Reykjavik Open 2024 - Exercises (Part 3)

To summarize what we have seen so far:

• Development above all!
• Tactics might occur even in normal looking positions.
• Understanding the opponent's intentions might also lead to strong moves. We witnessed various examples to prevent opponent's forces from developing or having further activity in the game.
• As Steinitz formulated If you have the advantage you better attack! To understand who has the advange is crucial.
• To be familiar with various strategical and tactical motifs is a great asset. This can be improved by solving puzzles on various topics. You can use Lichess puzzles containing infinite number of puzzles!

Example below shows another attacking example showing attacking power of Isolated Queen's Pawn.

Black to play and have a nice initiative!

This time it's about prophylaxis. Black is trying to create weakness in white's camp by playing ...a5-a4, it's white's turn to meet this idea with counterplay.

White to play and repel Black's idea by using the almost trapped queen.

Typical Dragon position on the board, both bishops are under attack and precise calculation required.

Black to play and have the better of it after the forced sequence of moves.

A position that looks like it came from 100 years ago!

Black to play!

I will not be posting further blog posts about 2024 Reykjavik Open, but I will continue to add new chapters. I hope you like this tournament study.

See you in the next tournaments :)