The Lacny cycle, also known as the Lacny cycle problem theme, was introduced by Ľudovít Lačný, a Slovak chess problem composer and judge, in 1949. This concept exemplifies a cyclical relationship between lines of play in chess.
Learn to play Kraków Variation of Giuoco Piano Game
The Kraków Variation of the Giuoco Piano Game is an interesting opportunity to divert from the most common lines in the opening that very often ends up as a draw by repetition. It is definitely worth checking out.
Intermediate: King and pawns vs. king and pawns – distant opposition
František Dedrle, one of the renowned Dedrle Brothers who lived between the 19th and 20th century, authored the following study in 1921. It prominently highlights the significant role of distant opposition and its notable variant, the diagonal opposition.
Deep Blue vs. Garry Kasparov: How the supercomputer got outplayed
Game 5 of the 1996 match turned out to be a pivotal moment, as it marked a turning point. The opening of this game followed the pattern of the Scotch Four Knights Game, which combines elements from both the Scotch Game and the Four Knights Game.
Janzen-Korchnoi Gambit: Trap in the Dutch Defense
This variation is named after Viktor Korchnoi (one of the strongest players never to have become World Chess Champion) and presents a favorable chance to exploit an opponent’s negligence in reinforcing their weakened kingside. By capitalizing on their failure to provide ample defenses, players can seize a promising opportunity to punish their opponent.
Zwischenzug: The powerful intermezzo
The zwischenzug, also known as an intermezzo or in-between move, is a strategic maneuver in chess where a player deviates from the expected move, typically a recapture, by first making a different move that immediately threatens the opponent.
Amazon Chess: The queen is not enough
In this game, the standard rules of chess apply, but there is an additional rule allowing queens to move as knights as well. These specialized queens are referred to as “amazons,” hence the game’s name.
The First-Move Advantage in Chess: Myth or Reality?
At the start of a chess game, White always makes the first move, followed by Black. This seemingly innocuous decision has been a subject of fascination among chess enthusiasts, scholars, and mathematicians. The question is whether this initial move bestows a tangible advantage upon White, influencing the outcome of the game.
Learn to play Nimzowitsch Gambit: The queen against the French
The Nimzowitsch Gambit is a daring and aggressive opening choice that aims to disrupt Black’s development, seize control of the center, and launch tactical attacks. Although it may not be a mainstream option, it provides an exciting alternative for players seeking unbalanced positions and tactical challenges.
Beginner: King and pawns vs. king and pawns – shouldering away
The shouldering away concept, specifically applicable in pawn endgames, involves positioning one’s king in a way that effectively “shoulders away” the opponent’s king, restricting its movement and seizing key squares.