Online chess community where you can play chess, learn strategies and tactics, read chess news, see book reviews, find rules & tips, get free downloads, and more! http://www.chess.com/ 2007 Chess.com The Black Krazy Kat is a defensive system for Black where the black pawns are on f6 and g6, the knight is on f7 and the bishop is on g7.  A typical opening setup is 1.e4 Nh6 2.d4 g6 3.Nc3 f6 4. Bc4 Nf7 5.Nf3 (or other moves) 5...Bg7.  Yo...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-opening---black-krazy-katMon, 18 Aug 2008 20:49:07 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-opening---black-krazy-katThe moves 1.e4 b6 is known as Owen's Defense, Queen Fianchetto, or the Greek Defense.  It was popularized by John Owen (1827-1901), an English vicar who played under the pseudonym 'Alter.'  In 1858, he used this opening to beat Paul Morp...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---owens-defenseSat, 16 Aug 2008 20:47:22 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---owens-defense1.d4 e5 is known as the Charlick or Englund Gambit.  Henry Charlick (1845-1916) introduced ...e5 in the 1890s.  His variation continued 1.d4 e5 2.dxe5 d6.  In 1930, Karl Behting (1867-1943) of Riga, Latvia published analysis of this...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-opening---charlick-or-englund-gambitFri, 15 Aug 2008 22:00:35 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-opening---charlick-or-englund-gambitPerhaps the rarest opening defense is the Hippopotamus Defense (1.e4 Nh6), also known as the Adams Defense.  Still, it's a playable defense in reply to any move that White may make on his first move.  Over the years, I've collected about...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-opening---the-hippopotamus-defenseThu, 14 Aug 2008 21:52:57 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-opening---the-hippopotamus-defenseI like to experiment and play unorthodox openings, especially when it comes to blitz chess.  One of the more stranger openings is the White Krazy Kat, which is 1.Nh3 e5 2.f3 d5 3.Nf2.    1.Nh3 (the Amar or paris Opening) usuall...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-opening---the-krazy-katSat, 09 Aug 2008 22:21:12 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-opening---the-krazy-katThe move 1.a4, called Ware's Opening, is probably the rarest first opening move.  It doesn't do too much except to be different.  So where did the Ware come from?  It was first analyzed and played by Boston player Preston Wa...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-rare-ware-to-beware-if-you-dareFri, 13 Jun 2008 22:43:24 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-rare-ware-to-beware-if-you-dareThe Grob Opening (1.g4) was extensively analyzed and played by International Master and Swiss champion Henry Grob (1904-1974).    A few years ago, I wrote a booklet on the Grob, which can be a playable opening if you know what you a...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---my-grob-blogFri, 16 May 2008 18:49:31 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---my-grob-blogPerhaps my favorite chess book is Irving Chernev's The 1000 Best Short Games of Chess.  It was my second chess book.  My first, which I found in a used book store in June, 1969, was Reuben Fine's Practical Chess Openings, written...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---my-favorite-chess-booksSun, 06 Apr 2008 14:07:40 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---my-favorite-chess-booksJohn Owen (1827-1901) was an English player (not that he played 1.c4) and a vicar or reverend.  He played under the pseudonym 'Alter.'  He lost a match with Paul Morphy, drawing two games and losing 5 games, despite Morphy conced...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---owens-defense-and-his-alter-egoSun, 30 Mar 2008 19:54:13 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---owens-defense-and-his-alter-egoIt's always a good feeling when you can sac a major piece, such as a rook or queen, and it leads to mate.  In this game, my opponent castled into trouble and I had all the open files on the kingside when my opponent gobbled up three pawns...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/the-joy-of-sacsFri, 28 Mar 2008 21:19:03 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/the-joy-of-sacsI sometimes play the Center Counter Defense (also known as the Scandanavian Defense to all you Scandanavians) and don't mind getting my Queen out early.  As long as my Queen doesn't get trapped, I'm OK.  In this game, I trap ...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-center-counter-encounterSat, 15 Mar 2008 16:27:17 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-center-counter-encounterThe Kan variation in the Sicilian (named after International Master Ilya Kan) 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6, is also known as the Paulsen variation.  It was from a game Kan-Lasker, Moscow 1936 that the variation got its name.  The...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---the-wrath-of-kan2Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:41:30 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---the-wrath-of-kan2The Kan variation in the Sicilian, 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6, is also known as the Paulsen variation.  The line 5.c4 is Reti's line to this variation.  My opponent played this this type of Maroczy bindhttp://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---the-wrath-of-kanFri, 14 Mar 2008 18:30:26 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---the-wrath-of-kanMy opponent played a delayed Wing Sicilian (1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.b4) and gave up a pawn for supposedly quick development.  I don't think it got him anywhere.  He eventually won the pawn back, but lost a piece when he lost control of th...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---wingng-it-with-the-sicilianThu, 13 Mar 2008 14:03:11 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---wingng-it-with-the-sicilianAs Black, I lke to play the Sicilian Najdorf variation after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6.  Usually, I expect 6.Bg5, but a few times I get 6.Bc4 and it turns into o Sozin variation.  In this game, my opponent (who shall...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---my-chosen-sozin-gameWed, 12 Mar 2008 17:47:41 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---my-chosen-sozin-game1.b4 is the Orangutan or Polish opening.  I play it a few times as White (wrote a book on it), but don't see it much as Black.  But this game I got to play against it and found a nice threat that led to mate or win a piece.  It ...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---monkeying-around-with-the-orangutanTue, 11 Mar 2008 13:29:33 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---monkeying-around-with-the-orangutanMy opponent played the Benko Gambit against me and I was probably lucky to win.  I think my opponent resigned too early as there was still counterplay.  My opponent was banking on the Benko to give him a draw or win.  He might have ...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---banking-on-the-benkoMon, 10 Mar 2008 18:41:04 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---banking-on-the-benkoJohn Donaldson, born in Los Angeles in 1958, was awarded the International Master title in 1983 (he has two grandmaster norms). He won the Washington State Chess Championship in 1979 and 1980.  In 1983 he was the captain of the US team at the...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---john-donaldsonSat, 08 Dec 2007 20:29:57 -0800http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---john-donaldsonEugenio Torre, born in 1951 in the Philippines, was one of the top Grandmasters in the world in the 1980s, ranked #40 in the world.  He was Asia's first grandmaster, being awarded the title by FIDE in 1974.   He played in the Ca...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/torre-tore-me-upThu, 06 Dec 2007 22:47:33 -0800http://blog.chess.com/billwall/torre-tore-me-upIt was round 1 of the first World Open, held in New York at the McAlapin Hotel in 1973.  I was playing Black and was playing the Nimzo-Indian defense.  I missed winning a pawn earlier and was too focused in being greedy to see the threat...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---didnt-see-the-mateFri, 12 Oct 2007 21:41:12 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---didnt-see-the-mateThe Hyperacclerated Dragon in the Sicilian Defense (1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 g6) is a hypermodern way of playing the Sicilian.  The Dragon is characterized by the fianchetto of Black's g-pawn.  The Dragon name may have been derived from the res...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---the-hyperaccelerated-dragonTue, 11 Sep 2007 18:52:07 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---the-hyperaccelerated-dragonPerhaps one of the best, and least known, features of www.chess.com are the photo albums.  I've created at least 8 photo albums of chess art and pictures, and added a few chess art pictures that my brother did (he's the artist, b...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/photo-albumsTue, 11 Sep 2007 08:37:40 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/photo-albumsThe Classical Sicilian (1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6, or 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6) is a very common opening in the Sicilian Defense.  Usually White follows up with 6.Bg5 or 6.Bc4.  I decided to b...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---classical-sicilianSun, 09 Sep 2007 12:30:54 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---classical-sicilianThe Philidor's Defense is 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6, although there is no proof or any games to show that Philidor ever played this opening.  The opening was actually noted by Lucena around 1497 and recommended by Ruy Lopez around 1561.  Phil...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---the-philidorSat, 08 Sep 2007 14:20:30 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---the-philidorPulling off a smothered mate by sacrificing your Queen, then mating with a lone Knight is a great acccomplishment if you can do it.  But if it happens to you, then you feel pretty stupid.  Well, over the years I have pulled off a smother...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---the-fate-of-smothered-mateThu, 06 Sep 2007 19:31:52 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---the-fate-of-smothered-mate The Marshall Attack (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 O-O 8.c3 d5), or Marshall Counterattack as it is sometimes called, is an interesting gambit in the Ruy Lopez.  The pawn sacrifice was introduced in master pr...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---marshall-attackTue, 04 Sep 2007 09:21:28 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---marshall-attackThe opening 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d5 is known as the Queen's Pawn Counter Gambit, sometimes called the Elephant Gambit.  It's rare at the master and grandmaster level, but seems playable.  I've experimented with it in a few Internet ...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---queens-pawn-counter-gambitSun, 02 Sep 2007 19:11:42 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---queens-pawn-counter-gambitThe Goering Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.c3) is a variation of the Scotch Gambit.  It is named after Carl Goering (1841-1879) of Germany, who analyzed and played it in the 1870s.  However, Howard Staunton was playing it in the 1...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---goering-gambitSat, 01 Sep 2007 20:19:18 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---goering-gambitA few years ago I co-wrote two chess books on the Smith-Morra Gambit, with Ken Smith (the Smith in Smith-Morra).  One book was on the Smith Morra Accepted (1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 dxc3), and the other was the Smith Morra Declined (without 3......http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---smith-morra-gambitFri, 31 Aug 2007 07:48:38 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---smith-morra-gambitThe Blackmar-Diemer Gambit (BDG) (1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 or 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.e4 or 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3) is a fun gambit for d4 players.  It is an offshoot of the Blackmar Gambit, 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.f3.  The BDG was extensively an...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---blackmar-diemer-gambit2Wed, 29 Aug 2007 13:55:25 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---blackmar-diemer-gambit2The Trompowsky Attack is 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 or 1.d4 d5 2.Bg5.  It was named after Octavio Siqueiro F. Trompowsky (1897-1984) of Brazil.  In 1939, he won the 9th Brazilian Championship and played Board 1 for Brazil in the 1939 Chess Olympiad ...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---trampling-the-trompowskySat, 25 Aug 2007 14:41:41 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---trampling-the-trompowskyThe Queen Pawn opening is usually a safe opening that is not as tactical as other openings, and can lead to cramped positions for both sides.  But when lines are open and there is a chance to expose the enemy king, it may be a good time to sa...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---the-baker-is-cookedTue, 21 Aug 2007 16:09:28 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---the-baker-is-cookedThe French defense is good if you like to be patient and don't mind a cramped game for awhile.  It also avoids a lot more to study such as the Sicilian or any 1...e5 response.  But if Black fails to protect or weaken his kingside, th...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---french-fries-againSun, 19 Aug 2007 17:35:11 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---french-fries-againThirty years ago this month I was playing in the U.S. Open in Columbus, Ohio.  I had a cold, wasn't playing well, then had a tough, long endgame to play about half way through.  After the game, Bill Lombardy looked over the game and ...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---us-open-endgameSun, 12 Aug 2007 11:57:17 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---us-open-endgameI played a wild Sicilian, Najdorf, Byrne variation (6.Be3) against phobetor (Elo rating -2143) here at www.chess.com.  The game could have gone either way.  I had to hold off a tremendous kingside attack, in which he threw at me all his ...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---almost-burned-on-the-byrne-variationSat, 11 Aug 2007 15:39:52 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---almost-burned-on-the-byrne-variationIn July, 1975, I played in my second World Open (I played in the first World Open in 1973), again held at the McAlpin Hotel in New York City (once the largest hotel in New York).  William Goichberg, again was the director.  The even...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---fiaccos-fiascoThu, 09 Aug 2007 20:07:56 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---fiaccos-fiascoI enjoy playing the King's Gambit in casual games because of all the tactical possibilities.  Sometimes it can backfire on you, but most of the time I get away with a few sacs and eventually press for the win.  In this game, I sacrif...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---trapped-queen-leads-to-trapped-kingWed, 08 Aug 2007 19:07:27 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---trapped-queen-leads-to-trapped-kingThe Queen's Gambit Accepted really isn't a gambit.  You can always get the pawn back with 3.Qa4+ and 4.Qxc4.  But if you delay taking the c-pawn, some players try to defend and hold onto that pawn.  That's usually not a ...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---queens-gambit-acceptedSun, 05 Aug 2007 19:08:10 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---queens-gambit-acceptedI got lucky in this game and scared my opponent into resigning.  It looked like mate, but he missed the saving move.  Always look at every possibility and every defense.  Don't resign too soon unless you are sure there is no hop...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---premature-resignationSat, 04 Aug 2007 23:08:27 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---premature-resignationI played a lesser known variation against my opponent's French Defense.  In the end, my opponent had 2 Queens, 2 Rooks (I had none), 2 Bishops, a Knight, and 6 pawns, but still lost.  I sacrificed heavily to crack the kingside and fi...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---the-french-fries-extra-crispyFri, 03 Aug 2007 18:44:14 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---the-french-fries-extra-crispyIn this game, against Igor Vaks of Cleveland, I was able to attack Black, control the center, then finally win a piece when my opponent misplaced his Queen.  It looks like a Rook sac, but it would cost him his Queen.  After dropping a pi...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/wall-attacks-vaks-with-sacsThu, 02 Aug 2007 19:51:19 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/wall-attacks-vaks-with-sacsIn this game, I went on a fishing expedition to draw out the enemy King, then baited the King with the offer of a Bishop.  He took the piece, but then had nowhere to hide.  He took the bait Rook, Line, and Sinker.  I reeled in the K...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/baiting-the-king-mating-the-kingThu, 02 Aug 2007 07:05:46 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/baiting-the-king-mating-the-kingUsually, you want to castle to protect your King and get your Rook into the game.  Sometimes you have a chance to castle Queenside or Kingside.  Here is a game where my opponent castled Queenside, but it led directly into mate.  He ...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---castling-into-mateWed, 01 Aug 2007 08:03:33 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---castling-into-mateHere is a game I played in the Wright-Patterson AFB Championship in Dayton, Ohio where my opponent, mister Mast (no master), threatened mate, but must have messed up and missed my mate instead.  Anyway, it was a Center Counter Defense and a s...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---mast-must-have-missed-mateTue, 31 Jul 2007 10:39:43 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---mast-must-have-missed-mateIf you are going to play the Sicilian, Najdorf, you may need to know the poison pawn variation.  You have to decide if you want to give up the pawn or not.  In this game, I decided to give up the pawn  and go for the tactics.  ...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---sicilian-najdorf-poison-pawn-variation---lots-of-tacticsMon, 30 Jul 2007 09:11:06 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---sicilian-najdorf-poison-pawn-variation---lots-of-tacticsI played a game that gave me a win so long as my opponent did not check forever or get me in perpetual check.  It was a Bishop's Opening that I was experimenting with because it was an opening full of traps.  I got away with this one...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---cant-check-foreverSun, 29 Jul 2007 18:25:06 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---cant-check-foreverOne of my first www.chess.com email (or whatever name you want to call it) games was with Erik. He played the Pirc and I played a less analyzed version which gave me good control of the center.  Erik allowed me to develop quickly and I got in...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-perky-pirc-with-pinsSat, 28 Jul 2007 15:58:15 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-perky-pirc-with-pinsBonjour, mes amis.  This is a French lesson by transposition.  I started out playing the Queen's Pawn opening, but it translated into a French Defense with a slight accent.  My opponent did not want to speak the book moves, so I...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-french-lessonFri, 27 Jul 2007 16:08:40 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-french-lessonHere is a recent game at www.chess.com where I played the Larsen's Opening against medievalchess.  The opening gave me a quick avantage as I controlled the center with my two Bishops and center pawn structure.  I got better developme...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-medieval-larsens-openingThu, 26 Jul 2007 15:11:15 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-medieval-larsens-openingSo when you have castled and think your king is pretty well safe, always watch for the possible back rank mate.  Here is a game where my opponent was not watching for a possible back rank mate, so I sacked my Queen, then forced the back rank ...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---watch-your-back-rank-mateSun, 22 Jul 2007 18:28:06 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---watch-your-back-rank-mateI started teaching Jordy Mont-Reynaud when he was 7.  He and Vinay Bhat had just joined the Palo Alto Chess Club, among other kids, and I was teaching them both.  Jordy continued with his lessons even after I moved from California to Tex...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---beaten-by-a-prodigySat, 21 Jul 2007 11:08:38 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---beaten-by-a-prodigyThis game had a lot of tactics that ended in checkmate.  I had to create a mating net against my enemy king using as many pieces as possible.  But first, I had to catch the King in the middle of the board, then chase him around.  Th...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-mating-net-catches-a-kingFri, 20 Jul 2007 19:22:01 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-mating-net-catches-a-kingHere is a game where my opponent put on a fast kingside attack, but this opened up his kingside and he forgot to protect his King. The king was left it in the center and allowed me to penetrate, attack and eventually mate.  The opening was a ...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/a-king-caught-in-the-center-can-lead-to-mateWed, 18 Jul 2007 19:14:22 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/a-king-caught-in-the-center-can-lead-to-mateThe Grob, 1.g4, is very unusual, but playable if you don't fall for any traps.  I wrote a book on it in 1988, which included a few hundred games and variations.  I like to play it on the Internet to get out of their "book" ...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-grob-blogTue, 17 Jul 2007 15:49:32 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-grob-blogThe French Defense, Classical variation, can sometimes be a cramped game for Black.  In this game, Black castled, but then left holes on his kingside and weakened his pawn structure.  His pieces were never developed and my pieces became ...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---classical-french-classic-mateSun, 15 Jul 2007 06:05:44 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---classical-french-classic-mateWhen you are trying to protect the King, don't weaken the position by moving pawns in front of the King.  Here is a game in which my opponent unprotected his King by moving the pawns in front of his King that gave me the attack.   http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---unprotecting-the-kingSat, 14 Jul 2007 18:26:06 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---unprotecting-the-kingOne of my favorite openings is the Larsen's Opening (1.b3).  It's not as well studied as other openings and it is a solid opening.  In this game, I got my pieces out fast, brought out my rook, and used it by sacrificing it agains...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---larsens-opening-and-mating-comboFri, 13 Jul 2007 19:06:44 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---larsens-opening-and-mating-comboMy opponent got a little greedy and saw a way to fork my queen, rook, and bishop.  But he overlooked an attack on his king that led to mate.  Always ask yourself, "can he check me and, if so, will it lead to mate?"  Prepar...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---three-way-fork-leads-to-one-way-mateThu, 12 Jul 2007 16:17:53 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---three-way-fork-leads-to-one-way-mateHere is a game where I got my d-pawn all the way down to the 7th rank and used it to help checkmate my opponent.  Black missed the mating combination as he tried to use his King to block my pawn.   http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-dangerous-pawn-on-the-7th-rankWed, 11 Jul 2007 17:33:57 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-dangerous-pawn-on-the-7th-rankHere is a game that I lost.  It was the final round in an important tournament and I was tied for 1st place.  I was paired with someone several hundred rating points below me and thought it was going to be an easy game.  I did every...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---beaten-by-a-knight-sacMon, 09 Jul 2007 19:26:48 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---beaten-by-a-knight-sacHere is a game in which I was able to sac my rook and expose the enemy King.  It led to a checkmate with the King in the middle of the board.   http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---exposing-the-kingSun, 08 Jul 2007 15:02:07 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---exposing-the-kingThrow enough pieces at the enemy king, and there is sure to be a checkmate somewhere.  I got my queen, bishop, and knight working nicely together to penetrate and checkmate the enemy king.  There was no defense.       http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-nice-mating-patternSat, 07 Jul 2007 15:43:32 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-nice-mating-patternDon't play a tactical opening if you don't know all the traps.  Here is a game in which my opponent played the Ruy Lopez, Schliemann Variation (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5) and grabbed a poison pawn.  That led to a mate after chas...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-opening---a-ruy-lopez-schliemman-trapFri, 06 Jul 2007 08:03:38 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-opening---a-ruy-lopez-schliemman-trapHere is a Blackmar Diemer Gambit (1d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4) that I played in a postal game.  I made a few sacs that led to winning the Queen and the game.   http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---blackmar-diemer-gambitThu, 05 Jul 2007 10:10:34 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---blackmar-diemer-gambitThis is one of my first games where my opponent played the Alekhine.  It was a rare opening in club play and on the international level until Fischer used it against Spassky in the 1972 World Chess Championship.  I got in a rook sac then...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---playing-against-the-alekhineWed, 04 Jul 2007 16:37:33 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---playing-against-the-alekhineHere is another Smith-Morra game I played that was full of tactics.  It even has a Queen sac and a combination that leads to mate.   http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---more-on-morraTue, 03 Jul 2007 20:06:31 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---more-on-morraThe Smith-Morra Gambit (1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3) can lead to a wild game.  In this game, I throw everything I have at the exposed king.   http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---playing-the-smith-morraMon, 02 Jul 2007 17:41:27 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---playing-the-smith-morraHere is a game in which I played the Vienna (1.e4 e5 2.Nc3) and trapped the enemy Rook that was on my 2nd rank.  Always have an escape route if you get into enemy territory.   http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-vienna-walltzSun, 01 Jul 2007 08:05:25 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-vienna-walltzHere is a Scotch game that I faced in a chess club championship and was able to win by trapping the Rook in the middle of the board.   http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---scotch-on-the-rocksSat, 30 Jun 2007 16:44:53 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---scotch-on-the-rocksI sat down as White against a player named Evans.  I just had to play the Evans Gambit against someone named Evans.  It added to my repertoire of playing openings named after my opponents.  I have played a Ruy Lopez against Mr. Lope...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/playing-the-evans-against-evansFri, 29 Jun 2007 20:52:53 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/playing-the-evans-against-evansHere is an interesting game I played at the Midwest Ohio Team Chess Festival (MOTCF) in Columbus, Ohio.  It was a Queen's Gambit Declined that normally results in a long, boring game.  But this game was entertaining.  Also see t...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---queens-gambit-declinedSun, 24 Jun 2007 09:43:05 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---queens-gambit-declinedWhen someone gives me the Bird (1.f4), I try to play the From's Gambit (1.f4 e5).  Here is a recent Internet blitz game where my opponent thought he had an attack on my king, but I found an escape route for my king, then found a mating at...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---froms-gambitSat, 23 Jun 2007 18:59:28 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---froms-gambitIn 1974, I played in a USO championship in Thailand and won the event.  In round 1, I played the English Opening and was able to sacrifice a piece for a king-side attack.  It finally led me to a win after trapping my opponent's Queen...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---an-english-lesson-in-thailandFri, 22 Jun 2007 20:09:14 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---an-english-lesson-in-thailandHere is one of my games where I played a King's Gambit in the final round where I needed a win.  It was a wild one.   http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-wild-kings-gambitThu, 21 Jun 2007 22:19:03 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-wild-kings-gambitHere is a game where I luckily won as my opponent played the Sicilian, Dragon.  He had so many opportunities to win, but in the end, I checkmated and slayed the Dragon. http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---slaying-tMon, 18 Jun 2007 09:37:35 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---slaying-t  I play 1.b4 alot and have written a book on it.  The opening is known as the Polish Opening or the Orangutan (a Tartakower story from 1924).  Here is a game I played using the Orangutan that allowed me to attack the enemy king cau...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---monkeyingThu, 14 Jun 2007 04:52:55 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---monkeyingHere is one of my games from the 1993 US Air Force Championship and Armed Forces Qualifier in which I beat the highest rated player in a race to Queen or to checkmate. http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-race-toTue, 12 Jun 2007 05:02:15 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---a-race-toHere is a game where I played the Larsen's Opening (1,b3) and was able the sacrifice my queen for the win.http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---larsens-Sun, 10 Jun 2007 17:32:21 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---larsens-Here is an Indian game (Queen's Indian/NimzoIndian) with lots of pins.  The game could have gone either way.  Whoever had the best pin was going to win.  Sometimes the pin is mightier than the sword. http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---the-pin-iThu, 07 Jun 2007 05:11:13 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---the-pin-iHere is a game in which I played the Sicilian, Keres Attack as White.  Both players castle on the opposite sides, then attack each other from opposite sides.  Whoever breaks through first, usually with a sac, wins. http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---keres-attWed, 06 Jun 2007 04:52:28 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---keres-attHere is a game I played at the US Open in1977.  My opponent sacrificed too much and did not have a good enough attack on my King.  When you sacrifice a piece, you better calculate it all. http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---check-youMon, 04 Jun 2007 04:55:13 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---check-youHere is a game I was playing at the 1975 U.S. Booster Championship in Los Angeles.  I lost some material earlier in the game and perhaps should have resigned.  But my opponent became more greedy and grabbed another pawn.  I was able...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---watch-forSun, 03 Jun 2007 08:52:56 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---watch-forHere is a game I played at the first World Open, held in New York City in 1973.  It was a French, Exchange Variation.  We castled on opposite sides of the board and exchanged attacks.  He attacked on one side, I attacked on the othe...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---french-exSat, 02 Jun 2007 11:53:42 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---french-exHere is my first tournament game where my opponent opened up with 1.f4 (the Bird's Opening).   http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---my-opponeFri, 01 Jun 2007 13:54:18 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---my-opponeIn 1975, I played in the World Class Championship in Vancouver, British Columbia.  The open section was won by Paul Keres.  I took 5th place in the Class section.  One of my games was a pure swindle and I was lucky to win.  The...http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---my-greateFri, 01 Jun 2007 05:09:47 -0700http://blog.chess.com/billwall/off-the-wall-chess---my-greate