Corsi

Introduzione

Fundamentals

5 Esercizi
  1. 1

    Symmetrical fianchetto

    Anteprima corso
    1. 1

      We control d5 without committing too early. This is the basis of the repertoire.

    2. 2

      Black announces a fianchetto, so we choose a simple and reliable structure.

    3. 3

      The knight supports d5 and keeps e4 available later.

    4. 4

      The bishop aims at the center, but it does not interfere with our plan yet.

    5. 5

      We prepare a very strong bishop on g2 in open structures.

    6. 6

      Black consolidates, but the play remains a little passive.

    7. 7

      The fianchetto is in place and castling becomes immediate.

    8. 8

      Black’s development is normal, so we continue without deviating.

    9. 9

      We finish minor-piece development and control e5 and d4 better.

    10. 10

      Black’s king is safe, so we complete our setup.

    11. 11

      Above all, remember this setup: fianchetto, castle, then play in the center at the right moment.

  2. 2

    Mirror system

    1. 1

      We control d5 without committing too early. This is the basis of the repertoire.

    2. 2

      Black also stays flexible, so you need to recognize the mirror setup quickly.

    3. 3

      The knight holds d5 and prepares a future center.

    4. 4

      Black’s fianchetto calls for a very healthy symmetrical response.

    5. 5

      We build the same setup, but with the idea of playing d4 at the right moment.

    6. 6

      Black completes the fianchetto without taking central space.

    7. 7

      Our bishop controls the long diagonal and secures the dark squares.

    8. 8

      Black castles quickly, which gives us time to occupy the center.

    9. 9

      We break the symmetry at the right moment and take more space.

    10. 10

      Black consolidates, but the center remains modest.

    11. 11

      We support d4 and prepare very natural play.

    12. 12

      Their development remains healthy, but it does not challenge our space advantage.

    13. 13

      Here the key idea is clear: copy the structure, then break the symmetry with d4.

  3. 3

    Fianchetto against f5

    1. 1

      We control d5 without committing too early. This is the basis of the repertoire.

    2. 2

      Black takes space, so we develop calmly.

    3. 3

      The knight attacks d5 and keeps the center under pressure.

    4. 4

      Black supports e5, but the structure becomes more rigid.

    5. 5

      We develop without committing the central pawns too early.

    6. 6

      Black gains space, but already weakens the dark squares.

    7. 7

      The fianchetto is the right response to exploit these weaknesses.

    8. 8

      The knight develops normally, without fixing the holes left by ...f5.

    9. 9

      The key takeaway is simple: against ...f5, the bishop on g2 becomes a major piece.

  4. 4

    Laser bishop on b2

    1. 1

      We control d5 without committing too early. This is the basis of the repertoire.

    2. 2

      Black prepares ...d5, so we choose a clear positional plan.

    3. 3

      The knight supports the whole center and keeps several structures possible.

    4. 4

      Black occupies the center without preventing our ideal development.

    5. 5

      We open the f1-bishop and keep the d4 push in reserve.

    6. 6

      Black’s development is logical, so we simply continue.

    7. 7

      We prepare to castle and keep good central control.

    8. 8

      Black announces a classical and fairly slow setup.

    9. 9

      We prepare the b2-bishop, very useful against an expanded black center.

    10. 10

      Black’s king gets to safety, but the b1-h7 diagonal will matter.

    11. 11

      The bishop lands on its best square in this structure.

    12. 12

      Black looks for space, but makes d5 more sensitive.

    13. 13

      We reduce their center before it grows too large.

    14. 14

      The recapture opens a structure our b2-bishop will like.

    15. 15

      Remember this plan: b3, Bb2, then pressure on Black’s center.

  5. 5

    Breaking the pin

    1. 1

      We control d5 without committing too early. This is the basis of the repertoire.

    2. 2

      Black prepares a solid Slav-type setup.

    3. 3

      Here this knight comes out first to keep more options.

    4. 4

      Black takes the center, so we develop without forcing anything.

    5. 5

      We free the f1-bishop and prepare Nc3 cleanly.

    6. 6

      Black’s development is natural, but the bishop can become a target.

    7. 7

      Our knight reaches its ideal square and is already looking at d5.

    8. 8

      The pin wants to hinder our development, but it also exposes itself to a loss of time.

    9. 9

      The queen attacks b7 and removes much of the pin’s effect.

    10. 10

      Black defends, but the queen becomes fixed a little too early.

    11. 11

      The idea to remember is clear: against this pin, we activate the pieces with tempo.

Structures

6 Esercizi
  1. 1

    Punishing the center

    1. 1

      We take d5 under control and wait for Black’s first overextension.

    2. 2

      Black plays ...d5 anyway, so we eliminate it immediately.

    3. 3

      We refuse their center and already open useful lines.

    4. 4

      The queen comes out too early and gives us a clear tempo.

    5. 5

      We develop while attacking the queen, which is ideal in the opening.

    6. 6

      This retreat makes Black lose the benefit of ...d5.

    7. 7

      We develop again and finally prepare our real center.

    8. 8

      Black catches up a little, without equalizing the game.

    9. 9

      We take space while their pieces still lack activity.

    10. 10

      Black consolidates, but the c8-bishop remains trapped.

    11. 11

      We now get the full center that the English often prepares.

    12. 12

      The pin looks active, but our center holds well.

    13. 13

      The important picture here is simple: we provoke Black’s queen, then build a big center.

  2. 2

    Breaking symmetry

    1. 1

      We take d5 under control and wait for Black’s first overextension.

    2. 2

      The symmetry looks healthy, but we will choose when to break it.

    3. 3

      The knight reinforces d5 and prepares natural development.

    4. 4

      Black keeps copying, so the right plan is to stay simple.

    5. 5

      We place the bishop on g2 before opening the center.

    6. 6

      The mirror continues and makes our future d4 even stronger.

    7. 7

      Our bishop controls the dark squares and supports the central break well.

    8. 8

      Their bishop does the same thing, but without any special initiative.

    9. 9

      We finish minor-piece development before breaking the symmetry.

    10. 10

      Black develops without stopping White’s plan.

    11. 11

      We open the game at the moment of our choice and claim the activity.

    12. 12

      Black trades, but that gives us good central squares.

    13. 13

      The centralized knight becomes a model piece in this type of position.

    14. 14

      Black castles, but the structural initiative is already ours.

    15. 15

      Remember that in the mirror setup, d4 should come when our development is ready.

  3. 3

    Bishop hunt

    1. 1

      We take d5 under control and wait for Black’s first overextension.

    2. 2

      Black takes space, so we prepare an active reply.

    3. 3

      The knight holds d5 and quickly prepares the center.

    4. 4

      The bishop comes out early, which makes it vulnerable to a central push.

    5. 5

      We prepare d4 without exposing our structure.

    6. 6

      Black develops, but does not control the center enough.

    7. 7

      We strike immediately and gain time on the bishop.

    8. 8

      Black trades, but opens lines that suit us.

    9. 9

      The guide is simple: against a bishop developed too early, d4 takes space with tempo.

  4. 4

    Bishop outpost

    1. 1

      We take d5 under control and wait for Black’s first overextension.

    2. 2

      Black takes space, so we prepare an active reply.

    3. 3

      The knight holds d5 and quickly prepares the center.

    4. 4

      This move seeks space, but it durably weakens the dark squares.

    5. 5

      We answer in the center without waiting and refuse to be passive.

    6. 6

      Black closes the position, but gives us the f4-square.

    7. 7

      The bishop actively settles on a very good square.

    8. 8

      The knight develops without being able to chase our useful bishop.

    9. 9

      The idea to remember is clear: against ...e4 and ...f5, the bishop on f4 makes perfect sense.

  5. 5

    Calm squeeze

    1. 1

      We take d5 under control and wait for Black’s first overextension.

    2. 2

      Black takes space, so we prepare an active reply.

    3. 3

      The knight holds d5 and quickly prepares the center.

    4. 4

      The knight defends e4 without stopping our plan.

    5. 5

      We attack e5 and force Black to clarify intentions.

    6. 6

      Black defends, so we switch to a more positional setup.

    7. 7

      We prepare d4 and keep a still-flexible center.

    8. 8

      The pin is active, but it does not create a real problem.

    9. 9

      The queen protects c3 and removes the idea of doubling our pawns.

    10. 10

      Black supports e5, but the play becomes heavier.

    11. 11

      The knight settles in the center and already disrupts all their coordination.

    12. 12

      The bishop retreats, but remains poorly placed against our space.

    13. 13

      We prepare to gain space on the queenside.

    14. 14

      Black slows down b4, but leaves b5 weak.

    15. 15

      The plan to remember is to slowly squeeze the position before activating the b2-bishop.

  6. 6

    Central exchange

    1. 1

      We take d5 under control and wait for Black’s first overextension.

    2. 2

      Black develops healthily, so we quickly take space.

    3. 3

      The knight supports e4 and controls d5 well.

    4. 4

      Black is aiming for ...d5, so we occupy the center before they do.

    5. 5

      We build a big center and force a precise reaction.

    6. 6

      Black challenges logically, but the structure will become tense.

    7. 7

      We gain space and chase the f6-knight.

    8. 8

      Black advances in turn, creating very concrete play.

    9. 9

      We remove an important defender before facing central pressure.

    10. 10

      Black captures on c3, but delays development even more.

    11. 11

      We recapture toward the center and open the b-file.

    12. 12

      Black’s queen takes a pawn, but comes out too early.

    13. 13

      The lesson here is clear: in these exchanges, our priority remains rapid development.

Tactics

6 Esercizi
  1. 1

    Raid on g7

    1. 1

      We control d5 and quickly prepare e4 depending on Black’s structure.

    2. 2

      Black develops normally, but can quickly neglect the kingside.

    3. 3

      The knight supports e4 and keeps the center under pressure.

    4. 4

      Black aims for a solid setup, so we take space first.

    5. 5

      We build a big center and announce concrete play.

    6. 6

      The pin looks active, but the bishop moves away from defending the king.

    7. 7

      We chase the knight and close the e4-square to their pieces.

    8. 8

      This retreat is very passive and leaves g7 vulnerable.

    9. 9

      The picture to remember is immediate: as soon as g7 lacks defense, the queen rushes there.

  2. 2

    Knight trap

    1. 1

      We control d5 and quickly prepare e4 depending on Black’s structure.

    2. 2

      Black develops normally, but can quickly neglect the kingside.

    3. 3

      The knight supports e4 and keeps the center under pressure.

    4. 4

      Black aims for a solid setup, so we take space first.

    5. 5

      We build a big center and announce concrete play.

    6. 6

      The pin looks active, but the bishop moves away from defending the king.

    7. 7

      We chase the knight and close the e4-square to their pieces.

    8. 8

      Black captures on c3, but gives us the bishop pair.

    9. 9

      We recapture toward the center and keep a strong attacking push.

    10. 10

      The knight advances, but becomes a tactical target.

    11. 11

      The queen attacks e4 and g7 at the same time, overloading Black’s defense.

    12. 12

      Black tries to protect everything, but the knight gets trapped.

    13. 13

      Remember this motif: Qg4 followed by h4 is often enough to win the knight.

  3. 3

    Attack and recovery

    1. 1

      We control d5 and quickly prepare e4 depending on Black’s structure.

    2. 2

      Black develops normally, but can quickly neglect the kingside.

    3. 3

      The knight supports e4 and keeps the center under pressure.

    4. 4

      Black aims for a solid setup, so we take space first.

    5. 5

      We build a big center and announce concrete play.

    6. 6

      Black logically challenges the center, which opens a tactical line.

    7. 7

      We gain space and chase the f6-knight.

    8. 8

      The knight retreats, but no longer participates in the center.

    9. 9

      We open the position at the right moment to exploit their delay.

    10. 10

      Black takes a pawn, but the knight becomes exposed.

    11. 11

      We take back the center with tempo and immediately attack that knight.

    12. 12

      The retreat confirms that Black has lost time.

    13. 13

      We recover material while opening useful lines.

    14. 14

      The bishop recaptures, but it also becomes vulnerable to a push.

    15. 15

      The lesson to remember is clear: we attack one piece, then another, until Black is suffocated.

  4. 4

    Recovery fork

    1. 1

      We control d5 and quickly prepare e4 depending on Black’s structure.

    2. 2

      Black takes the center, so we develop under pressure.

    3. 3

      The knight supports d5 and keeps the e4-square under watch.

    4. 4

      Black defends e5, but the bishop is going to become vulnerable.

    5. 5

      We attack the e5-pawn and activate the play.

    6. 6

      The bishop comes out too early, making the Nxe5 theme possible.

    7. 7

      This apparent sacrifice relies on a very classical pawn fork.

    8. 8

      Black takes the knight, convinced they are winning a piece.

    9. 9

      The pawn attacks the bishop and knight at the same time, turning the situation around.

    10. 10

      The knight captures again, but moves too far away.

    11. 11

      The lesson is simple: here Nxe5 works because of the follow-up d4.

  5. 5

    Bishop pair

    1. 1

      We control d5 and quickly prepare e4 depending on Black’s structure.

    2. 2

      Black takes the center, so we develop under pressure.

    3. 3

      The knight supports d5 and keeps the e4-square under watch.

    4. 4

      The bishop comes out early and can become exposed.

    5. 5

      The knight immediately attacks the bishop and takes the initiative.

    6. 6

      The retreat looks logical, but the bishop remains vulnerable.

    7. 7

      We prepare d4 with a real gain of time.

    8. 8

      Black chases the knight, but leaves the bishop in the line of fire.

    9. 9

      We accept a temporary sacrifice to get more than equal material.

    10. 10

      Black takes the knight, but the c5-bishop falls next.

    11. 11

      Remember the idea: we give back a knight to win the bishop pair in a good structure.

  6. 6

    Winning the bishop

    1. 1

      We control d5 and quickly prepare e4 depending on Black’s structure.

    2. 2

      Black takes the center, so we develop under pressure.

    3. 3

      The knight supports d5 and keeps the e4-square under watch.

    4. 4

      Black develops without stopping our usual setup.

    5. 5

      We attack e5 and force a precise defense.

    6. 6

      Black holds the center, so we switch to a positional setup.

    7. 7

      We prepare d4 or a jump to d5 depending on Black’s reply.

    8. 8

      The pin looks active, but it will become a target.

    9. 9

      The queen protects c3 and removes the real venom from the pin.

    10. 10

      Black reinforces e5, but gives up time.

    11. 11

      The knight plants itself in the center and already threatens tactical motifs.

    12. 12

      Black exchanges it, but opens a forced sequence.

    13. 13

      We recapture with a gain of space and disrupt Black’s coordination.

    14. 14

      The knight retreats and leaves the b4-bishop more and more alone.

    15. 15

      The check forces a defense and prepares the material gain.

    16. 16

      Black parries the check, but does not save the bishop.

    17. 17

      The motif to remember is very concrete: Nd5, then Qa4+ and Qxb4.