A small trap in the Alapin Sicilian:

The only gambit line I play is the 2 Knights Defense as Black. And I’m happy to give up a second pawn in the Qf3 line. 😊 There are lots of ways for White to go wrong when so far behind in development. 😈 #chesspunks

I really like the book” Chess Tactics from Scratch”, but best after mastering basic tactics. This 1 star puzzle below uses Decoy, Skewer, and Discovered Attack motifs. 5 star puzzles are much more difficult. #chesspunks

The MOST IMPORTANT TIP for Each Part of a Chess Game! 😍 A gamechanging opening tip, middlegame tip and endgame tip - all in one video. With example games (from my students) for each one. Yes, really. 😆 Link --> youtu.be/O1CZVLM-fmM Enjoy! 🥰 #Chess #chesspunks 🦁🔥

My recent focus on intermediate tactics showed up in this Blitz game against the London. 🔥 A nice example of how strategy and tactics work together. 😊 #chesspunks

An important idea in the Ruy Lopez from my Blitz game. How does White punish Black in this position? #chesspunks

Another nice tactical position from a Blitz game. What is the best move and what is the idea behind the move? 🤔 #chesspunks

After day 1, I'm 1-1 in the open section at the Senior Open. Happy with both games including a loss to a 2000 and a win over a 1900. This was a key moment from my win. Black to move, what would you play here? Got to say hi to Jesse Kraai and Megan ⚔️ 🔥 ⚔️ (Megan) #chesspunks

Took me 33 days to go from a Chess.com Puzzle Score of 2801 to 2891. Confident I will get to 2900 tomorrow. Next Goal: Get to 3000 in 30 days The more challenging puzzles I do, the better I get at solving them. 💪 #chesspunks

Not a perfect Blitz game, but still… a tactical feast. 🔥 I used at least 5 different tactical motifs during this game. How many can you name? 🤔 #chesspunks

White to move! #ChessTactic #ChessPunks

If you play the Ruy Lopez (Spanish) as White, I recommend you learn this 9.Nd5! line. 🔥 No matter how Black responds, White gets a winning advantage (+2), but good to know every reasonable response to 9.Nd5! 🤔 If 9…BxNd5 10.QxBd5!! Below, I faced 9…0-0. 💀 #chesspunks

What is your Chess.com puzzle rating and what advice would you give for those trying to get better at solving puzzles? 🤔 #chesspunks

White to move! #ChessTactic #ChessPunks

Reading histories is like reviewing master-level chess games. At first, most concepts will be confusing, but the more examples you study, the more clear and more beautiful the concepts will become.

Bonus episode of Chess Journeys today, recap of my experiences with the Senior Open. It includes pre tournament thoughts, round by round reactions, and post tournament thoughts. I'm curious if people enjoyed it. I have another tournament this weekend. #chesspunks

This is an instructive position. I sacked a Bishop for 2 pawns. What is the best way to continue the attack for White? 🤔 #chesspunks

A fun tactic from my Blitz game. 🙂 Black to move and gain an advantage. 🤔 #chesspunks

Calculation, calculation, calculation! This is from a real game! White to move! It is the type of chess improvement many players would need. It involves calculation, understanding patterns and pawn structures, etc. You are wasting your time, and everyone else, if you calculate

John Quincy Adams got to know James Madison by playing chess while Congressmen. ☺️ Below is a relatable quote from John Quincy's Adams' diary found Randall Woods’ biography. Adams played chess on his voyage from England to America to become Sec of State for Monroe. #chesspunks