Italian Game

Italian Game is a strong, interesting, and easy to play and learn Opening for White. That is why it is very often recommended for beginners. At the same time, great masters play it very frequently in the Elite. In this post, we will analyze some theory, main plans, pawn structures, and typical squares for pieces.

1.e4 e5 2Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4

This is the basic position, White’s light squares Bishop is developed to c4, which is a very active square, targeting f7.

Some theory and ideas         

At this point, Black has two main options:… Read more

Caro-Kann Defense

Hi everyone. In this post, we are going to analyze and learn how to play the famous and strong Caro-Kann Defense. According to my database, this variation is the fourth most common move Black can reply against King’s Pawn (only Double King’s Pawn, Sicilian and French are more frequently played).

1.e4 c6

It is important to understand the first move Black plays 1. … c6. Ok, they want to fight for the center and play d5, that is clear, but you might be wondering why with c6? That move is not developing (unlike 1. … e6, which clears … Read more

Fried Liver Attack

If you are an aggressive player, who likes tactics, sacrifices, and sharp positions you are on the right site. In this post we are going to analyze a very interesting and tricky line for White pieces: the famous Fried Liver Attack (FLA), also called Fegatello Attack. Actually, this variation is so good for White, that even if you are a solid and strategical player, and your opponent gives you the possibility to get into this line, you should accept, because in the worst case the first player is getting a very big compensation (in some … Read more

French Defense

French Defense is a solid, strong, and interesting defense against King’s Pawn. According to my databases, it is the third most popular line when White plays 1.e4 (only behind famous Sicilian and Double King’s Pawn).

In move 1, Black just plays e6, clearing the line to develop the dark squares, Bishop. Apparently they do not care too much about the center and space. However, in the second move, Black is going to play d5 no matter what White plays, making sure they also have a pawn in the center.

Some theory and ideas

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5… Read more

Scandinavian Defense

Would you like to play an aggressive and dynamic Defense against King’s Pawn? Do you want to get away from the super well-known ways of Ruy Lopez or Italian and play something a little more surprising and different with Black pieces? If the answer to those questions is “Yes”, then you should definitely read this post, where we'll be talking about Scandinavian Defense.

This time we are going to talk about Scandinavian Defense. It happens after the moves 1.e4 d5!

Black’s move is aggressively fighting for the center from the very beginning. Of course, this idea is not … Read more