In powerful Maroczy structures White (sometimes we have reverse positions too) creates magnificent center with two strong pawns e4 and c4. Usually play on the Black squares does not help and Black have to fight these central pawns with three possible pawn counterstrikes, like b7-b5, f7-f5 and e7-e6 and then d6-d5. These methods are very dangerous for White and he has to know correct methods of reaction against every type of central counterstrike. These methods were performed by the top IGMs and World Champions. So, using their knowledge is a joy for every aspiring chess player. Here we will see how to react to counter play with b7-b5.

As you probably already know, the German word “zwischenzug” stands for intermediate move or in-between move. This important topic, however, is often forgotten in many books on chess tactics. I found over the years that even good players simply “forget” about “zwischenzug” a lot more frequently than they do about other types of tactics such as forks, pins, or discoveries etc.

Realization is very important part of the game, where juniors have usually a lot of technical problems.

The Great Capa was one of the most finest players in the history of the game. His games are extraordinary instructive and he left for future generations few very important and simple tips.

He teached, that to realize the extra exchange in the simplest way, you have to try to sacrifice it back, winning one pawn. Then realization of extra pawn is usually much easier, than realization of exchange. Let us see how this method was used in practice.

The pawn structure in the king's Indian defense is considered one of the most reliable.

White usually try to advance his pawns on с5, put knights on c4 and b5 and attack the pawn d6.

Black’s main strategy is based around to playing f5-f4,g5-g4,h5 and try to open white’s position. He doesn't care if it costs him a pawn as in return he will get open lines and outposts for his pieces.

If white will lose time or play very slowly, they will come under attack. Let's see an example of a radical method of play for white - destroying the pawn chain on the victim material.

There is a popular adage in the chess clubs of my country that says: "Give check- maybe it'll be a checkmate!" J

Concept:

Combinations could be defined and understood in many ways. The former World Champion Mikhail Botvinik defined the combination as a “sequence of forced moves with sacrifices”. All the them have the same idea and the same character of forcing moves, the check possibly being the most forced move of all. Although the result is a little surprising, many of the combinations can be solved just by observing and following the checks around, making the Classification of Combination by Themes fall into the second place.

When we feel that the position deserves a tactical treatment (listen here to your intuition), and if the combinations appear, we should first choose the analysis order of the potential variations by instinct. Then, go on to review and calculate the sequences of checks. A very good advice in many cases is starting with the strongest pieces, in descending order of worth.

We know that Rook endgames are very difficult as there exist huge theory plus methods of the play sometimes are quite difficult even for grandmasters. Great trainer, late Mark Dvoretzky, made great books on endgames – Endgames University plus Tragicomedies in the Endgames. Now I’ll try to make some review of thus typical endgame.