Chess Tip Of The Day

Some gambits are of dubious or marginal worth if the opponent knows how to defend precisely.  But others are perfectly sound, and your chess education will be seriously lacking without exposure to this unique opening form. John Watson, Mastering The Chess Openings - Volume 4

There are sound chess reasons why the King's Gambit should be accepted. However, for some players, the King's Gambit Accepted may seem too obscure and complicated. Then there are players who don't like being pressed, and in fact savour positions which offer immediate chances to counterattack. Both these types of players may do better in a practical game - for psychological reasons - by not accepting the gambit.  Edmar Mednis, Understanding The Open Games

To truly get better, put a cap on your activities. Play five (online) games every day, win or lose. Do 10 puzzles every day, but try to get them all correct. Don't treat your rapid games or puzzle-solving like an endless spin at a casino. Levy Rozman (GothamChess), Chess magazine

In the ending one weakness in the opposition camp is seldom enough to win. You need to create a second weakness, and alternate attacks until the defence cannot keep up. John Cox, Starting Out: Alekhine's Defence

The main rationale behind the English is to play either in the centre or on the queenside, but in both cases utilising the control of d5 as a focal point upon which to build one's position. Nigel Povah, How To Play The English Opening

The queen-and-knight combination is often referred to as the deadliest attacking force in chess. The two pieces work so well together because their differing movements complement each other perfectly. John Emms, Starting Out: The Scotch Game