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Theoretically, why is 4. Bd3 NOT one of the best candidates in Caro-Kann?

I seem to find 4. Bd3 to be one of the best choices in Caro-Kann. [FEN ""] 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bf5 4. Bd3 My reasoning: White's light bishop can only develop to Be2 or Bd3. Be2 seems passive. In Caro-Kann, Black gives up the center initially…
Ritesh Singh
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Statistics on rejected draw offers

I am wondering if there are any statistics on rejected draw offers (say of GM games). Namely, what are the following percentages of the following results when a draw offer is declined: The side that offered the draw offer wins. The side that…
Zuriel
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7 answers

Games that are famous because of their underlying story

I would like this question to be Community Wiki because I hope to collect several answers. Can you name famous games where part of the fame comes from the circumstances surrounding the game? I hope it is clear that this is not really a subjective…
yrodro
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4 answers

Why don't we see more Kings Indian Defenses in top level chess?

One of the most interesting openings, in my opinion, is the Kings Indian Defense (KID). 2-4 decades ago it used to be very popular at the top level with Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov using it regularly. Even a few years ago it used to be quite…
SubhanKhan
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2 answers

Why is offering draw not recorded but giving a check recorded?

In recording a game, one typically does not record offering draws (if yes, how and is it required?) while one does indicate that a particular move gives a check by using + (or ++ for double checks). I am wondering if this is logical. In fact, it is…
Zuriel
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13
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3 answers

Knight vs bishop endgame in Fabiano Caruana vs Hou Yifan 2018

I am currently studying the classical game of Fabiano Caruana vs Hou Yifan played in 2018. The game ended in a fighting draw, but for the most part of the ending, starting from move 55 onward (see diagram), black was a pawn up, in a knight vs bishop…
user929304
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3 answers

How to learn basics of composition?

There are a few resources in the web for problem composers. Problem is the usually assume you are already part of the community. As a result one has to wander around to find out what is a grasshopper, a model mate, etc. I already have access to much…
yrodro
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How bad is 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. a3?

Is this move clearly losing for white? Chessgames.com shows 1 win and 2 losses for white only, and I could not find any other reference for this move.
lanskey
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Can the king capture his attacker?

Can the king get out of check by capturing his attacker? For example, if the queen comes right in front of the king, can the king capture the queen, or must another piece capture the queen?
kiasha
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Why is 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 b6 so unpopular?

Why is the Sicilian line with 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 b6 almost never played at any level, nor considered in books and similar? It seems logical to me, and after the usual 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Bb7, the Bishop is already well placed on b7 to control key central…
A. N. Other
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13
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How did the Fried Liver Attack get its name?

Many chess openings get their name from a player who invented it and/or played it and/or documented it. Place names are also frequently used, denoting where an opening was first played or became prominent, or perhaps where players who used it were…
GreenMatt
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13
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Why does Fishtesting test Stockfish against itself, not other engines?

As I understand the so-called Fishtesting, people write patches, then try the patches against the current version of Stockfish. If the new version performs better, it's promoted to be the main version; otherwise it's rejected. Question: why test…
Allure
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Which are better, Knights or Bishops?

I have always thought Bishops were better - I know that a KBB vs. K endgame is easily won, whereas KNB vs. K is difficult, and KNN vs. K is impossible; but then again, some people prefer Knights. I realize there is a reason for each receiving the…
Daniel
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(For training purposes) Are there any openings with rook pawns that are more effective than others (and if so, what are they)?

(Originally I hoped a lengthy prologue would not be needed here, but some of the answers and comments have led me to write one so that the purpose of the question is clear, thus this is now much longer.) When my child was around six or seven years…
GreenMatt
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A case where Bishop for knight isn't a good trade

I have played recently a game. In the position below Stockfish is saying that Nxe6 is a mistake and Rad1 is suggested but I'm having a hard time figuring out why. Can someone provide some insights ? given these thoughts: It's a bishop for knight in…
MrMaxPayne
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