First, let me remind you of the special offers I’m providing you with on our new course “The Secrets of …
What Makes a Strong Chess Player Strong?
I have often said that strong chess players win slowly, but surely. In other words, strong chess players, titled players, …
5 Best Tips for Effective Chess Calculation
First, I’d like to remind you of the special offers I’m providing you with in honour of the International Chess …
Bishop Pair: When Are Bishops Better than Knights?
How powerful are two bishops? In what positions it is good to have a bishop pair? How to make use …
RCA’s Next Course + That Deadly Rook on the Seventh Rank!
Rook Endings are one of the most common and most important endings in chess. And since it comes in the …
Rook Endgames: Philidor and Luceana Positions
The Rook and Pawn vs Rook Endgame is one of the most important endgames that every chess player must know. …
4 Best Tips to Exchange Pieces the Right Way!
First, I’d like to remind you of the special gift I’ve provided you with. You can get our top-recommended courses …
5 Tips to Improve Your Positional Play
If you would like to improve your chess and have better results, then you need to master the positional play. …
Importance of Piece Coordination
In the previous lesson by our guest coach CM Tryfon Gavriel, we learnt about the power of playing our pieces …
The Power of Playing Your Pieces in the Center
Chess players are often advised to play towards the center –to develop their pieces towards the center. And that’s just …
How to Attack Your Opponent’s King?
About a month ago, we published an article on the topic “Why do you lose chess games?” – it was …
Pieces Exchanges are more Crucial than You Think!
Let me remind you that the special offers I’m providing you with on our newly launched course “Exchange Pieces like …
How to Exchange Chess Pieces Effectively?
A few days ago, we republished one of our video lessons from the past about the strategy of exchanging your …
Chess Strategy: The Exchange Technique
The strategy of exchanges (or the exchange technique) in chess is very often underestimated by the young/inexperienced players. Of course, …
Middlegame Strategy: Breaking into the Opponent’s Camp!
First, I’d like to remind you of the survey we are conducting to let you choose your favorite chess topic(s) …
RCA’s New Course about Mikhail Tal!
First, I’d like to apologize for any inconvenience caused because our shop might have faced some issues due to over …
Planning in Various Stages of a Chess Game
First, I’d like to inform you about something really cool –from now on, you can comment on our blog-posts from …
4 Tips for a Successful Attack
Attack in chess is one of the best (and most important) ways to checkmate your opponent and to win the …
5 Lessons I Have Learned from 25 Years in Chess
First, I’d like to remind you of the special offers I’m providing you with in honor of my birthday (on …
5 Best Chess Opening Traps in the Sicilian Defense
The Sicilian Defense is the most frequently used defense from club players to Grandmasters. Today we’re going to see the …
Chess Tactics in the Sicilian Defense
Today I’ve some great news for you – the RCA’s next chess course is in its final stages and it …
Chess Tactics: Fork, Pin and Discovered Check
What is meant by Chess Tactics? Chess Tactics means a sequence of mostly forced moves, where one side takes over …
Does Castling Really Make Your King Safe?
I’m sure you’re aware that castling your king is a very important part of the opening strategy, since it moves …
Queen Maneuvers in Chess
What is a Queen Maneuver? A Queen Maneuver is the idea where the queen makes a series of moves, traveling …
How to Defend like Paolo Maldini
Paolo Cesare Maldini is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a left-back and central defender for A.C. Milan …
Stalemate: Getting a Draw in a Losing Chess Game
The Stalemate is a very important and extremely unpleasant defensive weapon. This is a tactical motif (mostly in the endgame) …
Adolf Anderssen’s Best Attacking Chess Games (Part – 2)
This is the second part of the article about Adolf Anderssen (1818–1879), a German chess master and the world’s leading …
Adolf Anderssen’s Best Attacking Chess Games
Adolf Anderssen (1818–1879) was a German chess master and he’s considered to have been the world’s leading chess player for …
Test Your Skills on Positional Chess
It’s always extremely important and instructive to follow positional principles in chess. Below I’ve presented a number of chess puzzles. …
A Unique Chess Pattern Which Will Help You Win Grandmasters!
I hope you are familiar with the oldest checkmate ever invented, the Arabian Mate. This fatal attack performs with the …
The Best Chess Strategy (simple and powerful)
Let me start this article with a question. What is the best chess strategy? Reading this, several important chess rules …
Are there any Key Elements to Victory in Chess?
A few days ago, we published a video lesson by CM Tryfon Gavriel about a game between Vassily Ivanchuk and …
Chess Calculation Exercise
How to calculate chess tactics? How to make sure your calculation is both quick and accurate? These are the tough …
3 Important Principles to Win Knight Endgames
Today we’re going to discuss about some of the most important rules and principles regarding the knight endgames. The knight …
The Right Planning & Thought Process to Improve Your Pieces
Today we are going to discuss about two key topics that a chess player needs to get better at, so …
5 Interesting Games from the Tata Steel Chess 2018
Magnus Carlsen won his record sixth Tata Steel Chess title last month. He beat Anish Giri in the tiebreaks, as …
Importance of Solving Positional Puzzles and Chess Compositions
First, I’d like to remind you of the survey we are conducting in order to know your needs and what …
How Critical Converting Your Advantage into a Win is?
I would like to start off this article with some amazing news – today I will reveal the author of …
3 different Aspects of Attack in Chess
Today we’re going to discuss about something, the 3 different aspects of attack in chess. Our guest coach FM Marko …
What Do you Want to Learn from the Next RCA Course?
It’s the time again for us to ask YOUR opinion on what you want to learn from the next RCA …
Can You Solve the Cat’s Chess Puzzle?
Before getting to the Cat’s Chess Puzzle, I’d like to remind you of the special 30% discount I’m providing you …
Interesting games from Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz (Part-2)
This is the second part of the article “Interesting games from Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz”. If you missed the …
Interesting games from Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz
The highly-anticipated return of the chess legend Garry Kasparov is real. The king of kings was back in real action …
Tactics and tips from Magnus Carlsen
Magnus Carlsen is from Norway and he was born on 30 November 1990. The “chess prodigy” earned his grandmaster title …
Levon Aronian vs Magnus Carlsen – Norway Chess 2017
The fourth round of the 2017 Altibox Norway Chess tournament was nothing short of entertainment. Although there were three decisive …
Test your tactical skills
Tactics is a very important element in a chess game. You should always keep your tactical vision sharp in order …
Nerves of steel while playing chess (Part-2)
If you live in Malaysia, we may meet soon. 🙂 I plan to visit Malaysia and would gladly meet with …
Nerves of steel while playing chess
How not to feel nervous while playing chess? People usually avoid discussing this topic, although it’s very important. Let’s be …
Calculation and Evaluation in chess
Often during a chess game, you have so many different choices of moves in a position (especially, in a middlegame …
What can you learn from our course “Crushing the King”?
Today is the LAST chance for you to get our new course “Crushing the King” with the special 20% discount. …
Remote Chess Academy: new and improved
As we mentioned in the Remote Chess Academy (RCA) Facebook page and as you may have noticed, the RCA site …
Psychology of defense in chess
As I said earlier, defense is a very important chess skill. At least in about 50% of a chess game, …
4 typical chess mistakes in defense you should never make!
In this lesson about defense, you will recognize and understand those mistakes. It will help you avoid those mistakes in your future games and it will drive you in cloud nine!
How to use your rook effectively?
First, let me remind you of our survey – help us create an opening chess course tailored to your needs, …
20 interesting and funny photos that summarize the World Chess Championship 2016
Before going to the photos, let me remind you that today is the LAST chance for you to grab our …
Carlsen-Karjakin tiebreaks: Magnus is the World Champion!
Before going to the tie-break games, let me remind you of the massive 40% discount we’re providing you with on …
Carlsen-Karjakin Game-11: A fighting draw!
The eleventh game was a fighting one, but ended up in a draw after 34 moves. Sergey started with the …
Carlsen-Karjakin Game-10: Magnus Carlsen makes a comeback!
The tenth game of the World Chess Championship in New York was crucial. Magnus Carlsen scored his first win, after …
Carlsen-Karjakin Game-4: Karjakin survives, again!
The ‘miracle’ continues at the World Championship! Karjakin managed to survive another extremely difficult position by defending, again, for 6.5 …
Carlsen-Karjakin Game-3: Over 6-hour long battle!
What a game, what a marathon! 🙂 Magnus tries to give his best on the subject which he knows the …
Carlsen-Karjakin Game-1: Surprising Trompowsky
One journalist asked Magnus Carlsen in the first official press conference who is the best chess player in the world. …
Everything you need to know about Carlsen vs Karjakin
We’re exactly one week away from the biggest chess event of the year – the World Chess Championship Match between …
My 10 birthday photos that will make you smile!
First, let me remind you of the special 30% discount I’m providing you with on all RCA products to celebrate …
Unknown stories about ‘Viktor the Terrible!’ (Part-2)
This is the second part of the article about the four-time USSR chess champion, Viktor Korchnoi! If you missed the …
Unknown stories about ‘Viktor the Terrible!’
Viktor Korchnoi: if he won a game, he was very polite with you and would analyze it happily. If he …
Chess is cool and fun: PROVEN!
First, let me remind you that we’re conducting a survey for you to let us know your thoughts about our upcoming …
How to win with opposite-colored bishops?
First, let me remind you of the survey we’re conducting to know your opinion about the next RCA course. The …
Best game from the Baku Chess Olympiad
After a dramatic last round, the United States of America won their first Olympic gold medal since 1976. The Ukrainian …
Decision making in critical positions – part 2
By IM Sagar Shah and myself (GM Igor Smirnov) In the first part of this article, we discussed what …
Decision making in critical positions
First, let me remind you of our new vacancy for the post of “YouTuber”. If you like to record videos …
30% discount on RCA comprehensive courses – reminder
To make progress in chess, and to do so consistently, you need to have a strong understanding and a comprehensive …
Crossword contest winners and special discount
I’m very glad to say that the first ever “RCA Crossword Contest” went really well. We had over hundreds of …
Breaking chess rules – defying chess strategy
Being a good chess player is not only about following every single chess rule and guideline: it is about understanding …
Highlights of GM Igor Smirnov’s “Ask Me Anything Event”
First, let me remind you of the “RCA Crossword Contest” – we’re conducting a crossword contest that will run till …
Chess Crossword Contest
Today, I have some unexpected and amazing news. My wife, Alyona, has prepared a ‘chess surprise’ for you. 🙂 This …
Interesting games from the Sinquefield Cup 2016
Today, we analyze the most interesting games from the recent Sinquefield Cup 2016. This tournament took place in St Louis, …
What exactly should you do in the middlegame?
Now, let me ask you a question: what EXACTLY should you do in the middlegame? Well, in the …
Magnus Carlsen wins a very important game against Anish Giri
My good friend and experienced chess coach Aggelos Kesaris (from Greece) has prepared a nice article for you. This is …
Chess Tactics – Knight Fork Part-2
In the first part of this lesson, we had a look at a few examples of the “knight fork” and …
Chess Tactics – Knight Fork
The knight fork is nothing more than a simultaneous attack on two or more pieces. The fork also occurs as …
Best chess openings and how to pick one for you [Infographic]
Picking the good chess opening is important if you want to be successful in your chess career. Due to the …
How to exploit your opponent’s bad piece?
“Help your pieces so they can help you”, said Paul Morphy, one of the greatest chess masters. Indeed, that’s true …
Deadly attacks in chess: opposite castling
Opposite-side castling games are usually very exciting. Because both kings are on opposite wings, each player takes this opportunity to …
Power of centralised pieces in chess
There are several important advantages that come from centralising your pieces and aiming to have strong control over central squares. …
What are the consequences of neglecting the centre in chess?
The centre is the most important part of the chessboard, as pieces from the centre can easily move to either …
The advantage of space in chess
The advantage of space in chess enlarges your influence over the board and provides options that can be exploited tactically …
How to use an open file in chess Part-2
A few days ago, we published the first part of the lesson “How to use an open file in chess?” …
How to use an open file in chess?
Basically, an open file is one with no pawns of either colour on it. And a file with pawns of …
The power of the bishop pair in chess Part-2
In the previous article, we published the first part of the lesson “The power of the bishop pair in chess”. …
The power of the bishop pair in chess
The bishop, by itself, is a powerful piece. However, its value is more than doubled when another bishop is added …
Three ways to improve in chess
Nowadays, there are lots of chess tutorials out there, including books, video lessons, courses, DVDs and the list goes on. …
Basic Chess Rules for Beginners Part-2
A few months ago, we published an article called “Basic Chess Rules for Beginners”. If you missed it, you can …
Weak Squares in Chess Part-2
In recent times, we have published several lessons for you on the topic of “Weak Squares”. In case you missed …
Chess Strategy: Weak Squares
A few weeks ago, we published an article “Transforming advantages in chess” which was prepared by one of the RCA …
Initiative in Chess
Today we have an interesting subject called “Initiative”. I’d like to recall a famous quote, “Only the player with the …
Who will it be – Carlsen or Karjakin?
The hottest news in these past few weeks is undoubtedly Sergey Karjakin winning the Candidates Tournament 2016, earning the right …
Finding the right plan: knight v bishop
There might be some points during a chess game when you are stuck in a position and cannot think of …
Transforming advantages in chess
Today, we have an interesting topic to discuss. It is entitled “Transforming Advantages” or converting advantages into a victory. This lesson …
Chess battles of the past between Candidate players
As competition is fierce in the 2016 Candidates Chess Tournament, today we’ll have a look at some interesting games played …
Tactical shots at the Candidates Chess Tournament 2016 and important news
First, I have some good news. For chess fans from Hong Kong, I’m going to visit it soon. If you …
How my lessons helped a student defeat an International Master
Sometime ago, I shared with you a message I received from one of my students, Ram S Krishnan. In that …
What happens when coordinated pieces occupy weak squares?
Recently, our guest coach IM Boroljub Zlatanovic published a video lesson for you on “Weak Squares”. In that lesson, Boroljub …
Meet me personally – reminder
A few days ago, I informed you that I’m planning my next trips to other countries to conduct several seminars. …
How to make use of important chess squares?
Some time ago, our guest coach IM Boroljub Zlatanovic prepared a lesson for you on the topic “Weak Squares”. If …
Bobby Fischer’s greatest chess game – game of the century
Today, we’ll have a look at the greatest chess game played by Bobby Fischer – the game that is also …
Chess, Life and Happiness – Summary
About two months ago, we published an article prepared by an RCA student, Luca Valsecchi, and it was called “Chess, …
The greatest chess game everyone MUST know
Millions of chess games have been played over the history of chess. But there is only a small percentage of …
Creating ideas in chess
This is the final part of the series of articles “Interpretation of chess moves” prepared by Srikanth G., a friend …
How to approach a position from a different angle?
A few days ago, we published the first part of the article “Interpretation of chess moves” prepared by Srikanth, a …
Make money online with the RCA Affiliate Program
Some time ago, our Affiliate Program Manager, Aggelos Kesaris, presented to you an article about the RCA Affiliate Program (AP). …
Useful story of an RCA student – Part-2
A few days ago, I shared with you the story of my friend and student, Ram S. Krishnan. If you …
Useful story of an RCA Student
First, I’d like to remind you of the new course “Think, Plan and Win” which contains my seminars that were …
Chess for Females
Today, I’d like to share with you a lesson for FREE from my new course “Your Top Chess Questions, Answered”. …
Chess, Life and Happiness
Today, I’m glad to present to you a very special article. This time, it’s not written by me or any …
The Big Clash: Anand vs Carlsen
This is the second part of the article prepared by IM Saravanan, featuring the first game of the World Chess …
The three most important principles of chess: Round-10 Highlights
“Less is more” really is a very nice quote by Mies Van der Rohe. Sometimes, simple and logical decisions are …
Indian National Premier Chess Championship 2015, Round-9 Highlights
In this article, you can watch the highlights of the ninth round of Indian National Premier Chess Championship, annotated by …
Indian National Premier Chess Championship 2015, Round-8 Highlights
As the competition gets tough, IM Valeri Lilov continues to provide you with the highlights of the key games from …
Instructive games from Indian National Premier Chess Championship
One of the most grand and popular events in India, the Indian National Premier Chess Championship is currently being held …
In what way can chess training help you?
Recently, I came across some very interesting news and I’m very happy to share it with you: Spanish schools have …
Evaluation of a position – Part-2
This is the second part of the lesson “How to evaluate a position in chess?” by GM Petr Velicka. To …
How to evaluate a position in chess?
Today, I’d like to share with you a very interesting article on the topic “How to evaluate a position in …
Review of “Killer Endgames Part-2” by the RCA Academy Manager
First, let me remind you of the special 30% discount I’m providing you with, in honour of my birthday (28 …
World Chess Cup 2015 final: Karjakin vs Svidler – highlights
Today, I’d like to share with you an interesting article prepared by Srikanth G, a professional chess player and a …
The Corner Pawn Attack: a new way to attack in chess
Even though the pawn is the smallest piece in chess, both in size and in power, it is good enough …
Another success story from an RCA student who defeated a Fide Master
Recently, I received a message from one of my students, Massimo Tricomi. He has shared some information about his wonderful …
Master the art of the exchange technique in chess
A few days ago, our guest coach GM Levan Aroshidze prepared a lesson for you about the “Exchange Technique” in …
How the course “GM’s Opening Lab” helped win a game against a FM
In my previous article, I informed you of my live seminar in India (for both students and coaches), which will …
My live seminar in India
Today I have sudden but pleasant news: I’m going to conduct my first live seminar in India soon. 🙂 I …
Piece coordination and maneuvering in chess Part-2
Recently, we published a video lesson “Piece coordination and maneuvering in chess” prepared by our guest coach GM Levan Aroshidze. …
Piece coordination and maneuvering in chess
Today we have an interesting topic to discuss. It’s called “Piece coordination and maneuvering in chess”. As you may know, …
How GM Igor Smirnov helped win a game against a Grandmaster
First, let me remind you of our new chess opening course, the “Bogo-Indian Defense” (LINK) and the special offers. You …
Fantastical chess defense and important announcement
First of all, let me remind you about the survey that we’re conducting to know your opinion about our existing …
Paranormal chess endgames with different-coloured bishops
Generally, there are certain rules and principles that are followed in the endgame stage of a chess game. But in …
GM Igor Smirnov’s new book
Today, I’d like to share with you some great news. Some time ago, one of our students placed the following …
Mechanical Reactions in Chess
Today, we have an interesting topic to talk about. Normally, the term ‘mechanical’ refers to something that is operated by …
RCA Student's Success
I’m very excited today, as I’m going to share with you the “hot news” from Remote Chess Academy. Before that, …
Mini-course – The Secrets of Strong Chess Players
I’m very happy to talk to you again after a while. As you may know, stage-1 of our Game Festival …
Chess – a look at sharp tactics
Firstly, I’ve an important announcement about the game festival. (If you don’t know about our game festival, please see here: …
Special offer – final reminder
First, let me remind you that the special 20% discount (you save about $14) on our course “Unlocking the Grandmaster’s …
Special offers on book – final reminder
Let me remind you that today is the LAST chance for you to get my new book Champion Psychology (LINK) …
How to press your opponents like Carlsen?
Magnus Carlsen does not require much introduction – his great chess power and tremendous results are well known. The Norwegian …
Happy Valentine’s Day, My New Book and Chess Tactics – Pin
Firstly, I wish you and your loved one a very happy Valentine’s Day. 🙂 Have a joyful day and have …
Survey – private coaching
Today, I’ve some good news for you. Recently, we conducted a survey and I’m glad that many of you took …
Effective Training
I have received a lot of feedback from you guys about the new course, “Unlocking the Grandmaster’s Mind” (LINK), both …
Special Offer – final reminder
First, let me remind you that today is the LAST chance for you to get the new course “Unlocking the …
How Grandmasters think during a chess game?
Firstly, let me give you a nice present. I’ve published the shortened version of the introduction video on the new …
Unlocking the Grandmaster's Mind – Teaser
In the previous article, I made the important announcement that the new course is called “Unlocking the Grandmaster’s Mind” and …
How to handle opposite side castling?
While playing a game, the most important measure to protect your king is castling. There are certain situations where we …
Interesting puzzles and great news
Let me remind you that you can get 20% discount on all our products and get a FREE premium video …
My advice for your chess improvement
I’m glad to talk to you again after a little while. I hope your chess training is going well and …
Najdorf with 6.Bc4
This article was written by a young IM (18 y.o.) from Cannes (France) named Gary GIROYAN. He was French youth …
Tactic of the Day
Please take some time to think about the following position and determine for yourself what Black’s strongest continuation would be. …
Intellectual Sport
Recently I gave an interview to a Ukrainian TV channel. The 2 most popular questions that non-chess playing people asked …
Successful Experience
During the last months we’ve been working on developing a new opening course. This work takes all my time, and …
Eastern Style
I just came back from my trip to UAE (United Arab Emirates) and would like to share 1 interesting observation …
What is Your Plan?
Can you imagine a sea captain who tries to reach a distant land without a map? Can you imagine a …
How to Eliminate Blunders? (PART-2)
We keep revealing the most effective anti-blunder techniques for you. On 21st November “Chess Mate” published the 2nd part of …
How to Eliminate Blunders?
Recently “ChessMate” (which is the biggest paper chess magazine in India) published my new lesson “How to Prevent Blunders”. If …
The Story of Karjakin
A few days ago the 2012 Chess Olympiad concluded. Armenia won the gold medal and continues to get great results …
News And Updates
Let’s have update news first. The special offers celebrating the release of “Calculate Till Mate” has expired. The discount codes …
Questions and Recommendations
Before we kick things off, let me answer one VERY common question. After I announced the new course, our support …
Welcome And Jump Aboard!
Last February, I encouraged you to send me your questions about tactics and calculation. YES, I’ve examined each and every …
How to beat a STRONGER opponent?
In the previous lesson, we analyzed the correct attitude and mental approach when facing WEAKER opponents. Now let’s talk about …
How to beat a WEAKER opponent?
People often ask me psychological questions related to chess (not surprising since I’m also a psychologist 🙂 ). One of …
Fianchettoed Bishops
In the previous issue, we analyzed the fianchettoed Bishops on the Queenside. If you haven’t seen it yet, I recommend …
Your Chess Questions
First of all, let’s answer the previous chess task that I have given you: Were you able to find a …
Nerves of Steel (part-2)
First, I’d like to show you the solution to the task I gave you: Now you can download the solution …
How can they do it-2
Have you found the answer? You should have thought by yourself AND analyzed the position with your computer engine after …
How can they do it?
I’m sure you have watched a video or perhaps read a book, where a Grandmaster analyzes his game. Most likely, …
Caution! Maniacs!
I’m sure you have heard something about mad and obsessive people before. Modern chess players share some of these traits. …
Chess TALENT – 3
Recently we discussed chess talent. Also I gave you the task: Black’s turn Now you can download the solution here: …
Chess TALENT – 2
Some time ago I wrote to you about chess talent. There was the definition: You say “chess talent” when you …
Lasker’s advice – 2
First let’s recollect the task I gave you: White’s turn. It was the calculation task mainly. You can download the …
Lasker's advice
Recently I looked over my chess books and found an interesting article of Emanuel Lasker. It calls “Final Reflections on …
Your Chess Goals – 2 (Creativity)
In the previous issue we’ve been talking about your past achievements and future goals in chess. I gave you 3 …
Your Chess Goals
In the end of a year it is time to sum up and to set the new goals for the …
How to become an Olympic Champion? (part-2)
In the end of the previous issue I gave you a task. Black’s turn. Obviously black needs to finish his …
How to become an Olympic Champion?
It will be interesting for you to know “how it is possible to become an Olympic Champion?”. This is what I will be telling you in this issue.
How to make your best in chess? (part-3)
In the previous issue we have been discussing a champion’s psychology. I’ve told you that our brain automatically focuses more attention on problems, on a negative experience.
How to make your best in chess? (part-2)
If you want to improve your psychological skills and to form a champion’s psychology – you should train it.
How to make your best in chess?
Have you ever thought why some players get good progress in chess, while others don’t? Obviously it is not for …
The necessary factor of your progress – 3
Last time I gave you a little task. Were you able to find the right move there? White played 2.Ra1!! …
The necessary factor of your progress – 2
OBJECTIVITY (part 2). Let me give you some examples of personal bias in chess. Please, read carefully; just to ensure …
The necessary factor of your chess progress
In this issue I would like to discuss an important aspect of chess, which can determine one’s success or failure …
