If you are confident of playing a gambit go ahead

 Playing gambit is one of my favourite things in chess. While we do calculated guess  there are  also chances for the opponent to win the game. Inspite of the odds , if you are confident of our strength in fundamentals- control the center, keep the rook in open file, get him the 7 th rank, etc, you can win the game. This is one such example how to win the game .

Click here to watch the game

ZERO BLUNDER GAME

 This is a recent attempt to play a game online. When anlysed it showed no blunders. Can you spot why the opponent played in black resigned? Understand the moves given by each player-  identify the reasons.

Click to watch the game

Gambits explained by our students

Shreyas explains Scotch Gambit in his own style.

                    Dharshini Explains Danish Gambit very clearly

                Evans Gambit explained by Revanth

             Vienna Gambit explained by Maduravalli

 

Mega tournament - trophies and players

Winner of the Sadurangam Mega Tournament 22.11.20 : Pranavkumar

When your opponent is not in focus, this is what happens

This is one of the game recently played. Few things we could learn from this 1. positioning the pieces 2. Focus on the attack. 3. Check  mate pattern 4. Isolation of the queen . Also identify the mistakes for losing .

Click to watch the game 

Knowing the fundamentals

 A recent game played again illustrates all the fundamentals discussed in the class

1. Do not block your bishops- done by black

2.Castle early- both sides did this

3. Try to capture the shielding pawns- black did this

4. Knight on the rim is dim- proved with the white's move

5. Do not bother about the minor pieces, and be clear about the check mate pattern. - move 13 of black

6. Be cautious about the game ending- 14 moves could be too big- white was not aware

7. When need to survive, losing queen can also be accepted- white was not willing and paid the penalty.

Click to watch the game

Playing Danish Gambit

While I teach various gambit in seniors classes, I also need to practice my skills frequently. This is one such gambit I played online with a player. For a particular reason I have hidden the name of the player. While the game was over in 17 moves , the last move of black was not convincing to me. The opponent should have played the another possible move. Can you figure out ? But still white could have made a victory.  Try this in the board and give the moves in the comment section. 

Click here to watch the game

Participation in International Chessathon

 What is happiness ?

The first thing what defines happiness for many others is good food, fantastic clothing, luxurious living, big car etc or a sort of materialistic thing. For few others it is the mental happiness. To me , the happiness is what my students achieve, preparing my students to achieve the international ranking in chess. 

In the last few days, I was fully charged with happiness as our academy students continuously rocked in the International chessathon tournament and bagged good positions.  For many of them this is the very first tournament of their career.  

While most of the players were focusing on the Rapid and classical category ,Blitz was the one which they haven't tried. Inspite of these odds, they achieved tremendous results.

All were 9 rounds match

1.Shreyas  U 9 B  43rd Rank in 453 participants 6.5 points* - better than 90.5% of players

2. Anuvardini U11 G  10 th Rank /133 participants  6.5 points - better than 92.5 % of players

3. Abivardini U11 G 37 th Rank / 133 participants 5 points- 72.2 percentile

4. Dyuthi  U11 G 75th Rank in 133 participants 4 points * in 43.6 percentile

5 Yazhmozhi U13 G 35 th Rank in 139 participants 5.5 points * 74.8 percentile

6. Pravin U13 B 119 th Rank in 513 participants 5.5 points 76.8 percentile

7. Akshat U13 B 157th Rank in 513 participants 5 points 69.39 percentile

8.Pranavkumar U17 71st Rank in 167 participants  5 points 57.48 Percentile [ A tougher category ]

*First ever tournament played.

 The results indicate that our students are performing definitely better and their standings are promising .

CONGRATULATIONS ALL MY DEAR MOST STUDENTS! . YOU WILL CONTINUOUSLY PERFORM BETTER.

Sadurangam GM Chess Academy Creates new benchmark

 It is a pride to inform the world of chess that our online student Akshaj wins trophy  under 11 category in the tournament in Canada. 

Akshaj's parents are of Indian origin and he is just 9 years of age. Understanding his potential, they took a  decision  to enroll him with us for chess training. 

Within a very short span of time, he was able to grab the maneuvers and the nuances in the game. It was a day [-24 October 2020,]of pride that he showcased his skills in Canada , Chess championship tournament . 

He participated in the next age category level- 11 years though he was just 9 years  to combat the higher rated players.  

Fortune favours the brave: This is his very first debut open tournament other than the academy's practice every week. While we are very curious and expecting his results,  it was a sweet surprise  that Akshaj wins with second position , but as per the tie breakers he was declared 3rd.  It was mid night when we got the results declared. Immediately he shared his happiness and joy though his video.  Congrats to him. He also got a cash award of $30 CAD30 in addition to the trophy.

Puzzle of the day

 

When you play Gambit

 Gambit   is   played by  experienced players to gain lot of momentum and gain control over the opponent. Caution, if you are not aware of if, do not accept. This is one of the best games I liked. White has given stunning / surprise moves every time . Black was not able to understand the tactic behind and fell prey. Do not miss to watch the two Knight amazing finish by the white player.

Click to watch the game

New Admission Procedure

 We at Sadurangam GM Chess Academy, welcome young budding minds , intermediate level and expert level players to get trained and enhance their skills. To have complete concentration on each student,we have limitations in batch size.

First step:Admission to certain level needs availability of vacancy. 

We request you to fill up the registration form given below ,send it and reach us in the following numbers . 

The form will get few details such as  Name, Address, Mail id , contact number, skype id , etc.   

The second step : Check the skypd id and give a text mentioning the learner's name. We shall have a short discussion about the class timing, conduct of class etc. 

The last step : Your admission is confirmed only when the  application form is completely filled and the payment  of fees is done. Also we request you to share the  screen shot/other details of the payment made ,through mail/ WhatsApp.

Sadurangam GM Chess academy's opinion : Fees is the commitment between the learner and the tutor, hence we encourage the learners to pay initially before classes .We are aiming  for greater positions in the chess through  our students .

Click here to fill up the Admission form

Once you get the registration confirmation mail, you can start your classes as scheduled.

Contact Number : 9894790209 / 044 48567998

New Batch Induction

 We have induced a new batch after a long gap on 07 Sep 2020. Shall post the photos of the batch shortly.

Queen's trap in King knight opening

 Click here to watch and learn

I'Day special tournament winners of Sadurangam GM Chess Academy

The title winners of the Grand Independence day Special Tournament.

I place :Rahul Udaya With the trophy

Black to move

 How should the game go? Black to move

Independence Day Special tournament by our Academy

 Our Sadurangam GM Chess Academy is conducting Independence day special tournament on 15 Aug 8.30 am. It is an areana tournament. Play as much as games possible in the tournament . It is not restricted to number of rounds or games.  

For details pl click the link . click here to know more

For registration : click here

Find the best move for white

 Observe the position carefully and find the best move for white.

Find the tactics /opportunities missed by black and white

This a typical game in which the end was  applaudable. Go through the game and give your comments

Click  here to watch the game

Testing my skills

Whenever I find time, I play chess, but do I play good game and is my mind fit enough to train others ? This is a typical game played, in which I have tried few good moves and tactics. When rechecked my moves with the engine, I found nil blunders, nil inaccuracies and only one mistake which was not relevant.  Of course we could point few  dull moves of white for which he got punished deeply. 

Watch my game

Good Game series

JULY 2020

1. Akshat and Hashmitha

2. Pravin and Hashmitha

Chess Traps created by our students

Well done my dear students! 

Pl watch and learn. Also pl like those videos and encourage the children .
If needed to give any comments or suggestions about the videos, pl do give.

Click to watch all the videos

Who can win and how

This is one of the dilemma the players face. To capture the white pawn or move the pawn further.  Try ,analyse and give your solutions. When black to move, who could win ?

Celebrate Independence day with Happiness and Chess

Sadurangam GM Chess Academy is happy to conduct  its SPECIAL  I DAY GRAND CHESS TOURNAMENT- online  on 15 August 2020, 8.30 AM IST .Accepting  the  request from all other age groups / chess enthusiasts it is made open .No age restriction.  Entry Fee: Rs55/- Rupees fifty five  only.

Type : Arena

Registration link:Click here to register

Requirements : Account in lichess.com. ( it is free , get a user name and password)

Tournament link :- https://lichess.org/tournament/WsKtOZUI

Password for the tournament will be mailed on 14th August 9 PM

Sacrifice the piece when in need

This is one of the good games played where the opponent is not sure of the next piece and accepted the sacrifice. The ending comes in the next two moves. Result 0-1

Click here to watch the game

Can you figure out the check mate pattern

It is one of the happy moments when one of our student moves what has to be moved and showcases the learning happened  in the class.  
I was demonstrating the Anastasia's check mate pattern few days ago to one of my online batch students.It was surprising that in one of the practice games, the position was similar to that was discussed. One of my student utilised the opportunity and finished the game.  can you figure out the winning pattern ? 
Black has to move. Result 0-1

Are you the knight warrier ?

One of the good games played with knight, identify the tactics involved .In move 29 can you figure out why white did not give Rxe6  and later changed his mind ?Do not miss the end game for sure. 

Click here to watch this game

Typical example for a middle game blunder

Can you spot the mistakes and the blunders in the middle game, if you could your learning is good. Your coach will definitely have a credit. 
Click to watch the game

Pieces Exchange, Center control Winning

This is a very unique game played, in which we could learn many lessons like exchange of pieces, center control, importance of castling and finally the winning plan. Watch this game and give your learning. I believe this will a  a learning for upcoming chess professionals.

Click here to watch the game

Can you list out the reasons why white lost ?

Figure out the reasons for losing 
Click to watch the game

Identify the Middle game blunder

This is a simple exercise for chess learners to identify the middle game blunders. If you could find it, give  it in the comment section below.

Click to watch the game

Can you win ?

Defend or Attack

This is the usual dilemma for most of the chess players, when to attack and when to defend. While it is unique for every position , I have the following example of a game played, where the white is quite confident of the next few moves of attack and  finishing the game. 

The important move to note here is the sacrifice of the knight when the queen enters the white's territory in the 7 th rank of Black[ 2 nd rank of White]. White took a bold step of attacking the king leaving  very little chance for winning. 

Click to watch the game

Beware of the trap in the siciian defence

Watch the game of sicilian defence, understand how black gets into the trap and overcomes in just few moves. What is phenomenal is that though black misses the double attack of the king and the queen, it finishes the game with a beautiful fork with the Knight.

Click to watch this game

End Game Blunders

Watch this game till the end and understand how a single move spoiled the entire game . Don't miss the end game tactic of white which overpowered Black's pieces and won.
Click to watch


How the game came to an end in one move. Beware, I always caution most blunders could happen in the end game.
Game 2

Identify the tactics used

Watch the games and find the tactics used by white and black.
Click this to watch the game

Dutch Defence- Queen gets trapped

I remember I was discussing with few of the chess learners about dutch defense, this is the practical example , how Queen got attracted and got into the trap. Needless to say Black's win is obvious. Don't miss to watch the exchange of Queen to a Rook at the end , What a beautiful tactic. 
Click to review the game

Identify the missed tactics for black

Walk through the game.Identify how white put lot of pressure on the black pieces and find out the missed tactics.

Click this link to watch the game

Brain teaser

Can you win  by playing black ?

How should the game proceed

Who could win this game ?

How can the game proceed ?

Find the best move for white to win

Identify the possibility of winning and find the best move

Winning 2 queens is easy with stockfish

If you are very strong in the endgame, it is possible to win 2 queens when you play with stockfish even if you play with level5 .
Click to view this game

What a beautiful ending

It is one of the good games I like, don't miss to see  the ending of the game. Identify what the loser failed to move.

Click here to watch the game

Find the missed opportunities

Go through this game.Can you spot the two missed opportunities for white?
Click to view this game

Do you find the way to win black

White to move , can you win?

Caro Kann Defence_What a beautiful ending

Don't miss the end game tactic . Another thing to note is that black had 7 sec in the clock and finished in cool state, where as white had 1.43 minutes but unable to control the black.  Learn not only the mistakes the white did but also the blunders . Give your comments below.
Click to watch and review the game

How to stop the attack , defend and win

Here is  a classical example of a game, where the black was continuously attacking the white and trying to capture key squares. White kept the pace and was trying to defend and give forced moves. Also white was completely focusing on the end game and did an excellent job. Go through this game and give your comments.Do not miss to watch how white created a pawn structure and nullified black.

Click this to watch and review the game

How should white continue

Puzzle of the day

Power of End Game Tactics

Being a chess coach,, it is not only important to know the concepts, but also it is important to execute the skill and showcase it. It is one such  complete game , where I played , till the last move and more importantly watch the clock time at the end, just 10 sec left over.  It is to showcase that what ever you have played in the middle game, you have to finish the game in style with the tactics you know . Realise the power of the end game . 
Click here to watch the game

2 Lessons- White's blunders, and Black's Tactics

This is one of the games , which I like the most.
2 Takeaways, White's blunders- inaccuracies , and Black's determination not to leave and play till the end. Watch the time, when the white resigned, 2 sec left in the clock.What a thrill victory!.Give your learning in the comment's section.
Click to watch the game

Why did white resign?

How white crushed black in 15 moves

This is a classic example of series of mistakes made by black, and the tactics used by white. Can you spot all those and  list.

Click to analyse this game

Give your comments below

Winning a stockfish

It was not a usual game to win a chess engine. Need to know the basics well, lateral thinking, decision and positional analysis.  One of the game played against a chess engine . Learners can grab more from this game.

Click to watch the game

One of the good games I have played

A good game which I have played with white and enjoyed the most, though I have missed the ending in between, I was able to manage with fierce attacks and ruined the enemy's army.Entering the enemy's camp and taking charge matters.

View my game

How often my child needs to attend tournaments ?

This is the frequent question I encounter whenever I meet a chess player's parent .  The answer is not simply one month , or every two months or a specified time period. The answer is again not a fixed time interval, it depends on the child's capability, development after the previous tournament, learning happened, emotional quotient, type of tournament- Rapid/ Blitz/ online/ Bullet/open etc. But to me the expectations of the parents doesn't always match with the outcomes of the children. The real fact is the gap do exist.
The thumb rule for attending a tournament is atleast one tournament every month. It is always good to consult your chess coach before you make them enroll. According to me "All tournaments do not enhance learning". We need dedicated practice, identify our weakness and work on it. Few tournaments could also  spoil our energy level and interest. 
My recommendation is to have a routine of practicing every day for a fixed time interval, learn puzzles, challenge a better player, read more books, focus on the openings, watch games of  GMs, etc. More importantly discuss the  progress with the coach.
Remember "Win or lose is not important ,but the learning is".

Viswanathan Anand Vs Nepomniachtchi Historical Game -17 move mate

Pl watch my video  about the Chess Game  between ,the Indian GM Viswanathan Anand and the Russian GM Nepomniachtchi on 07 May 2020 ,a Historical Game  of 17 move mate .
White- Anand , Black- Nepo

Who should win and how ?

Accepting New Batch

Sadurangam GM Chess Academy is accept a new batch after a time period. We were  conducting frequent short term courses and with the response from many of the participants , we are of the opinion to add one or two batch of students who are aiming for greater heights in the field of chess. 

Pl call us for more details.

Try to lose

Life is synonymous to a game, where the probability of losing does exist. As a coach for chess and trained several minds for years, I share my experience to the upcoming players of chess.
Chess is a game where the use of intellectual power is very high, so when another intellectual power beats you it feels like you are worthless. You need to come up with some excuse to recover from it, otherwise you can end up losing all your self-esteem and become a psychological mess.

What are the ways to cope up with such a mess ?
Know the fact that there is no eternal player , who can only win and win for ever throughout his life. The vice versa is also true. The time pressure can pull any player down. “I would usually comment that “ Winning and losing has a difference of one move”. If one player has given one wrong move in chess- a mistake/ inaccuracy / blunder out of a miscalculation, he/she has more chance to lose the game. This does not ever mean that the player is inferior. Say to yourself that, the other player has prepared more. You could also pat your back “ hey c’mon, you will win next game. This is not only applicable to chess, or a particular game ,even in real life, it is the simple decision, activity, that may pull us down.

How to train your mind?
Try to lose more games, that your ego will come down and say “ Better players do exist “.
Losing is the indication for us to work more. It is only temporary.

Secondly, only the person in the hot sun realizes the importance of the shelter. The taste of win will be better only you lose more, needless to mention that your effort need to be added every time you lose and upgrade yourself.

In chess, the software available now are able to make a move in nano seconds, can you say that they are superior than you? They are superior in moves and decisions and nothing more. Humans are humans, their capabilities are different. Understand and move on. Every time you lose , either in the game or in a position at life , understand it is the time to put more of your efforts, “That’s all”. Lose more-WIN MORE THAN YOU LOSE

Eager to know about Lucena position

One of the most interesting and the tricky position in chess is the Lucena position.
Observe this
1.Queening pawn is in the 7 th Rank.
2.The defending king is at a distance of one file
3. both the sides have a rook.
4.Whites rook is cutting off the defending king , which is a positive sign

The difficulty:- King cannot move out of its 8th rank square and hence the pawn cannot be promoted.

1. Push the king another file away.

2. Build a bridge! (Most Important Move.)

3. Zigzag your king behind the pawn in the same file.

4. Use your rook to complete the bridge!

Click to see the animation

can you win

For solution Pl click here

Know all these annotations in chess

Is the move for black right ?

Black has given Bg5.Do you agree with the move? What should be the response for white for this move?

Launching Our Website Promo

click to visit our Website Promo 

The Tournament Day

It is indeed a fantastic moment for all our academy students !. We made mandatory for all our academy students to participate in the second online tournament  today -10 April 2020 @ 1 pm.

The learnings , the game tension and overall enjoyment to play with all their fellow learners  were  able to be sensed in each child. Especially in the period where the children  were not allowed to go outside their home , this was a surprise and  happiness.

While all of the players showcased their talent, few of the games were really outstanding. I am sure that all of them have learnt from their mistakes and also from the strength of the opponent players.I congratulate all the players who have participated. More to go...

As I usually comment---NEVER GIVE UP.............

Online chess tournament

Sadurangam Gm chess academy is conducting online tournament on 31.03.2020.
This is for children below 15 years.
start time 11.am Duration 3 hours
( saduragam students need not enroll again )
This is a two minute 2 step process .
1. click the below link to enroll your child.

Player Details- click this to enroll

2. Whatsapp your child’s name with Date of birth
you will get a password in half an hour  to get enrolled.
click the tournament link to join , and be available at 11am to 2 pm.
Join the tournament home page- click this link

Give the continuation

How should be the continuation of the game. Guess it , if you could, you are definitely good at chess.

solve this Zugzwang

Can you do this ?

Finish if you can ..

An Epic game with Magnus Carlsen

This is one typical game , how ,even  the World champion lost . The power of the end game and the tactics involved. Go through the game and figure out how the game has ended.

Click here to watch

How should white continue

White to move now,how should the game continue ?

Gain Advantage

We can see that material on both the sides are equal, but white has better king position [Castled],but black king is still in the centre; also, there is undeveloped black king side; black pieces are not co ordinated; white has to move now, and the question is – how to gain out of the situation?

Analyse this game

This is a game played by the chess legend - 5 times world champion Vishy Anand, 
Question1:  What are the better moves available for black ?
Question2 : Who won the game ?
Question3:  What are the winning moves ?
By the way I am not mentioning who played white and black.

Click the link to perform the analysis

Winning shot

White moves the rook to chase the queen. It never expected the game will over in the next few moves. 
An amazing game played in the chess history. 
Are you capable of identifying the winning shot ?

puzzle created by Subramanian 

Chess can't be mastered in a day

Over the years , having trained several kids, giving chess lessons, practicing , participating in FIDE tournaments, meeting coaches, World champions, a piece of wisdom obtained is " You can know the rules of the games, but can't master it  ".It needs several years of dedication, passion, recognition of pattern skills, tactics etc.
When I meet few people they happen to ask me , is weekend practice sufficient ?  The simple answer is  it needs every day's practice  by means of puzzle solving, online games, using apps, practice openings, end games, best moves  ,analysing games etc. Daily practice adds to the skill,which has to be developed and nurtured.
I would quote if you are a chess player and have a zeal "  You have to play chess only on the day you brush you teeth" funnily.
Remember " The Tanjore Brahadeeswara temple was not built in a single day ". There is no second option for practice.
The achievers also have academic pressure, family pressure, financial pressure and the list is endless.
Finally - the journey is important and every step taken in the day counts. It is better to work for 5 min/day than keeping idle.

can you win?

White to move 

Solve if you can

White to move mate in 2 moves..
Try all the possible variations

Remember goat is white!

For playing chess the brain’s memory is highly important. Remembering the positions, name of the squares ,color of the squares helps to play the conventional chess as well as the blindfold chess at ease.

 There is a simple technique which is taught during the beginning of the chess classes.

Every beginner is taught the names of the squares.  All the 64 squares have names a1 ,a2  etc … h8. The first square is black which is the bottom left square. Remember ‘Day starts from darkness’.

Give weightage ‘a’ as 1 , ‘b’ as 2 and so on upto ‘h’ as 8.

Let us name a square d4. Which means  ‘4’4. Replacing  ‘d’ as 4.  Sum up the numbers 4+4 =8

The rule ‘Odd is white’. Now we get the sum value as even which is  not white hence black.

Now, check the other square h3. Replace ‘h’ as 8. We get ‘8’3. Sum up 8+3=11. It is a odd number and hence white.

‘ Where is the goat here?’ In Tamil, AAdu  means white, which is pronounced in the same way as odd.  ‘There are only white goats in chess’. Don’t ask me- hey, goats are in different colours . That is how kids are taught to remember. There are different stories for non Tamil people.

Enjoy chess!.

Puzzle for the day

white to move and win

District Level- Winning a trophy

Congrats Hasmitha,

Blindfold chess training at Sadurangam-Gm Chess academy

know the names of check mates

Winning the district level tournament...

Today 4 of our students, participated under various levels in district level tournaments. One student- Pranav got the trophy under 15 a tough category .Two others' score  were qualified for the trophy but in the tie breaker lost the position for it..  All four done exceptionally well . Congrats for them

Discovered attack puzzles

1

2

3

4

5

With the Chess Legend

It was my dream come true. I started learning chess from the age of 5, practiced , played, refined and still continuing . I have followed a number of tournament games and the foot steps of  the great chess legend Viswanathan Anand. This is an occasion to remember for ever when I shared few things.

Download the scoring Sheet

I am getting frequent requests from players that the scoring sheet is not available . In order to ease the availability, I am giving the link to download and print. Pl make use of.

Click to download

Congratulations Rathnakumar !

Winning with 2nd Rank at District level