We have recently added two new chess training videos, both featuring openings where White makes early use of the f-pawn. These openings are slightly unusual but have at least two advantages for the casual players. First, you’ll be more familiar with the positions than your opponents and have a good chance to outplay them. Second, a mistake in defense can quickly lead to a winning attack for White.

Grand Prix Attack

In the first video International Master Andrew Martin advocates playing the Grand Prix Attack against the Sicilian Defense. This puts pressure on Black from the outset and contains a lot of poison – a vicious king-side attack often defeats Black.

A great benefit is that this is an easy-to-learn opening which avoids memorizing a lot of moves to counter the Sicilian Defense. There is also something for Black players – a good defensive system is shown against the “premature” 2.f4. For users who want even more there is also the Foxy video on The f4 Sicilian by Grandmaster James Plaskett.

Bird's Opening

Next International Master Andrew Martin presents coverage on the unusual Bird’s Opening, which starts with 1.f4. This will appeal to original players who like positions with little theory from where they can outplay their opponent.

Arguably the openings greatest exponent was Grandmaster Bent Larsen, one of the strongest players of his generation. This video will show you how to handle the unusual positions and play an interesting game with good chances of a win.

These videos can be purchased in our web shop for download and offline viewing using our free ChessCube Cinema application. Remember that you also get some great free videos with your ChessCube Cinema download!

Alternatively you can rent them inside ChessCube for instant streaming video and a great deal on the price. After logging in just click on the store menu icon and jump to the video tab.

More info:
General Guide to the Opening: f4 against the Sicilian by IM Andrew Martin
General Guide to the Opening: Bird’s Opening by IM Andrew Martin

Did you know that ChessCube has a great video series where International Master Andrew Martin teaches newcomers to the game, as well as beginner players, how to play the opening successfully?

This part of the game can often overwhelm players and the goal of this series is to provide a better understanding of the opening so that you can play with confidence in your own games.

Recently added openings include: the Philidor Defence, Four Knights Opening, Three Knights Opening, Vienna Game, Bishop’s Opening, Danish Gambit and Centre Game.

Visit the shop now!

Eight new shows by IM Andrew Martin as well as Foxy Openings (volume 50): The Torre Attack.

Enjoy!

We have added some new videos to the ChessCube Shop!

There are four new Andrew Martin Show videos which feature analysis of the most interesting chess games around the world. This is a great way to improve your general understanding of the game and get exposure to more openings and positions you might not normally play.

We have also released a new and exclusive four-part series on the Ragozin Queen’s Gambit which starts after the following moves: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 Bb4. This is a very interesting and aggressive opening for Black which many of the world’s top players use. Why don’t you join them?

See you on the Cube!

Watch a live game on ChessCube with commentary:

The Torre Attack (named after Mexican Chess grandmaster Carlos Torre Repetto – if trivia is your thing) is an opening which is both easy to understand and easy to play. It’s also used by some of the best international chess players, so you know it’s worth taking a look at.

Here’s a video by IM Andrew Martin so you can see what it is all about:

You can also find more analysis by reading Andrew Martin’s latest article on the Torre Attack or by buying his exclusive two-part, part 1 and part 2, video series in our online store.

Perhaps the Torre Attack is your first step on the path to Grandmaster?