Opening Advice

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.0-0 Qf6! After 5.0-0, there is no shortage of alternatives. 5…Bg4, 5…f6 and 5…Bd6 are of high quality and 5…Qd6 or 5…Be6 are [...]

  So far, I helped numerous clients with the construction of their opening repertoire (click here). Bevor I show you the underlying principles, let’s have in mind why the opening is so [...]

(click image) The Steinitz Deferred was tested on the highest level not too long ago. This video gives you a quick overview of how to meet this variation with the white pieces. Additionally, you [...]

  (click image) This game shows how the Bh6-device is incorporated in the theory of the Queen’s Indian Defense. Its motivation is the same as in the previous video. By playing Bh6, [...]

(click image) If you are a classical player and are looking for a high-quality opening, the Classical Variation of the Slav Defense could be something for you. It is a solid, but by no means [...]

(click image) The game I am presenting was played at the women’s under 26 world championships. It is a hidden pearl, as it, despite being not 100% perfect, displays many beautiful motifs of the [...]

(click image) On the occasion of the release of my Chessable course about the Bayonet Attack, I present you a very instructive game between two world class players, where many of White’s [...]

(click image) This recent game of mine, which was played in the team championships in the Hamburg area, will be able to illustrate many of the points I made in part 1. [Event "Hamburg team ch"] [...]

The charm of the Sicilian Defense After 1.e4, more than 39% of the games follow the lines of the Sicilian Defense. This popularity is well-founded, as the adepts of the Sicilian are rewarded with [...]

Now, let’s apply the model to the question: What do I play against 1.d4? I would fill the four quadrants as follows, omitting openings that are unimportant or about which I am not 100% [...]