, Nxd7 there are
some threats around g6!
Never be too greedy. If you’re going to win the game, it doesn’t matter
if you win 2 minutes later, be patient and look for the best move.
 Kg7; 29. Qd1!
White is revolving around the board with threats, if you closely watch each
and every move of white, white orders black to play something and save
something!
Create threats while developing your own position, don’t create threats
which could be easily defended.
Qc7; 30.h4!?, Kh8??
Since black has run out of moves, he could only move some pawns or the
Queen to c8 and c7 repeatedly which would not lead to either a win or a
draw! Black has lost hope.
31. h5, g5;
White made black’s kingside a little bit weak and exposed, especially f5
square.
32. Qf3, Kg7; 33. Qf5, b6
 34. Bxd7, Nxd7; 35. Bxg5!!
Black resigned in view of hxg5, h6+, Kf8, Qxg5 and mate in some moves
and h pawn will also become a queen!
Game #6. Bronstein, David VS O’Kelly de Galway
Tournament – Hoogovens
Ratings – Bronstein 2565, O’Kelly 2575
Opening – Reti and converted French d3 system

1. g3, Nf6; 2. Bg2, d5; 3. Nf3, e6; 4. O-O, Be7; 5.d3, c5

Don’t worry about the opening, every opening has some common theories
and we are getting familiar with them – such as controlling the center,
castling, and developing pieces. Still, we will learn about openings in depth
in the upcoming courses. For now, let’s get familiar with strategies and
thinking ability.
6. Nd2, Nc6; 7. e4, O-O; 8. Re1, Qc7
As we know, we should give all the pieces an opportunity to get developed.
White and black have done this and developed most of the pieces and also
castled. Usually players don’t know what to do after opening, let’s learn it
quickly.
Most players prefer taking on e4 followed by e5 for black to avoid white’s
kingside space. This is a good idea, but black also loses queenside space
and control of the “f5” square, which the white knights can target. Black
need not be afraid if the opponent gets kingside space, since Black can get
win queenside space. Often, queenside space is better than kingside space.

9. e5!
There are two ways to plan in chess
1. Tactics
2. Strategies
What are tactics? What are strategies?
Let me explain!
Tactics are short term plans, usually a combination of two or more
moves to gain some advantage (usually material)
Strategies are long term plans in order to create positional advantage
after which we would be able to use lots of small tactics
Strategy can also be defined as moves that increase the ability to create
tactics
Even if you aren’t entirely clear on the definitions, let’s carry on. You will
understand soon!
The move e5 which white made indicates the use of strategy, gaining space
on the kingside. However, black enjoys the space on queenside.
White has also closed the center with e5 pawn, which no longer allows
black pieces to come to the king side. That means if we attack on the king
side, there will be no pieces to defend.
Nd7; 10. Qe2
White makes sure that the e5 pawn is indestructible
b5!; 11. h4!
Excellent strategic move by both black and white.
Since black has the Queenside space, black is expanding his territory and
looking for pawn levers to open the queenside and get into the opponent’s
camp.
Since white has more king side space, white is starting to expand his
territory and look for pawn levers to open the kingside and checkmate if
possible.
It’s more like a race. The first person to open the side which he has more
space usually wins the game!
a5; 12. Nf1
As we know now, black is expanding his territory further.
White is trying to mobilize all his pieces to the King side.
If the center is closed, expand your territory on the side in which you
have more space.
If the center is closed, try to create pawn levers on the side which you
have more space and try to open the side.
If the center is closed, you should attack in the flanks (corners).
If the center is closed, bring most of the pieces to the side which you
have more space.
If the center is closed and you have more space, try to keep the center
closed.
If the center is closed and you have adverse space, try to open the
center by creating pawn levers in the center.
If the center is closed, you can un-develop and re-develop pieces to
reach desired square.
b4; 13. N1h2, Ba6; 14. h5, Rfc8; 15. h6!
White’s last move destroys the black’s pawn structure on the kingside. The
main idea of h6 is to create a weakness in the enemy camp, if black
captures or moves the g pawn, f6 will become weak. A square which
cannot be protected by a pawn anymore is a weak square. In a later
point of time white can try to occupy that square with some of his pieces for
tactical reasons.
Is h6 a tactical move or strategic? Yes, strategic!
g6
 Black has played g6 and created a hole on f6.
We need to learn a strategy called Pawn wedging by now!
Reaching the 3rd/6th Rank with a pawn to the opponent’s camp is called
the pawn wedging technique.
Pawn wedging restricts the opponent’s pieces from penetrating in their own
camp, usually the opponent’s king!
16. Bf4, Qd8
White is trying to involve the other rook in the attack, whereas black is
defending the g5 square.
Since black’s pawns are on white squares, most of the black squares in
black’s camp seem to be weak. If white had tried to exchange black’s black
bishop, it would fetch a greater advantage in the long run! Black avoids it
by Qd8
Obviously, black is far behind in the race between king and queen side.
17. Ng4, a4; 18. Qd2, c4
White is exerting additional pressure on g5 to place his piece on that square,
whereas black is creating a pawn lever and trying to open up the queen side.
19. dxc4, Bxc4
Black has opened “c” file from which he may seek to create some threats on
“c2” pawn.
Black may play “a3” to create some weak squares on the opponent’s
queenside and will try to occupy it.
Whereas, white can try to trade dark bishops and make use of f6 square.

20. Bg5
White was waiting for this moment. After supporting the e5 pawn with
Ng4, white chooses to eliminate the defender of dark squares. Since a
defender of dark squares will be eliminated, white will enjoy the opponent’s
weakness of dark squares and will be able to place his piece on the dark
squares freely!
a3; 21. b3, Ba6, 22. Bxe7, Qxe7; 23. Rac1
As we can see, black has still managed to create a weak square on c3 in
white’s camp and a backward pawn on c2.
A backward pawn is a pawn which cannot move forward without
getting captured by the opponent’s pawn and it is in an open file, it is a
weakness
However, the c3 weakness is not vulnerable now since no piece is focusing
on it (either minor pieces or especially the Knight), whereas f6 is targeted
by the g4 knight.
Na7
Trying to reach c3 via b5
22. Ng5!
After all the strategic moves and making opponent’s black squares
vulnerable, white tries to dominate the black square by placing his pieces on
dark squares.
Having our knights on the enemy camp will create more opportunities for
attack. Ng5 also allows the white bishop to come into play. Immediate
threat of Bxd5 followed by e6 will also be a destroying combination!
Nb5?
This demonstrates the classical idea of bringing the knight to the weak
square, but black has missed out a tactical combination focusing more on
the strategy!
23. Bxd5!!

(exd5; e6 + -)
Rd8?
However, saving the rook on a8 doesn’t create any hope for black. Black is
trying some psychological tactics which could make white make mistakes!
24. Bxa8, Nxe5; 25. Qxd8+!, Qxd8; 26. Rxe5
Of course, double Rook is better than a Queen. However, in this position
black cannot capture on a8, since after Rd1 followed by Nf6+, black would
regret it!
Nc3, 27. Bf3, f5; 28. Nxe6 and Black Resigned! 1 – 0
Game #7. Ruban, Vadim VS Magam Badals
Tournament – Santa Clara 1991
Ratings – Ruban 2575, Magam 2490
Opening – Queen’s Gambit Accepted main line with Qe2

1. d4, d5; 2. c4, dxc4; 3. Nf3, Nf6; 4.e3, e6; 5. Bxc4, c5

Don’t block the c pawn in a Queen Pawn

opening
Moving the c pawn allows your Queen to come into play. By opening a
diagonal, moving, and creating a pawn lever with c pawn to opponent’s d
pawn, you have more control over the center. You’re also trying to deflect
the opponent’s d pawn which controls the center!
6. Qe2, a6!
Qe2 is a development for the queen and later, after castling, white can bring
the Rook to d file if needed.
a6 is an idea with b5 (Tempo) and develop Bb7. This type of long diagonal
bishop is known as fianchetto bishop!
7. dxc5, Bxc5
In the last game, we discussed strategies and tactics! And the closed center.
In this game, white decided to open the center by capturing on c5.
If the center is open, try to control and increase space in the center.
If the center is open, don’t waste moves by un-developing and re-
developing your pieces or by making unnecessary pawn movements.
If the center is open, don’t go for flank attacks without making sure
that the center is yours.
If the center is open, try to create attacking plans in the center.
8. O-O, Nc6; 9. e4, Qc7; 10. e5, Nd7; 11. Bf4, Nd4; 12. Nxd4, Bxd4;
13.Rd1

As we understand, both the players are

playing in the center where white tries to gain space in the center and black
is creating an attacking plan against the e5 pawn!
Bc5?
(Bxb2; Qxb2, Qxc4; Rd4) would have been the more appropriate variation,
in this variation however, black gains a pawn. Still, white has a better hold
in this position since
> White has developed most of his pieces
> White king is castled
> Black’s pieces are not developed yet
> Black has not castled yet
> Black should move his Queen since it is under attack and white will
eventually develop another piece
> Black has a hole on d6 which can be easily occupied by white Knight
Because of these reasons, black has retained his black bishop!
14. Nc3, b5; 15. Bb3, Bb7
Black has just gained a tempo and developed his bishop to b7
16. Ne4!
An excellent idea is bringing the Knight to the d6 square. After that, Black
should capture the knight with the bishop since that knight would irritate
the opponent. Thereby, white can create a passed pawn or capture on d6
with rook and can double the rook on d file. White also gains a pair of
bishops advantage!
Bxe4
Black chooses to lessen damage to his position by giving away the " pair of
bishops" advantage to the opponent, but keeping his black bishop which
controls d6.
17.Qxe4, O-O; 18. Rac1, Rac8; 19. Be3, Rfd8; 20. Kf1!?, Qb6

Both sides rapidly developed all of their

pieces but black is suffering with a pinned piece on c5
Kf1 is a brilliant idea for avoiding back rank threats. Bringing the king to
the white exposed diagonal doesn’t make it vulnerable!
21. Rxd7?
However, Rxd7 is not a blunder. Bg5 would have been an easy win! And
Rxd7 makes everything more normal.
Rxd7; 22. Rxc5, Rxc5; 23. Qa8+, Rd8; 24. Bxc5, Qc7
Small tactics of gaining a double bishop advantage, however, loses the
pawn on e5 and compensates with the advantage of white! If Bg5 been
played, white would have at least gained an exchange with no
compensation for the opponent!
25. Qa7, Qxe5; 26. g3?

White might probably be thinking about

back rank problems and creating an escape square for his king However,
white didn’t realise that the d1 square is now controlled by the bishop and
white could have continued the attack by Bb6
A rook and a pawn don’t compensate for double minor pieces,
especially double bishops.
Qxb2; 27. Kg2, Qe5
Black makes sure that a6 pawn can not be captured by the opponent by
creating a counter threat on c5.
28. Bd1
Trying to bring the bishop to f3 and cover up the exposed diagonal of the
king and also controlling the long diagonal.
It cannot be captured since black has a back rank weakness.
Qb8!; 29. Qxb8
A rook and two pawns are superior to double bishops in the end.
Black knows about this and offers a queen exchange which cannot be
denied since a bishop on d1 is hanging.
Rxb8; 30. Bb3, a5; 31. Bd1, Rd8; 32. Bf3, Rd2

33. a3, Rb2

Threatening to create a passer by pushing b4.
34. Bd1, b4; 35. axb4, axb4; 36. Kf3, Rd2
And white resigned! 0-1
(Ba4, b3!; Bxb3, Rd3+)
Game #8. Hoang Thanh VS Bojkovic, Natasa
Tournament – EU-cht women 2011
Rating – Hoang 2446, Bojkovic 2396
Opening – London system

1. d4, Nf6; 2. Nf3, e6; 3. Bf4, d5; 4.e3, Bd6; 5. Ne5, O-O; 6. Nd2, c5; 7.
c3, Nc6

We’re going to learn a different strategic

concept in this game: The Piece Center.
When a center is closed with a piece, it is known as a piece center or
static center.
When the center is closed with a piece, try to attack on the flanks
(corners).
When the center is closed with a piece, you can un-develop and re-
develop your pieces to reach the desired target.
When the center is closed with a piece, it may be converted as a closed
center (closed center by pawn).
When the center is closed with a piece and you have more space, keep
the center closed.
When the center is closed with a piece and you have adverse space, try
to open the center.
When the center is closed, try to expand your territory on the side
which you have space (if you can keep the center closed).
8. Bg3, Qc7; 9. f4
Since white has more space on the king side, white is trying to keep the
center closed, either piece center or closed center!
Ne8; 10. Bd3, f6
Since black has no kingside space and may hope for only queenside
minority attacks, black tries to open the center!
11. Nef3, f5!?
With f5, black has again allowed the knight to go to e5 and keep the center
closed, but black eventually gained his space on the kingside with f5. If
possible, Nf6 and Ne4 should also be considered!
12. Bh4, Nf6; 13.Ne5, Bd7; 14. O-O, Be8!
As we already learned about the bishops blocked by their own pawns, black
is now trying to bring the bishop outside of the pawn chain! By Bd7, Be8 to
Bh5 thereby attacking the Queen and gaining a tempo, un-developing and
re-developing is not bad in closed centers!

15. Be2!
White is not allowing the opponent’s piece to get developed. Restricting
the opponent’s piece is equally as good as developing our own piece.
Qb6
Starting some threats on the flanks!
16. Rb1!?
I won’t suggest protecting b pawns with a rook, since it could lead to
creating a defending rook. An attacking rook is always better than a
defending rook. In this position, Qb3 would be preferable!
cxd4; 17. cxd4, Rc8; 18. Kh1, Ne7; 19. Ndf3, Ne4!
Black has developed his rook in reply to white moving his king from the
a7-g1 diagonal since the Queen is already creating an x-ray towards king!
Ne7 allows black’s bishop is active from e8 and also opens the file for the
rook on c8! It also allows the knight to come to g6 and drive away the
bishop and make it bad! Or exchange the e5 Knight and open the h file for
Black’s Rooks after Kf7!

20. Qb3, Qxb3; 21. axb3

Of course, isolated doubled pawns are weak, but in this position it can stop
both “a” and “b” pawns of black from becoming passers in the ending.
Since this doubled pawn also opened “a” file for white’s rook, it
compensates for the weakness.
Bh5; 22. Bb5
Finally, black has developed his weak bishop and connected the rooks,
whereas white is threatening Bd7!
Nc6; 23. Ra1, Bxf3; 24. gxf3, Nd2!
If white simply moves the Rook from f1, Nxb3 will be unpleasant for white.
White has to try some counter threats to handle this situation!
However, the position is not massively better for black, white has a higher
opportunity of making mistakes since black is attacking! Attack to give the
opponent an opportunity to make a mistake.

25. Bxc6, Bxe5?

Rxc6 followed by Nxf1 would have been better for black. Black didn’t
expect the next move!
26. Bd7!!, Nxf1; 27. Bxe6+, Kh8; 28. Bxc8, Nxe3; 29.fxe5, Rxc8

However, the pieces are equal, white has managed to create a passed pawn
on e5. Surely it will create trouble for black in the end!
30. Bf2, f4; 31. Bxe3, fxe3; 32. Re1, Rc2; 33. Rxe3, Kg8;
34. Rc3??
A small miscalculation leads to losing the game. White has calculated
(Rxc3; bxc3, b5; b4) in this case, the situation is obviously better for white
since having a passer pawn is a fortune in a king and pawn ending!
But the reply from black made white resign the game!
Rxc3; 35. bxc3, a5!!
Can you find the difference between a5 and b5? a5 literally stops b4!
A famous rule is Move the unopposed pawns first (which means, first
move the pawns which have no other pawn in the same file)!
Now black’s outside passer is unstoppable.
Game #9. Damljanovic, Branko VS Lin Ta
Tournament – WCHT 2nd
Rating – Branko 2555, Lin Ta 2415
Opening – Grunfiel Exchange with Nf3

1. Nf3, Nf6; 2. c4, c5; 3. Nc3, d5; 4. cxd5, Nxd5; 5. d4, Nxc3; 6. bxc3, g6;
7.e4, Bg7

Most intermediate players are afraid of

openings other than d4 and e4. But most players don’t understand that every
opening can be converted into a more usual opening!

Just by looking at this position, we understand that white has more pawns in
the center and controlling the squares.
When the number of pawns in the center outnumber those of the
opponent, it is known as a pawn center or mobile center, it is a type of
center, just like a closed center, open center, and piece center!
Let us understand how we could proceed in these types of situations!
When we have a pawn the center, always watch for the opportunity to
push the pawn and create a center passer.
When we have a pawn the center, don’t go for unnecessary exchanges,
especially minor pieces.
When we have a pawn the center, including rook lifts in your plan helps
in many situations.
When we have the pawn center, be careful about the pawns which may
become vulnerable to enemy attacks.
When we have the pawn center, attacking in the corners may still work
even though the center is open but controlled by us.
When the opponent has the pawn center, create pawn levers in the
center to destroy the pawn structure of the opponent.
When the opponent has the pawn center, target the pawns in the center
as a main plan.
In the points discussed above, if you relate to the moves white and black
has made, you can understand that black is looking to attack on d4, and also
trying to destroy the pawn structure! Whereas white is defending on d4!
8. Rb1
Usually it is said that we should develop the minor pieces first. However, in
this position Rb1 is a very good move controlling the open file as well as
moving away from the X-ray that bishop on g7 creates!
O-O; 9. Be2, Nc6; 10. d5!
An excellent pawn sacrifice on c3. If black captures on c3, after Bd2 black
should exchange the black bishop in order to save the knight, which will
turn the black’s dark squares weaker on the king side (especially h6)
There would be no pieces on the kingside for defense, leaving the king
vulnerable to attacks!
Bxc3+!?; 11. Bd2, Bxd2+; 12. Qxd2, Na5
Black accepts the weakness for a pawn, whereas now white queen is
targeting on h6 square! White’s plan will revolve around dark squares from
now on!
Black has placed his knight on a5 which will result in black’s Queen not
being able to move now, but it is the right choice for black since after b6,
the queenside will be indestructible without the dark bishop!
13. h4!
White knows about the weakness on the kingside of black. White is trying
to create a pawn lever on h5 thereby bringing his rook directly to the
kingside! The Queen will also join the party by coming to h6.
Bg4; 14. h5!
Black was trying to stop the h5; however, white didn’t care about another
pawn since (Bxh5; g4!!, Bxg4; Qh6, Bh5; Ng5). This variation would lead
to checkmate or at least losing a minor piece!

Bxf3; 15. gxf3!

Capturing the bishop with pawn makes e4 stronger and also allows g file to
be opened which could be used by white rooks!
e5; 16. Qc3
Creating a double attack on c5 and e5, if white wants to make materials
normal, he can capture either pawn to do so! And this is how most
intermediate players think. However, this thinking is wrong!
Re8; 17. Bb5, Re7; 18. hxg6, fxg6; 19. d6!
Black’s Queen cannot capture since it is overloaded supporting the Knight
on a5!
Re6; 20. Rd1, Qb6; 21. a4?
I don’t personally feel a4 is good, since after Rd8; d7, a6! The pawn on d7
will eventually disappear and make things easier for black! However,
white’s threat is good (Qd2 followed by Qh6 and starting kingside attack!)
a6?
Black has missed the opportunity of getting rid of d6 pawn! However, a6
seems to be good, White has an excellent counter attack plan.

22. Qd2!
White is sacrificing his bishop on b5 since after Qh6, there are no black
pieces to defend on h7 which will eventually follows a checkmate! The
pawn on d6 controls the key squares in opponent’s camp (e7 and c7) which
is restricting black’s Rook and Queen from defending h7!
Rf6
Since e7 is controlled, black is bringing the rook to f7 to defend the h7
threat!
23. Qd5+, Kg7; 24. Qxe5!
Still white didn’t care about the bishop and making continuous counter
attacks, white has a powerful threat of (Qe7, Rf7; Rxh7, Kxh7; Qxf7+,
Kh6; Ke2) followed by Ra1 which is unstoppable!
Rf8; 25. Qg5!
Once again, axb5?? Leads to (Qh6, Kf7; Qxh7+, Ke8; Qe7#)
 Kg8; 26. Qd5+, Kh8; 27. e5, Rf5; 28. d7
Directly threatening d8=Q and thereby gaining an exchange if axb5 has
been played now!
Nc6?
Possibly, (axb5; d8=Q, Qxd8; Rxd8, Rxe5+; Kf1, Rxd8+) would have given
less damage to black
29. Bxc6, bxc6; 30. Qe4, Qc7;
Just threatening Re5 and thereby gaining the Queen for a rook by PIN.
31. e6!, Re5
Despite knowing that Re5 will pin and win the Queen, White has played e6
with the view of promoting the pawn and getting a Queen back which will
eventually result in a Rook up at least!
32. e7
Black resigned in this position, since Rxe4; fxe4 white’s pawns are
unstoppable!
Game #10. Planinec, Albin VS Sofrevski Jovan
Tournament - YUG-ch
Ratings – Albin 2520, Jovan 2440
Opening – Converted English Opening

1. b3, Nf6; 2. Bb2, d6;

Don’t worry about getting doubled pawns now. If white captures on f6, it
would eventually give black the development advantage as well as the
double bishop advantage! Know the rule – doubled pawns are not always a
weakness!
3. Nf3, g6; 4. g3, Bg7; 5. Bg2, e5; 6. O-O, O-O
Introducing the new type of center, the "changing" or "dynamic" center.
A changing center is a type of center which is an as yet undetermined
type of a center
In every game, a changing center exists! For example, a game is just started
with Nf3! Can you identify the center as Closed, Open, Pawn or Piece
center? No!
When you have changing or dynamic center, decide the center to be
Open, Closed, Pawn center or Piece center
These are the five types of center we have learned!
Now we can understand that after opening, plans are entirely related to the
type of center!
 7. c4, Re8; 8. Nc3, c6!
Black has stopped White’s Knight from coming to d5 and b5, and also
blocked the a8-h1 diagonal with pawn to reduce the attacking ability of
white bishop!
9. d4, e4; 10. Ne1, d5
Now white has an option to make this center a closed center by playing e3.
However, it is not recommended since white would have less space!
11. Nc2, h5; 12. Qd2
Since the center is closed and black has king side space, black has started to
attack on the king side. Which would be followed by Bh6, Kg7, and Rh8!
White has stopped black’s plan temporarily by Qd2, not allowing the black
bishop to h6, which makes it harder for black to bring the rook to h file!
Be6; 13. Ne3, Bh6; 14. cxd5, cxd5; 15. f3
Black is trying to keep the center closed by playing Be6 since black has
more space on the king side. Whereas white is targeting the center pawns to
attack. White chose f3 to completely open the center since white has
adverse space on the kingside!
 exf3; 16. exf3, Bh3!
As we already know, a Bishop blocked by its own pawns is bad. Black has
brilliantly traded the white bishop. By playing Bh3, black has also created a
threat on e3.
17. f4, Bxg2; 18. Kxg2, Nc6
From this position, we can understand that White has some holes on the
light squares such as e4 and is also cursed with the poor bishop compared to
black’s attacking bishop.
Black has an attacking bishop, however, that bishop is restricted by the
opponent’s pawns by controlling most of its squares!
So the position is equal!
19. Rae1, Ne4;
If the white Knight is captured now, the Black rook will occupy the light
weak square on e4 which will cause trouble for white.
20. Qd3, Nxc3; 21. Bxc3, a6
White has simply traded the defender of the weak square so that black can
make use of that square!
22. f5!
 White creates an excellent pawn lever on f5
which will make black’s king a little exposed after gxf5 or fxg6!
Qd6; 23. Rf3
Black has successfully connected the rooks, white is making a plan to
double his rooks on f file so that white can put more pressure on f6 and f7
square later for attacking! Another excellent idea is covering the h1-a8
diagonal which may allow black to sacrifice on d5!
Rac8?
Black didn’t realize white’s plan on Rf3!
24. fxg6, fxg6; 25. Nxd5!, Rxe1
Qxd5 Immediately loses after Qxg6 followed by Rxe8!

26. Nf6+
Escaping the Knight before capturing on e1
Kg7; 27. Bxe1, Nb4?
Nb4 exposes the b7 pawn to get attacked, and on e8 an imaginary fork is
already possible!
Considering these two, white has played!
28. Qe4!, Nc2; 29. Bf2
On this move, Black resigned knowing the threat of white (Qxb7) which
cannot be defended.
Rb8 fails after Qxc2
Rc7 fails after Ne8+
Qc7 fails after Rc3!!
Qb6 fails after Qe7+
Opening Traps
Game #1.

1. d4, d5; 2. c4, e6; 3. Nc3, Nf6; 4. Bg5, Nbd7

A classical Queen’s Gambit variation!

Usually, players who don’t know openings very well or players who play
only other openings tend to make mistakes here!
5. cxd5, exd5; 6.Nxd5?
Nxd5 is the mistake that intermediate players usually do to gain a pawn.
Nxd5!!; 7. Bxd8, Bb4+!
I’ve played this opening many times, testing my opponent’s psychology,
usually players below the age of 12.
8. Qd2, Kxd8
Black has simply gained a material!
Game #2.

1. d4, d5; 2. c4, e6; 3. Nc3, Nf6; 4. Bg5, Be7; 5. e3, Nbd7; 6.Nf3, O-O; 7.
Rc1, b6

8. cxd5, exd5
(Nxd5?, Nxd5, exd5; Bxe7, Qxe7; Rxc7 + -)
9. Bd3, Bb7
Usually intermediate players think about this opening and how to break the
center by c5
Most players will try to do the same no matter what the opponent plays!
10. Qa4!, c5; 11. Ne5?
However, Ne5 is a mistake. Black is likely to make mistake in this position
if you play Ne5.
Black’s thinking process = (If I don’t capture the knight on e5, it will
eventually come to c6 and trade one of my bishops, so Nxe5; dxe5, Nd7;
Bxe7, Qxe7; f4, f6!) this will be black’s thinking process and will play
Nxe5 followed by Nd7
Nxe5; 12. dxe5
 No players are thinking about the
importance of an h6 move.
If you play h6 at an earlier stage, it will clear back rank weakness, but there
are many more reasons for playing h6! That is the reason why these kind of
psychological traps appear
Nd7??
Nh5 would be the right move, but no players will think to get their Knight
to the corner of the board. They will think they can put pressure on e5,
thereby gaining some advantage!
13. Qh4!!
A disastrous move for black, threatening h7 mate or e7 Bishop.
h6; 14. Bxe7, Qe8; 15. f4
Black has eventually a Rook up! Which is more than sufficient for a win!
Game #3.

1. d4, d5; 2. c4, dxc4; 3. e3, b5?

If a player tries to support the pawn which he has gained in the queen’s
gambit, trust me he is not aware of opening theories!
It is easier to win these types of players, all you need is courage!
4. a4
Trying to deflect or capture the b5 pawn
c6
Any normal person will calculate this move, (if we keep a6, after axb5,
axb5; Rxa8 a rook is lost, so c6)

But most of the players won’t think of the

next move!
5. axb5, cxb5; 6. Qf3!!
Now Black has to lose a material!
Game #4.

1. e4, e6; 2. d4, d5; 3. e5, c5; 4. c3, Nc6; 5. Nf3, Qb6; 6. Be2, Nge7!
This is the French advanced variation, this Nge7 move tricks the opponent
to castle (O-O) or to capture the pawn on c5!
If dxc5, Qc7!; Bf4, Ng6! And white has lost the important pawn on e5!

7. O-O?
This is a psychological move that every player usually does without
calculations!
8. cxd4, cxd4; 9. Nf5!!
White has lost a pawn on d4 without making any mistakes!
Game #5.

1. d4, d5; 2. c4, e6; 3. Nc3, Nf6; 4. Bg5, Nbd7; 5. e3, c6; 6. Nf3, Qa5; 7.
Nd2, Bb4; 8. Qc2, O-O
This is the Cambridge Springs Variation, usually called QGD CSV!
Including Nd2 and Qc2 are in the line!

Any person who has knowledge in openings

but only to a certain extent will make this mistake!
Try to quickly think of a move for white in this position.
You might have considered developing the white bishop, didn’t you?
9. Bd3??, dxc4!
A basic developing move which turned into miserable one, now white
suffers with a double attack on d3 and g5! Thereby losing a material and, of
course, the game!
Game #6.

1. e4, c5; 2. d4
This gameplay is known as the Mora Gambit, in which white will give a
pawn on d4, then also on c3 to develop its pieces rapidly!
This one is a little different!
cxd4; 3. Nf3

Can you think of a move for Black?

I’m pretty sure that you thought something like e5 to save the pawn and
eventually thought that you were wrong and gave up the pawn, isn’t it?

e5!!; 4. Nxe5??, Qa5+; 5. Bd2, Qxe5 - +

This little Fork will be handy in many situations!
Game #7.

1. d4, d5; 2. c4, e6; 3. Nc3, Nf6; 4. Bg5, Nbd7; 5. e3, Bb4

Most players think that developing the

Knight to d7 is to replace the Knight on f6 if it is captured by any piece.
This thinking is absolutely wrong!
6. Bxf6
This is just a psychological move, usually players won’t think much in
opening, especially when you capture something.
Nxf6??
This is what you usually do at this position and regret later!
7. Qa4+
Black has lost a minor piece and obviously the game too!
Game #8.

1. d4, Nf6; 2. c4, e6; 3. Nf3, b6

The famous Queen’s Indian opening system!
4. g3, Bb7; 5. Bg2, Be7; 6. O-O, O-O; 7. Nc3, Ne4

These are all lines and obviously

development moves!
8. Qc2, Nxc3; 9. bxc3!?
Here comes the psychological move of bxc3, usually everyone captures c3
with the Queen to avoid a doubled pawn, but I would suggest capture with a
pawn and maintaining the Queen on the same diagonal!
c5?
This is an obvious move that most players do.
Ng5!!
Black has lost the exchange after Bxb7!
Game #9.

1. d4, d5; 2. c4, c6; 3. Nc3, Nf6; 4. Nf3, Bf5; 5. cxd5, cxd5; 6. Qb3

Casual Slav defense with Bf5. In this

position, Black has to protect the b7 pawn.
Can you guess some moves?
Qd7 is wrong since after Ne5, it would be clearly better for white!
Qc7 is a psychological mistake which would be met with Bf4!
Bc8 is a complete waste of move un-developing own piece.
Qb6 would be the right one, leaving d5 pawn.
b6?; 7. e4!!
No one expects this brilliant sacrifice to bring the White bishop outside. A
psychological mistake is b6 and following moves are pretty forcing for the
opponent!
dxe4; 8. Ne5, Be6; 9. Bb5+, Nbd7; 10. d5, Bf5; 11. O-O,
 Black has to find a way to castle!
e6 would be treated with Bg5!
g6; 12. Bg5, Bg7; 13. d6
Threatening Qxf7.
O-O will be met with Nc6 followed by Nxe7!
Be6; 14. Nxd7, Bxe6; 15. Nxf6+, Kf8; 16. Nd7+; Kg8; 17. dxe7, Qc7; 18.
axb3

White is clearly better with three minor

pieces for rook and also a passed pawn on e7!
Game #10.
1. d4, d5; 2. c4, e5; 3. dxe5, d4
Albin Counter Gambit opening. By playing d4, black gains some central
space whereas white enjoys extra pawn with strange pawn structure.
4. e3?!
This move is usually considered to break the central space that black
possess, however, it is a mistake.
Bb4+; 5. Bd2
Considering Bxd2; Qxd2. White may play Bd2. Any other move like Nd2
will be met with dxe3 and white will have ugly pawn structure which are
potential weakness in the long run.

dxe3!
An excellent Bishop sacrifice, hoping to capture on “f2” and deflect the
King from protecting Queen after Bxb4.
However, declining the sacrifice will also leave white with ugly pawn
structures and lot of weaknesses.
6. Bxb4??
White have considered (Bxb4, exf2+; Ke2, Bg4+; Nf3 + -) and (Bxb4,
exf2+; Ke2, fxg1=Q; Qxd8+, Kxd8; Rxg1 =)
But, what he had here was miserable.
exf2+; 7. Ke2, fxg1=N+!;
 A brilliant promotion, forcing opponent to
capture the promoted piece so that black can play Bg4+ and skewer the
Queen. Or to move the King to “e1” to perform a powerful tactics.
8. Ke1
(Rxg1??, Bg4+)
Qh4+, 9. Kd2;
(g3??, Qe4+) will lose the rook on “h1”
Qf4+; 10. Kc3, Nc6; 11. Rxg1, Bf5;
White resigned here considering his King is on the run and have no escape.
Game #11.
1. c4, e5; 2. Nc3, Nf6; 3. Nf3, Nc6; 4. g3, Bb4
English opening four Knights variation.
5. Nd5, Nxd5; 6. exd5, e4?
Nd4 is the book move. Instead, he played “e4”

Can you spot what’s wrong with this move?

7. dxc6, exf3; 8. Qb3!!
Black has resigned at this position knowing that he lost a material.
Queen is directly threatening Qxb4 and indirectly threatening cxb7.
Any moves like a5, Qe7 would not help black after simple a3 to drive away
the Bishop from b4.
(Qe7; a3, Bc5; cxb7 + -)
Game #12.
1. c4, Nf6; 2. g3, g6; 3. Bg2, d5; 4. cxd5, Nxd5;
English opening. White has found an excellent diagonal for his bishop here.
5. Qa4+, Nc6; 6. Nc3, Be6; 7. d4
There were some other alternatives for black to consider in reply to Qa4+
and Nc3.
(Qa4+, c6) or (Nc3, e6) might have been less risky than this variation.
Black might have considered pieces development strategy and didn’t want
to block the diagonal of his “c8” bishop by playing “e6”
Bg7?

Can you spot this simple mistake?

These mistakes are done when you play really fast and use your intuition to
play chess.
8. Nxd5!, Bxd5; 9. e4, Be6; 10. d5
Black has resigned. 1-0
Game #13.
1. d4, f5; 2. Nf3, g6;
Dutch opening.
I love it whenever someone play g6/g3, it gives an excellent idea of h5/h4
breaks with pawn.
3. h4, Nf6; 4. h5, Nxh5; 5. Rxh5!
It was a shocking surprise for black, no one expects this kind of sacrifices in
the opening right?
gxh5; 6. e4!!
Opening the diagonal for the Queen with an idea of Ne5 followed by Qxh5#

Bg7; 7. Nh4!
Opened the diagonal of the queen, “h5” pawn is undefendable.
e6; 8. Qxh5+, Kf8; 9. Bh6, Qe8; 10. Bxg7+
Black has resigned considering (Kxg7; Qg5+, Kf7; Nxf5!, exf5; Bc4+, d5;
Bxd5+, Be6; Qxf5+) + -
All these are forced moves and have no better alternatives.
Game #14.
1. e4, d6; 2. d4, Nf6; 3. Nc3, g6;
Pirc Defense.
4. h3, Bg7; 5. g4, c5; 6. dxc5, Qa5; 7. Qd3

All these were book moves except Qd3.

Bg2 was the book move, however Qd3 is also a strong alternative.
When you surprise your opponent with a new move like this, he is more
likely to make mistakes.
Nxe4?
Black considered (Nxe4; Qxe4, Bxc3+; bxc3, Qxc3+) winning the rook.
Can you spot the mistake above?
Black didn’t expect this simple tactics below.
8. Qb5+!
Black has resigned considering (Qxb5; Bxb5+, Bd7; Bxd7+, Nxd7; Nxe4)
winning a material
Game #15.
1. e4, e5; 2. Nf3, d6; 3. Bc4, Be7; 4. c3, Nf6
Philidor Defense.
5. d3, O-O; 6. Bb3, Nbd7; 7. O-O
Everything were right until black’s 7th move.
Re8?

Can you find what’s happening on the board?

Black has resigned after white’s next move.
8. Bxf7!!
Taking the bishop on f7 will cost Queen (Kxf7; Ng5+, Kg8; Ne6) Queen is
trapped.
Not taking the bishop on f7 will cost a pawn and an exchange.
In both the cases, white has winning material advantage.
80 Points for better chess!

1. Never block your pieces in a way that they can’t develop and come
out of the board.
2. Never play a piece twice in the opening unless you have very good
reason.
3. A file which is not blocked by your own pawn is the best file for your
rooks.
4. A square which cannot be protected by a pawn any longer is called
Weak Square.
5. Having two bishops is a better idea than having a bishop and a
knight.
6. Try to develop your pieces as soon as possible.
7. Don’t start an attack without developing most of your pieces.
8. A doubled pawn is not always a weakness.
9. An isolated doubled pawn is a weakness most of the time and
connected doubled pawns need not be a weakness.
10. Space is our territory, we can gain more space by pushing our
pawns as much as possible, but be careful about your pawn’s safety.

11. Pawns are usually called walls. If you have narrowed walls, you
have no space to live; if you have broader walls you have more space to
enjoy.
12. Castle as soon as possible.
13. Give every piece a chance in the opening to get developed.
14. Knights are meant to be in the center
15. Developing a piece with an attack is called a tempo, gaining several
tempos can give you an enormous advantage.
16. Exchange your opponent’s good pieces if possible.
17. Rook lift is a strategy of bringing the rook to the kingside/queenside
by lifting it to some ranks above and then bringing it to the desirable
place
18. The more your pieces are active, the more opportunities of attack
19. A Weak Square is a square which cannot be protected by a pawn
anymore.
20. A Weak square of the opponent which is no longer protected by any
minor piece is called a Strong square for our piece.
21. First take is mistake – which means capturing an opponent’s pieces
for the sake of exchanging pieces is a mistake.
22. Having extra pawn(s) alone cannot make your game win.
23. Open as many lines as possible if the opponent’s king is in the
center
24. The more open the position is, the more dangerous for the king to
be in the center
25. Try to exchange pieces when your material is more than enough to
win the game
26. Try to develop a piece to defend a threat in the opening.
27. Just because the opponent’s pawn has come to the front doesn’t
mean the game is lost (Space advantage for the opponent)
28. Just because our pawns have gone to the front doesn’t mean we’ve
won (Space advantage for us)
29. Knights on the center create an opportunity for the attack.
30. A pawn lever means offering a pawn exchange to the opponent’s
pawn.
31. No pawn lever, no plan ever (includes creating pawn levers in your
long term plan).
32. The best way to defend the position is not to defend but to counter
attack.
33. It is a good idea to keep the rook in an open file or a file to be
opened!
34. A pair of bishops is an advantage, especially in an open position.
35. Having two or more ideas in single move will be appreciated
(double threat).
36. A well-protected passed pawn in the center is a winning source.
37. A blockaded passed pawn in the center may turn into weakness.
38. Two Knights never work out well, especially against two bishops!
39. Chess is a game of mistakes, force the enemy to make mistakes by
attacking.
40. Never try to block your bishop with your own pawns.
41. If your bishop is blocked by your own pawn, try to bring the Bishop
outside of the pawn chain by moving the bishop.
42. If your bishop is blocked by your own pawn, try to move the pawns
which are blocking the diagonal of the Bishop.
43. If your bishop is blocked by your own pawn, try to exchange the
Bishop.
44. Restrict the opponent’s pieces from coming to the side where you’re
attacking.
45. The Knight is a best blockading piece, since it would not lose its
mobility while blocking the opponent’s pawn.
46. Never be too greedy, if at all you’re going to win the game, it doesn’t
matter if you win two minutes later. Be patient and think of the best
move.
47. Create threats while developing your own position, don’t create
threats which could easily be defended.
48. Tactics are short term plans, usually a combination of two or more
moves to gain some advantage.
49. Strategies are long term plans that create a positional advantage
after which we would be able to use lots of small tactics.
50. Strategy can also be defined as moves that increase the ability to
create tactics.
51. If the center is closed, expand your territory on the side in which
you have more space.
52. If the center is closed, try to create pawn levers on the side which
you have more space and try to open the side.
53. If the center is closed, you should attack in the flanks (Corners).
54. If the center is closed, bring most of the pieces to the side which you
have more space.
55. If the center is closed and you have more space, try to keep the
center closed.
56. If the center is closed and you have adverse space, try to open the
center by creating pawn levers in the center.
57. If the center is closed, you can un-develop and re-develop pieces to
reach the desired square
58. Reaching the 3rd/6th Rank with a pawn in the opponent’s camp is
called the pawn wedging technique, it restricts the opponent’s pieces
from penetrating in their own camp.
59. A backward pawn is a pawn which cannot move forward without
getting captured by the opponent’s pawn and it is in an open file, it is a
weakness.
60. A rook and two pawns are superior than a double bishop in the end.
61. A rook and a pawn don’t compensate double minor pieces,
especially double bishops.
62. If the center is open, try to control and increase space in the center.
63. If the center is open, don’t waste moves by un-developing and re-
developing your pieces or by making unnecessary pawn movements.
64. If the center is open, don’t go for flank attacks without making sure
the center is yours.
65. If the center is open, try to create attacking plans in the center.
66. When the center is closed with a piece, you can un-develop and re-
develop your pieces to reach the desired target
67. When the center is closed with a piece, it may be converted as a
closed center (closed center by pawn)
68. When the center is closed with a piece and you have more space,
keep the center closed
69. When the center is closed with a piece, try to attack in the flanks
(corners).
70. When the center is closed with a piece and you have adverse space,
try to open the center.
71. When the center is closed, try to expand your territory on the side
which you have space (if you can keep the center closed).
72. Move the unopposed pawns first (which means, first move the
pawns which have no pawn in the same file!
73. When we have the pawn center, look for the idea of pushing the
pawn and creating the center passer in every move.
74. When we have the pawn center, don’t go for exchanges
unnecessarily – especially minor pieces.
75. When we have the pawn center, including rook lifts in your plan
helps in many situations.
76. When we have the pawn center, be careful about the pawns which
may become vulnerable to enemy attacks.
77. When we have the pawn center, attacking in the corners may still
work even though the center is open but controlled by us.
78. When the opponent has the pawn center, create pawn levers in the
center to destroy the pawn structure of the opponent.
79. When the opponent has the pawn center, target the pawns in the
center as a main plan.
80. When you have a changing or dynamic center, decide if the center is
Open, Closed, Pawn center, or Piece center
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Special acknowledgment is given to Mark C. Menser for his assistance in
editing this edition.