The Siberian Trap is a trap in the game of chess that occurs within the Smith-Morra Gambit of the Sicilian Defense. By following a sequence of seemingly ordinary moves, White may unwittingly sacrifice their queen. The trap is believed to have been named after Boris Schipkov from Novosibirsk in southwestern Siberia.
Advanced: Rook and bishop vs. rook
Endgames of this type are difficult and often end in a draw, especially if the attacking side has a rook and a knight against the rook. Apart from specific situations where the king is pushed into a mating net, the prospects of a rook with a knight tend to be slim.
Learn to play Nescafé Frappé Attack: Why was it named after a coffee product?
Okay, that’s an unusual name for an opening, huh? I mean, we have openings named after famous players, cities, countries etc., but a coffee brand? I read a funny comment somewhere: “This is the future of chess. FIDE will start selling opening variations to businesses as a form of advertisement.”
Pin them down: Win by the most powerful tactic
The act of creating a pin by moving the attacking piece into position is known as pinning, and the restricted defending piece is said to be pinned. Only pieces that can move along a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line, such as the bishop, rook, or queen, can execute a pinning maneuver.
What is the Novotny device and why does it sound Czech?
The Novotny is a chess problem device that honors Antonín Novotný’s 1854 problem, although Henry Turton created the first instance in 1851. In this technique, a piece is intentionally sacrificed on a square where two opposing pieces could capture it, but whichever piece captures it, it will obstruct the other piece’s path.
Breakthrough: Run to the final rank
Why did I include this game in a chess blog? Not only is Breakthrough a great and fun game, but the strategy is also close to a technique called the Pawn Break. So, if you become an advanced Breakthrough player, you would strengthen your tactical skills in Chess as well.
Ruy López, Tarrasch Trap: Double pin for the win
The Tarrasch Trap is a chess opening strategy in the Ruy Lopez opening, named after Siegbert Tarrasch, the strongest players and most influential theoreticians of the late 19th and early 20th century.
Learn to play Triple Muzio Gambit: Totally insane
The Triple Muzio Gambit is a highly aggressive and risky opening that can lead to some spectacular games. It is not for the faint of heart, and it requires a lot of preparation and careful calculation to play it successfully. However, for players who enjoy taking risks and playing with fire, the Triple Muzio Gambit is an exciting option that can lead to some unforgettable moments on the chessboard.
Prophylaxis: A precaution in good time
Prophylaxis in chess refers to the strategic use of moves by a player to forestall their opponent’s potential actions. These moves, commonly known as prophylactic moves, are not only intended to enhance one’s own position, but also to limit the opponent’s ability to enhance theirs.
Boris Spassky vs. David Bronstein: From Russia With Love
This game was featured in the James Bond film From Russia With Love (1963). One of the antagonists, the Number Five in SPECTRE, named Kronsteen, beat his opponent in the Spassky style, and received an enthusiastic ovation from the audience before descending into a secret hideout to report to Blofeld, the criminal mastermind.