black to move – Daily Chess Musings

So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 62

As a chess teacher, I find genuine joy and pride when I lose to a student who beats me with truly brilliant tactic. Such moments affirm my effectiveness as an instructor, highlighting that my guidance has cultivated a sharp, creative, and resourceful player. Watching my student pull off an amazing combination not only sparks admirationContinueContinue reading “So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 62”

Winning Chess Moves: Barrameda vs. Zhang, 2009 USATW

With the 2024 US Amateur Team West chess tournament happening this weekend, it seemed rather fitting to share a winning chess move from a past edition of the USATW. Tonight’s winning chess move comes from the 2009 US Amateur Team West game between Gabriel Barrameda and Kevin Zhang. Gabriel (white) has just played 31. Ra3ContinueContinue reading “Winning Chess Moves: Barrameda vs. Zhang, 2009 USATW”

Puzzle Worthy Position 40

Today’s puzzle worthy position comes from the 1985 Baden-Baden Chess Tournament. 1985 was a strong edition of this historic tournament featuring many prominent chess players including Susan Polgar, Efim Geller and Ludek Pachman. However, our puzzle worthy tactic comes from a winning combination played by Robb Witt. FM Robb Witt of the Netherlands sadly passedContinueContinue reading “Puzzle Worthy Position 40”

So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 46

My student (white) has just played Nbd2. What is the simple yet beautiful game winning response I played as black? What is black’s best move?

Winning Chess Moves: MVL vs. Aronian, Superbet Romania 2022

GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave round 6 game against GM Levon Aronian at the Superbet Romania chess tournament came to a sudden conclusion after MVL (white) errored with 25. Kd4. How does Grandmaster Aronian (black) punish his opponent’s careless king advance? Black to move and win (Vachier-Lagrave – Aronian, R6 of the 2022 Superbet Romania, Bucharest).

So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 44

There are few things in chess more satisfying than snatching a draw from the jaws of defeat. Tonight I couldn’t help but smile when my opponent played right into a game saving tactic. Black to move and smile!

Chess Position Worth Sharing 138

Tonight’s chess position comes from a game played by a talented student. Avik (black) found himself in a difficult situation where his opponent was threatening checkmate with Qh8 and also threatening to capture his queen with Rxa4. Avik, who goes by crosserbishop on chess.com, analyzed all of his checks, captures and threats and went onContinueContinue reading “Chess Position Worth Sharing 138”

Winning Chess Moves: Jonkman vs Nepomniachtchi, 1/18/2007

Ian Nepomniachtchi scored an impressive 10/13 in the 2007 edition of Corus Group C Tournament played in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands from the 13th-28th of January. However, his strong performance was only good enough for a second place finish as Michal Krasenkow took first with 10.5/13. Today’s puzzle comes from round 5 where Harmen JonkmanContinueContinue reading “Winning Chess Moves: Jonkman vs Nepomniachtchi, 1/18/2007”

So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 42

This evening’s position is from a training game I played with a student earlier today. My young opponent just blocked my rook’s check with Bd3 so as to avoid losing his queen on d1. Does this work? What is black’s best move? Sign up for a private chess lesson with Chris Torres and maybe aContinueContinue reading “So I was just playing a game of #chess and then this happened! 42”