Quality Chess, one of the leading chess publishing companies, started putting this question and answer on the front of their books: "Tired of bad positions? Try the main lines!" There's certainly a case for playing logical and well motivated moves rather than obscure and dubious ones, and in general these moves will be the main lines. Yet this is not always the case and in these days of high powered engines some lines that were formerly considered good have been brought into question. At the same time many players have sought fresh pastures with less critical developing moves, a prime example being the Jobava London with 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4.
The opening recommendations I make are based on slightly different criteria. I think there should a basic level of soundness, clear plans and not be reliant on a knowledge of computer generated analysis. Good examples can be found in my flagship Building an Opening Repertoire course, which gives the French and Queen's Gambit Declined as Black and the Colle System (1.d4 followed by 2.Nf3 and 3.e3) with White. From this basis players can build a more elaborate repertoire but with a solid foundation in certain typical plans and ideas.
Is there any place for gambits? Yes or course! Yet I see gambits as being more in the chess for fun category, in which players are not really trying to improve but rather have exhilarating games. I wrote my Gambiteer books for Everyman with this in mind and it's a perfectly valid approach. At the same time I don't believe this is a great way for someone to build up their chess, especially if any repairs use up the time which would be better spent on the endgame.
Video Discounts
This week's discount is 40% off buying the Building an Opening Repertoire course, just use the code 'june12to20' on checkout. The lines presented here (French and Queen's Gambit Declined as Black, 1.d4 followed by 2.Nf3 and 3.e3 as White) are easy to learn and remember. There are no elaborate computer generated variations, just plans and ideas.
Last week's discount was 40% off buying Mastering Key Pawn Structures: Blocked Positions using the code 'june5to13', and this is still valid until tomorrow. Mastering key pawn structures is the most effective way to learn positional play. This video series will consider positions in which the centre is blocked and play is generally conducted on the flanks.
Sam's Youtube Chanel
My son Sam has started a Youtube channel in which he streams his live games on chess.com. This shows considerably more bravery than I'm able to muster, so please check it out and give him a like, I think he's doing a nice job.
Upcoming Events
This is how things look right now having withdrawn my availability for the European Senior Team Championships. I might get invited to the English Senior Championships in October, in which case I will probably play:
July 7-12: South Wales International, Bridgend, Wales
I've accepted an invitation to this event and look forward to playing!
August 1-9: British Championships, Coventry, UK
I've accepted an invitation to this one (the Championship itself) and look forward to playing.
September 25-27: Hull 4NCL
The 4NCL Congresses are always well run, so I'll be playing in this one. Details can be found here.
October 23-25: Scarborough Congress
I'm intending to play in this one if I can. Details are here.
October 26-31: English Senior Championships, Peterborough
This is also up in the air unless and until I get invited. Details can be found here.
Tiger Chess Themed Training Tournaments are organized on a weekly basis at Lichess, featuring selected opening variations. You can check out what's coming up here.
Have a good weekend.
Nigel
