Levon Aronian has been one of the top Grandmasters in the World in the 21st century. He's the only player to have won two FIDE World Cups, in 2005 and 2017. He's been World Champion in blitz, rapid and Chess960. His peak rating of 2830 in 2014 is the 4th highest ever achieved. In this course you can play along with five of Aronian's greatest games, including wins against World Champions Carlsen and Anand.
Paul Morphy played in the mid 1800s, before there was an official World Championship. However, Morphy was so far ahead of his competition that many people consider him a World Champion in all but name. He played with an aggressive style and was able to attack and achieve active positions better than any of his contemporaries. See if you can find Morphy's moves in five of his greatest games.
Jose Raul Capablanca was the third World Champion and held the title from 1921 - 1927. He was known for his speed of play and amazing endgame skill. Despite that reputation, Capablanca was also a strong attacker. Follow along and find the moves Capablanca played in five of his best games!
Bobby Fischer took on the whole Soviet Chess establishment, nearly by himself and became World Champion! He was an eccentric and brilliant player and may well have been the strongest champion of all time! See if you can find the moves in some of his best games.
"Level X: Advanced Tactics" contains tactical problems that will challenge a player rated Elo or USCF 1700 or higher if attempted without using any of the hints.
Study some of the most amazing games in chess history with GM Simon Williams. See if you can find some of the most brilliant combinations ever played.
Practice essential checkmating patterns with GM Simon Williams! Learn these incredible ideas to shock your opponents and win!
Surprise your opponents with powerful winning moves
There are many occasions when an attack isn't possible and positional chess is the order of the day. This means you try to create various favorable imbalances (space, superior minor pieces, weak squares, fractured enemy pawns, etc.) and milk it for all its worth. This particular course explores the eternal question of piece trades: should you or should you not trade one minor piece for another, your Rook for his, or your all-powerful Queen for his equally imposing female deity?
"Introduction to Tactics" introduces the student to the tactical tools of chess (forks, pins, etc.).
Silman Teaches Tactics - IM Jeremy Silman The classic challenges in this module contain combinations and tactical material for intermediate and expert level players (USCF or Elo ratings between 1400 and 2000+). Some challenges here are difficult even for masters and above. However, players of all levels can enjoy and learn from these examples.
"Intermediate Tactics" presents tactical exercises that are significantly more difficult than those seen up to this point.
"Step Up in Tactics" presents exercises, both checkmates and tactical, which are somewhat more difficult than the material covered so far.
