In this remarkable game, La Bourdonnais established a formidable and agile pawn formation, reminiscent of his predecessor François-André Danican Philidor. Philidor, known for his profound understanding of chess, famously stated that pawns were “the soul of chess.” La Bourdonnais’ strategic approach echoed this sentiment as he crafted a potent and dynamic pawn center.
Tactical Tips
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Backward pawns: How to exploit them
So, the general idea is to avoid creating backward pawns of your own. Backward pawns generally pose a positional drawback since they lack support from other pawns, making them vulnerable.
Opening Theory
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Learn to beat Steinitz Variation of Scotch Game
If the Scotch Game became one of your favorite openings to play as White, you should be ready for the Steinitz Variation, as the surprise queen’s strike can cause troubles if not met with a proper response.
Endgame Strategy
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Intermediate: Two minor pieces vs. rook – win or draw?
In the endgame, the value of two minor pieces is roughly equal to that of a rook and an additional pawn. The configuration of pawns on the board plays a crucial role. When the opponent’s pawns are vulnerable, the two minor pieces hold an advantage.
Tricks And Traps
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Fishing pole trap: Hook, line, and sinker
It’s essential for any skilled chess player to recognize this pattern as one of the most frequently employed traps in the Ruy López opening. The knight positioned on g4 serves as a tempting lure, while the pawn on h5 acts as a poised fishing pole, patiently awaiting the opportunity to surprise an unsuspecting opponent.
Variants
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Massacre Chess: Win by stalemate
Massacre Chess is a creation by Andy Lewicki, and since it features a random factor, along with standard chess rules of piece movement, it should be straightforward to play even for players who are not too strong in classic chess strategies.
Curiosities
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Babson task: How a mutual promotion leads to a checkmate
The task’s namesake, Joseph Ney Babson, originated the concept in 1884. Crafting a fulfilling Babson task is widely considered as one of the most formidable endeavors in chess composition. For nearly a century, there was uncertainty surrounding the possibility of such a task.
Full Game Analysis
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Louis-Charles Mahé De La Bourdonnais vs. Alexander McDonnell: French Fries and Big Mac
For today’s analysis, I have chosen a game that was referred to as the inaugural immortal game of chess in Reuben Fine’s renowned book, “The World’s Great Chess Games.”
Tactical Tips
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Learn the power of zugzwang: Why is it so important?
So, what does this word mean? Zugzwang refers to a condition observed in games like chess, where a player is compelled to make a move but is placed at a disadvantage as a result.
Opening Theory
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Learn to play Diemer-Duhm Gambit against the French Defense
The Diemer-Duhm Gambit emerged in the mid-20th century, pioneered by Emil Josef Diemer (1908-1990) and Andreas Duhm (1883-1975). Diemer, a charismatic and unconventional chess player, was renowned for his unorthodox approach to the game, and the gambit that bears his name is no exception